If you are anything like me, the book of Psalms will not be unfamiliar territory. It contains some of the really well known and loved Bible passages. Yet there is something very different about the book of Psalms, which means they can be misunderstood and then misapplied.

The name 'Psalms' comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. It originally referred to stringed instruments, and then to the songs sung with their accompaniment. In Hebrew, the title is tehillim, which means praises; whilst some are tephillot, or prayers.[1] It is essentially a collection of praises, prayers and professions, which are written either to God or about God.

The Bible tells us that 'all Scripture is God-breathed',[2] but how do we understand Psalms in relation to this? How do we correctly interpret and apply words that are written to God, which are simultaneously from God? If we misapply even only a part of a psalm, we impede God's purposes in inspiring it. If we want to avoid this, we need to ensure that we understand them - properly.

psalms as poetry

As poetic works, the Psalms are impassioned and vivid; rich in images, parallels and metaphors; and full of alliteration. A common practice in Hebrew poetry is synonymous parallelism, where the second line reinforces the essence of the first line. Take Psalm 19:1,2 as an example:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

The two sets of parallels here are pointing to and glorifying creator God. They are far more eloquent and dramatic than the space conserving paraphrase: 'God is revealed in creation'. The psalmist is not, however, suggesting that the heavens do one thing whilst the skies do another.

Whilst the poetic language of the Psalms is often intense, emotive and highly expressive, we must be careful not to derive ideas from it that were never intended. The rich abundance of metaphors in the Psalms describes God in many ways, including: a fortress, a rock, a shield, and a shepherd. The hills are said to have skipped like lambs in a description of the Exodus miracles.[3] David likens his fragile condition to a tottering fence,[4] and his enemies are depicted as spewing out swords from their lips.[5] We should look for the intent behind the metaphors to understand the heart of what is being said.

psalms as literature

In ancient Israel, the Psalms would have been functional, commonly used in worship. The Israelites would have known and understood the different types of psalms, which were intended for different purposes. Fee and Stuart encourage us to think about these original applications when we read the Psalms today. This is to ensure that we do not take them out of the context they were designed for.

There are seven main types of psalms; it is worth considering these as you read them. They are: laments, thanksgiving psalms, hymns of praise, salvation-history psalms, psalms of celebration and affirmation, wisdom psalms and songs of trust. Look at the different structures and patterns of development that run through each one. If we are to understand a psalm in the correct context, it is important to see each psalm as a literary unit. We should be careful, as with all Scripture, in singling verses out.

psalms today

Even though the primary function of the Psalms is not to teach us doctrinal truths or how we should behave, there is so much to be gained from them. They demonstrate the importance of reflecting on the things that God has done for you. David writes:

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.[6]

So, how do these words spoken to God function for us as words from God? In the same way that they functioned for Israel originally - God inspired the words for others to be able to speak and express themselves to him, the same words that we too can use. From jubilant praise and celebration to the deepest darkest pits; from despair and disaster to hope and restoration; and from betrayal to deliverance. However you are feeling, it is likely that there is a psalmist who has already written about it. The Psalms can be of great benefit if you want to use the Bible to help you express those feelings. What is more, the Bible encourages us to use the Psalms. Paul writes, 'Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord'.[7]

This chapter of How to Read the Bible for All its Worth has given us a refreshing look at the Psalms. Once you start looking, you will find so many treasures hidden in them!