The Songs of Israel
Introduction
The psalms of Israel, the expression of Hebrew spirituality, can be classified into several different types. Some of these very clearly fall into one category, while others prove to be more complex and often need to be put into several categories according to divisions of thought within the psalm itself. Still others are classified differently, because they are seen differently through the eyes of different people.
Although David wrote a great proportion of the psalms, several other inspired men of Yahweh also had a part in composing the book of psalms (Hebrew-Tehillim)(1),
the songs of Israel. By using examples from the Scriptures, I’ll show in this article the many varied types of psalms. We will be able to see how these psalms were used by ancient Israel, and often for what occasion they were used, and even why they were written. By examining these songs and poetry written by Yahweh’s inspired prophets, we can gain a better insight into ancient Israel and learn to more completely understand how these prophets thought, thereby learning to gain a better understanding of the Bible as a whole.
The Messianic Psalms
One of the most inspiring types of all the psalms are those that apply to the Messiah. What classifies a psalm as messianic? Firstly, we find it talks of a king or other royal person. Many even apply to David himself. Secondly, its central thrust often concerns a future anointed king ruling the earth. If we consider David’s life we see in many respects he was a type of the Messiah. He not only united Israel in their worship of Almighty Yahweh, but exercised authority over neighboring nations just as Yahshua will do at his second coming. He’ll be coming as a ruling king, establishing Yahweh’s righteous government on this earth. Now that we have established the composition of a messianic psalm, we will look at two examples that fall into this category.
Psalm 2
Probably one of the most prominent and best known of the messianic psalms is Psalm two. From verses six and seven we can clearly see this is a reference to a future Messiah(2), “Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, You are my son; this day have I begotten you.” The use of the word “son” leaves us with a clear view as to whom the writer is speaking.(3) Also the use of the term “anointed” in verse two of this psalm should clue us in on the thoughts of the author.
Further on in verse eight we can see that the one the psalm was written about would rule all nations. Only Yahshua the Messiah when he returns to earth will be given this honor of total dominion from Almighty Yahweh, as no other king of Israel has ever had bestowed upon him. Psalm two clearly has all the aspects of a messianic psalm. It speaks of a royal person and a future ruling king. It is a prophecy we will yet see fulfilled.
Psalm 110
Another clear example of a messianic psalm is Psalm 110. From the beginning to the end of this chapter, the inference to the Messiah is apparent. David writes the following words in verse 1, “Yahweh says to my sovereign, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Clearly this verse could not refer to David himself since he is the writer and calls someone else his sovereign or superior, his “adon” in Hebrew. He is not referring to the Father Yahweh either, since he addresses Him by name in this same verse.(4)
So David is speaking of someone he considers his superior, yet not Yahweh Himself. The likely reference then, is that of a future Messiah, the son of Yahweh, who David already realized existed as Yahweh’s spokesman. In verse four we read, “...You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Reference is made to this in the New Testament book of Hebrews in 5:6 and 7:17. (5) In these verses in Hebrews the writer is referring to Yahshua the Messiah. It is now easy to see Psalm 110 is a messianic song of David. It qualifies both by making reference to a royal person and by talking of a future Messiah.
Praise to Yahweh
The core of the psalms of Israel is encapsulated in one word – praise. Praise to Almighty Yahweh for His wondrous deeds and works can be found throughout a majority of Israel’s songs. These psalms often begin with words or phrases, such as Halleluyah, sing, give praise, bless, give thanks, or singularly, I will sing. Israel had much to be thankful for. As long as they were faithful, Yahweh bestowed abundant blessings upon them. The writers of these psalms of praise beautifully expressed this joy and happiness. Let’s examine several of these expressions of praise to Yahweh and find out the reason they were written.
Psalm 96
“Oh sing to Yahweh a new song: sing to Yahweh all the earth. Sing to Yahweh, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all elohim. For all the elohim of the peoples are idols; but Yahweh made the heavens.” Psalm 96:1-5.
Throughout these first five verses of Psalm 96 various words of praise are used. In verses one and two we read, “sing to Yahweh”. In verse three the phrase “declare his glory” is used. Finally in verse four we see, “great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised”. All through the remainder of Psalm 96 several different words and thoughts of praise are given. It is inspiring to read a passage such as this where we can see the psalmist overflowed with joy as he wrote this praise to Almighty Yahweh.
Psalm 105
Often songs of praise to Yahweh begin first with thanksgiving. “Oh give thanks to Yahweh, call upon his name; make known among the peoples his doings. Sing to him, sing praises to him; talk of all his marvelous works. Glory in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek Yahweh.” Psalm 105:1-3.
This psalm begins as a song of thanksgiving to Yahweh and then progresses to a song of praise. The Hebrew psalmists were very passionate for their creator. The heartfelt expression comes through in these first three verses. As we read further into this chapter we see the psalmist was expressing his praise for the tremendous works Yahweh had performed in dealing with the patriarchs of old. (6) At the very end of this chapter in verse forty five the entire psalm is boiled down to the central thought as it ends with “Halleluyah”. Of course halleluyah is the Hebrew phrase “praise Yah”. It is actually an imperative phrase in Hebrew. The reader(listener) is being commanded to praise Yahweh for all of the awesome things He has done throughout Israel’s history, and continues to do for us.
Isaiah Gives Praise to Yahweh
Not only in the book of Psalms can we find praises to Yahweh, but also at various times Yahweh’s prophets wrote and sang praises to Him for a special blessing He had given to them. “Sing, O you heavens, for Yahweh has done it; shout, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it: for Yahweh has redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel.” Isaiah 44:23.
The prophet Isaiah was giving praises to Yahweh for the redemption of Israel. (7) We can find many instances in the writings of the prophets of Israel, short passages such as this which give praise to Yahweh for a specific act or manifestation of His awesome power. The use of the words “sing” and “shout” in this verse clearly show us Isaiah’s intent was to praise Yahweh for the blessing He had given Israel by this great redemptive act.
From these previous examples we have now seen several different types of psalms of praise to the Father. They all contain key words which begin a phrase or sentence of praise or thanksgiving. Such words as sing, praise, bless, and especially halleluyah, show us the overflowing joy in the writers’ hearts as they wrote these songs proclaiming and praising the works and the name of Yahweh Elohim.
The Lamentations of Israel
In times of trouble or despair Israel called upon Yahweh for deliverance from their oppression or oppressors. These cries for help can be found throughout the book of Psalms, as well as other places in the Scriptures. Lamentations often took the form of last minute appeals to Yahweh at the darkest hour, when Israel was at their lowest and finally realized they needed Him just for their survival. Again I will examine a couple of these psalms to show why they were written and for what occasion.
Lamentations of Jeremiah
The fifth chapter of the book of Lamentations is a perfect example of a community lament. Although there is some speculation as to the writer of the book of Lamentations, it is almost certain from style, and verification by ancient sources, that it was the prophet Jeremiah. (8) “Why did you forget us forever, and forsake us so long time? Turn us to you, O Yahweh, and we shall be turned; Renew our days as of old. But you have utterly rejected us; you are very angry against us.” Lamentations 5:20-22.
From this short passage of Lamentations we can sense the deep depression of the writer as he speaks for Israel. He feels Yahweh has completely and utterly rejected them. This entire chapter speaks of the severe oppression the Israelites are experiencing. Jeremiah feels Israel is deserted and alone and Yahweh will not heed their call to Him. This is his final prayer to Yahweh before giving up hope. (9)
Psalm 44
Another example of a psalm of community lament of Israel may be found in the latter part of Psalm 44. From verse nine down through the rest of the chapter, the writer is crying to Yahweh for help and deliverance. (10) In the first eight verses of this chapter, written by the sons of Korah, it talks of thanksgiving to Yahweh for His deliverance. Later however, Israel feels rejected. They believe Yahweh has forgotten them as we read in verses 23 and 24, “Awake, why do you sleep, Yahweh? Arise, cast us not off forever. Why do you hide your face, and forget out affliction and oppression? Words such as shame, dishonor, derision, reproach, hate, and enemy are used frequently by the writer, thereby showing us this appeal was asked to relieve a tremendous burden from Israel.
We have seen two clear examples of psalms of community lament. When you have the time you might read over several others including the following: Psalm 60, Psalm 74, Psalm 79, and Psalm 94. In addition there are a multitude of other scriptures which show Israel’s cry for help to Yahweh when they realize they have no other place to turn. Often these laments were given by an individual in the first person, but usually he was speaking for the whole congregation of Israel. These psalms show us we must turn to Yahweh when we have a problem or burden. When we call on our Heavenly Father He will lift us up and give us salvation from our oppressors.
Conclusion
After briefly going through these various psalms of Israel it is easy to see there was one for almost every occasion. They were written as songs for the nation and sung at appropriate times; during sadness and joy, or thanksgiving and feast days. Several other categories of psalms I have not mentioned include, royal psalms (Ps.101, Ps.132, Ps.144), entrance psalms when Israel went up to the temple (Ps.15, Ps.24, Is.33:14-17), and spiritual laments of the individual (Ps.51).
Israel was a very emotional, feeling people. These songs were composed so that they might properly be able to express their true feelings to Almighty Yahweh. We can learn a great deal by diligently studying the tehillim of Israel. We should always remember that ultimately we must turn to Yahweh our Elohim to solve our problems and give us guidance, wisdom, and understanding. If we continue in our study of His word, He will surely grant us, understanding, joy, peace, and lift every burden from us, so that we might be able to praise him.
Scott Leys
Footnotes