How important is it to know when each Psalm was written?
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Dates of the Psalms
- Thread starter Salty
- Start date
For me, I don't have to know the exact date, but it helps to know the context and the author of each psalm when we can.
I think that is the most important thing.
Estimating a time period and knowing some historical background should generally not be relied upon to support an interpretation.
Interpretation of a passage may be strongly effected by the presumed date of when a particular Old Testament text was written.
Particularly with the Psalms, the titles were added sometime after the Psalm was composed.
Even the titles (e.g. "Of David") are unreliable indicators; (was it written by David?, was it about David?, was it written in the style of David?).
Sometimes even the context of a Psalm is questionable for similar reasons.
The Psalms are sufficient in themselves, they address the experiences of all humanity.
Rob