Psalms is book 19 of the 39 books of the Old Testament and belongs to the Wisdom & Poetry section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- Old Testament · Wisdom & Poetry
- Genre
- Poetry: hymns, laments, thanksgivings and wisdom songs
- Author (traditional)
- David, named in the headings of 73 psalms, along with Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, Ethan and others.
- Other views on authorship
- Many authors over several centuries; the headings are ancient but may reflect tradition or dedication as much as authorship. The collection was edited into its five-book form after the exile.
- Date (traditional)
- From Moses (Psalm 90) and David's time, about 1000 BC, to after the exile.
- Other views on dating
- Individual psalms range from the monarchy to the post-exilic period; the final collection likely took shape by the 4th–3rd century BC.
- Chapters
- 150
- Verses
- 2,461
- Reading time
- About 197 minutes (39,476 words in the BSB)
What is Psalms about?
The Psalms were Israel's hymnbook and prayer book. They were sung in the temple, prayed by individuals and recited on pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Their poetry uses parallelism, saying a thing and then echoing or developing it in the next line, and vivid images like the shepherd, the rock, the refuge and the tree planted by water.
The book is divided into five books (1–41, 42–72, 73–89, 90–106, 107–150), each ending with a short blessing, perhaps echoing the five books of Moses. Psalm 1 opens with the blessed life of those who delight in God's instruction, and Psalm 2 introduces God's anointed king. From there the collection moves through many types of psalm: laments asking God for help, songs of thanksgiving, hymns of praise, royal psalms about the king, wisdom psalms and songs of ascent for pilgrims.
Laments are actually the most common type. More than a third of the psalms bring complaint, fear or sorrow to God, yet nearly all of them turn toward trust before the end. The overall movement of the book is from lament toward praise, closing with five psalms (146–150) that each begin and end with hallelujah. Among the best loved are Psalm 23, the shepherd psalm; Psalm 51, David's prayer of repentance; and Psalm 139, on being fully known by God.
Outline of Psalms
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1–41 | Book I Mostly psalms of David, many of them personal laments and prayers for help, including Psalms 1, 8, 19, 22 and 23. |
| 42–72 | Book II Psalms of the sons of Korah and of David, including Psalm 51; ends with a prayer for the king. |
| 73–89 | Book III Psalms of Asaph and the sons of Korah, wrestling with injustice and national disaster; ends with Psalm 89's lament over David's line. |
| 90–106 | Book IV Opens with Moses' prayer; proclaims that the Lord reigns, and retells Israel's history. |
| 107–150 | Book V Thanksgiving, Psalm 119 on God's word, the songs of ascents (120–134), and the closing hallelujahs. |
Key themes
- Prayer in every emotion. The Psalms give words for every state of the heart, including anger, despair and doubt. They show that honest prayer, not polished prayer, is welcome before God.
- God as refuge and shepherd. Again and again God is pictured as a rock, fortress, shield and shepherd. These images offer security in danger and guidance in confusion.
- The Lord reigns. Many psalms celebrate God as king over all nations and creation. This kingship is the ground of hope when earthly powers fail.
- The anointed king. Royal psalms like 2, 72 and 110 speak of God's chosen king. The New Testament quotes them often, applying them to Jesus.
- Delight in God's word. Psalms 1, 19 and 119 celebrate God's instruction as life-giving, sweeter than honey and a light for the path.
Key people and places
- David — Shepherd, musician and king, named in the headings of 73 psalms.
- Asaph — A Levite musician linked with Psalms 50 and 73–83.
- The sons of Korah — A family of temple singers linked with Psalms 42–49 and others.
- Moses — Named in the heading of Psalm 90, the oldest by tradition.
- Solomon — Named in the headings of Psalms 72 and 127.
Places: Jerusalem and Zion, the temple, Babylon (Psalm 137).
Key verses in Psalms
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.”
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
“I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.”
How Psalms fits the big story
Psalms gathers up the whole Old Testament story in prayer form: creation, the exodus under Moses, God's covenant with David, the temple, the exile and the hope of restoration. It sits at the centre of the wisdom books, between Job and Proverbs. It is also the Old Testament book most quoted in the New Testament. Jesus prayed the Psalms, quoted Psalm 22 on the cross and Psalm 110 to show the Messiah is greater than David. The early church sang them, and believers today still use them as a school of prayer. You can test your knowledge with our Psalms quiz.
How to read Psalms
At 3 chapters a day you can read Psalms in 50 days. Read one psalm a day, slowly, and pray it back to God in your own words. Notice the turn in laments, often marked by ‘but,’ where complaint becomes trust.