Final answer:
Longman's statement on the discovery of the Old Testament in the Psalms suggests the significance of the Psalms as a reflection of Old Testament themes and their Christological interpretation in Christian tradition, particularly in illustrated manuscripts like the Utrecht Psalter and the Harley Psalter.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Longman writes "It is more significant to discover that the Old Testament is in the Psalms," he is likely suggesting the importance of understanding how the Psalms incorporate and reflect upon themes from the Old Testament.
The Psalms are a part of the Hebrew Bible and are significant in both Jewish and Christian traditions. They often prefigure or foreshadow the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, which is a core aspect of Christian theology.
This is evident in how the Psalters have been illustrated and interpreted in Christian manuscripts like the Utrecht Psalter and the Harley Psalter. The Utrecht Psalter, in particular, adopts a revolutionary approach with elaborate illustrations alongside the text that reflects a Christological interpretation of the Psalms.
The significant aspect Longman might be referring to is the layered complexity found in these illustrations, where biblical narratives are conveyed with rich symbolism and iconography, effectively combining the classical past and the medieval Christian present.