The Book of Psalms Introduction

Background Information

Author

David - 73 Psalms subscribed to him in the book and 2 others in the NT (Psalm 2 & Psalm 95)

Asaph - 12

Sons of Korah - 11

Solomon - 2

Moses - 1

Heman the Ezrahite - 1

Ethan the Ezrahite - 1

Unknown authorship - 47

Date

Spans approximately 1,000 years

Psalm 90 - Moses around 1400 BC

Psalm 137 - Postexilic era around 400 BC

Audience

Israelites

Outline of Book

Introduction - Psalms 1-2

Psalm 1-2 are the doorway into the entire book of Psalms

Book 1 - Psalms 3-41

Book 2 - Psalms 42-72

Book 3 - Psalms 73-89

Book 4 - Psalms 90-106

Book 5 - Psalms 107-145

Grand Doxology - Psalm 146-150

Psalms 146-150 serve as the grand doxology commanding the congregation to praise God

Fully organized during the second temple period - 500-400 BC, latest 200 BC

Genre

Lyric Poetry

The psalmist is writing about his emotions and how they relate to God

Lament/complaint

The psalmist is in crisis and is calling out to God for intervention

Praises of Thanksgiving

Praising God specifically and gather evidence to reveal why He is praiseworthy

Purpose of Book

Yahweh is the King and He rules over all therefore strive for faithful obedience to the teachings waiting for the Messianic King

Theology

Theocentric

Yahweh is the central reality and everything else is arranged around Him

The Torah

The Psalms serve as instruction for godly living

The King is Coming

A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised Our King Is Coming

Books 1–3 raise the question, how do we live in the absence of the messianic king? Books 4–5 answer that question in two ways: faith and obedience.

Why should they live with faith and obedience? The Messianic King is coming

Christology

Read the Psalms with Christ in mind

The Case for the Psalms: Why They are Essential

Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary 6. The Theology of the Book of Psalms

Here is the challenge for those who take the New Testament seriously: try singing those Psalms Christologically, thinking of Jesus as their ultimate fulfillment. See how they sound, what they do, where they take you.

Closing Quote

ESV Study Bible

The ESV Study Bible Key Themes

The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord and join his people. It is part of the dignity of God’s people that, in God’s mysterious wisdom, their personal faithfulness contributes to the story getting to its goal. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.