The Book of Psalms
Introduction to The Psalms

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Through Christ, Who taught us the way to Love: David Buffaloe, Didaskalos Ministries

The Hebrew title to the Biblical Book we call "Psalms" is literally, "Praise". There are 150 separate psalms or chapters in the Book of Psalms, each one containing at least one note of praise to the God who created us all.

There are three possible English titles for this Book:

1. "The Book of Psalms": This title comes from Jerome's Latin Vulgate translation of the Holy Scripture.

2. "The Songs": This title comes from the Septuagint, the early Jewish translation of the Scriptures into Koine Greek. Also, from one of the early Septuagint translation, we also find the title:

3. "The Psalter".

No matter which title you use for the Book, each one reflects the fact that Psalms is actually a collection of songs, usually accompanied by a stringed instrument. This is fitting because King David, who contributed to the bulk of the work, played the harp. Psalms was, in fact, the hymnbook for the Old Testament Saints, and these songs were literally sung by the Cantor or worship leader when the Jews went to the Temple.

The authorship of Psalms is important. Though God is the ultimate Author for all Scripture, He usually prompted one person to write one book of the Scripture. However, Psalms was written through the medium of several people. Seventy-three of the psalms were written by King David in response to several incidents in his life. Ten psalms were written by Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron while Israel wandered in the wilderness (Numbers 16:3). Asaph, a choir director in Israel, wrote twelve psalms (50, 73-83). Asaph led musical worship in Israel when David had the Ark of the Covenant brought into Jerusalem. Moses wrote Psalm 90, Solomon, King David's son, wrote two psalms. Ethan and Heman both wrote one psalm each, and fifty of the psalms came from anonymous sources.

Considering all this, it is a misnomer to call these the "Psalms of David". David only wrote roughly one half of the psalms. The rest show that Psalms was an ever growing book while Israel was going through its formative years.

The 150 psalms are actually divided into five books or sections. The King James version ignores these divisions, though the New American Standard recognizes them. You can see the divisions because each book ends with a doxology:

Book 1: Psalms 1-41. Doxology, "Psalms 41:13  Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen."

Book 2: Psalms 42-72. Doxology, "Psalms 72:18-19 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.  And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen."

Book 3: Psalms 73-89. Doxology, "Psalms 89:52  Blessed be the LORD for ever more. Amen, and Amen."

Book 4: Psalms 89-106. Doxology, "Psalms 106:48  Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD."

Book 5: Psalms 107-150. The doxology that ends this section is the entirety of Psalms 150:

Psalms 150:1-6 "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.  Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.  Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.  Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.  Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.  Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

Why are there five books or divisions in Psalms? Some people have speculated that this was done in order to mimic the five-fold division of the Books of Moses, though the majority of conservative theology rejects this supposition. The better answer would be that the Book developed over a period of time.

These psalms were individual poems that were collected over time. The psalms were written as a product of the culture of Israel, but many of the psalms were not put to music. Some were put to music, like the Song of Miriam (Exodus 15), but were rejected for use in Temple worship, and thus rejected for inclusion in the Book of Psalms. This was also true of Moses' song (Deuteronomy 32) and Deborah's Song (Judges 5). The Jews were musical people, but not all songs were recorded in Psalms for Temple worship. However, note that there are instances where songs recorded in other Scriptures were included in Psalms for Temple worship. 2 Samuel 22.2 seems to be a parallel to Psalm 18.2, and 1 Chronicles 16.8 seems to be a parallel to Psalm 105.1.  So in the first stage of the formation of Psalms these individual songs or poems were collected for use in Temple worship. Songs were commemorative of victories, or responses to situations that arose in Israel.

In the second stage of the building of Psalms, these collected works were divided into books. The Psalms of David were bound into a book, with Psalm 72 being the end of that book:

David's was not the only collection of psalms, but Asaph also had a collection formed:

2 Chronicles 29:30  "Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped."

Psalms 120-134 are called "Psalms of Degrees", again another collection of Psalms. This collection was songs that Israel sang as she went on pilgrimages to her various festivals and feasts. So we see that Psalms went through several collection periods: collection as individual songs, then formation into books, then forming the books together into the one Book of Psalms we have today. By Jewish tradition the final editor of this songbook was King David, and this is why the Jews universally recognize the entire book of Psalms as the "Psalms of David". This is appropriate. Though David did not build the Temple (his son, Solomon, did), he prepared the land for the building of the Temple. David also made up the hymnbook that was to be used in Temple worship by taking five God breathed books of Psalms and binding them together.

There is amazing organization in the Book of Psalms that shows Divine Design. For instance, in Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in Scripture, it is divided into 22 stanzas. This is significant because each stanza correlates, in order, to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

On one hundred of the psalms there is a heading at the beginning of the psalm that tells who wrote the psalm, and when. Though many theologians believe that these headings are uninspired, the ancient Jews considered these headings just as inspired as the following text.

The psalms were clearly specified in the heading as what type or how this psalm was to be sung in Temple worship. For instance, in fifty seven psalms they are introduced as "psalm", as in:

Psalms 3:1  <<A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.>>

.. which means they were to be played with accompanying stringed instruments. In twelve psalms, the word "songs" or "song" is used, as in:

Psalms 45:1  <<To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.>>

These sometimes were sung with accompanying music, sometimes acapello. At other times the word "maschil" is used:

Psalms 32:1  <<A Psalm of David, Maschil.>>

These songs were to be sung as contemplative poems, slow, deliberate. Others, "Michtam", contained pithy or pointed sayings, and were perhaps sung more briskly.

Psalms 56:1  <<To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.>>

You also have the psalms that are "prayer" or "praise" psalms:

Psalms 86:1  <<A Prayer of David.>>
Psalms 100:1  <<A Psalm of praise.>>

Which sets the pace for how these psalms are to be sung. The heading of the psalms also gave musical terms. For instance,

Psalms 6:1  <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.>>

Sheminith was an eight string lute, so this song was to be accompanied by the Sheminith or lute. (see also Psalm 12). However, though the Sheminith or lute was the lead instrument, it was not the only one used with this psalm. The term "Neginoth" meant that all of the stringed musical instruments were to be used while singing this psalm, though the lute would be the predominant piece. If this term was used:

Psalms 3:2  "Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah."

"Selah", the Jews were to lift up or swell their voices at this point of the psalm. Sometimes the psalm was to be sung only at certain times, such as on the Sabbath (Psalm 92), during thanksgiving (Psalm 100), or while going on pilgrimage (Psalm 120-134). Some songs were sung in commemoration of historical events:

Psalms 3:1  <<A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.>>

So to ignore the heading of the psalm as unScriptural or not from God's hand is to lose a large part of the symmetry and Divine Design evident in the Psalms. The Psalms were written from four different viewpoints: Historical, for Worship, or as Messianic or Prophetic pieces. If you discount the headings, you may well disrupt the interpretation of the Psalm itself.

I suppose one of the most disputed sections in the Psalms is that which is called "imprecatory". These are the Psalms where the author cries out to God to inflict vengeance on the wicked. You can see this is Psalms 34.4-6; 69.22 ff.; 109.6-15, et al. Many have looked as the Psalms that call for vengeance then ask, "How could a man of God call down vengeance on another like that?". However, we need to remember several things.

First, the imprecatory psalms were private prayers to God. King David, though a warrior, was not a vengeful man. He could have killed Saul while he was sleeping, but refused to do so. Rather than a cry for vengeance, these psalms should be viewed as expressions of longing for God's righteousness to be vindicated. David is asking God to vindicate those who are living righteously, and to protect His people by destroying (if necessary) the wicked.

I can understand King David's sentiments. Once you understand that God is a holy and righteous God, that He is also a kind and loving God, then there are times when the saint feels anger at the world's treatment of God. In our country it has become almost a crime to be a public Christian, with the Supreme Court (now there's a misnomer) promoting separation of Church and State to extremes never intended by the Founding Fathers. Our children are being murdered in schools that teach the faith of evolution while discounting Biblical creation. The government's solution is to install metal detectors, bars on school windows, and more school counselors. Yet, to suggest posting the Ten Commandments - the god of law forbid. Liberalism has so dumbed down the average American that most would support Bill Clinton if he ran for office a third time. As long as the economy's good, we don't care if he commits murder - at least that's the response I get from the e-mail.

Do I find fault, then, with David's cries to God for vindication? Absolutely not! A saint of God, a Christian, should abhor the sinful state of this world and cry out "Lord, judge us". God hates sin, and so should we who are His children. If not, then God help us all. For myself and my household, for the other true Christians who look at the world around us with dismay, we cry out with David:

Psalms 5:10  "Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee."

There are several major types of psalms located in this Book. These are:

Lament psalm: These are songs that are prayers to God in the midst of suffering. The Laments usually have five parts. First, there is the address to God ("O Lord"). Next, the lament comes where the situation of trial and tribulation is discussed. Third, there is a confession of trust in God, that He alone will deliver from this terrible situation. Fourth comes the  petition where the psalmist asks for God's intervention. Finally, the psalm ends with a note of praise.

The Individual Laments (lamentations on the part of one's own personal suffering) can be found at: Psalms 3-7; 12-13; 25-28; 35; 38-40; 42-43; 51; 54-57; 59; 61; 63-64; 69-71; 86; 88; 102; 109; 120; 130; 140-143.

The National Laments (lamentations for the condition of the nation) can be found at: Psalms 44; 74; 79-80; 83

Here is how to break down a Lament Psalm:
 
 

Initial Opening Address	Psalms 142:1-2 "<<Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.>> I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.  I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble."
Lament Explained In Detail	142:3-4  "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.  I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul."
Confidence in God Expressed	142:5  "I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living."
Petition to God Stated	142:6-7a  "Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.  Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about ...
Word of Praise to God	142:7b  "... for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."

Hymn of Praise psalm: There are two types of Praise Psalms.

The first type begins with a call to praise, then gives the reason for praise, and then gives a conclusionary statement. These psalms can be found at: Psalms 33; 36; 105; 111; 113; 117; 135-136; 146-147.

The second type of Psalm, Declarative Psalms, begins with a proclamation to praise God, then gives an introductory summary explaining the petition to God, then a statement telling how God brought deliverance in the past, and ends with a word of instruction from the Psalmist. These psalms can be found at: Psalms 18; 30; 32; 34; 40; 106; 116; 124; 129; 138.

An illustration of a Praise Psalm is as follows:
 
 

Proclamation to Praise	Psalms 34:1-3  "<<A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.>> I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together."
Report of Deliverance	34:4-6  "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."
Praising the Lord	34:7-10  "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.   O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.  The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing."
Conclusion	Psalms 34:11 ff. "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. ..."

Enthronement psalm: The basic thrust of these psalms is to emphasize that God is reigning, emphasizing the throne and sovereignty of God. Many of these psalms are prophetic, telling of a coming day when Jesus Christ will reign on the earth. There are three parts to these psalms. First, there is the call to praise. Next, a reason is given for the call to praise, and finally there is the conclusionary statement. These psalms can be found at Psalms 47; 93; 96-99.

An illustration of the breakdown of an enthronement psalm is as follows:
 

Israel Called To Praise God	Psalms 96:1-6  "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.  Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.   For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.   Honor and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."
Nations Called To Praise God	96: 7-9 "Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.  Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.  O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth."
God Reigns Declaration	96:10 "Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously."
Reasons For Praising God	96:11-13 "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.  Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."

Royal psalm: These are psalms that relate to an earthly king. Some of these psalms allude to the Messianic kingdom that has yet to come. You can find these psalms at Psalms 2; 18; 20-21; 45; 72; 89; 101; 110; 132; 134. A breakdown of a Royal psalm is as follows:
 
 

Petition of the Congregation	Psalms 20:1-5 "<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;  Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;  Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.  Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel.  We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions."
Confession of Trust	20:6-8 "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.  They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright."
Another Petition of the Congregation	20:9  "Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call."

Songs of Zion psalm: These are songs that praise Zion. Zion originally was a hill in Jerusalem that David set apart or sanctified for use by the Ark of the Covenant. Later when the Temple was built, the Temple was referred to as "Zion", though sometimes Zion refers to the whole of Jerusalem. No matter how you delineate it, Zion was supposed to be God's residence on earth in the midst of His people. These psalms can be found at Psalms 42; 43; 46; 48; 76; 84; 87; 122.

Pilgrim psalms or Songs of Degrees: These psalms were sung as the Jews headed to Jerusalem on pilgrimage. These are Psalms 120-134. The Songs of Degrees can be broken down as:
 
 

The Pilgrim Speaks

Psalms 121:1-2  "<<A Song of degrees.>> I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.   My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."

The Response to the Pilgrim

121:3-8  "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.  The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for ever more."

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