What do you think?
Rate this book
Reading the Psalms as Scripture
- GenresTheologyNonfiction
152 pages, Hardcover
Published November 13, 2024
24 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
James M. Hamilton Jr.
52 books127 followersJames M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and preaching pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church. He is the author of God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment and the Revelation volume in the Preaching the Word commentary series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 14, 2024
This is a short book (~140 pages) but the authors make the most of the length. There are seven theses at the end of the book that serve well as a summary of the main points of the chapters. Here is a digest of those:
1. The Psalter was intended to be read in sequence as a book.
2. By means of the doxologies, superscriptions, and change of authors, one is able to discern a clear plot as you work through the psalms.
3. Scriptures written before the psalms are the best interpretive backdrop of the psalms.
4. David’s authorship of the psalms is proof of his brilliance as a theologian and student of scripture.
5. Types and patterns are used in the psalms to describe the Messiah.
6. The psalms must be understood both in their Old Testament context and their New Testament fulfillment.
7. The psalms should still be sung and prayed by Christians today.
I was highly pleased with the book. If you are looking for a brief and solid introduction to the psalms, then this book will serve that purpose well.
1. The Psalter was intended to be read in sequence as a book.
2. By means of the doxologies, superscriptions, and change of authors, one is able to discern a clear plot as you work through the psalms.
3. Scriptures written before the psalms are the best interpretive backdrop of the psalms.
4. David’s authorship of the psalms is proof of his brilliance as a theologian and student of scripture.
5. Types and patterns are used in the psalms to describe the Messiah.
6. The psalms must be understood both in their Old Testament context and their New Testament fulfillment.
7. The psalms should still be sung and prayed by Christians today.
I was highly pleased with the book. If you are looking for a brief and solid introduction to the psalms, then this book will serve that purpose well.
March 16, 2025
Went back and forth between 4 or 5 stars, but the positives in this book were phenomenal so I’m grading on a curve.
For a book under 150 pages, this book packs so much helpful information on interpreting the Psalms. Hamilton’s main thesis is that the Psalter is not a random collection of 150 inspired psalms, but has been purposefully (and under the inspiration of the Spirit) ordered by its final editors/organizers to tell a specific story. In other words, the Psalter has a meta-narrative that spans all 150 psalms; starting with David’s suffering and journey to the throne and eventually ending with God’s people in exile waiting for the seed of the woman, the anointed King from David’s line and for God to come and redeem his people. Hamilton isn’t new to suggest this, but I think his voice on the matter is bringing new light to the topic.
He also includes sections on how the Psalter is interpreted by Old and New Testament authors which was so helpful.
Some of the particulars in this book were a little hard for me to get on board with. Several of the chiastic structures Hamilton proposed weren’t convincing. And while I’m convinced of the meta-narrative of the Psalter, I wasn’t convinced of all the particulars Hamilton proposed to fill in the meta-narrative.
Still, I’m very glad I read this! I think it’ll help you read your Bible a little better and be better equipped to know the God it all points to.
For a book under 150 pages, this book packs so much helpful information on interpreting the Psalms. Hamilton’s main thesis is that the Psalter is not a random collection of 150 inspired psalms, but has been purposefully (and under the inspiration of the Spirit) ordered by its final editors/organizers to tell a specific story. In other words, the Psalter has a meta-narrative that spans all 150 psalms; starting with David’s suffering and journey to the throne and eventually ending with God’s people in exile waiting for the seed of the woman, the anointed King from David’s line and for God to come and redeem his people. Hamilton isn’t new to suggest this, but I think his voice on the matter is bringing new light to the topic.
He also includes sections on how the Psalter is interpreted by Old and New Testament authors which was so helpful.
Some of the particulars in this book were a little hard for me to get on board with. Several of the chiastic structures Hamilton proposed weren’t convincing. And while I’m convinced of the meta-narrative of the Psalter, I wasn’t convinced of all the particulars Hamilton proposed to fill in the meta-narrative.
Still, I’m very glad I read this! I think it’ll help you read your Bible a little better and be better equipped to know the God it all points to.
August 6, 2025
A surprising amount of theological depth and devotional insight for such a tiny book. Hamilton and Damico remind us to read the Psalms like a book that tells Israel's story and points to the Messiah.
My favorite parts were chapter 4 on the big story in the psalms (though they included way more detail for book 1 and it kind of fizzled by book 5) and chapter 8 on how the NT authors interpreted the psalms.
My favorite parts were chapter 4 on the big story in the psalms (though they included way more detail for book 1 and it kind of fizzled by book 5) and chapter 8 on how the NT authors interpreted the psalms.
November 2, 2024
I requested this book (Reading the Psalms as Scripture by James M. Hamilton, Jr.] because I love the psalms and read them frequently. I also read scripture so I was interested in how Hamilton would use the lens of scripture in general to illuminate the psalms.
I found the book fascinating. Hamilton begins by examining the Psalter as a book with the structure of a book. I have never thought of the psalms as an entire book. I have focused on individual psalms and their meaning to me, as well as being moved by the beauty of so many of them but not on their relationship to each other and to the rest of the bible. I recognized many lines as quoted later in the Gospel or echoing other lines or stories I'd read in the older books but didn't think much about it. I certainly never stopped to think in any depth about it. Hamilton describes the Psalter as consisting of 5 books, each with an interior structure as well as a structure that ties them together as a whole.
Hamilton does a comprehensive job analyzing structure. He illuminates connections between specific psalms, connects each psalm with the stories in other scripture. Even more strikingly, he presents the Psalters as having a narrative structure and convincingly describes the way in which this is true, how each psalms corresponds and deepens a segment of Scripture. He also uses the little takes under the Psalms' number (such as "A Psalm of David") which I've never paid any attention to as having meaning, being clues as to how the Psalms fit in with scripture. The first two books of the Psalter correspond, for example, with stories about David.
He always analyzes the technical structure of the Psalter, the ways in which the psalms are constructed and tie in to each other, sometimes one mirroring another. He writes about some of the many techniques used in the psalms, such as acrostics, repetition and imagery.
The psalms are poems--this was something I already knew--and Hamilton gives suggestions about how to best understand and appreciate these works of art--individually in addition to how they interact with each other and the rest of scripture. He recommends memorizing psalms as the best way to get "inside" them--I have personally found this a wonderful way to understand and appreciate the psalms.
In some ways, this is a "how to" book. In addition to memorizing psalms, Hamilton suggests analyzing each psalm by looking at images and themes, repetition of words and phrases. He also recommends becoming steeped in the entire bible as a way to better understand the psalms.
The book is relatively short, but I found myself stopping to read the psalms analyzed as well as the book itself. I would like to reread the book, spending even more time with each psalm Hamilton discusses.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lexham Press, and the author for providing me with a copy of this excellent book.
I found the book fascinating. Hamilton begins by examining the Psalter as a book with the structure of a book. I have never thought of the psalms as an entire book. I have focused on individual psalms and their meaning to me, as well as being moved by the beauty of so many of them but not on their relationship to each other and to the rest of the bible. I recognized many lines as quoted later in the Gospel or echoing other lines or stories I'd read in the older books but didn't think much about it. I certainly never stopped to think in any depth about it. Hamilton describes the Psalter as consisting of 5 books, each with an interior structure as well as a structure that ties them together as a whole.
Hamilton does a comprehensive job analyzing structure. He illuminates connections between specific psalms, connects each psalm with the stories in other scripture. Even more strikingly, he presents the Psalters as having a narrative structure and convincingly describes the way in which this is true, how each psalms corresponds and deepens a segment of Scripture. He also uses the little takes under the Psalms' number (such as "A Psalm of David") which I've never paid any attention to as having meaning, being clues as to how the Psalms fit in with scripture. The first two books of the Psalter correspond, for example, with stories about David.
He always analyzes the technical structure of the Psalter, the ways in which the psalms are constructed and tie in to each other, sometimes one mirroring another. He writes about some of the many techniques used in the psalms, such as acrostics, repetition and imagery.
The psalms are poems--this was something I already knew--and Hamilton gives suggestions about how to best understand and appreciate these works of art--individually in addition to how they interact with each other and the rest of scripture. He recommends memorizing psalms as the best way to get "inside" them--I have personally found this a wonderful way to understand and appreciate the psalms.
In some ways, this is a "how to" book. In addition to memorizing psalms, Hamilton suggests analyzing each psalm by looking at images and themes, repetition of words and phrases. He also recommends becoming steeped in the entire bible as a way to better understand the psalms.
The book is relatively short, but I found myself stopping to read the psalms analyzed as well as the book itself. I would like to reread the book, spending even more time with each psalm Hamilton discusses.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lexham Press, and the author for providing me with a copy of this excellent book.
December 26, 2024
I don’t agree with every interpretive take (chiasms on top of chiasms) and may be a bit too complex to be widely helpful. But, still stirred my heart and drew me to see the Psalms more deeply.
April 17, 2025
Great little book on understanding the Psalter as one cohesive book. Hamilton/Damico convincingly argue for an intentional structure of the psalms, including evidence for this in the superscriptions (i.e. they are a feature of the canonical text), the “seams” between books of the psalms, smaller units within the psalter (Absalom and Pss. 3–9; Psalms of Ascent; etc.), and more.
Some of the chiastic structures were a stretch. And, at times, I wondered if Hamilton/Damico are a little too “David-focused” (this could also be because I had Hamilton in seminary, and I’ve read his two-volume Psalms commentary).
Overall, good book. Read it, learn from it—and specifically read the Psalms as one book. One will benefit from reading multiple Psalms consecutively. But then, balance some of this with Christopher Ash’s insightful (and more Christological) four-volume work.
3.75/5
Some of the chiastic structures were a stretch. And, at times, I wondered if Hamilton/Damico are a little too “David-focused” (this could also be because I had Hamilton in seminary, and I’ve read his two-volume Psalms commentary).
Overall, good book. Read it, learn from it—and specifically read the Psalms as one book. One will benefit from reading multiple Psalms consecutively. But then, balance some of this with Christopher Ash’s insightful (and more Christological) four-volume work.
3.75/5
May 5, 2025
Great hermeneutical primer on the psalms. Of particular interest is Hamilton and Domico's case that the Psalms are intended to be read as an entire corpus. They argue that the Psalms, in addition to having value as 150 unique passages, have added weight when the reader considers how they are intentionally placed in the psalter. I am partially convinced by their arguments; not that their arguments are faulty. Partially, in the sense that I am still chewing on the implications of this claim. They set forth a pretty forceful case that this is an important rule in how we read the psalms. I had not considered this position fully before. This book has challenged me to think that through.
November 5, 2024
James Hamilton, Jr. and Matthew Damico, Reading the Psalms as Scripture (Bellingham, Lexham Press: 2024), hb., 142 pages. $19.99.
James Hamilton Jr. and Matthew Damico have blessed the Church with this incredible work on the Psalms. Sitting at 130 pages, the small book contains an enormous amount of insight into reading and interpreting the Psalms.
In such a short space, the authors say so much about the largest piece of Scriptural literature. There are 150 psalms, and Hamilton, Jr. and Damico provide an excellent overview in the first chapter. They follow this overview with a discussion on what most consider an insignificant part of the psalms: the superscriptions. The third chapter examines the key points of Hebrew poetry. In chapter four the authors investigate the structure of the psalms into five different books, including their connections and ascension in thought. The next four chapters address the psalms considering the rest of the canon of Scripture. In chapter five they position the psalms in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible and how they interact with the progress of the Old Testament. The sixth chapter is a discussion on messianic typology, discussing three key individuals in biblical history and their connection to Christ. In chapter seven they discuss how Old Testament authors use the psalms in their own writings. Chapter eight sees the development of the New Testament authors' use of the psalms. The authors end their work with a call for the Church to renew her embrace of the psalms as spiritual songs to be sung by the faithful.
Hamilton, Jr. and Damico have accomplished an amazing feat. In their work, they provide multiple examples for each of their theses. Layman and pastors alike will benefit from this book. It will enrich your appreciation for the beauty and art of the psalms, drawing forth praise for the work and Word of God. Seminaries and Bible colleges would see much benefit by incorporating this in an Old Testament Introduction or Survey class. Sunday School teachers will be blessed in their teaching as well.
A brief word should be said about the binding. Lexham Press did an excellent job in the quality of this book. It is a well-produced, smyth-sewn binding that will allow this treasure to be used for many years.
James Hamilton Jr. and Matthew Damico have blessed the Church with this incredible work on the Psalms. Sitting at 130 pages, the small book contains an enormous amount of insight into reading and interpreting the Psalms.
In such a short space, the authors say so much about the largest piece of Scriptural literature. There are 150 psalms, and Hamilton, Jr. and Damico provide an excellent overview in the first chapter. They follow this overview with a discussion on what most consider an insignificant part of the psalms: the superscriptions. The third chapter examines the key points of Hebrew poetry. In chapter four the authors investigate the structure of the psalms into five different books, including their connections and ascension in thought. The next four chapters address the psalms considering the rest of the canon of Scripture. In chapter five they position the psalms in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible and how they interact with the progress of the Old Testament. The sixth chapter is a discussion on messianic typology, discussing three key individuals in biblical history and their connection to Christ. In chapter seven they discuss how Old Testament authors use the psalms in their own writings. Chapter eight sees the development of the New Testament authors' use of the psalms. The authors end their work with a call for the Church to renew her embrace of the psalms as spiritual songs to be sung by the faithful.
Hamilton, Jr. and Damico have accomplished an amazing feat. In their work, they provide multiple examples for each of their theses. Layman and pastors alike will benefit from this book. It will enrich your appreciation for the beauty and art of the psalms, drawing forth praise for the work and Word of God. Seminaries and Bible colleges would see much benefit by incorporating this in an Old Testament Introduction or Survey class. Sunday School teachers will be blessed in their teaching as well.
A brief word should be said about the binding. Lexham Press did an excellent job in the quality of this book. It is a well-produced, smyth-sewn binding that will allow this treasure to be used for many years.
December 5, 2024
In Reading the Psalms as Scripture, James M. Hamilton Jr. and Matthew Damico open your eyes to the beauty and brilliance of the psalms. This book reveals the intricate patterns and unique features of the Psalter, ultimately drawing attention to its divine Author.
A Cohesive Collection
One of the key strengths of the book is how it encourages us to view the Psalms not just as individual poems but as a cohesive collection. I found it particularly thought-provoking how David often described himself in ways that evoke the past while also pointing toward the future. He recognized himself as a prefiguring type of Christ, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and adds layers of meaning to his words.
One of my favorite encouragements from the book was to read multiple psalms in a single sitting. I had always thought it was best to read one psalm at a time, limiting myself to just one per day. While that method has its merits, reading more allows readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of the Psalter, helping us see how the various psalms speak to one another. It’s perfectly okay to “end up lost in its narrative and at home in God’s word.“
Shaped by Song
Another moving point the authors make is how God has shaped his people through the singing of the Psalms, a practice that continues today. This insight reaffirms the enduring power of these texts to nurture our faith and community. By engaging with the Psalms, we participate in a tradition that connects us to God’s people throughout history.
Reading the Psalms as Scripture is a wonderful resource that encourages a richer engagement with one of the Bible’s most beloved books. God shaped his people by singing the Psalms, and he still does so to this day.
I received a media copy of Reading the Psalms as Scripture and this is my honest review.
A Cohesive Collection
One of the key strengths of the book is how it encourages us to view the Psalms not just as individual poems but as a cohesive collection. I found it particularly thought-provoking how David often described himself in ways that evoke the past while also pointing toward the future. He recognized himself as a prefiguring type of Christ, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and adds layers of meaning to his words.
One of my favorite encouragements from the book was to read multiple psalms in a single sitting. I had always thought it was best to read one psalm at a time, limiting myself to just one per day. While that method has its merits, reading more allows readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of the Psalter, helping us see how the various psalms speak to one another. It’s perfectly okay to “end up lost in its narrative and at home in God’s word.“
Shaped by Song
Another moving point the authors make is how God has shaped his people through the singing of the Psalms, a practice that continues today. This insight reaffirms the enduring power of these texts to nurture our faith and community. By engaging with the Psalms, we participate in a tradition that connects us to God’s people throughout history.
Reading the Psalms as Scripture is a wonderful resource that encourages a richer engagement with one of the Bible’s most beloved books. God shaped his people by singing the Psalms, and he still does so to this day.
I received a media copy of Reading the Psalms as Scripture and this is my honest review.
August 16, 2025
Do everything you can to read this book as you read through the Psalms, and then re-read it. It is a wonderful, concise treatment of reading the Psalms with a fuller sense of what the biblical authors intend to do in this section of Scripture. I have devotionally read through Hamilton’s Psalms commentary (which I highly recommend as well), but any one just getting started or reading through the Psalms for an extended period of time should take the time to work through this little book as they do so!
December 18, 2024
A helpful book in understanding the Psalms, and not a long read. What I found most helpful was his argument that the psalms are arranged intentionally and that there is a story that the Psalter is trying to portray. I think he may be correct. It was my first time reading someone who has said this, but it does help you understand the Psalms as a whole a lot better. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is new with the Psalms or wants to gain greater clarity on how to read them.
September 28, 2024
What a wonderful book with a powerful message, the Psalms are a collection of writings that fit together as one unit. Both authors are clear, argue well, and convincingly articulate their main point. The Psalms are scripture, they should be interpreted by other OT and NT writers, and they should be sung regularly. Amen!
November 7, 2024
This gets 5 stars from me because of the sheer value-per-page. It's extremely slim, and packs incredible research and insight in such a small package. I also love the canonical-narrative approach they take to understanding the whole psalter. Such an incredibly valuable little book.
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/wSM__eNUGMg
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/wSM__eNUGMg
April 28, 2025
This small book is packed with information of how the Psalms is organized and the beauty of its interconnectedness. Hamilton argues that we should read it as Scripture, that is, to read it with care and the desire to fill our heart and mind with it so that we are completely transformed by its message and language. Now I am both excited and ready to study this book through the Summer!
August 31, 2025
Heading into a study on the Messianic Psalms, I feel more equipped and empowered to see what the Lord intended for the reader of the Psalter. This short book is packed full of useful information and tools on how to approach the Psalms, a book unlike any other book of the Bible. I learned so much and look forward to applying it in my Bible reading time.
May 24, 2025
So much good information packed in such a small book. I understand the psalms a bit better. I learned a lot about how to study the psalms. It grew my love for the psalms. I can’t wait to study more on this!
August 15, 2025
A must read for anyone looking to study the Psalms.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews