ANDERSON UNIVERSITY

Ph.D. IN PREACHING PROGRAM

THE ART OF BIBLICAL POETRY

ROBERT ALTER
BASIC BOOKS 2011

SUBMITTED TO PROFESSOR BRYAN CRIBB, PHD

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF
TOPICS ON PREACHING, CHR709

BY

ERIC J. FREEMAN

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

JUNE 2, 2024
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ROBERT ALTER, The Art of Biblical Poetry, (New York: Basic Books, 2011).

Summary

The Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert Alter explores the rich world of biblical poetry

through a rigorous exploration and analysis of its formal elements and their significance in

interpreting and experiencing the life rhythm of Hebrew composition. Celebrated for its

insightful examination of Hebrew poetry, the book disinters the nuanced and often subtle

Hebraic poetic techniques of semantic parallelism, repetition, metaphor, intensification, and

narrative progression. Through close readings of key poetic texts, Alter illustrates how these

devices contribute to the richness and complexity of biblical poetry.

Alter's key chapters span the sundry and expansive aspects of biblical poetry. In his

chapter "The Dynamics of Parallelism," a foundational chapter in establishing the trajectory of

the text, he discusses how parallelism functions semantically, enhancing meaning through

dynamic interaction between lines. In his chapter "From Line to Story," Altar examines the

transition from poetic lines to narrative elements. He highlights how poetry and prose often

intermingle in the Hebrew Bible, betraying the subtle distinctions and intentions of the author.

The "Truth and Poetry in the Book of Job" chapter analyzes how poetic forms in Job articulate

theodicy-filled theological and existential questions, while "Forms of Faith in Psalms" reveals

the diverse poetic forms expressing a wide range of human emotions and religious experiences.

Other chapters, such as "Prophecy and Poetry" and "The Poetry of Wit," explore the integration

of poetic forms in prophetic literature and the sophisticated use of language in biblical poetry.

In the concluding chapters, Alter first conducts an exposé on "The Garden of Metaphor"

by focusing on the Song of Songs and emphasizing its celebration of love and physical beauty

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through intricate metaphors. He then turns to "The Life of the Tradition," reflecting on the

pronounced influence of biblical poetry on later Jewish and Christian literary traditions. Alter

argues for recognizing biblical texts as sophisticated and traditioned literary compositions that

find resonant echoes throughout the holy writ. Through detailed exploration, he bridges the gap

between literary criticism and biblical scholarship, advocating for a reading of the scriptures that

acknowledges their artistic and religious significance.

Evaluation

Alter's analysis is meticulous and well-structured. It offers a clear and comprehensive

examination of biblical poetry's formal elements. His discussions on semantic parallelism and the

dynamic interplay within poetic lines are incisive as they give readers a deeper understanding of

the text's complexity and beauty. Alter's attention to detail and thorough explanations make the

book a powerful apparatus for studying biblical poetry.

By carefully engaging a broad swath of interdisciplinary scholarship, Alter incorporates

the likes of James Kugel, Benjamin Hrushovski, and Barbara Herrnstein Smith to provide a

robust perspective on the debates surrounding biblical poetry. Referencing these scholars and

others, Alter acknowledges the foundational contributions they have made to the understanding

of Hebrew poetry's formal structures. Additionally, his references to literary critics and theorists

enhance the credibility and depth of his analysis, allowing readers to see how his ideas fit within

broader academic conversations; this engagement with scholarship squarely situates Alter’s work

within the larger field of biblical studies and literary criticism.

One of the book's prominent strengths is Alter's ability to bridge literary and theological

analysis. In doing so, the work aptly demonstrates how poetic form contributes to the theological

messages of biblical texts. His exploration of how poetry functions as a mode of thinking and

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discovering meaning adds a valuable dimension to the study of biblical literature. Alter shows

that understanding the formal aspects of biblical poetry can lead to a nuanced appreciation of its

theological and philosophical insights.

While Alter's work is meaningful for scholars and students of biblical literature, its

complexity and depth may be challenging for general readers without a background in literary

criticism or Hebrew poetry. The intricate analysis and specialized terminology can make the

book less accessible to those who are not already familiar with the subject. This limitation means

that the book's insights may not reach a broader audience who could benefit from its findings.

Furthermore, an additional drawback in the text is detailed in Alter’s admission that the

book has had less impact on the discipline of biblical studies than his work on biblical narrative

in his respected text, The Art of Biblical Narrative.1 This may be due to the intricate nature of

poetry analysis, which can be more complex and less accessible than narrative studies. The focus

on the formal aspects of poetry might have limited its reception among biblical scholars who are

more accustomed to different analytical approaches. In other words, the specialized knowledge

required to appreciate the distinctions of Hebrew poetry may have deterred some scholars from

engaging deeply with the text – primarily because the traditional emphasis in biblical studies has

been on historical and theological analysis over literary form.

Practical Insights for Preaching Biblical Poetry

Alter’s analysis offers valuable guidance for preachers seeking to convey the depth and

richness of biblical poetry in their sermons. His work, if applied well, leverages sharp and

practical insights to animate the ancient texts in a fresh and relevant way for contemporary

1
Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative, (New York: Basic Books, 2011).

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audiences. Understanding poetic structures such as semantic parallelism and metaphor enhances

the verses' meaning and impact, allowing preachers to highlight their literary artistry.

For example, the intensification motif (through incremental repetition or anaphora)

portrayed in Psalm 13, when applied well to the contemporary ear, heralds a sentiment all too

familiar to those acquainted with the emotional journey of seasons of frustration and

supplication. With the example above as a backdrop, one can only imagine the prophetic impact

upon the listener as they discover their contemporary personal emotional experiences deeply

ingrained in God's word when hearing this psalm preached with an appreciation for its poetic

intimations.

One final consideration is an emphasis on Hebrew poetry's communal and individual

dimensions – and how this literary characteristic helps to make the text's message more relatable

and relevant. By addressing personal and collective experiences, homileticians can shape a

heightened sense of shared spiritual journey in their preaching. In this reviewer’s opinion,

understanding this final observation is perhaps Alter’s most helpful contribution and argument

for sound biblical preaching and the necessity for a proficient grasp of Hebrew poetry.

Conclusion

To conclude, Alter offers a seminal work that presents profound insights into biblical

poetry's formal and thematic elements. The disquisition's thorough analysis, rigorous scholarship,

and literary and theological depth make it an invaluable resource for scholars and preachers.

Alter's detailed examination of poetic structures such as semantic parallelism, metaphor, and

narrative progression highlights the intricate artistry of biblical texts. While its complexity may

pose challenges for some readers, the book's contributions to the understanding and appreciation

of biblical poetry are unparalleled. Alter's ability to synthesize literary criticism and theological

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interpretation provides a unique lens through which to view biblical literature, enriching

academic and spiritual readings of the text. Ultimately, his work invites readers to see the Bible

as a sacred document and [emphasis added] a masterpiece of literary craftsmanship.