Reflections on the Psalms

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

In one of his most enlightening works, C.S. Lewis shares his ruminations on both the form and the meaning of selected psalms. In the introduction he explains, "I write for the unlearned about things in which I am unlearned myself." Consequently, he takes on a tone of thoughtful collegiality as he writes on one of the Bible's most elusive books.

Characteristically graceful and lucid, Lewis cautions us that the psalms were originally written as songs that should now be read in the spirit of lyric poetry rather than as doctrinal treatises or sermons. Drawing from daily life as well as the literary world, Lewis begins to reveal the mystery that often shrouds the psalms.

©1958 C.S. Lewis Pte Ltd. (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

excellent!

a fascinating reflection on Psalms. well written, well performed. a highly recommended book for those who are looking for deep insight and interpretation of holy scripture.

Real Life Lived with a Knowledge of God

The book is exactly what the title says. It’s not a commentary. It’s not a theological work. It doesn’t go from one psalm to the next and, in fact, doesn’t deal with any single psalm at all. Lewis admits that in the beginning. He makes no claim to scholarship. It is just Lewis’ reflections after years of reading the psalms. And, this is what Lewis is good at. He is a thinker and analyzer. He knows how to put thoughts together in a logical and readable fashion. He was a scholar who could write to children and that simplicity of expression is shown well here. 

Lewis helps you appreciate the psalms for what they are, great poetry written by people expressing their thoughts and feelings about real life lived with a knowledge of God. Poetry uses metaphor and simile and all kinds of artful devices to communicate. They may instruct, but they  aren’t written to instruct. They teach theology, but they aren’t written for that either. They can’t be stretched beyond their purpose. 

Lewis is also excellent at providing context. He recognizes their basis in an agricultural society and shows how this connection with the land, with weather, with animals, and more can be seen in various psalms. He pushes us to read the psalms not as expressions of ourselves, but with an understanding of those who knew of little beyond agriculture and what we now call nature. 

Lewis doesn’t talk much about the easy things, the use of the psalms as we often do. He deals with the difficult topics, the anger and the hatred that sometimes is expressed. He deals with the issue of justice as well as the seeming self-righteousness sometimes displayed. Lewis has a knack for seeing through the fluff and making you stop and think. One favorite, "But of course these conjectures as to why God does what He does are probably of no more value than my dog's ideas of what I am up to when I sit and read." 

An excellent part is how he deals with the issue of God demanding praise. I’ve never had a problem with that, but have read of others who see that as narcissistic and were turned off by it. People who demand praise are usually those least worth of being praised. I’ve always thought that this was explained by the fact that God is deserving of it, but as I read through Lewis’ discussion of the issue I realized it was even more than that. Praise is not just saying how good someone is. Praise is the enjoyment of something. It is not just words. It is a feeling of pleasure, appreciation, and awe that you can’t help but express. If anything, our praise is too shallow. I’ve always loved the mountains and love to hike and enjoy the ever changing vistas as you go along. You can enjoy that alone, but even alone, it is hard not to hear yourself say, “Wow” as you turn some corner and if you are with someone, it’s often impossible not to stop and cry out for the other person to look and then point out this or that feature that is so impressive. It’s not just that God demands praise because he deserves it. It is because it is a natural expression of our thoughts when we truly look at who he is. 

Yes, there are parts that I don’t agree with. Lewis is not as committed to a literal hermeneutic as I am, and yet it is still clear that he believes the Bible. It doesn’t bother him that man might have evolved from an ape, but at the same time, he recognizes that there is some point where man became more than just a more advanced animal, a point where he gained a soul. I don’t buy this and there are other examples as well. But, if you can get beyond those areas of disagreement, there is great value in reading this book. I feel that Lewis has made me appreciate the psalms more. 

CS Lewis was a treasure for all to share

This book is eloquently written for all faith’s and walks of life to partake in. CS Lewis make sure his studies to take into consideration many perspectives while presenting his breakdown of the psalms. Especially in audio form I would recommend this for anyone has questions or cynicisms they’re interested in working out intellectually.

The great CS Lewis

He has a very insightful intellect, and I really enjoy listening to him, and learning from him.

Small investment, magnificent return!

Thanks to Audible for an outstanding reader for an outstanding book. Thanks to God for CS Lewis and this ever-relevant message about His word as revealed in and through the Psalms.

another great work by C.S. Lewis

as always I believe the C.S. Lewis brings a unique perspective to the texts of the Christian faith. I find this work deeply thought provoking, which is needed in the study of God's word.

Vital and Alive

This is an essential touch stone in my study of the Psalter. The topics and questions that Mr. Lewis discusses help to push me back to the text to reflect and to hold on for even more insight and understanding. He even dares to link this work to the great mythologies and philosophy through allegory, thus releasing the pressure of separation a bit. Dr. T.

New Perspective

An enjoyable and insightful new way to read the book of Psalms and other parts of the Bible.

Good Read

At times I was lost due to content but overall good and insightful perspective.

Cs Lewis depth and humility

Narrator did a good job. Good pace. Wonderful for CS Lewis fans. Cutting through humble wisdom.