Original scientific paper

Jesus and the Psalms

Danijel Berković ; Biblijski institut, Zagreb

Abstract

The whole set of beliefs and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, as a Jewish Rabbi, are based and rely profoundly on Old Testament writings and characters, such as Abraham, Moses, David and Isaiah, but also on quotations from the “Scriptures” (the Law, Psalms, Prophets). All of these form a programmatic basis and common denominators of the teaching and doctrines of Jesus of Nazareth. All of these frequently feature in his duels with traditional religious leaders. The NT Gospels attest to Jesus’ reliance on scriptures, law, and the
psalms in particular. In comparison with the apostle Paul's peculiar discontinuity between the two Testaments (cf. 2 Cor 5:17), Jesus' teaching builds positively on its continuity. In soteriological terms, Pauline discontinuity is understandable. On the other hand, from the perspective of Jesus' teaching, the continuity between the two Testaments is clearly worth investigating. This study considers the importance and the role of the Psalms in Jesus' life, his teaching, and his death. Psalmodic references or quotations in the Gospels
will be examined, particularly (i) in the way in which Jesus himself uses the Psalms, and (ii) how some Psalms are associated with the circumstances of Jesus' life and death.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

215575

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/215575

Publication date:

16.6.2016.

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