The SCM The Psalms introduces readers to mainstream scholarship on the Psalms and to the Psalms themselves, not least their major theological themes. Many students are unfamiliar with the Old Testament and struggle to access it, with the exception of the Psalms, which are more familiar through their use in Christian worship and yet offer valuable insights into the world of the Old Testament. The book will be particularly useful for students on university Certificate and Diploma courses, ordinands and readers in training, and individuals working on their continuing ministerial education or wanting to update their studies. Each chapter has textboxes, study questions and suggestions for further reading. There are case studies of some of the most familiar Psalms and the book has a glossary of technical terms.
This book was not what I expected when I opened it. Although it did include a careful analysis of different categories of Psalms (interesting and helpful), for me that wasn't the highlight of the book. Each chapter also included a reflection on an important aspect of Bible study and theology. These included thoughts about the meaning of righteousness, shalom, death, and God's identity. I loved these sections and will be coming back to them.