Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 112 serves as a celebration of the virtues and rewards of the righteous person who fears the Lord. The chapter begins with an emphatic call to praise the Lord, emphasizing the blessedness of those who deeply revere Him and take delight in His commandments. The psalmist highlights that the righteous individual's offspring will be strong and prosperous, indicating a generational blessing that stems from a life lived in accordance with God's ways. This theme of generational prosperity suggests that the righteous not only enjoy personal blessings but also contribute positively to their descendants. The text further illustrates the abundance experienced by the righteous, noting the presence of wealth and riches in their homes, which are accompanied by an enduring righteousness. This juxtaposition of material and spiritual wealth reinforces the idea that true prosperity is rooted in a life committed to God's principles. The psalm also introduces the concept of light amidst darkness, depicting the righteous as gracious, merciful, and just—traits that reflect the character of God and provide guidance in times of trouble. Moreover, the psalmist assures that the righteous individual will remain steadfast in the face of adversity, embodying a heart that trusts in the Lord. This unwavering faith results in a sense of security, allowing the righteous to confront challenges without fear. The imagery of the righteous person being unshakeable, even in the midst of bad news, serves to inspire confidence in their relationship with God. The psalm concludes by contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. While the righteous are honored and remembered, the wicked are portrayed as angry and ultimately doomed to perish. This stark contrast serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the transient nature of wickedness compared to the lasting legacy of righteousness. Overall, Psalm 112 encapsulates the blessings that come from a life devoted to God, reinforcing the importance of faith, generosity, and justice in the believer's life.