Brian Webster - The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms: Key Insights for Reading Gods Word

The original Hebrew title of the book, Tehillim (pronounced te-hil-lem), labels the Psalms as praises, and truly they are to be sung. David is known for playing the harp, and the Psalms refer to several more instruments: lyre, lute, trumpet, timbrel, horn, and cymbals. These would not have been like the modern instruments of the same name, but they are clearly used to accompany the singing of the Psalms in public worship: come before him with joyful songs (100:2); praise him with timbrel and dancing (150:4).

The Psalms were sung on general occasions of public assembly for worship, including the specific occasions of religious festivals, such as Passover. But they were also sung as pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem to worship. It is natural to assume that families did not limit singing such psalms to the actual festival day, but would learn and practice them in other settings, such as at home and in private as preparation and personal expression. Yes, they were for public worship, but not exclusively so. They wereand still are todaygreat teaching tools and good memory aids that brought a message to mind.

For example, Moses taught the people a song (Deut. 32) as a teaching tool in light of their tendency to rebel (31:19). It recalled Gods acts, pointed out his character, reminded Israel of their intended relationship with God, condemned their rebellion, proclaimed judgment, and forecasted restoration. It was to be performed in public and sung by the community. But it was also intended for continued reflection by families and individuals. Public singing is important for the purpose of worship, but its prominent place in community life serves as strong affirmation that songs can also be integral in teaching the community.

Many psalms may have been sung by a choir or the congregation as if they were one voicea simple presentation. Others reflect ceremonies with more than one speaker. They may have been for religious holidays or royal ceremonies, or they may incorporate a priestly or prophetic voice speaking to the community (cf Pss. 20, 62, 91). Thus a psalm may shift from addressing God to addressing the people or an individual; from speaking as we to speaking as I; from speaking to God, to God speaking. Such psalms remind us that we are not alone in the walk of faith; we are not the only voice. Rather, we are in community and in relationship with God.

Psalm 72 is followed by the closing remark, This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse. Clearly, not all of the Psalms are for worship or ceremonies. Many psalms are cries to God for help and deliverance. They are prayers set in the form of poetry. They are personal, filled with the anxieties of real hardships, but often stated in generalized terms so that others can say the same words while reflecting on their own personal crises.

Sometimes the prayers reflect the specific concerns of the Davidic king. In these cases people were called into community, to enter the prayer as loyal subjects of the Lords anointed. The community shared common enemies and other concerns with the king and was concerned for the king, having a stake in his fortunes before God. For as God deals with his anointed, all his followers are affected. The kings prayers serve as models for how the rest of the community may approach God, as indeed, the king himself was to be a role model for the people in obeying and worshiping God. Thus, while at times subjects need to respect the difference between themselves and the king, they are also invited into these psalms.

The Psalms come to us today in the form of a book made up of five smaller books (Pss. 141, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, and 107-150). It does not have a musical score and does not begin with a hymn or a prayer. Psalm 1 acts as an introduction to the whole book. In addition, the beginning and ending psalm of each of the five books are often considered key thematic transitions. While it would be making too much of the organization of the Psalter to try to find a tight connection between each psalm and its neighboring psalms, they are no longer isolated songs, but a collection of poems comprising a book for contemplation.

This book of five books has songs, ceremonies, and prayers. So sing them, perform them, pray them, and study them. You will never reach their depths or come up dry.