Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries)

I learned a lot in the introduction, and then there were tons of great insights through this volume on each psalm 1 - 72, where Book 2 ends. I really appreciated his diligent research on the various ways difficult passages were translated. He was honest on how some phrases are hard to understand in the original Hebrew, what with the way the vowels and consonants can make one word have different meanings. Several times he admitted some confusion was caused by sloppy copiers, something that I have long wondered in other passages of Scripture. He also confirmed that some psalms seem to have been split into two psalms, which is something that I had surmised. Great read! Now on to Vol. 2.

Kidner has a gift for concise expression. Nearly every sentence is lucid and elegant. His insights and observations are both meaningful and practical, with many references to other passages in scripture that lead to further insights . This commentary is useful as a personal devotional tool and for prompting discussions for group Bible study. It can be said with truth that this book is almost indispensable for anyone interested in a better understanding of the Psalter and who seeks to apply its practical truths.

I've been using Kidner's commentary as a devotional aid for my current trip through the Psalms. I read one Psalm a day in the morning and then Kidner's insights; I read it again to my wife at dinnertime in a different translation and we talk about it for awhile.I have appreciated the commentary's insights. It is reverent, deeply insightful, and very precise in its handling of the text. It comments mostly on the English text, but is thoroughly critical of the English translations with constant references to the Hebrew (though usually without giving the Hebrew word even in the more technical notes which appear at the bottom of the page). This isn't strictly speaking a devotional commentary; rather, very meaningful devotional insights are woven into the verse-by-verse interpretive comments, and sometimes appear in introductions at the beginning of the section on the Psalm. Kidner spends a fair amount of time fitting the Psalms with background, either trying to match up the Psalm with an incident from David's life or theorizing some other occasion for the Psalm's creation. He takes the Psalm titles as decisive when relating the Psalm to its background. Also, there is significant reference to other scripture texts, including New Testament texts, with related language or themes to the Psalm being commented on.This commentary gives an average of three pages to each Psalm, so if you want an exhaustive technical commentary this will not meet your needs.Regarding the more technical points of interpretation, I'm usually but not always convinced by Kidner's arguments which occasionally differ from the English translations I use.Speaking of translations, Kidner focuses quite a bit on the old RSV translation, often spending time refuting the decisions of the RSV translators, and also the translators of the JB, KJV (less often), and NEB. The book (original copyright 1973) was written before the NIV was released. It's a bit of a disadvantage that you have to read past all those comments about those old, little-used translations. That's why I didn't give it 5 stars. It is, however, interesting to see how often my ESV agrees with Kidner. And also interesting to see how often he's appalled by the liberties taken in the NEB.

I loved these old Tyndale Bible Commentaries and bought a bunch second-hand. I had the second book on the Psalms but did not have this book and so bought it. I am currently reading it as part of my not-quite-daily Bible reading. It seems like the author was quite a well informed Bible scholar. I am a convert to the Catholic church and have not yet run in to anything in the book which would offend those of the Catholic faith. I have started to collect the books in the Tyndale commentary series as well as the books in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series which only does the New Testament. I find that commentaries like this one are very helpful in understanding my Bible readings at a higher level.

My Bible Study class is reading this book along with the Bible and it seems everyone finds it useful to some degree. Kidner rather thinks David wrote many more psalms than other commentaries attribute to him but all opinions are interesting. He does get rather technical in places which is more for a scholarly group than ours, but then that is outweighed by some inciteful observations and germane information that I do not find elsewhere and I read at least two other commentaries along with this one. Psalms by Knight is another pb commentary that goes well with Bible Study groups.Kidner's organization of a general introduction of the psalm and then section by section commentary helps to get a clear picture spreading the psalm out to really view the key words and phrases. His New Testament references are also helpful. I think this is the best short concise commentary I have come across so far.

I have found these commentaries easy to read, helpful, and encouraging.

Kidner is the soul of wit. So brief sometimes that I wish he would be more verbose. But his commentary is such a classic and so insightful that I am encouraged to be more concise myself. Outstanding in every way.

It is really hard to go wrong with Kidner on the Psalms. His treatment of Psalms 1-72 is concise, to the point, and pastoral. Kidner really has a gift for breaking down the Psalms into great outlines. He exercises brevity in a way that is very helpful to the working pastor. While this shouldn't be the only commentary you use on the Psalms, I do recommend it as one that should be referenced when preaching/teaching the psalter.

I bought this in order to prepare for a series of sermons on the Psalms and it came highly recommended. I did find it helpful and it has a secure place on my shelves, but I would only say that his approach often focusses on the specific themes and phrases of each Psalm that interest him and expound those, rather than working through the whole Psalm in an even, verse by verse way.To be honest, for general study and preparation I would commend Michael Wilcock's two volumes in 'The Message Speaks Today' series, and use Kidner as a back-up reference book. They divide the Psalms into the same two sections (1-72 and 73-150) so there is an exact comparison. Is Kidner worth having and reading? Absolutely. Might you need something else as well to guide you? Possibly.

As with the second of these two commentaries on the Psalms, my only regret is that I didn't buy it years ago; for Psalm after Psalm, it clearly summarises conclusions it has taken me hours of research to arrive at . It provides an accessible and concise yet thorough overview of each psalm, convincingly addressing speculative criticisms, clarifying the meaning of the Hebrew text, highlighting how it relates to other Old and New Testament Scriptures, and inspiring contemporary application. These two commentaries are ideal for those who want to understand and apply the Psalms; even those conducting academic research will find them to be a helpful introduction and overview. This first one also includes a helpful introduction to key matters such as understanding Hebrew poetry, the titles of the Psalms, and the interpretation of the psalmists' cries for vengeance.

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Another excellent study book on the Psalms and I would recommend it for others who want to do some serious study. There is greatword study as well as outlines, the list goes on. This book will be my constant companion for some time yet.

Engaging read. Thought it might get a bit technical but am glad it's not too theologically written.