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’
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Order of Contents
Expositions of:
Numerous Individual Psalms (6)
The Penitential Psalms (5)
The Imprecatory Psalms (12+)
Individual Psalms (170+ in numerical order)
. Ps. 1-50
. Ps. 51-100
. Ps. 101-150
Commentaries on the Use of Each Psalm in History (3)
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Expositions of Numerous Individual Psalms
Baker, Richard – Meditations and Disquisitions upon the First Psalm; the penitential psalms; and the seven consolatory psalms 1645
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
Beisner, Calvin – Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988 283 pp.
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.
Boys, John – An Exposition of the Proper Psalms used in our English liturgy, together with a reason why the Church did choose the same ToC 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
Cope, Anthony – A Godly Meditation upon 20 Select and Chosen Psalms of the Prophet David ToC 1547
Cope (c.1486–1551) was an English author.
* “More curious than valuable. The style is scholastic and pointless.” – Spurgeon
Edersheim, Alfred – The Golden Diary of Heart Converse with Jesus in the Book of Psalms 1873
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
Rollock, Robert – An Exposition upon some Select Psalms of David d. 1599
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
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Expositions of the Penitential Psalms: 6, (25), 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
Beza, Theodore – Christian Meditations upon Eight Psalms of the Prophet David ToC Including a meditation on Psalm 1
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
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
Hayward, John – David’s Tears (on Ps. 6, 32, 130) 1623
** – “After the Puritanic method: full of point and pith.” – Spurgeon
Simson, Archibald – Exposition on the Seven Psalms of Repentance PoD
Including expositions of: Ps. 6, 25, 32, 38, 51, 130, 143
*** – ‘A marrowy author, full of instruction.’ – Spurgeon
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The Imprecatory Psalms
The imprecatory Psalms are Psalms which call down God’s curses (imprecations) upon His enemies, including Ps. 7, 9, 35, 39, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 83, 94, 109, 129, 137, 140, etc.
The Imprecatory Psalms (12+)
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Expositions of Individual Psalms
1
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Prologue: In Whose Counsel? Psalm 1’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Bernard, Richard – The First Psalm 1616 Reformed, Puritan
Beza, Theodore – Christian Meditations upon Eight Psalms of the Prophet David ToC Including a meditation on Psalm 1
Fletcher, Phineas – The Way to Blessedness, a Treatise, or Commentary, on the First Psalm 1632
Hilary of Poitiers – Homilies on Psalm 1 in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 9, pp. 235 ff.
Smith, Samuel – David’s Blessed Man: a Short Exposition on the First Psalm, directing a man to True Happiness 9th ed. 1635
** – “Very popular in its day, and worthily so.” – Spurgeon
Stonham, Mathew – A Treatise on the First Psalm 1610
** – “Somewhat dry, scholastic and out of date; but still an interesting and instructive piece of old divinity.” – Spurgeon
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2
Bernard, Richard – The Second Psalm 1616 Reformed, Puritan
Boys, John – Psalm 2 in Works, pp. 826-834
Harpur, George – Christ in the Psalms, an Exposition of the 2nd, 45th, and 110th Psalms, in a Series of Discourses 1862
** “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 and Prophecy 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.
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3
Bernard, Richard – The Third Psalm 1616 Reformed, Puritan
Boys, John – Psalm 3 in Works, pp. 841-845
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4
Horton, Thomas – Choice and Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 Buy 1675
*** – “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 and Critical on Ps. 4 Buy †1684 in Works, vol. 2
*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon
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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 Works, 3:111-156
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8
Binnie, William – ‘The 8th Psalm’ in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 186 Buy 1886
Boys, John – Psalm 8 in Works, pp. 871-882
Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical and Critical on Ps. 8 Buy †1684 in Works, vol. 2
*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon
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15
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Man of the Covenant: Psalm 15’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Boys, John – Psalm 118 in Works, pp. 883-898 1629
Cartwright, Christopher – A Practical and Polemical Commentary or Exposition on the Whole 15th Psalm ToC 1658
** – “A learned and weighty work; not readily met with.” – Spurgeon
Downame, George – Lectures on the 15th Psalm, wherein besides many other very profitable and necessary matters, the question of usury is plainly and fully decided 1604
** – “Lectures by one of the race of giant divines.” – Spurgeon
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
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16
Boys, John – Psalm 16 in Works, pp. 898-908 1629
Dale, Thomas – The Golden Psalm: Being a Practical, Experimental and Prophetical Exposition of Psalm 16 1847
* “Good, simple discourses; the headings might suggest a course of sermons.” – Spurgeon
Frame, James – Christ in Gethsemane: an Exposition of Psalm 16 1858
** “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 d. 1591
See Spurgeon’s comments on his work on Ps. 119.
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18
Beisner, Calvin – ‘A God Worthy of Praise: Psalm 18’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Brown, John – The Sufferings and Glories of the Messiah, an Exposition of Ps. 18 and Isa. 52:13-53:12 1853
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
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19
Beisner, Calvin – ‘God the Creator and Lawgiver: Psalm 19’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Boys, John – Psalm 19 in Works, pp. 791-799
Reeve, J.W. – 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
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20
Bownd, Nicholas – Medicines for the Plague, that is, Godly and Fruitful sermons upon part of the 20th Psalm, full of instructions and comfort: very fit generally for all times of affliction, but more particularly applied to this late visitation of the plague ToC Buy 1604 being 21 sermons on verses 1-6
** – “Racy, quaint, extremely rare.” – Spurgeon
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22
1800’s
Binnie, William – ‘The 22nd Psalm’ 3 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 172 ff. Buy 1886
Frame, James – The Song of the Cross 1872
** – “This is valuable, as Mr. Frame’s books generally are.” – Spurgeon
Stevenson, John – Christ on the Cross: an Exposition of the 22nd Psalm 1851 350 pp. 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
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1900’s
Beisner, Calvin – ‘The Cross and the Kingdom: Psalm 22’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Morgan, G. Campbell – Notes on the Psalms Buy 1947
‘Valuable for Morgan’s handling of Psalms 22-24 with Christ as Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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23
Reformers
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
Coverdale, Myles – Exposition upon the 22nd Psalm †1569 40 pp. in Remains Parker Society
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Puritan
Baker, Richard – ‘Psalm 23’ in Meditations and Disquisitions upon the First Psalm; the Penitential Psalms; and the Seven Consolatory Psalms, pp. 305-320 1645
*** “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
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
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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
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1800’s
Dale, Thomas – The Good Shepherd and the Chosen Flock: an Exposition of the 23rd Psalm 1845
** “Somewhat ordinary evangelical discourses.” – Spurgeon
Meyer, F.B. – The Shepherd Psalm 1895 210 pp.
Meyer (1847–1929) was an English, baptist pastor who wrote numerous, very good devotional works.
Miller, Andrew – Meditations on Twenty-Third and Eighty-Fourth Psalms n.d.
** “Discursive, but devout; more useful to the heart than the head.” – Spurgeon
Paton, James – The Children’s Psalm: Twelve Meditations and Twelve Spiritual Songs on the 23rd Psalm 1870
** “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 1859 rep. SGCB
** – “Too wire-drawn, but it is golden wire.” – Spurgeon
Stoughton, John – The Song of Christ’s Flock in the 23rd Psalm 1860
** “Devout practical meditations, but we don’t see how a flock can sing.” – Spurgeon
Thornton, J. – The Shepherd of Israel, a Practical Exposition and Improvement of the 23rd Psalm 1826
* “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
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1900’s
Stalker, James – The Psalm of Psalms: being an Exposition of the 23rd Psalm 1913 140 pp.
Stalker was a minister of the United Free Church of Scotland.
Morgan, G. Campbell – Notes on the Psalms 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 Buy 1958
‘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. See the link for the table of contents
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24
Boys, John – Psalm 24 1629 in Works
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 Buy 1947
‘Valuable for Morgan’s handling of Psalms 22-24 with Christ as Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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25 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms Above)
Halkett, Anne – Meditations on the Twenty-Fifth Psalm. Also Meditations and Prayers upon the First Week: with Observations on each day’s Creation Buy 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 – The Preacher’s Tripartite in Three Books: The First to Raise Devotion in Divine Meditations upon Psalm 25 Buy 1657
*** – “Thoroughly devotional, eminently consolatory, and deeply experimental. Mossom is a fruitful writer.” – Spurgeon
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27
Norden, John – A Premeditation & Meditations and Prayers on the 27th Psalm in The Imitation of David his Godly and Constant Resolution in Bearing all his Trials, Troubles and Afflictions 1624
Pierson, Thomas – Excellent Encouragements Against Afflictions, containing David’s Triumph over Distress on Ps. 27 d. 1633
** – “Pierson was not the richest or most overflowing of the old divines, but yet one who stood in the front rank.” – Spurgeon
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32 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms Above)
Baron, David – Sin and Forgiveness (Ps. 32) 1907 30 pp.
Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical and Critical on Ps. 32 Buy †1684 in Works, 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 1617
** – “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, and Forever: being the Substance of Divers sermons preached on Psalm 32 1700
** – “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
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33
Baron, David – The Praise Worthiness of Jehovah and the Blessedness of his People 1907 35 pp.
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38
See the Expositions of the Penitential Psalms Above
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39
Leighton, Robert – Meditations Practical and Critical on Ps. 39 Buy †1684 in Works, vol. 2
*** – “Everything that fell from his pen is worth its weight in diamonds.” – Spurgeon
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40
Bruce, Robert – Sermon on Ps. 40 1617 from his The Way to True Peace and Rest
Frame, James – Christ and his Work 1869
** “Well done. Though differing from the author at times, we are grateful for such real help.” – Spurgeon
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42
Horton, Thomas – Choice and Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 Buy 1675
*** – “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
MacDuff, J.R. – The Hart and the Water-brooks: a Practical Exposition of the 42nd Psalm 1860
** “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
** “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 and Victory over itself by Faith 1635 in Works, vol. 1
*** – “Mainly upon verses 5 and 11. Sibbes never wastes the student’s time; he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands.” – Spurgeon
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43
** “Profitable reading, rendered all the more pleasing by the introduction of very choice poetry. Not important to the expositor.” – Spurgeon
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45
“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
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Baron, David – The Glorious King and Bridegroom & The King’s Marriage Feast 1907 42 & 22 pp.
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’ 4 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 174 ff. Buy 1886
Boys, John – Psalm 45 in Works, pp. 920-931 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
Harpur, George – Christ in the Psalms, an Exposition of the 2nd, 45th, and 110th Psalms, in a Series of Discourses 1862
** “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 1875
** “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 ToC 1656
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] 1613
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49
Binnie, William – ‘The 49th Psalm’ 6 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 269 ff. Buy 1886
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50
Beisner, Calvin – ‘A Covenant Lawsuit: Psalm 50’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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51 (See also Expositions of the Penitential Psalms Above)
Alexander, Thomas – The Penitent’s Prayer, a Practical Exposition of the 51st Psalm 1861 250 pp.
** “Our friend the late Dr. Alexander of Chelsea handled this Psalm well.” – Spurgeon
Anonymous – Meditation of a Penitent Sinner, written in the manner of a paraphrase upon the 51st Psalm of David d. 1564 In poetry
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Longings of a Broken Heart: Psalm 51’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Biddulph, Thomas – Lectures on the 51st Psalm… To which is added a Discourse on Personal Assurance of Salvation 1835
** “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 1873 84 pp.
Hieron, Samuel – David’s Penitential Psalm Opened in 30 Several Lectures Thereon 1617
** – “Hieron [1572-1617] was a conforming Puritan. His works were once exceedingly popular and they are still esteemed.” – Spurgeon
Hildersham, Arthur – One Hundred and Fifty-Two Lectures upon Psalm 51 1635
*** – “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 – Choice and Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 Buy 1675
*** – “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
Luther, Martin – ‘Commentary on Ps. 51’ in Select Works of Luther, vol. 3 tr. Henry Cole, 1824
** – “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 and Applied 1895
Murray (1828–1917)
Page, Samuel – David’s Broken Heart, or, An Exposition upon the Whole Fifty-first Psalm EEBO d. 1603
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 and Familiar Exposition of the 51st Psalm GB d. 1632
** – “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
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Authenticity of Ps. 51
Stuart, Alexander Moody – The Fifty-First Psalm and the Encyclopedia Britannica 1876 20 pp.
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53
Hilary of Poitiers – Homilies on Psalm 53 in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 9, pp. 235-248
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57
Boys, John – Psalm 57 in Works, pp. 834-840
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62
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
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63
Baron, David – A Wilderness Song 1907 17 pp.
Horton, Thomas – Choice and Practical Expositions on Four Select Psalms: 4, 42, 51, 63 Buy 1675
*** – “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
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65
Baron, David – Zion’s God the Confidence of all the Ends of the Earth 1907 30 pp.
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67
Boys, John –‘Deus Misereatur [God be merciful], the 67th Psalm’ 1629 in Works
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
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68
Boys, John – Psalm 68 in Works, pp. 913-919 1629
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
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72
Binnie, William – ‘The 72nd Psalm’ 4 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 183 ff. Buy 1886
Binnie was a minister and professor of the Free Church of Scotland.
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73
Beisner, Calvin – ‘No Other Reward: Psalm 73’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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
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 and the Afflictions of the Just ToC 1660
** – “Not super-excellent, nor free from blemishes, but containing much of sterling value.” – Spurgeon
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“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
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74
Beisner, Calvin – ‘God of the Covenant: Psalm 74’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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76
Binnie, William – ‘The 76th Psalm’ 3 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 90 ff. Buy 1886
Bruce, Robert – 2 Sermons on Ps. 76 1617 from his The Way to True Peace and Rest
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77
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
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79
Bradford, John – Paraphrase of Ps. 79 in Writings, vol. 1 d. 1555
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80
Binnie, William – ‘The 80th Psalm’ 4 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 87 ff. Buy 1886
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82
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
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84
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 n.d. Miller wrote from London.
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
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85
Boys, John – Psalm 85 in Works, 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 and Blessing: Psalm 85’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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87
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
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88
Beisner, Calvin – ‘A Psalm of Lament: Psalm 88’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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89
Boys, John – Psalm 89 in Works, pp. 799-804
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90
Beisner, Calvin – ‘To Number our Days: Psalm 90’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Smith, Samuel – Moses, his Prayer 1656
** – See Spurgeon’s notes on his works on Ps. 1 & 51.
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91
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
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.
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92
Cameron, Richard – Lecture on Ps. 92 Buy †1680 6 pp., from Sermons in the Time of Persecution
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95
Boys, John – ‘Venite Exultemus Domino‘ [‘Oh Come Let us Exult the Lord’ on Ps. 95] 1629 in Works
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
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98
Boys, John – Psalms in the Evening Office: Ps. 98 1629 in Works
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
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99
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
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100
Boys, John – ‘Jubilate Deo, Ps. 100’ 1629 in Works
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
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101
Beisner, Calvin – ‘A King Under the Covenant: Psalm 101’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 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
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102
See the Expositions of the Penitential Psalms Above
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
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103
Beisner, Calvin – ‘A Psalm of Praise for God’s Mercies: Psalm 103’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Stevenson, John – Gratitude: An Exposition of the 103rd Psalm 1854
** – “Somewhat diffuse, but at the same time too good to be criticized.” – Spurgeon
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104
Boys, John – Psalm 104 in Works, p. 937
Beisner, Calvin – ‘God of Creation: Psalm 104’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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105
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Rejoice! God Rules Over History: Psalm 105’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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107
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Give Thanks to the Lord: Psalm 107’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
Hyperius, Andreas – A Special Treatise of God’s Providence and of Comforts against all kind of crosses and calamities to be drawn from the same. With an exposition of the 107th Psalm ToC 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
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108
Boys, John – Psalm 108 in Works, pp. 919 1629
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109
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Curses on Covenant Breakers: Psalm 109’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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110
Binnie, William – ‘The 110th Psalm’ 12 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 161 ff. Buy 1886
Boys, John – Psalm 110 in Works, pp. 809-821
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
Harpur, George – Christ in the Psalms, an Exposition of the 2nd, 45th, and 110th Psalms, in a Series of Discourses 1862
** “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
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113
Baron, David – The Commencement of the Hallel 1907 30 pp.
Boys, John – Psalm 113 in Works, pp. 846-851 1629
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114
Boys, John – Psalm 114 in Works, pp. 851-861 1629
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115
Becon, Thomas – David’s Harp, Ps. 115 with a Fruitful Exposition d. 1567 40 pp. English reformer
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116
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 ToC 1638
Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.
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117
Sclater, William – Sermons Experimental: on Psalms 116 & 117. Very Useful for a Wounded Spirit ToC 1638
Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.
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118
Binnie, William – ‘The 118th Psalm’ 3 pp. in The Psalms, Their History, Teachings and Use, p. 108 ff. Buy 1886
Boys, John – Psalm 118 1629 in Works
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
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119
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
Greenham, Richard – An Exposition of the 119th Psalm 1612 d. 1591
** – “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.
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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
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 and 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
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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
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129
Baron, David – Songs of Ascents 1907 16 pp.
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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. 247-8
Hutcheson, George – 45 Sermons upon the 130th Psalm ToC
*** – “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 and Critical on Ps 130 Buy †1684 in Works, 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
Rollock, Robert – 2 Sermons on Ps. 130 23 pp., from his Select Works Buy, vol. 1, pp. 457-481 †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
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131
Manton, Thomas – 5 Sermons upon Ps. 131 56 pp. in Works, vol. 21, p. 406 ff.
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132
Boys, John – Psalm 132 in Works, pp. 821-825
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139
Young, E.J. – “The Background of Psalm 139,” Bulletin of the Evangelical Theological Society 8.3 (Summer 1965): 101-110
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143
See the Expositions of the Penitential Psalms Above
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145
Boys, John – Psalm 145 in Works, p. 937-948
Beisner, Calvin – ‘Thy Kingdom Come: Psalm 145’ in Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God Buy 1988
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148
Vines, Richard – The Saint’s Nearness to God, being a discourse upon part of the 148th Psalm ToC
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150
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
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Commentaries on the Use of Each Psalm in History
Ker, John – The Psalms in History and 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
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 ofThe 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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Related Pages