Invitation to the Psalms: A Reader's Guide for Discovery and Engagement

The book of Psalms is perhaps the most cherished book in the Old Testament. In this lively volume, two experienced teachers invite us to read and explore the Psalter and roam widely among its poems.

Invitation to the Psalms introduces the dynamics of the biblical text, helping students of the Bible become careful and attentive readers. This clear and concise guide covers how to read Hebrew poetry, the Psalter's basic genres, the idea of "the psalmist," the metaphorical world of the Psalms, and the theology of the Psalms. It gives readers confidence to explore the Psalms on their own and could readily be used in the first weeks of class to orient students to the Psalms.

The second edition of this popular textbook, now updated and expanded, adds a chapter on the shape and shaping of the Psalter and sidebars that highlight the use of the Psalms in popular culture. Discussion questions are also included.

Rolf A. Jacobson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the coauthor, with Michael J. Chan, of Introducing the Old Testament. A survivor of childhood cancer, Jacobson has lived with disability for more than forty years and speaks widely on faith and suffering.

Karl N. Jacobson (1969-2024; PhD, Providence Theological School) was a Lutheran pastor, cancer survivor, and theologian known for his deep love of the Psalms. He is the author of Memories of Asaph and coauthored several books with Rolf Jacobson.