Psalms

The Psalms (from Greek psalmas, "song") are poems and songs dating from various periods in the history of Israel after the ninth century B.C. They were assembled for use at public worship and have continued to perform a central role in the religious life of Jews and Christians. Psalms is a source book for the beliefs contained in the entire Hebrew Bible. It describes in detail the Jews' experience and worship of Yahweh: he is creator and savior; Israel is his chosen nation, to whom he remains faithful; the enemies of Israel are his enemies. These songs convey the basic idea of man's necessary submission to divine authority and ultimate need to appeal to a standard above mankind when judging political and social life. The Psalms are a powerful expression of the virtue of humility among men who understand themselves to be always in the presence of God.

Bibliography

Lamsa, George M., trans. The Book of Psalms. Philadelphia: A. J. Holman Company, 1939.

Cumming, Charles Gordon. The Assyrian and Hebrew Hymns of Praise. New York: Columbia University Press, 1934

Source

The biographical material about the author originally appeared on The Goodrich Room: Interactive Tour website.