THE BOOK OF PSALMS:
From Suffering to Glory
Volume 2: Psalms 73–150
By Philip Eveson
Evangelical Press. 524 pages. £11.99
ISBN 978 1 783 970 216
As Qohelet in Ecclesiastes might have said: ‘Of making many Psalms commentaries, there is no end.’ In English alone, one website lists 112 Psalms volumes and a further 32 that are in preparation. This one, by the former Principal of London Theological Seminary, and its preceding volume (2014), are nowhere to be found on those lists. Yet
this is a great commentary.
It complements other great commentaries. (1) It is not a technical commentary: the bibliography is slim, and there is no mention of the complicated text-critical issues. Yet Eveson can choose to comment on technical matters (as evidenced by his introduction to Psalm 119). (2) It is not a ‘devotional’ commentary, if by that one might insinuate that the exegesis is weak. Though not as surefooted as Kidner, he opens up the meaning of the text, and, since (as Spurgeon said of Bunyan) Eveson’s blood is ‘bibline’, a particular exegetical strength – where he ‘adds value’ relative to other commentators – lies in the citing of relevant, instructive cross-references. Further, he displays a sensitivity to the shape of the Psalter that is measured and appropriate. Yet the commentary is devotional inasmuch as edifying application is a clear hallmark of this work, and the quoting of hymns plays an important part in this. (3) It is not a ‘homiletical’ commentary, if by that one would imply that Eveson bypasses matters of historical background or the move from Psalm context to contemporary context. Yet one suspects that he has preached through the Psalter – or, at least, that he ought to. His unashamedly Reformed theological outlook and radical Christ-centredness do a power of good to the reader’s soul.
It is possible to pick holes. There is a lack of editorial rigour: sources are sometimes left uncited, and the author seems almost allergic to use of the comma – an irritant for the reader. The commentaries by Delitzsch and Kirkpatrick could have been consulted. Several propositions are probably asserted too confidently (such as the meaning of ‘Selah’ or the function of the Songs of Ascents). And there is an excessive privileging of typology over against other modes of transitioning from Israel to Christ.
But the overall message is clear: whether or not this commentary features on your preferred website lists, don’t miss out on this treat!
