WHY I RECOMMEND THIS COLLECTION: It’s a VAST collection of commentary excerpts — from numerous authors and sources — for every chapter’s verse of Psalms, achieving deep and diverse expository clarity from multiple viewpoints that generally align with the same tone. I bought it because I believed it would be a lifelong traveling companion to keep nearby at all times. Running to the Psalms for comfort is always rewarding.
Spurgeon’s Treasury of David gets into the meat of every single verse of the Psalms, along with perspective from multiple commentators and sources. Spurgeon quotes from his contemporaries (he lived from 1834 – 1892) and others reaching further back in history.
The set is divided into 3 volumes:
Volume 1: Psalms chapters 1 – 57
Volume 2: Psalms chapters 58 – 110
Volume 3: Psalms chapters 111 – 150
Why Treasury of David Remains a Timeless Companion for Psalm Study
Each chapter is set up in the following pattern:
- Exposition (verse by verse exposition by Spurgeon);
- Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings (verse by verse exposition of selected authors, pastors, ancient writings and other reputable commentators), and;
- Preacher Helps (additional but far more brief outlines of verse by verse)
Some precious gems here — and a vast treasure trove if one has the time! — so let’s have a look at an example like the chapter on the 91st Psalm, specifically verse 12: “They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
C H Spurgeon’s Exposition section takes the angelic road, saying, ”…It is desirable that we should not stumble, but as the way is rough, it is most gracious on the Lord’s part to send his servants to bear us up above the loose pebbles…”
But it isn’t until we reach his Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings section, where we drill down to verse 12 and find that he references four different commentators: Richard Gilpin, Mary B. M. Duncan, Henry Melvill and Henry Lawrence. It is here that we find the connection to Satan’s deceitful twist of this verse when tempting our Lord as shown in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Other commentators elaborate on the office, powers and agency of angels, along with connections to Isaiah 63:9. The preservation and protection of the believer also show here, but foremost is the theme of the Will of God and Its appropriation to those who trust in Him (based upon the “all thy ways” from verse 11).
In his Hints to Preachers section, we find three very brief but adequately thorough “nutshell” references:
Verses 11, 12.—A ” wrested” Scripture righted. I. Satan’s version-presumptuousness. II. The Holy Spirit’s version—trustfulness.—Charles A. Davis.
Verses 11, 12.—I. The Ministry of Angels as employed by God. 1. Official: “he shall give,” etc. 2. Personal: “over thee.” 3. Constant: “in all thy ways.” II. as enjoyed by man. 1. For preservation: “shall bear thee,” etc.; tenderly but effectually. 2. Under limitation. They cannot do the work of God, or of Christ, or of the Spirit, or of the word, or of ministers, for salvation; ” are they not all ministering spirits,” etc. –G. R.
Verse 12.—Preservation from minor evils most precious because they are often most grievous, lead to greater evils, and involve much damage.
Multi-Author Insights that Bring the Psalms to Life
My complete satisfaction with Spurgeon’s Treasury is based on the multifaceted approach of citing multiple authors in each verse’s commentary. Although it may take the rest of my earthly days to investigate whether Spurgeon was the perfect conductor (read: editor) in keeping everyone on the same page, so to speak, it’s comforting to note that different perspectives don’t necessarily have to disagree as much as they should shed new light on a topic from different angles.
I feel the need to emphasize that most — if not nearly all — of my accumulated notes from Psalms lessons and commentaries may actually derive either directly or indirectly from Spurgeon’s voluminous resources, not to mention the sermons I listen to. His Treasury is foundational to any serious study of the Psalms, and any reading of King David’s thoughts during his perilous wanderings would be deficient without it.
Therefore I recommend it as a lifelong companion, to be consulted throughout one’s journey through life and all that it has to offer.
Related Books on Finding Comfort in Scripture:
The Plowman’s commentaries – Thru the Bible, by J Vernon McGee
This review was part of my 9 Lifelong Bible Companions Series. See related recommendations.
Treasury of David (3 volume set), by C. H. Spurgeon