Psalms

Desktop size presentation on top

Scroll down for the mobile size presentation and the reading guides

NOTE: To see the speaker notes for the presentation, click the three dots and then select "Open speaker notes".

Reading Guide

June 9-15

Psalms 1-41

Introduction: Psalms 1 and 2

Psalm 1 - Blessed is the one who meditates on the Torah. Torah means “teaching” and was the Hebrew name for the five books of Moses. Psalms, also with five “books”, or sections, could also be seen as a new Torah (teaching) about prayer. The tree planted by streams of water - imagery of Eden and temple - God and man together in peace.

Psalm 2 - A poetic reflection on God’s promise to king David in 2 Samuel 7, that one day a Messianic king would come and establish God’s kingdom over the world. All those who take refuge in the Messianic king will be blessed.

So watch throughout the book for these themes: Eden and temple - God and man together; faithfulness to the Torah; the Messiah; the Messianic kingdom of God.

As you read, watch for the connection to David:: “a psalm of David”.

Note how the two themes of Psalms 1 and 2 are tied together here.

Psalm 41:13 - The end of Book 1 - “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.”


Reading Guide

June 16-22

Psalms 42-72


Psalms 3 through 72 - see Psalm 72:20 - Emphasis on David, his life and his struggles. Much of his life was spent running and hiding from his enemies - first Saul, then his own family - Absolom.

Psalms 42-43: Hope for a future return to the temple in Zion

Psalms 46-48: God is our refuge

Psalms 49-53: struggling with sin and human failure

Psalm 72: The future reign of the Messianic king.

This king’s reign will bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to bring God’s blessing to all the nations. Compare Psalm 72:17 with Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 22:17


Reading Guide

June 23-29

Book 3, Psalms 73-89


Take note of who wrote each of the psalms.

Did David write any in this section?

Read these Psalms with the Babylonian conquest and exile in mind.

Note the mixture of lament and praise.

Psalm 73

What does the author say about himself?

What does he say about the people around him?

What does he say about God?

How do the first verse and the last verse fit into the rest of the poem?


Psalm 78

Compare Psalm 78 to Acts 7.

What do they have in common? What is different?


Psalm 79

Vs. 1-4 What time period and what people are being described?

Vs. 4-12 What are they asking of God?

V. 13 What do they vow to do?


Psalm 80 - What are the two symbols used in this psalm (vs. 1-7 and vs. 8-16)? 

What does each represent? 

Compare this psalm to Matthew 21:33-46, John 15:1-8

Who is the psalmist speaking of in vs. 17-18?

Note verses 3, 7, and 19


Psalm 82 - Whom does the psalmist ask God to “defend” or “vindicate” (depending on Bible version)?


Psalm 84:10 and Luke 15:17-19 What do these have in common?


Psalm 86:15 Where have you heard this before?


Psalm 89

Vs. 1-37 - Who is the psalmist describing?

Vs. 38-51 - The tone changes. What is this about?