Book 3 – Psalms 73-89
In Psalms Book 3, Psalms 73-83 were written by Asaph, a songwriter, arranger, and orchestra director under the rule of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 15:16-17; 2 Chronicles 5:12). The sons of Korah wrote Psalms 84-85 and 87-88. Korah was a direct descendant of Levi’s son, Kohath, and a leader of worship. Levi was the tribe set apart by God to be the priests of His people. David wrote Psalm 86. Psalm 89 was written by Ethan, the Ezrahite. For your convenience – Bible online
Ch.73 Envying people who do not follow God, but are prosperous anyway
Ch.74 A plea for help to the God who can do anything
Ch.75 All of creation proves God is near
Ch.76 God is the Almighty One
Ch.77 A lamentation for an extended period without God’s blessing
Ch.78 A review of Israel’s history and God’s provision
Ch.79 Destruction of Jerusalem
Ch.80 Prayer that Israel will be restored
Ch.81 God reminds His people of His deliverance, and of their unfaithfulness to Him
Ch.82 God wants the poor, orphans, and needy to be cared for Care of the less fortunate
Ch.83 Prayer against their enemies
Ch.84 Happy is the person who trusts in God
Ch.85 People are brought back from captivity
Ch.86 God is merciful and patient
Ch.87 Praise for God’s city
Ch.88 A prayer from a dark place
Ch.89 God’s people were a blessed people, but now they have been forsaken
Questions
How did the writer almost slip? (73:1-3)
When did he begin to understand? (73:17)
Who or what is most important to the psalmist? (73:25-26)
What is controlled by God? (74:16-17)
What did God command the fathers to do? (78:5)
Why were they to pass on their knowledge to their children? (78:6-8)
Why was God angry with them? (78:22)
What kind of food was manna? (78:24-25)
How were God’s people hypocritical? (78:36-37)
Compare Psalm 79 to 2 Chronicles 36:15-19. What was happening?
What does the psalmist repeat three times? (80:3,7,19)
What is Israel compared to? (80:8; Isaiah 5:1,7)
Did the people want God? (81:11)
What does God long for? (81:13)
What is the desired effect of the destruction of their enemies? (83:18)
What should they be careful not to do? (85:8)
Is God reluctant to forgive? (86:5)
What does David pray? (86:11-12; Deuteronomy 6:5)
Describe God. (86:15)
What belongs to the Lord? (89:11)
God’s theocracy is based on what? (89:14)