The Art of Preaching Old Testament Poetry - by Steven D Mathewson (Paperback)

About the Book

A leading pastor theologian guides readers through preaching the Old Testament poetic books, introducing foundational issues and offering basic methodology and preaching strategies that are faithful to the text and attuned to listeners.

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

"Will equip preachers to more faithfully and more confidently preach a neglected biblical corpus"

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.

This book guides readers through preaching the Old Testament poetic books, introducing foundational issues and offering basic methodology and preaching strategies that are faithful to the text and attuned to listeners.

"Mathewson is a gifted preacher and teacher of preachers. 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."
--Jared E. Alcántara, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

"A master class in powerful, genre-sensitive preaching. Mathewson 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, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Preaching the poetic books is a challenge that intimidates many preachers, who avoid these books to their congregations' loss. Mathewson's helpful guide lessens the fear and empowers pastors to better serve their flocks. 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 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

About the Author

Steven D. Mathewson (PhD, Stellenbosch University; DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Moody Bible Institute. He served as a pastor for over 37 years in Montana and in the north suburbs of Chicago. Mathewson is the author of several books, including The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative and Risen: 50 Reasons the Resurrection Changed Everything.