What is the background and structure
of the book of PSALMS?

What is the BACKGROUND of the Psalms?

The Book of Psalms is one of the greatest collections of songs, prayers and poetry. These Psalms express the deepest passions of humanity. In their pages, we can hear the psalmist's desperate cry in the midst of despair. We also hear his emphatic praise for his Provider and Comforter. We can hear him pouring out his soul in confession, but also bubbling over with joy! The Psalms lead us through the valleys and peaks of human experiences and in the end guide us to the praise of our loving Creator.

We don't know who wrote several of the Psalms because they come to us with no writer named. The superscription of several of the Psalms, however, attribute their authorship to King David of Israel. David is known as the "sweet psalmist of Israel." The historical books of the Bible speak of David's considerable accomplishments as a musician, singer and composer of poems. One of David's Psalms is recorded in 2Samuel 22. This Psalm reappears in the book of Psalms as Psalm 18 (with only slight variation). Additionally, parts of the medley David wrote and presented to Asaph in 1Chronicles 16:8-36 are also listed in Psalms 96, 105 and 106. The connection between King David and the Psalms is well documented.

The authors of many of the uncredited Psalms are believed to have been contemporaries of David who he placed in charge of Jerusalem's worship. King Solomon followed in the footsteps of his father by writing some Psalms, as well as authoring the book of Proverbs. Some of the earliest Psalms were written by Moses - five centuries before the time of David. Some uncredited Psalms are believed to have written by Deborah, Hannah and the priestly family of Korah.

The book of Psalms, as we know it today, was compiled during the time of Ezra the prophet.

What is the STRUCTURE of the book of Psalms?

The structure of the Psalms is similar to the Pentateuch, which is also called the Book of the Law or the Five Books of Moses.

The five books of the Psalms are:

The reason for this arrangement of the Book of Psalms is not clear. Each book concludes with a doxology, or a praise, to God, usually found within the last verses of each Psalm. In the case of Book Five, Psalm 150 in its entirety is a concluding doxology.

What are the different CATEGORIES of Psalms?

The book of Psalms can be divided into a variety of categories or themes. The names of these categories and how the Psalms are divided between them (with some Psalms in more than one category) can vary by author, reference book or other study tool used. Below is one division of the Psalms.

Royal Psalms

The Royal Psalms deal with the spiritual role of kings in the worship of God. They emphasize God as King and speak of His rule as Creator, Savior of Israel, and as "the coming One." Psalm 2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 101, 110, 132 and 144 are believed to be in this category.

Zion Psalms

The Zion Psalms focus on Jerusalem, using its endearing name Zion. These Psalms rhapsodize on the city, as God's choice for the site of the Holy Temple, the place for true worship of His name. Psalms in this category included 48, 76, 84, 87, 122 and 134.

Penitential or Repentance Psalms

The Penitential or Repentance Psalms are those in which the psalmist confesses sin to the Lord, asks for forgiveness, and then praises the Lord for the renewed relationship, which God's forgiveness provides. Psalm 6, 25, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143 are considered in this category.

Wisdom or Teaching Psalms

Wisdom or Teaching Psalms (also referred to as Didactic Psalms) focus on some of the same issues which we find in the Book of Proverbs. These Psalms present a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. They address God's blessings and cursings and often focus on righteous living. Psalms considered in this category are Psalm 1, 5, 7, 9-12, 14-15, 17, 24-25, 32, 34, 36-37, 39-49, 50, 52-53, 58, 73, 75, 82, 84, 90-92, 94, 101, 112, 119, 121, 125, 127-128, 131 and 133.

Praise Psalms

These Psalms sings praises to God and his wonderful works. Psalms in this category are Psalm 8, 19, 24, 29, 33, 47, 50, 65-66, 76- 77, 93, 95-97, 99, 104, 111, 113-115, 134, 139, 147-148 and 150.

Hallel Psalms

Psalms 113 to 118 are known as HALLEL Psalms. These psalms were (and are) recited during the Bible's three great festival periods (Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles). They are also recited on the new moon and during Hanukkah. Psalms 113-115 were sung at Jerusalem's temple during the slaying of the animals for sacrifice to God. These Psalms are a remarkable celebration of the great acts of the Lord in delivering His people from Egypt. They point forward to the deliverance that would come through the Savior of man, Jesus Christ.

Songs or Psalms of Ascents

Psalms of Ascents or pilgrimage Psalms, Psalms 120 to 134, are thought to have been sung by people as they approached the Temple in Jerusalem.

Lament / Complaint Psalms

The largest and last category of Psalms are referred to as lament, complaint or pleas for help Psalms. Psalms that can be considered in this category include Psalms 3-5, 7, 11, 13, 16-17, 22, 26-28, 31, 35, 41-44, 54, 55-57, 59, 60-64, 69-71, 74, 77, 79-80, 83-84, 86, 88-89, 94, 102, 109, 120, 123, 129, 137 and 140-143. These Psalms will be reviewed later.

What are the General CHARACTERISTICS of the Psalms?

In order to appreciate the Psalms a certain number of their characteristics should be kept in mind.

1. The Psalms were written for singing and were intended for public worship in Israel's temple. They are not merely poems as they also contain lyrics. They have musical conventions peculiar to the music and worship during ancient times.

2. The Psalms themselves were written over a period of one thousand years --- from the time of Moses to the time of Ezra.

3. The Psalms were written in the language of the human spirit, as they reflect the feelings of a person at a particular time. They are not cold, reasoned prose but rather deeply emotional works which use wrenching language, dramatic exaggeration and figures of speech.

4. The Psalms were a part of the ordinary life of the Israelites. The scriptures record a number of times when the people spontaneously responded to God with a Psalm of praise.

5. Individual Psalms were originally written for different purposes. Some began as works of private devotion while others were designed for the purpose of public worship. In the end, however, the Psalms always lead people to the worship of the Living God.

6. The Psalms record, in powerful, poetic language, a person's response to God. From a desperate cry for help to an ecstatic shout of joy, each Psalm attempts to reach out and communicate with the God of the universe.

What are the major parts of a Lament or Complaint Psalm?

In lament or complaint Psalms we hear the strong, emotional words of individual sufferers or communities. These are words written by real people in very difficult situations. These Godly sufferers know that God will not be angry with their honesty, for even when they scream at God it is a scream of faith.

The major parts (a particular Psalm in this category may not have all these parts) of Complaint Psalms are:

1. Introductory cry or addressing of God.
   Example: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" of Psalm 22.

2. Description of the lament, complaint or suffering.
   Examples: "Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!" from Psalm 3.

3. Confession of faith or trust in God.
   Example: "But you, O Lord, are a shield to me" from Psalm 3.

4. Reason(s) for God to act.
   Example: "Arise for our help and redeem us for Your mercies' sake." of Psalm 44.

5. A petition or request for God to act.
   Examples: "Hear me when I call, O God . . ." from Psalm 4 and "Give ear to my words, O LORD . . ." from Psalm 5.

6. Praise or thanksgiving to God.
   Examples: "I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness . . ." from Psalm 7 and "I will sing unto the LORD . . ." of Psalm 13.

The Psalms of complaint are a model of Godly response to suffering. Rather than expect us to remain stoic through our suffering, God wants us to pour out our hearts and souls to him. He also, however, wants us to remember His loving care for us and how he has forgiven our sins. This will help us trust Him in the future.