Main Subjects In Psalms
Five primary positive subjects are observed in the Psalms. These reoccur often. They are God, God’s Creation, God’s People, God’s Person and God’s word. Though there are many more these are the most commonly repeated subjects. Though they are expanded upon and looked at in detail they remain critical.
God Himself is looked at in great detail. He is celebrated, praised, worshipped, feared and loved. He is seen as: a shepherd, fortress, high tower, shield, judge, savior and a hiding place. His attributes are addressed in these descriptions and in other ways. He is described as mighty and merciful.
God’s creation is also referenced repeatedly in the Psalms. Sometimes the references are subtle but they are there. The heavens declare the handiwork of the Lord. God’s creation is the second witness to his existence; he is the first. It was creation that God pointed to when he promised Abraham a covenant heritage.
God’s people are a key subject in the Psalms. Again, sometimes the references are subtle. They are designated as Jacob, Israel and by other words and phrases. The Lord inhabits the praise of HIS PEOPLE. They are the righteous and the humble and are frequently contrasted with the wicked. They are the sheep of his pasture. God always has a remnant.
God’s person, singular; is spoken of with both messianic foresight and contemporary observations. The Lord’s anointed can refer to anyone consecrated for service but it can also refer to THE ANOINTED ONE. In every generation God had a person he consecrated for service. Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and so on.
God’s word is celebrated and lifted up throughout the Psalms. In the opening Psalm it his word that anchors the righteous. David the King exalts the word as the very path to follow. Of course this includes the Torah but prophetically it refers to all of his inspired words, even those from the prophets not alive in David the King’s day. He said, “your word have I hid in my heart so I will not sin against you.”
God Himself, God’s creation, God’s people, God’s person and God’s Word: These are the five primary positive subjects that saturate the Psalms.