Psalms in the Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation includes more references to the Hebrew Scriptures than anyother NT book. Even the sheer volume of scriptural references in the book ofRevelation seems to suggest that the study of scriptural references is fundamental tounderstanding the book, as scholars have recognised for some time. Unlike theprophetic books, scholars have not given significant attention to the Psalms, althoughthey do recognise the presence of many allusions to the Psalms.
Through in-depthexamination of the use of Psalms in Revelation this thesis demonstrates howsignificantly the Psalms influenced on the composition of the book of Revelation andoffers a fresh insight of the structure and theology of the book.Part I (chapters 2Ð3) offers the background of this study. Chapter 2 discussesthe use of Psalms in Second Temple Judaism, focusing on how the book of Psalmswas employed in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the characteristics of the Greek translationof the Hebrew Psalms. Chapter 3 considers the significance of the Psalms for the earlyChristian communities. The Syriac version of the Psalms and the use of Psalms in the NT provide significant data/evidence for its use in early Christianity.Part II (chapters 4Ð7) examines all detectable cases of Psalms in Revelation.The cases are divided into four categories: strong allusion (chapter 4), probableallusion (chapter 5), possible allusion (chapter 6) and influence (chapter 7). In total,thirty-seven cases are considered: eight for strong allusion, seven for probable, ninefor possible, and twelve for influence.As a conclusion of the study, Part III (chapter 8) presents the significance ofthe Psalms in the book of Revelation. The chapter sheds light on liturgical use ofPsalms in the book of Revelation and in relevance with the Psalms some theologicalthemes important for understanding the book will be set forth.