Psalms: Hymns About Him

Rev. Margaret Minnicks is an ordained Bible teacher. She writes many articles that are Bible lessons.

The Psalms

The Psalms are considered the most famous collection of religious poetry. The Psalms were meant to be sung.

The Psalms were a major part of Israel's worship. In our churches we sing a song here and a song there; however, Israel's worship was based on the singing of the Psalms throughout the worship service.

The Psalms are just as meaningful today as when they were first written. The Psalms are Hymns about Him. By reading them, you can find comfort about whatever concerns you.

Longest Book in the Bible

The longest book in the Bible is the Psalms with 150 chapters or a collection of 150 hymns and prayers which came together over a thousand year period written by several men known as psalmists. David wrote 73 of the psalms more than the other psalmists. Fifty of the psalms are anonymous.

Themes of the Psalms

There are many themes in the Psalms.

• praise
• thanksgiving
• public worship
• compassion
• anguish
• doubt
• longing
• repentance

Interesting Things About the Psalms

1. Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters.
2. Each psalm can be read independently. It doesn't depend on the preceding psalm and the psalm that follows for you to enjoy and be edified by the particular psalm you are reading.
3. Psalm 1 is the introductory psalm.
4. Psalm 150 is the concluding psalm.
5. The Psalms are divided into five books ending with a doxology.
6. Psalm 150 is a doxology ending all five books. A doxology is a short hymn of praise consisting of creation, praise, God, eternal language and ends in "Amen."
7. The word "selah" appears in some of the psalms and should not be read aloud in corporate worship.
8. The Psalms do not rhyme like in some songs or poems.
9. Psalms 146-150 are called Hallelujah or Praise Psalms because the first and last line of each psalm is "Praise ye the Lord."
10. Many psalms address particular concerns.

Psalms to Read For Special Needs

• A Sheep's Testimony in Psalm 23
  Almost everyone knows Psalm 23. Even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favorite at their funerals. But its not a psalm of death, but of life, rest and peace. It is a psalm that heals,...
• What Does Being Under The Shadow of the Almighty Mean in Psalm 91?
  PSALM 91 is one of trust and confidence in God. Some people say Psalm 91 is the Christians Emergency Psalm. Well, it could be. But it is not for everyone. It is the Christian Emergency Psalm only for the...

Comments

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

Treasuresofheaven, there is no wonder we are kindred spirits because those are my favorite scriptures from the Psalms as well.

Thanks for sharing what your favorite Psalms are.

Sima Ballinger from Michigan on March 14, 2011:

Psalms is usually the first scripture I read in mornings - I love reading Psalms: 1, 23, 34, 91, 37, etc...

Thanks for all the stats.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

Betty, thanks for sharing your experience about praying Psalm 91 over your close friend. I am glad he's alive today to be a witness to the power of prayer.

Betty Johansen on March 14, 2011:

Psalms must surely be one of the favorite books in the Bible. Reading some of the praise/worship psalms is one of the most effective pick-me-ups I know of.

Operation Desert Storm was the first war I experienced where I actually had a close friend involved in combat. I prayed Psalm 91 over him daily. Today he's still alive, still a Marine, and still a proud American.

Thanks for this informative hub about one of the most versatile, exciting books in the Bible.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

Cheryl, thanks for reading this article about the Psalms and for responding.

Cheryl J. from Houston, TX on March 14, 2011:

Thanks for enlightening my world with David's beautiful Psalms. A great hub.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

Dave, thanks for reading and responding.

Dave Mathews from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA on March 14, 2011:

revmjm: I have always found great peace reading the Psalms. Tahk you for your invite back to them.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

Tamarajo, I also wish we would sing more of the Psalms in worship.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

Tamarajo, I also wish we would sing more of the Psalms in worship.

Tamarajo on March 14, 2011:

I wish we sang more Psalms in worship. Nothing more powerful and moving than singing His Word.

I enjoyed the Trivia section as well.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 14, 2011:

capncrunch, I am glad you like the numbers connected with the Psalms. Have you check out my numbers articles? I explained what each number means in the Bible from 1-144,000. Here is the link to the first of the articles and it will direct you to the other articles.

https://hubpages.com/hub/Biblical-Numbers-And-Thei...

capncrunch from New Orleans on March 13, 2011:

Very nice. I love how the numbers are connected with each other. Thank you for that insight.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 13, 2011:

RevLady, thanks for reading and commenting on my presentation about the Psalms.

RevLady from Lantana, Florida on March 13, 2011:

Who cannot love the Psalm. It is the soul cry, love and joy of every man in every age to the God of the Ages.

Nice presentation!

Forever His

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 13, 2011:

FaithDream: Yes, we do inspire each other. I'll be around for a long time. I have plenty more to share!

FaithDream from (Midwest) USA on March 13, 2011:

Yes please keep writing rev. You are my sister here and I'm blessed because of your light. We inspire each other. :)

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 13, 2011:

FaithDream: You say such kind words that help me stay motivated to continue writing. I love the Psalms. My first sermon was based on Psalm 23. I teach a course about the Psalms. I tell my students that when they don't know what to read in the Bible to default to the Psalms.

FaithDream from (Midwest) USA on March 13, 2011:

Revmjm your articles are always inspiring and informative. I learn a little more with each read. Before my sister in law passed away, I would read the Psalms to her almost nightly. It brought her peace.

They are beautiful and have helped me at times as well.

Thanks for sharing these with us.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 13, 2011:

Lady_E, thanks for reading and responding to my article about the Psalms. I call them HYMNS ABOUT HIM because they all focus on God, and there is a Psalm to fit every need as you have stated.

Elena from London, UK on March 13, 2011:

Beautiful read - I love the Psalms. One can use them for thanksgiving, prayers or even encouragement. I have so many favourites and memorise the verses.

Thanks for this.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 13, 2011:

stessily, you seem to know a lot about the Psalms. Psalm 23 is my favorite even though I love a lot of the psalms. I love Psalm 8 as well. I think most people have a favorite that has provided comfort to them in times of trouble.

stessily on March 13, 2011:

Thank you for writing about this much treasured book in the Bible that pertains to every aspect of life. The timeless wisdom of this book is evinced by its applicability across time and space. The Book of Psalms is a source of comfort and inspiration for me, as well as for many, many others --- yesterday, today, tomorrow. I treasure Psalm 23 as my lifelong companion, but one that I have come to appreciate so much lately is Psalm 8; after my mother passed away, my sister found that it was one of the psalms bookmarked in my mother's Bible. This hub is truly a special treat.

Margaret Minnicks (author) from Richmond, VA on March 13, 2011:

Michael, thanks for your rapid response. That hub was hot off the press when your comment came in. And yes, the Psalms are a great comfort in the times of need.

Isaiah Michael from Wherever God leads us. on March 13, 2011:

And what a comfort in times of trouble it is!