Psalms, The: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set)

I am delighted to recommend Christopher Ash’s The Psalms: A Christ-Centred Commentary, an outstanding four-volume set that has deeply enriched my own study and worship. This work is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to understand the Psalms in light of Christ, and it offers a profound resource for pastors, teachers, and laypeople alike.

Ash begins with two foundational convictions that guide his approach to the Psalms. First, he asserts that the Psalms are essential to the life of the Christian church. He quotes Patrick Miller, who beautifully captures this sentiment: “It is in the conviction that the psalms belong both at the centre of the life and worship of Christian congregations and in the midst of the personal pilgrimage that each of us makes under the shadow of the Almighty” (xiii). Ash wholeheartedly shares this conviction, calling for a renewed emphasis on the Psalms in both corporate worship and personal devotion. His second conviction is that Christ is at the very heart of every psalm. This is what makes Ash’s commentary so powerful and unique—he writes with great clarity and passion about how Jesus Christ is both the subject and object of the Psalms. As Ash puts it, ““I have become persuaded that Jesus Christ is the subject and object of the Psalms, that his majestic divine human-person is woven into the warp and woof of the Psalter, and that he is the preeminent singer of the psalms, the focus of the Psalter, and the one without whom the psalms cannot be understood aright. I hope therefore to place Christ in the foreground of our reading of every Psalm and to do so in ways that are shaped by the New Testament” (xiv).

What I have found most compelling about Ash’s work is his ability to strike a balance between thoughtful, Christ-centred exegesis and warm, pastoral application. While deeply rooted in careful scholarship, this commentary never loses sight of its devotional purpose. It’s not just an academic exercise—it’s a guide to helping us see Christ more clearly in our reading, praying, and singing of the Psalms. This is particularly evident in his treatment of difficult psalms, such as those containing imprecatory prayers. In Chapter 10, titled “Imprecation: Can Jesus Christ Pray 'Imprecatory' Prayers?”, Ash provides a balanced and thoughtful exploration of how these challenging passages can be understood through a Christ-centred lens.

The structure of each volume is both thorough and accessible. The first volume serves as an introduction, laying out principles for interpreting the Psalms with Christ at the centre. The remaining three volumes provide detailed commentary on each psalm, including analysis of its structure, vocabulary, and theological significance. Ash also incorporates insights from historical Christian readings of the Psalms—drawing on patristic, medieval, Reformation, and post-Reformation scholars—which adds depth and richness to his exegesis.

One of Ash's great strengths is his ability to connect each psalm not only to its original context but also to its fulfillment in Christ's life, ministry, death, resurrection, and reign. In doing so, he helps us see how these ancient songs are still profoundly relevant for us today as we follow Christ. Whether you are preparing sermons or simply seeking to deepen your own devotional life, this commentary will help you read the Psalms with fresh eyes.

I can already see how invaluable this resource will be for preaching through the Psalms and leading in worship in my own ministry. It has also been a blessing in my personal devotions—helping me to pray and meditate on these timeless songs with a deeper understanding of how they point us to Jesus.

In summary, The Psalms: A Christ-Centred Commentary by Christopher Ash is an exceptional resource that I highly recommend to all who desire to engage more deeply with Scripture. These volumes are scholarly yet accessible, doctrinally rich yet warmly devotional. They will help you not only understand but also experience the Psalms as they were meant to be: songs that lead us into deeper communion with Christ.

I encourage you to get your hands on these volumes—read them slowly and prayerfully—and let them enrich your ministry as they have mine.