The Message of Psalms 73-150: Songs for the People of God

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament

by Michael Wilcock

The book of Psalms is a favorite of Christians, even though we frequently read it in portions and pieces, hopscotching through the familiar and avoiding the odd, the unpleasant and the difficult. But though the individual psalms arose from an assortment of times, experiences and settings, the book is composed in a deliberate pattern, not as a random anthology. The meaning of the Psalms is discovered in this pattern and order. Michael Wilcock has written a sort of travel guide to the Psalms. In the first volume, The Message of Psalms 1--72, he invites us to begin our journey through the gateway of Psalms 1 and 2, with their summons to obedience. In this volume, he ends with Psalm 150, singing its song of praise. In between we pass through all the "yes, buts" of faith--the conflicts, the burdens, the mysteries and the sufferings of life. In these laments and praises, hymns and liturgies, the Bible continues to speak clearly today.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writer of this volume takes the approach that the Psalms are the songbook of God’s people – past and present – giving a different flavour to the ‘book’. I think I’ve often treated the psalms as much of the rest of the bible – poetic perhaps, but text with theological, moral or doctrinal lessons (for example), and each chapter being largely independent of one another.
The songbook approach, helps look at the collection from a completely different angle. For a start, collections is probably the better term, with large sections of 15 or so psalms each tied together by this author into thematic series, with psalms 90-105 or so connected by their retelling of the exodus story. Although it felt a little stretched at times, the connection between Hezekiah and psalms 120-135 was fascinating.
While the collections appear to align with ancient festivals, the author also connects the psalms to the Christian church, in the New Testament when relevant, but also by using the modern hymns of the last few centuries to illustrate their Christian applications, what we might have missed, or re-phrasing in helpful ways. This is done well and introduced me to hymns I’d not previously known, but also highlights greater challenges. Firstly, in referring to relatively old hymns, there are many written since which might also have shed some light. But some limit is needed to the choice of modern canon, preferably those songs that are accessible to most readers. The second challenge is whether our modern hymns cover enough of the original collections: I wonder if we ought to be guided more by the themes available in scripture rather than falling into a limited range of ‘safe’ themes.
There were a few psalms which gave additional pause. Psalm 137 for its difficult themes. Psalm 119 required particular attention, the 176 verse being unconducive to working through as a single section, rather being a collection of its own. It is surprising how an acrostic which is deliberately aiming for variation on a limited theme, using 8 or so synonyms for it, succeeds in its goals. Whether it would work well as a chant/song I don’t know – but I have found the different 8 verse sections excellent points for contemplation.
Unfortunately, the first volume was not available when I bought this one, so I look forward to reading it later. I hope to find similar realisations in it also.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pastoral and Thought Provoking”. These are the words you will be thinking when you finish “The Message of Psalms 73-150” by Michael Wilcock, as it is one of the most well written books on the Psalms that I have had the privilege of reading. This book is parts of the ever-growing series called “The Bible Speaks Today”, produced by IVP Academic.  “The Bible Speaks Today” is a thoroughly Evangelical series which serves as an introduction as well as practicality explaining the book of Psalms through a thoroughly Evangelical perspective.  This is the second volume of a two volume set, the first being Psalms 1-72, both written by Michael Wilcock.

In the introduction, with regard to the dating of Psalms, Wilcock argues well for an early date while, briefly, against critical arguments for older dating. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up today and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints, even ones that have just recently been published.

Wilcock is a excellent exegete specifically and when it comes to the Pentateuch, it shines in this volume.  Wilcock makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Wilcock brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through the book of Psalms.

Through exegeting the Psalms 73-150, Wilcock demonstrates why he is a great Old Testament scholar of the modern age, which makes this introduction to the book of Psalms 73-150 a must-read by pastors preaching or Layman teaching through Psalms 73-150 either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.

This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

[Matttoesan]

very good for me.thank you