Introduction to the book of psalms.

1. M R . W I L L I A M S
INTRODUCTION TO THE
PSALMS

2. NUMBER OF PSALMS?
150(Or are there 151?)

3. EMOTICONS IN THE PSALMS
 1. Love and adoration towards God
 2. Sorrow over sin
 3. Dependence on God
 4. Battle of Fear and Trust
 5. Walking with God in dark times
 6. Thankfulness for God’s care
 7. Devotion to the Word of God
 8. Confidence in God’s purposes triumphing!!

4. WHAT DOES ‘PSALMS’ MEAN?
Psalmos! Mizmor!
Song!

5. WHAT DOES PSALMS MEAN?
 Psalms in NT:
 Luke 20:42 – “David himself declares in the Book of Psalms…”
 Acts 1:20 – ““For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of
Psalms…”
Tehillim=praises

6. WHO WROTE THE BOOK OF PSALMS?
 Mark 12:36: “David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit,
declared…”
 Acts 2:25: “David said about him…”
 Romans 4:6: “David says the same thing when he…”
 Romans 11:9: “And David says…”
 73 titles cite David as author.
 Psalm 2 – Acts 4:25 & Psalm 95 – Hebrews 4:7

7. WHO WROTE THE BOOK OF PSALMS?
 Sons of Korah (11 Psalms)
 Asaph (12 Psalms)
 Solomon (2 Psalms)
 Moses (1 Psalm)
 Some Psalms have no author cited!!

8. WHEN WERE PSALMS WRITTEN?
Moses: 15th – 13th Century
David & Solomon:
10th Century
Exilic and Post-Exilic:
7th Century

9. PROCESS OF COLLECTING & EDITING
 FIVE BOOKS
 I Pss. 1-41
 II Pss. 42-72
 IIIPss. 73-89
 IV Pss. 90-106
 V Pss. 107-150
 Ps. 14 & Ps. 53 almost identical
 72:20 – End of David’s Psalms?

10. KEY THEMES
1. Monotheism: One true God, maker of heaven and earth.
2. Creation & Fall: Man made with dignity & purpose but full
of sin & weakness.
3. Election & Covenant: God chose a people & made
promises to them.
4. Covenant Membership: God offers grace & is willing to
shape our lives to reflect His glory.
5. Eschatology: Our future is headed to a place where God is
fully known and fully present.

11. PSALMS ORGANIZED INTO 3 THEMES
 1. ORIENTATION
 2. DISORIENTATION
 3. NEW ORIENTATION