The Psalms, the 19th Book of Old Testament Scriptures, is of special significance. Thirty-nine books make up the Old Testament, and the Psalms falls in the center. A psalm is a sacred poem or song used in Christian and Jewish worship. The book of Psalms is also called the Psalter.
With 150 chapters, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. The 117th Psalm is the shortest Psalm and also the shortest chapter in the Bible; consisting of only two short verses, The theme is universal praise of God Almighty.
Many of the 150 chapters of the Psalms were written as hymns to be sung at worship services. Most of the Psalms are attributed to King David of Israel. Other writers include King Solomon, the sons of Korah, Asaph, and Moses.
Generally, the Psalms have brought joy, hope, strength and inspiration to Christians and non-christians around the world. There is the ever-popular 23rd Psalm by David that is well-known for its comfort to the bereaved.
David also refers to the LORD as his Shepherd who leads, guides, protects, and blesses him. In conclusion, David confidently writes: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6).
Five “books” make up the the book of Psalms. Book 1 consists of chapters 1-41. Book 2 consists of chapters 42-72. Book 3 consists of chapters 73-89. Book 4 consists of chapters 90-106. Book 5 consists of chapters 107-150.
Martin Luther called the Psalms “the Little Bible.” Luther was right because the 119th chapter is all about God’s Word.
Psalms 22, 23, and 24 form a trilogy. In Psalm 22, the Lord Jesus Christ is the good Shepherd. He says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). In Psalm 23, Christ is the great Shepherd. God “who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant” (Hebrews 13:20). And in Psalm 24, Christ is the chief Shepherd. “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4).”
The 119th Psalm occupies a unique place in the Scriptures. It is placed exactly in the center of the Old Testament books. The theme is devotion to God and His Holy Word. This Psalm begins: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!” (v. 1). Blessed here means happy.
A happy person is one whose lifestyle is in accordance with the Scriptures. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Psalm 119 is also evenly divided into twenty-two sections with 8 verses in each section), and corresponds to the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
This Psalm puts great emphasis on the Word of God, which is designated as law, word, ordinances, commandments, precepts, testimonies, statutes, and judgments. The writer says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (v.11). And again, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v. 105).
C.I. Scofield said: “This Psalm, born of love for the law of God, extols the beauties and excellencies of the written Word of God in a way found nowhere else in the Bible.”
Psalms 146 through150 begin and end with: “Praise the LORD.” How fitting that the psalter ends with the summation of God’s praise. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD” (v. 6).
The 150th Psalm is the doxology for the psalter and a gradually increasing sound of the musical instruments.
Praise the LORD! Praise God in the sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything had has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
In his commentary on Psalm 150, William MacDonald writes: “Psalm 150: Praise the LORD! We have reached the grand finale. And what could be more appropriate than to find a short, pointed appeal for creation to find its true destiny in the worship of God? The Psalm answers four key questions on the subject of praise: Where, What, How, and Who” (Believer’s Bible Commentary p. 782 Thomas Nelson Publishers).
May the Lord our God guide and inspire us to love and appreciate His Holy Word.