Course Name: [ Old Testament Survey ] Lesson Eight: [ The Book of Psalms ] The Poetry Books, Part Two NOTES:

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1 Course Name: [ Old Testament Survey ] Lesson Eight: [ The Book of Psalms ] The Poetry Books, Part Two We have seen that the poetry books describe a variety of Israel s experiences from the time of the patriarchs to the time of Israel s return from captivity. The psalms provide unique insights into the heart and expressions of Israel s worship in the midst of these experiences. Who can forget the deep emotions and faith of the psalmist as he looks to God for light in the darkness? Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Who is not moved to worship by the heart-cries of David about the greatness and glory of our God? Psalm 8:1 (NIV) Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Full of lyrical poetry, the psalms were written as songs to be accompanied by a stringed instrument (like a lyre or harp) and give us patterns and principles for praising God in the good times and the hard seasons. We can learn so much about the worship God wants from His people as we study this wonderful book. 1. Background of the Psalms The 150 chapters in the Book of Psalms are arranged into five subdivisions or books (1 41; 42 72; 73 89; ; ). It is interesting to consider how and why these psalms were written and collected in this way. This order follows the fivefold division of the Pentateuch and may reflect the process of collecting these songs and prayers into Israel s hymnbook. Most of the psalms in the first two books were from David (3 41; 51 71), while many psalms in book three were written by Asaph (73 83). Songs of Ascent ( ) and Hallelujah psalms ( )

2 were grouped together in the fifth book. This suggests that the first two books may have been collected by David, the third and fourth by Solomon or Hezekiah, and the fifth by Ezra. (S. J. Schultz and G. V. Smith, Exploring the Old Testament) These were all brought together possibly as early as 500 B.C. and given the Hebrew title Tehillim ( praise songs ). Translators of the Greek Septuagint called them Psalmoi ( songs to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument ) and this was the Greek title used in the days of Jesus (for example, see Acts 1:20). The psalms were written for a variety of purposes. The following are some categories Bible scholars use to describe these purposes, with examples of each category. Didactic or Wisdom (Psalm 1) Trust (Psalm 23) Historical (Psalms ) Royal (Psalm 2) Hallelujah or Praise (Psalm 150) Penitential or Confessional (Psalm 51) Thanksgiving (Psalm 118) Messianic (Psalm 22) Creation (Psalm 8) Pilgrim (Psalms ) Imprecatory (Psalm 137) Lament (Psalms 42-43) Psalms are grouped together and identified as the Songs of Ascent. Many believe that these were sung by worshipers as they made their way to Jerusalem for annual pilgrimages of worship and celebration. The Book of Psalms also contains the longest chapter in the Bible. The 176 verses in Psalm 119 emphasize the value of God s Word for His people using an acrostic pattern based on the 22 Hebrew letters. This psalm contains 22 sections, each based on the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses in each section that begin with that letter. It is as if the author was declaring that, for every letter in the alphabet, there is a reason, purpose and benefit to God s Word! Pastor Dale O Shields // The Poetry Books, Part 2 // Page 2

3 2. Psalms in the New Testament The Book of Psalms is used in significant ways by the writers of the New Testament. Of the 283 direct quotes from the Old Testament in the New Testament, 116 are from the Psalms. The Messianic Psalms powerfully and accurately portray and predict the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ. Approximately half of the Old Testament references to the Messiah quoted by the New Testament writers are from the Book of Psalms (Spirit-Filled Life Bible). Notice how the following New Testament passages use verses from the psalms to declare who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Acts 13:32-33 (NIV) We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: You are my son; today I have become your father. Matthew 22:42-44 (NIV) What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he? The son of David, they replied. 43 He said to them, How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him Lord? For he says, 44 The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet. John 2:17 (NIV) His disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for your house will consume me. Matthew 13:35 (NIV) So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world. Matthew 21:42 (NIV) Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Hebrews 5:6 (NIV) And he says in another place, You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. John 13:18 (NIV) I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: He who shared my bread has turned against me. Romans 15:3 (NIV) For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. 1 Corinthians 15:27 (NIV) For he has put everything under his feet. Now when it says that everything has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. Pastor Dale O Shields // The Poetry Books, Part 2 // Page 3

4 Jesus also used the psalms to drive home points of His teachings. The Sermon on the Mount (Psalm 48:2) Teaching the multitudes (Psalm 78:2) The cleansing of the temple (Psalm 8:2) At the Last Supper (Psalm 136) On the cross (Psalm 22:1; 31:5) Following His resurrection (Luke 24:44-45) It is helpful to note that certain psalms can be grouped together to give us more insight about the coming Messiah. For example: Psalm 22 The Suffering Savior Psalm 23 The Living Savior Psalm 24 The Coming King The psalms are not just about the worship of Israel. They give all of us hope in the God of Israel, who promised to send His Messiah as the Savior of the world. In Christ we find the ultimate expression of our worship and understand the true greatness of our God as we walk through the valley of this life with Him. Pastor Dale O Shields // The Poetry Books, Part 2 // Page 4

5 Small Group Discussion Guide Getting Started The Book of Psalms is the songbook of Israel. Why is singing such an important part of the worship of God s people? How important is to you in your personal and corporate worship? Talking It Over Read Psalm 1:1-6. What wisdom do we learn from this psalm about living under God s blessing? Read Psalm 22:1-2. How does this cry of the righteous sufferer help us understand more about Jesus death on the cross (see Matthew 27:46). Read Psalm 8:1-9. In what ways does this psalm inspire you to worship God as Creator of all? Read Psalm 119:105. What does this teach us about the value of God s Word? How does that encourage you to worship Him? Putting the Word to Work Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages of Scripture. It is worth memorizing and meditating on as a point of ministry to your heart and to others as you have opportunity to share it. If all six verses are too difficult for you to memorize, try committing one of the marvelous verses of this psalm to memory. You ll be glad you did! Memorizing the Word Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Pastor Dale O Shields // The Poetry Books, Part 2 // Page 5