Reference: Psalms
Easton
The psalms are the production of various authors. "Only a portion of the Book of Psalms claims David as its author. Other inspired poets in successive generations added now one now another contribution to the sacred collection, and thus in the wisdom of Providence it more completely reflects every phase of human emotion and circumstances than it otherwise could." But it is specially to David and his contemporaries that we owe this precious book. In the "titles" of the psalms, the genuineness of which there is no sufficient reason to doubt, 73 are ascribed to David. Peter and John (Ac 4:25) ascribe to him also the second psalm, which is one of the 48 that are anonymous. About two-thirds of the whole collection have been ascribed to David.
Psalms 39, 62, and 77 are addressed to Jeduthun, to be sung after his manner or in his choir. Psalms 50 and 73-83 are addressed to Asaph, as the master of his choir, to be sung in the worship of God. The "sons of Korah," who formed a leading part of the Kohathite singers (2Ch 20:19), were intrusted with the arranging and singing of PS 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, and 88.
In Lu 24:44 the word "psalms" means the Hagiographa, i.e., the holy writings, one of the sections into which the Jews divided the Old Testament. (See Bible.)
None of the psalms can be proved to have been of a later date than the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, hence the whole collection extends over a period of about 1,000 years. There are in the New Testament 116 direct quotations from the Psalter.
The Psalter is divided, after the analogy of the Pentateuch, into five books, each closing with a doxology or benediction:
(1.) The first book comprises the first 41 psalms, all of which are ascribed to David except 1, 2, 10, and 33, which, though anonymous, may also be ascribed to him.
(2.) Book second consists of the next 31 psalms (42-72), 18 of which are ascribed to David and 1 to Solomon (the 72nd). The rest are anonymous.
(3.) The third book contains 17 psalms (73-89), of which the 86th is ascribed to David, the 88th to Heman the Ezrahite, and the 89th to Ethan the Ezrahite.
(4.) The fourth book also contains 17 psalms (90-106), of which the 90th is ascribed to Moses, and the 101st and 103rd to David.
(5.) The fifth book contains the remaining psalms, 44 in number. Of these, 15 are ascribed to David, and the 127th to Solomon.
PS 136 is generally called "the great hallel." But the Talmud includes also PS 120-135. PS 113-118, inclusive, constitute the "hallel" recited at the three great feasts, at the new moon, and on the eight days of the feast of dedication.
It is presumed that these several collections were made at times of high religious life: the first, probably, near the close of David's life; the second in the days of Solomon; the third by the singers of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 20:19); the fourth by the men of Hezekiah (29, 30, 31); and the fifth in the days of Ezra.
The Mosaic ritual makes no provision for the service of song in the worship of God. David first taught the Church to sing the praises of the Lord. He first introduced into the ritual of the tabernacle music and song.
Divers names are given to the psalms. (1.) Some bear the Hebrew designation shir (Gr. ode, a song). Thirteen have this title. It means the flow of speech, as it were, in a straight line or in a regular strain. This title includes secular as well as sacred song.
(2.) Fifty-eight psalms bear the designation (Heb) mitsmor (Gr. psalmos, a psalm), a lyric ode, or a song set to music; a sacred song accompanied with a musical instrument.
(3.) PS 145, and many others, have the designation (Heb) tehillah (Gr. hymnos, a hymn), meaning a song of praise; a song the prominent thought of which is the praise of God.
(4.) Six psalms (16, 56-60) have the title (Heb) michtam (q.v.).
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The members of the Levite clans of Kohath and Korah stood up and with a loud shout praised Jehovah, the God of Israel.
The members of the Levite clans of Kohath and Korah stood up and with a loud shout praised Jehovah, the God of Israel.
He said: These are my words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you. All things must be fulfilled. They are things that are written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me.
You spoke by the mouth of your servant David: Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? (Psalm 2:1)
Fausets
(See DAVID; POETRY.) The Hebrew designation tehillim, "praises" or hymns," occurring only in the title of Psalm 145 and about 30 times in the body of the Psalms, applies only to some not to all the psalms. The glorification of God is the design of them all, even the penitentiary and precatory psalms; but tehilliym applies strictly to praise songs alone, tephillowt to the prayer songs; Psalm 17; Psalm 72 end, closing the second book of Psalms, Psalm 86; 90; 102 title. No one Hebrew title comprehends all.
The Greek Septuagint has given the title "Psalms" (from psalloo "to play an instrument") applied to the whole collection. The Hebrew mizmor designates 65 psalms; in the Syriac version it comprises the whole (from zaamar "to decorate"), psalms of artificial, adorned structure (Hengstenberg). "A rhythmical composition" (Lowth). "Psalms," the designation most applicable to the whole book, means songs accompanied by an instrument, especially the harp (1Ch 16:4-9; 2Ch 5:12-13). Shir, "a joyful thanksgiving song," is prefixed only to some. The various kinds are specified in Eph 5:19; "psalms (accompanied by an instrument), hymns (indirect praise of God), ... spiritual songs (joyous lyric pieces; contrast Am 8:10)."
TITLES. Their genuineness is confirmed by their antiquity (which is proved by their being unintelligible to the Septuagint translators of the Hebrew into Greek), and by their presence in the greatest number of manuscripts, and in fragments of Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion. Their obscurity and occasional want of connection with the psalm's contents (as title Psalm 34) are incompatible with their origination from forgers. The orientals, moreover, usually prefix titles to poems (Hab 3:1; Isa 38:9); so David (2Sa 23:1). The enigmatical titles, found only in the psalms of David and of David's singers, accord with Eastern taste. They are too "poetical, spirited, and profound for any later collector" (Hengstenberg). So David's "bow song" (2Sa 1:18), his enigmatical designation for "the song on him expert with the bow" (2Sa 1:22).
The historical hints in some titles give a clue to the dates. If the titles were added by later hands, how is it that they are wanting in those psalms where conjecture could most easily have had place, namely, the non-Davidic psalms of the fourth and fifth books, whereas they appear in the most regular and complete form in David's psalms, next in those of his singers? Now these are just the ones where conjecture is given no room for exercise; for the titles do not apparently illustrate these psalms, but are a memorial of the events which most deeply impressed David's own mind. In the last two books the historical occasions do not occur in the titles, because cycles of psalms mainly compose these books, and among such cycles psalms of an individual reference hardly have place.
DIVISIONS. Davidic basis of the whole. The Psalms form one "book"; so the Lord refers to them (Lu 20:42), so His apostles (Ac 1:20). The fathers, Ambrose (on Psalm 40) and Jerome to Cyprian (2:695), describe the Psalms as five books in one volume. Based on and corresponding to the historical Pentateuch, they form a poetical "Pentateuch" (Epiphanius, de Mens., c. 5), extending from Moses to the times of Malachi "the Hebrew history set to music an oratorio in five parts, with Messiah for its subject" (Wordsworth). The Psalms, like the Pentateuch, being used in divine worship, are the people's answer to God's address to them in the law, i.e. the expression of their pious feelings called forth by the word of God. The close of each of the five books is marked by a doxology. The "blessed be the Lord God of Israel" is taken up by Zacharias, as fulfilled in Christ (Le 1:17; Ps 106:48). Book I includes Psalm 1-41; Book II, Psalm 42-72; Book III, Psalm 73-89; Book IV, Psalm 90-106; Book V, Psalm 107-150.
Book I is according to the titles Davidic; accordingly there is no trace of any author hut David. The objection from the "temple" (Ps 5:7) being mentioned is groundless, for in 1Sa 1:9; 3:3, it is similarly used for the tabernacle long before Solomon's temple was built. The argument for a post-Babylonian date from the phrase "bring back the captivity" (Ps 14:7) is invalid; it is a Hebraism for reversing one's misfortunes (Job 42:10). Nor does the acrosticism in Psalm 25 prove a late date, for acrosticism appears in psalms acknowledged to be David's (Psalm 9). In Books II and III David's singers have borrowed from David (excepting "a song of the beloved" Psalm 45, and Psalm 46, "upon Alamoth") everything peculiar in his superscriptions; see Psalm 42; 43; 44; 84; 86. "Selah" is restricted to David and his singers; but "hallelujah" is never found in his or their psalms.
So also "to the chief musician," (committing the psalm to the music conductor to prepare for musical performance in the public service: 1Ch 15:21 Hebrew and margin, compare 1Ch 15:22,) is limited to David's and their psalms. The writer of 2 Samuel 22 evidently turned into prose David's poetical superscription (Psalm 18); so the writer of 1Sa 19:11; 21:13-14; 23:19, had before him the titles of Psalm 34; 54; 59. Hezekiah's "writing" (miktab) alludes probably to David's miktam (a "secret," or "song of deep import"), Psalm 56; 57 titles, for it was he who restored David's psalms to their liturgical use in the temple (2Ch 29:30). This imitation of David's title, and still more the correspondence of his prayer to David's psalms (Ps 102:24; 27:13; 49:1; 6:5; 30:9), is a presumption for the authenticity of David's and his singers' psalms and their titles.
Habakkuk similarly leans upon David's superscriptions, as also upon his psalms. Hab 3:1, "Shiggaion," compare title Ps 7:1, "Son of David"; Hab 3:19, "to the chief musician on my stringed instruments" is derived from the titles Psalm 4; 6. So the "Selah" (Ps 6:9-10) which occurs only in the psalms of David and his singers. The absence of the authors' names from most of the psalms in the fourth and fifth books implies that none of them have an individual and personal character, as the Davidic psalms have. In all such the psalmist represents the community. The later groups of psalms rest on the Davidic, and echo the poetry of David. Even in the psalms of David's singers, the authors, except Asaph (Psalm 1; 74) who was immediately associated with David, do not give their individual names.
PRINCIPLE OF SELECTION. Not all Israel's lyric poetry but only.
(1) such as is directly religious is included in the psalter, therefore not David's dirge over Saul and Jonathan (2Sa 1:17-27). Also
(2) only the psalms applicable to the whole church and therefore suited to the public services of the sanctuary. The individual psalmist represents the religious community whose mouthpiece he is. 2Sa 23:1; David sings in his typical and representative character; no other psalmist in the book has personal references. Hence Hezekiah's prayer (Isaiah 38) and Jonah's thanksgiving are excluded as too personal.
(3) Only such as were composed trader the Holy Spirit's inspiration. The very musicians who founded the sacred music were inspired (1Ch 25:1, "prophesy with harps"), much more the psalmists themselves. Asaph, the writer of some psalms, was a "seer" (2Ch 29:30).
David spoke "in the Spirit." Christ testifies (Mt 22:41-46), He classes" the Psalms," the chief book of the chetubim or hagiographa, with "the law and the prophets" (Lu 24:44). The Messianic prophetic element in David leans on Nathan's prophecy (2 Samuel 7). Subsequent prophets develop David's Messianic predictions. The Psalms draw out of the typical ceremonial of the law its tuner spirit, adapting it to the various requirements of the individual and the congregation. By their help the Israelite could enter into the living spirit of the law, and realizing his need of the promised Saviour look for Him of whom the Psalms testify. They are a treasury from which we can draw the inner experiences of Old Testament saints and express our corresponding feelings, under like circumstances, in their divinely sanctioned language of praise and prayer.
CLASSIFICATION.
(1) Psalms of joy and gratitude, shir, lethodah "for confession" or as
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Finally, he will take the bird by its wings, tear it partially open, and send it up in smoke with a smell that pleases Jehovah.
So after they finished eating and drinking in Shiloh Hannah got up. The priest Eli sat by the pillars near the door in the Temple of Jehovah.
The lamp of God went out in the Temple of Jehovah. Samuel was lying down where the Ark of God was.
Saul sent messengers to watch David's house and kill him in the morning. Michal, David's wife advised him: If you do not save yourself tonight, you will be dead tomorrow!
Right there in front of everyone, he pretended to be insane. He acted confused and scratched up the doors of the town gate. He drooled in his beard. Look at him! Achish said to his officers. You can see he is crazy. Why did you bring him to me?
Some people from the town of Ziph went to Saul at Gibeah. They said: Your Majesty, David has a hideout not far from us! It is near Horesh. It is somewhere on Mount Hachilah south of Jeshimon.
The people in their bitterness said David should be stoned. This caused him great distress. They were thinking of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in Jehovah his God.
Then David chanted with a lament (dirge) (requiem) over Saul and Jonathan his son. He told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow. It is written in the book of Jashar:
He told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow. It is written in the book of Jashar: Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! read more. Do not tell the news in Gath. Do not announce the victory in the streets of Ashkelon. The daughters of the Philistines will be glad. The daughters of godless men will celebrate. Let no rain or dew fall on the mountains of Gilboa. Let its fields be barren! For the shields of the mighty lie there in disgrace. The shield of Saul is no longer polished with oil. Jonathan's bow was deadly. The sword of Saul was without mercy. He struck down the mighty and killed the enemy.
Jonathan's bow was deadly. The sword of Saul was without mercy. He struck down the mighty and killed the enemy. It was easy to love Saul and Jonathan. Together in life, together in death, they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions. read more. Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul. He clothed you in scarlet with luxury. The brave soldiers have fallen. They were killed in battle. Jonathan lies dead in the hills. I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan. You were dear to me! How wonderful was your love for me. It was better than the love of women. The mighty have fallen, their weapons abandoned and useless.
David made a name for himself by killing eighteen thousand Edomites in the Dead Sea region as he returned to Jerusalem.
These are the last words of David: Here is the declaration by David, son of Jesse. The declaration by the man whom God raised up, whom the God of Jacob anointed, the singer of Israel's psalms:
These are the last words of David: Here is the declaration by David, son of Jesse. The declaration by the man whom God raised up, whom the God of Jacob anointed, the singer of Israel's psalms:
Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were appointed to play lyres and to conduct the eighth. Chenaniah, a Levite leader, instructed others how to sing prophetic songs because he was skilled at it.
David appointed some Levites to serve in front of Jehovah's Ark by offering prayers, thanks, and praise to Jehovah the God of Israel. Asaph was the head. Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed Edom, and Jeiel with harps and lyres. Asaph played the cymbals. read more. The priests Benaiah and Jahaziel played trumpets all the time in front of the Ark of God's covenant. For the first time David entrusted Asaph and his relatives with the task of singing songs of thanks to Jehovah: Give thanks to Jehovah. Call on his name. Make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him. Make music to praise him. Meditate on all the miracles he has done.
David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps and cymbals; and the number of those who performed their service was:
David also told his son Solomon: Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do no be afraid or terrified. Jehovah God, my God, will be with you. He will not abandon you until all the work on Jehovah's Temple is finished.
King David announced to the entire assembly: God has chosen my son Solomon. He is however young and lacks experience. The work to be done is enormous, because this is not a palace for people but a Temple for Jehovah God.
The members of the Levite clans of Kohath and Korah stood up and with a loud shout praised Jehovah, the God of Israel.
They gathered in the valley of Beracah on the fourth day. Because they thanked Jehovah there, that place is still called the Valley of Beracah (Thanks) today. All the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned to Jerusalem. They rejoiced while Jehoshaphat led them. Jehovah gave them a reason to rejoice about what had happened to their enemies. read more. They brought harps, lyres, and trumpets to Jehovah's Temple in Jerusalem. Deep respect for Jehovah came over the kingdoms in that area when they heard how Jehovah waged war against Israel's enemies.
The king and the leaders of the nation told the Levites to sing to Jehovah the songs of praise that were written by David and by Asaph the prophet. So everyone sang with great joy as they knelt and worshiped God.
The king and the leaders of the nation told the Levites to sing to Jehovah the songs of praise that were written by David and by Asaph the prophet. So everyone sang with great joy as they knelt and worshiped God.
Later, when Josiah had repaired the Temple, King Necho of Egypt came to fight a battle at Carchemish at the Euphrates River. Josiah went to attack him. Neco sent messengers to Josiah. He said: What is your quarrel with me, king of Judah? I am not attacking you. I have come to fight those who are at war with me. God told me to hurry. God is with me, so stop now or he will destroy you. read more. But Josiah would not stop his attack. He disguised himself as he went into battle. He refused to listen to Necho's words, which came from God. He went to fight in the valley of Megiddo. Some archers shot King Josiah. The king told his officers: Take me away because I am badly wounded. His officers took him out of the chariot and brought him to Jerusalem in his other chariot. He died and was buried in the tombs of his ancestors. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Then Jeremiah chanted a lament for Josiah. All the male and female singers speak about Josiah in their lamentations (dirges) to this day. They made them an ordinance in Israel. They are also written in the Lamentations.
The people of the land crowned Josiah's son Jehoahaz as their new king in Jerusalem in place of his father. Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king. He was king in Jerusalem for three months. read more. The king of Egypt removed him from office in Jerusalem and fined the country seven thousand five hundred pounds of silver and seventy-five pounds of gold. The king of Egypt made Jehoahaz's brother Eliakim king of Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim. Necho took Jehoahaz away to Egypt.
Ezra came from Babylon. He was a scribe (copyist) and an expert in the Law of Moses which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given. The king was moved by Jehovah his God to give him whatever he requested.
Nehemiah, who was the Tirshatha (Governor), and Ezra, the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were the teachers of the people, said to all the people: This day is holy to Jehovah your God. Let there be no sorrow or weeping. For all the people were weeping on hearing the words of the law.
let thorns grow instead of wheat, and foul weeds instead of barley. The words of Job are ended, JOB QUITE TALKING.
After Job had prayed for his friends, Jehovah made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.
But his delight is in the law of Jehovah (YHWH), and on his law he meditates (ponders) (speaks softly with deep thought) (studies) (contemplates) day and night.
Why do the nations conspire together and rage? Why do the peoples plot in vain?
But as for me, by your abundant loving kindness I will enter your house. At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence of you.
No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?
Jehovah hears my supplication for mercy. Jehovah receives my prayer! All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed. They will turn back in sudden disgrace.
([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,
If only salvation for Israel would come from Zion! When Jehovah restores his captive people, Jacob will rejoice. Israel will be glad.
Who is God but Jehovah? Who is a rock except our God?
I believe that I will see the goodness of Jehovah in this world of the living.
What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it declare your truth?
He chooses our inheritance for us, the grandeur (excellency) (glory) of Jacob whom he loves. God has ascended with a shout, Jehovah with the sound of a trumpet.
God has ascended with a shout, Jehovah with the sound of a trumpet.
God rules over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham. For the rulers (shields) (protectors) of the earth belong to God! He has ascended to the heights.
The princes of the people have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham. For the rulers (shields) (protectors) of the earth belong to God! He has ascended to the heights.
You break the ships of Tarshish using the east wind.
([Sons of Korah]) Listen to this, all you people. Open your ears, all who live in the world.
Blessed be Jehovah God, the God of Israel, who alone does miracles.
They said in their hearts: We will destroy them completely. They burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
([Psalm of Asaph]) O God, the nations have invaded the land that belongs to you. They have dishonored (defiled) your holy temple. They have left Jerusalem in ruins.
Pour your fury (anger) on the nations that do not know you, on the kingdoms that have not called you.
You cut short the days of his youth and covered him with shame.
I say: O my God, do not take me away in the middle of my days, your years are throughout all generations.
Thanks be to Jehovah the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say amen. Praise Jehovah!
([Psalm of David]) Rescue me from evil people, O Jehovah. Keep me safe from violent people.
You will not leave in haste or go in panic. For Jehovah will go before you. The God of Israel will be your rear guard. My servant will act wisely. He will be raised, lifted up and highly exalted.
My servant will act wisely. He will be raised, lifted up and highly exalted. There were many who were appalled at him and his appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.
There were many who were appalled at him and his appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness. He will startle (amaze) (astonish) many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.
He will startle (amaze) (astonish) many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.
THIS IS THE PEOPHESY ABOUT THE MESSIAH. Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm (power) of Jehovah been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him. Nothing in his appearance will make us desire him. read more. He was despised and rejected by men. He was a man of sorrows familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised. We did not consider him to be worth much. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. We considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions! He was crushed for our iniquities! The punishment that brought us peace was upon him. There has been healing for us because of his wounds. We are all like sheep. We have gone astray! Each of us has turned to his own way. Jehovah has caused the iniquity (sin) of all of us to be laid on him. He was oppressed and afflicted and yet he did not open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was silent like sheep ready to be sheared. He did not open his mouth. He was oppressed, judged and taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? He was removed from the land of the living. He was destroyed because of the transgression of my people. He was buried like a criminal in a rich mans grave. He had done no wrong, nor was any deceit in his mouth. It was Jehovah's will to allow him to be crushed. Even though Jehovah makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of Jehovah will prosper in his hand. After his suffering he will see the light and be satisfied. By his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many. He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great. He will divide the spoils with the strong. This is because he poured out his life unto death. He was numbered with the transgressors. He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Pour out your fury on the nations who do not know you and on people who do not worship you. They have devoured the descendants of Jacob. They have devoured them completely. They have destroyed their homes.
He burned down Jehovah's Temple, the royal palace, and all the houses in Jerusalem. Every important building was burned down.
The Babylonians broke apart the copper pillars of Jehovah's Temple, the stands, and the copper pool in Jehovah's Temple. They shipped all the copper to Babylon.
I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation (dirges). I will bring sackcloth on all loins and baldness on every head. I will make it as the mourning for an only son like the end of a bitter day.
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, set to a rambling poem:
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, set to a rambling poem:
Jehovah, the Sovereign Lord, is my strength! He makes my feet like a deer's feet. He will make me walk upon high places.
Blessed (Greek: makarios: happy, blessed) are those conscious of their spiritual need, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
The Pharisees were gathered together, so Jesus asked them a question. What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he? They said: The son of David. read more. He said: How then does David, directed by Spirit, call him Lord, saying, Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet.' (Psalm 110:1) If David called him 'Lord,' how is he his son? No one was able to answer him. After that they asked no more questions.
For David said in the book of Psalms: Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand.
He said to them: You are foolish men. You are slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
He explained to them all the Scriptures about the things concerning him. He spoke about Moses and all the prophets.
He said: These are my words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you. All things must be fulfilled. They are things that are written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me. He opened their minds that they might understand the scriptures. read more. He said: It is written that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day.
It is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his habitation be made desolate and let no man dwell there. Let another take his office.' (Psalm 109:8)
David spoke concerning him: 'I had Jehovah always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8) Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: read more. Because you will not leave me in the grave, neither will you allow your Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)
Now when they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: Men and brothers, what shall we do?
Speak to one another in psalms and praise and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to Jehovah.
Concerning this salvation the prophets inquired and searched diligently! They prophesied about the grace that should come to you: searching what time or what manner of time the spirit of Christ that was in them did point to, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. read more. God revealed to the prophets that the things they spoke were not for their own benefit but for yours. The Holy Spirit was sent from heaven to make known to you what the prophets spoke. Those who spread the good news to you did this. These are things even the angels want to look into.
Hastings
PSALMS
1. Title and place in Canon.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gold to be worshiped in addition to me.
The priest will take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar. Then he will have the woman drink the water.
Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in Jehovah. My horn (strength) (power) is exalted in Jehovah. I speak against (mock) my enemies because I rejoice in your salvation. No one is as holy as Jehovah. There is none beside you. Neither is there any rock like our God. read more. Boast no more so proudly. Remove arrogance from your mouth. Jehovah is a God of knowledge, and he measures his actions (deeds). The bows of the mighty are broken. Those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for food. The hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven. She who has had many sons has languished. Jehovah kills and makes alive. He brings down to the grave and brings up. Jehovah takes away and He gives riches. He brings low and lifts up high. He raises the poor from the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to set them among the princes. He causes them to inherit a throne of glory (honor). The pillars of the earth are Jehovah's. He sets the world on them. He guards the feet of his holy ones. The wicked are silenced in darkness. Man will not prevail by strength. The adversaries of Jehovah will be broken to pieces. He thunders in the heavens against them. Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn (power) of His anointed.
The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were appointed to play bronze cymbals. Zechariah, Jaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were appointed to play harps tuned according to alamoth. read more. Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were appointed to play lyres and to conduct the eighth.
The members of the Levite clans of Kohath and Korah stood up and with a loud shout praised Jehovah, the God of Israel.
The children of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-three.
He started his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month. He arrived at Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, by the good help of his God.
([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah, look how my enemies have increased! Many are attacking me.
Jehovah has revealed himself by his righteous judgments. The wicked are trapped by their deeds.
Jehovah has revealed himself by his righteous judgments. The wicked are trapped by their deeds.
([Psalm of David]) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky displays what his hands have made. Day to day declares speech. Night to night shows knowledge. read more. It is done without talking, without words, without their voices being heard. Yet, their measuring line (rule) has gone out into the entire world, their message to the ends of the earth. He has set up a tent in the heavens for the sun. It comes out of its chamber like a bridegroom. Like a champion, it is eager to run its course. It rises from one end of the heavens. It circles around to the other. Nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of Jehovah is perfect. It gives new life. The testimony of Jehovah is dependable. It makes the simple wise. The statutes of Jehovah are correct. They make the heart rejoice. The commandments of Jehovah are radiant. They make the eyes shine. The reverence of Jehovah is pure. It endures forever. The decisions of Jehovah are true. They are completely fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb. They warn your servant. There is a great reward in following them. Who can notice (discern) (understand) every mistake? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep me from sinning. Do not let anyone gain control over me. Then I will be blameless, and I will be free from any great offense. May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Jehovah, my rock and my Redeemer (Purchaser).
May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Jehovah, my rock and my Redeemer (Purchaser).
([Psalm of David]) The earth and all it contains the world and those who dwell in it belong to Jehovah. For He has ordained it upon the seas and decreed it upon the rivers. read more. Who will go up to the mountain of Jehovah? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up (turned) to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He will obtain blessing from Jehovah and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the person who seeks him, who searches for the face of the God of Jacob. Lift your heads, you gates. Be lifted up, you ancient doors, so that the king of glory will come in. Who is this king of glory? Jehovah, strong and mighty! Jehovah, powerful in battle! Lift your heads, you gates. Be lifted, you ancient doors, so that the king of glory may come in. Who, then, is this king of glory? Jehovah of Hosts is the king of glory!
([Psalm of David]) Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Who is there to be afraid of? Evildoers accosted me to tear me to pieces. My opponents and enemies stumbled and fell. read more. Even though an army sets up camp against me, my heart will not be afraid. Even though a war breaks out against me, I will trust in Jehovah. I have asked one thing from Jehovah. This I will seek: to live in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to look at Jehovah's beauty and search for an answer in his temple. He hides me in his shelter when there is trouble. He keeps me hidden in his tent. He puts me high on a rock. Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies who surround me. I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy in his tent. I will sing, yes I will sing praises to Jehovah. Hear O Jehovah when I cry with my voice. Be gracious to me and answer me. You said: Seek my face (look for me) (my presence). My heart said to you, O Jehovah, I will look for you. Do not hide your face from me. Do not angrily turn me away. You have been my help. Do not leave me! Do not abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon (forsake) me, Jehovah will take care of me. Teach me your way, O Jehovah. Lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not surrender me to the will of my opponents. False witnesses have risen against me. They breathe out violence. I believe that I will see the goodness of Jehovah in this world of the living. Hope (wait) (expect) (trust) in Jehovah and be strong. Let your heart be courageous. Yes, hope in Jehovah.
([Psalm of David]) Sin speaks to the ungodly deep within his heart. There is no reverence for God before his eyes. He flatters himself and does not hate or even recognize his sin. read more. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit and he ceased to be wise and do good. He plans wickedness upon his bed. He walks on a path that is not good. He does not despise evil. Your loving-kindness, O Jehovah, extends to the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like great deep water. O Jehovah, you preserve man and beast. How precious is your loving-kindness, O God! And the children of men put their trust in the shadow of your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of your house. You give them the river of your delights to drink. For with you is the fountain (source) of life. In your light we see light. (Jeremiah 2:13) (Acts 17:28) O continue your kindness and unchanging love to those who know you and your righteousness to the upright in heart. Do not let the foot of pride come upon me. Do not let the hand of the ungodly drive me away. The doers of evil have fallen! They have been thrust down and cannot rise.
O Jehovah, please rescue me! Come quickly to help me, O Jehovah! Let all those who seek to end my life be confused and put to shame. Let those who want my downfall be turned back and disgraced. read more. Let those who say to me: Aha! Aha! Be stunned by their shame. Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation continually say: Jehovah is greatly magnified! I am oppressed and needy. May Jehovah think of me. You are my help and my salvation. O my God, do not delay!
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
Why am I discouraged? Why am I so restless? I put my hope in God for I will still praise him. He is my salvation and my God.
Why am I in despair? Why have I become disturbed within me? Wait for God for I shall yet praise him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Why am I in despair? Why am I so deeply disturbed within me? I will put my hope in God, for I will praise him as my salvation and my God.
Favor Zion with your goodness. Build the walls of Jerusalem.
My heart is steadfast O God. Yes my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing and make melody.
My heart is steadfast O God. Yes my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing and make melody. Wake up, my glory! Wake up, stringed instrument and harp! I will wake up the dawn.
Wake up, my glory! Wake up, stringed instrument and harp! I will wake up the dawn. I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O Jehovah. I will sing praises to you among the nations.
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O Jehovah. I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.
For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.
So that your loved ones may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.
So that your loved ones may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us. God has spoken from his sanctuary: I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.
God has spoken from his sanctuary: I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia.
Moab is my washbasin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia. Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?
Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom? Is it not you O God, who rejected us? You do not go out with our armies, do you God?
Is it not you O God, who rejected us? You do not go out with our armies, do you God? Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain.
Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain. Through God we shall do valiantly, for he will tread down our adversaries.
Through God we shall do valiantly, for he will tread down our adversaries.
Blessed be Jehovah God, the God of Israel, who alone does miracles. Blessed be to his glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!
You put an end to his splendor and hurled his throne to the ground. You cut short the days of his youth and covered him with shame. read more. How long, O Jehovah? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger continue to burn like fire? Remember how short my life span is! Have you created the sons of men for no reason? Can man go on living and never see death? Who can set himself free from the power of the grave? Where is the evidence of your mercy, Lord? You swore an oath to David on the basis of your faithfulness. Jehovah, remember the reproach of your servant. Remember how I have carried in my heart the insults from so many people. Your enemies insulted me. They insulted your anointed every step he took. Blessed be Jehovah forevermore! Amen and Amen.
To do this on a ten-stringed instrument with a melody on a harp.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion. It is time to be gracious to her for the appointed time has come.
For Jehovah has built up Zion. He has appeared in His glory.
Rescue us, O Jehovah our God, and gather us from the nations so that we may give thanks to your holy name and make your praise our glory. Thanks be to Jehovah the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say amen. Praise Jehovah!
And gathered out of the lands, from the east (sunrise) and from the west (sunset), from the north and from the south.
When Jehovah brought back the captive ones of Zion, it was like a dream.
By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion.
Jehovah is the builder of Jerusalem. He is the one who gathers the outcasts of Israel together.
King Hezekiah of Judah wrote this after he was sick and became well again: I thought that in the prime of my life I would go down to the gates of the grave and be robbed of the rest of my life. read more. I thought that I would not see Jehovah in this world. Even with all the people in the world, I thought I would never see another person. My life was over. You rolled it up like a shepherd's tent. You rolled up my life like a weaver. You cut me off from the loom. You ended my life in one day. Until morning came, I thought you would crush my bones just like a hungry lion; both night and day you make an end of me. I cry like a swallow (swift). I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, Jehovah. I am terribly abused. Please come and help me. There is nothing I can say in answer to you. For you are the one who has done this to me. My life has turned sour. I will limp until I die. Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. Yes, it was for my benefit that I suffered such distress. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction. You have put (thrown) (hurled) all my sins behind your back. For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise. Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. The living, yes the living praise you, as I am doing today! Fathers tell their children about your faithfulness. Jehovah will save me! We will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the Temple of Jehovah.
Jehovah says: As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and men say, 'Do not destroy it, there is yet some good in it,' so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all.
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, set to a rambling poem:
Jehovah, the Sovereign Lord, is my strength! He makes my feet like a deer's feet. He will make me walk upon high places.
Mary said: My life magnifies Jehovah my God. (1 Samuel 2:1) My heart and mind rejoice in God my Savior. read more. He has looked on the low position of his servant. All generations from now on will call me blessed. He that is mighty has done great things to me. Holy is his name. His mercy is to all generations for all who respect him. He shows strength with his arm. He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their heart. He removes rulers from their thrones and exalts the humble. He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty handed. He has helped Israel his servant that he might remember mercy. He spoke to our fathers. To Abraham and his seed forever.
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel. He has visited his people and brought them redemption. (Psalm 72:18) He raised up a horn of salvation (power of deliverance) for us in the house of his servant David read more. He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from ages past. He provided salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. He shows mercy towards our fathers and remembers his holy covenant. It was the oath he spoke to Abraham our father. He gave us deliverance out of the hand of our enemies so we could serve him without fear. May we serve in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Your child will be called the prophet of the Most High. You will go in advance of Jehovah God to make his ways ready. (Malachi 3:1) To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sins. A rising of light will visit us from on high because of the tender mercy of our God. The light will shine on them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. It will guide our feet into the way of peace.
For David said in the book of Psalms: Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand.
He said: These are my words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you. All things must be fulfilled. They are things that are written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me.
It was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem.
It is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his habitation be made desolate and let no man dwell there. Let another take his office.' (Psalm 109:8)
Morish
This word occurs in the O.T. only in connection with the Psalms of David and those in the Book of Psalms. David is called "the sweet psalmist of Israel." 2Sa 23:1. There can be no doubt that in connection with the 'singers,' and the praising God with instruments, the Psalms were used. We read "sing psalms unto him," "Make a joyful noise unto him with psalms," etc. In N.T. days, for a time at least, the Psalms of David may have been sung by believers, but there were also hymns and spiritual songs, and it is to be remarked that in the singing at the institution of the Lord's supper a hymn (?????) is spoken of, not a psalm (??????). See PASSOVER. The latter Greek word (besides the occurrences which refer to the Book of Psalms) is found in 1Co 14:26; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16.
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These are the last words of David: Here is the declaration by David, son of Jesse. The declaration by the man whom God raised up, whom the God of Jacob anointed, the singer of Israel's psalms:
How is it then, brothers? When you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, and has an interpretation. Let all things be done to clarify and offer understanding!
Speak to one another in psalms and praise and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to Jehovah.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Watsons
PSALMS. The book of Psalms is a collection of hymns, or sacred songs, in praise of God, and consists of poems of various kinds. They are the productions of different persons, but are generally called the Psalms of David, because a great part of them was composed by him, and David himself is distinguished by the name of the Psalmist. We cannot now ascertain all the Psalms written by David, but their number probably exceeds seventy; and much less are we able to discover the authors of the other Psalms, or the occasions upon which they were composed. A few of them were written after the return from the Babylonian captivity. The titles prefixed to them are of very questionable authority; and in many cases they are not intended to denote the writer but refer only to the person who was appointed to set them to music. David first introduced the practice of singing sacred hymns in the public service of God; and it was restored by Ezra. The authority of the Psalms is established not only by their rank among the sacred writings, and by the unvaried testimony of ages, but likewise by many intrinsic proofs of inspiration. Not only do they breathe through every part a divine spirit of eloquence, but they contain numberless illustrious prophecies that were remarkably accomplished, and are frequently appealed to by the evangelical writers. The sacred character of the whole book is established by the testimony of our Saviour and his Apostles, who, in various parts of the New Testament, appropriate the predictions of the Psalms as obviously apposite to the circumstances of their lives, and as intentionally composed to describe them. The veneration for the Psalms has in all ages of the church been considerable. The fathers assure us, that in the earlier times the whole book of Psalms was generally learned by heart; and that the ministers of every gradation were expected to be able to repeat them from memory. These invaluable Scriptures are daily repeated without weariness, though their beauties are often overlooked in familiar and habitual perusal. As hymns immediately addressed to the Deity, they reduce righteousness to practice; and while we acquire the sentiments, we perform the offices of piety; while we supplicate for blessings, we celebrate the memorial of former mercies; and while in the exercise of devotion, faith is enlivened by the display of prophecy. Josephus asserts, and most of the ancient writers maintain, that the Psalms were composed in metre. They have undoubtedly a peculiar conformation of sentences, and a measured distribution of parts. Many of them are elegiac, and most of David's are of the lyric kind. There is no sufficient reason however to believe, as some writers have imagined, that they were written in rhyme, or in any of the Grecian measures. Some of them are acrostic; and though the regulations of the Hebrew measure are now lost, there can be no doubt, from their harmonious modulation, that they were written with some kind of metrical order; and they must have been composed in accommodation to the measure to which they were set. (See Poetry of the Hebrews.) The Hebrew copies and the Septuagint version of this book contain the same number of Psalms; only the Septuagint translators have, for some reason which does not appear, thrown the ninth and tenth into one, as also the one hundred and fourteenth and one hundred and fifteenth, and have divided the one hundred and sixteenth and one hundred and forty-seventh each into two.
It is very justly observed by Dr. Allix, that, "although the sense of near fifty Psalms be fixed and settled by divine authors, yet Christ and his Apostles did not undertake to quote all the Psalms they could, but only to give a key to their hearers, by which they might apply to the same subjects the Psalms of the same composure and expression." With regard to the Jews, Bishop Chandler very pertinently remarks, that "they must have understood David, their prince, to have been a figure of Messiah. They would not otherwise have made his Psalms part of their daily worship; nor would David have delivered them to the church to be so employed, were it not to instruct and support them in the knowledge and belief of this fundamental article. Were the Messiah not concerned in the Psalms, it would have been absurd to celebrate twice a day, in their public devotions, the events of one man's life, who was deceased so long ago, as to have no relation now to the Jews and the circumstances of their affairs; or to transcribe whole passages from them into their prayers for the coming of the Messiah." Upon the same principle it is easily seen that the objections, which may seem to lie against the use of Jewish services in Christian congregations, may cease at once. Thus it may be said, Are we concerned with the affairs of David and of Israel? Have we any thing to do with the ark and the temple? They are no more. Are we to go up to Jerusalem, and to worship on Sion? They are desolated, and trodden under foot by the Turks. Are we to sacrifice young bullocks according to the law? The law is abolished, never to be observed again. Do we pray for victory over Moab, Edom, and Philistia; or for deliverance from Babylon? There are no such nations, no such places in the world. What then do we mean, when, taking such expressions into our mouths, we utter them in our own persons, as parts of our devotions, before God? Assuredly we must mean a spiritual Jerusalem and Sion; a spiritual ark and temple; a spiritual law; spiritual sacrifices; and spiritual victories over spiritual enemies; all described under the old names, which are still retained, though "old things are passed away, and all things are become new," 2Co 5:17. By substituting Messiah for David, the Gospel for the law, the church Christian for that of Israel, and the enemies of the one for those of the other, the Psalms are made our own. Nay, they are with more fulness and propriety applied now to the substance, than they were of old to the "shadow of good things then to come," Heb 10:1. For let it not pass unobserved, that when, upon the first publication of the Gospel, the Apostles had occasion to utter their transports of joy, on their being counted worthy to suffer for the name of their Lord and Master, which was then opposed by Jew and Gentile, they brake forth into an application of the second Psalm to the transactions then before their eyes, Ac 4:25. The Psalms, thus applied, have advantages which no fresh compositions, however finely executed, can possibly have; since, beside their incomparable fitness to express our sentiments, they are at the same time memorials of, and appeals to, former mercies and deliverances; they are acknowledgments of prophecies accomplished; they point out the connection between the old and new dispensations, thereby teaching us to admire and adore the wisdom of God displayed in both, and furnishing while we read or sing them, an inexhaustible variety of the noblest matter that can engage the contemplations of man.
Very few of the Psalms, comparatively, appear to be simply prophetical, and to belong only to Messiah, without the intervention of any other person. Most of them, it is apprehended, have a double sense, which stands upon this ground and foundation, that the ancient patriarchs, prophets, priests, and kings, were typical characters, in their several offices, and in the more remarkable passages of their lives, their extraordinary depressions and miraculous exaltations foreshowing him who was to arise as the head of the holy family, the great prophet, the true priest, the everlasting king. The Israelitish polity, and the law of Moses, were purposely framed after the example and shadow of things spiritual and heavenly; and the events which happened to the ancient people of God were designed to shadow out parallel occurrences, which should afterward take place in the accomplishment of man's redemption, and the rise and progress of the Christian church, (See Prophecy.) For this reason, the Psalms composed for the use of Israel, and by them accordingly used at the time, do admit of an application to us, who are now "the Israel of God," Ga 6:16, and to our Redeemer
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You spoke by the mouth of your servant David: Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? (Psalm 2:1)
If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things have passed away. Behold, they have become new.
The Israel of God will have peace and mercy. All who walk by this rule will also.
The Law is a shadow of the good things to come. It is not the actual things. The continual yearly sacrifices can never make those who worship perfect.