Introduction to the Book of Psalms

The evidence is mounting that my enemy (Hint: Nickname - “Father of Fibs”) is not at all in favor of my Psalms study. We’ve had situations in our family that drastically slowed my research and writing (thankfully nothing as serious as a broken arm, like last month) … topping it all off, this past week our hard drive crashed, and I lost my research notes for the introduction to the Psalms.

I’m grateful to say at least one of the interruptions was welcome – we had the privilege of attending family camp in the middle of July. The evening speaker, Pastor Jon Jenks from Wisconsin, spoke on Psalm 1-5 during the week. What a blessing to listen to this godly man who loves God, loves God’s Word, and presents everything in a winsome, honorable manner! I look forward to sharing some tasty tidbits from Pastor J. along the way.

Big breath, “Thank You, God!” for all the interruptions, great and small … for God all-wisely commands that we give thanks in all things (I Thess. 5:18). Now, let’s forge ahead, regardless of the pitfalls and roadblocks of life that besiege us. We would be foolish to wait for a respite in the battle, a break in the clouds.

As I’ve begun wading through research, just dipping my toes in the inviting cool water of the Book of Psalms, I have learned or been reminded of many things. Here are a few basic observations:


Basic Observations

- The Book of Psalms is the Jewish hymnbook, The Psalter, compiled by several different writers inspired by God over many years and in many places, preserved and combined to become what we hold in our hands today.

- The Book of Psalms is divided into five separate books beginning with 1, 42, 73, 90, and 107 – each one ending with a doxology.

- Most of the songs in the Book of Psalms were accompanied by instruments. However, it is interesting to note that the written word and not the composed music was preserved through the centuries. Thus, I believe it is fair to say that worship is not confined to music alone.

- The Book of Psalms is the oldest book of ancient poetry still in use today. The book is full of Hebrew poetry … not so much rhyming phrases but rhyming ideas and thoughts that can be translated easily into any language to retain the elegant power of its message.

- Not all of the Psalms are praise and worship songs as one might imagine. There are Psalms about disobedience, fools, wickedness, being pursued by the enemy, judgment, and the confrontation of ones own personal deceit, doubt, and despair. How refreshing to balance these human emotions, with which most of us can identify, with Psalms of lament or petition, penitence (repentance of sin), refocus, the power of God’s law, humble gratitude, the “enthronement of Yahweh” (Ryrie), Psalms concerning Jerusalem, creation, and dependence on God Whom we praise (to name a few). My favorite locations in the Psalms are those which resemble fragrant meadows in which God gives us a picturesque view of His goodness, contrasted by the crashing thunder of His awesome and terrible power!

- The individual Psalms should be referred to as “Psalm 3” or “Psalm 106,” instead of “Psalms 3” or “Psalms 106.”

- The Book of Psalms contains prophecy. Jesus Christ the Messiah is mentioned in the Psalms hundreds of years before His incarnation (God in the flesh). Messianic Psalms … 2, 8, 16, 22, 40, 45, 72, 110, 118.

- The Book of Psalms isn’t simply an emotional man’s journal (that’s what I thought of the book when I was a kid). But, the emotion in it shows us that even godly men struggle, and that God understands this and cares about our feelings and struggles. Our Creator and Father remembers that we are dust (103) and wants to help us. The emotion and powerful Gospel found in its pages have comforted and guided millions of people for thousands of years.

- Many of the pictures in the Psalms are earthy, using descriptions of nature, for most of Israel’s people were farmers and shepherds.

- The Book of Psalms is quoted in the New Testament.

- Authors: David wrote 73, Solomon wrote 2, the sons of Korah wrote 12, Asaph wrote 12, Heman wrote 1, Ethan wrote 1, Moses wrote 1 (others unknown).

- The introductions, which begin many of the psalms, are thought by many to be inspired and should be read along with the body of the psalm they preface. For instance, in Psalm 5 – “To the Chief Musician. With flutes. A Psalm of David.” Ryrie describes it this way, “All but 34 of the psalms have titles or superscriptions which normally comprise the first verse of the Hebrew text. They are editorial titles, added after the psalms were written, but are historically accurate.”

- “Selah” is thought to be an interlude where only instruments and not singing takes place. “The two most frequently used technical terms are: (1) Selah (occurring 71 times in the Psalms and three times in Hab. 3), which is probably a musical notation signaling an interlude or change of musical accompaniment; and (2) To the chief Musician (choir director), which is attached to 55 psalms (and Hab. 3:19), suggesting that a collection of psalms existed for the choir director, possibly for use on special occasions” (Ryrie).


One Miraculous Book of Poetry

In all of my reading thus far one particular passage stood out to me. This scholarly observation is further proof of the Psalms’ miraculous compilation and preservation:

“It is most remarkable that this rich poetry should have sprung up in Palestine, and that it should have been confined to that land. It was not that the land was better adapted to lyric poetry than other lands – for in this respect it could not compare favourably with many other countries, and particularly with Greece. It was not that the events of their history had been such as peculiarly to suggest this kind of composition – for poetry adapted to the lyre or to music abounded elsewhere, and especially in Greece. It was not that the Hebrews had a more poetic imagination than other people – for theirs did not, in this respect, surpass the Greek genius, and whatever there was of poetic imagination in the character of their minds was found with equal richness in Arabia and Persia. Nor was it that their language was peculiarly favourable for this kind of poetry – for in very many respects it was far inferior in this point to the Greek, and had no superiority certainly over the Arabian and Persian.

The fact that their poetry took this turn; the fact that all which they had was religious; the fact that there was literally no poetry in their language that was designed and adapted to the dance, to festive amusements, to Bacchanalian orgies, to scenes of gaiety, frivolity, and vanity; the fact that in all the lyric poetry of the Hebrews there is literally nothing in this respect that can be placed by the side of much in the Greek lyric poetry – much in Horace – much in Burnes; by the side of the lyric poetry of all lands except Palestine, can be traced only to the idea that the new religion prevailed there, and can be best explained on the supposition that the authors of that poetry were inspired to prepare and transmit to future times that which, in all ages, would express the feelings of true devotion, and which might be permanently employed in the praises of God. He will fail to explain the fact that such poetry is found in Palestine alone, and will fail to appreciate its true nature, who does not admit that these “sweet singers” were inspired by the Holy Ghost” (Dr. Albert Barnes – see bibliography).

My most important resource for this study is undoubtedly God’s Holy Word, while prayerfully relying on the guidance of my wonderful teacher the Holy Spirit of God - Who resides in me, a child of God.

In addition, I heartily recommend the following list of supplementary volumes - tools written by scholars of the Word and lovers of God - books I have studied and will continue to use for this endeavor. They are most helpful, packed with rich gems that bring light to the Holy Bible. I will list them below in case you are interested in looking at your own or a borrowed copy.

Thank you for joining me on a quick overview of the Psalms! I am excited about delving into Psalm 1 next time – I hope you will join me. Suggestion: prayerfully read through Psalm 1 a few times as you are able (between interruptions) this coming next week. Better yet, read it through with a friend or your family!


Bibliography

Barnes, Albert. Barnes Notes On the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1962.

Kidner, Rev. Derek. An Introduction and Commentary On Books I and II of the Psalms. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity   Press, 1973.

Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997.

The Original Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible. Iowa Falls, IA: World Bible Publishers, Inc.,1982.

Peloubet, Rev. D.D. and M.A. Peloubet. Select Notes. A Commentary On the International Lessons for 1892. Boston,      MA: W.A. Wilde and Company, 1892.

Richards, Lawrence O. The 365 Day Devotional Commentary. Wheaton, IL: SP Publications, Victor Books, 1990.

The Ryrie Study Bible: New King James Version. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1985.

Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary – Old Testament. Wheaton, IL: SP Publications,   Victor Books, 1985.

To the glory of God!