Psalms 119:54 “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” Psalms best known and loved part of Old Testament Name = in Hebrew “praise” Name = in Greek “a song or poem” Jews Division of Old Testament ---- Luke 24:44 Law = First 5 books Psalms = 5 books of poetry Prophets = books of prophecy and history Called Psalms “David” - Heb.4:7 from Ps.95:7,8

Interesting Facts about Psalms Composed by several different writers During a period of about 1,000 years Authors Moses = 1 Asaph = 2 Sons of Korah = 11 Solomon = 2 Ezra = 2 David = 70 Unknown = 50

Interesting Facts about Psalms 150 chapters – 116 have these headings  Author’s name  Setting  Other information Ps. 3 “A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son” Not a part of the original but very ancient

Interesting Facts about Psalms “that which directly expresses the individual emotions of the poet” The Psalms are thus inspired responses of various individuals to God’s revelation of himself in the Old Testament era. Uses the “metaphor”, “simile” “personification” and other figures of speech

Interesting Facts about Psalms Draws the reader through visual imagery, imaginative symbols Speaks to the heart and to the passions “My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me.” Ps. 55:4 “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Ps. 103:1

What about Instrumental Music ? Some argue that it is acceptable to use instrumental music in our worship because it is mentioned so often in the book of Psalms  Psalms is a part of the Old Testament  It was fulfilled by Jesus Christ - Luke 24:44  Once fulfilled it was removed as a law - Col. 2:14  Jeremiah foretold this 600 years before Christ – Jer. 31:31-34

What about Instrumental Music ? Today we live under the New Testament It is a new covenant It was given by Jesus Pattern for worship commands us to sing Eph. 5:19 Col. 3:16 No authority for using instrumental music What about animal sacrifices ?? Ps. 66:13-15

Classifying the Psalms Psalms 19 GOD'S WORKS AND GOD'S WORD DECLARE HIS GLORY THE WORLD BOOK, AND THE WORD BOOK V.1-6 describe the glory of God as seen in the heavenly bodies V.7-14 deals with the excellence of the revelation of God in the Law

Classifying the Psalms Psalms 105 Rehearses covenant with Abraham Adventures of Joseph Sojourn of Israel in Egypt Moses the deliverer Plagues Wandering in the wilderness Conquest of Canaan

Classifying the Psalms Psalms 1 The spiritual person described Does not walk in the counsel of the wicked Does not stand in the way of sinners Does not sit in the seat of scoffers

Classifying the Psalms Psalms 51 About his sin with Bathsheba 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.”

Classifying the Psalms A prayer for the defeat and / or destruction of one’s enemies These are not expressions of personal, hateful vengeance, but a plea for justice. Not a Matter Of Personal Revenge

Classifying the Psalms He would be divine 45:6-7 and Human 22:22 He would be betrayed 69:25 and suffer death 22:1-31 Rise from the grave 16:10 ascend to heaven 110:1-7 Psalms 22 describes the crucifixion of Christ v. 1 = Matt. 27:46 v. 6-8 = Matt. 27:39-44 v = describe pain and suffering v. 16 = Jesus being nailed to the cross v. 17 = no bones broken

Classifying the Psalms Designed to accommodate certain element of worship Ps. 30 composed for dedication of the temple site Ps. 90 the Sabbath day is celebrated

Some Well Known Psalms Psalms 8  Praises the glory of God as seen in His creation  Matthew Fontaine Maury “the paths of the sea” v. 8 Psalms 23  Called the “Shepherd’s Psalm”  Been memorized more than any other chapter

Some Well Known Psalms Psalms 51  States his repentance for sin against God  v. 5 wrong translated in some versions Psalms 90  Written by Moses  Deals with the brevity of man’s life on earth  v. 12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Some Well Known Psalms Psalms 119  Praises the law of God  22 sections – begins with letter of Hebrew alphabet Psalms 139  God is omnipresent – everywhere  God is omniscient - knows everything  Nothing is hidden from God  No place that man can go to escape from God

Millions have found comfort and strength Praise to God God’s glory Excellence of the Word Characteristics of a godly man Songs for Happy days Sad days Ordinary days

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Evening March 10, 2013