Hope for a New David in the Psalter's Narrative Impulse: Reading the Psalms as Utopian Literature

By S. D. Ellison

This work argues the message of the Psalter is one of hope-utopian hope to be exact.

Despite increasing scholarly consensus that the Psalter is a carefully organized collection, there remains debate concerning the message of such a collection. S. D. Ellison outlines a narrative impulse that sustains expectations of a better future by assuring readers that one day Zion will be glorified, enemies vanquished, and the Davidic dynasty embodied in a new Davidic king. This argument advances that of Gerald H. Wilson and refines that of David C. Mitchell. Ellison advocates a reading which defends the claim that the Psalter encourages its reader to hope for a new Davidic king. It clarifies that this king will usher in a kingdom of peace by vanquishing all enemies and so rule from a transformed Zion. The utopian hope of the Psalter's narrative impulse is not a return to what once was, but an encouragement to remain confident that YHWH will realize all his promises in a new era of blessing following the exile. Reading the Psalms as utopian literature sustains hope for a new David in the Psalter's narrative impulse.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1978717733
• ISBN13: 9781978717732
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Fortress Academic
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"