Sing a New Song: Recovering Psalm Singing for the Twenty-First Century

by Joel R. Beeke (Editor), Anthony Selvaggio

The book of Psalms occupies a unique place in Scripture, being both the Word from God and words to God from His people. Unfortunately, psalm singing no longer plays an integral part of worship in most evangelical churches. In this book, thirteen well-respected scholars urge the church to rediscover the treasure of the Psalms as they examine the history of psalm singing in the church, present biblical reasons for the liturgical practice, and articulate the practical value it provides us today. Table of
Foreword - W. Robert Godfrey
Part 1: Psalm Singing in History
1. From Cassian to Singing the Psalms from Ancient Times until the Dawning of the Reformation - Hughes Oliphant Old and Robert Cathcart
2. Psalm Singing in Calvin and the Puritans - Joel R. Beeke
3. The History of Psalm Singing in the Christian Church - Terry Johnson
4. Psalters, Hymnals, Worship Wars, and American Presbyterian Piety - D. G. Hart
Part 2: Psalm Singing in Scripture
5. Psalm Singing and Scripture - Rowland S. Ward
6. The Hymns of The Old Testament Formation of the New Testament Hymnal - Michael LeFebvre
7. Christian Cursing? - David P. Murray
8. The Case for Psalmody, with Some Reference to the Psalter's Sufficiency for Christian Worship - Malcolm H. Watts
Part 3: Psalm Singing and the Twenty-First-Century Church
9. Psalm Singing and Redemptive-Historical Gerhard's Vos's 'Eschatology of the Psalter' Revisited - Anthony T. Selvaggio
10. Psalm Singing and Pastoral Theology - Derek W. H. Thomas
11. Psalmody and Prayer - J. V. Fesko

Genres: Theology, Music, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2010

About the author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

Reviews

[Andrew Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great promotion of Psalm singing. One of the better books to put in the hands of those new to Psalmody.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sing a New Song is a collection of essays from various pastors and theologians all from NAPARC denominations showing the history and scriptural warrant for Psalm singing in corporate and private worship. Highly recommended.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as somebody who occasionally leads worship in a free evangelical church, but has had no theological training.

This collection of essays is excellent, if a little repetitive across the early chapters—I scampered through the book and have earmarked it for re-reading really soon. Next time around I'll be more diligent in following up the bible references.

I was able to get something from all of the essays. However, there were three that I found most interesting. Michael LeFebvre's 'The Hymns of Christ: The Old Testament Formation of the New Testament Hymnal' gives insight into a pattern of "promise...disaster...renewed promise and expectation" as an underlying logic for the ordering of the psalms found in the bible.

The second point of interest that has stayed with me is that of psalms 113-118 as presented in Malcolm H. Watts' 'The Case for Psalmody, with Some Reference to the Psalter's Sufficiency for Christian Worship'. Known as the Hallel Psalms, they're said to have been sung by Jesus at the Lord's Supper, before he left for the Mount of Olives. They move from 'condescending love upon poor sinners...and...mighty deliverance' through to 'faith...salvation...gospel and mercy to the Gentiles...and...opening of the gates of the everlasting kingdom to all who believe in His name.'.

In 'Psalm Singing and Redemptive-Historical Hermeneutics: Geerhardus Vos's "Eschatology of the Psalter" Revisited', Anthony T. Selvaggio also leads to a consideration of Jesus' actions at the Last Supper. He highlights the contrast of how 'new sacraments were required for this new age...[whereas] the Psalter required no revision or replacement', arguing that use of the Psalter in contemporary worship is valid and surely necessary.

Of final note, and immediately practical, is Murray's 'Christian Cursing', giving 'ten helps' as to how to approach the imprecatory psalms—the ones where you get all uncomfortable because of the 'hate' language involved.

Footnotes are used rather than endnotes, and for a book of this size I like that.

I'm left with an increased hunger to incorporate psalms into sung worship. I'm also going to check out Geerhardus Vos' work.

[Taylor Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful and compelling. For the last few years I’ve deeply appreciated psalm singing and my family has grown tremendously since we’ve begun to do so. Sing a New Song served as a great companion to another book I recently finished on the psalms: The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship by Witvliet. I think Sing a New Song was a superior work overall, though it could’ve used a little more in the area of practical “how to” sing the psalms (in which Witvliet’s work was strong). If you’re looking for historical, biblical, and theological foundations for utilizing the psalms in your prayer life and song life (personal or corporate), Sing a New Song is the place to start. I look forward to continuing to grow in my love of, appreciation for, and use of these inspired prayer-songs that we call Psalms.

4.25/5

[Jacob London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of what is written in this book are the common explanations for exclusive Psalmody that although well written and interesting don't offer anything new to the position. That is until I read chapter 9, Psalm Singing and Redemptive Hermeneutics: Geerhardus Vos's "Eschatology of the Psalter" and wow! This chapter was absolutely phenomenal. Anthony Selvaggio presents a compelling case for Psalmody all while connecting it to a figurehead of church history and asserting the Psalms contemporary application. The book is good, chapter 9 is stunning. 4/5 stars.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introductory book on the importance, benefits, and necessity of recovering the Psalms for all their divinely intended purposes for Christians living in the 21st century.

While not an argument for exclusive psalmody per se---even though a few contributors are in that camp---at the bare minimum you'll be led to become a better "inclusive psalmist" as you pray, sing, and study the songs of Christ and His people (cf. Col 3:16).

[Timothy Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, another excellent book by coauthored Joel Beeke and Anthony T. Selvaggio! I have been researching the place of the psalter in services and this book does an excellent job covering the history of the psalter, its place in the believer's life, the life of the church, and above all else shows the Christological importance.

[Carmen Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could require all pastors, and especially my modern evangelical "worship leaders/pastors" to read this book, especially those wanting to see "revival" in their congregation, to read a book, it would begin with this one. The last two chapters (essays) are very convincing in Psalm study and practice!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good. Some alright. Some hm.

[Joshua Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good.

[Tyler Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read on a subject perhaps more relevant than we realize.

[Adam Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few very good essays, some solid historical work, and several essays that are long and bloated.

Some very specious arguments for exclusive psalmody, which I think leads to overly-Christological interpretations of the Psalms. Yes, many Psalms point to Christ, and the Psalms are wonderful and deeply valuable for Christians. However, they must be understood in their historical context as well, which I believe the authors often fail to do.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seem to like books that are a collection of essays. One is able to get at the essence of the varying perspectives in support of a singular issue. "Sing A New Song" offers much to help one appreciate the place of Psalm Singing in the modern church without requiring exclusive Psalmody. It is a good foundation for further exploration and Reformed readers will notice a few familiar names.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best treatment of Psalmody, but an excellent collection of essays on the subject by some respected modern authors. I wish the church would realize what a treasure and inheritance she has in the Psalms and not abandon them altogether.