Psalm 8, Introduction to the Psalms (6) (Classifications)

7)    Classifications of the Psalms

By “classification” we refer to different types of Psalms.  Lists like this vary according to a student’s understanding of the Psalms.  We will present this in “outline” form.  After the general list, we will add details to some of the categories.

a)    General

i)      Didactic (teaching; e.g. 1,5,7,15,17,50,73,94,101)

ii)   History (e.g. 78,105,106,136)

iii)            Hallelujah/Hillel (usually begin and/or end with “praise the LORD;” e.g. 106,111-113,115-117,135,146-150)

iv) Penetential (confession of sin; e.g. 6,32,38,51,102,130,143)

v)    Supplication (making request; e.g. 86)

vi) Thanksgiving (e.g. 16,18)

vii)          Messianic: in these not only is Christ referred to but He actually speaks.

(1)                        Christ as royal Messiah: 2,18,20-21,45,61,72,89,110,132

(2)                        Christ as suffering Messiah: 22,35,41,55,69,109

(3)                        Christ as Son of Man: 16,40

(4)                        Others: 23-24,31,50,68,96-98,102,118

viii)       Nature (emphasize creation; e.g. 8,19,29,33,65,104)

ix) Pilgrim (e.g. 84,120-134)

x)    Imprecatory (e.g. 35,52,58-59,69,83,109,137,140)

b)   Messianic (Ellison)

i)      Messiah's Person

(1)                        As Man (8:4-5; Heb 2:6-8)

(2)                        As God (45:6,11; Hb 1:10)

(3)                        As Eternal (102:25-27; Hb 1:10)

(4)                        As Son of God (2:7,12; Mt 22:45; Hb 1:5)

ii)   Messiah's Character

(1)                        Gracious (72:4,12-14; Mt 11:5; 12:20)

(2)                        Righteous (45:7; Hb 1:10)

(3)                        Holy (89:18-19)

iii)            Messiah's Work

(1)                        In life (40:6-8; Hb 10:5-7)

(2)                        In death (22; the Four Gospels)

(3)                        In resurrection (16:10; Ac 13:33-36)

(4)                        In ascension (68:18; Eph 4:8)

(5)                        In judgment (72:2-14; 86:13; 98:9; 2 Thess 1:7-9; Rev 19)

(6)                        In reigning (72:8; 96:10; 103:19; Rev 19:16)

iv) Messiah's Offices

(1)                        As Prophet (22:22; 40:9-10; Heb 2:12)

(2)                        As Priest (110:4; Hb 5:6)

(3)                        As Judge (72:2; 96:10-13; Mt 25:32; Rev 19:11; 20:11)

(4)                        As King (2:6; 89:27; Mt 25:31-34; 27:11; Rev 19:16)