Pillar Old Testament Commentary (POTC): Psalms 1-72

Discover the relevance of the Psalms to the life of faith.

In this distinctive commentary, Duane A. Garrett frames the Psalter as an anthology of hymns, prayers, and lessons meant to guide believers in their pilgrimage of faith. He provides thoughtful explanations of themes and motifs that many modern readers find perplexing: the book’s preoccupation with enemies, reliance on repetition, possible messianic references, and more. He illuminates important connections between the Psalms and Christian theology. Most importantly, he helps readers understand how the Psalms can inform and enrich their own spiritual life.

The commentary features Garrett’s own translation of the Hebrew text. In places where his version differs from standard translations, he provides informative notes explaining the reasons for and significance of his choices. The volume includes a comprehensive overview of the entire Psalter as well as individual commentaries on Psalms 1–72. In making his case for the Psalms’ relevance to the life of faith, Garrett exposes the limitations of other interpretive approaches such as form-critical analysis, narrative analysis, and macrostructural analysis. Rigorous in method and evangelical in spirit, this commentary is an essential resource for pastors, students in biblical studies, and Christian laypeople seeking to deepen their understanding of one of the Bible’s most beloved books.

Duane A. Garrett is the John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and professor of biblical theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as the general editor for The Archaeology Study Bible. He has published commentaries on Exodus, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, and Amos.