Encountering the Book of Psalms (Encountering Biblical Studies): A Literary and Theological Introduction

Encountering Biblical Studies

by C. Hassell Bullock

Though the Psalms are perhaps the most familiar portion of the Hebrew Bible, they are also among the most difficult to interpret. In this new, thoroughly updated edition of a successful textbook, a respected evangelical Old Testament scholar offers a guide to the book of Psalms that is informed by current scholarship and written at an accessible level. Designed for the undergraduate classroom, it includes photos, sidebars, and other pedagogical aids and features a new interior design.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Old Testament, Nonfiction, Christian, School, Christianity

556 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[C.H. Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encountering the Book of Psalms is an excellent, single-volume, introduction to the Psalms. The author writes from a thoroughly conservative standpoint, but at appropriate junctures demonstrates his awareness of liberal speculations scattered throughout the recent history of psalms studies that arise from the various schools of higher criticism. Although he deals with these respectfully and intelligently, he ultimately dismisses them and moves into a scholarly examination of the content of the psalms themselves. Overall, the text is college level but should not be found difficult by readers with a solid high-school education. The pedagogy of the text is excellent: each chapter opens with an outline of the chapter and a set of objectives for the student. The chapter closes with a list of key terms encountered, as well as questions for further study. The book can be used very profitably for individual or group study settings.

Bullock divides his examination of the psalms into three major pieces. The first part deals with the literary and hermeneutical issues of psalms studies. Captions (superscriptions) and the difficult terms found in some of them, the relationship of the psalms to music, the literary structure of the book on a macro level (the five books within the Psalms) and micro level (the structure of Hebrew poetry) are all considered in a scholarly but accessible manner.

In the second section, the author examines the uses of the psalms in worship and faith, considering the different ways in which they can be approached, as well as a history of the use of the psalms, ranging from the original readers through to modern times. Bullock also explores key theological and historical themes that appear in Psalms.

In the final section, the Psalms are considered from the perspective of genre classification. This section is outstanding; the busy pastor or scholar will find plenty of helpful charts that map the genre characteristics to individual psalms. Not only has Bullock presented an excellent approach to classification, he has managed to do so in a manner that is sometimes richly devotional for the reader. Of particular excellence is the final chapter dealing with the imprecatory psalms.

The book concludes with a select bibliography, a handy glossary of terms encountered in psalms studies, and a comprehensive Scripture index. Although serious scholars will need to add more books than this to their Psalms library, if you can afford but one book of prolegomena on the Psalms, this one will serve you very well.

[R. Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best intro there is for students. The format is the only reason I don't give this 5 / 5.

[Dominic Venuso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine introduction to the Psalms. Couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt there was something lacking in the overall shape of each chapter. Often felt like a collection of useful information, but not a strong cohesive approach to each topic. Think I've been a bit spoiled by some other biblical introductions lately.

[Travis Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent intro to the Psalms.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

In depth text book on the Psalms, and I’ll use it as a reference for years to come. Charts are good but I really would have appreciated a complete chart with all the Psalms.

[Sagely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can thank Dr. Estes from my long ago days in undergrad for this book's presence on my shelf. EBP offers broad coverage of the scholarly discussion of Psalms in a way that's very easy for a working pastor to access. Bullock draws a wide variety of approaches, from tradition criticism to literary and canonical approaches, to provide a rich array of interpretive possibilities.

EBP definitely speaks from an Evangelical stance, but one that is open to critical discussions of Scripture, seeking in all things what can helps us understand God's message for us better. In particular, Part 2 examines the role of Psalms in the original worshiping community and also in the unfolding development of the Hebrew Bible and the NT. Part 3 subdivides Psalms into literary types--praise, lament, thanksgiving, etc.

This book has been very helpful. A good resource.

[Bethany B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terribly captivating, but a very good overview. He pulls from a lot of different sources and has some amazing quotes. It's not always clear what he's doing with literary structure and sometimes I wished he'd do more with the theological part, but over all an excellent book! Enjoyed it.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side of three stars. I enjoyed reading the book and studying the book of Psalms. I was a bit disappointed, though, at the weak handling of the imprecatory psalms in the last chapter.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A happy surprise! This has ended up being one of my favorite books this semester. Not a dry, academic tome, but very engagingly written with a real passion for the subject.

[Joe Valenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory text on how to read, study, and interpret the Psalms. It can be very technical in some areas, but is very accessible for seminarians and laymen.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good study tool for understanding and teaching the Book of Psalms.

[David Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great explanation of the structure of the book of Psalms. Very enlightening.