READ IT! - Introduction to Psalms 1-5

  

Readings for this week:

Monday: Exodus 39

Tuesday: Exodus 40

Wednesday: Psalm 1

Thursday: Psalm 2

Friday: Psalm 3

Saturday: Psalm 4

Sunday: Psalm 5

Introduction to Psalms 1-5

The Psalms are Israel’s book of worship. They are a collection of songs written over several hundred years. The Book of Psalms was not completed until well after the exilic period. There are 150 psalms total.

There are actually five separate books within the Book of Psalms:

Book I: Psalms 1-41

Book II: Psalms 42-72

Book III: Psalms 73-89

Book IV: Psalms 90-106

Book V: Psalms 107-150

The psalms are attributed to many different people, including:

King David

King Solomon

Moses

The Sons of Korah

Heman the Ezrahite

Ethan the Ezrahite

Jeduthun

Asaph

Many of the psalms are attributed to David, and it is understood that some were written by David, some were written in remembrance of David, and some were written by the descendants of David.

Psalm 1

This psalm was written by an anonymous author who states that blessed is the man who does not walk with the wicked, whose delight is in the law of the LORD. He is like a tree planted by the water.

Psalm 2

This psalm was written by an anonymous author, who says, “Why do the rulers plot against the LORD and his anointed? The LORD laughs! He said to me, ‘You are my son.’ O kings, fear the LORD!”

Psalm 3

This is a psalm of David from the time when he fled from his son Absalom who wanted to kill him and take over the kingdom. He says, “O LORD, how many are my foes! But you are a shield around me. You have broken the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

Psalm 4

This Davidic psalm contains a note for the director of the music at the beginning, stating that this song is best done with stringed instruments. David says, “Answer me when I call, O God! O people, how long will you seek lies? Put your trust in the LORD! O LORD, you make me sleep in safety.”

Psalm 5

This Davidic psalm contains a note for the director of the music at the beginning, stating that this song is best done with wind instruments. David says, “Hear my cry, O LORD! You hate all evildoers. Lead me in righteousness because of my enemies. Let all who take refuge in you rejoice!”