Psalms Test

Test over Psalms for Dr.Swindle's Psalms and Wisdom Literature class at Harding University

What are the characteristics of Hebrew poetry?

The primary feature is parallelism. Other features include Imagery (visual pictures, similes, metaphors), emotional expression, lack of rhyme or meter (with the sole exception of the mourning Qinah meter), uses terseness (short lines).

What is the unique power of poetry?

Poetry appeals to the whole person by stirring emotions and stimulating imagination rather than merely conveying dry facts.

How should one understand parallelism?

As the relationship where the second line re-emphasizes, carries forward, or clarifies the first line. (“A and what’s more B”)

Synonymous Parallelism

Repetition of the same thought in two different phrases using closely related words (A=B)

Antithetic Parallelism

Same thought expressed using antonyms or contrasting statements (A vs B)

Synthetic Parallelism

Second line completes, supplements, or advances the first; acts as a "catchall" category. (A+B)

Emblematic Parallelism

Draws an explicit comparison or analogy using a simile

Repetitive / Staircase Parallelism

Repeats a phrase and carries it further to a climax.

Pivot Pattern Parallelism

A middle word or clause is read with both the preceding and following phrases.

Chiastic Parallelism

Arranged in an inverted crossing structure (A-B-B-A)

Acrostic

Beginning successive lines or stanzas with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (e.g., Psalm 119)

Alliteration

Repetition of identical or similar consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Assonance

Use of corresponding vowel sounds in accented syllables.

Paronomasia

Wordplay on similar-sounding words.

Ellipsis

Omitting a word/verb in Line B that is implied from Line A.

Inclusio

Repeating keywords or phrases at both the opening and closing of a psalm/stanza (envelope pattern).

What is qinah meter?

The one metrical pattern/exception in Hebrew poetry.

What types of imagery are employed in Hebrew poetry?

Similes, Metaphors, Personification, Nature, agricultural life, military protection motifs (shield, rock, fortress), and Ancient Near Eastern storm motifs.

What is the power of imagery for communication?

Imagery makes poets "painters of pictures" who evoke mental visual images. What is lost in scientific precision is gained in vividness of expression—stirring human emotions, attracting attention, and communicating deep spiritual truths memorably.

How were the psalms used by Jesus and the early church?

Used for corporate worship in the temple and synagogue, as well as personal prayer.

Quoted over 400 times in the New Testament to validate Christ's divine identity, explain His suffering on the cross, confirm His resurrection, and demonstrate His eternal royal reign.

What is the Hebrew title of the book of Psalms?

Tehillim, which means "Praises" or "Songs of Praise."

How was the book used in Jewish worship?

Official hymnal for corporate worship in the Second Temple and pilgrimage feasts.

How does the book of Psalms speak to the whole person?

Speaks simultaneously to all areas of human experience: informing the intellect, arousing emotions, directing the will, and stimulating the imagination. Engages the mind, heart, and actions together.

Psalms informs our:

INTELLECT

Psalms arouses our:

EMOTIONS

Psalms directs our:

WILLS

How many psalms have titles?

116 psalms

Psalms without titles are known as…?

Orphan psalms (there are 34 untitled psalms)

What kind of information is contained in the titles of psalms?

Authorship, Historical background/occasion, musical instruments, melody/tune settings, and liturgical directions

What names are associated with authorship of the psalms?

David, Asaph, the Sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman.

How many psalms are associated with David?

73 psalms are explicitly ascribed to David.

What time span is covered by the book of Psalms?

Approximately 1,000 years of Israel’s history, from Moses (~1400 BC) to the post-exilic period (~400 BC)

What is the difference between the author and the compiler or editor of Psalms?

Author composed individual songs; compiler organized them into the 5-book structure.

What are Longman’s six types?

Hymns (includes general praises, sustainer, for God is King, Royal), Lament, Thanksgiving, Confidence/Trust, Wisdom, Torah

What is a hymn?

A song celebrating God’s divine majesty, creation, sustaining power, holy character, and redemptive acts on behalf of His people.

What common elements do hymns employ?

1. Call to praise, 2. Reasons for praise, 3. Renewed call to praise or concluding blessing

For what reasons is God praised in the hymns?

For being Creator of the universe, Sustainer of life, King over the earth, holy, and Redeemer of Israel.

According to Psalm 117, why is God worthy of praise?

Because His merciful love (hesed) is great toward us, and His faithfulness endures forever.

About what reality is the psalmist amazed in Psalm 8?

Amazed at human dignity—that despite the vast grandeur of creation, God minds mortal humans, crowning them with glory and honor and placing creation under their dominion.

What does it mean to be made lower than the angels, but crowned with glory and honor? What does it mean to be made in the image of God?

Describes humanity's unique royal status, dignity, and stewardship granted by God to rule over the created order under His sovereign authority.

How does the Preacher of Hebrews interpret this psalm?

In Hebrews 2, the preacher interprets Psalm 8 Christologically, applying it to Jesus Christ as the true human who restores lost creation dominion through His suffering, death, and exaltation.

According to Psalm 19, in what two ways has God revealed himself to mankind?

Natural Revelation (Creation) and Special Revelation (Torah/Word)

How can natural revelation be misunderstood?

Without Special Revelation, fallen humanity often misinterprets nature by worshipping created elements (sun, moon, stars, storm deities like Baal) rather than the Creator.

Psalm 29 was originally a poem about what false god?

Baal (the Canaanite storm god). Psalm 29 polemically declares that YHWH's voice alone controls the storm and thunder.

How does the Book of Psalms describe God’s creating?

By His sovereign, powerful word and voice—He speaks and commands creation into existence.

The single greatest thing for which the psalms praise God is what?

God's deliverance of Israel out of distress.

What is the primary purpose of the psalms of remembrance?

To recount redemptive history so future generations learn to trust in God, remember His deeds, and keep His commands rather than repeating the sins and rebellion of their ancestors (Psalm 78).

What significant milestones do the psalms of remembrance such as 105 and 106 call on the people to remember?

The patriarchal Abrahamic Covenant, the plagues and Exodus from Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of Canaan.

What are the two types of kingship psalms?

Royal Psalms (human king) and Enthronement Psalms (YHWH as King).

According to Psalm 24, who may enter the Lord’s presence in worship?

"He who has clean hands and a pure heart," who does not lift up his soul to idols or swear deceitfully.

What is the “law of the king” according to Deuteronomy 17?

The king must not multiply horses (military reliance), wives (foreign alliances), or wealth, and must personally write out a copy of God's law and read it daily to remain humble.

What seems to be the setting of Psalm 2?

A royal coronation or enthronement ceremony for a new Davidic king in Jerusalem.

How does the New Testament make use of Psalm 2?

Applied directly to Jesus at His baptism, transfiguration, resurrection, and exaltation (Acts 13:33, Heb 1:5).

How do Psalms 20 and 21 go together?

They form a paired liturgy: Psalm 20 is a prayer offered before going into battle; Psalm 21 is thanksgiving/praise offered after victory is secured.

What seems to be the setting of Psalm 45?

A royal wedding song celebrating the marriage of the Davidic king.

Psalm 72 is attributed to Solomon, and it deals primarily with what concept?

Connects directly to Solomon's prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:4–14 to pronounce righteous judgment, focusing on the king's special duty to rule with justice by defending the poor, needy, and oppressed.

Several psalms reflect on God’s covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7. What were the components of the Davidic covenant?

A great name, an eternal house/dynasty, secure land/dwelling, rest from surrounding enemies, and a special father-son relationship between YHWH and the king.

What are psalms of Zion?

Songs celebrating Jerusalem/Zion as the holy mountain and chosen earthly dwelling place of YHWH.

Many scholars connect psalm 46 to what historical event?

YHWH delivering Jerusalem from Sennacherib's besieging Assyrian army in 701 B.C.

What are the songs of ascents?

Psalms 120–134 Express an intense desire to make a pilgrimage to Zion to worship in the temple. Sung either on the way to Jerusalem, or as worshipers ascended the steps to the temple.

What is the most common type of song found in the psalter?

Laments (they substantially outnumber songs of praise).

What elements do these songs typically contain?

Invocation, plea for help, complaint, confession of sin or assertion of innocence, imprecation, statement of trust, and vow of praise.

Do the laments stay in lament mode to the end?

No. Almost all laments shift from mourning to trust, joy, and a vow of praise by the end.

This type of lament calls on God to take vengeance on the psalmist’s enemies.

Imprecatory Lament (Psalms 7, 35, 58, 59, 69, 83, 109, 137)

This type of lament calls on God to forgive the psalmist.

Penitential Lament (7 psalms: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143).

What is the Bible’s view of personal vengeance?

Private vengeance is always forbidden in the Old Testament (Lev 19:18, Deut 32:35, Matt 22:37–40, Rom 12:17–19). Vengeance belongs solely to the Lord; divine vindication by God is righteous.

What is the law of lex talionis?

Exodus 21:23–25 “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," established to limit the severity of punishment to fit the crime.

How do the imprecatory psalms give us a model for dealing with anger and wrongdoing?

The imprecations warn against casual indifference to sin and present a model of how to deal with injustice by bringing raw anger directly to God in prayer and calling on God to judge in His own time and in his hands

Because God promises to vindicate, what is the believer freed to do?

Because God promises to set the record straight, believers are freed from taking revenge and empowered to love their enemies, turn the cheek, show mercy, and give without expecting in return (Matt 5:44, Luke 23:34, Rom 12:20–21).

Is there such a thing as forgiveness in the Old Testament?

Yes. Forgiveness in the Old Testament is grounded in Levitical sacrifices (Lev 4–5) and YHWH’s compassionate covenant character.

What is the connection between songs of lament and songs of thanksgiving?

A thanksgiving song is offered publicly as the answered prayer to a previous lament, looking back on how God delivered the psalmist out of crisis.

What kind of vocabulary distinguishes the psalms of confidence?

Visual metaphors of security: rock, fortress, refuge, shield, shadow of wings, stronghold, light, shepherd

What kinds of wisdom in the wisdom psalms?

Proverbial Wisdom and Reflective Wisdom

Proverbial Wisdom

practical moral advice and rules for conduct

Reflective Wisdom

wrestling with suffering and injustice

According to Roland Murphy, what elements characterize the wisdom psalms?

Sharp contrast between righteous and wicked. Advice about conduct. Premise that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Comparisons and admonitions. Alphabetic acrostic. "Better than" sayings. Customary address to "my son." Approving word "blessed" or "happy" (ashre).

What distinguishes wisdom in Israel from wisdom elsewhere in the ANE?

Israel held that all true wisdom comes from the Lord (no matter where it is found) and that wisdom begins with "the fear of the Lord."

The word torah means . . . ?

“Instruction" or "Law."

According to Psalm 1, how does the one fare who delights in God’s torah?

He does not listen to the advice of the wicked or follow sinners, but immerses himself in God's law. He flourishes like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season, maintaining unwithered leaves, and prospering in all he does.

According to Psalm 1, how does the one fare who delights in God’s torah? What is the alternative?

The wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind; they will not stand in the judgment nor endure in the assembly of the righteous.

What is unique about Psalm 119?

It is the longest chapter/psalm in the Bible, arranged as a 22-stanza acrostic poem (8 verses per Hebrew letter) celebrating God's word.

How does God’s law inform our lives?

It guides our conduct, protects us from sin, gives wisdom to the simple, and reveals God's righteous character.

What psalm is applied to Jesus at his baptism, transfiguration, resurrection, and exaltation?

Psalm 2 ("You are my Son; today I have begotten you").

What psalm does Jesus quote from the cross? What evidence is there that he had more in mind than just abandonment?

Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"). Reciting the opening line invoked the entire psalm, which turns in verse 19 from agonizing lament into a triumphant declaration of deliverance and global worship where all nations turn to the Lord.