Study of the Psalms

Psalms

Introduction

Since the beginning of time God’s people have been singing His praises here on earth. Moses and the children of Israel sang a song of praise to the LORD after He had delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians through the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 15). Deborah and Barak (Judges 5), Hannah (1 Samuel 2), David (2 Samuel 22), Jesus and His disciples (Matthew 26:30), Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25) and many others have sung praises to God in all different times and situations of life. The Book of Psalms is full of such prayers and songs of God’s people covering over 1000 years, from the time of Moses to the time of the return of the exiles from the Babylonian captivity.

Title

The book of Psalms received its name from the Greek word psalmos which means the music of a stringed instrument. The Hebrew title for the book is literally, “Songs of Praise.” The Book of Psalms is the hymnal of the Old Testament, but a hymnal which was given through the inspiration of God. They were poems sung to musical accompaniment, and with the theme of worship to God.

Holy Writers

The Holy Spirit used many different people to pen the 150 Psalms recorded and preserved for us in this part of Scripture. The Psalms themselves give us a large amount of information about their authors. In fact, the holy writers are named in over two-thirds of them! The writers include: Moses (Ps. 90), King David (over 75 Psalms total), and Solomon (Psalms 72, 127). There are also over 20 Psalms that were written by Levites whom David had put in charge of the music in the temple (1 Chronicles 15:16-17 and 1 Chronicles 6:31-48). These writers include: Asaph (Psalms 50, 73-83), Heman (Ps. 88), Ethan (Ps. 89), and the sons of Korah (Psalms 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87).

Division:

The book of Psalms is divided into five sections or smaller “books.” Each of these sections ends with a doxology (41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48; 150). It is not known why the Psalms were divided up into five sections, but we will notice certain characteristics which stand out within the five different books. Even though it was divided into five sections, the entire group was obviously thought of as a whole with an introduction (Psalms 1-2) and a conclusion (Psalms 146-150).

• Book One (Psalms 1-41) - The authorship of David seems to be the main theme in this section. Only four Psalms are not named in the book as written by David (Psalms 1, 2, 10, and 33). But Psalm 2 is attributed to David in Acts 4:25. In addition, there also seems to be a preference for the name “Jehovah” (LORD) rather than for “God” (“LORD” is used over 250 times while “God” is used only 49 times).

• Book Two (Psalms 42-72) - This section also has a strong preference for Psalms written by David, but does include seven Psalms by the sons of Korah, one by Asaph, one by Solomon and four that are not named. Book two ends with the words, “The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended” (Psalm 72:20). From this verse it appears that the Psalms were added to gradually, because there are more Psalms of David in the remaining three books, but at the time that this section was compiled it was the end of David’s Psalms. In book two the emphasis is on the use of the name “God” in greater number to the name “LORD” (30 for LORD compared to 166 times for God).

• Book Three (Psalms 73-89) - Asaph is the main writer in this section, along with several from the sons of Korah, and one each from Heman, Ethan and David. In this group of Psalms we find a special concern for the welfare of the nation of Israel, Jerusalem and the temple.

• Book Four (Psalms 90-106) - This book seems to focus on the themes of praise and thanksgiving. These Psalms emphasize the attributes of the LORD (eternal, good, majestic, powerful, righteous, holy, and merciful), as well as give thanks to the LORD for all He has done for His people. The name “LORD” is used much more frequently again in this section.

• Book Five (Psalms 107-150) - The theme of praise and thanksgiving resounds strongly in these last Psalms. Psalms thanking and praising to LORD for His deliverance are found over and over again. There are several groupings within this book, like the Praise Psalms (111-118, and 145-150) and the Song of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). At least fifteen of these Psalms were written by David, but several seem to have been written after the return of the exiles from Babylon (135-137).

Content:

There are many different types of Psalms, and with a wide variety of uses and background behind the writing of individual Psalms. They can be divided up into many categories, but the following list some of the main categories:

• Teaching Psalms - 1, 14, 15, 32, 119, 139

• Messianic Psalms - 2, 16, 22, 45, 69, 72, 89, 110

• Penitential Psalms - 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143

• Praise Psalms - 9,18,21,24,33,34,95,96,98-100,103-106

• Thanksgiving Psalms - 9, 66, 107, 114, 118, 124, 126, 136

• Liturgical Psalms - 20, 64-67, 120, 135

• Imprecatory Psalms - 55, 56, 58, 69, 94, 97, 109, 137

• Historical Psalms - 78, 89, 105, 106, 137

• Psalms on the attributes of God - 19, 24, 29, 36, 46, 47, 65, 75, 76, 77, 81, 90, 93, 97, 104, 111, 118, 136, 138, 145, 147

• Personal Psalms - 23, 27, 34, 37, 43, 57, 59

Betrayal - 55

Depression - 42, 43

Good thoughts - 12

While in Distress - 3, 39, 54, 143

Longing to be with God - 42, 84

A troubled heart - 13, 61, 62

• Prayer Psalms - 4, 37, 91

Guidance / Protection - 25, 78, 140

Help - 20, 26, 27, 28, 35, 43, 64, 74, 109

Deliverance - 17, 30, 56, 57, 59, 70, 71, 80, 86, 120

Mercy - 6, 85, 102

Trust in God - 34, 146

Christ in Psalms:

Christ is pointed to in the Book of Psalms over and over in the many Messianic Psalms found here. Up to this point in the history of the people of Israel, the clearest picture of what the Savior would do for His people is found here in the Psalms. From the Psalms we learn that the Savior of the world would come to suffer for our sins (Psalms 22, 69); He would be rejected by the leaders of Israel (118:22); mocked during His suffering (22:8); betrayed by a friend (41:9); His hands and His feet would be pierced (22:16); He would be given vinegar to drink (69:21); His clothing would be divided up by lot (22:18); but not one of His bones would be broken (34:20); He would rise from the dead (16:10); and He would reign forever as priest and King (110).

Purpose

The book of Psalms is a rich source of Bible doctrine as it teaches us about sin, repentance and forgiveness (Ps. 51), the attributes of God (Ps. 139), and God’s work of creation and providence (Ps. 104). The Book of Psalms also had a significant influence on the New Testament, quoted more often than any other Old Testament Book (over 80 times). The Book of Psalms expresses the whole range of emotions which God’s children face while we are here on this earth. The Book of Psalms is a book for every occasion and for every time in our life. May the Spirit bless us through the use of these inspired words!

Note: This study was prepared for use at Zion Lutheran Church, Lawrenceville, Georgia by Pastor Nathanael Mayhew based on the work of other CLC pastors.

If you would like more information about this study,
please contact Pastor Mayhew