Bible Interpretation Superscriptions

Many Psalms have a brief note prior to the body of the Psalm.  These are readily overlooked and passed over. However, the serious Bible student should pay attention to this material.

Some of the helpful information to be gleamed from the superscription includes the following:

1. Information about the author.
2. Information about the type of Psalm, i.e., is it a Maskil, contemplative poem, a prayer, etc.
3. Information about musical terms, such as “to the chief musician,” etc.
4. Melody indicators, such as “to the lilies;” “to the silent doves of the morning,” etc.
5. Liturgical indicators.  These inscriptions may spell out special occasions, such as a dedication.
6. Historical information.  An event in the life of an individual or the nation which this Psalm commemorates.

Types of Psalms

Any number of divisions of the types of Psalms can be found. However, most classifications center around the subject matter contained in the Psalm. The two major classifications I have found helpful are given below.

1. Individual laments. (Ps 142)
2. Collective laments.
3. Psalms of individual and collective thanksgiving.
4. Hymns.
5. Royal Psalms.
6. Songs regarding God’s enthronement. (Ps 93-97).
7. Other categories, such as pilgrim Psalms.

Another classification:

1. Prayers for protection and blessing.
2. Praise offerings
3. Petitions for intervention and deliverance.
4. Confessions of trust in Yahweh.
5. Penitent Psalms.
6. Psalms for the King.
7. Messianic Psalms.
8. Imprecatory Psalms.
9. Psalms of wisdom.
10. Questions about the Christian life; (the future, why the wicked prosper, etc.)
11. Psalms which extol God’s greatness.

Parallelism in The Psalms

Bible scholars have identified various types of parallelisms in the Psalms. These are:

1. Synonymous parallelism, where there is a similarity between two lines.
2. Synthetic parallelism, where the second line takes up and develops the pattern of the first line (Ps 9)
3. Emblematic parallelism, where the first line carries the major message, and is illuminated by the second line, (by using an image).
4. Antithetical parallelism, where the second line contrasts with the first (Ps 3:5)
5. Climatic or ascending parallelism, where the first line is completed by the second. (Ps 2:9; 29:1)

Homework

1. Locate one or more Psalms depicting the types of Psalms described above. You will note several categories have been described (i.e., individual lament, messianic, Psalms for the king, etc.) Choose at least 5 of these categories and note Psalms that fit these categories.

2. Choose at least three of the styles of parallelism noted in this lesson. Look up examples of these three types of parallelism and note the references.

3. What new findings or insights have come to you as a result of this lesson?