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
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.

Revisiting the Psalmist
How to read the psalms by Tremper Longman III (2nd edition)
The first edition of this book was published in 1988 and it was one of the books I dipped into when I was studying the psalms at bible college. I have been therefore intrigued to read this edition.
Tremper says he wants this book will “encourage the next generation of readers to understand and love this book of songs, poems and prayers that bring us into intimate relationship with God.”
The parts of the books are clearly labelled:
Part One: The Psalms Then and Now
Part Two: The Art of the Psalms
Part Three: A Melody of Psalms
Really encouraging for me is Chapter 3 where Tremper talks about the Psalms being at the heart of the Bible. Literally in the middle of the Bible when we open up the word of God and more than that it is the heart story of the overarching meta narrative of God’s plan of redemption for all of creation. At the end of the chapter he invites us, the readers to ask when we read a psalm, “what is the psalm communicating about God and his covenant relationship to his people?”
The ending of some chapters have exercises to help us in our quest to read the psalms, some suggested further study and further reading.
The most helpful part for me was part three. This is where Tremper goes in depth with three psalms. He chose Psalms 98, 69 and 30. This for me was golden. Nugget upon nugget of heart knowledge for me to store up. In the first as he describes Psalm 98 stanza by stanza I can hear the roar of praise getting louder and louder to a crescendo of praising instruments, voices and nature. And then Jesus – what is this psalm telling us about our Lord and Saviour: Praise Jesus who has saved us in the past, is our King in the present and will be our Judge in the future.
I highly recommend this book as a read all the way through, pick the chapter you need today and as a studying theology course book.

How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman is the 2nd edition of an outstanding introductory book. The 1st edition was published in 1988 and was a popular text. Longman's writing style is clear, precise, and accessible. The Psalms are one of the most well-read and loved portions of the Bible, speaking to our fears, our griefs, our joys and our heartaches. The Psalms can also challenge us because they are poetic, using rich and at times, jarring, visual imagery. How do we read, pray and live these beautiful works as Christians, from the perspective of the work of Jesus Christ? Longman is a trustworthy guide, teaching the reader to identify the beauty of the arrangements and literary devices of the writer.

I particularly appreciated Part Three of the book which provides a demonstration of a close reading of three Psalms. I found this practical demonstration of what Longman has discussed in the first two parts of the book valuable and I can see that it will be enormously helpful, particularly to seminary students. I thoroughly recommend this book to all students of Scripture, particularly those who are completing courses at universities. Beyond that, because the book is highly readable, and not weighed down with heavy technical language, I think that it will also be useful to the average reader who wants to "enter into the Psalms" with greater depth of insight.

Tremper Longman III’s How to Read the Psalms is an insightful and scholarly guide designed to help readers understand and appreciate the Psalms within their historical, literary, and theological contexts. This second edition builds on the original work published in 1988, reflecting ongoing research and Longman’s enduring passion for the Psalms.

Introduction: An Invitation to the Psalms
Longman begins by offering an overview of the Psalms, portraying them as a “literary sanctuary” where believers encounter God. He sets the tone by suggesting that reading the Psalms is akin to entering a sacred space where God meets His people in a profound way. The Psalms are described as both personal and communal prayers, deeply rooted in Israel’s formal worship, which gives them historical and liturgical significance.

Part One: The Psalms Then and Now
The Genres of the Psalms
Longman identifies and explores seven genres within the Psalms: hymns, laments, thanksgivings, psalms of confidence, remembrance psalms, wisdom psalms, and kingship psalms. Each genre is examined for its unique characteristics and purpose. For instance, hymns are noted for their exuberant praise of the Lord, while laments express the psalmist’s deep distress and reliance on God in times of trouble. This categorization helps readers navigate the diverse expressions of faith found in the Psalms.

The Origin, Development, and Use of the Psalms
In this chapter, Longman delves into the historical context of the Psalms, discussing their authorship, development, and liturgical use in ancient Israel. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical distance between modern readers and the original context of the Psalms, acknowledging that while the Psalms continue to speak to us today, they can be challenging to fully comprehend without this background. Longman also touches on the historical skepticism regarding Davidic authorship, noting the debates that have shaped our understanding of these ancient texts.

The Heart of the Old Testament
Longman describes the Psalms as the “heart” of Israel’s Scriptures, emphasizing their theological significance. He argues that the Psalms appeal to the whole person—engaging the intellect, emotions, will, and imagination—calling for a total response from the believer. This chapter underscores the Psalms' role in deepening our love for the Lord by enhancing our understanding of this vital part of God’s Word.

A Christian Reading of the Psalms
This chapter explores how Christians can read and interpret the Psalms, considering their place in the New Testament and their fulfillment in Christ. Longman addresses whether Jesus Christ is anticipated in the Psalter and examines the presence of predictive prophecies within certain psalms. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Psalms in their original context, particularly their roots in temple worship and sacrificial rituals, while also considering their Christological significance for believers today.

The Psalms, Mirror of the Soul
Longman delves into the personal and emotional dimensions of the Psalms, describing them as a mirror reflecting the soul’s struggles and joys. He encourages readers to see their own experiences in the Psalms, highlighting how these ancient songs can inform our intellect, stir our emotions, direct our wills, and stimulate our imaginations. The Psalms, he suggests, have the power to transform us, not just inform us, when read with faith.

Part Two: The Art of the Psalms
Old Testament Poetry
This chapter provides an overview of Hebrew poetry, focusing on its distinctive features such as parallelism, chiasmus, and acrostic structures. Longman explains that the Psalms, as poetry, require careful interpretation due to their complex literary forms. He highlights that Old Testament poetry is characterized more by the balance of ideas than by sounds, setting it apart from poetry in other languages.

Understanding Parallelism
Longman offers a detailed explanation of parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where lines of a verse complement or contrast with each other. Understanding parallelism is crucial, he argues, for grasping the thought patterns of the psalmists and for unlocking the deeper meanings embedded in their poetic expressions.

Imagery in the Psalms
This chapter explores the rich and varied imagery found in the Psalms, including metaphors, similes, personifications, and hyperboles. Longman emphasizes that imagery in the Psalms is not merely decorative but serves to enhance the meaning and emotional impact of the text. These vivid images help convey the Psalms’ messages in ways that resonate deeply with readers.

Part Three: A Melody of Psalms
Psalm 98: Let All the Earth Praise God, Our Warrior
Longman offers a close reading of Psalm 98, focusing on its themes of praise and divine kingship. He highlights how the Psalm calls all creation to praise God, celebrating His mighty deeds and victory. The Psalm serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereign rule and His role as a warrior who brings salvation to His people.

Psalm 69: Lord, I Suffer for Your Sake
This chapter examines Psalm 69, a lament that expresses the psalmist’s deep suffering and urgent plea for God’s deliverance. Longman explores the intensity of the psalmist’s despair and the raw emotion captured in the text, making it a poignant example of the lament genre within the Psalms.

Psalm 30: Thank You, Lord, for Healing Me!
Longman explores Psalm 30, a thanksgiving psalm that celebrates God’s healing and deliverance. The Psalm reflects the psalmist’s profound gratitude for being lifted from despair, with expressions of joy and transformation that resonate with readers who have experienced God’s saving grace in their own lives.

Epilogue
The epilogue reflects on the enduring relevance and power of the Psalms, encouraging readers to engage with them continually in their spiritual lives. Longman reminds us that the ultimate purpose of studying the Psalms is not merely to gain knowledge of ancient customs and poetic forms, but to know God more intimately through His Word. He observes that the Psalms speak to modern Christians in a direct and powerful way, perhaps more so than many other parts of Scripture.

Appendix: Is There a Meaningful Order to the Psalms?
In this appendix, Longman considers whether there is a deliberate order or structure to the Psalter. He suggests that while the order may not be immediately apparent, there is likely an underlying editorial process that shaped the collection of Psalms as we have it today. This section invites readers to explore the possibility of a deeper coherence within the Psalter’s arrangement.

Concluding Assessment
How to Read the Psalms is an invaluable resource for students of the Bible, whether in academic settings or personal study. College students, seminary attendees, adult Sunday school classes, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the Psalms will benefit greatly from Longman’s clear writing and thorough scholarship. He makes the complex world of the Psalms accessible and engaging, providing readers with the tools they need to appreciate the richness and depth of these ancient songs.

First of all, many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC granted to me. Another great book in which We can make a deep study about the Biblical psalms and all of their poetical, lirical and easily related message of wisdom and close relationship with the Almighty God.

How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman, III
This states it is a second edition but appears to be republished but not a revision of the same book, How to Read the Psalms, first published in 1988. The book is phenomenal and I highly recommend reading it but the content from the first publishing has not changed as far as I can tell. I’d appreciate if the description blurbs called that out. Looks to have a fresher cover and inside design but not more than that. In the book Longman breaks the psalms down by genre and discusses the larger categories.
Introduction: An Invitation to the Psalms

Part One: The Psalms Then and Now
1. The Genres of the Psalms
2. The Origin, Development, and Use of the Psalms
3. The Psalms: The Heart of the Old Testament
4. A Christian Reading of the Psalms
5. The Psalms: Mirror of the Soul

Part Two: The Art of the Psalms
6. Old Testament Poetry
7. Understanding Parallelism
8. Imagery in the Psalms

Part Three: A Melody of Psalms
9. Psalm 98: Let All the Earth Praise God, Our Warrior
10. Psalm 69: Lord, I Suffer for Your Sake
11. Psalm 30: Thank You, Lord, for Healing Me!
Epilogue

#HowtoReadthePsalms #NetGalley

A good overview of the Psalms and how their various genres impact the way we read, understand, and engage with them.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

This book is an excellent reference for those interested in knowing more about the psalms and how to read and situate them. The book applies a lens of genre focus at first to the psalms and works through them methodically and with care. There is also a focus on the psalter itself and how it came together, it’s authorship and the questions that arises from this. The main themes of the psalms are covered looking at the laments in detail especially. Especially pleasing to read was the linking of the psalms to emotions and feelings of love or anger. Each chapter ends with helpful suggestions of further reading, as well as simple exercise that could lend themselves to be done as part of a home group or Bible study class. The answers are at the end which allows personal reflection and time to study and review.
A great resource, notably for an individual looking to get more from reading the psalms and look at the psalms by theme rather than by number,