Psalms, Volume 2

by W. Dennis Tucker Jr., Jamie A. Grant

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context.

To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three



Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.

Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.

Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.
This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

Genres: Nonfiction

1070 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have waited for this commentary for a long time. Gerald Wilson’s volume 1 on Psalms 1-72 has been out for years and has been the most-decorated volume in the entire NIVAC series. His untimely death necessitated others produce this commentary and Dennis Tucker and Jamie Grant have filled that lacuna. They have the credentials in scholarship to write this commentary that is, perhaps, unfairly in the spotlight and will face more scrutiny than usual. Wilson was like the guru on the Psalms, and as these authors admit in the preface, he singlehandedly defined the direction the scholarly world has taken since the 1980s on the Psalms. Such influence casts deep shadows, yet these authors acquitted themselves nicely. Beyond the scholarly world, pastors and Bible students will see and love it for what it’s meant to be–thorough commentary that bridges to contemporary life.

Two things become obvious in the Introduction. They are only going to write on what Wilson left undone and intended for volume 2. Since most who purchase this volume will likely have volume 1, that approach makes sense. They also will write with profound respect for Wilson, yet not be afraid to gently disagree on any point. I’m impressed by that style.

The Introduction, then, is taken up with two main concerns: the shape of the Psalter and the theological themes of the book. I don’t buy into the idea of editors changing the Psalms, but I do believe these scholarly discussions uncover intent. The Psalms aren’t haphazardly thrown together. There is purpose. As for theology, the Psalms are both so unique and precious that theological understanding is paramount. I enjoyed what I read here.

The commentary is fine as well. It follows the NIVAC pattern and uses it to advantage. As would be the case with any commentary, I might not agree with their slant on certain psalms, but they give real help. Just think, over 1000 pages on Psalms 73-150!

This commentary exceeded what I expected, accomplished all of its goals, and would make a fine addition to your library. I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Joe Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tucker offers a pretty helpful interpretive approach in reading the psalms by not only considering the psalms individually, but also considering their purposeful arrangement and how such considerations can communicate truths that permeate and transcend any one Psalm.

I think Tucker hit the thematic heartbeat of the psalms right on by declaring and singing of the kingship of God, and going to him for refuge and deliverance from present hardships. Of course, there are other things present, but the collection and arrangement of psalms seems to have such things in mind.

The treatment of the individual psalms is helpful, too. Not overly technical, but certainly not shallow or lacking depth by any means. Pretty good commentary.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on both exegesis and application.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest commentaries on the Psalms was written by Gerald Wilson in the NIV Application commentary, due to his untimely death, a second volume of Pslams has never been published, until now.  The first volume covered Psalms 1-72, the second volume covered Psalms 73-150 and is authored by Dennis Tucker and Jamie Grant.  These two great scholars had the audacious task of finishing the two volume set which, in its first volume, set the bar so high.  While some may not see it as equal to the first, this second volume comes very close.

Although the NIV Application Commentary usually focuses on larger portions of scripture and not exegetically, this volume, just like the other Psalms volume focuses on each Psalm individually.  The induction section of this volume takes a somewhat interesting approach to the themes of certain psalms, yet what intrigued me most was the high level of scholarship in the introduction section.  This has not always been a bright spot in the series, yet just like it's predecessor this volume does not shy away from a scholarly discussion into original context and meaning.  While I do not agree with all of their conclusions, the argument was interesting and will help in in moving the academic arguments about the Psalms into a more conservative area.With all of this in mind the actual commentary of this volume is what you expect of the NIV Application series, point point exegesis with powerful, preachable application.

This book was provided to me free of charge from Zondervan Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.