Psalms
Overview
Psalm in Hebrew ā a song of praise Theme: Prayer and Praise Authors: 34 anonymous, 73 David, 12 Asaph, 11 Sons of Korah, Moses, Solomon, Heman, Ethan. Key Scripture: 23:1-3
5 Books that parallel the Pentateuch: Chapters 1-41: The Genesis Book concerning Man Chapters 42-72: The Exodus Book concerning Israel Chapters 73-89: The Leviticus Book concerning the Sanctuary (psalms of ascent; what priests say as they entered the temple) Chapters 90-106: The Numbers Book concerning the Earth and the Nations Chapters 107-150: The Deuteronomy Book concerning the Word of God
10 Categories of the Pslams:
- Messianic
- Penitential (asking God for mercy)
- Imprecatory (cursing things)
- Acrostic (alphabetical ordering)
- Hallelujah
- Songs of Degrees (songs of ascent)
- Historical
- Devotional
- Worship
- Didactic (teaching and doctrine)
Purposes:
- To preserve in poetic form the story of the Pentateuch
- To show how David and others talked to God in worship
- To show how to approach God in praise
Messages:
- The greatness of God is seen when we love him 1. Love: āthe choice to will the good of the otherā - St. Thomas Aquinas
- The greatest quality of love is intimacy