Transformed by Praise: The Purpose and Message of the Psalms

by Mark David Futato

God's people love the Psalms - pray them, sing them, meditate on them. This book will help you understand them more deeply and love them more. Out of the depths of his own suffering and from his extensive study, Mark Futato has found in the Psalms a compelling portrait of Christ himself. The Psalms take us from lament to praise through a life-transforming encounter with their divine Author.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Theology

165 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Mark D. Futato (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; MA, PhD, Semetic Languages and Literature, The Catholic University of America) is professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando campus. He has written widely on creation and the natural world in biblical studies.

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique to books on the Psalms that I've read. Part informative, part devotional, Futato does a good job introducing some categories for study without being academic and without losing the poetry of the Psalms. He goes into depth in several Psalms, especially 1 and 2, but also overviews themes found throughout the book. Definitely recommend for Psalm study.

[Luke Brodine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads that I've encountered on Book of Psalms.

In this short book, Futato takes a scholarly yet imminently accessible look at understanding the Book of Psalms as a unit. Among many helpful personal insights that he gives, the greatest contribution that he makes is in regard to the structure of the Psalms. The Psalms are divided into 5 books, yet there is little obvious connection in how they are compiled. Futato brings out many nuances of their interconnection, and helps the reader see what the original compilers of the Psalms intended the worshipers of Israel to learn about faithful living under the reign of Yahweh.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for both pastors and laity. It can read quickly for a general overview of kingdom/messianic presence in the Psalms and an understanding of how the 150 books move from lament to praise. It can also be read more deliberately for an understanding of hebrew poetic forms, sermon ideas, etc. It's that uncommon book that can be read on several levels, much likes the Psalms it discusses.