The Psalms Revealed

The PSALMS; Praise, Prayer, and Prophesy

It is important in understanding the psalms to realize that many of the psalms include metaphors, or analogies, which help relate a point the author is making in terms more easily understood by the reader. Similarly, Jesus often used parables to help make a spiritual point because the parable was an effective way of teaching, making the lesson more understandable, or in some cases giving it greater impact. Some of the psalms are prophetic and many of the psalms, although seemingly speaking about events and circumstances related to the Jewish nation of Israel, are actually talking about the Christian family of Israel and should be related to us today; to God’s church today. When God told Abraham he would be the father of a people as numerous as the stars, God was not referring to the Jewish nation of ancient Israel, he was talking about Israel, Christ’s church, the communion of believers who will come from all nations. So in essence, a particular psalm not only relates to events then, it relates to present events today and in the future. Once it is understood that the affairs of God’s ancient people back then, which was the Jewish nation, are often a metaphor for Christ’s Kingdom, of the invisible church today, a door is opened to seeing the psalms as something more than an ancient poem or song written ages ago for a people who lived ages ago. Through them God is speaking to us today as well. The LORD tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, well equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

Example Psalm

25 When in Need of Help // Your Kingdom Come (Prayer)
To you, Oh LORD, I lift up my soul. Oh my God, I trust in you. Let me not be ashamed, nor let enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on you be disappointed, but let those be ashamed who, without cause, deal treacherously. Oh LORD, show me your ways and teach me your paths[5]. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. On you I patiently wait all the day. Oh LORD, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindnesses, for they have existed from old. Do not remember the sins of my youth nor my rebellious ways. Oh LORD, for your goodness' sake and in your mercy remember me.
Good and upright is the LORD! He teaches sinners in the right way. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches his ways. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, for those who obey his covenant[6] and his testimonies. Oh LORD, for your name's sake, pardon my iniquity, even though it is great. What people are they that fear the LORD? The LORD shall instruct them in an excellent course of life, so they will dwell at ease, and their descendants shall inherit the earth.[7] This secret of the LORD is with those who fear him, for he will make his covenant with them. My eyes are ever looking toward the LORD for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.[8] LORD, turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have grown wide. Pluck me out of my troubles! See my affliction and my pain and forgive all my sins. Consider all my enemies[9], for they are many; they hate me with a cruel hatred. Guard me, body and soul, and deliver me. Don’t let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. Let integrity and uprightness[10] preserve me as I wait for you.
Oh LORD God, rescue Israel from all their troubles!


[5] The Way is another name for Jesus and his ways are shown to us in the Holy Scripture. Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) "The Lord is my Shepherd; I want for nothing. He causes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He leads me along paths of righteousness for his own name's sake." (Psalm 23: 1-3)
[6] This is the New Testament covenant between God and man. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) “If anyone loves me, they will obey my word.” (John 14:23)
[7] “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lust and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, that is the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:12,13) "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
[8] The net is the trap of the sinful world and sinful people, which leads to death and damnation.
[9] This can be whatever is assaulting us: trials, temptations, tribulations, or evil people.
[10] Upright: having a strict regard for what is morally right.