The Psalms were written as independent pieces, by many authors, for different purposes over many centuries. David is the best known author but not the only one. Despite this, they are listed in a sort of "Divine Order". There is a divine order to everything in the Bible. Psalm 72 is accepted as written by Solomon while Psalm 90 is accepted as being written by Moses.
In II Sam 22 and I Chr 16 you can find two more Psalms of David. In Psalms 18 and 105 you can find lines from these two Psalms. Note: we are told in I Chronicles that the Psalm is by David. Therefore, Ps 105 cannot be an "orphaned" Psalm, as stated below.
David was favored by God because he offered so much praise. We should recognize God through praise much more than we do. I believe His favor would be greater, if we did.
The words "Psalm" and "Psalter" come from the Greek translation of the Old Testament where they originally referred to stringed instruments such as harp, lyre and lute, then to songs sung with their accompaniment. Some are written as prayer to God and others written as praise of God; prayer and praise as professions of faith and trust.
There are 150 Psalms: 34 lack super scriptions; they were written above or outside something else.
Psalms: 1 & 2 are known as "The Introductory" Psalms
Songs of the Sons of Korah: 42 - 49, 84 & 85, 87 & 88
Songs of Asaph: 50, 73 - 83
Songs of Ascents: 120 - 134
Psalms 93 through 100 carry a theme of "The Lord Reigns".
Psalms 113 through 118 are known as "The Hallel" (Hallel means praise) and are recited by Observant Jews on Jewish Holy Days as an act of praise and thanksgiving.
Psalms 120 through 136 are referred to as "The Great Hallel". Hallel is a Jewish prayer, a verbatim recitation of praise.
Psalms 146 - 150 are recognized as "The Conclusion" Psalms. They proclaim praise to the Lord more than others.
There are further compilations. These writings are separated into five books, each of which was provided with an appropriate concluding doxology.
Book 1: In Psalms 1 - 41 "Yahweh" is used and are pre exile from the period of the monarchy. This name (Yahweh) is the greatest reverence for God.
Book 2: In Psalms 42 - 72 "Elohim" is used and are also pre exile and from the period of the monarchy. "Elohim" is a plural word referring to God and Jesus (if not also the Holy Spirit).
Book 3: 73 - 89
Book 4: 90 - 106
Book 5: 107 - 150
* In Psalm 110, David is proclaimed as "a priest forever" along with being a king, composer, warrior and prophet.
It has been speculated, these books may have been divided to make five because Moses wrote five books.
Psalms that are not credited to an author are sometimes called "orphaned". They are: 1, 2, 10, 33, 43, 71, 91, 93 through 97, 99, 104 through 107, 111 through 119, 135 through 137 and 146 through 150.
Psalms 10 and 43 are believed, by some, to be continuations of their previous psalm. This would exempt them from "orphan" status.
Interesting:
Psalm 117 = shortest chapter
Psalm 119 = longest chapter
Psalm 118 = middle chapter of the Bible
594 chapter before Psalm 118
+594 chapters after Psalm 118
1188 = Ps. 118:8 Read this verse !
*(This has to be divine order)
The book of Psalms is called "heart of the Bible"
David, the author, is called "A man after God's heart"
The Psalms are written as songs to God
The word Psalm means "Song/hymn"
The Psalms are poetic, prophetic, encouraging, instructional, exalt God, hopeful and conversational.
Examples:
Fearful? Read Psalms 56, 91, 23
discouraged: 42
lonely: 62, 71
sinful: 32, 51
worried: 37,73
angry: 13, 58
resentful: 77, 94
forsaken: 88
doubting: 119
The word "Selah" appears in 39 Psalms and the book of Habakkuk. The meaning of this word has been discussed a lot. I, personally, believe it to have three meanings depending on where it is placed. It could mean to take a pause for reflection. It can mean a pause to listen for God to convey a message to you. In certain psalms that refer to the end time, a place of refuge or safety, it can refer to the place known as Petra. In this instance, Selah/Petra relates to a place next to The Valley of Moses. The Hebrew word "Selah" translates into the Greek word "Petra". This place has a fascinating history. (I will be writing on this topic at a later date.)
I want to end with the Introduction to the Book of Psalms from the Hebrew Old Testament (The Tenach):
For nearly three thousand years, every situation in a Jew's life has been reflected in King David's Book of Psalms. Referring to this Book, God said to David, "One day of your songs and praises is more precious to Me than the thousands of offerings that will be brought by your son Solomon." In illness and in strife, in triumph and in success, the Jew opens his Book of Psalms and lets David become the harp upon which his own emotions sing or weep. Who can assess the worth of the little Book that has been the chariot bearing countless tears to the Heavenly Throne?
Upon reading of King David's many ordeals, one can begin to understand how he could compose the psalms that capture every person's joy and grief, thanksgiving and remorse, cries from the heart and songs of happiness. He was the Sweet Singer of Israel; more than that however, he experienced the travail of every person, and that is why everyone can see himself mirrored in David's psalms.
Many of the psalms were composed to be sung by the Levites in the Temple, with musical accompaniment, and such psalms generally begin by naming the instrument upon which they would be played. Many of the psalms are attributed to authors other than David, but according to one view in the Talmud, he was the author of them all, presumably drawing upon ideas or texts and weaving them into his own compositions.
Whatever the authorship of the psalms, one thing is certain: Since the day it was composed, the Book of Psalms has become interwoven with the souls of countless Jews. The psalms are part of the daily prayers. They are recited at moments of illness and crisis. They are changed joyously in times of good fortune and when heartfelt prayers have been answered. The last verse of the Book proclaims: "Let all souls praise God, Hallelujah!" The Sages expounded homiletically that the verse also means to teach: "Praise God for every breath that you are privileged to take." This degree of gratitude that sees everything - even as automatic an act as drawing breath - as a Divine gift is one of the countless teachings of David. It is the soul that permeates the entire Book of Psalms.
Amen
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