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Is There a Psalm 151? – Viral Believer
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Is There a Psalm 151?

Introduction

Psalm 151, often referred to as an apocryphal or deuterocanonical psalm, has been a topic of great interest and discussion among believers, theologians, and scholars for centuries. The 150 Psalms in the Hebrew Bible are known as the Book of Psalms or the Psalter and are traditionally attributed to King David.

The Psalms are a collection of prayers, hymns, and poetic expressions of faith and worship, which have been foundational to the worship and spiritual life of Jews and Christians alike.

While the canonical Psalter ends with Psalm 150, Psalm 151 has been a subject of curiosity, raising questions about its authenticity, origin, and significance within the biblical canon.

The existence of Psalm 151 has been a point of contention, as it is not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Christian Old Testament.

However, it has been preserved in some ancient manuscripts and is recognized as part of the biblical canon by certain Christian traditions, particularly the Eastern Orthodox Church.

This blog post will delve into the origins of Psalm 151, its place within the biblical canon, and the significance of its content in relation to the broader themes found in the Psalms.

Before embarking on this exploration, it is essential to acknowledge that the question of Psalm 151’s existence and authenticity is complex and nuanced.

While it may not be part of the canon recognized by all Christian traditions, its historical presence and acceptance by some communities indicate that it should not be entirely dismissed.

As we delve into this intriguing psalm, we will seek to present a balanced perspective, recognizing the various positions held by different Christian traditions and the underlying reasons for their stances.

Is There a Psalm 151?

The Origins of Psalm 151

Psalm 151 is not found in the Masoretic Text, which is the authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible. However, it was discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 in the Hebrew language, specifically in the Psalms Scroll (11QPs^a).

The presence of Psalm 151 in this ancient Jewish collection suggests that it was known and used by some Jewish communities in the centuries preceding the birth of Christ.

In addition to the Hebrew text found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, Psalm 151 is also preserved in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

The Septuagint includes Psalm 151 as an appendix, with a note stating that it is “outside the number” of the canonical 150 Psalms. It is worth noting that the Septuagint is the Old Testament version most frequently quoted by the writers of the New Testament.

Psalm 151 in the Biblical Canon

The canonical status of Psalm 151 has varied among Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant denominations do not include Psalm 151 in their biblical canon, as it is not part of the Hebrew Bible’s Masoretic Text.

Instead, they follow the 150 Psalms recognized by the Jewish tradition.

However, the Eastern Orthodox Church has included Psalm 151 in their canon, as it is found in the Septuagint, which is the Old Testament version used by the Orthodox Church.

Consequently, Psalm 151 is considered canonical by the Orthodox Church, and it is included in their liturgical use and devotional practices.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church also recognizes Psalm 151 as part of its biblical canon, along with several other psalms beyond the traditional 150. These additional psalms are found in the Ethiopian Biblical Canon, reflecting the unique traditions and history of the Ethiopian Church.

The Content and Themes of Psalm 151

Psalm 151, as preserved in the Septuagint, is a short psalm of just six verses. The content of the psalm focuses on David’s humble origins as a shepherd and his anointing as the king of Israel. It recounts the story of David’s triumph over the Philistine giant Goliath, a well-known narrative from 1 Samuel 17.

The psalm emphasizes David’s reliance on God’s power and guidance in achieving this victory. Below is the text of Psalm 151.

  1. I was small among my brothers, And the youngest in my father’s house; I tended my father’s sheep.
  2. My hands made a harp, My fingers fashioned a lyre.
  3. And who will tell my Lord? The Lord Himself; it is He who hears.
  4. It was He who sent His messenger And took me from my father’s sheep, And anointed me with His anointing oil.
  5. My brothers were handsome and tall, But the Lord was not pleased with them.
  6. I went out to meet the Philistine, And he cursed me by his idols.
  7. But I drew his own sword; I beheaded him, and took away disgrace from the people of Israel.

The themes and language of Psalm 151 are consistent with other psalms attributed to David, particularly the emphasis on God’s providential guidance and the importance of humility before the Lord.

The psalm’s focus on David’s anointing and his victory over Goliath resonates with the broader themes of God’s sovereignty and the triumph of faith in the face of adversity found throughout the Psalter.

Conclusion

The question of Psalm 151’s existence and authenticity is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a simple answer.

While it is not part of the canonical Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Christian Old Testament, its presence in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, and the biblical canon of the Eastern Orthodox Church demonstrates that it has been recognized and valued by some communities throughout history.

The content of Psalm 151, with its focus on David’s humble beginnings and reliance on God’s power, aligns with the broader themes found in the Psalms. The psalm serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, faith, and dependence on God’s guidance, even in the face of great challenges.

Ultimately, the question of whether there is a Psalm 151 may be less important than the insights and lessons that can be gleaned from its content. For those who recognize Psalm 151 as part of their biblical canon, it can be a source of inspiration and encouragement in their spiritual journey.

For others who may not view it as canonical, it still offers a window into the spiritual life and devotion of ancient Jewish and Christian communities, providing an opportunity for reflection and growth in faith.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.