Michael Wilcock is no stranger to the BST series, having already written on Judges, Chronicles, Luke and Revelation. He likens his approach in these volumes to: a detective story, considering issues as they arise in the text; a travel guide, following the canonical order; and a study book, with the necessary footnotes (though relatively few). He then quickly proceeds to systematic, careful and well-written exposition, averaging some three and a half pages per psalm.

Wilcock is obviously fond of English hymnody (quoting some 50 related hymns) and English literature (Shakespeare, Milton, etc.), both particularly appropriate for the psalms. He is a gifted communicator and has an easy style, though his reluctance to use inclusive language may deter some. He also has a good theological awareness, allowing the psalmists to speak for themselves with their own understanding of faith, and yet able to complement this with appropriate NT commentary. An excellent introduction for study as a basis for preaching.

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