PSALMS MEMORY CHALLENGE

Transcription

1 PSALMS MEMORY CHALLENGE THEME: Prayer & Praise OUTLINE: I. BOOK I: ADORING WORSHIP (PSALMS 1-41) II. BOOK II: WONDERING WORSHIP (PSALMS 42-72) III. BOOK III: CEASELESS WORSHIP (PSALMS 73-89) IV. BOOK IV: SUBMISSIVE WORSHIP (PSALMS ) V. BOOK V: PERFECTED WORSHIP (PSALMS ) KEY CHAPTERS: The Blessed Man (Psalm 1) The Lord as Shepherd (Psalm 23) Remind Yourself of God (Psalms 42-43) A Mighty Fortress is Our God (Psalm 46) The Lord Reigns (Psalms 93, 97, 99) God s Word (Psalm 119) Songs of Ascent (Psalms ) The Great Hallel (Psalm 136) Praise the Lord (Psalms ) KEY PASSAGES: Psalm 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 34:1, 3 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. Psalm 46:10 Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 95: 1, 6 O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Psalm 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 139:16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. KEY PEOPLE: David 2 nd king of Israel; composer or subject of over half of the psalms Asaph the chief musician in David s court; composer of Psalms 50, Sons of Korah also referred to as Korahites in Scripture; great, great grandsons of Levi and cousins to Moses; composers of Psalms 42-49, 84-85, (Heman and Ethan) 26

2 I. INTRODUCTION: I. OVERVIEW: The political and geographical occasions for the book of Psalms are secondary as compared to the spiritual, which is intensely focused upon worship, praise, and obedience unto the Lord. Consequently, much of the psalms are laden with historical details since this background data helps the reader to understand the plight of the person/community as they approach God. Regardless, the Book of Psalms holds a prominent position in the canon of Scripture. As one noted OT scholar asserts, Without the Psalter, our knowledge of the religious history of the nation of Israel as disclosed to us through the Historical Writings, would not only be imperfect, but misleading. II. TITLE: The word psalms or Psalter comes from a Greek word which means the plucking of strings and means a song to be sung to the accompaniment of a plucked or stringed instrument such as a harp or lyre. Thus, as its title indicates, the Psalms is a collection of worship songs sung to God by the people of Israel with musical accompaniment. The collecting 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, due to the wide variety of these songs, this praise book was unnamed, but eventually, the ancient Hebrews called it Tehillim, meaning praise songs, or Sopher- Tehillim, The Book of Praises, reflecting its main purpose, which was assisting believers in the proper worship of God. Eventually, the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament during the second-century B.C., entitled it the book of Psalms, which is what Jesus called it (Luke 20:42), as well as the apostles (Acts 1:20). The Vulgate likewise transliterated the Greek title after the LXX, which had translated one of the major inscriptional words of the psalms mizmor or singing of Psalms, praises. III. AUTHOR: The psalms themselves identify various authors: Moses (1), David (73), Solomon (2), the sons of Korah (10), Heman (1), Ethan (1), Asaph (12), as well as anonymous author(s) for roughly the remaining third. Nevertheless, the book of Psalms is commonly spoken of as David s because he wrote the larger number of individual psalms. This is to say, some seventy-three to seventy-five Psalms are composed about or by David. He is the author, object or reference of half and was the sole individual responsible for arranging the Temple service of song (1 Chron. 25). To be sure, most other biblical books were written by one man, while only a few of them claim multiple authors, Proverbs being one such example (Solomon & Hezekiah). Psalms is one of the rare books in the Bible that was written by several men and, thus, is a joint-effort of many authors who wrote from many diverse experiences of life. David, the second king of Israel and sweet singer of Israel (2 Sam. 23:1), is the chief author of the Psalms, credited with writing 75 of the 150 psalms, 27

3 exactly half of the Psalms (3-9; 11-32; 34-41; 51-65; 68-70; 86; 101; 103; ; 122; 124; 131; 133; ; also Ps. 2 is identified by Acts 4:25 as being written by David, as is Ps. 95 by Heb. 4:7). Asaph, a priest who served as the worship leader of ancient Israel, wrote 12 psalms (Ps. 50, 73-83). The sons of Korah, a guild of singers and composers of music, are credited with writing psalms (Pss , 84-85, 87). Solomon, David s son, the third king of Israel, accounted for two psalms (Pss. 72, 127). Moses, prophet of Israel and mighty leader of the exodus, wrote one psalm (Ps. 90). Heman, a wise man, musician, an Ezrahite, a son of Korah, and founder of the Korahite choir (1 Chr. 5:12; 35:15), wrote one psalm (Ps. 88). Ethan, a wise man and Ezrahite, probably a Levitical singer (1 Chr. 6:42; 15:17, 19), wrote one psalm (Ps. 89). Ezra, scribe and priest of Israel, is thought to be the author of some of the anonymous psalms. IV. DATE: Because many different authors wrote the Psalms, the writing of these sacred songs occurred at different times, spanning a period of some 900 to 1000 years. The first psalm, Psalm 90, was composed by Moses during Israel s forty years of wilderness wanderings ( B.C.), probably toward the end of this time of severe testing, perhaps around 1410 B.C. The last psalm composed, Psalm 126, is thought to be recorded after the time of Israel s Babylonian exile, during their return to the land of Judah, around 500 B.C., or even earlier, about 430 B.C., if Psalm 126 was written by Ezra. Still, very little is known about the facts (who, when, why, and so forth) of the collection process of the book of Psalms. Since David composed nearly half of the psalms, it seems reasonable to suggest that the vast majority of the Psalms were written during the time of David s reign ( B.C.) and prior to the time of the divided monarchy (931 B.C.). For those obviously later, the literary collecting of Hezekiah s men (8 th Century B.C.) and Ezra s scribal school (5 th Century B.C.) are possible periods of arrangement of later collections/books. For this reason, dating of the Psalter is open-ended, as early as Moses (1410 B.C.) and as late as Ezra (430 B.C.). V. THEME: The psalms are primarily a record of man s response to God. They show us how we can erupt in praise or in lament, in joy or in agony. Hence, this book expresses the worship and praise, fear and failure, and total dependence of the children of God upon their Sovereign king. Moreover, they provide us with a message of hope and comfort through the common theme of worship. They are, in essence, an antidote to fear and complaining, through a personal response, to the person and work of God (YHWH). In the psalms we have a mirror of the heart of God s people recording the simple, universal human experiences in light of God s person, promises, plan, and presence. 28

4 Contained in this inspired hymnbook is the psalmists' passionate devotion to God as these worship leaders lead God's people in exalting the name of Him Who alone is worthy to be praised. In fact, it could be argued that God Himself is the key Person of the Psalms. In observing how God is identified by the various Psalmists, four prominent names of God are used: El, Adonai, Yahweh, and Shaddai. Hebrew English Meaning Book I (1-41) Book II (42-72) Book III (73-89) Book IV (90-106) Book V ( ) El God Almighty One Adonai Lord Sovereign Lord Yahweh Lord Covenant Maker Shaddai Almighty Provider- Blesser More than any other portion of Scripture, the book of Psalms has directly influenced the public worship and private devotions of God s people down through the centuries, leading them to seek Him more diligently, love Him more deeply, and trust Him more fully. To be sure, the Psalms have been a bedrock of comfort and a tower of strength for believers in every generation and in every experience of life. From the soulstirring heights of praise to the heart-rending depths of despair, the full range of human emotion is captured in these magnificent anthems. Written some 3000 years ago in the days of ancient Israel, the Psalms remain just as vibrant and fresh today as when they were first penned, abundantly able to lead the hearts of all believers. VI. LESSON: It is no wonder that the Psalms are such a popular read as every individual finds the Book of Psalms highly accessible in every stage of life. Without question, everyone can identify with the Psalter and its many authors as ones who are totally dependent upon God s grace and mercy, which He gives to undeserving, unmerited sinners. Remarkably, only eternity will truly reveal how many souls in times of utter desperation have fled to a psalm for help and strength. No matter where one is in the Christian life, whether up or down, soaring or struggling, there is a psalm that speaks directly to the spiritual state of the believer's heart. The psalms were written to guide believers in the proper worship of God and, used rightly, are to be sung devotionally (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), prayed fervently (Acts 4:25-26), preached evangelistically, (Acts 2:25-28, 31, 34-35; 7:49-50; 13:33, 35), and taught expositionally (Luke 24:44; Rom. 3:10-14, 18; 1 Cor. 15:27; Eph. 4:8; Heb. 1:5). Bottomline, the primary purpose of the book of Psalms is found in its intensely God-centered focus to direct our hearts toward him in every experience of life. Among these purposes are: To Ignite Our Worshiping Hearts: The psalms were written to lead the hearts of believers to magnify the name of the Lord in fervent praise and worship, lifting high his glorious name. 29

5 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s (Ps. 103:1-5). To Comfort Our Fearful Hearts: The psalms were also written to console troubled hearts when they grow fearful and tremble due to the imminent dangers and fiery trials of life. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Ps. 23:4). Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Ps. 42:11). To Cleanse Our Sinning Hearts: The psalms, furthermore, were written to sift through, search out, convict, and cleanse the impure heart of sin, leading to one s personal confession and repentance. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps. 51:7-10). Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139:23-24). To Fortify Our Persecuted Hearts: The psalms, moreover, are intended to fortify the believer s faith in God when one is opposed by this Christ-rejecting world and had suffered unjustly for the sake of righteousness. O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, God will not deliver him. But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. (Ps. 3:1-3). 30

6 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies (Ps.18:2-3). To Instruct Our Teachable Hearts: The psalms, likewise, serve to direct the steps of the righteous down the path of life that leads to the fullness of God s blessing. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night (Ps. 1:1-2). VII. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Book of Psalms stands out as a truly one-of-a-kind book in the canon of Scripture. In one respect, the Psalms were written in Hebrew poetry that contains a wide array of highly figurative language and metered cadence. As poetry, the Psalms are not intended to teach facts as a narrative text would, but expresses God s meaning by evoking feeling. To put it simply, the Psalms are the language of the heart. The Psalms incorporate parallelism, chaism, rhetoric, irony, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, apostrophe, personification, allegory, as well as various units of thought such as stanza and refrain. Without question, there is no other book like it in all of Scripture. Consider some additional aspects that serve to further distinguish this remarkable book: Psalms is the largest book in the Bible, containing 150 individual psalms. If each psalm is considered to be a chapter, then Psalms contains the most chapters of any book in the Bible (150). The book of Isaiah is a distant second with 66 chapters. Psalm 119 is the largest chapter in the Bible, a unit of 176 verses. In this, Psalm 119 contains more verses than 30 other books in the Bible: Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible, containing a mere two verses. Interestingly, Psalm 117 is also the middle chapter of the Bible, the very central point of the 1,189 chapters found from Genesis through Revelation. Psalms is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament. Of the 360 Old Testament quotations or allusions cited in the New Testament, 112 are from the Psalms. In all, a total of 97 of the 150 psalms, almost two-thirds of them, are quoted in 23 of the 27 New Testament books. No other book of the Bible is so interwoven into the fabric of the whole of Scripture as the book of Psalms. 31

7 II. THE LIFE OF DAVID: I. THE TESTINGS OF THE KING: PREPARATION FOR THE THRONE I Sam ; I Chron. 12:1-22 a. DAVID THE SHEPHERD: i. God Calls David ii. Samuel Anoints David iii. David Temporarily Serves in Saul s Court b. DAVID THE GIANT KILLER: i. David Answers God ii. David Defeats His Enemies iii. David Permanently Serves in Saul s Court a. Corresponding Psalms: 8, 19, c. DAVID THE COURTIER: i. Saul s Jealousy of David ii. Jonathan and Michal s Love for David a. Corresponding Psalms: d. DAVID THE FUGITIVE: i. Failures 1. Lied to Abimilech 2. Feigned Madness Before Achish 3. Polygamy 4. Lied to Achish ii. Successes 1. Spares Saul s Life Twice 2. Cares for His Father and Mother 3. Consideration of 200 Sick Among Followers a. Corresponding Psalms: 7, 34, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 142 II. THE TRIUMPHS OF THE KING: CONQUERING FROM THE THRONE II Sam. 1-10; I Chron. 11:1-9; 12:23-40; a. DAVID, KING OF JUDAH: i. Death of Saul ii. Two Kings Crowned iii. War Between Israel & Judah a. Corresponding Psalm: 27 b. DAVID, KING OF ISRAEL & JUDAH: i. The City ii. The Ark 32

8 iii. The Covenant iv. The Victories a. Corresponding Psalms: 18, 60, 110, 68, 2, 9, 10, 20, 21, 44 III. THE TROUBLES OF THE KING: FLEEING FROM THE THRONE II Sam ; I Chron. 20:1-3 a. DAVID S SIN: b. DAVID S SORROW: c. DAVID S SUFFERING: i. Child Dies ii. Ammon Guilty of Incest iii. Absalom Murders Ammon iv. Absalom Flees Home v. Absalom Returns & Rebells vi. David Flees vii. Joab Murders Absalom a. Corresponding Psalms: 3, 4, 5, 25, 28, 32, 38, 39, 41, 42, 51, 55, 61, 73, 109, 143 IV. THE TESTIMONIES OF THE KING: ESTABLISHING ON THE THRONE II Sam. 19; I Kgs. 2, I Chron. 20:4-29:30 a. FINAL DISCIPLINE: b. FINAL SONGS: (II Sam. 23) c. FINAL CHARGES: a. Corresponding Psalms: 27, 30, 31, 35, 38, 69, 109 THE PSALMS OF DAVID 1 st Period (Early life): Pss. 7; (8); 11; 12; 13; (16); 17; 22; (23); 34; 35; 52; 54; 56; 57; 59 2 nd Period (From ascension to throne to great sin): Pss. 8; 9; 10; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 23; 24; 26; 29; 36; 58; 60; 68; 101; 108; rd Period (From Fall of David to his flight): Pss. 5; 6; 32; 29; 40; 41; 51; 55; 60; 64 4 th Period (Before flight or before restoration): Pss. 3; 4; 27; 28; 31; 61; 63; 69; 70; th Period (Last period of David s Life): Pss

9 III. OUTLINE OF PSALMS: The entire collection of 150 psalms, often called the Psalter, was assembled in progressive stages which covered an extended period of time. In other words, the book of Psalms was originally collected by ancient compilers as a series of smaller books, five in all, in which the next book augmented the previous material. Psalm 72:20 makes this clear when it states, The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. This verse, no doubt, marked the end of an earlier, smaller edition of the Psalms which once concluded at this point, but later would be supplemented with Books III-V (Psalms ). These five books are easily recognizable as each of the five sections of Psalms ends with a climactic doxology (Psalm 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48; 150:6). In this, pastor G. Campbell Morgan states that the doxologies aid in revealing the content of each of the five divisions. He says, an examination of the doxologies will reveal a certain conception of God, and an attitude of the soul in worship resulting from such conception. Consider also that more than three-fourths of the psalms, 116 to be exact, have a superscription added to the beginning of the psalm which provides an editorial notation that identifies its author, historical context, and how it should be sung. All but 34 of the psalms have such titles and were added after the time of its writing, many scholars estimating prior to 200 B.C., and were included to assist the worship leader and congregation in their understanding and singing of these praise songs. Although these superscriptions were not a part of the original text, they are, nevertheless, considered accurate and reliable. Among the various kinds of information these editorial additions provide: (1) the setting of the psalm, for example, Psalm 3 states that it is a psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son. By reading the historical account of this in 2 Sam. 15, the context of this Psalm becomes clearer; (2) the type of psalm, for example, tepillah meaning prayer; (3) the musical instruction, for example, Psalm 4 denotes lammenasseah, for the choir leader. These musical inscriptions accompany 55 psalms, possibly to aid in their use on special occasions; and (4) indication of important interludes or pauses within the psalm. For example, the word Selah occurs 71 times in the Psalms. Although the specific meaning is unknown, this indication probably denotes a pause in which the readers would reflect upon what had just been sung; a crescendo, or musical interlude that precedes a new section. In each of the psalms the author is responding to the very real fact of a living God and His relation to sinful men. It is not surprising to find that the outstanding subjects of the psalms then have to do with God: the person of God, the Son of God, the Word of God, the works of God, and the people of God. When classified more specifically as to subject matter and attitude of writing, many different types of psalms emerge. These basic types of psalms are: Didactic or wisdom psalms These psalms of formal instruction provide practical guidelines for godly living and give pointed direction for righteous living in one s pursuit of God s will (Pss. 1, 37, 119). Historical psalms These psalms are almost wholly composed of references to historical events of the nation of Israel. In short, these provide a summary of highlights of practically all of Israel s history (Pss. 78, 105, 106, 136). 34

10 Lament or supplication psalms These highly emotionally charged psalms record the writer s heart cry to God for divine deliverance in the day of the psalmist s extreme trouble and personal pain (Pss. 3-7, 12-13, 22, 25-28, 35, 38-40, 42-44, 51, 54-57, 59-61, 63-64, 69-71, 74, 79-8-, 83, 85-86, 88, 90, 102, 109, 120, 123, 130, ). Thanksgiving psalms These psalms express a profound awareness of and deep gratitude for God s abundant blessings, whether individual or national (Pss. 8, 18, 19, 29, 30, 32-34, 36, 40, 41, 66, , 111, 113, 117, 124, 129, 135, 136, 138, 139, , 150). Penitential psalms These choicest of psalms reveal the full spectrum of emotion contained with the book of Psalms as here the Psalmist expresses deep sorrow over personal sin. In other words, confession of sin occupies the greater part of each of these psalms (Pss. 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). Pilgrimage psalms These festive psalms promote a celebrative mood of praise for God as Israel recalled His goodness to them as they traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem for their annual feasts. These sometimes bear the title Song of Degrees or Song of Ascents (Pss. 43, 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, ). Creation or nature psalms These descriptive psalms survey God s handiwork in creation as the inspiring basis for their poetical writing (Pss. 8, 19, 29, 33, 65, 104). Hallelujah or praise psalms The fact that the theme of praise in all of the psalms is obvious, but in a select few, the expression of praise (Hallelujah) is vastly evidenced. In fact, Jewish tradition places two of the 150 psalms as the Greater Hallel (Ps. 136) and the Lesser Hallel (Ps. 113). Praise is the dominant note of these psalms (Pss. 106, , , , ). Alphabetical or acrostic psalms Several psalms employ a literary device known as an alphabetical acrostic. In this form of communication, the first letter of the word of a line, verse, or stanza begins with the next, successive Hebrew consonant in the alphabet and advances in sequential order through the 22 Hebrew letters. The purpose of this usage was to aid in memorization of specific psalms (Pss. 9, 10, 25, 34, 111, 112, 119, 145) Psalms 25, 34: These are the only two psalms which build with the acrostic of the entire Hebrew alphabet of all 22 letters. Psalms 9, 10: These psalms contain an irregular acrostic that runs through its verses. Psalms 111,112: Each of these psalms have 10 verses with 22 lines on which each letter builds. Psalms 145: The psalm has 21 verses, omitting the Hebrew letter nun between verses 13 and 14. Psalm 119: This is the most advanced psalm having 22 stanzas of 8 verses each, each stanza beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, stressing the perfection of God s Word. Enthronement psalms These awe-inspiring majestic psalms describe the majesty of God s sovereign rule over all his creation and the providential care by which He sustains, controls, and directs all that He has made (Pss. 48, 93, 96-99). Messianic psalms These royal psalms describe the coming messianic rule of Christ, these regal psalms portray Him as the undisputed Sovereign King over heaven and earth. Interestingly, the Book of Psalms contains more Messianic prophecies than any 35

11 other Old Testament book, other than the prophet Isaiah. It clearly and plainly reveals Christ as the Son of God (Ps. 2) and Son of Man (Ps. 8) in his obedience (Ps. 40:6-8), betrayal (Ps. 41:9), crucifixion (Ps. 22), resurrection (Ps. 16), ascension (Ps. 68:18), and enthronement (Ps. 110). He is the chief cornerstone for those who believe but a stumbling stone for those who refuse (Ps. 118:22-23). In all, there are four distinct classifications of Messianic Psalms: Christ is King (Pss. 2, 45, 72, 110, 132:11); Christ as Suffering Servant (Pss. 22, 41, 55:12-14, 69:20-21), Christ as the Resurrected One (Ps. 16), and Christ as the Ascended One (Ps. 68:18). Other royal psalms include (Pss. 18, 20-24, 47, 89, 101, 144). Imprecatory psalms Motivated by fiery zeal for God s glory, these provocative and often controversial psalms invoke God s wrath and judgment upon the psalmist s adversaries who are, ultimately, God s enemies. Here the psalmists call upon the Lord to punish the wicked and defend him as he carries out God s work in the midst of his persecutors. (Pss. 7, 31:17-18, 35, 40:14-16, 54:7, 55:15, 58:6-7, 59:9-13, 69, 79, 83:9-17, 109, 137:8-9, 139:19, 140:11, 144). Guidelines / Qualifications for imprecatation usage include: (1) Only against people who are the enemies of God. (2) Can t be against another Christian. (3) Only engage in this after it has been fully bathed in prayer. (4) Must have it confirmed or affirmed by a greater community of believers. THE PENTATEUCH OF DAVID Jewish tradition considered the book of Psalms as The Pentateuch of David because they are seen to mirror the books of the Law. The five-fold division of the book of Psalms are as follows: I. BOOK I: ADORING WORSHIP (PSALMS 1-41) The first 41 psalms that form Book I were probably gathered together during the early days of the Jewish monarchy by either David or Solomon. Given that Psalm 1 is an anonymous psalm which serves as the logical introduction to the whole Psalter, that Psalm 2 is attributed to David (Acts 4:25), that Psalm 9 and 10 were probably considered one psalm, and that Psalm 33 is attributed to David in the Septuagint, the entire content of Book I is basically assigned to David. Because this first book, Psalms 1-41, highlights God s power in creation (Pss. 8, 19) and is dominated with the theme of sin and redemption, it is easy to see how it is said to correlate with the book of Genesis. Book I concludes with the doxology: Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen (Ps. 41:13). II. BOOK II: WONDERING WORSHIP (PSALMS 42-72) These next 31 psalms, Psalms 42-72, were subsequently collected and assembled at a later time to form Book II, possibly 300 years later after Book I was compiled during the reign of Judah s thirteenth king, Hezekiah (ca B.C.). If so, the men of Hezekiah, an active Bible committee that collected many of the proverbs of Solomon (Prov. 25:1), probably organized these psalms into a literary 36

12 unit and added them to Book I. This is certainly consistent with Hezekiah s efforts to bring revival to Judah (2 Chr. 29:30; 32:36), as he elevated the forgotten wisdom of David and Solomon (2 Chr. 29:31; 30:26). It may also be that these psalms were collected in the reign of King Josiah ( B.C.). It has been observed that this second book of psalms focuses upon Israel s ruin and redemption and, thus, can be said to relate to the book of Exodus which documents Israel's redemption from Egyptian tyranny. Book II concludes with the following doxology and notation: Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse (Ps. 72:19-20). III. BOOK III: CEASELESS WORSHIP (PSALMS 73-89) The next 17 psalms, Psalms 73-89, were subsequently compiled into Book III, probably during this same era by the men of Hezekiah as previously mentioned for Book II, or by Josiah, sixteenth ruler of the Southern Kingdom ( B.C. This third book begins with eleven consecutive psalms written by Asaph, a Levite who led one of the temple choirs, (Pss ) and includes some written by David (Pss. 86, 101, 103). These psalms are concerned with worship and the Temple and center primarily upon the holiness of Israel s sanctuary, thus, coinciding with the book of Leviticus' emphasis with the Tabernacle and holiness. This third section concludes with the doxology: Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen (Ps. 89:52) IV. BOOK IV: SUBMISSIVE WORSHIP (PSALMS ) This fourth cluster of 17 psalms, Psalms , comprise Book IV and were correlated some years later and added to the first three books, probably during the post-exilic days when Israel returned to her land under Ezra (458 B.C.) and Nehemiah (445 B.C.). This fourth book focuses upon Israel s relapse and recovery in the wilderness, echoing the theme of Numbers. Appropriately, Book IV begins with Psalm 90, the only psalm written by Moses during Israel s 40 years of wilderness wanderings, a severe time of testing recorded in Numbers. Book IV contains the reoccurring theme of God's sovereign kingdom which dominates the kingdoms of the nations just as Numbers documents Israel's relationship to the surrounding nations. This fourth book concludes with a similar doxology: Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, Amen! Praise the LORD (Ps. 106:48). 37

13 V. BOOK V: PERFECTED WORSHIP (PSALMS ) These last 44, Psalms , psalms constitute Book V and, like Book IV, were most probably collected and added to the Psalter during the post-exilic days of Ezra, almost 600 years after Book I was collated. This fifth book focuses upon the sufficiency of God s Word (Ps. 119) and the universal praise due to the Lord s name (Pss ), much like the book of Deuteronomy's forms on God and his Word. Book V concludes with the passionate doxology, which also climaxes the entire Psalter with a dramatic crescendo: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD (Ps. 150:6). THE BOOK OF PSALMS PSALM AUTHOR TITLE TYPE BOOK I Two Ways of Life Contrasted Wisdom 2 David Reign of the Lord s Anointed Royal/Messianic 3 David Peaceful trust in God s Protection Lament 4 David Evening Prayer of Peace and Safety Lament 5 David Morning Prayer for Protection Lament 6 David Cry for Help in Time of Distress Penetential/Lament 7 David Prayer for Deliverance From the Wicked Lament 8 David God s Glory Seen in Creation and Man Thanks 9 David God, the Righteous Judge Thanks/Alphabetical Oppression of the Wicked Man Lament/Alphabetical 11 David Confidence in the Lord Devotional 12 David Arrogance of the Wicked Lament 13 David Prayer of Faith in Trouble Lament 14 David Words of the Fool Thanks 15 David Description of the Righteous Man Devotional 16 David God s Blessing in Life and Deliverance in Death Lament 17 David God s Protection Against the Wicked Man Lament 18 David Praise to God for Deliverance Thanks 19 David God s Works and Words Devotional 20 David Prayer for Victory by God s Anointed Lament/Royal 21 David Praise for Victory by God s Anointed Thanks/Royal 22 David Christ s Sufferings and Future Glory Lament/Messianic 23 David Shepherd Psalm Thanks/Devotional 24 David The King of Glory Thanks 25 David Prayer for Protection, Guidance, and Pardon Lament/Alphabetical 26 David Prayer for Vindication and Protection Lament 27 David Expression of Complete Trust in God Thanks 28 David Prayer for Help to the Lord of Strength Lament 29 David The Voice of the Lord in the Storm Praise 38

14 THE BOOK OF PSALMS PSALM AUTHOR TITLE TYPE 30 David Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death Thanks 31 David Prayer and Praise to the Rock Lament 32 David The Joy of Forgiveness Thanks/Penitential The Sovereign Creator Praise 34 David The Nearness of God to the Righteous Thanks/Alphabetical 35 David Cry for Rescue From Enemies Lament 36 David Wicked Man and Faithful God Contrasted Lament 37 David Security of Those who Trust in the Lord Wisdom/Alphabetical 38 David Prayer of a Suffering Penitent Lament/Penitential 39 David Implications of the Transitory Nature of Life Lament 40 David Testimony to Answered Prayer and Deliverance Thanks/Lament 41 David Prayer of the Rejected and Betrayed Lament BOOK II 42 Korah Thirst for God in Time of Despair Lament Exhortation to Hope in God in Oppression Lament 44 Korah Undeserved Suffering of a Godly Nation Lament 45 Korah Majestic Marriage of the King Royal 46 Korah A Mighty Fortress is our God Devotional 47 Korah God is King of the Earth Praise/Royal 48 Korah Zion, the City of God Thanks 49 Korah Folly of Trusting Riches Wisdom 50 Asaph God, the Judge, Speaks to Righteous and Wicked Devotional 51 David Prayer of a Contrite Sinner Penitential 52 David Judgment on the Boastful, Wicked Man Woe 53 David The Folly of the Fool Woe/Thanks 54 David God Is My Helper Lament 55 David Plea for Judgment of Treacherous Traitors Lament/Woe 56 David Trust in God s Deliverance Lament 57 David Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors Lament 58 David Just Judgment on the Wicked Woe/Lament 59 David God is my Stronghold Against Enemies Lament/Woe 60 David Prayer of Defeated People for Divine Victory Lament 61 David Shelter in the Rock That Is Higher Than I Lament 62 David My Rock and My Salvation Thanks 63 David God Quenches Spiritual Thirst Thanks/Lament 64 David The Fate of Deceptive Foes Lament 65 David The Blessed Earth Thanks How Great Thou Art! Praise Salvation Among the Nations Thanks 68 David The God of Israel is Sovereign Thanks/Royal 69 David Cry of the Reproached for God to Answer Lament/Woe/Messianic 70 David Help Needed in a Hurry Lament An Old Man s Strength and Prayer Lament 72 Solomon The Reign of a Righteous King Royal 39

15 THE BOOK OF PSALMS PSALM AUTHOR TITLE TYPE BOOK III 73 Asaph Why do the Wicked Prosper? Wisdom 74 Asaph Why do Righteous People Suffer? Lament 75 Asaph The Wicked Warned by God s People Thanks 76 Asaph The Greatness of the God of Israel Devotional 77 Asaph Comfort in the Memory of God s Mighty Deeds Lament 78 Asaph God s Hand in Israel s History Devotional 79 Asaph Appeal for Compassion by Destroyed Jerusalem s Lament Remnant 80 Asaph Restore Your Vine, O Lord Lament 81 Asaph Oh That Israel Would Walk in My Ways! Devotional 82 Asaph Judgment on Unjust Judges Lament 83 Asaph Prayer for the Overthrow of Enemies Lament/Woe 84 Korah Blessing in God s House Devotional 85 Korah Revive Us Again Lament 86 David Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord Lament 87 Korah The Glorious City of God Devotional 88 Heman Prayer for Deliverance From Death Lament 89 Ethan Song of God s Covenant Faithfulness Thanks BOOK IV 90 Moses God s Eternity and Man s Transitoriness Lament The Lord Is My Refuge and Fortress Devotional A Sabbath Song of God s Greatness Thanks The Might and Majesty of the Lord Devotional/Royal Vengeance on the Wicked, Blessing on the Righteous Lament 95 David Let Us Worship the Lord, the Great King Praise/Royal 96 (David) Sing to the Lord a New Song (ref. 1 Chron. 16:23-36) Praise/Royal Rejoice, the Lord Reigns Praise/Royal/Messianic Shout and Sing Before the King, the Lord Devotional/Royal The Lord is Great in Zion Thanks/Royal Serve the Good Lord Praise/Thanks 101 David Vow to Rule Righteously Devotional/Royal Desperate Prayer of the Afflicted Lament 103 David Reasons to Bless the Lord Thanks The Psalm of the Creation of the Earth Thanks 105 (David) Praise for God s Work in Israel s History (ref. 1 Chron. Thanks 16:7-22) God s Compassion on a Sinful People Praise BOOK V Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So Thanks 108 David Victory Through the Lord s Help Thanks 109 David Woes Called Down on Wicked Adversaries Woe/Lament 110 David Christ the King, Priest, and Judge Royal/Messianic Praise God for His Provision Praise/Alphabetical 40

16 THE BOOK OF PSALMS PSALM AUTHOR TITLE TYPE The Prosperity of the Compassionate Believer Wisdom/Alphabetical Praise God for His Mercy Praise God Delivered Israel from Egypt Praise Israel s Living God Versus Dead Idols Praise Salvation From Death Thanks Praise the Lord! Praise Thanks for the Everlasting Lovingkindness of the Lord Thanks The Law of the Lord Alphabetical/Devotional Suffering of the Pilgrims Pilgrim Keeper of the Pilgrims Pilgrim 122 David City of the Pilgrims Pilgrim Prayer of the Pilgrims Pilgrim 124 David Deliverance of the Pilgrims Pilgrim Security of the Pilgrims Pilgrim Restoration of the Pilgrims Pilgrim 127 Solomon Prosperity of the Pilgrims Pilgrim Blessings of the Pilgrims Pilgrim The Preservation of the Pilgrims Pilgrim The Redemption of the Pilgrims Pilgrim 131 David The Trust of the Pilgrims Pilgrim The Promises of the Pilgrims Pilgrim 133 David The Unity of the Pilgrims Pilgrim The Blessings of the Pilgrims Pilgrim God s Sovereign Power Praised Praise His Lovingkindness is Everlasting Praise Tears of the Captives in Exile Lament/Woe 138 David Reasons for Thanksgiving Thanks 139 David The Omniscience, Omnipresence, and Omnipotence of Thanks/Woe the Lord 140 David Prayer of the Upright for Deliverance Lament/Woe 141 David Evening Prayer for Protection Lament 142 David Prayer of the Hunted From a Cave Lament 143 David Supplication of the Servant for Safety Lament 144 David How Blessed Are the People Whose God Is the Lord! Lament 145 David Great Is the Lord and Greatly to Be Praised Thanks/Alphabetical Praise the Lord, O My Soul Praise Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem Praise Praise the Lord, All Creation Praise Praise the Lord, Godly Ones Praise Praise the Lord, Everything Praise 41