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Introduction to the Book of Psalms

Introduction to the Book of Psalms. 23 March 2008. Book of Psalms. In Greek, psalm = “a song sung to the accompaniment of a plucked instrument” The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible

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Introduction to the Book of Psalms

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  1. Introduction tothe Book of Psalms 23 March 2008

  2. Book of Psalms • In Greek, psalm = “a song sung to the accompaniment of a plucked instrument” • The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible • It explores a full range of human experience in every personal and practical way • It covers a large time span – about 1000 years – from Moses (about 1410 B.C.) to the Postexilic community under Ezra and Nehemiah (about 430 B.C.)

  3. Authors of the Psalms • 75 attributed to David • 12 by Asaph, “Collector”, a priest who headed the service of music • 10 by the sons of Korah, “Bald”, a guild of singers and composers • 2 by Solomon, “Peaceful”, Israel’s most powerful king

  4. Authors of the Psalms • 1 by Moses, “Son of the Water”, a prince, herdsman, and deliverer • 1 by Heman, “Faithful”, a wise man • 1 by Ethan, “Enduring”, a wise man • 50 anonymous, but some traditionally attributed to Ezra

  5. Outline of Psalms

  6. Notes about Psalms • Selah is not a person; it was probably used to mark a pause, musical interlude or a crescendo • If you want to learn the Hebrew Alphabet, see Psalm 119. It’s an acrostic psalm in which each section starts with one letter of the alphabet.

  7. Interpreting Psalms • When the superscription gives the historical event, the psalm should be interpreted in that light; otherwise don’t try to guess • Some of the psalms are associated with Israel’s form of worship (in the temple or offering burnt offerings, etc.); Christian worship does not require entering a building or offering animal sacrifices; instead Christian worship means offering our own lives every day and every minute (see Rom. 12:1)

  8. Interpreting Psalms • Many psalms use definite structure and themes • Many psalms anticipate Israel’s Messiah and are fulfilled in Christ; marvel at these and look forward to more fulfillment • Be careful not to allegorize or forget the grammar and history involved

  9. Labels of Psalms • Mizmor, “psalm” – a song accompanied by a stringed instrument • Shir, “song” • Maskil, “contemplative poem” • Miktam, “inscription poem” • Tepillah, “prayer” • Tehillah, “praise”

  10. Themes of Psalms Creation The Exodus Penitence / repentance Annual pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem Messiah’s 1st or 2nd coming

  11. Classification of Psalms Individual lament psalms Communal lament psalms Individual thanksgiving psalms Communal thanksgiving psalms General praise psalms

  12. Classification of Psalms Descriptive praise psalms Enthronement psalms Pilgrimage psalms Royal psalms Wisdom psalms

  13. Application When you are upset or in despair, don’t complain to people; talk to God. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Ph. 4:6,7 NIV)

  14. Application Pray in whatever circumstances you’re in. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Th. 5:16-18 NIV) Learn to praise and Adore God Learn the kind of worship God really wants - offering your life as a sacrifice every day and every minute (Romans 12:1)

  15. Application Read psalms as an aid for praise Try to view God as our Shepherd Try to value God’s Word as the Psalmist did in Psalm 119 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.(Ps. 119:105 NKJV)

  16. Application God’s word – the law – is to be obeyed.The Jews had to obey the Mosaic Law. Christians have to obey Christ’s law(i.e., the New Testament commands) To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.(1 Cor. 9:21 NIV) The purpose of salvation is to become holy, and holiness comes through obedience.

  17. Application God’s testimonies are to be shared God’s precepts are to be practiced God’s promises are to be claimed God’s ways are to be followed

  18. Application • Don’t curse people, but bless & evangelize them • Curses in psalms were acceptable for OT saints, who were commanded to kill or live apart from the wicked. The Mosaic Law did not forbid cursing, and it did not command evangelism. • Curses are not acceptable for NT saints, who are supposed to be living in the midst of a pagan world, trying to win people to Christ: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Rom. 12:14 NKJV)

  19. Bibliography • Special thanks goes to the following: • Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth Boa for their information inTalk Thru the Bible • Walt Henrichsen for his wisdom and insight shared during Bible studies he has led and in books, articles and e-mails he has written • Edward Reese for his chronology and dating inThe Reese Chronological Bible

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