Invitation to the Psalms: A Reader's Guide for Discovery and Engagement

by Rolf A. Jacobson, Karl Jacobson

Overview

The Book of Psalms is perhaps the most cherished book in the Old Testament. In this lively volume, two experienced teachers invite students to read and explore the Psalter and roam widely among its poems. The book introduces the dynamics of the biblical text, helping students become careful and attentive readers. It covers how to read Hebrew poetry, the Psalter's basic genres, the idea of "the psalmist," the metaphorical world of the Psalms, and the theology of the Psalms. Sidebars, discussion questions, and plenty of examples enhance the reading experience. This clear and concise guide is accessible to all serious students of the Bible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441241399
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/15/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Rolf A. Jacobson is professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. His teaching interests include the Psalms, the Old Testament prophets, biblical poetry, biblical theology, and biblical narrative. Karl N. Jacobson is assistant professor of religion at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both authors are ordained pastors. They collaborated on Crazy Book: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Biblical Terms and Crazy Talk: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms.
Rolf A. Jacobson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the coauthor, with Michael J. Chan, of Introducing the Old Testament. A survivor of childhood cancer, Jacobson has lived with disability for more than forty years and speaks widely on faith and suffering.
Karl N. Jacobson (1969-2024; PhD, Providence Theological School) was a Lutheran pastor, cancer survivor, and theologian known for his deep love of the Psalms. He is the author of Memories of Asaph and coauthored several books with Rolf Jacobson.

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction
1. Why Is My Bible Repeating Itself? Learning to Understand Hebrew Poetry
2. What Is a Psalm? Learning to Understand Different Psalm Genres--Part 1
3. What Is a Psalm? Learning to Understand Different Psalm Genres--Part 2
4. What Is a Psalmist? Learning to Understand the Voice and Life Situations of the Psalms
5. Is God a Rock, a Light, or a Shepherd? Learning to Understand Metaphors, Imagery, and Symbolism in the Psalms
6. Why Are the Psalms in This Order? Learning to Interpret Psalms within the Context of the Book of Psalms
7. "Who Is the King of Glory?" Learning to Understand the Theology of the Psalms
Indexes