THE PSALMS ARE INSPIRED

THE PSALMS ARE INSPIRED

            As I have mentioned before my writings are prepared with the presupposition that the entire Bible is authored and inspired by the Holy Spirit.  The Book of Psalms is therefore the inspired word of God.  Hibbard, in Whedon's Commentary states, "The Psalms are the only collection of sacred songs plenarily inspired which were ever given to the church, and as such presents a claim upon our reverence, faith, and devotional use which belongs to no other."  Whedon’s Commentary, Vol. V, p. 7.   Since this is an inspired songbook, it is important to study the various places in the Old and New Testaments where the writers verify the inspiration of the Psalm collection.  It is worth noting that in the New Testament there are more exact quotations, references, and allusions to the Book of Psalms than to any other Old Testament Book.       

         David claimed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in II Samuel 23:1-2 where it states,” Now these be the last words of David.  David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.”  The New Testament also attests to the fact that the Psalms are inspired when it states in 2Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” So, the Psalms should be treated with great respect and are worthy to be sung and quoted in public worship.  However, some Christians treat them as though they were substandard lyric poetry that is not on par with songs and choruses written today.  There is without doubt plenty of room in our public worship services for both the ancient psalms of the Bible and songs that are penned by contemporary poets.