Psalms

Psalms

Q: How many psalms are there in the book of Psalms?

• a. 50
• b. 150
• c. 500

The book of Psalms was like a hymnbook to the Jews long ago. Many of the psalms were written to be sung. David wrote more than half of the 150 psalms, but there were other authors too. Psalm 90 was written by Moses. Two psalms were written by Solomon, and other psalms were written by a group known as the sons of Korah, who were in charge of the singing in Israel. Asaph and King Hezekiah also wrote psalms.

Psalms is the longest book in the Bible and was written over a time span of one thousand years. Psalms shows us the deepest emotions of the authors, from joy to sorrow, from peace to despair.

Some of the psalms are called messianic psalms. That means they have a clear prophecy about Jesus in them. One example of this is Psalm 22. It says, “My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.” These verses describe events from the Crucifixion, yet they were written hundreds of years before Jesus was born.

It’s good to read the Psalms because they teach us how to worship God, how to offer our praise, and how to express our deepest feelings. The Psalms offer comfort, strength, and encouragement.

For You

The Psalms are very beneficial to you. Why not read a psalm a day at bedtime? Keep a journal about what each psalm says to you and how it helps you.

Answer: b

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.   Psalm 139:23-24

(The Whole Story: Psalms 1–150)