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In the Lord I Take Refuge

By on in Literary

In the book “In The LORD I Take Refuge,” the author, Dane Ortlund, wrote a commentary alongside each chapter of the book of Psalms. As a Presbyterian pastor with a Ph.D., he offers reflections and observations of substantive value about the Psalter one chapter at a time. The book is with the ESV text of the Psalms prepared in a format where 150 devotions are presented to readers with the author’s encouragement, exhortation, rebuke, and the occasional call to repentance. He often echoes the Psalmists’ sentiments about the lovingkindness of the LORD through song and poetry. He also explores the range of literary meaning as the Psalms are sometimes imprecatory, messianic, prophetic, and musical in lyric and instruction. The range of inspired material prepared throughout the Psalms is covered in a practical way made relevant to readers immersed in everyday life.

The consistent pattern throughout the text is to bring practical application to the lives of believers. In a sense, this book is a work of ministry from the author to comfort readers, challenge them, and remind them of what God meant through the writers of Scripture. This book is not an academic work of interest but a personal journey of the heart and mind. To reflect on what God says to the reader about highly relevant and pertinent topics of interest. Praise, hardships, enmity, comfort, assurance, and promise are touched upon without scripture references elsewhere but are kept to the message within each Psalm at hand. The title chosen for the book is appropriate because it anchors the reader into the thread of meaning throughout the devotional commentary. In The LORD I Take Refuge covers a lot of ground as it is a call and response, or inform and response way to which the material is absorbed day by day. The book’s central point that the author returns to is the refuge of the LORD as the only true and lasting means of safety, protection, and peace from the issues of life with deep spiritual relevance.

The book’s title draws upon Psalm 11:1 phrase, “In the Lord I Take Refuge.” While the majority text, KJV and NKJV, reference the term “trust” instead of “refuge,” the critical text makes use of the translation rendering “refuge” from the original Hebrew Word defined as a place of safety or shelter. This poetic language brings to mind an image of withdrawal and separation to a place of security for protection. The title aligns with what the author intended to convey as he sought to capture what the Psalmists wrote as a body of work. There wasn’t attention placed on the structural or technical features of the text, as the book is intended as a daily companion of both practical and spiritual messages.

The author also uses the writings of historical figures within early Christianity, including the Reformers and the Puritans, to highlight substantive meaning about perspectives rendered by the Psalmists. In support of the author’s reading and comprehension of the subject matter, with its authoritative scriptural weight, correlating and pertinent perspectives from historical people of influence help drive home the points he continues to offer. The wide array of perspectives Orlund presents from these historical people of God goes a long way to substantiate the credibility of his observations and perspective. The author likely has much to say about the scriptural references, prayers, and reflections of the Patristic fathers, the Reformers, and the Puritans. The wide use of influential people throughout history isn’t for analytical purposes but for their unique perspectives from a time and setting set apart from post-modern society.

As Crossway is the publisher of this devotional book (ISBN: 978-1-4335-7770-3; hardcover, 409 pages), it is suitable for use among numerous people within the Reformed and Renewed traditions of the universal church. While the reflections about each Psalm are from a Reformed perspective, it is evangelical in tone and delivery without compromising the truth and intended meaning of Scripture. While it isn’t recommended that devotional time should be dedicated exclusively to the Psalter, it is a valuable companion to Scripture during personal time in the Word, during family worship and reading, or as a component of private liturgy.

Structures of Poetic Resonance

By on in Theology

There are numerous meta-details around the poetry of Scripture, especially throughout the Psalms. An analysis of facts and details around the structure and background of poetry from a historical, theological, and literary perspective offers a deeper and more comprehensive view of ancient biblical literature and worship.

Themes of Psalms

A. The Sovereign God

The God of Creation (Ps 33, 74, 89, 95, 104, 135, 136, 147, 148)
The God of Israel (Ps 105, 106)
The God of the Nations (Ps 33)
The God who will establish His Rule upon the Earth

B. The People of God – the Righteous; the Enemies of God – the Wicked

C. God’s Attributes Known to His People (Ps 100, 107)

Loyalty
Ps 5:7; 6:4; 13:5; 17:7; 18:50; 21:7; 23:6; 25:6, 7, 10; 26:3; 31:7, 16, 21; 32:10; 33:5, 18, 22, 36:5, 7, 10; 40:10, 11; 42:8; 44:26; 48:9; 51:1; 52:1, 8; 57:3; 10; 59:10, 16, 17; 62:12; 63:3; 66:20; 69:13,16; 77:8; 85:7, 10; 86:5, 13, 15; 88:11; 89:1, 2, 14, 24, 28, 33, 49; 90:14; 92:2; 94:18; 98:3; 100:5; 101:1; 103:4, 8, 11, 17; 106:1, 7, 45; 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 31, 43; 108:4; 109:12, 16, 21, 26; 115:1; 117:2; 118:1, 2, 3, 4, 29; 119:14, 64, 76, 88, 124, 149, 159; 130:7; 136:1-26; 138:2, 8; 141:5; 143:8, 12; 144:2; 145:8; 147:11)
Goodness
Ps 16:2; 25:8; 34:8; 54:6; 68:10; 73:1; 86:5; 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1, 29; 119:68; 135:3; 136:1; 145:9
Faithfulness
Ps 33:4; 36:5; 40:10; 88:11; 89:1, 2, 5, 8, 24, 33, 49; 92:2; 96:13; 100:5; 119:75, 86, 90, 138; 143:1
Righteousness
Ps 7:9; 11:7; 15:2; 22:31; 31:1; 35:24; 50:6; 51:14; 69:27; 71:2, 15, 16, 19, 24; 72:1; 89:16; 97:6; 98:2; 103:17; 111:3; 112:3, 9; 119:40, 142; 143:1; 145:7
Compassion
Ps 25:6; 40:11; 51:1; 69:16; 77:9; 78:38; 79:8; 103:4, 8, 13; 106:46; 111:4; 112:4; 116:5; 119:77

D. The Davidic Covenant (Ps 78, 89, 132)

Authors of Psalms

Name	Quantity	References
David	73	Psalms 3-9, 11-32, 34-41, 41-65, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145
Asaph	12	Psalms 50, 73-83
Descendants of Korah	10	Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87
Solomon	2	Psalms 72, 127
Ethan	1	Psalm 89
Heman	1	Psalm 88
Moses	1	Psalm 90
Anonymous	50	Remaining

Authors of Psalms

Divisions of Psalms

Psalms	Chapters	Quantity	Theme Correlation
Book I	1 – 41	41	Genesis: Creation, Sin, Salvation
Book II	42 – 72	31	Exodus: Redemption
Book III	73 – 89	17	Leviticus: Sanctuary
Book IV	90 – 106	17	Numbers: Desert Wanderings
Book V	107 – 150	44	Deuteronomy: Word of God

Divisions of Psalms

Rhythm of Thought – Types of Hebrew Parallelism

Name	Example	References
Synonymous Parallelism	O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath.	Ps 1:2, Ps 6:1, Ps 7:16, Ps 15:1, Ps 19:1, Ps 49:1, 51:3; Prov 9:10, Prov 16:18, Prov 16:28, Prov 19:29
Antithetical Parallelism	The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.	Ps 37:21, Ps 1:6, Prov 10:1, 2, 4, 7
Synthetic Parallelism	God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.	Ps 46:1, Ps 3:4, 29:1, 95:3, Eccl 11:1
Climactic Parallelism	In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.	Ps 22:4-5
Emblematic Parallelism	As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.	Ps 41, Ps 42:1, Ps 103:13
Formal (Catch-All)	“But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”	Ps 2:6, others

Rhythm of Thought – Types of Hebrew Parallelism

Rhythm of Sound – Types of Hebrew Poetry

Name	Definition	References
Acrostic	Text stanzas begin with a new letter of the Hebrew alphabet and continue sequentially until completion. A memory device.	Ps 9, 10, 24, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145; Prov 31:10-31; Lam 1, 2, 3, 4
Alliteration	The same sound begins with different words through the text.	Ps 122:6
Assonance	The end of each line is a sound alike.	Ps 119:29
Paronomasia	A play on words as written and read – Mispat (justice) vs Mispah (bloodshed)	Is 5:7
Onomatopeia	A word that sounds like what it is describing.	Ps 81:7
Inclusion	A line of text is repeated again in the same text.	Ps 118:1, 29

Rhythm of Sound – Types of Hebrew Poetry

Messianic Psalms

Instance	Messianic Description	Psalm	Fulfillment
1	God declares Jesus to be His Son.	Ps. 2:7	Matt. 3:17
2	All things will be put under Jesus’ feet.	Ps. 8:6	Heb. 2:8
3	Jesus will be resurrected from the dead.	Ps. 16:10	Mark 16:6-7
4	God will forsake Jesus in His hour of need.	Ps. 22:1	Matt. 27:46
5	Jesus will be scorned and mocked.	Ps. 22:7-8	Luke 23:35
6	Jesus’ hands and feet will be pierced.	Ps. 22:16	John 20:25-27
7	Others will gamble for Jesus’s clothing.	Ps. 22:18	Matt. 27:35-36
8	Not one of Jesus’ bones will be broken.	Ps. 34:20	John 19:32-33, 36
9	Jesus will be accused by false witnesses.	Ps. 35:11	Mark 14:57
10	Jesus will be hated without a cause.	Ps. 35:19	John 15:25
11	Jesus will come to do God’s will.	Ps. 40:7-8	Heb. 10:7
12	Jesus will be betrayed by a friend.	Ps. 41:9	Luke 22:47
13	Jesus’s throne will last forever.	Ps. 45:6	Heb 1:8
14	Jesus will ascend to God’s right hand.	Ps. 68:18	Mark 16:19
15	Zeal for God’s house will consume Jesus.	Ps. 69:9	John 2:17
16	Jesus will be given vinegar and gall to drink.	Ps. 69:21	Matt. 27:34
17	Jesus will be a worldwide king.	Ps. 72:1-19	Rev. 19:11-20:6
18	Jesus will pray for His enemies	Ps. 109:4	Luke 23:34
19	Jesus’ betrayer’s place will be filled by another.	Ps. 109:8	Acts 1:20
20	Jesus’ enemies will be made subject to Him.	Ps. 110:1	Matt. 22:44
21	Jesus will be a priest like Melchizedek.	Ps. 110:4	Heb. 5:6
22	Jesus will be the chief cornerstone.	Ps. 118:22	Matt. 21:42
23	Jesus will come in the name of the Lord.	Ps. 118:26	Matt. 21:91

Messianic Psalms

Interpretive History of Psalms

A. Writings – Individual and Freestanding

Psalms separately inspired and valued as:

Prophetic
Instructive
Allegorical
Historical-Grammatical

B. Worship – For Choirs and Others

C. Compilations – Scrolls, Codices or Books

Ancient Development of Psalms

The process of origination of the Psalms followed (1) individual personal development (2) giving of the Psalms to the Levites for temple worship (later synagogues), and (3) for collection to the book or compilation.

Each psalm originated as a separate piece of individual original work among the political and cultic leaders of Israel (Levites). The political leaders of Israel include Moses, David, and Solomon, and the cultic leaders include Asaph, the sons of Korah, Heman, and Ethan among them all.

After the Psalms were given to the Israelites for public worship in the temple, they were arranged in collection for retrieval and use. The origination of the Psalms was not collected in chronological order, theme, or by the author. They were collected and arranged with editorial intent. The words were retained, but the accompanying music detail was lost.

Psalm Order Formation by Intent

Hebrew Terms of Intent:	Zakar	Yadah	Halel
Meaning:	Remembrance	Acknowledgment	Praise
Idea:	A plea to God we are in trouble	Acknowledgment of answered prayer	Exaltation to God for who He is
Type:	Dirge: Lament (Psalms of Disorientation)	Gratitude: Declared Praise (Psalms of Reorientation)	Hymn: Descriptive Praise (Psalms of Orientation)

Psalm Order Formation by Intent

Psalm Order Formation by Type

The Laments (Psalms of Disorientation)		The Declaratives (Psalms of Reorientation)		The Descriptives (Psalms of Orientation)
Components:	Address Lament Confession of Trust Petition Vow to Praise or Declarative Praise of God	Components:	Proclamation to Praise God Summary Statement Report of Deliverance Praise of God	Components:	Call to Praise Cause of Praise Renewed Call to Praise
References:	Individual Laments: Ps 3-7, 9-10, 12-14, 17, 22, 25-28, 31, 35, 38-43, 52-57, 59, 61, 63-64, 69-71, 77, 86, 88, 89, 109, 120, 140-142 National Laments: Ps 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 85, 9	References:	Ps 18, 30, 32, 34, 40, 65, 67, 92, 106, 107, 116, 118, 121, 124, 138	References:	Ps 33, 36, 105, 111, 113, 117, 135, 136, 146, 147

Psalm Order Formation by Type

Psalm Order Formation by Author

Distribution of Books within Psalms

Book 1	Book 2	Book 3	Book 4	Book 5
Ps 1 – Ps 42	Ps 43 – Ps 72	Ps 74 – Ps 89	Ps 90 – Ps 106	Ps 107 – Ps 150

Psalm Order Formation by Author
Distribution of Books within Psalms

Book 1 – Majority of Davidic Psalms

Anonymous (cf.: Acts 4:25-26)	David (Anonymous Ps 10, 33)
Ps 1 -2	Ps 3 – 41

Psalm Order Formation by Author
Book 1 – Majority of Davidic Psalms

Book 2 – Majority of Davidic Psalms

Korah	Asaph	David (Anonymous 66, 67, 71)	Solomon
Ps 42 – 49	Ps 50	Ps 51 – 71	Ps 72

Psalm Order Formation by Author
Book 2 – Majority of Davidic Psalms

Book 3 – Central Position of Davidic Psalm

Asaph	Korah	David	Korah	Ethan
Ps 73 – 83	Ps 84 – 85	Ps 86	Ps 87 – 88	Ps 89

Psalm Order Formation by Author
Book 3 – Central Position of Davidic Psalm

Book 4 – Davidic Psalms Evenly Distributed

Moses	Anonymous	David (Anonymous 102)	Anonymous
Ps 90	Ps 91 – 100	Ps 101 – 103	Ps 104 – 106

Psalm Order Formation by Author
Book 4 – Davidic Psalms Evenly Distributed

Book 5 – Davidic Psalms Evenly Distributed

Anonymous	David	Anonymous	Ascents	Anonymous	David	Anonymous
Ps 107	Ps 108 – 110	Ps 111 – 119	David: Ps 122 Ps 124 Ps 131 Ps 133 Solomon: Ps 127	Ps 135 – 137	Ps 138 – 145	Ps 146 – 150

Psalm Order Formation by Author
Book 5 – Davidic Psalms Evenly Distributed

Prayers through Psalms

By on in Theology

Songs to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument. Psalmoi (Greek) or Tehillim (Hebrew) to mean songs of praise or interest to the reader or listener. My personal prayers while reading through the Books of Psalms.

Book One

Chapter	Context	Response
Psalm 1	The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted	LORD, you alone are completely righteous and You are my everlasting source of righteousness.
Psalm 2	The Reign of the LORD’S Anointed	LORD Jesus, You are the all-powerful and ultimate ruler of all, and I praise You for Your authority, wisdom, and reign.
Psalm 3	Morning Prayer of Trust in God	LORD Jesus, You are my shield and my rock and there is salvation by no other name than Yours.
Psalm 4	Evening Prayer of Trust in God	Holy Spirit, Your presence is what I desire to worship You, LORD, for who You are when I draw near to You.
Psalm 5	Prayer for Protection from the Wicked	LORD, I trust in You to lead me in Your way to keep me safe as you are my refuge.
Psalm 6	Prayer for Mercy in Time of Trouble	LORD, let not my iniquities keep me from You while I plea for your mercy and forgiveness.
Psalm 7	The LORD Implored to Defend the Psalmist against the Wicked	LORD, you have sustained me all these years and it is my continuous heart of repentance that I offer to You.
Psalm 8	The LORD’S Glory and Man’s Dignity	LORD, how awesome is the work of Your hands to bring to existence the Universe and all that exists.
Psalm 9	A Psalm of Thanksgiving for God’s Justice	LORD, let the people of all nationalities see Your glory and what You have made and decreed.
Psalm 10	A Prayer for the Overthrow of the Wicked	LORD, let not the wicked prevail and lend Your strength to the afflicted who trust in You.
Psalm 11	The LORD a Refuge and Defense	LORD, as you hate the wicked and violent, let Your compassion be the source of refuge for those who are Yours.
Psalm 12	God, a Helper against the Treacherous	LORD, while many have abandoned You and Your ways, remember me, and deliver me to safety as I trust in Your word.
Psalm 13	Prayer for Help in Trouble	LORD, while at times I grow distant, may Your steadfast love cause me to rejoice in Your salvation.
Psalm 14	Folly and Wickedness of Men	LORD, You cannot abide those who deny You exist while You restore the fortunes of Your people.
Psalm 15	Description of a Citizen of Zion	LORD, You dwell with those who walk blamelessly before You by the power of Your Spirit.
Psalm 16	The LORD the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death	LORD Jesus, Your defeat over death and Your resurrection is astonishing and I confess as my testimony that You are God.
Psalm 17	Prayer for Protection against Oppressors	LORD, as I call upon You day-by-day, deliver me of any wickedness within me and let my praise please You.
Psalm 18	The LORD Praised for Giving Deliverance	LORD, You are the source of my security and significance while my identity and whole being rests in You.
Psalm 19	The Works and the Word of God	LORD, never let Your word depart from my heart and mind as I worship and honor you throughout all my days.
Psalm 20	Prayer for Victory over Enemies	LORD, as I bear Your name, let it be both in voice and deed that I remember all You’ve spoken in Your word.
Psalm 21	Praise for Deliverance	LORD, I exalt You over all authorities and powers that reside on the Earth for all time.
Psalm 22	A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise	LORD Jesus, You are worthy of all power and authority as the lamb who was slain for the redemption of the world.
Psalm 23	The LORD, the Psalmist’s Shepherd	LORD, Your goodness and mercy are a comfort to me as I seek You and dwell in Your house forever.
Psalm 24	The King of Glory Entering Zion	LORD, You are the King of glory, and it is You in whom I delight.
Psalm 25	Prayer for Protection, Guidance and Pardon	LORD, I am completely reliant upon You to guide my decisions and the course of this life You have given to me.
Psalm 26	Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection	LORD, You are my focus, and I will proclaim You, and serve You as my delight all my days.
Psalm 27	A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God	LORD, if not You in my life, then nothing as You are the One I desire above all else.
Psalm 28	A Prayer for Help, and Praise for Its Answer	LORD, you are the refuge of Your anointed, and those who trust in You rejoice!
Psalm 29	The Voice of the LORD in the Storm	LORD, Your voice is full of power, majesty, and splendor as it speaks of Your glory and holiness.
Psalm 30	Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death	LORD, my heart sings of your mercy and abundant forgiveness that I would tell others of your love, kindness, and faithfulness!
Psalm 31	A Psalm of Complaint and of Praise	LORD, as I age and become drained of vitality and strength by wear and decay, I place into Your hands my entire being.
Psalm 32	The blessedness of Forgiveness and of Trust in God	LORD, You are my hiding place as my sins are covered and my transgressions are forgiven.
Psalm 33	Praise to the Creator and Preserver	LORD, by the guidance of Your word, in spirit and truth, I worship You as Your abundant love is steadfast and my continued delight.
Psalm 34	The LORD, a Provider, and Deliverer	LORD, the presence of Your Spirit overflowing within and over the pages of Your Word testifies to my spirit Your goodness.
Psalm 35	Prayer for Rescue from Enemies	LORD, You are Great and above all, and I trust You to go before me during trials and encounters of heavy burden.
Psalm 36	The wickedness of Men and Lovingkindness of God	LORD, Your steadfast love is new every morning and it stands as an example of the love You have empowered me to give to people when it sometimes isn’t so easy.
Psalm 37	Security of Those Who Trust in the LORD, and Insecurity of the Wicked	LORD, You have demonstrated again and again that when I delight in You, You, in turn, give me the desires of my heart and help make my steps sure and straight.
Psalm 38	Prayer of a Suffering Penitent	LORD, while on my knees and face to the floor before You, You know my heart and my day-by-day desperate prayers of deliverance and repentance from the sins that I despise.
Psalm 39	The Vanity of Life	LORD, PLEASE hear the complaint of my distress for permanent sanctification as I desire to walk by the Spirit and continuously bear the fruit You desire.
Psalm 40	God Sustains His Servant	LORD, while the pressures and evils of this world clamor for my attention and interest, I remember Your work of faithfulness and mercy as You are my ever-present help and deliverer.
Psalm 41	The Psalmist in Sickness Complains of Enemies and False Friends	LORD, I confess I have greatly sinned against You and others, and yet by Your grace, I trust in You for forgiveness and cleansing You have done.

Book Two

Chapter	Context	Response
Psalm 42	Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile	LORD, even as some who are known by your name are contentious and contradictory, let Your grace and peace rest upon me as I seek Your truth.
Psalm 43	Prayer for Deliverance	LORD God, my hope is in You even while some within the household of faith are in turmoil and live in a spirit of error.
Psalm 44	Former Deliverances and Present Troubles	LORD, You are my ever-present and constant source of help and confidence.
Psalm 45	A Song Celebrating the King’s Marriage	LORD, You are my delight, and I worship You and honor You as my everlasting and glorious King.
Psalm 46	God the Refuge of His People	LORD, be forever exalted among the nations as You are our eternal rock and high tower worthy of all glory, praise, and honor.
Psalm 47	God the King of the Earth	My LORD Most High, Your reign and seat of power over all Heaven and Earth is filled with righteousness and praise.
Psalm 48	The Beauty and Glory of Zion	LORD, Your steadfast love is abundant while You dwell in our hearts by Your Holy Spirit.
Psalm 49	The Folly of Trusting in Riches	LORD, even in times of fear and anxiety, I will attend my heart, mind, soul, and strength to You and Your Kingdom as You are worthy of all praise and glory.
Psalm 50	God the Judge of the Righteous and the Wicked	LORD, as my thought life is my biggest problem, I will trust in Your righteous judgments and discipline as I desire to be close to You always.
Psalm 51	A Contrite Sinner’s Prayer for Pardon	LORD, I have sinned against You innumerable times, yet I trust you and desire to please You in repentance as I love You and want to serve You all the days You have given to me.
Psalm 52	Futility of Boastful Wickedness	LORD, all that I have is Yours, and it is Your steadfast love that I will always trust.
Psalm 53	Folly and Wickedness of Men	LORD, I ask for Your continued presence and protection all my days as I seek You and call upon You as my God who I love and worship.
Psalm 54	Prayer for Defense Against Enemies	LORD, hear my prayer and uphold my life to glorify You and serve Your Kingdom in every way that You desire as I trust and obey You in truth.
Psalm 55	Prayer for the Destruction of the Treacherous	LORD, yet while in distress about society today, I trust in You as You are Just, and I am assured and confident that You are at work in Your Kingdom.
Psalm 56	Supplication for Deliverance and Grateful Trust in God	LORD, as You know my pleas for deliverance from besetting sin and obstinate selfish interest, I have faith in You, and I trust You for what You’re doing to transform my heart.
Psalm 57	Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors	LORD, awaken my spirit to produce a love that I wish to live in full all my days before You.
Psalm 58	Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked	LORD, Your judgments upon the wicked are righteous, and I rejoice in Your acts of justice.
Psalm 59	Prayer for the Deliverance from Enemies	LORD, deliver me from the enemy of sin as I trust You to permanently remove corrupt desires that set a distance between us.
Psalm 60	Lament Over Defeat in Battle, and Prayer for Help	LORD, my courage originates from You as You are my shield and my defense.
Psalm 61	Confidence in God’s Protection	LORD, appoint Your steadfast love and guidance over those who are shepherds of Your word.
Psalm 62	God Alone a Refuge From Treachering and Oppression	LORD, You are my safety and security, and You are the source of my significance while I trust you for fulfillment and nourishment; Your word is my lamp and my guide.
Psalm 63	The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God	LORD, while adversaries of Your kingdom are contentious and critical, I will trust in You and Your word for instruction and truth by Your Spirit.
Psalm 64	Prayer for Deliverance From Secret Enemies	LORD, keep my heart and mind from the deceptive and wicked influences of evil people who appear well-meaning and of “goodwill.”
Psalm 65	God’s Abundant Favor to Earth and Man	LORD, forgiveness, restoration, and salvation are made possible through Your Son so that You are glorified and given all due honor and praise.
Psalm 66	Praise for God’s Mighty Deeds and For His Answer to Prayer	LORD, You have given me the ability to perceive by the sense within me You have designed, and with these faculties, I choose to see and hear You, and learn Your ways and praise You.
Psalm 67	The Nations Exhorted to Praise God	LORD, the nations are under Your rule and subject to honor You and confess before You that You are LORD and Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Psalm 68	The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary	LORD, may You be blessed by your graciousness and peace upon Your people who are known by Your name.
Psalm 69	A Cry of Distress and Imprecation on Adversaries	LORD, may Your name be magnified through my life, conduct, and character as You are faithful and my anchor during times of trouble.
Psalm 70	Prayer for Help Against Persecutors	LORD, be promptly attentive to my pleas for your presence so that I would be delivered of anything and everything that might offend You.
Psalm 71	Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance	LORD, it is my prayer that the fruits of the Spirit would reign within me as I age according to Your will.
Psalm 72	The Reign of the Righteous King	LORD Jesus, may I model Your heart for the needy, the poor, and the oppressed as You are my treasure and everlasting perfect King.

Book Three

Chapter	Context	Response
Psalm 73	God is My Strength and Portion Forever	LORD, You alone possess the words of eternal life and salvation, and You are my refuge in who I trust to guide me with Your counsel and Spirit.
Psalm 74	Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause	LORD God, call to remembrance how I have trusted You and delighted in You where You were at work in my heart and soul for your glory and good pleasure.
Psalm 75	God Will Judge with Equity	LORD, Your judgments are righteous and just as You lift up and redeem some while holding down and casting aside others.
Psalm 76	Who Can Stand Before You?	LORD, You are awesome and wonderous; who can stand before You and Your majestic glory?
Psalm 77	In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord	LORD, without You, life is desolate and unfruitful, yet I remember Your work in my heart and spirit to love and worship You to honor and praise You all my days.
Psalm 78	Tell the Coming Generation	My LORD Most High, deliver me with permanent repentance that I would not offend You by repeat offenses. Please pierce my heart to change it where I would delight in You more than any other thing that I would want or desire.
Psalm 79	How Long, O LORD?	LORD, deliver me from any and all competing interests that would draw me away from You. My desire is to be holy, pure, and righteous as You are, and as You are the God of salvation, I trust in You for the work of Your compassion.
Psalm 80	Restore Us, O God	LORD, save and restore me from my lapses in attention and sincere devotion. My desire is with You, but I ask You to cleanse and sustain me as my spirit is nourished by Your steadfast love.
Psalm 81	Oh, That My People Would Listen to Me	LORD, I call to You from within my mind and soul to transform my heart and fill me with Your Spirit. You alone are my delight and satisfaction.
Psalm 82	Rescue the Weak and Needy	LORD, I am in awe of Your pronouncements of justice among those who were appointed to govern and judge the nations. Let Your heart for justice and compassion be seared into my heart and mind as I want to be marked and indwelled by Your righteousness and holiness.
Psalm 83	O God, Do Not Keep Silence	LORD, You are great and most fearsome over all the nations and across all generations for all time!
Psalm 84	My Soul Longs for the Courts of the LORD	LORD of Hosts, I trust in You, and I am ever grateful to appear before You in Your presence. Accept my worship and prayer as I honor You all the days of my life.
Psalm 85	Revive Us Again	LORD, let me not turn back to the folly of my old ways as You are faithful. Keep me from temptation and stumbling as I offer You my prayers and devotion.
Psalm 86	Great Is Your Steadfast Love	LORD, even in the face of my repeated sin which I despise, I lift up my soul to You. Hear my pleas for Your mercies and grace for sanctification. Let Your Spirit remind me each day of Your ways and to fear Your name.
Psalm 87	Glorious Things of You Are Spoken	LORD, it is entirely pleasing that You would love to dwell among Your people!
Psalm 88	I Cry Out Day and Night Before You	LORD, every day my prayers are offered to You in adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, where I am calling to You for peace and right relationship with You. Please hear my prayers and answer me in Your abundant mercy and kindness.
Psalm 89	I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the LORD	LORD, how abundant are Your mercies and faithfulness as You are awesome and worthy of praise and exaltation. Your steadfast love for David and Your people proves to me Your faithfulness, and Your works of salvation give me hope.

Book Four

Chapter	Context	Response
Psalm 90	From Everlasting to Everlasting	LORD, the prayer of Your servant Moses is a delight as he is faithful and loyal to You and Your name. Let me bear the heart of Moses and the heart of David by what I learn in Your Word. You are generous and satisfying as I seek to know You through Your faithfulness to who You have appointed as leaders of Your people.
Psalm 91	My Refuge and My Fortress	LORD, the beauty of Your Word in this Psalm is unmatched by words uttered by human voice. For many years I have dwelled in Your Word, and by Your Spirit, I have been in Your keeping. I delight in Your dwelling places and where You would want me to be, where You would want me to go, and what You would want me to do. LORD, never let me forsake You and make Your keeping of my soul permanent as I seek You and abide in You.
Psalm 92	How Great Are Your Works	LORD, as I worship You and give offerings at Your church I attend, let this time and effort bear fruit as righteousness grows among members to glorify You.
Psalm 93	The LORD Reigns	LORD, as You reign in the hearts of Your people, let everyone see and understand how awesome and powerful You are. To see Your glory and holiness and proclaim Your goodness and trustworthy ways.
Psalm 94	The LORD Will Not Forsake His People	LORD, how long will You permit people to mock and profane Your Imago Dei in the name of modern “social justice”? Let Your justice and care for the impoverished, fatherless, abused, and oppressed grow in the hearts of Your people.
Psalm 95	Let Us Sing Songs of Praise	LORD, in joy, overflowing, I praise You and worship You. You are my peace and rest as I adore You because of who You are and by all Your wonderful attributes.
Psalm 96	Worship in the Splendor of Holiness	LORD, You reign over all the Earth, and You are worshiped by all Your people as creation testifies of Your goodness.
Psalm 97	The LORD’S Power and Dominion	LORD, I give thanks to Your holy name, and I rejoice in You. You are most high exalted over of creation and far above all elohim.
Psalm 98	Sing Praise to the King	LORD, Your judgments upon the nations are righteous, and Your steadfast love and faithfulness upon Your people bring praises to my lips. I rejoice in You by song and adoration as You are my everlasting confidence and peace.
Psalm 99	The LORD is Holy	LORD, You are holy, holy, holy as You are great and exalted above all Your creation and all nations!
Psalm 100	Give Thanks to the LORD	LORD, Your enduring love, which began from before Your creation, is steadfast and faithful.
Psalm 101	Remembering God’s Love	LORD, let Your people and appointed leaders be subject to Your wisdom according to Your truth and righteousness.
Psalm 102	A Prayer for Help	LORD, when I am in distress and circumstances seem hopeless, and without any viable way through hardship, You are there and bring me through. You are able to deliver Your people and Your creation through difficulties and disasters because You are God and in total control.
Psalm 103	Praise God, who Forgives	LORD bless You as your kingdom rules over all and as Your authority is set over all of the heavens and the Earth.
Psalm 104	Praise God, who Creates	LORD God, by Your will, You created everything, and by Your will, they are sustained. How incomprehensible are Your ways, and how marvelous are Your power and glory.
Psalm 105	Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance	LORD God, I thank You for Your faithfulness to Your covenant across all generations. Your covenant fulfilled through Jesus, where the new covenant of Your kingdom lives on for Your glory is my joy and delight.
Psalm 106	The Unfaithfulness of God’s People	LORD God, I thank You for Your faithfulness to Your covenant across all generations. Your covenant fulfilled through Jesus, where the new covenant of Your kingdom lives on for Your glory is my joy and delight.

Book Five

Chapter	Context	Response
Psalm 107	Let the Redeemed of the LORD Say So	LORD, Thank You for Your steadfast love as it is wonderous and everlasting. By Your steadfast love Your people are delivered.
Psalm 108	With God We Shall Do Valiantly	LORD as I praise and worship You, I am moved and heartened as I desire to obey You with all my mind, heart, and strength.
Psalm 109	Help Me, O LORD My God	LORD, please be merciful to me as I have sinned in attitude, thought, and mind against Your people who are willfully disobedient against Your word. Please forgive me as I work to live out the fruits of the Spirit in gentleness, kindness, and grace.
Psalm 110	Sit at My Right Hand	LORD Jesus, it is awesome to consider who You are and Your authority over all of creation. You are the eternal High Priest and King of kings as our Messianic mediator between God and humanity.
Psalm 111	Great Are the LORD’s Works	LORD, thank You that You have given us Your word to learn of who You are, what You have done and what You are doing.
Psalm 112	The Righteous Will Never Be Moved	LORD, while Your word says that perfect love casts out all fear, I am in awe of Your fearsome power, knowledge, and presence.
Psalm 113	Who Is like the LORD Our God?	LORD, let me be humbled to witness Your glory as Your power and work are revealed throughout creation.
Psalm 114	Tremble at the Presence of the Lord	LORD, just as You have delivered Your people from captivity thousands of years ago, please deliver Your people from indifference, corruption, and their own spiritual preferences against Your interests.
Psalm 115	To Your Name Give Glory	LORD, much of what is produced in Your church is about money and status, as compared to Your instructions and glory. My heart and mind rests in You and as You have given abundant grace to Your people, that is my desire, too.
Psalm 116	I Love the LORD	LORD, You are gracious and righteous, and my gratitude belongs to You for who You are and what You have done through Your Son and the work of creation.
Psalm 117	The LORD’s Faithfulness Endures Forever	LORD, as Your lovingkindness is great and Your truth is everlasting, let all the nations praise and exalt You above all else.
Psalm 118	His Steadfast Love Endures Forever	LORD, as isolation, rejection, and enmity of people in Your church become pressed against me, and one another, my confidence stands in You and Your word as an anchor.
Psalm 119	Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet	LORD, Your Word lights my path before me as Your truth and instructions are a delight to my soul. Your Word is pleasing, and the source of nourishment needed to glorify You and dwell in Your truth. By Your Spirit, teach me Your Word as it was originated and intended for Your purposes and good pleasure.
Psalm 120	Deliver Me, O LORD	LORD, I confess that at times my word is terse and abrasive from unwanted emotions or circumstances that have become contentious. Please help me to guard my tongue from deception and error where dishonor or indifference gets in between us, or those we love.
Psalm 121	My Help Comes from the LORD	LORD, I trust You to keep my heart and soul directed to Your ways and Your interests all my life.
Psalm 122	Let Us Go to the House of the LORD	LORD, let my worship be directed to You and just for what You have done for me. I want to be in worship where Your holiness and beauty is cherished and admired without sensational allure or mere emotional entanglement.
Psalm 123	Our Eyes Look to the LORD Our God	Non nisi te, Domine.
Psalm 124	Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD	LORD, I am susceptible to worldly influences that direct my attention away from the path of sanctification You have set before me. As you have directed my steps in life, I trust You to bring me to completion as Your workmanship.
Psalm 125	The LORD Surrounds His People	LORD, it is You alone I trust for my security and significance. It is not my desire to derive my sense of self-worth or value from anything other than who You say that I am. You are my prize and the treasure that I long to have. Please let Your Spirit keep my heart and mind directed toward You even in the face of towering obstacles.
Psalm 126	Restore Our Fortunes, O LORD	LORD, I am available for the work You see fit in which I could honor and serve You. Bring me to people and ministry that is for Your kingdom as suitable to Your interests.
Psalm 127	Unless the LORD Builds the House	LORD, You provide the resources necessary for Your people to dwell in You. As the birds of the air are cared for, and the lilies of the field are arrayed in beauty, warmth, and sunlight, You care for Your children because You love them.
Psalm 128	Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the LORD	LORD, the lived and labor of this household belongs to You, and it is my desire that we honor You in obedience and by the fruit of the Spirit.
Psalm 129	They Have Afflicted Me from My Youth	LORD, I respect, admire, support, and defend Your people of modern Israel as I love Your people of ancient times even during their times of tribulation and alienation.
Psalm 130	My Soul Waits for the Lord	LORD, I do hope in Your word and my soul waits for You to dwell in Your lovingkindness. Thank you for Your lovingkindness, forgiveness, and renewal that I could stand before You.
Psalm 131	I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul	LORD, how You guide me and where You take me is where I want to be. Even with persistent worldly pressures, and desires of the flesh, I will trust in You for my present and my future as You have guided me and kept my soul with You in the past.
Psalm 132	The LORD Has Chosen Zion	Father God, thank You for Your Son who makes it possible to love and honor You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Thank You for Your servant, David who You love, and for Your promises fulfilled down through the ages as You are faithful.
Psalm 133	When Brothers Dwell in Unity	LORD, You are the origin of unity in truth. In You there is peace through You where the unity of Your people is found by what we accept as truth in what we understand and conclude about how existence, creation, and social order really is.
Psalm 134	Come, Bless the LORD	LORD, as blessings come from You, we bless You by praising You. Your blessings are abundant and beyond measure, as You bring to Your people the capacity to receive and give due honor and praise to You for Your glory.
Psalm 135	Your Name, O LORD, Endures Forever	LORD, You provide all that we need as You are good and above all gods, all pleasures, and anything above creation itself. I treasure You for the good that You have done and Your Son for what He is doing.
Psalm 136	His Steadfast Love Endures Forever	LORD, for the numerous works You have done for Your people, Your presence and power are undeniable and praiseworthy.
Psalm 137	How Shall We Sing the LORD’s Song?	LORD, as You have permitted the captivity of Your people to Babylon, I am reminded of the times of spiritual exile I have endured over the course of life. Help me to learn from those seasons of dryness where I am fully confident in You and Your sovereignty.
Psalm 138	Give Thanks to the LORD	LORD God, I do not want to set anything before You or above You. LORD, transform my heart will full and lasting repentance and obedience where I am able to walk according to the Spirit, according to Your will.
Psalm 139	Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart	Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 140	Deliver Me, O LORD, from Evil Men	LORD, Your servant David serves as a model for me as praises and prayers are offered to You. When hardships from others are upon me, I will recount Your promises about maintaining my desire, will, and efforts to follow You and obey.
Psalm 141	Give Ear to My Voice	LORD, be merciful to me a sinner. The root of my unacceptable thoughts and words is my heart that needs regeneration and renewal. As I call out to You in repentance, please guard my heart that I would not think or speak in ways displeasing to You.
Psalm 142	You Are My Refuge	LORD, in our distress we reach out to You for mercy and deliverance. We at times become afraid because of what hardships and circumstances are upon us. We wish to avoid pain and suffering, and so we call to You even when our motives are not pure. Please be merciful to us who are unable to pray, praise, and petition correctly out of proper reasons to love and obey You.
Psalm 143	My Soul Thirsts for You	LORD, the urgency of restored fellowship with You by Your Spirit is heavy on the heart and mind as I reach out to You in prayer for cleansing, deliverance, and sanctification. Let my prayers be heard and answer them according to my plea, so that I would not ever offend You.
Psalm 144	My Rock and My Fortress	LORD, Your ever-present help is needed before, during, and after times of conflict with personal temptations, pressures, and interpersonal struggles. Let my voice be heard and anticipate what is needed for my continued and lasting work of devotion.
Psalm 145	Great Is the LORD	LORD, the best part of following You is Knowing You for who You are. You are my joy and my righteousness and my heart’s desire is to know You, LORD. I want to be found in You as I belong to You. You are my treasured possession, my peace, and I am nothing without You.
Psalm 146	Put Not Your Trust in Princes	LORD, it isn’t enough that my thoughts and words praise You and honor You. My desire is that my actions and conduct reflect Your grace and presence in my life. Let my life be a living sacrifice acceptable to You by what I do for those whom You love.
Psalm 147	He Heals the Brokenhearted	LORD, the power You have demonstrated since the beginning has been made evident by historical records from antiquity. Even today and until the new Heaven and Earth, You are at work to bring together Your interests and purposes for the nations and mankind.
Psalm 148	Praise the Name of the LORD	LORD, how wonderful is the splendor and magnificence of Your creative work. When I look to the mountains, I see You there. When I look to the stars and galaxies, I see You there. In my limited capacity to understand You and Your ways, I worship You.
Psalm 149	Sing to the LORD a New Song	LORD, as I sing and play my instruments of praise, may they be an acceptable offering to You. Bring to my heart more time and energy to commit the music I play in honor to You for worship and praise pleasing to You and Your people.
Psalm 150	Let Everything Praise the LORD	LORD God, may my offerings of praise, worship, confession, lament, and adoration be acceptable and pleasing to You. Let the accumulation of all my lifetime praises be as fruit that is well-pleasing and a blessing to You. I praise You and love You.

The Awakened Harp

By on in Theology

This week I finished reading “Awake O Harp” by William Varner. It is a devotional commentary on the Psalms and highly instructive about the meaning and application of the ancient songs and poetry of antiquity. The book offers numerous practical thoughts about what Psalms are about and how they practically apply to us today. From an exegetically valid method of interpretation, life principles for worship, and our everyday walk are offered to prayerfully think through and bring into continued focus. I’ve learned an immense wealth of useful knowledge from this time well-spent. The book covers all 150 Psalms along with various historical and literary detail that is topical exposure for additional study (e.g. Kidner Psalms Vols 1 & 2; Estes, Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms; IVP, Dictionary of the Old Testament Wisdom, Poetry & Writings). It is about 387-pages in length.

In poetic and unique literary form, the Psalms are for praise and worship meant for the accompaniment of music. It was written for ancient Israel as a collection of songs for praise in corporate worship in the temple and synagogues or personal worship as suitable. There are numerous principles at work within the book of Psalms. As a reader explores the content of the 150 chapters throughout the Old Testament text, there is a breadth and depth of meaning made evident as a unique form of genre pertaining to the value of Scripture. The Psalms appear within the New Testament further out in time from when they were individually authored eventually formed within codices down through the ages.

Scope

The Psalms are multigenerational. The Psalms span across generations from the time of Moses to down through the time of King David’s offspring and probably further out in time as numerous Psalm authorship is unknown. The genealogical reach and cultural context of the written work of Psalms are transferrable to all nationalities today who seek to praise and worship God in their native setting.

Formation

There are four types of parallelism that are within Psalms. They’re given technical names to describe the different types where it becomes easy to detect the type of poetic expression presented within a respective Psalm. Namely, these types are Synonymous, Antithetical, Synthetic, Emblematic, Formal, and Climactic Parallelism. These forms of poetry are distinct in their rhythm and formation of meaning to aid in memorization and evoke thought for contrast, reinforcement, polemics, and to drive a point home.

Structure

The structure of the various books, chapters, passages, and verses in Psalms correlate to the forms of poetic parallelism. Either as acrostics, inclusio, chiastic expressions of thought, or otherwise, each chapter is a free-standing self-evident way of worship and praise to glorify our beloved Most High. Each Psalm can be recited as a song to sing through corporate or personal worship, separate from the others without concern of contradiction or error.

Interpretation

There are various methods by which Psalms are read. They have interpretive value as a prophetic source of study, and they are thoroughly instructive for literary or grammatical understanding. They bear significant allegorical and historical weight for purposes of investigative research concerning matters of antiquity.

Authorship

While all Scripture is inspired by God, the authors of the Psalms span across numerous individuals. The perspective of individual contributions to Scripture often correlates to historical contexts that appear within Samuel, the Torah, and even the New Testament pertaining to Jesus’ life and mission. Reading these Psalms by the author given, if available, provides us an intertextual path to gain better depth about what principles apply to us today.

Theology

Generally speaking, the book of Psalms is not an extensive treatise of theological subject matter to derive a cross-section of Church doctrines. It is a compilation of relational theology between Israel and God, and for us today, between each other and before God as a matter of enduring principle.

Divisions

At a macro-level, the book of Psalms (aka the Psalter) is sub-partitioned as five separate books contained within it. Books 1 through 5 spanning through the Psalms provide to us a way of viewing and understanding Scripture as sections that correlate to the five books of the Torah. So, aside from any physical partitioning, the themes of each book offer a sectional perspective around Genesis (Book 1, Ps. 1-14), Exodus (Book 2, Ps. 42-72); Leviticus (Book 3, Ps. 73-89); Numbers (Book 4, Ps. 90-106); and Deuteronomy (Book 5, Ps. 107-150). If these divisional sections were ordered within an ancient Israelite hymnal, they might be grouped by each correlated theme. And therefore, of transferable for practical use toward worship, contemplation, benediction, or prayer today.

Prophecy

There are 23 messianic Psalms in the Old Testament written to produce prophesies up for fulfillment by the Son of God in due time. Looking back in time from what the New Testament authors wrote in the gospels, Acts, Hebrews, and Revelation, modern readers have a definitive way to validate the identity of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and Christ over all nations. As a way to worship God for the mission of Christ, soteriological value, and the redemptive work of Jesus, one only needs to look as far as the Psalms and corresponding fulfillment many generations later as recorded in the New Testament.

The Seeds of Adoration

By on in Theology

If in the event there are vacant thoughts about how to pray in adoration of YHWH, it is very useful to prepare for yourself a list of attributes supported by Scripture. Here is an example range of terms of adoration that are suggested to begin from. This is a listing I prepared years ago on a multicolor sheet for ease of recall. Speak these out, or dwell upon these in thought to reinforce your knowledge of wonderful God and who He is. — You might copy this list to gather ideas about what to exalt YHWH God about.

Terms of Meaning

Attribute	Attribute	Attribute	Attribute
1. Holy	21. Loving	41. Compassionate	61. Wise
2. Protective	22. Great	42. Refuge	62. Longsuffering
3. King of Kings	23. Everlasting	43. Servant	63. Sovereign
4. Jealous	24. Glorious	44. Righteous	64. Healing
5. Joyful	25. Praised	45. Patient	65. Searching
6. Persuing	26. Omnipresent	46. Understanding	66. Mindful
7. Merciful	27. Omniscient	47. Abundant	67. Immutable
8. Precious	28. Omnipotent	48. Revealing	68. Transcendent
9. Pleasing	29. Affectionate	49. Nourishing	69. Profound
10. Awesome	30. Zealous	50. Wrathful	70. Gentle
11. Sympathetic	31. Profound	51. Fortress	71. Pure
12. Majestic	32. Hope	52. Exalted	72. Counselor
13. Freeing	33. Life	53. Authoritative	73. Magnificient
14. Faithful	34. Almighty	54. The Way	74. Consuming
15. Truth	35. Comforting	55. Fearsome	75. Light
16. Refreshing	36. Royal	56. Just	76. Humble
17. Delightful	37. Reliable	57. Lord of Lords	77. Savior
18. Creator	38. Gracious	58. Serious	78. Mediator
19. Kind	39. Encouraging	59. Fatherly	79. Sacrifice
20. Considerate	40. Love	60. Ruler	80. Blameless

Themes of Psalms

Authors of Psalms

Divisions of Psalms

Categories of Hebrew Poetry

Rhythm of Thought – Types of Hebrew Parallelism

Rhythm of Sound – Types of Hebrew Poetry

Messianic Psalms

Interpretive History of Psalms

Ancient Development of Psalms

Psalm Order Formation by Intent

Psalm Order Formation by Type