A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
by Fred G. Zaspel
I have had this book for a number of years and have referenced it from time to time while studying specific psalms. In a recent more extended study of the Psalms, I have come to appreciate it considerably more.
John Ker (1819–1886), who was a Presbyterian minister and professor, does not provide a commentary on the Psalms but rather historical vignettes for each psalm illustrating its significance in real human experience—selected stories from Christian history and biography telling of the use of each psalm in the spiritual life of God’s people.
Given entries vary in “usefulness,” but the book overall is a very useful resource for the preacher. The Scottish paraphrase of Psalm 1 is wonderful, as is the story of David Livingstone in connection with Psalm 121. The use of given psalm by leaders in various religious wars (e.g., Ps. 117 and Oliver Cromwell) and in the throes of the Reformation period (e.g., Ps. 125) is fascinating also.
An excellent resource for the preacher.