Book of Psalms Introduction

Transcription

1 Book of Psalms Introduction Psalms is perhaps the most loved book of the Bible. It is probably read more often than any other book. There is a reason why the book of Psalms is included in editions of the New Testament (for example, Gideons New Testament and Psalms). Title: 1. The Book of Psalms is the Hebrew hymnbook. 2. The Hebrew title means Praises (rabbis called it The Book of Praises ). 3. Our English word psalms carries the idea of plucking strings. It comes from a word in the Greek Septuagint (LXX). The Psalms are associated with musical accompaniment. 4. The Psalms are connected with the spirit and content of worship. Worship is a very important part of our Christian life. Worship is more important than work. It s hard to be a Mary in a Martha world. Luke 10: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. We must take time for worship. Our public worship is an extension of our private worship. We should use the Book of Psalms in both public and private worship. 5. Of the 150 psalms, 116 have titles or superscriptions (things written above). Whenever the superscription or title is given, the psalm should be interpreted in that light. Authorship and Date: God is the ultimate author, yet there are 7 human writers (composers) A. David wrote 75 psalms. His experience as shepherd, songwriter, soldier, and statesman is revealed in these psalms. Two of David s psalms (Ps. 2, 95) do not refer to David in the title, but New Testament references attribute them to David (Acts 4:25-26; Heb. 4:7). B. Other writers include Moses and Solomon (Ps. 90; 72; 127). C. 50 psalms are anonymous. Some are thought to have been written by Ezra. D. The time span of Psalms covers about 900 years. The earliest psalm was Psalm 90, written by Moses around 1410 B.C. The latest was Psalm 126, written around 430 B.C., after Israel returned from captivity.

2 Background and Scope: 1. The backdrop for Psalms features two things: A. the acts of God in creation and history B. the special history of Israel The psalms were not intended to be an historical record, but they do parallel many events in history, often adding a personal touch to the story. For example, many of David s psalms come out of his own experiences, such as Psalm 32 and 51 which contain his confession of sin and praise for pardon after the incident with Bathsheba. 2. Psalms is the largest book in the Bible 3. Psalms is quoted more times in the New Testament than any other OT book. Jesus referred to the Psalms during His earthly ministry. Luke 24: And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Singing psalms was a regular part of NT worship. Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 4. The middle chapter of the Bible is Psalm 117 (out of 1,189 chapters) 5. The longest chapter of the Bible is Psalm 119 (containing 176 verses, this psalm is a powerful tribute to the Word of God). Psalm 119 is also an example of an acrostic psalm. Each of the 22 sections contains eight verses and each verse begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary device was an aid in memorization and suggested that the content of the psalm covered the subject comprehensively from A to Z. Historical and Theological Themes: 1. Expressing confidence and complaints to the Lord. When our true feelings are known and expressed, then we can find love, mercy, and help. The Book of Psalms expresses the wide range of human emotions and experiences. David and others often pour out their hearts to the Lord. The writers confess their sins, admit their doubts and fears, and ask God for help, often out of sheer desperation. The honesty of the Psalms should lead us into a deeper and more transparent relationship with God. 2. Lifting prayers and praise to the Lord. The writers cry out from the depths of despair and, at other times, they sing from the heights of joy and celebration. 3. Recognizing human responsibility and divine sovereignty 4. Anticipating the life and ministry of Christ 5. The common theme is worshiping God (because of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do).

3 Types of Psalms: 1. Individual and corporate psalms of grief and petition (asking for God s help) 2. Individual and corporate psalms of thanksgiving and praise (God s character and blessings) 3. Enthronement psalms (describing God s sovereign rule) 4. Pilgrimage psalms (establishing a mood of worship) 5. Royal psalms (describing Christ as King and Sovereign Ruler) 6. Psalms of wisdom and instruction (teaching God s will) 7. Imprecatory psalms (pleading for God s wrath and judgment on His enemies) These must be understood as God s earthly ruler (often David) acting as God s agent on earth to ask for and accomplish His will. Applying the Psalms: All of God s Word is meant to be studied, understood, and applied. The Book of Psalms easily lends itself to personal application, so a wise reader and student will ask the following questions: Is there a sin to confess? Is there a promise to claim? Is there an attitude to change? Is there a command to obey? Is there an example to follow? Is there a prayer to pray? Is there an error to avoid? Is there a truth to believe? Is there an attribute to praise God for? Is there a blessing to thank God for?

4 Book of Psalms Introduction Psalms is perhaps the most loved book of the Bible. It is probably read more often than any other book. There is a reason why the book of Psalms is included in editions of the New Testament (for example, Gideons New Testament and Psalms). Title: 1. The Book of Psalms is 2. The Hebrew title means (rabbis called it The Book of Praises ) 3. Our English word psalms carries the idea of 4. The Psalms are connected with Luke 10: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 5. Of the 150 psalms, 116 have or superscriptions (things written above) Authorship and Date: God is the ultimate author, yet there are A. wrote 75 psalms. His experience as shepherd, songwriter, soldier, and statesman is revealed in these psalms. Two of David s psalms (Ps. 2, 95) do not refer to David in the title, but New Testament references attribute them to David (Acts 4:25-26; Heb. 4:7). B. Other writers include (Ps. 90; 72; 127) C. are anonymous. Some are thought to have been written by Ezra. D. The time range of Psalms covers about Background and Scope: 1. The backdrop for Psalms features two things: A. The acts of God in B. The special history of 2. Psalms is in the Bible 3. Psalms is in the New Testament than any other OT book Luke 24: And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 4. The middle chapter of the Bible is (out of 1,189 chapters)

5 5. The longest chapter of the Bible is (containing 176 verses) Historical and Theological Themes: 1. Expressing to the Lord 2. Lifting to the Lord 3. Recognizing 4. Anticipating 5. The common theme is (because of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do). Types of Psalms: 1. Individual and corporate psalms of (asking for God s help) 2. Individual and corporate psalms of (God s character and blessings) 3. psalms (describing God s sovereign rule) 4. psalms (establishing a mood of worship) 5. psalms (describing Christ as King and Sovereign Ruler) 6. Psalms of (teaching God s will) 7. psalms (pleading for God s wrath and judgment on His enemies) Applying the Psalms: All of God s Word is meant to be studied, understood, and applied. The Book of Psalms easily lends itself to personal application, so a wise reader and student will ask the following questions: Is there a sin to confess? Is there a promise to claim? Is there an attitude to change? Is there a command to obey? Is there an example to follow? Is there a prayer to pray? Is there an error to avoid? Is there a truth to believe? Is there an attribute to praise God for? Is there a blessing to thank God for?