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. Provides a fascinating introduction to the literary, historical, and theological background of psalmodyExamines the psalms through liturgy and prayer, study and preaching, translation and imitation, and musical composition and artistic illustrationIncludes illustrations of significant psalms, helpful maps, and an extensive bibliography; an expanded bibliography to accompany the book is also available at www.wiley.com/go/gillinghamA forthcoming second volume is planned, which will take an alternative psalm-by-psalm approachNow available in paperback, and published in the innovative reception-history series, Blackwell Bible Commentaries