Cantos and Strophes in Biblical Hebrew Poetry (3 vols.)

Formal and thematic devices demonstrate that the psalms are composed of a consistent pattern of cantos (stanzas) and strophes. The formal devices especially include quantitative balance on the level of the cantos in terms of verselines, verbal repetitions, and (on the level of the strophes) transition markers. The quantitative approach to a psalm in terms of verselines, cola and/or words in most cases clearly discloses a focal message.

Volume 1 (OTS 53, 2005) deals with the poetic framework and material content of the book of Psalms. The rhetorical analyses of Psalms 1-41 are preceded by a broad survey of the history of strophic investigation into Hebrew poetry, starting from the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Volume 2 (OTS 57, 2010) deals with the poetic framework and material content of the Second and Third Books of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72 and 73-89).

Volume 3 (OTS 63, 2014) deals with the rhetoric, the formal and thematic framework, of Psalms 90-150 (the Fourth and Fifth Book of the Psalter).