Psalms Vol. 1

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Psalms
Publisher: Zondervan
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 5, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.8/10

A substantial guide to Psalms 1 to 72, rich in structure, theology, and application.

Publication Date(s): 2002
Pages: 1024
ISBN: 9780310206354
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.2/10
We find strong attentiveness to literary context and to the Psalter’s shaping, which supports faithful interpretation.
Christ Centredness: 7.4/10
Christ is often present through the Psalms’ kingly and worship themes, though the commentary expects us to make the final preaching connections.
Depth of Insight: 8.6/10
We are helped by big picture insight into the Psalter’s organisation and by careful work on clusters of psalms.
Clarity of Writing: 7.7/10
Clear for the genre, though the size and detail mean it takes time to work through.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8/10
Very useful for shaping prayer, worship, and preaching, especially through lament and trust themes.
Readability: 7.1/10
Readable but long. It works best as a desk commentary rather than a cover to cover read.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
1024 pages
Type
Application
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
7.8 / 10
Strength
Excellent attention to the shape and flow of Psalms 1 to 72.
Limitation
Its size makes it better for planned study than quick consultation.

We find Wilson guides us through Psalms 1 to 72 with an eye for the shape of the Psalter and the spiritual realism of its prayers.

The commentary repeatedly helps us ask two questions, what did this psalm mean in its setting, and how does it shape the worship and obedience of God’s people now.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this when we teach or preach the Psalms regularly. Wilson is strong on literary flow and on grouping psalms, which helps us avoid reading each one in isolation.

We also gain help for applying lament, praise, and trust in a way that is honest and Christ shaped. The bridge sections often expose our modern instincts and then correct them with the psalm’s own aims.

For Reformed ministry, the value is practical. We are helped to lead the church in Scripture shaped prayer and song, and to preach the Psalms as the voice of God’s people under the rule of God’s King.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a substantial resource for the first half of the Psalms, especially for those planning teaching series or shaping public worship.

As pastoral next steps, we can read the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index as we build a wiser shelf.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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