““Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!” Talk of all His wondrous works!”

-- Psalm 105:2-- Psalm 105:2

Lesson 1: Introduction to the PsalmsLesson 1: Introduction to the Psalms

Why Study the Psalms?

• The Psalms are inspired Scripture, written for our learning (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:14-17)– They help us understand the New Testament– There are about 100 quotations from the

Psalms in the N.T. (Luke 24:44; Acts 2:25-35)

• We are commanded to utilize the Psalms (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13)

The Aims of this Study

• To become familiar with Old Testament Poetry

• To develop an appreciation and knowledge of the Psalms

• To gain a clearer picture of God’s character

• To learn more about Christ in prophecy

• To consider examples of fulfilled prophecies

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry

• Synonymous parallelism (Psalm 24:2; 15:1)

• Antithetical parallelism (Psalm 1:6)

• Synthetic parallelism (Psalm 119:11; 1:3)

• Progressive parallelism (Psalm 1:1; 29:1)

• Introverted parallelism (Psalm 91:14)

Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry

• Rhymes of thoughts rather than of words.

• Lack of poetic rhythm

• The use of figurative expressions. (Psalm 18:31; 42:1-3)– Must not be treated literally.

The Origin and Meaning of the word “PSALM”

• Originally meant to “pluck” the strings of an instrument, such as a harp or lyre.

• Later, it came to refer to the lyric poem sung to the accompaniment of harp or lyre.

• In the New Testament, we are told to sing psalms to the accompaniment of the heart. (Ephesians 5:19).

Authors of the Psalms

• David (73)

• Asaph (12)

• The Sons of Korah (12)

• Solomon (2) cf. 1 Kings 4:29-32

• Moses (1)

• Heman (1)

• Ethan (1)

• Anonymous (48)

Types and Styles of Psalms

• Alphabetic/Acrostic• Ethical (Psalm 15)• Hallelujah (Psalm 103)• Historical (Psalm 106)• Imprecatory (Psalm 69)• Messianic (Psalms

2 & 110)• Penitential (Psalm 51)

• Songs of Ascent (Psalm 120-134)

• Suffering (Psalm 102)• Thanksgiving (Psalm

100)• Didactic (Psalm 1)• Liturgical (Psalm 136)• Meditation (Psalm 119)• Praise (Psalm 148)• Prayer (Psalm 51)