Psalms is a collection of songs.
Many of the songs are attributed to the poet and king
David. Others
are attributed to Asaph,
the sons of Korah,
Solomon and
even Moses.
Many are anonymous.
The songs were meant to be sung, and sometimes they contain annotations
suggesting a certain style, tune or instruments. I find that sometimes the
structure or words of a psalm suggest that it was probably intended for a soloist,
a chorus, or a call and response.
Many of the psalms, especially those attributed to David, deal with the
faithfulness of God
and the blessed life of those who trust Him. Other psalms suggest that David
encouraged, and probably enjoyed, corporate singing of praise to God. David is
particularly honest in his prayer-like psalms, and is not afraid to express his
anger, disappointment and fear. Even in these moments, he is grateful
for God’s mercy.
Several psalms have a messianic
message, foreseeing and describing Christ before His
coming. Jesus
even suggests that these psalms refer to Him, along with other Old Testament
scripture (see Luke
24:44).
Other songs were written for, or have become associated with, certain
ceremonies. The Hallel psalms (113-118) are sung as part of the Passover
celebration. The Songs of Ascent (120-134) are associated with pilgrimages
to Jerusalem.
You will find there is a psalm that resonates with almost any emotion,
mood or experience. Though the music of these songs is lost to most of us, they
still invite us to explore our thoughts and experience, reflect, pray, and
connect to a God who cares, who’s mercy is at hand. Even the structure of much
of this Hebrew
poetry, in which ideas are repeated, compare and contrasted, invites one into
meditation.
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