Psalms Volume I: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary

Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary

by James M. Hamilton Jr.

The Psalms are a carefully arranged collage of history, prophecy, and praise.

James M. Hamilton provides a fresh translation and interpretation of the Psalms. This first volume introduces the Psalms and covers Psalms 1–72. Though commonly read in isolation, the Psalms are best read as a collage that tells a story of God's faithfulness to his people through his king. Hamilton observes the significance of the Psalter's intentional macro--structuring and intricate links across neighboring psalms. Hamilton interprets with a literary sensitivity and an eye towards canonical connections. Learn where the Psalms belong in the redemptive story, how they relate to God's people, and how they find their fulfillment in Jesus.

The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon―all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.

Genres: Christian

712 pages, Hardcover

Published December 15, 2021

About the author

James M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and preaching pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church. He is the author of God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment and the Revelation volume in the Preaching the Word commentary series.

Reviews

[curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll offer a more complete review after I finish the second volume, but for now I'll simply say that this is thus far one of the finest commentaries I've read on any book of the Bible. Equally useful for devotional, teaching and preaching, or academic research purposes, this is one that absolutely belongs in the library of any serious student of the Bible.

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamilton has given the church a gift that should outlast this present generation. It is rare to find a commentary that can be faithful to the text, driven by biblical theology, while also aiming at the heart in a devotional way. Hamilton has brought all of these together and I cannot be more thankful.

Each chapter keeps the same structure:
-Overview and Structure
-Scripture/Translation
-Context
-Exposition
-Bridge

I found these categories helpful in giving a broad overview, some important exposition, and the bridge always brought the Psalm to the person and work of Christ and why that matters.

I look forward to volume 2 and am putting this Psalms commentary in my list of favorites. Doxological!

[Katie Sibley]

A great commentary. I struggle to rate it, somewhere between 4 and 5 stars. Helpful in understanding the Psalter as a whole collection of psalms rather than individual psalms. Lots I could say, highly recommend.

[Nathaniel Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first volume of Jim Hamilton’s commentary on the Psalms has reshaped my entire paradigm of how I approach the Psalms. While each psalm alone can be enjoyed and used by Christians to shape and mold our own prayers and praises, Jim shows how the collection as a whole points to the Messianic hope of the Davidic king. Psalms 1-72 track with David’s life and his hope in God’s promise to establish his line forever. Jim does a consistent work of tying these psalms to Jesus Christ and his ultimate fulfillment of them. Jim sees chiastic structure in nearly all these psalms, and while I don’t see that structure as frequently, I did not find it detracting from the truths he exposited. I’m so thankful a commentary like this exists, and I hope it will be a valuable treasure to which I return anytime I engage the Psalms.

[Matthew Bonzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best commentary on the Psalms. Helpful on multiple levels.
This is especially helpful in helping you see the structure and to show you the “shape” of the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been dabbling in this as a reference resource as opposed to reading it cover to cover. One thing that it does exceptionally well compared to other resources I’ve consulted is that Hamilton clearly shows how each Psalm fits in the broader, narrative, covenantal framework of the overall book and highlights the intertextual connections between each Psalm as opposed to treating each Psalm in isolation from the others. This is an incredibly helpful and valuable contribution to the study of Psalms!

[Karoline]

I am not sure I'm sold on all the chiasms (which isn't to say they aren't there, just that they seem like one possibility of many to me?), but I much appreciate the interest in seeing structure and intention behind the arrangement of Psalms. The introduction is well worth reading on its own. Since I've only read the introduction and commentary on a handful of the Psalms, I won't offer a rating, but if I did it would be an easy 4-5 stars. Reverent, attentive, creative in the good ways, warm, and enlivening.

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one, and in some ways it did not disappoint (attention to Psalter macrostructure, biblical-theological insights), but in other ways it did: the writing is often clunky, chiasms are everywhere and not always convincing, and it lacks much of what you'd hope for in a commentary, . But it's also thoroughly evangelical and Christ-exalting and I'm glad to have it on the shelf.

[Parker Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aren’t using this to walk through psalms… what are you even doing?
Fantastic
Amazing
5 stars 🤌🏼