In his brilliant new translation of one of the Bibles most cherished and powerful books, Alter captures the simplicity, physicality, and coiled rhythmic power of the Hebrew, restoring the remarkable eloquence of these ancient poems.

"A new, poetic translation of the Book of Psalms faces the Masoretic Hebrew text. A running textual commentary takes us inside the translation process. A second, spiritual commentary connects each psalm to the events, struggles, and triumphs in our spiritual lives"--

The ideas and emotions that make the book of Psalms such a powerful text for Judaism and Christianity alike are brilliantly captured in this deft translation by a scholar of Judaism. Aaron Lichtenstein offers the English translation in verse, just as the original Hebrew text is in poetry, in the various poetic modes required by the myriad moods and messages. Readers will be moved by the inspiring words of the Psalms in this essential resource.

Brilliant commentary on the most cherished book of the Bible

No one is more qualified to write on the Psalms than John Eaton. He is a distinguished Old Testament scholar and has spent a lifetime studying the Psalms. This commentary is addressed to the wide readership. There is a long and highly readable introduction giving a background to the Psalms; then follow the 150 Psalms, each in EatonÆs translation. He explains the background to the Psalms and their content in a way which makes them interesting and relevant to the present. The discussion of each psalm ends with a related Christian prayer, either from the tradition or written by Eaton himself. John Eaton is recognised as one of the worldÆs leading experts on Psalms: this commentary is the culmination of his lifeÆs work.

Robert Alter's 'The Book of Psalms' captures the simplicity, the physicality and rhythmic power of the Hebrew, while shedding light on the obscurities of the text.