Lesson Three
Psalms Alive! (Part 2)
Exposition of the Book of Psalms:
Paragraphs of Psalms Book 1 (Psalms 1-26)
The psalms in Book 1 (most written by David [+92%]) are varied in content, but the moral teaching is simple and direct. Evident throughout this division is a positive faith in the justice of God. Now for a detailed teaching of each Psalm:
Psalm 1 is The Two Ways of Life. (1:1-2) It was by the first 2b. --------- author in Book 1 and presented in sharp contrast two extremes — the truly righteous way of life and the basically wicked way. The contrast introduced in an enlightening manner the two categories of men to be described throughout the Psalter: the godly and the ungodly. The psalmist continued the antithesis by showing the present and future --------- of each group.
Psalm 2 is The Victory of God's Messiah. (2:6-7, 11) It was by the second anonymous author in Book 1 and had highly dramatic qualities and great potential power. It was originally composed for the 3b. ---------- of Davidic kings. Later, prophetic words of judgment against the house of David and announcements of God’s future redemption of His people through an exalted royal son of David highlighted the --------- importance of this psalm. It was the first MESSIANIC PSALM and ROYAL PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 3 is A Morning Prayer of Trust. (3:4-5, 8) It was the first psalm of David in Book 1 and occurred when he fled from his 4b. --- Absalom. Absalom tried to overthrow his father. He became tangled in low lying branches as he rode a horse. Joab, David’s military commander, came upon him and killed him. Because of the expression of sublime trust in God's protection, this psalm has been a favorite of many people facing -----. It was the first Individual Lament Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 4 is An Evening Prayer of Relief. (4:5-8) It was the second psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple, with 5b. -------- instruments playing. The circumstances surrounding this psalm were similar to those of Psalm 3. However, here the lament became a song of trust to express the psalmist's ------. It was the second Individual Lament Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 5 is A Morning Prayer, Preparatory to Worship. (5:3, 7-8, 12) The third psalm of David in Book 1 was for the director of music in the temple, with 6b. ------ playing. There was in this psalm an atmosphere of ------ between the righteous and the wicked, such as was frequently found in the Psalter.
Psalm 6 is A Cry for Relief. (6:1-2, 8-10) The fourth psalm of David in Book 1 was for the director of music in the temple, with stringed instruments playing, including sheminith (an 7b. ---------------). Here was a vivid picture of a man in dire distress because of a severe illness. Although the psalmist referred to his enemies, he was primarily crying out for relief from his malady. He considered his suffering the ------------ of his sin. It was both the third Individual Lament and first HEALING PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 7 is A Prayer for Justice. (7:8-11, 16-17) The fifth psalm of David in Book 1 was for shiggaion (an uncertain musical instrument) of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite (a supporter of King Saul who 8b. ------ David’s life). There was an element of self-righteousness in the psalmist's appeal. This may be due to the nature of the religious strife which occasioned the bitter -----------. It was the fourth Individual Lament Psalm in Book 1. One feature of Book 1: David was either running from King Saul or a few Psalms indicate that he was the king who succeeded Saul l. 9: We find in Book 1 +92% of the Psalms by David. In his book, the normal word for God is Yahweh, God’s personal name. What does Yahweh mean? Well, only the priests of Israel would pronounce the name, and they would do so with much care to never be guilty of using the personal name of God in vain. When Moses asked God what name he should use to identify the LORD as he informed fellow Jews of God’s plans for the Pharoah of Egypt, God replied, “I am who I am.” Thus, you shall say to the sons of Israel , “I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). The meaning of Yahweh, which has been anglicized as Jehovah, is that God’s personal name is that He is able to create out of nothing. “I AM” means I can do anything, including creating out of nothing everything! Yahweh refers to our Creator God, who creates out of nothing everything! David had a close relationship to God, so Yahweh, God’s personal name occurs often. His son, Solomon, did not have such a close relationship to God, so Book 2 of Psalms, of which he oversaw the collection, features the generic name of God (Elohim). Elohim means “God.” Elohim also occurs in Book 1, but not as the God David worshipped and served.
Psalm 8 is Man's Dignity and God's Glory. (8:1-6) The sixth psalm of David in Book 1 was for the director of music in the temple, according to gittith (an uncertain musical instrument). This psalm was a hymn that reached a height of majesty seldom realized by finite man. There was a development of thought from the 10b. -------- of God's throne in heaven to the lowest beasts of the earth. Man was pictured at the center of God's --------. It was the first PRAISE and second MESSIANIC PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 9 is Praise for Destruction of the Enemy. (9:1-5, 13, 16) The seventh psalm of David in Book 1 was for the director of music in the temple, to [the tune of] 11b. ------------------.” This psalm was originally joined to Psalm 10, as shown in certain Hebrew manuscripts, the LXX, and the Vulgate (Luther’s Bible). The two psalms formed an acrostic, using the letters of the ---------------. It was both the first IMPERFECT ACROSTIC and the second PRAISE Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 10 is A Plea for Action. (10:2-3, 12-15) It was by the third anonymous author in Book 1, and while this psalm had literary and textual affinity with the preceding one, the mood here was entirely different. The enemy was no longer the wicked of the nations but the wicked within 12b. ------. The calamity had been caused by the misuse of power on the part of ----------- of power (such as King Saul?). The mood was one of lament rather than of thanksgiving. It was both the fifth Individual Lament and second IMPERFECT ACROSTIC PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 11 is The Assurance of Faith. (11:4-7) It was the eighth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple. A grave 13b. ----- confronted the psalmist as enemies sought his life. Details of this peril are unknown. His desperate situation gave rise to deep thought and noble expression of his ---------- in the Lord. His words of assurance flowed in a poem of true lyric quality.
Psalm 12 is A Prayer for the Faithful. (12:3-8) It was the ninth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple, accompanied by sheminith (an 8-stringed lyre). This psalm depicted another dark hour of 14b. -----------, when society was falling apart. While lamenting a situation in which lying and falsehood prevailed, the author was likewise expressing his utmost confidence in God, who was still --------- by the faithful minority. It was the sixth Individual Lament Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 13 is From Doubt to Trust. (13:1-6) It was the tenth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple. Expressed in this brief psalm were the deepest longings of a 15b. -------------- Although a personal enemy was behind the scenes, the psalmist was wrestling with his own doubts as to God's divine activity on his behalf. Since sickness is not alluded to, the problem was probably mental—very likely ----. In its structure, this psalm is an excellent example of the lament of an individual. It was the seventh Individual Lament Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 14 is Judgment for Denying God. (14:1-7) It was the eleventh psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple. Here we have a good example to show how the Psalter developed. Except for minor textual variations (especially vs. 6), it is identical with David’s Psalm 53. Since the latter was from Solomon’s collection and substituted generic 16b. ------ (God) for God’s proper name ------ (Jehovah), Psalm 14 is considered to be the earlier form of the psalm. In both psalms the speaker viewed the depraved condition of men with the true prophetic spirit.
Psalm 15 is The Guest of God. (15:1-5) It was the twelfth psalm of David in Book 1 and a commentary on man's duty to God and to his fellowman as set forth in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. It dealt with the moral and ethical 17b. -------------- that admitted a worshiper to the presence of God. The early custom of challenging the fitness of a worshiper may be reflected here. Perhaps the ------ asked the questions in verse 1, the worshiper responded with an answer such as is given here, and the priest closed the challenge with the final promise of verse 5b.
Psalm 16 is The Joy of Loyalty. (16:1-8) It was the thirteenth psalm of David in Book 1 and a miktam (personal prayer). This song of trust was a wholehearted profession of the joy that comes from 18b. ------------ and loyalty. The author lived in a day when apostasy and idolatry were extensive. Against this background, he contrasted his supreme --------- in the LORD with the plight of those who had slipped into idolatry. His great hope amplified his present trust in God. It was the third Messianic Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 17 is The Vindication of the Righteous. (17:1-8) It was the fourteenth psalm of David in Book 1 and lamented his unjust treatment at the hands of his enemies. The cause of his problem was not known, only that he was 19. -------- of the charges brought against him. God was clearly his last court of appeal, his only hope. His absolute ---------- in God was shown throughout, but especially in the final verse. It was the eighth INDIVIDUAL LAMENT Psalm in Book 1. 20. In Book 1, we find David on the run from the attempts by King Saul and his army to capture him and execute him. David fled with men called “Mighty Men,” who led David into caves in the desert to stay ahead of his king. David, in some of the Psalms the Holy Spirit led him to write for Book 1, knew that God could keep him safe from King Saul’s designs and would be with him as he and other men ran away from King Saul’s military forces. However, there were times that David was scared because of his king’s pursuit of him, and the Psalms of David indicate this. Yet, David knew that God would watch over him and keep his king from capturing and executing him so the king’s son he designated could succeed him. David had a close relationship to one of King Saul’s sons. He was kept aware of the king’s moves by Saul’s son, Jonathan. However, the nation of Philistia invaded Judah and killed King Saul and his three sons (see 1 Samuel 31:1-13). The houses of Saul and David then fought over a period of time (called “a long time”). The house of David grew stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker. Finally, David was proclaimed the king of Israel in 2 Samuel 5:1-5. He began as the king of Judah 7.5 years before this.
Psalm 18 is The Victor's Gratitude. (18:1-6) It was the fifteenth psalm of David, called “the servant of the LORD” here in Book 1, and for the director of music in the temple. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the 21b. ------------. Like Psalm 14, this psalm can be compared with another passage, in this case 2 Samuel 22. The psalmist repeatedly voiced his ------------ and his confidence in God. It was the third PRAISE Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 19 is God's Glory Above and Within. (19:1-14) It was the sixteenth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple. This psalm was clearly divided into two distinct sections. The first section (vss. 1-6) used a general 22b. ------- name for God ('El), while the second (vss. 7-14) used the special -------- name (Yahweh). In subject matter, style, and form the two sections differed. However, both sections were skillfully united, and David’s exaltation of the revelation of nature was fused with his exaltation of the law of God into one glorious hymn of praise. It was the fourth PRAISE Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 20 is A Supplication for Victory. (20:1-7) It was the seventeenth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple. In both structure and content this psalm was very closely linked with Psalm 21. The latter acted as a sequel of 23b. ------------ for answered prayer for the king’s victory. The king was the central figure, while his victory occupied the attention of one of his subjects. It may well have been arranged for antiphonal singing, with the congregation or the Levitical choir acting as a chorus in verses 1-5 and 9. A priest or Levite may have voiced the words of --------- in verses 6-8. It was the first THANKS Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 21 is Thanksgiving for Victory. (21:1-6) It was the eighteenth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple. This psalm acted as the natural sequel to Psalm 20, since supplication became thanksgiving because of the recent 24b. -------. The same antiphonal arrangement may have been used in its adaptation for temple worship. Some commentators have suggested that the occasion was the birthday (cf. vs. 4) or the -------------------- (cf. vs. 3). It was the second THANKS Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 22 is Triumph in Suffering. (22:1-8) It was the nineteenth psalm of David in Book 1 and for the director of music in the temple, sung to [the tune of] “The Doe of the Morning.” This psalm was the first of the Penitential Psalms. The use of the cry by Christ to His Father on the cross (vs. 1) and the amazing phraseology of verses 6-8 and 13-18 have made this psalm especially important to 25. ----------. There is within the psalm a strange mixture of praise and complaint. There is no reference to sin as the cause of the trouble, no plea of innocence, no claim of righteousness, and no vengeance. Therefore the words are peculiarly appropriate of the 26. -----------------, although in their primary meaning they are based on some experience of the psalmist. This was the fourth Messianic, fifth PRAISE, and ninth INDIVIDUAL LAMENT PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 23 is My Shepherd. (23:1-6) It was the twentieth psalm of David in Book 1, and as a song of trust, has no peer. It is impossible to estimate its effect upon man through the centuries. Grief, sadness, and doubt have been driven away by this 27. ------------------ of faith. Peace, contentment, and trust have been the blessings upon those who have come to share the psalmist's sublime confidence. This was the second HEALING PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 24 is An Inaugural Anthem. It was the twenty-first psalm of David in Book 1 and one of the 28. -------- and stately hymns of the entire Psalter. Because of several abrupt changes in subject matter, many have judged that this psalm is made up of selections from three poems originally independent (vss. 1-2; 3-6; 7-10). While this may be so, the psalm is now an appropriate unit. The occasion has been associated with the bringing of the 29. ---------------- by David. It is very likely that this psalm, like many others, was used antiphonally. This was the fifth Messianic Psalm in Book 1.
Psalm 25 is An Acrostic Prayer for Help. (25:16-22) It was the twenty-second psalm of David in Book 1 and the 30. ------------ of an individual, who uses the letters of the Hebrew alphabet as a framework. There are only three places in our present text (vss. 2, 5, and 18) where the acrostic breaks down from the 31. ------------ order of letters. The style is simple, straightforward, prayerful, and humble. It was both the third IMPERFECT ACROSTIC and HEALING PSALM in Book 1.
Psalm 26 is A Worshiper's Prayer. (26:1-7) It was the twenty-third psalm of David in Book 1, and that there was between religious groups in Israel is evident from this lament. Some commentators suggest that a pestilence was involved in the background. However that may be, the psalmist's protests regarding his integrity point to a society in which ungodly 32. ----------------- were in charge. This psalm could well be used by a pious group in a time of affliction. Now, we have given you titles and themes of all 150 Psalms. I will then present the expanded paragraphs of each Psalm except for the 16 that would throw our schedule off if we did them. The 16 excluded as paragraphs are expanded so a short paragraph is given for each in title, theme, author, and 33. ---- -------. We have now looked at twenty-three Psalm expanded paragraghs of David.34. As we come to the end of Lesson 3, we have sixteen Psalms to present short paragraphs for so we can stay on schedule. Now, we have given you titles and themes of all 150 Psalms and am now presenting the expanded paragraphs of each Psalm– except those 16. Let’s take a closer look at Psalm 23, a passage that many Christians have studied and sought to emulate with God’s help. If you see your LORD as your divine Shepherd, you see yourself as one of His sheep. Psalm 23 makes it clear that all the sheep of this divine pasture are provided all that they need. Their food needs are provided for, and they are provided a rest period. Your divine Shepherd leads His sheep on paths of righteousness (right for leading sheep away from dangerous animals and to meet all their needs of alone time, fellowship time, and time with their divine Shepherd). When the route does near danger, each sheep can rejoice that his divine shepherd goes with him. You are never alone in Psalm 23 if you are a believer, and you can advertise this wonderful Psalm to anyone you know who needs to receive the Divine Shepherd into his or her life. 35: Our Shift Ends!