Gerald H. Wilson

Gerald H. Wilson was an American Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth century, working within evangelical academic study with a strong canonical instinct.

He is best known for influential work on the shape of the Psalter, helping readers see that the Psalms are not only individual songs but also a deliberately arranged book. Wilson’s approach supports preaching that attends to placement, movement, and theme, especially kingship, covenant, lament, and hope.

He remains valued because he makes pastors slow down and read the Psalms as Scripture with purpose and direction, not as a random anthology. Recommended titles include Psalms Vol. 1 in the NIV Application Commentary, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter, and his essays on the canonical reading of Psalms.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Gerald H. Wilson

Gerald H. Wilson was an American Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth century, working within evangelical academic study with a strong canonical instinct.

He is best known for influential work on the shape of the Psalter, helping readers see that the Psalms are not only individual songs but also a deliberately arranged book. Wilson’s approach supports preaching that attends to placement, movement, and theme, especially kingship, covenant, lament, and hope.

He remains valued because he makes pastors slow down and read the Psalms as Scripture with purpose and direction, not as a random anthology. Recommended titles include Psalms Vol. 1 in the NIV Application Commentary, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter, and his essays on the canonical reading of Psalms.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Gerald H. Wilson

Gerald H. Wilson

Gerald H. Wilson was an American Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth century, working within evangelical academic study with a strong canonical instinct.

He is best known for influential work on the shape of the Psalter, helping readers see that the Psalms are not only individual songs but also a deliberately arranged book. Wilson’s approach supports preaching that attends to placement, movement, and theme, especially kingship, covenant, lament, and hope.

He remains valued because he makes pastors slow down and read the Psalms as Scripture with purpose and direction, not as a random anthology. Recommended titles include Psalms Vol. 1 in the NIV Application Commentary, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter, and his essays on the canonical reading of Psalms.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

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Psalms Vol. 1

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
7.8
Author: Gerald H. Wilson
Bible Book: Psalms
Series: NIV Application Commentary
Type: Application
Publisher: Zondervan
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

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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