How to Read and Understand the Psalms
How to Read and Understand the Psalms is an outstanding introduction to the Psalms from biblical scholars Bruce K. Waltke and Fred G. Zaspel. This book will help you “get behind” the Psalms to understand the thoughts and intentions of the authors.
I was most interested to learn of the actual liturgical setting of the Psalms, particularly David’s innovations of their use in worship. The authors call the Psalms artistic proclamation. David provided staging and music to accompany Mosaic rituals. Expression and worship was more external, physical, and structured. It entailed more the senses of sight and smell. The Psalter has the setting of singing, stringed instruments, and trumpets. “Essentially, he transformed the sacred ceremonies into opera.” This brought about an entire paradigm shift in the way I read the Psalms and imagining them heard in my head.
Meaning and Message
What makes this book unique is the way that it walks you through individual Psalms. This book is more than a commentary. Walke and Zaspel provide guided instruction in truly getting the meaning and message out of carefully considering the text. I was reminded that we must read the Psalms thoughtfully. This is true of all poetry, but especially because of the particulars of Hebrew poetry. Parallel ism, brevity, and terseness, and imagery, and figures of speech are prevalent.
While calling the Psalter a "hymnbook" is justified, we must remember that this is a book that has been carefully arranged to proclaim a message. The book ends by looking at the big picture, and seeing how the book of Psalms moves from lament to praise. The flow of the Psalter can be read redemptive-historically, pointing us to the confirmation of God’s kingdom under the rule of the King.
I received a media copy of How to Read and Understand the Psalms and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.