This Poor Man Called: Stories and Songs of David (Volume 2)

David Barker takes a unique approach in this exploration of the psalms of David. Each chapter begins with a creative retelling of the biblical narrative, setting the scene for the psalm arising out of that experience. Having grounded the psalm in the “story,” Barker then goes into a verse-by-verse exposition of the psalm, and provides some explanatory notes and a statement of the key message of the psalm.

At the end of each psalm exposition, Barker asks three basic questions: What do we learn about God? What do we learn about ourselves as the people of God? and What do we learn about the world? Answering these questions helps us to understand how David’s experience shaped his theocentric and biblical worldview. David’s theology of God is of One who is sovereign in every situation and reigns as King. All of life is lived in the presence of God, and life and the act of worship, are an interactive dynamic of despair and hope, failure and success, sin and forgiveness (with consequences). David faced all of these, and his psalms reveal how his understanding of God grew and was enriched through these experiences.

It is hoped this practical look at David’s psalms will deepen your understanding of God and the transforming work accomplished on the cross by his Son, Jesus Christ.

Publisher: Heritage Seminary Press
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781774841105

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David G. Barker is professor emeritus of biblical studies at Heritage College & Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. His area of specialty is the Old Testament, particularly the Psalms and wisdom books. He has pastored several churches in Ontario and served as vice president of academics at Heritage. He has published a number of essays about the Psalms and pastoral ministry, including "The Church and Imprecations in the Psalms: The Place of the Call To Curse in the Life of the Church Today" in Ecclesia Semper Reformanda Est-The Church Is Always Reforming: A Festschrift on Ecclesiology in Honour of Stanley K. Fowler (Joshua Press, 2016). David is married to Lorraine and together they enjoy doing life with their children and grandchildren.

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‘Over the last two decades I've had the privilege to call David Barker my pastor, professor, mentor and friend. His passion for the Lord, his Word and specifically the Psalms has left an indelible mark on my soul and my ministry. I am overjoyed to see that many others will be similarly impacted through these volumes. With exegetical precision, storytelling creativity and pastoral care, Barker brings the Psalms to life in a fresh way that stirs the heart, strengthens the mind and-most importantly-exalts Christ, our glorious King!’ Allan Self, Lead Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Strathroy, ON