Psalms
Lesson 1, Psalms 1-10
The book of Psalms is introduced with an examination of the title (why "Psalms"?), the significance of chapter headings/notations, and the authors of various psalms. Selected verses are chosen from Chapters 1-10 as an avenue for this overview. Various topics include delighting in the law of the Lord, not throwing off God's laws to join with wicked rulers, considering what constitutes the sacrifices of the righteous, defining what God hates, pleading to God for mercy, recognizing that God searches hearts, declaring God's majesty seen in His creation, giving thanks and proclaiming God's wonderful deeds, and acknowledging God's help to those afflicted when it appears He is standing at a distance.
Lesson 2, Psalms 11-20
Chapters 11-20 provide a range of topics that includes the moral compass of atheists, the Bible's definition and description of a "blameless life," what brings delight to believers, God's wrath, His glory and the trustworthiness of His Word, and God's knowledge of the hearts of His children--their priorities, their faith, their righteous desires. Hebraic literary styles are discussed, such as literary exaggeration, Hebrew idioms, and the format of designing a psalm that begins with thoughts and feelings of despair and abandonment but concludes with statements of faith in God and His provisions in spite of circumstances.
Lesson 3, Psalms 21-30 & 73
Chapter 21 attributes David's kingly success to God's hand. Chapter 73 can be called the "pity party" psalm. It serves as an introduction to Psalm 22, since both are written in the same Hebraic style discussed previously. This sheds new light on Jesus' quotation of Psalm 22 on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me," and evidence is given as to why God did NOT abandon Jesus on the cross. Psalm 23 is presented as the shepherd's psalm. Psalms 24-30 contain descriptions of those who receive God's vindication, characteristics of a blameless life, expressions of David's desire to dwell in God's presence, descriptions of God's "voice," and praises that God can turn weeping to rejoicing.
Lesson 4, Psalms 31-40
Psalm 31 ties to the previous lesson with a verse Jesus quoted on the cross. Chapters 32 and 38 reveal the effects that guilt can have on our physical bodies. Psalm 33 declares that the Lord is in charge of the nations and the nation is blessed whose God is the Lord. Evidence of this can be seen in the writings of America's founding fathers. Psalm 34 talks of the importance of the "fear of the Lord." David exalts God in Chapter 35 by praising Him all day long. The wicked are described in Chapter 36 as those who flatter themselves too much to detect their own sin and do not act wisely. Psalm 37 says we are to delight in the Lord rather than being anxious, and He will give us the desires of our heart. Chapters 39 and 40 emphasize that life is fleeting, and we all stand poor and needy before God.
Lesson 5, Psalms 41-50
Man's attitude toward the poor is the focus of Psalm 41. This psalm also reveals that David experienced times of physical suffering as well as rejection and betrayal by his friends. Chapters 42-44 express longings for God as well as feelings of being forgotten but conclude with statements of hope in the Lord. Psalm 45 reiterates God's love for righteousness and His hate for wickedness. Chapter 46 confirms God as a refuge in turmoil. His people are urged to be still and know He is God. Psalms 47 and 48 call for shouts of praise to the Lord for His awesome creation and His rule as King over the earth. The truth that man cannot trust in riches to save is made plain in Psalm 49. Chapter 50 declares that God has no need of burnt offerings but looks for gratitude in the hearts of His people.
Lesson 6, Psalms 51-60
Most psalms in this lesson were written in response to specific events in the life of David. Psalm 51 relates the grief David experienced after his adultery with Bathsheba. Psalm 52 laments the evil of the slaughter of the priests of Nob by King Saul and his servant. Chapter 53 continues the theme of corruption arising from disbelief in God. Psalm 54 is a prayer for vindication after the Ziphites betrayed David's hiding place. Psalm 55 is also a prayer for God to rescue from friends' betrayal. Psalm 56 was written when David fled to the Philistines to escape Saul. Psalm 57 speaks of God as a refuge when David was hiding in a cave. The injustice of corrupt rulers is denounced in Chapter 58. Another prayer for deliverance after Saul sent men to David's house to kill him is found in Psalm 59. Chapter 60 asks if suffering implies God's rejection.
Lesson 7, Psalms 61-70
Many psalms here are pleas for God's help. In Psalm 61 David cries for God to hear him and longs to be with God forever. In Psalm 62 God is David's rock, his salvation, his fortress and refuge. He admits life is short, like a breath. Psalm 63, written by David in the desert, speaks of thirsting for God and thinking of him during the night. David asks for protection from his enemies in Psalm 64. He describes the Lord's awesome deeds and His care for the earth in Psalm 65. Psalm 66 recounts God's dealings with His people during good times and bad and talks of making vows to God. A discussion of vows follows, with examples. Psalm 67 declares God's blessings are a response to His people's praise. David glorifies God for bearing his burdens and saving him from enemies in Psalm 68. Psalm 69 is a plea for God to rescue in overwhelming circumstances. Chapter 70 is another prayer for deliverance in which David once again describes himself as poor and needy.
Lesson 8, Psalms 71-80
This lesson begins with 5 essentials for raising godly children. Psalm 71 attributes David's faith to a very early age. The authorship of the psalms is addressed again since David did not write Psalms 72-80. Solomon prays in Psalm 72 to rule justly with righteousness. The extent of Israel's size and power under the reigns of David and Solomon is examined. Psalms 74 and 79 both date to the Babylonian conquest and lament the destruction of Jerusalem. Hebrew idioms from the psalms are listed with an example in Psalm 75. Psalm 76 uses variant names for Jerusalem. Psalm 77 illustrates again the Hebraic writing style that begins with despair but closes declaring faith in God. Another reminder of the need to teach children about the deeds and power of God is found in Psalm 78. Psalm 80 decries God's judgment (likely after the 10 northern tribes were taken captive by Assyria) with a plea for restoration.