"How to Read the Psalms" Revised (Tremper Longman III)

TITLE: How to Read the Psalms (How to Read Series)
AUTHOR:Tremper Longman III
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2025, (168 pages).
 

What are the biblical psalms about? Is Jesus referred to in the poetry? What does the repetitive verses mean? How do we read the Psalms? These are common questions asked by those who read the book of Psalms. For modern readers, the Bible is not easy to read simply because it has different genres. In the Old Testament, there are the historical books, narratives, poetry, and the prophetic books. The New Testament books contain the gospels, history, letters, and apocalyptic literature. Thus, there is no one set way to read and understand the Bible. The  "How To Read" series of books by IVP is intended to help readers learn to read the books in their different genres. One of the most popular books of the Bible is the Psalms. First published in 1988, the author helps us through the different literary devices of the 150 Psalms. While he does not go through every Psalm, he shows us how to build three bridges to understand them: Historical, Cultural, and Theological. The motivation behind these bridges is to deepen our love for God through reading the Psalms. The first part of this book looks at the historical contexts, asking questions about how the Psalms were understood and used in the ancient era. The second part zooms in on the art and use of literary devices. The third part demonstrates how we can bring all of this learning together and apply it to three psalms (30, 69, and 98). 
Part One gives us a primer about the genre of psalms. We learn about the different categories like hymns, laments, thanksgiving, and confidence. We read about the basic structure of worship and praise. Due to the wide variety of literary structures, the author urges us to exercise flexibility in interpreting and using the psalm. The "Suggestions for Psalm Study" section provides more specific instructions on approaching various psalms. Calling the psalm the "heart of the Old Testament," Longman tells us that we do not simply read them. They can be used for theological meditation and more importantly, for knowing God deeply. One chapter shows us with practical examples of how Christians can read the psalms. Another takes us via the path of spirituality, to see how psalms mirror our soul. 

Part Two dives into the art and literary devices used throughout the psalms. We learn the difference between poetry and prose; parallelism; and the use of imagery. As poetry, we need to read slowly in order to unpack the psalm's poetic elements. As parallelism, we see how a main point is expressed through affirming, repetitive, and contrasting verses. Imagery helps bring the Word alive through visual thoughts and metaphors. This is something that teaches us why spirituality matters cannot be interpreted scientifically. 

Part Three is about applying the principles mentioned in the book to three psalms. We read Ps 30 as lament; Ps 69 as a hymn of praise; and Ps 98 as a hymn. 

My Thoughts

The Old Testament is not an easy book to read and interpret, let alone apply in our lives. That said, we must remember that God's Word needs God's guidance. This book is one channel of guidance that can orientate us toward God. However, that is just the beginning of the journey. We need the Spirit to guide us through the Psalm and understand what it means then and now. More importantly, we should learn to read the psalms with the Spirit's help. Prayer is essential to the reading of the psalm as well. This book can give us some tools but we should never use it just as an intellectual exercise. The Psalm's very genre of poetry, parallelism, and imagery points us to God. Every Psalm when read with this in mind keeps our hearts directed upward. 

What I like about this book is the clear structure to guide us along. From genre discussion to tips about poetry, Longman gives us different tools to read the multivariate forms of Psalms. While structure can be identified, it should not stop us from slow reading, pausing at different verses, and simply meditate on how the psalmist had in mind. This calls for patient reading and perhaps, the use of the Lectio Divina. The author writes in a clear and winsome manner. The chapters are brief and the questions at the end of every chapter aptly summarising the principles discussed. In fact, I feel that the strengths of this book is in the "Suggestions for Psalm Study." It enables us to immediately put into good use the way we read Psalms. For the more advanced readers, attempting the Exercises and the resources for further reading should jump start deeper research and love for the psalms.

How do we read the Psalms? Together with the Spirit of God leading the way, let this book be our trusted guide by the side.

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is also visiting professor of Old Testament at Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and adjunct of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He lectures regularly at Regent College in Vancouver and the Canadian Theological Seminary in Calgary.Longman is the author or coauthor of over twenty books, including How to Read Genesis, How to Read the Psalms, How to Read Proverbs, Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation, Old Testament Essentials and coeditor of A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible. He and Dan Allender have coauthored Bold Love, Cry of the Soul, Intimate Allies, The Intimate Mystery and the Intimate Marriage Bible studies.

 
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of IVP Academic via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.