The Believer's Songbook - Psalms
Introduction
A little boy who played music was bitterly disappointed because he could neither play nor sing. But Amati, the violin-maker said, "There are many ways of making music. What matters is the song in the heart." So, Antonio Stradivarius was encouraged to become the world's greatest violin-maker. Like David, he put down his spear and picked up his harp.
The book of Psalms was the national hymnbook of Israel. There are 5 actual books in Psalms, each ending with a doxology. They were used in Jewish Temple worship, and were meant to be sung to a stringed instrument. The book has been referred to as, “The solid gold of Christian experience.”
Central THEME
A direct expression of the soul’s consciousness of God. Worship is the central theme.
Central TRUTH
“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (29: 2. “It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man.” (118: 8.
Central THRUST
The book of Psalms is an instruction manual of daily devotion for today’s Christian. We should strive to pray as the Psalmist prayed, and praise as the Psalmist praised.
Genesis: The Book of RUIN Exodus: The Book of REDEMPTION
Leviticus: The Book of REGULATIONS Numbers: The Book of READINESS Deuteronomy: The Book of REMEMBRANCE Joshua: The Book of REALIZATION
Judges: The Book of REGRET Ruth: The Book of ROMANCE
1-2 Samuel: The Book(s. of ROYALTY 1-2 Kings: The Book(s. of REVOLT
1-2 Chronicles: The Book(s. of RENEWAL Ezra/Nehemiah: The Book(s. of REBUILDING Esther: The Book of RESCUE
Job: The Book of RESTORATION
Psalms: The Book of REFRAIN
6 Categories of Psalms:
- Penitential:
- Confession of sin Torah:
- Law is dealt with Hallel:
- Praise
- Imprecatory:
- Prayers of retribution for others Wisdom
- Messianic
150 Psalms
- avid: 73
- Asaph (Israel’s Choir Leader.: 12
- Sons of Korah: 11
- Solomon: 2
- Moses: 1
- Unknown/Anonymous: 50
The Greek Septuagint attributes Haggai/Zechariah: 5
34 Psalms are without titles.
The other 116 were written in the midst of trying circumstances.
Regardless of what we are facing, there is a Psalm to give expression to the particular mood.
- Happy: Psalm 66/Psalm 92
- Grateful: Psalm 40
- Love for God: Psalm 84/Psalm 116
- Worried: Psalm 23/Psalm 56/Psalm 91
- Discouraged: Psalm 42
- Lonely: Psalm 62/Psalm 71
- Guilt: Psalm 51
- Fearful: Psalm 37
- Angry: Psalm 13/Psalm 58
- Bitter: Psalm 77/Psalm 94
- Doubtful: Psalm 119
- Forsaken: Psalm 88
The collection of 150 Psalms constitutes the longest book in the Bible. Composed over a span of a thousand years, it is really 5 books in one. It divides into 5 different sections and each of the 5 divisions parallel the structure of the Pentateuch. [1]
- Book 1: Psalms 1-41—Genesis
- Book 2: Psalms 42-72—Exodus
- Book 3: Psalms 73-89—Leviticus
- Book 4: Psalms 90-106—Numbers
- Book 5: Psalms 107-150--Deuteronomy
I. The HUMAN Race
Book 1: Psalm 1-41
It parallels Genesis, the book of beginnings. It is focused on creation, or the beginnings of the human race.
A. The FIRST Man [Psalm 1]
PSALM 1—GENESIS 1: PICTURE OF MAN IN HIS INITIAL STATE
[1: 1-3] “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2]But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3]And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
“Blessed:” “Oh how happy!”
Psalms is built around the 1st word: “Blessed” NOT ONE “WOE” IN THE BOOK
The first man is described in Psalm 1 without sin, sorrow, or suffering.
“Meditate day and night”—Adam/God walking together in the “cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8.. “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”—“Be fruitful…multiply…dominion” (Genesis 1: 28..
B. The FALLEN Man [Psalm 2, 14]
[2: 1] “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” CREATURE IS SEPARATED FROM THE CREATOR
[14: 1-3] “They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. [2]The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. [3]They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
PSALMS 2, 14—GENESIS 3: THE FALL OF MAN
Throughout the rest of the 1st section we read of the anguish of the soul’s separation from God.
[6: 3, 6] “My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? [6] I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.”
C. The FORGIVEN Man [Psalm 16-41]
[40: 1-2] “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. [2]He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”
Sin placed us in a pit, but the first man who became the fallen man is now restored and made a forgiven man.
1. Our SUBSTITUTE [Psalm 22]
[22: 1] “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” PSALM OF THE CROSS
[22: 1] Forsaken by God
[22: 6-8] Mocked by the mob
[22: 14] Excessive perspiration [22: 18] Lots cast for His garments
Psalm 22 foreshadows the substitute to die in the place of fallen man. Psalm 1—Genesis 1: Dominion GLORIOUSLY GIVEN
Psalm 2, 14—Genesis 3: Dominion LEGALLY LOST Psalm 22—John 19: Dominion RIGHTEOUSLY REGAINED
2. Our SHEPHERD [Psalm 23]
Psalm of the CROOK
Psalm 22 takes care of the PAST
Psalm 23 takes care of the PRESENT/FUTURE
“He” and “me”
[23: 2] “HE maketh ME…HE leadeth ME.”
[23: 3] “HE restoreth (me. my soul…HE leadeth ME.” [23: 4] “THOU (He. art with ME.”
[23: 5] “THOU (He. preparest a table before ME.”
The great titles of Jehovah are embedded in Psalm 23. Jehovah-Jireh: “The Lord will see to it/provide”
“The Lord is my shepherd.”
Jehovah-Nissi: “The Lord is my banner” “He leadeth me beside still waters.”
Jehovah-Rophe: “The Lord that healeth thee.” “He restoreth my soul.”
Jehovah-Tsidkenu: “The Lord is our Righteousness”
“He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Jehovah-Shalom: “The Lord is my peace.”
“Yea, though I walk through valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Jehovah-Shammah: “The Lord is there.”
“Thou preparest a table before me…thou anointest my head with oil…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
3. Our SOVEREIGN [Psalm 24]
PSALM OF THE CROWN
[24: 7-8] “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. [8]Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.”
Psalm 22: Our Substitute PARDONS Psalm 23: Our Shepherd PROTECTS Psalm 24: Our Sovereign PREVAILS
II. The HEBREW Race
Book 2: Psalm 42-72
This section parallels Exodus, where a new relationship begins between God and Israel. Psalm 42-72—Focused primarily on Israel/Hebrew race.
A. Israel’s DISGRACE [Psalm 42-49]
[43: 1] "Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.”
Psalm 46: The PROMISE of COMFORT
[46: 1] "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Some believe that homage is paid to Shakespeare in Psalm 46 because of his influence on literature. Since it was his favorite Psalm, they contest that King James approved the language; and, in so doing, because of Shakespeare’s influence, he gave tribute to him.
46 words in from verse 1—“SHAKE”
46 words back from verse 11—“SPEAR”
B. Israel’s DELIVERANCE [Psalm 50-60]
PSALM 50: GOD’S MIGHT PSALM 51: GOD’S MERCY
David’s prayer of repentance after his great sin. PSALM 57: GOD’S MAJESTY
C. Israel’s DISTINCTION [Psalm 61-72]
THE SECTION BEGINS WITH A CRY OF REMORSE
THE SECTION ENDS WITH A CORONATION OF ROYALTY
[72: 8]" He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”
III. The HOLY Race
Book 3: Psalm 73-89
This section parallels Leviticus. Details are given for worship, and how humanity is to approach a holy God.
A. God’s UNAVOIDABLE LAW
[75: 6-7] “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. [7]But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
The heart is awakened to God’s sovereignty revealed in His judgment, dealings and law. He is the JUDGE, JURY, and EXECUTIONER
B. God’s UNBELIEVABLE LOVE
[78: 38-39] “But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. [39]For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”
In spite of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’ve done, God’s love for us is never questioned, challenged, or extinguished
HIS LOVE IS RESULT OF WHO HE IS, NOT WHAT WE DO NOTHING WE CAN DO TO CAUSE GOD TO LOVE US ANYMORE NOTHING WE CAN’T DO TO CAUSE GOD TO LOVE US ANY LESS
When we’re ready to deal with God, God is ready to deal with us.
C. God’s UNEXPLAINABLE LOYALTY
1. His GOODNESS [Psalm 81]
[81: 10, 16] “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. [16]He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.”
2. His GRACE [Psalm 84]
[84: 11] “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
Because of who He is, and His goodness and grace, we should say:
[84: 10, 12] “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”
IV. The HUMBLE Race
Book 4: Psalm 90-106
Parallels Numbers, written during the wanderings in the wilderness. In spite of their disobedience and failures, God steps in to deliver and provide for His people. What a humbling thought!
A. A SPECIAL PRAYER [Psalm 90]
Psalm 90: The Prayer of Moses
[90: 10, 12] “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [12]So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
OUR DAYS HAVE ALREADY BEEN DETERMINED BY GOD. MOSES PRAYS THAT GOD WOULD TEACH HIM TO NUMBER WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN NUMBERED, THAT THE REST OF HIS DAYS MAY BE THE BEST OF HIS DAYS.
B. A SECRET PLACE [Psalm 91]
[90: 1]—“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place.”
[91: 1]—“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15: 7.
Henrietta Mears: “The secret of a godly life is discovering and dwelling in the Almighty. We are told that there is a point of perfect calm at the center of a cyclone. There may be raging storms, snares, pestilences, terror by night, darkness and destruction, but when the soul is abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, it is safe.” [2]
C. A SUPERNATURAL PROVISION [Psalm 92-106]
Psalm 103
He CONVERTS Us
[3a] “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities.”
He COMPLETES Us
[3b] “Who healeth all thy diseases.”
He COVERS Us
[4a] “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.”
He CROWNS Us
[4b-5] “Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. [5]Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
He CONSIDERS Us
[10] “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.”
He CLEANSES Us
[12] “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
[17] “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children.”
EVEN WHEN WE CEASE TO LIVE, HIS MERCY DOESN’T CEASE TO LAST. EVERLASTING to EVERLASTING!
V. The HAPPY Race
Book 5: Psalms 107-150
Parallels Deuteronomy, a review/reminder of the Law (Word. of God.
[107: 20] “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
The last collection of Psalms depicts a person who has come to the end of self, and is now ready to lay hold of all the fulness of God.
Psalm 1: 1—the Blessed MAN Psalm 107-150—the Blessed PLAN
A. The PREEMINENCE of the SAVIOR [Psalm 113-118]
Psalm 113-118: “Hallel”—Praise
It was chanted also on other festival occasions, as at Pentecost, the feast of Tabernacles, and the Feast of Dedication. The Levites, standing before the altar, chanted it verse by verse, the people responding by repeating the verses or by intoned hallelujahs. [3]
The Lord Jesus died and rose from the dead with these Psalms on his lips. LAST SUPPER
“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.” (Matthew 26: 30.
EMMAUS ROAD
“[27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. [44] These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” (Luke 24: 27, 44.
THE WORD EXPOUNDS THE WORD
Psalm 113: Song of PRAISE
Psalm 114: Song of POWER
Psalm 115: Song of PREEMINENCE Psalm 116: Song of PASSION
Psalm 117: Song of PERPETUATION Psalm 118: Song of PROVISION
JESUS IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE ‘HALLEL’ PSALM MESSIANIC PROPHECY NT FULFILLMENT
2:7 God’s Son Matthew 3:17
8:6 All things under His feet Hebrews 2:8 16:10 Resurrection Mark 16:6-7
22:1 Forsaken Matthew 27:46
22:7-8 Mocked by angry mob Luke 23:35 22:16 Hands/feet pierced John 20:25, 27
22:18 Lots cast for His garments Matthew 27:35-36 34:20 Messiah’s bones unbroken John 19:32-33, 36 35:11 Accused by false witnesses Mark 14:57
35:19 Hated and persecuted John 15:25 40:7-8 Came to do will of God Hebrews 10:7 41:9 Betrayed by a friend (Judas) Luke 22:47 45:6 Throne is eternal Hebrews 1:8
68:18 Ascends to God’s right hand Mark 16:19 69:9 Cleansing the Temple John 2:17
109:4 Intercedes for enemies Luke 23:34
110:1 Enemies under subjection Matthew 22:44
110:4 Order of Melchizedek Hebrews 5:6
118:22 Cornerstone 1 Peter 2:7 [4]
[118: 22-23] “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. [23]This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
MIDDLE VERSE OF BIBLE—Psalm 118: 8
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
MIDDLE WORD OF BIBLE—“LORD” Jehovah—“I AM THAT I AM”
B. The POWER of the SCRIPTURE [Psalm 119]
Psalm 119 is longest/greatest Psalm of the book. It extols the power of the Word of God. One of the most precious pieces of poetry ever given.
22 sections—8 lines each
Each section begins with a letter of Hebrew alphabet
Lines in each section begin with the same letter—22 letters [1-8] ALEPH
[9-16] BETH
[17-24] GIMEL
[25-32] DALETH
[33-40] HE
[41-48] VAU
[49-56] ZAIN
[57-64] CHETH
[65-72] TETH
[73-80] JOD
[81-88] CAPH
[89-96] LAMED
[97-104] MEM
[105-112] NUN
[113-120] SAMECH
[121-128] AIN
[129-136] PE
[137-144] TZADDI
[145-152] KOPH
[153-160] RESH
[161-168] SCHIN
[169-176] TAU
1. RESOURSE of the Word
10 Names Given for the Word of God
Word—Law—Saying—Statutes—Way—Commandments—Path—Testimonies—Precepts— Judgments
2. RESPONSE to the Word
[119: 9] Like WATER
[119: 14, 72, 127, 162] Like TREASURE
[119: 24] Like COUNSELOR
[119: 54] Like SONG
[119: 103] Like HONEY
[119: 105, 130] Like LIGHT
[119: 111] Like HERITAGE
Someone has said, “The Word feeds you, then it makes you hungry.
C.The PRAISE of the SAINTS [Psalm 146-150]
Psalm 146-150: Opens/Closes with the same COMMAND “Praise ye the Lord.”
Psalm 146: EVIDENCE of Praise Psalm 147: EXERCISE of Praise
Psalm 148: EXPECTATION of Praise Psalm 149: EXUBERANCE of Praise Psalm 150: EXPRESSION of Praise
Psalm 150: “Praise” mentioned 13 times in 6 verses
WHERE?
[1] “Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.”
WHY?
[2] “Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.”
HOW?
[3-5] “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. [4]Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. [5]Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.”
WHO?
[6] “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.”
Our breath comes from Him, thus it should be used to praise Him. IS THERE ANY REASON WE SHOULDN’T PRAISE HIM?
Henrietta Mears: “There is no heaven here, or in the world to come, for people who do not praise God. If you do not enter into the worship of heaven, the joy of heaven cannot enter you.” [4]
The great preacher Clarence Macartney once dreamed that he found himself in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem. As he was resting under the tree of life, by the water of life, he heard sweet singing, like the singing of a child's voice. He looked up and saw a procession of some 30-40 persons coming along the street that led from the river of life up to the great white throne. Leading the procession were four children, two boys and two girls. When they came to where he was, he arose and asked the boy in front, "Who are you, and where are you going, and who are the others with you, and what is it that you are singing so sweetly?"
The boy said to him, "I am that boy that was once deaf and had an impediment in his speech. No one could understand what I said, and I could not hear what anyone else said. But one day someone brought me to Jesus, and He took me aside from the multitude and touched my ears and touched my tongue, and, looking up to heaven, said, "Be opened," and immediately I could speak plainly, and ever since I have been singing His praise."
"And you," speaking to the other boy, "What about you?" "I am that boy whom the evil spirit flung sometimes into the fire and sometimes into the water. But one day Jesus came down from the mount, my father brought me to Him, and said, "If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us." And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed me."
Then in his dream, Macartney turned to the two girls saying, "You with the dark hair." She replied, "I am the daughter of the Syrophenician woman, to whom Jesus said when my mother asked Him to cure me of the evil spirit, "O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt."
“And you with the golden hair and blue eyes."
"I am the ruler's daughter who was dead, but Jesus said to me, "Talitha cumi," and taking me by the hand, lifted me up and gave me back to my father and mother."
"And now, this young man with the woman leaning on your arm, who eyes never wander from your face. Who are you, and who is this woman?"
"This is my mother, the widow of Nain. I am the young man who was being carried to his burial when Jesus stopped the funeral procession and said, "Young man, arise!"
"And this woman, so strong and vigorous, and with a piece of garment in your hand. Who are you, and why do you carry that piece of garment?"
"I am the woman who touched the hem of His garment. He healed my disease, and ever since I have carried this piece of the hem of His garment."
"And you, this strong man, like an athlete, with that chain over your shoulder. What of you? And why do you carry that chain?"
"I am the man of Gadara out of whom Jesus cast the legion of demons, and this is the chain with which they sought in vain to bind me, until one day Jesus found me and tamed me and bound me with His love."
"Now you six men holding one another by the hand as if you were children, and the eyes of every one of you as bright as stars. Who are you?"
"We are the blind men whom Jesus healed."
"But why do you walk together that way, holding another's hands?"
"We walk this way because this is the way we had to walk when we were on earth. We had to have other men take us by the hand; and now, although our eyes are opened, we still take one another by the hand, and we are leading one another to the throne of the Lamb."
"And now, last of all, this lovely woman, with the aroma of costly and delicate perfume about you, and with that wonderful, luxuriant hair. Who are you? And what did Jesus do for you? Did He opened your eyes, or loose your tongue, or heal some disease, or call you out of the grave?"
"No. He did not loose my tongue, or straighten my withered arm, or unstop my ears, or heal any disease for me or open my eyes."
"Why, then, are you in this company, with all these persons whom Jesus healed?"
"I am the woman who washed His feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. I am the woman upon whom He worked the greatest miracle of all, for I am the woman who was a sinner. I am that woman to whom He said that night, "Thy sins are forgiven thee."
In his dream Macartney shouted, "March on, immortal company! Ye who where once were blind and dumb and deaf and possessed of demons, and smitten with diseases, and captive to death, march on, I say! March down the ages singing your songs, testifying to the grace and compassion and majesty of Him who healed you and saved you, and who is able to heal and to save to the uttermost. March on, immortal company, until all blindness and deafness and dumbness and lameness and sin and passion and death are banished forever, and man has been restored to the image of God, and the stars once more which sang over His creation sing again over His redemption!"
What a HIM book! It’s all about HIM; who He is, and what He has done for poor, old, wretched, vile sinners such as us.
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Endnotes
1 “Adventuring Through the Bible,” Ray Stedman, pg. 258.
2 “What the Bible is All About,” Henrietta Mears, pg. 203.
3 Easton’s Bible Dictionary
4 IBID, Stedman, pg. 263-264.
5 IBID, Mears, pg. 204.