Book Review: "Preaching and Teaching the Psalms"
One of my goals each year is to read a book that corresponds to the annual Freed-Hardeman University Bible Lectures book of study. Last year, I read Coffman’s commentary on John.
With the book this year being Psalms, I knew there was no way I would have time to read an entire commentary on Psalms in time, so I decided to purchase and read a book that deals with how to preach this massive book.
I bought Preaching and Teaching the Psalms by James L. Mays and finished reading it just 
before the lectures began. Upon purchasing this book, I was excited. I was hoping for several tips as to how tackle this huge book, especially from the pulpit.
before the lectures began. Upon purchasing this book, I was excited. I was hoping for several tips as to how tackle this huge book, especially from the pulpit.No such luck.
The book has two major parts. The first part (about 3/4 of the book) deals with all types of technical aspects of Psalms. Some of these are helpful, but would rarely–if ever–be used in the pulpit. The second part goes through a handful of Psalms and shares a few notes on them. Few of these notes would be used in a sermon either.
Quick review: don’t buy this book unless you want to very deeply study the Psalms. This book might make a good book for a college class on the book, but it provides little help for the normal library. Use your money to buy a good commentary instead.
2 Comments
JD
Thanks for your advice about the book. Psalms is an incredibly interesting book to me simply because of the variety of perspectives you get from it.
I don’t know that I have ever heard a lengthy sermon series on the book of Psalms, so if you do one I would love to hear your thoughts.
Frank Bellizzi
I’ve had much the same experience in studying the Psalms: modern discussions are often technical and tedious. Yes, a preacher should be aware of the theories of Gunkel and Mowinckel, etc. Thirty minutes with the chapter on “Psalms” in an OT Introduction should do it. Beyond that, the preacher should recognize that most of the better theological treatments will be found among the older commentaries. There are some people who shy away from any commentary 25 years or older. They’re uninformed. For example, on the Psalms, compare most of the newer commentaries with Perowne or with A. A. Anderson. It’s like the difference between night and day, the older works being a comparative breath of fresh air.