Psalm 151 is an additional psalm found in some editions of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). It is considered apocryphal and was removed from most Bibles and is no longer considered part of the biblical canon. Here is what the Bible has to say about Psalm 151:
Psalm 151 is relatively short, only consisting of 5 verses. It emphasizes the humble origins of David and his anointing by Samuel. The psalm states that David was the youngest of his brothers and was a shepherd tending the flock. It mentions that while tending the flock, David slew lions and bears that attacked the sheep. The psalm then tells of how Samuel anointed David after seeing that he had a heart for God despite his youth and humble status. It briefly mentions David’s battle with Goliath as well. The psalm ends by saying the Lord did not take his mercy from David.
Most scholars believe Psalm 151 was not actually written by David but instead was likely composed much later. There is debate about the original language it was written in. Some think it originated in Hebrew while others argue it was first composed in Greek. There is no concrete evidence or source material confirming the author, date, or original language of the psalm.
The earliest Greek manuscripts we have containing Psalm 151 come from the 4th century AD. It was not included in the Dead Sea Scrolls or other ancient sources. This late addition to the Psalter leads most scholars to conclude it was not part of the original Book of Psalms compiled under inspiration. Instead, it appears to have been added later by a non-inspired source.
Psalm 151 is considered apocryphal and does not appear in most Protestant or Jewish Bibles today. It was officially removed from the biblical canon at the Council of Trent in 1546 for Roman Catholics. However, it continues to be included in some Eastern Orthodox Bibles. The reason for its exclusion is that there is no evidence Psalm 151 was ever considered inspired scripture or part of the original 150 Psalms.
There are no direct references to Psalm 151 elsewhere in the Old Testament. The events described generally align with 1 Samuel 16-17 which tells of David’s youth, his anointing by Samuel, time as a shepherd, and battle with Goliath. However, Psalm 151 adds imaginative details not found in the biblical account. This makes its historical reliability doubtful.
While illuminating David’s early life, Psalm 151 does not provide any direct prophecy of the Messiah or contain the theological richness of many canonical psalms. The content is not substantially at odds with scripture but does not carry the hallmarks of inspiration. Given its late addition and lack of divine authorship, it is considered apocryphal.
Most Christians and Jews do not consider Psalm 151 to be scripture or authoritative sacred text. However, it can still provide interesting historical insights into ancient traditions about David’s upbringing and conquest of Goliath. While not rising to the level of inspired scripture, reading Psalm 151 can still be enjoyable and enlightening.
In summary, Psalm 151 is an apocryphal work added later to some versions of the Greek Septuagint. It was never part of the original inspired collection of psalms. While providing legend-like embellishments on David’s early life, it does not carry scriptural authority. Psalm 151 is not considered canonical by most modern Bibles nor authoritative sacred text. While illuminating apocryphal traditions about David, it ultimately lacks the hallmarks of divine inspiration and biblical reliability. The canonical Book of Psalms contains 150 authentic, Spirit-inspired psalms that are the authoritative words of God.
If you are interested in reading Psalm 151 for yourself, here is the full text in the English Standard Version translation:
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.
While interesting to read, this psalm does not carry the authority and divine inspiration of the canonical psalms in scripture. It provides legends and stories about David passed down through oral tradition but was not part of the original Book of Psalms compiled under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Most Bibles today are right to exclude it from the biblical canon.
The canonical Book of Psalms stands on its own as the authoritative collection of sacred songs and prayers inspired by God. Psalms 1-150 have withstood the test of time and remain deeply meaningful for worship, theology, and spiritual devotion. While later apocryphal psalms can be interesting, they do not approach scriptural psalms in their divine inspiration, spiritual depth, and canonical authority.
The Psalms have comforted and inspired God’s people for millennia. They powerfully convey the range of human emotion and the believer’s relationship with God. Jesus himself frequently quoted the Psalms, showing their continuity into the New Testament. The imprecatory psalms that call down judgement upon enemies may sound harsh to modern ears. However, they ultimately point ahead to the final justice and victory of Christ.
King David was called “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). David wrote many canonical psalms, with 73 directly attributed to him. The psalms are filled with rich poetry, metaphor, vivid imagery, and theological truth. They beautifully extol the greatness of God and the joys of trusting in Him. Even psalms not written by David often reflect themes from his life and reign.
Here are some key things to know about the canonical Book of Psalms:
– The 150 psalms are divided into 5 “books” echoing the 5 books of the Torah. Each section closes with a doxology praising God (Psalms 41:13, 72:18-19, 89:52, 106:48, 150).
– The Psalms include different literary genres, including hymns of praise, celebratory songs, communal laments, royal psalms, individual laments, penitential psalms, and more.
– The Psalms convey intense honesty and rawness of human emotion. There are cries of desolation, despair, anger, and doubt, but also great hope and praise.
– Jesus quoted the Psalms more than any other Old Testament book, especially in reference to his suffering and resurrection.
– The Psalms contain important Messianic prophecies about Christ’s crucifixion (Psalm 22), resurrection (Psalm 16), and ascension (Psalm 68).
– Themes in the Psalms include God’s steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness, salvation from enemies, trust in God, thanksgiving, prayer, praise, wisdom, justice, and much more.
– The Psalms extol God’s creative power in nature (Psalms 8, 19, 29) and His lordship over human history (Psalm 33).
– Imprecatory psalms calling for judgement against enemies point forward to God’s final victory over evil (Psalms 35, 58, 83).
– Penitential psalms like Psalm 51 have brought comfort and cleansing to repentant sinners across the ages.
– The Psalms contain timeless expressions of worship and longing for God that still ring powerfully true today (Psalms 42, 63, 84).
The Psalms are treasured both by Jews and Christians. They constitute an inspired hymnbook and guide to worship for God’s people. Through rich poetry and song, they express the tumult of human life lived under the shadow of God’s wings. Even in desolation, the psalmists powerfully affirm trust in God’s steadfast love and redemption.
The universal themes and raw emotion of the Psalms bridge geographic and cultural divides. They have spoken powerfully to people across vastly different times and places. This testifies to their divine inspiration and eternal relevance.
The Psalms point ahead to Christ, the embodiment and fulfillment of so many of their spiritual longings. Through rich poetry, they guide believers into a deeper understanding of the human condition lived before God. Though ancient, they resonate with startling immediacy today. The Psalms are indeed timeless songs for the people of God.
In conclusion, Psalm 151 provides imaginative stories about David’s early life but does not share the authority and trustworthiness of the canonical Psalms. The 150 inspired psalms in scripture offer divine wisdom, comfort, prophecy, and insight that has stood the test of time. Their treasured place in the hearts of God’s people for millennia testifies to their enduring power and relevance. For sound spiritual nourishment and connection with God, Christians should look to the substantive content and divine inspiration of the canonical Psalms.
