Overview

"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."

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9781629951331

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Reviews

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

A ground-breaking and innovative piece of research and study that will open up new vistas of study and preaching to the whole body of Christ from this beloved treasury of the Psalter. . . . His new project on the Psalms will introduce us to a whole new avenue of thinking and ministering for the Glory of our God. . . . At the very least, this fresh reading of the Psalter in its flow of its structure should give a new insight into this book that for too long now has been regarded as isolated collections of unrelated themes, or one that holds a Biblical-Theological context that calls us to heed it in our own thinking and to teach it to those to whom we were to minister. --from the Foreword by Walter C. Kaiser Jr. With his customary clarity and insight, Robertson presents a psalter that is at once theologically rich, historically relevant, and practically impactful. His approach is largely redemptive-historical and canonical which provides multiple advantages to him as he explores the shape and coherence of the Psalter as a poetic anthology and its place within the larger biblical story of redemption. Robertson's often creative interpretation is nevertheless attuned to contemporary scholarship, which he presents in a manner accessible to the laymen and preachers. --John Scott Redd Jr., President and Associate Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. The book of the Psalms: a random collection of individual poems, or a well-structured composition with a specific theological message? While an average Bible reader gets the impression of the former, several biblical scholars in modern times have attempted to discover the latter - but mostly in vain. This new book offers a courageous and thought-provoking proposal to read the Psalter afresh. Palmer Robertson argues that the Psalms exhibit a deliberate architectonic structure, and that there is an organized development of thought progression from the beginning to the end. Pivotal to his argument is a new evaluation of the function of the two 'poetic pillars' (Ps. 1 and 2), with Torah resp. Messiah as organizing themes of the Psalter. In my opinion, the author is successful in defending the idea of a great number of interconnections in structure and theology in the Psalms. The redemptive-historical development of confrontation - communication - devastation - maturation - consummation is quite helpful, as is the emphasis on the function of memorization of the psalms by means of, i.a., acrostic psalms. This book is written in a lucid and attractive style and reads as the report of an exploratory expedition. His joy of discovery is contagious, as is the love for God's Word that inspired the author. It is, therefore, my hope and expectation that the lecture of this book will enrich many readers, both laymen and scholars.--Eric Peels, Professor of Old Testament Studies, Rector of the Theological University Apeldoorn, The Netherlands There are very few evangelical scholars who have mastered Old Testament studies to the level of O. Palmer Robertson. His expertise is evident in this work on the Psalms. More than this, he interacts with modern scholarship without compromising his commitment to the full authority of Scripture. And best of all, his work is easily understood and available to serve pastors and other church leaders as they preach and teach Christ from the Psalms. This book is undoubtedly one of the very best studies of this part of Scripture.--Richard L. Pratt Jr., President, Third Millennium Ministries What a pleasure to read! O. Palmer Robertson s scholarly but accessible Flow of the Psalms demonstrates that there is an orderly thematic arrangement for the seemingly most miscellaneous of the sacred books (Augustine), the Psalms. Showing us the genius of the book s structure, the interconnections between structure and substance make the overall theological message of the Psalms come to light. 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, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology, Queensland Theological College, Brisbane, Australia

Author Information

O. Palmer Robertson (ThM, ThD, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia) is the founder of Consummation Ministries. Previously, he was director and principal of African Bible University in Uganda and taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, and Knox Theological Seminary. He has also served for many years as a teaching elder in various pastoral roles.

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