The Book of Psalms is a special companion to every human being: it expresses the deepest feelings of supplication, thanksgiving, praise, comfort, and connection with the Creator. Many of the verses from the Psalms were incorporated by our sages into daily prayers.
Some people identify each psalm with a specific energy, but the truth is that they are all extremely powerful in revealing and developing the relationship between man and the Creator.
They are divided into different groups: by book, by day of the week, and by day of the month. It is recommended to read the psalms corresponding to that day of the month each day.
The following is a summary of the introduction of some classical commentators to the book of Tehillim.
Introduction by Ibn Ezra (Spain, 1092-1167):
There are 2 opinions regarding the identity of the author of Tehillim:
1) The Psalms (Tehillim) were written by King David. Because they contained prophecy, there are times when King David speaks about events that had not yet occurred, such as the Babylonian exile. And the psalms that are sung by others, such as Jeduthun, were actually composed by King David.
2) There isn't just one author; there are several different authors. That's why we find psalms that begin with the names of David, Asaph, Jeduthun, and others.
Ibn Ezra himself says that he agrees with the first opinion, that is, that all the Tehillim were written by King David.
Introduction of the Radak (Rabbi David Kimji – Provence, 1160-1235):
The psalms are prayers and songs by 10 different authors that King David, with divine inspiration, compiled into the Tehillim. The 10 authors are: 1. The first man (Adam Harishon), 2. Malkitzedek, 3. Asaf, 4. Abraham, 5. Heiman, 6. Iedutún, 7. Moshe and the 3 sons of Korah: 8. Grab, 9. Elkana and 10. Abiasaf. In the psalms that do not have the name of an author, the author is King David.
There are also 10 different expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God in Psalms: 1. Nitzuaj (Victory, refers to the future), 2. Nigun, 3. Shir, 4. Zimra (3 different forms of chanting. When it says Nigun it refers to the future), 5. Hallel (Praise), 6. Haskel (referring to the fact that it was said through a translator), 7. Tehila (Another form of praise), 8. Tefila (Prayer), 9. Braja (Blessing) and 10. Hodaa (Gratitude).
As mentioned earlier, the Psalms were written with “divine inspiration.” What is the meaning of this concept, and what is the difference between divine inspiration and prophecy?
In general, a prophecy was a vision the prophet had; sometimes the meaning of the vision was explained to him along with it, and sometimes it wasn't. When a prophet received a prophecy, he lost control of his body and did crazy things, which is why he was called "Meshuga" (crazy).
Divine inspiration is when God infuses a person's speech or thoughts in such a way that the person can know the future and other hidden things. This divine inspiration is a lower level than prophecy, so it is not a vision, only a thought or speech, and it does not cause a loss of consciousness; the person remains in control of their body.
The Psalms were sung in the temple for different events, but today we do not know the melody they used or the instruments that accompanied the singing.
Shnei Lujot Habrit (Ishaia Horovitz – Prague, 1555-1630):
Those who wish to draw near to God and offer His praises must devote themselves to the Book of Psalms (Sefer Tehillim). As our sages recount, King David asked God that His psalms be read in all synagogues and houses of study. This is because we have nothing superior to the Book of Psalms, which is filled with songs, praises, and petitions for forgiveness from God, all written with divine inspiration.
This idea of the power of the Psalms can be seen in the word Mizmor (one of the ten words that begin the Psalms). The most common translation of Mizmor is song, but another translation is "to cut," meaning that the Psalms "cut" away God's evil decrees (this is why Psalms are recited in prayer, to cut away all evil accusations and allow the prayer to rise fully to God). This is why the Psalms are appropriate for any time and situation of praise or thanksgiving to God.
Tzemach Tzedek (Menachem Mendel, third Chabad Rebbe, Lubavitch, 1789-1866):
“If we knew the power that the psalms have in heaven, we would be reciting psalms all day long.”
History of the Baal Shem Tov (Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Hasidic movement, Poland 1698-1760):
The Baal Shem Tov used to receive many guests every week for Shabbat. One week, among the Shabbat guests were many ordinary people, people who were not like the great and wise students of the Baal Shem Tov, but rather simpler people with less knowledge of Torah and Hasidism.
To the students' surprise, at Shabbat dinner, the Baal Shem Tov showed great honor, respect, and attention to these humble guests who, according to the students, did not deserve it. At lunch the following day, to which only the students were invited, the Baal Shem Tov sensed that his students were still thinking about the honor and respect the teacher had shown to the humble people the previous evening.
Then the Baal Shem Tov asked his students to join hands in a circle around the table and close their eyes. Suddenly, the students heard psalms recited with laughter, sweet and beautiful songs of praise and delight, mingled with soul-stirring pleas. One sang, “O Ribono Shel Olam! (Master of the world!) You said that your words are as pure as silver refined seventy times!” Another pleaded, “O Ribono Shel Olam! God, in your grace, test me! Refine my kidneys and my heart!” (referring to the person’s thoughts). Another asked, “Dear Father! Have mercy on me, for in you my soul trusts, and in the shadow of your wings I take refuge until the difficult times pass.” Another said, “Father who art in heaven! Let the enemies of God rise up and depart!” Another cried out in a bitter voice, “Dear Father! Even the wild bird finds a home, your chicks (we) drank from your altar, God of hosts, my King, my Lord!” Another pleaded and said, “Loving Father! Bring us back, God of our salvation, and take away your anger from us.”.
All of this the Baal Shem Tov's students heard while holding hands with their eyes closed. When they opened their eyes, all the students were trembling with emotion at the supplications and chants they had heard. Then the Baal Shem Tov explained to them that these psalms they had heard were the ones ordinary people were reciting in the synagogue; these psalms reach the heavens and go directly to God.
Excellent explanation. Thank you very much for the article.