Psalms

Speaker: Elaine Scott
Length: 4 Parts

The book of Psalms was an integral part of Israel's culture. They read psalms, sang them, and used them as prayers in every season of life. Written over the course of 1,000 years, the Psalms help us understand the relationship between God and the Israelites. And like any relationship, there are highs, lows, and messy places in between.

But the Psalms can be difficult to understand, and, therefore, hard to know how to apply them to our lives. Through learning the context and studying different kinds of psalms, we, too, can experience the richness of what these ancient poems and prayers still offer to followers of Christ.

Part 1: Introduction and Psalms of Remembrance

The book of Psalms can be difficult for us to understand, and, therefore, hard to know how to apply to our lives. Through learning the context and studying different kinds of psalms, we, too, can experience the richness of what these ancient poems and prayers offer to followers of Christ.

Part 2: Kingship and Wisdom Psalms

In this session, we will learn about two types of psalms that build the framework for the entire collection. The Kingship Psalms honor and celebrate both God as a divine king and Israel’s earthly king. The Wisdom Psalms help us understand how to live well in God’s kingdom.

Part 3: Confidence and Lament Psalms

In this session, we will learn about psalms that represent two distinct places we encounter in the ups and downs of life. The Confidence genre includes psalms filled with an unshakable, unwavering trust in God. The Lament genre includes psalms of brutal honesty about the difficulties and disappointments of life in a fallen world.

Part 4: Thanksgiving and Hymn Psalms

In this session, we will learn about the final two genres of psalms: Thanksgiving and Hymn. The Thanksgiving Psalms were written in response to an answered lament. The Hymn Psalms were written to celebrate and praise God.