Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people
Book 3 (Psalms 73–89)
Introduction
Christopher Ash gives a fine introduction to Book 3 of the Psalms:
Book 3 consists of Psalms 73–89. It has the scent of the Babylonian exile; this is most evident in Psalms 74, 79, and (probably) 80. The tone changes sharply from the emphatically Davidic themes of books 1 and 2. This is not to say that every psalm in book 3 owes its origin to the exile (for example, Psalm 86 is called “A prayer of David”), but the exile sets the tone for the book in its canonical form. Psalms “of Asaph” (Psalms 73–83) and “of the sons of Korah” (Psalms 84–85; 87–88) dominate. The book includes more corporate psalms than individual. *
Being reminded that David didn’t write every psalm is helpful. This month we will look at Psalms 75 and 82, which are attributed to Asaph. These psalms consider God’s role as the judge (see also Psalm 76). Other Asaph psalms demand justice from God, questioning his inaction. Thus, a psalm in isolation does not always give the full picture.
All we know of Asaph is that he was a musician appointed by David (see 1 Chronicles 16:4–7). Some speculate that his descendants or perhaps a school he established produced these psalms.
Psalm 75
In your group, read this psalm out loud. If possible, hear it read from several versions. I enjoy hearing The Message (by Eugene Peterson) version of the Psalms, as it often gives useful insight.
How would you classify this psalm?
Summary: The Lord God is The Judge. He is the one who will ensure justice is done. Take heart, sufferers; God will punish the proud evildoers. We often are angry that God doesn’t act when we want him to act, or the way we want him to. Are we as angry when God is slow to deal with our own actions? The psalm concludes with praise, encouraging righteousness over wickedness.
What do you think is being meant by “horns” in verses 4, 5 and 10?
How do you feel about God being your judge?
How do verses 6 and 7 apply today?
We often want God to promptly punish those we see doing wrong, but we want him to be mercifully patient with ourselves. Romans 8:1 says that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. However, Paul does not mean we have a license to ignore God or to mistreat others. We need to keep confessing our sins, laying them at the foot of the cross and receiving forgiveness. We need to stay “in Christ Jesus”.
The purpose of judgement being announced is to give time for salvation. How does Jesus fit into this?
Does verse 9 remind you of anything regarding Jesus? (check out Matthew 26:36–46)
How would you use this psalm to pray?
Psalm 82
Read this psalm aloud in a few different versions.
What is this psalm about?
Which gods form the subject of discussion?
Luther (talking about the use of gods in this psalm): For every leader is a vicar of God, and therefore they are vicarious gods. Second, [the term is used] in a general way, for we are all the children of God, as follows, and therefore we are gods.**
Commenters frequently view these “gods” as national rulers. Some see them as heavenly beings who have an oversight of the nations. Others view them as some sort of combination.
How does this affect your answers above?
Summary: God holds to account all who act unjustly – including the rulers (be they human or something more). Their position of power (of authority) does not give them leeway to abuse or take advantage of the less powerful. The psalmist ends with a plea for God as the true sovereign to judge the earth.
Following Luther’s suggestion that we, as God’s children, might be included among the “gods”, what does this psalm tell us?
Closing Prayer: Creator God, who rightly judges all, we thank you and praise you that through our Lord Jesus, we know you as our Heavenly Father. Lead us away from our sinful deeds, and through your Holy Spirit, help us love you more, and love those around us. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
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