Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 3: The Psalms and Wisdom Literature

by Ernest Lucas

Publisher:

SPCK

, 2003

Overview

Being able to understand the Psalms and the rest of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament from a macro perspective is one of the most important keys to unlocking the richness of the individual Psalms and books like Song of Songs, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. In Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 3: The Psalms and Wisdom Literature, Ernest Lucas encourages students to understand the literary devices used in the Psalms, the structure and purpose of each book in this genre and the major themes and theology of each book.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Athanasius, summed up one important reason for this when he said that while most of Scripture speaks to us, the Psalms speak for us.” (Page 1)

“Gunkel recognized two major categories: the hymns and the laments.” (Page 1)

“The most obvious is that poetry is easier to memorize than prose” (Page 92)

“The wisdom literature is predicated on the assumption that wisdom can be acquired” (Page 81)

“the second half builds on or extends what has been said in the first half” (Page 94)

Praise for the Print Edition

I have found the range of topics treated by Lucas enormously impressive. From all the usual introductory topics through to detailed guidelines for interpretation, students will find here admirable summaries of the main scholarly views together with sensible comments to help evaluate them. I know of no other textbook on the Psalms and Writings that will service its intended readership so helpfully.

—Professor H.G.M. Williamson, Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Harvard

Product Details

• Title: Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 3: The Psalms and Wisdom Literature
• Authors: Author: Ernest Lucas/li>
• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 207

About Ernest Lucas

Ernest Lucas worked in biochemical research for a few years before studying theology at Oxford University and becoming ordained as a Baptist minister. He has been the minister of churches in Durham and Liverpool. While at Liverpool, he was awarded a Ph.D. by the university there for his research on the book of Daniel. For several years he worked as Educational Director and the Associate Director at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. In 1994 he moved to Bristol Baptist College, an Affiliated College of Bristol University, where he is Vice-Principal and Tutor in Biblical Studies.