THE SONG BOOK OF THE BIBLE—part 1

THE SONG BOOK OF THE BIBLE—part 1

          I often refer to the Book of Psalms as a "Song Book" instead of a "Hymn Book" since the psalms are not all etymologically considered to be hymns.  Many writers have referred to the Book of Psalms as the "Hymn Book" of the Bible and we take no occasion with such reference to the Book of Psalms.  However, it is a different kind of lyric poetry that is not like hymns, gospel songs, or worship choruses.

          The Book of Psalms is not only "our" song book of the Bible, but it was the song book for the religious services of the second Temple.  Although some of the psalms were sung in the first Temple it was not completed at the time that Solomon's Temple was built.  Since the time that the Old Testament Canon was finished, the Book of Psalms has served as perhaps the greatest Biblical source of materials for hymns, gospel songs, and praise choruses.

Quote for the Day

          “In the Preface to his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin confesses that words cannot convey the wonder of this inspired book: ‘The varied and resplendid [i.e., resplendent] riches which are contained in this treasury it is no easy matter to express in words … the greatness of [the Psalms] does not admit of being fully unfolded’ (Baker ed., p. xxxvi; pages given in Roman numerals refer to this book).”  http://www.cprf.co.uk/articles/johncalvinpsalms.htm#.VoP7vfkrLIU