Be Worshipful (Psalms 1-89): Glorifying God for Who He Is

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

Beloved teacher Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe leads the journey through the valleys and mountains of Old Testament kings and queens, illuminating the painful confessions, the anger toward God, and the holy desires they modeled for generations to come. It's the unaltered, vulnerable grit of human experience that gives Psalms its credibility and makes it so valuable for building a real relationship with God.

Writing as they would to a dear friend, the psalmists—King David and others—compose a songwriter's masterpiece through their unfathomable awe of the Creator of the universe. Out of the bottomless well of human emotion and purity of expression come both cries of pain and shouts of joy—genuine expressions which not only elevate our respect for the psalmists themselves, but also draw us into a deeper relationship with our Lord.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2004

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Richard Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren Wiersbe's work on the first three books of Psalms is insightful, relevant, resourceful and a fantastic key in unlocking some of the mysteries of the the first 89 Psalms.

BE WORSHIPFUL is one of a series of commentaries, commonly known as the BE books. The series takes a book of the Bible, or in some cases the book is divided into two BE books as in this case, and comments on the chapters and verse of the biblical book. A very standard structure for biblical commentaries. What stands out is his style and the ease of the terminology.

The transcendent style the author employs takes the historical aspect of the scripture and relates it to the reader's life in today's post modern era. Wiersbe accomplishes this with a vernacular that is easy to read, easy to understand and thus becomes easy to remember. The author is noted as one of the most widely known bible teachers of this day and is quoted throughout most credible studies of the present day biblical genre. After reading BE WORSHIPFUL, it is easy to understand why.

I won't comment on the content as this book certainly deserves to be read. If understanding Psalms and their relevance, getting to know David a little better; and/or just using BE WORSHIPFUL as a reference source, you won't be sorry you invested the time and money.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has taken me two and a half months to get through this volume, reading one or more of the psalms and Wiersbe's insights nearly every morning as part of my early morning routine. This is only the second of Wiersbe's volumes that I have found to be difficult to read easily. For me there is too much biblical history and cross referencing, and if you don't follow all the references much of the commentary is difficult to follow or remember, and leads, for me, to the temptation to skim read, which I did on many occasions. I have his book on the remaining psalms... I'm not sure if or when I'll give it a go.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A psalm by psalm look at the first 89 psalms linking them to other books in the Bible. Read the book as a daily devotional.

[Renee Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the psalms. I like Wiersbe's books. Unfortunately, this was the hardest book to get through. It was pretty boring and repetitious but did contain a few golden nuggets of enjoyment that could be underlined/highlighted.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through this book as part of my personal Bible study and found it very helpful. For each chapter, there are loads of cross references, insights, and usually thoughts for period/situation(s) prompting a particular Psalm, including how it was utilized. I didn't know there were also questions in the back of the book, until I reached then end. There was definitely more to dig into than I spent time digging but the hole that is possible to dig in is vast.

I'd recommend this book. I think it would make a good (but notably lengthy) group book study for discussion. This is especially good for those who want to dig deeply in study. I have already purchased the next book that covers the rest of Psalms. I expect these references to be books I go back to for future study.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psalms is the longest book of the Bible at 150 chapters, so Warren Wiersbe divided his commentaries on the Psalms into two books. The first is Be Worshipful (Psalms 1-89): Glorifying God for Who He Is.

I love that the psalms show the writers’ hearts as they wrestle with problems, unanswered prayer, confusion, God’s seeming distance. Most of the psalms of lament end with the psalmist reminding himself the truth he knows about God and restoring his hope and confidence. And who can beat the praise psalms for lifting one’s heart in thanksgiving and worship.

I appreciated the help Wiersbe’s commentary was to understanding and gaining more from the psalms.

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked through this commentary as an aid in meditating on the Psalms (this volume covers Psalms 1 - 89).

I think it is a helpful resource and were I to teach on any of these Psalms this is the first resource I would turn to for help in preparing. However, I have previously read through all of his New Testament commentaries and I did not find this one to be as readable due to his extensive cross-referencing. Still worth my time for personal Bible reading, but much better (outstanding, actually) as a tool for Bible teachers.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nearly 3 years (2 years and 11 months), and now I'm finished reading this series which contains 50 books.
The commentary was unique in format and quite light to read. The commentary focused on what we could learn then applied in our life.
I hope there are compact edition which divide this commentary on OT and NT with small fonts like any other commentaries. Its quite difficult to study if we have 50 books like this, especially on special occasions like preparing sermon, etc.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren Wiersbe’s enriching and enlightening meditatations upon and explanations of each of the first 89 psalms make me want to begin immediately on the companion book of this set. Wiersbe has studied the entire Bible in depth and taught it verse by verse and thus is able tie it together in each of his volumes. A delight!

[Rachel Mellema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of profound insights into the art of worship and the nature of God. Wiersbe navigates Psalms 1-89, exploring the essence of worship and inviting readers into a deeper understanding of God's character. Through eloquent commentary and heartfelt exploration, he unveils the Psalms' beauty, guiding readers to glorify God for His attributes and His presence in their lives.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely wonderful commentary from Warren Wiersbe. Accessible enough I can understand it, apply it, and it all makes sense. Even a common guy like myself can connect with the Word of God. But also brilliant and researched. I learn something new every time I pick up one of his commentaries.

[Cat Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiersbe’s Bible commentaries are insightful, provide a historical reference and just seem...fresh! Used this book and Be Exultant In a Psalm (mostly) a day devo quest. Be Worshipful served me well, even sparking more in-depth study as the psalms corresponded with other OT books.

[N Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tool for studying the Psalms

With the help of this commentary and a new commitment to fully focus my attention with a God’s help, the Psalms opened to me. I will now move on to the next volume.

[Hannah Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a helpful dive deeper into the Scripture and gives context around when the Psalm was written for deeper understanding. So thankful God is constant in character from then until now and for forever!

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my journey through this book with Dr Wiersbe. Each Psalm is put into context with the time period it was written, along with what was going on. It was so much to take in. This is a book that can be read over and over again.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished this Psalms commentary. The author offers a background and history along with cross references to aid to understanding of the Psalms. Very insightful and helpful.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Worshipful is a Bible study of the first 89 Psalms. Most of these were written by David. David praised God all the time, but he also lived a life of worship. His worship was not just in words, but in actions - in his lifestyle. Ken Baugh, who wrote the introduction to Be Worshipful notes that David had confidence in God, a submissive spirit, courageous faith, a passion for God, and a contrite heart.

David was not perfect, but as Acts 13:22 tells us that God said of David: “…I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

Warren Wiersbe writes, “The book of Psalms has been and still is the irreplaceable devotional guide, prayer book, and hymnal of the people of God.” In studying the Psalms, we see that Gos is “both transcendent and immanent, far above us and yet personally with us in our pilgrim journey.” He is Immanuel, which means “God with us!”

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful guide through the Psalms. I appreciate Wiersbe's work on the history and author behind each psalm.