PSALMS ~ THE BEAUTIFUL WORDS ~
Psalms is known as the Book of Devotion and Praise. The Hebrew word for Psalm means "praise" or "hymns". This book was the national hymn book for the Israelites. It has been called the "heart of the Bible." The Psalms reveal the most varied feelings and experiences of God's people found anywhere in the Bible; adoration, penitence, prayers for deliverance, devotion to God's Word, joy, faith, grace, hope, love, and witnessing. Many contrast the righteous and the wicked. Some reveal the moral and personal attributes of God, such as holiness, righteousness, justice, mercy, truth, goodness, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and immutabiity.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest, and the middle chapter in the Bible Psalm 118:8 is the middle verse in the Bible...."It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." The word "Selah" occurs 71 times in the Psalms. Various meanings have been given for this expression,
an orchestral interlude is one that has been given. There are 150 Psalms, 2,461 verses, and 43,743 words. That's a lot of words, most to give Praise and Honor to the Father.
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The Psalms can be broken down in five different books, as follows:
BOOK I
Psalms 1:1 - 41:13
While the Psalms are not organized by topic, it is helpful to compare the dominant themes in each section of the Psalms to the five books of Moses. This first collection of Psalms, mainly written by David, is similar to the book of Genesis, Just as Genesis tells how mankind was created, fell into sin and was then promised redemptions, many of these Psalms discuss humans as blessed, fallen, and redeemed by God.
BOOK II
Psalms 42:1 - 72:20
This collection of Psalms, mainly written by David and the sons of Korah, is similar to the book of Exodus, Just as Exodus describes the nation of Israel, many of these Psalms describe the nations as ruined and then recovered. As God rescued the nation of Israel, he also rescues us. We do not have to work out solutions first, but we can go to God with our problems and ask him to help.
BOOK III
Psalms 73:1 - 89:52
This collection of Psalms, mainly written by Asaph or Asaph's descendants, is similar to the book of Leviticus. Just as Leviticus
Discusses the Tabernacle and God's holiness, many of these Psalms discuss the Temple and God's enthronement. Because God is almighty, we can turn to him for deliverance. These Psalms praise God because HE is holy, and HIS perfect holiness deserves our worship and reverence.
BOOK IV
Psalms 90:1 - 106:48
This collection of Psalms, mainly written by unknown authors, 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 over ruling Kingdom to the other nations. Because we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, we can keep the events and troubles of earth in their proper perspective.
BOOK V
Psalms 107:1 - 150:6
This collection of Psalms, mainly written by David, is similar to the book of Deuteronomy. Just as Deuteronomy was concerned with God and His Word, the Psalms are anthems of praise and thanksgiving for God and His Word. Most of the Psalms were originally set to music and used in worship. We can use these Psalms today as they were used in the past, as a hymnbook of praise and worship. This is a book that ought to make our hearts sing.
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The Psalms were written to be sung. Moses sang and taught the people to sing in Exodus 15, and Deuteronomy 32. Israel sang along the Journey to the Promised Land (Numbers 21:17}. Deborah and Barak sang praise to God (Judges 5). David sang with ALL HIS HEART (Psalm 104:33). Hezekiah's singers sang the Words of David (II Chronicles 29: 28 - 30). Nehemiah's singers sang loud (Nehemiah 12:42). Jesus and the Disciples sang at the Last Supper (Matthew 26: 30). Paul and Silas sang in prison (Acts 16:25). At the dawn of Creation "The morning stars Sang Together, and all the Sons of God Shouted for Joy" (Job 38:7). In Heaven 10,000 times 10,000 Angels Sing, and the Whole Redeemed Creation joins in the Chorus ( Revelations 5: 11-13). In HEAVEN EVERYBODY WILL SING..And Never Tire of SINGING.
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There are several musical instruments mentioned in the Psalms.
The Stringed Instruments, mainly the Harp and Psaltery: and Wind Instruments, Flute, Pipe, Horn, Trumpet: And Instruments to be Beaten, Timbrel, Cymbal. David had an Orchestra of 4,000, for which he made the Instruments (I Chronicles 23:5).
Every Psalm has a different and distinct message, from Delight in God's Word, the hymn of the Coming Messiah, David's trust in God, an evening prayer, a morning prayer all the way to Hallelujah Psalms in chapters 146 - 150.
The Key verse of the Psalms 150: 6
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord, Praise ye the Lord.
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EVERY WORD IS BEAUTIFUL
There are inexhaustible words to describe
God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Artist have sought to portray Him on Canvas,
Poets have penned lovely words to establish.
Theologians of renown have exalted HIM
Above all others as the Diadem,
"Whom say the people that I am?"
Christ asked,
In the Book of Psalms, he is our ALL IN ALL.
He's my meat and my drink,
My life and strength and my store
My Shepherd, My trust and my Friend,
My Hope from beginning to end,
My portion, my Lord and my all !!
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Compiled and written by Shirley Barr
References: Halley's Bible Handbook(Copyright 1962)
Worlds Bible Handbook (Copyright by Robert T. Boyd 1991)
April 16, 2005
Not to be used without author's permission |
