Brilliant commentary on the most cherished book of the Bible

Each chapter is summed up in its contents, each paragraph reduced to its proper heads, the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations.

"This scholarly volume in the Concordia Commentary series covers Psalms 1-50. The author devotes meticulous attention to the grammar, structure, and literary artistry of these Hebrew poems. The exposition of each psalm includes textual notes on the Hebrew and commentary in two parts. The first part analyzes the flow of thought, emotions, and theological beliefs of the poet. The second part interprets the psalm within the larger context of the Old Testament and also the New Testament, attesting the same faith held by Christians in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It takes into consideration the history of interpretation and provides devotional applications to the individual and corporate life of prayer, trusting in God's eschatological salvation"--

The Psalms are well-loved by Christians, yet they also challenge us when we look at them closely. In the second edition of this popular How to Read volume, Tremper Longman III offers practical study exercises and suggestions for interpreting the psalms, helping us overcome the distance between the psalmists' world and ours.

The Psalms have a double identity. They are scripture and liturgy. They compose a book of the Bible and are found in our hymnals and books of worship and prayer. When we think of them in historical perspective, another identity emerges. They are the liturgical poetry of ancient Israel, texts with a history of composition and use before they became scripture. A commentary in this Interpretation series needs to keep all three identities in view. That puts some strain on the commentator's task. The attempt to interpret the Psalms in awareness of the depth in their identity explains some things about the commentary and its writing. - Preface.

"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"--