Book Review: John Goldingay on the Psalms

John Goldingay

Psalms for Everyone, Part I: Psalms 1-72 
London: SPCK, 2013
Available at Amazon.com

By Jill Firth (Adjunct Lecturer in Old Testament at Ridley Melbourne)

The book of Psalms includes ‘about 135 things you can say to God’ according to Goldingay, with four main ways of speaking to God. We can say, ‘You are great’ (Ps 8), ‘Help!’ (Ps 3), ‘I trust you’ (Ps 23), and ‘Thank you’ (Ps 30).

The series claims it is suitable ‘for everyone’ and Goldingay’s volume admirably fits this bill. I would confidently suggest it to people unfamiliar with the Psalms, and even to those who are unfamiliar with Christian faith, as a way of learning about prayer.

Goldingay is a considerable Old Testament scholar, who has published a 3-volume commentary on the Psalms as well as many other writings on Old Testament including his well-known Old Testament Theology. Other Volumes in the OT for Everyone series by Goldingay include Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges and Ruth, the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, Job, and Psalms 73-150. A volume on Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs is scheduled for publication in August 2014.

The text of each Psalm is printed in the book, along with a brief commentary, making it suitable for daily Scripture reading, leading a homegroup, or dipping into from time to time. Goldingay offers his own lively translations from the Hebrew, and a connection to everyday life as well as an explanation of each Psalm. A challenge to the commentator is found in Psalms 1-72, as this part of the Psalter contains many laments which can seem quite similar. A typical scenario of these Psalms is for the Psalmist to be surrounded by murderous enemies. While some people may relate easily to this, others will find it quite alien. Goldingay bridges the gap by describing a wide variety of everyday scenarios to introduce the Psalms.

The connections to everyday life include areas of spirituality, relationships, pastoral care, and congregational life. Typically, these are given a personal touch as Goldingay takes us to the bedside of his first wife who died of multiple sclerosis, to his struggles in prayer, and to a walk on the beach on his holiday. We hear of his prostate cancer and the birth of his grandson. We reflect with him about the struggles of the small church where he is an honorary pastor.

A strength of the presentation is Goldingay’s engagement with a world-wide perspective of politics and priorities. Issues of global justice for the poor and the dangers of Empire are brought into focus as Psalm 1 is set on Independence Day in the USA, Psalm 4 finds us in a farmer’s market in Britain, Psalm 5 in South Sudan, Psalm 9 in Chad, Psalm 15 in Kabul, Psalm 21 in Norway, and Psalm 24 in Sinai. We are invited to see life through the eyes of a Darfuri refugee, residents of affordable housing in America, and a Jewish boy praying at Auschwitz. The number of references to American events is understandable as the author lives in America and seeks to reflect on issues as they arise in his daily life. Readers from other countries can use Goldingay’s thoughts as a starting point to engage with lifestyle issues and domestic politics of their home countries.

The Psalms lead us to consider the prayer life and thought world of the Psalmists, and to learn to pray ourselves. This volume offers a rich introduction to praying Psalms 1-72.