Perhaps more clearly than any other part of the biblical canon, the Psalms are human words directed toward God. Yet, through the Holy Spirit, these honest, sometimes brutal words return to us as the Word of God. Their agonies and exaltations reflect more than the human condition in which they were created. Within the context of the canonical Psalter, they become the source of divine guidance, challenge, confrontation, and comfort. It is possible, however, to miss apply them. How can we use the Psalms in a way that faithfully connects God's meaning in them and his intentions for them with our circumstances today.

Drawing on over twenty years of study Gerald H. Wilson in Psalms, Vol. 1 [NIVAC] provides critical links between the Bible and the modern world. While he considers each psalm in itself, Wilson goes much further, examining whole groups of Psalms and, ultimately, the entire Psalter (though this volume is limited to Psalms 1-72 in terms of Psalms under specific discussion), its purpose, and its use from the days of the Hebrew temple worship onward through church history. In so doing, Wilson opens our eyes to ageless truths for our lives here and now.