Jesus and the Psalms

The whole set of beliefs and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, as a Jewish Rabbi, are based and rely profoundly on Old Testament writings and characters, such as Abraham, Moses, David and Isaiah, but also on quotations from the “Scriptures” (the Law, Psalms, Prophets). All of these form a programmatic basis and common denominators of the teaching and doctrines of Jesus of Nazareth. All of these frequently feature in his duels with traditional religious leaders. The NT Gospels attest to Jesus’ reliance on scriptures, law, and the psalms in particular. In comparison with the apostle Paul\u27s peculiar discontinuity between the two Testaments (cf. 2 Cor 5:17), Jesus\u27 teaching builds positively on its continuity. In soteriological terms, Pauline discontinuity is understandable. On the other hand, from the perspective of Jesus\u27 teaching, the continuity between the two Testaments is clearly worth investigating. This study considers the importance and the role of the Psalms in Jesus\u27 life, his teaching, and his death. Psalmodic references or quotations in the Gospels will be examined, particularly (i) in the way in which Jesus himself uses the Psalms, and (ii) how some Psalms are associated with the circumstances of Jesus\u27 life and death