The Book of Psalms: Poetry, Music, Prophecies and much more.
By Marja
@buenavida (9984)
Sweden
April 29, 2011 6:08pm CST
The most spread library in the world, the 66 books of the Bible, has an amazing book with 150 poems or songs.
Music and song were often used in worship of God.
I am sure that you friends here who read the Bible, have some Psalms that you go back to more often, Psalms that have touched your heart in a special way.
Here is one Psalm that most of you may recognize:
[i]Psalm 23 (Young's Literal Translation)
1 A Psalm of David. Jehovah [is] my shepherd, I do not lack,
2 In pastures of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, By quiet waters He doth lead me.
3 My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name's sake,
4 Also -- when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou [art] with me, Thy rod and Thy staff -- they comfort me.
5 Thou arrangest before me a table, Over-against my adversaries, Thou hast anointed with oil my head, My cup is full!
6 Only -- goodness and kindness pursue me, All the days of my life, And my dwelling [is] in the house of Jehovah, For a length of days! [/i]
Please share your favorites!
1 person likes this
4 responses
@PastorP (1170)
• United States
3 May 11
For awhile there Psalm 116 was my favorite, and is still one of my favorites. It just about painted my life. Psalm 25 is powerful too.
1 ¶ «A Psalm of David.» Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.
8 ¶ Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. 12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15 ¶ Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. 18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. 19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. 20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. 21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. 22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
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I majored in Bible in Bible institute. In my fourth year I chose as my elective the poetical books (Job to Ecclesiastes). To me, Hebrew poetry has a special beauty.
1 person likes this
@buenavida (9984)
• Sweden
3 May 11
Hi, Pete 
Thank you for reminding of this beautiful psalm - we all need comfort and encouragement and be reminded that we don´t need to go through all trials alone.
One day I hope that I´ll understand Hebrew poetry and as I believe those who wrote the psalms will be alive again, I hope we´ll be there and listen to the songs when they play and sing for us.
I like to read Psalm 37 Here are verses 29 and 34 (King James Version)
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
Thank you for reminding of this beautiful psalm - we all need comfort and encouragement and be reminded that we don´t need to go through all trials alone.
One day I hope that I´ll understand Hebrew poetry and as I believe those who wrote the psalms will be alive again, I hope we´ll be there and listen to the songs when they play and sing for us.
I like to read Psalm 37 Here are verses 29 and 34 (King James Version)
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
3 May 11
The book of Psalms expresses every human emotion that exists. When we read, no matter what we are going through, we will find a passage that resonates with our feelings and experiences at the time.
A few times when I went through severe trials because of being betrayed I found these verses very comforting.
Psalm 34:18-19 (New International Version, ©2011) 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Psalm 34:18-19 (American Standard Version) 18 Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.
1 person likes this
@buenavida (9984)
• Sweden
3 May 11
A very comforting scripture! We can trust that whatever happens, God can help us through it.
I believe we will learn to trust Him more and more when we experience His loving care for us.
We need to grow our faith strong as we don´t know what will come in the future. But He will always be there for us and help us to collect every piece of our heart that has broken.. 
@ErrollLeVant (4353)
• United States
30 Apr 11
such great comfort for so many for so long!
1 person likes this
@buenavida (9984)
• Sweden
30 Apr 11
Yes, my friend , I wonder how many have been reading the Psalms during the more than two thousand years. The mind boggles at the thought of in what different situation the readers have been during all these years. 
The book of Psalms was finished about 460 BCE.
, I wonder how many have been reading the Psalms during the more than two thousand years. The mind boggles at the thought of in what different situation the readers have been during all these years.
The book of Psalms was finished about 460 BCE. @sender621 (14893)
• United States
30 Apr 11
This is a beloved book of the bible that i can read over and over again and still can gain something new from the experience. The poetry of the psalms can not be equaled by any ohter author in any other book.@buenavida (9984)
• Sweden
30 Apr 11
Thank you sender for telling about your experience with this great book of poetry.
The Bible is worth to read over and over again and it is also good to listen to.
I have been listening to the Psalms lately - downloaded them from jw.org and the readers are so good, so it makes it even more enjoyable!
The Psalms are very unique indeed, they are inspired by God, and also have prophecies about what will soon happen, just read Psalm 37 that talks about the future paradise!
The Bible is worth to read over and over again and it is also good to listen to.
I have been listening to the Psalms lately - downloaded them from jw.org and the readers are so good, so it makes it even more enjoyable!
The Psalms are very unique indeed, they are inspired by God, and also have prophecies about what will soon happen, just read Psalm 37 that talks about the future paradise!