Exegesis in the Targum of Psalms

The Old, the New and the Rewritten is the first book-length study focusing on the Targum of Psalms in more than 50 years. Edwards focuses on the exegetical aspects of the Targum through a detailed study of fifteen psalms and examines how the Targum relates to other Jewish and Christian exegetical traditions that have drawn upon the book of Psalms. The study of these Psalms suggests viewing Targum Psalms as a creative partner in the world of biblical interpretation, as opposed to a compilation of already existing midrashic material. Edwards portrays the Targum as a link between the written and oral Torah that leads its readers on a path to tradition. Extensive comparison is made with all earlier translations of the book of Psalms, as well as other parts of the Targum tradition. This study highlights these related traditions and explains how they came about. The question of using Targum Psalms in New Testament scholarship is discussed, as well as the possibility of any reactionary exegesis to Christian messianic interpretations connected to many Psalms. The book not only illustrates the creative diversity of the Targum, but also highlights the numerous areas of research that await future scholars if this long-neglected part of the Targum tradition is to be fully understood and appreciated. Texts with apparatus and translations of the fifteen Psalms selected for research are included in an appendix.

Timothy Edwards received an MA in Jewish Civilization from the Hebrew University (Jerusalem) and a D.Phil from Oxford University. He has taught at Bristol University and is currently teaching at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies.