PSALMS BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT POETRY: THE SONGS OF DAVID + ISRAEL
The book of Psalms contains 150 poems and songs, primarily associated with David. These psalms vary in emotion, context, and purpose and are best read alongside 1 + 2 Samuel, as many of them capture David’s sentiments throughout his challenging life. The psalms serve as a reminder that God is worthy of praise regardless of our current circumstances.
These sacred poems have transcended time and inspired generations. Not only do psalms reveal the heart and character of David and other Old Testament figures, but many of them also point to God’s goodness and mercy. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus referred to many of David’s words from the Psalms.
MAIN IDEAS: GOD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE + THANKSGIVING
Within God’s presence, there is fullness of joy available to believers. (Psalm 16:11)
God is a good shepherd who faithfully provides rest and restoration to His sheep. (Psalm 23:1)
Scripture is a valuable guide that lights the paths of those who follow God’s Word. (Psalm 119:1)
God cares for His creation and is thoughtful towards humanity. (Psalm 144:3)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: SAFE WITH ALL EMOTIONS
Within the 150 psalms, David and the other authors present their raw, vulnerable emotions before God. Over thirty percent of the poems are categorized as “psalms of lament,” named after the sadness or distress they express. In Psalm 55, David wrote, “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.”
Throughout the Psalms, David described his feeling of despair as “loathsome” and “crushing,” stating that his “soul is downcast” (Psalm 38:5-8, 42:5). Despite these expressions of fear and helplessness, David turned to God as his source of strength and faithfulness. David described God as a refuge and strength, citing Him as an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
David trusted that God heard his prayers and acknowledged his hurt. In Psalm 56:8, David said that God had kept his tears in a bottle, showing God’s intentional care for him. David also believed that God is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Despite his emotions, David trusted God’s character and deliverance.
JESUS IN PSALMS: THE FINAL WORDS OF JESUS
Jesus had an intimate knowledge of the Psalms and referenced them throughout His teaching. Jesus used similar language to the Psalms, speaking in a way that was familiar to the Hebrew people. Many of Jesus’ parables used imagery found the Psalms, including sheep, light, and other elements of nature.
In Jesus’ last moments, as He hung on the cross in anguish, He referenced the Psalms and spoke them aloud. Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, crying out to God and asking why He was forsaken. Similarly, as Jesus trusted God with His death upon the cross, He quoted Psalm 31:5: “Into your hand, I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God” (Luke 23:46).
Many elements of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion were foreshadowed throughout the Psalms, which were written hundreds of years before the life of Jesus. Psalm 22 contains multiple prophecies of Jesus’ death, including the mocking of Jesus, the piercing of His hands and feet, and the casting of lots for His clothing (Psalm 22:8-18, Matthew 27:35-43). Psalm 69:21 references John 19:29, when Jesus was given sour wine or vinegar to drink as He thirsted upon the cross.
