Classification of Psalms 13, 112, 117, 119 According to their Themes
Because of the following characteristics, I believe that Psalm 13 is a psalm of lament:
1. Invocation
2. Plea to God for help
3. Complaints
4. Confession of sin or an assertion of innocence
5. Curse of enemies (imprecation)
6. Confidence in God’s response
7. Hymn or blessing
Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm that falls under the category of acrostic wisdom psalms in which verses or lines begin with succeeding letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It contains the characteristics of wisdom, such as the doctrine of the two ways, the contrast between righteous and wicked, right speech, use of wealth, and fitting into the social structure (440, Lasor).
Psalm 119 is a wisdom psalm, too. Number of verses in this psalm uses the language and style of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. There is use of the literary technique used in proverbs beginning with “blessed is/are…” It also has the obvious intent of teaching how to live a noble and holy life. Overall, Psalm 119 is perhaps the best-known example, devoting 176 verses to extolling God’s law.
Psalm 117 is a definite hymn because this psalm begins with a call to worship, continues by expanding on the reasons why God should be praised, and concludes with a further call to praise.
