Reading Wisdom and Psalms as Christian Scripture

"This may well be the best-even the ideal-textbook on this corpus for classroom (and personal) use". This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to the wisdom books and the Psalter in their literary, theological, and canonical contexts. Christopher Ansberry pays particular attention to theological themes in Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and Psalms, skillfully connecting these themes to comparable themes in the other books discussed in the volume and to the broader biblical canon. He also integrates philosophical concerns and questions. "Do not let the size of this concise volume fool you: Ansberry provides here an attractive and accessible but also remarkably thorough, completely up-to-date, and highly learned introduction to Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and the Psalms. I was repeatedly both instructed and impressed. This may well be the best-even the ideal-textbook on this corpus for classroom (and personal) use currently available. "-Brent A. Strawn. , Duke University"This creative and informative book offers, like Lady Wisdom, a rich and interactive feast to its readers. In this rich survey of wisdom literature and Psalms, Ansberry offers a profound set of theological readings that celebrates the way Christians have imbibed and ingested these ancient texts over many centuries. His engaging chapters delve deep into the biblical texts and celebrate their reception by artists, sculptors, and dramatists as well as by many generations of scholars and believers. "-Katharine Dell. , Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge"Taking his cue from Saint Anselm's definition of theology, Ansberry's introduction is a masterful treatment of the wisdom literature, Psalms, and Song of Songs. It engagingly addresses literary, theological, and historical issues, canonical connections, and reception history, including artistic representation. It is an ideal textbook that will engage students on a multitude of levels. "-William P. Brown. , Columbia Theological Seminary"I've been studying and writing on Psalms and the books in the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament for over four decades, and Ansberry's new book helped expand my understanding of these fascinating books. He writes in an extremely accessible style, so whether you are a new student or a veteran to this literature, you will come to a better understanding of the literary, theological, and canonical contribution of these books. I enthusiastically recommend this book not only for the classroom but also for all who want to grow in their knowledge of these biblical books, for as they do, they will grow in their knowledge of God. "-Tremper Longman III. , Westmont College (emeritus)