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The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology
For centuries the book of Psalms has been read as a random collection of poems with no intentional arrangement. But is this a correct understanding?
O. Palmer Robertson equips us to see a clear redemptive-historical progression that develops across the five books of Psalms. With the aid of charts in full color, he demonstrates how an intentional structure is indicated by elements such as the placement of acrostic psalms, strategic couplings of Messianic psalms with Torah psalms, and the grouping of psalms by topics.
If you love the psalms, Robertson will give you a better grasp of the whole Psalter and a deeper appreciation of each individual poem.
To download a free PDF of Dr. Robertson's groundbreaking full-color charts of the structure of the Psalms, click here. The PDF may be printed, photocopied, distributed, and used for noncommercial purposes, with appropriate credit.
“With his customary clarity and insight, Robertson presents a psalter that is at once theologically rich, historically relevant, and practically impactful.”
—John Scott Redd Jr., Reformed Theological Seminary
“Easily understood and available to serve pastors and other church leaders as they preach and teach Christ from the Psalms. . . . One of the very best studies of this part of Scripture.”
—Richard L. Pratt Jr., Third Millennium Ministries
“A pleasure to read! …Robertson’s fresh and insightful work on this majestic book of Scripture is sure to expand your mind, warm your heart, and open your mouth to join with all creation in shouts of ‘Hallelu-YAH.’”
—Douglas Sean O’Donnell,Queensland Theological College
“A courageous and thought-provoking proposal to read the Psalter afresh. Palmer Robertson argues that the Psalms exhibit… an organized development of thought progression from the beginning to the end… His joy of discovery is contagious.”
—Eric Peels, Theological University Apeldoorn
The Author
O. Palmer Robertson (ThM, ThD, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia) is director and principal of African Bible College, Uganda. He previously taught at Reformed, Westminster, Covenant, and Knox Seminaries.
O. Palmer Robertson equips us to see a clear redemptive-historical progression that develops across the five books of Psalms. With the aid of charts in full color, he demonstrates how an intentional structure is indicated by elements such as the placement of acrostic psalms, strategic couplings of Messianic psalms with Torah psalms, and the grouping of psalms by topics.
If you love the psalms, Robertson will give you a better grasp of the whole Psalter and a deeper appreciation of each individual poem.
To download a free PDF of Dr. Robertson's groundbreaking full-color charts of the structure of the Psalms, click here. The PDF may be printed, photocopied, distributed, and used for noncommercial purposes, with appropriate credit.
“With his customary clarity and insight, Robertson presents a psalter that is at once theologically rich, historically relevant, and practically impactful.”
—John Scott Redd Jr., Reformed Theological Seminary
“Easily understood and available to serve pastors and other church leaders as they preach and teach Christ from the Psalms. . . . One of the very best studies of this part of Scripture.”
—Richard L. Pratt Jr., Third Millennium Ministries
“A pleasure to read! …Robertson’s fresh and insightful work on this majestic book of Scripture is sure to expand your mind, warm your heart, and open your mouth to join with all creation in shouts of ‘Hallelu-YAH.’”
—Douglas Sean O’Donnell,Queensland Theological College
“A courageous and thought-provoking proposal to read the Psalter afresh. Palmer Robertson argues that the Psalms exhibit… an organized development of thought progression from the beginning to the end… His joy of discovery is contagious.”
—Eric Peels, Theological University Apeldoorn
The Author
O. Palmer Robertson (ThM, ThD, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia) is director and principal of African Bible College, Uganda. He previously taught at Reformed, Westminster, Covenant, and Knox Seminaries.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2015
71 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
O. Palmer Robertson
32 books59 followersOwen Palmer Robertson (born August 31, 1937) is an American Christian theologian and biblical scholar. He taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, Knox Theological Seminary as well as at the African Bible Colleges of Malawi and Uganda. He also served as principal of the latter institution.
Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.
In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.
Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.
In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 3, 2015
Very effective treatment of the issues related to the order and structure of the Book of Psalms. More accessible than a number of the previous monographs that have dealt with the same topic. In addition, those previous works lacked Robertson's commitment to the place of redemptive-historical interpretation is dealing with the issue.
December 21, 2015
The study of the structure of the Psalms is a complex study. I anticipate that scholars will continue to make progress aiding in our understanding of how the Psalms were compiled and how the structure influences our interpretation.
Robertson suggests as most do, that the five books of the Psalms are critical in understanding the structure of the book. Where he makes a new contribution however is in his summation of each book. He offers a single word for each book (my explanations follow).
Book 1: Confrontation. God's people are confronted by and struggle with the enemies of the Messianic Kingdom.
Book 2: Communication. There is new communication with the Nations about the rule of Elohim.
Book 3: Devastation. The people of God are devastated by invading international enemies, yet Suffering comes before Glory.
Book 4: Maturation. Exile leads to maturation for God's people.
Book 5: Consummation. - Though in the now-not-yet God's people will be gathered into his kingdom under his rule.
I learned a tremendous amount from reading this book straight through but I think once the reader understands the author's basic argument, which can be gleaned from reading the opening chapters and the Summary chapter (10), the book will function best as a reference work. Robertson's insights are often detailed and would be traced better in the context of individual chapter study.
Robertson's treatment on several familiar themes was extremely helpful for me. I benefited most from his discussion on the use Elohim vs. YHW, Hallelujah, the phrase "trust in the Lord," and the relationship between Torah and Messianic psalms especially.
I'm thankful for this book and quite glad that I read it. I expect it to be referenced for sometime to come. I would probably only recommend it to readers with theological training.
4 of 5 Stars.
Robertson suggests as most do, that the five books of the Psalms are critical in understanding the structure of the book. Where he makes a new contribution however is in his summation of each book. He offers a single word for each book (my explanations follow).
Book 1: Confrontation. God's people are confronted by and struggle with the enemies of the Messianic Kingdom.
Book 2: Communication. There is new communication with the Nations about the rule of Elohim.
Book 3: Devastation. The people of God are devastated by invading international enemies, yet Suffering comes before Glory.
Book 4: Maturation. Exile leads to maturation for God's people.
Book 5: Consummation. - Though in the now-not-yet God's people will be gathered into his kingdom under his rule.
I learned a tremendous amount from reading this book straight through but I think once the reader understands the author's basic argument, which can be gleaned from reading the opening chapters and the Summary chapter (10), the book will function best as a reference work. Robertson's insights are often detailed and would be traced better in the context of individual chapter study.
Robertson's treatment on several familiar themes was extremely helpful for me. I benefited most from his discussion on the use Elohim vs. YHW, Hallelujah, the phrase "trust in the Lord," and the relationship between Torah and Messianic psalms especially.
I'm thankful for this book and quite glad that I read it. I expect it to be referenced for sometime to come. I would probably only recommend it to readers with theological training.
4 of 5 Stars.
May 11, 2020
Insightful, informing, and actually helpful. This work traces the flow of the Psalter acknowledging its compositional complexity but delineating the uniting themes and structures that forms the whole combination of the 5 books: from Confrontation; Communication; Devastation; Maturation, and finally, Consummation.
Not all arguments made by Robertson are equally forceful or convincing, but the thrust of the proposal is sound and most of his insights helpful in studying the Psalter and biblical theology as a whole. 10/10.
Not all arguments made by Robertson are equally forceful or convincing, but the thrust of the proposal is sound and most of his insights helpful in studying the Psalter and biblical theology as a whole. 10/10.
July 11, 2015
Let us not fall into the temptation of thinking that the ordering of the psalter has no rhyme or reason. It does. Robertson looks at it in great depth. At a macrolevel, you have the 5 books of psalms. He sees I as focusing on confrontation; II focusing on Communication; III on devastation; IV, maturation; and V consummation.
And he goes much deeper than that. I won't go into all his study, but there's a reason the first two psalms are what they are; there's a reason torah psalms are often linked with messianic psalms, and acrostic psalms with creation psalms. There's a reason the Davidic psalms are scattered in the way they are. There's a reason Solomon ends book II, and Moses starts book IV. There's a reason psalms 49-52 are next to each other and in the order they are. And so on and on and on. It's a very close study of a book of the Bible that deserves such.
We agree that the Scriptures are inspired. That the psalms are inspired. But is their order inspired? Robertson doesn't address this question. I thought of it in the shower this afternoon. But if Romans and Genesis and Jude display a careful, logical order throughout, why not the Psalms? God does not do anything randomly. Read Robertson's book, and you'll agree.
And he goes much deeper than that. I won't go into all his study, but there's a reason the first two psalms are what they are; there's a reason torah psalms are often linked with messianic psalms, and acrostic psalms with creation psalms. There's a reason the Davidic psalms are scattered in the way they are. There's a reason Solomon ends book II, and Moses starts book IV. There's a reason psalms 49-52 are next to each other and in the order they are. And so on and on and on. It's a very close study of a book of the Bible that deserves such.
We agree that the Scriptures are inspired. That the psalms are inspired. But is their order inspired? Robertson doesn't address this question. I thought of it in the shower this afternoon. But if Romans and Genesis and Jude display a careful, logical order throughout, why not the Psalms? God does not do anything randomly. Read Robertson's book, and you'll agree.
November 11, 2018
Immensely thought-provoking. Robertson assumes that Psalms was put into its final format by some human editor or redactor, and argues that the careful reader can detect a well-designed structure in the arrangement of the individual Psalms. Robertson emphasizes ways in which this structure makes it easier to memorize the various Psalms within the book as a whole.
Most Bible readers have noticed certain features of the Psalms, such as the "Psalms of Ascents," or various Psalms that start (or end) with "Hallelujah!" Robertson proves that these unmistakable collections are just the tip of the iceberg: there are various blocks or groups of four, five, seven, or more Psalms throughout the "five books" of the Psalms. He argues that many of these blocks have further structuring, such as a "pinnacle Psalm" that stands in the middle of the block.
Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary to appreciate his argument, although it certainly helps; there are eight "acrostic Psalms" that use sequential letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Robertson argues that these serve as landmarks for the Hebrew reader who wants an easy way to remember where the other Psalms can be found.
Robertson does not push an idiosyncratic agenda as he sketches the structure of the book, although he certainly has his own beliefs. Jewish readers may not fully appreciate his discussion of the ways in which New Testament authors selectively quote the Psalms, but his primary purpose in citing the New Testament is to show how the structuring of the Psalms may well have made certain Psalms more prominent in the memory than others.
I do not expect to study any Psalm in the future without referring to this book. Having read it once (quickly), I no longer believe that I can take a Psalm in isolation without examining it in its context within the whole Psalter. That makes it a priceless addition to my theological bookshelf!
Most Bible readers have noticed certain features of the Psalms, such as the "Psalms of Ascents," or various Psalms that start (or end) with "Hallelujah!" Robertson proves that these unmistakable collections are just the tip of the iceberg: there are various blocks or groups of four, five, seven, or more Psalms throughout the "five books" of the Psalms. He argues that many of these blocks have further structuring, such as a "pinnacle Psalm" that stands in the middle of the block.
Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary to appreciate his argument, although it certainly helps; there are eight "acrostic Psalms" that use sequential letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Robertson argues that these serve as landmarks for the Hebrew reader who wants an easy way to remember where the other Psalms can be found.
Robertson does not push an idiosyncratic agenda as he sketches the structure of the book, although he certainly has his own beliefs. Jewish readers may not fully appreciate his discussion of the ways in which New Testament authors selectively quote the Psalms, but his primary purpose in citing the New Testament is to show how the structuring of the Psalms may well have made certain Psalms more prominent in the memory than others.
I do not expect to study any Psalm in the future without referring to this book. Having read it once (quickly), I no longer believe that I can take a Psalm in isolation without examining it in its context within the whole Psalter. That makes it a priceless addition to my theological bookshelf!
July 19, 2020
This is excellent. It seem indisputable now to me that there is a carefully planned logic to the arrangement of the Psalms. We must always read the Bible in context, but we often don’t do that with the Psalms. We read one in isolation and tend to read them subjectively—what are they saying to me about my life? The Psalms certainly can teach us something about our own circumstances and how to face them, but that’s not their primary purpose and we can’t know how to apply them if we don’t first understand their original meaning (that’s redundant) and context. Hmm, I seem to have digressed.
Perhaps the central truth to OPR’s book is that the Psalms are an extended commentary, in the form of songs, on the Davidic covenant and living under that covenant, which we still do today as that covenant’s been fulfilled by Jesus. The “flow” that OPR discerns in the book starts with the establishment of the kingship of that covenant and then goes through how God is faithful to that covenant even when his anointed line (and those that line stands in representation of) is not, until, of course, Jesus fulfills it. So, the Psalms, after two introductory psalms, start with the Lord’s anointed betrayed and beset with enemies (Ps. 3) and end with all people gathered before the throne of the Lord’s anointed, shouting, “Praise the LORD” (lit. “Hallelujah”). (Ps. 146-150; cf. Rev. 19).
Perhaps the central truth to OPR’s book is that the Psalms are an extended commentary, in the form of songs, on the Davidic covenant and living under that covenant, which we still do today as that covenant’s been fulfilled by Jesus. The “flow” that OPR discerns in the book starts with the establishment of the kingship of that covenant and then goes through how God is faithful to that covenant even when his anointed line (and those that line stands in representation of) is not, until, of course, Jesus fulfills it. So, the Psalms, after two introductory psalms, start with the Lord’s anointed betrayed and beset with enemies (Ps. 3) and end with all people gathered before the throne of the Lord’s anointed, shouting, “Praise the LORD” (lit. “Hallelujah”). (Ps. 146-150; cf. Rev. 19).
April 3, 2023
A must-read for any serious study of the Psalter.
February 29, 2024
Flow of the Psalms is excellent. The redemptive historical focus on each of the 5 books of the Psalms provides a framework for Robertson to examine all the various patterns and developments throughout the 5 books of the Psalms. If you want a book to utterly change your life, this is not it. If you want a book to completely reshape your view of the Psalms and observe the masterful design of it, this is that book. Many eye opening observations and short text studies are present. Robertson does not read into what is not there, but does examine all that is there with depth.
July 18, 2023
Entertaining: 5/10
Transformational: 9/10
Wow. I love books that change the way I think, and this one did that. The color charts of Psalm classifications, the thematic commentary (inductively drawn), and the chapter on New Testament quotation of the Psalms were highlights.
The Pslams are not just a curio cabinet of song lyrics. Their order tells the redemptive story of history. They are strategically ordered for memorization and theological waypoints.
I spent 19 months in the Psalms with this and Kidner's commentary as my traveling partners.
Transformational: 9/10
Wow. I love books that change the way I think, and this one did that. The color charts of Psalm classifications, the thematic commentary (inductively drawn), and the chapter on New Testament quotation of the Psalms were highlights.
The Pslams are not just a curio cabinet of song lyrics. Their order tells the redemptive story of history. They are strategically ordered for memorization and theological waypoints.
I spent 19 months in the Psalms with this and Kidner's commentary as my traveling partners.
December 12, 2023
Read for men’s book study.
A very analytical breakdown of the structure of the Psalms. Gets into the weeds, and doesn’t always bring to life the vibrancy of scripture, but presents a convincing framework that I’m looking forward to using during my next read-through of the Psalms.
A very analytical breakdown of the structure of the Psalms. Gets into the weeds, and doesn’t always bring to life the vibrancy of scripture, but presents a convincing framework that I’m looking forward to using during my next read-through of the Psalms.
September 10, 2024
Wonderfully helpful for study and understanding of the Psalms and like others of his books that I have only recently been introduced to, encouraging in their emphasis on the glory of God in all of Scripture...
November 17, 2023
a good study resource, but the prose is less than engaging.
January 24, 2025
Extremely dense read. 100% worth it.
Read
July 19, 2023Great read! Helpful and interesting narrative account for the five part structure of the Psalter that also gives us an aid in reading the canonical narrative of the OT
January 5, 2018
I don’t know if I’m qualified to review this book in that I don’t have a lot of background on the subject or a comprehensive enough understanding of the Psalms to say yea or nay to Robertson’s analysis.
That said, I am both intrigued by his argument but not convinced at this point. Caveat, I responded initially the same way to his book on biblical covenants.
Principle argument: the book of Psalms shows distinct evidence of intentional composition by a compiler/editor, which develops a common theological theme across the entire book.
Robertson is countering several misguided approaches to the Psalms. 1) the book is a mostly random, hodgepodge collection of religious poetry, with very little relationship between preceding and following psalms. 2) the goal of proper study of Psalms is to first identify genre and then collate and look for themes within genres. 3) every psalm is about Christ and our goal is to get to him as quickly as possible.
Instead, Robertson posits an intentional thematic ordering, divided into five books, each with a main thematic idea. Each book is subdivided again by structural and thematic ideas. This means the whole of Psalms is to be taken as a complete work rather than isolated religious poetry, cherrypicked by preference.
If you’ve never given thought to the idea of a unified book of Psalms, this is a good place to start.
Two frustrating elements: much of the work was repetitive. This meant I did a significant amount of skimming in parts. Also, the speculative nature of the reconstruction bothered me. If the author cannot be optimistically confident about his conclusions, then how can I use his work in Bible studies and sermon prep?
Concluding thought- I am forced to admit that I know little of this section of the Bible. Robertson has challenged me to begin reading the whole work as a completed book. After several times through I will go back to “The Flow of the Psalms” and re-examine his argument.
That said, I am both intrigued by his argument but not convinced at this point. Caveat, I responded initially the same way to his book on biblical covenants.
Principle argument: the book of Psalms shows distinct evidence of intentional composition by a compiler/editor, which develops a common theological theme across the entire book.
Robertson is countering several misguided approaches to the Psalms. 1) the book is a mostly random, hodgepodge collection of religious poetry, with very little relationship between preceding and following psalms. 2) the goal of proper study of Psalms is to first identify genre and then collate and look for themes within genres. 3) every psalm is about Christ and our goal is to get to him as quickly as possible.
Instead, Robertson posits an intentional thematic ordering, divided into five books, each with a main thematic idea. Each book is subdivided again by structural and thematic ideas. This means the whole of Psalms is to be taken as a complete work rather than isolated religious poetry, cherrypicked by preference.
If you’ve never given thought to the idea of a unified book of Psalms, this is a good place to start.
Two frustrating elements: much of the work was repetitive. This meant I did a significant amount of skimming in parts. Also, the speculative nature of the reconstruction bothered me. If the author cannot be optimistically confident about his conclusions, then how can I use his work in Bible studies and sermon prep?
Concluding thought- I am forced to admit that I know little of this section of the Bible. Robertson has challenged me to begin reading the whole work as a completed book. After several times through I will go back to “The Flow of the Psalms” and re-examine his argument.
August 7, 2015
The Book of Psalms in many ways is the whole bible in one book. It has the contrast of the wicked and the righteousness, the law of God, the testimony of God, Precept of God, Commandment of God, the fear of God and the judgement of God. The Psalms is all encompassing that with it we can know the Lord with our heart, soul and mind. This is a difficult book to get thru for the common layman, however, I would encourage anyone that has a love for the Psalms and the word of God to dig in because you are mining for truth on this one.
This would be an excellent resource for pastors to teach on the book of Psalms. It seems like to me that any teaching on Psalms is secondary. A verse will be mentioned here or there when there is a treasure to be taught from the pulpit. Not just the content of psalms is relevant but also the structure of psalms is just as relevant with understanding.
A resource to be treasured and mined again.
A Special Thank You to P & R and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
This would be an excellent resource for pastors to teach on the book of Psalms. It seems like to me that any teaching on Psalms is secondary. A verse will be mentioned here or there when there is a treasure to be taught from the pulpit. Not just the content of psalms is relevant but also the structure of psalms is just as relevant with understanding.
A resource to be treasured and mined again.
A Special Thank You to P & R and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 20, 2017
This is an excellent book. In my mind, Robertson has decisively demonstrated that the Psalms display in intentional arrangement designed to communicate a larger theological message. In short, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I especially appreciated the way Robertson works to show what is clear and what is less clear in his proposal, being sure not to overemphasize his points or their significance for New Testament understanding of the Psalter.
February 21, 2016
Just what I've been looking for. In past study I saw patterns but couldn't find the big picture connections. Now I'm ready to go through the Psalter again, using this book now as a helpful reference.
January 4, 2024
By far the largest book in the Bible, the Psalms might seem to be an arbitrary collection of individual psalms by various writers, with no chronological, authorial, or thematic organization other than their grouping into five books (which itself may be puzzling, given the disparity in size among the books). Robertson contends that there is a definite structure to the book, that the compilers of the book of Psalms intended a specific flow to the collection.
This book is not a commentary on the individual psalms. although he does get into specific verses in many of the psalms. Robertson begins by considering the various groupings of the psalms (by author, by subject, for example), the "poetic pillars" of psalms focusing on the law and psalms focusing on the Messiah, acrostic psalms, and what he calls "poetic pyramid" groupings. He next explains the frameworks within which the psalms were written and sung: God's covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David.
The majority of the book goes through each of the five books in detail, positing an overarching theme for each book (in order: confrontation, communication, devastation, maturation, consummation) in relation to the covenant people and their history. Within each book Robertson explains the structure, groupings, order, and various types of psalms. Interesting tidbits appear throughout, such as: Psalms 2, 110, and 118 are the most often quoted in the New Testament; Psalm 80 by count of the characters is the central psalm in the book (and the Hebrew text even identifies the middle letter of the book by raising it slightly); and the term "hallelu-YAH" only appears in Psalms 104-106 and in Book 5 psalms, and nowhere else in the Old Testament.
One does not have to agree with all Robertson's contentions (and he himself admits that there isn't definitive proof for some of his assertions) to recognize and appreciate the incredible amount of work and thought he has put into this book. I would suggest that particularly for a pastor who plans to preach through at least some of Psalms this book will be an invaluable tool.
This book is not a commentary on the individual psalms. although he does get into specific verses in many of the psalms. Robertson begins by considering the various groupings of the psalms (by author, by subject, for example), the "poetic pillars" of psalms focusing on the law and psalms focusing on the Messiah, acrostic psalms, and what he calls "poetic pyramid" groupings. He next explains the frameworks within which the psalms were written and sung: God's covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David.
The majority of the book goes through each of the five books in detail, positing an overarching theme for each book (in order: confrontation, communication, devastation, maturation, consummation) in relation to the covenant people and their history. Within each book Robertson explains the structure, groupings, order, and various types of psalms. Interesting tidbits appear throughout, such as: Psalms 2, 110, and 118 are the most often quoted in the New Testament; Psalm 80 by count of the characters is the central psalm in the book (and the Hebrew text even identifies the middle letter of the book by raising it slightly); and the term "hallelu-YAH" only appears in Psalms 104-106 and in Book 5 psalms, and nowhere else in the Old Testament.
One does not have to agree with all Robertson's contentions (and he himself admits that there isn't definitive proof for some of his assertions) to recognize and appreciate the incredible amount of work and thought he has put into this book. I would suggest that particularly for a pastor who plans to preach through at least some of Psalms this book will be an invaluable tool.
January 30, 2024
This review first appeared on ‘living theology’ at johnbmacdonald.com
Do you view the book of Psalms as a hodge-podge collection? As much as you enjoy reading, praying, and singing the Psalms, there is no apparent structure or progression in the collection.
Robertson’s book is a recent endeavor to identify the structure and theological progression of the book of Psalms. It is a given that the book is divided into five sections or “books.” In the early chapters, Robertson explores the structural elements of the Psalms from various perspectives, including the recognized categories of Messianic, ascent, acrostic, and so forth. He then identifies various patterns emerging from his analysis.
Generally, his conclusion as to its structure is:
Book 1 (Psalms 1-41): Confrontation – the messianic king (ultimately, this king is Jesus Christ) struggles with numerous enemies opposed to the Kingdom of God.
Book 2 (Psalms 42-72): Communication – of the king with the peoples of other “nations.”
Book 3 (Psalms 73-89): Devastation – by invading nations because of the sin of God’s people and their lack of trust in him.
Book 4 (Psalms 90-106): Maturation – in the perspective of God’s people toward the promises of the Davidic covenant.
Book 5 (Psalms 107-150): Consummation – the climactic praises of the kingdom.
The book is well-researched and written, although challenging at times. There is a wealth of insights that will enrich your reading of the Psalms.
As for the structure, it appears quite intricate and complex, and I am left with the sense that it continues to elude our grasp.
I will get even more from this book when I re-read it.
You can see this review and other helpful articles on ‘living theology’ at johnbmacdonald.com.
Do you view the book of Psalms as a hodge-podge collection? As much as you enjoy reading, praying, and singing the Psalms, there is no apparent structure or progression in the collection.
Robertson’s book is a recent endeavor to identify the structure and theological progression of the book of Psalms. It is a given that the book is divided into five sections or “books.” In the early chapters, Robertson explores the structural elements of the Psalms from various perspectives, including the recognized categories of Messianic, ascent, acrostic, and so forth. He then identifies various patterns emerging from his analysis.
Generally, his conclusion as to its structure is:
Book 1 (Psalms 1-41): Confrontation – the messianic king (ultimately, this king is Jesus Christ) struggles with numerous enemies opposed to the Kingdom of God.
Book 2 (Psalms 42-72): Communication – of the king with the peoples of other “nations.”
Book 3 (Psalms 73-89): Devastation – by invading nations because of the sin of God’s people and their lack of trust in him.
Book 4 (Psalms 90-106): Maturation – in the perspective of God’s people toward the promises of the Davidic covenant.
Book 5 (Psalms 107-150): Consummation – the climactic praises of the kingdom.
The book is well-researched and written, although challenging at times. There is a wealth of insights that will enrich your reading of the Psalms.
As for the structure, it appears quite intricate and complex, and I am left with the sense that it continues to elude our grasp.
I will get even more from this book when I re-read it.
You can see this review and other helpful articles on ‘living theology’ at johnbmacdonald.com.
January 30, 2024
This review first appeared on ‘living theology’ at johnbmacdonald.com
Do you view the book of Psalms as a hodge-podge collection? As much as you enjoy reading, praying, and singing the Psalms, there is no apparent structure or progression in the collection.
Robertson’s book is a recent endeavor to identify the structure and theological progression of the book of Psalms. It is a given that the book is divided into five sections or “books.” In the early chapters, Robertson explores the structural elements of the psalms from various perspectives, including the recognized categories of Messianic, ascent, acrostic, and so forth. He then identifies various patterns emerging from his analysis.
Generally, his conclusion as to its structure is:
Book 1 (Psalms 1-41): Confrontation – the messianic king (ultimately, this king is Jesus Christ) struggles with numerous enemies opposed to the Kingdom of God.
Book 2 (Psalms 42-72): Communication – of the king with the peoples of other “nations.”
Book 3 (Psalms 73-89): Devastation – by invading nations because of the sin of God’s people and their lack of trust in him.
Book 4 (Psalms 90-106): Maturation – in the perspective of God’s people toward the promises of the Davidic covenant.
Book 5 (Psalms 107-150): Consummation – the climactic praises of the kingdom.
The book is well-researched and written, although challenging at times. There is a wealth of insights that will enrich your reading of the Psalms.
As for the structure, it appears quite intricate and complex, and I am left with the sense that it continues to elude our grasp.
I will get even more from this book when I re-read it.
You can see this review and other helpful articles on ‘living theology’ at johnbmacdonald.com.
Do you view the book of Psalms as a hodge-podge collection? As much as you enjoy reading, praying, and singing the Psalms, there is no apparent structure or progression in the collection.
Robertson’s book is a recent endeavor to identify the structure and theological progression of the book of Psalms. It is a given that the book is divided into five sections or “books.” In the early chapters, Robertson explores the structural elements of the psalms from various perspectives, including the recognized categories of Messianic, ascent, acrostic, and so forth. He then identifies various patterns emerging from his analysis.
Generally, his conclusion as to its structure is:
Book 1 (Psalms 1-41): Confrontation – the messianic king (ultimately, this king is Jesus Christ) struggles with numerous enemies opposed to the Kingdom of God.
Book 2 (Psalms 42-72): Communication – of the king with the peoples of other “nations.”
Book 3 (Psalms 73-89): Devastation – by invading nations because of the sin of God’s people and their lack of trust in him.
Book 4 (Psalms 90-106): Maturation – in the perspective of God’s people toward the promises of the Davidic covenant.
Book 5 (Psalms 107-150): Consummation – the climactic praises of the kingdom.
The book is well-researched and written, although challenging at times. There is a wealth of insights that will enrich your reading of the Psalms.
As for the structure, it appears quite intricate and complex, and I am left with the sense that it continues to elude our grasp.
I will get even more from this book when I re-read it.
You can see this review and other helpful articles on ‘living theology’ at johnbmacdonald.com.
July 29, 2024
Robertson challenged me here to think more deeply about how individual psalms might be intentionally organized and impact one another, rather than simply standing in isolation. Some of the clearest structural markers are the concluding doxologies in each of the five books and the summative note, “The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended” (Psa. 72:20), though David shows up again in later psalms.
Many of Robertson’s observations I found convincing, like the Hallelu-YAH triads in 104-106, 111-113, and 115-177, leading up to the “Hallelu-YAH finale” of 146-150. His take on the position of acrostic psalms to structurally break up sections of the larger Books 1 and 5 also holds weight. Other points, however, are less compelling like the “poetic pyramids” he describes in Excursus 2. The overall “clear progression” he describes in the substance of the five books in my view likely has more to do with the probable periods of collection of these books than it does with a definite narrative progression. At times, it feels like Robertson is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole to adjust to the book themes he suggests.
Overall, the book length is either too long or too short. It ought to be either a bit longer for scholarly readers or a bit shorter for lay readers. But as it is, it’s good to give attention to how there may be some connecting flow to the psalms as a whole unit—even if that flow runs deeper beneath the surface than we’re able to see. The chart at the back is also a handy guide.
3.5/5
Many of Robertson’s observations I found convincing, like the Hallelu-YAH triads in 104-106, 111-113, and 115-177, leading up to the “Hallelu-YAH finale” of 146-150. His take on the position of acrostic psalms to structurally break up sections of the larger Books 1 and 5 also holds weight. Other points, however, are less compelling like the “poetic pyramids” he describes in Excursus 2. The overall “clear progression” he describes in the substance of the five books in my view likely has more to do with the probable periods of collection of these books than it does with a definite narrative progression. At times, it feels like Robertson is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole to adjust to the book themes he suggests.
Overall, the book length is either too long or too short. It ought to be either a bit longer for scholarly readers or a bit shorter for lay readers. But as it is, it’s good to give attention to how there may be some connecting flow to the psalms as a whole unit—even if that flow runs deeper beneath the surface than we’re able to see. The chart at the back is also a handy guide.
3.5/5
January 24, 2025
For the majority of my walk with Christ, I had a very shallow understanding of the psalms. Recognizing this weakness, I made the goal of reading and praying through the psalter each day of 2024, marking the common language, parallels and themes, as I saw them. At the end of the year I heard about this book and immediately purchased it and started devouring its contents. This exposition is so clear and precise. Excellent exposition of the flow within the five books of the psalter, the common phrases, and the context of the psalms. Truly, the structure and thematic movement of the psalms pops out on the page, and this gave me such a great foundation to build upon as I continue the study and memorize the psalter. The end of the book has graphs and outlines designed to aid you in your memorization of the structure and themes of the psalms and their relation to one another. This book is a wonderful tool for the Christian.
June 29, 2015
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology. Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2015. 336 pp. $21.99
I was ecstatic to see this new title from O. Palmer Robertson and P&R Publishing. I have written several academic papers on the Psalms and have been intrigued by the works of Gerald Willson, Jamie Grant, Gordon Wenham, and James Hamilton. For the past two years I have also been preaching through the Psalms on Sunday nights.
Scholarship and study of the Psalms has been heavily influenced by the works of Herman Gunkel (1862-1932) and Sigmund Mowinckel (1884-1965) who used form criticism to zoom in and study the psalms individually by breaking them into to different categories and relating them to worship within Jerusalem. While there is benefit from this approach to the psalms it can "miss the forest for the trees." Most commentaries and studies on the Psalms have been various versions of Gunkel's and Mowinckel's approach while few have looked at the Psalms collectively as one book.
Robertson's work did not disappoint and will be a bench mark for future studies on the Psalms. Robertson builds on the works of Brevard Childs, Gerald Wilson, Jamie Grant, and Gordon Wenham (and others, though interestingly he did not reference Hamilton's work which presents a very shorter but similar argument in God's Glory in Salvation Through Judgment) and looks into the structure of the Psalms as a whole. As Walter Kaiser states in the Forward "The Flow of the Psalms has a host of themes and avenues for further thought and reflection...The impact that this view of Psalter structure will have on New Testament perspectives and studies should be enormous" (xi). I agree with Kaiser's words and found myself reading and re-reading several observations that Robertson makes throughout his work. Part of the reason why this book will be so important going forward is that Robertson brings together a lot of the voices of those arguing for structure and shape of the Psalter into one volume.
The first chapter on the book serves as Robertson's Introduction. It is here where Robertson argues the why and need of such an approach. He states "it has the potential of uncovering internal connections among the various psalms and it provides additional light to each individual psalm on the basis of this internal structuring" (3). While others might argue that it is impossible to know exactly how the final form of the psalter came together, that should not prevent studies and efforts to uncover the structure and reasoning behind it. In chapter two Robertson goes over the importance of the introductory Psalms 1 and 2 and how their themes of Torah and Messiah run throughout the Psalms. Other keys Torah Psalms (19, 119) are also paired together with key Messiah Psalms (18,118) and are used as a structural tool for the entire Psalter. Other themes and groups are mentioned to round out the chapter.
In chapter three Robertson walks through the covenants of the Old Testament from Creation-the Davidic Covenant and relates how they are captured within the Psalms. Chapter four sets up the remaining chapters of the book by looking at the overall flow of the Psalms. Robertson argues for the themes of Confrontation (Book 1), Communication (Book 2), Devastation (Book 3), Maturation (Book 4) and Consummation (Book 5). Chapters 5-9 then walk through each book showing how various psalms have been grouped together intentionally and how they all flow together, within each book and within the whole psalter, to form a unified message. Each chapter is filled with great insights into patterns, connections, groups, and other factors that shape the entire Psalter. The final chapter then summarizes the book and especially the emphasis on the flow of the Psalms.
I would recommend this book as a beginning point for anyone interested in understanding the Psalms as "a book." Pastors, students, and scholars would greatly benefit from Robertson's work and like Kaiser states in the Forward, this book presents a springboard into further studies and advancements in the study of the Psalms. I consider myself to be ore advance when it comes to the study of the Psalms and it was still a lot of great insight and study. This is not a quick read. It is one that takes time to ingest because it covers such a large book.
When thinking through the flow of the Psalter before reading Robertson's work I came to conclusions similar but slightly different than Robertson's (Hamilton's and Wilson's as well). It appears to me that whoever compiled the Psalms did so intentionally with the flow of the entire Old Testament (TaNaK) in mind in which there is the rise of the a nation (through a King), warning to the nation, exile of the nation, physical return, and a longing for spiritual return. Book 1 presents and introduction (1-2) and the rise and establishment of David's throne through trials(3-41). Book 2 presents exile imagery and warnings (42-50) and what it takes to avoid exile (51-71). Book 3 presents exile and judgment and Book 4 then presents essential what Daniel 9 has predicted...a long period of nothing before spiritual return (exodus) happens. Book 5 then presents the spiritual return from exile which happens through a Davidic Messiah.
Working and wrestling with the Psalms and the overall flow and structure will bring much fruit to both Old and New Testament studies and I am thankful for such a volume from O. Palmer Robertson and look forward to its impact on future writings.
**I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**
I was ecstatic to see this new title from O. Palmer Robertson and P&R Publishing. I have written several academic papers on the Psalms and have been intrigued by the works of Gerald Willson, Jamie Grant, Gordon Wenham, and James Hamilton. For the past two years I have also been preaching through the Psalms on Sunday nights.
Scholarship and study of the Psalms has been heavily influenced by the works of Herman Gunkel (1862-1932) and Sigmund Mowinckel (1884-1965) who used form criticism to zoom in and study the psalms individually by breaking them into to different categories and relating them to worship within Jerusalem. While there is benefit from this approach to the psalms it can "miss the forest for the trees." Most commentaries and studies on the Psalms have been various versions of Gunkel's and Mowinckel's approach while few have looked at the Psalms collectively as one book.
Robertson's work did not disappoint and will be a bench mark for future studies on the Psalms. Robertson builds on the works of Brevard Childs, Gerald Wilson, Jamie Grant, and Gordon Wenham (and others, though interestingly he did not reference Hamilton's work which presents a very shorter but similar argument in God's Glory in Salvation Through Judgment) and looks into the structure of the Psalms as a whole. As Walter Kaiser states in the Forward "The Flow of the Psalms has a host of themes and avenues for further thought and reflection...The impact that this view of Psalter structure will have on New Testament perspectives and studies should be enormous" (xi). I agree with Kaiser's words and found myself reading and re-reading several observations that Robertson makes throughout his work. Part of the reason why this book will be so important going forward is that Robertson brings together a lot of the voices of those arguing for structure and shape of the Psalter into one volume.
The first chapter on the book serves as Robertson's Introduction. It is here where Robertson argues the why and need of such an approach. He states "it has the potential of uncovering internal connections among the various psalms and it provides additional light to each individual psalm on the basis of this internal structuring" (3). While others might argue that it is impossible to know exactly how the final form of the psalter came together, that should not prevent studies and efforts to uncover the structure and reasoning behind it. In chapter two Robertson goes over the importance of the introductory Psalms 1 and 2 and how their themes of Torah and Messiah run throughout the Psalms. Other keys Torah Psalms (19, 119) are also paired together with key Messiah Psalms (18,118) and are used as a structural tool for the entire Psalter. Other themes and groups are mentioned to round out the chapter.
In chapter three Robertson walks through the covenants of the Old Testament from Creation-the Davidic Covenant and relates how they are captured within the Psalms. Chapter four sets up the remaining chapters of the book by looking at the overall flow of the Psalms. Robertson argues for the themes of Confrontation (Book 1), Communication (Book 2), Devastation (Book 3), Maturation (Book 4) and Consummation (Book 5). Chapters 5-9 then walk through each book showing how various psalms have been grouped together intentionally and how they all flow together, within each book and within the whole psalter, to form a unified message. Each chapter is filled with great insights into patterns, connections, groups, and other factors that shape the entire Psalter. The final chapter then summarizes the book and especially the emphasis on the flow of the Psalms.
I would recommend this book as a beginning point for anyone interested in understanding the Psalms as "a book." Pastors, students, and scholars would greatly benefit from Robertson's work and like Kaiser states in the Forward, this book presents a springboard into further studies and advancements in the study of the Psalms. I consider myself to be ore advance when it comes to the study of the Psalms and it was still a lot of great insight and study. This is not a quick read. It is one that takes time to ingest because it covers such a large book.
When thinking through the flow of the Psalter before reading Robertson's work I came to conclusions similar but slightly different than Robertson's (Hamilton's and Wilson's as well). It appears to me that whoever compiled the Psalms did so intentionally with the flow of the entire Old Testament (TaNaK) in mind in which there is the rise of the a nation (through a King), warning to the nation, exile of the nation, physical return, and a longing for spiritual return. Book 1 presents and introduction (1-2) and the rise and establishment of David's throne through trials(3-41). Book 2 presents exile imagery and warnings (42-50) and what it takes to avoid exile (51-71). Book 3 presents exile and judgment and Book 4 then presents essential what Daniel 9 has predicted...a long period of nothing before spiritual return (exodus) happens. Book 5 then presents the spiritual return from exile which happens through a Davidic Messiah.
Working and wrestling with the Psalms and the overall flow and structure will bring much fruit to both Old and New Testament studies and I am thankful for such a volume from O. Palmer Robertson and look forward to its impact on future writings.
**I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**
December 31, 2016
Robertson makes the case that the Psalms were purposefully organized in five books that can be summarized Confrontation, Communication (with the nations); Devastation (of Jerusalem's destruction and the exile); Maturation (in reflection on Yhwh's kingship); and Consummation. The Psalms thus has a roughly redemptive-historical flow. Within each book the Psalms are structured in structural and thematic ways to facilitate their memorization.
I read the core of the book, one chapter a morning, skimming the book of the Psalms while reading that chapter. I'm currently working back through the core of the book one Psalm at a time, and referencing his treatment of each Psalm's structural placement. Robertson's proposed structure seems reasonable to me, though I would like to compare it with other proposals in the future.
I read the core of the book, one chapter a morning, skimming the book of the Psalms while reading that chapter. I'm currently working back through the core of the book one Psalm at a time, and referencing his treatment of each Psalm's structural placement. Robertson's proposed structure seems reasonable to me, though I would like to compare it with other proposals in the future.
April 17, 2022
A very scholarly and in depth look at a possible detailed structure to the book of Psalms. Robertson’s ideas behind why the Psalms are arranged in their specific order is interesting and worth contemplating. Some of his observations like the pairing of Torah and Messianic Psalms and the pyramid Psalms would have great application for easily remembering those crucial spots in the Psalms (just like he points out in the book). My one problem is that I think this would be better explained in a YouTube video or slideshow. It was hard to pay attention to his details while keeping the grander scope and sequence in mind. The illustrations in the back help, but even in those it’s limited by the size of the page so it spilled over to multiple pages. In the end, I think it will make a good reference book as I continue to study Psalms, but is not really helpful to just read through.
April 21, 2022
A very scholarly and in depth look at a possible detailed structure to the book of Psalms. Robertson’s ideas behind why the Psalms are arranged in their specific order is interesting and worth contemplating. Some of his observations like the pairing of Torah and Messianic Psalms and the pyramid Psalms would have great application for easily remembering those crucial spots in the Psalms (just like he points out in the book). My one problem is that I think this would be better explained in a YouTube video or slideshow. It was hard to pay attention to his details while keeping the grander scope and sequence in mind. The illustrations in the back help, but even in those it’s limited by the size of the page so it spilled over to multiple pages. In the end, I think it will make a good reference book as I continue to study Psalms, but is not really helpful to just read through.
June 9, 2024
This book, in such a surprising way, changes how you look at the Psalms. I went into it a little skeptical. My prevailing assumption before I began reading this book was that the Psalms were mostly just thrown in at random with the exception of some larger collections. Boy, was I wrong.
Robertson lays out in great detail the Psalms as he sees them. I quickly went from skeptic, to believer. I was blown away by the connections between Psalms, as well as the overall message being portrayed by each of the 5 books in the Psalter.
I could go on, but, the point is, you must read this book. If you're digging into the Psalms, this is a MUST read. I know I will be referencing it again and again.
Robertson lays out in great detail the Psalms as he sees them. I quickly went from skeptic, to believer. I was blown away by the connections between Psalms, as well as the overall message being portrayed by each of the 5 books in the Psalter.
I could go on, but, the point is, you must read this book. If you're digging into the Psalms, this is a MUST read. I know I will be referencing it again and again.
April 13, 2021
This was extremely helpful.
The book is simple to read but contains complex and deep thoughts about the structure of the psalms.
What was most helpful for me was that it explains the presence of repeated material. Robertson also points out some nuances that would be hard to noticed without a detailed analysis and study. This book is rewarding as the reader reaps the fruits of Robertson's study.
The book is simple to read but contains complex and deep thoughts about the structure of the psalms.
What was most helpful for me was that it explains the presence of repeated material. Robertson also points out some nuances that would be hard to noticed without a detailed analysis and study. This book is rewarding as the reader reaps the fruits of Robertson's study.
November 22, 2021
While straddling the line between seminary and popular level, I found this book to be the best available for a wide audience in understanding the structures and "topography" of the Psalter. Highly recommend for anyone seeking to understand them beyond just a random collection of hymns and prayers loosely organized by dating or author.
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