Mohr Siebeck Theologie des Lobens in sumerischen Hymnen - Mohr Siebeck

Explore the depths of ancient Near Eastern religious thought with this scholarly study of Sumerian hymns. This work examines the literature of the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, focusing on texts that originate from cultic traditions. These hymns celebrate the power, prestige, and care provided by deities, kings, and temples. Erhard S. Gerstenberger provides a deep analysis of the concept of praise (za-mi). By starting with the archaic formulaic cry of salvation, "[Name] sei Preis!" (comparable to the biblical "Hallelujah"), the author investigates the diverse expressions of eulogy found in these ancient texts. The research demonstrates that Sumerian praise involves much more than simple, submissive recognition of superior powers. It offers a unique window into the history of ideas regarding religious devotion and the relationship between the divine and the earthly in ancient Mesopotamia.