The book of Psalms plays a significant role in the public and private prayer of both the Jewish and Christian communities today, helping to shape the minds and hearts of modern believers. In two commentaries, one covering Psalms 1-72 and the other Psalms 73-150, Dianne Bergant examines the theological and historical circumstances from which the psalms originated. She reveals how the psalms were intended for instruction as well as prayer, and helps us experience their lyrical nature. In a fresh encounter with these poems of lament, hymns of praise, and prayers of thanksgiving, readers gain a new appreciation for these ancient texts, remembering that God - who dwells with us still - is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy" (Pss 145: 8).
"For anyone who wants to pray and study the Psalms, the ancient prayers of Israel and Christianity, Dianne Bergant's two volume New Collegeville Commentary is both a unique guide and inspiring tool. She offers clear introductory information and background, a survey of psalm types and themes, but what makes these volumes unique is Bergant's sensitive narrative description of each psalm. She brings
Kathleen M. O'Connor, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament
