DOCSLIB.ORG

4241—The Book of Psalms

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
4241—The Book of Psalms 1 Survey of the Old Testament – Psalms INTRODUCTION: This is the 19th book of the Old Testament and the 2nd book of Poetry. Psalms contains 150 chapters out of a total of 1,189 chapters in the Scripture making it the longest book in the Bible. Given the large amount of material, and the poetic nature, it has also become the most frequently quoted book in the Bible. Generally, the Psalms have been classified into three basic types: • lament, • thanksgiving, and • praise AUTHORS: The authorship of many is uncertain. It is probable that in some cases the name affixed to certain psalms may refer to the collector, rather than the author. The following is a conjectural list of authors taken from the various versions of the Scriptures: • David, 73; • The Sons of Korah, 11; • Asaph 12; • Heman, 1; • Ethan, 1; • Solomon, 2; • Moses 1; • Haggai, 1; • Zechariah, 1; • Hezekiah, uncertain; • Ezra, 1; and • the remainder are anonymous. DATE WRITTEN: Since the book of Psalms is a collection of songs by various authors, their dates vary greatly as well. Moses wrote the oldest psalm during his forty years in the wilderness, approximately 1440—1400 BC. Many of the psalms were written during the reigns of David and Solomon in approximately the tenth century BC. The latest psalms were completed shortly after the Jewish return from Babylon in about 537 BC. From the time of Moses (c. 1440 B.C.) to Ezra (c. 450 B.C.) PURPOSE: 150 spiritual songs and poems used by God's people in worship and devotional. It was used as the hymnbook in the second temple after the Babylonian captivity. To create faith in and awareness of God. MAIN THEMES: The predominant themes are prayer and praise, but the Psalms cover great varieties of religious experiences. They are quoted more frequently in the New Testament than any other book, except Isaiah. They are sometimes called the Psalms of David because he was the author of a large number of them. OUTLINE: The book of Psalms is a compilation of five books in one: • Book One (1-41); • Book Two (42-72); • Book Three (73-89); • Book Four (90-106); • Book Five (107-150). 2 Each book ends with a doxology. Psalm 150 serves as the closing doxology for Book Five and the entire Psalter. Each psalm is arranged under some topics which appear prominently in it. (1) MAN (a) Exaltation of, Ps 8. (b) Sinfulness of, Ps 10; 14; 36; 55; 59; etc. (2) THE WORLDLY AND WICKED (a) Contrasted with the godly, Ps 1; 4; 5. (b) Delay in punishment of, Ps 10. (c) The prosperity of, Ps 37; 73. (d) The fate of, Ps 9; 11. (e) Trust in riches, Ps 49. (3) RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES (a) Penitence, Ps 25; 38; 51; 130. (b) Pardon, Ps 32. (c) Conversion, Ps 40. (d) Consecration, Ps 116. (e) Trust, Ps 3; 16; 20; 23; 27; 31; (f) Being Teachable, Ps 25.; 34; 42; 61; 62; 91; 121. (g) Aspiration, Ps 42; 63; 143. (h) Prayer, Ps 55; 70; 77; 85; 86; (i) Praise, Ps 96; 98; 100; 103; 107; 136; 145;142; 143;148; 149; 150. (j) Worship, Ps 43; 84; 100; 122; 132. (k) Affliction, Ps 6; 13; 22; 69; 88; 102. (l) Old age, Ps 71. (m)Vanity of life, Ps 39; 49; 90. (n) Home, Ps 127. (o) Homesickness, Ps 137. (4) THE CHURCH (typified) (a) Safety of, Ps 46. (b) Glory of, Ps 48; 87. (c) Love for, Ps 84; 122. (d) Unity in, Ps 133. (5) THE WORD OF GOD Ps 19; 119. (6) MISSIONARY Ps 67; 72; 96; 98. (7) DUTY OF RULERS Ps 82; 101. (8) DIVINE ATTRIBUTES (a) Wisdom, majesty, and power, Ps 18; 19; 29; 62; 66; 89; 93; 97; 99; 118; 147. (b) Mercy, Ps 32; 85; 136. (c) Infinite knowledge, Ps 139. (d) Creative power, Ps 33; 89; 104. (9) ISRAEL'S EXPERIENCES (a) Unbelief, Ps 78. (b) Desolation and misery of, Ps 79; 80. (c) Backsliding of, Ps 81. (d) Divine providence, Ps 105; 106; 114. (10) MESSIANIC PSALMS (a) Christ, as King, Ps 2; 45; 72; 110; 132:11. (b) The sufferings of, Ps 22; 41; 55:12-14; 69:20-21. (c) The resurrection of, Ps 16. (d) The ascension of, Ps 68:18. TO WHOM WRITTEN: to God, to the author himself, to the chief Musician for worship and devotional use with God's people. KEY WORDS: Worship, praise. 3 KEY VERSES: 19, “1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” 22, “16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!” 23, “1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” 29, “1 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength. 2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” 51, “10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” 119, “1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!” PROMINENT PEOPLE: David, the chief Musician, Asaph, Sons of Korah. GREAT LESSONS • We must seek God with all our hearts • God’s word is pure and stands true forever • Man is nothing without God • Our God is a great God and worthy to be praised and worshipped • When all else fails, God will always be there for us. SOME INTERESTINGS FACTS ABOUT THE PSALMS Psalm 117 (with a mere 2 verses) is the shortest chapter in the Bible, and Psalm 119 (with 176 verses) is the longest. Depending on certain factors, it has been said that Psalm 117 or 118 is the middle chapter of the entire Bible. If the Bible has 31,174 verses — an even number — then there is no one "centre" verse: as suggested above, the centre would be a combination of the 15,587th and the 15,588th verses, which would be Psalm 118:8-9, “8 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.” Sunny Leong The Point Church of Christ Mid-Week Bible Discussion 9 September 2020 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Psalm 117 (118) in the Roman Missal and in the Liturgy of the Hours
    PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS FACULTY OF THEOLOGY Avelito John M. BURGOS Psalm 117 (118) in the Roman Missal and in the Liturgy of the Hours A Licentiate Thesis Prof. Msgr. Antonio Miralles Moderator Rome 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………… 3 PART I: TOWARDS A COMPREHENSION OF PSALM 117…………………………….. 5 1.1. Scriptures and Liturgy.............................................................................................................. 5 1.1.1. Foundation: the principle of the Incarnation ................................................................. 7 1.1.2. Development: the promise in the Old Testament .......................................................... 7 1.1.3. Reality: the fulfilment in the New Testament ............................................................... 8 1.2. Psalms and Liturgy .................................................................................................................. 9 1.2.1. Christifying the psalms ................................................................................................ 10 1.2.2. The liturgical tradition ................................................................................................. 12 1.3. Psalm 117 in the tradition of the Church ............................................................................... 14 1.3.1 New Testament references ........................................................................................... 15 1.3.2 Patristic Commentaries ...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Psalms “Bless the Lord, O My Soul, and Forget Not All His Benefits” (103:2)
    THE BOOK OF PSALMS “BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS” (103:2) BOOK I BOOK II BOOK III BOOK IV BOOK V 41 psalms 31 psalms 17 psalms 17 psalms 44 psalms 1 41 42 72 73 89 90 106 107 150 DOXOLOGY AT THESE VERSES CONCLUDES EACH BOOK 41:13 72:18-19 89:52 106:48 150:6 JEWISH TRADITION ASCRIBES TOPICAL LIKENESS TO PENTATEUCH GENESIS EXODUS LEVITICUS NUMBERS DEUTERONOMY ────AUTHORS ──── mainly mainly (or all) DAVID mainly mainly mainly DAVID and KORAH ASAPH ANONYMOUS DAVID BOOKS II AND III ADDED MISCELLANEOUS ORIGINAL GROUP BY DURING THE REIGNS OF COLLECTIONS DAVID HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH COMPILED IN TIMES OF EZRA AND NEHEMIAH POSSIBLE CHRONOLOGICAL STAGES IN THE GROWTH AND COLLECTION OF THE PSALTER 1 The Book of Psalms I. Book Title The word psalms comes from the Greek word psalmoi. It suggests the idea of a “praise song,” as does the Hebrew word tehillim. It is related to a Hebrew concept which means “the plucking of strings.” It means a song to be sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. The Psalms is a collection of worship songs sung to God by the people of Israel with musical accompaniment. The collection of these 150 psalms into one book served as the first hymnbook for God’s people, written and compiled to assist them in their worship of God. At first, because of the wide variety of these songs, this praise book was unnamed, but eventually the ancient Hebrews called it “The Book of Praises,” or simply “Praises.” This title reflects its main purpose──to assist believers in the proper worship of God.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalms Psalm
    Cultivate - PSALMS PSALM 126: We now come to the seventh of the "Songs of Ascent," a lovely group of Psalms that God's people would sing and pray together as they journeyed up to Jerusalem. Here in this Psalm they are praying for the day when the Lord would "restore the fortunes" of God's people (vs.1,4). 126 is a prayer for spiritual revival and reawakening. The first half is all happiness and joy, remembering how God answered this prayer once. But now that's just a memory... like a dream. They need to be renewed again. So they call out to God once more: transform, restore, deliver us again. Don't you think this is a prayer that God's people could stand to sing and pray today? Pray it this week. We'll pray it together on Sunday. God is here inviting such prayer; he's even putting the very words in our mouths. PSALM 127: This is now the eighth of the "Songs of Ascent," which God's people would sing on their procession up to the temple. We've seen that Zion / Jerusalem / The House of the Lord are all common themes in these Psalms. But the "house" that Psalm 127 refers to (in v.1) is that of a dwelling for a family. 127 speaks plainly and clearly to our anxiety-ridden thirst for success. How can anything be strong or successful or sufficient or secure... if it does not come from the Lord? Without the blessing of the Lord, our lives will come to nothing.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Wedding Scripture List the Following Passages Are Frequently Read As
    1 Wedding Scripture List The following passages are frequently read as part of the wedding ceremony. The list is not exhaustive and you may pick other texts. Passages may be read by your friends, family or the pastor. You are welcome to choose from any of the listings below. If you have another favorite, just let me know. I am always open to new possibilities. Janine Old Testament Lessons Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 2:18, 21-24 Psalms 23, 33, 34, 37:3-7, 67, 100, 103, 112, 117, 121, 127, 128, 136, 145, 148, 150 Song of Solomon 2:8-13; 8:6-7 Jeremiah 31:31-33 Isaiah 54:5-8 Hosea 2:18a, 19-20a Ruth 1:16-17 Epistle Lessons Romans 8:31-39; 12:1-2, 9-18 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13-14:1 Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:2, 21-33 Colossians 3:12-17 (may also include vs. 18-19). 1 Peter 3:1-9 1 John 3:18-24; 4:7-16 Revelation 19:1, 5-9 Gospel Lessons Matthew 5:1-12; 5:13-16; 7:12, 24-29; 19:3-6; 22:35-40 Mark 10:6-9, 13-16 John 2:1-11; 15:9-17 2 Old Testament Lessons Genesis 1:26-28, 31 Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
    [Show full text]
  • LESSON on PSALMS 107-129 September 18, 2019 Book Psalms
    LESSON ON PSALMS 107-129 September 18, 2019 Book Psalms for Praying An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill History Israel understood its history to be a life of co-existence with God. It was a partnership with God centered on a historical event (the Exodus). At that time, God entered into a binding covenant relationship with the Israelites. In the course of time, God initiated something new when he made David to be their king. In Scripture we see how historical events (stories) showed God’s continual active presence. Most catastrophic event (end of Israel as a nation) was seen as God coming to judge. It was also interpreted as God coming to renew the people even through their suffering. Israelites were the first to discover the meaning of history as the epiphany of God. Israel was to be a partner with God in these events and to respond to his presence and activity. Emphasis was primarily on the actions of God. Old Testament showed that Israel did not keep silent about the mighty acts of God. People recalled the acts in historical writings and addressed God in a very personal way. People raised hymns of praise, boldly asked questions, and complained in the depths of distress. In this covenant relationship, Israel could converse with God. Finest example we have of this conversation with God is the Book of Psalms. It is a condensed account of the whole drama of the history of Israel. We have already noted that it is impossible to put them in their proper historical periods.
    [Show full text]
  • The Reflection on Life's Mission
    The Reflection on Life's Mission Warren Brosi A Mirror for the Soul / Praise / Psalm 117; Romans 15:7–13; Hebrews 12:1–3; Revelation 19:1–6 The goal for followers of Christ begins and ends with praise. 03/21/21 Dominant Thought: The goal for followers of Christ begins and ends with praise. Objectives: I want my listeners to understand that the mission for followers of Christ is praising God. I want my listeners to look around this week to find reminders to praise God. I want my listeners to respond to the strength and faithfulness of God’s love. Psalm 117 begins the same way Psalm 116 closed, “Praise the Lord.” The faithful follower, Augustine, who desired to be a walking Hallelujah also said, “a Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.” Psalm 117 is in the middle of the English Bible. There are 594 chapters before and after Psalm 117. Psalm 117:1–2 ESV Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! In these two verses, we find the answers to four questions people ask in their relationship with God. 1. What if I don’t feel like praising God? Answer: Look around. Psalm 117 commands all nations and all peoples to praise God. If you don’t feel like praising God, then the short answer is, “Well, God commands it. And he commands all people to praise Him.” However, that is not overly motivating.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 a Little Psalm with a Big Message Psalm 117 Introduction: 1) in His
    1 A Little Psalm With A Big Message Psalm 117 Introduction: 1) In His classic work on missions Let The Nations Be Glad, John Piper notes, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn‟t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.” 2) These words capture what Psalm 117 is all about: missions to the nations who do not worship God in order that they may worship Him. 3) Psalm 117 is both the shortest Psalm in the Psalter and the shortest chapter in all of the Bible. Spurgeon however is exactly right, “this psalm, which is very little in its letter, is exceedingly large in its spirit, for, bursting all bounds of race or nationality, it calls upon all mankind to praise the name of the Lord.” Luther loved it, and wrote a 36 page commentary on it. That is 18 pages per verse! 4) Psalm 117 is a part of a sextet of songs, Psalms 113-118, known as the “Egyptian Hallel.” Built around the emphasis of Psalm 114, a celebration of the Exodus, these 6 songs were sung as the Hebrews gathered to celebrate the Passover, God‟s great act of salvation on their behalf. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the memorial meal, and Psalms 115-118 were sung afterwards. Jesus and His disciples would have sung these very psalms on the night they celebrated the Passover, just before His betrayal and arrest (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26). 5) Interestingly two other sections of the Psalms are known as Hallel (“Hallelujeh”) psalms.
    [Show full text]
  • PSALMS 90-150 80 Books Four and Five
    PSALMS 90-150 80 Books Four and Five BOOK FOUR (Psalms 90-106) Psalm 102: Prayer in time of distress Psalm 90: God and time In this fifth of seven Penitential Psalms, the psalmist experiences emotional and bodily pain and cries out This psalm, amongst other things, reflects on the to God. Because his worldview is that God is the relationship between God and time and the transience cause of all things, he assumes that God is the cause of human life. (See NAB for more.) of his current pain. (See NAB for more.) Psalm 91: God, my shelter Psalm 103: “Thank you, God of Mercy.” Often used for night prayer, this psalm images God This is a psalm of thanksgiving to the God who is full with big wings in whom we can find shelter in times of mercy for sinners. of danger. Much of the psalm hints at the story of the Exodus and wilderness wandering as it speaks of Psalm 104: Hymn of praise to God pathways, dangers, pestilence, tents, and serpents. As the psalmist sojourns along paths laden with dangers, This psalm is a hymn of praise to God the Creator the sole refuge is the Lord who “will cover you with whose power and wisdom are manifested in the his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge” visible universe. (Ps 91:4). (See NAB for more.) Psalm 105: Another hymn of praise to God Psalm 92: Hymn of thanksgiving to God for his Like the preceding psalm, this didactic historical fidelity hymn praises God for fulfilling his promise to Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • PSALMS His Royal Library, Must Have Been Acquainted with the Songs of His Predecessors
    STUDIES IN PSALMS his royal library, must have been acquainted with the songs of his predecessors. What if,-in providing for his Great Passover, to which he was so anxious to bring, in reunion, all Israel,- what if he discovered and brought into passover use this song of Jehoshaphat’s days, weaving it into the service, with probably some of his own compositions,-would not such an appropriation of this psalm help to fix it in the “Hallel” for ever? QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION 1. What evidence of independent origin is found in this psalm? Read I1 Chr. 20. 2. This psalm w,as used for a very special occasion-what was it? 3. Rotherham seems very confident as to the historical circum- stances for the original use of this song. Where and when? 4. Hezekiah could have made special use of this psalm. How? f PSALM 116 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE Individual Thanks for Deliverance from Peril of Death. ANALYSIS Stam I., vers. 1-4,With Profession of Love the Psalmist Describes his Peril and Prayer. Stanza IL, vers. 5-9, In Glowing Terms describes Jehovah’s Answer. Stanza III., vets. 10-14, Reviewing his Trial, he Desires to Return Public Thanks. Srarua IV., vers. 15-19, The Costliness of Death Intensifies his Desire for hblicity in Thanksgiving. (P.R.I.) Praise ye Yah. 1 I love- For Jehovah heareth my voice my supplications ; 2 For he hath inclined his ear unto me, and throughout my days will I cal1.I 3 There encompassed me the meshes of death, and the straits of hades overtook me ; distress and sorrow I found: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Through the Bible Course March 2, 1947 Psalms the Reverend Dr
    Through the Bible Course March 2, 1947 Psalms The Reverend Dr. Girard Lowe Key Word: Worship Key Verse: 103:1 Name: Hebrew means, “Praises” or “Hymns.” It is the Hebrew “Prayer and Praise Book.” Authors: Seventy-three by David; 12 by Asaph (one of David’s choir leaders) refer to Chronicles 25:1-7; 11 by children of Korah (the poetic priests of David’s time); 2 by Solomon; 1 by Moses (90th); 50 are anonymous (some believe many of these were by David) I. Some interesting facts about Psalms 1. Psalm 14 and 43 are alike. 2. Psalm 119 is longest chapter in the Bible; there are not more than three verses which fail to mention God’s Word under one name or another. 3. Psalm 117 is shortest chapter in the Bible – also the middle. 4. Psalm 118:8 is the middle verse in the Bible. II. Five Divisions Each Ending with Doxology 1. Psalms 1 through 41 – these are ascribed to David and reflect much of his life and faith. 2. Psalms 42 through 72 – ascribed to several authors; those of sons of Korah being prominent. These are especially full of historical facts. 3. Psalms 73 through 89 – most these ascribed to Asaph and were specially prescribed for worship. They are also strongly historical. 4. Psalms 90 through 106 – they reflect much of the pre-captivity sentiment and history. 5. Psalms 107 through 150 – mostly matters pertaining to captivity and the return to Jerusalem. a. Psalms 120 through 134 were probably sung by caravan pilgrims as they went up to various sections of the country to keep annual feasts at Jerusalem.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 a Little Psalm with a Big Message Psalm 117 1) in Let the Nations Be
    1 A Little Psalm With A Big Message Psalm 117 1) In Let The Nations Be Glad, John Piper notes, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.” 2) Psalm 117 is all about missions to the nations who do not worship God in order that they may worship Him. 3) Psalm 117 is both the shortest Psalm in the Psalter and the shortest chapter in all of the Bible. Luther loved it, and wrote a 36 page commentary on it. 4) It is a part of a sextet of songs, Psalms 113-118, known as the “Egyptian Hallel.” Built around the emphasis of Psalm 114, a celebration of the Exodus, these 6 songs were sung as the Hebrews gathered to celebrate the Passover. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the memorial meal, and Psalms 115-118 were sung afterwards. Jesus and His disciples would have sung these very psalms on the night they celebrated the Passover, just before His betrayal and arrest (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26). 5) Interestingly Psalms 120-136 is called the “Great Hallel” and Psalms 146-150 conclude the Psalter on a Hallelujah or praise note. 6) Psalm 117 is anonymous and the fifth of the Egyptian or Exodus hallels. Paul quotes this little jewel in Romans 15:11 as evidence that God’s redemptive love and purpose has always included the nations, just like He promised Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.
    [Show full text]
  • Fr. Lazarus Moore the Septuagint Psalms in English
    THE PSALTER Second printing Revised PRINTED IN INDIA AT THE DIOCESAN PRESS, MADRAS — 1971. (First edition, 1966) (Translated by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore) INDEX OF TITLES Psalm The Two Ways: Tree or Dust .......................................................................................... 1 The Messianic Drama: Warnings to Rulers and Nations ........................................... 2 A Psalm of David; when he fled from His Son Absalom ........................................... 3 An Evening Prayer of Trust in God............................................................................... 4 A Morning Prayer for Guidance .................................................................................... 5 A Cry in Anguish of Body and Soul.............................................................................. 6 God the Just Judge Strong and Patient.......................................................................... 7 The Greatness of God and His Love for Men............................................................... 8 Call to Make God Known to the Nations ..................................................................... 9 An Act of Trust ............................................................................................................... 10 The Safety of the Poor and Needy ............................................................................... 11 My Heart Rejoices in Thy Salvation ............................................................................ 12 Unbelief Leads to Universal
    [Show full text]