Psalms

The book of Psalms is considered by some to be the most popular book of the Old Testament. It is also the Bible's longest and, in some ways, most complex book, containing a collection of religious Hebrew poetry written over several centuries.

This course aims to edify you by teaching you to better read, understand and meditate authentically on each of the Psalms individually, and the book as a whole. Dr. Waltke is convinced that "what" a text means cannot be understood until it is known "how" it means. This course introduces you to five approaches that have proven helpful in guiding you to understand "how" the Psalms mean what they say, and then Dr. Waltke applies each of these approaches in exegeting and reflecting on specific Psalms. 

All lectures transcribed and outlined by BT Ambassador Phil Smith. 

Lecture 1:
Introduction to the Psalms
Dr. Waltke summarizes the different approaches to studying the Psalms. By understanding "how" it means, you will understand more clearly "what" it means. 
 

Lecture 2: 
Psalm 1
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 1

Lecture 3:
Psalm 4 - Part 1
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 4

Lecture 4:
Psalm 4 - Part 2, Psalm 23
This is a review of the exegesis and exposition of Psalm 4, followed by a study of Hebrew Poetry and Psalm 23.

Lecture 5:
Form Critical Approach
Knowing that there are different types of literature in the Psalms helps you interpret each Psalm more accurately. Introduction to the Hymns of Praise.

Lecture 6:
Hymns of Praise (Part 1)
Some elements of the hymns of praise are the call to praise, the cause for praise and fervent praise with music.

Lecture 7:
Hymns of Praise (Part 2)
We learn theology from the praise of God's people. God has both communicable and incommunicable attributes. It is incomprehensible that the laws of nature are comprehensible.

Lecture 8:
Psalm 100
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 100. Also some introductory remarks and a summary of Genesis 1.

Lecture 9:
Psalm 8

We learn theology from the people of God celebrating the attributes of the God of history.

Lecture 10:
Grateful Songs of Praise and Psalm 92
Psalm 92 is an example of public praise, telling what God has done for us.

Lecture 11:
Petition Psalms
There are three common sub-motifs in the petition psalms.

Lecture 12:
Imprecatory Psalms
The theme of imprecatory psalms is petitioning God for deliverance from distress. Some also pray that God will uphold justice by punishing the enemy. 

Lecture 13:
Psalm 3
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 3. This is the first lament psalm.

Lecture 14:
Psalm 22
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 22. Summary of Elohistic psalms. 

Lecture 15:
Psalm 51
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 51. The theme of Psalm 51 is the petition for forgiveness of sin. 

Lecture 16:
Psalm 44
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 44.

Lecture 17:
Psalm 91 and Psalm 139
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 91 and Psalm 139, which are both examples of psalms of trust. 

Lecture 18:
Liturgical Approach
The liturgical approach considers the setting of the psalm.

Lecture 19:
Psalm 73 and Psalm 15
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 73 and Psalm 15. Also a further explanation of the importance of the liturgical approach when reading and interpreting the psalms. 

Lecture 20:
Psalm 2
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 2, a coronation psalm.

Lecture 21:
Psalm 110
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 110, a coronation psalm.

Lecture 22:
Rhetorical Approach
Introduction to the rhetorical approach.

Lecture 23:
Messianic Approach
Introduction to the Messianic Approach.

Lecture 24:
Psalm 16
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 16.

Lecture 25:
Wisdom Psalms
Introduction to Wisdom Psalms.

Lecture 26:
Psalm 19
Exegesis and exposition of Psalm 19.

Lecture 27:
Editorial Approach
Introduction to the Editorial Approach.