Introductory Works on the Psalms

The following is a list of introductory works on the Book of Psalms. All of the titles listed are foundational to in-depth study of the Psalter. However, I would highly recommend the beginner to start with Tremper Longman's How to Read the Psalms. This is a conservative, evangelical approach to the subject. It is readable and very helpful providing a concise overview of the various issue related to the Book of Psalms.

Under each post is a list of sources of recommendations. Some titles have a link, or reference to a review of the book.

Disclaimer: The inclusion of a title in this list does not indicate a full endorsement of its theological perspective and/or content by the contributors to this blog. Titles included are recommended by various authorities (as noted) and should be read and used with much prayer and Biblical discernment.

INTRODUCTORY WORKS ON THE PSALMS

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Ballard, Harold Wayne & W. Dennis Tucker, eds. An Introduction to Wisdom Literature and the Psalms: Festschrift Marvin E. Tate. (Macon, Ga.: Mercer University Press, 2000). xii + 242 pages.

Reviewed by:

• Daniel J. Estes (Cedarville University) RBL 12/10/2001
  

Bullock, C. Hassell. Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001). 272 pages.

Reviewed by:

• Bradley Embrey (University of Durham) RBL 3/15/2003
• Bruce A. Power (William and Catherine Booth College) RBL 6/1/2003
  

Recommended by:

• Carroll R., M. Daniel & Richard S. Hess. Annotated Old Testament Bibliography. Denver Journal. (2005; na).

  "The best college survey of the teaching of the Psalms."

• Carroll R., M. Daniel, Hélène Dallaire, & Richard S. Hess. Annotated Old Testament Bibliography. Denver Journal. (2007; na).
• Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

Day, John. Psalms. T&T Clark Study Guides. (Sheffield, England: JSOT Press, 1990; New York: T&T Clark, 2004). 159 pages.

Recommended by:

• Mays, James L. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Patrick D. Miller & Gene M. Tucker, eds. (2006; na).
• Seybold, Klaus. "Psalms, Book of" in The Encyclopedia of Christianity. Edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley & David B. Barrett. (1999; 2003).
• Tate, Marvin E. "2004 Supplement with Update of Research and Bibliography" in Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary. (1983; 2nd ed. 2004).

Gunkel, Hermann. The Psalms: A Form-Critical Introduction. Translated by Thomas M. Horner. Biblical Series. 19 (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1967; Reprinted, 1982). 64 pages.
Liberal—Critical. Form-critical approach.

Recommended by:

• Mays, James L. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Patrick D. Miller & Gene M. Tucker, eds. 2006.
• Mays, James L. Psalms. Interpretation. 1994.

Gunkel, H. & J. Begrich. Introduction to the Psalms: The Genres and Religious Lyric of Israel. (na.: na., 1933; Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1998). 388 pages.
Liberal-Critical. Form-critical approach.

Recommended by:

• Seybold, Klaus. "Psalms, Book of" in The Encyclopedia of Christianity. Edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley & David B. Barrett. (1999; 2003).

Holladay, William L. The Psalms through Three Thousand Years: Prayerbook of a Cloud of Witnesses. (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1993; Reprinted 1996). 408 pages.
Liberal—Critical.

Recommended by:

• Mays, James L. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Patrick D. Miller & Gene M. Tucker, eds. (2006).
• Mays, James L. Psalms. Interpretation. (1994).
• Tate, Marvin E. "2004 Supplement with Update of Research and Bibliography" in Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary.
• (1983; 2nd ed. 2004).

Hunter, Alastair G. An Introduction to the Psalms. T & T Clark Approaches to Biblical Studies. (London; New York: T & T Clark, 2008). 158 pages.

Longman, Tremper, III. How to Read the Psalms. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006). 166 pages.
Conservative. [American Evangelical]

Recommended by:

• Evans, John F. A Guide to Biblical Commentaries and Reference Works.

Mays, James L. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Patrick D. Miller & Gene M. Tucker, eds. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006). 189 pages.

Reviewed by:

• Robin Gallaher Branch (Crichton College) RBL 08/2006

McCann, J. Clinton, Jr., ed. A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993). 224 pages.

Recommended by:

• Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).
• Mays, James L. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Patrick D. Miller & Gene M. Tucker, eds. (2006).
• Mays, James L. Psalms. Interpretation. (1994).
• Tate, Marvin E. "2004 Supplement with Update of Research and Bibliography" in Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary. (1983; 2nd ed. 2004).

Seybold, Klaus. Introducing the Psalms. (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1990). 272 pages.

Recommended by:

• Mays, James L. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Patrick D. Miller & Gene M. Tucker, eds. (2006).
• Mays, James L. Psalms. Interpretation. (1994).
• Seybold, Klaus. "Psalms, Book of" in The Encyclopedia of Christianity. Edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley & David B. Barrett. (1999; 2003).
• Tate, Marvin E. "2004 Supplement with Update of Research and Bibliography" in Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary. (1983; 2nd ed. 2004).
  

Westermann, Claus. The Psalms: Structure, Content and Message. (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1980). 132 pages.
Liberal. [German Lutheran]

Recommended by:

• Longman, Tremper, III. How to Read the Psalms. (2006; na).
• Mays, James L. Psalms. Interpretation. (1994).

Wilson, Gerald. The Psalms. Interpreting Biblical Texts. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005).

Recommended by:

• Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

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Return to the Outline of Sources for Studying the Psalms.

Introductory Works on the Psalms