OT036-912 - Interpreting and Applying Psalms

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 9
    AQF level
  • Category advanced unit
    C
  • old testamentUnit Discipline

Prerequisites

48cps Level 8; 12cps from units in OT or NT with a unit code of OT004 or higher code or NT004 or higher code, or study deemed equivalent by the ACT Registrar to appropriately prepare students for undertaking the unit.

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code OT774-4.

Set Text

This unit counts towards the "set text" unit requirements of courses.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Specialised knowledge and understanding of, and research principles and methods used in, the interpretation and application of Book of Psalms

B. Be able to

1. Evaluate Specialised methods and issues in the interpretation and application of the Psalms

2. Integrate diverse scholarship and ministry experience in the interpretation and application of the Psalms

3. Present independent Research-Driven perspectives on the interpretation and application of the Psalms

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying research-based perspectives and skills from ‘Interpreting and Applying Psalms’ for ministry practice and Christian living as a reflective practitioner

Content

  1. Introduction to the Study of the Psalms.

The nature of the Book of Psalms; Categories of Psalms; Literary Features of the Psalms (reading Hebrew poetry).

  1. Issues in the interpretation of the Psalms.

Theories about the structure and composition of the book of Psalms. Key themes such as Yahweh’s kingship, Zion, enemies, Messianism, eschatology.

  1. Exegesis

Exegesis of a selection of Psalms.

  1. Preaching

Moving from exegesis to sermon composition.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Bullock, C. Hassell, Encountering the Book of Psalms, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004.

Bullock, C. H., Psalms 1–72 (Teach the Text; Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2015).

Chapell, Bryan, Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon, 2nd edn, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005.

deClaisse-Walford, Nancy, Rolf A. Jacobson, and Beth LaNeel Tanner, The Book of Psalms, NICOT, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014).

Johnston P. S. and D. G. Firth (eds.), Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches (Leicester: Apollos, 2005).

Goldingay, John, Psalms, 3 vols, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006-2008.

Gibson, Scott M., ‘Challenges to Preaching the Old Testament’, Preaching the Old Testament ed. Scott M. Gibson, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006, 21-28.

Grogan, Geoffrey W., Prayer, Praise and Prophecy, Ross-shire: Christian Focus, 2001.

Harman, Allan, Psalms, Ross-shire: Mentor, 1998. 2 vols.

Longman III, T., How To Read the Psalms (Downers Grove: IVP, 1988).

Longman, Tremper, III, Psalms, Tyndale OT Commentary (Downers Grove: IVP: 2014).

Lucas, E., The Psalms and Wisdom Literature (Exploring the Old Testament Volume 3; London: SPCK, 2003).

McCann, J. Clinton.  A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms: The Psalms as Torah.  (Nashville: Abingdon, 1993).

McCann, J. Clinton. , The Shape and Shaping of the Psalter.  (Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1993).

Mitchell, D. C., The Message of the Psalter: An Eschatological Programme in the Book of Psalms (JSOTSup, 252; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997).

Starling, David, ‘The Messianic Hope in the Psalms’, RTR, 58, 1999, 121-134.

Van Groningen, George, ‘A Biblical Theological Basis for Scripture Preaching’, Preaching the Word: Essays in Honour of Professor Tom Wilkinson, ed. Stewart Gill, RTRSS, 3, Doncaster: Reformed Theological Review, 2009, 11-29.

Wenham, Gordon J., Psalms as Torah: Reading Biblical Song Ethically, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012.

Wilson, Gerald Henry, Psalms. Vol.1, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002.

Wilson, Gerald H.  The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter.  (Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1985)