A Psalm of Asaph.
Recently I’ve been studying the five books that comprise the Psalms. They are categorized by the following structure:
Introduction: Psalms 1 – 2
Book One: Psalms 3 – 41
Book Two: Psalms 42 – 72
Book Three: Psalms 73 – 89
Book Four: Psalms 90 – 106
Book Five: Psalms 107 – 144
Conclusion: Psalms 144 – 150
(Some theologians teach that the concluding psalms begin at Psalm 146. I propose that 144 is the ending of Book Five and the beginning of the concluding Psalms.)
The structure of these five books is fascinating. It is widely believed that the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, parallel the five books of the Psalms. They also begin and end with the repetitive words, “Happy,” “Blessed,” and “Amen,” except for Book Five, which replaces “Amen” with “Praise.” The reason for this is that in the end, all of life’s lamentations will be turned into eternal praise.
Hopefully this summary will whet your appetite to study these life-transforming poems. Many years ago, these psalms brought me out of thirteen years of sickness and depression to a place of full health and stamina. My hope is that they will do the same for those of you who need these life-giving truths.
Now for an interesting journey into Book Three. Most of books One and Two were written by David. He tells it like it is. In the very beginning of Book One we learn about David’s son Absolom who tried to kill his father. Can you imagine writing a song and the first thing you write about is your family dysfunction? Actually, I can imagine this. In fact, this kind of transparency and lack of sugar coating our trials is what makes the Psalms such a widely read book. The book of Psalms is so incredibly relational as it describes some of the deepest sorrows and encouraging hope.
Book Two (Psalm 42- 72) reveals the end of King David’s lamentations and praise. Throughout Book Two, once again, nothing is hidden from the world audience. In chapter 34 for example, we learn about David acting in one of his most shameful moments as he fearfully pretended to be an insane person. We see real humanity presented in full color, with its sins and failures, fears and doubts, complaints and disappointments. Unlike many biographies and autobiographies that cover up the hero’s imperfections, the psalms depict these characters holistically, just as we should see ourselves. This brings me to one of my unsung heroes—chief musician Asaph.
Book Three begins with Asaph, both poet and musician. Like David, he does not cover up his fears and failures. Before discussing his failures, I would like to highlight one of his virtues. In I Chronicles 16: 4–5, we read:
“And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals.”
Asaph was a leader, a chief, who “made a sound with cymbals.” Just as the cymbals are not designed for solo performances, a cymbalist doesn’t lead the orchestra but closely follows. To clang his cymbals at the wrong moment would be disastrous! It is crucial that he follows closely and comes in at the perfect time. A great cymbalist must be a great follower! A great leader must also first learn to follow. And this is why Asaph is one of my heroes.
As much as I am inspired by Asaph, he had a defect in his character that plagued him. He was extremely envious. In Book Three, Psalm 73:1-3, we read Asaph’s first words to his poem:
“A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Asaph struggled with envy because he had his eyes on the success and prosperity of others. Can you imagine penning these words that would be read by millions of people for the next 3000 years? Who writes about themselves like this? The answer to these questions is that great leaders write like this. They are not afraid to reveal their failures. For Asaph, envy was his great trial.
In Hebrew, the word “envy” carries the idea of the sunrise gathering light to light the world, a bird making a nest, a bird gathering sticks to make the nest, to be zealous, and the idea of chirping. The Hebrew meaning of envy is seen primarily in a positive light. A mother and father for example, are envious, or jealous, or zealous concerning their family; they provide protection by making a home, providing food, and keeping them chirping, or happy.
Envy becomes negative when we want what others have. As soon as we move away from zealously protecting and providing for our own, envy becomes a sinful craving that destroys.
Thankfully, Asaph found the cure for his envy. He writes:
“When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end” (Psalm 73:17).
When Asaph focused on others it was too painful for him. He despised watching the wicked prosper while he had to work hard and keep his soul clean. Once Asaph, however, finally took his eyes off others and onto God, he writes:
“But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works” (Psalm 73:28).
When we keep our eyes on the LORD, we will begin to see all the blessings that He has given us, and we won’t have the time or interest to focus on the prosperity of others. We will simply be too busy declaring all the works of the LORD, and too busy providing, protecting, and preserving a happy, “chirping” home.
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min
Recommended Reading:
The Bird’s Nest (Ages 6+)
My Golden Ship book or audio drama (Ages 9+)
Idol’s of the Heart (Ages 12+)
