Old Testament Poetry & Wisdom Literature Week 6. Hymns of Praise

Genres in the Psalms Lament (Cry for help) Thanksgiving (Declarative Praise) Hymn (Descriptive Praise) Confidence (Trust) Remembrance (Historical) Wisdom Kingship (Royal)

Common Phrases in Hymns “Hallelujah!” Hallelu (“praise”) Jah (“Yahweh”) “Bless the LORD!”

Elements of Hymns Call to Praise Reason for Praise Examples “Praise Him…” Reason for Praise “For…” Examples Psalm 100 Psalm 148 – Primarily call to praise Psalm 104 – Primarily reason for praise

Poetic Devices Common in Hymns Inclusio (bookends) “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8) “Praise the LORD, O my soul!” (Psalm 104) “Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 148, 150) Repetitive / Climactic Parallelism Psalm 29 More Structure than Others

Why is God so “obsessed” with praise?

Why is God so “obsessed” with praise?

Reasons for Praise in the Psalms God’s Power and Glory as Creator Power displayed in creation (8) Control over nature (29) Superiority to idols (135)

Reasons for Praise in the Psalms God’s Justice, Righteousness, & Mercy over His Creation (esp. His People) Glory as king (95) Judgment of the wicked (145) Salvation of His people (136) Justice (99) Forgiveness and mercy (103) Care for the weak (146) Provision of material needs (145)

Psalm 98 PAST PRESENT FUTURE v.1-3 v.4-6 v.7-9 Call to Israel Praise Jesus, who has saved us v.1-3 Call to Israel Praise God as your Savior v.4-6 Call to “all the earth” Praise God as your King v.7-9 Call to nature Praise God as your Judge PRESENT Praise Jesus, who is our king FUTURE Praise Jesus, who is coming to judge