INTRODUCTION

If a Bible with study notes such as the NIV Study Bible or The Lutheran Study Bible is available, it will prove an invaluable tool during these studies.

In his popular (brief) commentary on the book of Psalms, Australian Lutheran theologian, the late Dr JTE (Erich) Renner wrote: “Of all the many books of the Old Testament, it can be safely asserted the Psalter has been the most treasured in the history of the church … unlike some other books of the Old Testament [it] has received universal and constant acceptance in the church”.

The word “psalm” (mizmor in Greek) really means a song that is accompanied by a stringed instrument and comes from the Greek version of the Old Testament. In Hebrew the Psalter is Tehillim (“praises”). This covers the entire 150 psalms, even though some are laments and complaints. Although the word hymn is used in the title for our studies, strictly speaking, the book of Psalms is not regarded by some Bible scholars as a hymn book. However, if we consider the Greek “mizmor”, our title is correct.

Many of the psalms were written to be sung and indeed contained musical references including titles of tunes. The Hebrew word Selah, mainly occurring in the earlier part of the psalms, is regarded as “untranslatable”, and thought to refer to the accompaniment of harps during the psalms, although some scholars believe it is likely a liturgical notation.

Whether or not all the psalms were sung, all are composed in poetic form, hence the book of Psalms is sometimes referred to as “150 Hebrew Poems”.

Authors

Divide into small groups and go through the book of Psalms in your various Bible versions making a note of the authors named at the beginning of each psalm and taking note of how many were not attributed to an author. Were some named as “attributed to David”?

According to Dr Renner, more than 70 psalms in most Bible versions have the heading “a Psalm of David”. It is widely thought he was the composer of those psalms. Solomon is named as author twice (Psalms 72 and 127), Moses once (Psalm 90), Asaph twelve times, the sons of Korah eleven times. It is also thought that 49 psalms have no authors attached to them.

How do your results compare?

Bible scholars differ in their opinions on authors. It is important to see that the Psalms do not focus on the author, but on God and his acts toward human beings.

Music and Musical instruments

Look up the following passages in your Bibles to discover some of the musical instruments used in early Bible times. (If a copy of The Lutheran Study Bible is available it has a section next to Psalm 150 about music and musical instruments.)

Genesis 4:22 (descendants of Cain)

Exodus 15:20,21

Joshua 6:4,5

1 Samuel 10:5b

1 Samuel16:23

2 Chronicles 5:12–14

Now read Numbers 10:1–10

This is the first account in the Bible of instruments being used in congregational worship. The Lord was pleased to hear the sound of musical instruments and instructed Moses in the use of trumpets.

Of what were the trumpets to be a reminder to the children of Israel?

How many instruments are mentioned in Psalm 150?

Outline of the psalms

The Book of Psalms is divided up into several ancient collections or “books”. Each book ends with a doxology. These divisions are thought to have originated as early as 300BC and were based on the Torah (a compilation of the first five books of the Bible). There are several differences of opinion today on the division of these “books”, but all are minor. For these studies we will look at the Book of Psalms under the following headings:

Introduction: Psalms 1,2

Book 1: Psalms 3–41

Book 2: Psalms 42–72

Book 3: Psalms 73–89

Book 4: Psalms 90–106

Book 5: Psalms 107–145

Songs of Ascents and Praise: Psalms 146–150

In these “books” are various subdivisions or categories. In his commentary on Psalms, Dr Renner named six categories: Hymns, Laments, Thanksgiving psalms, Royal psalms, Liturgies, and Wisdom psalms. No doubt these categories will be further explored in future studies this year.

Some general points

Look up the following psalms:

Psalm 23 is the most popular and well-known psalm, why do you think this is so?

Psalm 1:1,2 are the most famous verses. Any thoughts on this?

Psalm 137 is the most controversial psalm. Why?

Psalm 22 – part was quoted by Jesus. When? When did he quote part of Psalm 35 (John 15:25)?

Which is the longest Psalm in the Bible? (119) Which is the shortest? (117)

If time permits spend some time discussing your favourite psalms or favourite passages from the psalms and why you treasure them.

Conclusion

In this study, we have had a brief introductory look at the Book of Psalms – one of the most well-known and popular books of the Bible. It is worthwhile noting that psalms are often quoted at non-religious gatherings especially funerals.

Have you any thoughts on this?

Martin Luther had this to say about the Psalms: “If you wish to see the Christian Church portrayed with living colour and form … then take the Psalter and you have a fine, clean, clear mirror, which will show what the Christian Church is, yes, you will find yourself there … yes, you will find God himself and his creatures there”.

May we all be richly blessed on our journey through the Psalms this year!

Concluding Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, as we journey this year through the prayers and hymns you have inspired, strengthen, guide and motivate us to greater love and service. We pray together through your Son, Jesus, who himself prayed from the words we are studying. Amen.

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I love to write and have been fortunate to be able to pursue this love over many years. Having written many devotions for various publications, I had never written Bible Studies … until now.

I count it an honour and a blessing to be able to introduce our studies for this year. My prayer is that you will be inspired to really delve into the book of Psalms during the year and gain new insights in the Scriptures. May our loving God bless you all.

Grace

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