It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
Psalm 92:1-4 (ESV)
Welcome to the beginning of an exciting new series! In this series, we will be delving into the profound beauty of Psalm 1. However, before we delve into its intricate details, let’s take a moment to understand the Psalms as a whole.
What are Psalms?
Have you ever heard the term “Psalms” outside the context of the Bible? Have you ever considered this term outside of its biblical context? The English name “Psalms” originates from the Greek word “psalmoi,” which translates the Hebrew word “mizmor” (as seen in the title of Psalm 23 among others). “Psalmoi” derives from “psalmos,” which means “to pluck” or “to twang.” This word likely described the playing of stringed instruments, such as the harp, which accompanied the singing of the Psalms.
Singing the Psalms
How often do you think of the Psalms being sung with instruments? Some Psalms, like Psalms 4 and 6, mention their accompaniment with stringed instruments, while Psalm 5 suggests the use of flutes. Furthermore, some Psalms are intended to be sung to the tune of other songs, as indicated by phrases like “according to The Doe of the Dawn” in Psalm 22 or “according to Lilies” in Psalm 45.
Singing Praises
Interestingly, however, the Hebrew name for the book is not “Mizmor“, but rather “Tehilim,” which means “Praises.” This name derives from the verb halal, which you might recognize from the Englishized word “Hallelujah,” meaning “praise the LORD” in Hebrew.
As you flip through the pages of the book of Psalms, you will encounter a diverse range of content. Some Psalms are dedicated to joyfully praising God, while others express deep anguish and cry out to God for deliverance. Even in the midst of despair, the Psalms remind us to maintain our hope in God and continue praising Him (Psalm 42:11).
The First Psalm
The book of Psalms commences with a simple yet profound poem that draws a stark contrast between those who follow the Lord and those who reject his ways. The Psalmist likens them to two plants, one firmly rooted and the other tossed about by the wind.
At first glance, this beloved poem appears straightforward and easy to understand. However, a closer examination of its original context unveils a tapestry of vivid imagery. What did the original writer and listeners perceive? How can this understanding assist us in our pursuit of the Lord and the best life he designed for us? Psalm 1 sets the stage for all the subsequent Psalms. Have you ever wondered why the Psalms are arranged in the specific order we have them?
To Ponder…
Before we embark on our exploration of Psalm 1, take a moment and ponder a few questions. How well-acquainted are you with the Psalms? Can you recall any modern praise songs that derive inspiration from the Psalms? Have you ever utilized a Psalm as a personal prayer or song? Can you imagine the beauty of singing the Psalms with musical accompaniment?
Join us on this journey as we delve into the richness of Psalm 1, unravel its vibrant imagery, and discover its timeless relevance.
