A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms: The Psalms as Torah

Taking his point of departure from the newest frontier of research, McCann reads the psalms in the context of their final shape and canonical form. He interprets the psalms as scripture as well as in their character as songs, prayers, and poetry from Israel's history. McCann's intent is to contribute to the church's recovery of the psalms as torah--as instruction, as a guide to prayer, praise of God, and pious living. The explicit connections which McCann draws from the psalms to the New Testament and to Christian faith and life are extensive, making his work suitable for serious study of the psalms in academic and in church settings. An appendix examines the tradition of singing the psalms and offers suggestions for the use of the psalms in worship.

J. Clinton McCann, Jr., is Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary. An internationally recognized expert on the Psalms, his numerous publications include A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms: The Psalms as Torah and the Psalms commentary in The New Interpreter s Bible (Vol. IV). An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he served as consulting translator of the Psalms for the Common English Bible, and he has lectured or taught for church groups or academic settings in twenty-six states.