Psalms: Poetry on Fire (The Passion Translation

by Brian Simmons

Psalm 5:3 says, ³At each and every sunrise you will hear my voice as I prepare my sacrifice of prayer to you. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on the altar and wait for your fire to fall upon my heart. Every emotion of our hearts is reflected in the Psalms with words that express our deepest and strongest feelings. Sighing is turned to singing and trouble into triumph. The Psalms provide comfort and joy, leading us to the place where worship flows. When discouraged or downcast, we can take new strength from reading them. They charge our batteries and fill our sails. Their thunder stirs us, and sweet melodies move us into the sacred emotions of a heart on fire. Dark rain clouds of grief turn to bright rainbows of hope as we meditate on Davids soul subduing songs. The Psalms are clearly poetic. They are praises placed inside poetry that spill out of a fiery passionate heart. The Psalms free us to become emotional, passionate, sincere worshippers. These 150 poetic masterpieces give us an expression of faith and worship. They become a mirror to the heart of Gods people in our quest to experience His presence.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Inspirational, Biblical, Spirituality

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Olivia-Savannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. This is awkward because I think I am the lowest rating for this book...

Anyway. I don't think this was that terrible but it seemed... wholly unnecessary? I read this alongside reading Psalms from the Bible itself. And while I love reading Psalms the language isn't overly complicated. It's actually quite straightforward and easy to understand. In fact, I think the Bible even words the psalms more beautifully than this translation does. And pslams almost reads as poetry as well.

Which means that if the original text is easy to understand, reads like poetry and also is beautifully worded, why do we need this translation?

Answer: we don't.

In the end, when comparing the two, I found this poetry translation to be less enthralling, simplifying the already simple (aka oversimplified) and in comparison just not as good?

So I would recommend just reading Psalms.

However, this was given to me with a devotional companion where you responded to the Psalms and that was actually a really great devotional! So get the devotional and fill it in as you read Psalms :)

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Passion Translation is a new translation that includes the Aramaic, Greek and Hebrew underpinnings of each word and phrase in the Scripture. The psalms are called Poetry on Fire, and it is an apt title. The Passion Translation uses more expressive language than the historical translations (NIV, ASV, etc.), or the NLT. It uses more imagery and analogies that provide new depth in contemplation and meditation. This language and use of imagery make it easier to hold on to the truths in the Scripture and to unpack the deeper levels in these words. There’s also more focus on one’s personal relationship with God and its implications. My review from the Passion Translation is from a devotional perspective for those who read the Bible to draw closer to God. From that perspective, it’s a must read.
- M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 12/17/14

[Brandon H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

After further research, I cannot recommend anything from this author. Check out Mike Winger's Youtube videos on The Passion Translation for further information.

[Paul Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply incredible.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this slowly, spending close to a year reading and meditating on each one. It was a beautiful experience and this was a great translation.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the Psalms from the Icon media Group for an independent and honest review. I was surprised. The translation is fresh and full of unique poetic language. From Psalm 73:7, "Pampered and pompous, vice oozes from their souls." this is a thought-for-thought translation, not word for word. It is a fresh look at poetry that shows unique expression.

[Kit Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enjoying a fresh slant on the Psalms. Like uncovering a new understanding of God's Character.

Refreshing at every level. Every adjective that describes who He is a pouring water on dry ground.
Thank you for allowing the Lord to inspire you.

[Jane Riordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people have their favourite translation of the Bible and stick rigidly / devotedly to it, whereas I like to explore multiple versions and The Passion Translation is quite a new one, with very poetic and flowing language.

Such language is particularly suited to the Psalms which, after all, are written like poems or songs of praise, worship, lament etc.

Sometimes the language does veer a little too far into the modern for my liking - such as using the word 'kids' instead of 'children', which doesn't seem entirely fitting in the Bible - but we should all try new things, step out of our regular, fixed, comfort zone sometimes, otherwise we will never make new discoveries.

[Jennifer Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this version of the Bible. It clearly expresses the heart.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful translation of the Word.

[D. J. Arévalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book my highest rating of 5 stars (rating scale in bio). It's been said, "Emotions are excellent servants, but horrible masters."
Brian Simmons teaches us to use our God-given emotions along with scripture instead settling for either extreme: excluding emotions or only using emotions. I strongly recommend this translation to those who are interested in allowing Christianity to fulfill its role in our world in the forms of revival, restoration, and revitalization.

"The Passion Translation (TPT) is a new, heart-level translation, using Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts, that expresses God’s fiery heart of love to this generation, merging the emotion and life-changing truth of God’s Word."

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful translation, breathing a freshness into the book of Psalms, and making it a joy to read. I've taken my time over it's reading and feel all the more satisfied as a result.

[Ginnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply love this book!!!!!

[Edgar]

Breathtaking