(Part 1)

JBTM Jeffrey G. Audirsch
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figurative and cultural-specific language. 93 Ellen F. Davis eruditely captures
the importance of understanding this principle: “The main reason to
preach the psalms is not to bare fact that they contain great lines or great
metaphors. Rather, it is because the poets who composed them thought
differently about God than we ordinarily do, and more deeply.” 94 These
great metaphors, however, can be challenges for the interpreter/preacher. 95
Specifically when dealing with the Psalter, the interpreter/preacher should
apply the various principles listed above for interpreting the Psalms, as
well as consider the following questions: What is the emotional tone of
the psalm? Is the emotional tone of the psalm expressed in figurative or
cultural-specific language? Interpreters/preachers need to be reminded that
figurative and cultural language can sometimes be graphic (e.g., Ps 137:9)
making preaching some psalms difficult.
7. After taking into consideration principles 4–6, identify the main purpose and/or
meaning of the poetic text. 96 Merely uncovering the purpose and/or meaning
of the poetic text does not suffice the preaching of the poem. The purpose/
meaning of the poetic text, however, does not mean it is an unconditional
truth. In fact, poetry is rarely didactic in nature. Thus, interpreters/preachers
must not be tempted “to read something into the text in order to have
something to preach.” 97
8. Structural development of the sermon. To this point, principles 1–7 form the
foundation of the sermon. With the groundwork done, the interpreter/
preacher has two main options for preaching biblical poetry—linearly or
thematically. The linear development of the sermon—sometimes called
the analytical approach—follows the literary flow/pattern of the poem. 98
93
For a helpful overview of exploring figurative and cultural language in the Psalms, see Long,
“Preaching Psalms,” 564–65.
94
Davis, Wondrous Depth, 26.
95
Timothy J. Ralston, “Preaching the Psalms: Sermonic Forms,” in Interpreting the Psalms for
Teaching & Preaching, edited by Herbert W. Bateman IV and D. Brent Sandy (St. Louis: Chalice Press,
2010), 30.
96
Some scholars maintain that identifying the purpose should be the first of the preacher. For
example, see Ralston, “Preaching the Psalms,” 33. In general, I would tend to agree with such a
sentiment; however, biblical poetry contains such nuanced language and preponderance of figurative
language, the interpreter/preacher should be able to properly exegete the poem before determining
the main purpose.
97
Firth, “Preaching Praise Poetry,” 89
98
Ralston, “Preaching the Psalms,” 38–39; cf. Mark D. Futato, Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical
Handbook, Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis, edited by David M. Howard (Grand Rapids: Kregel,
2007), 197–200. Duane Garrett notes that structuring a sermon according to the number of stanza