BOOK OF PRAISES PSALM

Psalms 150 Chapters, 2461 verses. (Isaiah has 66 chapters, Genesis has 1533 verses) Each chapter (Psalm) independent of each other Time Period:  1 st Psalm: 90 (Moses) (1410 BC)  Last Psalm: 126 (Unknown, possibly Ezra) ( BC). Babylonian captivity, return to Judah  Most were written during the reigns of David and Solomon (1010 BC – 930 BC)

Authors David – 75 Psalms Ps. 3-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 101, , 122, 124, 131, Ps 2 (See Ac 4:25), Ps 95 (See Heb 4:7) Solomon 2 Psalms (72 & 127) Asaph – 12 Psalms Sons of Korah 11 Psalms Hezekiah possible 10 Psalms Moses (Ps 90), Ethan (Ps 89), Heman (Ps 88) Jeremiah – Ps 137 (according to Septuagint) Zechariah & Ezra each possibly wrote 1 Anonymous/Unknown Psalms

5 Books Some refer to Psalm as the “Pentatuech of David” Old Jewish saying: “Moses gave the Israelites the five books of the Law; and corresponding with these, David gave them the five books of the Psalms.” Book 1 probably compiled during reign of Solomon, Books 2-3 during reigns of Hezekiah or Josiah, Books 4-5 during time of Ezra, Nehemiah

5 Books Book 1: Ps 1-41: themes of sin and redemption (i.e. Ps 38, Ps 23) Book 2: 42-72: focus on nation of Israel Israel’s ruin (42-49), redeemer (50-60), redemption (61- 72) Book 3: 73-89: The sanctuary is referenced in nearly every psalm in this book Book 4: : Israel’s relapse and recovery during wilderness (90 by Moses while wandering) Book 5: : Focus on sufficiency of God’s word (119) and universal praise due to the Lord’s name ( )

Psalm 119 Longest Psalm and chapter of Bible 176 verses Just about every verse praises the Word of God Contains 22 stanzas consisting of 8 verses each Each stanza represents the Hebrew alphabet in an acrostic pattern (first word beginning with a successive letter of Hebrew alphabet) Perhaps written this way to make it easier to memorize

Superscriptions & Notations Ps 3: “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son” Ps 9: “To the chief Musician upon Muthalabben, A Psalm of David” 116 Psalms have superscriptions Some identify the Author and/or historical info (Ps. 3) 55 have musical instructions giving instruction as to how it should be sung and instrument to be used

Superscriptions & Notations Superscriptions were added after the writing of the Psalm but are part of the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible  Generally considered accurate and reliable Selah (appears 71 times) (Ps 3:8)  Most scholars say Selah used as musical notation  Signals brief interlude  Sometimes a pause for emphasis on what was just spoken

Descriptions of God Psalm 7:8-10: Our judge and defense Psalm 14:6: The refuge of the poor Psalm 18:2: Our rock, fortress, strength, shield, horn of salvation, high tower (strong hold) Psalm 19:14: Our strength and redeemer Psalm 24:10: King of glory Psalm 27:1: Our light and salvation Psalm 46:1: Our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 86:15: Full of compassion, gracious, longsuffering, plentous in mercy and truth

Jesus in the Psalms Jesus is spoken of in several Psalms: 2,8,16,22, 40,41,45,61,68,69,72,103,110,118,132 Psalm 8:4-6: Prophesy of Jesus in the flesh (Heb 2:7,9) Psalm 2:7: Prophesy of Jesus as Son of God (baptism of Jesus) Psalm 41:9: Prophesy of Judas Iscariot Psalm 22: Prophesy of Jesus crucifixion (v. 1,7-8,18,30- 31) Psalm 118:22: Prophesy of Jesus as chief cornerstone Psalm 72:6-17: Jesus life on earth Psalm 103:17-18: The recipients of mercy

Psalm The book of Psalms is filled with instruction, prophesy, and prayer The prayers and instruction are the prayers and instructions of some of the most faithful men of God  Prayers of praise  Prayers of thankfulness  Prayers seeking forgiveness & mercy  Prayers seeking guidance & protection  Instruction to trust in God in good times and in bad  Instruction to never leave God or take Him for granted