Unlocking The Old Testament

Psalms Pt 1of 2

David Pawson says that, though the Psalms were written over a period of a thousand years, and two and a half thousand years ago, they speak to us as though written yesterday. They were really the Jewish hymn book, divided into 5 sections. And David points out that when we praise or pray we are doing so as part of the Body of believers. However, there are personal psalms as well. They cover almost everything you could possibly want to say to God and express 3 particular attitudes: Pleas, Thanks and Sorry. They range in feelings from deep grief to anger, frustration and great joy. It is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament. Over half the psalms were penned by King David and his life story can be traced through the psalms. One group of psalms – 22 to 24 – should be taken together and present us with the Lord who is first of all Saviour, then Shepherd and then Sovereign. David says, until you’ve been to the cross and found him as your Saviour, you have no right whatever to regard him as your Shepherd. This follows on to recognise that he is also the King of Glory who is coming as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. .

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Psalms Pt 2 of 2

In this talk, David Pawson looks at groups of psalms which should be taken together. Psalms 96 to 99 have the theme: God is King; 113 to 118 are sung together at the Passover. The word ‘hosanna’ from 118 is actually a demand for freedom – ‘save us’. The Songs of Ascent 120 to 134 were to be sung as the Jews travelled up to Jerusalem. The final group is 146 to 150 which are all Hallelujah songs. From groups, David moves on to types of psalms – Pleas – a cry from the heart; Thank you – gratitude for deliverance; and Sorry psalms – penitence – which all have a particular form or pattern. David points out that there are 4 categories of psalms. #1 Royal Psalms written by King David which deal with reigning from his personal perspective. #2 Messianic Psalms which prophesy about the coming Messiah. #3 Wisdom Psalms – the result of quiet meditation, full of practical wisdom for handling life. #4 Imprecatory Psalms (calling down vengeance on enemies) – David reminds us that they didn’t have the knowledge that we have of Jesus’ teaching or the afterlife. At least, they were honest; and they left vengeance to God himself. One day God will avenge those who’ve been wronged.

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