AN OVERVIEW OF THE PSALMS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. An Overview Of The Psalms

a) An overview of the Book of Psalms helps us better understand and appreciate the Bible.

2. Not One Book But Five

a) The “Book of Psalms” is really five books combined:

@1. Psalms 1-41,

@2. Psalms 42-72,

@3. Psalms 73-89,

@4. Psalms 90-106,

@5. Psalms 107-150.

b) The final Psalm in each of the five books closes with a doxology (word of praise to God). For example Psalm 41 at the end of book 1, closes with...

Blessed be the LORD 

The God of Israel,

From everlasting to everlasting,

Amen and Amen.

2. Half Of The Psalms Are Attributed To David

a) David, a prophet, was king of Israel and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:29-31, 2 Samuel 5:1-5). Seventy three out of the total 150 psalms were written by David.

b) The Psalms of David show David’s genius as a composer of songs. He was also a gifted orchestrator of musical instruments "for the praise of the Lord", in the tabernacle worship (1 Chronicles 23:5, 2 Chronicles 29:25-28).

3. Psalms Especially Loved By Christians

a) All scripture is good and profitable (2 Timothy 3:14-17) however certain Psalms, such as Psalm 23 and Psalm 51, have an extra special place in the Christian’s heart and worship (Colossians 3:16).

b) Most pocket editions of the New Testament also include the Psalms at the back following the Book of Revelation.

4. Not All Bible Psalms Are In the Book of Psalms

a) These 150 psalms are not the only ones in the Bible. A few other psalms are scattered through the Bible.

b) Examples of other Psalms in the Bible:

i) Moses’s song approaching the promised land (Deuteronomy 32).

ii) Deborah’s song at the Canaanites' defeat (Judges 5).

iii) Hannah’s prayer at Samuel’s dedication (1 Samuel 2).

iv) David’s song when delivered from Saul (2 Samuel 22).

v) Mary’s song when she visited Elizabeth (Luke 1:45-55).

vi) Zachariah’s prophecy at the birth of his son John (Luke 1:67-79).

vii) The elder’s song in the vision of the throne (Revelation 5).

The End ...