We were recently sent a copy of Crossway’s ESV Devotional Psalter.  This is an edition of the Psalms that includes devotionals and comes in a handy slipcover.

ISBN 9781433557217

Crossway proved this Bible free for review. I was not required to give a positive review – only an honest one.

_________________________

Buy from (includes some affiliate links)

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Crossway

and many local Bible bookstores

_________________________

BINDING

This edition is bound in two shades of brown imitation leather.  It has a sewn binding, one ribbon marker, measures 5.5″ x 8″, and is just over an inch thick. It weighs 1 pound, 3.5 ounces without the slipcover. An olive cover is also available.

TYPOGRAPHY & PAPER

The ESV Devotional Psalter has a 10/11 point font and is laid out in single column poetic format. It has been divided into the traditional 5 books.

The book and psalm titles and the breaks between the psalm and devotional are in red ink. Everything else is in black. The ink darkness is consistent throughout.

The footer includes the Psalm number and theme. (I really like that they included the theme)

It has very thick paper, more like a normal book than a typical Bible. The paper has a noticeable yellowish cream cast to it.

DEVOTIONS

There is a brand new devotional written by Dr. Dane Ortlund following each of the 150 Psalms.

This book points out that the Psalms are the only extended passage of Scripture directed at God. As such they are one of our best patterns for prayer and worship. Many of the Psalms are also prophetic and I like that some of the devotionals illustrate out how that Psalm points towards Jesus.

The devotionals are short enough to read quickly but engaging enough to give you something to think about. Most devotionals have a doctrinal slant and this one is no exception but it is only occasionally evident.

Each Psalm begins on a new page which frequently leaves you partial empty pages.  This combined with the good sized margins leaves you lots of room to make notes or write responses to the text directly in your Psalter.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The cardboard slipcover is sized correctly so the book slips out fairly easy when you want it to and rarely when you don’t.

This edition includes a presentation page, an introduction by Dr. Ortlund, and an about the ESV page from the translation committee. There are 6 blank pages in the front and 8 blank pages in the back for notes, lists, or artwork.

ENDING THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ESV DEVOTIONAL PSALTER

The ESV Devotional Psalter is a very nice edition of the Psalms. I love the thick paper and the large amount of writing (or drawing) room. I have already gotten inspiration from a couple of the devotionals for journaling. If you’re wanting a devotional that focuses on the Psalms or a stand alone copy of the Psalms to journal in for yourself or to give as a gift this edition would be a good choice.

_________________________

Buy from (includes some affiliate links)

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Crossway

and many local Bible bookstores

_________________________

Photography by hannah C brown