Thank you for checking out the devotional thought for today. However, I’d like to take a short diversion from looking at a particular Psalm and look at what I would call nuggets that surround their history. Are you ready? Let’s check them out.
For starters, the original title for the writings was the Hebrew word, “Tehillim.” It translates simply to “praise songs.” The English title, “Psalms” originated from the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it translated as the word “Psalmoi.” It also signifies “songs of praise.”
As you know, the Psalms were composed by numerous authors. There are seven specifically identified and 48 remaining authors that are anonymous. Surprisingly, the Psalms were compiled over a period of nearly 1,000 years. Amazing!
Here are a few interesting facts to peruse:
• The Psalms are the longest book in the Bible.
• They are the most frequently quoted Old Testament book found in the New Testament. They appear over 400 times!
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible.
• Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.
• Psalm 118:8 encapsulates the central theme of the Bible, emphasizing the superiority of trusting in the Lord over placing confidence in human beings.
Many more facts remain that time will not allow me to present.
Traditionally, the Psalms are divided into five “books,” possibly inspired by the five books of the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Of the five books or groupings of the Psalms, the fifth book of Psalms comprises the later writings of the Psalms. It includes Psalm 107-150. Many of the psalms in this book or grouping are attributed to miscellaneous authors. This final collection of psalms unequivocally emphasizes the presence of God among humanity.
The Purpose of the Psalms
With a diverse range of authors and 150 poems in the collection, the Psalms represent a broad spectrum of emotions as well as truths. Here are just a few that stand out:
* Songs of Lament: These songs express profound grief or intense anger over sin and suffering, and they implore God for assistance. (example Ps. 22)
* Songs of Praise: These songs exalt God for His mercy, love, power, majesty, and goodness. (example Ps. 8)
* Songs of Thanksgiving: These songs offer expressions of gratitude to God for His rescue of the psalmist, His unwavering faithfulness to Israel, and His kindness and justice towards all individuals. (example Ps. 30)
* Songs of Confidence: These songs assert that God can be trusted to deliver justice, rescue the oppressed, and provide for the needs of His people. (example Ps. 62)
An interesting twist is that most of the Psalms conclude with a verse of praise to God. So, through examples or direct instructions, the psalmists encourage the reader to join them in worship.
Why it’s important to Read the Psalms
It seems that down through the ages God’s people have sought the comfort and peace that is found in the Psalms. When we are preoccupied with distractions or burdened by anxiety, the Psalms remind us of the divine power and undeniable love of our God.
The Psalms offer comfort by redirecting our focus towards the loving Shepherd of our souls and the enduring truth that He remains in charge.
You can bank on the fact that nothing possesses greater authority or is beyond His control. The Psalms instill a sense of reassurance that, regardless of our emotional state or circumstances, God is present with us and possesses benevolence.
You should read the Psalms often! Search for the comfort found in their pages like you would look for silver or gold. God still speaks through them, listen to them with sincerity and with all your might! They could change your life.
Thank you!! That is very encouraging! Especially about Psalm 118:8 I'll need to looking that deeper.
VERY GOOD, REALLY HELP ME.