Seeing the Psalms: A Theology of Metaphor

by William P. Brown

William Brown introduces a new method of exegesis, particularly for biblical poetry, that attends to the metaphorical contours of the Psalms. His method as proposed and demonstrated in this book supplements traditional ways of interpreting the Psalms and results in a fresh understanding of their original context and contemporary significance.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, Old Testament

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2002

Reviews

[Luke Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book of 2023! William Brown's Seeing the Psalms is a love letter (a beautifully written one) to the metaphorical and poetic imagery in the Psalms. Brown thoughtfully examines a number of the Psalter's core metaphors and images (such as "sun," "tree," and "water"), noting how the evocative imagery of the psalmists adds new meaning(s) to the Psalms we know and love. Brown contends that "a striking image or metaphor can prompt certain levels of discernment that no proposition or formula ... can ever evoke" (ix). There is much theological "gold," so to speak, when one seriously considers how exactly God is like a "rock," a "fortress," or a "shield" (see Psalm 18:2), and that is precisely what Brown sets out to do in this work.

I especially appreciated Brown's recognition that the metaphors of the Psalms do not produce an "𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑜 𝑒𝑥 𝑛𝑖ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑜" (that is, "image out of nothing"), but that they are "fraught with background," which can best be understood against the "background" of the Hebrew Bible—namely, ancient Near Eastern literature and art (14). The contextual nature of the Hebrew Bible's metaphors (in the Psalms and elsewhere) has long been recognized by scholars and interpreters, but Brown's willingness to employ art and iconography from the ancient world is still a minority undertaking. (Thankfully, an "iconographic" approach to the Hebrew Bible is becoming more and more popular among scholars, in large part due to the incredible work of Othmar Keel. One important work in the area of "iconographic exegesis" that was published after Brown's book, and which built upon some of his keen insights, is Joel LeMon's Yahweh's Winged Form in the Psalms: Exploring Congruent Iconography and Texts.) Brown weaves together the poems of the Psalter with the art of the ancient world, as well as the poetry and epic literature of Israel's ancient neighbors, all in an attempt to make sense of both the familiar and enigmatic metaphors of the Psalms.

Still, Brown reminds his readers that there are limits to metaphorical language: "When metaphors ... become literalized to the point that they exclude other metaphors for the same subject or target domain, particularly in the case of God, they function as idols.... Put theologically, if any metaphor, no matter how profound, becomes absolutized, as though it were itself considered ultimate, idolatry becomes the norm" (10). Both the limits of metaphor and the wariness in ancient Israel of any sort of physical depiction of the God of Israel make it all the more fascinating and beautiful to find such rich, evocative imagery in the Psalter, especially for God. Brown writes toward the end of his book, "While fully acknowledging God's incomparability, the psalmist does not resort to silence or apophatic reflection"; rather, "the psalmist pushes the imagination to discern the mystery of God's providential care in all its iconic fullness and diversity" (213). All in all, this book brings readers back to the poetry of the Psalms to examine and enjoy the metaphors of the Hebrew Bible once again, and to marvel at the incomparable God who is "king," "shepherd," "rock," "refuge," "teacher," "judge," and so much more.

[Mark Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great exposition of metaphors in the Book of Psalms. He carefully explores the core imagery and links together related imagery in a way that helps one see the full arch of the book. Though it sometimes bogs down with unnecessarily difficult vocabulary, the book definitely helps one encounter the psalms with fresh eyes and heart.

My only major criticism is that his exploration of Psalm 139 was incomplete and disappointing. He only dealt with the verses that are comforting and not the challenging lament verses. As such, his closing chapter, which ideally should drive the whole text to a nice conclusion, is lacking.

[Michael Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brown weaves examination of metaphors within the Psalms with illuminating parallels in the ancient Near East to open the reader's eyes to vivid meaning. Closer looks at Psalms 1,19, 139, and others explain more clearly theology that informs prayer and praise. Occasionally critical theory and questionable use of modern political correctness that contradicts likely historical facts makes fuzzier or even confuses his argument, but all in all a book that students of the Psalms will benefit greatly from reading.

[Matt Calio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarly text on understanding the metaphors and imagery of the Psalms. Really helpful in giving context to the Psalms and how to have an imagination for reading them.

[Ben Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very illuminating, although kind of hard to read. I could only handle a section at a time. Nevertheless, I now have a better appreciation for the word pictures of the Psalms

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is highly interesting and much more academic than I was expecting. It is dense, so reading it was challenging but welcome. This is one I will revisit.

[Lydia]

Per Lauren Winner, more about the place of metaphor in the spiritual life:

Brown considers not just metaphors for God but the "bewildering array" of metaphors found in the Psalter, such as "pathway" and "cup." We miss the theology of the psalms, says Brown, if we don't attend to the imagery.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of of Brown's critical assumptions which surface here and there, but overall this is an amazing book that makes a unique contribution to the poetry of the Psalms. Highly recommended.

[Philip Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the ANE background and imagery within the Psalms.