The Strand Study Bible

PSALMS Authors: David, Solomon, Asaph, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Heman, Ethan, Moses, plus some that are anonymous Theme: Praising the Lord (in song on musical instruments) Book’s Main Character: David (since he penned most of the Psalms - II Sam. 23:1) About the Authors: Four were kings: David , Solomon , Hezekiah , and Jehoshaphat . Three were cheif musicians: Asaph , Heman , and Ethan . One was a great leader in the Old Testament: Moses . The others were unknown. About the Book: The Book of Psalms (songs that are to be sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments) is composed of 150 inspired songs or poems. They are the most ancient, complete and expressive collection of human praise known to man. Interesting enough, the early church required all ministers to memorize the Psalms. However, only 100 of the 150 Psalms have titles of authorship. To David are ascribed 73 (Psa 3-9,11-32,34-41,51-65,68-70,86,101,103,108-110,122,124,131,133,138-145), although he probably wrote 34 more (Psa 2,10,33,42,43,46,47,71,72,84,95-99,104-106,111-113,115,116,118-121,127,130,146-150) for a total of 107 psalms. To Asaph and his descendants are ascribed 12 (Psa 50,73-83), although he probably wrote only 8 (Psa 50,73,75,77,78,81-83). The other 4 (Psa 74,76,79,80) were probably penned by Asaph’s descendants. To Heman is ascribed 1 (Psa 88). To Ethan (Heman’s brother - I Chro 2:6) is ascribed 1 (Psa 89). And to Moses is ascribed 1 (Psa 90), although he probably wrote 2 (Psa 90,91). NOTE – Concerning the remaining psalms –Solomon wrote 2 (Psa 45,132); Jehoshaphat wrote 1 (Psa 48); Hezekiah wrote 1 (Psa 66); and the other 23 psalms (Psa 1,44,49,67,85,87,92-94,100,102,107, 114,117,123,125,126,128,129,134-137) appear to remain anonymous. The writing and compiling of the Psalms range from c.1485 BC (Psa 90,91) to c. 536 BC (Psa 85,107,126), a span of 949 years. Notes of Interest: 1. Psalms is quoted in the NT 81 times. 50 of those 81 quotes refer directly to CHRIST . 2. Prophecies are referred to 161 times in Psalms 3. Prophecies concerning CHRIST are referred to 137 of those 161 times. 4. There are no inset maps used in the book of Psalms . Outline of Psalms :

1. 1st Book (Psa 1-41) - Book I uses “ Jehovah ” 272 times, and “ Elohim ” 15 times. 2. 2nd Book (Psa 42-72) - Book II uses “ Jehovah ” 30 times, and “ Elohim ” 164 times. 3. 3rd Book (Psa 73-89) - Book III uses “ Jehovah ” 44 times, and “ Elohim ” 43 times. 4. 4th Book (Psa 90-106) - Book IV uses “ Jehovah ” 109 times, and “ Elohim ” 24 times. 5. 5th Book (Psa 107-150) - Book V uses “ Jehovah ” 268 times, and “ Elohim ” 30 times.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congre- gation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 2 A psalm of King David [Probably written when King David (45 years old) defeated the surrounding heathen - II Sam 8:6] Date Written - c. 1035 BC/AM 2965 David speaks 1 8 Why do the 9 heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? P

1. Prov 4:14 2. Jere 10:2 & Eph 5:6-7 3. Psa 26:4-5 & Jere 15:17 4. Jere 17:7-8

Psalm 1 Unknown Psalmist Date Written - Unknown

1 Blessed is the man that 1 walketh not 2 in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, 3 nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 4 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever 5 he doeth shall 6 prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: 7 but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5. III Jn 1-2 & II Cor 12:1-10 & Job 23:10 6. II Chro 20:20 7. Job 21:17-18 8. Quoted in the NT - Acts 4:25- 26 9. Fulfilled - Mt 27:1 & Mk 15:1 & Lk 22:66 (Christ’s Rejection) 10. “ Jehovah ” Note - In this case Jehovah is referring to God the Father.

2 8 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the 9 rulers take counsel together, against the 10 LORD , and against his 1:1 This word ( Blessed ) is a Hebrew word that is plural in number and very expressive. It means “ Oh the blessednesse s” upon those who meditate on God’s Word ( Amos 7:7 ). 1:2 The only influence the Bible has on a person’s life is the truth it contains. Therefore, God urges us to meditate (reflect and apply - Rev 1:3, Josh 1:8 a,b and Mt 5:3 b ) upon its pages daily (Psa 119:97-99). There is a difference also between meditation and memorization. Whereas memorization is to “ know what is being said,” meditation is to “ do what is being said.” God would rather you do what you know than know what you do. 848