Book guide
Psalms
The prayer book of God's people
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At a glance
- Writer
- Many writers: David (73 psalms by title), Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses and others.
- When
- c. 1400–500 BC.
- Setting
- Israel's worship from Moses to the return from exile.
Sources: Psalms titles; ;
The shape of the book
- 1Book IMostly psalms of David; the blessed man and the righteous sufferer.Psalms 1–41 →
- 2Book IILonging for God; the king's reign.Psalms 42–72 →
- 3Book IIICrisis of faith and the covenant with David.Psalms 73–89 →
- 4Book IVThe LORD reigns; from Moses onward.Psalms 90–106 →
- 5Book VThanksgiving, the Word, songs of ascent and praise.Psalms 107–150 →
Key themes
Worship
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD ().
The Word
God's law is perfect and sweet (; ).
Honest lament
The faithful bring grief to God (; ).
The LORD's anointed
God sets His King on Zion ().
Key verses
How it points to Christ
- ✦Thou art my Son — applied to Christ. (; ; )
- ✦My God, why hast thou forsaken me — spoken from the cross. (; )
- ✦Thou wilt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption — the resurrection. (; )
- ✦The LORD said unto my Lord — Christ at God's right hand. (; )
- ✦The stone which the builders refused. (; )
Note: Only links the New Testament itself makes are listed.
Questions for reflection
- Which psalm gives words to what you feel right now?
- How do the lament psalms move from complaint to trust?
- What do the Psalms teach about God's Word?
- How does the New Testament read and 110?
Read it through in 10 days
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
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