A Table in the Presence of My Enemies - (Lectio Sacra) by Matthew Wade Umbarger (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Psalm 23, the most beloved of the Psalms, contains a perplexing riddle. What can it possibly mean that God prepares a table in the presence of the psalmist's enemies? Matthew Umbarger proposes that Psalm 23:5 makes the most sense when read according to its cultural context of prebattle covenant banquets. Beginning with ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Umbarger traces a conceptual trajectory of the prebattle banquet motif that reaches its zenith in the apocalyptic banquets of Second Temple Period literature and the eucharistic theology of the early church.

Review Quotes

"Psalm 23 has been domesticated, and never did I realize the riches underlying its fifth verse. Demonstrating a mastery of ancient Near Eastern cultures and texts, plus a thoroughgoing understanding of the covenant-renewing pre-battle banquet and the eschatological banquet in the books of the Old Testament, Matthew Umbarger draws striking connections to the Gospel narratives of miraculous feedings. The capstone of the book is the church fathers' eucharistic interpretations of Psalm 23:5. A brilliant tour de force!"

--Matthew Levering, chair of theology, Mundelein Seminary



"In A Table in the Presence of My Enemies, Matthew Umbarger provides a unique approach to a beloved text: Psalm 23:5. Harnessing interdisciplinary insights, Umbarger unveils an enduring scene: a soldier, fit for war, seated at a banquet surrounded by cosmic enemies, ready to consume the covenant that celebrates God's faithfulness across history, settings, and Scripture. With remarkable precision, Umbarger bridges the unnecessary chasm between theology and biblical studies to offer an approach to Scripture which, in the end, proves to be quite old."

--Shane J. Wood, professor of New Testament, Ozark Christian College



"Matthew Umbarger's remarkable book will revolutionize the way that you read Psalm 23. Drawing upon a rich array of resources--both ancient and modern--Umbarger convincingly demonstrates how a pre-battle banquet motif deepens our understanding of this familiar biblical passage. Umbarger's command of Scripture is impressive, but even more so is his ability to translate this knowledge into genuine wisdom with life-altering potential. Read and study this work! You'll never hear Psalm 23 in the same way again."

--Ryan "Bud" Marr, dean of liberal arts and sciences, Mercy College of Health Sciences

About the Author

Matthew Wade Umbarger is associate professor of theology in the School of Catholic Studies at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas.