Answering the Psalmist's Perplexity: New-Covenant Newness in the Book of Psalms (NSBT)

‘Give thanks to YHWH, for he is good, for his covenant faithfulness endures for ever’ (Ps. 136:1; a.t.)

There are now numerous models that seek to explain how the biblical covenants relate to one another. In an attempt to evaluate these models, James Hely Hutchinson mines the rich seams of the book of Psalms.

After covering the key data on covenant relationships in Books 1–3 of the psalter, Hely Hutchinson considers the perplexity expressed in the pivotal Psalm 89: in the face of the exile, the promises to David appear to be null and void. The building blocks of the response lie with the first five books of the Bible, and chiefly with the inviolable character of the promises to Abraham (Book 4 of the psalter). However, if the Abrahamic covenant is to reach fulfilment, the problem of sin must be dealt with once and for all, and a glorious new-covenant regime must be established in which a host of covenants converge in their fulfilment. Central to this regime, which lies beyond the exile, is the eternal rule of David’s superior, righteous seed and son who is also a perpetual priest and a suffering servant (Book 5).

Identifying new-covenant newness as ‘eschatological satisfaction (fulfilment)’ and ‘transcendent inauguration’, Hely Hutchinson tackles a range of matters that contribute to our understanding of the contours of redemptive history. The overall aim is to enhance readers’ grasp of God’s breath-taking salvation plan, ability to handle Scripture aright and worship of the Master.

Reviews

"James Hely Hutchinson has dared to address some large, perpetually debated questions about the relationships among the biblical covenants through a new lens: the book of Psalms. In a creative interweaving of the messages of the different parts of the Psalter—understanding the Psalter as a unified collection in its final form—he shows how the major covenants—Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Levitical, Davidic, and New Covenants—are addressed in the book of Psalms and highlights the continuities, discontinuities, and complementary elements among them. An intriguing read that I recommend with pleasure." - David M. Howard, Jr. Professor of Old Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary

"In this fascinating study, Hely Hutchinson deftly and meticulously explores several key issues within a single volume. Not only does he present a robust, holistic interpretation of the Psalter, but he also demonstrates how the relationship between various divine-human covenants informs and is informed by the Psalter’s arrangement. As such, this is a must read for all those interested in the Psalter’s biblical-theological significance and/or contrasting theological systems in which the relationship between various divine covenants is of key importance." - Paul R. Williamson, Lecturer in Old Testament, Hebrew and Aramaic, Moore College, Sydney

"James Hely Hutchinson has spent more than two decades studying the arrangement of the psalms in the Psalter. His book provides a compelling account of the way that this arrangement reflects God’s salvation plan. By analysing the relationships between the different covenants mentioned across the Psalter, Hely Hutchinson provides fascinating insights into the way that the psalms work as a collection to give hope for the future ideal Davidic king who will bless and be blessed by a new-covenant people from all nations. He also explains and evaluates a spectrum of seven different positions on covenant relationships and irenically charts a way forward in the light of his findings in the Psalter. His book richly rewards careful reading." - Anthony R. Petterson, Lecturer in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew, Morling College, Sydney

"My resonance with this book is deep and wide, methodological and exegetical. James Hely Hutchinson serves as a surefooted guide (in English! at your desk!) through the highest mountain passes of the Psalter: its editorial arrangement, its contribution to our understanding of the covenants, and its typological presentation of the coming king. Here is a book whose author has meditatively studied the Psalms, and reading this book is the next best thing to exegeting through the Psalter with him in class. So if you can't get to Belgium to take his class in French, avail yourself of what he has provided for you in this book." - James M. Hamilton, Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

James Hely Hutchinson is Director of the Institut Biblique de Bruxelles, where he teaches Old Testament, biblical theology and biblical languages, and where he edits Le Maillon). He has also taught at several other training institutions in French-speaking Europe. He is a contributor to The God of Covenant, Interpreting the Psalms and Stirred by a Noble Theme (all Apollos).