PSALMS-LESSON 1 The Introductive Study—1/10/21 Psalms is primarily a “book of praises” as entitled in Hebrew texts and designated by Rabbis. Psalms also can mean “songs”. It is the Jewish songbook; the Greek verb literally means the plucking or twanging of strings. It was written to teach the history of Israel and to show the acts of God in creation and history. It was written to be memorized and to be an intricate part of Jewish worship. We, today as believers, cherish it and are also admonished to sing songs and hymns of praise to God with one another. (Eph 5:19-20) Who wrote the book? The book was written by at least seven people. We know who wrote about 100 of the 150 Psalms. David-wrote at least 73 of the Psalms Asaph-wrote 12 of the Psalms (50, 73-83) Herman-wrote Ps 88 (The most depressed on all the Lament Psalms) Ethan-wrote Ps 89 Solomon-wrote 2 of the Psalms (72, 127). In total, Solomon wrote 1005 “songs” (1 Kings 4:32) Moses-wrote Ps 90 Sons of Korah-musical performers who wrote 10 Psalms (42, 44-49, 84-85, 87) The Psalms were written over a span of 900 years. From the time of Moses, until after the exile in the 5th century B.C. Types of Psalms 1. Praise-God is praised for who He is, and for His power and mercy (ie: Ps 8,24,29,33,47,48) 2. Laments-Psalmist opens with a sad, fearful, anxious, even angry heart towards God. (ie: 25,39,51,79,86,102,120). The pattern is usually this: cry to God ,the Lament itself, confession of trust, petition, praise! 3. Thanksgiving. It is typically after the Lord answers a prayer of Lament (ie: 18,21,30,32,34,40,66,107,118,138) *these first three form a kind of triad. Praise when right with God. Lament when out of harmony with God. Thanksgiving when relationship is restored!* 4. Trust/Confidence-Trust is the dominant theme; usually employs a striking metaphor. (ie: 23,121,131) 5. Kingship-Focus is on God’s or David’s. (God’s in Ps 2,24, 45, 93; David’s in Ps 21) a Some often mix from earthly to Heavenly. 6. Wisdom- These focus on practical steps to Godly living. They contrast between Godly choices and unwise ones. (ie; Ps 1, 37, 49, 139) 7. Messianic-The Psalms that primarily focus on Jesus Christ! (ie: Ps 22,23,45,69,72,110) 8. Historical-There are at least 14 Psalms that are specifically related to other passages in the past history of Israel. Ps 3—II Sam 15-18 Ps 56----I Sam 21:10-15 Ps 7---I Sam 23:15-23 Ps 57----I Sam 24 Ps 30—I Chron 21:1-22:1 Ps 59--- I Sam 19:11 Ps 34—I Sam 21:10-22:2 Ps 60---II Sam 8:8 Ps 18---II Sam 22 Ps 63---II Sam 15:23 Ps 52---I Sam 22:9 Ps 51---II Sam 11&12 Ps 54---I Sam 23:15-23 Ps 142—I Sam 22:1&2 9. Imprecatory-These Psalms pronounce a curse on their enemies. (ie: Ps 109; 69:22-28; 137:8-9) 10. Israel’s history-These Psalms summarize God’s faithfulness compared to their sin! (Ps 105-107) Division of the Psalms. Psalms is divided into five books. Some commentators believe the five books were organized to resemble the first five books of scripture, the Pentateuch. Book 1 (Ps1-41) These celebrate the golden years of the united monarchy of David and Solomon that covered 80 years. David wrote all of these except Ps 1, 2, & 33. Book 2 (Ps 42-72) These are similar to Book 1 and cover same time period. Ps 72 anticipates a universal Messianic reign. Book 3 (Ps 73-89) This book is darker and full of the Lament Psalms. Ps 73 opens with complaints that the righteous suffer. Psalm 89 complains that the Davidic covenant seems to have failed. Psalm 88 is the darkest of the laments and does not contain any praise. Book4 (Ps 90-106) This book turns back to God who has been Israel’s help in times past. Moses is mentioned seven times, his Psalm starts the book. It contains many worshipful Psalms that remember His mercies, covenant, and faithfulness. Book5 (Ps 107-150) This book thanks God for returning blessing to Israel after the exile into Babylon. The Song of Ascents (Ps 120-134) records the songs the Jews sang as they returned to Jerusalem to celebrate the three feast days as prescribed by the law. Miscellaneous Facts 1. The theme of the Psalms fits every situation throughout our lives. In the Psalms we find honest emotion of men in response to the circumstances in life! We find faith that is tested, God revealed thru the trouble, and change wrought in men because of God’s work in their lives and hearts. The Psalms will comfort us, rebuke us, and show us our hearts for what they really are. The Gospel of who God is, who man is, what faith is, the necessity of Christ, and the hope He provided is summed up in this epic book. It is no wonder that Martin Luther said “it was the whole bible in one little book” 2. It is the most frequently quoted OT book in the NT. 3. Ps 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible at 176 verses. Ps 117 is the shortest chapter at only 2 verses. It is the middle of the entire scripture out of 1189 chapters. .