Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature

Exploring the Old Testament #3

by Ernest C. Lucas

Israel's poets and sages left a scriptural legacy that has powerfully shaped the worship, thoughts and actions of the people of God. In the highs and lows and crossroads of life, we instinctively turn to their poetry, proverbs and discourses for the language we do not possess and the wisdom we desperately seek. Yet there is more to this literature than meets the eye--or fills the momentary need. A study of the Bible's wisdom and poetry will dramatically enhance its power and effectiveness. From the depths of lament to the heights of praise, from the eroticism of the Song of Songs to the hard realism of Ecclesiastes, and from the aphorisms of Proverbs to the discourses of Job, this guide introduces readers to the ancient background, the literary artistry, and the varied and timeless messages of the Psalms and Wisdom literature. Ernest C. Lucas gives us an informed, illuminating and interactive introduction to this portion of Scripture. Sparkling with interest and geared to the needs of students, this is an excellent textbook introduction to the Psalms and Wisdom literature.

Genres: Old Testament, Reference, Theology, Academic, Christian

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Lucas is vice-principal and tutor in biblical studies at Bristol Baptist College in England. He is the author of a number of scholarly articles on the book of Daniel and, at the popular level, Can We Believe Genesis Today?

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part about this book is the breakdown. In each chapter Lucas breaks down the verses, the various interpretations as well as the historical and social aspects. My only complaint is the paper, it is horrendous.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically an extended literature review.

[Ethan Gualano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel as though I should caveat this review: As a seminary student, I read ALOT of books. With each class typically promoting 1000+ pages, and taking 4+ classes per semester, it can be a frustrating balance. Lucas' "Exploring the Old Testament" was one of the last books I read to finish out my semester. I think for that reason my patience ran thin while engaging with the book.

That all being said, I did not find this read very compelling. I do not think it adds anything "new" to the field, nor really into the category of books that deals with the Psalms and Wisdom Literature. I personally had the third edition which was oddly sized and the paper felt weird, but those are personal preferences. I could recommend this book to an undergrad student seeking a Bible degree, however it felt at a graduate level that this book did not rise to the occasion. Much information was either common place in the world of understanding regarding the Psalms, and while the "going deeper" sections added "some" information that may be considered "unique" it never really fully scratched the itch. I also acknowledge that I could be spoiled given my education at RTS Charlotte, regardless... I would suggest purchasing Richard Belcher's books on these topics as an introduction to this field if one is interest.

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume functions well as an introduction to literary trends and critical issues surrounding the Psalms and wisdom literature of the Old Testament. If you're looking for a book that prompts critical thinking about these various works, without getting too bogged down in academic details, then this is a good book to pick up. If however you're looking for guidance in your interpretation of the text, you will find the volume lacking. Though the book brings up modern critical and feminist readings, as well as historic interpretations and context, Lucas rarely takes a clear or convicting stance.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my BIBL 312 Psalms and Wisdom Literature class. Even though I 'had' to read it, I still enjoyed it. While it is a textbook of sorts, it does not always read as one. I found myself learning more and more about the different Wisdom books; the different scholarly views about their content, their date of writing, and their similarities with other Ancient Near Eastern literature. Dr. Lucas is brilliant at making a scholarly textbook but not making it completely boring.

[Tyler Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to the Psalms and wisdom literature. Informative and helpful at most points. The "Going Deeper" discussion boxes provide some help from the technical aspects of the work. Worth consulting but not a page-turner.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful series.

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful survey of critical and orthodox approaches to these books.

[gabi]

DNF at page 117.

[Jared Donis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars. The attempt to be comprehensive was good. In every chapter it includes many additional resources (bibliography) that may be helpful for further study. The content of the biblical books is also fairly treated. Exploring, indeed.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ernest Lucas provides a helpful introduction to the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament in this fine volume. It is, perhaps, the best of the four volumes that make up this series on Exploring the Old Testament. Together with the corresponding volumes covering the Pentateuch, the historical books, and the prophets, these books make for a solid Introduction the the whole Old Testament.

The strength of this volume is far and away the skill at which he describes the special elements of studying the Wisdom literature of the OT, particularly for those who might never have studied it before. He guides the student through poetry, parallelism, and how wisdom was used in ancient culture. He also spends a fair amount of ink explaining classifications of psalms. He provides a fine general introduction to each of the 5 books of Wisdom literature as well.

The only negative is too much respect was given at times to some scholars too far off the reservation. For example, in his fascinating review of psalm classification I wish he had considered more conservative scholars as well. Still, even that part was instructive. The psalms he chose to explain in depth could be argued if his premise was that they were the most important. For example, where were the Pilgrim Psalms? Overall, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses.

I recommend this volume for your studies of the Wisdom literature of the OT.

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

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a tool that can be used to over view the wisdom literature of the Bible. It can be used as means to help the reader understand the context of the times the wisdom literature was written in and understand the various theories on how and why those books were written. This book while not 'fun' to read is very helpful.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had this book for Seminary. This was a good overview of the Psalter and Wisdom Literature in the OT. Very informative.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this for a Worship and Wisdom lit paper i'm doing. Sections on the compilation of the books are pretty mindblowing.