by Karina Brady, Student Public Relations Writer
Retro is cool. Today’s teens are rediscovering music from the 1960s and 70s. But how about from 3,000 years ago? One Cedarville professor is confident that ancient songs can still stir the hearts of the faithful, young and old alike.
Dr. Daniel Estes, distinguished professor of Old Testament, saw the release of his commentary “Psalms 73-150: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture” on January 31. Estes was invited to write the commentary as part of a series published by B&H Publishing Group.
— Dan Estes
The commentary is Volume 13 of The New American Commentary series and covers Psalms 73-150. The 416-page volume is written for students, teachers and pastors. It is intended to “bridge the gap between the academic study of the Psalms and the people of God,” according to Estes.
In his commentary, Estes examines each psalm verse by verse in a close literary reading of the text. He also provides readers with the form, structure and setting; theme; intertextuality, which draws connections between different Scripture passages; and theology of each hymn. At the end of every psalm is a call for response.
“In the Psalms, theology comes crashing into experience, and it’s in that collision that our faith is forged,” said Estes. He encourages readers to “make the Psalms their own.”
Estes spent six years and a total of 6,000 hours studying Psalms 73-150, then taught through them during a two-year adult Bible fellowship series at his church. He also shared pieces of his research in classroom discussions with Cedarville students.
Estes’ love for the Psalms began at a young age and has continued to grow during his 35 years as a university professor. “I first started loving the Psalms when I was a boy. When I first got into the pastorate, I found that I really enjoyed teaching through the Psalms and preaching through the Psalms,” he said. “They really model how to turn to God whether we’re rejoicing beyond words or whether we’re at a real hard place.”
“What I’m hoping is that these ancient songs of God’s people will become the songs of God’s people today,” Estes continued. “As we make them our own songs of praise, of lament, of wisdom, of thanksgiving, we are doing what the people of God have done now for 3,000 years.”
“Psalms 73-150: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture” is available for purchase online through LifeWay.com, Christianbook.com and Amazon.com.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,193 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its master of divinity program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.