SIG

CLASSROOM COURSE

InDepth: Psalms

Getting the Most from an Old Hymnal

In this course we look at the poetry, styles, messages and purposes of Israel’s musical conversation with God. We will look at this unique book in all its variety and complexity. Are the psalms the stuff of doctrine? Of hope? Do the psalms contain patterns for prayer that we can use, and if so, how are we to read and understand a psalm in which a fervent psalmist prays, addressing his enemies:

Happy shall they be who take your little ones
and dash them against the rock!     (Psalm 137:9)

Besides seeking together answers to such questions, we will look at psalms which are not prayers at all but are teaching vehicles or even prophecy. Some psalms are among the best loved and best known passages in the Bible. Others are neither well known nor understood. This course is designed to give participants a greater familiarity and appreciation for the part of the Bible in which the people answered God back and set their varied answers to music.

Registration fee includes tuition, Participant Study Guide and sales tax for this class.