BOOK OF PRAISES

PSALM

Psalms

150 Chapters, 2461 verses. (Isaiah has 66 chapters, Genesis has 1533 verses)

Each chapter (Psalm) independent of each other

Time Period: 1st Psalm: 90 (Moses) (1410 BC) Last Psalm: 126 (Unknown, possibly Ezra) (500-430

BC). Babylonian captivity, return to Judah Most were written during the reigns of David and

Solomon (1010 BC – 930 BC)

Authors

David – 75 PsalmsPs. 3-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 101, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 138-145Ps 2 (See Ac 4:25), Ps 95 (See Heb 4:7)

Solomon 2 Psalms (72 & 127)Asaph – 12 PsalmsSons of Korah 11 PsalmsHezekiah possible 10 PsalmsMoses (Ps 90), Ethan (Ps 89), Heman (Ps 88)Jeremiah – Ps 137 (according to Septuagint)Zechariah & Ezra each possibly wrote 1Anonymous/Unknown 35-47 Psalms

5 Books

Some refer to Psalm as the “Pentatuech of David”

Old Jewish saying: “Moses gave the Israelites the five books of the Law; and corresponding with these, David gave them the five books of the Psalms.”

Book 1 probably compiled during reign of Solomon, Books 2-3 during reigns of Hezekiah or Josiah, Books 4-5 during time of Ezra, Nehemiah

5 Books

Book 1: Ps 1-41: themes of sin and redemption (i.e. Ps 38, Ps 23)

Book 2: 42-72: focus on nation of IsraelIsrael’s ruin (42-49), redeemer (50-60), redemption (61-72)

Book 3: 73-89: The sanctuary is referenced in nearly every psalm in this book

Book 4: 90-106: Israel’s relapse and recovery during wilderness (90 by Moses while wandering)

Book 5: 107-150: Focus on sufficiency of God’s word (119) and universal praise due to the Lord’s name (146-150)

Psalm 119

Longest Psalm and chapter of Bible 176 versesJust about every verse praises the Word of GodContains 22 stanzas consisting of 8 verses eachEach stanza represents the Hebrew alphabet in

an acrostic pattern (first word beginning with a successive letter of Hebrew alphabet)

Perhaps written this way to make it easier to memorize

Superscriptions & Notations

Ps 3: “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son”Ps 9: “To the chief Musician upon Muthalabben, A Psalm of David”

116 Psalms have superscriptionsSome identify the Author and/or historical

info (Ps. 3)55 have musical instructions giving

instruction as to how it should be sung and instrument to be used

Superscriptions & Notations

Superscriptions were added after the writing of the Psalm but are part of the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible Generally considered accurate and reliable

Selah (appears 71 times) (Ps 3:8) Most scholars say Selah used as musical notation Signals brief interlude Sometimes a pause for emphasis on what was just

spoken

Descriptions of God

Psalm 7:8-10: Our judge and defensePsalm 14:6: The refuge of the poorPsalm 18:2: Our rock, fortress, strength, shield,

horn of salvation, high tower (strong hold)Psalm 19:14: Our strength and redeemerPsalm 24:10: King of gloryPsalm 27:1: Our light and salvationPsalm 46:1: Our refuge & strength, a very

present help in troublePsalm 86:15: Full of compassion, gracious,

longsuffering, plentous in mercy and truth

Jesus in the Psalms

Jesus is spoken of in several Psalms: 2,8,16,22,40,41,45,61,68,69,72,103,110,118,132

Psalm 8:4-6: Prophesy of Jesus in the flesh (Heb 2:7,9)

Psalm 2:7: Prophesy of Jesus as Son of God (baptism of Jesus)

Psalm 41:9: Prophesy of Judas IscariotPsalm 22: Prophesy of Jesus crucifixion (v. 1,7-

8,18,30-31)Psalm 118:22: Prophesy of Jesus as chief cornerstonePsalm 72:6-17: Jesus life on earthPsalm 103:17-18: The recipients of mercy

Psalm

The book of Psalms is filled with instruction, prophesy, and prayer

The prayers and instruction are the prayers and instructions of some of the most faithful men of God Prayers of praise Prayers of thankfulness Prayers seeking forgiveness & mercy Prayers seeking guidance & protection Instruction to trust in God in good times and in bad Instruction to never leave God or take Him for granted