This book examines the dialogic structure of biblical psalms of lament. Observations about voicing are developed out of the work of Mikhail Bakhtin, and are utilized to reevaluate the theological expression of lament psalms as well as components of Israel's rhetorical relationship with its deity. What emerges is a theology that gives voice to the tension that existed between faith in a god who practices flawless "hesed," or covenantal loyalty, and the experience of God's failure to uphold his side of the bargain.

Carleen Mandolfo is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Colby College, Waterville, Maine.