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 70 is a brief yet poignant prayer attributed to David, expressing a desperate need for God's immediate help in the midst of distress. This psalm is categorized as a 'psalm of lament,' where the psalmist openly communicates his anguish and pleads for divine intervention. The urgency is palpable in the repeated requests for God to 'make haste' to deliver him, highlighting David's dire situation. The text calls for the judgment of those who seek his life, drawing a clear line between the righteous and the wicked. David's appeal emphasizes the shame and confusion that should befall his enemies, reflecting a deep desire for justice and vindication. In contrast to his adversaries, David simultaneously expresses a longing for communal joy among those who seek and love God. He envisions a response of rejoicing and gladness from the faithful, illustrating the interconnectedness of personal distress and communal worship. The psalm concludes with a stark reminder of David's vulnerable state, as he identifies himself as 'poor and needy.' Despite his circumstances, he affirms that God is his help and deliverer, a declaration of faith amidst turmoil. This psalm serves as both a personal cry for assistance and a communal call to praise, encapsulating the duality of lament and worship. Ultimately, Psalm 70 is a powerful testament to the human experience of suffering and the hope that lies in divine rescue. It invites readers to reflect on their own struggles and the importance of turning to God in times of need, reinforcing the belief in His greatness and faithfulness to deliver those who earnestly seek Him.