How should psalms be interpreted? This article demonstrates the significance of both the form and the original cultic context or setting for the interpretation process, making use of Psalm 11 as an example. Bellinger believes it is best to read Psalm 11 as a lament demonstrating trust and expressing thanksgiving. in the context of a crisis.

Approaching Scripture as literature is indispensable for exegesis. Exegesis is incomplete without proper attention being paid to the literary features of the biblical text. Adequate attention needs to be paid to matters of genre and form as well as of theology and history. This article is a study of Psalm 22, which takes all these aspects into consideration.