The Psalms Of David In Metre has a long-standing presence in American and British hymnody, offering metered translations designed for singing in congregations. This article highlights five notable editions available on Amazon, comparing their formats, authorship, and accessibility to help readers choose a suitable version for study, worship, or historical interest.
| Product | Format / Edition | Author / Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Psalms of David In Metre: The Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650 | Hardcover edition (implied) / 1650-era psalter | The Church of Scotland (Author) | Early Scottish metrical translation; historical significance |
| The Psalms of David in Metre | Print edition (undated or modern reprint) | Church of Scotland (Author) | Classic metrical psalter for congregational singing |
| Pocket Metrical Psalms: Psalms in Metre Designed for Signing: The Psalms of David in Metre | Pocket-sized edition | Unknown publisher | Compact, portable for personal use or travel |
| The Psalms of David in metre | Kindle Edition | Robert Dickie (Editor) | Digital format for easy reading and search |
| The Psalms of David in Metre: Metrical Psalms (2002-11-10) | Print edition (2002) | Unknown Author | Modern print with historical roots |
In the following sections, each product is explored with emphasis on accessibility, format, and intended use. The goal is to provide a balanced, objective overview suitable for researchers, clergy, choir directors, or general readers interested in the metrical Psalms.
The Psalms Of David In Metre: The Scottish Metrical Psalter Of 1650

This edition reflects the historical Scottish metrical tradition associated with the Church of Scotland. The book-length Psalter presents a complete translation of the Psalms into meter suitable for congregational singing, with the spiritual and literary style typical of mid-17th-century Scottish psalmody. The format is geared toward readers interested in historical liturgy, hymnody, and the evolution of psalm translation. Potential users include researchers, church archivists, and choir directors seeking authentic period language and cadence. The edition emphasizes fidelity to original diction while preserving singability in communal settings.
The Psalms of David in Metre

This version presents a classic metrical Psalter associated with the Church of Scotland. Its enduring availability makes it a practical choice for congregations seeking a traditional metrical Psalter for singing, teaching, and liturgical practice. The format is suitable for devotional study, with emphasis on the cadence, rhyme, and rhythm that facilitate communal singing. It serves as a bridge between historical psalmody and contemporary worship practices, appealing to readers who value historical authenticity alongside usability in modern settings.
Pocket Metrical Psalms: Psalms in Metre Designed for Signing: The Psalms of David in Metre

The Pocket Metrical Psalms edition prioritizes portability without sacrificing the core metrical structure. Its compact format makes it convenient for personal reading, travel, or quick reference during rehearsals. The content remains aligned with the traditional metrical approach, designed for singing rather than purely devotional reading. Readers seeking a lightweight, accessible edition for on-the-go use may find this edition particularly practical for personal devotion or small-group singing in informal settings.
The Psalms of David in metre

This listing identifies a Kindle Edition edited by Robert Dickie, offering digital convenience for readers preferring an electronic format. The Kindle version supports searchable text, portable access, and easy annotation, which can be useful for study, teaching, or personal reflection. The edition preserves the metrical Psalter’s language while adapting to modern reading and device-based navigation. Digital editions are particularly appealing to researchers who value quick cross-referencing and note-taking features in cloud-synced environments.
The Psalms of David in Metre: Metrical Psalms

This 2002 edition provides a modern print presentation of the traditional metrical psalms, balancing scholarly interest with practical usability. It appeals to readers who want a reliable, periodically updated edition that preserves the melodic and lyrical qualities of the original metrical translations. The edition is suitable for academic study, church library collections, and families seeking a durable, readable copy for daily reading or Sunday worship preparation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For The Psalms In Metre
When choosing a metrical psalter, consider how you will use it—worship, study, or personal devotion. The following factors help compare editions and formats:
- Format and portability: Hardcover or paperback editions offer durability for congregational use, while pocket or digital editions prioritize portability and convenience for daily readers or travelers.
- Textual fidelity: Some editions emphasize close adherence to historical wording and cadence, while others adapt language for modern readability. Decide whether you value period accuracy or ease of reading.
- Format compatibility: If you plan to project lyrics or use a choir, ensure the edition’s typography supports legible singing, with clear line breaks and verse divisions.
- Digital versus print: Kindle or other e-editions enable search and annotation, ideal for researchers and students. Print editions suit libraries and congregational hymnals.
- Editorial scope: Some editions are presented as original 17th-century psalters, while others are modern compilations or reissues. Consider whether you want historical depth or contemporary presentation.
- Audience and purpose: For recital, choir rehearsal, or liturgical planning, select an edition that aligns with your church’s customary tuning, cadence, and singing tradition.
- Accessibility features: Digital formats may offer adjustable font sizes and navigation aids, improving usability for readers with visual preferences or constraints.
In sum, the five highlighted editions offer a spectrum from historical Scottish metrical tradition to modern digital accessibility. Your choice should reflect the role the Psalms in metre will play in your study, worship, or personal practice, balancing fidelity, portability, and readability.