The Book of Psalms

I. Course Description

How important are songs in the life of Israel and the Church! In this course learners study the Book of Psalms, giving attention to the various forms of the Psalms and their function within the historical experience of Israel. The course begins by focusing on the formulation and interpretation of the psalms. Students then examine in detail the various types of psalms: lament, royal, pilgrimage, wisdom, messianic, and psalms of descriptive praise. Dr. Waltke gives sermonic treatment of selected psalms with application for today's Church.

II. Course Objectives

1. To understand the historical setting and development of the Psalter.

2. To analyze the various forms, contents, and settings of the Psalms.

3. To acquire the ability to interpret the figures of speech found within the Psalms as a means of understanding the message of the Psalms.

4. To demonstrate the application of the Psalms to the Church today.

III. Required Texts

It is assumed that the student will have access to the standard lexicons, concordances and other lexical and exegetical aids especially: E. W. Bullinger. Figures of Speech Used in the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1968.

IV. Course Requirements

1. Course Lesson Plans:

The student is expected to submit satisfactory response to the Lesson Assignments given under "Assignments," which includes the Lecture Study Questions located after each Lesson Outline. These will be due following lectures 5, 14 and 24.

2. Final Examination:

One examination will be given. The student is expected to analyze the designated Psalms putting into practice those principles presented in the recorded lectures. The use of exegetical aids is permitted. Commentaries may not be used in the formulation of the synopsis nor the outline. The student is required to spend at least ten (10) hours of analysis for each psalm. It is therefore recommended that the student complete the first fourteen (14) lectures during the first half of the semester. This will insure sufficient time for the preparation of the final.

Click here to download the course outline (PDF)