Psalms 1-72: An Introduction and Commentary on Books I and II of the Psalms

Tyndale Old Testament Commentary #15

by Derek Kidner

Book by Kidner, Derek

Genres: Reference, Christian, Biblical Studies, Theology, Old Testament, Nonfiction, Christianity

257 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Frank Derek Kidner (1913-2008) was a British Old Testament scholar, best known for writing commentaries.

Reviews

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, amazingly concise, doxological, insightful. Where Kidner attempts, he excels. Look elsewhere for the shaping of the Psalms, indepth exegesis, word studies, etc.

[Christy Whitsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book in my Psalms study during Lent. I wanted the introduction which gave a lot of info about Hebrew poetry, Messianic and Davidic references, and theories of structure. I also enjoyed the intros to each Psalm, especially when they noted poetic structure and things that don’t translate well. I did not read the actual commentary for more than a couple Psalms because I simply did not have time with my current reading plan.

[Joshua Schwisow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief, but full of excellent and memorable observations on the Psalter. Kidner was a master of “lucid brevity”.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kidner provides an excellent balance in this brief commentary. Largely devotional and theological, with a good amount of application. Consistently Christological. There's just enough technical commentary to satisfy a nerd like myself without trying the patience of anybody who may simply want to read devotionally. This technical side is a bit outdated, since it's largely keyed to translations available and popular in the 70s (RV, RSV, JB, NEB). Overall, Kidners knowledge, insight, and passion make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek Kidner does an excellent job in this commentary on the book of Psalms (divided into two books, Ps. 1-72 and Ps 73-150). As I'm finding with most of these commentaries, the introduction is priceless and in a lot of ways more helpful than the commentary itself because in it, Mr. Kidner draws the big picture of the psalms, who wrote it, the structure of poetry, the theology contained within it, etc.

As with his other commentaries, Mr. Kidner covers the material well, but is blessedly short in his comments.

[Ken Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidner is one of those commentators that I consider on the "Rushmore" of the genre. Why? Because he invariably brings out insights into the text, and does not come down dogmatically on an exegetical decision unless there is good reason. Plus, for preaching the Psalms, his outlines and way he sees the organization of each individual psalm is hard to beat. Maybe one shortcoming is that he doesn't really incorporate a lot of the structure of the whole Psalter into his interpretation (see Gerald Wilson and later O. Palmer Robertson).

[Kingsley Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 'must-have' for anyone wishing to take the Psalms seriously.

Kidner never disappoints with his commentaries.

If you don't want to just refer to it when looking at a particular Psalm, I'd recommend using it as a Devotional book, and get Psalms 73-150 too to give you a year of Devotionals (as some Psalms are too long for just one day.)

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been using this series as part of my daily Bible study. I will admit that this book is a bit of a challenge for the beginner in Bible study, particularly because it is so in depth that it proved to be too much to do a psalm a day! I have learned an incredible amount in this first volume and the author’s reverence for and respect of the psalms is evident.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful companion to a study of the Psalms.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An incredibly devotional commentary on the psalms. Derek Kidner helped kindle in me a love for the psalms and their ability to tune our emotions closer to the heart of God.

[Karen]

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[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, concise and devotional

[Dwain Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and concise.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite technical but a really good way to increase knowledge during devotions.

[Matt Allhands · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-have commentary. A little less technical than other books, but Kidner's observations are faithful, astute and concise to the point that they border on being pithy.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid commentary of the first half of the book of Psalms. The introduction has lots of useful information for the novice. The commentary is solid often commenting on a stanza of verses. When necessary individual versus are also examined. While not as in-depth as some of the Tyndale commentaries, this volume offers plenty of things to ponder.

[Christina]

Recommended by Julie Kong.

[Bauer Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The master commentator on the psalms. These 'mini'- classics are must haves for every student of the psalter.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kidner, though brief, is always worth consulting.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary taught by a masterful teacher of scripture.

[Abigail Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful commentary on the Psalms. Used often as I prepare to lead Summer in the Psalms study.

[Andy]

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