I read and re-read the “blurb” about this book several times before getting it. The description enticed me, made me curious, and also a little unsure of delving into such a weighty book.

Would I understand it? Would I be able to pass it on to others?

Yes, whole-heartedly, to both.

I am so very glad I got to read “War Psalms.” The edition I read is the ‘expanded and revised’ 25th anniversary copy. Dr. Adams’s writing is engaging, accessible, and completely on point. The truths he illuminates were well supported, as he meticulously built each facet of his lessons. Studying the Psalms can always be a little tricky, but “War Psalms” does a great job of tying the book of Psalms to the rest of the Bible and allowing us to see new threads in the weave of the master Story throughout.

This book would be incredible to go through with a Bible study group. It is powerful, and would shake up any church group who chose to read it – a stirring call to action. I highly recommend!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley

What is a Christian to do with the imprecatory psalms? This is a question which many people have struggled with over the years. How should followers of Christ, who are taught to love their enemies, deal with these psalms which call down curses on the wicked? How are pastors to preach on these psalms?

In this very readable book James Adams discusses the purpose of the imprecatory psalms. Starting from the foundational truth that all scripture comes from God, he argues that these psalms are not only necessary but essential to the Christian life. However, reading and praying these psalms requires a deep understanding of the importance of God's kingdom. We must know whose enemies are being referred to in the imprecatory psalms, who the speaker in the psalms is, and what exactly we are praying for when we pray these psalms.

War Psalms of the Prince of Peace may have been intended primarily for pastors but it is a book which could easily be read and appreciated by individuals and Bible study groups. The chapters are a reasonable length and come with questions at the end of each chapter. The language is easy to understand. I found it a compelling and enlightening book. I would rate it a five out of five stars. I received a complimentary copy from P&R Publishing in order to write an unbiased review.

War Psalms of the Prince of Peace: Lessons from the Imprecatory Psalms is written by James E. Adams and published by P and R Publishing. The Psalms is one of the most read parts of the Bible. While long in length the Psalms usually give a straightforward prayer/song about God, reminding us of who He is and what He has done. Yet while most of the Psalms are easy to understand and pray alongside with, the Imprecatory Psalms are some of the least understood yet most abused parts of the Old Testament. War Psalms of the Prince of Peace examines these Psalms demonstrating that the Imprecatory Psalms, while hostile in language are not vindictive rather they are Psalms which may be prayed with the merciful goal of conversion.

While relatively short in length , 176 pages, War Psalms of the Prince of Peace packs a hefty amount of Psalm expository into a person's hands. This book also boasts a very insightful set of appendices which further explain and apply the correct understanding of the Imprecatory Psalms. In his the 25th edition the content has been further expanded and is updated for the ease of the reader.

If you are looking to dive into Psalms that you never understood, that you have shied away from , Psalms like Psalm 2, Psalm 58, Psalm 59, and Psalm 137, then this book is for you. Read this book while remembering that “all Scripture All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

This book was provided to me free of charge from P and R Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

War Psalms of the Prince of Peace: Lessons from the Imprecatory Psalms
© 2016 by James E. Adams
Publisher: P and R Publishing
Page Count: 176 Pages
ISBN: 9781629952734

In short, as calling upon God is one of the principal means of securing safety, and as a better and more unerring rule for guiding us in this exercise cannot be found elsewhere than in the Psalms, it follows , that in proportion to the proficiency which a man shall have attained in understanding them, will be his knowledge of the most important part of celestial doctrine. John Calvin


The text answers what we do with the cries of vengeance found in the book of Psalms and it is quite refreshing. It keeps us in prospective of who God is and helps us understand His justice for the world. We are in the age that we cry for justice and Psalms is where it is found. It is found in Psalms because it points to Jesus.

The text is how to make Psalms our prayer. The accusation of the wicked, the prayer for the destruction of evil and rejoicing in God's judgment. Not a politically correct prayer but one that will bring ultimate peace and the Kingdom of God. Is this about seeing people suffer, no the ultimate purpose is for those that are far from God to see who He is, soften their heart for their need of Him, repent and live for Him and all that we say and do. Psalms is really about spiritual warfare and praying in that warfare for the souls of people between two kingdoms.

This is a new look for me in the book of Psalms. A vision that has been lost in the church and would do well to have the eyes to see. The church has basically seen Psalms as the poverty of human hearts and not the riches of Jesus Christ.

An expository teaching of what Psalms is for the follower of Christ. The battle cry that should be on our hearts. A great resource for the church.

A Special Thank you to P&R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review