Date Written: Between the time of Moses (around 1440 B.C.) & the Babylonian captivity (586 B.C.)

Author: David wrote 73 psalms, Asaph wrote 12, the sons of Korah wrote 9, Solomon wrote 2. Heman, Ethan & Moses each wrote 1. 51 of the psalms are anonymous.

Setting: For the most part, the psalms were not intended to be narrations of historical events. However, they often parallel events in history, such as David’s flight from Saul & his sin with Bathsheba, for example.

Key People: David, Asaph, Moses, Solomon

Purpose: To communicate with God & worship Him

Key Verses: My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name for ever & ever. 135:21

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. 150:6

Chapter Outline:

1-41 Book I – While the psalms aren’t organized by topic, it’s helpful to compare the main themes in each section to the five books of Moses. This 1^st collection of psalms is similar to the book of Genesis. Just as Genesis tells how man was created, fell into sin & was then promised redemption, many of these psalms discuss humans as blessed, fallen & redeemed by God.

42-72 Book II – These psalms are similar to the book of Exodus. Just as Exodus describes the nation of Israel, many of these psalms describe the nation as ruined & then recovered. As God rescued the nation of Israel, He also rescues us.

73-89 Book III – This collection of psalms is similar to the book of Leviticus. Just as Leviticus discusses the tabernacle & God’s holiness, many of these psalms discuss the temple & God’s enthronement. Because God is almighty, we can turn to Him for deliverance. These psalms praise God because He is holy & His perfect holiness deserve our worship & reverence.

90-106 Book IV – This collection of psalms is similar to the book of Numbers. Just as Numbers discusses the relationship of the nation of Israel to surrounding nations, these psalms often mention the relationship of God’s overruling kingdom to the other nations. Because we are citizens of the kingdom of God, we can keep the events & troubles of earth in their proper perspective.

107-150 Book V – The remaining psalms are similar to the book of Deuteronomy. Just as Deuteronomy was concerned with God & His Word, these psalms are anthems of praise & thanksgiving for God & His Word.

Most of the psalms were originally set to music & used in worship.

Importance of reading Psalms:

What we read: Psalms are songs of praise to God as our Creator, Sustainer & Redeemer. Praise is recognizing, appreciating & expressing God’s greatness. What we can learn: Focusing our thoughts on God moves us to praise Him. The more we know Him, the more we can appreciate what He has done for us.

What we read: God is all-powerful & He always acts at the right time. He is sovereign over every situation. God’s power is shown by the ways He reveals Himself in creation, history & His Word. What we can learn: When we feel powerless, God can help us. His strength can overcome the despair of any pain or trial. We can always pray that He will deliver, protect & sustain us.

What we read: Many psalms are intense prayers asking God for forgiveness. God forgives us when we confess our sin & turn from it. What we can learn: When we come to God in true, heartfelt repentance, He is willing & ready to forgive us.

What we read: God is faithful & just. When we put our trust in Him, He quiets our hearts. Because He has been faithful throughout history, we can trust Him in times of trouble. What we can learn: Knowing God intimately drives away doubt, fear & loneliness.

Things to think about as you read Psalms:

• Don’t miss the central focus of the psalms – God. There is so much to be learned about Him. Pay attention to His names, His titles, His attributes & how man is to respond to Him.
• When you are distressed, confused, afraid, hurt or when you need to talk with Someone who will understand, turn to Psalms. With the psalmist, be still & know that He is God.
• Think about the value of Psalms & let it be your counselor when you need wisdom & understanding. Remember, blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord & who meditates in that law day & night.
• Consider ending each day as the book of Psalms ends – with a psalm of praise. “Let the godly ones exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth…Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 149:5-6, 150:6

Link to video: https://youtu.be/OmawFv0E-Yc?si=Gp8q5Z_FP72C7pYz

Blessings,

Nichole Henson, Fullness of Joy Ministry