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Psalms Class Notes
Psalms Class Notes
Introduction
Word "Psalm" is derived from a Greek word psalmos meaning- "song" or "plucking"
a stringed instrument; the Hebrew title- Tehillim means ‘praises’
Psalms were functional songs composed for use in worship by ancient Israelites --
"the hymnbook of ancient Israel"
They served the crucial function of connecting the worshipper to God through prayer
and praise.
Structure of Psalms
Comprised of 150 individual psalms, which are divided into 5 books each ending with
a doxology, this perhaps reflects the 5 books of Moses
The 5 books are classified as follows:
These are indicated by the titles or superscriptions of the Psalms or the content of the
Psalms e.g. Ps. 137 vs 1& 3
Most Psalms have titles that provide information about the author and /or context in
which the Psalms were written e.g. 51
Psalms also give technical musical notations in Hebrew for the Psalms
The Psalms were composed by a multiplicity of authors over 1000 years from Moses
to exilic/post exilic period.
Authors of the Psalms include: David (72), Asaph, a musician who was among those
whom David appointed to oversee worship (I Chron. 6:39)-12 Psalms, the sons of
Korah- a levitical family, members of Temple singers (2 Chron 20:19)- 11 Psalms,
Solomon-2 Psalms, Moses- 1 Psalm and Ethan- 1 Psalm.
Types of Psalms
Although there are many types of Psalms they can be grouped into 3 major categories
i.e. praise, lament, and thanksgiving psalms.
Express gratitude to God for what He has done- generally deliverance from
trials/answered prayers
Imprecatory Psalms
Benefits/significance of Psalms
1. A guide to worship
2. Demonstrate to us how we can relate honestly to God
3. Show us the importance of reflection and meditation upon what God has done for us
4. Teach us how to relate to God through different circumstances of life-struggles,
triumphs, joys and sorrows