What was Psalms?

The Psalms—called Tehillim (תְּהִלִּים) in Hebrew, meaning “praises”—is the largest book in the Old Testament and one of the most quoted in the New Testament. In Greek, it is known as Psalmoi (Ψαλμοί), meaning “songs sung to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument.” The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 inspired poetic compositions used in worship, prayer, and instruction.

In Luke 24:44, Jesus refers to the Psalms as part of the threefold division of the Hebrew Scriptures—“the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Here, “Psalms” stands as a shorthand reference for the Writings (Ketuvim), the third section of the Hebrew Bible, with Psalms being the foremost and most representative book of that section. This underscores its theological weight and centrality in Jewish and Christian thought.

Biblical References and Context

• Luke 24:44 – Jesus tells His disciples: “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

• Psalm 2, Psalm 22, Psalm 110 – Key messianic psalms directly pointing to Jesus.

• Acts 2:25-28, 34-35 – Peter quotes Psalms (particularly Psalm 16 and 110) to explain Jesus‘ resurrection and exaltation.

• Hebrews 1:5-13 – The writer cites multiple Psalms to affirm Christ’s superiority and divine sonship.

The Psalms are rooted in Israel’s worship life, offering songs for every circumstance: praise, lament, thanksgiving, kingship, wisdom, repentance, and trust.

What Happened in the Bible

In Luke 24, following His resurrection, Jesus explains to His disciples that all of Scripture—Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms—spoke of Him. This moment is pivotal, revealing that the Psalms are not merely poetic reflections, but prophetic writings pointing forward to the Messiah.

The Psalms repeatedly anticipate Christ:

• Psalm 2 proclaims the Sonship and authority of the Anointed One.

• Psalm 22 vividly describes the crucifixion in language fulfilled at the cross.

• Psalm 110 pictures the exalted Lord seated at God’s right hand, a reality fulfilled in Jesus.

Jesus affirmed that these writings were not random expressions, but divinely inspired revelations of God‘s redemptive plan.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

For believers today, the Psalms are more than ancient songs. They are:

• A guide for worship and heartfelt prayer in all seasons.

• A school of theology, shaping how we view God, sin, justice, and grace.

• A prophetic witness, anchoring our faith in the promised Messiah fulfilled in Jesus.

Christians read the Psalms not only for comfort or inspiration but as Scripture that testifies about Christ (John 5:39). They help us articulate grief, joy, repentance, and praise, all within the covenant relationship with God.

How Psalms Point to Jesus and the Gospel

• Jesus prayed the Psalms (e.g., “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Psalm 22:1 in Matthew 27:46).

• The early church preached Christ from the Psalms, recognizing them as prophetic.

• Psalm 110 is the most quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament, portraying Jesus as King and High Priest.

• Psalm 16 and Psalm 2 appear in apostolic preaching to explain Jesus‘ resurrection and divine Sonship.

Thus, the Psalms form a theological foundation that anticipates the gospel: God’s righteous King will suffer, triumph, and reign forever.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Kingship of God

Many Psalms affirm God’s sovereign rule and anticipate the coming of His anointed King (e.g., Psalm 2, 72, 110).

2. Suffering and Redemption

Laments such as Psalm 22 highlight the suffering of the righteous—a theme fulfilled in Christ’s passion.

3. Worship and the Presence of God

Psalms exalt God’s holiness and call His people to worship Him in spirit and truth (Psalm 95, 100, 150).

4. Justice and Righteousness

The Psalms cry out for God’s justice, affirming that He will vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked (Psalm 1, 37, 73).

5. Covenant and Mercy

The steadfast love (hesed) of God is a recurring theme (Psalm 136, 103), grounding the hope of salvation in God’s covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

1. How does reading the Psalms shape your understanding of who Jesus is?

2. What Psalms have helped you express your heart to God in difficult seasons?

3. How can the structure of prayer in the Psalms guide your daily worship?

4. In what ways do the Psalms show you the gospel of grace through poetry and prophecy?

5. Do you view the Old Testament, especially the Psalms, as essential for understanding the New Testament?

The Psalms stand as a divinely inspired chorus of voices that echo through time, culminating in Christ. They remain indispensable for the Christian life, both for their theological depth and devotional richness.