This is the first of a two-volume bible commentary covering the Psalms and examining the role of these biblical poems throughout Jewish and Christian history. Volume One provides a fascinating introduction to the literary, historical, and theological background of psalmody. It examines the psalms through liturgy and prayer, study and preaching, translation and imitation, and musical composition and artistic illustration. The book includes illustrations of significant psalms, helpful maps, and an extensive bibliography.Volume Two will provide readers with a detailed commentary on each of the psalms. Taken together, these books constitute the most comprehensive resource available on the topic. More information about the Blackwell Bible Commentaries series is available at bbibcomm.net