Book 4

This week we will be reading Psalm 90, and once again we run across a title. This time it reads, “Book 4.” If you will remember, we have talked about the fact that traditionally the Book of Psalms has been divided into five parts. Each part seems to correspond to the first five books of the Old Testament (the Pentateuch). Psalms 1-41 are written mainly by David (though there are other authors there) and deal with man’s fall into sin and our need to seek righteousness and a relationship with God. Book 2 (Psalms 42-72) corresponds to Exodus and the power of God to free us from sin. Book 3 (Psalms 73-89) corresponds to Leviticus and call us to worship and holiness. As we begin Book 4 this week, we are reminded of the events in the Book of Numbers. Numbers spotlights Israel as they wander in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. It teaches us about how God’s people learn to follow and obey, and how we interact with the world and hold to God’s standard. Psalms 90-106 catch these themes for us. Psalm 90 declares that God is the protector of His people, “from everlasting to everlasting.” Psalm 106 finishes with the same words. In between the two, we find the psalmists writing of God’s character, His strength, His providence, and His love for His people. In Book 4, we hear an invitation to walk where the Lord leads and to live by His voice.