My Exceeding Joy: Psalms 38–51

by Dale Ralph Davis

Filled with the characteristic warm humour and biblical clarity that readers have come to expect, Dale Ralph Davis’ exposition of Psalms 38–51 will help readers to get to know God’s Word better. Each chapter begins with Davis’ own translation of the Psalm from the Hebrew, before delving into his exposition. Peppered with sports anecdotes and references to military history, this book follows in the same vein as The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Psalms 1–12; Slogging Along in the Paths of Psalms 13–24; and In the Presence of my Psalms 25–37 . For those who enjoyed Davis’ previous works, this will not disappoint. For those who are unfamiliar with his writings, allow this book to direct your eyes to the God of the psalmist and find your exceeding joy in him.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Dale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a devotional commentary on selected Psalms? Here is a work covering Psalm through 38 through 51 written by Dale Ralph Davis, a Pastor and Professor of the Old Testament with Reformed Theological Seminary at Jackson, Mississippi. I have immensely benefited from his commentaries on Old Testament narratives (they are excellent!) and while I do not think his commentaries on the Psalms are at the same level of quality as his commentaries on Old Testament narratives still this commentary on portions of the Psalms was helpful in some ways.
Each chapter covers a Psalm. One thing I appreciate with each Psalm is that the author translates the Psalm in his own words before he dives into his commentary. As the author gives his commentary on the Psalms, Dale Ralph Davis provides readers an outline of the Psalm; that has been very helpful to me though I think the title for the section can be worded better still but still him dividing the text helps me think better to arrive at an exegetical/expositional outline for the text; that’s one of the reason why I still want to read Davis’ commentary.
Among the Psalms that I really enjoyed and also appreciate Davis’ chapter commentary are Psalm 45 (a Royal Wedding Messianic Psalm) and Psalm 49 on mortality and a warning to all especially the wicked.
The commentary is warm and devotional though I wish some of the passages that are quoted Messianically can be given more attention as to why is it quoted that way in the New Testament even though Davis does not think they are Messianic; I get it, some of these Psalms are not easy to interpret. I think I do see more Messianic Psalms than Davis does. Overall though I still find Davis helpful.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I delightful little read through Psalms 38-51. It follows the format and style of Davis's earlier installments in the psalms. I used it for my devotional reading and was not disappointed. I highly recommend it.

[Miles Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful commentary on the Psalms from one of the PCA’s elder statesmen.

[Colin Fast · Rating 5 out of 5]

DRDs latest volume on the Psalms. Great exposition; pastoral in tone.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've given this book five stars because anything by Davis is worth that many, but for all that, his books have become increasingly thin over the last few years, and while the content continues to be worth reading, you tend to come away at the end thinking: Hmm, where's the rest of it?
As always, he has excellent insights into the Psalms dealt with here, and can never be faulted on that score. And the interwoven stories are as solid as ever. But compared to the wonderfully rich series on Joshua through to 2 Kings that came out in the 80s/90s? (maybe a little earlier) which I've read twice and in some cases three times, these little books on the Psalms don't quite stand up as strongly. Equally the translations of the Psalms are quirky, at times, to say the least, and seem to lack a sense of poetry. Not that I know how Hebrew Biblical poetry actually sounds, but I feel it might have more impact than these versions.
Enough of carping. I'm grateful that Dale Ralph Davis has written the books he's written, and I'll go on reading and re-reading them.

[J.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis is a gem. These were good.

[Brad Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Ralph Davis - good stuff!

[Phil Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent devotional commentary by DRD - as he works his way through the Psalms. It did me good.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm truly enjoying Davis' books on the Psalms. They are down-to-earth, humorous, and yet filled with little treasures of wisdom. Enjoyable commentaries.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest in Davis' series on the Psalms, written with the heart of a pastor. He does his own translation. I read it as a devotional and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Geoff Gobbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. No expositor quite like DRD! Really helpful and nourishing!

[Paul Renaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent commentary on the Psalms. I wish there were more!