How Shall We Sing the Psalms?

An episode of the Reformed Thinking podcast, hosted by Edison Wu, titled "How Shall We Sing the Psalms?" was published on February 10, 2026 and runs 28 minutes.

February 10, 2026 ·28m · Reformed Thinking

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Summary

Deep Dive into How Shall We Sing the Psalms? by Jamie GrantIn his review article "How Shall We Sing the Psalms?", Jamie Grant evaluates three distinct books on the Psalter by C. Hassell Bullock, Erhard Gerstenberger, and Stanley Jaki. Grant notes that the differing backgrounds of the authors—ranging from evangelical studies to critical scholarship and Roman Catholic devotion—result in widely different approaches to the biblical text.Bullock’s Encountering the Psalms is highlighted as an accessible yet detailed introduction aimed at undergraduate students. Unlike the other works, Bullock uses a thematic approach, analyzing the text through categories such as "Psalms of the Earthly King". Grant commends Bullock for providing a comprehensive starting point for serious study, particularly noting how he handles the tension between the historical roots of Royal Psalms and their eschatological interpretations in the New Testament.In contrast, Gerstenberger’s contribution to the Forms of Old Testament Literature series is described as highly technical and scholarly. Focusing on Psalm 110, Gerstenberger utilizes textual criticism to argue that the psalm is a post-exilic messianic expectation rather than a pre-exilic text from the Judean monarchy. While Grant praises the rigor and depth of Gerstenberger’s research, he suggests that some theological conclusions regarding the dating of texts may be contestable.Finally, Jaki’s work is characterized as a subjective, devotional text based on sixty years of prayer. Jaki bypasses standard questions of exegesis to focus on the Christological adoption of the psalms. Grant finds this approach the least successful of the three, arguing that Jaki’s lack of methodological clarity and focus on peripheral issues can sometimes obscure the actual meaning of the psalms rather than enlightening the reader.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730

Episode Description

Deep Dive into How Shall We Sing the Psalms? by Jamie Grant

In his review article "How Shall We Sing the Psalms?", Jamie Grant evaluates three distinct books on the Psalter by C. Hassell Bullock, Erhard Gerstenberger, and Stanley Jaki. Grant notes that the differing backgrounds of the authors—ranging from evangelical studies to critical scholarship and Roman Catholic devotion—result in widely different approaches to the biblical text.

Bullock’s Encountering the Psalms is highlighted as an accessible yet detailed introduction aimed at undergraduate students. Unlike the other works, Bullock uses a thematic approach, analyzing the text through categories such as "Psalms of the Earthly King". Grant commends Bullock for providing a comprehensive starting point for serious study, particularly noting how he handles the tension between the historical roots of Royal Psalms and their eschatological interpretations in the New Testament.

In contrast, Gerstenberger’s contribution to the Forms of Old Testament Literature series is described as highly technical and scholarly. Focusing on Psalm 110, Gerstenberger utilizes textual criticism to argue that the psalm is a post-exilic messianic expectation rather than a pre-exilic text from the Judean monarchy. While Grant praises the rigor and depth of Gerstenberger’s research, he suggests that some theological conclusions regarding the dating of texts may be contestable.

Finally, Jaki’s work is characterized as a subjective, devotional text based on sixty years of prayer. Jaki bypasses standard questions of exegesis to focus on the Christological adoption of the psalms. Grant finds this approach the least successful of the three, arguing that Jaki’s lack of methodological clarity and focus on peripheral issues can sometimes obscure the actual meaning of the psalms rather than enlightening the reader.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer

Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730