The next installment in the Old Testament for Everyone series on Books III-V of the Psalms.

As throughout the series, Goldingay begins each section with his translation, followed by some type of illustration, then an analysis of the text in context, and generally some application, and all written with "average" people in mind who may not have much understanding of the Bible or of the Psalms. For one who has written an extensive and advanced commentary on Psalms this is no small feat.

Even though I have heard the more extensive commentary is based in literary-critical methodology there is not much hint of that in this exegesis of the Psalms. Goldingay generally stays away from questions of who wrote what and when and does well at just trying to make sense of what each particular psalm is about and why it is where it is in the Psalter. A lot of the illustrations this time around seem much more personal and seem to involve things going on during the author's life while writing, yet the connections to the Psalms still makes sense, testifying to the continued relevance of the Psalter to life.

In the midst of the translation, illustrations, and applications, Goldingay's explanations of the text are generally excellent and really do well to explain what each Psalm is attempting to accomplish or convey as a whole. To that end the commentary is quite useful for those who wish to understand the Psalms better or to teach the Psalms to others.

**--galley received as part of early review program ( )