Psalms

Background
The Psalms are a collection of songs for the redeemed. Althought the Psalms were meant to be sung it is a mistake to say that the entire Psalter was designed for use in Temple worship. The liturgical directions are missing for 34 of the Psalms. The Psalter is primarily a manual, guide and model for the devotional needs of the individual believer. It is a book of prayer and praise, to be meditated upon by the believer, so they may learn to praise God and pray to Him. John Calvin called them 'An anatomy of all the parts of the Soul.' Every emotion of man is mirrored in the Psalms showing us that the Temple is not the only place for the Psalms but the experience of the individual is central to them as well.

Psalms for Singing
The Psalms were written to be sung. In fact the poetry of the Psalms is lyrical. That is they were designed to be accompanied to the music of the lyre.

In the Greek, Latin and English Bibles Psalms is named from the Greek word psalmois which means a twanging of bow strings or harp strings. It means a song sung to the accompaniment of a harp. The Hebrew name of the entire collection of the Psalms was 'the book of praises' (sefer tehillim). From their titles it is apparent that they were written to be sung.

Israel's musicians were not professionally paid rather talented families served at the temple leading the congregation in worship. Only certain instruments were used to accompany the singing of the Psalms. They were the harp, the psaltery, the cymbals and the horns (trumpets). (1 Chronicles 25; 2 Chronicles 29:27; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:26,27)

The Psalms were used in the early Church for singing as well. Acts 1:16; Acts 13:29-34 Paul told the Christians at Ephesus and Colosse to teach and admonish one another with Psalms. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16

Headings of the Psalms
The Hebrew text has 34 Psalms that do not have a heading but in the Septuagint there are only 2 Psalms without headings. These headings provide information as to the circumstances surrounding the writing of the Psalm. Because of their common use they are given for a reason.

There are four main elements that can be found in the heading of any given Psalm. They are not all found in every Psalm, but many of the Palms have several of them. Psalm 60 is a good example.

1. Name of the Author:
A Psalm of David, Psalm of Asaph, Solomon, etc.

2. Directions to the Musicians:
There are many terms used which give musical directions but are not understood in their significance today. Some are translated as octaves or upon stringed or wind instruments. Sometimes they refer to the tune they were to be sung to. A term common used is Selah.

Selah has been translated 'lifting up', 'meditation pause', or 'interlude'. This word is not found in the headings but throughout or at the end of the Psalm. It is used 71 times in 39 Psalms. Its meaning is uncertain but some have suggested that it means to lift up the voice or to increase the volume of the music or their voice. Others suggest that it indicates a dramatic pause for musical effects and meditation or marks the place where the closing benediction might be sung.

The Melodies: Some of the words designate ancient tunes or melodies to which the poems were to be sung. These tunes were so well known that they were referred to only by the opening words. 'Dove of the Dawn.' Psalm 22 (Psalm 56, 9 , 60 , 80).

3. The Historical Occasion:
Fourteen of the Psalms of David speak of a specific historical occasion that corresponds to their writing. They help to show David's emotions and heart in the historical setting.

4. The Style Used:

Altaschith
This word means 'Thou must not destroy'. These were the opening words of a popular song. Several Psalms were sung to this tune.

Gittith
The word comes from a Hebrew root meaning winepress. It may refer to the tune to which it was to be played or it may refer to the city of Gath and their style of music. (2 Samuel 15:18)

Maschil
This means 'A Contemplated Psalm'. Thirteen Psalms have this heading. It has a variety of meanings - meditative, instructive, or skilful Psalm.

Michtam
It is only used six times and its meaning is not clear. However all of them are lamentations. Psalm 16, 56-60.

Mizmor
This word is usually translated 'Psalm'. The word comes from a root word 'to Pluck' and so may mean that it was meant to be sung to a stringed instrument, like a harp or lyre. Psalm 57

Neginoth
Instrumental music that would be played on a stringed instrument.

Nehiloth
This refers to a flute. It would have holes drilled in the wood or bone shaft and blown in the end or across the top.

Sheminith
This may refer to an eight stringed musical instrument. It is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:21.

Shir
Thirty Psalms have this heading which means 'Song'. This is both a sacred or a secular song of joyful melody.

Shiggayon
It is found only in Psalm 7 and its meaning is not clear. It may mean 'dirge' suggesting the emotion of grief. Used in the heading of the Psalms.

Shushaneduth
This is translated 'lily (or trumpet) of the covenant'. This was the title of a popular song. Used in the heading of the Psalms.

Tehillah
Used once in Psalm 145 although the whole Psalter is called the book of Tehillah. It may mean the book of 'Praise'.

Tephillah
It is used five times and appears to mean 'a Prayer'. Habakkuk 3

Theology of the Psalms
Doctrine of God
No other Old Testament book teaches as much about God. All of God's attributes are outlined. His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternity, and immutability are all clearly set forth.

Doctrine of Man
The Psalms are well aware of the dilemma of man's condition of sin. (Romans 3-Psalm 14) In Psalm 32:1-2 three terms are used for man's condition. They are transgressions, sins and iniquity.

• Transgression: This is the transgression of a standard which is clearly revealed. Genesis 3
• Sin: Falling short of the target. There is a lack of attainment to the perfect standards of God. It may not be a militant defiant disobedience.
• Iniquity: Sin seen in terms of itself. The Psalms teach allot about sin and its nature.

1. Sinners from birth. Psalm 51:5,6; 58:3
2. Intent as well as actions. Psalm 15, 119, 25:4
3. Sin is punished. Psalm 9:17
4. Pauline concept of forgiveness. Psalm 130:3,4
5. Universality of sin. Psalm 32, 51, 130, 143

The Old Testament sinner does not have the same amount of revelation as New Testament believers but salvation by grace is the same. Throughout the Psalms the stress is on the heart in worship and sacrifice. It is the heart which is the centre of the Hebrew piety and religion. (Psalm 40:6-8; 50:23; 51:17)

Nature
God is set forth by the Psalmist as the powerful creator together with being the provider and sustainer of all things. The Psalmist uses beautiful language to paint a picture of the wonders of God's handiwork. Psalm 107:25-30; 65:104; 8,19

Application
The Psalms are quoted more times in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book indicating the importance this book has in the Bible. The Psalms show that God requires spiritual worship from the heart. Prayers and songs filled with the Psalms are pleasing to God as they are an expression of our heart to God.