HISTORICAL CONTEXT Psalms in Hebrew; “Book of praises or praise songs.” Psalms is the longest book in the Bible. Psalms contains the shortest (117) and longest (119) chapters in the Bible. Psalms cover a period of about 1000 years. Jesus quotes from the Psalms 11 times, more than any other single book in the O.T. The word “selah” appears 71 times. Meaning; “stop, consider, ponder, think.” STRUCTURE Psalms has over 7 different authors or writers. PSALMS AND THE BOOKS OF THE LAW Book 1 (Psalms 1-41) - Songs of relationship = Genesis Book 2 (Psalms 42-72)- Songs of redemption = Exodus Book 3 (Psalms 73-89)- Songs of refuge = Leviticus Book 4 (Psalms 90-106)- Songs of consequences = Numbers Book 5 (Psalms 107-150)- Songs of praise = Deuteronomy The Psalms are not meant to be analyzed. They are meant to be FELT. KEY PSALMS Psalm 1 Psalm 23 Psalm 32 & 51 (companions) Psalm 73 Psalm 119 Psalm 150 A PSALM FOR EVERY MOOD SWING When you are afraid: 3, 4, 27, 46, 56, 91, 118 Lonely: 9, 10, 68 Depressed: 27, 34, 42, 43, 88, 143 Impatient and frustrated: 13, 27, 37, 40 When you feel exhausted or burned out: 6, 13, 18, 28, 29, 40 When dealing with strained relationships: 3, 25, 35, 40, 41, 43, 56, 59 Dealing with trials: 23, 34, 55, 86, 102, 142, 145 Financial stress: 15, 16, 17 When you need wisdom: 1, 16, 19, 64, 111 Discouraged: 5,13,42 Joy: 4, 16, 47, 63, 66, 96, 118 Gratitude: 34, 86, 89, 92, 95, 100, 103