The Book of Psalms, is one of the valued books all the books in the Old Testament, It is a collection of poems, hymns, and prayers and convey the spiritual feeling of the Jews, at that time. The Book of Psalms adds to the insight regarding the religious life Israel in ancient times along with the prophets. The inner beauty of the human heart is expressed in terms of hope, love, sorrow, faith, doubts and trust.
Unlike the books of Prophets, where it is possible to figure out approximately the time periods and historical background (in some cases with great accuracy too), the book Psalms are not datable easily. They seem to reflect the inner thoughts of the individual people; their emotional reaction to particular circumstances – and their feelings were not alike. This book seems to represent ebb and flow of the spiritual life during the critical situations that developed throughout the entire history of Israel. …show more content…
In its present form, the book is divided into five sections: Psalms 1–41; Psalms 42–72; Psalms 73–89; Psalms 90–106; and Psalms 107–150.
The psalms were used in connection with worship services conducted in the Temple at Jerusalem. The Jews were required to annually attend services at the central sanctuary and these psalms were sung on their pilgrimage. Some of the hymns were responsorial (antiphonal) and formed an essential part of the worship service. Hymns and prayers of adoration were used on appropriate occasions, like the New Year. Some were songs of praise, some were songs of thanksgiving
Many different themes are treated in the Book of Psalms. For example,
Psalm 30: Focussed on the dedication of the temple site
Psalm 22: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" melancholic cry of espair
Psalms 42 and 43: Sadness and discouragement upon captivity by a foreign power
Psalm 146- Yahweh's love for the poor and the
Unlike the books of Prophets, where it is possible to figure out approximately the time periods and historical background (in some cases with great accuracy too), the book Psalms are not datable easily. They seem to reflect the inner thoughts of the individual people; their emotional reaction to particular circumstances – and their feelings were not alike. This book seems to represent ebb and flow of the spiritual life during the critical situations that developed throughout the entire history of Israel. …show more content…
In its present form, the book is divided into five sections: Psalms 1–41; Psalms 42–72; Psalms 73–89; Psalms 90–106; and Psalms 107–150.
The psalms were used in connection with worship services conducted in the Temple at Jerusalem. The Jews were required to annually attend services at the central sanctuary and these psalms were sung on their pilgrimage. Some of the hymns were responsorial (antiphonal) and formed an essential part of the worship service. Hymns and prayers of adoration were used on appropriate occasions, like the New Year. Some were songs of praise, some were songs of thanksgiving
Many different themes are treated in the Book of Psalms. For example,
Psalm 30: Focussed on the dedication of the temple site
Psalm 22: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" melancholic cry of espair
Psalms 42 and 43: Sadness and discouragement upon captivity by a foreign power
Psalm 146- Yahweh's love for the poor and the