The Message of the Psalms (Augsburg Old Testament Studies)

Originally published in 1985, this renowned and esteemed introduction to the Psalms that merges devotional literature with critical scholarship is more relevant than ever.The Psalms nourish and nurture. The Psalms provide voices of faith in the life of community. Dr. Brueggemann provides insightful perspective, depth of understanding, and a structured overview of the psalms using orientation, disorientation, and new orientation to help readers comprehend the full experience of this rich book of the Bible. The Message of the Psalms is a wonderful resource for personal growth, spiritual growth, and overall Bible study, highlighting areas of contemplation throughout its pages. Songs of Creation, Wisdom, Well-Being, and Complaint along with Thanksgiving, Kingly Psalms, and Hymns of Praise are explored and explained, yielding deeper relevance to the Christian life.The Message of the Psalms brings together Christian faith, expressions of suffering, eternal hope, and seasons of everyday life. Brueggeman unravels how the psalms of negativity, the cries for vengeance, and profound penitence are foundational to a life of faith, contemplating the reality that deep loss and extraordinary gifts are held together in a powerful tension.Brueggemann incorporates Jewish words and the Hebrew alphabet in this work to enhance understanding for those who are not familiar with the language. Readers are encouraged to study the Psalms in tandem this offering as well as use this book to encourage and counsel other Christians. The Message of the Psalms provides clarity and is a highly recommended, valuable resource for any reader of the biblical text. Read more