(Re-)constructing identity in the prayers of the Psalter. -- Nancy Rahn. Maria Hausl -- Shaping biblical books through prayer -- Aspects of dynamic remembering and constructing in Psalm 145 : a contribution to the study of prayer in Persian and Hellenistic times / Michael D. Matlock -- Prayers in the book of Jonah : reflections on different "Israelite" identities? / Dirk J. Human -- So I prayed to the God of heaven (Neh 2:4) : praying and prayers in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah / Maria Hausl -- Identity and social justice in postexilic Yehud : reading Nehemiah 9 in an African liberationist perspective / Ndikho Mtshiselwa -- (Re)modeling biblical figures through prayers. -- Testing tales : Genesis 22 and Daniel 3 and 6 / Christo Lombaard -- Glory and remorse : transitions in Solomon's prayer (1 Kgs 8) / Susanne Gillmayr-Bucher -- Hannah's prayer(s) in 1 Samuel 1-2 and in Pseudo-Philo's Liber antiquitatum biblicarum / Hannes Bezzel -- (Re-)constructing identity in the prayers of the Psalter. -- Psalm 37 and the devotionalization of instruction in the postexilic period / Scott C. Jones -- To sanction and to subvert : the reuses of Psalm 132 in the Hebrew Bible / Melody D. Knowles -- Aspects of dynamic remembering and constructing in Psalm 145 : a contribution to the study of prayer in Persian and Hellenistic times / Nancy Rahn.
Summary:
This collection of essays from an international group of scholars explores how the elaboration of biblical prayers of the Persian and early Hellenistic periods shaped identity, evoked a sense of belonging to specific groups, and added emotional significance to this affiliation. Contributors draw examples from different biblical texts, including Genesis, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, Psalms, Jonah, and Daniel, to illustrate the transformation from short, individual prayers to longer theological and historical reflections, ritualized recitations, confirmations of hope, prophecy, and penitential prayers. Essays approach the texts from different perspectives, showing how prayers play a key role in the construction of biblical bboks, how biblical figures are charaterized by prayers, and how these prayers shape and modify individual and collective identity discourses.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.