The Book of Psalms (The Smart Guide to the Bible Series)

I bought this for two reasons. I was looking to better understand the Psalms and answer the basic questions. Who wrote it, what were they going through, and when it was written. As well as a short concise commentary of each Psalm.I looked at several books on Psalms and they skipped several that seamed redundant. I wanted to write and teach a study for our small group. With this i didn't have to write much at all. Just study the few pages of notes for each one. I have everyone purchase a copy to use for their own notes.I'm glad to add it to my library.The only thing I would like is a PDF version so I can make it more mobile.

Like an earlier reviewer, my first thought when I saw this book was "Psalms for Dummies". And I thought that it would be too basic to add much value to the average Christian's Bible study. But I've been using it for about 3 weeks now, and I have found it to be quite helpful. It provides lots of insight, related Bible verses, and definitions. It even has some study questions at the end of each section. I would definitely recommend it.I particularly appreciate the format. The book is large enough that, when opened, it lays flat in my lap, without closing on me. The print is large. The author provides lots of white space on the page, which makes it easier to read and gives you room to jot down notes.Along with this book, I've also been using the Warren Wiersbe "Be Worshipful" book on the Psalms. The Wiersbe book provides more and deeper insights. But the formatting, style, and layout of this book are far superior.

I had started reading the Book of Psalms on my own with zero study guides. As I was reading, I thought I had an understanding of what I was reading. At around chapter 45 or so, I received this book. I felt I needed to start Psalms over. So happy I did!This book has helped me so much in, not just reading, but, actually learning! I feel like I have such a better understanding with the help of this book, and because of that, I feel so much closer to God.It simplifies the text, and makes it so easy to understand. I can also use the references in the book to further learn about what I am reading.I also have Revelation Smart Guide, and will start that one over next. Can hardly wait to get all the books available in the Smart Guide to the Bible series.

Great ExpectationsThe Smart Guide to the Bible Series' is a great source in understanding the Bible. This series breaks down the Scriptures so everybody can understand them. In the Scriptures, the Book of Psalms is rich in theological concepts that often are deep beneath the general understanding of the casual reader. The collections of this series are more practical than scholarly, yet, the best scholar may glean from the practical truths found within.The Book of Psalms: Smart Guide to the Bible helps the student see beyond the surface and goes deep within the original writer's intentions. This book offers several views of the Scripture instead of one narrow opinion like most commentaries. It is written for every level: beginners - who may not know the Bible; and the ardent student of the Word who desires a different challenge. Therefore, it serves both student and teacher alike. Those who teach God's Word will greatly benefit from it because it helps them to visually teach the deep theological truths to their students within today's culture. It is a worthy investment! It yields Great Expectations: "You shall not want . . ."

I'm studying the book of Psalms and thought this would be a great book to help me understand the verses. It's not as in-depth as I though it would. It is very brief on the chapters of Psalms and doesn't give clarity on verses. But what it does have is statements throughout the book from scholars on particular chapters of Psalms. And there are "Psalms stats" for each chapter. It's still a good book to read and there are parts that have helped me in my studies in Psalms. If you want a comprehensive book on Psalms, this isn't it, but if you want a book that has a lot of useful tidbits, this is the one to get.

Probably like you, when I first saw the cover, I thought, "Psalms for Dummies" and I was a bit embarrassed to even think about purchasing this book. However, I did and I am really glad I did. It is very well laid out, and a lot of good information on the book of Psalms. If you are looking to dig a little deeper into the book of Psalms, this will be an excellent resource. Don't let cover stop you from buying it!!

Helps me to understand more

book has helped alto in bible study

Excellent

Gives a good,clear and concise background to the book of Psalms with lots of tips on meanings and things to consider. I did not like the fact that it did not give an explanation of all entire Psalms but in some cases picked a selection of versus and excerpts from each one. Still the explanations were very good and easy to understand. An excellent reference book for the shelf .