The Psalms: the titles may ● identify the Psalm with a person or group ● give historical information about the Psalm ● give musical information ● liturgical information ● the kind of Psalm
The Psalms: labels ● psalm = song with musical accompaniment ● Prayer ● A Praise Psalm 145 ● A Maschil = an instruction ● Michtam – possibly to be memorised ● Song of Degrees = going up
Many Psalms mention a person: ● David – most frequently ● Solomon: 72, 127 ● Moses: 90 ● Asaph (12 Psalms) ● Sons of Korah (11 Psalms) ● Musical Director (more than 50) ● Heman and Ethan (1 each)
Some terms: ● Selah = a pause to think or 'lift up', often connects what went before with what follows ● Hallelujah = an invitation to join in the praise
One way to approach a Psalm ● Historical setting ● Prophetic interpretation ● Personal application
Some terms: ● Selah = a pause to think or 'lift up', often connects what went before with what follows ● Hallelujah = an invitation to join in the praise
Psalm 73 ● Surely God is good... ● But as for me... ● Till I entered the sanctuary...
Psalm 73 ● I am always with you ● You hold me by my right hand ● You guide me with your counsel ● You take me into glory
Psalm 24 ● ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it...'
Psalm 23 ● 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want...'
Psalm 73 ● God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever
Psalm 86 ● You are forgiving and good O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to youY
Psalm 73 ● My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.