Page 50 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

This would make Psalm 145 the conclusion of Book V. “My mouth will 1-2 Introduction
speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his only name for
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ever and ever (v. 21).” Psalm 41: 13 Praise be
to the LORD, the God of
Taking a step closer, we note the consistent use of Davidic psalms in Book I Israel, from everlasting
and II. Book II ends with a royal psalm (72) that goes far beyond what to everlasting. Amen
might be written about a mere human king like Solomon. “Endow the king and Amen.
with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness (v. 1).”
“May he endure as long as the sun (v. 5).” “May he rule from sea to sea (v. Psalm 72:19 Praise be
8).” “May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him (v. 11).” to his glorious name
forever, may the whole
Many translations title Psalm 72 “for Solomon.” Everywhere else in the earth be filled with his
Psalter this Hebrew construction is translated “by”. Solomon is the author glory. Amen and Amen.
and the Messiah King is the subject. Commentators try to make the song
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about both a human and a divine king, but the words are far more fitting Psalm 89: 52 Praise be
for the Messiah King. The links are many. For example, “Then all nations to the LORD forever!
will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed (v. 17)” is a Amen and Amen.
direct reference to the Messianic promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3.
Psalm 106: 48 Praise be
Book III ends with another royal psalm (89), speaking of the great to the LORD, the God of
covenant with David establishing his line forever (v. 4). Here too the words Israel, from everlasting
go beyond any human king. “He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my to everlasting. Let all
God, the Rock my Savior.’ And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the the people say, “Amen!”
most exalted of the kings of the earth (vv. 26-27).” The psalm is written at Praise the LORD.
a later time than that of David. The writer says of a day previous to his,
“Once you spoke in a vision… ‘I have found David my servant’ (vv. 19, 20).” Psalm 150: Let
Just as we would expect of psalms written by authors coming after David, everything that has
the time is a difficult one. “You have renounced the covenant with your breath praise the LORD.
servant and have defiled his crown in dust (v. 39).” Praise the LORD.

This concluding psalm speaks to the themes discussed in Book III as 146-150 Conclusion
writers struggle with the depth of conflict in their lives. “I envied the
arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (73:3).” “O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture (74:1)?” “O God, the nations have
invaded your inheritance (79:1).” “O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand
aloof, O God (83:1).” “Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy (86:1).” The writers are
struggling with God’s promise of the victory of his king at a time when the nations seem to be quite
successful in breaking God’s chains of sovereignty and throwing off Yahweh’s shackles of rule (Ps. 2:3).

Book IV is filled with reassuring songs. From the very first of Israel’s existence, Moses knew his sovereign
protection. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations (90:1).” We read
expression after expression of the greatness of God, the majesty of the great king. “The LORD reigns, he

80 I owe the observations on structure to David M. Howard, “Divine and Human Kingship” The Psalms, 197-207.
81 F. Delitzsch, Psalms (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975), v. 2, 304.
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