The Book of Psalms: A Translation with CommentaryLike the Five Books of Moses a cornerstone of the scriptural canon, the Book of Psalms has been a source of solace and joy for countless readers over millennia. The cleansing purity of its images invites reflection and supplication in times of sorrow. The musicality of its powerful rhythms moves readers to celebration of good tidings. So today as it has been throughout our past, this is a book to be cherished as the grounding for our daily lives.This timeless poetry is beautifully wrought by a scholar whose translation of the Five Books of Moses was hailed as a "godsend" by Seamus Heaney and a "masterpiece" by Robert Fagles. Robert Alter's The Book of Psalms captures the simplicity, the physicality, and the coiled rhythmic power of the Hebrew, restoring the remarkable eloquence of these ancient poems. His learned and insightful commentary shines a light on the obscurities of the text. |
Common terms and phrases
acclaim acrostic acts ancient answer appears become beginning biblical bless BOOK OF PSALMS bring celebration David death desire dwell earth enemies English evidence evil expression eyes face faithful fear foes follows forever give glory God's grant hand hear heart heavens Hebrew holy human hymn idea imagined indicate interpreters Israel Jerusalem justice keep kindness king land language lead lift literal living look LORD LORD's Masoretic text Master means mountains mouth night noun offer parallelism perhaps person phrase poem poet poetic poetry praise prayer reads reference rescue scholars seems selah sense servant shamed sing song sons sound speak speaker stand strength suggests supplication teaching temple term thanksgiving things translation trust turn utterance verb verse verset Version victory voice waters whole wicked Zion