that each group was compared with each book of the Pentateuch (See those comparisons on the chart.) The old rabbis are known to have called Psalms the “Pentateuch of David.” There is no clear-cut topical outline of these five parts of the book of Psalms.6 Note on the chart that each of the ve groups of Psalms ends with a doxology Read and compare the doxologies G Campbell Morgan sees these as the clue to the content of each of the ve divisions He says that an examination of the doxologies “will reveal a certain conception of God, and an attitude of the soul in worship resulting from such conception.”7 His outline centered on “worship” is shown on the chart Scan the book of Psalms and observe that most of the psalms have superscriptions —sometimes referred to as titles.8 (Note: Do not confuse the ancient superscription with titles assigned by the publisher For example, the superscription of Psalm 14 is “For the choir director A Psalm of David.” The title assigned by the NASB editors is “Folly and Wickedness of Men.”) These were not part of the original psalms, but were added later, probably at least before 200 B.C In the superscription are words indicating such things as (1) occasion of the psalm;9 (2) type of psalm (e.g., tepillah, “prayer”); and (3) musical instructions (e.g., lammenasseah, “to the choir leader”) The superscriptions not have the weight of dependability as does the inspired biblical text itself, but the best rule of thumb is to accept them as they stand.10 Scan each psalm individually, reading the rst line of each stanza of each psalm This can be done in a short time if you are using a version (such as NASB) which clearly shows the stanza divisions Such an exercise will help you get the overall feel of the book of Psalms It will also help you identify whether the psalm is a meditation, a prayer, a hymn of praise, or a prophecy Read the New American Standard Bible titles printed at the top of the psalms List these on paper Then study the list from the standpoint of subject matter (content) Among other things, look for groups of psalms, contentwise Compare your studies with the two outlines on Chart 70 about “Worship” and “Topical Likeness to Pentateuch.” Try making your own vepoint outline of the Psalms, identifying content at least in a general way Compare the rst and last psalms How does each serve as the book’s introduction and conclusion, respectively? IV PROMINENT SUBJECTS A DAVID David, who wrote so many of the psalms, has given the reader an insight into the rich and varied experiences of his life with God, to the extent that no other writer has done Anyone familiar with David’s life cannot fail to be struck with this fact He was, at different times in his life, a humble shepherd boy, a servant in the king’s palace, a successful warrior, a fugitive, a great king, an exile, an old man He was sometimes poor and sometimes rich, sometimes hated and sometimes beloved, sometimes persecuted and sometimes honored, sometimes obscure and sometimes prominent, sometimes pro igate and sometimes penitent, sometimes sad and sometimes joyful But in all these varied experiences, and under all these changing ... prophecy Read the New American Standard Bible titles printed at the top of the psalms List these on paper Then study the list from the standpoint of subject matter (content) Among other things,... shows the stanza divisions Such an exercise will help you get the overall feel of the book of Psalms It will also help you identify whether the psalm is a meditation, a prayer, a hymn of praise,... confuse the ancient superscription with titles assigned by the publisher For example, the superscription of Psalm 14 is “For the choir director A Psalm of David.” The title assigned by the NASB