Topical Encyclopedia The term "Psalmist" traditionally refers to the authors of the Psalms, a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Psalms are a collection of 150 poetic hymns and prayers that express a wide range of human emotions, from deep despair to exuberant praise. The primary Psalmist is King David, who is credited with writing a significant portion of the Psalms. Other contributors include Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan.David as the Psalmist David, the second king of Israel, is often regarded as the quintessential Psalmist. His life experiences, from shepherd to king, are reflected in the Psalms attributed to him. These Psalms often reveal his intimate relationship with God, his struggles, and his reliance on divine guidance. For instance, Psalm 23, one of the most famous Psalms, begins with the comforting words, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). David's Psalms frequently include themes of repentance, as seen in Psalm 51, written after his sin with Bathsheba: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). Other Contributors While David is the most prominent Psalmist, other figures also contributed to the Psalter. Asaph, a Levite and chief musician during David's reign, is credited with twelve Psalms (Psalms 50, 73-83). The sons of Korah, a group of temple singers, contributed several Psalms (e.g., Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88). Solomon, known for his wisdom, is attributed with Psalm 72 and possibly Psalm 127. Moses, the great leader and prophet, is credited with Psalm 90, a prayer reflecting on the brevity of human life: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Themes and Structure The Psalms cover a wide array of themes, including worship, lament, thanksgiving, and wisdom. They are often categorized into different types, such as hymns of praise, communal laments, individual laments, royal Psalms, and wisdom Psalms. The structure of the Psalms varies, with some following a strict pattern of parallelism, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, where lines echo or contrast with each other. Theological Significance The Psalms hold a central place in both Jewish and Christian worship. They are used in liturgical settings, personal devotion, and as a source of theological reflection. The Psalms provide insight into the character of God, portraying Him as a shepherd, king, refuge, and deliverer. They also foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, with several Psalms being interpreted as messianic prophecies. For example, Psalm 22, which begins with the words, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), is seen as a prophetic reference to the suffering of Christ. Legacy and Influence The influence of the Psalmists extends beyond the religious sphere into literature, music, and art. The Psalms have inspired countless hymns, compositions, and works of art throughout history. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to articulate the depths of human emotion and the heights of divine praise, making them a timeless resource for spiritual reflection and worship. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A writer or composer of sacred songs; -- a title particularly applied to David and the other authors of the Scriptural psalms.2. (n.) A clerk, precentor, singer, or leader of music, in the church. Strong's Hebrew 2158. zamir -- song... Word Origin from zamar Definition song NASB Word Usage psalmist (1), psalms (1), song (1), songs (1), songs (2). psalmist, singing, song. ... /hebrew/2158.htm - 6k Library The Psalmist --Setting the Lord The Psalmist's Remonstrance with his Soul The Psalmist Bears Witness that Divine Justice Employs Certain ... LM Chr. Psalmist. The Heavenly Guardian. SM Chr. Psalmist. All Work Divine. In Our Outward Life Towards Men the Psalmist Also is an Admirable ... Petilianus Said: "But the Same Psalmist Has Sung the Praises of ... Two Shepherds and Two Flocks The Unchangeable One A Stranger in the Earth Thesaurus Psalmist (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Psalmist (2 Occurrences). Romans 15:10 And again the Psalmist says, "Be glad, ye Gentiles, in company with His People." (WEY). ... /p/psalmist.htm - 7k Sparrow (4 Occurrences) Bottle (28 Occurrences) Tears (58 Occurrences) Mizraim (5 Occurrences) Cleave (52 Occurrences) Pain (172 Occurrences) Justice (212 Occurrences) Faithfulness (91 Occurrences) Tabor (12 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that all men are liars (Psalm 116:11)? | GotQuestions.org Why are there times in my life when finding God is so difficult? | GotQuestions.org Psalmist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Psalmist (2 Occurrences)Romans 15:10 2 Samuel 23:1 Subtopics Related Terms |