Quiz on the Book of Psalms

During the summer months, our Triennial Bible Reading Calendar prescribes readings from the Book of Psalms. This beautiful poetic volume is surely read more than any other part of the Bible. This is by virtue of the fact that many chapters form a large part of our liturgy. About 25 different Psalms are read during the normal Sabbath worship services and a few are added in Hallel on festivals and Rosh Hodesh.

The Psalms are also turned to on special occasions in life — joyous and sad. It is a book that reflects our many moods from despair to hope and form meditative to lyrical. In short, it is a book for all seasons.

Because of the size and variety of the book, most of the questions are general or deal with overall structure.

1. Though the name of the entire book in Hebrew is “T’hillim,” only one Psalm is titled “T’hilla.” Which?
2. The Psalms deal with universal human emotions and attitudes. They express the feelings of individuals of every religious belief and ethnic group. There are, however, particular references to Israelite history in the book. Can you cite at least four of these, not including the ones in the introductory verses.
3. Tradition attributes most of the Psalms to King David. Name at least three other people or groups to whom chapters are ascribed.
4. Psalms are used extensively in regular worship services. On what other occasions are they recited?
5. Jewish tradition regards “Psalms” as a compilation of five divisions. Find at least two smaller distinctive collections in the book.
6. Which chapter, recited as part of Hallel, is the briefest in all the Bible? Can you recite it by heart?
7. Which two words, found frequently in Psalms, are usually not translated in the English versions of the book?
8. In which Psalm is the same phrase repeated in each of 26 verses?
9. In the liturgy, each day has a special Psalm assigned to it, but in the actual text, only one is given such a specific designation. Which one?
10. List at least five of the musical instruments mentioned in the Book of Psalms.
11. Psalm 119 is quite distinctive in form and content. What can you tell about this chapter that makes it so different? When and how is it recited in some Jewish circles?
12. Who is referred to as the “Sweet Singer of Israel?”
13. There are apparently many technical musical terms used in the Psalms, especially in the opening verses. They may refer to instruments, styles, musical keys or even particular melodies. Name at least five of these terms.
14. The Psalmist lovingly refers to Jerusalem many times. How does he extol the beauty of Zion?
15. What does Psalm 50 say about ritual sacrifice and righteous living?

Answers

Printed on pages 206–207 of the issue.

1. Psalm 145 is recited very frequently in the liturgy. It is the prayer we know as “Ashrei.” The opening lines are from other Psalms.
2. The sojourn in the wilderness (Psalms 68:8-9; 78).
   Crossing the Reed Sea (Psalms 77:20-21).
   The Destruction of the Temple (Psalms 74 and 79).
   An attack upon Judea by a confederation of enemies, perhaps the event described in II Chronicles 20 in the time of King Jehoshaphat (Psalms 83:3-9).
   Victorious events in the era of the Judges (Psalms 83:10-12).
   The Egyptian plagues, the Exodus and victories in Canaan (Psalms 135:8-11; 136:10-20).
   The Destruction of Jerusalem and Babylonian exile (Psalm 137).
3. Asaph (Ch. 50:73-83), Solomon (72:127), Moses (90), The Sons of Korah (42-49), Heman (88).
4. Before the Birkhat Hamazon (Psalms 126 and 137), at funeral services, in times of illness, stress and danger; also at memorial services and on numerous other occasions.
5. The Asaph Psalms (73-83); the Songs of Ascents (124-134); the Halleluyah Psalms at the end of the book (146-150).
6. Chapter 117: “Praise the Lord all nations. Laud Him all peoples, for His mercy is great toward us. The truth of the Lord endures forever. Halleluyah.”
7. Halleluyah and Selah.
8. In Psalm 136 the expression, “for His mercy endures forever,” is reiterated 26 times.
9. Psalm 92. It begins: “Mizmor — Shir Leyom Hashabat.”
10. See Psalms 92 and 150 where we have the following mentioned: Asor (10 stringed instrument), Nevel (lute), Kinor (Harp), Shofar, Tof (tambourine), Minim (stringed instrument), Ugav (harp), Zelzelim (cymbals). Of course, we are not certain exactly what these instruments were. The English equivalents are theoretical.
11. It is an octuple (8) acrostic which means that each group of eight verses begins with the consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm is also the longest in the book and in its entirety is devoted to praise of the Torah. Nearly every verse in the chapter refers to Jewish law. When someone is ill or is being memorialized, verses beginning with the letters of that person’s Hebrew name are recited.
12. King David (from II Samuel 23:1).
13. Mizmor (57 times); Shir (30 times); Maskil (Psalms 32, 42, 44); Michtam (Psalms 56-60); Neginot (Psalms 4, 6, 54, 55); Sheminit (Psalms 6 and 12); Gittit (Psalms 8, 81, 84).
14. “Splendid in location, joy of all the earth” (48:3). “Zion, the perfection of beauty” (50:2).
15. In this chapter, reminiscent of Prophets like Amos and Isaiah, the Psalmist declares, in God’s name, that goodness is a more desirable form of divine worship than animal sacrifice. “Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? . . . To him that order his way rightly will I show the salvation of God.”