Says Roland Murphy in the preface, "I began this series of essays on the Old Testament with an eye to the traditions of the Carmelite rule and way of life," and he proceeds to focus on key ideas in the Carmelite tradition that have, as well, universal appeal–such as land, prophets, wisdom, prayer, the poor, and mysticism. He unfolds the background of important themes in our biblical heritage–including Speech and Silence, The Psalms and Prayer, and Who Are the Poor?–and reveals their rich contribution to our spiritual experience.