The Art of Preaching Old Testament Poetry
About
Preachers often struggle with preaching Old Testament poetry. They are uncertain how to preach the highly emotive poems in Psalms, the one-liners in Proverbs, the tedious conversations in Job, the esoteric observations about life in Ecclesiastes, and the confusing love poems in the Song of Songs.
Here leading pastor theologian Steven Mathewson instructs and inspires preachers to preach some of the most challenging--and some of the richest--material in the Old Testament. This companion to his successful The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative guides readers through preaching the oft-neglected Old Testament poetic books. Mathewson introduces foundational issues and offers basic methodology and preaching strategies that are faithful to the text and sensitive to its listeners. Highlighting Mathewson's skill at bringing the riches of the Old Testament to bear on the life of the church, this book makes scholarship on the poetic books accessible for pastors and pastors-in-training. It also includes sample sermons.
Introduction
1. Preparing to Preach Old Testament Poetry
2. Preaching Psalms
3. Preaching Proverbs
4. Preaching Job
5. Preaching Ecclesiastes
6. Preaching Song of Songs
7. A Final Word
Appendix A: Sample Sermon on Psalm 87
Appendix B: Sample Sermon on Psalm 137
Appendix C: Sample Sermon on Proverbs 31:1-19
Appendix D: Sample Sermon on Job 28:1-28
Appendix E: Sample Sermon on Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14
Appendix F: Sample Sermon on Song of Songs
Appendix G: A Categorization of the Psalms
Indexes
Endorsements
"Steven D. Mathewson is a gifted preacher (thirty-seven years) and teacher of preachers (twenty-five years). He knows how much skill and wisdom it takes to preach Old Testament poetry. Thankfully, in this excellent book he shows us how to do it and do it well. Job well done, Dr. Mathewson!"
Jared E. Alcántara, professor of preaching and Paul W. Powell Endowed Chair in Preaching, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
"In The Art of Preaching Old Testament Poetry, Mathewson offers a master class in powerful, genre-sensitive preaching. Mathewson throws the doors open to any interested reader by providing a nuanced introduction to Old Testament poetic texts in the most accessible language. He offers exegetical insight, preaching strategies, and theological considerations for each poetic book, equipping preachers to engage these challenging texts with confidence and clarity. Drawing on his extensive experience in the pulpit and a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, Mathewson's guide is sophisticated, profound, and exceptionally clear."
Michelle Knight, associate professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"Preaching the poetic books is a challenge that intimidates many preachers, who avoid these books to their congregations' loss. Steve Mathewson's helpful guide lessens the fear and empowers pastors to better serve their flocks. He clarifies the central issues and themes of these biblical books, sets forth preaching strategies, and even provides some sample sermons. Pastors, read this book, and preach the whole Bible!"
Bill Kynes, pastor, Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church (retired); coauthor of Wrestling with Job: Defiant Faith in the Face of Suffering
"Are you apprehensive about preaching from the poetic books of the Old Testament? Start here! Mathewson's latest homiletical contribution offers a helpful introduction to interpreting biblical poetry line by line. He carefully synthesizes the most recent scholarship on Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs to orient readers to the major exegetical challenges in each of these books. Mathewson also beautifully demonstrates that biblical poetry does not pit emotions against reason. His interweaving of interpretive guidance and sermonic strategies will equip preachers to more faithfully and more confidently preach a neglected biblical corpus."
Heather Joy Zimmerman, Moody Theological Seminary
The Author
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Steven D. Mathewson
Steven D. Mathewson (PhD, Stellenbosch University; DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as adjunct professor of preaching and biblical studies at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Trinity Evangelical...
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