THE KINGDOM UNDIVIDED THE POETICAL BOOKS: Psalms Page Song of Solomon Page Proverbs Page THE PSALMS I. _The Collection and Divisions:_ In all probability the book of one hundred and fifty psalms, as it now stands, was compiled by Ezra about 450 B.C. They are divided into five books, each closing with a benediction, evidently added to mark the end of the book. Note the number of psalms in Books 1 and 2. II. _The Purposes:_ 1. They were originally used as songs in the Jewish Temple Worship. 2. For centuries after Christ they formed the only Christian Hymnal. 3. They have comforted and supported the troubled hearts of all believers in all ages. III. _General Characteristics:_ 1. They are _personal_.--Number the first personal pronouns in Psalm 23. Note the frequent occurrence in others. 2. They are the expression of _heart_ experiences.--Note the frequent use of the words heart and soul. These Hebrew poems are largely the diaries of the inner life. 3. They express the _intimate relation_ between God and man.--Note in Psalms 23, 103, 139 how many the phrases which contain pronouns and words referring to both God and man. IV. _Specific Characteristics:_ NOTE.--Select a sentence from any psalm, illustrating each characteristic, and record the same in its appropriate place, giving the chapter and verse. 1. Teaching. 2. Testimony. 3. Prayer. 4. Confession. 5. Praise. 6. Exhortation. 7. History. V. _Leading Authors:_ Heman, author of the 88th; Ethan, 89; Moses, 90; Solomon, 72 and 127. The sons of Korah (who were they?) wrote eleven. Examples 42 to 49. Asaph (who was he?) wrote twelve. Examples 73 to 83. David wrote seventy-three. VI. _Names of Leading Psalms_ NOTE.--Select a phrase from the psalm, or state the reason, upon which the name is based. 1. The Two Ways. 3. A Morning Hymn. 4. An Evening Hymn. 8. The Glory of the Creator in the Creature. 15. A Citizen of Zion. 16. The Blessings of the Believer. 22. A Psalm of the Cross. 23. 27. The Tonic Psalm. 32. 42. From Depths to Heights. 45. A Marriage Song. 46. A Battle Hymn. 51. A Sinner's Open Confession. 65. The Farmer's Psalm. 84. 90. The Funeral Hymn. 91. The Safety Psalm. 100. The Doxology. 103. God in Grace. 104. God in Nature. 105. God in History. 119. The Glory of the Word. Name three peculiarities of this psalm. 121. The Traveler's Psalm. 137. The Patriot's Hymn. 139. The Psalm of Marvels. 146 to 150. The Hallelujah Psalms. The word Hallelujah is the Hebrew for "Praise ye the Lord." VII. _The Messianic Psalms:_ Study meaning and description in Bible Dictionary. Why would David be fitted to write such psalms? Note three features of these psalms: 1. Kingship. 2. Unlimited rule. 3. Unending dominion. Note also the basis for the following names: 2. The Victorious King. 45. The Glorious King. 72. The Helping King. 110. The Conquering King. VIII. _A Question Study on Psalm 8:_