No other biblical book ascribes such a prominent place to the theme of 'Zion' as the book of Isaiah does. One of the most important statements regarding Zion is to be found in Isa. 28:16. The text speaks of the laying of a foundation stone in Zion and enjoys an important place in New Testament preaching since it is associated with the advent of Jesus Christ. The present study addresses the interpretation of Isa. 28:16 in its Old Testament context. Its significance lies in the fresh contribution it makes to our understanding of the Zion text in question and its importance for establishing the...

The essays in this volume focus on the interpretation of the Book of Psalms and comparable texts in the Hebrew Bible. A variety of methods is applied to the ancient texts. Some essays concentrate on composition and structure, others on redaction and context. It is of great interest to see that each approach has its strength and its limits: stressing the importance to read the Psalms with a multi-dimensional matrix of methods. By viewing the Psalms as prayers, and thus as expressions of both faith and despair, a perspective on the contents of the ancient hymns and their functions in daily life...