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ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: Psalms
Experience the Beauty of the Psalms with Awe-Inspiring Photography of the Irish Landscape
The Psalms invite readers to explore a wide array of metaphors, themes, and emotions through the experiences of God’s people. The ESV Psalms, Photography Edition seeks to capture the beauty of this beloved book of the Bible by featuring the text of each psalm alongside captivating original photography of the Irish landscape. Each passage is displayed on its own page with a photograph tying into the theme of the text, capturing scenery of rolling meadows, flowing streams, and sweeping coastlines. Combining a spacious layout and generous margins with a typesetting free of verse numbers, the ESV Psalms, Photography Edition is a beautiful resource that’s ideal for personal reflection or for giving as a gift.
Beautiful, High-quality Photographs: Breathtaking Irish scenery accompany each psalm
Easy-to-Read Format: Spacious layout with generous margins and a white background
Foreword by Keith and Kristyn Getty
The Psalms invite readers to explore a wide array of metaphors, themes, and emotions through the experiences of God’s people. The ESV Psalms, Photography Edition seeks to capture the beauty of this beloved book of the Bible by featuring the text of each psalm alongside captivating original photography of the Irish landscape. Each passage is displayed on its own page with a photograph tying into the theme of the text, capturing scenery of rolling meadows, flowing streams, and sweeping coastlines. Combining a spacious layout and generous margins with a typesetting free of verse numbers, the ESV Psalms, Photography Edition is a beautiful resource that’s ideal for personal reflection or for giving as a gift.
Beautiful, High-quality Photographs: Breathtaking Irish scenery accompany each psalm
Easy-to-Read Format: Spacious layout with generous margins and a white background
Foreword by Keith and Kristyn Getty
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
211 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 25, 2017
Okay, so I'll be honest, I didn't actually read every single Psalm, but selected the ones that seemed most appealing. Psalms does bring back a strong childhood memory for me though. While I was going to church, the lady who taught us children separately from the adults part way through the church service, got all us children who were old enough, to learn Psalms 23 (The Lord Our Shepherd) off by heart. Once we felt ready, we each had to stand up and say it out loud to the rest of the church goers. I remember being so nervous, as I was very shy, but also proud of myself for facing my own fear and achieving it.
May 24, 2024
“The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad! Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. A fire goes before Him, And burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.”
Psalms 97:1-6
Psalms 97:1-6
May 1, 2025
The Psalms, ESV (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014). Hardcover
The Psalter is the prayerbook of Israel and the Church. Unfortunately, many American evangelicals do not make regular use of it in their personal and corporate worship. Some years ago, I began using it for morning and evening prayer, and I have found my faith in God enriched through the practice.
A few months ago, I discovered that Crossway had published The Psalms, using its English Standard Version. The ESV is a good translation, though it is not the translation I use most regularly. Nonetheless, I was impressed with the beauty and utility of The Psalms and decided to use it for personal worship.
What makes The Psalms helpful?
First, it presents the psalms in a single column, removes explanatory subheads and notes, and moves the chapter and verse numbers to the side so that they do not intrude on the reader's vision. This has the effect of emphasizing the poetic structure of the individual psalms and concentrating the reader's attention on their words. The Psalms is a beautiful presentation of the Psalter's beautiful prayers.
Second, The Psalms is well constructed, with a leather-like cover over hard board. Its pages are thick--unlike the onion paper of most Bibles--and hence durable for daily use. Finally, it fits easily into the hand, large enough to accommodate pages with a good-size font but not so large that it is unwieldy. This is a prayer book-sized Psalter, easy to hold and small enough to fit into a suit pocket or purse.
Finally, though the ESV is not my preferred translation, as noted above, I find its translation of the psalms very helpful. The word-for-word (or formally equivalent translation) retains much of the language of the King James Version (and its English successor translations) without being antiquarian.
Obviously, if you don't use the Psalter daily, there is no special need to purchase The Psalms in any translation--let alone the ESV--when you can simply read them in your Bible. On the other hand, if you do use the Psalter as a daily prayer book, The Psalms is an option that you should look into.
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote "Yes" on my Amazon.com review page.
The Psalter is the prayerbook of Israel and the Church. Unfortunately, many American evangelicals do not make regular use of it in their personal and corporate worship. Some years ago, I began using it for morning and evening prayer, and I have found my faith in God enriched through the practice.
A few months ago, I discovered that Crossway had published The Psalms, using its English Standard Version. The ESV is a good translation, though it is not the translation I use most regularly. Nonetheless, I was impressed with the beauty and utility of The Psalms and decided to use it for personal worship.
What makes The Psalms helpful?
First, it presents the psalms in a single column, removes explanatory subheads and notes, and moves the chapter and verse numbers to the side so that they do not intrude on the reader's vision. This has the effect of emphasizing the poetic structure of the individual psalms and concentrating the reader's attention on their words. The Psalms is a beautiful presentation of the Psalter's beautiful prayers.
Second, The Psalms is well constructed, with a leather-like cover over hard board. Its pages are thick--unlike the onion paper of most Bibles--and hence durable for daily use. Finally, it fits easily into the hand, large enough to accommodate pages with a good-size font but not so large that it is unwieldy. This is a prayer book-sized Psalter, easy to hold and small enough to fit into a suit pocket or purse.
Finally, though the ESV is not my preferred translation, as noted above, I find its translation of the psalms very helpful. The word-for-word (or formally equivalent translation) retains much of the language of the King James Version (and its English successor translations) without being antiquarian.
Obviously, if you don't use the Psalter daily, there is no special need to purchase The Psalms in any translation--let alone the ESV--when you can simply read them in your Bible. On the other hand, if you do use the Psalter as a daily prayer book, The Psalms is an option that you should look into.
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote "Yes" on my Amazon.com review page.
May 24, 2018
Forgiveness. Grace. Encouragement. Hope. Joy.
All of that and so much more are available to us in the book of Psalms. God is so much greater than we can imagine, but we get fantastic glimpses of His character and love within this book. It’s a favorite of mine, one I dip into time and time again. I hope you will too.
Go on. Dive in. Discover His immense and unending love for you.
All of that and so much more are available to us in the book of Psalms. God is so much greater than we can imagine, but we get fantastic glimpses of His character and love within this book. It’s a favorite of mine, one I dip into time and time again. I hope you will too.
Go on. Dive in. Discover His immense and unending love for you.
June 5, 2025
Amazing. The Bible's books of psalms encompasses one hundred and fifty of the finest Hebrew poetry from 3,400 years ago to about 2,400 years. What's so great about Hebrew poetry? Imagery.
When I look unto the heavens, which thine Own fingers framed,
Unto the moon and to the stars, which were by thee ordained,
Then say I, "What is man that Thou, should be mindful of him?
Or what the Son of Man that Thou, so kind to Him should be?"
Psalm 8, from a hymn.
The book of Psalms is full of images and phrases that are part of the fabric of our society.
Consider the world-famous 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
But beautiful imagery is not all. The Psalms are full of fulfilled prophecies, like Psalm 22 where you find six fulfilled prophecies in 18 verses:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Jesus' words while on the cross)
Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer;
in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But you are holy,
you who inhabit the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in you.
They trusted, and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you, and were delivered.
They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see me mock me. (Verses 7-8 were fulfilled by those mocking Jesus on the cross)
They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
8 “He trusts in Yahweh;
let him deliver him.
Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”
9 But you brought me out of the womb. (Jesus being conceived and born of a virgin by a miracle)
You made me trust at my mother’s breasts.
10 I was thrown on you from my mother’s womb.
You are my God since my mother bore me.
11 Don’t be far from me, for trouble is near.
For there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls have surrounded me.
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
13 They open their mouths wide against me,
lions tearing prey and roaring.
14 I am poured out like water.
All my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax;
it is melted within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. (Jesus' words on the cross 'I thirst' prophesied)
You have brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded me.
A company of evildoers have enclosed me.
They have pierced my hands and feet. (A prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion, before it was invented)
17 I can count all of my bones.
They look and stare at me.
18 They divide my garments among them. (A prophecy of Roman soldiers gambling over Jesus' clothing)
They cast lots for my clothing.
But you have to find out for yourself. Read the book of Psalms looking for imagery and prophecy, fulfilled and to be fulfilled. It'll transform your experience.
When I look unto the heavens, which thine Own fingers framed,
Unto the moon and to the stars, which were by thee ordained,
Then say I, "What is man that Thou, should be mindful of him?
Or what the Son of Man that Thou, so kind to Him should be?"
Psalm 8, from a hymn.
The book of Psalms is full of images and phrases that are part of the fabric of our society.
Consider the world-famous 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
But beautiful imagery is not all. The Psalms are full of fulfilled prophecies, like Psalm 22 where you find six fulfilled prophecies in 18 verses:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Jesus' words while on the cross)
Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer;
in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But you are holy,
you who inhabit the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in you.
They trusted, and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you, and were delivered.
They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see me mock me. (Verses 7-8 were fulfilled by those mocking Jesus on the cross)
They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
8 “He trusts in Yahweh;
let him deliver him.
Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”
9 But you brought me out of the womb. (Jesus being conceived and born of a virgin by a miracle)
You made me trust at my mother’s breasts.
10 I was thrown on you from my mother’s womb.
You are my God since my mother bore me.
11 Don’t be far from me, for trouble is near.
For there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls have surrounded me.
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
13 They open their mouths wide against me,
lions tearing prey and roaring.
14 I am poured out like water.
All my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax;
it is melted within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. (Jesus' words on the cross 'I thirst' prophesied)
You have brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded me.
A company of evildoers have enclosed me.
They have pierced my hands and feet. (A prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion, before it was invented)
17 I can count all of my bones.
They look and stare at me.
18 They divide my garments among them. (A prophecy of Roman soldiers gambling over Jesus' clothing)
They cast lots for my clothing.
But you have to find out for yourself. Read the book of Psalms looking for imagery and prophecy, fulfilled and to be fulfilled. It'll transform your experience.
May 2, 2024
I picked up this little leather bound psalter and it’s been a joy to throw it in my bag and read through the psalms every month. This has been a little nudge that I needed to stay in the Psalms every day.
March 31, 2025
A decent Scriptural (ESV) Journal that gives space on every other page to write in notes and thoughts opposite the printed text of the Pslams.
May 16, 2023
This one is almost as thick as my bible that has all 66 books. I like the thicker pages and that every right hand page just has dotted lines. The print is also a little bigger with very wide margins which is mostly nice except sometimes a short Psalm will end up three verses on one page and three on another. Overall, I have really enjoyed using this as a study bible to keep notes in!
February 25, 2021
Really helpful formatting in this pocket edition. The poetic indentations make this Treasury way clearer than otherwise. Also, I love that I can carry my Psalter around now. I look forward to read it many more times.
Finished it for the second time Feb, 2021.
Finished it for the second time Feb, 2021.
July 1, 2015
This is a really nice edition of a decent English translation of the Psalms (English Standard Version).
August 29, 2022
In January of 2020 I had a strong feeling I needed to read the Psalms with my Small Group girls. I wasn't sure why. But, just 2 months later as our world turned upside down...there was no better place in the Bible for us to be camped out. The Lord knew exactly what we would need. As one of my girls said, "The Psalms have been good to us." We paused and have done other studies...but this summer I really wanted to come back and finish. And I am so glad I did.
What a powerful book of scripture. If you are in a place that you wonder...where are you Lord? Have you forgotten me? Or just overwhelmed and discouraged...Meet the Lord again in the Psalms and be reminded: He is Faithful.
As always, I recommend a Bible study help like the First 5 app that provides a short teaching for each chapter. It's like cliff notes to help you take it slowly and understand what you are reading.
What a powerful book of scripture. If you are in a place that you wonder...where are you Lord? Have you forgotten me? Or just overwhelmed and discouraged...Meet the Lord again in the Psalms and be reminded: He is Faithful.
As always, I recommend a Bible study help like the First 5 app that provides a short teaching for each chapter. It's like cliff notes to help you take it slowly and understand what you are reading.
Read
March 6, 2019I'm not sure why I took so long to finish reading the Psalms, but maybe it's because the beauty of poetry requires time and focus to be appreciated. Ancient Hebrew poetry is lovely, even when translated into English. Rhyming thoughts and unique expressions create poetic emotion in English. I do wish I could read the Acrostic Psalms (e.g. Psalm 119) in the original Hebrew. I can't fully appreciate the special effort put into them or notice the beautiful symmetry.
The five books of Psalms correspond in theme to the five books of the Pentateuch. Someday I want to read them back-to-back!
The five books of Psalms correspond in theme to the five books of the Pentateuch. Someday I want to read them back-to-back!
July 10, 2008
I absolutely love the size of this book. I carry in my bag all the time. There is plenty of space in the margins to write lots of notes. This book comes in so handy to read on the bus and train. It's perfect for praying while on a commute.
I plan on buying more of these books to give to friends and family.
In fact I find myself writing so many notes in this book, that I'm gonna scan some of the pages with lots of notes and put them online. I just really love this book.
I plan on buying more of these books to give to friends and family.
In fact I find myself writing so many notes in this book, that I'm gonna scan some of the pages with lots of notes and put them online. I just really love this book.
February 18, 2022
*update: now my fifth time through
This is my second time through the psalms in this beautiful little book. The layout, font, etc is simple and beautiful. The size is wonderful for keeping handy, though a bit too large for most pockets.
If you want to make reading the psalms a distinct part of your devotional life, a little volume like this can be a great help.
This is my second time through the psalms in this beautiful little book. The layout, font, etc is simple and beautiful. The size is wonderful for keeping handy, though a bit too large for most pockets.
If you want to make reading the psalms a distinct part of your devotional life, a little volume like this can be a great help.
December 24, 2021
Pretty solid all-around read.
Took the last 2 years to pray through the Psalms. 10/10 would recommend! I especially benefitted from praying all the way through each genre, instead of numerically. So, for example, praying through all the praise Psalms, then all the lament Psalms, then all the trust Psalms, and so on.
Took the last 2 years to pray through the Psalms. 10/10 would recommend! I especially benefitted from praying all the way through each genre, instead of numerically. So, for example, praying through all the praise Psalms, then all the lament Psalms, then all the trust Psalms, and so on.
September 8, 2020
This was a great year for me to read through the book of Psalms.
Then again, every year would be a great year to read this profound book.
But this year, it spoke to me like never before.
Then again, every year would be a great year to read this profound book.
But this year, it spoke to me like never before.
August 20, 2022
Uh, it's the Psalms. I feel like that's enough. No further explanation is necessary.
So what are you waiting for? Read it! I just love the Psalms, and I want everyone to read it. 😊
So what are you waiting for? Read it! I just love the Psalms, and I want everyone to read it. 😊
July 27, 2024
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”
“His steadfast love endures forever”
“How long, O Lord?”
Love the format of this book for reading and taking notes!
“His steadfast love endures forever”
“How long, O Lord?”
Love the format of this book for reading and taking notes!
April 18, 2022
How can you see God in the Psalms? The ESV Psalms, Photography Edition, is a beautiful reader-version of the Psalms paired with rich pictures of the Irish landscape.
Stir Your Soul
The stunning scenery will cause you to slow down as you go through the book, giving your attention to the work of the photographer and the psalmist together. I found that the photos help to evoke emotion and make the moods of the Psalms seem a bit stronger. Even the more subtle pictures help to stir the soul.
Green and blue color seems to be a consistent theme. Lighter shades reveal a more serene atmosphere, while darker tones are displayed for Psalms of difficulty and danger. The layout of the chapters adds to the experience, giving the text space and letting the words breathe. You’ll see the Psalms come to life.
Restore Your Soul
Bound in a handsome hardback book, this would make for a perfect gift or as a quality investment in your personal devotions. It comes in a sturdy slipcase and includes a ribbon marker. The entire book is a work of art that truly treasures God’s Word.
The beauty of the Irish landscape seen in the photos is that it seems to be free from the hustle and bustle of my modern American life. You can hear the water. You can feel the breeze. Creation sings to the Creator. God is a refuge and strength. He restores our souls.
I received a media copy of ESV Psalms, Photography Edition and this is my honest review.
Stir Your Soul
The stunning scenery will cause you to slow down as you go through the book, giving your attention to the work of the photographer and the psalmist together. I found that the photos help to evoke emotion and make the moods of the Psalms seem a bit stronger. Even the more subtle pictures help to stir the soul.
Green and blue color seems to be a consistent theme. Lighter shades reveal a more serene atmosphere, while darker tones are displayed for Psalms of difficulty and danger. The layout of the chapters adds to the experience, giving the text space and letting the words breathe. You’ll see the Psalms come to life.
Restore Your Soul
Bound in a handsome hardback book, this would make for a perfect gift or as a quality investment in your personal devotions. It comes in a sturdy slipcase and includes a ribbon marker. The entire book is a work of art that truly treasures God’s Word.
The beauty of the Irish landscape seen in the photos is that it seems to be free from the hustle and bustle of my modern American life. You can hear the water. You can feel the breeze. Creation sings to the Creator. God is a refuge and strength. He restores our souls.
I received a media copy of ESV Psalms, Photography Edition and this is my honest review.
December 29, 2023
The Psalms never get old. So much truth and beauty in this book.
September 30, 2023
Handy size. Fits easily into a briefcase or backpack for pulling out and reading when you have a few minutes. Nicely bound and printed.
November 11, 2023
Psalms is soooo beautiful! One of my favorite books of the Bible! It's so full of promises, comfort, thanksgiving, and praise, yet it also acknowledges pain, sorrow, and hardship, while always coming back to the GOODNESS OF GOD!
MY FAVORITE PSALMS
17, 18, 23, 27, 36, 43, 46, 51, 55, 77, 85, 88, 91, 100, 107, 118, 130, 136, 139, 143, 147.
If that list is too long, go read 118, 88, and 130!
-Holy, Holy, Holy. No sin can abide in Your presence, yet because of Jesus and His love we become holy, holy, holy and may enter His presence!
-I am heard and accepted!
-Never forget what God has done for you! Remember His wondrous deeds! And tell of them!
-How beautiful to behold the face of God! All the pain will be worth it!
-Our feelings don't dictate who God is.
-Lord, let my life be acceptable to you!
-Because Christ suffered affliction alone for me, now I know that I will not be forsake in my affliction!
-Lord, lead me in your ways, teach me what is beautiful
-Father, be my Shepherd and carry me!
-The Lord is near
-Am I willing to give up my desires because His are better even though I may not be able to see that?
-Think of a moment when your throat is dry and aching for water. God satisfies us like water satisfies our throats. He fills the void in our hearts.
-It is not our sacrifice that makes us right with God, but His sacrifice and our repentance
-Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!
-Is your steadfast love declared in the grave? Are your wonders known in the darkness? Questions of a lifetime
- God is my ROCK: my permeant protection and enduring faithfulness
-You are mightier than storms
-We declare His love in the morning when we see the sunrise and everything is glorious. And we declare it when it's all chaos and darkness and death in the middle of the darkest midnight.
-You are the same, you have no end
-FOR HE IS GOOD
-His Word is so powerful! (A few: It saves me from sin, guards my heart, strengthens me, gives life and comfort, steadies my steps, lights my path. It is my delight, my peace, it is better than gold.)
-From pain will come purpose, from despair hope, from ashes beauty. From weeping laughter, from sorrow joy, from death life.
-He fulfills my desires with himself
-Let everything that has breath PRAISE THE LORD
MY FAVORITE PSALMS
17, 18, 23, 27, 36, 43, 46, 51, 55, 77, 85, 88, 91, 100, 107, 118, 130, 136, 139, 143, 147.
If that list is too long, go read 118, 88, and 130!
-Holy, Holy, Holy. No sin can abide in Your presence, yet because of Jesus and His love we become holy, holy, holy and may enter His presence!
-I am heard and accepted!
-Never forget what God has done for you! Remember His wondrous deeds! And tell of them!
-How beautiful to behold the face of God! All the pain will be worth it!
-Our feelings don't dictate who God is.
-Lord, let my life be acceptable to you!
-Because Christ suffered affliction alone for me, now I know that I will not be forsake in my affliction!
-Lord, lead me in your ways, teach me what is beautiful
-Father, be my Shepherd and carry me!
-The Lord is near
-Am I willing to give up my desires because His are better even though I may not be able to see that?
-Think of a moment when your throat is dry and aching for water. God satisfies us like water satisfies our throats. He fills the void in our hearts.
-It is not our sacrifice that makes us right with God, but His sacrifice and our repentance
-Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!
-Is your steadfast love declared in the grave? Are your wonders known in the darkness? Questions of a lifetime
- God is my ROCK: my permeant protection and enduring faithfulness
-You are mightier than storms
-We declare His love in the morning when we see the sunrise and everything is glorious. And we declare it when it's all chaos and darkness and death in the middle of the darkest midnight.
-You are the same, you have no end
-FOR HE IS GOOD
-His Word is so powerful! (A few: It saves me from sin, guards my heart, strengthens me, gives life and comfort, steadies my steps, lights my path. It is my delight, my peace, it is better than gold.)
-From pain will come purpose, from despair hope, from ashes beauty. From weeping laughter, from sorrow joy, from death life.
-He fulfills my desires with himself
-Let everything that has breath PRAISE THE LORD
December 30, 2024
The divine Word of God... with cool pictures! 5+ stars!
August 3, 2022
My favorite
Psalm 139:
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you…Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you…Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
August 2, 2022
This is part of a series where I am reading the Bible in chronological order. I am not doing this for reasons of faith, as I am agnostic, but because of my interest in mythology, ancient literature, and history. I chose the NRSV because I used to be Catholic and still have sympathies there. More importantly, this version seeks a balance between an accurate translation and the literary qualities of the King James Bible. So it seems you get the best of two worlds.
Sometimes called the greatest poetry collection. I would not go that far. Yet is impressive in its range of emotions and themes. My favorites are 2, 8, 13, 14, 22, 23, 31, 32, 38, 42, 44, 46, 49, 50, 52, 55, 57, 63, 64, 72, 73, 74, 79, 82, 83, 88, 91, 98, 102, 114, 126, 131, 137, 139, 144.
Sometimes called the greatest poetry collection. I would not go that far. Yet is impressive in its range of emotions and themes. My favorites are 2, 8, 13, 14, 22, 23, 31, 32, 38, 42, 44, 46, 49, 50, 52, 55, 57, 63, 64, 72, 73, 74, 79, 82, 83, 88, 91, 98, 102, 114, 126, 131, 137, 139, 144.
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January 30, 2021Engaging with some of the Psalms is natural and easy; while, on the other hand, the emotions and feelings expressed in many of them (for violence and vengeance) feel foreign to me. Reading it makes me remember I have lived quite a limited and sheltered life compared to the human experience as a whole. I have not lived in constant fear, nor have I been persecuted or harmed by enemies in ways that many people on the globe experience.
March 17, 2016
This is an absolutely beautiful edition. The leather is soft and wonderful to touch, the paper quality is thick, and the layout is aesthetically pleasing. I volume I'll read over and over again.
Read from July 23–October 23, 2014. Read again February 23–May 29, 2015. Read again in March of 2016.
Read from July 23–October 23, 2014. Read again February 23–May 29, 2015. Read again in March of 2016.
April 29, 2023
We have had this playing in the background the last few mornings. The Psalms are so intricately woven into so many other books and I love how the girls pick up on different aspects of the Psalms as we listen through.
I have slowly been listening to the Psalms read by Kristyn Getty and it has been very refreshing. It has been uplifting and humbling, refining and encouraging.
I have slowly been listening to the Psalms read by Kristyn Getty and it has been very refreshing. It has been uplifting and humbling, refining and encouraging.
January 11, 2017
Our pastor challenged us this morning to read the Book of Psalms during the month of November 2015. That's six (6) chapters a day...
February 2016...began reading Psalms again, this time at my own pace.
January 2017, finally done.
February 2016...began reading Psalms again, this time at my own pace.
January 2017, finally done.
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May 20, 2017My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
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