Summary
We find Dickson’s Psalms a substantial pastoral companion for reading and preaching the church’s songbook. He is attentive to the voice of the psalm, the shape of its prayer, and the way the believer learns to speak honestly before the Lord.
This commentary often feels like guided meditation. It is not hurried, and it does not treat the Psalms as vague inspiration. Instead, it helps us see how lament, praise, confession, and hope are formed by truth about God and His covenant faithfulness.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this commentary because it gives us language for the inner life of faith. When our preaching on the Psalms becomes thin or overly general, Dickson helps us recover spiritual depth, and he keeps us anchored to what the text actually says.
We also benefit from his practical wisdom. He helps us apply the Psalms in a way that is realistic about suffering, temptation, and spiritual weariness, while still calling us to trust, worship, and perseverance.
For pastors, it can nourish our own souls as we prepare to feed others, which often leads to preaching that is more tender and more true.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as a strong resource for those preaching the Psalms and for those who want to deepen their prayerful reading of Scripture. It is large and best used steadily, but it rewards that pace with rich pastoral help.
As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.
David Dickson
David Dickson was a Scottish Reformed theologian and pastor of the seventeenth century, writing within the confessional tradition of the covenanters.
He is remembered for steady exposition that serves both pulpit and pew, with a particular gift for drawing out the spiritual purpose of a text. In the Psalms, Dickson helps readers hear the voice of prayer and praise, and he guides pastors in handling lament, assurance, and the Lord’s kingship with balance and reverence.
He remains valued for clarity, pastoral tone, and a disciplined refusal to separate doctrine from devotion. Recommended titles include Psalms in the Geneva Series, his therapeutic spiritual writings on faith and repentance, and his expositions connected to the Scottish Confession and catechetical teaching.
Theological Perspective: Reformed