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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Why is God so “obsessed” with praise?

12. Why is God so “obsessed” with praise?

13. 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)

14. 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)

15. 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