Interpreting the Psalms

by Patrick D. Miller Jr.

Patrick D. Miller seeks to help interpreters of the Psalms find entre into them in various ways to hear their theological claims and their point of contact with human life. In Part One, Miller examines the dominant general approaches that are currently shaping the study of psalms. He pays special attention to the poetic features of the psalms so as to aid the task of understanding their meaning. In Part Two, he offers extended expositions of ten specific Psalms-1, 2, 14, 22, 23, 82, 90, 127, 130, and 139. These Psalms are interpreted with an eye to theological and pastoral issues and with a sensitivity to their features and to their significance as Christian Scripture.

Genres: College

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miller’s book, though somewhat dated (published in 1986), remains an excellent, short introduction to the Psalms. His opening chapters highlight some of the “big questions” relative to the psalter, then the remaining chapters provide commentary-like overviews of several psalms. I especially appreciated his inclusion of Christian interpretations and applications.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book consists of several of Miller's articles on the Psalms as well as his original expositions of ten selected Psalms. While not a thorough introduction to aspects of interpreting the Psalms, nor a technical manual on interpretative strategies for the Psalms, Miller offers an overview of the salient scholarly approaches to the Psalms, a concise summary of interpreting Hebrew poetry (following Kugel), and individual chapters on the lament psalms and hymn psalms (following mainly Westermann). Highlights include his chapters on the poetry of the Psalms, the hymn form, and his individual expositions (especially Pss. 1, 2, 130, and 90). While I would not use this as the sole textbook for an introduction to the Psalms, it provides the reader with readily-applicable tools to bolster his or her individual reading of the Psalms.

[Sagely · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written introduction to the Psalms.

Miller opens this introduction by describing the way singing and reciting the Psalms in the church of his youth have shaped him. I can't imagine a better way of approaching the study of the Psalms.

ItP speaks well to the working preacher (I know from experience). It encourages us to embrace the open-endedness through which the psalms can speak to us intimately, even across the millennia.

Miller's reflections on select Pss (1, 2, 14, 22, 23, 82, 90, 127, 130, and 139) is also astoundingly helpful, both for his exegetical insight and for the way he models interpretation.

A volume well worth its place on your shelf!