Commentary on the Psalms

Songs of Trust

Called in Hebrew the 'Book of Praises'

150 Poems to be Sung in the Worship
The Hymnal and Book of Prayers of Israel
For use in Private Life and in Public Worship
The Most Loved Book of the Old Testament
The Literary Jewel of the Golden Age of Israel
Of the 283 quotations from the Old Testament in the New Testament, 116 are from the Psalms.

Literary Paternity of the Psalms

The titles of the Psalms attribute 73 to David; 12 to Asaph; 11 to the
children of Korah; 2 to Solomon (72, 127); 1 to Moses (90); 1 to Ethan (89); and
50 anonymous. It is believed that some of the anonymous ones can be attributed to the
author of the previous psalm. Without doubt, David was the author of some of these
anonymous psalms.
Titles are not an indispensable indication of their authorship. In Hebrew,
the same word means 'of' 'to' and 'for.' A psalm 'of' David can
having been written by him, or for him, or dedicated to him.
However, the titles are very old, and the most natural assumption
they indicate paternity. The oldest universal tradition and not
interrupted is that David was the main author of the Psalms. Some
modern critics have made a desperate effort to eliminate from
a picture to David. But all the reasoning is in favor of accepting the Psalms
as it works largely in David, and there is no significant objection to
put it in doubt. The New Testament acknowledges it.
We therefore speak of the Psalms, as Psalms of David, because he was their
main author or composer. It is generally recognized that a few
they already existed before the days when he lived, and they formed the core of a
hymnal for the worship. This was significantly expanded by David, increased by
generation to generation, and completed in its current form by Ezra.
David was a warrior of extraordinary bravery, a military genius, and a statesman.
which led his nation to the pinnacle of its power. He was also a poet and musician, and
lover of God with all his heart. His creation of the Psalms was actually
a work much grander than the organization of the kingdom. It is one of the
most noble monuments of the centuries. In these Psalms, we are presented with the
true character of David; and in them the people of God generally contemplates
a fairly accurate picture of himself, with his struggles, his sins, his pains,
their aspirations, their joys, and their victories. Through the Psalms, even through the ages without
Finally, David will never cease to be deserving of the gratitude of millions of the redeemed.
of God.

Jesus Loved the Psalms

To such an extent that they became part of His very mentality, in such a way
what he expressed in quotes of them His mortal agony on the cross (22:1; 31:5; Mat
27:46; Luke 23:46) He said that many things in the Psalms were written about
He (Luke 24:44)

He Said of the Psalms W.E.Gladstone:

All the wonders of Greek civilization together are less
wonderful that this simple book of Psalms.
The Psalms Were Written to Be Sung
Moses sang, and he taught the people to sing (Ex 15; Deut 32, 33). Israel sang
on the way to the Promised Land (Num 21:17). Deborah and Barak sang
Judges 5. David was a musician body and soul, and sang with all his heart.
Sam 6:5, 14, 16). The singers of Hezekiah sang the words of David to the tune
from the trumpets (2 Chr 29:28-30). The singers of Nehemiah lifted their voices
in the dedication of the wall (Neh 12:42). Paul and Silas sang in prison (Acts
16:5). At the dawn of creation 'all the stars of the morning praised, and they
"the sons of God rejoiced" (Job 38:7). In heaven, millions upon millions of
angels sing, and the entire redeemed creation joins in the chorus (Rev 1:11-13). In
the sky will sing, and never, during endless ages, will they tire of singing
praises of God.

Liturgical and Musical Titles

The meaning of certain words that appear in the titles of some psalms
It is not known for sure. They are earlier than the Septuagint and very ancient. We give
An alphabetical list of these titles, and references about their possible meaning.

Ajelet-hashachar, see under Psalm 22.

Alamo, Psalm 46.
Higaion, Psalm 9.
Jeduthun, Psalm 39.
Jonatelem-rechokim, Psalm 56.
Mahalat, Samo 53.
Mahalat-Leanot, Psalm 88.
Masquil, Psalm 32.
Mictam, Psalm 56.
Mutt-laben, Psalm 9.
 Negins, Psalm 4.
Nehelot, Samo 5.
Selah, Samo 3.
A minute, Psalm 6
Sigaión, Psalm 7
Sosanim, Psalm 45
Susan-Hedut, Psalm 60
55 Psalms are headed, 'To the Chief Musician.'

Musical Instruments

There were string instruments, mainly the harp and the

psaltery; the flute of wind, fife, horn, and trumpet; and of
percussion the tambourine and the cymbal. David had an orchestra of
4,000 musicians (1 Chronicles 23:5).

Classification of the Psalms

They are divided into five books:

1.1-41
2.42-72
3.73-89
4.90-106
5.107-150

This subdivision has been indicated since very ancient times, both in Hebrew
as in the Septuagint; perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
Each book ends with a doxology. The last Psalm is a doxology in itself.
same.

Additional Subdivisions

Psalms of the Sons of Korah, 42-49, see under Psalm 32

Psalms of Asaph, 73-83. Psalm 37
Psalms Miktam, 50-60. Psalm 56
Gradual Songs or Songs of Ascents, 120-134, Psalm 120

These smaller groups seem to have been formed from time to time, and
then incorporated into the main divisions.
 Other Classifications
Regarding its form and content:

Messianic, see under Psalm 2

Historical, Psalm 78
Penitential, Psalm 32
Imprecatory Psalms, Psalm 35
Acrostics or Alphabetical, Psalm 9
Theocratic, Psalm 95
Hallelujah, Psalm 113
Hallelujah, Psalm 146

Some Psalms are very long, while others are very short. It is a common Bible and
On average, each psalm spans half a page. Psalm 119 is the longest.
and it is the longest chapter in the Bible; chapter 117 is the shortest, and at the same time the chapter
shorter, and the center of the Bible. The central verse of the Bible is 118:8; a
Good verse, by the way.

Prominent Thoughts from the Psalms

"Trust", the first and most prominent idea of the book, is repeated time and time again. In
every occasion, whatever it may be, of joy or suffering, David always turns to
God. Despite his weaknesses, David lived in God.
The 'praise' was always on his lips. He was always asking for something
God, and always giving thanks from the bottom of my heart for the answers to your
sentences.
"Joy" is another one of his favorite words. Not even the incessant trials of David
they could never pledge their joy in God. Time and again it says, 'Sing,' and
shout with joy
Mercy appears hundreds of times. David often spoke of the
justice, righteousness, and the wrath of God; but in what he gloried was in the
mercy of God.
The wicked. The prevalence of evil greatly disturbed David.
For him, as well as for other biblical writers, there were only two classes: the
the good and the bad, even when many try to be both at the same time.
"Enemies." The incessant reference to enemies is surprising. We wonder
Why was a good and just king like David always surrounded by enemies?
Those who would be, in some cases, personal enemies; other times,
Israel, or of God.

Psalm 1
The blessedness of those who delight in the Word of God. If
David loved the brief writings that in his day formed the Word.
Oh God, how much more should we love her now, whole and orderly.
around the beautiful story of Christ! And how beautiful the promise of
that those who take their ideas for life from the Word of God
They will be like a tree planted by streams of water! In this way
The book of Psalms begins by praising the Word of God. They are
also Psalms from the Word 19 and 119.

PSALM 2
A hymn of the coming Messiah, His deity, and His universal kingdom. This is the
first of the messianic psalms.

The Messianic Psalms

Many psalms contain references to Christ, written a thousand years before His
come but completely inapplicable to anyone else. Some expressions of
the Psalms seem to refer to David in a secondary and incomplete sense, but
whose evident divine purpose was to point towards that Unique Person of the
David's family in which God's promises to David, of a throne
eternal, they would find their final fulfillment (see 2 Sam 7). In addition to those
passages that are clearly messianic, there are many others in the Psalms
expressions that seem to be, in a less direct way, covert allusions to
Messiah.

The most obviously messianic Psalms are: 2, the deity and the universal kingdom
of the Anointed of God; 8, in the person of the Messiah, man is made master of
everything created; 16 His resurrection from the dead; 22, His sufferings;
His real wife, and eternal throne;
of His kingdom; 89, the divine oath of the eternity of His throne; 110, the King and
Eternal priest; 118, rejected by the leaders of His nation; 132, the
Eternal heir to the throne of David.

Messianic Passages
The New Testament explicitly states that the following passages from the
Psalms refer to Christ (see also under Matt 2:22):

You are my son; today I have begotten you

You put everything under his feet
You will not leave my soul in the grave, nor will you allow your holy one to see
corruption (16:10; Acts 2:27)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
"Let him deliver him; let him rescue him" (22:8; Mat 27:43)
They pierced my hands and my feet
They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
John 19:24
Behold, I come ... to do your will
The man of my peace, who ate my bread, lifted his heel against me.
(41:9; John 13:18)
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever
The zeal for your house has consumed me
 They put ice for food, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
They gave him vinegar to drink mixed with gall: and when he had tasted it, he would not drink.

Take another his office

The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, while I put your
enemies under your feet
The Lord has sworn ... You are a priest forever, according to the order of
Melchizedek (110:4; Heb 7:17)
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
"angle" (118:22 ; Mat 21:42)
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
See also 2 Samuel 7 and Matthew 2:22

PSALM 3
David's trust in God during the rebellion of Absalom (2
He could sleep because "the hand of God was his pillow."
"Selah" v. 2 This word occurs 71 times in the Psalms. It is believed that
it has meaning an orchestral interlude.

PSALM 4
Another hymn of trust, when David went to sleep, so to speak
to say it, in the bosom of God.
"Neginot" in the titles of Psalms 4, 6, and 61 means instruments of
rope.

Psalm 5
A morning prayer. Surrounded by treacherous enemies, David prays, and
shout of joy, in the confidence that God will defend him.
"Nehilot" in the title means an accompaniment of instruments of
wind.

PSALM 6
The cry of a wounded heart, in times of sickness, humiliation
and shame, possibly due to the sin of David with Bathsheba. This is
the first of the penitential psalms (see under Psalm 32)
"Seminit" in the title of this and Psalm 12 means "eighth" and probably
means for basses, or male voices.

PSALM 7
 Another plea for protection against evil enemies, like Psalm 5. David
protests his own justice (see under Psalm 32).
"Cus", in the title, might be the name of some official of Saul who was pursuing.
a David (see under Psalm 54) or a reference to Cis, father of Saul. "Sigeion", in the
title, is probably the name of the melody.

PSALM 8
Man takes dominion over creation (6). This will happen on the day of reign.
triumphant of Christ (Heb 2:6-10. See under Psalm 2).
"Gitit", in the titles of this and Psalms 81, 84; possibly the name of
a musical instrument or melody of Cat.

Psalm 9
A psalm of thanks for his victories. God is King on the throne forever;
that the nations may know that they are but men. This psalm and the 10 form
an acrostic.
In the acrostic or alphabetical psalms, the initial letters of the verses
subsequent ones follow the order of the Hebrew alphabet. The other acrostic psalms are
25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119 and 145.
"Mut-labén" in the title is probably the name of a melody;
"Higgaion", verse 16, a musical note.

PSALM 10
David's prayer asking for help, while fighting against evil, oppression and
the robbery, apparently within his own kingdom.

PSALM 11
The fate of the wicked. God is not indifferent; fire will rain upon the wicked,
sulfur and fiery whirlwinds.

PSALM 12, 13
The wicked surround from all sides. But David, although in deep pain, trusts.
of the result and rejoices in God.

Psalm 14
The universal wickedness of men. Similar to Psalm 53: cited in Rom 3:10-
12 to show the need for a Savior.

PSALM 15
The true citizen of Zion. Thomas Jefferson called this psalm 'the portrait'
of a true gentleman
Psalm 16
A Psalm of the Resurrection. David seems to be speaking of himself, and yet,
In some way, mystical words of King David appear in his mouth.
upcoming (10). This is cited in the N.T. as a prophecy of the resurrection of Christ
(Acts 2:27; see under Psalm 2).

Psalm 17
Surrounded by evil enemies, David prays, and protests his own justice. See
Under Psalm 32.

Psalm 18
I believe it is the hymn of thanks from David when he ascended to the throne. Being
"Head of people" was true of David only in a limited sense. Here
one looks beyond the days of David, towards the throne of his Firstborn Son (see under
Psalm 2.

Psalm 19
The glories of creation and the perfection of God's laws. The God of
nature reveals itself to man through His written Word. The
thoughts about the Word of God (7-14) are greatly expanded in the
Psalm 119. This Psalm, as well as 24, 27, and 36, may be a combination of
two poems.

Psalms 20
A Psalm of trust. It is believed that it may have been recounted to enter into
battle. Some consider that it contains allusions to the Messiah King, as it
found in Psalms 2, 18, 21, 45, 61, 72, 89, 110, 132.

Psalms 21
Thanksgiving for the victory that was requested in Psalm 20 before
start the battle. His messianic references are clearer than those of the Psalm
20. The eternal aspect of the reign of this King should refer more to Christ.
that David.

PSALM 22
A Psalm of the Crucifixion written a thousand years before it happened, and so vivid
one would believe that the writer was present in person at the cross;
words of Jesus while expiating, the mockery of His enemies, the hands and the feet
horadados, and the clothes distributed by chance. Some of these expressions are not
applicable to David, nor to any known incident in history, outside of
the crucifixion of Jesus. See under Psalm 2.
"Ajelet-sahar" in the title literally means "doe of the morning." Perhaps it is
the name of the melody, or an explanatory note of the time.
Psalm 23
The Psalm of the Shepherd. The beloved chapter of the Old Testament. Beecher has said that 'This
Salmo has flown like a bird across the land, singing the sweetest song that
has never been heard. It has silenced more sorrows than all the philosophy of
world. It will continue singing for your children and mine, and for the children of
they, until the end of time. And when their work is finished, they will fly again
to the bosom of God, she will fold her wings, and will continue singing forever in the happy choir
of those whom he helped to bring there.

SOLOMON 24
Arrival of the King at Zion. It may have been written for the ceremony of the arrival.
from the ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:12-15). Perhaps we will sing it ourselves to give the
welcome to the King who returns, on that glorious day when He comes again. It is
similar in part to Psalm 15.

PSALM 25
The prayer of a soul oppressed by sin (7, 11, 18). Here David does not
protest his justice. See under Psalm 32.

PSALM 26
In this, David asserts his righteousness in rather positive terms, very different from the
from the previous Psalm. See under Solomon 32.

PSALM 27
The love for the House of God. If David loved the Temple with such devotion
since then, place of animal sacrifices, how much should we not
my home now, where we are told over and over the beautiful story of
Salvador!

Psalm 28
A prayer, and thank you for your reply. David trusted in God, and received His
help. For this he sings and rejoices.

PSALM 29
The voice of God in the storm. God feels like King over the flood; he is
sitting as King forever

PSALM 30
David's song of praise at the dedication of his palace (2 Sam 5:11; 7:2).
David always praises God.
Psalm 31
A Psalm of suffering and victory. Jesus loved this psalm and quoted from it.
His last words (5; Luke 23:46).

Psalm 32
A Psalm of penitence, confession, and forgiveness, born undoubtedly from sin of
David with Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:12). He finds no words to express.
his shame and his humiliation. 1- However, this is the same David who so to
he affirms his justice (S. 7:3, 8; 17:1-5; 18:20-24; 26:1-4). How to reconcile
these paradoxical aspects of David's life?

1. The Psalms of "justice" may have been written before David had
such a tremendous fall.
A man can feel his sinfulness more at one time than at another.
3. David's justice was relative and not absolute. Compared to the
In general, among men, David was a first-rate saint;
compared to God, his justice was like filthy rags.
A good man can sin, and yet be a good man; see
under 2 Sam 11. There is as wide a difference as the sea between man
well, although sometimes I give in to carnal temptations, and the bad that
deliberately and purposefully mocks all the laws of the
decency. See under 1 John 3.

It is said that Augustine wrote this Psalm on the wall in front of his bed.
and I read it incessantly, crying while I read.
The psalms 6, 25, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143 are also penitential. It is believed that
"Masquil" in the titles of this and of Psalms 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78,
88, 89, and 142 indicate a didactic or meditative poem.

Psalm 33
A Psalm of joy and praise. The idea of a 'new song' (3) appears in
psalm: 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9. There are ancient songs that never grow old; for
the people of God on the path of life, there are new things at every moment
liberations and new joys that give new meaning to the same song, that
will ultimately find its climax in new bursts of joy at the dawn of the
heavenly glories (Rev 5:9; 14:3).

Psalm 34
David gives thanks and praises for having been delivered from the Philistines.
Response to the prayer of Psalm 54. David faced all difficulties directly.
to God. Every time he was delivered, he immediately raised his thanks to God and
praises. Someone has said: "Thank God for the light of the stars, and you
It will give you the moon. Thank it for the light of the moon, and it will give you the sunlight. Give it.
Thank you for the sun, later it will take you where He Himself is the Light.
PSALM 35
An imprecatory psalm; so also 52, 58, 59, 69, 109, 137. They breathe
vengeance against enemies. They are not pronouncements of God's anger against
the bad ones, but the requests of a man for revenge against his enemies;
all the opposite of Jesus' teachings, that we must love our
enemies. How will we explain it? In the O.T. God's purpose was to maintain
in the world a nation that would prepare the way for the coming of Christ. It was to be
to make use of men as they were, and did not necessarily approve of everything that
What their most devoted servants said or did. Some of these
Psalms were battle songs, expressions of the most intense patriotism, written
so that the nation could survive in its life or death struggles against
powerful enemies. With the coming of Christ, the divine revelation was completed.
meaning of human life and its rules of conduct; and God changed the emphasis
From his work, from the maintenance of a nation to the transformation of individuals into
men like He wants us to be. Now God will not excuse some
things that were overlooked then. In the times of the O.T. God sometimes
she condescended to accommodate the ideas of men; in those of the
N.T. began to deal with them according to his ideas. See under Luke
6:27

PSALM 36
A meditation on the wickedness of man, and justice,
faithfulness, mercy, and goodness of God.

Psalm 37
In the world, but not of the world. This is one of the most beloved psalms.
David, always concerned about the prevalence of evil, presents here his
philosophy about how to live among those who hate God and the
things he loved, Do good; trust in God; do not be troubled. John reminds us
15:19 and Phil 2:15.

PSALM 38
A psalm of great anguish; one of the penitential psalms (see
under Psalm 32). It seems that due to his sin, David has
has suffered a disgusting illness for which your friends and
close relatives had distanced themselves, and his enemies had
multiplied and greatly emboldened. It shows us how the "man
according to the heart of God
pain for his sin.

Psalm 39
 An elegy on the brevity, fragility, and vanity of life.
"Jeduthun", in this title and in those of Psalms 62 and 77, were one of the
three musical directors of David, the others being Asaf and Hemán (1 Chr
According to 2 Chronicles 35:15, he was the 'seer of the king'.

PSALM 40
Praises for a great liberation. The Law of God was in its
heart (8), and yet the weight of his iniquities crushed him (2).
The last part of this Psalm is the same as Psalm 70.

Psalm 41
David's prayer, asking to be delivered. It is believed to be from the time of
the rebellion of Absalom (2 Sam 15), when David's illness (3-8)
he gave the opportunity for the plot to mature. The "man of my peace"
(9) It must have been Ahithophel, the Judas of the Old Testament. (2 Sam 15:12; John
13:18.

SALMOS 42, 43
But about an exile, by the house of God. It seems to have been in the region of
Hermon to the east of the Jordan (6), between an ungodly and hostile people. These two Psalms
they form a single poem.
The 'sons of Korah' from the titles of Psalms 42-49, 84, 85, 87, 88, were a
family of Levites, poets, organized by David in preparation for the services
of the Temple, in an extensive musical guild that continued for many
generations (1 Chr 6:31-48; 9:19, 22, 33).

PSALM 44
A desperate cry, in a time of national catastrophe in which it seems
that the army has suffered a crushing defeat.

PSALM 45
Nuptial song of a king, to whom the name of God is given and who sits on a
eternal throne. It may partially refer to David or Solomon; but some of the
words are entirely inapplicable to both, or to any human sovereign. I must
to be a song of the Messiah, in anticipation of the wedding of the Lamb (Rev 19:7).
"Sosanim" in this title and in Psalms 69, 80, means "lilies," possibly
a spring song, or metaphorically, a chorus of women.

Psalm 46
Battle Hymn of Zion. Base of Luther's hymn, 'A mighty fortress is our
God
 "Alamot" in the title means "virgins", or a chorus of maidens.

PSALMS 47, 48
God is King. God reigns, Zion is the city of God. This God is our God.
forever; let all the earth rejoice.

PSALM 49
The vanity of earthly riches. Not very different from some of the
Teachings of Jesus (Matt 6:9-34; Luke 12:16-21; 16:19-31).

Psalm 50
God is the Owner of the earth and of everything in it. When we give to God,
We only return what is Yours.

PSALM 51
David's prayer, asking for mercy; consequence of his sin with
Bathsheba (2 Sam 11-12). See under Psalm 32.

Psalm 52
Song of confidence by David, that he will be delivered from the hand of Doeg (1 Sam
21, 22).

Psalm 53
The universal sinfulness of men. Similar to Psalm 14; cited in
Romans 3:10-12. It is believed that 'Mahalat' in the title means disease, or a
melancholic tune.

PSALM 54
David's Prayer in Ziph, while he was hiding from Saul (1 Sam 23:19-28; 26:1-)
25). Other psalms written while David was fleeing from Saul; 7 (?), 34, 52, 57, 59, 63
(?), 142.

PSALM 55
Betrayed by his friends, David trusts in God. Just like Psalm 41,
seems to correspond to the time of Absalom's rebellion, and refers to
especially to Ahithophel (12-14; 2 Sam 15:12, 13)

PSALM 56
David asks to be delivered from the Philistines. He used his own resources until it
last, even simulating madness, as it is recounted in 1 Sam 21:10-13; but to the
I prayed, and I trusted in God for the outcome. Psalm 34 is his song of
thank you for this liberation.
It is believed that 'Mictam' in the titles of Psalms 16 and 56-60 means 'jewel' or
"golden" or rather poems of golden thoughts worthy of being engraved in
permanent records.

PSALM 57
David's prayer while hiding from Saul (1 Sam 22:1; 24:1; 26:1). "No
"Destroy" in the titles of Psalms 57, 58, 59, 75 seems to refer to 2 Samuel.
26:9.

Psalm 58
A prayer against the wicked. Their day of retribution is sure. See below the
Psalm 35.

PSALM 59
Another sentence, when Saul had sent soldiers to catch David in his
house (1 Sam 19:10-17). But David trusted in God.

PSALM 60
A prayer in light of national setbacks, like Psalms 44, 74, 79,
"Susan-Hedut" here and in Psalm 80 means "lily of the testimony"; see below
Psalm 45.

Psalm 61
A hymn of trust, being far from home; perhaps during the rebellion of
Absalón.

Psalm 62
A poem of fervent devotion to God, and unshakable trust. Pour out your
heart before God, and trust in Him at all times.

PSALM 63
A hymn of the desert, which may belong to the time of the flight of
David before Absalom. He trusts that he will be restored.

PSALM 64
David's prayer, asking to be protected from the plots of enemies
secrets, and trusting that God will make it succeed.

Psalm 65
 Song of the sea and the harvests. God crowns the year with goods; the land gives
voices of jubilation.

Psalm 66
National hymn of thanks. Praise God. Fear God. Sing Rejoice.
The eyes of God watch over the nations.

PSALM 67
Missionary psalm, in anticipation of the good news of the Gospel that
surrounds the earth. Let the nations sing with joy

PSALM 68
March of combat. This psalm was a favorite of the Crusaders, of the Huguenots,
of Savonarola and of Oliver Cromwell.

Psalm 69
A psalm of suffering, like the 22nd; with glimpses, through the veil of the
sufferings of David, those of Christ; cited in this sense in the New Testament (4, 9,
21, 22, 25; John 2:17; 15:25; 19:28-30; Acts 1:20; Romans 11:9; 15:3.

Psalm 70
An urgent plea for help. This psalm is almost identical to the last part of
God never let David down.

PSALM 71
A psalm of old age, retrospective of a life of trust although surrounded
of difficulties and enemies along the way.

Psalm 72
Glory and greatness of the kingdom of the Messiah. This is one of the psalms of Solomon,
the other being 127. The kingdom of Solomon was at the pinnacle of its glory.
We can believe that this Psalm was in part a description of his own kingdom.
peaceful and glorious. But some of his statements, and their general tone, do not
they can only refer to the kingdom of One greater than Solomon. See also below
Psalm 2.

Psalm 73
What of the prosperity of the wicked? "Asaph" Psalm 50 and 73-83, was director of
song of David (1 Chr 15:16-20; 16:15). The choirs of Hezekiah sang the
Psalms of Asaph (2 Chronicles 29:30).

PSALM 74
 A prayer in a time of national calamity, perhaps referring to the
invasion of Shishak (1 Kings 14:25, 26; 2 Chronicles 12:2, 9)

Psalm 75
Safe destruction of the wicked, and sure triumph of the righteous, in the
day when the earth will dissolve.

PSALM 76
Thank you for a victory. It seems to refer to the destruction of the
hosts of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:25).

Psalm 77
Another plea for help in times of catastrophe, reminding God of the
wonders that He had done for Israel in the past.

Psalm 78
This Psalm and Psalms 81, 105, 106, and 114 are referred to as "historical." They are
poetic recitations of Israel's past history, to keep it alive
the memory of the wonders of God towards Israel.

PSALM 79
Lament for the destruction of Jerusalem. It is believed to refer to the invasion.
from Sisac, or to that of the Babylonians.

PSALM 80
Another sentence in times of national disaster. Perhaps it refers to the fall of
kingdom of the north.

PSALM 81
The disobedience of Israel, the cause of its evils. If it had listened to its
God, everything would have been different.

PSALM 82
Blame the prevailing evil, unjust judges, who forget their
responsibility before the Supreme judge.

Psalm 83
Prayer against a confederation of Idumeans, Arabs, Moabites, Ammonites,
Amalekites, Philistines, and others.
PSALM 84
The blessedness of love for the house of God. God loves those who love it.
way to His house. See under Psalm 27.

PSALM 85
Thank you for the return from captivity; and a prayer asking for restoration of
the earth, and a better future.

PSALM 86
I beg for mercy, like so many other psalms of David; pious, but
needing forgiveness; see under Psalm 32.

Psalm 87
Zion, the City of God, one of the poetic names of the Church, keeps record.
(6) of the heirs of heaven (Heb 12:22).

Psalm 88
Piteous complaint of a lifelong sick person. "Hemán" in the title was a leader of
choirs of David (1 Chronicles 15:17-19) and a contemporary of Solomon (1 Kings 4:31).
Mahalat-Leanot means song of sickness.

PSALM 89
Oath of God, of the eternity of the throne of David; a magnificent psalm.
See under Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7. "Ethan" was the director of David's singers, together.
with Asaf and Hemán (1 Chr 15:16-19).

Psalm 90
The eternity of God. Being the work of Moses, who lived 400 years before
David may well be the first of all the psalms. Moses wrote songs.
15; Deut 32). The rabbinic tradition attributes the anonymous psalms to Moses.
91-100 that follow; if this is true, this group may have been the nucleus
original from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 91
A magnificent anthem of trust. No evil will befall you. God will send His
angels to keep you in all your ways. How admirable it is to have a
be similar!

Psalm 92
A sabbath hymn of praise, which seems to look back to the rest
from Creation, and onward to eternal rest.
PSALM 93
The power and majesty, holiness and eternity of God's throne. From the
eternity God reigns forever.

PSALM 94
Prayer to God, asking for vengeance upon the wicked, to bring an end to their long reign.
reign of crime. See under Psalm 35.

Psalms 95-100
They continue the thought of Psalm 93. These are called 'theocratic' psalms.
for how they relate to the sovereignty of God and glimpse the kingdom of
Coming Messiah.

PSALM 95
Sing and rejoice. God is King; let us kneel before Him. We are His
people; let us listen to His voice.

PSALM 96
Sing; God reigns. Let the earth be glad; and let heaven rejoice. The Day of Judgment
about.

PSALM 97
The Lord is coming. The earth shakes. A coronation antiphon, which perhaps
it refers to both the first and the second coming.

PSALM 98
It seems to be a song from the Coronation Day. Being a "new song" (1), it can
to be like those who will be sung in heaven (Rev 5:9-14).

PSALM 99
God reigns; the nations tremble. God is holy. He loves justice and righteousness.
answer the sentence.

Psalm 100
The metric version of this Psalm is the tune commonly used for the
Doxology, "To God, the Heavenly Father"

Psalm 101
It is believed that this Psalm may have been written when David ascended to
throne, to announce the principles on which he would kiss the government of his kingdom.
PSALM 102
Penitential prayer, in times of terrible affliction, humiliation, and reproach.
See under Psalm 32. The eternity of God, 25, 27. is quoted in Heb 1:10-12 with
application to Christ.

Psalm 103
Psalm of the mercy of God. It is believed to have been written in the old age of
David as a summary of God's dealings with him. One of the psalms most ...
We appreciate it. "How we love your reading!"

PSALM 104
Psalm of nature. God cares for all His works. He reminds us of the words.
from Jesus, "Not a little bird falls to the ground without your Father seeing it."

Psalm 105
Poetic summary of the history of Israel. See under Psalm 78. It deals with
especially from their miraculous liberation from Egypt.

PSALM 106
Another historical psalm, contrasting the admirable mercy of God, and the
persistent disobedience of Israel.

Psalm 107
The wonders of God's mercy, in His dealings with His people and in His
management of the works of nature.

Psalm 108
It seems to be one of David's battle songs. It is almost identical with some
portions of Psalms 57 and 60.

Psalm 109
Vengeance upon the enemies of God. One of the imprecatory psalms (see
under Psalm 35). Judas enters the scene (8; Acts 1:20).

Psalm 110
Dominion and eternal priesthood of the coming King. This Psalm cannot refer to
a historical figure other than Christ, and yet, it was written a thousand years before
of His coming (1, 4; Mat 22:44; Acts 2:34; Acts 1:13; 5:6. See under Psalm 2).

PSALM 111
 About majesty, honor, righteousness, mercy, fidelity, truth, justice,
holiness and eternity of God.

PSALM 112
Blessed is the man who, like God, is just, merciful, full of
gracious, kind to the poor, and loves the ways of God

PSALM 113-118
The Psalms "Hallel". They were sung in family, on the night of Passover; 113 and 114.
to start the food, and 115-118 at the end. These must have been
hymns that Jesus and His disciples sang at the Last Supper (Matt 26:30).

PSALM 113
Song of praise. It begins and ends with 'hallelujah', which means, 'praise the'.
Jehovah. Praise him forever.

PSALM 114
Hymn to remember the wonders of Israel's rescue from the Egyptians, origin
from the Easter party.

PSALM 115
Jehovah, the One God. Blessed is His people; blessed are those who
they trust in Him, and not in the gods of the nations.

PSALM 116
Song of gratitude to God, for having been delivered from death and temptation, and
for repeated responses to the prayer.

PSALM 117
Sermon to the nations, so that they may acknowledge Jehovah; quoted in this sense
in Romans 15:11. The middle and shortest chapter of the Bible.

PSALM 118
This was the farewell hymn of Jesus to His disciples, as He left the dinner.
pascual to address the cross (Mat 26:30). It contains a prophecy of His
rejection (22:26; Mat 21:9, 42).

PSALM 119
The Glories of the Word of God. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. Each
one of its 176 verses, except for 90, 121, 122, and 132, mentions the Word of
God, under the names of Law, Testimonies, Judgments; Statutes, Commandments,
Precepts, Words, Ordinances or Ways. It is an expansion of Psalm 1 and
19. It is alphabetical, with 22 stanzas; each stanza has 8 verses, each one of the
which begin with the same initial letters (see Psalm 19). It was the psalm
Ruskin's favorite.

Psalms 120-134
These are called 'gradual' 'of the steps, or ascents' or 'of the
"pilgrims". They were written for vocal music, and it is believed they may have been sung.
by the pilgrims heading to the festivities in Jerusalem, or while they were ascending the
fifteen steps of the Atrium of the Men. Otherwise, the "ascents" can
referring to singing in a high pitch, or to the elevated style of
thought.

Psalm 120
I ask for protection, for one who lives far from Zion, among deceitful people and
treacherous.

PSALM 121
It may have been sung by the pilgrims when they first saw the
mountains that surround Jerusalem.

PSALM 122
They may have sung this upon approaching the doors of the Temple, inside the
city walls.

PSALM 123
And he is already inside the Temple, while the pilgrims raise their eyes to God.
in prayer, invoking His mercy.

PSALM 124
A hymn of the Temple, of thanks and praises for repeated help in times
of great danger.

Psalm 125
A hymn of confidence. Thus the mountains surround Jerusalem, God surrounds His
village forever.

PSALM 126
Song of thanksgiving upon returning from captivity. It is so pleasant to have
returned, it is difficult for them to believe it is true, and it seems to them that they are dreaming.

Psalm 127
 It seems like a combination of two poems; about the construction of the Temple, and
from the family. One of the Psalms of Solomon; the other is Psalm 72.

PSALM 128
Wedding song. A continuation of the last half of Psalm 127. The family
Piousness is the foundation of national prosperity.

Psalm 129
Israel calls for the downfall of its enemies, who have afflicted it generation after generation.
generation since its founding.

Psalm 130
The cry of a soul overwhelmed by the weight of its sin. One of the psalms
penitential (see Psalm 32)

PSALM 131
A psalm of simple trust in God, I have quieted and calmed my soul in
God, like a child with his mother.

PSALM 132
Poetic reiteration of God's unbreakable promise to David, of a
eternal heir to his throne (see Psalm 2).

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

A psalm of brotherly love and eternal life; and a psalm of the guards
nocturnes of the temple and their greetings.

PSALM 135
Song of praise for the marvelous works of God, in nature and in
history. It begins and ends with 'Hallelujah' (praise the Lord).

PSALM 136
"The Great Halel." "His mercy endures forever" is repeated in every verse.
It was sung at the beginning of Passover. It was a favorite song of the Temple (1 Chronicles 16:41; 2
Ezra 7:3; 20:21; Ezra 3:11.

Psalm 137
Psalm of the Captivity. In a foreign land, the exiles long for their home.
the retribution of those who took them captive is certain.

Psalm 138
 Song of thanksgiving, apparently in response to some reply.
notable to the sentence; perhaps when he ascended to the throne.

Psalm 139
God's omniscience. Nothing is hidden from Him; He knows every thought, word
and act. Darkness does not hide us from Him.

Psalm 140
A prayer of David, asking to be protected from wicked enemies, whose
Destruction implores. Imprecatory psalm: see Psalm 35.

PSALM 141
Other petitions of David, for the protection of his enemies. Although his kingdom was
glorious, David was always surrounded by enemies.

PSALM 142
David's prayer in his early years, when he was hiding from Saul in a
cave (1 Sam 22:1; 24:3; see Psalm 54).

Psalm 143
Penitent prayer of David, asking for help; possibly while he was
pursued by his son Absalom (2 Sam 17:18; see Psalm 32).

Psalm 144
One of David's battle songs. He may have made his army
they would sing songs like this while advancing to the fight.

PSALM 145
A song of praise. David may have made his army sing.
songs like this after the battle, to give thanks for the victory.

Psalm 146-150
These psalms are called 'Hallelujahs', a word with which all begin and
they end, and what 'Praise the Lord' means. The word often appears in
other psalms. The great waste of Hallelujahs with which the book of Psalms arrives at
its climax and its ending then shifts to the end of the Bible itself, where the
The heavenly choirs of the redeemed repeat (Rev 19:1, 3, 4, 6).

PSALM 146
While I live, I will praise God. God reigns. As long as I have existence, I will praise Him.
God. Oh my soul, praise the Lord!

Psalm 147
 Let all creation praise God. Sing to the Lord with praise. Let Israel praise
Praise God. Praise God in Zion. Hallelujah!

PSALM 148
!Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, you angels; praise him, sun, moon, and stars. Praise him,
heavens of the heavens.

PSALM 149
!Hallelujah! Praise the saints to God; sing with joy, and rejoice in the Lord.
Rejoice, Sion! Hallelujah!

Psalm 150
!Hallelujah! Praise the Lord with trumpet, lute, and harp. Let everything that breathes praise.
to Jehovah. Hallelujah!

HISTORICAL METHOD

1) WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK? The book of Psalms

it was the hymnal of the Hebrews. Approximately 70 psalms are attributed to King David, and the
I rest to other authors. A large number of hymns that Christians sing today
They have taken their lyrics from the psalms. This book is composed of 150 poems,
some of which are of great expressive beauty. Among them, the psalms
1, 19, 22, 23, 90, 100, and 103 are perhaps the most notable.

LITERARY METHOD

1) WHAT GENRE OF LITERATURE IS THE BOOK? Poetic

PANORAMIC METHOD

Praise and worship to God.

2) WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON WHY THIS WAS WRITTEN

BOOK? For the praise and worship of God.

KEYWORDS FROM PSALMS (RV1960): just, upright(s), of

heart
(orar), alabar (alabanzas), adorar, cantar, cántico (s), temer (temor), refugio,
to wait (hope)
supplication

TEMAS:Alabanzas y acción de gracias, lamento y confianza, sabiduría, reinado.

COMPOSITION DATES: The psalms themselves date from the

first monarchy until the time after the exile (approx. year 1000 to 400)
A.C); the collection in its present form can be part of the movement of
reform reflected in Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

EMPHASIS: Trust in Jehovah and praise him for his goodness; lament for the
evil and injustices; Jehovah as king of the universe and the nations; the king
from Israel as representative of Jehovah in Israel; Israel (and the Israelites
individually) as the people of the covenant of God; Zion (and its temple) as a place
special presence of Jehovah on earth.

Details of the Psalms

BOOKS BOOK 1 BOOK 2 BOOK 3 BOOK 4 BOOK 5

(1-41) (42-72) (73-89) (90-106) (107-150)

Author David David Asaf Anonymous David

Principal Core Anonymous

Number of 41 31 17 17 44
Psalms

ContentSongs Hymnal of Interest Hymns of Praise

Basic of National
Praise
Resemblance to the Genesis: Leviticus: Numbers: Deuteronomy
Pentateuch
Man and Liberation Praise Desert and Writing and
the Creation y and the Pilgrimage Worship
Redemption Sanctuary

Closure 41:13 72:18-19 89:52 106:48 150:1-6

Doxology

Possible c. 1020- 970-610 B.C. Until c. 430 BC

date of 970 BC
composition

Time Around 1,000 Years (c. 1410-430 B.C.)

Historical Context of Psalms

The setting of the Psalms is twofold: 1) God's deeds in creation and

the history, and 2) the history of Israel. Historically, the psalms vary in time
from the origin of life to the post-exilic joys of the Jews freed from
Babylon. Thematically, the psalms cover a wide range of topics, which
from celestial worship to earthly war. The collected psalms form
the longest book in the Bible and the book that is most frequently cited in the NT.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. Throughout the ages,
the psalms have retained their original purpose, which is to produce praise and
appropriate worship to God.

Interpretation Challenges
 It is useful to recognize certain genres or literary types that
continuously occur in the Psalter. Some of the most obvious
son:

The type of wisdom with instructions for living correctly

2. Patterns of lamentation related to the pains of the
life (usually arising from outside enemies).
3. Penitential Psalms (mostly dealing with the 'enemy')
inside, that is, sin.
4. Emphasis of kings (universal or mediator; theocratic or government
messianic
5. Psalms of gratitude. A combination of style and theme helps and
identify such types when they appear.

The most outstanding feature of the psalms is that all

they are poetry par excellence. Unlike most of the
poetry in Spanish, which is based on rhythm and meter, the
Hebrew poetry is essentially characterized by parallelisms.
logical. Some of the most important types of parallelisms are:

1. Synonyms (the thought of the first line returns to be

asserted with similar concepts in the second line. (Ps 2:1)
2. Antithetical (the thought of the second line is contrasted with...
the first. (Ps.1:6)
3. Climatic (the second and subsequent lines revisit a word,
They take a crucial concept and extend it in a staggered format.
(Psalms 29:1, 2)
4. Quiastic or introverted (the logical units are developed in
a pattern A B B A. (Ps. 1:2)

On a larger scale, some psalms in their development of the

from the first to the last verse they employ an acrostic or alphabetical arrangement.
Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119 and 145 are
recognized as complete or incomplete acrostics. In the text
Hebrew, the first letter of the first word of each verse
starts with a different Hebrew consonant, which advances in
alphabetical order until the twenty-two consonants are covered.
Such a literary vehicle undoubtedly helped with memorization.
of the content and served to indicate that its particular subject had
has been covered from "A to Z". Psalm 119 stands out as the
 more complete example of this tool, due to the
the first letter of each of its twenty-two paragraphs of eight
verses completely cover the Hebrew alphabet.

Historical and theological themes

The basic theme of the Psalms is living real life in the real world,
where two dimensions operate simultaneously:

A horizontal or temporal reality.

A vertical or transcendental reality.

Without denying the pain of the earthly dimension, the people of God must live
with joy and dependent on the divine person and promises that
they remain steadfast behind the celestial / eternal dimension. All the
cycles of human problems and triumphs provide opportunities to express
human complaints, trust, prayers or praises to the sovereign Lord of
Israel.

In light of this, the book of Psalms presents a wide range

of theology, practically wrapped in a daily reality. The
the sinfulness of man is concretely documented, not
not only through the behavior patterns of the wicked, but also
for the periodic stumbles of the believers. The sovereignty of God
is recognized everywhere, but not at the expense of the
genuine human responsibility. Life often seems
to be out of control and yet, all the events and
situations are understood in the light of divine providence as
being on the right path according to God's timing.
Encouraging glimpses of a future 'day of God' motivate the call
to perseverance until the end. This book of praise manifests
a very practical theology.
 A commonly misunderstood phenomenon in the Psalms is the
association that frequently develops between the "one" (the
psalmist) and the "many" (the theocratic people). Almost all of these
cases occur in the psalms of King David. There was a relationship
inseparable between the mediator governor and his people; as it went
life for the king, this is how it went for the people. Also, sometimes
this union explains the apparent relationship between the psalmist and Christ in
the messianic psalms (or messianic portions of certain psalms).
The so-called imprecatory psalms (which pronounce curses)
can be better understood with this perspective. As the
God's mediator representative on earth, David prayed for judgment
about his enemies, because these enemies not only him
they were hurting him, but primarily they were
hurting the people of God. Ultimately, they challenged the
King of kings, the God of Israel.

Panoramic View of the Psalms

The Book of Psalms, a treasure of reading and meditation, is very
appreciated by Christians and Jews. The book was one of the favorites
of Christ. More than a quarter of the citations from the Old Testament
what is in the New, is from the Psalms.

Since many Psalms were written for public worship and

private, the title of the book in Hebrew is 'Praises.' The word 'Psalm'
it refers to a poetic composition accompanied by instruments of
strings. The Book of Psalms is the first of the last division of the
Hebrew Bible; so it stands out in that segment of the
Writings, to which whole section Jesus referred to as 'the Psalms' (Lk
24:44)

This book is divided into five sections, or books, and each one concludes
with a doxology. Each section has its own characteristics. Of
according to their titles, David wrote the Psalms of the first section,
except for three (1, 10, and 33). Several writers from the second section are
the sons of Korah
and Solomon (72). The Psalms in this section were likely
compiled for the liturgical activities of the tabernacle or the temple.
The third section was written by various authors: Asaf (73–83), the sons
of Coré (84–85, 87–88), David (86) and Etán (89). The fourth section
begins with Psalm 90, the oldest of the Psalms, written by
Moses; David wrote Psalms 101 and 103; other Psalms in this
Section are anonymous. In the fifth section, only David is mentioned.
(108–110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138–145) and Solomon (127) as their
authors. Several Psalms from this section are for liturgical use, including
the Hallelujahs (113–118, 146–150) and the Ascents (120–134).

Except for thirty-four Psalms, all have a title.

attached. The information in such titles includes literary notes,
musical instructions, titles for the melody, instructions for its use
in worship, historical reasons and the writer.

As previously stated, the title in the Psalms credits David as the

author of 73 of them, while Acts 4:25 and Hebrews 4:7 attribute two to him
more (2, 95). Historical books imply that without a doubt David
he was eminently qualified to have written them. David is
called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Sam 23:1). He played the harp to
to pacify an evil spirit that possessed Saul (1 Samuel 16:23). Its
The elegy of Saul and Jonathan is a beautiful example of Hebrew poetry (2 S)
1:17–27). The "man after God's own heart" was a sincere
worshiper of the LORD. What stands out the most in David is that the Spirit
Saint inspired him.

A careful reading of the book of Psalms will revitalize devotion and

the believer's prayers. God also uses the Psalms to bring him
revival to His children. For a presentation of the person and work of
Lord Jesus Christ, read any of the messianic Psalms.
(2, 8, 16, 22–24, 31, 40–41, 45, 68–69, 72, 89, 102, 110, 118).

Prophetic References
A recurring theme in the Psalms is God's provision of a Savior for His
town. The prophetic images of the Messiah are seen in numerous psalms. The
Psalm 2:1-12 describes the triumph and the kingdom of the Messiah. Psalm 16:8-11 foreshadows
His death and resurrection. Psalm 22 shows us the suffering Savior in the
cross and presents prophetic details of the crucifixion, all of which were fulfilled at the
perfection. The glories of the Messiah and His bride are presented in Psalm 45:13-
14, while Psalms 72:6-7; 89:3-37; 110:1-7; and 132:12-18 present the
glory and universality of His kingdom.

Importance in the Bible

We could say that the psalms are a description of the way in which
We respond to God. Sometimes God presents Himself in all majesty and glory.
Our response then is one of astonishment, awe, and fear: "Kingdoms of
the earth, sing
"to God" (68.32). But other psalms depict God as a loving Lord who
participate in our life. Our tendency in that case is to approach your solace
my refuge: "I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (23.4). God is the
the same in both psalms. But our reaction to Him adjusts to our
circumstances.

Other psalms could be better categorized as cries against God and the
circumstances that in response to the perception of his glory and presence. The
The psalmist acknowledges that sometimes he feels like God and his friends have abandoned him.
(88). He suffers from the slanders thrown against him by his accusers (109).
So invoke God to sweep them away with His wrath (59). It doesn't matter what
Let's say about the psalms, we must recognize that they present the reality of the
human heart, the way we sometimes react to problems and
the injustices of life.

But even in these strong psalms of lamentation, the psalmist never surrenders.
to desperation. The fact that we launch protests to God is a demonstration
of hope in God and his sense of justice. This carries an important message.
for everyone
believers. We can express to God all our feelings, no matter how negative.
or full of reproaches they may be. And we can be completely sure that we
He will hear and understand us. The psalmist teaches us that the deepest prayer is the
scream that
We launch when we find ourselves overwhelmed by the problems of life.

The psalms speak a lot about the person and work of Jesus Christ. Psalm 22
it contains an extraordinary prophecy of the crucifixion of the Lord. Jesus cited this
psalm when dying on the cross ( Ps 22.1 ; Mt 27.46 ; Mc 15.34 ). Other prophecies
The messianic ones of the psalms that were fulfilled in the life of Christ are: it would be a
priest of the order of Melchizedek (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6), would pray for his enemies
(Psalm 109:4; Luke 23:34), and his throne would be eternal (Psalm 45:6; Hebrews 1:8).
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
One of the results of being filled with the Spirit or with the Word of Christ is
to sing. The psalms are the "songbook" of the early church, reflecting the
new truth in Christ.

God is the same Lord in all the psalms, but we respond to Him in different ways.
ways, according to the specific circumstances of our life. Let's
Wonderful God is whom we worship! declares the psalmist, One who is high and
elevated above our human experiences, but also One who
is close enough to touch it and who walks beside us along
throughout our journey in life.

We can bring all our feelings to God – no matter how negative or

they may be complaining - and we can rest, assured that He us
will listen and understand. The psalmist teaches us that the deepest prayer of
everything is the cry for help, while we find ourselves overwhelmed by the
problems of life.

Application Themes

Theme Explanation Importance

Praise The psalms are songs Center our
to praise God our thoughts in God us
Creator, Sustainer and come to praise him. The more you
Redeemer. The praise let's get to know each other, we will be able to do more

recognize, thank and appreciate what he/she has done for

express the greatness of we.
God.
Power of God is all-powerful and When we feel
God always acts in the powerless, God can
moment due. It is help us. Your strength can
sovereign over any overcome despair in
circumstance. The power of any pain or test.
 God manifests Himself in the We can always pray that we
ways in which it reveals itself in free, protect, and sustain.
the creation, in history and
in His Word.
Sorry Many psalms are Because God gives us
intense sentences where forgiveness is given, we can pray to him
ask God for forgiveness. God is sincere and direct with us. When
forgive when we confess we receive his forgiveness, us
and we abandoned our we moved from isolation to the
sin intimacy, from guilt to
love.
Gratitude We are grateful to When we realized that
God for your interest in how we benefit from
us, your help and your to know God, we have to
mercy. Not only do we fully express our
protect, guide, and forgive, gratitude. When we give
but its creation us Thanks often, it grows the
provides everything you need spontaneity in our life
we need. of prayer.
Trust God is faithful and just. People can be unfair and
When we deposit friends can
our trust in Him, abandon us. However,
calms our heart. we can trust in God.
Because he has been faithful to knowing God intimately
throughout history, we can free ourselves from doubt, fear and
trust in Him in the loneliness.
testing moments.

ANALYSIS OF PSALMS
AUTHORS:
David wrote 73 Psalms.
2. Asaf wrote 12 Psalms (50, 73-83).
3. The sons of Korah wrote 12 Psalms (42-49; 84-85; 87-88).
4. Solomon wrote 2 Psalms (72, 127).
5. Heman along with the sons of Korah (88), Ethan (89), and Moses (90) wrote 1 each.
6. The Greek version (Septuagint) designates Haggai and Zechariah as authors of
fivePsalms (Introduction to the Bible, Donald E. Demaray, p. 113).
51 Psalms are anonymous, that is, we do not know who the authors were.
8. The New Testament attributes two of the anonymous Psalms to David (Psalms 2 and 95)
Acts 4:25; Hebrews 4:7.

DATE OF WRITING:
Approximately in 1440 BC.

KEY VERSE:
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah!" (Ps. 150:6).

EXPRESSIONS THAT OCCUR FREQUENTLY IN THE PSALMS:

1. Selah, possibly, Pause, Crescendo, or Interlude.
2. Masquil, possibly, didactic or contemplative psalm.
3. Mictam, a term of uncertain meaning; possibly, Epigrammatic Poem, Psalm of
expiation.
4. Seol, region of the dead.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Book of Psalms is a treasure of reading and meditation; it is greatly appreciated by
Christians and Jews.
The book was one of Christ's favorites.
More than a quarter of the Old Testament quotes found in the New Testament are from the Psalms.
4. Because many Psalms were written for public and private worship,
The title of the book in Hebrew is Sepher Tehillim 'Book of Praises'
5. The title in Greek is, Psalmoi or Psalterion, which denotes a poem that must be
recited with the accompaniment of some string instrument.
6. The word 'Psalm' refers to a poetic composition accompanied by instruments.
of strings.
7. The Book of Psalms is the first of the last division of the Hebrew Bible; in such a way
that stands out in that segment of the Scriptures, to which Jesus dedicated the entire section
"the Psalms" (Lk. 24:44).
David is called 'The sweet psalmist of Israel' (2 Samuel 23:1).
9. Approximately half of the references in the Old Testament related to
Messiah, quoted by the authors of the New Testament, are taken from the book of
the Psalms.
10. The Psalms are considered part of the law. a. Psalms 82:6; John 10:34; 35:19; John.
15:25; etc.
11. Many of the Psalms are sung today in our assemblies (Ps. 42, 46, 103,
etc.).

SOME MESSIANIC PSALMS:

1. Psalms 22 The crucifixion of Christ (see Mt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34).
2. Psalms 104; He. 5:6 Christ as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
3. Psalms 109:4; Luke 23:34 Christ would pray for his enemies.
4. Psalms 45:6; He. 1:8 The throne of Christ will be forever.
Messianic Psalms (2, 8, 16, 22, 31, 40, 41, 45, 68, 102, 110, 118).

INTERESTING INFORMATION:
What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
3. Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? Answer: Psalm 118.
There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118.
There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118.
6. If you add these chapters, the result is: 1188.
7. What is the verse that is at the center of the Bible? Answer: Psalm 118:8.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in man (Psalms 118:8).
9. Does this verse say something important about His perfect will for us?

SELECTED PSALMS FOR OUR MEDITATION:

The blessed man 1:1-6 (Contrast between the righteous and the wicked).
2. A Psalm of trust when sleeping 3:5; 4:8.
The fool says in his heart that there is no God.
4. The creator of the universe 19:1; 33:6, 9.
5. A Psalm of trust 23:1-6; 27; 91.
6. Our attitude toward God 42:1-11.
7. God is our help 46.
8. Our attitude when we fail God 55.
9. Our attitude in singing and serving God 100:1-5.
10. For our meditation on the Word 119.

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK:

I. First Book 1.1-41.13
A. Introductory Canticles 1.1-2.12
B. Songs of David 3.1-41.12
C. Doxology 41.13
II. Second Book 42.1-72.20
A. Songs of the Sons of Korah 42.1-49.20
B. Psalm of Asaph 50.1-23
C. Songs of David 51.1-71.24
D. Canticle of Solomon 72:1-17
E. Doxology 72.18,19
F. Final verse 72.20
III. Third Book 73.1-89.52
A. Songs of Asaph 73.1-83.18
B. Songs of the Sons of Korah 84.1-85.13
Cantal of David 86.1-17
D. Songs of the Sons of Korah 87.1-88.18
E. Canticle of Ethan 89.1-51
F. Doxology 89.52
IV. Fourth book 90.1-106.48
A. Song of Moses 90.1-17
B. Anonymous Songs 91.1-92.15
C. Songs 'The Lord Reigns' 93.1-100.5
D. Cánticos de David 101.1-8; 103.1-22
E. Cánticos anónimos 102.1-28; 104.1-106.47
F. Doxology 106.48
V. Fifth book 107.1-150.6
A. Canticle of Thanksgiving 107.1-43
B. Songs of David 108.1-110.7
C. Egyptian Hallelujah 111.1-118.29
D. Acrostic hymn about Law 119.1-176
E. Songs of Ascents 120.1-134.3
F. Anonymous Canticles 135.1-137.9
G. Songs of David 138.1-145.21
H. Great Hallelujah! 146.1-149.9
I. Doxology 150.1-6