A beginner’s guide to studying the Psalms-helpful hints
1. Psalms were meant for praise.
Psalms means “praises” in the Hebrew text. It is good to keep in mind while reading and studying that these were originally meant to be sung and used in worship. Although the book contains a wide variety of subjects, one predominant theme is that God is the sovereign ruler of the universe, and will establish justice on earth in and through His people. God’s kingdom is at the center of the people’s prayers, thoughts, and worship.
Structure: Psalms is traditionally divided into 5 books covering a wide range of subjects. They are loosely grouped and cannot be categorized neatly by any one subject.
Book 1: Ps. 1-41
Book 2: Ps. 41-72
Book 3: Ps. 73-89
Book 4: Ps. 90-106
Book 5: Ps. 107-150
Most carry a heading identifying them with a person, historical event, and include musical designations.
There are several types of psalms including: wisdom psalms, enthronement psalms (recognizing the Lord’s kingship), psalms of thanksgiving or praise, psalms of lament, messianic or prophetic psalms. As you study, ask yourself what type of psalm this is. This will help you to understand the author’s purpose and message.
2. Psalms are written as poetry.
It is helpful to remember the psalms are poetry, which uses many pictures and figures of speech to excite the imagination about God and His ways. Almost everything I looked at about this book described the use of parallelism, two lines that build on each other, add new information, or give an alternative thought to communicate meaning.
An example from Ps. 103:15
“As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.”
Or from Ps. 40:4
“How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.”
Another literary device used often in the Psalms is hyperbole, which uses exaggeration to make a point. Consider how the author uses these tools to deliver and support his message.
3. Psalms are interactive.
This book pictures God’s revelation to Israel and records her response. Therefore, it is very interactive. Not only does it encourage us to hear who God is and what He is saying, it encourages our response and praise. Many of the psalmists pour out their hearts in petition to God, ending with praise as the psalmist anticipates God’s answer to their prayer of faith. What a lesson this is for us, to take our concerns and cares to the Lord, trusting Him and praising Him for the outcome and answer.
As you study the Psalms, I would encourage you to look for how they reveal the character of God. What names of God are used by the author? How does this compare to their current circumstances? It becomes clear over study that we must interpret our circumstances through the lens of God’s character and not the other way around.
This week’s assignment:
Ps. 1, 51, 63, 100, 110
They represent different types of psalms. See how you do identifying them and enjoy what you will learn!
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