Many who read the Psalms overlook the proper dispensational setting into which the Spirit of God has put them and import the Christian’s standing, experience and hope. This is a mistake because the Psalms really do not rise to the height of the Christian’s understanding and blessing. A careful study of the Psalms will show that they are not Christian but rather Jewish in their interpretation.
Six Reasons Why The name of the Father Jewish and not Christian
1) The name of the Father which marks Christianity is not known (Rom. 8:14-1514For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14‑15), Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)). Hence eternal life is not enjoyed (Jn. 17:33And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)). The prayers and praises in the Psalms are directed instead to Jehovah (LORD)— His covenant relationship name to Israel, and to God (Elohim)— His creatorial name.
2) There is not the knowledge of Christ’s finished work on the cross and the believer’s perfect acceptance in Him before God (Eph. 1:66To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)). Consequently those in the Psalms do not have a purged conscience (Heb. 9:14, 10:2, 22) nor do they know peace with God (Rom. 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)). There is still a fear that God will judge them for their sins even after they have been confessed. See Ps. 25:7, 11, 18, Ps. 38:1-4, Ps. 51:9-11, etc.
3) Those in the Psalms are not sealed with the Holy Spirit as Christians are (Eph. 1:13-14, 4:30). The indwelling abiding presence of the Spirit is not known (Jn. 14:1616And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16)). Compare Ps. 51:11.
4) The hope in the Psalms is to possess the kingdom on earth with its earthly blessings (Ps. 37:22, Ps. 65:10, Ps. 107:37, etc.). This is right and proper for the Jew, but the Christian has a heavenly hope, calling and destiny which is not known in the Psalms (Phil. 3:20-2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21). Col. 1:55For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (Colossians 1:5), Heb. 3:11Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Hebrews 3:1), 2 Cor 5:11For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 5:1)).
5) The worship and praise in the Psalms is that of Jewish order in an earthly temple (Ps. 5:7, Ps. 26:6-8, Ps. 27:4-6, etc.), with the aid of musical instruments (Ps. 68:25, Ps.149-150). Those in the Psalms worship Jehovah (LORD), whereas proper Christian worship is of the Father and the Son in spirit and truth, in the immediate presence of God within the veil (Jn. 4:21-2321Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:21‑23), Phil. 3:33For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3), Heb. 10:19-2219Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19‑22), 1 Pet. 2:55Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5))
6) Those in the Psalms cry out for vengeance on their persecutors and enemies (i.e. Imprecatory Psalms—see footnote on Psalm 5). This maybe proper for the Jew whose inheritance is earthly and must be possessed through physical combat, but is certainly not the attitude of the Christian. The Christian blesses those who curse him and prays for them that despitefully use him (Lk. 6:27-2827But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6:27‑28)). He does not invoke judgment on his persecutors (Rom. 12:19-2119Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19‑21)).
This does not mean that the Christian should not read or make applications from the Psalms for his circumstances in life. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...” (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)). “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:44For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)). The Psalms can give much comfort to the saints in all ages. There are three main trials in the Psalms that are common to the people of God of all times; persecution (i.e. Ps. 3-5), chastening (i.e. Ps. 6), and slander, (i.e. Ps. 7). Comfort can be gained through applying these trials in principle to the believer today. But it is a mistake to think that they give the true Christian standing, experience and hope. The primary application of the Psalms then is not to Christ and the Church, but to Israel and their Messiah.
To properly appreciate the marvelous order of the Psalms it is necessary that the reader have some understanding of prophecy regarding Israel. The Bible teaches that there yet awaits a literal restoration of Israel to their homeland and a fulfillment of their blessings promised to them. But nowhere in the Word of God does this refer to every Israelite by birth. The blessings promised to the nation will be accomplished in the remnant who hold to the Word of God and the promises of God. The great mass of the Jews today are rationalists, infidels, materialistic, and even atheistic, and will be cut off by the judgments of the Lord. Just as the apostates in Christendom will not share in the blessings promised to real believers, the apostates in Israel will not share in their national promises and blessings.
After the church has been taken to glory by the corning of the Lord (sometimes called the rapture, Jn. 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3), 1 Thes. 4:16-1816For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16‑18)) there will be a time of tribulation for seven years (called a “week”, Dan. 9:2727And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)). During this time God will cause a national return of the Jews (the two tribes) to their homeland (Isa. 18:1-41Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: 2That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled! 3All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. 4For so the Lord said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. (Isaiah 18:1‑4)).
The mass of the Jews will have no heart for God and will enter into a covenant with the newly revived Roman empire (a confederacy of ten nations from western Europe called “the Beast” Dan 2:41-43, 7:7, Rev. 13:11And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (Revelation 13:1)) for what they think will provide protection. There will be, however, a godly remnant among the Jews that will truly fear God and tremble at His Word (Isa. 66:22For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (Isaiah 66:2)). They will preach the gospel of the kingdom (Mt. 24:14) and suffer reproach and persecution for their faithfulness to God. In the last 3½ years (“the great tribulation”) a man called “the little horn” will rise up and take over the revived Roman empire (Dan. 7:88I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7:8), Rev. 13:1-91And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:1‑9)). He will also be called the “the Beast.” Shortly thereafter another man will rise up in the land of Israel among the Jews and will be received by them as their (false) Messiah (Jn. 5:4343I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (John 5:43), Rev. 13:11-1811And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (Revelation 13:11‑18)). He is Antichrist, the man of sin (2 Thes. 2:3-123Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:3‑12)). The Beast and Antichrist together will force idolatry on their subjects in the way of worshipping an image of the Beast (Rev. 13:14-1514And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Revelation 13:14‑15)). The godly remnant for conscience sake will not receive Antichrist and will consequently be persecuted the more for it; to the point where they will be forced to flee from Jerusalem to the remote parts of the land, and even outside the land altogether. God will allow this to continue for a time (the last 3½ years) and will use it to cause the remnant to search their hearts as to their own uprightness before Him.
Near the end of the seven years of tribulation God will raise up a confederacy of Arab nations under the leadership of “the King of the North” (Ps. 83:1-8). The armies of these confederate nations will enter and desolate the land of Israel (Dan. 11:40-4540And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 41He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 44But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. 45And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Daniel 11:40‑45), Joel 2:1-111Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. 5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. 7They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: 8Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. 10The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: 11And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? (Joel 2:1‑11), Isa. 28:18-1918And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. 19From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. (Isaiah 28:18‑19)). This is called the first attack of the Assyrian. God will use them to destroy the ungodly Jews who have received Antichrist and who worship the image of the Beast. But the remnant will be providentially preserved having fled to the caves and dens of the earth (Mt. 24:16). At about this time the Beast and his armies will come in from the west in an effort to rescue the Jews (Rev. 16:13-1413And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13‑14), Num. 24:2424And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. (Numbers 24:24)). As the western armies enter the land, the Lord will appear from heaven in flaming fire to judge them (Rev, 16:15-21, 19:11-21, 2 Thes. 1:8, 2:8, Jude 14-1514And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 14‑15)). The King of the North’s conquest through the land of Israel by this time will have proceeded into Egypt. In Egypt he will hear tidings of the movements of the other armies coming in and will return to the land of Israel and also be destroyed by the Lord (Dan. 8:24-25, 11:44-45).
The Lord’s appearing at this time will not only be for the destruction of the Gentile powers, but also for the deliverance of the godly remnant of Jews and for the restoration of the 10 tribes of Israel (Lk. 18:1-81And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:1‑8), Dan. 12:1-21And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:1‑2)). The Jews will look on Him Whom they have pierced and mourn in repentance and be restored to the Lord (Zec. 12:10-14, 13:1). The ten tribes will then be gathered back into the land of Israel and will also be restored to the Lord (Ezk. 20:34, 34:11-16, 36:16-38, 37:1-28, Mt. 24:31). As the tribes of Israel are settling in their land, Russia and their enormous hordes will come down from the north in effort to overthrow Israel (Ezk. 38-39). This is also called the second attack of the Assyrian. The Lord, however, will defend restored Israel at this time. He will go forth out of Zion (Jerusalem) and destroy those armies (Joel 3:1616The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16), Isa. 10:33-34, 33:10-12). After this the Millennium (the 1000 year reign of Christ) will be ushered in with all its glory.
Understanding this simple sequence of prophetic events regarding Israel greatly helps us when we study the Psalms. The Psalms themselves do not contain prophecy, properly speaking, but rather develop the moral history of the remnant of Israel during the period when prophecy will be fulfilled, the seventieth week of Daniel (Dan. 9:2727And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)). The Psalms describe their feelings and sentiments of distress, sorrow, anguish, guilt, anticipation, hope, joy and victory, as they pass through the greatest trial of their history after which they will be delivered, restored to the Lord and brought into the Kingdom blessings.
There are really only two kinds of Psalms—those addressed to the Lord (Jehovah), Ps. 1-41 (except Ps. 16), Ps. 84-150, and those addressed to God (Elohim), Ps. 42-83. They are sometimes called Jehovahistic and Elohistic Psalms (G. V. Wigram, “Study of the Psalms”). The Psalms addressed to God are sandwiched between the Psalms addressed to the Lord. When LORD (Jehovah) is used it denotes a personal relationship known and recognized. When God (Elohim) is used it denotes a less personal and more distant way of addressing Him. It is used in Scripture usually by persons who either have not come into the good of their relationship to Him or by persons who do not know Him at all (see Jonah 1:6, 96So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. (Jonah 1:6)
9And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. (Jonah 1:9). The Gentile seamen called Him God, but Jonah called Him LORD).
The Psalms in their prophetic application do not run consecutively through the whole collection. They are divided into five books. The books are divided by “Amen and Amen” and “Praise the LORD” (Ps. 41:13, Ps. 72:19, Ps. 89:52, Ps. 106:48). Each book focuses on a particular period in prophecy relating to the Jews and Israel. The psalms within each book are also not one continuous strain, but are divided into various series. Each series of psalms within the five books, however, is continuous in itself beginning at a certain point in prophecy particular to that book and running on to the deliverance of the Jews and the restoration of Israel by the coming of the Lord to establish His Kingdom. The various divisions within the books are indicated in J. N. Darby’s Translation by an asterisk. We have followed these divisions for the most part except where he or other reliable expositors indicate in their writings that the group immediately following is connected, being a continuation of the preceding psalms, therefore could be taken as one group. For example, J. N. Darby (“Notes and Comments,” Vol. 3, p. 137) indicates that Ps. 61-68 are a series in themselves although it is not marked in his translation.
The main persons in the Psalms are indicated by the following:
The Lord Jesus Christ— “LORD” (Jehovah), His covenant-relationship name of blessing with Israel—occurs about 700 times. “Lord” (Adon, Adonim, Adonay), His all-powerful Lordship—occurs about 65 times. “Jah” (abbreviated name of Jehovah)— occurs 43 times, mostly in J. N. Darby Translation. “Most High” (Gnelion), His Millennial title as King and Priest—occurs 22 Times. “Almighty” (El Shadday), the great Sustainer—occurs 2 Times. “The Anointed” (Messiah or Christ), occurs about 10 times. “The King”— occurs about 31 Times. There are also a few other references to Him such as “the Rock,” etc.
God— (Elohim) His creatorial name—occurs about 360 times.
The Godly Remnant of Jews—The godly, the righteous, the poor and needy, the oppressed, the humble, the upright, the afflicted, the saints, etc.
Antichrist—The wicked (singular), the bloody and deceitful man, the cruel man, the mighty man.
The Apostate Jews—The wicked (plural—often translated “the ungodly” in KJV), the fools, the workers of iniquity, the people, the evil doers, etc.
The Gentiles—The enemy, strangers, the nations, the peoples (JND Translation), the violent man (this is particularly the Assyrian)