The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary

by Walter Brueggemann

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1984

Overview

Known as one of America’s best theologians and one of the world’s foremost scholars on the Old Testament, Walter Brueggemann has inspired young scholars and students and driven the discourse on theology with some of the biggest players in contemporary Bible scholarship.

Walter Brueggemann describes the human cries of anguish and the exultations of praise expressed in the Psalms. Particularly noteworthy is his approach to the Psalms from a counseling and pastoral perspective, providing commentary that walks with the reader in any season of life.

With the Logos Bible Software edition, you can journey through this volume with today’s most advanced tools for reading and studying God’s Word. All Scripture passages are linked to your library’s original language texts and English translations. Enhance your study with Logos’ advanced features—search by topic to find out what Brueggemann teaches on the Exodus, or find every mention of “Psalm 91” throughout his works.

Key Features

• Provides essential Old Testament scholarship from one of the most prominent living scholars
• Classifies the Psalms into three distinct groups providing a lens through which to study them
• Includes material perfect for pastors, professors, counselors, and Old Testament scholars

Contents

• Introduction
• Psalms of Orientation
  • Songs of Creation
  • Songs of Torah
  • Wisdom Psalms
  • Songs of Retribution
  • Occasions of Well-Being
• Psalms of Disorientation
  • Personal Lament
  • Communal Laments
  • Two Problem Psalms
  • “A Second Opinion” on the Disorientation
  • “The Seven Psalms”
  • After the Deluge—Thous!
• Psalms of New Orientation
  • Thanksgiving Songs
  • Thanksgiving Songs of the Community
  • The Once and Future King
  • Thanksgiving Generalized to Confidence
  • Hymns of Praise
• A Retrospect: Spirituality and Theodicy

Praise for the Print Edition

This important, lucid book informs readers about recent trends in technical scholarship and offers convincing insights into the Psalter’s sociological background and social-justice implications. The author, one of America’s most highly regarded biblical scholars, writes both about the original meaning of the Psalms and about their use or misuse in modern churches.

—David M. Hay, editor, The Christian Century

Product Details

• Title: The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary
• Author: Walter Brueggemann
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 1985
• Pages: 206

About Walter Brueggemann

Walter Brueggemann through his teaching, lecturing, and writing, has effectively demonstrated the significance of the Old Testament for our fractured world today. Recognized as the preeminent interpreter of the ancient texts in relation to questions posed by a variety of academic disciplines, he has shown the way toward a compelling understanding of the major components of the faith and life of ancient Israel, especially its Psalms, the prophets, and the narratives. His award-winning Theology of the Old Testament quickly became a foundational work in the field.

Brueggemann, who holds a ThD from Union Seminary, New York, and a PhD from St. Louis University, is William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. He was previously professor of Old Testament at Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis. His many Fortress Press books, including The Threat of Life: Sermons on Pain, Power, and Weakness, exhibit a fecund combination of imaginative power, sound scholarship, and a passion of justice and redemption.

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