The Bible In A Year 
Psalms – week 1 of 1
February 11-16, 2019
Readings for the Week
Theme: A sampling of psalms. In some Bibles the various psalms are titled. These titles are not actually part of the original writings. For fun YOU create a title for each psalm you read this week.
Monday: Psalms 9, 35 & 45
Tuesday: Psalms 50, 83 & 103
Wednesday: Psalms 89 & 104
Thursday: Psalms 107 & 109
Friday: Psalms 111, 112 & 123
Saturday: Psalms 139 & 144
The Bible In A Year
Psalms – week 1 of 1
A Framework for Understanding
Hebrew Poetry
Throughout the year we are reading the book of Psalms. Here are some important things to remember about Hebrew Poetry:
• It conveys emotion. While the Psalms may contain historical or prophetic references, it is not intended to be an historical or prophet document. The poems express the emotions of the events.
• Hebrew poetry is not about rhyming.
• Hebrew poetry is written in “couplets”, two lines that go together. Usually the first line will make a statement and the second will echo it with slightly different words.
• This book functioned for the Jewish community in the same way as our Hymnal assists us in worship.
• Most of these hymns were written before the time when the temple was rebuilt after the exile.
• The Book of Psalms was compiled during the “second temple” period.
• King David is attributed with authorship of many of the Psalms. David was an accomplished musician and it is likely that he did originate many of these poems/hymns.
• David did not write all of the Psalms. For example, as you read them you will be aware of many psalms that refer to the time of exile and the return from exile.
Because the Psalms express the full range of human emotions:
• We read them throughout the year – they can be appropriate for every time and every season
• We may find some are uncomfortable to read – the emotions being so strongly stated.
• We will find that the psalms often mirror our feelings today!