Book 5

Question 1

How does Book Five of the Book of Psalms open?

Answer 1

With a series of poems affirming that God hears His people’s cries and will send the future king to defeat evil and bring God’s kingdom.

Question 2

What are the two larger collections in Book Five called?

Answer 2

The “hallel” and “the songs of ascent.”

Question 3

How do the “hallel” and “songs of ascent” collections conclude?

Answer 3

With a poem about the future Messianic Kingdom.

Question 4

What hope do the two collections in Book Five sustain?

Answer 4

The hope for a future exodus-like act of God to redeem His people.

Question 5

What is special about Psalm 119 in Book Five?

Answer 5

It is the longest poem in the book, an alphabet poem, with each line beginning with a new letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Question 6

What does Psalm 119 explore?

Answer 6

The wonder and gift of the Torah as God’s Word to His people.

Question 7

How are the themes of Psalms 1 and 2 reflected in Book Five?

Answer 7

They combine the themes of Torah (Psalm 1) and Messiah (Psalm 2) throughout the book.