The first word of the Psalter (’ašrê) encourages believers to read it (sing it and/or pray it) as a manual for (true) happiness. This understanding is supported by the following two facts: the first two psalms form a double introduction to the whole book framed by the key term ’ašrê (Ps 1:1 and Ps. 2:12), and the psalms at the seams of the Psalter (41-43, 72-73, 89-90, 106-107, and 144-150) reinforce the importance of this theme. But the Psalter is much more than a manual for true happiness. It exhorts its readers to a life of holiness (Ps. 1:1-2) and it provides everlasting hope (Ps. 1:6 and Ps. 2). And all three of these terms are interrelated. Thus, in biblical understanding one cannot be happy without being holy, and there is no happiness without hope. Moreover, there is no hope and šālôm for the wicked (hence the repeated call to a life of holiness/righteousness).
This essay will argue that these three terms, happiness, holiness, and hope are foundational and very much related in the Psalter and in life. The argument starts by looking closely at the introduction of the Psalter (psalms 1 and 2), and then proceeds to show that the rest of the book reinforces this important triad. While the essay is concerned with the whole Psalter, the immediate focus will be on the first two books (Pss. 1-72).
This study is important for at least two reasons. First, it shows that the sages who are responsible for the final editing of the Psalter understood that the innate human desire for happiness is the best motivator for a life holiness, and they also understood that no real happiness is possible without lasting hope. Second, understanding and seeing the importance of this triad in the psalter should help teachers and preachers to motivate their congregations to make the Psalter foundational for their spiritual life.