Medieval Book Facsimile and Manuscript Studies Guide: Hebrew Bibles/Tehillim

       The Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, consists of the Torah, the Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim.  It should be noted that there may be differing compositions of each of these sections according to different traditions.  The Torah consists of the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures.  The Nevi’im consists of the books of the prophets.  The Ketuvim is made up of both poetic books of the Bible and other books believed to have been written under divine inspiration but are not necessarily of the same import as the books of the prophets.  Of these sections, the Torah composes the center of the scriptures  While much of the Tanakh corresponds to the Protestant Old Testament, those studying the organization of the Tanakh must remain aware of key differences based on tradition and the relationship between the books themselves.

       Tehillim are copies of the Book of Psalms, the first book of the Ketuvim.  These Psalms were read and sung in praise to God.  Like Christian Psalters for Christian priests, tehillim allowed Jews (not just rabbis) to carry the Psalms in a more convenient and travelable form.  The Psalms are sung and recited during holidays and throughout the year during worship services.  They might also be recited in reaction to certain unexpected events, such as an illness, in order to either gain God’s favour or remind oneself of the favour God already gives His people, depending upon the individual’s interpretation of divine providence.