Old Testament Survey

Lesson 16Psalms - Part 2

Bible

This lesson will conclude our study of the Psalms. We will examine the physical material that it was written on, and the forms that these writings took as they were passed down generation after generation. Finally, we will use them to write a prayer that we can use in worship.

Let’s again look up some unfamiliar terms and gain a deeper of understanding of the background and character of the Psalms.

  1. Define the following:
    1. Papyrus:
    2. Parchment:
    3. Codex:
    4. Scroll:
  2. Why is Pergamum relevant to our understanding of parchment?
  3. Define what is meant by an "Imprecatory" Psalm (such as Psalm 69 or Psalm 109).
  4. To the casual reader, it may seem difficult to justify Imprecatory Psalms in light of the New Testament teachings on love and meekness. However, they were not written in a vengeful fashion nor during the heat of anger; but rather, they were written during a time of leisure. They were written to inspire repentance and not for public admonishment; the feelings or emotions of the author are demonstrated as being true and right, and not vindictive. Against this background, we can see four things about the Imprecatory Psalms. Can you determine what they are?
  5. David wrote many prophetic "Messianic" Psalms between 970 and 1010 BC, some 1,000 years before Christ’s crucifixion. Examples of these are Psalm 69 and Psalm 22, which is also one of the most quoted Psalms in the New Testament. Of the most prophetic Psalms was specifically referred to by Christ in Matthew 22:41-46. Which Psalm was it?
  6. Explain how Christ used Psalm 110 to prove that he is the Messiah.
  7. Now, let’s look at using the book of Psalms in a way that honors God, and in a way that adds a new dimension to your worship of Him. Using at least seven verses from different Psalms (but not an entire Psalm), construct a prayer to God. Cite your verses as you construct the prayer. In class at Southview, we will share these with each other.

I pray that you have been as blessed by this quick look at the book of Psalms as I have. One of my most favorite books in the Bible, it is a book that you will want to read over and over.

I look forward as well to the next lesson’s look at the book of Proverbs, another book full of wisdom that is worth reading over and over again.

Thanks for being faithful in studying God’s Holy Word. May He richly bless you for it!

Have a great week everyone.

In Christ,

Wes

[2020]

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