Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Psalms, imprecatory (Psalm 11, 34, 51, 58, 68, 108, 136) Those marked by strong expressions and denunciations of the foes of Israel and God. Since these psalms no less than other portions of Holy Writ are Divine utterances, their interpretation must not make God the author of breaches of that love which we are bound … Continue reading “Psalms, Imprecatory”

Psalms, Gradual (Latin: gradus, step) Psalms 119-133 which were sung by the caravans of devout Israelites on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the great feasts in the Temple. Other commentators say they were hymns sung in the liturgical service of the Temple as the Levites ascended in procession the steps, particularly in celebrating the … Continue reading “Psalms, Gradual”

Psalms, Book of A collection of Divinely inspired hymns or poems in the Canon of the Old Testament as accepted by Jews and Christians; also known as the Psalter of David of 150 Psalms (Council of Trent). Psalm is from psalmos, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Mizmor (the title prefixed to 57 hymns in … Continue reading “Psalms, Book of”

Psalms, Alphabetic Alphabetic psalms are so called because their successive verses, or successive parallel series, begin with the successive letters of the alphabet. Some of these formations are perfectly regular, others are more or less defective. Among the regular Alphabetic Psalms must be reckoned Pss. cx, cxi, cxviii (Heb., Pss. cxi, cxii, cxix). The praise … Continue reading “Psalms, Alphabetic”

Psalms, Alleluiatic Late Jewish ritualistic designation of four groups of psalms, 104-106, 110-116, 134-135 (Great Hallel), 145-150, Vulgate enumeration, denoting liturgical use in connection with the Passover (Paschal) Supper. Title derived from the opening word of several of these psalms, “Halleluiah” or Hallelu (Praise ye). Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

Psalms Psalms in the Apostolic Church included OT Psalms and similar hymns of praise to God, as sung to musical accompaniment. In 1Co 14:15 St. Paul contemplates impromptu utterances under the influence of the Spirit, and appeals for the use of the reason in praise no less than in prayer. In 1Co 14:26 he assumes … Continue reading “Psalms”

Psalmody, Christian Those who refuse to accept the use of hymns in public worship interpret as sacred songs only the Psalms of David, and restrict the term to the singing of metrical versions of the Psalms to short, simple airs. They do this on the ground that psalm-singing alone was practiced in Jewish worship, and … Continue reading “Psalmody, Christian”

Psalmody, Ancient By this term we mean the singing of sacred songs as an act of worship; and in this article we shall speak only of its use in public worship, and we shall use the term in its most inclusive sense. In doing so, we substantially adopt the art. in Kitto’s Cyclopaedia. The simple … Continue reading “Psalmody, Ancient”

PSALMODY The art or act of singing psalms. Psalmody was always esteemed a considerable part of devotion, and usually performed in the standing posture; and as to the manner of pronunciation, the plain song was sometimes used, being a gentle inflection of the voice, not much different from reading, like the chant in cathedrals; at … Continue reading “Psalmody”

Psalmister (Lat. Psalmista) Or Psaltes (Singer) one of the inferior orders in the early Church, mentioned first by the Council of Laodicea. The form used in their designation was, according to the fourth Council of Carthage, See that thou believest in thine heart what thou singest with thy mouth, and approve in works what thou … Continue reading “Psalmister (Lat. Psalmista) Or Psaltes (Singer)”