introduction to the psalms
My approach to reflecting on the psalms involves reading them through six different interpretative lenses (the author’s intended meaning, theology, the editor, Jesus, the New Testament, and personal application). This article also explores the unique nature and history of the development of the Psalms as well as the characteristics of Hebrew poetry that guide in their interpretation.
12 Ways to meditate on the Psalms
The first psalm tells us to delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on it day and night. This is the key to a faithful and fruitful life. I describe 12 techniques that I use to meditate on the psalms (they actually work for all scripture!) Meditation promises to bring you more insights than your teachers and elders (119:99,100).
The psalmist wrote “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (119:9). The storing up of God’s word in our heart is a natural result of wholehearted devotion to God. This article has ten tips for memorizing scripture.
Psalms of Creation and Worldview
Every worldview must answer these four questions: Origin, Identity, Purpose and Destiny. How did we get here? What does it mean to be human? What is the purpose of life? and What happens when we die? These universal questions are answered in four great creation hymns, Psalms 8, 19, 29, and 104.
the gospel in three psalms
I have described Psalms 22, 23, and 24 as the holy trinity of the Psalms. We’ll take a closer look at these three amazing psalms and consider the unique perspective they give us on the gospel.
the arrangement of the psalms in BooK 1 (1-41)
A casual reading of the Psalms might give you the impression of randomness as the psalmist swings from celebration to lament. In truth, there is a high degree of method to the ordering of the psalms in their existing form. This article demonstrates the intricate chiastic arrangement of the first 41 psalms, revealing additional meaning in the ordering and placement of each psalm.
praying in Anger: The Cursing Psalms
The most difficult passages to pray in the Psalms are the prayers of anger and judgment. These can be so troubling that we find ourselves embarrassed by them and wish they would just go away! I’m convinced that praying these violent prayers is in fact the best path to non-violence. We’ll consider several approaches to understanding and praying the imprecatory psalms.
The arrangement of Psalms in Book 2 (42-72)
Like the First Book of Psalms, the Second Book (Psalms 42-72) also show evidence of a chiastic arrangement. The book begins with a group of psalms by the Sons of Korah that take us from lament to worship. The remainder of Book 2 is largely Davidic, starting with his prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 and concluding with the prayer of his son Solomon, Psalm 72.
Introduction to Book 3 (73-89)
The psalms of Book 3 were likely collected for use during the Babylonian exile. They describe the suffering and the questioning of God that came from that experience. The book includes the darkest of the Psalms (88) as well as the glorious vision of the nations gathered to worship in Zion (87).
introduction to Book 4 (90-106)
Book 4 begins with what may be the oldest psalm, a song of Moses which reminds us of the eternal nature of God in contrast to human mortality. The core of this book consists of songs of praise for use in the assembly, expressing the theme: The LORD reigns!
introduction to book 5 (107-150)
The theme of Book 5 may simply be: “Hallelujah! The LORD saves!” It includes the Passover Psalms (113-118), the epic Torah Psalms (119), the Songs of Ascents (120-134), and a climactic doxology (146-150).
The Psalms of the Passover (113-118)
The Jewish Passover is the longest continuously held religious observance in the history of the world. It recounts the central act of God’s salvation, as he delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and led them through the Red Sea and to Sinai. These six psalms were collected for use during the Passover meal. We can be fairly confident that Jesus prayed these psalms with his disciples as they observed Passover the night before he was crucified.
the psalms as torah (119)
The 119th Psalm has been called the “magnum opus” of the Psalter. Its breadth, beauty, and artistic complexity are simply stunning. The unknown author builds his literary masterpiece around each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to express the complete perfection of God’s revelation. The psalm celebrates the Law as a gift of God, revealing His nature and directing our paths to living the life that God desires.