What is the content of Psalm 151?

Psalm 151 is an interesting and somewhat controversial psalm because it is not found in the canonical text of most Christian Bibles. Instead, it is part of the Apocrypha and is included in some versions of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. This psalm is significant because it provides additional insight into the life and thoughts of King David, who is traditionally credited with writing many of the psalms.

Psalm 151 is often described as an autobiographical psalm of David, reflecting on his humble beginnings and his rise to kingship. It is a short psalm, consisting of just seven verses, which makes it unique compared to the longer compositions found in the canonical Psalms. Below is a translation of Psalm 151 from the Septuagint:

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.

This psalm can be divided into two main parts: David’s reflection on his humble beginnings (verses 1-4) and his victory over Goliath (verses 5-7).

Reflection on Humble Beginnings

The first four verses of Psalm 151 focus on David’s early life. David starts by acknowledging his lowly position within his family. He was the youngest son, tasked with the menial job of tending sheep. This reflects the biblical account in 1 Samuel 16:11, where David is described as the youngest son of Jesse, left to care for the sheep while his brothers were presented to Samuel.

David then mentions his musical talents: "My hands made a harp; my fingers fashioned a lyre." This aligns with the biblical narrative in 1 Samuel 16:18, where David is described as a skillful musician. Music played a significant role in David’s life and ministry, as he later became known for his psalms and hymns.

The next verse, "And who will tell my Lord? The Lord himself; it is he who hears," emphasizes David’s relationship with God. Despite his lowly status, David had a direct line of communication with the Lord. This is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where David often speaks of his personal relationship with God.

Verse 4 recounts God’s intervention in David’s life: "It was he who sent his messenger and took me from my father’s sheep, and anointed me with his anointing oil." This refers to the moment when the prophet Samuel anointed David as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). This anointing was a pivotal moment in David’s life, marking the beginning of his journey from shepherd to king.

Victory Over Goliath

The second part of Psalm 151 (verses 5-7) shifts focus to David’s famous victory over Goliath. David contrasts himself with his brothers, who were "handsome and tall," but whom the Lord did not choose. This echoes 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

David then recounts his encounter with Goliath, the Philistine giant who cursed him by his idols. This event is detailed in 1 Samuel 17, where David, armed with only a sling and five stones, defeats Goliath in the name of the Lord. Psalm 151:7 succinctly summarizes this victory: "But I drew his own sword; I beheaded him, and took away disgrace from the people of Israel." This act of bravery not only secured a military victory but also lifted the morale of the Israelites, who had been paralyzed by fear.

Theological and Spiritual Insights

Psalm 151 offers several theological and spiritual insights that are valuable for believers today. Firstly, it highlights the theme of God choosing the humble and lowly for great purposes. David’s rise from shepherd to king is a powerful reminder that God’s criteria for selection are different from human criteria. God looks at the heart, not outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

Secondly, the psalm underscores the importance of a personal relationship with God. Despite his humble beginnings, David had a close relationship with the Lord, which was instrumental in his rise to kingship. This theme is prevalent throughout the Psalms, where David often speaks of his trust and reliance on God.

Thirdly, Psalm 151 emphasizes the role of divine intervention in achieving victory. David’s victory over Goliath was not due to his own strength or skill but was made possible by God’s guidance and support. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God often uses unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes, demonstrating that the ultimate source of power and victory is God Himself.

Historical and Canonical Context

The inclusion of Psalm 151 in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Masoretic Text raises interesting questions about the formation of the biblical canon. The Septuagint was widely used in the early Christian church, and some early church fathers, such as Athanasius and Augustine, considered the additional psalms as part of the biblical text.

However, when the Jewish canon was solidified, Psalm 151 was not included in the Hebrew Bible. This exclusion carried over into most Protestant Bibles, which follow the Hebrew Masoretic Text. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, which include the Apocrypha in their Bibles, do recognize Psalm 151.

Conclusion

Psalm 151, though not part of the canonical text for most Christian denominations, offers valuable insights into the life and faith of King David. It reflects on his humble beginnings, his musical talents, his close relationship with God, and his famous victory over Goliath. The psalm underscores the themes of divine selection, personal relationship with God, and divine intervention, which are prevalent throughout the Bible.

For modern believers, Psalm 151 serves as a reminder that God often chooses the humble and lowly for great purposes, that a personal relationship with God is crucial, and that ultimate victory comes from divine intervention. While it may not be part of the canonical Psalms, its message remains relevant and inspiring for Christians today.