Psalms 1–89: The Lord Saves (Focus on the Bible | FB)
Overview
A Psalm is basically a poem set to music and sung. This sets the book of Psalms apart from other Scripture. You will find other Psalms and songs scattered throughout scripture—some are also used for worship—but they tend to be part of a narrative. Because people think of the Psalms purely as a songbook, they have tended to overlook them as a place to look for teaching, and many have even considered them as a less important part of the Bible.
Yet, for many centuries the Psalms would have been the most familiar part of scripture to people who had no access to books. They are not only an integral part of the shared experience of the church but they also communicate God’s guidance to this world, unfurl his character, and encourage his people.
The range of subjects covered is staggering! They extol God’s greatness and invite repentance, express commitment to his covenants and adherence to his law—and look forward to the coming Messianic kingdom. The style is predominantly praise but includes prayers, complaints, and even curses! Many were composed as liturgy, to be sung by God’s people together, others are private and personal—yet have still found a place as shared worship in the church.
All of which makes them fascinating! This volume covers the first three books of the Psalms (Psalms 1 to 89). The second volume on the book of Psalms, also included in this collection, covers books four and five (Psalms 90 to 150) and includes an appendix with a suggested chronological order.
- Chapter-by-chapter commentary
- Accessible and readable exposition
- Eminently useful for preaching, teaching, and both personal and group Bible study
Top Highlights
“ he is rejoicing in his isolation from society. Far from being boring, he finds it a blessing.” (Page 26)
“But from birth to death sheep are totally dependent on the shepherd, who does everything for them, as the remaining verses show. This is what God is to each believer, for the words are not ‘our’ shepherd but my shepherd, a phrase apparently used by only one other—Jacob (Gen. 48:15). To David God was the one who ‘performs all things for me’ (Ps. 57:2 kjv).Only this kind of relationship to God can give contentment for the present and confidence for the future, enabling one to say I shall not be in want.” (Page 116)
“But David goes beyond trusting the word—he praises it, that is, he is feeling, speaking, singing and acting as if it were already accomplished. True faith in God does not just say ‘He will do it’, but ‘He has done it’ and praises God for it.” (Page 255)
“As ruler he combines the impartiality of a judge with the compassion of a shepherd who guides. For, as C. S. Lewis points out, the Hebrew concept of the judge is not only of the criminal on trial for a crime, but the plaintif seeking justice from his oppressor in a civil case (‘Reflections on the Psalms’, p. 15). It is the scenario of the poor woman appealing for justice in Jesus’ parable (Luke 18:1–5). This is why the nations (will) be glad and sing for joy when it happens. With this in mind the prayer for them to turn to God is repeated (v. 5). For only as they acknowledge him as the one and only Lord will they enjoy his reign.” (Page 296)
“In these six verses he gives us a full picture of the shepherd’s daily round: walking, resting, feeding, facing danger, celebrating and returning home. Uppermost in David’s mind is the question, ‘I do all this for my sheep, but who looks after me?’ Answer: ‘the Lord is my shepherd—all I do for my sheep he does for me.’ We could call this psalm, ‘The shepherd’s Shepherd.’” (Page 115)
For each section of the Bible, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries summarize the passage of Scripture, including the intentions of the authors, the historical and cultural environment, and the questions and issues raised by a particular passage. But most importantly, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries brings you into the heart of the Bible, by explaining Scripture in an accessible way that makes sense for daily Christian living.
These commentaries are popular level commentaries especially useful for pastors and small group leaders. They are useful for personal devotions and spiritual growth. Many of the authors of the commentaries are leading expositors of God’s Word on their speciality subjects. The series holds to the inerrancy of scripture and the uniqueness of Christ in salvation.
Without a doubt this commentary will be of great practical help to all students of the psalms.
—New Life
- Title: Psalms 1–89: The Lord Saves
- Author: Eric Lane
- Series: Focus on the Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Christian Focus
- Print Publication Date: 2006
- Logos Release Date: 2011
- Pages: 416
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. O.T. Psalms › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9781845501808, 1845501802
- Resource ID: LLS:FOBC19PS1
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T16:52:58Z
