Reflections on the Psalms

In his Reflections on the Psalms, C. S. Lewis has developed a textbook for students supposedly from the perspective of a student—though today we view Lewis more as a master than a student. This paper offers a brief summary and review of the book itself, then discusses both its strengths and weaknesses.
As suggested in his “Introductory,” Lewis’ intent in writing this book was to deal with problems he found in the Psalms. He avoids subjects about which the majority of Christians already know—Jewish history (Lewis, 6), the life of David, etc. Instead, he uses this platform to address the struggles he personally has had with the text—judgment, vengeance, self-righteousness, etc.—and how he has resolved those issues in his own mind. He has haphazardly organized his views into eleven headings which, in short, are: Judgment, curses, death, adoring the Lord, loving the Word, connivance, nature, praise, Scripture, and second meanings both in general and in the Psalms.