What a delight to view the Psalms through the eye of Dan Estes, a seasoned scholar who brings a lifetime of study of the Psalms and wisdom literature to bear--all with the heart of a pastor. Indeed, he has taught all 150 psalms in a Sunday School class in his home church, no small achievement! A special feature here is Estes's disciplined structure in dealing with each psalm through six lenses: Form, Structure, Setting; Commentary; Theme; Intertextuality; Theology; Response. I heartily recommend this work! David M. Howard Jr. Professor of Old Testament Bethlehem College and Seminary This commentary on Psalms 1-72 by Daniel J. Estes (The New American Commentary series) is a companion to his earlier volume on Psalms 73-150 (2019) in the same series. In a sense, this present volume is the capstone of his forty years of teaching the Psalms and the phenomenal preparation he initiated in preparation for writing it. The latter is obvious from the numerous citations of the wide spectrum of sources he draws upon, and the former is an affidavit on his extensive pastoral mind and heart.

Readers will find the format exemplary, setting the stage for his engaging and persuasive presentation. In fact, he weaves together, almost seamlessly, an academic and spiritual understanding of the Psalms, which means this book is written for both teachers and lay readers. C. Hassell Bullock Franklin S. Dyrness Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies Wheaton College (IL) This commentary offers much for pastors and students. They will enjoy the hard-fought wisdom of a seasoned interpreter. Estes is succinct and clear, saying only what is necessary for the task. The notes on themes, intertexts, theology, and responses are most welcome.

At the heart of the commentary is a close reading the Psalms that draws readers into the riches of the biblical text. For those who teach and preach the Psalms, this book should be close at hand. Ethan C. Jones Visiting Fellow (Magdalene College, University of Cambridge) Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary).