War Psalms of the Prince of Peace, Second Edition: Lessons from the Imprecatory Psalms

Although the Psalms are much beloved by readers of the Bible, some hostile language in individual psalms may be disconcerting. Are these seemingly vindictive prayers acceptable in the mouths of Christians? How is a pastor supposed to preach these texts? 

James E. Adams wants us to embrace God’s Word in its entirety, and that means examining the parts that make us uncomfortable. In short, helpful chapters, Adams answers a number of questions: Are these psalms from God? Who is the speaker in the psalms? May we pray these psalms today? It turns out that the Prince of Peace has much to teach us about war, and even the imprecatory psalms may be prayed with the merciful goal of conversion. 

Twenty-fifth anniversary edition—includes a new epilogue and additional chapter.

176 pages

“James Adams’s book on the rather startling imprecatory psalms is the best of its kind. . . . Christ-centered throughout, it is enlightening, succinct, warm, practical, and helpful for everyone grappling with the strong language of these psalms—including pastors! Once you’ve read this book, you will no longer feel confused or embarrassed by these psalms, nor will you want to avoid them. . . . Let Dr. Adams’s book assist you to preach, teach, and pray the ‘war psalms’ as never before!”

—Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary