June 2023 Handout

The Book of Psalms is divided into five books.
Book 1 - 1-41.
Book 2 - 42-72.
Book 3 – 73-89.
Book 4 - 90-106.
Book 5 - 107-150.

However, there are different types of Psalms: lament (both individual and communal), thanksgiving hymn (individual and communal), royal enthronement psalms, wisdom and 2 torah psalms, entrance liturgies, prophetic exhortation, and mixed forms. Additionally Messianic, Journey, etc.

Here is a list of a few lament psalms:

1. Psalm 3: A morning prayer for deliverance from enemies.
2. Psalm 5: A plea for God's guidance and protection from the wicked.
3. Psalm 6: A cry for mercy and healing in times of distress.
4. Psalm 7: A prayer for deliverance from enemies and vindication from false accusations.
5. Psalm 13: A lament expressing feelings of abandonment and a plea for God's intervention.
6. Psalm 22: A well-known Messianic psalm of intense lament and ultimate trust in God.
7. Psalm 38: A psalm of confession and plea for forgiveness in the face of physical and emotional suffering.
8. Psalm 42: A psalm expressing deep longing for God's presence and deliverance from oppressive circumstances.
9. Psalm 44: A communal lament recounting past victories and questioning God's current abandonment.
10. Psalm 51: A penitential psalm of confession and plea for forgiveness after David's sin with Bathsheba.

These are just a few examples of lament psalms found in the Book of Psalms. Each of these psalms follows a particular structure and contains characteristic themes and language that identify them as laments. However, it's important to note that the categorization of psalms into specific genres can vary slightly among scholars, and there may be overlapping elements or subtypes within the broader category of lament psalms.

Here is a list of community lament psalms -: 

1. Psalm 44: A communal lament recounting past victories and questioning God's current abandonment. 
2. Psalm 60: A community lament seeking God's help and restoration after experiencing defeat in battle. 
3. Psalm 74: A lament expressing distress over the destruction of the sanctuary and pleading for God's intervention. 
4. Psalm 79: A communal lament in response to the destruction of Jerusalem, seeking God's mercy and restoration. 
5. Psalm 80: A community lament for God's restoration and favor, addressing the plight of the entire nation. 
6. Psalm 83: A communal lament calling upon God to intervene against enemies threatening the nation. 
7. Psalm 89: A lament expressing confusion and disappointment over God's apparent failure to keep His covenant promises. 
8. Psalm 90: A communal lament acknowledging the brevity of human life and seeking God's mercy and wisdom. 
9. Psalm 94: A communal lament questioning God's justice in the face of the wicked prospering and the righteous suffering. 
10. Psalm 137: A communal lament expressing grief and longing for Jerusalem while in exile. 

These psalms share a communal perspective, addressing the concerns and experiences of the entire community of ancient Israel. They express collective distress, seek God's intervention and deliverance, and often reflect specific historical or socio-political contexts. Each psalm has its own unique characteristics and themes, yet they collectively represent the communal lament genre within the Book of Psalms.

Here is a list of hymns found in the Psalms -: 

1. Psalm 8: A hymn of praise celebrating the greatness and majesty of God's creation. 
2. Psalm 19: A hymn exalting the glory of God revealed in both nature and His law. 
3. Psalm 29: A hymn of praise extolling the power and sovereignty of God in the midst of a thunderstorm. 
4. Psalm 33: A hymn declaring God's righteousness, sovereignty, and faithfulness in His dealings with His people. 
5. Psalm 65: A hymn expressing gratitude for God's abundant provision and blessings in the natural world. 
6. Psalm 66: A hymn of praise celebrating God's mighty acts and deliverance on behalf of the community. 
7. Psalm 95: A hymn calling the people to worship, acknowledging God as the great King and Creator. 
8. Psalm 96: A hymn of praise and proclamation, calling all nations to worship and acknowledge God's splendor. 
9. Psalm 98: A hymn rejoicing in God's salvation and victory, calling all creation to sing praises. 
10. Psalm 100: A hymn of thanksgiving and joyful praise, inviting all to enter God's presence with gladness. 

These psalms embody the hymnic genre, characterized by their exaltation of God's attributes, acts, and the call to praise and worship. They often express joy, gratitude, and a communal perspective, inviting all people to join in the praise of the Almighty. These hymns serve as expressions of adoration and devotion to God, acknowledging His greatness and inviting others to do the same.

Here is a list of Psalms that are commonly considered to be associated with royal enthronement or have royal themes: 

1. Psalm 2: A royal psalm that speaks of God's appointed king and the nations' rebellion against him. 
2. Psalm 18: While not explicitly an enthronement psalm, it celebrates God's deliverance of David, highlighting his royal status and victories. 
3. Psalm 20: A prayer for the king's success in battle and his ultimate triumph. 
4. Psalm 21: A psalm of thanksgiving for God's blessings upon the king, emphasizing his victories and enduring reign. 
5. Psalm 45: A wedding song celebrating the king's marriage, expressing his splendor and righteousness. 
6. Psalm 72: A prayer for the king's righteousness, justice, and prosperity, highlighting his role as a just ruler. 
7. Psalm 89: A psalm reflecting on God's covenant with David and his descendants, emphasizing the eternal nature of the royal line. 
8. Psalm 101: A psalm attributed to David that speaks of the king's commitment to righteousness and justice in his rule. 
9. Psalm 110: A messianic psalm that portrays the future king, often associated with the Davidic line, seated at God's right hand. 
10. Psalm 132: A psalm recalling David's desire to build a permanent dwelling place for God and God's promise to establish his throne forever. 

These psalms either directly address the kingship of a specific monarch, such as David or his descendants, or have messianic implications, anticipating a future royal figure. They contain themes of God's chosen and anointed king, the triumph of the royal figure, and prayers for the king's success, righteousness, and enduring reign.