The Psalms: Their Origin and Meaning

The psalms--the prayers of the chosen people, the prayers of the people of God--have a spontaneity and timeless pertinence which is unique. They are an integral part of Christian liturgies; yet they pose difficulties for many who sense that they have sprung from a cultural milieu which is totally alien to our own. This problem can only be solved by a careful study of their origins, their literary structures, their content, and their intent. A vast literature has grown up around the psalter. But modern biblical discoveries, research, and scholarship have opened the way to a greater understanding and finer appreciation of the inspired prayers. The author, one of the leading exegetes of our time, has produced a monumental and comprehensive work which reflects his vast research and erudite judgment. The scholar and the biblical student will find this thorough treatment invaluable. And educated men of all religions, who share a common invaluable scriptural tradition, should also find it essentially helpful and enlightening. This many-faceted work clearly illustrates that biblical scholarship knows no denominational boundaries. The psalter is a bridge of prayer in this ecumenical age, and readers will find the author's insights and analyses most helpful in making the psalms more vital in their lives and a more unifying bond in man's search for God in our time.