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Psalms and Song of Songs

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Poetry
    31 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Poetic Structures
    22 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  3. Lesson Three
    Praise and Lament
    24 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  4. Lesson Four
    The Diversity of Psalms
    28 Activities
  5. Lesson Five
    Song of Songs
    20 Activities
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Psalms and Song of Songs The Diversity of Psalms In Front | Jesus and the Psalms
Lesson 4, Activity 25

In Front | Jesus and the Psalms

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The Psalms will factor heavily in the Gospels as Jesus and others will quote this book, often referencing it explicitly. Some of the most iconic moments in Jesus’ life will be communicated through Psalms, as with Jesus’ last words in the gospel of Luke:

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” 
Luke 23:46 (ESV)

In His dying words, Jesus quotes directly from Psalm 31:5. It’s difficult to think of a more compelling endorsement of Psalms’ power and resonance. By referencing just a few of the Psalms quoted in John’s gospel, we can get a feel for how important these poems will be in Jesus’ story. 

Psalms (NASB)John (NASB)
He keeps all his bones,
Not one of them is broken. 
(Psalm 34:20 NASB)		For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, “Not a bone of Him shall be broken.” 
(John 19:36 NASB) 
Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me; 
Nor let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously. 
(Psalm 35:19 NASB)		But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, “They hated Me without a cause.” 
(John 15:25 NASB)
Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me. 
(Psalm 41:9 NASB)		I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, “He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.” 
(John 13:18 NASB) 
I said, “You are gods,
And all of you are sons of the Most High. 
(Psalm 82:6 NASB)		Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?”
(John 10:34 NASB)

In the Gospels, we’ll see Psalms referenced in a variety of contexts. Dr. Dale Brueggemann has grouped these references into several categories. Three are of particular interest in the Gospel of John. Psalms will be used in John . . .

a) To prove Jesus’ arguments

b) To show that Jesus’ life was predicted

c) To prove Jesus’ divinity

Source: Dale A. Brueggemann,“The Evangelists and the Psalms,” Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches, edited by David Firth and Philip S. Johnston, 2005, pp. 266-278.