The Flow of the Psalms

Discovering Their Structure and Theology

by O. Palmer Robertson

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Pub Date May 18 2015 | Archive Date Aug 02 2015

Description

For centuries the book of Psalms has been read as a random collection of individual poems with no discernible pattern of intentional arrangement. Augustine referred to the organization of the psalms as a “mighty mystery.” Recent Old Testament studies insist that each psalm is not to be interpreted in view of its position in the overall book or by the psalms that border it. Yet O. Palmer Robertson shows that there is a clear redemptive-historical progression that develops throughout the five books of the psalms. In addition, structural elements such as the placement of acrostic psalms, strategic couplings of a Messianic psalm with a Torah psalm, and the grouping of psalms by topics indicate an intentional structuring. The uncovering of these various elements enables the lover of the psalms to get a grasp on the whole of the Psalter along with a fuller appreciation of each individual psalm.

Advance Praise

“With his customary clarity and insight, Robertson presents a psalter that is at once theologically rich, historically relevant, and practically impactful.”
—John Scott Redd Jr., Reformed Theological Seminary

“Easily understood and available to serve pastors and other church leaders as they preach and teach Christ from the Psalms. . . . One of the very best studies of this part of Scripture.”
—Richard L. Pratt Jr., Third Millennium Ministries

“A pleasure to read! . . . Robertson’s fresh and insightful work on this majestic book of Scripture is sure to expand your mind, warm your heart, and open your mouth to join with all creation in shouts of ‘Hallelu-YAH.’”
—Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Queensland Theological College

“A courageous and thought-provoking proposal to read the Psalter afresh. Palmer Robertson argues that the Psalms exhibit . . . an organized development of thought progression from the beginning to the end. . . . His joy of discovery is contagious.”
—Eric Peels, Theological University Apeldoorn