Description
Book SynopsisIn He Will Save You From the Deadly Pestilence, acclaimed religious scholar Philip Jenkins illustrates how the evolving uses of Psalm 91 allow us to map developing ideas about religion and the supernatural, theology and politics, medicine and mysticism.
Trade ReviewJenkins is a pre-eminent religious historian in the tradition of the great Jaroslav Pelikan, and He Will Save You from the Deadly Pestilence is an erudite, sweeping account in the manner of Pelikan's wide ranging Jesus through the Centuries. * Timothy Larsen, Times Literary Supplement *
With a gentle and lucid style, offering just enough data to demonstrate the substantial scholarship that underlies this study, Jenkins succeeds in reintroducing Psalm 91 to readers through many fresh lenses. This is historical interpretation at its best: erudite without being overbearing. Overall, this is a delightful read that will appeal to both the historically minded and the biblically curious. * Robert C. Fennell, Christian Century *
With a gentle and lucid style, offering just enough data to demonstrate the substantial scholarship that underlies this study, Jenkins succeeds in reintroducing Psalm 91 to readers through many fresh lenses. * Robert C. Fennell, Robert C. Fennell teaches at the Atlantic School of Theology., The Christian Century *
Early Christians 'thought in psalms', writes Philip Jenkins. Few psalms were as important for them and their Jewish contemporaries as Psalm 91, and it has remained central to both Jews and Christians. This study of the psalm's use down to the present day is a model of how to present the reception history of biblical texts. * John Barton, Emeritus Oriel & Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford, and Senior Research Fellow of Campion Hall, Oxford *
This remarkably informative 'biography' of Psalm 91 describes the many communities of Jews and Christians who have found solace, encouragement, challenge, inspiration, and more from this one biblical text. Jenkins moves rapidly from the psalm's use before the Common Era to the help believers have found in it during catastrophes of the twenty-first century, but always with insightful attention to the circumstances in which it has been read (and prayed). It is a book of unusual encouragement. * Mark Noll, author of America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794-1911 *
Is Psalm 91 an encouragement for peace or military action? Are its words a comfort during a pandemic or incantations against an enemy? Is it a central part of monastic prayer or designed for occult practice? Philip Jenkins helps us to see this psalm as a many-sided jewel, skilfully highlighting its multiple refractions as a 'prayer of protection'. * The Revd. Canon Susan Gillingham, Emeritus Professor of the Hebrew Bible, University of Oxford *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Note on Usage 1. Under The Shadow Of The Almighty Discovering Psalm 91 2. A Thousand Shall Fall At Thy Side How A Plague Prayer Became A Song Against Evil Spirits 3. Lest You Dash Your Foot Against A Stone Finding Christ in the Psalm 4. The Terror By Night A World Full Of Demons And Enchanters 5. Tread Upon The Lion And Adder The Psalm as a Manifesto of Christendom 6. My Refuge And My Fortress The Psalm Divides Christendom 7. Neither Shall Any Plague Come Nigh Thy Dwelling The Plague Psalm, Once More 8. There Shall No Evil Befall Thee? Modernity and Reaction 9. But It Shall Not Come Nigh Thee Demons and Plagues Persist 10. Under His Wings Shalt Thou Trust Global South Readings of Psalm 91 11. To Keep Thee In All Thy Ways How Can We Pray Psalm 91?
