PSALMS ANALYSIS PAPER INSTRUCTIONS
The student is to write an 8-9-page (double-spaced, not including title page, and bibliography) paper that provides a detailed analysis of one of the following psalms:
- 10
- 19
- 40
- 48
- 62
- 72
- 84
- 91
- 132
- 144
The paper should include the following sections:
- A concise introduction, briefly setting forth the theme and message of the psalm
- Genre, structure, and summary of the passage: this passage should briefly explain the genre of the passage, the structure of the passage (the major divisions of the psalm and how we recognize this), and a two-paragraph summary of the message of the passage (one page)
- Literary features of the psalm-explain the major figures of speech in the passage and any other literary features that help to make the message of the psalm memorable (two pages)
- Interpretive issues-discuss the three to four key interpretive problems in the psalm-raise the issue and provide a proposed solution with biblical evidence supporting your conclusions. (three pages)
- Theological and application of the psalm: discuss the key theological principles reflected in the psalm and some specific ways that this psalm might apply to the believer today (one page)
- A conclusion that briefly summarizes the major ideas of the paper and the significance of the psalm
The paper should be written with footnotes and conform to Turabian format. The student must use a minimum of five to six academic sources for this paper and include a bibliography (not part of the page count listed above). This paper is a research paper and not a Bible study or sermon on the passage. I am looking for good research with footnoted sources, detailed analysis of the text, and solid explanation of interpretive choices taken in the paper. I would recommend Greg Parsons, "Guidelines for Understanding the Psalms," Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (1990): 169-87 as a good resource for thinking through how to approach this assignment. Because of the length of this paper, avoid the use of extended quotations and keep quotations in general to a minimum. This paperwill enable students to apply what they have learned regarding literary analysis, interpretation, and personal application of the Psalms.
This assignment must be submitted to SafeAssignby 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 7.