Commentaries on Individual Psalms

This collection includes every work that Charles Spurgeon gave his highest rating to, plus numerous more. See also Commentaries on the Whole Book of Psalms. Spurgeon’s scale is as follows:

*** – ‘Heartily recommended’
** – ‘Good, but more ordinary’
* – ‘Least desirable’

Subsection

Imprecatory Psalms

Order of Contents

Numerous Psalms 6
Penitential Psalms 5

Psalms, 10, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90
. 100, 110, 120, 125, 130, 140, 150 170+

Use of Each Psalm in History 3

Expositions of Numerous Individual Psalms

1500’s

Cope, Anthony – A Godly Meditation upon 20 Select & Chosen Psalms of the Prophet David (London, 1547) 193 pp.

Cope (c.1486–1551) was an English author.

* “More curious than valuable. The style is scholastic and pointless.” – Spurgeon

Rollock, Robert – An Exposition upon some Select Psalms of David (d. 1599; Edinburgh: Robert Waldegrave, 1600) 503 pp.

Including expositions of 15 Psalms: 3, 6, 16, 23, 32, 39, 42, 49, 51, 62, 65, 84, 116, 130, 137

** – “Rollock’s works are rare. He wrote in Latin, and his language is made more dull than need be by the translator. All his writings are masterly.” – Spurgeon

1600’s

Baker, Richard – Meditations & Disquisitions upon the First Psalm, the Penitential Psalms & the Seven Consolatory Psalms new ed. (1639-1640; London: Higham, 1882)

This work includes commentary on Psalm 1, 6, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34, 38, 51, 84, 102, 103, 116, 130 & 143.

*** “O rare Sir Richard Baker! Knight of the flowing pen. His ‘Meditations and Disquisitions’ are altogether marrow and fatness. We have often tried to quote from him and have found ourselves so embarrassed with riches that we have been inclined to copy the whole book. Why it has not been reprinted, and made to pass through fifty editions, we cannot tell. Poor man, he became a surety and smarted, dying in poverty in the Fleet. Were there any Christians alive in those days?” – Spurgeon

Boys, John – An Exposition of the Proper Psalms used in our English Liturgy, together with a Reason why the Church did Choose the Same (London: Kyngston, 1616)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

1800’s

Edersheim, Alfred – The Golden Diary of Heart Converse with Jesus in the Book of Psalms (London: James Nisbet, 1873) 425 pp. ToC

Meditations on Ps. 1-24, 31, 41, 42, 47, 93, 99, 101, 102, 110, 116, 121, 124, 127, 133, 137.

** – “Sweet and spiritual; worth purchasing.” – Spurgeon

1900’s

Beisner, Calvin – Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God Buy (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988) 283 pp. ToC

This includes (quite good) meditative devotional expositions of: Ps. 15, 18, 19, 22, 50, 51, 73, 74, 85, 88, 90, 101, 103, 104, 105, 107, 109, 145. Beisner has been a professor at Covenant College, TN and a conservative minister in the PCA.

Expositions of the Penitential Psalms: 6, (25), 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143

1500’s

Fisher, John – Commentary on the Seven Penitential Psalms, vol. 1 (6, 32, 38, 51), 2 (102, 130, 143) (1509) (the numbering of the psalms is one number different in the table of contents, due to a different counting)

Fisher (1469-1535) was a Roman Catholic.

* – “Dry and tedious: in the stiff antique style.” – Spurgeon

Beza, Theodore – Christian Meditations upon Eight Psalms of the Prophet David (1582)

On Psalms 1, 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143.

1600’s

Hayward, John – David’s Tears (on Ps. 6, 32, 130) (1623)

** – “After the Puritanic method: full of point and pith.” – Spurgeon

Donne, John – ‘Sermons on the Penitential Psalms’, Works, vol. 2 (6, 32:1-6), 3 (32:7-11, 51) (d. 1631)

*** – “A right royal writer, whose every line is a pearl.” – Spurgeon

Simson, Archibald – Exposition on the Seven Psalms of Repentance PoD (1638)

Including expositions of: Ps. 6, 25, 32, 38, 51, 130, 143

*** – ‘A marrowy author, full of instruction.’ – Spurgeon

Expositions of Individual Psalms

Psalms 1-8

Day, John – Day’s Descant on David’s Psalms: or a Commentary upon the Psalter… First, of the First Eight Psalms… (Oxford, 1620) 220 pp.

Day (1566–1628) was a reformed Anglican minister and had a reputation at one point for being ‘the most frequent and noted preacher in the university’ of Oxford.

Anon. – A Discourse Presented to Those who Seek the Reformation of the Church of England, wherein is showed that the New Church Discipline [of Independency] is Dangerous both to Religion & also to the Whole State: together with the opinions of certain reverend & learned divines concerning the fundamental points of the true Protestant Religion: with a short Exposition upon some of David’s Psalms pertinent to these times of Sedition ([London] 1642) 220 pp.

Honorius Augustodunensis – ‘The First Psalm: On the Incarnation of Christ’ in Exposition of Selected Psalms ed. David Welch tr. Catena Scholarium in Teams Commentary Series Abstract (Medieval Institute Publications, 2023), pp. 40-56

Honorius (ca. 1070 – ca. 1140)

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Prologue: In Whose Counsel? Psalm 1’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 1-15

Bernard, Richard – The First Psalm in David’s Music: or Psalms of that Royal Prophet, once the Sweet Singer of that Israel unfolded Logically, Expounded Paraphrastically, & then follows a more particular explanation of the words, with manifold doctrines and uses briefly observed… (London: Kyngston, 1616), pp. 3-45 Reformed, Puritan

Beza, Theodore – ‘A Meditation upon the First Psalm of David’ in Christian Meditations upon Eight Psalms of the Prophet David (London, 1582) 20 pp. no page numbers

Fletcher, Phineas – The Way to Blessedness, a Treatise, or Commentary, on the First Psalm (London, 1632) 271 pp.

Hilary of Poitiers – Psalm 1 in Homilies on the Psalms in Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 9, pp. 236-43

Smith, Samuel – Samuel Smith on Psalm 1 9th ed. (1635) in Samuel Smith on Psalm 1. Thomas Pierson on Psalms XXVII. LXXXIV. LXXXV. LXXXVII. and William Gouge on Psalm CXVI. in Nichol’s Series of Commentaries (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1868), pp. 7-66

** – “Very popular in its day, and worthily so.” – Spurgeon

Stonham, Mathew – A Treatise on the First Psalm (London: G. Eld, 1610) 230 pp.

** – “Somewhat dry, scholastic and out of date; but still an interesting and instructive piece of old divinity.” – Spurgeon

Bernard, Richard – The Second Psalm in David’s Music: or Psalms of that Royal Prophet, once the Sweet Singer of that Israel unfolded Logically, Expounded Paraphrastically, & then follows a more particular explanation of the words, with manifold doctrines and uses briefly observed… (London: Kyngston, 1616), pp. 46-91 Reformed, Puritan

Boys, John – Psalm 2 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 826-34

Harpur, George – Discourses 1-12 ToC in Christ in the Psalms, an Exposition of the 2nd, 45th & 110th Psalms, in a Series of Discourses (London: Wertheim, 1862), pp. 1-180

** “Discourses of a high order as to ability, but the historico-prophetic interpretations here given do not commend themselves to us.” – Spurgeon

Pitcairn, David – Zion’s King: The Second Psalm Expounded in the Light of History & Prophecy Ref (1851)

** “This author does not err on the side of conciseness. His book is a meritorious effort, but we have found it somewhat heavy reading.” – Spurgeon

Rumburg, H. Rondel – The Universal Dominion of Christ: a Study in Psalm 2 Buy (1996) 81 pp.

Rumberg is a Calvinistic baptist pastor who here takes a view of Psalm 2 inline with the Reformed Presbyterian position. To the contrary see Gillespie in other places on this site.

Bernard, Richard – The Third Psalm in David’s Music: or Psalms of that Royal Prophet, once the Sweet Singer of that Israel unfolded Logically, Expounded Paraphrastically, & then follows a more particular explanation of the words, with manifold doctrines and uses briefly observed… (London: Kyngston, 1616), pp. 92-124 Reformed, Puritan

Boys, John – Psalm 3 in in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 841-45

Horton, Thomas – An Exposition of the Fourth Psalm (8 Sermons) in Choice & Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 (London: Maxwell, 1675), pp. 1-108

*** – “A marvelous homiletical exposition. Horton’s discourses are very full of divisions, but then he always has plenty of solid matter to divide. Ministers will find teeming suggestions here.” – Spurgeon

Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical & Critical on Ps. 4 in The Whole Works… new ed. (†1684; London: Duncan, 1830), vol. 2, pp. 473-95

*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon

6 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above)

Knox, John – An Exposition upon the Sixth Psalm of David, Addressed to Mrs. Bowes (1554) in The Works of John Knox ed. David Laing (Edinburgh: James Thin, 1846), 3.111-56

Du Vair, Guillaume – A Most Heavenly & Plentiful Treasure, or a Rich Mineral Full of Sweetest Comforts… (London, 1609) including meditations on Psalms 6, 15, 26, 31, 34, 37, 43, 46, 50, 73, 102, 129, 142

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Binnie, William – ‘The 8th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), p. 186

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Boys, John – Psalm 8 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 871-82

Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical & Critical on Ps. 8 in The Whole Works… new ed. (†1684; London: Duncan, 1830), vol. 2

*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon

Luther, Martin – A Sermon of Dr. Martin Luther, of the Kingdom of Christ, out of the Eighth Psalm, ‘Lord our Lord, etc.’, made at Marsburg the Sixth Day of Aug., Anno 1545 in A Fruitful & Godly Exposition & Declaration of the Kingdom of Christ & of the Christian Liberty... ([London, 1548]) 35 pp. no page numbers

Aepinus, Johann – A Very Fruitful & Godly Exposition upon the 15th Psalm of David called, ‘Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle’ ([London, 1548])

Aepinus (1499-1553) was a German Lutheran theologian and a presiding spiritual leader over the Lutheran State Church of Hamburg.

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Man of the Covenant: Psalm 15’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 143-56

Boys, John – Psalm 118 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 883-98

Cartwright, Christopher –A Practical and Polemical Commentary or Exposition on the Whole 15th Psalm (1658)

** – “A learned and weighty work; not readily met with.” – Spurgeon

Downame, George – Lectures on the 15th Psalm, wherein besides many other very Profitable & Necessary Matters, the Question of Usury is Plainly & Fully Decided (1604)

** – “Lectures by one of the race of giant divines.” – Spurgeon

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Erasmus, Desiderus – An Exposition of Psalm 15 in which is full purely declared the pure and clean behavior that ought to be in the pure Church of Christ, which is the multitude of all true Christen people (d. 1536)

Perkins, William – Psalm 15 in the Form of a Dialogue Between Jehovah and David in A Case of Conscience Resolved in Works, vol. 1 (of 3), p. 428

Turnbull, Richard – An Exposition upon the 15th Psalm, divided into Four Sermons (1592)

Turnbull (d. 1593) was a fellow of Oxford and a reformed minister in London.

** – “By a popular and edifying preacher of the olden times.” – Spurgeon

Boys, John – Psalm 16 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 898-908

Dale, Thomas – The Golden Psalm: Being a Practical, Experimental & Prophetical Exposition of Psalm 16 Ref (Bowdery & Kerby, 1847) 214 pp.

* “Good, simple discourses; the headings might suggest a course of sermons.” – Spurgeon

Frame, James – Christ in Gethsemane: an Exposition of Psalm 16 Ref (London: Ward, 1858) 224 pp.

** “A sterling, well-intentioned and well-executed comment. The text has to be a little twisted to suit the theory of the interpreter, but we do not suppose that Mr. Frame is conscious of it. He is one of the best of modern discoursers upon the Psalms.” – Spurgeon

Greenham, Richard – A Godly Exposition of the 16th Psalm in The Works… (d. 1591; London: William Welby, 1612), pp. 316-31

See Spurgeon’s comments on his work on Ps. 119.

Beisner, Calvin – ‘A God Worthy of Praise: Psalm 18’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 131-39

Brown, John – An Exposition of Ps. 18 (8 Lectures) ToC in The Sufferings & Glories of the Messiah, an Exposition of Ps. 18 & Isa. 52:13-53:12 (NY: Robert Carter: 1853), pp. 21-164

This was John Brown of Edinburgh (1784-1858), the great exegetical commentator and Scottish Secession Church minister.

*** – “Like all Dr. Brown’s productions, this is a work of the highest order. Clear, full, and in the best manner, exegetical.” – Spurgeon

Beisner, Calvin – ‘God the Creator & Lawgiver: Psalm 19’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 27-42

Boys, John – Psalm 19 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 791-99

Reeve, John William – Lectures on the 19th Psalm (1863)

*** – “By one of the ablest preachers among the Evangelical Episcopalians. Scriptural, thoughtful, and original.” – Spurgeon

Richardson, J. Wilberforce – Illustrations of the 19th Psalm (1870)

** “Sound in doctrine, but verbose and common-place.” – Spurgeon

Bownd, Nicholas – Medicines for the Plague, that is, Godly & Fruitful Sermons upon part of the 20th Psalm, Full of Instructions & Comfort: very fit generally for all times of affliction, but more particularly applied to this late visitation of the plague Buy (London: Islip, 1604) 301 pp. being 21 sermons on verses 1-6

** – “Racy, quaint, extremely rare.” – Spurgeon

1500’s

Luther, Martin – ‘A Very Excellent & Sweet Exposition upon the 22nd Psalm of David, Called in Latin, Dominus Regit Me, etc.’ trans. Miles Coverdale ([Southwarke, 1538])

Coverdale, Myles – Exposition upon the 22nd Psalm in Remains (†1569; Cambridge: Parker Society, 1846), pp. 279-319

1800’s

Binnie, William – ‘The 22nd Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 172-74

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Frame, James – The Song of the Cross: an Exposition of Ps. 22 (London: Partridge, 1872) 330 pp. ToC

** – “This is valuable, as Mr. Frame’s books generally are.” – Spurgeon

Stevenson, John – Christ on the Cross: an Exposition of the 22nd Psalm (NY: Robert Carter, 1851) 350 pp. ToC rep. SGCB

** – “The best of Dr. Stevenson’s books. Exceedingly precious in its unveiling of the Redeemer’s sorrows. We have derives personal spiritual benefit from the perusal of this gracious exposition, and are unable to judge it critically.” – Spurgeon

1900’s

Beisner, Calvin – ‘The Cross & the Kingdom: Psalm 22’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 245-61

Morgan, G. Campbell – Notes on the Psalms Pre Buy (1947)

‘Valuable for Morgan’s handling of Psalms 22-24 with Christ as Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Reformer

Hooper, John – Upon the 23rd Psalm in Certain Comfortable Expositions of Bishop Hooper, Written in the Time of his Tribulation & Imprisonment, upon Psalms 23, 62, 73 & 77 (d. 1555; London, 1580), pp. 9-42

Hooper was one of the English martyrs during the time of Bloody Mary.

* – “The cramped style and antiquated matter repel the reader.” – Spurgeon

Puritan

Baker, Richard – ‘Psalm 23’ in Meditations & Disquisitions upon the First Psalm, the Penitential Psalms, & the Seven Consolatory Psalms (1645), pp. 305-20

Renwick, James – Lecture on Ps. 23 Buy †1688 23 paragraphs

Renwick was the last Scottish covenanter martyr in Scotland.

Sedgwick, Obadiah – The Shepherd of Israel, or God’s Pastoral Care over his People, delivered in diverse sermons on the whole Twenty-Third Psalm 1658

Sedgwick was an English puritan and Westminster divine.

** – “Sedgwick was one of the most eminent preachers of the time of the Commonwealth. His commenting is solid and lively.” – Spurgeon

Smith, Samuel – The Chief Shepherd; or an Exposition on the 23rd Psalm (1625)

** – “All the writings of Samuel Smith are good, but not so full of memorable sentences and pithy sayings as certain others of their date.” – Spurgeon

1700’s

Pierce, Samuel – On the Twenty-Third Psalm (1796) 13 pp.

Pierce (1746–1829) was an English, calvinistic Baptist.

On his commentary on 1 John: *** “This devout author was highly Calvinistic, but withal full of spiritual power and unction. He loved the deep things of God, and wrote upon them in a gracious manner.” – Spurgeon

1800’s

Dale, Thomas – The Good Shepherd & the Chosen Flock: an Exposition of the 23rd Psalm (London: Bowdery, 1845) 245 pp. ToC

** “Somewhat ordinary evangelical discourses.” – Spurgeon

Meyer, F.B. – The Shepherd Psalm (NY: Fleming H. Revell, 1895) 210 pp. ToC

Meyer (1847–1929) was an English, baptist pastor who wrote numerous, very good devotional works.

Miller, Andrew – Meditations on the Twenty-Third Psalm in Meditations on Twenty-Third & Eighty-Fourth Psalms (London: G. Morrish, 1867), pp. 1-126

** “Discursive, but devout; more useful to the heart than the head.” – Spurgeon

Paton, James – The Children’s Psalm: Twelve Meditations & Twelve Spiritual Songs on the 23rd Psalm (London: Passmore, 1870) 185 pp. ToC

** “Worthy of much commendation. It is unfortunate that the title leads the reader to expect a book for children, whereas the author intended to edify the children of God of an older growth.” – Spurgeon

Stevenson, John – The Lord our Shepherd: an Exposition of the 23rd Psalm (NY: Board of Publication of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 1859) 240 pp. ToC rep. SGCB

** – “Too wire-drawn, but it is golden wire.” – Spurgeon

Stoughton, John – The Song of Christ’s Flock in the 23rd Psalm (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1860) 340 pp. ToC

** “Devout practical meditations, but we don’t see how a flock can sing.” – Spurgeon

Thornton, J. – The Shepherd of Israel, a Practical Exposition & Improvement of the 23rd Psalm (London: Baynes, 1826) 147 pp. no ToC

* “We need no longer wonder how spiders make such long threads with such little material, for here is an equally amazing instance of spinning. Plentiful quotations of Scripture, and venerable anecdotes are here used as substitutes for thought, not as aids to it.” – Spurgeon

1900’s

Stalker, James – The Psalm of Psalms: being an Exposition of the 23rd Psalm (NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1913) 140 pp. ToC

Stalker was a minister of the United Free Church of Scotland.

Morgan, G. Campbell – Notes on the Psalms Pre Buy (1947)

‘Valuable for Morgan’s handling of Psalms 22-24 with Christ as Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Owen, George Frederick – The Shepherd Psalm of Palestine Ref Buy (Eerdmans, 1958) 84 pp.

‘Rich and rewarding, and vividly recreates the historic setting which gave rise to this psalm.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Beeke, Joel – The Lord Shepherding his Sheep Buy (1993) 304 pp.

Boys, John – Psalm 24 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

Morgan, G. Campbell – Notes on the Psalms Pre Buy (1947)

‘Valuable for Morgan’s handling of Psalms 22-24 with Christ as Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign.’ – Cyril J. Barber

25 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above)

Halkett, Anne – Meditations on the Twenty-Fifth Psalm. Also Meditations & Prayers upon the First Week: with Observations on Each Day’s Creation (1778)

** “This lady was eminent for medicine as well as theology; she left twenty-one volumes: this and another book of meditations appear to be all that have been reprinted.” – Spurgeon

Mossom, Robert – Divine Meditations upon Psalm 25 in The Preacher’s Tripartite in Three Books: The First to Raise Devotion in Divine Meditations upon Psalm 25 (London: Newcomb, 1657), pp. 1-80

*** – “Thoroughly devotional, eminently consolatory, and deeply experimental. Mossom is a fruitful writer.” – Spurgeon

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Norden, John – A Premeditation & Meditations & Prayers on the 27th Psalm in The Imitation of David his Godly & Constant Resolution in Bearing All his Trials, Troubles & Afflictions (London: Haviland, 1624), pp. 1-394

Pierson, Thomas – David’s Triumph over Distress; or an Exposition of Psalm 27 in Excellent Encouragements Against Afflictions, containing David’s Triumph over Distress on Ps. 27 in Samuel Smith on Psalm I. Thomas Pierson on Psalms XXVII. LXXXIV. LXXXV. LXXXVII. and William Gouge on Psalm CXVI. in Nichol’s Series of Commentaries (d. 1633; Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1868) separately paginated

** – “Pierson was not the richest or most overflowing of the old divines, but yet one who stood in the front rank.” – Spurgeon

32 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above)

Baron, David – ch. 2, ‘Sin & Forgiveness’ [Ps. 32] in Types, Psalms & Prophecies: Being a Series of Old Testament Studies 2nd ed. (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1907), pp. 87-113

Blake, David – An Exposition upon the Thirty Two Psalm, Describing the True Manner of Humbling & Raising up of God’s Children (Edinburgh, 1600)

Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical & Critical on Ps. 32 in The Whole Works… new ed. (†1684; London: Duncan, 1830), vol. 2

*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon

Reeve, J.W. – Lectures on the 32nd Psalm Buy (1859)

** – “Orthodox, spiritual, and suggestive lectures, by an evangelical clergyman.” – Spurgeon

Taylor, Thomas – David’s Learning, or The Way to True Happiness in a Commentary upon the 32nd Psalm (London: Stansby, 1617) 424 pp.

** – “On account of Taylor’s great knowledge of the Scriptures, he was commonly called ‘the illuminated Doctor.’ Fuller calls him ‘a grave divine, a painful preacher, and a profitable writer.’ He is one of the richest in matter of all the Puritans.” – Spurgeon

Willard, Samuel – The Truly Blessed Man: or the Way to be Happy Here & Forever: being the Substance of Diverse Sermons Preached on Psalm 32 (Boston: Green, 1700) 652 pp.

** – “One of the first books printed in the United States. An old-fashioned exposition. The price is caused by its rarity rather than its value.” – Spurgeon

Baron, David – ch. 3, ‘The Praise Worthiness of Jehovah & the Blessedness of his People’ in Types, Psalms & Prophecies: Being a Series of Old Testament Studies 2nd ed. (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1907), pp. 117-50

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

See the Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above.

Leighton, Robert – Expository Lectures on Ps. 39 in The Whole Works… new ed. (†1684; London: Duncan, 1830), vol. 2, pp. 553-86

*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon

Bruce, Robert – ‘The Fourteenth Sermon, upon the 40th Psalm: Preached in the Time of Public Fast’ in The Way to True Peace & Rest: Delivered… in Sixteen Sermons… (London: Field, 1617), pp. 319-34

Frame, James E. – Christ & his Work: an Exposition of Psalm 40 Ref (1869)

** “Well done. Though differing from the author at times, we are grateful for such real help.” – Spurgeon

Bloyse, William – Meditations upon the 42nd Psalm (London, 1632) 354 pp.

Bloyse was an esquire (lawyer).

Horton, Thomas – An Exposition of the 42nd Psalm in Choice & Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 (London: Maxwell, 1675), pp. 109-243

MacDuff, J.R. – The Hart & the Water-Brooks: a Practical Exposition of the 42nd Psalm (NY: Robert Carter, 1860) 235 pp. ToC

** “See remarks on other books by this copious writer.” – Spurgeon

On Naaman: *** “In Dr. Macduff’s best manner: the story of Naaman is admirably handled, and made to teach the gospel with much freshness.” – Spurgeon

On Elijah: *** “Dr. Macduff writes popularly, yet he is by no means weak or shallow. He is to the young minister all the more useful, because he has worked out the problem of making sound thought intelligible to the multitude.” – Spurgeon

‘In these devotional studies on Psalm 42, the author rises to heights of eloquence as he expounds the text.’ – Cyril J. Barber

March, Henry – Sabbaths at Home, or a Help to their Right Improvement, founded upon the 42nd & 43rd Psalms, Intended for the Use of Pious Persons when Prevented from Attending the Public Worship of God 3rd ed. (London: Simpkin, 1823) 245 pp. ToC

** “Profitable reading, rendered all the more pleasing by the introduction of very choice poetry. Not important to the expositor.” – Spurgeon

Sibbes, Richard – The Soul’s Conflict & Victory over Itself by Faith (1635) ToC in The Complete Works… (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1862), vol. 1, pp. 119-294

*** – “Mainly upon verses 5 and 11. Sibbes never wastes the student’s time; he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands.” – Spurgeon

1600’s

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

1800’s

March, Henry – chs. 8-10 ToC in Sabbaths at Home, or a Help to their Right Improvement, founded upon the 42nd & 43rd Psalms, Intended for the Use of Pious Persons when Prevented from Attending the Public Worship of God (London: Simpkin, 1843), pp. 177-250

** “Profitable reading, rendered all the more pleasing by the introduction of very choice poetry. Not important to the expositor.” – Spurgeon

“It is on his bounty you are to live, who is not only a bountiful Giver, but a bountiful Giver of a very peculiar kind – a bountiful Husband.”

John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan

Baron, David – Types, Psalms & Prophecies: Being a Series of Old Testament Studies 2nd ed. (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1907), pp. 152-214

ch. 4, ‘The Glorious King & Bridegroom’
ch. 5, ‘The King’s Marriage Feast’

Bennett, Thomas – Sermons on the 45th Psalm Buy (1781)

** – “Twenty-four sermons after the manner of Ralph Erskine, in which Jesus is all in all. What more need be said in their praise?” – Spurgeon

Binnie, William – ‘The 45th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 174-77

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Boys, John – Psalm 45 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 920-31

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

Harpur, George – Discourses 13-17 ToC in Christ in the Psalms, an Exposition of the 2nd, 45th & 110th Psalms, in a Series of Discourses (London: Wertheim, 1862), pp. 182-259

** “Discourses of a high order as to ability, but the historico-prophetic interpretations here given do not commend themselves to us.” – Spurgeon

Pennefather, William – The Bridegroom King, a Meditation on Psalm 45 (London: Shaw, 1875) 118 pp.

** “Rather a meditation than an exposition. A fitting book for a sick bed. The little chapters might lie, like wafers made with honey, upon the praiseful tongues of the suffering believer. The beloved writer has now gone to see the King in his beauty, of whom he had those glimpses here which enabled him to pen this tiny volume.” – Spurgeon

Pitcairn, David – The Anointed Savior Set Forth as the Principal Object of Saving Faith (1846)

** “Contains an exposition of part of Psalm 45, as applied to Messiah’s first and second advents. Good, yet it read rather wearily to us.” – Spurgeon

Troughton, William – The Mystery of the Marriage Song (London: M.S., 1656) 268 pp.

Troughton (c.1613-c.1686) was a reformed puritan.

* “An old work with nothing new or striking in it. Remarkably tame and meagre for a work of that exuberant period. Let it alone.” – Spurgeon

Willet, Andrew – A Treatise of Solomon’s Marriage [Ps. 45:10-16] (London: Thomas Man, 1613) 56 pp.

Calvin, John – Three Notable Sermons, made by the godly and famous clerke Maister Iohn Caluyn, on thre seuerall Sondayes in Maye, the yere 1561 vpon Psalm. 46. Teaching vs constantly to cleaue vnto Gods truth in time of aduersitie and trouble, and neuer to shrinke for any rage of the wicked, but to suffer all thynges in fayth and hope in Iesus Christ… trans. William Warde Ref (London, 1562)

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Binnie, William – ‘The 49th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 269-74

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Honorius Augustodunensis – ‘A Prologue to Psalm Fifty’ in Exposition of Selected Psalms ed. David Welch tr. Catena Scholarium in Teams Commentary Series Abstract (Medieval Institute Publications, 2023), pp. 56-72

Honorius (ca. 1070 – ca. 1140)

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Beisner, Calvin – ‘A Covenant Lawsuit: Psalm 50’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 83-97

51 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above)

Honorius Augustodunensis – ‘Prologue to the Fifty-First Psalm’ in Exposition of Selected Psalms ed. David Welch tr. Catena Scholarium in Teams Commentary Series Abstract (Medieval Institute Publications, 2023), pp. 73-82

Honorius (ca. 1070 – ca. 1140)

Alexander, Thomas – The Penitent’s Prayer, a Practical Exposition of the 51st Psalm (London: James Nisbet, 1861) 250 pp. no ToC

** “Our friend the late Dr. Alexander of Chelsea handled this Psalm well.” – Spurgeon

Anon. – A Meditation of a Penitent Sinner, written in the Manner of a Paraphrase upon the 51st Psalm of David 14 pp. appended to Sermons of John Calvin upon the Song that Ezechias Made… (London: John Day, 1560) no page numbering in poetry

Barford, John – Paraphrastical Meditations upon the 51st Psalm in Paraphrastical Meditations upon Isaiah 55 & Psalm 51… (W.D., 1649), pp. 21-29

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Longings of a Broken Heart: Psalm 51’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 99-115

Biddulph, Thomas – Lectures on the 51st Psalm… To which is added a Discourse on Personal Assurance of Salvation 2nd ed. (London: R.B. Seeley, 1835) 355 pp. no ToC

** “Lectures far above the average of such lucubrations, making up a very fair exposition.” – Spurgeon

Candlish, Robert – The Prayer of a Broken Heart: Expository Discourses on Ps. 51 (Edinburgh: Adam & Charles Black, 1873) 84 pp. ToC

Cowper, William – Good News from Canaan, Full of Heavenly Comfort & Consolation, for All Those that are Afflicted either in Body or Mind, with a Proof of True Repentance for the Same (London: W. Stansby, 1613) 279 pp. being a commentary on Ps. 51

Estye, George – ‘An Exposition upon the Fifty & One Psalm’ 134 pp. in A Most Sweet & Comfortable Exposition upon the Ten Commandments & upon the 51st Psalm, as they were Delivered in Short Notes… (London, 1602) no page numbering

Estye (c.1560-1601) was a reformed Anglican clergyman.

Hieron, Samuel – David’s Penitential Psalm Opened in 30 Several Lectures Thereon (Cambrdige: Legge, 1617) 604 pp. ToC

** – “Hieron [1572-1617] was a conforming Puritan. His works were once exceedingly popular and they are still esteemed.” – Spurgeon

Hildersham, Arthur – One Hundred & Fifty-Two Lectures upon Psalm 51 (London, 1635) 815 pp.

*** – “Hildersham was one of the most tried of the Nonconforming ministers, and at the same time one of the most able. He is copious and discursive, we had almost said long-winded. Both Willet and Preston speak of him in the highest terms.” – Spurgeon

Horton, Thomas – An Exposition upon the One & Fiftieth Psalm in Choice & Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 (London: Maxwell, 1675), pp. 241-483

Luther, Martin – Luther’s Works (Concordia, 1955)

Psalm 51 in vol. 12, Selected Psalms I, pp. 303-410

Psalm 51 in vol. 10, First Lectures on the Psalms I, pp. 235-43

** – “Luther needs no trumpeter.” – Spurgeon

Morgan, James – The Penitent, an Exposition of the 51st Psalm Buy (1855)

*** – “The excellent doctor first wrote this exposition for his own spiritual benefit, then preached it for the edification of his flock, and lastly published it for the good of us all. this is a worthy pedigree for a book, and the book itself is worthy of the pedigree.” – Spurgeon

Murray, Andrew – Have Mercy Upon Me: the Prayer of the Penitent in the 51st Psalm Explained & Applied (NY: Anson, 1895) 210 pp. ToC

Murray (1828–1917)

Page, Samuel – David’s Broken Heart, or, An Exposition upon the Whole Fifty-first Psalm EEBO (d. 1603; London: 1637) 284 pp.

Page was an Anglican.

*** – “Every page is like a bank note for value. Here are homiletical materials in abundance.” – Spurgeon

Smith, Samuel – David’s Repentance, or, A Plain & Familiar Exposition of the 51st Psalm GB 5th ed. (d. 1632; London, 1620) 554 pp. ToC

** – “It will be seen from the numerous editions that his work was well received in its author’s lifetime. He tells us that he spent the spare hours of a long sickness in publishing this short exposition, and thus the world is all the healthier for his illness.” – Spurgeon

Authenticity of Ps. 51

Stuart, Alexander Moody – The Fifty-First Psalm & the Encyclopedia Britannica (Edinburgh: MacLaren, 1876) 20 pp. ToC

Romanists on Ps. 51

1400’s

Savonarola, Girolamo – ‘An Exposition, After the Manner of a Contemplation, upon the Psalm 51, called Miserere Mei Deus‘ in A Pithy Exposition upon the 51st Psalm entitled, Miserere Mei Deus, etc. Also a godly meditation upon the 31st Psalm, entitled, In Te Domine Speraui… ed. Abraham Fleming (d. 1498; London, 1578)

Savonarola (1452-1498) was an Italian, Dominican Friar and preacher who was a reforming Romanist before the Reformation.

1600’s

Kellison, Matthew – Paraphrastical & Devout Discourses upon the Psalm, Miserere (Douai, 1635)

Kellison (c.1560-1642) was an English, Romanist.

Cross, Nicholas – The Cynosura, or a Saving Star that Leads to Eternity Discovered amidst the celestial Orbs of David’s Psalms, by way of Paraphrase upon the Miserere (London, 1670)

Cross (1616–1698) was an English Romanist and Franciscan friar.

Hilary of Poitiers – Homilies on Psalm 53 in Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 9, pp. 235-48

Boys, John – Psalm 57 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 834-40

Hooper, John – Certain Comfortable Expositions of Bishop Hooper written in the Time of his Tribulation & Imprisonment, upon Psalms 23, 62, 73 & 77 (d. 1555)

Hooper was one of the English martyrs during the time of Bloody Mary.

* – “The cramped style and antiquated matter repel the reader.” – Spurgeon

Baron, David – A Wilderness Song (1907) 17 pp.

Horton, Thomas – An Exposition of the 63rd Psalm in Choice & Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 (London: Maxwell, 1675)

Baron, David – Zion’s God the Confidence of all the Ends of the Earth 1907 30 pp.

Larke, Nicholas – An Exposition of the Sixty-Six Psalm, by Doctrine & Exhortation (London, 1622)

We do not have any bio info on Larke, but the exposition looks good.

Boys, John –‘Deus Misereatur [God be merciful], the 67th Psalm’ in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

Boys, John – Psalm 68 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 913-19

Dixon, Richard – A New Interpretation of the Sixty-Eighth Psalm: To which is added, an Exposition of the Hundred and Tenth Psalm: Proposed in a Sermon (1811)

** “This author, in a most interesting manner, traces out the analogy between this Psalm and the Song of Deborah. Those who like choice pieces of writing upon the literature of Scripture will be gratified by the perusal of this exposition.” – Spurgeon

Binnie, William – ‘The 72nd Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 183-86

Binnie was a minister and professor of the Free Church of Scotland.

Beisner, Calvin – ‘No Other Reward: Psalm 73’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 157-64

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Hooper, John – Certain Comfortable Expositions of Bishop Hooper written in the Time of his Tribulation & Imprisonment, upon Psalms 23, 62, 73 & 77 (d. 1555)

Hooper was one of the English martyrs during the time of Bloody Mary.

* – “The cramped style and antiquated matter repel the reader.” – Spurgeon

Lloyd-Jones, Martyn – Faith on Trial: Studies in Psalm 73 Buy (1965)

Parry, Edward – David Restored; or an Antidote against the Prosperity of the Wicked & the Afflictions of the Just (1660)

** – “Not super-excellent, nor free from blemishes, but containing much of sterling value.” – Spurgeon

“Asaph is a less-severely tried Job, and a better instructed, being an Israelite, while Job was only a Shemite–Terahite or Nahorite.”

John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan

Beisner, Calvin – ‘God of the Covenant: Psalm 74’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 69-81

Binnie, William – ‘The 76th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 90-92

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Bruce, Robert – 2 Sermons on Ps. 76 (1617) from his The Way to True Peace and Rest

Hooper, John – Certain comfortable expositions of Bishop Hooper written in the time of his Tribulation and Imprisonment, upon Psalms 23, 62, 73, and 77 d. 1555

Hooper was one of the English martyrs during the time of Bloody Mary.

* – “The cramped style and antiquated matter repel the reader.” – Spurgeon

Bradford, John – Paraphrase of Ps. 79 in Writings, vol. 1 d. 1555

Dunster, John – Prodromus. Or The Literal Destruction of Jerusalem as it is Described in the 79th Psalm… (London, 1613)

Dunster was an English protestant. See the dedication at the front and the ‘To the Reader’ at the end for more context.

Savonarola, Girolamo – Another Meditation of the Same Hieronimus Savanorola upon the 80th Psalm of David ([Emden, 1555])

Binnie, William – ‘The 80th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 87-90

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Hall, Thomas – The Beauty of Magistracy, and Exposition of Psalm 82 in Swinnock, Works, vol. 4, pp. 147-300

** – “This exposition has always nestled in the bosom of Swinnock’s works. We agree with Dr. Jenkyn’s criticism: ‘The style is terse and clear, though grave and theological, and the matter is solid and judicious.” – Spurgeon

Cradock, Walter – ‘Expositions & Observations on Psalm 83’ in Divine Drops Distilled from the Fountain of Holy Scriptures: delivered in several exercises before sermons, upon Twenty and Three Texts of Scripture (London, 1650)

Cradock was an Independent, reformed minister.

Freake, William – The Privileges of the Upright in Heart, Expressed in Brief Meditations upon the 84th Psalm: and More Particularly Upon the 11th Verse Thereof (London, 1639)

Hemmingsen, Neils – The Faith of the Church Militant, Most effectually described in this Exposition of the 84th Psalm (1581)

Hemmingsen was a Lutheran.

* – “A Danish divine of high repute in his own day. Some of his works were turned into English; but the translations, like the originals, are now left in undeserved oblivion.” – Spurgeon

Miller, Andrew – Meditations on the Eighty-Fourth Psalm in Meditations on Twenty-Third & Eighty-Fourth Psalms (London: G. Morrish, 1867), pp. 127-230

Pierson, Thomas – Excellent Encouragements Against Afflictions, containing David’s Heart’s Desire on Ps. 84 d. 1633

** – “Pierson was not the richest or most overflowing of the old divines, but yet one who stood in the front rank.” – Spurgeon

Erskine, Ralph – The Believer’s Lodging and Inn while on Earth, or a Poem and Paraphrase on Ps. 84 in Works, vol. 7

Boys, John – Psalm 85 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 799-804

Pierson, Thomas – Excellent Encouragements Against Afflictions, containing the Church’s Exercise under Affliction on Ps. 85 d. 1633

** – “Pierson was not the richest or most overflowing of the old divines, but yet one who stood in the front rank.” – Spurgeon

Duncan, John ‘Rabbi’ – ‘Expository Lecture on Ps. 85’ 1866 9 pp. in Rich Gleanings from Rabbi Duncan Buy pp. 271-280

Rabbi Duncan was an eminent minister and Hebrew professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Prayer for Forgiveness & Blessing: Psalm 85’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988), pp. 187-97

Calvin, John – Four Sermons of Master John Calvin: Entreating of Matters very Profitable for our Time, as may be Seen by the Preface, with a Brief Exposition of the 87th Psalm (London, 1579)

Rhegius, Urbanus – The Solace of Zion & Joy of Jerusalem. Or Consolation of God’s Church in the Latter Age, Redeemed by the preaching of the Gospel Universally. Being a Godly & Learned Exposition of the 87th Psalm of the Princely Prophet David… (London, 1587)

Rhegius (1489–1541) was a Protestant Reformer who was active both in Northern and Southern Germany in order to promote Lutheran unity in the Holy Roman Empire. He was also a popular poet. Luther referred to him as the “Bishop of Lower Saxony”.

Rhegius began to support the Reform movement in 1521 (having succeeded Johannes Oecolampadius in Augsburg) and became an arbitor between the different views on the Eucharist expressed by Luther and Zwingli. In 1530 he was one of the collaborators (along with Luther and others) who created the Augsburg Confession.

Pierson, Thomas – Excellent Encouragements Against Afflictions, containing the Great Charter of the Church on Ps. 87 d. 1633

** – “Pierson was not the richest or most overflowing of the old divines, but yet one who stood in the front rank.” – Spurgeon

Beisner, Calvin – ‘A Psalm of Lament: Psalm 88’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

Boys, John – Psalm 89 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 799-804

Beisner, Calvin – ‘To Number our Days: Psalm 90’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

Smith, Samuel – Moses, his Prayer, or an Exposition of the 90th Psalm… 1656

** – See Spurgeon’s notes on his works on Ps. 1 & 51.

1500’s

Luther, Martin – ‘A Sermon Out of the Psalm, Qui habitat, etc. how and unto what place a Christen man ought to fly the horrible plague of the pestilence’ in A Very Excellent & Sweet Exposition upon the 22nd Psalm of David, Called in Latin, Dominus Regit Me, etc. trans. Miles Coverdale ([Southwarke, 1538])

Holland, Henry – Spiritual Preservatives against the Pestilence. Or Seven Lectures on the 91st Psalm… published, as generally for the instruction of ignorant people: so specially for the confirmation of the weak servants of Jesus Christ; describing the most divine and most sovereign preservatives against the pestilence (1593; London, 1603)

Holland (d. 1604) was a reformed Anglican clergyman who edited works by Richard Greenham and Robert Rollock.

1600’s

T.C. – A Godly & Learned Sermon upon the 91st Psalm, Declaring how, and to what place, a Christian man ought to fly in the Dangerous Time of the Pestilence, for his best Safety & Deliverance… whereunto are joined certain fruitful prayers very necessary for the time of Infection (1603)

Horne, Robert – The Shield of the Righteous: or the Ninety-First Psalm Expounded, with the addition of doctrines and uses. Very necessary and Comfortable in these Days of heaviness, wherein the pestilence rages so sore in London and other parts of this kingdom (London, 1625)

Horne (1565–1640) was an Oxford scholar and an Anglican chaplain.

Bridge, William – The Refuge: containing the righteous man’s habitation in the time of plague and pestilence, being a brief exposition of the 91st Psalm d. 1671

Cameron, Richard – Lecture on Ps. 92 Buy †1680 6 pp., from Sermons in the Time of Persecution

Boys, John – ‘Venite Exultemus Domino’ [‘Oh Come Let us Exult the Lord’ on Ps. 95] in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

Boys, John – Psalms in the Evening Office: Ps. 98 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

Edersheim, Alfred – ‘The Church’s Doxology’ (1873) 8 pp. in The Golden Diary of Heart Converse with Jesus in the Book of Psalms, p. 345 ff.

** “Sweet, spiritual; worth purchasing.” – Spurgeon

100

Honorius Augustodunensis – ‘Prologue to the Hundredth Psalm’ in Exposition of Selected Psalms ed. David Welch tr. Catena Scholarium in Teams Commentary Series Abstract (Medieval Institute Publications, 2023), pp. 82-88

Honorius (ca. 1070 – ca. 1140)

Boys, John – ‘Jubilate Deo, Ps. 100’ in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

101

Honorius Augustodunensis – ‘Prologue to Psalm 101’ in Exposition of Selected Psalms ed. David Welch tr. Catena Scholarium in Teams Commentary Series Abstract (Medieval Institute Publications, 2023), pp. 89-104

Honorius (ca. 1070 – ca. 1140)

Beisner, Calvin – ‘A King Under the Covenant: Psalm 101’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

Edersheim, Alfred – ‘Holy Resolutions’ 1873 6 pp. in The Golden Diary of Heart Converse with Jesus in the Book of Psalms, p. 353 ff.

** “Sweet, spiritual; worth purchasing.” – Spurgeon

Horne, Robert – The Christian governor in the commonwealth, and private families described by David, in his 101st Psalm, Guiding all men in a right course to heaven 1614

de Mornay, Philippe – Meditations upon Ps. 101… and by him dedicated to Henry the Fourth, the French King (London, 1599)

Pigg, Oliver – Sermons upon the 101st Psalm, containing profitable instruction for all, especially for such as have any government over others (London, 1591)

Pigg (fl. 1580) was an English puritan clergyman in the Church of England.

102

See the Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above.

1600’s

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Fenwicke, John – Zion’s Joy in her King coming in his glory. Wherein, the estate of the poor distressed Church of the Gentiles (travailing in the wilderness towards the new Jerusalem of the Jews) in her utmost extremities, and height of her joys, is lively delineated; in some mediations upon that prophetical Psalm 102… (London, 1643)

Fenwicke (c. 1570 – c. 1658) was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons and supported Parliament during the civil war, when this work was written.

1800’s

Edersheim, Alfred – ‘Comfort to the Mourner’ (1873) 8 pp. in The Golden Diary of Heart Converse with Jesus in the Book of Psalms, p. 359 ff.

** “Sweet, spiritual; worth purchasing.” – Spurgeon

103

Beisner, Calvin – ‘A Psalm of Praise for God’s Mercies: Psalm 103’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

Sterne, Richard – A Brief Commentary upon the 103rd Psalm with the Several Axioms or Doctrines Therein Contained & Uses Thereupon Inferred (London, 1649)

‘To the Reader’: “These notes upon this entire Psalm were by a reverend divine of pious memory, left behind him, penned in the Latin tongue. They were to him as the groundwork whereupon he built his larger discourses.”

Stevenson, John – Gratitude: An Exposition of the 103rd Psalm (1854)

** – “Somewhat diffuse, but at the same time too good to be criticized.” – Spurgeon

104

Boys, John – Psalm 104 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), p. 937

Beisner, Calvin – ‘God of Creation: Psalm 104’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

105

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Rejoice! God Rules Over History: Psalm 105’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

107

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Give Thanks to the Lord: Psalm 107’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

Hyperius, Andreas – A Special Treatise of God’s Providence & of Comforts Against All Kind of Crosses & Calamities to be Drawn from the Same. With an Exposition of the 107th Psalm 1588 d. 1564

PRDL lists Hyperius as Reformed.

** – “This author has written in Latin upon many subjects, but his works are now little known. He was a learned Lutheran.” – Spurgeon

Romaine, William – A Practical Comment on the 107th Psalm (1760) 277 pp.

** – “Romaine’s doctrine and style of writing are well known. He could not be accused of overlaying the truth with much learning. the thought is gracious, sound, and practical, but the style is just a little dull.” – Spurgeon

108

Boys, John – Psalm 108 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 919

109

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Curses on Covenant Breakers: Psalm 109’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

110

Abbot, Robert – The Exaltation of the Kingdom & Priesthood of Christ. In certain Sermons upon the 110th Psalm… (1596; London, 1601)

Abbot (1560-1617) was a reformed, Anglican clergyman and academic, known as a polemical writer.

Binnie, William – ‘The 110th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 161-72

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Boys, John – Psalm 110 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 809-21

Dixon, Richard – A New Interpretation of the Sixty-Eighth Psalm: To which is added, an Exposition of the Hundred and Tenth Psalm: Proposed in a Sermon 1811

Gorton, Samuel – An Incorruptible Key Composed of the 110th Psalm, wherewith you may Open the Rest of the Holy Scriptures (London, 1647)

Gorton (1593–1677) was an early settler and civic leader of the Colony of Rhode Island. He had some strong, erroneous religious beliefs which differed from Puritan theology and was very outspoken, and he became the leader of a small sect of converts known as Gortonists or Gortonites. As a result, he was frequently in trouble with the civil and church authorities in the New England colonies.

Harpur, George – Discourses 18-20 in Christ in the Psalms, an Exposition of the 2nd, 45th & 110th Psalms, in a Series of Discourses (London: Wertheim, 1862), pp. 260-305

** “Discourses of a high order as to ability, but the historico-prophetic interpretations here given do not commend themselves to us.” – Spurgeon

Reynolds, Edward – Explication of the 110th Psalm 1632

*** – “Surpassingly clear and elaborate. Reynolds was a man of vast learning and thoroughly evangelical in spirit.” – Spurgeon

111

Travers, Robert – A Learned & a Very Profitable Exposition made upon the 111th Psalm (London, 1579) The work is dedicated to scholars at Cambridge.

Boys, John – Psalm 111 in An Exposition of the Proper Psalms used in our English Liturgy, together with a Reason why the Church did Choose the Same (London: Kyngston, 1616), pp. 113-24

112:1-2

Stint, Thomas – An Exposition upon the 112th Psalm [vv. 1-2], The Highway to Everlasting Blessedness… (London, 1621)

113

Baron, David – The Commencement of the Hallel (1907) 30 pp.

Boys, John – Psalm 113 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 846-51

114

Boys, John – Psalm 114 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 851-61

115

Becon, Thomas – David’s Harp, Ps. 115 with a Fruitful Exposition d. 1567 40 pp. English reformer

116

1600’s

Gibson, Thomas – Meditations upon the Hundred & Sixteen Psalm, very profitable for all Christians. With an application to the present times, showing the true use of our late deliverance (London, 1607)

Gibson appears to have been English.

Gouge, William – The Saint’s Sacrifice, or, a commentary on the 116th Psalm, which is a gratulatory psalm for deliverance from deadly distress IA 1632

** – “Gouge’s method of cutting up his exposition into sections and discussing everything in proportions, is very tedious to the reader, but we judge it to be advantageous to the preacher. At any rate Gouge has often given us a hint. He was a man of great learning.” – Spurgeon

Sclater, William – Sermons Experimental: on Psalms 116 & 117. Very Useful for a Wounded Spirit (1638)

Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.

Cradock, Walter – ‘Expositions & Observations on Psalm 116’ in Divine Drops Distilled from the Fountain of Holy Scriptures: delivered in several exercises before sermons, upon Twenty and Three Texts of Scripture (London, 1650)

Cradock was an Independent, reformed minister.

117

Sclater, William – Sermons Experimental: on Psalms 116 & 117. Very Useful for a Wounded Spirit (1638)

Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.

118

Binnie, William – ‘The 118th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings & Use (London: Nelson, 1870), pp. 108-9

Binnie was a professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

Boys, John – Psalm 118 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

119

Bayne, Paul – Lectures Preached upon Ps. 119:1-32 Ref

Bridges, Charles – Exposition of Ps. 119 8th ed. 1832

*** – “Worth its weight in gold. Albeit that the work is neither learned nor very original, we prize it for its surpassing grace and unction.” – Spurgeon

Calvin, John – Sermons on Psalm 119 d. 1564 22 sermons, a sermon on each section

Cowper, William – A Holy Alphabet for Sion’s Scholars. A Commentary upon the 119th Psalm 1613

Cowper (1566-1619) was the Anglican bishop of Galloway.

** – “Dr. M’Crie gives a high character to all Cowper’s works, and says that a vein of practical piety runs through them, while the style is remarkable for ease and fluency. This remark applies emphatically to the ‘Holy Alphabet’. We have found it very delightful reading.” – Spurgeon

Estye, George – An Exposition upon the 119th Psalm in Certain Godly & Learned Expositions Upon Diverse Parts of Scripture, as they were Preached… (London, 1603)

Estye (c.1560-1601) was a reformed Anglican clergyman.

Greenham, Richard – An Exposition of the 119th Psalm in The Works… (d. 1591; London: William Welby, 1612)

** – “We regret that this comment is not published separately, and is only to be procured by purchasing the rest of Greenham’s works. The style, however, is antique and cramped, and Manton and Bridges are quite enough.” – Spurgeon

Manton, Thomas – 190 sermons on the 119th Psalm, vols. 1 (vv. 1-59), 2 (60-123), 3 (124-End) d. 1677

*** – “Fully up to Manton’s highest mark, and he is well known to have been one of the chief of the Puritan brotherhood. The work is long, but that results only from the abundance of the matter.” – Spurgeon

Sanderson, R.B. – Lord’s Day Literature: or, Illustrations of the Book of Psalms from the 119th Psalm Consecutively 1842

* “We cannot call this an exposition, its title far more accurately describes it. The author takes occasion from the text to plead for those points of doctrine and practice into which he had been led by the Spirit of God. He was an eminently conscientious man, a bold believer, and a Baptist.” – Spurgeon

Spurgeon, Charles – The Golden Alphabet: a Devotional Commentary on Ps. 119 PDF (1887) 301 pp.

120-134 The Psalms of Degrees

Armfield, H.T. – The Gradual Psalms: a Treatise on the Fifteen Songs of Degrees, with Commentary, based on Ancient Hebrew, Chaldee, and Christian Authorities 1874

** “A wonderfully interesting book from a literary point of view; perhaps more singular than profitable; but in many respects a publication which we should have been sorry to have missed. The homiletical student will not be able to make much use of it.” – Spurgeon

Cox, Samuel – The Pilgrim psalms, an Exposition of the Psalms of Degrees 1874

*** – “This will be greatly valued by intelligent readers. A noble series of sermons would be pretty sure to grow out of its attentive perusal. Mr. S. Cox is a great expositor.” – Spurgeon

Luther, Martin – A Commentary on the Psalms called the ‘Psalms of Degrees’ d. 1546

** – “Luther needs no trumpeter.” – Spurgeon

Loredano, Giovanni Francesco – The Ascents of the Soul, or, David’s Mount Towards God’s House, being Paraphrases on the Fifteen Psalms of Degrees (London, 1681)

Loredano was an Itallian (likely Romanist) scholar, writer and politician. These extended paraphrases are very devotional, pious, and appear to be very good.

M’Michael, N. – The Pilgrim Psalms: an Exposition of the Psalms of Degrees (1860)

*** – “A capital work, full of sound doctrine perfumed with devotion.”

Nisbet, Robert – The Songs of the Temple Pilgrims. An Exposition Devotional & Practical of the Psalms of Degrees (1863)

** “Dr. Nisbet regards the ‘Song of Degrees as affording so complete an exhibition of the phases of religious sentiment, as to make these short poems a transcript of the feelings of the whole Church; a miniature Bible for the use of all.’ He has expounded in this spirit, with well chosen language, and produced a very valuable and instructive book.” – Spurgeon

122

Willet, Andrew – A Brief Exposition of Psalm 122 (1603)

* – “Willet ought to have known better than to twist a psalm to the honor and glory of James I. As a learned man he says good things, and as a courtier foolish things.” – Spurgeon

124-125

Luther, Martin – A Word in Season: being the Commentary of Dr. Martin Luther on three selected Psalms: viz. the 124th, 125th & 129th, with his commentary on some part of the fourth and fifth chapters of the First Epistle of St. Peter. Being of special use for the present times. (London, 1685)

Stint, Thomas – An Exposition on the 124th, 125th, 126th Psalms, called the Psalms of Degrees: or, the Church’s Deliverance… (London, 1621)

126

Stint, Thomas – An Exposition on the 124th, 125th, 126th Psalms, called the Psalms of Degrees: or, the Church’s Deliverance… (London, 1621)

Hume, John – The Jews’s Deliverance out of Babylon & the Mystery of our Redemption, Plainly Demonstrated in Ten Sermons upon the 126th Psalm (London, 1628)

Hume was an English minister and made use of many classic expositions of the psalms before him throughout Church history.

129

Luther, Martin – A Word in Season: being the Commentary of Dr. Martin Luther on Three Selected Psalms: viz. the 124th, 125th & 129th, with his Commentary on Some Part of the Fourth & Fifth Chapters of the First Epistle of St. Peter. Being of Special Use for the Present Times. (London, 1685)

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

Baron, David – Songs of Ascents 1907 16 pp.

130 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above)

Baron, David – Songs of Ascents 1907 16 pp.

Hilary of Poitiers – Homilies on Psalm 130 in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 9, pp. 247-48

Hutcheson, George – 45 Sermons upon the 130th Psalm (†1674)

*** – “We have already advised the purchase of anything and everything by Hutcheson. Be sure not to confound this with [Anne] Hutchinson [the New England antinomian heretic].” – Spurgeon

Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical & Critical on Ps. 130 in The Whole Works… new ed. (†1684; London: Duncan, 1830), vol. 2

*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon

Owen, John – Practical Exposition on Ps. 130 1669 566 pages

*** – “One of the best known and most esteemed of John Owen’s works. It is unnecessary to say that he is the prince of divines. to master his works is to be a profound theologian. Owen is said to be prolix, but it would be truer to say that he is condensed. His style is heavy because he gives notes of what he might have said, and passes on without fully developing the great thoughts of his capacious mind. He requires hard study, and none of us ought to grudge it.” – Spurgeon

Richardson, Robert – A Brief & Compendious Exposition upon the Psalm called De Profundis, which has been and presently is horrible and detestable abused in the Church of God. And now translated to the true sense… (London, 1570)

Richardson was a minister in London.

Roberts, Alexander – An Exposition upon the Hundred & Thirty Psalm. Gathered out of Some of the Ancient Fathers & Later Writers… (London, 1610)

Roberts (d. 1620) was an English minister. Here is the extensive list of other commentators through Church history that he made use of in this exposition.

Rollock, Robert – 2 Sermons on Ps. 130 23 pp., from his Select Works Buy, vol. 1, pp. 457-81 †1599

Sibbes, Richard – The Saint’s Comforts: an Exposition upon Ps. 130 in Works, vol. 6 1638

** – “Notes on five verses only. Published without the author’s sanction, it is incomplete, but very full as far as it goes, and considering its brevity.” – Spurgeon

Winslow, Octavius – Soul-Depths and Soul-Heights; an Exposition of Ps. 130 Buy (1874)

** – “Not very deep nor very high, but pleasant spiritual reading.” – Spurgeon

131

Manton, Thomas – 5 Sermons upon Ps. 131 56 pp. in Works, vol. 21, p. 406 ff.

132

Boys, John – Psalm 132 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 821-25

139

Young, E.J. – “The Background of Psalm 139,” Bulletin of the Evangelical Theological Society 8.3 (Summer 1965), pp. 101-10

142

Du Vair (1556-1621) was a French Romanist and lawyer.

143

See the Expositions of the Penitential Psalms above.

145

Boys, John – Psalm 145 in The Works of John Boys ([London]: William Ashley, 1629), pp. 937-48

Beisner, Calvin – ‘Thy Kingdom Come: Psalm 145’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty & Faithfulness of God (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1988)

148

Vines, Richard – The Saint’s Nearness to God, being a discourse upon part of the 148th Psalm (†1656)

150

Honorius Augustodunensis – ‘Prologue to Psalm 150’ in Exposition of Selected Psalms ed. David Welch tr. Catena Scholarium in Teams Commentary Series Abstract (Medieval Institute Publications, 2023), pp. 104-110

Honorius (ca. 1070 – ca. 1140)

Boys, John – An Exposition of the Last Psalm Delivered in a Sermon (1613)

Boys (1571-1625) was a reformed Anglican, who was the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – “One of the richest of writers. From his golden pen flows condensed wisdom. Many of his sentences are worthy to be quoted as gems of the Christian classics.” – Spurgeon

Commentaries on the Use of Each Psalm in History

Ker, John – The Psalms in History & Biography Buy (1886) 246 pp.

This book is arranged in the order of the 150 psalms, giving anecdotes on how each psalm has been used in history. As some psalms are briefly mentioned under the notes of other psalms, see the Index at the beginning of the book for an exhaustive reference to your psalm of interest.

Marson, Charles – The Psalms at Work, being the English Church Psalter, with a few Short Notes on the Use of the Psalms Gathered Together (1895) 254 pp.

Under each psalm (in the order of the psalter) are the notes of how it has been used in history.

Prothero, Rowland – ‘Index to the Use of Particular Psalms’ being Appendix B of The Psalms in Human Life Buy (1904). The index lists the page numbers to the book where the specific psalm is discussed.

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Commentaries on Individual Psalms