Psalm Reading Program
General points on the organization of the Psalms
INSD Churches January 1, 2012
Five Divisions
There are 150 Psalms divided into five books:
Book 1 Ps. 1-41: 41 Psalms
Book 2 Ps. 42-72; 31 Psalms
Book 3 Ps. 73-89; 17 Psalms
Book 4 Ps. 90-106; 17 Psalms
Book 5 Ps. 107-150; 44 Psalms
Differences between the Five Books
Each book has an introductory psalm. The first book introduction is Psalm 3, because the first two psalms serve as the introduction to the entire book. While there have been many attempts to describe the contents in each book in a unique way, only general comments can be made, such as Book One emphasizing a major theme of crying to God in distress. That is, the theme of potential threat of harm and peril is always in the background if not directly threatening. This is true, but there are exceptions such as 24, the Ascension of the King of Glory, or 29, The Voice and Power of God in a Storm. And this theme isn’t unique to Book One, but is prominent throughout all five books. Some observations are useful, but it’s best to view them as five different collections adopted at different times through the history of the development of the Old Testament, each one a collection of a variety of subject matter, the whole inspired, balanced and chosen by God through the Holy Spirit.
Superscriptions:
These are very ancient editing notes of explanation added to assist the temple worship and general use. They contain the author’s name, historical notes, musical instructions, names of tunes, type of instruments to be used, origin, usage, etc. The ancient meanings are only partially understood.
In the Hebrew Bible the superscription is numbered as Verse 1, so the numbering is one number off from the KJV and other English versions. The numbers match in Psalms with no superscriptions.
Interesting facts about superscriptions:
They are generally viewed as at the top of a Psalm (super-scriptions), but some old sources divide the comment, connecting the first part with the previous Psalm as a post-script, and the rest with the following Psalm as a super-scription in a few cases. It hardly matters, since it only affects a few, and the meanings aren’t well understood in the first place.
Psalm 3 is the first one with a superscription to introduce the Psalm. Psalms 10 and 33 are the only two without superscriptions in Book 1, which is the first 41 Psalms.
Psalm Reading Program
INSD Churches January 1, 2012
Month of January
Week One, Psalms 1-5
Psalm 1 and 2 are a pair, which introduce this book of 150. They state the two great themes of the book. In some old manuscripts the two are combined and used as an introduction, and the third Psalm is numbered as the first Psalm of the book. Psalms 1 and 2 are sometimes referred to as “orphan Psalms” because they have no titles. They are, in a sense, the title or superscription of the whole collection.
Day 1: Psalm 1
Author: Anonymous. Thought to be Asaph or David but not specifically stated.
Time: Late during the reign of David.
Main Theme: Contrast of the ONLY two ways available to man: 1) Obedience to God brings blessings, personal happiness, and a productive life accepted by God; 2) Rebelling against His way brings a life that lacks true peace and satisfaction. In the end this way does not fulfill man’s purpose and will not be accepted by God in the judgment. This contrast is the first great theme of this Book of Worship or Praises—in fact, the entire Word of God. In order to worship God, learning this lesson is mandatory.
*Notice in verse 2 that the belief in God’s LAW (torah/instruction) is introduced at the beginning as the foundation of happiness, righteousness, productivity, etc.—the law of cause and effect.
*Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 state the same lesson in proverb form.
Hymnal: # 1: Blest and Happy Is the Man; # 2 : Psalm 2.
Personal application: This is the big lesson!
Day 2: Psalm 2
Author: Anonymous. Thought to be Asaph or David but not specifically stated.
Time: Late during the reign of David.
Main theme: The Kingdom of God, beginning with the King being installed by God the Father. Man’s present rejection of God and His Kingdom resolved by the Kingdom coming with force.
*Notice in verses 10-12 that earthly leaders are warned to learn wisdom by first taking instruction, obeying with respect and giving homage to God (as in Proverbs 9:10). So: Psalm 1 enjoins God’s law and Psalm 2, wisdom, the product of obedience.
Personal application: This counsel is now being offered to the spiritual Firstfruits!
Day 3: Psalm 3
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Absalom’s insurrection (superscription).
Main theme: Trust in God’s help in distress. Considered a morning prayer from verse 5.
*Verse 8: Statement of confidence God has heard
Personal application: The same relationship and help is offered to His followers nowadays.
Day 4: Psalm 4
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Likely the same time period. Considered the sequel to Psalm 3—“should be read together” (Soncino).
Main theme: Trust in God to keep His covenant with me. The Firstfruits are set apart for special blessings (Verse 3) and responsibilities (Verses 4-5).
*Considered an evening prayer in relief from verse 8. His reliance on God in time trouble has been justified, and God has given him a sense of tranquility.
*Verse 4: In your anger do not sin (NIV). Paul quoted this in a different context in Ephesians 4:26: Be angry, and sin not.
Hymnal: # 3 : Trust in God and Stand in Awe.
Personal application is the same as #3. God may be addressed anytime, and will gladly attend to our needs.
Day 5: Psalm 5
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Not known. The circumstances are similar to # 3 and 4, but David faced danger from enemies many times in his active career.
Main theme: A morning (Heb. groaning or whispering) prayer (V. 3) for protection from plotting foes. His expectation is that God who hates evil will not let the schemers succeed in their evil plans against him.
Hymnal: # 4 : Give Ear Unto My Words, O Lord.
Personal application: God doesn’t take back His blessing, once given. When your goose is cooked, and there’s no hope, there’s still hope in God to deliver.
Week Two, Psalms 6-10
Day 6: Psalm 6
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Some make an unlikely connection with his sin with Bathsheba. It was a time of physical sickness, possibly fearing that it would be fatal.
Main theme: Bitter grief, penitence and depression (V. 3) for two reasons: major illness and having incurred God’s wrath. A prayer for mercy from God’s anger.
*Verse 3 is a famous quote: How long, O Lord?
*The first of seven “Penitential Psalms” along with 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143. Also called “Psalms of Confession.” They are especially expressive of sorrow for sin.
Hymnal: #: 5 : Turn O God and Save Me
Personal application: This shows David’s intimate relationship with God. Even though he was guilty and had offended God by his sins, he still knew God would listen and wanted him to come back and reconcile. Verse 5 is especially expressive of this. To paraphrase, he is saying, “If I die, you would miss me. You would miss my daily praises and thanksgiving!” God gets to know and enjoy our company and misses His children—just as we miss the company and fellowship of family and friends when we’re deprived of it. This helps us understand the concept of being “close” to God and His being close to us.
Day 7: Psalm 7
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Cush the Benjamite isn’t mentioned in the Bible. The language fits with the circumstances when David was fleeing from King Saul, and Cush, being of the same tribe, was probably one of Saul’s men chasing David.
Main theme: A plea for protection from an enemy who is stronger and is bent on using violence to destroy him (V. 16).
Personal application: Verse 2 compares the enemy to a lion, bringing to mind Satan the devil (1 Peter 5:8). The NASB translates it, “…like a lion, dragging me away.” Our enemy may not be other people, but powerful spiritual attackers trying to drag us away from God, His truth, His Church and His high calling. Attitudes of bitterness, lethargy, jealousy, lust, materialism, etc., can be used to distance us from eternal life! A prayer for strength against an enemy who desires to destroy our “honor” or “glory” (V. 5), this refers to the glory God has given us with His high calling! We ask God to fight our battles for us and stay the hand of Satan in our own minds (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
Day 8: Psalm 8
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Not known.
Main theme: Praise for God’s crowning creation. Man is a paradox: so insignificant and weak in comparison with the heavens, but has been given dominion of all things in the physical realm, making him master of all he sees in some ways.
*Verse 2, “Out of the mouth of babes…,” was quoted by Christ in Matthew 21:16.
Hymnal: # 6 : How Excellent Is Thy Name.
Personal application: We have to wait until NT times for the full explanation of this prophetic verse. Hebrews 2:5-8 explains that man’s ultimate destiny is to have the limitations completely taken off and become masters of ALL things—not just temporal things. This is the “incredible human potential.” We need to keep these things—our true goals—in the forefront of our lives!
Day 9: Psalm 9
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Jewish scholars say the events described in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18 are the background of Psalm 9 and 10, when God expanded David’s kingdom with victory after victory.
Main theme: Praise and thanks for victory. The tone of this psalm (especially V. 2) is opposite of those where David expresses his discouragement and even depression. This is prophetic of the millennium. David looks back at all God has done for himself and Israel, which prefigures the Firstfruits analyzing what God has done for them and for all peoples of the earth. V. 3, 5, 6, etc., enemy nations are rebuked; V. 15, 17, they have fallen because of their own evil ways (Proverbs 14:12 and Matthew 26:52); V. 4, 7ff, God has prepared to judge righteously, as David did (1 Samuel 8:15); V. 6, etc., they see how God was always right there with them through all their trials and challenges.
Hymnal: # 8 : I Will Praise Thee, O Eternal! # 9 : Declare His Works to All Nations!
Personal application: We keep fighting our spiritual enemies (V. 3); they and our own nature will finally be permanently finished (V. 6). In the end, we win (V. 18-20)!
Day 10: Psalm 10
Author: An “orphan Psalm,” assumed to be one of David’s early works by its placement in Book 1.
Time/occasion: Same as Psalm 9.
Main theme: Nine and 10 are a couplet, written as two or as one and later divided for use in the temple liturgy. They go together in theme and structure. In 10 the wicked trouble makers are within the realm. Their criminal actions are a threat to peace and safety within the kingdom just as foreign powers are. V. 15-18, are also prophetic of the millennial kingdom.
Personal application: V. 1, God sometimes allows our personal trials to drag on without relief. The result is that our character is improved. Trials are tools— a part of His spiritual creation in us. V. 6, 11, 13, the wicked think they will get away with it, that they can have it both ways, but in the end will face judgment with no relief. This is a warning for those of us who are being judged now, to seek true values now and not compromise. It will be worth it because the Righteous Judge will return to judge the earth’s temporary human inhabitants.
Week Three, Psalms 11-15
The three Psalms 11, 12, and 13 form a triplet with the general theme of the prevalence of wickedness in this present evil world and the difficulty it causes the Firstfruits. David is many times a type of the saints in this age.
Day 11: Psalm 11 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: A time of national unrest and instability. Possibly after he was attacked by King Saul. Friends advise him to flee (V.1), but he stays in service to the king, confident in God’s protection. Later after Saul’s second attempt on his life, David was persuaded by friends and his wife to flee (1 Samuel 18ff). Some scholars connect this Psalm with the time of Absalom’s rebellion when David had to flee Jerusalem temporarily (2 Samuel 15ff). In both cases the nation was in turmoil, its leadership destabilized, and David’s life threatened.
Main theme: Trust in God’s protection when truth and justice seem to have been overwhelmed and overturned.
*Verses 2, 5, 7. The heart and attitude is the key element in God’s judgment.
*V. 3, Foundations of society (or the Church) seem to have crumbled into apostasy.
Personal application. This Psalm is a plea for help when the foundations of what you had thought you could count on prove to be untrustworthy. The wicked element seems to have the upper hand, and your only hope for protection and help is God. This part of the Plan—in the end, God will take away ALL other foundations that we trust in besides Him (1 Corinthians 3:11).
*V. 6. There is also a prophetic application to this Psalm, as this verse alludes to the seven last plagues. Also see Psalm 2; 75:8; 76:3-9, and others.
Day 12: Psalm 12 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known, but fits with 11 and 13. The three seem to describe the state of the nation of Israel in the declining years of Saul’s reign.
Main theme: A “persecution” or “lament” Psalm similar to 11 and 13 in the overwhelming and discouraging effect of the wicked but focused on their words. By contrast David will trust God’s words (promises) because he knows they are true. The theme can also be described as “The Ninth Commandment.” Five evil types of communication are mentioned.
Personal application: Every Christian will be tested and tried (2 Timothy 3:12), and this Psalm helps to prepare one’s self for the inevitable trials that will surely come.
*V. 4. Deceitful politics and business and social practice. The value: Man is the final arbiter. God is ignored.
*V. 6. Memory scripture about the purity of God’s words.
Day 13: Psalm 13 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known, but fits with 11 and 12.
Main theme: From despair to hope. A cry for deliverance from a severe trial that goes on and on.
*V. 1-2. Four-fold repetition of How long?
*V. 5-6. Resolve to trust God and stay the course.
Personal application: The antidote or solution to anxiety, weakness, discouragement, hopelessness, etc., is prayer to the true God who has the answer to every problem.
Day 14: Psalm 14 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known. Fits with the previous three and is a fitting conclusion to them.
Main theme: Continues the theme of 11-13 with an analytical look at the godless—humanity cut off from God and their resulting danger to the upright. David laments the corruption of the world and longs for the Kingdom of God. He prays, Thy Kingdom come! (V. 7.)
This Psalm is repeated in 53 with a few variants.
*V. 1. Famous quoted verse: The fool hath said in his heart, “There is no God.” Practical atheism: they act like there is no God whether they say so or not.
*Paul uses Vs. 1-3 in Romans 3:10-12 to describe human nature.
Personal application: This is another example where David typifies all Firstfruits. We all must learn the same lessons and have the same insights. One of them is to view the world realistically as God sees it.
Day 15: Psalm 15 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Timeless.
Main theme: The character of those who are accepted by God—first, in prayer, then ultimately into His family and Kingdom.
Hymnal: # 10 : Who Shall Dwell on Thy Holy Hill?
Personal application: This is always a handy reality check on your own attitude. Ever wonder, “How am I doing?” Review the high requirements of this Psalm!
Week Four, Psalms 16-20
Day 16: Psalm 16 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known.
Main theme: Happiness through complete submission to God. The title, Miktam of David, is uncertain but is considered by some to signify a MOST important lesson or value. Used only when David is in great danger. The Lord is David’s portion. This Psalm is also a prophecy of Christ’s meditations and prayers on the cross.
*V. 5. God is our portion/inheritance.
*V. 10. Refers to Christ.
*V. 11. Describes the glorious existence in God’s Kingdom.
Personal application: God Himself is our inheritance. Our longing is not for a share of this world’s goods, wealth, status, pleasures, or power. Christ set the example for us: the source of our security, peace, joy, hope, and faith that we will live forever in glory with the Father is our constant connection with him (V. 8) just as it was with Christ. At this point Jesus was a man who was about to die. Physical life in this world had NOTHING for Him! It’s the same with us because our human lives are running out. Our only hope for inheritance is the same as His.
Day 17: Psalm 17 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Possibly when David was being chased by Saul in the wilderness.
Main theme: Some resemblance to 16, but has a different tone. 16 has a spirit of peace and confidence, whereas 17 reflects anxiety and agitation. This is a prayer for protection from evil men that greedily oppress him based on his relationship with God.
*V. 5, 8. He asks God for stability, help not to “slip,” and to keep his relationship special.
*V 9. He recognizes the murderous intent of his enemies.
*V. 15. Prophetic reference to the resurrection.
Personal application: We sometimes cause our own trouble, but our real enemies are wicked spirits that are determined to separate us from our close relationship with God—the only way they can take our lives.
Day 18: Psalm 18 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: From the superscription: after God had delivered him from all his enemies (including Saul) and had secured the kingdom for him.
Main theme: A song of Triumph and exultant thanksgiving. The main point is stated in V. 1-3: I love you, O Lord… This, the fourth longest Psalm, recounts David’s deliverance (V. 4-19); The reason God saved him (V. 20-29); And David’s personal worship and unconditional devotion to God (V. 30-50).
*1 Samuel 22 is apparently the original, with V. 1 was added for the Psalm.
Hymnal: # 90: Thee Will I Love, O Lord
Personal application: This masterful poem is history, prophecy, and a song for the Firstfruits after the first resurrection. A song of victory and success for all God’s people!
V. 1. The bond with Christ is the key (John 11:25).
V. 4-6. Prophecy of the crucifixion and death of Christ and spiritual realities of the saints.
V. 7-15. Day of the Lord.
V. 11, 16-19. Rescue, safety.
V. 20-29. Rewarded… according to the cleanness of his hands. This is someone who had been redeemed from sin and overcome sin (Revelation 14:3-4).
V. 32, 43, 47. The reward is that of the Firstfruits: Made perfect and given leadership over nations and peoples.
Day 19: Psalm 19 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known.
Main theme: Hymn of praise for God’s glory in two aspects: He speaks and instructs through His glorious creation, and through His perfect law.
*V. 1-6. The heavens do their work that God set out for them.
*V. 7-11. The glorious attributes of His law with the great rewards it produces for man.
*V. 12-14. An appeal for help in fulfilling the law, thereby pleasing God.
Hymnal: # 11 : The Heavens God’s Glory Do Declare
# 12 : Most Perfect Is the Law of God
Personal application: This Psalm helps us express to God our joy in living God’s way of life. It reminds us of the great benefits of His way, and thoughts we need to always have in mind in order to combat compromising or slacking.
Day 20: Psalm 20 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Possibly at the time of the battles with the Ammonites and Arameans (2 Samuel 10:18).
Main theme: A royal Psalm. A benediction and prayer for victory before a battle. “Thee” refers to David, the king anointed by God (V. 6) to lead the army and nation of God’s people.
*Similar to the Aaronic Benediction in Numbers 6:23-27.
Personal application: The spiritual battles of our lives can only be won with God’s powerful intervention in many ways. We are in a war for our lives and have the same right to appeal to God through Jesus’ name for that help as David did, since we also have been anointed by baptism and the laying on of hands to engage in these battles. This is a benediction for the Firstfruits. It describes God’s active blessings available to us.
Week Five, Psalms 21-25
Day 21: Psalm 21 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known. Possibly the same time as 20 but may just be placed here because of content.
Main theme: Also a royal Psalm. This is the sequel of 20. The battle had been fought and won. This is a song of thanksgiving, acknowledging God as the real King who has established David as king.
*This is a messianic Psalm about Christ and a prophecy of the Firstfruits’ victory as well as David.
Personal application: This is a powerful prayer for God’s Ekklesia—called out ones. It describes the Firstfruits crowned with eternal life and reward while the enemies of God’s family are destroyed at the second coming.
V. 1. The king is every saint.
V. 2. His heart’s desire can only be eternal life, confirmed in V. 4.
V. 7-12. The Day of the Lord. The intended evil of humans and the spirits influencing them was not accomplished. In the end we win!
Psalms 22, 23, and 24 form a trilogy. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep in Ps. 22 (John 10:11); The Great Shepherd “through the blood of the everlasting covenant” tenderly cares for His sheep in Ps. 23 (Hebrews 13:20); The Chief Shepherd appears as the King of Glory to reward His sheep (1 Peter 5:4).
Day 22: Psalm 22 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known.
Main theme: This describes in graphic detail The Good Shepherd as He gave His life for His sheep.
A messianic Psalm: prophecy of Christ’s anguished thoughts on the cross. David’s anguish in distress reflects the feelings of Christ, and his poetic language, e.g., V. 12-13, 16, 21, show Christ able to see demons surrounding him cursing and threatening. Bones out of joint, hands and feet pierced, counting bones (ribs visible), casting lots for garments and several other details—were all prophecies that were literally fulfilled. The focus shifts from crucifixion to resurrection at V. 22. Eternal life, the work of God resulting in the whole world repenting and Kingdom of God are prophesied.
*No Psalm is more quoted in the NT.
*V. 1. Christ’s own words when he felt abandoned on the cross.
*Hebrews 2:12 presents V. 22 as Christ’s own declaration.
Personal application: This Psalm is a very intense look into the mind of Christ for us to absorb and concentrate on, as it shows us how to react in extreme distress. He expresses His anguish but does not allow himself the carnal luxury of taking his eyes off of God and putting Himself first. Do I or can I think this way? I MUST! I HAVE TO! With God’s Spirit I WILL!
V. 27-28 give us the reason to sacrifice self and keep on working the work of God. We should keep these things and this Psalm in mind to keep ourselves motivated.
Day 23: Psalm 23 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known.
Main theme: Perfect trust in the divine Shepherd.
Hymnal: # 13 : The Lord’s My Shepherd
# 14 : The Lord Is My Shepherd
# 15 : The Lord’s My Shepherd
# 16 : My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Personal application: Very personal and meaningful, this Psalm has been committed to memory by thousands of people over the centuries. It perfectly expresses the complete worship, devotion and trust without reservation of a true believer.
Day 24: Psalm 24 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: This Psalm was composed for the joyous occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The background is described in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15.
Main theme: This Psalm is an anthem of greeting, a welcome to the King of Glory as He enters the capitol with His entourage and takes the Kingdom. He is identified as the Lord of the universe.
Personal application: This is a picture of Jesus Christ entering Zion with the Firstfruits as He takes over and establishes His Kingdom on earth. Read this inspiring and exciting prophecy with the personal meaning it carries for you. It helps us look up and forward past the difficulties of this life.
Day 25: Psalm 25 Date read:
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known.
Main theme: A prayer of a humble soul. David appeals to God for His covenant benefits (mercy, love, goodness, faithfulness, grace) and he asks for deliverance from slanderers, guidance, forgiveness and relief.
Hymnal: # 17 : To Thee I Lift My Soul
# 18 : Our God Is Good and Upright
# 19 : Mine Eyes Upon the Lord
# 119 : Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord
Personal application: This is a balanced prayer we can pray many times in navigating the trials of life, coping with our own shortcomings and sins, dealing with accusations and other difficulties and penalties of our own making. We can’t come to God on the basis of our own righteousness, but we need to obtain help from Him to continue as His children doing His work. So many times we need to cover all or most of the bases when we pray, rather than just one focused purpose, which is also needed at times. This is an especially helpful prayer, as is its companion, Psalm 34. It helps overcome discouragement and develop a mindset of both humility and confidence.