As Though We Were Dreaming: Commentary on the Songs of Ascents - Lent

In this review of As Though We Were Dreaming, Keith Ruckhaus offers a focused theological commentary on the Songs of Ascents (Pss 120-134) tailored to the season of Lent. Readers seeking a devotional yet scholarly guide will find the book most valuable because it links liturgical practice to personal repentance and invites active engagement with the Psalms rather than dry exegesis. The commentary's strength is its pastoral tone and theological breadth, which encourage readers to enter the rhythm of descent and ascent that the Songs of Ascents model for penitential life.

Key Features

• Lenten focus: The commentary situates the Songs of Ascents within the Eastern Christian liturgical tradition, helping readers understand their role in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.
• Theological insight: Ruckhaus provides theological reflection that connects ancient Israelite experience to early Christian worship and contemporary repentance.
• Exegetical breadth: The book offers readable exegesis across Pss 120-134 that clarifies themes of exile, longing, and return in each Psalm.
• Pastoral application: The author drives readers to participate in spiritual practice, prompting real engagement with repentance rather than abstract study.
• Liturgical context: Helpful attention to how these psalms function as entrance songs gives practical value to clergy and lay leaders preparing Lenten worship.

Who It's For

This commentary is well suited for clergy, seminarians, and lay readers familiar with or curious about Eastern Christian liturgy who want a focused resource that links psalmody to Lenten practice. Those preparing services or leading small-group Lenten studies will appreciate the blend of theology and pastoral guidance.

Readers looking for a technical critical commentary with exhaustive textual apparatus or readers outside Christian liturgical contexts may find this volume less useful; it intentionally emphasizes devotional and ecclesial application over dense academic detail.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers clear connections between the Songs of Ascents and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, aiding liturgical planning.
• Balances theological reflection and pastoral encouragement to help readers engage in meaningful repentance.
• Readable exegesis across Pss 120-134 that is accessible to non-specialists.

Cons

• Not a full critical edition or heavily technical commentary, so scholars seeking exhaustive textual critique may want supplementary resources.

Specifications

Our Verdict

As Though We Were Dreaming is a thoughtful, theologically rich commentary that rewards readers who want to integrate psalmic texts into Lenten worship and personal repentance. Its emphasis on liturgical context and pastoral application makes it good value for clergy and lay leaders seeking a devotional yet substantive guide to the Songs of Ascents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover all fifteen Songs of Ascents?
Yes, the commentary addresses Psalms 120 through 134, treating them as a contiguous group for Lenten reflection.

Is this suitable for use in liturgy planning?
Yes, the book highlights the role of the Songs of Ascents in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and is practical for liturgical preparation.

Is the book academic or devotional?
The commentary blends theology and exegesis with pastoral devotional aims, prioritizing application over exhaustive technical scholarship.