Abstract
Reception history occurs in almost no contemporary commentary on the psalms. Waltke and Houston, on the other hand, want to combine exegesis and history of interpretation. Their declared goal is ‘to add substance to faith, ardor to virtue, conviction to confession; and that the Church be nerved to fidelity’ (p. xii). After examining selected psalms ‘as Christian Worship’ (2010) and ‘as Christian Lament’ (2014), they turn to 12 psalms (90-93; 95-100; 103-104) in the fifth book of psalms, which they identify as praise psalms.
In a short introduction (p. 1-26) the thematic focus of the volume is developed in more detail. YHWH is seen as the object of praise, which also applies to Jesus through messianic and prolepsis reading (p. 16-17). Theological reasons for praise are considered. In addition, the historical origins of the psalms are discussed. Even in the introduction, the reformed and conservative evangelical orientation and hermeneutic of the two authors becomes apparent. Thus, they consider both the MT headings of the individual psalms, but also those in the LXX as historically reliable (p. 13-16).
The main part of the work is the interpretation of Ps 90-100; 103-104 in four sections: Each psalm starts with the ‘Voice of the Psalmist: Translation’, which is commented in footnotes (including textual criticism and grammatical observations). Secondly, authorship, form, setting and rhetorical observations are examined, which are followed by a detailed grammatical-historical exegesis. Thirdly, the ‘Voice of the Church in Response’ summarizes the interpretation of some in church history. This mostly focuses on individual aspects of the Psalm through annotated quotations. Finally, the canonical context and the theological message are determined. The third section stems from Houston, the others from Waltke. Both index and (for students and pastors) glossary constitute a valuable addition.
Waltke’s insightful exegesis sparkles. The subsequent explanatory comments by Houston add further possible interpretations. The classifications of the authors and their work in that period provided valuable interpretive aid. By far Augustine is most frequently analyzed, followed by Calvin and Bellarminus. All other ‘Voices of the Church’ (even Luther) are only considered once or twice. Some discussion here e.g. the use of Ps 96 in temple liturgy (p. 179) seem unconvincing. The interaction of Waltke’s exegesis and of individual interpreters in church history remains weak. Both sections are barely connected, the earlier interpretations hardly seem to play a role for Waltke’s exegesis. However, this observation is applicable to most modern commentaries. Some readers will regret this. Other readers may appreciate the fact that it is up to them (with their own hermeneutics) to combine, evaluate and interpret modern and historical exegesis.
In summary this commentary and its unique approach prove to be profitable in understanding the psalms. It can serve as a supplement to other commentaries.