Names of the Book

KING DAVID- Gerard van Honthorst

English:  Psalms
Hebrew:  תהלים
Transliterated:  Tehillim
Other names:  Book of Praises

 

whoWho

Wrote the book:  David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, Moses, and others who are anonymous
Are the key people:  David
Is it written to:  The people of Israel

 

whatWhat

The book of Psalms is not organized by topic but is a collection of 150 songs that praise G-d and speak of the creation, fall, and redemption of mankind.  The Psalms can be organized into five sections that roughly correspond to Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Book 1- (Psalm 1-41)
Book 2- (Psalm 42-72)
Book 3- (Psalm 73-89)
Book 4- (Psalm 90-106)
Book 5- (Psalm 107-150)

 

whenWhen

Was it written:  c 1440-250 BCE
Did the events occur:  c 1440-250 BCE
Was it canonized:  c 499-100 BCE
(see the Timeline of the Tanakh)

 

whereWhere

Was it written:  various places in Israel
Did the events occur:  various places in Israel

 

whyWhy

Psalms was written to inform us that: 
G-d is worthy of our praise.
G-d is all-powerful.
G-d is forgiving.
G-d deserves our thanks.
G-d is worthy of our trust.

 

whyIntroduction

Psalms is a book of songs, poetry, and prayers many of which are attributed to King David. These expressions of praise, faith, sorrow, and repentance cover the depth and breadth that is the landscape of the human experience. Some of the Psalms dwell on G-d's Law and the treasure that it is while others reveal the troubled heart of the writer. Many of the Psalms overflow with an abundance of praise for G-d and His ways. The diversity of these songs is unified by a single focus: the one true and living G-d. The Psalms glorify G-d as Creator, as King, as Redeemer, and as a refuge for all who trust in Him.

 

 

Torah Portion

unknown

 

 

or view this week's triennial cycle reading.

Today is

Yom Sh'lishi, 9 Adar II, 5784

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

 

Learn more about this date in history.