Introduction to the Psalms
The Psalms are a collection of prayers, poems and songs of ancient Israel, the composition of which, according to Jewish tradition, ranges from the time of David (about 1000 B.C.) to the post-exilic period (after 586 B.C.). They represent a record of the spirituality and experiences of the Jewish people in relationship with God.
“God, when you went at the head of your army, when you marched through the desert ( בִֽישִׁימ֣וֹן ) the earth trembled ( רָעָ֨שָׁה ), the sky rained because of God, on Sinai, because of God, the God of Israel.” (Ps 68:7-8)
Many Psalms are attributed to David, who was famous for his elegant prayers and musical skill (cf. 2 Sam 7:18-29; 1 Chron 29:10-22). However, some Psalms have no specific attribution, while others are ascribed to different figures, such as Moses (Ps 90) or the sons of Korah (Ps 46).
Structure and poetics of the Psalms
The Psalms are divided into five books, an organization that reflects the five books of the Torah. Their poetry does not follow rhyme, but relies on Hebrew parallelism, a literary device that pairs an initial statement with a rephrased second sentence:
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my lament . Be attentive to the sound of my cry, my king and my God, for to you I pray.” (Ps. 5:1-2)
The first chapter of Psalms links back to the Torah, emphasizing the importance of meditation on divine law:
“Blessed is the man who does not follow the counsel of the wicked, does not linger in the way of sinners and does not sit in the company of scoffers, but his delight is in the Torah of the Lord וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ, and on it he meditates day and night .” (Ps. 1:1-2)
Literary genres in the Psalms
Scholars classify the Psalms into different genres based on their historical context and purpose:
- Psalms of praise, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary, praise him in the firmament of his power!” (Ps. 150:1-2)
- Psalms of lament, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:2-3)
- Psalms of thanksgiving: “I give you thanks, Lord, with all my heart.” (Ps. 138:1)
- Royal and Messianic Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I have made your enemies the footstool of your feet.” (Ps. 110:1)
God in the Psalms
In the Psalms, God is described through different aspects:
- Creator of the universe: “Praise the Lord, sun and moon, praise all the stars of light כּ֥וֹכְבֵיוֹ אֽוֹר” (Ps 148:3)
- Savior: “God, save me by your name ( אֱ֭לֹהִים בְּשִׁמְךָ֣ הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי ).” (Ps 54:1)
- Sovereign over the peoples, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples meditate on vain things?” (Ps. 2:1)
- Winner over death: “But God will redeem my life by the power of Sheol.” (Ps. 49:15)
- Immanent and close to his people, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Ps. 23:4)
- He sits on the throne in heaven: “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he wills.” (Ps 115:2)
The Psalms and the New Testament
The Psalms are frequently cited in the New Testament for:
- Prescribing behavior, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5, Ps. 37:11)
- Establishing precedent: “Zeal for your house consumes me.” (John 2:17, Ps. 69:9)
- Announcing the messianicity of Jesus: “The Lord has said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand.” (Ps. 110:1, Matt. 22:41-45)
- Predicting Jesus’ passion: “They pierced my hands and my feet.” (Ps 22:16, Mark 15:24)
Music in the Psalms
Music always played a central role in the Psalms, which were often sung and accompanied by instruments such as the zither, harp, and tambourine. Many Psalms bear musical indications in their titles, suggesting that they were performed by Levites in the Temple in Jerusalem. David, in particular, is remembered as a skilled musician, able to play the zither to appease Saul’s troubled spirit (1 Sam 16:23). The Psalms not only praise God but also serve as sung prayers expressing joy, sorrow, supplication and hope. Their musical use continues to this day in Jewish and Christian liturgies and celebrations.
The Psalms represent an intense form of prayer and poetry, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions and deep reflections. Their poetic style is unique and is characterized by Hebrew parallelism, in fact some scholars (such as G. Bickel) have noted a certain correspondence between Hebrew and Syriac poetry precisely “the parallelism” that emphasizes the meaning of the phrases, making them particularly evocative. It is due to Bishop R. Lowth of Oxford the discovery that Hebrew metrics rest on thought rather than form. He expounded his reflections in 1753 in Latin, while the English translation is from 1815. – Lectures on the Sacred Poetry of the Hebrews.
Parallelism is the hallmark of Hebrew poetry, even more so than rhythm. This is a particular characteristic of the Hebrew style, derived from the fact that everything is rhythmic and balanced already in nature. Is not the heartbeat, the breathing, rhythmic? Psychologically, too, the thought cadences to form a kind of repetition of what has been said before. It is a fact that Jews liked to balance their thinking. The verses often refer back to the Torah, which is considered an essential guide for life. In the New Testament, many Psalms are reread in light of Christ’s mission, taking on messianic significance. They also present God both as a transcendent ruler and creator and as a loving father who is close to his people.
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Francesco Pastone
