The Psalms of the Bible are songs, poems, and praises to God written from the author’s perspective. Many times these Psalms are personalized and are written to God in the context of a certain individual’s unique situation and struggles. Despite this, God is still able to make his sanctions and laws known throughout the book. 

The Psalms were written over a long period of time, believed to be around 900 years. The most prominent author is David, King of Israel and at times a sinful man. This is reflected in the themes of Psalms: God is merciful, God is trustworthy, God is supreme, God’s law is perfect, and God brings his judgment in history. 

The Psalms begin with the verse, “Blessed is the man who walketh not in the council of the ungodly.” God will protect those who obey him, those who disobey, He will not. There is no good reason why someone should not obey God, for his laws are perfect. “Why doth the heathen rage?” in Psalm 2 is a genuine question. Why do people fight against God when he is perfectly good? This sentiment is continued in Psalm 3, discussing those who rebel against God. This is when we first see the word “Selah” mentioned. It’s not known exactly what this word means, however, it’s speculated that it was inserted at the end of verses for rhyming purposes.

 In Psalm 4, God calls out men for their vanity and for turning God’s glory into shame. David announces that God will destroy the liars, bloody and deceitful men. In Psalm 5 it states, “their throat is an open sepulcher.” Nothing true comes from their mouth, so it has become the equivalent of a dead man’s grave. David describes his condition in Psalm 6 by saying that his “bones are vexed,” and his “soul is sore,” his body is quickly wearing out. 

The Psalms are a unique book of the Bible. It’s a collection of personal poems and songs written to God, unlike many other books, which are accounts written about specific events. It’s quite intriguing to read through David’s personal prayers to God and see the ways He lets his laws and sanctions be known through David’s songs.