Singing has always been important to God’s people. One of the very first things we see Israel doing after crossing the Red Sea into freedom from Egyptian slavery is singing (Exodus 15). Israel’s greatest kings, David and Solomon, were especially prolific songwriters (II Samuel 23:1, I Kings 4:32). So, it should be no surprise that there is an entire book of the Bible consisting of nothing but songs.
Unlike most biblical books, the Psalms have many authors writing across centuries. Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, who would have written between 1200-1500 years before the birth of Jesus. Over 100 of the 150 psalms are associated with David, his worship leaders, or his wise successor. These were composed 1000 years before Joseph and Mary traveled to David’s hometown. With songs like Psalm 137 referencing Judah’s Babylonian exile, these were 500 years before the long-promised Son of David arrived.
Consider all that changed during that time. These songs touched hearts from the wilderness wanderings of Moses to the kingdom’s height with Solomon. They survived widespread unfaithfulness and devastating exile. They made it all the way to Jesus, and now we are still talking about them another 2,000 years later! Knowing how quickly our own taste in popular music changes, how did these songs stand the test of time?
They aren’t just any songs. As much as David composed Psalm 95, the Hebrews writer saw someone else at work: the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3:7, 4:7). The Psalms were breathed out by God! They revealed things about Jesus and what He accomplished in the world that had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44).
While music helps us express deep-felt emotion, the Psalms go one step further by shaping those feelings by faith. They don’t restrain life’s joy or hide its pain; but they always bring it to God. As we make the inspired words of the Psalms a part of our own lives, we too can experience their timeless power.
Are you ready to have your faith shaped by these powerful songs? Check out our new sermon series, Climbing Higher: Songs of Ascents.