The Psalms and Their Meaning for Today: Their original purpose, contents, religious truth, poetic beauty and significance.

by Samuel Terrien

This book was written for the general reader, to give him a clearer understanding and a deeper appreciation of the religious and literary values of the Psalms. The Hebrew Psalms have a power of survival which is unparalleled in the spiritual life of the Western world. Composed in the Near East 25 to 30 centuries ago, they are still read or sung by Jews of all trends and Christians of all denominations. Why do the Psalms offer in all ages and climes a wisdom for living and a consolation for dying? Author Samuel Terrien gives the twofold reason for their continuing power.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrien taught Old Testament at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Since the late 19th century that school had been a hotbed of liberalism and, to some extent, Terrien fit in there. However, this particular work, while occasionally damaged by commitments to higher critical conclusions, nonetheless has a great deal of good insight into the meaning of the Psalms. The reader who can look past the occasional shortcomings can learn much from this treatment. Terrien was clearly widely read outside of biblical studies, and that is all to the good in his discussion. Among other things, he was clearly intimate with, and appreciative of, Calvin's commentaries on the Psalms.