Why Psalms?
How is the book of Psalms divided?
(2 Samuel 23:1-2; Psalm 24:1; Mattew 22:43-45; Luke 24:44; Acts 4:25; Romans 4:6) Blog Jan. 1-6, 2024
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
INTRODUCTION: This new quarter we will study the book of Psalms.
Its Authors
1. To whom do New Testament authors attribute the book of Psalms? New Testament authors attribute the book of Psalms to David (Matt. 22:43-45; Acts 2:25-28; 4:25; Rom. 4:5-8).
2. Who are some of the other authors of the Psalms? Besides David, other psalmists were Asaph, Herman, Ethan, Solomon, Moses, & the sons of Korah (Psalm 42; 50; 72; 88; 89; 90).
3. Who does the Bible recognize as the compiler of the Psalms? Both the Old & New Testament recognize King David as the compiler of the Psalms (2 Sam. 23:1; Acts 4:25).
4. What should we understand from the fact that the authors of Psalms write from so many different circumstances? The varied circumstances of the psalmists should teach us that there is not a circumstance in our lives in which we cannot appeal to or thank God (Psa. 25:1-2; 26:1; 42:1; 77:1-2; 84:1-2; 88:1-3; 89:1).
Its Inspiration
5. How did Jesus confirm that the book of Psalms is included in Holy Scripture? Jesus, more than once, referred to Psalms, calling them part of Scripture (Mark 12:10; Luke 24:44; John 10:34-35; 13:18).
6. How does Peter show that David was an inspired prophet of God? Peter wrote that God’s prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit & he said that it was the Holy Spirit that spoke through David, thus showing him to be an inspired prophet of God (Acts 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:19-21).
7. How did David express the idea that he was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit? David said that he was lifted up on high & that the Spirit of the Lord spoke by him & that God’s Word was in his tongue (2 Sam. 23:1-2)
Its Content
8. What does the book of Psalms contain? The book of Psalms contains poems, songs, prayers, precious sayings, & complaints to God (Psa. 2:1; 10:1; 28:1-2; 108:1; 133:1; 143:1).
9. How is the book of Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books (1-41;42-72; 73-89; 90-106; 107-150) (Psa. 42:1; 107:1).
10. With what basic concept do the Psalms begin? The Psalms begin with the contrast between righteousness & sin, showing their sure results (Psa. 1:1-6).
11. What idea expressed in Psalm 16:8 & throughout the Psalms does Paul summarize in Acts 17:24? Throughout the Psalms God’s nearness to his children is continually emphasized (Psa. 16:8; 34:18; 119:151; 145:18; Acts 17:24).
12. For what does Paul say that the Psalms can be used? Paul says that the Psalms can be used for teaching & admonishing one another (Col. 3:16).
13. What Psalm does Paul quote when expounding his doctrine of justification by faith? Paul quotes Psalm 32 when teaching that justification is by imputation (Psa. 32:1-2; Rom. 4:6-8).
14. When does James say that it is appropriate to sing psalms? James recommends singing psalms when we are happy (Jam. 5:13).