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List of contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
Chapter 1: Ephesians 4:8 in Context
Chapter 2: Gifts for Building the Temple in Psalm 68:19
Chapter 3: The Divine Builder Literary Topos
Chapter 4: Old Testament Scripture in Psalm 68
Chapter 5: Psalm 68 in Early and Late Judaism
Chapter 6: Psalm 68 in Ephesians 4:8–10
Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Todd A. Scacewater is Assistant Professor at Dallas International University, USA.
Summary
The problem of Psalm 68:19 (Masoretic Text) in Ephesians 4:8 has a rich history of interpretation; particular focus has been placed on Jewish and Pauline interpretations of the psalm, and the Jewish exegetical tradition that reads Moses as the one who ascends Mount Sinai to receive and give the law. Todd Scacewater suggests a second tradition, henceforth unnoticed, that interprets Psalm 68 eschatologically. While both traditions are significant, Scacewater maintains that the eschatological tradition provides a better matrix through which to understand Paul’s use of the psalm.
Scacewater argues that another key for understanding Pauline use of the psalm is the divine builder topos, which is pervasive in the ancient Near East, utilized in Psalm 68, and evident in Paul’s understanding of the psalm as he applies it to Christ, the eschatological divine builder. Discussing the context of Ephesians, the building of the Temple and the trope of the divine builder, and Psalm 68’s position in early/late Judaism and Ephesians, Scacewater contributes to a new methodology for studying how the New Testament authors interpreted and appropriated Hebrew Scriptures.
Foreword
This volume studies Psalm 68 in its ancient Near Eastern milieu, alongside Jewish and Pauline interpretations of the psalm, and considers the hermeneutical implications of these findings.
Additional text
Scacewater’s book is a welcome contribution to the study of how the New Testament uses the Old. His work is intriguing, integrative, and highly academic. His discussion of the use of Psalm 68 within Ephesians 4 is informed by an abundance of information, context, background, and interpretation. He has set a substantial foundation for further consideration of this matter, and his conclusion sets the stage for further study.
