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“ The Story in the Psalms”
Categories: Magnify the Lord!(by Andrew Dow)
When we study the Psalms, we often read them in isolation. For instance, we might reflect on Psalm 23 or Psalm 51, but we rarely (if ever) pause to consider how they might connect to the surrounding poems. While each Psalm has value on its own, the book of Psalms is more than a collection of isolated poems. The Psalms were deliberately compiled and organized to tell a cohesive story.
The book of Psalms is not random. It is a collection that has clearly been ordered and designed. For instance, did you know that the book of Psalms is subdivided into five “books”? Check your Bible at Psalms 1, 42, 73, 90, and 107 and you’ll find that each of these begin a new “book” within the collection of Psalms. Another feature that demonstrate order and design is found in Psalm 72:20, “The prayers of David ... are ended.” This is a strange editor’s note since more prayers of David will be recorded later in the book. There is clearly something more going on here than simple, random chance. The book of Psalms is meaningfully ordered. But how can we begin to identify and extrapolate meaning from this structure?
We need to begin with Psalms 1 and 2. The first two psalms serve as the book’s prologue, introducing its main themes. These Psalms are often read separately but were likely meant to be read together. The idea of “blessing” is used as bookends to tie these poems together (1:1; 2:12). Additionally, the word translated “meditate” in Psalm 1:2 and “devise” in Psalm 2:1 is the same in Hebrew, further connecting these passages. Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing devotion to God’s law. Psalm 2 introduces the promised King, set by God on Zion. Together, they encapsulate the book’s overarching themes: devotion to God and hope in His anointed King. For the original readers—returning from Babylonian exile—these first two psalms set the tone. They encourage faithfulness to God’s law and anticipation of the Messiah, reminding them of David’s legacy and God’s promises. I’d like to suggest that the book of Psalms tells a sort of story that points God’s people to worship and praise His true King.
Book 1: David’s Reliance on God. The first section of Psalms (1–41) explores David’s reliance on God. Psalm 2:6 declared, “I have installed My King on Zion,” yet this promise appears unfulfilled as we see David’s struggles. Peruse these first few Psalms and you’ll be struck by how weak, war-torn, and needy the king is. Though David consistently relies on God, the initial depiction of Israel’s greatest king would surely deflate any hope they had. Book 1 concludes with praise, as David acknowledges God’s faithfulness in delivering him time and again. This section highlights both David’s reliance on God and his limitations as a king.
Book 2: The Glory of King David. The second section (42–72) shifts perspective. Many of the psalms here are attributed to the sons of Korah and provide a third-party view of David’s reign (as opposed to the first book which was largely written by king David himself). From the perspective of an outsider looking in, these Psalms celebrate the king and the nation’s attempts to follow God’s law. However, David’s imperfections resurface. Psalm 51, written after his sin with Bathsheba, serves as a stark reminder of his humanity. David’s prayers for God’s care and forgiveness continue, emphasizing his reliance on divine grace.
The “book” ends with Psalm 72 which is attributed to Solomon. Solomon, David’s son, seeks God’s wisdom and justice, offering hope that he might fulfill the promise of Psalm 2:6. Yet, the editorial note in 72:20 signals a transition: David’s prominence in the story is waning, and neither he nor Solomon will fully meets the expectations of God’s anointed king.
Book 3: David’s Rejected Kingship. The third book (73–89) begins with a troubling question: “Why do the wicked prosper?” (Psalm 73:1–4). This question reflects disillusionment, as the king fails to uphold justice. Psalms 74 and 89 lament the apparent failure of God’s promises to David. Yet, Psalm 74:12 affirms, “God is my King from long ago.” This shift in focus from earthly kings to God as King is significant. While David and Solomon’s reigns fell short, the Psalms remind readers that God’s sovereignty endures. Psalm 89 ends with a plea: “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (89:46). The tension between God’s promises and Israel’s reality deepens.
Book 4: Yahweh’s Reign. The fourth Book (90–106) responds to the questions raised in Book 3 by emphasizing God’s eternal kingship. This section begins with Psalm 90, attributed to Moses. As the mediator of God’s covenant, Moses’ prayer reminds readers of God’s faithfulness through generations. Psalms in this section declare, “The Lord reigns!” (e.g., 93, 97, 99). They affirm that God, not any earthly king, is the ultimate ruler. Psalm 103:19 proclaims, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” These Psalms assure readers that God’s promises have not failed. Even when human kings falter, Yahweh remains sovereign.
Book 5: Unending Praise for Yahweh. The final section (107–150) focuses on thanksgiving and praise. Psalms recount God’s love, care, and faithfulness. David reappears prominently (e.g., 138–145), not as the ultimate king, but as one who praises the true King of kings. The book concludes with a crescendo of praise. Psalms 146–150 form a climactic doxology, repeatedly urging, “Praise the Lord!” These Psalms call all creation to worship the eternal King, affirming that God’s promises are fulfilled in His reign.
The book of Psalms is more than a collection of poems. It tells a story of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. While David and Solomon fell short as earthly kings, the Psalms redirect our focus to Yahweh, the true King of kings. This collection not only provides the words to praise God but also reveals WHY He is worthy of praise. God has crowned His King—let us remain faithful and join the chorus: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
