Psalms: The in-depth look, Jack Hyles

The Story Behind The Psalms

by Dr. Jack Hyles

PREFACE There are three books in the Bible from which I read every day—the Psalms, the Proverbs and the book of Acts. I read the Psalms for love, the Proverbs for wisdom and the book of Acts for power. These three things—love, wisdom and power have for years been on the top of my prayer list. One day while meditating on one of the Psalms, I found myself wondering where the author was when he wrote it, what the circumstances were surrounding its writing and what exactly prompted the author to compose such a masterpiece. I fled to the library of my memory and the refuge of my commentaries until my temporary search became long research. This venture was so enjoyable that I traveled the historical path of another Psalm, then another, then another, which soon led to a series of Bible studies at the First Baptist Church of Hammond on the conditions and circumstances surrounding the writing of each of the Psalms. It makes our study richer as we stand beside the author as he writes and as we feel his heartbeat, watch his tears, enjoy his laughter and join in his praise. May the author beg scholastic mercy of the reader. The following words were not penned to be examined by the microscope of the scholar but rather to be enjoyed by the study of the saint. With lovingkindness, a prayerful spirit and a desire to bless, let me lead you into the Psalms, the songbook of Israel, that we together may enjoy the stories behind the Psalms. CONTINUED>>