What Are Some Symbols That Could Symbolize Psalms?

The book of Psalms is often reffered to as the book of songs – and rightfully so. It is probably the most poetic book in the Bible, right after Song of Songs. Psalms cover various topics – from grief, through faith, to spiritual guidance. Reading them, one can ask an important question: What are some symbols that could symbolize psalms?

In this article we will talk about powerful and meaningful symbolic images taken out of psalms, and analyze their beauty, but also spiritual significance. Let’s dive right in:

The Most Common Symbols in Psalms:

1. The Lyre – Poetry, Singing Worship

We cannot answer the question: “What are some symbols that could symbolize psalms?”, without mentioning a lyre. The most popular symbol in the book of Psalms, but also generally in poetry is a lyre, sometimes replaced by a harp. This instrument reffers to the singing of human soul which crafts beautiful melodies of words. King David – the author of most psalms – was known to be a skilled harpist himself. Music, therefore sung poetry, was his way to communicate with God.

“Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!” — Psalm 33:2

The lyre or the harp symbolize the worship and prayer as humanly instruments to talk to and glorify our Creator. It reminds us that praise doesn’t have to be spoken – it can be sung, danced, whispered or even yelled. Sometimes worship might be very unique. For example, one can praise God through Bible Verse Wall Art, meditating on His Word while placing it as a decorative element.

If the book of psalms would need to be marked with a symbol, we can be sure it would be a lyre or a harp.

2. A Tree – Growth and Nourishment

Another powerful and often mentioned in psalms symbol is a tree (for example, a tree planted by the stream). This analogy appears for the first time in Psalm 1 and carries on in many places.

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season.” — Psalm 1:3

A tree is a symbol of spiritual growth and nourishment – it shows prosperity, spiritual health, and aboundance. The stream in this context symbolizes God – who waters the tree and keeps it alive and well. This metaphor reminds us about the ultimate truth – without God, we cannot do anything.

What is a wonderful extension of this symbol is the way the psalms make us feel. Through worship and prayer expressed by poetry, we can feel closer to God and understand ourselves better. We become as the tree mentioned in the Psalm 1 – dwelling in God and letting Him lavish us with His Word.

3. A Deer – Symbol of Deep Longing

Psalm 42 opens with one of the most popular verse in the whole Scripture:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” — Psalm 42:1

The deer is simply a soul longing for God, who – again – is compared to a stream. Such simple and nature-inspired analogies were, and still are, very easily understood. These pictures are known to our eyes, and hearts, and the author of psalms is using it skillfully. Even if some readers haven’t seen a deer in their life, the picture of this animal waiting for water from the stream is so vivid, one can still relate to this description.

That’s exactly the brilliance of the book of Psalms – it is relatable, poetic (yet still simple) and self-explainable.

4. Wings – Symbol of Protection and Comfort

Multiple Psalms talk about God as a refuge, and they use the imagery of His people being sheltered by His wings. For example:

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” — Psalm 91:4

Wings in psalms symbolize protection, and divine comfort. Even the thought itself created by our imagination after reading this comparison forms a deep feeling of belonging and safety.

Psalms stir emotions and imagination – with powerful symbols as wings of the Savior they deepen our faith and understanding of salvation. If you want to experience the powerful symbolism of psalms in wall art, make sure to explore our Psalms Wall Art collection.

5. A Lamp – Symbol of Spiritual Guidance

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

This analogy echos through the whole book of Psalms. Comaprison to a lamp appears also in other places in the Bible, like in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is encouraging His followers to be the light and the salt of the world.

The lamp – source of light – is a poetic ilumination of spiritual wisdom given by God. It shines brightly, overcoming the darkness, and is avaible for those who seek it. Psalms using this symbol awaken inner undersatnding of God’s Word.

6. Mount Zion – God’s Presence

In the Bible the presence of the Lord is compared to various things. From the cloud, through fire, to the mount Zion. This mountain is a hill in Jerusalem on which the Temple once stood. It is referring to God as the centre, and the highest point of the world.

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain.” — Psalm 48:1

This is the symbol of God’s dwelling and the hope of eternity. Some theologians also say that the mount Zion is an ultimate representation of the Kingdom of God – unshakable, high, and majestic. Read more about the history behind mount Zion here.

7. A Shield – Protection and Strength of the Lord

The subject of battles and enemies repeats itself through many psalms. This imagery was easily understood by the people in the times when the book was written. Battles, fights, and riots were happening pretty often back then.

In modern times, of course, we still encounter these events – therefore, this metaphor is still understandable.

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” — Psalm 3:3

This symbol represents God as a defender. Protection. Reliable, strong, and unfailing.

Such an imagery is powerful, and makes us all rely on God more.

What Are Some Symbols That Could Symbolize Psalms – Letters

As we know, some of the psalms use (mostly Greek) letters to distinguish different parts. They were usually used when psalms were sung, to recognize chorus and other parts.

Therefore, the letter-symbol used for psalms is a Greek letter psi (ψ) that is the beginning of the word “Psalmos”. This letter would be sometimes followed by the number suggesting specific psalm, for example ψ1 (Psalm 1).

In English, we simply use Ps abbreviation. This one is also used in many other languages. For insance, Polish. If you wonder what symbol, other than a letter, can symbolize psalms – it is a lyre/harp, as we said above.

Conclusion

We’ve just discovered what are some symbols that could symbolize psalms. Psalms are a very poetic book, filled with symbols and metaphors. Some of them are repetive, including the ones anylyzed above. Once in a while the psalmist uses a new symbol that is not known to appear anywhere else. And that’s the beauty of poetry.

We have a lifetime to explore the deep layers of symbolism in psalms, and the entire Bible. Let this journey bring you a lot of joy, and fulfilment. For ultimate inspiration for Biblical adventures, visit our store: Heavenly Wall Designs, which offers a variety of Bible Verse Wall Art, and Christian Wall Art.

So might God bless you, dear reader.