The Book of Psalms

Music played an important role in ancient Israel's worship. Old Testament poetry and songs were based on patterns of parallel thought. The earliest known psalm is from Moses in the 15th century BC (Psalm 90). The majority of the psalms were written in the 10th century BC during Israel's "golden age" of poetry.


The psalms, as Holy Spirit inspired prayers and praises, were written to express the deep feelings of the human heart in relation to God. Many were written as prayers to God, expressing trust, love, adoration, thanksgiving, praise and a desire for a closer relationship with God; or discouragement, deep distress, fear, anxiety, humiliation and a cry for freedom, healing or defense from enemies. Others were written as songs expressing praise, thanksgiving and worship, celebrating who God is and the great things He has done. Some psalms contain sections that prophetically point to the Messiah.


As a collection of 150 individual songs, the entire book of Psalms covers a wide range of topics. There is revelation of God, creation, humankind, salvation, sin and evil, justice and righteousness, worship and praise, prayer and judgment. The psalmists view God in a variety of ways. He is a fortress, rock, shield, shepherd, soldier, creator, ruler, judge, redeemer, sustainer, healer and avenger. God is also described as expressing love, anger and compassion. Also, God's nature is revealed as being everywhere present, all-knowing and all-powerful. God's people are also described in various ways: as the apple of His eye, sheep, saints, the upright and the righteous whom He has lifted out of the slimy pit, established their feet on a rock and put a new song in their mouth. God directs their steps, satisfies their deep spiritual desires, forgives all their sins, heals all their diseases and provides for them an eternal home.


Nine major features characterize the book of Psalms. It is the longest book in the Bible. It contains the longest chapter, shortest chapter, and the middle verse.


There are 186 quotations from the Psalms in the New Testament, far more than from any other Old Testament book. it is clear that Jesus and the New Testament writers were well acquainted with the psalms. The Holy Spirit often inspired the use of the psalms in Jesus' teaching and in other passages where Jesus fulfills prophecy. It contains prophecy about Jesus as the messiah, as the Son of God and as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. The psalms refer to Jesus as prophet, priest and King, and both His first and second coming.


In summary, the psalms are among the most detailed of all Old Testament prophecies about Christ and are contained within much of the message of the Old Testament writers.