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Psalms #3
In the Presence of My Enemies: Psalms 25-37
The Psalms can be very helpful, but they can also be hard. Following on from The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life and Slogging Along the Paths of Righteousness, Dale Ralph Davis delves into Psalms 25 to 37. Using his own recognisable humour and razor-sharp observations these expositions help us to engage with the conflict in these twelve psalms.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2020
21 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Dale Ralph Davis
30 books54 followersDale 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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 9, 2020
What do you give someone to help them through seasons when they are smeared and railed against? Where do you point those who are fretting over the suffocating rise of evildoers in their life? The book of Psalms is a good start! And Dale Ralph Davis, one-time Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, and pastor of several Presbyterian congregations throughout the years, has added another installment to his series on the biblical Psalter. In this newly published 224-page paperback “In the Presence of My Enemies: Psalm 25-37” Davis has amassed a short, scholarly, insightful and engrossing volume that aids readers to interact with these Psalms. The author joins hands with the sacred songwriter in beckoning us to employ our grittiest grief, formidable fears, principle praises and staunchest certainties as we pour out our hearts into the bosom of God. Older teens, twenty-somethings, tricenarians and beyond will find this a very approachable volume.
Each of the Psalms is printed out and placed before the chapter that covers it. The translation is Davis’s own, based on his extensive knowledge of Hebrew. They are not faddish ditties, but serious attempts at being faithful to both the mother-tongue and English-receivers. But the real beauty comes out in the author’s explanations of the respective Psalm. Here, not only does the writer take on studious details, but he draws out the importance for those lumbering through life under the heavy hand of tormentors.
It is especially those who feel the crushing grind of jackbooted thuggery who will find hope in hopeless situations as they pour over these pages. For example, when Davis unpacks Psalm 28, he reminds the brokenhearted of the importance of prayer, and that sometimes “believers must pray prayers that have hair on their chests” (71). Or earlier, while he tackles Psalm 26, he shows why David desires Yahweh to judge him, because enemies “or pseudo-friends may critique, berate, or condemn him, but David appeals beyond them to Yahweh for a true verdict (and probably one that would be unmistakably clear to onlookers).” Then a few lines later he boldly announces, “Jesus’ assessment will be far more accurate than men’s and, quite likely, much kinder” (30-1)! That will surely lift the spirit of one being falsely slandered and lied about!
“In the Presence of My Enemies” is a handy codex, and a hearty collection. This work is ideal for preachers and parishioners in their studies, but even more, in their devotions. And if you are trudging arduously before the oppressive presence of evil and darkness, you will find this book a true friend. You will be re-fortified as you wait “for Yahweh, and in the meantime as the wicked are running around loose remember that Yahweh is your ‘safe place in time of trouble’ (212). I highly recommend the volume!
Each of the Psalms is printed out and placed before the chapter that covers it. The translation is Davis’s own, based on his extensive knowledge of Hebrew. They are not faddish ditties, but serious attempts at being faithful to both the mother-tongue and English-receivers. But the real beauty comes out in the author’s explanations of the respective Psalm. Here, not only does the writer take on studious details, but he draws out the importance for those lumbering through life under the heavy hand of tormentors.
It is especially those who feel the crushing grind of jackbooted thuggery who will find hope in hopeless situations as they pour over these pages. For example, when Davis unpacks Psalm 28, he reminds the brokenhearted of the importance of prayer, and that sometimes “believers must pray prayers that have hair on their chests” (71). Or earlier, while he tackles Psalm 26, he shows why David desires Yahweh to judge him, because enemies “or pseudo-friends may critique, berate, or condemn him, but David appeals beyond them to Yahweh for a true verdict (and probably one that would be unmistakably clear to onlookers).” Then a few lines later he boldly announces, “Jesus’ assessment will be far more accurate than men’s and, quite likely, much kinder” (30-1)! That will surely lift the spirit of one being falsely slandered and lied about!
“In the Presence of My Enemies” is a handy codex, and a hearty collection. This work is ideal for preachers and parishioners in their studies, but even more, in their devotions. And if you are trudging arduously before the oppressive presence of evil and darkness, you will find this book a true friend. You will be re-fortified as you wait “for Yahweh, and in the meantime as the wicked are running around loose remember that Yahweh is your ‘safe place in time of trouble’ (212). I highly recommend the volume!
March 31, 2020
If you’ve looked into commentaries or spoken to preachers about the commentaries that they use, then the name Dale Ralph David will not be new to you. Davis has written a number of great commentaries that have been a help to many a preacher all over the world, here’s a new addition to the list. Enemies, conflict, pain, struggle and mourning are all things and situations that we have come across and if we haven’t, then we will. The Psalms touch on this reality of life and God’s Word helps us see how to endure and how to find our strength and confidence in Him during those times. This book is a great study of Psalms 25-37! There are countless quotes that I could put in this post to show how this book is full of great insights, rigorous study, a pastoral heart and how this book glorifies the Saviour.
January 18, 2022
A good overview of Psalm 23 to 37. What it lacks in style it makes up for in pastoral tone.
December 30, 2024
Are you looking for a devotional commentary on selected Psalms? Here is a work covering Psalm through 25 through 37 written by Dale Ralph Davis, a Pastor and Professor of the Old Testament with Reformed Theological Seminary at Jackson, Mississippi. I have appreciate his commentaries on Old Testament narratives and while I do not think his commentaries on the Psalms are at the same level still this commentary was beneficial.
Each chapter covers a Psalm though the exception is with Psalm 27 in which there were two chapters, one looking at only one verse, Psalm 27:4. The format of this commentary is Davis gives us his translation of the Psalm and then he gives his commentary. His commentary makes observation of the Psalm’s structure which is one of the things I really appreciate this commentary since its not always easy to outline the Psalms for preaching. Davis also gives insights into the text and lightly and appropriately bring out insights from the Hebrew when it is relevant. I read this devotionally but still found things that were deep and insightful.
I do recommend this commentary; I’m planning to read the next commentary on the next group of Psalms after completing this book.
Each chapter covers a Psalm though the exception is with Psalm 27 in which there were two chapters, one looking at only one verse, Psalm 27:4. The format of this commentary is Davis gives us his translation of the Psalm and then he gives his commentary. His commentary makes observation of the Psalm’s structure which is one of the things I really appreciate this commentary since its not always easy to outline the Psalms for preaching. Davis also gives insights into the text and lightly and appropriately bring out insights from the Hebrew when it is relevant. I read this devotionally but still found things that were deep and insightful.
I do recommend this commentary; I’m planning to read the next commentary on the next group of Psalms after completing this book.
October 12, 2020
My favorite devotionals are written by this author. I always get SO excited when I see he has published a new devotional. This one picks up in Psalms where the last one left off. It covers Psalm 24-37 and the commentary is wonderful as always. His teaching is easy to understand and his humorous stories and illustrations really help to hammer home the concept he is teaching. I never leave the devotional without newly acquired knowledge of the One True Holy God.
August 7, 2025
I used this as a devotional, and it was very good. I loved his own translation and breakdown of the Psalms.
I do prefer a Christocentric hermeneutic, and this wasn't clear. Also, there was a LOT of illustrations. Sometimes, I felt these were laborious.
Overall, it is a helpful and devotional read of Psalms 25-37.
I do prefer a Christocentric hermeneutic, and this wasn't clear. Also, there was a LOT of illustrations. Sometimes, I felt these were laborious.
Overall, it is a helpful and devotional read of Psalms 25-37.
June 11, 2020
Another rich soul-feeding set of expositions from DRD. If only he was writing 6 books a year!
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August 20, 2023Davis is a must for sermon/Bible study preparation. Used this to preach on Psalms 25-30 in summer 2023
October 6, 2025
Another excellent commentary by Mr. Davis!!
August 20, 2024
This is Dale Ralph Davis' third book thus far in his series on Psalms. My wife and I read them together because they are so insightful and Davis has a marvelous gift for conveying what the text means and applying it to our lives. When it comes to pertinent illustrations of biblical truths, Davis is a master — he reads widely and draws on real life settings and people. We can hardly wait until his fourth volume gets published.
August 27, 2020
Far be it from me to complain about any book by Davis, since I've probably read nearly everything he's produced, but this one seems just a tad underwritten. That doesn't mean to say that there is no meat in it, or that he doesn't give you plenty to think about. But unlike his previous two books on the Psalms, this one just lacks something which I couldn't put my finger on.
Be that as it may, I'm always grateful for another book by Davis, since he invariably has insights into texts in the Bible that I've sometimes struggled with, or he gives more light on material I know well, and understand.
The previous two Psalms books have stuck with twelve Psalms apiece. This one sneaks in a thirteenth, Psalm 37, which is also something I'm grateful for, as it's a Psalm I've memorised, and thus know well. I could have done with a bit more on it - the chapter seems to end quite abruptly, as though Davis had said, 'Well, that's enough for that one' - but I'm still pretty satisfied with what I got.
Re-read again in August 2020
I'd recommend all three of Davis' books on the Psalms to anyone wanting to understand the Psalms better. As always he trusts the Scripture, and assumes that the writers meant what they said (which is more than some commentators think!). As always he has helpful anecdotes from his usual sources: his own family, the American Civil War, and World War II (remembering that there's a good deal about fighting in the Psalms), the lives of Christians from across the centuries, and even baseball. And unlike many commentators, he has a sense of humour and nice line in wryness.
Be that as it may, I'm always grateful for another book by Davis, since he invariably has insights into texts in the Bible that I've sometimes struggled with, or he gives more light on material I know well, and understand.
The previous two Psalms books have stuck with twelve Psalms apiece. This one sneaks in a thirteenth, Psalm 37, which is also something I'm grateful for, as it's a Psalm I've memorised, and thus know well. I could have done with a bit more on it - the chapter seems to end quite abruptly, as though Davis had said, 'Well, that's enough for that one' - but I'm still pretty satisfied with what I got.
Re-read again in August 2020
I'd recommend all three of Davis' books on the Psalms to anyone wanting to understand the Psalms better. As always he trusts the Scripture, and assumes that the writers meant what they said (which is more than some commentators think!). As always he has helpful anecdotes from his usual sources: his own family, the American Civil War, and World War II (remembering that there's a good deal about fighting in the Psalms), the lives of Christians from across the centuries, and even baseball. And unlike many commentators, he has a sense of humour and nice line in wryness.
May 18, 2024
Dale Ralph Davis' commentaries are such a relaxed read. His voice is real and his reasoning is profound and understandable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews