The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary

by Bruce K. Waltke; James M. Houston; Erika Moore

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2010

Overview

The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary is a collaboration by two of the most revered evangelical scholars of the last 50 years.

Bruce Waltke, who has been teaching and preaching the book of Psalms for over fifty years, skillfully establishes the meaning of the Hebrew text through the careful exegesis for which he is well known. James Houston traces the church's historical interpretation and use of these psalms, highlighting their deep spiritual significance to Christians through the ages.

Waltke and Houston focus their in-depth commentary on thirteen psalms that represent various genres and perspectives or hold special significance for Christian faith and the life of the church, including Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 51, and Psalm 139.

While much modern scholarship has tended to "despiritualize" the Psalms, Waltke and Houston's "sacred hermeneutic" listens closely to the two voices of the Holy Spirit—heard infallibly in Scripture and edifyingly in the church's response. A masterly historical-devotional commentary, The Psalms as Christian Worship will deepen the church's worship and enrich the faith and life of contemporary Christians.

Key Features

• Collaboration by two of the most revered evangelical scholars of the last 50 years
• Fresh translations of numerous Latin and Middle English texts
• Will enrich the daily life of the contemporary Christian

Product Details

• Title: The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary
• Authors: Bruce Waltke and James M. Houston
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 638

About the Authors

Bruce K. Waltke is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Knox Theological Seminary, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and professor emeritus of biblical studies at Regent College, Vancouver. He is the author of numerous books and Old Testament commentaries, including works on Genesis, Proverbs, and Micah.

James M. Houston is founding principal and former chancellor of Regent College and was the college’s first professor of spiritual theology. His books include Joyful Exiles: Life in Christ on the Dangerous Edge of Things and Letters of Faith through the Seasons: A Treasury of Great Christians’ Correspondence.

Sample Pages from the Print Edition

Contents

Top Highlights

“We also deplore the lack of authentic exegesis in the use of the psalms, as well as the lack of Christian commitment and orthodoxy in much contemporary Biblical scholarship. In chapter 3 an argument is made for an integrated threefold approach to the interpretation of Scripture: prayerful and devotional to hear the voice of God; trustful and sympathetic to hear the voice of the author; and scientific to hear the voice of the text. All three are necessary at one and the same time, we will argue, for an accredited exegesis. The confession that the interpreter needs spiritual illumination to understand the text differs radically from the Enlightenment confession that positivism is sufficient for accredited exegesis.” (Page 4)

“To make progress in the Christian life, Calvin sees it is essential to live within the Psalter, since it combines personal biography with theology.” (Page 126)

“‘earnest prayer springs, first, from a sense of our need, and next, from faith in the promises of God.’” (Page 126)

“Elsewhere in the Psalter, however, tôrâ in similar contexts refers to the covenant God gave Israel at Sinai (Ps. 19:7; Ps. 119:1, passim). This normal meaning is most appropriate as a preface to the book of Psalms. The regenerate delight in the Torah because it is the God-given structure and order that speaks of Christ and frees from sin and death; for the unregenerate it is an oppressive burden of ‘Thou shalt nots.’ Whoever delights in the Word of Scripture will delight in the Logos (‘Word’) of God, Jesus Christ, who fulfills Scripture and to whom it points.” (Page 136)

Product Details

• Title: The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary
• Authors: Bruce K. Waltke, James M. Houston, Erika Moore
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2010
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Psalms › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9780802863744, 0802863744
• Resource ID: LLS:PSCHRWORSHIP
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:28:31Z