When we think of the book of Psalms, most people think of it as a book of songs for the ancient assembly of Israel, which indeed it is. Also many think of it as an in depth devotional book, to help us think about God, and to learn to draw nearer to Him. It is indeed also that. Psalms is one the loftiest and most inspiring of the books of the Bible. Almost no complete view of God can be made without dealing with the Psalms. And when you are having those major trials and difficulties which come upon men, Psalms is an extraordinary source of comfort and help. Psalms helps us to keep in mind that God is still in control and that He will hear the pleas of His saints, and answer their calls for help.

Most do not think of Psalms as a prophetic book at all. I didn’t. Then came a time when I need some shorter lessons for a once a month evening assembly that was to be followed by other activities. I decided to do lessons on the psalms. Over a period of nearly nine years I covered about 100 of the 150 psalms, taking each in turn, analyzing their message, declaring these things in sermons. It was only after covering over half of the psalms that I slowly began to realize, Hey, this is an important prophetic book! I admit to being a slow learner at times, and duller than I should be, but that was a shock to me.

It actually begins in Psalm 1 with talk of the wicked not being able to survive the judgement, Psa 1:5.

It continues with speaking of Jesus ruling the kings and judges of the earth during the Christian Age, in Psalm 2. This is clearly before the end of this age when it says,

“Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power.” 1Cor 15:24 WEB

In fact, I call Psalm 2 the “New Testament Psalm.”

Psalms continually speaks of eternal things of hope and prosperity in a better world. The psalmist David says,

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psa 84:10 KJV

It continually speaks of end things.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.
He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear.
He burns the chariots in the fire.
Psa 46:9 WEB

Further Psalms is a primary source on the great uproar which will occur among nations, leading up to the end of our age.

“Why do the nations rage,
And the peoples plot a vain thing?”
Psa 2:1 WEB

In fact I do not think that any comprehensive view of the end things can be formed without the Psalms.

No wonder that the second most quoted book in the New Testament is that of Psalms.

KJV is the King James Version, 1611.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901