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Learning to Love the Psalms
The Psalms are undeniably beautiful. They are also difficult, and readers often come away convinced that tremendous riches remain just beyond their grasp. In this book, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey invites us to journey with him towards a greater understanding and love for these sacred verses. The timeless elegance of the Psalms, their depth of expression, and testimony to the greatness of God have enchanted and edified God’s people for centuries. Learning to Love the Psalms is intended to help today’s Christians share in that delight.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
140 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
W. Robert Godfrey
40 books41 followersDr. Godfrey has taught church history at Westminster Seminary California since 1981. He taught previously at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Stanford University, and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is the third president of Westminster Seminary California and is a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America. He has spoken at many conferences including those sponsored by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and Ligonier Ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 28, 2021
Should this book be read or listened to? That is the question. Reading it allows you to study the psalms in a more intense way. Listening to it allows the argument and words of the psalms pour into your being.
It’s not a real commentary on the Psalms. He doesn’t address all of the psalms, but he addresses most of them and in fairly good detail, too. He outlines the books of the Psalms this way:
Book 1: Confidence in God’s Care
Book 2: Commitment to God’s Kingdom
Book 3: Crisis over God’s Promises
Book 4: Comfort in God’s Faithfulness
Book 5: Celebration of God’s Salvation
It’s not a real commentary on the Psalms. He doesn’t address all of the psalms, but he addresses most of them and in fairly good detail, too. He outlines the books of the Psalms this way:
Book 1: Confidence in God’s Care
Book 2: Commitment to God’s Kingdom
Book 3: Crisis over God’s Promises
Book 4: Comfort in God’s Faithfulness
Book 5: Celebration of God’s Salvation
May 23, 2019
This book is a study tool for how to better understand the Psalms. I have learned so much by reading Mr. Godfrey’s book. Christ is on every page of the Psalter and I see him even more clearly now. The first half of the book draws attention to the overall recurring themes in the Psalms. These themes differ in each of the five books of the Psalms are also explored and broken down into manageable amounts. Also the speakers of the Psalms are covered, as well as literary forms and subordinate themes. Eventually the author expounds a different Psalm per chapter for the remainder of the book, sort of putting into practice how we’ve just been taught to read them. Excellent study tool!!
February 10, 2022
An excellent brief introduction to the Psalms. This is not a commentary on all the Psalms, but still provides some useful introductions to the 5 major sections of the Psalter and discusses several Psalms from each section.
The Christ-centered focus of Dr. Godfrey is very much appreciated and refreshing with so many self-help books that turn the Psalms into a psychology manual rather than exalting our Savior Christ as they prophesy both his sufferings and glory.
There are many useful observations on the Psalms discussed in this book, pointing out how the offices of priest and King frequently mentioned in the Psalms point us to Christ and How Christ is David's greater son and the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
The study questions at the end of each chapter make this a useful book both for Bible studies and family worship. It is not written at a technical nor academic level so lay Christians in the pews can benefit greatly from reading and meditating upon this book, while at the same time Bible students and pastors will greatly benefit from the example set forth of a Christ-centered interpretation of the Psalter.
The Christ-centered focus of Dr. Godfrey is very much appreciated and refreshing with so many self-help books that turn the Psalms into a psychology manual rather than exalting our Savior Christ as they prophesy both his sufferings and glory.
There are many useful observations on the Psalms discussed in this book, pointing out how the offices of priest and King frequently mentioned in the Psalms point us to Christ and How Christ is David's greater son and the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
The study questions at the end of each chapter make this a useful book both for Bible studies and family worship. It is not written at a technical nor academic level so lay Christians in the pews can benefit greatly from reading and meditating upon this book, while at the same time Bible students and pastors will greatly benefit from the example set forth of a Christ-centered interpretation of the Psalter.
April 21, 2020
Super série Ligonier sur les Psaumes : développe une approche canonique pour les lire non pas comme des chants avec un ordre aléatoire mais comme un livre composé et structuré.
December 26, 2021
Really great book. Made me think about some of the psalms in a different light. Chapters are quick and concise but informative.
September 23, 2019
A great introduction. Focused more on the structure of the book than interpretive issues or providing devotional content. My desire to become better acquainted with this book has increased.
September 12, 2022
Great survey of the Psalms. Loved the information on the structure of the 5 books, pyramid structure of individual psalms, and contextual analysis (what came before the psalm and after?). And Godfrey's humor and love of his subject are always appreciated!
July 15, 2017
ARC received courtesy of NetGalley and the Publisher, in exchange for an honest review
As a Christian who has fallen behind in connecting with the scriptures, I found this book to be a refreshing and not to mention, an awakening commentary on the deeper interpretation of this inspirational and thought provoking book of prophetic poetry. I highly recommend it for anyone who would like to take a deeper look at the "Shepherd" and His "beloved" creation.
Giving this one: 5 stars.
As a Christian who has fallen behind in connecting with the scriptures, I found this book to be a refreshing and not to mention, an awakening commentary on the deeper interpretation of this inspirational and thought provoking book of prophetic poetry. I highly recommend it for anyone who would like to take a deeper look at the "Shepherd" and His "beloved" creation.
Giving this one: 5 stars.
November 7, 2020
I cannot praise this book enough. This is my second favorite book I’ve read this year - sorry Paul David Tripp (I know your read my reviews) “Parenting” has been displaced. Dr. Godfrey is one of the most whimsical, profound, and irenic teachers of our time. His ability to teach the OT in light of redemptive history is unparalleled. I think perhaps only Geerhardus Vos, Meredith Kline, Irenaeus, and Edmund Clowney were better. Modern day Christianity has forgotten what Christ and generations of Christians before us have known, the Psalter is the “anatomy of the soul” and a “little gospel”. It is virtually impossible to understand the NT and Christ’s ministry without an understanding of the Psalter. Dr. Godfrey does a wonderful job introducing the somewhat complex and often foreign concepts of Hebrew poetry and then proceeds to outline the major themes of the 5 books of the Psalter with their subsequent sub-themes. This book will be well worth your time.
May 17, 2019
Excellent walk through the Psalms. The book begins with a discussion of Hebrew poetry and the structure of this Biblical collection of songs and poems into five books. Each book is given in-depth study in its own section, and individual Psalms are considered and analyzed. In the end, the reader walks away with a fuller, richer understanding of the Psalms as a whole.
As a Christian myself, I especially appreciate the way Godfrey looks for (and finds) Jesus in the Psalter. I anticipate returning to this book later as a reference as I read and re-read the Psalms. Thank you, Dr. Godfrey for such an excellent book!
As a Christian myself, I especially appreciate the way Godfrey looks for (and finds) Jesus in the Psalter. I anticipate returning to this book later as a reference as I read and re-read the Psalms. Thank you, Dr. Godfrey for such an excellent book!
November 18, 2023
This book does an excellent job of doing several things. One, helping you understand the books inside the Psalms. Two, drawing parallels in the Psalms to other Psalms. Three, locating Christ in the Psalms.
It has certainly peaked my interest in studying the Psalms further and much deeper than I am used to digging in this book of the Bible.
It has certainly peaked my interest in studying the Psalms further and much deeper than I am used to digging in this book of the Bible.
October 23, 2017
Great devotional reading that whets one's appetite for further digging into the Psalms.
September 6, 2021
Not quite a sit down and read through kind of book. Excellent as a devotional. Excellent as a reference. I will keep coming back to it as it really clearly lays out all the historical and scriptural references in the Psalms that I either wasn’t aware of or glossed over previously. It definitely helped me understand the structure and poetic devices in the Psalms which help in their interpretation and application. AND I have grown in my love for the Psalms so the book lives up to its name.
January 18, 2023
Read the book. An insightful book. Used it as a door opener into a study through the Psalms. That in addition to the writer’s teaching series on Ligonier.
The only thing I miss in the book is a study guide for studying the Psalms. I found that online but the book would have been so much better with guidance into a thorough study for each Psalm.
The only thing I miss in the book is a study guide for studying the Psalms. I found that online but the book would have been so much better with guidance into a thorough study for each Psalm.
October 2, 2017
First sentence: At a recent conference, I was asked what my favorite book of the Bible is. My initial reaction was to wonder if that was a bad question. Should we not like all of the Word of God equally? Then I thought that I should cooperate, and I asked myself what book I most often turn to and enjoy. I realized that the answer was easy.
How well do you know the book of Psalms? How familiar are you with its contents?
W. Robert Godfrey has written an excellent book on the Psalms, Learning to Love the Psalms. Perhaps the title is misleading--slightly. In a way, he writes in such a way to encourage believers to love and embrace the book of Psalms. But I think he does more than that. I think he wants believers to look beyond surface emotions and better understand and appreciate not just individual psalms, not just individual verses, but the book as a whole.
Psalms is a book to be studied as any other book. It is a book with theology waiting to be unpacked. In the first chapter he writes, "the Psalms are like a mine with ever new depths to reach and ever more gold to find. They reward abundantly whatever effort we make to know them better." One of the reasons we should KNOW the psalms and be digging ever deeper is the fact that "the Psalms are full of Christ. They not only explicitly prophesy the coming of Christ (e.g., Pss. 2; 22; 110), but the message of the Psalms always pulls the soul to Christ and His great saving work." He continues, "Christ not only prays the prayers of the Psalter, but He also answers them. He sends His Holy Spirit to minister forgiveness, to teach the truth, to sanctify and protect His people. Christ identified with the Psalter’s Messiah and faithful King, Savior of sinners, and God who answers prayer."
In the third chapter, he asks--and then answers--a crucial question:
If the Psalms are so rich, why is it that many of us today do not treasure and appreciate them as the church did in the past?
He answers in five points, but I'll choose three to focus on in this review:
1) The Psalter as a whole seems to us to have no structure. At first glance, it seems as if someone took 150 poems and simply shuffled them, putting them together in no particular order. As a result, it is difficult to see any movement or development in the book as a whole. It is also difficult to remember where a particular psalm is in the book in relation to other psalms. It is very hard to know where to turn in the Psalter for any particular type of psalm. The result is that while Christians may come to appreciate a particular verse or a particular psalm, the book as a whole remains more a mystery or puzzle than a coherent expression of the feelings of God’s people.
2) The Psalms are complicated and sometimes seem obscure in their literary form. An individual psalm may seem difficult to understand, especially in terms of the way in which it develops its thought. A psalm often changes its theme and its mood as it progresses.
3) Our minds and hearts are not saturated with the Psalms as the hearts and minds of earlier generations of Christians were.
Godfrey argues there is a unifying theme in the book of Psalms. (One MAJOR theme and three additional sub-themes.) Godfrey argues that there is definite structure--movement, development, flow--in the book of Psalms. The arrangement is not random or meaningless. He walks readers through the process of reading and studying Psalms. He highlights individual psalms in each of his sections.
Godfrey's book is divided into seven sections (and an afterword). The first section is a seven chapter introduction to the book. It's titled simply, "Learning to Love the Psalms." The second section focuses on book one of Psalms (Psalms 1-41), "The King's Confidence in God's Care." The third section focuses on book two of Psalms (Psalms 42-72), "The King's Commitment to God's Kingdom." The fourth section focuses on book three of Psalms (Psalms 73-89), "The King's Crisis Over God's Promises." The fifth section focuses on book four of Psalms (Psalm 90-106), "The King's Comfort in God's Faithfulness." The sixth section focuses on book five of Psalms (Psalm 107-150), "The King's Celebration of God's Salvation." The seventh section also focuses on book five of Psalms (Psalms 146-150). Within each section, Godfrey chooses select psalms to focus on.
He concludes, "We as the people of God today need to learn for ourselves what it means to live in the Psalms. In a real sense, they give us words to express what it means to live as a Christian. We should live in and out of the Psalms." In addition, "We must never rush through the Psalms but learn to pause, ponder, and meditate on them so that their poetic beauty and profound truths will penetrate deeply into our hearts."
How well do you know the book of Psalms? How familiar are you with its contents?
W. Robert Godfrey has written an excellent book on the Psalms, Learning to Love the Psalms. Perhaps the title is misleading--slightly. In a way, he writes in such a way to encourage believers to love and embrace the book of Psalms. But I think he does more than that. I think he wants believers to look beyond surface emotions and better understand and appreciate not just individual psalms, not just individual verses, but the book as a whole.
Psalms is a book to be studied as any other book. It is a book with theology waiting to be unpacked. In the first chapter he writes, "the Psalms are like a mine with ever new depths to reach and ever more gold to find. They reward abundantly whatever effort we make to know them better." One of the reasons we should KNOW the psalms and be digging ever deeper is the fact that "the Psalms are full of Christ. They not only explicitly prophesy the coming of Christ (e.g., Pss. 2; 22; 110), but the message of the Psalms always pulls the soul to Christ and His great saving work." He continues, "Christ not only prays the prayers of the Psalter, but He also answers them. He sends His Holy Spirit to minister forgiveness, to teach the truth, to sanctify and protect His people. Christ identified with the Psalter’s Messiah and faithful King, Savior of sinners, and God who answers prayer."
Psalms 19–26 bear a remarkable relationship to redemptive history and the life of Jesus Christ. That is no doubt most clear in Psalm 22 with its amazing prophecies of the death of Jesus. But as we think of these other psalms, we see their strong connections to other aspects of that history. Psalm 19 is primarily a song of creation, but it also recognizes the problem of sin in the world. Psalm 20 is appropriate to mark the desire for the coming of the Messiah. Psalm 21 is a psalm of a victorious king, very appropriate for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Psalm 22 is the great crucifixion psalm from which Jesus quoted as He hung on the cross. Psalm 24 is a great song to accompany the ascension of Jesus into His heavenly Jerusalem. Psalm 25 is appropriate to Pentecost as an appeal for God’s leading of His people. Psalm 26 appeals for the final judgment of God. Psalm 23 may not be quite so obviously a resurrection psalm between the crucifixion and ascension psalms, but I think it does fit the pattern. It is a psalm that emphasizes that God is always with us, that we are never forsaken, and that God will take us through the valley of the shadow of death. It is indeed a psalm of life and resurrection.
In the third chapter, he asks--and then answers--a crucial question:
If the Psalms are so rich, why is it that many of us today do not treasure and appreciate them as the church did in the past?
He answers in five points, but I'll choose three to focus on in this review:
1) The Psalter as a whole seems to us to have no structure. At first glance, it seems as if someone took 150 poems and simply shuffled them, putting them together in no particular order. As a result, it is difficult to see any movement or development in the book as a whole. It is also difficult to remember where a particular psalm is in the book in relation to other psalms. It is very hard to know where to turn in the Psalter for any particular type of psalm. The result is that while Christians may come to appreciate a particular verse or a particular psalm, the book as a whole remains more a mystery or puzzle than a coherent expression of the feelings of God’s people.
2) The Psalms are complicated and sometimes seem obscure in their literary form. An individual psalm may seem difficult to understand, especially in terms of the way in which it develops its thought. A psalm often changes its theme and its mood as it progresses.
3) Our minds and hearts are not saturated with the Psalms as the hearts and minds of earlier generations of Christians were.
Godfrey argues there is a unifying theme in the book of Psalms. (One MAJOR theme and three additional sub-themes.) Godfrey argues that there is definite structure--movement, development, flow--in the book of Psalms. The arrangement is not random or meaningless. He walks readers through the process of reading and studying Psalms. He highlights individual psalms in each of his sections.
Godfrey's book is divided into seven sections (and an afterword). The first section is a seven chapter introduction to the book. It's titled simply, "Learning to Love the Psalms." The second section focuses on book one of Psalms (Psalms 1-41), "The King's Confidence in God's Care." The third section focuses on book two of Psalms (Psalms 42-72), "The King's Commitment to God's Kingdom." The fourth section focuses on book three of Psalms (Psalms 73-89), "The King's Crisis Over God's Promises." The fifth section focuses on book four of Psalms (Psalm 90-106), "The King's Comfort in God's Faithfulness." The sixth section focuses on book five of Psalms (Psalm 107-150), "The King's Celebration of God's Salvation." The seventh section also focuses on book five of Psalms (Psalms 146-150). Within each section, Godfrey chooses select psalms to focus on.
He concludes, "We as the people of God today need to learn for ourselves what it means to live in the Psalms. In a real sense, they give us words to express what it means to live as a Christian. We should live in and out of the Psalms." In addition, "We must never rush through the Psalms but learn to pause, ponder, and meditate on them so that their poetic beauty and profound truths will penetrate deeply into our hearts."
April 26, 2021
My Rating - Put it on your list
Level - Medium read (can get slightly technical), moderate length (250+)
Summary: Godfrey takes a different approach than most books on the Psalms. Instead of looking into categories of Psalms, he studies them in their original five 'books', and looks for similarities within each 'book'; plus he breaks out the final five Psalms and treats them separately from the other five books.
There are no chapters in this book, but there are seven broad sections. After a large intro section that includes chapters introduction the Psalms, poetry, difficulties, speakers, and structures, there are the five sections (one each on the five 'books'), a section on the final five Psalms, and a short afterward. Each section has chapter on the structure and character of the 'book', followed by a mini-commentary on six or seven of the Psalms in the 'book'. The final section has a brief intro chapter, then reviews each of the last five Psalms.
My Thoughts: He has attempted a relatively difficult task in trying to find the original reason for the groupings in each book. I appreciate what he has done, and I think his work is the best I've seen that doesn't use the typical category/genre, but I remain unconvinced. It is a fascinating way to try to study the Psalms and as modern western people, we really want a reason for the layout of the Psalms. He makes the most compelling argument I've seen, but as I said, I'm not entirely convinced.
The other oddity of this book is his mini-commentary on numerous Psalms. These just didn't land correctly. Some were a little academic, some were devotional, others were likely draw from sermons (as they point to Christ in our life now, in an application way), the remaining was a mix of all these. While they were mostly good, and all educational, the inconsistency bothered me. This could have been an editorial decision, to lay out his notes this way, but it should have been a bit more focused.
For these reasons, this book would not be the first I would recommend if you wanted to start a study on the Psalms. That being said, the intro section was quite valuable. The chapter on difficulties in the Psalms was particularly valuable. Likewise, the chapter on 'recurring themes' functioned as a mini-lesson with a different take than the most usual genre discussions. The structure and character chapters are interesting, but how much you gain from those will be dependent on how strong you find his overall argument. Outside the intro, the final five Psalms section is probably the best, as it is a very clear division and we know much of how these particular Psalms have been used throughout history. Overall, a good book, written well, and if you are looking to dig into the Psalms and are purchasing multiple books for your study, this is one to put on your list.
More reviews at MondayMorningTheologian.com
Level - Medium read (can get slightly technical), moderate length (250+)
Summary: Godfrey takes a different approach than most books on the Psalms. Instead of looking into categories of Psalms, he studies them in their original five 'books', and looks for similarities within each 'book'; plus he breaks out the final five Psalms and treats them separately from the other five books.
There are no chapters in this book, but there are seven broad sections. After a large intro section that includes chapters introduction the Psalms, poetry, difficulties, speakers, and structures, there are the five sections (one each on the five 'books'), a section on the final five Psalms, and a short afterward. Each section has chapter on the structure and character of the 'book', followed by a mini-commentary on six or seven of the Psalms in the 'book'. The final section has a brief intro chapter, then reviews each of the last five Psalms.
My Thoughts: He has attempted a relatively difficult task in trying to find the original reason for the groupings in each book. I appreciate what he has done, and I think his work is the best I've seen that doesn't use the typical category/genre, but I remain unconvinced. It is a fascinating way to try to study the Psalms and as modern western people, we really want a reason for the layout of the Psalms. He makes the most compelling argument I've seen, but as I said, I'm not entirely convinced.
The other oddity of this book is his mini-commentary on numerous Psalms. These just didn't land correctly. Some were a little academic, some were devotional, others were likely draw from sermons (as they point to Christ in our life now, in an application way), the remaining was a mix of all these. While they were mostly good, and all educational, the inconsistency bothered me. This could have been an editorial decision, to lay out his notes this way, but it should have been a bit more focused.
For these reasons, this book would not be the first I would recommend if you wanted to start a study on the Psalms. That being said, the intro section was quite valuable. The chapter on difficulties in the Psalms was particularly valuable. Likewise, the chapter on 'recurring themes' functioned as a mini-lesson with a different take than the most usual genre discussions. The structure and character chapters are interesting, but how much you gain from those will be dependent on how strong you find his overall argument. Outside the intro, the final five Psalms section is probably the best, as it is a very clear division and we know much of how these particular Psalms have been used throughout history. Overall, a good book, written well, and if you are looking to dig into the Psalms and are purchasing multiple books for your study, this is one to put on your list.
More reviews at MondayMorningTheologian.com
August 11, 2021
Godfrey’s Learning to Love the Psalms is a primer to help us study, understand and appreciate the Book of Psalms. His major points are on poetic structure, voices in the Psalms, Jesus’ roles, and most notably, the overall and per-book themes.
These per-book themes are Godfrey’s most unique contribution, yet I found at least two of the themes to be worrisome due to their wording and potential interpretation when standing alone. That is, they seem to convey that the Psalms teach us to muster up confidence in, and commitment toward God by example. This may just be a wording problem, but it is dangerous if it makes us think that we just need a bit more Godly confidence or commitment to resolve our suffering at hand. That would be a cruel thing to say to someone suffering a dreaded disease, for instance. Not to mention that our confidence and commitment, indeed our very faith, are gifts from God, not something we muster up. Again, this may be just a wording problem, but one that might confuse the essence of the Gospel of Christ.
These per-book themes are Godfrey’s most unique contribution, yet I found at least two of the themes to be worrisome due to their wording and potential interpretation when standing alone. That is, they seem to convey that the Psalms teach us to muster up confidence in, and commitment toward God by example. This may just be a wording problem, but it is dangerous if it makes us think that we just need a bit more Godly confidence or commitment to resolve our suffering at hand. That would be a cruel thing to say to someone suffering a dreaded disease, for instance. Not to mention that our confidence and commitment, indeed our very faith, are gifts from God, not something we muster up. Again, this may be just a wording problem, but one that might confuse the essence of the Gospel of Christ.
February 2, 2023
Godfrey breaks down his overview of the psalms based on the five books of the psalms listed within the psalms.
He then makes remarks on the character and structure of that section of the psalms. I found the questions at the end of each chapter to be a helpful pointer and review of what the author had said in the chapter. Sometimes the questions seemed trite to me.
Sometimes I had a difficult time following or accepting what the author had said about the psalm or Godfrey's interpretation. Sometimes his generalizations were too general. Sometimes it was hard to follow his train of thought and it seemed like he was missing a transitionary statement or two in order for me the reader to follow easily.
This book was concluded by the author and described as an introductory book. I would agree.
He then makes remarks on the character and structure of that section of the psalms. I found the questions at the end of each chapter to be a helpful pointer and review of what the author had said in the chapter. Sometimes the questions seemed trite to me.
Sometimes I had a difficult time following or accepting what the author had said about the psalm or Godfrey's interpretation. Sometimes his generalizations were too general. Sometimes it was hard to follow his train of thought and it seemed like he was missing a transitionary statement or two in order for me the reader to follow easily.
This book was concluded by the author and described as an introductory book. I would agree.
March 4, 2025
Personally, I’ve always struggled with appreciating the Psalms. In a worldly way, I thought the Psalms were just a collection of feel-good quotes you throw on a coffee mug or on artwork around your house. I had no idea the Psalter was filled with such riches! As Dr. Godfrey describes, the Psalms are a treasure trove waiting to be plumbed. This book is a fantastic introduction to learning to love the Psalms and I appreciate Dr. Godfrey’s approach in giving us little nuggets of knowledge for a good majority of the Psalter. Can’t recommend this book enough and would definitely recommend listening to the teaching series from Ligonier for even more insight into some of the Psalms he didn’t cover in the book. Prayerfully and hopefully, I will use the knowledge I’ve gained in reading this book to more intentionally meditate on the Psalms in further study.
May 4, 2017
This book is a study of the Psalms and the guide is an indepth look into the verses and their meaning in relations to the Bible. The author not only connects the Psalms to the stories of the Old Testament but also shows how they are related to Jesus Christ and prophecies concerning him.
As someone studying the Psalms, I was very glad to have this book to help me understand who the author was and what they meant to convey in relation to God, Israel and the People of God. My compliant is that I would have liked a longer book that talked through each numbered Psalm on it's own as I want to reread the book while reading each particular Psalm.
I received a copy from NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
As someone studying the Psalms, I was very glad to have this book to help me understand who the author was and what they meant to convey in relation to God, Israel and the People of God. My compliant is that I would have liked a longer book that talked through each numbered Psalm on it's own as I want to reread the book while reading each particular Psalm.
I received a copy from NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2019
I rate this book five stars for content, style, and perceived usefulness to others. It contains short, readable, but profoundly edifying devotionals on a handful of Psalms, along with overarching teaching on the structure and nature of the book of Psalms as a whole. It's a relatively quick read, and will leave you with both a better understanding of the Psalms and a closer familiarity with the individual Psalms addressed. As a bonus, it also focuses on many less well-known Psalms, passing over some of the "top 20" hits.
Dr. Godfrey set out in this book to inspire a greater hunger for the Psalms. I think he's succeeded - I'd like to read this book again, more slowly, with Bible close at hand to pore over each verse and Scripture reference.
Dr. Godfrey set out in this book to inspire a greater hunger for the Psalms. I think he's succeeded - I'd like to read this book again, more slowly, with Bible close at hand to pore over each verse and Scripture reference.
April 3, 2018
Having often struggled with reading this Psalms, Godfrey's book was truly a blessing. The short chapters make it easy to use as a personal devotional or small group study. Godfrey opens the Psalms, helps you find the theme, ties to the rest of Scripture, and, mostly importantly, shows Jesus in the Psalms. The reason for 4 stars is that at times he gets a little carried away with trying to piece the Psalms together rather than diving into the particularly Psalm. For examples, for the last five Psalms, I would rather have had writing on those Psalms than trying to tie them back to prevent Books of the Psalter.
December 14, 2021
I read the book, and listened to a few chapters.
It was in listening through Robert Godfrey's teaching series on Ligonier that I knew I wanted to read further in his book. This book is such a good study in the psalms, giving good cultural background, scriptural connections, and always demonstrating how the psalms point ahead to Jesus. I come away each time I work through this wanting to study more deeply in the psalms.
I recommend the book as well as the teaching series on Ligonier. And this Audiobook is also well read.
It was in listening through Robert Godfrey's teaching series on Ligonier that I knew I wanted to read further in his book. This book is such a good study in the psalms, giving good cultural background, scriptural connections, and always demonstrating how the psalms point ahead to Jesus. I come away each time I work through this wanting to study more deeply in the psalms.
I recommend the book as well as the teaching series on Ligonier. And this Audiobook is also well read.
November 5, 2022
A decent introduction to the Psalms. Godfrey's goal in writing is to introduce the riches of the Psalms to younger believers and therefore doesn't touch on every Psalm. Being a Presbyterian, I think Godfrey's Covenant Theology finds Christ in some Psalms that the author more than likely didn't intend. Overall, a good book that did have some great devotional thoughts. Personally, I have found Derek Kidner's 2 volume commentaries on the Psalms easy to read and quite devotional. I'd probably recommend starting with those to read alongside the Psalms.
September 20, 2023
Eye Opening Look at the Psalms
Most know that the Psalms are divided into 5 sections (books).
The author starts by briefly categorizing each book and explaining
Its function in the Psalter. Then for each book reviewing 5-6 of the Psalms elaborating its part in relation to the books theme.
I've always loved the Psalms and this book has greatly expanded my understanding of then as more than just poetry!
Highly recommending it!! :)
Most know that the Psalms are divided into 5 sections (books).
The author starts by briefly categorizing each book and explaining
Its function in the Psalter. Then for each book reviewing 5-6 of the Psalms elaborating its part in relation to the books theme.
I've always loved the Psalms and this book has greatly expanded my understanding of then as more than just poetry!
Highly recommending it!! :)
October 26, 2023
I used this book as a devotional in the mornings. It was extremely helpful in pulling out the history, context, meaning and background of the PSALMS. And the cross-references in the New Testament. It’s a real treasure. And if you want, There are questions at the end of each chapter for deeper application. It’s by no means a full commentary. Just a enough to full savory this beautiful book of the Bible.
March 26, 2021
This was a very challenging read - not because of difficult language, or challenging content so much as its format. It bounced from place to place quickly, used a lot of repetitive wording, and borrowed so much from the Bible that I wanted to just pick up the Bible instead.
But there are also some excellent things presented; gems or nuggets of information that I'm glad to have found.
But there are also some excellent things presented; gems or nuggets of information that I'm glad to have found.
May 3, 2023
I love how unapologetically postmillenial Godfrey is without ever mentionted the eschatology by name. He is picking up what the Psalms are laying down. His theology on the Sabbath was also fantastic, I really appreciated what he had to say. Overall, the book is a great way to engage with the book of Psalms on a deeper level and gets more engaging the further you get into the book.
March 4, 2022
Entirely, thoroughly Christocentric. Of course, the covenant theol, as I take it, emphasizes well and traces well the Christ reflected in all Scripture. The key psalms extracted in this book are exposited (rightly) in light of the NT!
May 23, 2019
Recommend
I went through this book with my bible study group and it was such a blessing. I recommend it. It gave me and understanding of the Psalms that I did not have before.
I went through this book with my bible study group and it was such a blessing. I recommend it. It gave me and understanding of the Psalms that I did not have before.
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