The Davidic Covenant: Hymnic Literature

Bruce Waltke analyzes the Psalms and their structure, history, and theological implications.

Opening Prayer

• Thanksgiving for grace and healing
• Acknowledgment of God as the God of life and death, and of resurrection

Course Focus Introduction

• The primary history of the Old Testament, from Genesis to Second Kings
• The kingdom of God and Israel's covenant relationship with God
• The failure of Israel to uphold covenant obligations

Discussion of the Covenant with Abraham

• God’s covenant with Abraham to create a nation
• Importance of Abraham’s seed and the land for the fulfillment of the covenant

The Doctrine of the Land

• Tracing the doctrine of the land in the Old Testament and its spiritual significance
• Fulfillment of the land promise in Christ and the eschatological view of a new heaven and new earth

The Covenant and the Law

• Review of the constitution (laws) that bound Israel, focusing on the Ten Commandments and the ceremonial laws
• The New Covenant writes the law on hearts instead of stone

The King and the Davidic Covenant

• The role of a king in Israel
• The Davidic Covenant, where God promises David’s seed will rule an eternal kingdom
• 2 Samuel 7 and its importance in Israel’s history

Theology of the Davidic Covenant

• God’s promises to David, including a future eternal kingdom through his seed
• Solomon’s role and the expansion/contraction of the kingdom depending on covenant faithfulness

Failure of the Kingdom

• The failure of the covenants
• The kingdom’s eventual collapse at the end of the Old Testament

Introduction to the Psalter

• Exploring the theology of the Psalms
• David’s role as a king and theologian in the Psalms

The Royal Interpretation of the Psalms

• Argument for understanding many Psalms as the voice of the king
• Importance of royal and messianic themes in the Psalter

The Structure and Forms of the Psalms

• Overview of different types of Psalms: petition, thanksgiving, and praise
• These forms express Israel’s theology and covenant relationship with God

Theology of Petition Psalms

• Detailed examination of petition Psalms, including their structure (address, lament, confidence, petition, and praise)
• The role of lament in expressing distress and seeking God’s intervention

The Theology of Praise

• Thanksgiving and praise in the Psalms, emphasizing public confession of God’s works
• Distinction between praise and thanks in Hebrew tradition

The Psalter’s Editorial Structure

• The Psalms were edited into five distinct books
• Reflection on the Psalms as a meditation and reflection on God’s law and covenant

The Failure of the Davidic Covenant in Book Three of the Psalter

• Exploration of the theological crisis in Book Three
• The failure of kingship and the kingdom

Return to Hope in Book Four and Five

• The Psalms shift back to Moses and the eternal kingship of God
• Book Five reflects hope as the people return from exile

Messianism in the Psalms

• Messianic hope found in Psalms like Psalm 110
• The Psalms point to a future, greater king beyond David

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.