OT Survey II The Psalms

Introductory Comments The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps the most widely used book in all of the Bible. The psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book, both corporately and individually.

Title and Authors The Book of Psalms was collected over time and originally unnamed, perhaps because of the wide variety of material it contains. It came to be known in Hebrew as the “book of praises,” an appropriate name since almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Greek term for the title is yalmoi, which means poems sung to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Authors of the Psalms include: David (73) - Shepherd, musician, king, warrior Asaph (12) - a priest who headed the service of music Sons of Korah (10) - a guild of singers and composers Solomon (2) – Israel’s most powerful king Moses (1) - prince, herdsman, deliverer Heman (1) - a wise man Ethan (1) - another wise man Anonymous (50) - Some of these are attributed to Ezra.

Date and Setting The Book of Psalms covers a wide range of time, from Moses (c. 1410 B.C.) until the post-exilic community under Ezra and Nehemiah (c. 430 B.C.). Most were written during the era of the united monarchy (c. 1051-931 B.C.). As individual psalms were composed, some were used in Israel’s corporate worship. A number of small collections were made first, then these were composed into the 5 books. Because the psalms were composed over such a wide span of time, it is important to pay attention to the superscriptions when interpreting them. The superscriptions were probably added during the intertestamental period sometime prior to canonization, itself a controversial issue. They are a reliable guide but not inspired. They were not all added at the same time but over a longer period.

Structure Book 1: Psalms 1 – 41 Book 2: Psalms 42 – 72 Introduction and David’s Conflict with Saul. Book 2: Psalms 42 – 72 David’s Reign as King Book 3: Psalms 73 – 89 The Assyrian Exile Book 4: Psalms 90 – 106 Reflection on Jerusalem’s Destruction Book 5: Psalms 107 – 150 Reflection on the Return to the Land and Concluding Praises Note: the major periods of the organization of the psalms were most likely during the reigns of Kings David, Solomon, and Hezekiah, and the time of Ezra the scribe. Intro is in Psalms 1 and 2; concluding praises in Psa 146-150

Types of Psalms Royal – refer to the Davidic king on the throne at the time of the psalm; later applied to Christ by the NT writers (e.g. Pss 2, 110) Lament – a cry to God for help because of trouble that either the psalmist or the nation finds itself in (e.g., Ps 60) Testimonial or Praise – gives honor to God for His character or for something He has done (e.g., Pss 30, 34). Pilgrim (aka Songs of Ascent) – sung as the Israelites ascended to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts (e.g., Pss 120-134; 122). Imprecatory – request judgment on wicked men who are enemies of both the writer and God (e.g., Pss 58, 109). Penitential – express sorrow over sin; composed mostly by David (e.g., Pss 32, 51). Wisdom – contrast the lifestyles and destinies of the righteous and the wicked; seek to help the godly man view life from God’s perspective (e.g., Pss 37, 49, 73). Historical – reflects upon God’s dealings with the nation of Israel (e.g., Pss 78, 105, 106). Nature – gives praise to God for His handiwork and power as demonstrated in His creation (e.g., Pss 8, 19, 104). A more exhaustive list of imprecatory psalms includes Psalms 7; 35; 58; 59; 69; 83; 109; 137; and 139. All are Davidic except Psalm 83 which is by Asaph and Psa 137 which is exilic. See Laney’s article for more on these. Lament is the most common type.

Purpose and Message “There are several kinds of psalms, and they express different feelings and circumstances. But the common theme is worship--God is worthy of all praise because of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. His goodness extends through all time and eternity. The psalms present a very personal response to the person and work of God as they reflect on His program for His people. There is a keen desire to see His program fulfilled and His name extolled. Many of the psalms survey the Word of God and the attributes of God, especially during difficult times. This kind of faith produces confidence in His power in spite of circumstances” (Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible, p. 153).

Next Week: Proverbs