PSALMS
Introduction
Word "Psalm" is derived from a Greek word psalmos meaning- "song" or "plucking"
a stringed instrument; the Hebrew title- Tehillim means ‘praises’
Psalms were functional songs composed for use in worship by ancient Israelites --
"the hymnbook of ancient Israel"
They served the crucial function of connecting the worshipper to God through prayer
and praise.
Structure of Psalms
Comprised of 150 individual psalms, which are divided into 5 books each ending with
a doxology, this perhaps reflects the 5 books of Moses
The 5 books are classified as follows:
Book I - Psalm 1-41
Book II - Psalm 42-72
Book III - Psalm 73-89
Book IV - Psalms 90-106
Book V - Psalms 107-150
Psalms 1 & 2 provides a framework/context within which the Psalms operate
Psalm 1 speaks of the importance of meditating on the word of God while Psalm 2 is
a portrait of the sovereign rule of God and His Anointed One over the earth in the face
of human rebellion- ends with a call to submit to Him.
The book of Psalms concludes with 5 psalms of praise (146-150)
Authorship and historical context of the Psalms
These are indicated by the titles or superscriptions of the Psalms or the content of the
Psalms e.g. Ps. 137 vs 1& 3
Most Psalms have titles that provide information about the author and /or context in
which the Psalms were written e.g. 51
Psalms also give technical musical notations in Hebrew for the Psalms
The Psalms were composed by a multiplicity of authors over 1000 years from Moses
to exilic/post exilic period.
Authors of the Psalms include: David (72), Asaph, a musician who was among those
whom David appointed to oversee worship (I Chron. 6:39)-12 Psalms, the sons of
Korah- a levitical family, members of Temple singers (2 Chron 20:19)- 11 Psalms,
Solomon-2 Psalms, Moses- 1 Psalm and Ethan- 1 Psalm.
Types of Psalms
Psalms are often categorized based on their content
The following are the various types of psalms:
Psalms of praise (e.g. 100, 146-150)
Psalms of lament (e.g. 4, 5, 6. 10, 12, 13, ...)
Psalms of thanksgiving (e.g. 9, 30, 34, 118, 138)
Psalms of trust/confidence (e.g. 11, 16, 23, 91,139)
Psalms of remembrance (e.g. 78, 105, 106)
Royal/Kingship psalms (e.g. 2, 20, 45, 72, 110)
Wisdom psalms/psalms of instruction (e.g. 1, 119)
Psalms of Zion (e.g. 46, 48, 76, 84)
Songs of ascent (pilgrimage psalms) - 120-134 o
Although there are many types of Psalms they can be grouped into 3 major categories
i.e. praise, lament, and thanksgiving psalms.
Praise psalms (e.g. Psalm 117)
These are hymns of praises to God
The book of Psalms end with 5 hymns of Praise
Lament psalms (e.g. Psalm 5)
The largest no of Psalms are in this category
The Psalms express grief, anguish, conflict, frustration in the face of trouble
Arise from the realities of life in a fallen world
Often express a sense of distance from God, feelings of abandonment by Him from
enemies (e.g. 13)
These Psalms include the following basic elements: (read and study Psalm 5)
Invocation- calling on God (5:1)
Plea to God for help/deliverance (5:1-3)
Complaint (5:4-6, 9)
Confession of sin or assertion of innocence (5:7-8)
Curse upon enemies/calling on God to judge them (5:10)
Expression of confidence in God and His response (5:11-12)
Praise and /thanks-giving (5:11-12)
Thanksgiving Psalms (e.g. Psalm 118)
Express gratitude to God for what He has done- generally deliverance from
trials/answered prayers
Imprecatory Psalms
These are Psalms which contain verbalization to God of anger at others.
They help us channel our anger to and through God verbally rather than to others e.g.
Psalm 12, 35, 58,69,70, 83, 109 etc
Benefits/significance of Psalms
1. A guide to worship
2. Demonstrate to us how we can relate honestly to God
3. Show us the importance of reflection and meditation upon what God has done for us
4. Teach us how to relate to God through different circumstances of life-struggles,
triumphs, joys and sorrows
