The book of Psalms exposes the pulsing heart of Israel. In it we find the life-blood of the faith of God's people. In it are Israel's songs of faith, expressing joy and confidence in God and God's chosen leaders. In it are Israel's prayers out of times of despair, tragedy, and alienation. By studying the book of Psalms we put ourselves in closest touch with the ebb and flow of the people's relationship to God. The book of Psalms served as the hymnbook and prayerbook of Israel from early times, and remains the voice of God's people in contemporary Judaism and Christianity.
Barry L. Bandstra, Reading the Old Testament, 1999