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Notes & Outlines PSALMS
"By Dr. J. Vernon McGee © Thru the Bible Radio Network,http://www.ttb.org. "
PSALMS
The Book of Worship The Hymn Book of the Temple
(Audio index:MCGEECOMMENTARYAUDIO Zephaniah )
TITLE:
The title in Hebrew means Praises or Book of Praises. The title in the Greek suggests the idea of an instrumental accompaniment. Our title comes from the Greek psalmos.
WRITERS:
Many writers contributed one or more psalms. They are as follows: David, 73; Moses, 1 (90th); Solomon, 2; Sons of Korah, 11; Asaph, 12; Heman, 1 (88th); Ethan, 1 (89th); Hezekiah, 10; “Orphanic,” 39. David, “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1), has 73 psalms assigned to him (Psalm 2 is ascribed to him in Acts kjv@4:25; Psalm 95 in Hebrews 4:7). Also, he could be the author of some of the “Orphanic” psalms. He had a special aptitude for and was pecu- liarly endowed to write these songs from experience. He arranged those in existence in his day for temple use.
THEME:
Christ (the Messiah) is prominent throughout (Luke 24:44). The King and the kingdom are the theme songs of the Psalms.
KEY WORD:
Hallelujah
KEY PSALM:
kjv@Psalms:150. “Hallelujah” occurs 13 times in 6 verses.
FEATURES:
The Psalms record deep devotion, intense feeling, exalted emotion, and dark dejection. The Psalms play with all the stops pulled out upon the keyboard of the human soul.
They run the psychological gamut. This book has been called the epitome and anatomy of the soul and designated as the garden of the Scriptures. The place Psalms have held in the lives of God’s people testifies to their universality, although they have a peculiar Jewish application. They express the deep feelings of all believing hearts in all generations.
The Psalms are full of Christ. There is a more complete picture of Him in Psalms than in the Gospels. The Gospels tell us that He went to the mountain to pray, but the Psalms give us His prayer. The Gospels tell us that He was crucified, but the Psalms tell us what went on in His own heart during the crucifixion The Gospels tell us He went back to heaven, but the Psalms begin where the Gospels leave off and show us Christ seated in heaven.
There are many types of psalms. Although all of them have Christ as the object of worship, some are technically called messianic psalms. These record the birth, life, death, resurrection, glory, priest- hood, kingship, and return of Christ. The imprecatory psalms have caused the most criticism because of their vindictiveness and prayers for judgment. (Christians are told to love their enemies.) These psalms come from a time of war and from a people who, under law, were looking for justice and peace on the earth. They look to a time coming on the earth when the Antichrist will be in power. We have no reasonable basis to say how people should act and what they should say under those circumstances. Other types of psalms include peni- tential, historic, nature, pilgrim, Hallel, missionary, puritan, acrostic, and praise of God’s Word.
OUTLINE:
(Corresponds to Pentateuch of Moses)
I. Genesis section, kjv@Psalms:1—41
Man in a state of blessedness, fall, and recovery (Man in View)
kjv@Psalms:1 - Perfect Man (last Adam)
kjv@Psalms:2 - Rebellious man
kjv@Psalms:3 - Perfect Man rejected
kjv@Psalms:4 - Conflict between Seed of woman and serpent
kjv@Psalms:5 - Perfect Man in midst of enemies
kjv@Psalms:6 - Perfect Man in midst of chastisement (bruising heel)
kjv@Psalms:7 - Perfect Man in midst of false witnesses
kjv@Psalms:8 - Repair of man comes through Man (bruising head)
kjv@Psalms:9-15 - Enemy and Antichrist conflict; final deliverance
kjv@Psalms:16-41 - Christ in midst of His people, sanctifying them to God
II. Exodus section, kjv@Psalms:42-72
Ruin and Redemption (Israel in View)
kjv@Psalms:42-49 - Israel’s ruin
kjv@Psalms:50-60 - Israel’s Redeemer
kjv@Psalms:61-72 - Israel’s redemption
III. Leviticus section, kjv@Psalms:73-89
Darkness and Dawn (Sanctuary in View)
IV. Numbers section, kjv@Psalms:90-106
Peril and Protection of Pilgrims (Earth in View)
V. Deuteronomy section, kjv@Psalms:107-150
Perfection and Praise of the Word of God
kjv@Psalms:119, an acrostic in the heart of this section, refers to the Word of God in almost every verse. It is the longest chapter in the Bible.
COMMENT: One of the more noticeable features about the Book of Psalms is the systematic arrangement. This reveals that they were not put together in a haphazard manner; there is definite organization.
The major divisions correspond to the Pentateuch (see outline). This is not an artificial division but follows rather closely the Pentateuch of Moses. In each major division there are lesser divisions of clusters and series of psalms which develop a particular subject.
The Psalms were probably all set to music, both vocal and instru- mental. It must have been a thrilling experience to hear several thou- sand voices singing them to the accompaniment of a great orchestra. Psalm 150, probably the theme of the book, could well be the chorus of every psalm.
I. Genesis section, kjv@Psalms:1-41
Man in a state of blessedness, fall, and recovery (Man in View)
It has been well stated that the Book of Genesis is the entire Bible in miniature — all great truths of Scripture are germinal in Genesis. The first few psalms cover the entire Book of Psalms in the same way.
Jehovah and Elohim are the two names for God in this section, although Jehovah occurs more often:
Jehovah (Redeemer) — 272 times
Elohim (Creator) — 15 times
kjv@Psalms:1: Perfect Man (last Adam) The Blessed Man is contrasted to the ungodly man. This psalm, which opens the Genesis section, begins with man instead of the material universe. The Blessed Man here is not the first Adam but the last Adam. He is not in an ideal Garden of Eden but is in the midst of the ungodly, sinners, and the scornful.
kjv@Psalms:1:1-2 — Practice of the Blessed Man (kjv@Psalms::1 negative; kjv@Psalms::2 positive)
kjv@Psalms:1:3 — Power of the Blessed Man (“Rivers of water” is the Word of God.)
kjv@Psalms:1:4-6 — Permanency of the Blessed Man (Ungodly will perish; the Lord knows the way of the righteous.)
Two Men — Two Ways — Two Destinies
kjv@Psalms:2 - Rebellious man Drama of the ages: man’s rebellion against God. Another has termed it “the decisive declaration concerning the outcome of events and forces at work today.”
The truly messianic character of this psalm is revealed in the fact that it is quoted as such 7 times in the New Testament. Rebellion against God and Christ began at the arrest of Jesus (kjv@Acts:4:23-26). It has gained momentum down through the ages and will finally break in a mounting and mighty crescendo.
This second Psalm can be seen like a television program with one camera on earth and another in heaven.
kjv@Psalms:2:1-3 — The camera on earth comes on, showing the peoples and rulers raging against God and Christ.
kjv@Psalms:2:4-6 — The camera in heaven comes on, revealing that God the Father is unmoved by this ridiculous rebellion of little man. He pur- sues His plan of putting His King on the throne of this earth.
kjv@Psalms:2:7-9 — The camera in heaven shifts to the right hand of the Father. God the Son asserts His authority to carry through the decree because of His resurrection (Acts 13:33). He will come to judge the nations.
kjv@Psalms:2:10-12 — The camera on earth comes on. God the Holy Spirit invites men to accept the Savior. “Kiss the Son” is to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
kjv@Psalms:3-7 - Sorrows of God’s remnant These 5 psalms form a brief series which deals with the sorrows of God’s godly remnant. The reference is directly to the Tribulation (Psalm 3:1).
kjv@Psalms:3 - Perfect Man rejected Morning prayer. The trials of the godly in Israel. Since trials are common to all of God’s people, the comfort is for all also.
kjv@Psalms:4 - Conflict between Seed of woman and serpent Evening prayer (to be sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments). This is the plea of the Son of man and those who plead in His name.
kjv@Psalms:5 - Perfect Man in midst of enemies Morning prayer (kjv@Psalms::3). This is a cry of the godly in the time of great trouble. They seek a refuge (kjv@Psalms:5:7-8).
kjv@Psalms:6 - Perfect Man in midst of chastisement (bruising heel) Darkness, distress, and death. The first penitential psalm. Trials produce a broken spirit. The plea of David is that God will judge him in mercy and not anger.
kjv@Psalms:7 - Perfect Man in midst of false witnesses Cry for revenge. Cush, the Benjamite, may be Saul. This is prophetically the cry of the remnant during the Great Tribulation. This concludes the first cluster of 5 psalms.
kjv@Psalms:8 - Repair of man comes through Man (bruising head) Messianic psalm. God’s Man (quoted 3 times in the New Testament). It emphasizes the humanity of Christ and His ultimate victory as Man (Hebrews kjv@2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:27).
kjv@Psalms:9-15 - Enemy and Antichrist conflict; final deliverance Most in this series of 7 psalms are written by David.
kjv@Psalms:9 - Satan’s man (kjv@Psalms::17). The title “Muthlabben” means “death of the son” and may refer to the death of Goliath (kjv@1Samuel:17:4-51). The Scofield notes suggest it refers to the death of David’s son by Bathsheba (kjv@2Samuel:12:19-20).
It looks to the time of Jacob’s trouble and God’s deliverance from the “giant,” the man of sin (kjv@Psalms:9:8-9, kjv@Psalms:9:13).
kjv@Psalms:10 - Satan’s man, “man of the earth” (kjv@Psalms:10:18) is closely iden- tified with the 9th Psalm. “The wicked” are described: “pride” (kjv@Psalms:10:2), “boasteth” (kjv@Psalms:10:3), there is no God (kjv@Psalms:10:4), self-sufficient (kjv@Psalms:10:6), “curs- ing” and “mischief” (kjv@Psalms:10:7), sin with impunity (kjv@Psalms:10:11), no judgment to come (kjv@Psalms:10:13).
kjv@Psalms:11 - Testing of the righteous (kjv@Psalms:11:5).
kjv@Psalms:12 - The godly in the midst of the godlessness of the Great Tribulation.
kjv@Psalms:13 - The desperate plight of David (kjv@1Samuel:26:20) mir- rors the plight of God’s people in the Great Tribulation (kjv@Psalms:13:1-3).
kjv@Psalms:14 - Depravity of man in the last days — atheistic (kjv@Psalms:14:1), filthy and rebellious (kjv@Psalms:14:3). He pleads for deliverance (kjv@Psalms:14:7).
kjv@Psalms:15 - Those who shall enter the kingdom. The question is asked (kjv@Psalms::1) and answered (kjv@Psalms:15:2-5).
kjv@Psalms:16-41 - Christ in midst of His people, sanctifying them to God
kjv@Psalms:16 - The resurrection of the Messiah (kjv@Psalms:16:8-11; cp. kjv@Acts:2:25-31 and kjv@Acts:13:35-37; also kjv@Hebrews:2:13:14). Life of Christ (kjv@Psalms:16:8), death of Christ (kjv@Psalms:16:9), resurrection of Christ (kjv@Psalms:16:10), ascension of Christ (kjv@Psalms:16:11).
kjv@Psalms:17 - Prayer of David when he is being pursued by Saul and his life is in danger. It also pictures the Messiah when He was in dan- ger.
kjv@Psalms:18 - Praise of David when God delivered him from the hand of Saul. It is repeated in kjv@2Samuel:22. Notice the picture of the Messiah (kjv@Psalms:18:35).
kjv@Psalms:19 - God’s message to man. The cosmos reveals the glory and power of God (kjv@Psalms:19:1-6). The commandments reveal the wisdom and righteousness of God (kjv@Psalms:19:7-11). Christ reveals the power and redemption of God (kjv@Psalms:19:12-14).
kjv@Psalms:20 - Plea of Israel for the success of the Messiah. “The king” is the Messiah (kjv@Psalms:20:9).
kjv@Psalms:21 - Messianic psalm. The ascension and coming again of Christ. “The king,” who is the subject of the psalm, is the Messiah. Psalms 20 and 21 present the same picture.
kjv@Psalms:22 The Good Shepherd
kjv@Psalm:23 The Great Shepherd
kjv@Psalm:24 The Chief Shepherd
kjv@John:10:11 kjv@Hebrews:13:20 kjv@1Peter:5:4 Cross Shepherd’s Crook Crown Savior Satisfier Sovereign Foundation Manifestation Expectation Dying Living Coming Past Present Future Gives His life Gives His love Gives His light
kjv@Psalms:22 - X-ray of the cross (see author’s booklet by the same name). Eusebius called it “a prophecy of the passion of Christ.” It gives a new dimension of the cross.
kjv@Psalms:22:1-21 — Humiliation suffering cross
kjv@Psalms:22:22-31 — Exaltation glory crown
kjv@Psalms:23 - Psalm of an old shepherd (see author’s booklet by the same name). One must know the Shepherd of kjv@Psalms:22 and have walked with Him in life to know intimately kjv@Psalms:23. “My sheep hear my voice” (kjv@John:10:27).
kjv@Psalms:23:1-2 — Revelation of the sanctuary of the Shepherd’s soul.
kjv@Psalms:23:3-4 — Record of the musings of the Shepherd’s mind.
kjv@Psalms:23:5-6 — Reflection of the happiness and hope of the Shepherd’s heart.
kjv@Psalms:24 - The coming of the Chief Shepherd. Tradition says it was composed by David and sung when he brought up the ark from Kirjath-jearim to Mt. Zion (kjv@2Samuel:6:12-23).
kjv@Psalms:24:1-6 — Companions of the King who enter the kingdom.
kjv@Psalms:24:7-10 — Coming of the King to set up the kingdom.
kjv@Psalms:25-39 - The future of God’s remnant This series of 15 psalms primarily records David’s personal experi- ence, but they also look to the future when the godly remnant is in trouble. For the comfort of believers today, they contain the balm of Gilead.
kjv@Psalms:25 - Plea for forgiveness (kjv@Psalms::11).
kjv@Psalms:26 - Plea on the basis of personal righteousness. This could apply only to the Messiah. Written by David perhaps at the time of Absalom’s rebellion.
kjv@Psalms:27 - Prayer of David.
kjv@Psalms:27:1-6 — Preparation for prayer: triumphant praise in the pres- ence of pressing problems.
kjv@Psalms:27:1-3 — Foundation for prayer: God is salvation and strength.
kjv@Psalms:27:4-6 — Meditation on prayer.
kjv@Psalms:27:7-12 — Declaration of prayer proper: thankful prayer in pres- sure of painful prediction (cp. kjv@Psalms:27:10 and kjv@1Samuel:22:3-4).
kjv@Psalms:27:13-14 — Realization of prayer: patience.
kjv@Psalms:28 - A cry in time of trouble. In the storm of wickedness David finds God to be a rock (kjv@Psalms::1), strength, and shield (kjv@Psalms:28:7).
kjv@Psalms:29 - The voice of the Lord. Written during a thunderstorm, Delitzsch labeled it the “Psalm of seven thunders.” “Voice of the Lord” occurs 7 times.
kjv@Psalms:30 - A psalm-song at the dedication of the house of David (place of future temple). A song of deliverance and prospect for the future (kjv@Psalms:30:5).
kjv@Psalms:31 - Psalm of troubles and trials, followed by prayer for deliv- erance, and the deliverance that follows as an answer to prayer (kjv@Psalms:31:1).
kjv@Psalms:32 - “Maschil”: psalm of instruction. Written in connection with David’s sin and his confession (kjv@Psalms:51) and the restoration of the sinning saint (kjv@Psalms:32:1-2).
kjv@Psalms:33 - Praises of redeemed people. God is worshiped as Creator, as providential Ruler. He is praised for His majestic and matchless grace. Notice the method of creation (kjv@Psalms:33:6) — God spoke into existence all of creation.
kjv@Psalms:34 - A song of praise when Abimelech (a royal title; called “Achish” in kjv@1Samuel:21:10-15) drove David away, and he fled to the cave of Adullam. Compare kjv@Psalms:34:15-16 with kjv@1Peter:3:12. David’s experience is that of all God’s children (kjv@Psalms:34:19).
kjv@Psalms:35 - A plea for God to deliver David from the hand of Saul (kjv@1Samuel:24) and to judge the wicked.
kjv@Psalms:36 - A Psalm of David as the servant of Jehovah.
kjv@Psalms:37 - A promise of future blessing to the remnant of Israel in the form of an acrostic. This psalm has refreshed all of God’s saints down through the ages — it is often quoted. (See kjv@Psalms:37:1, kjv@Psalms:37:4, kjv@Psalms:37:5, kjv@Psalms:37:7, kjv@Psalms:37:11, kjv@Psalms:37:23, kjv@Psalms:37:35, kjv@Psalms:37:36.)
kjv@Psalms:38 - Confession and physical sickness; David in deep dis- tress prays that God will not judge him in anger (kjv@Psalms::1). This is real conviction (kjv@Psalms:38:2). His physical sickness is the result of sin (kjv@Psalms:38:3). Disease, the result of his foolishness, is followed by mental anguish (kjv@Psalms:38:5-8). Some dare to say that this refers to Christ and that He had a diseased body. They use kjv@Matthew:8:17. Jesus, however, was holy, harmless and separate from sin. He could not be the spotless Lamb offered for our sin if He were diseased — disease is the result of sin. Death is also. Jesus did not have to die — He said, “No man taketh my life from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (kjv@John:10:18). On the cross He dismissed His spirit (kjv@John:19:30).
kjv@Psalms:39 - A psalm for funerals. The vanity and feebleness of humanity. This is the last psalm in the series beginning with kjv@Psalms:25.
kjv@Psalms:40 - Messianic psalm, quoted in kjv@Hebrews:10:5-7 as referring to Christ (kjv@Psalms:40:6-8). It is the experience of David when he fled from Absalom.
kjv@Psalms:41 - Messianic psalm. It opens with “blessed” and closes with “blessed.” Jesus quoted this reference to Judas (kjv@Psalms:41:9) in kjv@John:13:18, and Peter referred to it in Acts kjv@1:16. This is the last psalm in the Genesis section. It closes on the high hope of the resurrection (kjv@Psalms:41:10). What a contrast to “a coffin in Egypt” which concludes the book of Genesis. David is the writer of 37 of these 41 psalms.
II. Exodus section, kjv@Psalms:42-72
Ruin and Redemption (Israel in View) (David wrote 19 of these psalms.)
kjv@Psalms:42-49 - Israel’s ruin. This series of 7 psalms by the sons of Korah are prophetic pictures of Israel in the last days.
kjv@Psalms:42 - Heart cry of the remnant and applicable to the redeemed of all ages. It concludes with the heart cry of hope for deliverance (kjv@Psalms:42:11). This is not redemption by blood which took place in Egypt at the death of the firstborn; it is redemption by power which took place at the Red Sea.
kjv@Psalms:43 - A call to God to act on behalf of the remnant.
kjv@Psalms:44 - During the Great Tribulation, Israel calls upon God to deliver them as He did in Egypt in the past. It closes with a cry to redeem.
kjv@Psalms:45 - Reign of the Messiah King. Shoshannim (or lily) psalm, a love song.
- kjv@Psalms:45:2 — “Thy beauty, O King Messiah, is greater than the sons of men.” — Chaldean Targumim
- kjv@Psalms:45:4 — Truth, meekness, and righteousness are eternal principles of His kingdom.
kjv@Psalms:46 - God is our refuge. This psalm and the next 2 present a picture of the benefits of the setting up of His kingdom.
kjv@Psalms:47 - Praise and worship in the Millennium.
kjv@Psalms:48 - Messiah’s victory which brings in the kingdom.
kjv@Psalms:49 - Contrast of rich and poor. “Death shall feed on them” (kjv@Psalms:49:14) should be “death is their shepherd.” God delivers the redeemed from death.
kjv@kjv@Psalms:50-60 - Israel’s Redeemer
kjv@Psalms:50 - Judgment. God judges His people (kjv@Psalms:50:7-15). God judges the wicked (kjv@Psalms:50:16-23).
kjv@Psalms:51 - David’s great penitential psalm when Nathan pointed the accusing finger with the words, “Thou art the man” (kjv@2Samuel:12:7).
kjv@kjv@Psalms:52-55 - “Maschil” (instruction) psalms. This series of 4 psalms is all about the coming of Antichrist.
kjv@Psalms:52 - Mighty man of mischief — Antichrist.
kjv@Psalms:53 - Antichrist denies the existence of God.
kjv@Psalms:54 - A cry of faith in the times of Antichrist.
kjv@Psalms:55 - The darkest days under Antichrist. Notice the deception of Antichrist (kjv@Psalms:55:21).
kjv@Psalms:56-60 - “Michtam” (engraven; permanent) psalms
kjv@Psalms:56 - Deep trouble. Souls of the saints are laid bare during the Great Tribulation.
kjv@Psalms:57 - Cry for mercy (see title of psalm).
kjv@Psalms:58 - Rebuke of unrighteousness (lawlessness).
kjv@Psalms:59 - God’s people surrounded by enemies.
kjv@Psalms:60 - Confession and victory for God’s people (see title).
kjv@Psalms:61-72 - Israel’s redemption
kjv@Psalms:61 - Cry and confidence of the godly. (kjv@Psalms:62-68 carry out the theme of Psalm 61.)
kjv@Psalms:62 - The “only” psalm (see author’s booklet by the same name). Note the word “only” and the possessive pronoun “my.” It expresses great confidence.
kjv@Psalms:63 - Thirst for the Water of Life (God). Chrysostom says that the early church sang this psalm every morning. It is a psalm of David, as also are 64 and 65.
kjv@Psalms:64 - The wicked win, then God judges them.
kjv@Psalms:65 - Song of the Millennium.
kjv@Psalms:66 - Song (kjv@Psalms:66:1) and prayer (kjv@Psalms:66:18-19).
kjv@Psalms:67 - Blessing and praise for the Millennium.
kjv@Psalms:68 - Song of deliverance that ushers in the kingdom. A messianic psalm (cp. kjv@Psalms:68:18 with kjv@Ephesians:4:8).
kjv@Psalms:69 - The silent years in the life of Christ. Next to kjv@Psalm:22, the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. (kjv@Psalms:22 - the death of Christ; kjv@Psalms:69 - the life of Christ.)
kjv@Psalms:70 - Urgent cry for deliverance (duplication of the last 5 verses of Psalm 40).
kjv@Psalms:71 - The suffering Savior. Jesus aged on the cross (kjv@Psalms:71:9).
kjv@Psalms:72 - David speaks to Solomon. The King and the kingdom are coming (kjv@Psalms:72:11, kjv@Psalms:72:17, kjv@Psalms:72:19).
III. Leviticus section, kjv@Psalms:73-89
Darkness and Dawn (Sanctuary in View). Tabernacle, temple, house, assembly, and congregation appear in almost every psalm.
kjv@Psalms:73-83 - “Asaph psalms” (kjv@2Chronicles:29:30)
kjv@Psalms:73 - Perplexity about prosperity. Why does God permit the wicked to prosper (kjv@Psalms:73:3-9)? The answer is found in the sanctuary (kjv@Psalms:73:17). The state of the wicked is temporary; they are brought down suddenly (kjv@Psalms:73:18-19).
kjv@Psalms:74 - A cry for deliverance when the temple is defiled by the enemy (kjv@Psalms:74:7, kjv@Psalms:74:19).
kjv@Psalms:75 - God answers the plea of Psalm 74. Help comes from God (kjv@Psalms::6, 7).
kjv@Psalms:76 - Prophetic of the Messiah upon the throne, and the temple open for worship.
kjv@Psalms:77 - Perplexity about the mercy and goodness of God (kjv@Psalms:77:9). The answer again is in the sanctuary (kjv@Psalms::13). History reveals that God does not forget (kjv@Psalms:77:11-20).
kjv@Psalms:78 - The history of Israel from Moses to David.
kjv@Psalms:79 - Future of Israel in the Great Tribulation. The temple is defiled (kjv@Psalms:79:1).
kjv@Psalms:80 - Plea to the Shepherd of Israel to lead them again. The Shepherd is at God’s right hand (kjv@Psalms:80:17).
kjv@Psalms:81 - God’s answer to the plea of kjv@Psalms:80. The trumpet of praise is blown (kjv@Psalms:81:3).
kjv@Psalms:82 - God is in the midst of His people (the Shekinah glory in the tabernacle). He judges the judges of the people.
kjv@Psalms:83 - Prayer for God to deliver His people from their enemies. Imprecatory prayer (kjv@Psalms:83:9-12) is a cry for justice.
kjv@Psalms:84-89 - Looking to the future
kjv@Psalms:84 - Deep desire for God’s house that they might look upon the face of “thine anointed” (kjv@Psalms:84:9).
kjv@Psalms:85 - Future restoration of Israel. Kingdom blessing (kjv@Psalms:85:10).
kjv@Psalms:86 - David prays for the future kingdom (kjv@Psalms:86:8-9).
kjv@Psalms:87 - Glorious future of Jerusalem. The nations will come to Jerusalem to worship (see kjv@Isaiah:2:2; kjv@Zechariah:2:10-11).
kjv@Psalms:88 - Dirge of gloom, a lamentation. This is the darkest wail of woe in the Book of Psalms. The one ray of hope is “Lord God of my salvation” (kjv@Psalms:88:1).
kjv@Psalms:89 - Song of the faithfulness of God in keeping the Davidic Covenant (cp. kjv@Psalms:89:34-37 with kjv@2Samuel:7:8-17).
IV. Numbers section, kjv@Psalms:90-106
Peril and Protection of Pilgrims (Earth in View). We do not become pilgrims until we become strangers.
kjv@Psalms:90 - Dirge of death and darkness by Moses. Moses witnesses the deaths of 1 1/2 million Israelites who came with him out of Egypt but perish in the wilderness. The wilderness becomes a vast cemetery. “Secret sin on earth is open scandal in heaven” (see kjv@Psalms:90:8).
kjv@Psalms:91 - Messianic psalm (cp. kjv@Psalms:91:11-12 with kjv@Matthew:4:6). Song of life and light. Saints of all ages turn here for help and hope.
kjv@Psalms:92 - Song of praise for the sabbath day. Verse 1 is the theme. “Most High” is a kingdom phrase.
kjv@Psalms:93 - Song of sheer praise because the King is reigning (millennial kingdom).
kjv@Psalms:94-100 - Kingdom songs (celebrating the Messiah’s reign)
kjv@Psalms:94 - A call upon God to intervene in righteousness against the wicked. A cry from the remnant in the time of trouble preceding the kingdom.
kjv@Psalms:95 - Song of sheer joy because the king is reigning.
kjv@Psalms:96 - A hymn to Him. He fulfills prophecy, ends idolatry, banishes Satan — creation rejoices.
kjv@Psalms:97 - Joy to the world, the Lord has come. This is not a hymn of His 1st coming but of His 2nd coming. (“Gods” in kjv@Psalms:97:7 should be “angels” — cp. kjv@Hebrews:1:6).
kjv@Psalms:98 - Second stanza of the new song of worship.
kjv@Psalms:99 - Song to the king whose throne is a throne of grace and mercy (kjv@Psalms:99:1).
kjv@Psalms:100 - Chorus of the hymn to Him. Note the rendering: “It is he that hath made us, and...we are his” (kjv@Psalms:100:3).
kjv@Psalms:101-106 - Praise to the King
kjv@Psalms:101 - Song to the King who rules in righteousness and judgment. Note Gaebelein’s rendering: “Morning after morning will I destroy all the wicked of the land” (kjv@Psalms:101:8).
kjv@Psalms:102 - Prayer of trouble and sorrow. This is the King in Gethsemane — His humiliation before His exaltation (kjv@Hebrews:5:7). He can sympathize with His people.
kjv@Psalms:103 - Great psalm of praise for the tender mercies of God. “I beseech you...brethren, by the mercies of God...” (kjv@Romans:12:1).
kjv@Psalms:104 - Hymn to God in nature because He is Creator. Psalm of creation.
kjv@Psalms:105 - Hymn to God in history from Abraham to Moses. Psalm of providence (kjv@Psalms:105:5; cp. kjv@1Chronicles:16:8).
kjv@Psalms:106 - Hymn to God in history, confessing Israel’s failure and God’s faithfulness. This psalm is the first to begin and end with “Hallelujah.” It is the psalm of pilgrims in the wilderness of this world.
V. Deuteronomy section, kjv@Psalms:107-150
Perfection and Praise of the Word of God. Before we can know Him, we must know the Word. Sin came through the broken Word; Israel scattered through the broken Word; Sanctuary destroyed through the broken Word.
kjv@Psalms:107 - Song of the wandering Jew when he re-enters the promised land (kjv@Psalms:107:3-6). A psalm that has blessed the hearts of saints of all ages.
- 4 Stanzas
- kjv@Psalms:107:1-7 — Providence: directs pilgrims (tenor solo)
- kjv@Psalms:107:8-20 — Pardon: delivers prisoners (soprano solo)
- kjv@Psalms:107:21-30 — Protection: dissolves problems (bass solo)
- kjv@Psalms:107:31-43 — Power: delights (His) people (chorus)
kjv@Psalms:108 - Israel’s praise and possessions.
kjv@Psalms:109 - Messianic psalm — the humiliation of Christ. The Judas Iscariot psalm (cp. kjv@Acts:1:20). Note the imprecatory prayer (kjv@Psalms:109:6-13).
kjv@Psalms:110 - Messianic psalm — the exaltation of Christ (kjv@Psalms:110:1, cp. kjv@Matthew:22:44; kjv@Acts:2:34-35; kjv@Hebrews:1:13; kjv@Hebrews:10:12-13; also kjv@Psalms:110:4, cp. kjv@Hebrews:5:6; kjv@Hebrews:6:20; kjv@Hebrews:7:21).
kjv@Psalms:111 - Hallelujah for the works of God (a perfect acrostic psalm — Hebrew alphabet).
kjv@Psalms:112 - Hallelujah for the righteousness of God (kjv@Psalms:112:6). “Blessed with all earthly blessings” — a perfect acrostic.
kjv@Psalms:113-118 - Hallel psalms
kjv@Psalms:113 - A hallelujah chorus to God as Creator and Redeemer. This psalm to the majesty of God opens the Hallel psalms which are sung at the Passover feast.
kjv@Psalms:114 - God leads His dear children along. Song of deliverance from Egypt and the origin of the nation.
kjv@Psalms:115 - Glory to God because He is the opposite of the idols of the heathen (kjv@Psalms:115:3-8).
kjv@Psalms:116 - Love song because God swallows death in victory (kjv@Psalms:116:3-15). Next to the 23rd, this psalm is the most beloved.
kjv@Psalms:117 - Hallelujah because all nations and peoples will praise God. (Shortest psalm.)
kjv@Psalms:118 - Messianic psalm (kjv@1Peter:2:8; kjv@Matthew:21:42) — the hymn sung before Christ and His disciples went out into the Mount of Olives (kjv@Matthew:26:30; kjv@Mark:14:26). Imagine our Lord singing this hymn on that fatal night (kjv@Psalms:118:6, kjv@Psalms:118:8, kjv@Psalms:118:14, kjv@Psalms:118:17, kjv@Psalms:118:22, kjv@Psalms:118:24, kjv@Psalms:118:26). This is the last of the Hallel psalms.
kjv@Psalms:119 - Praise to the Word of God. Some reference to the Word of God is in every verse (except kjv@Psalms:119:122, kjv@Psalms:119:1132), designated word, saying, way, testimonies, judgments, precepts, commandments, law, statutes, and faithfulness. The psalm is a perfect acrostic (see text), in 22 sections corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
kjv@Psalms:120-134 - Pilgrim psalms
“Songs of the Pilgrim Caravans,” “Songs of Ascents,” “Songs of Degrees.” The key is kjv@Psalms@122:3-4 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together, whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. As the tribes of Israel go up to Jerusalem to worship at the appointed feast days — Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles — they sing these psalms. Notice the ascent. They were to be going and growing spiritually in the same way.
kjv@Psalms:120 - Chanted as the pilgrim march to Jerusalem began.
kjv@Psalms:121 - Hills about Jerusalem come into view. The question (kjv@Psalms:121:1) should be translated, “Shall I lift up mine eyes unto the hills...?” (see kjv@Jeremiah:3:23; kjv@Psalms:90:2).
kjv@Psalms:122 - Jerusalem comes into view (kjv@Psalms:122:2).
kjv@Psalms:123 - The temple comes into view; the pilgrims turn their eyes to God in hope.
kjv@Psalms:124 - They come in sight of the grace of God and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
kjv@Psalms:125 - They come in sight of Mt. Zion. The pilgrims arrive in the security of Jerusalem. Assurance is the theme of their song.
kjv@Psalms:126 - A song for the return after the Babylonian captivity. They look to the future for a larger deliverance. They come in sight of the heathen.
kjv@Psalms:127 - The vanity of building without God. Obviously the pilgrims are in the gates of the temple.
kjv@Psalms:128 - The family is come to Jerusalem to worship.
kjv@Psalms:129 - The pilgrim reviews his youth and the hand of God upon him.
kjv@Psalms:130 - The pilgrim cries out of the depths and thanks God for forgiveness. Israel will be redeemed.
kjv@Psalms:131 - Childlike faith and simplicity of the pilgrim (notice that David is the writer).
kjv@Psalms:132 - Messianic psalm (kjv@Psalms:132:11, cp. kjv@Luke:1:32-33; kjv@Acts:2:30). Also a Davidic psalm — David mentioned 4 times. It looks to the time when Christ will be King in Jerusalem.
kjv@Psalms:133 - The pilgrim thanks God for the fellowship of other brethren who have come up to Jerusalem. David is the writer.
kjv@Psalms:134 - Pilgrim’s progress. Pilgrim stands in the temple and lifts his voice in praise with the multitude. This is the last pilgrim psalm.
kjv@Psalms:135 - Hallelujah psalm. Israel praises God for the deliverance of the past. The name of Jehovah is praised (cp. kjv@Psalms:135:13 with kjv@Exodus:3:14-15).
kjv@Psalms:136 - Another hallelujah psalm. Praise of His mercy — in creation, in redemption, in fighting enemies, and for the future glory.
kjv@Psalms:137 - By the canals of Babylon. Some captive wrote this during the Babylonian captivity as he thought of Jerusalem and the temple. It is the experience of the captives away from home and in slavery.
kjv@Psalms:138 - A song of wholehearted praise; a contrast to kjv@Psalms:137. Worship by the redeemed.
kjv@Psalms:139 - A song of praise to the attributes of God.
kjv@Psalms:140 - Prophetic prayer for deliverance from “the evil man” (kjv@Psalms:140:1) or “man of sin” (prophetic of the remnant in the midst of their enemies). Imprecatory: cry for justice according to law.
kjv@Psalms:141 - David sends out an SOS. His prayer arises from some unknown experience. The application is to the remnant in the final struggle against evil.
kjv@Psalms:142 - Prayer of David in the cave of Adullam (kjv@1Samuel:22:1-2). Here is where David’s suffering begins. These are an adumbration of the sufferings of Christ, although some of David’s suffering resulted from his own sin and cannot represent the sufferings of the spotless Savior.
kjv@Psalms:143 - Prayer of David to the faithfulness, righteousness, and lovingkindness of God. As it has been said, “David was in love with prayer.”
kjv@Psalms:144 - David’s praise to God because of who He is; his prayer is for the same reason.
kjv@Psalms:145 - Praise of David to God because of who He is and what He does. It looks forward to the praise of the redeemed and restored remnant in the kingdom. This is the last psalm of David.
kjv@Psalms:146-150 - Hallelujah psalms
The Book of Psalms concludes with 5 hallelujah psalms. Each begins and ends with a “hallelujah.” The night of sin and suffering is over. Weeping is past and joy has come in the morning of the Millennium. The Book of Revelation also concludes with 4 hallelujahs (kjv@Revelation:19).
kjv@Psalms:146 - “Praise ye the Lord” (kjv@Psalms:146:1) — a praise to God for His goodness.
kjv@Psalms:147 - A hallelujah chorus because of God’s goodness to the earth and to Jerusalem. He is Creator, Preserver, and Keeper.
kjv@Psalms:148 - A hallelujah chorus of all God’s created intelligences in the heavens and in the earth (kjv@Revelation:5:11-13; kjv@Revelation:19:1-6).
kjv@Psalms:149 - A hallelujah chorus because the kingdom has come through redemption by blood and judgment by power.
kjv@Psalms:150 - A hallelujah chorus with orchestra — singing and playing with all the stops pulled out. Glory to God in the highest; peace on earth has come in the person of the King. Stops pulled out on Creation’s organ:
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
Alexander, J. A. The Psalms. 1864. Reprint. Grand Rapids, kjv@Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1964.
Gaebelein, Arno C. The Annotated Bible. 1917. Reprint. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1970.
Gaebelein, Arno C. The Book of Psalms. 1939. Reprint. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1965. (The finest prophetical interpretation of the Psalms.)
Grant, F. W. The Psalms. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1895. (Numerical Bible.)
Gray, James M. Synthetic Bible Studies. Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1906.
Ironside, H. A. The Psalms. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, n.d.
Jamieson, Robert, and D. Brown and A. R. Fausset. Commentary on the Bible. 3 vols. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1945.
Jensen, Irving L. The Psalms. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1970. (A self-study guide.)
Morgan, G. Campbell. Notes on the Psalms. Old Tappan, New kjv@Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1947.
Olson, Erling C. Meditations in the Psalms. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1939. (Devotional.)
Perowne, J. J. Stewart. The Book of Psalms. 1882. Reprint. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976.
Sauer, Erich. The Dawn of World Redemption. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951. ( An excellent Old Testament survey.)
Scroggie, W. Graham. The Psalms. Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1948. (Excellent.)
Scroggie, W. Graham. The Unfolding Drama of Redemption. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970. (An excellent survey and outline of the Old Testament.)
Spurgeon, Charles Haddon. The Treasury of David. 3 vols. Reprint. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1974. (A classic work and very comprehensive.)
Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Bible Handbook. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1966. (A basic tool for every Christian’s library.)
Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Commentary on the Old Testament. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1981. (Volume 1 covers Genesis through Song of Solomon with a fine summary of each paragraph.)
These notes, prepared by J. Vernon McGee, are for the purpose of giving assistance to the listeners of the THRU THE BIBLE RADIO program. They are to be used with the Bible and will be more meaningful as you look up all the Scripture references. Due to the necessary brevity of both notes and broadcasts, a list of recommended books is included for those wanting a more detailed study. These books may be obtained from a Christian library or bookstore or ordered from the publishers.
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