Anders Max - Psalms 1-75

T o
R. Albert Mohler
for his unwavering stance
in the evangelical cause
and whose indomitable leadership
as president of the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
has ignited a renewed commitment
to preaching the full counsel of God.

Today's church hungers for Bible teaching, and Bible teachers hunger for resources to guide them in teaching God's Word. The Holman Old Testament Commentary provides the church with the food to feed the spiritually hungry in an easily digestible format. The result: new spiritual vitality that the church can readily use.

Bible teaching should result in new interest in the Scriptures, expanded Bible knowledge, discovery of specific scriptural principles, relevant applications, and exciting living. The unique format of the Holman Old Testament Commentary includes sections to achieve these results for every Old Testament book.

Opening quotations stimulate thinking and lead to an introductory illustration and discussion that draw individuals and study groups into the Word of God. Verse-by-verse commentary interprets the passage with the aim of equipping them to understand and live God's Word in a contemporary setting. A conclusion draws together the themes identified in the passage under discussion and suggests application for it. Bible teachers and pastors will find the teaching outline helpful as they develop lessons and sermons.

Some of the major psalms are given additional treatment. A Life Application section provides additional illustrative material. Deeper Discoveries gives the reader a closer look at some of the words, phrases, and background material that illuminate the passage. Issues for Discussion is a tool to enhance learning within the group. Finally, a closing prayer is suggested.

It is the editors' prayer that this new resource for local church Bible teaching will enrich the ministry of group, as well as individual, Bible study and that it will lead God's people truly to be people of the Book, living out what God calls us to be.

I want to express my sincere thanks to several people who have aided in the preparation of this book:

Max Anders, editor of the Holman Commentary series, for graciously asking me to write the two volumes on the Psalms;

Stephanie Reeves and Julie Riley for diligently typing this manuscript;

Jason Allen, Justin Hughes, Susan Raborn, and Brandy Cagle, whose edits and suggestions have proven to be very helpful;

Thad Key, my assistant, who helped oversee this project and has provided strategic insight, helpful research, and a careful eye on this manuscript;

Anne, my wife, along with my four childrenAndrew, James, Grace Anne, and Johnwho have encouraged me greatly throughout the writing of this commentary and enthusiastically supported me in the preaching of the Psalms.

Steven J. Lawson

Twenty volumes designed for Bible study and teaching to enrich the local church and God's people.

Introduction to

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No other book of the Bible compares with the wonder of the sacred collection of inspired worship songs known as the Psalms. Considered by many to be the most loved portion of Scripture, the Psalms have been a bedrock of comfort and a tower of strength for believers in every experience of life. From the soul-stirring heights of praise to the heart-rending depths of despair, the full range of human emotion is captured in these magnificent anthems. Written some three thousand years ago in the days of ancient Israel, the Psalms remain just as vibrant and fresh today as when they were first written. They are able to lead the hearts of all believers to praise God. Because it directs its readers to this highest, God-assigned end, the collection of psalms occupies a unique place in the canon of Scripture.