Overview of the shape and shaping of the Book of Psalms : The current state of scholarship

Though not a Festschrift, the volume under review is dedicated to the memory of Gerald H. Wilson (2005) and his seminal work on the Book of Psalms, The editing of the Hebrew Psalter (Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1985). The book consists of a Preface by the editor1 and 16 essays by recognised Psalms scholars, concluding with a listing of contributors and two indices (Ancient Sources, including textual references, and Modern Authors). Most of the relatively short, well-written essays were presented in Society of Biblical Literature’s Book of Psalms section in 2011. The topics considered are diverse but all related in one way or another to the field of ‘canonical criticism’2 with particular reference to the structural composition of the Psalter and the hypothetical editorial process that resulted in the Masoretic edition of the Hebrew text. Wilson’s foundational study is referenced many times throughout. The different chapter headings fairly well summarise the content of these essays, and my overview (not a full critical review) will consist of several salient quotes from each, along with an occasional personal comment, footnote or evaluation.