PSALMS AND THE CHRISTIAN

BACKGROUND MATERIAL ON THE PSALMS

INTRODUCTION

We discussed earlier some of the uniqueness of Hebrew poetry in general, now let’s focus on the book of Psalms itself.

I. The Origin of the Word Psalm

A. The Greek word is Psalmos, from the Hebrew word zmr, meaning to pluck, in other words, taking hold of the strings of an instrument with the fingers.  This implies that the psalms were originally composed to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.  David and others originally wrote the Psalms to be sung to the accompaniment of the harp.

B. In new testament worship, we are told to sing the Psalms to the accompaniment of the heart: “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”-Eph. 5:19.  The phrase “making melody” comes from the Greek word psallontes (literally, plucking the strings of). Thus, we are to “pluck the strings of our heart” as we sing psalms, not the string of a harp.

II. The History of the Psalms

A. The earliest Psalms originate from Moses (ca. 1300 B.C.).  Some of these include:

1. Exodus 15:1-15- a song of triumph following the crossing of the Red Sea.

2. Deut. 32, 33- a song of exhortation to keep the Law after entering Canaan.

3. Psalm 90- a song of meditation, reflection, and prayer.

B. After Moses, the writing of Psalms had its peaks and valleys.  In David (ca. 1000 B.C.), the sacred lyric attained to its full maturity.  Under Solomon, the creation of psalms began to decline.  This was the age of the proverb.  Only twice after this did the creation of psalms rise to any height, but then only for a short period: under Jehoshaphat (ca. 875 B.C.) and again under Hezekiah (cs. 725 B.C.)

III. The Authors (or Writers) of the Psalms

A. David is commonly thought to be the author of all the psalms, but he was not.  He did write at least 73 of the Psalms.

B. Asaph was the music director during the reigns of David and Solomon.  He wrote 12 of the Psalms.

C. The Sons of Korah were Levites who served in the temple.  They wrote 12 Psalms.

D. Solomon has at least 2 Psalms attributed to him (Psalm 72, 127); but that he wrote many more is stated in I Kings 4:29-32.

E. Moses wrote the earliest psalms.  One is found in the book of Psalms (Psalm 90).

F. Heman was contemporary with David and Asaph and is known as “the singer”.  He wrote Psalm 88.

G. Ethan was a companion with Asaph and Heman in the temple worship.  He wrote Psalm 89.

H. Anonymous- 48 of the Psalms name no author.

IV. The Arrangement of the Psalms

A. Originally they were collected into five “books”...

Book I: Psalms 1-41

Book II: Psalms 42-72

Book III: Psalms 73-89

Book IV: Psalms 90-106

Book V: Psalms 107-150

B. They can also be arranged into chief groups.

1. Alphabetic or Acrostic psalms, are psalms with lines which in Hebrew start with words whose first letters follow a certain pattern.  For example, Psalm 119 –the first eight lines start with words beginning with the Hebrew letter ALEPH, the second eight lines with words beginning with BETH, etc.

2. Ethical psalms are psalms teaching moral principles.  A good example is Psalm 15.

3. Hallelujah psalms are psalms of praise, beginning and/or ending with “hallelujah” or “praise Jehovah”.        Psalm 103 is one example.

4. Historical psalms are psalms which review the history of God’s dealings with His people.  Psalm 69 is an example.

5. Imprecatory psalms are psalms that which invoke God to bring evil upon one’s enemies, such as Psalm 69.

6. Messianic psalms are psalms pertaining to the coming Messiah.  For example, Psalm 2.

7. Penitential psalms are psalms expressing sorrow for sins committed.  A classic one is Psalm 51.

8. Songs of Ascent or Songs of Degrees are thought by scholars, although they are not sure, to be psalms sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem to observe the feasts.  They are grouped together as Psalms 120-134.

9. Suffering psalms are cries of those suffering affliction.  Psalm 102

10. Thanksgiving psalms are psalms of grateful praise to Jehovah for blessings received.  Psalm 100

C. The various styles of the psalms can be described as:

1. Didactic: psalms of teaching and instruction

2. Liturgical: responsive readings, for use in special services (Psalm 136).

3. Meditation: the ancient Hebrews were given to meditation, which finds expression in many of the Psalms

4. Praise and Devotion: psalms of joyful praise

 5. Prayer and Petition: psalms which are sung in an attitude of prayer

CONCLUSION: Hopefully, this brief background will help one gain a better feel for this type of scripture.