The Storied Ethics of the Thanksgiving Psalms

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Drawing on research from the field of narrative ethics, The Storied Ethics of the Thanksgiving Psalms argues that story and storytelling function as important instruments in a given communitys ethical shaping. While this argument has gained some traction in the field of Old Testament ethics, it has yet to inform an ethical reading of non-narrative texts, such as the Psalter. However, because the thanksgiving psalms are characterized by their inclusion of the worshippers story, they stand to benefit from the application of a narrative ethical approach. In the present study, this argument is tested through a close reading of three thanksgivings Psalms 116, 118, and 138 each of which clearly demonstrates a didactic concern. Yahweh is presented as one who is worthy of trust, even in the midst of personal disaster. The affirmation of Yahwehs character provides the framework for the communitys continued (or renewed) commitment and trust, hope and expectancy. The example provided by the worshipper challenges the audience to pray as they prayed, to trust as they trust, to live with hope as they live with hope. In addition, these psalms, and the stories they retell, invite the audience to tell their story when God answers their prayers, and to do so in public, in corporate worship, for the benefit of the community. These intended results prayer, commitment, trust, hope, expectancy, public storytelling and thanksgiving are not typically pursued in ethical studies, but they are clearly part of the Psalters comprehensive vision of the ethical life and are, therefore, worthy of careful consideration.

Reviews

James's study does provide a valuable model for an ethical reading of the thanksgiving psalms and has opened the door for additional studies to be done * Bulletin for Biblical Research *
Offers a very detailed account of the three psalms he is studying, providing a translation with text critical notes, comments on structure and genre, a verse by verse interpretation, before discussing the storied ethics presented in the psalm ... A valuable contribution to Psalms studies and to literary readings of the Old Testament. The reading of cultic texts as ethical texts is a significant contribution to the growing field of Old Testament ethical studies. * The Expository Times *
Jamess study makes an important contribution to Psalms studies, to narrative theology, and to biblical ethics his close reading of individual psalm texts through a narrative-ethical lens offers a helpful model for how to apply this interpretative framework not only to other thanksgiving psalms but also to psalms of other genres. * Journal of Theological Studies *
This volume is a model of clarity and accessibility, both in terms of organization and style of writing. To be sure, it will be of most interest to biblical specialists, especially those who work in the areas of Psalms and biblical ethics, but any educated reader can understand Jamess argument and appreciate his conclusions. * Review of Biblical Literature *

Author Bio

Joshua T. James is an Adjunct Instructor of Old Testament Studies at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies, USA.