Old Testament Survey: The Book of Psalms “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” {Psalm 1:1,2}

Background The book draws its name from the title in the Septuagint (LXX) translation. The word means “praises.” Or “songs of praise.” 73 Psalms are attributed to David. 50 Psalms are anonymous. Total of 150 Psalms A few have been set to music, and we sing them today.

Background National songs of Israel. Largely the songs of the church in past centuries. Largely written for individual devotion. Book of prayer and praise. All emotions touched in the Psalms. Mainly written in Hebrew poetry style.

Divisions of Psalms Book I Corresponds with Genesis Psalm 1—41 All but four written by David Subject: Man His state of blessedness Fall and recovery

Divisions of Psalms Book II Corresponds with Exodus Psalm 42—72 18 written by David Subject—nation of Israel Her ruin (42-49) Redeemer (50-60) Redemption (61-72) Righteous King (72)

Divisions of Psalms Book III Corresponds with Leviticus Psalm 73—89 Centers on time of Hezekiah Subject—the sanctuary referred to in nearly every Psalm in Book III

Divisions of Psalms Book IV Psalm 90—106 Corresponds with Numbers Two Psalms of David (101 and 103) Other Psalms in time of exile Subject: The earth Psalm 90 written by Moses during wilderness wanderings

Divisions of Psalms Book V Psalms 107—150 Corresponds with Deuteronomy 15 Psalms of David Compiled in time of Nehemiah and Ezra Subject: God’s word Psalm 119 greatest and longest Psalm

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Synonymous Parallelism Verses in which the thought of line A is repeated in line B. “LORD, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?” (94:3) “Hear this, all peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world.” (49:1)

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Antithetical Parallelism Verses in which the opposite thought of line A is expressed in line B. “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (1:6) “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (30:5)

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Synthetic parallelism Verses in which line B supplements or completes the thought in line A. “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.” (2:6) “I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (13:6)

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Climatic Parallelism Verses in which the first line is incomplete, so the second line takes up the words in it and completes the thought “Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength.” (29:1) “The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” (24:1)

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry Acrostic Poem The opening words begin with the same letter of the alphabet, or each line begins with the succeeding letters of the alphabet. Psalm 119 Opening letter of verses 1-8 is aleph Opening letter of verses 9-16 is beth Continues on through 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet

Topical Classification God’s Attributes No book more fully sets forth the qualities of God’s nature. Nine names are used to show His Divine attitudes and attributes. The Lord is our judge and defense (7:8-10) Refuge of the poor (14:6) Rock and fortress (18:2) Light and salvation (27:1) Shield (28:7)

Topical Classification Psalms That Praise God Psalms that give Him glory, honor, and praise… Extolling His goodness (85,95,100,136) Praising His glory and wisdom (18,19,29,62…) Creator and preserver (33,89,104) Infinite knowledge (139) Divine providence (105)

Topical Classification Christ in the Psalms Psalms that elevate and prophesy about the coming Messiah and Christ… His crucifixion (22) His resurrection (16) Reign of a righteous King (45,72,110) The rejected Stone (118) His eternity (61)

Topical Classification Historical Psalms Psalms that remind of past events Exodus and crossing the Red Sea (136:10-15) Period of wandering (114) Period of judges (106:34- 46) David fleeing from Saul (7,11,34) David’s sin with Bathsheba (24,30 ,51)

Topical Classification Psalms Concerning Man Psalms that elevate and tell about mankind Man’s exaltation (8) Man’s sinfulness (10,14,36) Wicked contrasted with godly (1,4,5) Folly of wicked who trust in riches (37,49,53) Fate of ungodly (9,11,73)

Topical Classification Psalms of Trust and Thanksgiving Psalms that express man’s gratitude and trust in His God Trust (3,16,20,27,31…) Shepherd Psalm (23) God is our Refuge (46) Gates of thanksgiving (100) Pay vows to God (50) Help from God (121)

Topical Classification Prayer Psalms Psalms that express prayers offered up to God Mercy in time of trouble (6) Prayers of assurance (27 and 116) Penitence (51) Destruction of the deceitful (55) Deliverance (70) Mercy (86)

Topical Classification The Lord’s Church (typical) Psalms about the coming of the Lord’s church Safety (46) Zion’s beauty and glory (48,87) Love for God’s house (84, 122) Unity among brethren (133)

Topical Classification Psalms Concerning Experiences and Religion in Life Psalms about religious experiences Magnifying God’s word (19,119) Worship (43,84,100,122,132) Vanity of life (39,49, 90) The home (127)

Great Lessons From the Psalms Adoration of God Rich in expressing admiration for God and the soul’s longing to be near Him (8:1) The Sanctuary The Psalmist had in mind the tabernacle and temple (77:13 and 122:1) The heart yearns for His Divine presence (42:1) Understanding and seeing things more fully (73:3,17)

Great Lessons From the Psalms Blessings in the Psalms The splendor of happiness and contentment shines with the luster of diamonds (1:1,2; 2:12; 128:1,2; 32:1; 84:4; 119:1; 94:12; 144:15) The Lord is our help He looks down from heaven (14:2) He provides and helps in trouble (46:1) He hears our voices (116:1) Knows every word and thought (139:1-7) If we call in time of trouble, He will deliver (50:15)

Great Lessons From the Psalms Forgiveness of sins All have sinned, and God forgives the penitent (53:1-3; 51:3,4; 119:11) Seven great subjects in the Psalms Recognizing the all-powerful God (90:1,2) Praise for His infinite love and providence (103,136) Rebukes all forms of idolatry (96:4,5; 97:7) Prophetic glimpses of Christ (110:1-4) The terrible nature of sin (143) God’s Divine mercy and forgiveness (32, 130) Emphasizing duties to repent and obey (29:1,2; 51; 96)