This new volume completes Erhard Gerstenberger's excellent discussion of the psalms literature from the form-critical perspective--an admirable study made more valuable with the addition of commentary on Lamentations. Following the unique aim of the FOTL commentary series, this volume interprets the different kinds of songs and prayers that comprise the book of Psalms in light of their socio-historical settings. Gerstenberger provides a concise formal and structural analysis of each biblical text based on an illuminating comparison with other ancient Near Eastern prayers and hymns. Reading the biblical writings in relation to the social, cultic, religious, and theological conceptions of Israel's neighoring peoples allows us to better grasp the purpose and spiritual meaning of the psalms and Lamentations to the Jewish community that composed them. 560 pages, softcover from Eerdmans.
