The Religious Experience in the Book of Psalms

Shamai Gelander (*1931, Vienna) graduated of the Hebrew University and the University of Tel Aviv and holds a PhD in biblical studies. He served as a senior lecturer of biblical studies at the Haifa University and of jewish studies at the University of Tel Aviv. He was a visiting professor in Oxford and served as chairman of the department of biblical studies and academic director of the college «Oranim».

This book deals with the world of the psalms, in order to reveal the elements of faith as expressed in the various prayers. It includes an encompassing study of the variety of experiences: How can an individual in distress experience a situation which contrasts his actual reality altogether? What causes an individual to believe that God wants him to live and does not want him to die? What are the individual's sources of confidence in justice as ruling over the universe, and his confidence that the harmony of the universe leaves no room for evil? Virtually all books of the Old Testament express the world view and opinions of their authors, with a didactic purpose on mind. Not so the Book of Psalms: Here we can find an expression of the pious individual's world and his beliefs. The psalms are what the authors sought to place in the mouth of the worshippers, thinking that they would aptly express what was on their mind. Anybody who seeks to understand how faith and thoughtfulness join together with the individual's emotions through a wonderful creative shaping, is invited to read this book.

This book deals with the world of the psalms, in order to reveal the elements of faith as expressed in the various prayers. It includes an encompassing study of the variety of experiences, analysed chapter by chapter in order to understand how faith and thoughtfulness join together with the individual's emotions.

Contents: On the Methods of Ancient Commentaries - Transitions and Transformations - The Experience of Closeness to God - The Experience of Harmony: Justice and World Order - The Ceremonial Experience - The Promised Life Experience - Every Man a King.