Introduction Flashcards
Psalms 1 and 2
What is the Book of Psalms?
A collection of 150 ancient Hebrew poems, songs, and prayers.
How many poems are in the Book of Psalms?
150
From which historical periods do the poems in Psalms originate?
All different periods in Israel’s history.
How many poems in Psalms are connected with King David?
73
What was King David known for?
Being a poet and a harp player.
Are all the poems in Psalms written by King David?
No, there are many different authors.
Name some of the other authors of Psalms.
Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and other worship leaders in the temple.
What portion of the Psalms are anonymous?
Nearly one-third.
What were many of the poems in the Book of Psalms used for?
They were used by the choirs that sang in Israel’s temple.
Is the Book of Psalms a hymn book?
No
When were the ancient poems in the Book of Psalms gathered and arranged?
They were gathered and arranged after Israel’s exile to Babylon.
How were the poems in the Book of Psalms arranged?
They were intentionally arranged into the Book of Psalms.
What is unique about the design and message of the Book of Psalms?
The unique design and message can only be noticed when reading it from beginning to end.
Where does the Book of Psalms conclude?
The Book of Psalms concludes with five poems of praise to the God of Israel.
What word begins and ends each of the last five poems in Psalms?
The word “hallelujah,” which is Hebrew for a command to praise “Yah,” short for Yahweh.
What is the significance of the five-part arrangement at the end of Psalms?
It suggests a conclusion to the book
How is the Book of Psalms divided?
The Book of Psalms is divided into five large sections.
What headings do Bible translators use to divide the sections of Psalms?
The headings are “book one,” “book two,” “book three,” “book four,” and “book five.”
What is a common feature of the final poem in each section of Psalms?,
Each final poem ends with a phrase like, “May the LORD, the God of Israel, be blessed forever and ever, amen and amen.”
What does the structure of Psalms suggest about its design?
The structure suggests intentional design, marked by editorial additions at key points.
What are the two Psalms that serve as an introduction to the Book of Psalms?
Psalms 1 and 2.
Why do Psalms 1 and 2 stand outside of Book One?
Most poems in Book One are linked to David, but Psalms 1 and 2 are anonymous.
What does Psalm 1 celebrate?
How blessed the person is who meditates on the Torah, prayerfully reading it day and night and obeying it.
What does the word “Torah” mean?
It means “teaching” and specifically refers to the five books of Moses that begin the Old Testament.
How is the Book of Psalms described in relation to the Torah?
It is offered as a new Torah that teaches God’s people the lifelong practice of prayer as they strive to obey God’s commands.
What is Psalm 2 a poetic reflection on?
God’s promise to King David from 2nd Samuel chapter 7 about a future Messianic King who will establish God’s kingdom.
What themes are introduced in Psalms 1 and 2?
Faithfulness to the commands of the Torah and hope for the future Messianic Kingdom.
How does Psalm 2 conclude?
By saying all who take refuge in the Messianic King will be blessed.
How are Psalms 1 and 2 connected thematically?
Both use the word “blessed” to frame their messages and introduce the themes of the Book of Psalms.
What is the Book of Psalms designed to be for God’s people?
The prayer book for God’s people as they strive to be faithful to the Torah and await the Messianic Kingdom.
What do the two main themes of Psalms 1 and 2 help to structure?
The design of the smaller books within the Book of Psalms.
