Psalms

Question 1

What authors are identified as writers of Psalms, including psalms attributed to each?

Answer 1

David: wrote 73 psalms; Psalms 2 and Psalm 95 also were attributed to him in the NT
Moses: Psalm 90
Solomon: Psalm 72 and Psalm 127
Sons of Korah: 42, 44-49, 84-85; Psalm 88(also attributed to Heman)
Asaph: 73-83
Ethan: Psalm 89

Question 2

In what sense is Psalms the hymnbook of Israel? What is the purpose of Psalms?

Answer 2

It is a collection of hymns and songs into a hymnbook. It is the largest collection of ancient lyrical poetry preserved to this day.

Question 3

Who are Asaph, Ethan, and Heman according to 1 Chronicles 15:17-19?

Answer 3

Musicians chosen to sound the bronze symbols

Question 4

What years in the OT span the writing of the Psalms in the Bible?

Answer 4

From King David (1000) to the Babylonian exile (Psalm 137), which makes for about 500 years in total. There also is the Psalm of Moses (Psalm 90) which makes for 500 years before David as well.

Question 5

Was the book of Psalms written all at once? Explain.

Answer 5

No, there were many stages of assembly, as well as the chronological differences (still 17 Psalms attributed to David after the “final” Psalm 72 by him).

Question 6

When was the “Golden Age” of poetry in the OT? Why?

Answer 6

During the period of the united monarchy. The arts were flourishing during this time period.

Question 7

What is the purpose for the book of Psalms?

Answer 7

To lead believers to worship God in the midst of every circumstance in life.

Question 8

Why are the Psalms the most loved book in the OT according to Dr. Muska? Why?

Answer 8

Not perfectly sure, but it has to do with the celebration of drawing close to God in worship, addressing God with all of the emotion of the faithful.

Question 9

Parallelism

Answer 9

The most dominant style of Hebrew poetry. This repeats a meaning stated in parallel expressions.

Question 10

Synonymous Parallelism

Answer 10

The thought of the first line is repeated in similar terms on the second line, explaining or modifying a the first line.

Question 11

Antithetical Parallelism

Answer 11

The idea in the first line is contrasted in second line.

Question 12

Chiastic parallelism

Answer 12

A subset of synonymous parallelism, where the word/idea order of the 1st line is reversed in the 2nd line.

Question 13

What are five of the most common features of lament psalms?

Answer 13

Introductory cry
Lament proper or complaint
Deceleration of Trust
Request/Petition
Praise (vow)

Question 14

Why is the “confession of trust or confidence” so critical to the lament psalms? How do the lament psalms illustrate the proper, balanced approach to suffering?

Answer 14

This builds the trust of the reader in the midst of the difficulty, and shows that one can acknowledging the pain as well as acknowledging God’s greatness to help one through it.

Question 15

How do virtually all of the lament Psalms end?

Answer 15

They all end in praise.

Question 16

What is a praise vow? Why is it a demonstration of trust in God by the psalmist?

Answer 16

It is a rehearsal of he praise offered when (not if) God delivers - a demonstration of trust in God to deliver.

Question 17

What technical difference distinguishes thanksgiving and praise?

Answer 17

Praise explains and magnifies God’s traits, characteristics, and works.
Thanksgiving remembers God’s works for me/us.

Question 18

What three parts of praise psalms did the professor identify?

Answer 18

Introductory call to praise
Report of God’s action to deliver
Instruction or renewal call to praise or instruction

Question 19

What is the subject of royal psalms?

Answer 19

In reference to Israel’s king, his coronation, wedding ,or rule over the nations. (Also Jesus, since he is the son of David).

Question 20

In what way are the royal psalms Messianic? How do the predictive sections pointing to the Messiah relate to any implications at the time for Israel’s king?

Answer 20

Royal psalms are messianic because the messiah is the royal son of David. The predictive sections pointing to the messiah relate to some experience of a Hebrew king that is magnified even further in the coming messiah.

Question 21

What are pilgrim psalm? How are they identified in the book of psalms?

Answer 21

Pilgrim Psalm are traveler’s songs. They are identifies as the psalms are sung as the people of Jerusalem to go and worship.

Question 22

What purpose do the pilgrim psalms fulfill in the worship life of the nation? When were they sung during the Jewish year?

Answer 22

The purpose the pilgrim psalms fulfill in the worship life of the nation by preparing travelers to celebrate community life. They were also sung when Jews were required to return to Jerusalem three times a year for worship. The psalms are sung during traveling worship before they reach Jerusalem and or the temple.

Question 23

What are the two things that might be meant to be ascended in the “songs of Ascent”?

Answer 23

Either ascending into Jerusalem or ascending the temple steps in Jerusalem.

Question 24

Which psalm are identified as the “Hymn or Praise” psalms? What function did they serve in the worship ritual in Israel?

Answer 24

The “Hymn or the Praise” psalms are the six psalms were sung as a group at each of the three season festivals. For example at Passover, Pslams 113-114 are sung before the meal, then Pslams 115-118 after the meal.

Question 25

What four topics are typical subjects of the wisdom psalms?

Answer 25

1. Advice to fear God and to fear God to obey the law
2. Contrast between the righteous and the wicked
3. Description of coming justices for both groups
4. General guidance for life