Facts About the Book of Psalms for Bible Study
Basic Information on the Poems of Praise Contained in the Scriptures
Aug 7, 2009
The word psalm comes from the Greek word psalmos, which means a song sung while accompanied by a stringed instrument. The Hebrews referred to the psalms as songs of praise.
These beautiful verses express the full range of human emotions, but are mainly meant to show praise to the Creator, who, with unconditional love, provides all comfort and joy to religious believers.
Who Wrote the Psalms?
Many of the psalms are said to be written by King David, but he is not the only author. Long before King David, Moses wrote psalms.
David’s son, Solomon, also wrote psalms, as well as Asaph, Ethan, Heman and the sons of Korah. However, some of the psalms have remained anonymous.
Facts About the Psalms and the Book of Psalms
There are many interesting facts known about the psalms and the Book of Psalms:
- The Book of Psalms is the longest book of the Bible.
- The Book of Psalms is also known as the Psalter.
- There are 150 psalms in this collection.
- The psalms are used in both Christian and Jewish worship.
- The psalms were composed over a period of approximately 1000 years.
- Psalm 117, with 2 verses, is the shortest psalm. Psalm 119, with 176 verses, is the longest psalm.
- The Book of Psalms is sometimes called the Bible within the Bible because it covers all of the major themes of the Bible story.
- Jesus used quotes from the Book of Psalms more than from any other part of the Old Testament.
Different Types of Psalms in the Book of Psalms
Psalms were written for different purposes and express different emotions and desires:
- Some psalms were intended to express praise and thanksgiving to God.
- Some psalms were written to teach morals and to provide exhortation.
- Sometimes the writer felt a need to express penitence for offences committed.
- Some writers wrote to tell part of the story of God’s relationship with the Israelites.
- There are many psalms of laments.
- Some psalms foretell the coming of the Messiah.
Divisions of the Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms is divided into five groups, each of which corresponds with the Pentateuch, or first five books of the Bible.
- Book One: Psalms 1-41 corresponds to Genesis.
- Book Two: Psalms 42-72 corresponds to Exodus.
- Book Three: Psalms 73-89 corresponds to Leviticus.
- Book Four: Psalms 90-106 corresponds to Numbers.
- Book Five: Psalms 107-150 corresponds to Deuteronomy.
The Book of Psalms is also known as the Pentateuch of David.
The Most Well-Known Psalm
The psalm that most people know of, and often by heart, is the twenty-third psalm – The Lord is My Shepherd. This psalm is often taught in Sunday schools and is often requested at funerals. Even though this psalm is associated with the passing of loved ones, it is in fact a psalm about walking through life with the Lord.
The Book of Psalms contains songs of praise that were written to be sung to music as a form of full human expression to God, the Creator of all. They are rich and beautiful examples of the complete range of human emotions.
Sources:
- Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible. Oxford, England: Lion Publishing, 1973, 1983.
- Davidson, George. The Bible Treasury: Fascinating Facts About the World’s Greatest Book. London: Arcturus Publishing Limited, 2008.
- Radmacher, Earl D. (General Editor). Nelson’s New King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997.
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