Bibliographies by Beat Weber
Update 98, Mar 15, 2026
In this regularly updated bibliography, literature on psalms and the Psalter from 1990 onwards is... more In this regularly updated bibliography, literature on psalms and the Psalter from 1990 onwards is brought together; scientific sources as well as those which are more accessible are included (earlier literature in T. WITTSTRUCK: The Book of Psalms. An Annotated Bibliography. New York, NY – London 1994). The presentation is offered in thematic subdivisions so that a title may appear under more than one rubric. It comprises a combination of the bibliographies in my “Werkbuch Psalmen I–III” (Stuttgart 2001/2003/2010). The compilation has been updated and expanded and will be kept up to date – as far as I am able to do that. It is detailed, but not complete. Notes about errors that could be corrected, new editions that have appeared, as well as missing information or new entries (by the authors themselves or about publications via third parties) are gladly accepted (e-mail: [email protected]). The bibliography is made publicly available as a service to people who engage with psalms and the Psalter as well as with the history of interpretation and application of psalms. This digital version should enable users to search more easily for specific psalms, authors, titles, themes, year of publications, et cetera.
Last Update, Oct 25, 2025
2., aktualisierte Auflage (BonD). [verfügbar in der Software www.logos.com] • Werkbuch Psalmen I-... more 2., aktualisierte Auflage (BonD). [verfügbar in der Software www.logos.com] • Werkbuch Psalmen I-III (E-Book), enthaltend die Bände I (2016 2 ), II (2016 2 ) und III (2010), Stuttgart (Kohlhammer) 2016. [verfügbar in der Software www.logos.com] • Herausgeberschaft gemeinsam mit G.T.M. Prinsloo, J. Gericke und H. Ramantswana: Old Testament Essays 32/2 (2019) 288-780 (FS P.J. Botha). • "Wenn keine Religion mehr ist, da geht alles auseinander …" Den anderen Jeremias Gotthelf neu zu Wort kommen lassen, Thun (Mosaicstones) 2020.
The following is a compilation of publications in the fields of psalms, psalters and poetry (and ... more The following is a compilation of publications in the fields of psalms, psalters and poetry (and related subjects). The list of publications is organised according to chronological order. Notes are added in square brackets, in particular on revised new publications [→]. The abbreviations ABIG (Arbeiten zur Bibel und ihrer Geschichte, Leipzig: Evangelische Verlagsanstalt) and ÖBS (Österreichische Biblische Studien, Berlin: Peter Lang) refer to the anthologies with contributions on Psalms and Psalter listed under numbers 65, 93 and 96.
Ed. Volumes & Books by Beat Weber
![Research paper thumbnail of „Der HERR ist mein Licht und meine Rettung …“ (Ps 27,1). Studien zu Psalmen und Psalter (ÖBS 58), Berlin (Lang) 2025 [512 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/121265404/thumbnails/1.jpg)
This (third) anthology of studies on the Psalms and the Psalter by Beat Weber is published in the... more This (third) anthology of studies on the Psalms and the Psalter by Beat Weber is published in the series „Österreichische Biblische Studien“ (ÖBS 58, edited by Georg Braulik).
The Psalms are among the best-known and most popular books of the Bible. Following the twelve studies on the Psalms of Asaph in the previous volume ÖBS 57, a further twenty studies (four of them in English) on the Psalms and Psalter are published here. A study on Psalm 91 and its early post-history is published for the first time. In addition, this anthology makes scattered contributions newly accessible in revised, updated and partly expanded form. The contributions are divided into the following four sections: I. Psalm communication and speech constellations; II. On Psalms 25–34 and their configuration; III. Psalter, canon and theology; IV. Miscellaneous. All contributions are preceded by an English abstract. For details see preface and table of contents (attached).
![Research paper thumbnail of „Neigt euer Ohr zu den Worten meines Mundes!“ (Ps 78,1). Studien zu den Asaph-Psalmen (ÖBS 57), Berlin (Lang) 2024 [455 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/113442987/thumbnails/1.jpg)
This (second) anthology of studies on the Psalms and the Psalter by Beat Weber is published in th... more This (second) anthology of studies on the Psalms and the Psalter by Beat Weber is published in the series "Österreichische Biblische Studien" (ÖBS 57, edited by Georg Braulik). It contains twelve contributions on the Asaph Psalms, their characteristics and their connections. Among them are two new essays published for the first time (I.3 and I.4 on Psalms 78 and 81). The previous articles have been revised and updated (four of them with a new addendum or appendix). All contributions are preceded by an English abstract. For details see preface and table of contents (attached).
Back of the volume (translated): The Psalms are among the best known and most popular books of the Bible. The twelve Psalms attributed to "Asaph" (Ps 50; 73–83) may be less well known than others, but they are no less important. The author has studied the Asaph Psalms intensively for many years, both as individual Psalms and as a group, as well as their peculiarities and connections to other biblical texts. This has resulted in a series of articles that have been published in various journals, anthologies and Festschriften. The present volume collects ten of them and makes them available again in a revised and updated form. In addition, there are two extensive studies on Psalms 78 and 81, which are published here for the first time.
A next volume of psalm and psalter studies has been published in this series as ÖBS 58.
![Research paper thumbnail of Meier, Jürg / Weber, Beat (Übersetzer), Im Bebbi sini Bsalme. D Bsalme uf Baaseldütsch, Ettingen/Basel (Jumeba) 2024 [350 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/118878574/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Herausgegeben von der Basler Bibelgesellschaft ist dies die erste Ausgabe der biblischen Psalmen,... more Herausgegeben von der Basler Bibelgesellschaft ist dies die erste Ausgabe der biblischen Psalmen, übersetzt aus dem Bibelhebräischen (Beat Weber) in den Basler Dialekt (Jürg Meier). Der Basler Dialekt gehört zu den Schweizer Dialekten (Helvetische, alemannische Sprachgruppe). Die Übersetzung der 150 Psalmen wird gerahmt durch ein Geleitwort samt einer Leseanleitung sowie am Schluss weiterführende Hinweise zu Psalmen und Psalter. Eine Musterseite der Übersetzung ist beigegeben und kann heruntergeladen werden. /
Published by the Basel Bible Society, this is the first edition of the biblical Psalms translated from Biblical Hebrew (Beat Weber) into the Basel dialect (Jürg Meier). The Basel dialect belongs to the Swiss dialects (Helvetic, Alemannic language group). The translation of the 150 psalms is framed by a preface with a reading guide and further information on the psalms and Psalter at the end. A sample page of the translation is included and can be downloaded.
![Research paper thumbnail of „Wenn keine Religion mehr ist, da geht alles auseinander …“ Den anderen Jeremias Gotthelf neu zu Wort kommen lassen, Thun (Mosaicstones) 2020 [179 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/64122013/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Jeremias Gotthelf ist bekannt durch seine grossartigen Erzählungen. Er hat uns Menschen und Ges... more Jeremias Gotthelf ist bekannt durch seine grossartigen Erzählungen. Er hat uns Menschen und Geschehnisse aus dem Emmental lebendig vor Augen gemalt. Später sind die bekanntesten seiner Werke verfilmt worden. Trotz veränderter Zeiten finden wir uns auch heute noch in den prägnanten Charakteren wieder. Dabei zeigt sich ein grosses Spektrum von gutem und problematischem Verhalten: von Geiz bis Grosszügigkeit, von Eigensinn bis Hingabe, von Hinterlist bis Treue. Dazu gehören in Gotthelfs deftiger Sprache kräftige Ausdrücke und eine gehörige Portion Humor.
Mit dem „anderen“ Gotthelf soll ein für ihn wichtiges, aber oft wenig beachtetes Anliegen ins Licht gestellt werden: Die Religion, der gelebte christliche Glaube, erweist sich als Mitte und lebensgestaltende Kraft des familiären und gesellschaftlichen Zusammenlebens. Solcher Glaube nährt und bewährt sich in Herausforderungen und Konflikten. Ohne diesen Glauben fehlt der Zusammenhalt in den Häusern und im öffentlichen Leben; vieles bricht auseinander, und die angebliche Freiheit wird zum Kampf der Egoismen. Fixierungen auf Eigenes, Unzufriedenheit und das grenzenlose Streben nach mehr und angeblich Besserem führen ins Elend. Beides zugleich zeigt sich eindrücklich und unterschiedlich ausgeprägt in den verschiedenen Erzählungen.
Gotthelf schrieb seine Werke in Zeiten grosser Umwälzungen. Ihre Botschaft hat heute in unserer, ebenso herausfordernden Zeit nichts an Bedeutung verloren. Die geniale Verbindung von Erzählung, Verkündigung und Belehrung bei Gotthelf bringt der Autor, Beat Weber, zur Geltung. Hören wir neu auf Gotthelfs Worte – und durch sie auch auf Gottes Reden. //
Jeremias Gotthelf is known for his great stories. He has painted us people and events from the Emmental alive before our eyes. Later the most famous of his works were filmed. Despite the changing times, we still find ourselves in the pithy characters. There is a wide spectrum of good and problematic behaviour: from stinginess to generosity, from obstinacy to devotion, from deceit to loyalty. In Gotthelf's hearty language this includes strong expressions and a good portion of humour.
With the "other" Gotthelf, a concern that is important to him, but often receives little attention, should be brought to light: Religion, the lived Christian faith, proves to be the centre and life-shaping force of family and social life. Such faith nourishes and proves itself in challenges and conflicts. Without this faith there is a lack of cohesion in homes and public life; many things fall apart, and the supposed freedom becomes a struggle of egoisms. Fixations on the self, dissatisfaction and the boundless striving for more and supposedly better lead to misery. Both at the same time are impressively and differently expressed in the various narratives.
Gotthelf wrote his works in times of great upheaval. Their message has lost none of its meaning today in our equally challenging times. The ingenious combination of storytelling, preaching and teaching at Gotthelf is brought to bear by the author, Beat Weber. Let us listen anew to Gotthelf's words - and through them also to God's speeches.
The editorial of the two guest editors contains few words of appreciation of the Jubilee as an re... more The editorial of the two guest editors contains few words of appreciation of the Jubilee as an renowned Psalms scholar and the presentation of the contributions of the Festschrift. Botha himself was for many years the general editor of the Old Testament Essays, whose No. 2 in volume 39 (2019) is dedicated to him. It comprises, divided into two parts, a total of 23 contributions (approx. 470 pages) by Psalm researchers from (South) Africa, Europe and the USA in English (and one each in German and French). For the individual contributions, please refer to the table of contents (pdf attached; see also the link). The editorial is accompanied by a list of publications by Phil J. Botha.
![Research paper thumbnail of Jona. Der widerspenstige Prophet und der gnädige Gott (Biblische Gestalten 27), Leipzig (Evang. Verlagsanstalt) 2016 (2., durchgesehene Auflage; Erstauflage: 2012) [192 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/48792687/thumbnails/1.jpg)
ABSTRACT E: Jonah: The Stubborn Prophet and the Gracious God: Surely everybody knows the story of... more ABSTRACT E: Jonah: The Stubborn Prophet and the Gracious God: Surely everybody knows the story of the man who was swallowed by a fish and then was vomited out again. The opus which is named after him belongs to world literature. There is talk of »Jonah«. This is the name of a figure in the Old Testament. It is also the title of one of the writings of the bible which treats of him and even more so of the doings of God. The book of Jonah is part of the Twelve Minor Prophets which is one of the prophetic books of the Jewish Bible. However there are no prophecies in Jonah apart from a single very short consequential one which takes place in the town of Ninive. The message is rather conveyed in the form of a prophetic narrative — including a psalm. The LORD, God of Israel and the whole world shows himself in it »on the move«. He is able to relent out of compassion and to temper justice with mercy.
2nd, slightly revised edition, 2016 (2012).
ABSTRACT D: „Wer hat nicht schon von dem Mann, den ein Fisch verschlang und wieder ausspie, gehört? Das Werk, das seinen Namen trägt, gehört zur Weltliteratur. Die Rede ist von »Jona«. So heisst eine Gestalt im Alten Testament. Den gleichen Namen trägt die Schrift, die von ihm, aber noch mehr von Gottes Tun und Lassen handelt. Sie ist Teil des Buches »Zwölfpropheten« (Kleine Propheten). Allerdings enthält das Buch Jona keine Prophetien ausser einer einzigen, kurzen wie folgenreichen in der Stadt Ninive. Die Botschaft wird als Prophetenerzählung, in die ein Psalm eingebettet ist, vermittelt. Der HERR, der Gott Israels und der Gott der ganzen Welt, zeigt sich darin »beweglich«: Er kann aus Mitleid umkehren und Gnade statt Gericht walten lassen.“ (Klappentext).
Das Büchlein bietet zunächst eine Einführung in die Grundfragen der Jona-Schrift. Im Hauptkapitel „Darstellung“ werden dessen vier Kapitel im Detail ausgelegt. Nachfolgend folgt ein Blick in die „Wirkung“, welche diese alttestamentliche Schrift im Neuen Testament, im Judentum, im Islam und dann in der Geschichte des Christentums und darüber hinaus ausgelöst hat. Beigegeben sind ein Anhang, der eine Übersetzung der Jona-Texte aus dem Alten und Neuen Testament enthält, sowie Verzeichnisse.
2., leicht überarbeitete Auflage, 2016 (2012). See: More Info.
REVIEWS: Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (27.1.2013) 57 (H.R.); ThLZ 138 (2013) 947–949 (M. Gerhards); JETh 27 (2013) 240–242 (K. Riebesehl); Faszination Bibel 3 (2013) 76 (M. Rohde); Biblische Bücherschau (bbs) 11 (2013): http://www.biblische-buecherschau.de/2013/Weber_Jona.pdf (A. Giercke-Ungermann); ZAW 125 (2013) 707–708 (J. Wöhrle); Eulenfisch 1 (2013) 9 (A. Rüttenauer); Lehrerbibliothek (Lbib) 2013: http://lbib.de/Jona-Der-widerspenstige-Prophet-und-der-gnaedige-Gott-77491 (T. Bernhard).
![Research paper thumbnail of „Wie ein Baum, eingepflanzt an Wasserrinnen“ (Psalm 1,3). Beiträge zur Poesie und Theologie von Psalmen und Psalter für Wissenschaft und Kirche (ed. T. Uhlig, ABIG 41), Leipzig (Evang. Verlagsanstalt) 2014 [543 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/114073343/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Out of print (the rights are again with the author). Since 2023 available with LOGOS-Software: https://de.logos.com/product/253098. Since 2024 the full version has been released on this Academia.edu page, Jun 2014
ABSTRACT: After a foreword by Torsten Uhlig, this anthology contains 28 contributions by Beat Web... more ABSTRACT: After a foreword by Torsten Uhlig, this anthology contains 28 contributions by Beat Weber on psalms and psalters. In the first part he introduces the »poetological approach« to the Psalms and discusses the effects of a canonical approach to the exegesis of the Psalter and its Psalms. These approaches are exemplified in studies of individual Psalms in the second part and of collections of Psalms and their theology as well as of tradents in the third part. These studies show how fruitful it is to correlate exegesis of individual Psalms, inquiry into their interrelationships within collections of Psalms and the illumination of their historical setting. The anthology is concluded by a study of the Psalms’ relevance for pastoral care and several sermons on the Psalms, all of which indicate the author‘s primary goal, which is to combine academic interpretation and church practice in fruitful ways.– REVIEWS: RefPr 34 (21. August 2015) 13 (M. Rüsch); JSOT 40 (2016) 118f. (J. Corley); JLH 55 (2016) 91f.
![Research paper thumbnail of Werkbuch Psalmen I–III (E-Book, 3 vol.), Stuttgart (Kohlhammer) 2017 [1148 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/114074761/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Available also with LOGOS-Software: https://de.logos.com, Mar 2016
Theological study of psalms and the Psalter cannot be limited to the investigation of pronounceme... more Theological study of psalms and the Psalter cannot be limited to the investigation of pronouncements, themes and concepts. Spirituality is a genuine concern inasmuch as the Psalter aims to involve people in conversation with God, whether the mood be lament or praise, but at the same time to give guidance. The uniqueness of the book of Psalms within the Bible is that it is both "word to God" (prayer) and "word of God" (Scripture). "Werkbuch Psalmen" serves the transfer of resources and insights from Psalms Research into the areas of study, church/pastoral work and school. While the text-analytic elaboration of the psalms, combined with impulses for practical use, is in focus in Volumes I and II, Volume III introduces a synthetic view of the Psalter. For the first time, all 3 volumes are together available as an e-book. The 3 volumes are also implemented in Logos Bible Software (see Link).
REVIEWS: SEÅ 86 (2021) 212–217 (D. Davage [Willgren], swedish).
Inhalt des „digitalen Schubers“:
Band I: Die Psalmen 1 bis 72 (2001 – 2., aktualisierte Neuauflage: 2016).
Band II: Die Psalmen 73 bis 150 (2003 – 2., aktualisierte Neuauflage: 2016).
Band III: Theologie und Spiritualität des Psalters und seiner Psalmen (2010).
In my "Werkbuch Psalmen I/II" the references to the biblical psalms, which are recorded in the mo... more In my "Werkbuch Psalmen I/II" the references to the biblical psalms, which are recorded in the most used German church song- and prayerbooks, are listed. In 2013 the Roman-catholic "Gotteslob" (nGL) has been totally revised and reedited. As the references to the nGL are not yet listed in my "Werkbuch Psalmen I/II", a list is given as a supplement to them.
![Research paper thumbnail of Werkbuch Psalmen II. Die Psalmen 73 bis 150, Stuttgart (Kohlhammer) 2016 (2., aktualisierte Auflage; Erstauflage: 2003) [415 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/52887013/thumbnails/1.jpg)
The theological engagement with the biblical psalms and the Psalter cannot be limited to the disc... more The theological engagement with the biblical psalms and the Psalter cannot be limited to the discussion of factual statements, themes and concepts. Spirituality is a genuine concern since the Psalter involves people in a conversation with God (which ranges from lament to praise), but simultaneously also attempts to provide guidance on the way of life. The uniqueness of the Psalter as a book in the Bible consists of its being simultaneously “words to God” (prayer) and “Word of God” (Scripture).
The “Werkbuch Psalmen” series aims to facilitate a transfer from resources and insights in psalms research to the realms of theological studies, church and parish service and the school. In volumes I (2001, revised 2016) and II (2003, revised 2016), the focus is on textual analyses coupled with suggestions for practical use, while volume III (2010) attempts to provide a synthetic view with a focus on the message of the book as a whole and the themes encountered in it. The third volume can nonetheless be read as a work on its own.
“Werkbuch Psalmen III” was awarded the “Johann Tobias Beck” prize in 2011. This prize to the value of 1000 Euro has been awarded annually since 1987 for outstanding biblically-founded theological literature.
REVIEWS: OTA 27 (2003) 181 (T.H.); ThBeitr 35/1 (2004) 55 (T. Pola); JETh 18 (2004) 226 (T. Renz); JLH 44 (2005) 92 (H.M. Niemann); JSOT 28/5 (2004) 103–104 (S.E. Gillingham); OTE 17/3 (2004) 492–493 (G.E. Lier); ZAW 117/1 (2005) 166 (M. Köckert); ThLZ 131/4 (2006) 371–372 (B. Janowski); Akzente für Theologie und Dienst (4/2006) 195–196 (P.-G. Schwesig).
![Research paper thumbnail of Werkbuch Psalmen III. Theologie und Spiritualität des Psalters und seiner Psalmen, Stuttgart (Kohlhammer) 2010 [369 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/38553774/thumbnails/1.jpg)
The theological engagement with the biblical psalms and the Psalter cannot be limited to the disc... more The theological engagement with the biblical psalms and the Psalter cannot be limited to the discussion of factual statements, themes and concepts. Spirituality is a genuine concern since the Psalter involves people in a conversation with God (which ranges from lament to praise), but simultaneously also attempts to provide guidance on the way of life. The uniqueness of the Psalter as a book in the Bible consists of its being simultaneously “words to God” (prayer) and “Word of God” (Scripture).
The “Werkbuch Psalmen” series aims to facilitate a transfer from resources and insights in psalms research to the realms of theological studies, church and parish service and the school. In volumes I (2001, revised 2016) and II (2003, revised 2016), the focus is on textual analyses coupled with suggestions for practical use, while volume III (2010) attempts to provide a synthetic view with a focus on the message of the book as a whole and the themes encountered in it. The third volume can nonetheless be read as a work on its own.
“Werkbuch Psalmen III” was awarded the “Johann Tobias Beck” prize in 2011. This prize to the value of 1000 Euro has been awarded annually since 1987 for outstanding biblically-founded theological literature.
REVIEWS: JLH 51 (2012) 75 (H.M. Niemann); Reformierte Presse 25 (24.6.2011) 13; ThRv 107/3 (2011) 199–201 (J. Bremer); JETh 25 (2011) 237–238 (T. Renz); ZAW 123 (2011) 491–492 (S. Behnke); OTA 34 (2011) 202–203 (T.H.); Biblische Bücherschau (bbs) 7 (2011): www.biblische-buecherschau.de/2011/Weber_Psalmen_3.pdf (S. Eder); RevSR 85/3 (2011) 447–449 (E. Bons); RBL 12 (2012) www.bookreviews.org/pdf/8037_8789.pdf (M. Elliott); ThLZ 138/11 (2006) 1221–1222 (B. Janowski).
Das Buch ist aus dem Anliegen heraus entstanden, moderne Menschen mit ihren Lebensfragen in der B... more Das Buch ist aus dem Anliegen heraus entstanden, moderne Menschen mit ihren Lebensfragen in der Bibel zu verorten. Dabei bin ich auf die biblische Weisheit mit ihrem lebenspraktischen Akzenten gestossen. Was man nur im Kopf hat und nicht lebenserprobt und für ein gelingendes Leben dienlich ist, ist noch nicht Weisheit. Weisheit hat auch nicht diese Kurzlebigkeit im Sinne von Tipps und Tricks. Das Durchdenken von Lebensfragen führt häufig – gerade auch in der Notfallseelsorge – in Glaubensfragen hinein. Ich habe gemerkt, wie aktuell diese biblischen Texte in unsere Zeit hineinsprechen. Sie sind allerdings kein „Schnellimbiss“, sondern auf ihre Weise sperrig, aber gerade darin reichhaltig und wegweisend. Das Büchlein ist leicht lesbar und eignet sich auch zum Weiterschenken.
Aus dem Inhaltsverzeichnis:
– „Alles hat er schön gemacht zu seiner Zeit“. Schöpfung – Weisheit als Ordnung und Spiel – geschenktes Leben
– „Wer (anderen) eine Grube gräbt…“ Der Zusammenhang zwischen meinem Handeln und den Folgen
– „Ein gelassenes Herz ist des Leibes Leben“. Biblische Lebensweisheit als Anleitung für ein glückliches und gelingendes Leben?!
– „Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold“ oder: „… Schweigen ist Gift“? Vom rechten Hören, Reden und Schweigen
– „Der Mensch denkt und Gott lenkt“. Menschliche Verantwortung und Gottes Vor¬se-hung
– „Alles nun, was ihr wollt, dass euch die Leute tun sollen, das tut ihnen auch!“ Die „goldene Regel“ als Lebensmotto und was Jesus daraus macht
– „Hiobs-Botschaften“ oder: Warum lässt Gott es zu? Der Umgang mit Schwerem im Leben
– „Für alles gibt es eine bestimmte Stunde“. Vom Umgang mit der Zeit
– „Beinahe wären meine Schritte ausgeglitten“. Psalm 73 oder: Wenn das Leben nicht mehr aufgehen will…
– „Man kann nichts mitnehmen, aber Gott wird mich heimholen aus dem Tod“. Psalm 49 als Besinnung über die Vergänglichkeit
REVIEWS: Fundamentum 24 (2/2003) 101–104 (E. Huser); Neues Leben (März 2004); Bausteine (5/2004) 23 (H. Schmutz).
![Research paper thumbnail of Psalm 77 und sein Umfeld. Eine poetologische Studie (BBB 103), Weinheim (Beltz Athenäum) 1995 [362 Seiten]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/60335633/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Out of print (the rights are again with the author). The full version has been released on this Academia.edu page, Sep 2019
Diese wissenschaftliche Studie, die leicht überarbeitete Version der in Basel eingereichten Disse... more Diese wissenschaftliche Studie, die leicht überarbeitete Version der in Basel eingereichten Dissertation (Dr. theol.), verfolgt zwei Hauptziele: Methodologisch geht es erstens darum, eine – vor allem in der deutschsprachigen alttestamentlichen Wissenschaft noch wenig beachtete – poetologische Zugangsweise zu erproben, die sich mit Blick auf die Psalmenlyrik nach Ansicht des Autors besonders nahelegt, und auf ein integratives Modell hinzuarbeiten. Dieser Ansatz wird zweitens beispielhaft an Psalm 77 erprobt – ein Psalm, der in der Wissenschaft noch nicht die ihm gebührende Beachtung gefunden hat.
This scientific study, the slightly revised version of the dissertation submitted in Basel (ThD), has two main objectives: Methodologically, the first objective is to test a poetological approach - which has received little attention, especially in German-language Old Testament scholarship - which, in the author's view, would be particularly useful with regard to psalm poetry, and to work towards an integrative model. Secondly, this approach is tested in Psalm 77 - a psalm that has not yet received the attention it deserves in science.
From the table of contents:
- First main part: Approaches
I. Questions of psalm research and objectives of this study
II. Accents of poetry research and objectives of this study
III. Access and procedure
IV. History of Research of Psalm 77
- Second main part: Psalm 77: Text form and message content
I. Text delivery, text entry and structuring
II. Text analysis on colon, verse and stanza level
III. Text analysis on stanza, punch and text level
IV. On the Threshold to the Diachrony: Reflections on the Form, Function and Location of Psalm 77
- Third main part: Psalm 77 and its environment: origin, embedding, effect
I. The Origin of the Psalm
II. Conditions, references and horizons of the Psalm
III. To the historical place of the Psalm
IV. Canon and Reception Historical Considerations on the Context and Posthistory of the Psalm
- Conclusion: Results
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Register of references
REVIEWS: RefFo 7 (16.2.1996) 15 (E. Kellenberger); ZAW 108 (3/1996) 491 (H. Spieckermann); JETh 10 (1996) 192–194 (H.H. Klement); Bib. 78 (1/1997) 108–111 (D.K. Berry); BZ 43 (2/1999) 297–298 (J. Becker); ThRv 95 (1999) 447–448 (E. Zenger).
Papers & Book chapters by Beat Weber
It is all connected! Prophecy, wisdom teaching, sermon liturgy (historical, narrative, and poetic... more It is all connected! Prophecy, wisdom teaching, sermon liturgy (historical, narrative, and poetical) texts, contexts, intertexts, paratexts ... as well as hermeneutics and theology. Psalm 78 is not only an extensive psalm, but also theologically weighty and interwoven with diverse literary and historical contexts. It refers to history, and points to a specific understanding of that history (“His-story”). It refers to torah, while also being torah itself, it forms the hermeneutical centre of the Asaph Psalms group, while also standing in the “middle” of the Psalter. This study focuses on how Ps 78 is made to be part of these contexts, by analysing its beginning (vv. 1–8, 9–11) and final part (vv. 56–72) in dialogue with the following five areas: 1) the communicative setting of the psalm; 2) the referential system used (anaphoric/personal deixis); 3) the hermeneutics of parabolic and enigmatic speech; 4) Ephraim(?) and (possible) levels of listening; and 5) the Fortlesung Ps 77 → Ps 78 as potential reception aesthetics, or intentional production aesthetics.
The central focus of this article are the speech events in Psalm 91, particularly their coherence... more The central focus of this article are the speech events in Psalm 91, particularly their coherence and sequence. From a text-analytical perspective, the verb form of the speech introduction in v. 2 is discerned to be a participle (as in v. 1a). The speech itself is, unlike in the second confession in v. 9, not addressed directly to God. Instead, the lamed refers to the content of the speech (“concerning YHWH”). A mediator (priest) is likely to be the addressee. The same pattern is found in the two speeches (vv. 3–8 and 9–13), which respond to the confessions in vv. 2 and 9 respectively and promise future protection and preservation to those seeking divine refuge. The conclusion is a divine speech (vv. 14–16). It is not issued directly to the person seeking protection but rather, like the confession in v. 2, to the mediating authority that has expressed itself beforehand. Apart from vv. 1–2aα, Ps 91 is an ensemble of speeches with changing conversational constellations. What is striking here is the triangular relationship and the fact that, except for v. 9, there is always a mediating authority acting between those seeking protection and YHWH (and vice versa). The background is probably a liturgical-ritual one at the sanctuary.– In view of the fact that Ps 91 had a history of being used for apotropaic purposes against evil forces (demons), its application in Qumran (11Q11), the Greek translation (LXX) and the citation of verses in the story of the temptation of Jesus (Mt 4; Lk 4) is also considered.
Poetry is the richest form of all forms of linguistic expression. Psalm 81 is used here as an exa... more Poetry is the richest form of all forms of linguistic expression. Psalm 81 is used here as an example. The psalm constitutes chiefly a speech of God and demonstrates how creative literary techniques can be used in the service of (prophetic) proclamation aimed at “listening to YHWH”. Two monocola are placed at hinge points (vv. 6c and 11c), provide structural markers. They are associated with indeterminate deictic references, so that ambiguity generates multiple readings. Due to intra-textual equivalences and with the catalysing effect of allusions to passages from Deuteronomy, different statements come into play. These include, among other things, the double aspect of filling the mouth or being sated with the word of God and bodily nourishment (vv. 11c and 17ab).
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Bibliographies by Beat Weber
Ed. Volumes & Books by Beat Weber
The Psalms are among the best-known and most popular books of the Bible. Following the twelve studies on the Psalms of Asaph in the previous volume ÖBS 57, a further twenty studies (four of them in English) on the Psalms and Psalter are published here. A study on Psalm 91 and its early post-history is published for the first time. In addition, this anthology makes scattered contributions newly accessible in revised, updated and partly expanded form. The contributions are divided into the following four sections: I. Psalm communication and speech constellations; II. On Psalms 25–34 and their configuration; III. Psalter, canon and theology; IV. Miscellaneous. All contributions are preceded by an English abstract. For details see preface and table of contents (attached).
Back of the volume (translated): The Psalms are among the best known and most popular books of the Bible. The twelve Psalms attributed to "Asaph" (Ps 50; 73–83) may be less well known than others, but they are no less important. The author has studied the Asaph Psalms intensively for many years, both as individual Psalms and as a group, as well as their peculiarities and connections to other biblical texts. This has resulted in a series of articles that have been published in various journals, anthologies and Festschriften. The present volume collects ten of them and makes them available again in a revised and updated form. In addition, there are two extensive studies on Psalms 78 and 81, which are published here for the first time.
A next volume of psalm and psalter studies has been published in this series as ÖBS 58.
Published by the Basel Bible Society, this is the first edition of the biblical Psalms translated from Biblical Hebrew (Beat Weber) into the Basel dialect (Jürg Meier). The Basel dialect belongs to the Swiss dialects (Helvetic, Alemannic language group). The translation of the 150 psalms is framed by a preface with a reading guide and further information on the psalms and Psalter at the end. A sample page of the translation is included and can be downloaded.
Mit dem „anderen“ Gotthelf soll ein für ihn wichtiges, aber oft wenig beachtetes Anliegen ins Licht gestellt werden: Die Religion, der gelebte christliche Glaube, erweist sich als Mitte und lebensgestaltende Kraft des familiären und gesellschaftlichen Zusammenlebens. Solcher Glaube nährt und bewährt sich in Herausforderungen und Konflikten. Ohne diesen Glauben fehlt der Zusammenhalt in den Häusern und im öffentlichen Leben; vieles bricht auseinander, und die angebliche Freiheit wird zum Kampf der Egoismen. Fixierungen auf Eigenes, Unzufriedenheit und das grenzenlose Streben nach mehr und angeblich Besserem führen ins Elend. Beides zugleich zeigt sich eindrücklich und unterschiedlich ausgeprägt in den verschiedenen Erzählungen.
Gotthelf schrieb seine Werke in Zeiten grosser Umwälzungen. Ihre Botschaft hat heute in unserer, ebenso herausfordernden Zeit nichts an Bedeutung verloren. Die geniale Verbindung von Erzählung, Verkündigung und Belehrung bei Gotthelf bringt der Autor, Beat Weber, zur Geltung. Hören wir neu auf Gotthelfs Worte – und durch sie auch auf Gottes Reden. //
Jeremias Gotthelf is known for his great stories. He has painted us people and events from the Emmental alive before our eyes. Later the most famous of his works were filmed. Despite the changing times, we still find ourselves in the pithy characters. There is a wide spectrum of good and problematic behaviour: from stinginess to generosity, from obstinacy to devotion, from deceit to loyalty. In Gotthelf's hearty language this includes strong expressions and a good portion of humour.
With the "other" Gotthelf, a concern that is important to him, but often receives little attention, should be brought to light: Religion, the lived Christian faith, proves to be the centre and life-shaping force of family and social life. Such faith nourishes and proves itself in challenges and conflicts. Without this faith there is a lack of cohesion in homes and public life; many things fall apart, and the supposed freedom becomes a struggle of egoisms. Fixations on the self, dissatisfaction and the boundless striving for more and supposedly better lead to misery. Both at the same time are impressively and differently expressed in the various narratives.
Gotthelf wrote his works in times of great upheaval. Their message has lost none of its meaning today in our equally challenging times. The ingenious combination of storytelling, preaching and teaching at Gotthelf is brought to bear by the author, Beat Weber. Let us listen anew to Gotthelf's words - and through them also to God's speeches.
2nd, slightly revised edition, 2016 (2012).
ABSTRACT D: „Wer hat nicht schon von dem Mann, den ein Fisch verschlang und wieder ausspie, gehört? Das Werk, das seinen Namen trägt, gehört zur Weltliteratur. Die Rede ist von »Jona«. So heisst eine Gestalt im Alten Testament. Den gleichen Namen trägt die Schrift, die von ihm, aber noch mehr von Gottes Tun und Lassen handelt. Sie ist Teil des Buches »Zwölfpropheten« (Kleine Propheten). Allerdings enthält das Buch Jona keine Prophetien ausser einer einzigen, kurzen wie folgenreichen in der Stadt Ninive. Die Botschaft wird als Prophetenerzählung, in die ein Psalm eingebettet ist, vermittelt. Der HERR, der Gott Israels und der Gott der ganzen Welt, zeigt sich darin »beweglich«: Er kann aus Mitleid umkehren und Gnade statt Gericht walten lassen.“ (Klappentext).
Das Büchlein bietet zunächst eine Einführung in die Grundfragen der Jona-Schrift. Im Hauptkapitel „Darstellung“ werden dessen vier Kapitel im Detail ausgelegt. Nachfolgend folgt ein Blick in die „Wirkung“, welche diese alttestamentliche Schrift im Neuen Testament, im Judentum, im Islam und dann in der Geschichte des Christentums und darüber hinaus ausgelöst hat. Beigegeben sind ein Anhang, der eine Übersetzung der Jona-Texte aus dem Alten und Neuen Testament enthält, sowie Verzeichnisse.
2., leicht überarbeitete Auflage, 2016 (2012). See: More Info.
REVIEWS: Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (27.1.2013) 57 (H.R.); ThLZ 138 (2013) 947–949 (M. Gerhards); JETh 27 (2013) 240–242 (K. Riebesehl); Faszination Bibel 3 (2013) 76 (M. Rohde); Biblische Bücherschau (bbs) 11 (2013): http://www.biblische-buecherschau.de/2013/Weber_Jona.pdf (A. Giercke-Ungermann); ZAW 125 (2013) 707–708 (J. Wöhrle); Eulenfisch 1 (2013) 9 (A. Rüttenauer); Lehrerbibliothek (Lbib) 2013: http://lbib.de/Jona-Der-widerspenstige-Prophet-und-der-gnaedige-Gott-77491 (T. Bernhard).
REVIEWS: SEÅ 86 (2021) 212–217 (D. Davage [Willgren], swedish).
Inhalt des „digitalen Schubers“:
Band I: Die Psalmen 1 bis 72 (2001 – 2., aktualisierte Neuauflage: 2016).
Band II: Die Psalmen 73 bis 150 (2003 – 2., aktualisierte Neuauflage: 2016).
Band III: Theologie und Spiritualität des Psalters und seiner Psalmen (2010).
The “Werkbuch Psalmen” series aims to facilitate a transfer from resources and insights in psalms research to the realms of theological studies, church and parish service and the school. In volumes I (2001, revised 2016) and II (2003, revised 2016), the focus is on textual analyses coupled with suggestions for practical use, while volume III (2010) attempts to provide a synthetic view with a focus on the message of the book as a whole and the themes encountered in it. The third volume can nonetheless be read as a work on its own.
“Werkbuch Psalmen III” was awarded the “Johann Tobias Beck” prize in 2011. This prize to the value of 1000 Euro has been awarded annually since 1987 for outstanding biblically-founded theological literature.
REVIEWS: OTA 27 (2003) 181 (T.H.); ThBeitr 35/1 (2004) 55 (T. Pola); JETh 18 (2004) 226 (T. Renz); JLH 44 (2005) 92 (H.M. Niemann); JSOT 28/5 (2004) 103–104 (S.E. Gillingham); OTE 17/3 (2004) 492–493 (G.E. Lier); ZAW 117/1 (2005) 166 (M. Köckert); ThLZ 131/4 (2006) 371–372 (B. Janowski); Akzente für Theologie und Dienst (4/2006) 195–196 (P.-G. Schwesig).
The “Werkbuch Psalmen” series aims to facilitate a transfer from resources and insights in psalms research to the realms of theological studies, church and parish service and the school. In volumes I (2001, revised 2016) and II (2003, revised 2016), the focus is on textual analyses coupled with suggestions for practical use, while volume III (2010) attempts to provide a synthetic view with a focus on the message of the book as a whole and the themes encountered in it. The third volume can nonetheless be read as a work on its own.
“Werkbuch Psalmen III” was awarded the “Johann Tobias Beck” prize in 2011. This prize to the value of 1000 Euro has been awarded annually since 1987 for outstanding biblically-founded theological literature.
REVIEWS: JLH 51 (2012) 75 (H.M. Niemann); Reformierte Presse 25 (24.6.2011) 13; ThRv 107/3 (2011) 199–201 (J. Bremer); JETh 25 (2011) 237–238 (T. Renz); ZAW 123 (2011) 491–492 (S. Behnke); OTA 34 (2011) 202–203 (T.H.); Biblische Bücherschau (bbs) 7 (2011): www.biblische-buecherschau.de/2011/Weber_Psalmen_3.pdf (S. Eder); RevSR 85/3 (2011) 447–449 (E. Bons); RBL 12 (2012) www.bookreviews.org/pdf/8037_8789.pdf (M. Elliott); ThLZ 138/11 (2006) 1221–1222 (B. Janowski).
Aus dem Inhaltsverzeichnis:
– „Alles hat er schön gemacht zu seiner Zeit“. Schöpfung – Weisheit als Ordnung und Spiel – geschenktes Leben
– „Wer (anderen) eine Grube gräbt…“ Der Zusammenhang zwischen meinem Handeln und den Folgen
– „Ein gelassenes Herz ist des Leibes Leben“. Biblische Lebensweisheit als Anleitung für ein glückliches und gelingendes Leben?!
– „Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold“ oder: „… Schweigen ist Gift“? Vom rechten Hören, Reden und Schweigen
– „Der Mensch denkt und Gott lenkt“. Menschliche Verantwortung und Gottes Vor¬se-hung
– „Alles nun, was ihr wollt, dass euch die Leute tun sollen, das tut ihnen auch!“ Die „goldene Regel“ als Lebensmotto und was Jesus daraus macht
– „Hiobs-Botschaften“ oder: Warum lässt Gott es zu? Der Umgang mit Schwerem im Leben
– „Für alles gibt es eine bestimmte Stunde“. Vom Umgang mit der Zeit
– „Beinahe wären meine Schritte ausgeglitten“. Psalm 73 oder: Wenn das Leben nicht mehr aufgehen will…
– „Man kann nichts mitnehmen, aber Gott wird mich heimholen aus dem Tod“. Psalm 49 als Besinnung über die Vergänglichkeit
REVIEWS: Fundamentum 24 (2/2003) 101–104 (E. Huser); Neues Leben (März 2004); Bausteine (5/2004) 23 (H. Schmutz).
This scientific study, the slightly revised version of the dissertation submitted in Basel (ThD), has two main objectives: Methodologically, the first objective is to test a poetological approach - which has received little attention, especially in German-language Old Testament scholarship - which, in the author's view, would be particularly useful with regard to psalm poetry, and to work towards an integrative model. Secondly, this approach is tested in Psalm 77 - a psalm that has not yet received the attention it deserves in science.
From the table of contents:
- First main part: Approaches
I. Questions of psalm research and objectives of this study
II. Accents of poetry research and objectives of this study
III. Access and procedure
IV. History of Research of Psalm 77
- Second main part: Psalm 77: Text form and message content
I. Text delivery, text entry and structuring
II. Text analysis on colon, verse and stanza level
III. Text analysis on stanza, punch and text level
IV. On the Threshold to the Diachrony: Reflections on the Form, Function and Location of Psalm 77
- Third main part: Psalm 77 and its environment: origin, embedding, effect
I. The Origin of the Psalm
II. Conditions, references and horizons of the Psalm
III. To the historical place of the Psalm
IV. Canon and Reception Historical Considerations on the Context and Posthistory of the Psalm
- Conclusion: Results
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Register of references
REVIEWS: RefFo 7 (16.2.1996) 15 (E. Kellenberger); ZAW 108 (3/1996) 491 (H. Spieckermann); JETh 10 (1996) 192–194 (H.H. Klement); Bib. 78 (1/1997) 108–111 (D.K. Berry); BZ 43 (2/1999) 297–298 (J. Becker); ThRv 95 (1999) 447–448 (E. Zenger).
Papers & Book chapters by Beat Weber