Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 29:78 (Spring 2025)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

JODT 29:78 (Spring 2025) p. 81

Book Reviews

Psalms for Reading, Preaching, and Teaching by R. Larry Overstreet. Winona Lake, IN: independently published, 2025. 591 pp., paper, $24.99.

R. Larry Overstreet has given the church and the academy a tremendous resource in Psalms for Reading, Preaching, and Teaching: Proclaiming and Applying Psalms to Yourself and Others. His work advances conservative evangelical thought on the Psalms by bringing together key conservative viewpoints that differ — explaining why those differences exist and, more importantly, how to integrate them in a way that strengthens exegesis and application.

One of the book’s greatest contributions is its nuanced exploration of Hebrew poetry. Overstreet lays a solid foundation for understanding the unique structure, parallelism, and literary artistry of the Psalms, ensuring that readers — whether pastors, seminary students, or laypeople — develop an appreciation for both the form and meaning of the text. Furthermore, he did what many conservative scholars hesitate to do: he tackled the challenges of interpreting the Psalms’ emotional depth and subjective language. As opposed to avoiding these elements, he provides a method for engaging them faithfully, addressing common conservative fears concerning the role of emotion in interpretation and application.

The initial chapters alone should be required reading for every exegete, whether a pastor, seminary student, professor, or serious layperson. Overstreet distilled a lifetime of study into his work, balancing depth with accessibility. While his knowledge flows like a fire hose, he has the wisdom to regulate the flow, allowing readers to absorb the material at a manageable pace — like drinking from a backyard hose under control.

What distinguishes this book is its practicality. Overstreet did not just analyze the Psalms; he provides clear, insightful guidance on how to preach and teach them effectively. His examples of sermon preparation and application demonstrate both scholarly rigor and pastoral sensitivity, making this book an indispensable tool for anyone who desires to handle the Psalms faithfully. Overstreet’s work should be required reading for every seminary student and pastor. He has given the church a gift — one that will shape the way believers read, interpret, and proclaim the Psalms for years to come.

— Mike Matiscik
Christian Fellowship Church (Highland, IN)

JODT 29:78 (Spring 2025) p. 82

Theonomy Old and New: A Reformed Baptist Assessment by Sam Waldron and Tom Hicks. Douglasville, GA: G3 Press, 2025. 221 pp., paper, $23.00.

Theonomy, or Christian Reconstructionism, has risen from t...