Psalms: Volume 1 (1–41)
Psalms: Volume 1 (1–41)
Psalms: Volume 1 (1–41)
Semi-technical
Evangelical

Psalms

in Baker Commentary on the Old Testament

by John Goldingay

4.62 Rank Score: 6.18 from 12 reviews, 4 featured collections, and 22 user libraries
Psalms: Volume 1 (1–41)
Pages 640
Publisher Baker Academic
Published 2006
ISBN-13 9780801027031
Psalms: Volume 2 (42–89)
Pages 752
Publisher Baker Academic
Published 2006
ISBN-13 9780801027048
Psalms: Volume 3 (90–150)
Pages 816 pages
Publisher Baker Academic
Published 2008
ISBN-13 9780801031434
In this three-volume commentary, Old Testament scholar John Goldingay provides fresh insights on the Book of Psalms. He considers the literary, historical, and grammatical dimensions of the text as well as its theological implications.

The Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms series is tailored to the distinctives of poetry and Wisdom literature. Features include

  • Emphasis on the message of the biblical book
  • Special attention to poetic structure and literary devices
  • Incisive comments based on the author's translation of the Hebrew text
  • Exegetical rigor, incorporating linguistic, historical, and canonical insights
  • Closing reflections on each section that explore the text's theological dimensions
  • Textual notes highlighting important features of the Hebrew text

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Reviews

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Fernando Fernando February 26, 2023
Easily the most interesting commentary on the Psalms. Goldingay makes some strange translational decisions which require the reader to consult the glossary, but they certainly make you think. The more technical discussion of the Hebrew text is confined to the footnotes, while the main text focuses on meaning. His theological sections are particularly interesting. Goldingay wants to read the Psalms within their OT context rather than in a Christian context (see, for example, his discussion of Psalm 118). The result is readable, scholarly, and thought-provoking.
As one would expect from a three-volume commentary, and from the inimitable John Goldingay, this set is thorough in its exegetical breadth and rich in its theological depth. [Full Review]
Kevin A Lewis Kevin A Lewis March 29, 2018
The first commentary on the Psalms you should acquire. Engaging, scholarly yet well written with the ordinary bible student in mind. It has scope to engage with most of the basic literature on the material without being overly wordy and technical. Worthy of due consideration - however! He is post modernist in outlook and thus accepts some more liberal ideas that the more evangelical and traditional thinker will struggle with. I would still recommend - but read with your faith and thinking both fully awake.
G Ware G Ware March 11, 2016
The only commentary on the Psalms you need. Highly scholarly, but still accessible to a broader audience, Goldingay shows once again his abilities to be both academic and pastorally sensitive. The whole set is a must have.
Andrzej Stelmasiak Andrzej Stelmasiak October 28, 2015
BEWARE!!! not evangelical, according to Goldingay God is not omniscient neither in control, he changes his mind, the Bible is not inerrant, it is inspired only...
Joel R. Beeke Joel R. Beeke May 4, 2012
The Book of Psalms is unrivaled in all of Scripture for its emotional intensity and spiritual intimacy. With a scholar’s eye and a pastor’s heart, Goldingay delves into the psalms, illuminating the literary, historical, and grammatical aspects of the text, while clarifying the theological implications. His careful reading is complemented by a detailed introduction.This is the third volume in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms Series. The series is tailored to the distinctives of poetry and wisdom literature. [Full Review]
Neal Piwowarski Neal Piwowarski April 17, 2010
Volume 1 of John Goldingay's trilogy on the Psalter is a tour de force, combining detailed exegesis with theological reflection. It begins with a fairly lengthy, but informative introduction that addresses authorship, formation of the Psalter, and the various types of Psalms. His exegesis of Psalms 1-41 is currently the most thorough available. The verse-by-verse exegesis transliterates the original Hebrew grammar, making the commentary very user-friendly for those lacking knowledge of the original language. While this commentary is an altogether solid effort, Christians desiring to better understand the use of the Psalter in the NT will find Goldingay's work immensely helpful. Pastors who love the Psalter, but don't quite know how to preach from it have a treasure trove of fine theological exegesis in Goldingay's work that guides the reader from the original OT context of each Psalm, into its NT usage whenever a particular Psalm is quoted there from the Septuagint (LXX) and finally into contemporary theological application. It will most definitely prove to be an illuminating read for anyone interested in studying, understanding and expounding the Psalter. Moving from text to sermon should be relatively easy for anyone using this commentary. Goldingay writes with the precision of a master exegete and the penetrating insight of a theologically-minded pastor. He displays his mastery of OT theology throughout and also interacts with sources as diverse as John Calvin and Eugene Peterson, solidifying the viability of his theological applications and their contemporary relevance (Perhaps Goldingay should write a homiletics textbook at some point. I'm certain that it would exponentially surpass most of the instructional books on preaching the Old Testament that are currently available!). Even laypersons desiring to study the Psalter more deeply will profit greatly from Goldingay's work. The NIVAC and WBC volumes on the Psalter are very good, but they do not combine exegesis with theological reflection and contemporary application as thoroughly, solidly and seamlessly as Goldingay does here. The section on Psalm 23 is reason enough to buy this commentary! The rest of the commentary is equally outstanding and will hopefully change the way those who read it view the Psalter itself, worship, prayer, and God himself for the better.
John Glynn John Glynn September 20, 2008
A careful and detailed postmodern exegesis with Evangelical and historical theological insight. [Full Review]
Unnatributed-d Unnatributed-d May 26, 2008