(relatively) easy Psalms?

[Mark Lightman]

The Psalms are difficult of course, much harder to read than, say Genesis. But I've noticed that some (1 and 8) seem a little easier than others (2-5.) Are there any that strike you as relatively easy? Are there any that use ordinary and common words rather than the rare poetic words that make them so hard?

On the other end of the spectrum, which are the ones whose literary value make them a must-read, regardless of difficulty?

Mark Lightman

[kwrandolph]

The Psalms are difficult of course, much harder to read than, say Genesis. But I've noticed that some (1 and 8) seem a little easier than others (2-5.) Are there any that strike you as relatively easy? Are there any that use ordinary and common words rather than the rare poetic words that make them so hard?

It’s not only the rare words, but also the many Psalms that use the more common words in a poetic manner.

I’ve reading through Psalms the last few weeks, and often I find misunderstandings based on wrong attributions of words. For example, in Psalm 65:2 we find the word דמיה which is usually taken as a misspelling for דומיה. Its use in the form found in Psalm 65:2 mostly means “her blood”, but in this verse seems to come from דמה a verb meaning to pattern an action, i.e. in this context to set up to praise. It’s things like this that make Psalms, and poetry in general, more difficult that it should be.

If I remember correctly, most of the Psalms after 100 tend to be easier to read.

On the other end of the spectrum, which are the ones whose literary value make them a must-read, regardless of difficulty?

Mark Lightman

I’ll let others answer this, as I read them all.

Karl W. Randolph.

[talmid56]

Welcome, Mark!
Here are some suggestions.

Easy Psalms:

8, 16, 19, 22, 23, 51, 100, 110, 118, 119, 139

Must-Reads

2, 8, 16, 22, 23, 51, 110, 118, 119, 139

Both lists could be expanded, but these are some that quickly come to mind.

Among the must-reads are several that are important for understanding the Christian use of the Psalms in teaching how Jesus is the Messiah. These include 2, 8, 16, 22, 110, and 118, in particular.

As it happens, several of these have fairly easy vocab, as well.

Listening to them in Hebrew also helps; I prefer the reader who recorded the ones on the Mechon Mamre site.

Dewayne Dulaney

[Mark Lightman]

If I remember correctly, most of the Psalms after 100 tend to be easier to read.

Here are some suggestions.
Easy Psalms:
8, 16, 19, 22, 23, 51, 100, 110, 118, 119, 139

Thanks, Karl and Dwayne. 16, 100 and 101 were in fact much easier. I guess we could add Jonah chapter 2 to the list as well.

...I read them all.

I hope to as well (I've read them all in Greek.) You are an inspiration for me in stuff like this.

Listening to them in Hebrew also helps; I prefer the reader who recorded the ones on the Mechon Mamre site.
Dewayne Dulaney

Yes, that's the great Abraham Shmuelof. I discovered him early and listen to him often. He is easy to understand, enunciates each word clearly, speaks neither too fast nor slow, and has a pleasant voice.

Thanks again for the replies.

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם‎

Mark Lightman