Introduction to Psalms

Psalms Chapters 1&2

  The English title “Psalms” (or “Psalter”) is derived from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. In the Codex Vaticanus (fourth century a.d.) the title Psalmoi and the subtitle Biblos psalmôn (“Book of Psalms”) are used; in the Codex Alexandrinus (fifth century) the name Psalterion appears. The Greek word psalmos, which translates the Hebrew mizmôr, signifies music accompanied by stringed instruments. Under the influence of the Septuagint and of Christianity, the word psalmos came to designate a “song of praise” without an emphasis on accompaniment by stringed instruments (Christoph Barth, Introduction to the Psalms. N.Y.: Scribners and Sons, 1966, p. 1). Because mizmôr is used in the titles of 57 of the psalms, the Greek translators used the translation of that word for the title of the entire collection.

Greek, Psalm: strum a stringed instrument accompanied by lyrics HEB: Mizmor: poetry, praise accompanied by instrument. so when they say don’t use instruments in worship, pfft

In the Hebrew Bible the title of the book is sēp̱er tehillîm, “Book of Praises,” referring to their content rather than form  

Lots of things based on festivals, feasts, see Calendar in Israel

Selâh, found within many psalms but not in their headings, may indicate when the worshipers were to “lift up” their voices (perhaps selâh is related to sālal, “to lift up or elevate”). It is used 71 times in the psalms. Selâh was not originally in the psalms; it was added later. Even so, it is quite ancient. There are other definitions given by various scholars, we will look at them later.

Book One 1-41

Book Two 42-72

Book Three 73-89

Book Four 90-106

Book Five 107-150

Types of Psalms (debatable)

Individual laments

National laments.

Thanksgiving psalms.

Descriptive praise psalms (hymns)

What are some of your favorite Psalms?

Psalm 1 (NKJV)

1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Most of the psalms very rudimentary and plainly stated.

ungodly - isnt just those that don’t know God but wicked, purposefully against God.

Psalm 2 NKJV

1 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: 6 “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” 7 “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ” 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.