Book Review: Preaching the Psalms.

This is a fantastic work by Dr. Steven Lawson on the act of writing a sermon and preaching from the book of Psalms. He opens this series of lectures in order to give some understanding into what must be the most important part of a Pastor's duties before the people of God. Let us be sure to understand that it is divided into several sections (five units): 1. the preparation phase with three chapters. 2. the exploration phase with six chapters.  3. the interpretation phase with eight chapters. 4. the assimilation phase with with six chapters. 5. the proclamation phase with two chapters. at this point, if one thing can be said about this book, it is very thorough and that is what is needed in these times, when there are groups who lack such a foundational truth in their midst. 

And why do a book on preaching the Psalms? Dr Lawson puts forth this answer:" As a result" he say referring to the fact the Psalms pose real challenges to every expositor. He continues: "the Psalms, tragically, remain a neglected book  in many pulpits. that is to say, the book of Psalms is often read, but rarely exposited." And that is the case for many reasons such as psalms that take time to understand like the imprecatory Psalms. how do you apply these kinds of Psalms?  Indeed can you do such a thing.  He continues: "therefore, this book is an attempt to provide helpful keys to unlock the inexhaustible riches of this vast storehouse of truths which Spurgeon once called 'the treasury of David.'

Now have given this picture of how important a book like this-- we need to note a few chapters that are stand outs: chapters 10-17 are all important as far as preaching the Psalm are concerned; each given us an important dimension to explore: (a) understand the Laws which gives the basic points of exegesis. (b) examine the language which deals with original language and how one must get the true text. (c) find the parallelism understand the differing structures and how they work. (d) study the grammar that is knowing the connections of different phrases verbs; nouns and so on in a sentence or paragraph. (e) research history have a firm foundation in the situations that a particular thing was written. (f)  survey the geography understand different locations. (g) investigate the cultures this is important as it helps us understand the people in terms of what they do and what they have.  (h) discern the figures  to know a person(s) we can gain a lot of knowledge from their mannerism of speech. All of these things are necessary when it comes to this grand book.

But in more general manner for preaching the scriptures I believe the first two chapters apply across the board: 1. prepare the heart which has the following pointer under it: (a) personally converted. (b) sovereignly called. (c) wholly consecrated. (d) biblically saturated.   All of these are things that must be true in the case of a Pastor; if he be an unregenerate man then what he has said in his discourse will have no real affect on his own life in the primary point. He will a hypocrite for calling people to do something he has never submitted himself too. 2. embrace the task which offers up the following pointers on what he preaches: (a) bible-based exposition. (b) God-exalting proclamation. (c) Christ-cantered preaching. (d) Spirit-filled delivery. (e) well-developed sermon. (f) life-changing message. These are the essential building blocks for any sermon that is given. It does not need to mention the members of the Trinity all the time; but the spirit of the message must flow from them. 

I would recommend this book for the narrow subject of the Psalms; but also the wide subject of preaching all the scriptures.