Weekly Sermons

Psalms Overview

 

Psalms is the 19^th book of the English Bible.

 

Following Job, it is the second of the Poetic Books. In the Hebrew Old Testament, it is the first of the “Writings.”

 

Psalms is the largest book in all of the Old Testament and entire Bible, having the most chapters (150), verses (2,461), and words (43,743).

 

Only Isaiah is more quoted or alluded to in the New Testament than the Psalms (419 to 414; both are referenced in 23 of the 27 New Testament books).

 

If we stick with just quotations, of 283 New Testament quotations from the Old Testament, 116 are from the psalms (41 %).

 

Interestingly, Psalms has the longest chapter (119) and the shortest chapter (117) in the Bible.

 

It is also the first book of it’s kind in the Bible. Up until now, it appears that each book was written by one author. Only in Deuteronomy do we think that Joshua finished the book after Moses started it and died.           But…

 

The Psalms is a collection of poems, prayers and praises by multiple authors that became the key songs Israel sung in their worship. We still find ways to sing them today!

 

A call to fear the Lord occurs 61 times in the 5 poetic books; 36 in Psalms alone! That’s an average of 12 times in each book (0 in the Song of Solomon).

 

The other key theme in the poetic books is God’s faithful love despite our fickleness. No book talks more about God’s faithful love than the Psalms; and the poetic books end with the love story presented in the Song of Songs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fear and Faithful love in the Psalms…

 

Book	1	2	3	4	5
Psalms	1-41	42-72	73-89	90-106	107-150
Fear	14x	11x	2x	6x	13x	46 times
Faithful Love	19x	15x	13x	11x	30x	88 times

 

The Lord values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love. –Psalm 147:11

 

Starting in Psalm 1 the Psalms presents us two ways to live: a life of trusting God that manifests itself in righteous living, and a life of rejecting God that results in wicked living.

 

Different ways to think about Psalms:

 

A Prayer Journal full of raw emotions turned toward God, pleading with Him to intervene in tough situations as He has in days gone by!

 

Hymnbook, full of praises of God!

 

Prophetic book, full of Longings for the Messiah!

 

Different types of Psalms:

 

Confession – Psalms that show repentant sinners acknowledging their need of God to forgive and restore them!     6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143

 

History – Psalms that remember God’s past faithfulness despite Israel’s fickleness

78, 105-106, 136

 

Imprecatory – Lord, give the wicked what they deserve! Pleas for justice based on ones own integrity and blamelessness are limited to the issue at hand, since the Psalmist has no problem confessing his own sin!          35, 58, 69, 83, 109

 

Lament/ Complaint – Seeking to understand circumstances, and where God is; generally they remind themselves about truths they know about God and times He has acted on their behalf in the past; after “getting it out” they feature sweet words of trust and praise! This is the most common type of psalm!  “HOW LONG”

 

Individual lament - 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 17, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35, 43, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 71, 74, 77, 83, 86, 88, 102, 109, 120, 140, 141, 142, 143

 

National lament – 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 90, 137

 

Messianic – these feature meaningful words about the coming Christ!

Psalm 2, 16, 20-24, 41, 68, 72, 110, 118

 

Praise/ Thanksgiving – Words adoring God for being Creator, Sustainer, Judge and Loving Redeemer. 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, 29, 33, 34, 40, 65, 81, 92, 98, 100, 103-107, 111-118, 135-136, 146-150

 

Royal – Psalms about the earthly King, and the coming King of Kings.

20, 45, 47, 72, 89, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 144

 

Wisdom/ Teaching – Vividly presents the benefit of following God and His ways.

1, 5, 7, 14, 15, 17, 19, 34, 36, 37, 49, 50, 52, 53, 73, 78, 82, 94, 101, 111, 112, 119, 127, 128, 133.

 

There are 5 ‘books’ within the Psalms, with each ending with a doxology. There doesn’t seem to be any key reason there are 5 books within the Psalm book, although it may be in honor of the 5 books of the Torah.

 

Look at your list of authors of the Psalms. There are at least 7 different authors.

 

In general, David directs his words directly to the Lord more than the other writers. There are exceptions. But this gives us a clue to David being a man after God’s own heart.

 

Three Key Poetic Devices in the Psalms:

 

Parallelism – 2^nd line restates the first

 

Chiastic Structure – means that the first and last themes or ideas reflect each other and the middle ideas reflect each other. A B B A

 

Acrostics – Alphabetical!

 

Psalms 9 and 10 are together one alphabetic acrostic!

Psalm 25 is Both an elaborate Chiasmus AND an Alphabetic Acrostic!  WOW!

Psalm 37 is a beautiful chiasmus!

 

Notations in the titles of the Psalms:

 

One cool thing to study in the Psalms is the information given before the psalms themselves. Now how we got the information in the titles is a mystery to us!

 

Like Psalm 51 – telling us that it was after David’s sin with Bathsheba.

 

Just about 60 Psalms tell us that they are a psalm in the title! Occasionally the title adds something with that, like… A Psalm of Thanksgiving (Psalm 100).

A Psalm for remembrance (38). A Psalm to bring remembrance (70).

 

The phrase “for the choir director” occurs in 54 of the 150 psalms!

Other translations read “the chief musician.” This reminds us that many of the Psalms were designed to be sung.

 

30 Psalms are actually called songs in their title.

Some then give a specific kind of song it is…

A Dedication Song for the house (30); A love song (45); For the Sabbath Day (92)

 

There are 15 songs of ascent (120-134). These were sung on the way to the Temple and on the temple complex steps.

 

At least 16 of the psalms indicates what tune to sing the words to.

“Deer of the Dawn.” “The Lillies.” “Do not destroy.”

 

13 of the Psalms call themselves Maskils. That probably means “Poem.”

6 Psalms are referred to as a Miktam. We’re not sure what that means.

 

5 of the psalms tell us they are a prayer.

 

Notations in the body of the Psalms:

 

Selah occurs 37 times; It’s meaning is uncertain, although it is usually thought to mean: “stop: think about this.”

 

Book 1 (Psalms 1-41)

 

Of the 41 Psalms in Book 1, 37 are attributed to David (39 when Psalm 2 & 10 are included).

 

For Book 1, let me suggest that the overall theme is Accountability to God. The appropriate response to to submit to Him and be blessed!

 

Key Psalms in Book 1:

 

Psalm 1

Great introduction to all the Psalms, contrasting the way of the godly and the way of the wicked. The godly man is a scripture saturated man! Spurgeon called Psalm 1 the “Psalm of Psalms!” 

 

Psalm 2       

Psalm of Messiah the Prince. Clear reference to the Messiah as the Son of God.

Clear statement that He will rule on earth.

 

Psalm 19

God’s two great books: nature and scripture! General Revelation AND Special Revelation! The World book and the Word book! Both brilliantly spoken of here!

 

Psalm 22

The Psalm of the Cross!

Begins with “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me.”

Last verse said by some to best be translated: “It is Finished.”

 

Psalm 23

The Shepherd’s Psalm. Note it follows the Psalm of the Cross.

Having saved us, the Lord is our PASTOR!

 

Psalm 32

Confession and Covering! Atonement! Uncover your sin through confession, God will cover over it through His blood! 1 John 1:9        

 

Book 2        Psalms 42-72

 

For Book 2 let me suggest the overall theme is “Alignment” with God. The appropriate response is to trust Him, to make Him our refuge!

 

What is new as Book 2 starts at Psalm 42?

A new author named, the first other than David! The Sons of Korah! They write 7 of the Psalms in book 2, 11 total. David is still the author of the most, with 18 Psalms attributed to him. Also: “God” used more than “Yhwh.”

 

Key Psalms in Book 2:

 

Psalm 51

David’s prayer for restoration after his sin with Bathsheba.

First two verses: Have mercy; Blot out; Wash; Cleanse     I John 1:9

Verse 5 reinforces total depravity

 

Psalms 52-59 have been called the Trouble and Trust Psalms.

 

Psalm 67

A missions’ psalm!

A harvest song probably sung at the Feast of Tabernacles

Verse 1 reminds us of the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26

 

Psalm 71

A psalm for older people who want to finish well! Read 71:17-18

 

Psalm 72

Solomon’s prayer for wisdom! The rule of the ideal king is righteous and just!

Long regarded as a Messianic Psalm; all earthly kings fall short of it; but not Jesus!

More Psalms of David are to come, but this ends “the prayers of David.”

 

Think of the 5 books as being like Volume’s of a hymnal, with items added in future years (including more Psalms of David, but not in his lifetime).

 

Book 3 (Psalms 73-89)

 

For Book 3 let me suggest the overall theme “Agitation” with God. The appropriate response is to continue to believe that God will keep His promises.

 

There are 17 Psalms in Book 3 of the Psalms, with 11 by Asaph, 4 by the sons of Korah, and one by Ethan the Ezrahite.

 

So Asaph was the main author! We read a lot about Asaph in I Chronicles.

 

Asaph was an important Tabernacle musician during King David’s reign.

Along with Heman the head singer who is referred to in Psalm 88’s title, and Ethan, referred to as the author of Psalm 89, Asaph was appointed to sound bronze symbols during the ceremony when the Ark was brought to the new Tabernacle (See I Chronicles 15:1-19).

 

Key Psalms in Book 3:

 

Psalm 78

The Second longest Psalm - Gives a good history of Israel

Reinforces the unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant

 

Psalm 89

By Ethan the Ezrahite. One of the most important psalms in relationship to the New Testament. The Davidic covenant is certain despite the present agitation felt.

 

Book 4 (Psalms 90 to 106)

 

For Book 4 let me suggest the overall theme is “Anticipation” of God. The appropriate response is to rest in the reliability of the Lord to keep His promises in His own timing.

 

He will judge! He will rule! Look at Psalm 90:11 

 

What a concept – “your wrath matches the fear that is due You!”

 

The Psalmist is anticipating that God will do right in judgment, that there will be a direct corollary between the judgment a non-believer will experience and their lack of respect for God!

 

The Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation chapter 20 seems to clearly describe that the degree of punishment someone will face in Hell will be proportional to their deeds. (Revelation 20:11-15)

 

Now here’s the neat thing about this word anticipation in Book 4: The Psalmists anticipate God’s faithfulness not because they have been faithful, but because He will keep the promises He has made!

 

Look at Psalm 105:7-11

For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham his servant.   -Psalm 105:42

 

Remember: this is an overview of the entire Bible. And one of the top ten things we see reinforced over and over again in the Bible is the Abrahamic covenant.

 

It is no surprise to see the Abrahamic Covenant reinforced here again in a song that Israel sang about God’s faithfulness despite their fickleness (Ps.105)

 

The key to understanding requests for God to Judge in the Psalms: think of these as taking place in a civil court, not a criminal court.

 

Key Psalms in Book 4:

 

Psalm 90

What is unique about Psalm 90? Only one by Moses!

Great psalm about the brevity of life in contrast to the certainty to the strength of God’s eternal existence. Verse 10 tells us what the average of a person’s life will be: 70-80 years!

 

Psalm 91

The Psalmist extols the security found in resting in God! The opening 2 verses contain 4 different names for God: Elyon = Most High; Shaddai = Almighty; Yahweh = Lord; Elohim = God; El Shaddai means God Almighty!

 

Psalm 100

Thanksgiving time! Called the “Old 100^th” (William Kethe’s 1561 paraphrase)

 

Book 5 (Psalms 107 to 150)

 

For Book 5 let me suggest the overall theme of “Adoration” of God. The appropriate response is to worship the Lord for His faithful love.

 

Key Psalms in Book 5:

 

Psalm 110

This is a Messianic Psalm

Verse 1 is the most quoted or alluded to verse in the New Testament!

Yahweh said to Adonai! The LORD talking to the Lord!

Verse 4 says the Messiah will be a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek; Melchizedek is the one Abraham meets and tithes to in Genesis 14.

The Book of Hebrews devotes several chapters to explaining how Christ is the priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek; many scholars believe Melchizedek was Christ Himself; I believe that!

 

119

The longest Psalm: 176 verses! The Psalm is about the greatness of God’s Word.

The first eight verses all start with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Alef!

Then the next eight verses all start with the second letter, Bet!

And that’s how it goes, all the way down through the Psalm.

That’s why most English translations give you the letter above the set of verses!

176 verses divided by 22 Hebrew letters of the alphabet equals 8.

 

120-134

Songs of Ascent!

In contrast to Psalm 119, with 176 verses, Psalms 120-134 has only 101 verses; only one more than 10 verses (Psalm 132); They would sing them on the way to the Temple; Later they were sung by priests on the steps of the temple!

 

Psalm 139

Omniscience          God is all-knowing

Omnipresence        God is everywhere present

Omnipotence         God is all-powerful

Justice                    God will take care of everything at the judgment

 

Psalms 146-150

Filled with Hallelujahs!

 

Ways to Praise God in the Psalms:

The call to Praise or bring praises occurs nearly 190 times!

23 more times the word Hallelujah is used, which means, “Praise the Lord!”

16 more times it says to exalt the Lord!

There are more calls to praise the Lord then there are Psalms!

 

God loves to be praised with stringed instruments:

The Lyre (s) is mentioned 13 times!

9 times Harps are mentioned!

Stringed instruments are mentioned: over half a dozen were to be sung to them!

Ten Stringed Instruments are mentioned!

 

God loves to be praised with wind instruments:

Ram’s horn in 98:6

3 times a trumpet is mentioned; Trumpet blast in 150:3

Flute in 150:4

 

God loves to be praised with percussion instruments:

Tambourine is mentioned 3 times!

Resounding cymbals and clashing cymbals are mentioned in 150:5

 

God loves to be praised with human voices:

65 times the Psalmists tell themselves or their readers to sing!

17 times the Psalmist calls us to declare the Lord’s Praises! Testimony!

22 times the Psalmist calls us to proclaim something about the Lord!

41 times they use the word SHOUT, many times saying “Shout for Joy!”

 

God loves us to be praised through bodily expression:

4 times we are told to praise Him by dancing before Him!

8 times we are told to bow down before Him! 

Several times we are told to lift our eyes up to God!

Several times we are told to lift up our hands to God!

Psalm 47:1 tells us to Clap our hands!

 

But God also loves to be praised with thoughtful contemplation:

13 times we are told to wait on the Lord!       Waited patiently!

A memorable Psalm encourages us to be silent before the Lord; to be still and know that He is God!

30 times we are told to remember!

Half a dozen times we are told to rest!

57 times we are called to rejoice!

20 more times we are called to make ourselves glad in the Lord!

24 times we are told to give thanks to the Lord, most of them in Book 5!