Psalms by the Day: A New Devotional Translation

by J. Alec Motyer

Following on from the successful and much acclaimed Isaiah by the Day , Alec Motyer leads us through the Psalms in this new devotional translation. Day by day you will read freshly translated passages from the Psalms and have an opportunity to explore the passage further through the author’s notes and devotional comments.

Genres: Devotional, Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Old Testament

422 pages, Hardcover

Published January 20, 2016

About the author

J. Alec Motyer (M.A., B.D., D.D.) was formerly principal of Trinity College in Bristol, England. He has extensive experience in parish ministry and is well known as a Bible expositor. He is author of The Prophecy of Isaiah, and he is Old Testament editor of IVP's commentary series, The Bible Speaks Today. He has written several volumes in that series.

Reviews

[Annie Riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life because it changed my prayers. Reading the Psalms like this lifted my eyes, and strengthened my trust. Motyer lead me into the intricate land of Biblical language and meaning, where I found both a pillow on which to rest my head, and a sword to meet difficulty.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! The translation, the notes, the devotions- all fantastic. There is theological depth and also a tender heart towards God, he makes redemptive historical connections along with detailed notes about the Hebrew and context. I've come to love and need to regularly read through the Psalms and this book is making me love them even more. I plan on regularly looping through this book. Some mornings I had the brain power to read and process all the textual notes, other mornings I just read the Psalms and his devotions. I think this may be my favorite Psalms devotional now.

[Rachel Dasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

How fitting to finish this long journey through the Psalms on Good Friday - the day that signifies the fulfillment of all the promises that find their yes in Christ, the promises the Psalms remind us of and encourage us towards. But promises are worthless without a trustworthy guarantor! Here is where the Psalms (and Motyer through his incredible notes and commentary) beautifully, gently, and jubilantly remind us of God’s character and faithfulness to his Truth - his revealed truth (his Word), his personal reliability, and the certainty of this promises. Ending this study echoing the cries of Psalm 150 - “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

[Kevin Halloran]

I had a mixed experience with Psalms by the Day. I generally liked what Motyer did, especially sharing the structure of Psalms and many of his comments throughout, but after a while found his translation notes and comments overwhelming and distracting, at least for a devotional reading. But I do recommend this book for a fresh reading of the Psalms and will reference it in the future. (One golden nugget: I loved his term "the boomerang effects of sin" to describe how the Psalmists pray for their enemies.)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have officially finished reading Motyer’s devotional translation of the Psalms. What a wonderful way to read the Psalms. But, I just didn’t get to read all his analysis in the many footnotes, as rich as they are.

However, I feel slightly comforted since Motyer introduces his book mentioning the footnotes - “if you should find it a burden, just get on with reading. Hopefully, my occasional notes will open a door now and again for you.” Which they most certainly did for me.

But, this is not the only time I will read this devotional commentary. It deserves to be read and referenced multiple times to grasp Motyer’s insights into the Psalms.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable devotional to work through. Motyer is a great exegete.

[Derek Winterburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess to being frustrated and confused by this book. In a sense this book is several books. First it is a new translation. I would not dare to fault the linguistic knowledge of the author. I have the sense that is quite literal which is sometimes an advantage when studying the text, but it does not always read smoothly and there are some very clunky lines (e.g. He beatifies the downtrodden with salvation Ps 149:4). Breaking up the text are headings; one of Motyer's strengths is finding pattern and structure in a passage. However they are intrusive when trying to read the text - so I had train myself NOT to see them on first reading. Alongside the text and the headings are marginal notes - for a third reading. Potentially this is the strongest aspect of the book - but gravely weakened by the publisher's decision to flow the text and the notes separately. This means one can be reading a psalm on the LHS page, and trying to track the notes which are over the page on the next LHS page. The fourth component of the book are mini-sermons: 'Pause for Thought', I found these to be of varying helpfulness, but are particularly worth reading for insights into how Motyer sees the Psalms as part of the Christian Canon.

I had hoped that this book would be a volume I would return to devotionally. But the frustrations largely around layout will deter me from reading it day by day again. If you are wanting a 'Devotional on the Psalms' this is not going to be the book to go to first. However if wanting to study a particular psalm then I will return to it for a wise teachers insights.

[James Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite done. Despite the daily grouping suggested by the writer, I've stuck with a Psalm a day. I'm at 141.

"Let Hebrew poetry be Hebrew poetry and look to commentary for explanation." I am not in the least a student of Hebrew, let alone Hebrew poetry, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but that is the perspective I think Motyer is going for here. And I love it. I have learned a ton, made a ton of notes in my own journaling Bible, and occasionally shared with others. (And he does provide commentary!)

Looking forward to getting to my Christmas gift and walking through Isaiah by the Day: A New Devotional Translation the same way!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fave book of 2023 for sure. I loved reading this alongside the Psalms and it’s actually its own translation and has hundreds of footnotes explaining concepts and word meanings. It so has 73 beautiful devotionals that add insight and description to the psalms they correlate with. Will def do this again! It’s amazing!

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so good! Best devotional book I've read in years. Scholarly, fresh, relevant, pastoral. Thank you CFP

[Dr Ariel Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my chosen devotional books for 2025. I read this through March-April and a bit of May because it covers 74 portions of the Psalms. Why 74? I'm not sure. I wish in a way it was a 60-day or a 90-day devotional because that makes sense to my mind, but oh well.

The translation part is fascinating, and I appreciate the gargantuan effort to make the text come alive in English the way it does in the original language. I also felt that the author's devotional thoughts were pretty good (although he referenced a LOT of hymns I've never heard of). I'm not sure I agree with his take on Hezekiah's tunnel, but I didn't mind the challenge to reread that portion of the Bible to reflect a bit more on it.

My biggest issue with this isn't the author, his work, or his perspective; it's the formatting of the paper version, in which the footnotes rarely corresponded with the actual page. I was constantly flipping back and forth trying to find the annotation that matched the reading. I think that could have been corrected in editing software, because it's VERY distracting to the reader.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a working translation with explanatory notes and analysis. It also includes a section called “Pause for Thought” which is a short devotion at the end of each day. I went through this more slowly than the author recommended because the footnotes are very rich and full of helpful information. At first, it seemed too scholarly for me, but then I was able to get into the rhythm of it and found it extremely encouraging! Everyone should go through the Psalms slowly at least once in their lifetime. I tried to look up the author so I could send him a thank-you note but discovered that he has died. I felt a sadness because I couldn’t express my gratitude..As I read about his life on Wikipedia, I found this final sentence “I’m not really a scholar. I’m just a man who loves the word of God “J. Alec Motyer. I think that sums it up and anyone who reads his commentary will come away with the same love for the word of God, especially the Psalms! I heartily recommend this book.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motyer’s translation is excellent. He attempts to give a very literal translation. The devotional insights (much like his companion volume on Isaiah) are warm, pastoral, and worshipful. The one significant critique (much like his companion volume on Isaiah) is that many of the footnotes are not on the same page as what they are referencing. This is a publishing error, so Motyer is not to blame, but the Isaiah volume made the same publishing error. The footnotes need to be on the same page as the content that they are referencing. Nonetheless, the footnotes are still very helpful insights into translation, the functioning of the Hebrew language, and surrounding literary context.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was fantastic! You can tell that Motyer put a vast amount of work into compiling this amazing translation of the Psalms. Along the way he tucked in several warm and encouraging devotionals and every one was extremely insightful. I definitely have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Psalms after going through this volume. This is a must-read for anyone who values and studies the Bible.

[Scquest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point: The Psalms speak for our hearts today.

Path: Motyer provides a new translation with notes and application.

Sources: A lifetime in the Psalms.

Agreement: This is an excellent resource. While I was distracted by the notes and the translation itself while using it for devotional purposes, when I study a psalm, this is one of the first references I go to. His applications were very challenging.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refeshing and Convicting

Motyer's fresh translations express a vitality, a delight in God's Word, a robust vision of a people at prayer and worship. I love reading them aloud and hearing the sounds of praise. His short reflections penetrated my heart, convicted me, and drove me to prayer. I highly recommend this treasure.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic devotional/translation of the Psalms! The fresh, literal translation is married to notes that are packed with practical insights and nuances that only a Hebrew scholar would pick up on. It's rare to find someone who can combine Hebrew scholarship with a down-to earth readable devotional. What a treasure 🙂

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Nuggets of gold in here—both translationally and pastorally.

I did find it more enjoyable to read the psalms in a familiar translation first and then read his - just to get more of a sense of where the differences lay.

Useful to have for preaching on the psalms

[Rachel Feldpausch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Prolonged trouble causes an erosion of human resilience, a loss of vitality to face another day, but there is always a second factor in every circumstance, however wearying: the good Spirit of God… The end of our tether is the beginning of His.” - Motyer

[Dax Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motyer handles this book of endless treasures with total reverence and total clarity. He is a trusted guide, and will become a dear companion by the end of this walk through the Psalms.

[Betty Sotherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful interpretation of Psalms

The author adds such depth to God's word. I truly enjoy his explanations and insights into the Hebrew language. An enjoyable devotional.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one so much. The kind of book that opens the door for you to discover glories on your own.

[Caleb Plattner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good devotional content overall, but the translation was often klunky (likely due to the literal nature of the translation).

[Ashtyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this translation of the Pslams. Alec Motyer does an amazing job converying what the psalmists originally meant to say. This book has brought depth to the Psalms taht I wish everyone could experience.

[Lindsay John Kennedy]

Full review here
http://mydigitalseminary.com/psalms-b...

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume of the Psalms has been very helpful to me. Motyer's translations make you ponder anew passages you are already familiar with, while his notes and devotional thoughts were instructive and edifying. My only critique would be the formatting: it would've been nice to have the footnotes stay on the same page as the Psalm text to which they referred, and there were a few places with typos or grammatical errors. But other than that, this proved to be a wonderful way to walk through the Psalms over several months.

[Gordon Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best exposition of the Psalms. This is a new translation by a Hebrew scholar with more than 70 years of experience. His side notes are of inestimable value in understanding the Hebrew at critical point without knowing Hebrew. Do not take this to mean extensive explanation of the original Hebrew, but only a limited number for explanation and understanding. (See his other works on Isaiah, "look to the Rock", and so forth)

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful work

I loved this book of Psalms and encourage anyone who wants to actually study these incredible scriptures to own this book! The in-depth commentary and translation is not only beautiful to read but life changing as you truly understand the history and meaning behind it!

[Phil Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really helpful retranslation from Hebrew of the Psalms with devotional comments for each day. It has helped me understand the psalms more and encouraged my heart.