Introduction: The Style and structure of Biblical Psalms (Israel's Songbook)
Style
Lyrical. These songs were made to be sung! Note addendums to Psalms; Ex: Ps. 4, 9, 16, 22
Evocative. Vivid images, similes, and metaphors communicate thoughts and feelings.
Imprecatory. Some songs particularly composed by David, king of Israel, were pleading for God's intervention, to destroy the evil person, and remember the righteous, to act in vengeacance and with justice on behalf of the oppressed.
Tutorial. These were wisdom songs. Many songs also were acrostic. To make it easier for Hebrew students to memorize, each letter of the Hebrew language corresponded to each line of poetry.
Songs of Lament. These songs would be sung when experiencing personal or national disaster.
Worship Songs: The last book of the Psaltery (books 4and 5) contained songs of ascent; worship songs the Israelites would sing on the way to Jereusalem for their ceremonial feasts.
Prophetic and/ or Messianic. These are Psalms that have references to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Structure
Synonymous parallelism. In many psalms, identical meaning of words or thoughts are expressed in two poetical verses. Ex: Ps. 2:4
Antithetical parallelism. Many Psalms have one thought contrasted by a another. Ex: Ps. 34:10
Synthetic parallelism. One thought is further developed by another thought. Ex: Ps. 1:3
Acrostic Structure. Each letter or symbol in the Hebrew alphabet introduces a line of the poem. This would make it easier for the students to learn. Ex: Psalm 119
Chiastic Structure: "X". The first and last part of the Psalm are mirrored, and there is a central point (more). Ex: Psalm 92
General structure. A statement or theme is introduced, developed, and resolved or repeated.
When were the Psalms written?
Book I is Psalms 1-41, and was written during the era of David. In this book, there's a focus on a desire for rescue from sin and misery.
Book II is Psalms 42-72 and was written during the reign of Hezekiah. The focus is on deliverance.
Book III is Psalms 73-89, and was written during the reign of Josiah. Again, the focus is on deliverance.
Book IV is Psalms 90-106. They were written for temple worship during the era of King Josiah. The focus is on praise and gratitude.
Book V is Psalms 107-150. After the Jewish remnant were restored to their land, they expressed praise and worship to God.
Knowing how the Books of Psalms were arranged and their general content, helps us to find the right Psalm for the right occasion.
Enjoy the Psalms. We are going to start off with Psalm 1 and give you a flavor of each type of Psalm. This page will be our guide, but the Psalms were also personal, so we'll be purposeful in applying them to our lives.
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