In today’s video we’re going to, survey and briefly summarize the Book of Psalms.
Then afterwards, as always, I’ll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the
end.
As for the Author: The brief descriptions that introduce the psalms have David listed
as author in 73 instances.
David’s personality and identity are clearly stamped on many of these psalms.
While it is clear that David wrote many of the individual psalms, he is definitely not
the author of the entire collection.
Two of the psalms (72) and (127) are attributed to Solomon, David’s son and successor.
Psalm 90 is a prayer assigned to Moses.
Another group of 12 psalms (50) and (73—83) is ascribed to the family of Asaph.
The sons of Korah wrote 11 psalms (42, 44-49, 84-85, and 87-88).
Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman, while (89) is assigned to Ethan the Ezrahite.
With the exception of Solomon and Moses, all these additional authors were priests or Levites
who were responsible for providing music for sanctuary worship during David’s reign.
Fifty of the psalms designate no specific person as author.
As for the Date of Writing: A careful examination of the authorship question, as well as the
subject matter covered by the psalms themselves, reveals that they span a period of many centuries.
The oldest psalm in the collection is probably the prayer of Moses (90), a reflection on
the frailty of man as compared to the eternity of God.
The latest psalm is probably (137), a song of lament clearly written during the days
when the Hebrews were being held captive by the Babylonians, from about 586 to 538 B.C.
It is clear that the 150 individual psalms were written by many different people across
a period of a thousand years in Israel’s history.
They must have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor
shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
As for the Purpose of Writing: The Book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible, with
150 individual psalms.
It is also one of the most diverse, since the psalms deal with such subjects as God
and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the coming
of the Messiah.
Here are some Key Verses:
Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his
hands.”
Psalm 22:16-19, "Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they
have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."
Psalm 29:1-2, "Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."
Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Psalm 119:1-2, "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law
of the LORD.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Now for a Brief Summary: The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers, poems, and hymns
that focus the worshiper’s thoughts on God in praise and adoration.
Parts of this book were used as a hymnal in the worship services of ancient Israel.
The musical heritage of the psalms is demonstrated by its title.
It comes from a Greek word which means "a song sung to the accompaniment of a musical
instrument."
As for Foreshadowings: God’s provision of a Savior for His people is a recurring theme
in the Psalms.
Prophetic pictures of the Messiah are seen in numerous psalms.
Psalm 2 portrays the Messiah’s triumph and kingdom.
Psalm 16 foreshadows His death and resurrection.
Psalm 22 shows us the suffering Savior on the cross and presents detailed prophecies
of the crucifixion, all of which were fulfilled perfectly.
The glories of the Messiah and His bride are on exhibit in Psalm 45, while Psalms 72, 89,
110 and 132 present the glory and universality of His reign.
Now here’s some Practical Application: One of the results of being filled with the Spirit
or the word of Christ is singing.
The psalms are the “songbook” of the early church that reflected the new truth in Christ.
God is the same Lord in all the psalms.
But we respond to Him in different ways, according to the specific circumstances of our lives.
What a marvelous God we worship, the psalmist declares, high and lifted up beyond our human
experiences but also close enough to touch and who walks beside us along life’s way.
We can bring all our feelings to God—no matter how negative or complaining they may
be—and we can rest assured that He will hear and understand.
The psalmist teaches us that the most profound prayer of all is a cry for help as we find
ourselves overwhelmed by the problems of life.
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