The book of Psalms was written by various writers. These chapters reflect life in the community of Israel. These are, at times, a reaction to the circumstances God allows in our lives.
Writers of the Psalms:
- Asaph (Psalms 50, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79-83). He was a Levite, one of the leaders of David’s choir (1 Chronicles 6.31-48). He wrote twelve Psalms. He was considered a propeht as-well-as a composer (2 Chronicles 29.30; Nehemiah 12.46) (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, 1997).
- Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89) was one of the four sons of Mahol, whose wisdom was excelled by Solomon (1 Kings 4.31 and 1 Chronicles 2.6).
- King David
- Korahite, a priest from the tribe of Levi. These were the gatekeepers and singers in the Temple according to 1 Chronicles 9.19; 12.6; 26.1.
A possible division of the Psalms can be in terms of the Pentateuch. For example
- Psalms 1-41 reflect the Sovereign God of creation in Genesis
- Psalms 42-72 reflect the Redeeming God of Exodus
- Psalms 73-89 reflect the holy God whom we worship in Leviticus
- Psalms 90-106 reflect the God who is with us in our wanderings as in Numbers
- Psalms 107-150 reflect the God of the Word whom we praise as in Deuteronomy
Each of these divisions ends with a doxology, a blessing reflecting the theme of the previous chapters.
- Altaschith means “Do not destroy.” It occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalm 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it.
- Gittith may refer to a musical instrument created and used by the people of Gath. Since David stayed with them for a time, it seems plausible. This term is used in Psalms 8, 81, 84.
- Higgaion may refer to a musical interlude; a grand pause like Selah (Psalm 9 and 92). In Psalm 19 the term is translated as “meditate.”
- Jeduthun, meaning praising, refers to a Levitical family whose duties were to organize the temple music service (1 Chronicles 15.17, 19; 1 Chronicles 16.41, 42; 1 Chronicles 25.1, 3, 6; 2 Chronicles 35.15). Jeduthun’s name is in the inscription found in Psalms 39, 62, 77, and 89. These Psalms were written by others and were probably written specifically for his choir.
- Lily of the Covenant (Psalm 60 and Psalm 88) might refer to a tune the psalm is to be sung to.
- Mahalath is found in the title of Psalm 53 and Mahalath-Leannoth is found in the title of Psalm 88. The meaning of these words is uncertain as it seems with most of the superscriptions in the Psalms. The thought is that mahalath is a guitar, and that leannoth has reference to the character of the psalm. Some see it as equivalent to Maëstoso, which is a direction for performers to play the passage in a majestic manner.
- Maskil (or Maschil) is a term used to indicate a psalm that was sung at an annual festival. The NASB describes it as “Possibly Contemplative, or Didactic, or Skillful Psalm” term means skillful instruction. It is used in thirteen psalms (Psalm 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142).
- A Miktam is a Hebrew word meaning “writing” or “psalm” and could mean that it is an epigrammatic poem or atonement Psalm. It is found in the superscriptions for Psalm 16 and Psalms 56–60 (Psalm 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60). These are Psalms written in the form of a prayer due to persistent danger. In Isaiah 38.9-20 it is translated as “writing.” Because the Septuagint translates it as “inscription,” it should be understood as “writing.” Since we do not have a clear understanding of the term, we should go with the interpretation found closest to the source itself unless the understanding contradicts other portions of Scripture.
- Muth-Labben may refer to the death (מות) of a son of David (Absalom) or the death of Goliath or the death of a fool (a play on Laban’s name). It is only found in Psalm 9. It could also be a musical term indicating that soprano boys should sing this tune.
- Neginoth means stringed instrument (Psalm 4, 6, 54, 55, 61, 67, and 76).
- Nehiloth or flute or other wind instrument with holes in it (Psalm 5).
- Selah is a musical term asking us to stop and pause in order to reflect on what has been said.
- Shemeninth means “an eighth” and is unknown to us. It could mean an octave, a tune, or a pitch.
Types of Psalms
- Imprecatory (7, 35, 40, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139, 144). These psalms are cries to God to bring destruction on those who stand against God and God’s people.
- Individual Lament (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63, 64, 69, 70, 71, 86, 88, 102, 109, 120, 130, 140, 141, 142, and 143). These psalms are passionate pleas to God for help in personal situations.
- National or Community Psalms of Lament (12, 44, 58, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 85, 89, 90, 94, 123, 126, 129). These are passionate pleas to God for national deliverance.
- Nature Psalms (8, 19, 29, 33, 65, 104). These relate to God’s creative work, which inspires these poetic writings.
- Song of Ascents or Pilgrimage Psalms (43, 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134). These are songs the pilgrims sung as they went to Jerusalem for the three major holy days of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Leviticus 23).
- Royal Psalms (2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 132, 144). These relate to the reign of the king. These can also refer to the coming King, Jesus the Messiah.
- Messianic Psalms (22, 102,…..) relate to the coming Messiah.
- Penitential Psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143). When seeking to confess sins, these are great psalms to read as part of confession when asking God to restore our fellowship with Him (1 John 1.9).
- Songs (Psalm 65, 66, 67, and 68). These psalms all contain the word “Song” in their heading along with the regular word of Psalm. They begin with the phrase “Praise is due to You” and end with “Blessed be God.”
- Historical (Psalms 78, 104, 105, 106, 136). Reading these Psalms will provide an historical perspective on the nation of Israel.
- The Hallelujah or Hallel Psalms, i.e. Psalms 105, 106, 107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146–150. Most of these Psalms begin or end with the Hebrew word הלליה, translated as “Praise the LORD”.
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