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As we begin a series of Psalms on Sunday mornings I encourage you to read ahead each week, seeking God and His wisdom and input. To that thought I have attached a short list of tips for your personal study of the Psalms. This is by no means exhaustive list but a way to help understand some of the many of the different genres and styles found in this book.
Blessings,
Wayne
Tips for reading the Psalms
The book of Psalms is in the genre of wisdom literature. Other wisdom literature includes the books of Job, Proverbs and the Songs of Solomon.
Within the Psalms, the largest book in Scripture, the reader will find several different genres of writings. It helps to know that all of the Psalms are not of the same genre so they can be rightly understood and applied to daily life. Part of that application is knowing that the Psalms were written under a different covenant and therefore need to be applied a bit differently to those who are under the New Covenant grounded in the blood of Jesus Christ.
With this in mind I have created a short not exhaustive list of tips for reading the Psalms. I hope this helps you to understand them as you read God’s Word seeking to know Him and His truth.
The book of Psalms is broken into 5 different, smaller books as follows.
1. 1-41
2. 42-72
3. 73-89
4. 90-106
5. 107-150
Within the smaller books there some series and collections that will stand out if you will look for them. Watch for repeated phrases and themes that have been used to group some Psalms together.
Also watch for certain structures within each Psalm that may help in understanding the original meaning.
IE: Psalm 46
A. God is our refuge (verse 1)
B. Don’t Fear (verse 2)
C. God is ruler over nature its destructive power (verse 3-4)
D. God is present (verse 5)
E. Nations Rage (verse 6a)
E. God Speaks and is in control (verse 6b)
D. God is here (verse 7)
C. God rules over politically destructive powers (8-9)
B. Be still (verse 10)
A. God is our refuge (verse 11)
Different Genres:
Hymns: praise to god
Lament: complaint/opposite of Hymn
Thanksgiving: Response to answered lament
Confidence: Trust in God
Remembrance: Frequent reference to past redemptive acts by God
Wisdom: Life advice
Kingship: 2 types
1. Earthly king
2. God as King
As believers we need to be careful how we apply Scripture to our lives. This is important when applying the Old Testament, especially the Psalms to our lives.
We live under the New Covenant established in the blood of Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Therefore we are called to a standard of grace not often seen in the Old Testament.
As New Testament believers we have been called to live a life that exemplifies the kindness of God in how we treat those who abuse or mistreat us.
When reading the Psalms where the writers call for the destruction of their enemies we need to stop and take pause understanding that in Christ we have already received out redemption. And in that redemption we should be showing compassion and love towards those who would or have harmed us instead of calling for their destruction or harm.
Please see Romans 12:12, 14; Matthew 5:44; and 1 Peter 3:9.
This is a tough stance to take but one that is clearly delineated in the New Testament. For a more detailed reading of this I suggest The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.
Again this is on a short list of helps in reading the Psalms. If you prefer a more in depth study I would recommend a short book titled, “How To Read The Psalms, ISBN 0-87784-941-2” by Tremper Longman III.
Psalm 25:4-5:
Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.
Blessings,
Wayne