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The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul
The Language for All Seasons of the Soul brings together essays from eighteen Old Testament scholars discussing the latest in Psalms scholarship and applying exegetical insights to the life of faith. These essays explore the full range of emotion expressed in the Psalms—from elation to distress—while weaving together observations from biblical scholarship and theology. The reader will gain valuable insights into how the Psalms speak to his or her soul. The book is divided into five sections A Select Bibliography for Psalms Study is included at the end of the book.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2013
This is a very thorough and meticulously written book with chapters that focus on individual psalms from the Bible's book of Psalms. Each chapter is written by a different author. While they all write with their own unique voices, according to the book, all are credible religious scholars.
The chapters are divided into sections for specific genres of psalms, such as psalms of lament or praise, and one section dedicated to the practice of studying psalms. After reading the introduction and section on studying psalms, I started selecting my next chapters to read based on topic rather than page order. That is how I would recommend using this book- find a topic that interests you, or find a chapter to study based on your spiritual need. For example, chapter 18 is titled "Praising God in the Bad Times" and focuses on Psalm 88. The author recounts an extremely tragic experience and utilizes the psalm for study; this would be a good chapter to read for comfort during a time of despair. Keep a Bible handy when reading these chapters! Even if a particular Psalm is not featured for study in this book, many are at least referenced and are worth looking up.
I found the first section about the practice of using psalms for study to be particularly interesting. I'm used to informal Bible studies and occasional Apologetics discussions, but have never really focused on Psalms. I had no idea there were so many different approaches to study - interpretation as based on the timeframe of the first temple, or the second temple, or studied within the context of Jesus as Messiah, or by several other methods. This was very enlightening to me, and I even learned a thing or two about how theologists came to study and reflect upon the psalms.
My only complaint is that this is a somewhat heavy-handed volume. That's not a bad thing at all, but the complex writing coupled with many unfamiliar terms and concepts to the average reader makes this a more challenging (but worthwhile) read. Religious scholars and theological experts would likely find this material easier to read, and perhaps that is the intended audience, though even enthusiastic novices should give it a try. This might also be a good book to use as a guide for group study and discussion, particularly with a more experienced group leader. Bring out a notebook and highlighter.
Note: people who are spiritual and enjoy private reflection would likely still enjoy some of these chapters, even if they are not Christian. The general concepts of joy, praise, loss, despair, etc., are applicable to all. The book even discusses how much Christian study owes to other religions that focus on study of sacred texts.
*I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. This did not influence my review. Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy.*
The chapters are divided into sections for specific genres of psalms, such as psalms of lament or praise, and one section dedicated to the practice of studying psalms. After reading the introduction and section on studying psalms, I started selecting my next chapters to read based on topic rather than page order. That is how I would recommend using this book- find a topic that interests you, or find a chapter to study based on your spiritual need. For example, chapter 18 is titled "Praising God in the Bad Times" and focuses on Psalm 88. The author recounts an extremely tragic experience and utilizes the psalm for study; this would be a good chapter to read for comfort during a time of despair. Keep a Bible handy when reading these chapters! Even if a particular Psalm is not featured for study in this book, many are at least referenced and are worth looking up.
I found the first section about the practice of using psalms for study to be particularly interesting. I'm used to informal Bible studies and occasional Apologetics discussions, but have never really focused on Psalms. I had no idea there were so many different approaches to study - interpretation as based on the timeframe of the first temple, or the second temple, or studied within the context of Jesus as Messiah, or by several other methods. This was very enlightening to me, and I even learned a thing or two about how theologists came to study and reflect upon the psalms.
My only complaint is that this is a somewhat heavy-handed volume. That's not a bad thing at all, but the complex writing coupled with many unfamiliar terms and concepts to the average reader makes this a more challenging (but worthwhile) read. Religious scholars and theological experts would likely find this material easier to read, and perhaps that is the intended audience, though even enthusiastic novices should give it a try. This might also be a good book to use as a guide for group study and discussion, particularly with a more experienced group leader. Bring out a notebook and highlighter.
Note: people who are spiritual and enjoy private reflection would likely still enjoy some of these chapters, even if they are not Christian. The general concepts of joy, praise, loss, despair, etc., are applicable to all. The book even discusses how much Christian study owes to other religions that focus on study of sacred texts.
*I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. This did not influence my review. Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy.*
February 27, 2022
A fantastic book on the breadth and depth of the Psalms. Most of them left me thinking long and hard, but of especial note are the ones on Yahweh and the Sea, the transformation of lament to praise via meditation, and Psalm 91 and spiritual warfare.
I only wish that more time had been spent on the debate over the structure of the Psalms, as Tremper Longman notes that he doesn't take that view, and with most essays (pretty convincingly) taking the stance that there is an intentional order to the Psalms, I wanted to hear the other side of the debate.
One or two essays were more technical, but only one (on Psalm 54) was overwhelmingly so.
I only wish that more time had been spent on the debate over the structure of the Psalms, as Tremper Longman notes that he doesn't take that view, and with most essays (pretty convincingly) taking the stance that there is an intentional order to the Psalms, I wanted to hear the other side of the debate.
One or two essays were more technical, but only one (on Psalm 54) was overwhelmingly so.
February 5, 2018
Mixed bag
This book is a collection of papers by evangelical scholars of the Psalter. Some of the papers are frightfully dull. Ditchwater dull. Thankfully, the good papers redeem the bad ones and the sections on the canonical reading of the Psalms and examples of preaching from the Psalms were particularly good. It's worth skipping the dull chapters to get the most out of the book -and you'll recognise them when you see them.
This book is a collection of papers by evangelical scholars of the Psalter. Some of the papers are frightfully dull. Ditchwater dull. Thankfully, the good papers redeem the bad ones and the sections on the canonical reading of the Psalms and examples of preaching from the Psalms were particularly good. It's worth skipping the dull chapters to get the most out of the book -and you'll recognise them when you see them.
May 29, 2018
A little uneven. Some chapters are very insightful readings of particular psalms. Some are very helpful perspectives on study. Other chapters are less insightful / helpful. Overall I'm glad I have this book. I'll probably not use it in the classroom again, though.
May 6, 2017
Really good stuff. These collections of essays usually are.
June 15, 2017
Delightful
September 19, 2013
A comprehensive overview of approaches to reading and interpreting the Psalms, from a conservative evangelical perspective.
This book is a collection of 19 essays from various authors within evangelical Christianity. It is a dense and scholarly work. Pastors and theology students would probably be the ones to most benefit from this book. This is not to say that the average Christian sitting in the pews wouldn't benefit from reading these essays, but because of some of the technical content it may be difficult for the average reader to understand all that is contained.
I, coming from a more liberal and progressive position, approached the reading of this book a little more skeptically. Although it was clear that I would not be in full agreement with many of the theological and interpretative positions held by most of the essayists, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the robust way in which they engaged opposing and differing views in a respectful manner.
In spite of the fact that, in many instances, the essayists and I would likely reach different interpretive conclusions, I feel that they have offered me new tools that I can use to work through the Psalms. They have opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the Psalms.
(This review is based on an advance copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.)
This book is a collection of 19 essays from various authors within evangelical Christianity. It is a dense and scholarly work. Pastors and theology students would probably be the ones to most benefit from this book. This is not to say that the average Christian sitting in the pews wouldn't benefit from reading these essays, but because of some of the technical content it may be difficult for the average reader to understand all that is contained.
I, coming from a more liberal and progressive position, approached the reading of this book a little more skeptically. Although it was clear that I would not be in full agreement with many of the theological and interpretative positions held by most of the essayists, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the robust way in which they engaged opposing and differing views in a respectful manner.
In spite of the fact that, in many instances, the essayists and I would likely reach different interpretive conclusions, I feel that they have offered me new tools that I can use to work through the Psalms. They have opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the Psalms.
(This review is based on an advance copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.)
October 5, 2014
A collection of essays involving the Psalms.
The essays are collected in five parts: the state of Psalms study, psalms of praise, psalms of lament, the Psalter as canon/book, and communicating the psalms. The work thus exposes the reader to a variety of ways the Psalms can be put to good use in the faith and practice of a Christian.
I found the first part to be the most useful and strongest part of the book. The idea of the Psalms as "psalmno-therapy" and the place to which Israel would turn both in good and bad times to find a way forward was quite useful as was the concern of the loss of psalmody in the elevation of hymnody over the past 200 years.
What the work gains in diversity it loses in coherence. Some essays are really sermons and quite general, especially in the fifth part; other essays get quite arcane and dig into the weeds. For each his own.
The first part is highly recommended. I was a bit disappointed in most of the rest.
The essays are collected in five parts: the state of Psalms study, psalms of praise, psalms of lament, the Psalter as canon/book, and communicating the psalms. The work thus exposes the reader to a variety of ways the Psalms can be put to good use in the faith and practice of a Christian.
I found the first part to be the most useful and strongest part of the book. The idea of the Psalms as "psalmno-therapy" and the place to which Israel would turn both in good and bad times to find a way forward was quite useful as was the concern of the loss of psalmody in the elevation of hymnody over the past 200 years.
What the work gains in diversity it loses in coherence. Some essays are really sermons and quite general, especially in the fifth part; other essays get quite arcane and dig into the weeds. For each his own.
The first part is highly recommended. I was a bit disappointed in most of the rest.
January 3, 2014
The Psalms Language for all Seasons of the Soul is an overview of approaches to interpreting and reading the Psalms. There are 19 essays written by authors with an Evangelical Christian view. This is an educational academic book that contains a lot of technical content advantageous to theology students, seminary students and pastors with expertise in Hebrew. This is a beneficial expenditure of time for even the everyday layperson as when God speaks, He speaks to all of us even if on various levels.
From the Psalms we learn praise, loss, joy, life lessons and language for all seasons that apply to all souls. It is definitely a collection of essays for every household to have on hand. Also of note is that there is a section of footnotes to be able to refer.
This is a book I will be re-reading multiple times.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
From the Psalms we learn praise, loss, joy, life lessons and language for all seasons that apply to all souls. It is definitely a collection of essays for every household to have on hand. Also of note is that there is a section of footnotes to be able to refer.
This is a book I will be re-reading multiple times.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
September 10, 2013
Scholarly & Historical
A wonderful and historically accurate review of the Psalms. This is a perfect textbook for seminarians. As a lay reader there were parts that took a second read in order to clearly understand the intended purpose. The book encourages the reader to learn more and read the Psalms from beginning to end and look at the whole book rather than picking verses and letting them stand alone to guide us – I believe there is room for both approaches. Peace to all who continue their journey of learning God’s Holy Word. NetGalley and Moody Publishers provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A wonderful and historically accurate review of the Psalms. This is a perfect textbook for seminarians. As a lay reader there were parts that took a second read in order to clearly understand the intended purpose. The book encourages the reader to learn more and read the Psalms from beginning to end and look at the whole book rather than picking verses and letting them stand alone to guide us – I believe there is room for both approaches. Peace to all who continue their journey of learning God’s Holy Word. NetGalley and Moody Publishers provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2015
In compliance with FTC guidelines this review for The Psalms by Andrew J. Schmutzer was for a novel received for free in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul is a scholarly study of the Psalms. This is not a text for a layperson who wants to know more about this poetic cycle of the bible. It is broken up into five parts. For me personally the fifth part "Communicating the Psalms" This section is a series of sermons given about the Psalms.
All of the sections are well written and footnoted. This would be an excellent tool for religious scholars but for laypersons like myself, it may be a little to much.
The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul is a scholarly study of the Psalms. This is not a text for a layperson who wants to know more about this poetic cycle of the bible. It is broken up into five parts. For me personally the fifth part "Communicating the Psalms" This section is a series of sermons given about the Psalms.
All of the sections are well written and footnoted. This would be an excellent tool for religious scholars but for laypersons like myself, it may be a little to much.
December 1, 2013
This book and collection of essays are very interesting. The information is rather complicated so I don't think it is for the average reader looking to expand their theological understanding. I find theology very interesting and attended Catholic schools growing up so I did really enjoy the book and the perspectives of the essayists. I am always interested in reading and understanding the perspectives of others as it gets me thinking- which is exactly what this book did.
December 21, 2013
I received this book free from goodreads giveaway it is broken into 5 parts and is very precise it is written in part by scholars therefore it may not be easily understood by everyone I found the writing to be very informative. and as I am actually reading the Psalms daily it was nice to have a sort of reference It is really 3.5 stars only because as stated earlier it might be a bit to daunting for some the writing is very thorough and I was happy to receive it
September 9, 2016
I received a free copy of The Psalms:Language for All Seasons of the Soul as a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
This is definitely a scholarly book, with that being said there is something for everyone. I especially enjoyed Part Five Communicating the Psalms.
This is definitely a scholarly book, with that being said there is something for everyone. I especially enjoyed Part Five Communicating the Psalms.
November 26, 2014
Review on my blog: http://wp.me/pf2RR-nX
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews