Why the Book of Psalms is important:

This book is an anthology of prayer and praise that has been called the heart of the entire Bible.

It is a guidebook for worship that encourages readers to express praise to God for who He is and what He has done. It illuminates the greatness of our God, affirms His faithfulness to us in times of trouble, reminds us of the importance of His Word, and presents a picture of God guiding His people.

There are 150 psalms divided into five main sections:

  • Davidic Psalms 1-41 reflect much of his life and faith.
  • Historical Psalms 42-72 present many historical facts.
  • Liturgical Psalms 73-89 prescribe worship.
  • Pre-Captivity Psalms 90-106 reflect pre-captivity sentiment.
  • Captivity and Return Psalms 107-150 pertain to return to Jerusalem.

    Many people have tried to define various categories of Psalms, including the following:

  • Hymns of praise: 8, 18, 19, 104, 145, 147
  • Hymns public worship: 15, 24, 87
  • Hymns pertaining to trial and calamity: 9, 22, 55, 56, 109
  • Messianic psalms: 2,16, 40, 72, 110
  • Hymns of religious character: 89, 90, 91, 121, 127
  • Hymns of national : 105, 106, 114
  • Psalms that focus on the one infinite, all-wise and omnipotent God.
  • Psalms that focus on the universality of his love, providence, and goodness.
  • Psalms that focus on abhorrence of all idols and rejection of all false deities.
  • Psalms that give prophetic glimpses of God's Son and and His redeeming work.
  • Psalms that focus on the nature of sin and God's hatred of it and judgment.
  • Psalms that teach doctrines of forgiveness, mercy, and the duty of repentance.
  • Psalms that emphasize the beauty of holiness and the importance of faith.
  • Psalms of lament cry out to God in difficult circumstances.
  • Psalms of praise express admiration to God.
  • Psalms of thanksgiving express gratitude for deliverance or provision from God.
  • Psalms of pilgrimage pertain to three annual festivals.
  • Psalms of wisdom
  • Psalms of royalty refer to Israel's kings or the Messiah
  • Psalms of victory
  • Psalms of law

    Authors of psalms include David (who is credited with 73), Asaph, the sons of Korah, Herman, Ethan, Moses, and Solomon.

    View an index of Old Testament books