Monday, July 14, 2008

ESV Study Bible: Introduction to the Psalms

From Crossway:
We invite you to download the latest sample from the ESV Study Bible: the Introduction to the Psalms, along with the notes for Psalm 1. This pre-release PDF provides you a glimpse of what the ESV Study Bible is designed to deliver—namely, tools and information to help you understand God’s Word more deeply.

In this pre-release PDF you’ll find the following sections related to the Psalter:
  • Title
  • Theme
  • Authorship, Occasion, and Date
  • Key Themes
  • History of Salvation Summary
  • Musical Terms
  • Curses in the Psalms
  • The Psalms as Scripture
  • Literary Features
  • Structure
Three charts are also included, helping you to see (1) how certain Psalms relate to the historical narrative of 1–2 Samuel; (2) some of the literary features of the Psalter; and (3) how each of the five “books” of the Psalms fit together.

Our hope is that resources like this will provide you with a concise and informative overview of the Psalms (the hymnbook for God’s people at worship), enabling you to understand God’s Word in a deeper way.

You can learn more about the ESV Study Bible and get a pre-order discount at www.ESVStudyBible.org.

Reminder: the 30% pre-order discount ends today, July 15, 2008.

If you are a pastor or Christian leader, email esvsb@crossway.org to request free informational brochures for your church or ministry (while supplies last; U.S. residents only).

We are grateful for your interest in the ESV Study Bible!
I'd especially encourage you to read the section on the Psalms as Scripture. I personally found it to be very insightful and edifying.

Here's a comment from James Grant:
Along with these introductions, each Psalm includes an outline in the comment section that is distinguished by the same darkened box or highlight used for the introductions. This helps in seeing the literary flow of each Psalm. In my opinion, this is not only the best Psalm section of any study Bible that I have seen, but it is also the best short introduction to the Psalms. I can use this introduction and the comments for each Psalm to teach my church how to read this improtant and often neglected section of God’s word.