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.

It is in the conviction that the Psalms belong both at the center of the life and worship of Christian congregations and in the midst of the personal pilgrimage that each of us makes under the shadow of the Almighty, that I have written this book. Part 1 of the book is designed to help interpreters of the Psalms find entree into them in various ways, to hear their theological claims and to discern their point of contact with human life. Part 2 of this volume consists of ten expositions of Psalms. Here many of the points made in Part 1 are illustrated, though not mechanically, I hope, or in a way that suggests there are certain moves one always makes to appropriate the communication of the Psalms for preaching and teaching. Some annotated bibliographical suggestions are given at the end. - Preface.

In this concise yet comprehensive guide to using and praying the psalms in worship services, John Witvliet first offers summary of key biblical-theological themes related to the practice of worship, and he continues with reflections on every step in the process of preparing to use the psalms in worship, drawing on insights from writings in the history, theology, and pastoral practice of worship, liturgy, and preaching. Including patristic testimonies as "prelude" and both Reformation-era and modern testimonies as two "interludes," the volume also offers a comprehensive list of currently available liturgical and musical resources. Witvliet offers a first -- a book designed to speak at once to both "traditional " and "contemporary " worship practices. The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship will appeal to a wide range of readers, including college and seminary students, scholars and teachers, church educators, worship leaders, musicians, and librarians.

This book was written for the general reader, to provide a clearer understanding and a deeper appreciation of the religious and literary value of the Psalms. The Hebrew Psalms have a power of survival which is unparalleled in the spiritual life of the Western world. Composed in the Near East twenty-five to thirty centuries ago, they are still read or sung by Jews as well as Christians of all denominations. What is the secret of their vitality? How do the Psalms continue to offer a wisdom for living and a consolation for dying? Dr. Terrien here gives the twofold reason for their enduring power. The psalmists belonged to a nation born to be the servant of the Lord. They placed God at the center of their existence and held that life on earth is not worth living unless it is related properly to the creator of the universe, the giver of life, the master of nature, and the judge and savior of humanity in history. What they said is particularly relevant today, for in times of cultural decay and military disasters they found that human existence, in spite of its trials and madness, remains a truly worthwhile experience. They faced the agony of national disintegration and of personal death, and yet they were singing. The psalmists praised God and prayed to Him, not only as people of faith but also as poets. They formulated their faith with a sublime diction that remains powerful in spite of the obscurities of language and the awkwardness of translation. Dr. Terrien shows how these poets captured in words certain dimensions of truth and beauty which defy ordinary expression, and why through the marriage of thought and poetic emotion they were able to carry their impact to us across the barriers of time and tongue. This book illustrates how best to reap the wisdom and consolation of the Psalms so that we too may understand their meaning for today.

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