Background
Some Bible teachers believe that Psalms 46, 47, and 48 were written by King Hezekiah regarding the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib (II Kings 18:13—19:37; II Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 36:1—37:38). Some references relate to specific aspects of Jerusalem and its environs, as well as to conditions in a siege.
Background
Some Bible teachers believe that Psalms 46, 47, and 48 were written by King Hezekiah regarding the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib (II Kings 18:13—19:37; II Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 36:1—37:38). Some references relate to specific aspects of Jerusalem and its environs, as well as to conditions in a siege.
Background
This Psalm has the title “A Song of loves.” It includes a section on the king (verses 2-8) and a section on the queen (verses 9-16). Some think it refers to Hezekiah and his wife Hephzi-bah (II Kings 21:1; Isaiah 62:4). Yet Isaiah 62 is full of references to the coming Messiah who fulfills that “salvation cometh” for the “redeemed of the Lord” (Isaiah 62:11,12).
Background
This Psalm opens with three verses referring to God helping Moses and the children of Israel in times past, in accordance with Exodus theme. The next verse states that God is still King and a deliverer. Then the verse after that says that God will help in the future.
The Psalm includes a title “for the sons of Korah.” Regarding the sons of Korah, I Chronicles 9:19 says: “And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the Lord, were keepers of the entry.” They were responsible for service in the tabernacle and later the Temple.
The Psalm includes a postscript “Shoshannim.” This word means “lilies” can refer to springtime and the Passover Feast.
Background
This Psalm is tied together with Psalm 42, for it has no title of its own. This unity can be seen in that a chorus occurs in the middle and end of Psalm 42 and at the end of Psalm 43. This chorus includes: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.”
Background
This Psalm opens the second or “Exodus” book in the Psalms (Psalms 42-72), and is tied together with Psalm 43 (which has no title of its own). This unity can be seen in that a chorus occurs in the middle and end of Psalm 42 and at the end of Psalm 43. The chorus includes: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.”
Background
Like Psalms 38 and 39 and 40, this shows the sufferings the Messiah would endure and overcome so that he could reign as King. Psalm 41 shows Messiah’s trust in God despite the betrayal of intimate friends. It closes with Messiah’s integrity and his future place seated at God’s right hand forever. This Psalm is also the conclusion of the first or “Genesis” book in the Psalms, having a benediction and double “Amen.”
Background
Like Psalms 38 and 39, this shows the sufferings the Messiah would endure and overcome so that he could reign as King. Psalm 40 shows man’s need for God’s help and the salvation that He gives through the Messiah.
Background
Like Psalm 38, this shows the sufferings the Messiah would endure and overcome so that he could reign as King. Psalm 39 shows man’s need for God’s help.
This Psalms is separated into three sections by the Hebrew term “Selah,” which means to pause. Some Bible teachers say this connected the truths that come before and after the term.
Background
This Psalm shows in great detail the enemies and evil that Messiah would face, as evidenced in the life of his ancestor David. These words are not all directly the Messiah’s (verse 18: “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin”) for he was sinless. The Psalm closes with a plea for God’s salvation. That prayer was answered in the life of Jesus Christ.