The Psalms Teach the Attributes of the Holy Scripture

The Psalms Teach the Attributes of Holy Scripture

A. Inspired – The Scriptures are God-breathed throughout.

Ps. 45:1

“My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.”

Mark 12:36

“David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”

Jesus was quoting psalm 110 against the scribes during Holy Week. Inspiration stands as a foundation for the psalms, as the fundamental reason for their existence. They are the Lord’s own Words recorded by the Holy Spirit through men to teach us how to pray and confess the Bible’s teaching. Luther, when commenting on psalm 110, will speak of the Spirit’s unseen role in this way. Ps. 110 is clearly about the Father’s words to the Son but we have knowledge of the divine conversation only by the inspirational work of the Spirit with David as his penman. The psalm never speaks about the Spirit directly, but it bears his unmistakable fingerprints. Consider also David’s last words…

2 Sam. 23:1ff

“The oracle of David, the son of Jesse, the oracle of the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel: “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his Word is on my tongue…””

B. Inerrant – The Scriptures are true and contain no mistakes, contradictions, and errors.

Ps. 12:6

“The words of the Lord (אִֽמֲרֹות יְהוָה) are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”

Ps. 119:160

“The sum of your Word (דְּבָרְךָ) is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

Ps. 119:113

“I hate the double-minded, but I love your Law (תֹורָתְךָ).”

C. Infallible – The truth of the Scriptures will not fail you or themselves.

Ps. 18:30

“The Word of the Lord (אִמְרַֽת־יְהוָה) proves true.”

Ps. 17:4-5

“With regard to the works of man, by the Word (בִּדְבַר) of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

Ps. 119:31

“I cling to your testimonies (בְעֵֽדְוֹתֶיךָ), O Lord; let me not be put to shame!”

D. Perspicuous – The Scriptures are clear.

Ps. 119:105

“Your Word (דְבָרֶךָ) is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

E. Sufficient – The Scriptures provide everything needed for salvation, doctrine, and life.

Ps. 19:7-8

“The Law (תֹּורַת) of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony (עֵדוּת) of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts (פִּקּוּדֵי) of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment (מִצְוַת) of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

F. Effective – The Scriptures are the means by which the Holy Spirit converts, sustains, and strengthens the saints eternal life by granting them faith in the promises that saves.

Ps. 33:6

“By the Word of the Lord (בִּדְבַר יְהוָה) the heavens were made.”

Ps. 33:9

“For he spoke (אָמַר), and it came to be; he commanded (צִוָּה), and it stood firm.”

Ps. 107:28

“He sent out his Word (דְּבָרֹו) and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.”

Ps. 119:25

“Give me life according to your Word (כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ).”

Ps. 119:28

“Strengthen me according to your Word (כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ).”