Explanation - Most of the resources below are newer commentaries (written after 1970) and other Bible resources which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/
Psalms Volume 1 (NIV Application Commentary). Wilson, Gerald (2002) - covers psalms 1-72
Tim Challies - One difficulty in suggesting commentaries for Psalms is that they are often multi-volume and in some cases the volumes are of unequal quality while in others they have not yet been completed. Wilson’s commentary does not cover all of the Psalms but is said to be excellent and a great place to begin. The format of the series ensures that it is heavy on application and contemporary significance.
James Rosscup - Wilson’s work is one of the finest scholarly, yet practical, detailed studies. It combines careful use of Hebrew for accuracy, fairly full explanations of verses, rich devotional comments on how to apply the points, and an easy, flowing style of writing. He is conservative, and usually perceptive in opening up passages.
The Communicator's Commentary - Psalm 73-150 (Now known as The Preacher's Commentary Series - Volume 13) - 356 pages (1987) See user reviews. (Volume covering Ps 1-72 not available to borrow).
Psalms : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving 18 ratings
A shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by Keller, W. Phillip 4,374 ratings
James Rosscup - Many are the books on Psalm 23. Cf., among many, John J. Davis, F. B. Meyer, and Haddon Robinson. Yet Keller has much to offer on insights into phrases in the shepherd imagery, as well as refreshing illustrations that can be provocative of interesting preaching or teaching.
The classic works of Phillip Keller - A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer, A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and His Sheep, A Gardener Looks at the Fruit of the Spirit.
Trusting the shepherd : insights from Psalm 23 by Robinson, Haddon W
James Rosscup - A scholar of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has turned excellent expository preaching on Psalm 23 into this series of devotional chapters. The material reflects keen insight into shepherd customs behind the phrases and then crystal clear relating of the truth to the spiritual realm of believers today. Cf. his more recent publication, Trusting the Shepherd: Insights from Psalm 23. Discovery House, 2002.
Living the psalms : encouragement for the daily grind by Swindoll, Charles
Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament - Ross, Allen P. “Psalms,” Dallas Theological Seminary Faculty
James Rosscup - Outstanding grasp of things, explanation from many sides, conservative clarity and knowledge of the literature brought together. The reader gains much insight here, as in Ross’s work on Proverbs in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary or his survey on Genesis, Creation and Blessing. He helps users follow the structure, see word meanings, customs, parallelism, and other parts of the study, shedding a lot of light.
Be worshipful : glorifying God for who he is : OT commentary, Psalms 1 - 89 by Wiersbe, Warren - Always worth checking for his insightful, devotional and practical comments.
Wiersbe's Commentary on the entire Old Testament - scroll down to page 872
Meet yourself in the Psalms by Wiersbe, Warren
Prayer, praise & promises : a daily walk through the Psalms by Wiersbe, Warren - Note this is also online below
Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W
"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings
This book gives short explanations and applications of the strategic chapters of each Bible book. Dr Wiersbe's insights into each chapter are always enlightening and challenging.
Psalms : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving or here Psalms : a self-study guide
Sampling the Psalms by Morris, Henry M
Faith on Trial - Studies in Psalm 73 by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
James Rosscup - The famous successor of G. Campbell Morgan in London’s Westminster Chapel, also famous for many outstanding books, deals in deeply perceptive and practical ways with profound problems God treats here. Why do the ungodly prosper? Why does He allow suffering? He seeks to show that true joy is realized only in a person’s conscious sense of God’s presence. This is one of the finest books I have ever read on a psalm in the area of deep insight into life and how God’s Word helpfully guides us in right attitudes of trust. Some of Lloyd-Jones’ other great books are Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, Spiritual Depression, and commentaries on Romans and Ephesians.
Exploring the Psalms (Psalm 73-106) by Phillips, John,
Exploring the Psalms (Psalm 107-119) by Phillips, John
Cyril Barber - These studies are well outlined and provide seed thoughts on each verse or paragraph. Preachers will find these volumes ideal for use as a preliminary resource for a series of messages.
James Rosscup - One of America’s fine Bible expositors, from Moody Bible Institute’s extension department, gives more of his lucid work (he has works on several books of the Bible). His outline for each psalm is intently alliterated, though it seems apt in many cases at least. The exposition is broad and sweeping, with many statements that seize the reader’s mind and heart. Due to the clarity and flow, this would be suggestive for preachers and also refreshing for any Christian to use in daily worship times, reading his Bible and then the comments on given verses.
Meditations in the book of Psalms by Olsen, Erling C
James Rosscup - This work, here in its second printing (1975), devotes about 4–6 pp. to each psalm. There is much practical wealth and illustration in the author’s comments (formerly broadcasted), which are richly suggestive for emphases in messages. For example, in Psalm 1, we are not to spend all our time just meditating on the Word, but become busily involved as Jesus was in the lives of others, p. 3. This, however, is not a book that helps in grappling with problem verses; it simply helps a preacher or teacher come down to earth.
Psalms 1-72 : an introduction and commentary on Books I and II of the Psalms by Kidner, Derek 137 ratings
Psalms 73-150 : a commentary on Books III-V of the Psalms by Kidner, Derek 108 ratings
Cyril Barber - This small volume condenses the fruit of scholarly inquiry of the past sixty years and presents in layman's language an analysis of the different kinds of hymnic literature and the setting of the worship ritual of the ancient Israelites.
James Rosscup - A good study by a leading evangelical, providing a reasonably detailed commentary, though too brief in many cases as well. This is one of the better works in recent times and on many points shows an in-depth grasp of things (cf. also his fine work on Proverbs).
Psalms by Broyles, Craig C
How to read the Psalms by Longman, Tremper
Cyril Barber - Ably introduces the Psalms so that users of this handbook will derive maximum benefit from the devotional reading of this portion of God's Word.
A theological introduction to the book of Psalms : the Psalms as Torah by McCann, J. Clinton
Psalms 1-59 : a commentary by Kraus, Hans-Joachim
Psalms. 1-50 (Word Biblical Commentary) by Craigie, Peter
Psalms. 51-100 (Word Biblical Commentary) by Tate, Marvin E
Psalms. 101-150 (Word Biblical Commentary) by Allen, Leslie C
James Rosscup - Craigie did 1–50, Tate 51–100 and Allen 101–150. In his part, Craigie also includes an introduction covering many aspects of discussion such as the literary and poetic form of individual psalms and the New Testament use of the psalms and pertinence to life today. He does not consider any psalm originally messianic, and of course many will disagree with this (Ed: Including this writer). Allen is good on the form, structure, setting, and problems of the psalms, even excellent on many matters, but believes in a Deuteronomistic tradition and is arbitrary for many users in his ideas, at times, of literary sources. On individual verses, the work is frequently a rich contribution on word meaning, text, basic exegesis, customs, etc. and one can learn or review much.
Discovering Psalms by Allen, Ronald B
When song is new : understanding the Kingdom in the Psalms by Allen, Ronald Barclay
And I will praise Him : a guide to personal worship in the Psalms by Allen, Ronald Barclay
James Rosscup - This work, a pb devotional in a popular vein by a Dallas Theological Seminary OT professor, has two sections. The first addresses such topics as what a psalm is, poetry, praise, and how the psalms came to us. The second section surveys praise (Pss. 13, 19, 138, 142, 65, 146). One of two other chapters tells of Allen and his family coming to know God better through the Psalms and via the trial of their daughter’s lymphoblastic leukemia. The testimony is provocative.
Praise! A matter of life and breath by Allen, Ronald Barclay
Cyril Barber - Dissatisfaction with contemporary styles of worship has caused the author of this excellent volume to go to the Bible to find suitable guidelines by which to glorify God. His study of the book of Psalms has yielded some important truths. He boldly breaks out of the mold of commonly held forms of worship and charts a course that is both innovative and exciting. No one can seriously interact with what Allen has presented without being profoundly moved. Highly recommended.
Psalms (Psalms 1-72) (Teach the Text Series) by Bullock, C. Hassell
Encountering the book of Psalms : a literary and theological introduction by Bullock, C. Hassell
James Rosscup - One finds a 266-pp. mini-encyclopedia by an evangelical on many topics about the Psalms, such as names, place in the canon, David’s role, titles, musical instruments, parallelism, Messianism, divisions, and others. Sections also discuss various facets about praise, lament, trust, kingship, wisdom, Torah, imprecations, etc. The Select Bibliography on 33 topics lists, for example, four writings that offer help on imprecations. Teachers, pastors, students and Christians in general will find well-organized orientational assists in this “gold mine.”
The perfect shepherd : studies in the twenty-third Psalm by Davis, John James
Cyril Barber - A beautifully written, in-depth treatment of this choice psalm. Recommended
James Rosscup - Superb treatment and good example of caring, responsible evangelical scholarship. Davis analyzes the Hebrew text, and draws on his own experiences with shepherds in the area of Palestine, and applies the text practically to the modern reader.—Dan Phillips. Davis is well-known for several works, for example his Paradise to Prison, Moses and the Gods of Egypt, and Biblical Numerology, all very helpful. He teaches in the Old Testament at Grace College, Winona Lake, IN. On Psalm 23, cf. under Keller.
The book of Psalms : based on the Revised Standard Version (Psalms 1-72) by Anderson, A. A.
James Rosscup - An exegetical treatment which often is helpful, by a liberal. It is one of the better recent liberal works from the standpoint of detailed commentary.
The book of Psalms (Psalm 73-150) by Anderson, A. A.
Psalms : songs of devotion (Psalm 51-100) by Alden, Robert
Cyril Barber - This has some good comments as a conservative work but artificially assigns the psalms to three categories of Christian living, Songs of Devotion (1–50), Dedication (51–100) and Discipleship (101–150). Comments tend to be extremely brief to serve quick reading laypeople.
Favorite Psalms : selected and expounded by Stott, John R. W
Cyril Barber - Brief, devotional messages. Beautifully illustrated.
James Rosscup - Here is a brief but excellent exposition of several key psalms by one who has come to be known for his stimulating articulations of favorite Bible passages. The Moody edition of 127 pages has many color pictures to illustrate psalms. Stott deals lucidly with Psalms 1, 8, 15, 16, 19, 22–24, 27, 29, 32, 34, 40, 42–43, 46, 51, 67, 73, 84, 90–91, 95, 98, 100, 103, 104, 121–123, 125, 127, 130–31, 133, 139, 145 and 150.
Dancing with broken bones : blessed are the broken in spirit, for God can make them whole by Swartz, David
Cyril Barber - This contemporary exposition of Psalm 51 draws on a variety of sources in order to apply the biblical text to life. A relevant treatment.
Trusting thy word by Draper, James T
Cyril Barber - A handy, homiletic study of Psalm 119. Rich in devotional application
Encountering the book of Psalms : a literary and theological introduction by Bullock, C. Hassell
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament - Leon Wood - 164 pages (1978). See user reviews.
Glory at the right hand: Psalm 110 in early Christianity by Hay, David M.
James Rosscup - This grew out of a Yale doctoral dissertation (1965). It provides a survey of how Psalm 110 was interpreted by ancient Jews and early Christians up to the 4th century, also a discussion of Christian references to the psalm. For in-depth study of 110, this is quite enlightening and helpful.
A commentary on the Psalms : two volumes in one by Dickson, David
Cyril Barber - 2 vols. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock Christian Publishers, 1980. First published in 1655, these devout studies of Israel's ancient hymnic literature exhibit a vibrancy of faith and a care in exposition that is refreshing
James Rosscup - Though this is a very old work, reprinted, it is heavily laden with richness that edifies in explaining the text and making truth clear. It is well worth the time, even if dated in parts.
Study Bibles, etc, Note: The first 3 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function:
(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3100 pages covering the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial. User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective user reviews
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.
(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial. 917 ratings
Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). This book is less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. 214 ratings
The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."
The MacArthur Study Bible : new King James version - John MacArthur
The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings
Life Application Study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes. 4,445 ratings
New Bible Commentary - J A Motyer authored Psalms. (1994) See user reviews
The NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. Note this is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020.
NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings
Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition (1994) 2232 pages Conservative. 216 ratings
New Bible Commentary - G. Michael Butterworth authored Hosea. (1994) See user reviews
ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews.
Daily Devotional Bible Commentary - Volume 2 - Psalms-Malachi - Editor = Arthur E. Cundall. H. L. Ellison authored the Psalms
Logos.com - The principal aim of the four-volume Daily Bible Commentary is to stimulate personal Bible study. Here you will find every major passage in the Bible expounded and explained with devotional warmth, sound exegesis, and relevance to daily life. The four volumes provide a complete biblical commentary consisting of daily readings over a five-year period. Of course, the volumes may also be used as a running commentary on selected biblical texts. Conveniently distributed throughout the volumes are sections of thought-provoking questions for further study, offering stimuli for the individual reader as well as material for group discussion. The inclusion of introductory articles, maps diagrams, charts, and photographs will add to the value of these volumes as an aid to a systematic study of God’s Word. The authors are all of conservative, evangelical scholarship and are widely respected in their field.
Zondervan illustrated Bible backgrounds commentary - New Testament - 552 pages. (2002) See user reviews.
Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill Frederick
JOSEPH A ALEXANDER Psalms Commentary (1864)
Spurgeon had high praise for Alexander's work writing that it "Occupies a first place among expositions. It is a clear and judicious explanation of the text, and cannot be dispensed with. (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students: Commenting and Commentaries)
Rosscup adds: This is one of the more thorough older exegetical works on the Hebrew text. It represents a re-working of the famous commentary on Psalms by E. Hengstenberg. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
David Malick - "This is a good commentary. He uses some Hebrew words but do not let that turn you away. You usually can figure out which word his is discussing from the rest of the sentence." (Selected Bibliography on the Book of Psalms)
ARTICLES IN JOURNALS
- Psalm 32, 51 - Barentsen, Jack. “Restoration and Its Blessings: A Theological Analysis of Psalm 51 and 32,” Grace Theological Journal 5.2 (1984) 247-269.
- Psalm 51 - Harrison, Everett F. “A Study of Psalm 51,” Bibliotheca Sacra 92 (1935) 26-38
- Barentsen, Jack. “Restoration and Its Blessings: A Theological Analysis of Psalm 51 and 32,” Grace Theological Journal 5.2 (1984) 247-269
CHRIS BENFIELD
DEFENDER'S STUDY BIBLE Dr Henry Morris (1918-2006)
Notes on Psalms but not every verse, See links to notes in right margin
J LIGON DUNCAN - sermon transcripts. Multiple speakers
GOTQUESTIONS
- Psalm 51:17 - What does it mean that God will not despise a broken spirit and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17)
DAVID GUZIK
DAVID HOLWICK - frequent illustrations
LIFEWAY SERMONS
- Psalm 51 Commentary - 16 pages
- Psalm 51:1,2 David’s Cry for Pardon
- Psalm 51:10-12 David’s Cry for Purity
JOHN MACARTHUR Expository Sermons Psalms
HENRY MAHAN SERMON
MOODY BIBLE - often have excellent illustrations
OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONALS
- Psalm 51 A Legacy Of Repentance
- Psalm 51 Just Like David
- Psalm 51 The Beauty of Brokenness
- Psalm 51:1-17 I’m...Uh...Sorry
- Psalm 51 Plausible Deniability
- Psalm 51 True Confessions
- Psalm 51:8-13 Fresh
- Psalm 51 Sacrifice
- Psalm 51:12 A Lost Experience
- Psalm 51:12 Come Home
- Psalm 51 Honest Evangelism
- Psalm 51 The Old Tractor
- Psalm 51 The Wonder Of Grace
- Psalm 51:1 Old Year's Resolution
- Psalm 51:4 Hurting God
- Psalm 51:5 True Confessions
- Psalm 51:5 You Must Be Born Again
- Psalm 51:8 Broken Bones
- Psalm 51:6 Honest With God
- Psalm 51:6 Is It It's Or Its?
- Psalm 51:6 Secrets Exposed
- Psalm 51:7 Diamond Dust
- Psalm 51:7-17 Praise from Pure Hearts
- Psalm 51 David's Lament
- Psalm 51:12 Repenting And Rejoicing
- Psalm 51:3 Call It Sin!
- Psalm 51:10 Spiritual Heart Care
- Psalm 51:10 Hero Over Sin
- Psalm 51:10 Heart Trouble
PASTOR LIFE
- Psalm 51 Washing Wounds Alan Stewart
- Psalm 51 The Trials of a King Mark Adams
- Psalm 51:12 Salvation Joy Francis Dixon
ROBERT MORGAN SERMONS ON PSALMS
- Psalm 51:1-19 The Minister's Psalm
- Psalm 51:1 Homiletics
- Psalm 51:1-8 Repentance and Forgiveness
- Psalm 51:3 A Portrait
- Psalm 51:5-7 Secrets of the Heart
- Psalm 51:7 Whiter Than Snow
- Psalm 51:9-12 Renewal and Elevation
- Psalm 51:10 Homiletics
- Psalm 51:10, 17 True Prayer
- Psalm 51:11, 12 Great Evil Deprecated, Great Good Desired
- Psalm 51:12 Homiletics
- Psalm 51:17 Homiletics
- Psalm 51:18 Homiletics
REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE
- Psalm 51
- Psalm 51:1
- Psalm 51:2
- Psalm 51:4
- Psalm 51:5
- Psalm 51:6
- Psalm 51:7
- Psalm 51:10
- Psalm 51:11
- Psalm 51:12
- Psalm 51:13
- Psalm 51:14
- Psalm 51:16
- Psalm 51:18–19
- Psalm 51:1-3 True Penitence Described
- Psalm 51:4 Sin As An Offence Against God
- Psalm 51:5 Original Sin
- Psalm 51:6 The Importance of Inward Integrity
- Psalm 51:7 The Means of Deliverance From Spiritual Leprosy
- Psalm 51:8 The Operations of Sin and Grace
- Psalm 51:10 True Renovation of the Heart
- Psalm 51:14 The Penitent Encouraged
- Psalm 51:16,17 A Broken Heart the Best Sacrifice
JAMES SMITH - short discussions
- THE GREAT CHANGE. Psalm 51
- Treasury of David
- Psalm 51:4 Unimpeachable Justice
- Psalm 51:6 God's Desire for Us, and His Work in Us
- Psalm 51:7 The Guilt and the Cleansing
- Psalm 51:7 A Mingled Strain
- Psalm 51:7 The Wordless Book
- Psalm 51:8 Broken Bones
- Psalm 51:10 Gracious Renewal
- Psalm 51:11 A Most Needful Prayer Concerning the Holy Spirit
- Psalm 51:12, 13 The Christian's Great Business
- Psalm 51:14 Soul Murder—Who is Guilty
- Psalm 51:17 Repentance After Conversion
- Psalm 51:1 - devotional
- Psalm 51:10 - devotional
- Psalm 51:14 - devotional
SAM STORMS
THIRD MILLENNIUM
BOB UTLEY
PASTOR VOGEL
- Psalm 51:1-2 The High Cost of Committing Sin
- Psalm 51:3-6 Dirty Windows
- Psalm 51:7-9 What Do You Hear?
- Psalm 51:10 Good Faucet, Bad Water
- Psalm 51:11 The Greatest Loss
- Psalm 51:12 Lost Joy
- Psalm 51:13-15 Silenced Witness
- Psalm 51:16-17 Broken Things
- Psalm 51:18-19 What Pleases God?
- Psalm 51:4,6,10,11 The High Cost of Confession
- Psalm 51:18-19 The High Cost of Cleansing
- Psalm 51:18-19 The High Cost of Conquering