Should Psalms be used to support theological doctrine?

Sorry but you have Psalms wrong. In fact there are a number of Psalms that are Messianic in nature. There are other Psalms that speak of the words and counsel of God as absolute truth. I suggest you study the Psalms a bit more.

 

We should never set doctrine by one single verse whether it be in the Psalms or anywhere else.

 

2 Tim 3:16 - "All scripture given by inspiration from God and to be used for doctrine"

 

A nice guide to the Psalms quoted in the New Testament:

New Testament Quotations from the Psalms

 

This is an imprecatory psalm in which the psalmist is crying out for God to repay Edom and Babylon for the evil done to Jerusalem. What is your problem with this passage?

 

This is a distinction without a difference. Teaching (doctrine) is still teaching. Many of the doctrinal points in the Bible are repeated in various ways. Psalm 33:6 says, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host." This is a republication of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Neither passage stands by itself as both are intertwined in teaching that God is the Creator of all there is. For that matter, these verses are linked to Hebrews 1:2.

A good student of the Bible will place an individual text into its proper order in regards to doctrine, although that order does not lessen the importance of any individual text.

Yes.

 

Yes, what's the problem? Calvin assures in his Commentary: "We may rest assured that God would never have suffered any infants to be slain except those who were already damned and predestined for eternal death."

 

In response to the Thread question:

Jesus said:

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ..." [citing Psalms 22:1 KJB], etc.​

See also Luke 20:42, 24:44; Acts 1:20, 13:33,35 KJB.

 

This is not entirely accurate. Psalm 119 is heavy on instruction. While it is a mediatory psalm, one would be wise to follow its precepts. In Psalm 40 David realizes that God is requiring a right heart more than right religious observance. These things are very much instructive.

 

All doctrine should be formed from an understanding of the entire canon. Less weight should be given to poetic language vs didactic teaching on a matter.

We should avoid being biblicists and literalists and treat different genres - differently.

 

1. I would challenge your statement when you write, “It is the only book where the communication is solely from humanity towards God.” The Psalms were used for worship and teaching, perhaps in much the same way we sing hymns and spiritual songs today.
2. Speaking of OT Scripture, it is written that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful...” (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. The genera of the Psalms are generally poetic so their use when developing or supporting doctrine must take this into account.
4. New Testament authors (and Jesus) use the Psalms to develop and support doctrine.
5. Surely the imprecatory psalms (a sub-genera) need to be approached with some awareness and caution.

Rob​

 

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.