Weathering the Psalms

"Steve Wiggins explores the nuances and subtleties of weather-related terms by applying meteorologically correct terminology to weather-related references in the psalms. He aptly demonstrates a theological understanding of how the weather was perceived by the psalmists and used in their texts. This well-organized monograph will be useful to students of Hebrew Scripture and those who regularly use the psalms in worship."

--Joseph A. Kucharski, Professor of Church Music, Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary, Nashotah, WI



"This immensely readable volume discusses climate in an ancient context, recognizing that in a prescientific Israel, 'always, in some way, (the weather) is indicative of Yahweh's relationship with humanity.' Every possible instance of a meteorological allusion in the psalms is considered, and with his usual caution and fine analytical skills, Wiggins carefully distinguishes in this important contribution to psalms scholarship, between the certain, the probable, and the dubious, and shows how the cosmic battle ('Chaoskampf') often lurks suggestively in the background, emphasizing Yahweh's victorious power."

--Nick Wyatt, Professor Emeritus, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK



"Wiggins is a first-rate scholar and editor. In this long-awaited book, he offers an indispensable survey of weather imagery in the Psalter that covers everything from translation issues to palaeoclimatology to what he calls 'meteorotheology'--the theological understanding of the weather by the ancients. Throughout, Wiggins proves a central point: '[t]o understand the weather is somehow to glimpse the divine.' This is a treasure trove of a book (the bibliography alone is worth the price), underscoring the never-ending complexity of the Bible, and the countless ways it moves from its ancient contexts to the present-day scientific world. I will consult it often."

--Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, Emory University, Atlanta, GA