Parallel PSA Intro

The Book of Psalms

Purpose

To offer praise and prayer to God, to supply God’s people with texts for worship, and to provide reflection on the sovereignty of God and some of life’s toughest questions

Author

Various; nearly half are linked with David

Date

Written over the course of many centuries; the process of collecting and editing was likely completed after the Babylonian exile

Setting

Varied, but a postexilic setting accounts for much of the editorial activity and grouping of the psalms

Jesus and the apostles loved the book of Psalms—they quoted from it and lived out of it. These ancient prayers and praises of Israel provide a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament; the themes introduced in the psalms find further development in the New Testament. Where David’s dynasty failed, Jesus gives hope. Yet, certain expectations that emerge in the book of Psalms still remain for the future, namely that God’s people will completely fulfill his purposes and that all nations will submit to the Messiah.

Summary

The psalms, like all Scripture, are inspired and given by God (see 2 Tim 3:16 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). Yet each psalm originated with a human author as a prayer or praise to the Lord. The psalms are diverse: The Psalter includes laments, praise psalms, wisdom, thanksgiving, reflections on God’s actions, celebrations of God’s revelation, and worship.

The first two psalms serve as an introduction to the entire Psalter (the book of Psalms). Psalm 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only) describes a godly person who delights in God, lives by divine instruction, and is not influenced by evildoers. Psalm 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only) points to three questions: (1) Is there forgiveness for sins? (2) Why do the godly suffer? and (3) Why do the wicked prosper? The rest of the Psalter meditates on these questions.

Psalm 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only) speaks of how the nations and the wicked are in rebellion against God’s rule. God judges the rebellious and protects the godly. Psalm 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only) suggests two questions: (1) Why do the rebellious nations and the wicked prosper? and (2) Why were the kings of David’s line not victorious?

The psalmists largely wrestle with these questions. Some quietly accept their problems, while others question God or become exasperated. Meanwhile, new questions and issues develop out of their dialogues with God.

The Composition of the Psalms

For a thousand years, poets wrote these poems while people recited and collected them. The Temple liturgy encouraged both the writing and the collection of psalms. Gradually, editors incorporated smaller collections into larger collections, shaping five collections into the one book of Psalms. The process of editing the Psalter into one book took place over time and was completed following the exile to Babylon. There are several markers of this editorial activity:

1. The editors placed Psalms 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only) and 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only) as an introduction to the whole book of Psalms. Both psalms give idealized portraits: Psalm 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only) portrays the ideal godly person who lives by God’s instruction. Psalm 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only) portrays the Messiah, the ideal king of Israel. The rest of the Psalter develops and deepens these portraits, while at the same time exploring how neither the people of God nor their king were able to fulfill God’s ideals and bring about the happiness and peace of God’s kingdom.

2. Individual psalms were collected in groups. The editors arranged these groupings of psalms into five collections: Book One (Pss 1–41 OET PSA 1:1–6 · OET PSA 2:1–12 · OET PSA 3:1–8 · OET PSA 4:1–8 · OET PSA 5:1–12 · OET PSA 6:1–10 · OET PSA 7:1–17 · OET PSA 8:1–9 · OET PSA 9:1–20 · OET PSA 10:1–18 · OET PSA 11:1–7 · OET PSA 12:1–8 · OET PSA 13:1–6 · OET PSA 14:1–7 · OET PSA 15:1–5 · OET PSA 16:1–11 · OET PSA 17:1–15 · OET PSA 18:1–50 · OET PSA 19:1–14 · OET PSA 20:1–9 · OET PSA 21:1–13 · OET PSA 22:1–31 · OET PSA 23:1–6 · OET PSA 24:1–10 · OET PSA 25:1–22 · OET PSA 26:1–12 · OET PSA 27:1–14 · OET PSA 28:1–9 · OET PSA 29:1–11 · OET PSA 30:1–12 · OET PSA 31:1–24 · OET PSA 32:1–11 · OET PSA 33:1–22 · OET PSA 34:1–22 · OET PSA 35:1–28 · OET PSA 36:1–12 · OET PSA 37:1–40 · OET PSA 38:1–22 · OET PSA 39:1–13 · OET PSA 40:1–17 · OET PSA 41:1–13 (RV-only PSA 1:1–6 · RV-only PSA 2:1–12 · RV-only PSA 3:1–8 · RV-only PSA 4:1–8 · RV-only PSA 5:1–12 · RV-only PSA 6:1–10 · RV-only PSA 7:1–17 · RV-only PSA 8:1–9 · RV-only PSA 9:1–20 · RV-only PSA 10:1–18 · RV-only PSA 11:1–7 · RV-only PSA 12:1–8 · RV-only PSA 13:1–6 · RV-only PSA 14:1–7 · RV-only PSA 15:1–5 · RV-only PSA 16:1–11 · RV-only PSA 17:1–15 · RV-only PSA 18:1–50 · RV-only PSA 19:1–14 · RV-only PSA 20:1–9 · RV-only PSA 21:1–13 · RV-only PSA 22:1–31 · RV-only PSA 23:1–6 · RV-only PSA 24:1–10 · RV-only PSA 25:1–22 · RV-only PSA 26:1–12 · RV-only PSA 27:1–14 · RV-only PSA 28:1–9 · RV-only PSA 29:1–11 · RV-only PSA 30:1–12 · RV-only PSA 31:1–24 · RV-only PSA 32:1–11 · RV-only PSA 33:1–22 · RV-only PSA 34:1–22 · RV-only PSA 35:1–28 · RV-only PSA 36:1–12 · RV-only PSA 37:1–40 · RV-only PSA 38:1–22 · RV-only PSA 39:1–13 · RV-only PSA 40:1–17 · RV-only PSA 41:1–13 · LV-only PSA 1:1–6 · LV-only PSA 2:1–12 · LV-only PSA 3:2–9 · LV-only PSA 4:2–9 · LV-only PSA 5:2–13 · LV-only PSA 6:2–11 · LV-only PSA 7:2–18 · LV-only PSA 8:2–10 · LV-only PSA 9:2–21 · LV-only PSA 10:1–18 · LV-only PSA 11:1–7 · LV-only PSA 12:2–9 · LV-only PSA 13:2–6 · LV-only PSA 14:1–7 · LV-only PSA 15:1–5 · LV-only PSA 16:1–11 · LV-only PSA 17:1–15 · LV-only PSA 18:2–51 · LV-only PSA 19:2–15 · LV-only PSA 20:2–10 · LV-only PSA 21:2–14 · LV-only PSA 22:2–32 · LV-only PSA 23:1–6 · LV-only PSA 24:1–10 · LV-only PSA 25:1–22 · LV-only PSA 26:1–12 · LV-only PSA 27:1–14 · LV-only PSA 28:1–9 · LV-only PSA 29:1–11 · LV-only PSA 30:2–13 · LV-only PSA 31:2–25 · LV-only PSA 32:1–11 · LV-only PSA 33:1–22 · LV-only PSA 34:2–23 · LV-only PSA 35:1–28 · LV-only PSA 36:2–13 · LV-only PSA 37:1–40 · LV-only PSA 38:2–23 · LV-only PSA 39:2–14 · LV-only PSA 40:2–18 · LV-only PSA 41:2–14), with a doxology in 41:13 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 41:14)), Book Two (Pss 42–72 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 · OET PSA 50:1–23 · OET PSA 51:1–19 · OET PSA 52:1–9 · OET PSA 53:1–6 · OET PSA 54:1–7 · OET PSA 55:1–23 · OET PSA 56:1–13 · OET PSA 57:1–11 · OET PSA 58:1–11 · OET PSA 59:1–17 · OET PSA 60:1–12 · OET PSA 61:1–8 · OET PSA 62:1–12 · OET PSA 63:1–11 · OET PSA 64:1–10 · OET PSA 65:1–13 · OET PSA 66:1–20 · OET PSA 67:1–7 · OET PSA 68:1–35 · OET PSA 69:1–36 · OET PSA 70:1–5 · OET PSA 71:1–24 · OET PSA 72:1–20 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · RV-only PSA 50:1–23 · RV-only PSA 51:1–19 · RV-only PSA 52:1–9 · RV-only PSA 53:1–6 · RV-only PSA 54:1–7 · RV-only PSA 55:1–23 · RV-only PSA 56:1–13 · RV-only PSA 57:1–11 · RV-only PSA 58:1–11 · RV-only PSA 59:1–17 · RV-only PSA 60:1–12 · RV-only PSA 61:1–8 · RV-only PSA 62:1–12 · RV-only PSA 63:1–11 · RV-only PSA 64:1–10 · RV-only PSA 65:1–13 · RV-only PSA 66:1–20 · RV-only PSA 67:1–7 · RV-only PSA 68:1–35 · RV-only PSA 69:1–36 · RV-only PSA 70:1–5 · RV-only PSA 71:1–24 · RV-only PSA 72:1–20 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21 · LV-only PSA 50:1–23 · LV-only PSA 51:3–21 · LV-only PSA 52:3–11 · LV-only PSA 53:2–7 · LV-only PSA 54:3–9 · LV-only PSA 55:2–24 · LV-only PSA 56:2–14 · LV-only PSA 57:2–12 · LV-only PSA 58:2–12 · LV-only PSA 59:2–18 · LV-only PSA 60:3–14 · LV-only PSA 61:2–9 · LV-only PSA 62:2–13 · LV-only PSA 63:2–12 · LV-only PSA 64:2–11 · LV-only PSA 65:2–14 · LV-only PSA 66:1–20 · LV-only PSA 67:2–8 · LV-only PSA 68:2–36 · LV-only PSA 69:2–37 · LV-only PSA 70:2–6 · LV-only PSA 71:1–24 · LV-only PSA 72:1–20), with a doxology in 72:19 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), Book Three (Pss 73–89 OET PSA 73:1–28 · OET PSA 74:1–23 · OET PSA 75:1–10 · OET PSA 76:1–12 · OET PSA 77:1–20 · OET PSA 78:1–72 · OET PSA 79:1–13 · OET PSA 80:1–19 · OET PSA 81:1–16 · OET PSA 82:1–8 · OET PSA 83:1–18 · OET PSA 84:1–12 · OET PSA 85:1–13 · OET PSA 86:1–17 · OET PSA 87:1–7 · OET PSA 88:1–18 · OET PSA 89:1–52 (RV-only PSA 73:1–28 · RV-only PSA 74:1–23 · RV-only PSA 75:1–10 · RV-only PSA 76:1–12 · RV-only PSA 77:1–20 · RV-only PSA 78:1–72 · RV-only PSA 79:1–13 · RV-only PSA 80:1–19 · RV-only PSA 81:1–16 · RV-only PSA 82:1–8 · RV-only PSA 83:1–18 · RV-only PSA 84:1–12 · RV-only PSA 85:1–13 · RV-only PSA 86:1–17 · RV-only PSA 87:1–7 · RV-only PSA 88:1–18 · RV-only PSA 89:1–52 · LV-only PSA 73:1–28 · LV-only PSA 74:1–23 · LV-only PSA 75:2–11 · LV-only PSA 76:2–13 · LV-only PSA 77:2–21 · LV-only PSA 78:1–72 · LV-only PSA 79:1–13 · LV-only PSA 80:2–20 · LV-only PSA 81:2–17 · LV-only PSA 82:1–8 · LV-only PSA 83:2–19 · LV-only PSA 84:2–13 · LV-only PSA 85:2–14 · LV-only PSA 86:1–17 · LV-only PSA 87:1–7 · LV-only PSA 88:2–19 · LV-only PSA 89:2–53), with a doxology in 89:52 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 89:53)), Book Four (Pss 90–106 OET PSA 90:1–17 · OET PSA 91:1–16 · OET PSA 92:1–15 · OET PSA 93:1–5 · OET PSA 94:1–23 · OET PSA 95:1–11 · OET PSA 96:1–13 · OET PSA 97:1–12 · OET PSA 98:1–9 · OET PSA 99:1–9 · OET PSA 100:1–5 · OET PSA 101:1–8 · OET PSA 102:1–28 · OET PSA 103:1–22 · OET PSA 104:1–35 · OET PSA 105:1–45 · OET PSA 106:1–48 (RV-only PSA 90:1–17 · RV-only PSA 91:1–16 · RV-only PSA 92:1–15 · RV-only PSA 93:1–5 · RV-only PSA 94:1–23 · RV-only PSA 95:1–11 · RV-only PSA 96:1–13 · RV-only PSA 97:1–12 · RV-only PSA 98:1–9 · RV-only PSA 99:1–9 · RV-only PSA 100:1–5 · RV-only PSA 101:1–8 · RV-only PSA 102:1–28 · RV-only PSA 103:1–22 · RV-only PSA 104:1–35 · RV-only PSA 105:1–45 · RV-only PSA 106:1–48 · LV-only PSA 90:1–17 · LV-only PSA 91:1–16 · LV-only PSA 92:2–16 · LV-only PSA 93:1–5 · LV-only PSA 94:1–23 · LV-only PSA 95:1–11 · LV-only PSA 96:1–13 · LV-only PSA 97:1–12 · LV-only PSA 98:1–9 · LV-only PSA 99:1–9 · LV-only PSA 100:1–5 · LV-only PSA 101:1–8 · LV-only PSA 102:2–29 · LV-only PSA 103:1–22 · LV-only PSA 104:1–35 · LV-only PSA 105:1–45 · LV-only PSA 106:1–48), with a doxology in 106:48 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), and Book Five (Pss 107–150 OET PSA 107:1–43 · OET PSA 108:1–13 · OET PSA 109:1–31 · OET PSA 110:1–7 · OET PSA 111:1–10 · OET PSA 112:1–10 · OET PSA 113:1–9 · OET PSA 114:1–8 · OET PSA 115:1–18 · OET PSA 116:1–19 · OET PSA 117:1–2 · OET PSA 118:1–29 · OET PSA 119:1–176 · OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 · OET PSA 135:1–21 · OET PSA 136:1–26 · OET PSA 137:1–9 · OET PSA 138:1–8 · OET PSA 139:1–24 · OET PSA 140:1–13 · OET PSA 141:1–10 · OET PSA 142:1–7 · OET PSA 143:1–12 · OET PSA 144:1–15 · OET PSA 145:1–21 · OET PSA 146:1–10 · OET PSA 147:1–20 · OET PSA 148:1–14 · OET PSA 149:1–9 · OET PSA 150:1–6 (RV-only PSA 107:1–43 · RV-only PSA 108:1–13 · RV-only PSA 109:1–31 · RV-only PSA 110:1–7 · RV-only PSA 111:1–10 · RV-only PSA 112:1–10 · RV-only PSA 113:1–9 · RV-only PSA 114:1–8 · RV-only PSA 115:1–18 · RV-only PSA 116:1–19 · RV-only PSA 117:1–2 · RV-only PSA 118:1–29 · RV-only PSA 119:1–176 · RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · RV-only PSA 135:1–21 · RV-only PSA 136:1–26 · RV-only PSA 137:1–9 · RV-only PSA 138:1–8 · RV-only PSA 139:1–24 · RV-only PSA 140:1–13 · RV-only PSA 141:1–10 · RV-only PSA 142:1–7 · RV-only PSA 143:1–12 · RV-only PSA 144:1–15 · RV-only PSA 145:1–21 · RV-only PSA 146:1–10 · RV-only PSA 147:1–20 · RV-only PSA 148:1–14 · RV-only PSA 149:1–9 · RV-only PSA 150:1–6 · LV-only PSA 107:1–43 · LV-only PSA 108:2–14 · LV-only PSA 109:1–31 · LV-only PSA 110:1–7 · LV-only PSA 111:1–10 · LV-only PSA 112:1–10 · LV-only PSA 113:1–9 · LV-only PSA 114:1–8 · LV-only PSA 115:1–18 · LV-only PSA 116:1–19 · LV-only PSA 117:1–2 · LV-only PSA 118:1–29 · LV-only PSA 119:1–176 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 135:1–21 · LV-only PSA 136:1–26 · LV-only PSA 137:1–9 · LV-only PSA 138:1–8 · LV-only PSA 139:1–24 · LV-only PSA 140:2–14 · LV-only PSA 141:1–10 · LV-only PSA 142:2–8 · LV-only PSA 143:1–12 · LV-only PSA 144:1–15 · LV-only PSA 145:1–21 · LV-only PSA 146:1–10 · LV-only PSA 147:1–20 · LV-only PSA 148:1–14 · LV-only PSA 149:1–9 · LV-only PSA 150:1–6), without a doxology).

3. Books One (Pss 1–41 OET PSA 1:1–6 · OET PSA 2:1–12 · OET PSA 3:1–8 · OET PSA 4:1–8 · OET PSA 5:1–12 · OET PSA 6:1–10 · OET PSA 7:1–17 · OET PSA 8:1–9 · OET PSA 9:1–20 · OET PSA 10:1–18 · OET PSA 11:1–7 · OET PSA 12:1–8 · OET PSA 13:1–6 · OET PSA 14:1–7 · OET PSA 15:1–5 · OET PSA 16:1–11 · OET PSA 17:1–15 · OET PSA 18:1–50 · OET PSA 19:1–14 · OET PSA 20:1–9 · OET PSA 21:1–13 · OET PSA 22:1–31 · OET PSA 23:1–6 · OET PSA 24:1–10 · OET PSA 25:1–22 · OET PSA 26:1–12 · OET PSA 27:1–14 · OET PSA 28:1–9 · OET PSA 29:1–11 · OET PSA 30:1–12 · OET PSA 31:1–24 · OET PSA 32:1–11 · OET PSA 33:1–22 · OET PSA 34:1–22 · OET PSA 35:1–28 · OET PSA 36:1–12 · OET PSA 37:1–40 · OET PSA 38:1–22 · OET PSA 39:1–13 · OET PSA 40:1–17 · OET PSA 41:1–13 (RV-only PSA 1:1–6 · RV-only PSA 2:1–12 · RV-only PSA 3:1–8 · RV-only PSA 4:1–8 · RV-only PSA 5:1–12 · RV-only PSA 6:1–10 · RV-only PSA 7:1–17 · RV-only PSA 8:1–9 · RV-only PSA 9:1–20 · RV-only PSA 10:1–18 · RV-only PSA 11:1–7 · RV-only PSA 12:1–8 · RV-only PSA 13:1–6 · RV-only PSA 14:1–7 · RV-only PSA 15:1–5 · RV-only PSA 16:1–11 · RV-only PSA 17:1–15 · RV-only PSA 18:1–50 · RV-only PSA 19:1–14 · RV-only PSA 20:1–9 · RV-only PSA 21:1–13 · RV-only PSA 22:1–31 · RV-only PSA 23:1–6 · RV-only PSA 24:1–10 · RV-only PSA 25:1–22 · RV-only PSA 26:1–12 · RV-only PSA 27:1–14 · RV-only PSA 28:1–9 · RV-only PSA 29:1–11 · RV-only PSA 30:1–12 · RV-only PSA 31:1–24 · RV-only PSA 32:1–11 · RV-only PSA 33:1–22 · RV-only PSA 34:1–22 · RV-only PSA 35:1–28 · RV-only PSA 36:1–12 · RV-only PSA 37:1–40 · RV-only PSA 38:1–22 · RV-only PSA 39:1–13 · RV-only PSA 40:1–17 · RV-only PSA 41:1–13 · LV-only PSA 1:1–6 · LV-only PSA 2:1–12 · LV-only PSA 3:2–9 · LV-only PSA 4:2–9 · LV-only PSA 5:2–13 · LV-only PSA 6:2–11 · LV-only PSA 7:2–18 · LV-only PSA 8:2–10 · LV-only PSA 9:2–21 · LV-only PSA 10:1–18 · LV-only PSA 11:1–7 · LV-only PSA 12:2–9 · LV-only PSA 13:2–6 · LV-only PSA 14:1–7 · LV-only PSA 15:1–5 · LV-only PSA 16:1–11 · LV-only PSA 17:1–15 · LV-only PSA 18:2–51 · LV-only PSA 19:2–15 · LV-only PSA 20:2–10 · LV-only PSA 21:2–14 · LV-only PSA 22:2–32 · LV-only PSA 23:1–6 · LV-only PSA 24:1–10 · LV-only PSA 25:1–22 · LV-only PSA 26:1–12 · LV-only PSA 27:1–14 · LV-only PSA 28:1–9 · LV-only PSA 29:1–11 · LV-only PSA 30:2–13 · LV-only PSA 31:2–25 · LV-only PSA 32:1–11 · LV-only PSA 33:1–22 · LV-only PSA 34:2–23 · LV-only PSA 35:1–28 · LV-only PSA 36:2–13 · LV-only PSA 37:1–40 · LV-only PSA 38:2–23 · LV-only PSA 39:2–14 · LV-only PSA 40:2–18 · LV-only PSA 41:2–14)) and Two (Pss 42–72 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 · OET PSA 50:1–23 · OET PSA 51:1–19 · OET PSA 52:1–9 · OET PSA 53:1–6 · OET PSA 54:1–7 · OET PSA 55:1–23 · OET PSA 56:1–13 · OET PSA 57:1–11 · OET PSA 58:1–11 · OET PSA 59:1–17 · OET PSA 60:1–12 · OET PSA 61:1–8 · OET PSA 62:1–12 · OET PSA 63:1–11 · OET PSA 64:1–10 · OET PSA 65:1–13 · OET PSA 66:1–20 · OET PSA 67:1–7 · OET PSA 68:1–35 · OET PSA 69:1–36 · OET PSA 70:1–5 · OET PSA 71:1–24 · OET PSA 72:1–20 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · RV-only PSA 50:1–23 · RV-only PSA 51:1–19 · RV-only PSA 52:1–9 · RV-only PSA 53:1–6 · RV-only PSA 54:1–7 · RV-only PSA 55:1–23 · RV-only PSA 56:1–13 · RV-only PSA 57:1–11 · RV-only PSA 58:1–11 · RV-only PSA 59:1–17 · RV-only PSA 60:1–12 · RV-only PSA 61:1–8 · RV-only PSA 62:1–12 · RV-only PSA 63:1–11 · RV-only PSA 64:1–10 · RV-only PSA 65:1–13 · RV-only PSA 66:1–20 · RV-only PSA 67:1–7 · RV-only PSA 68:1–35 · RV-only PSA 69:1–36 · RV-only PSA 70:1–5 · RV-only PSA 71:1–24 · RV-only PSA 72:1–20 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21 · LV-only PSA 50:1–23 · LV-only PSA 51:3–21 · LV-only PSA 52:3–11 · LV-only PSA 53:2–7 · LV-only PSA 54:3–9 · LV-only PSA 55:2–24 · LV-only PSA 56:2–14 · LV-only PSA 57:2–12 · LV-only PSA 58:2–12 · LV-only PSA 59:2–18 · LV-only PSA 60:3–14 · LV-only PSA 61:2–9 · LV-only PSA 62:2–13 · LV-only PSA 63:2–12 · LV-only PSA 64:2–11 · LV-only PSA 65:2–14 · LV-only PSA 66:1–20 · LV-only PSA 67:2–8 · LV-only PSA 68:2–36 · LV-only PSA 69:2–37 · LV-only PSA 70:2–6 · LV-only PSA 71:1–24 · LV-only PSA 72:1–20)) form the first stage of the collection. The shift from David in Book One (Pss 3–32 OET PSA 3:1–8 · OET PSA 4:1–8 · OET PSA 5:1–12 · OET PSA 6:1–10 · OET PSA 7:1–17 · OET PSA 8:1–9 · OET PSA 9:1–20 · OET PSA 10:1–18 · OET PSA 11:1–7 · OET PSA 12:1–8 · OET PSA 13:1–6 · OET PSA 14:1–7 · OET PSA 15:1–5 · OET PSA 16:1–11 · OET PSA 17:1–15 · OET PSA 18:1–50 · OET PSA 19:1–14 · OET PSA 20:1–9 · OET PSA 21:1–13 · OET PSA 22:1–31 · OET PSA 23:1–6 · OET PSA 24:1–10 · OET PSA 25:1–22 · OET PSA 26:1–12 · OET PSA 27:1–14 · OET PSA 28:1–9 · OET PSA 29:1–11 · OET PSA 30:1–12 · OET PSA 31:1–24 · OET PSA 32:1–11 (RV-only PSA 3:1–8 · RV-only PSA 4:1–8 · RV-only PSA 5:1–12 · RV-only PSA 6:1–10 · RV-only PSA 7:1–17 · RV-only PSA 8:1–9 · RV-only PSA 9:1–20 · RV-only PSA 10:1–18 · RV-only PSA 11:1–7 · RV-only PSA 12:1–8 · RV-only PSA 13:1–6 · RV-only PSA 14:1–7 · RV-only PSA 15:1–5 · RV-only PSA 16:1–11 · RV-only PSA 17:1–15 · RV-only PSA 18:1–50 · RV-only PSA 19:1–14 · RV-only PSA 20:1–9 · RV-only PSA 21:1–13 · RV-only PSA 22:1–31 · RV-only PSA 23:1–6 · RV-only PSA 24:1–10 · RV-only PSA 25:1–22 · RV-only PSA 26:1–12 · RV-only PSA 27:1–14 · RV-only PSA 28:1–9 · RV-only PSA 29:1–11 · RV-only PSA 30:1–12 · RV-only PSA 31:1–24 · RV-only PSA 32:1–11 · LV-only PSA 3:2–9 · LV-only PSA 4:2–9 · LV-only PSA 5:2–13 · LV-only PSA 6:2–11 · LV-only PSA 7:2–18 · LV-only PSA 8:2–10 · LV-only PSA 9:2–21 · LV-only PSA 10:1–18 · LV-only PSA 11:1–7 · LV-only PSA 12:2–9 · LV-only PSA 13:2–6 · LV-only PSA 14:1–7 · LV-only PSA 15:1–5 · LV-only PSA 16:1–11 · LV-only PSA 17:1–15 · LV-only PSA 18:2–51 · LV-only PSA 19:2–15 · LV-only PSA 20:2–10 · LV-only PSA 21:2–14 · LV-only PSA 22:2–32 · LV-only PSA 23:1–6 · LV-only PSA 24:1–10 · LV-only PSA 25:1–22 · LV-only PSA 26:1–12 · LV-only PSA 27:1–14 · LV-only PSA 28:1–9 · LV-only PSA 29:1–11 · LV-only PSA 30:2–13 · LV-only PSA 31:2–25 · LV-only PSA 32:1–11); 34–41 OET PSA 34:1–22 · OET PSA 35:1–28 · OET PSA 36:1–12 · OET PSA 37:1–40 · OET PSA 38:1–22 · OET PSA 39:1–13 · OET PSA 40:1–17 · OET PSA 41:1–13 (RV-only PSA 34:1–22 · RV-only PSA 35:1–28 · RV-only PSA 36:1–12 · RV-only PSA 37:1–40 · RV-only PSA 38:1–22 · RV-only PSA 39:1–13 · RV-only PSA 40:1–17 · RV-only PSA 41:1–13 · LV-only PSA 34:2–23 · LV-only PSA 35:1–28 · LV-only PSA 36:2–13 · LV-only PSA 37:1–40 · LV-only PSA 38:2–23 · LV-only PSA 39:2–14 · LV-only PSA 40:2–18 · LV-only PSA 41:2–14)) to collections of psalms by various authors in Book Two (the descendants of Korah, Pss 42–49 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21); Asaph, Ps 50 OET (RV-only · LV-only); David, Pss 51–65 OET PSA 51:1–19 · OET PSA 52:1–9 · OET PSA 53:1–6 · OET PSA 54:1–7 · OET PSA 55:1–23 · OET PSA 56:1–13 · OET PSA 57:1–11 · OET PSA 58:1–11 · OET PSA 59:1–17 · OET PSA 60:1–12 · OET PSA 61:1–8 · OET PSA 62:1–12 · OET PSA 63:1–11 · OET PSA 64:1–10 · OET PSA 65:1–13 (RV-only PSA 51:1–19 · RV-only PSA 52:1–9 · RV-only PSA 53:1–6 · RV-only PSA 54:1–7 · RV-only PSA 55:1–23 · RV-only PSA 56:1–13 · RV-only PSA 57:1–11 · RV-only PSA 58:1–11 · RV-only PSA 59:1–17 · RV-only PSA 60:1–12 · RV-only PSA 61:1–8 · RV-only PSA 62:1–12 · RV-only PSA 63:1–11 · RV-only PSA 64:1–10 · RV-only PSA 65:1–13 · LV-only PSA 51:3–21 · LV-only PSA 52:3–11 · LV-only PSA 53:2–7 · LV-only PSA 54:3–9 · LV-only PSA 55:2–24 · LV-only PSA 56:2–14 · LV-only PSA 57:2–12 · LV-only PSA 58:2–12 · LV-only PSA 59:2–18 · LV-only PSA 60:3–14 · LV-only PSA 61:2–9 · LV-only PSA 62:2–13 · LV-only PSA 63:2–12 · LV-only PSA 64:2–11 · LV-only PSA 65:2–14); 68–70 OET PSA 68:1–35 · OET PSA 69:1–36 · OET PSA 70:1–5 (RV-only PSA 68:1–35 · RV-only PSA 69:1–36 · RV-only PSA 70:1–5 · LV-only PSA 68:2–36 · LV-only PSA 69:2–37 · LV-only PSA 70:2–6); Solomon, Ps 72 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) reveals a thematic transition from David as the sole model and teacher to other perspectives. At the end of Book Two, the editor comments, “This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse” (72:20 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). This comment remained in place even when Books Three, Four, and Five (with additional psalms of David) were added to the collection.

4. Book Three (Pss 73–89 OET PSA 73:1–28 · OET PSA 74:1–23 · OET PSA 75:1–10 · OET PSA 76:1–12 · OET PSA 77:1–20 · OET PSA 78:1–72 · OET PSA 79:1–13 · OET PSA 80:1–19 · OET PSA 81:1–16 · OET PSA 82:1–8 · OET PSA 83:1–18 · OET PSA 84:1–12 · OET PSA 85:1–13 · OET PSA 86:1–17 · OET PSA 87:1–7 · OET PSA 88:1–18 · OET PSA 89:1–52 (RV-only PSA 73:1–28 · RV-only PSA 74:1–23 · RV-only PSA 75:1–10 · RV-only PSA 76:1–12 · RV-only PSA 77:1–20 · RV-only PSA 78:1–72 · RV-only PSA 79:1–13 · RV-only PSA 80:1–19 · RV-only PSA 81:1–16 · RV-only PSA 82:1–8 · RV-only PSA 83:1–18 · RV-only PSA 84:1–12 · RV-only PSA 85:1–13 · RV-only PSA 86:1–17 · RV-only PSA 87:1–7 · RV-only PSA 88:1–18 · RV-only PSA 89:1–52 · LV-only PSA 73:1–28 · LV-only PSA 74:1–23 · LV-only PSA 75:2–11 · LV-only PSA 76:2–13 · LV-only PSA 77:2–21 · LV-only PSA 78:1–72 · LV-only PSA 79:1–13 · LV-only PSA 80:2–20 · LV-only PSA 81:2–17 · LV-only PSA 82:1–8 · LV-only PSA 83:2–19 · LV-only PSA 84:2–13 · LV-only PSA 85:2–14 · LV-only PSA 86:1–17 · LV-only PSA 87:1–7 · LV-only PSA 88:2–19 · LV-only PSA 89:2–53)) shares with Book Two its preference of the name Elohim for God (Pss 42–83 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 · OET PSA 50:1–23 · OET PSA 51:1–19 · OET PSA 52:1–9 · OET PSA 53:1–6 · OET PSA 54:1–7 · OET PSA 55:1–23 · OET PSA 56:1–13 · OET PSA 57:1–11 · OET PSA 58:1–11 · OET PSA 59:1–17 · OET PSA 60:1–12 · OET PSA 61:1–8 · OET PSA 62:1–12 · OET PSA 63:1–11 · OET PSA 64:1–10 · OET PSA 65:1–13 · OET PSA 66:1–20 · OET PSA 67:1–7 · OET PSA 68:1–35 · OET PSA 69:1–36 · OET PSA 70:1–5 · OET PSA 71:1–24 · OET PSA 72:1–20 · OET PSA 73:1–28 · OET PSA 74:1–23 · OET PSA 75:1–10 · OET PSA 76:1–12 · OET PSA 77:1–20 · OET PSA 78:1–72 · OET PSA 79:1–13 · OET PSA 80:1–19 · OET PSA 81:1–16 · OET PSA 82:1–8 · OET PSA 83:1–18 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · RV-only PSA 50:1–23 · RV-only PSA 51:1–19 · RV-only PSA 52:1–9 · RV-only PSA 53:1–6 · RV-only PSA 54:1–7 · RV-only PSA 55:1–23 · RV-only PSA 56:1–13 · RV-only PSA 57:1–11 · RV-only PSA 58:1–11 · RV-only PSA 59:1–17 · RV-only PSA 60:1–12 · RV-only PSA 61:1–8 · RV-only PSA 62:1–12 · RV-only PSA 63:1–11 · RV-only PSA 64:1–10 · RV-only PSA 65:1–13 · RV-only PSA 66:1–20 · RV-only PSA 67:1–7 · RV-only PSA 68:1–35 · RV-only PSA 69:1–36 · RV-only PSA 70:1–5 · RV-only PSA 71:1–24 · RV-only PSA 72:1–20 · RV-only PSA 73:1–28 · RV-only PSA 74:1–23 · RV-only PSA 75:1–10 · RV-only PSA 76:1–12 · RV-only PSA 77:1–20 · RV-only PSA 78:1–72 · RV-only PSA 79:1–13 · RV-only PSA 80:1–19 · RV-only PSA 81:1–16 · RV-only PSA 82:1–8 · RV-only PSA 83:1–18 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21 · LV-only PSA 50:1–23 · LV-only PSA 51:3–21 · LV-only PSA 52:3–11 · LV-only PSA 53:2–7 · LV-only PSA 54:3–9 · LV-only PSA 55:2–24 · LV-only PSA 56:2–14 · LV-only PSA 57:2–12 · LV-only PSA 58:2–12 · LV-only PSA 59:2–18 · LV-only PSA 60:3–14 · LV-only PSA 61:2–9 · LV-only PSA 62:2–13 · LV-only PSA 63:2–12 · LV-only PSA 64:2–11 · LV-only PSA 65:2–14 · LV-only PSA 66:1–20 · LV-only PSA 67:2–8 · LV-only PSA 68:2–36 · LV-only PSA 69:2–37 · LV-only PSA 70:2–6 · LV-only PSA 71:1–24 · LV-only PSA 72:1–20 · LV-only PSA 73:1–28 · LV-only PSA 74:1–23 · LV-only PSA 75:2–11 · LV-only PSA 76:2–13 · LV-only PSA 77:2–21 · LV-only PSA 78:1–72 · LV-only PSA 79:1–13 · LV-only PSA 80:2–20 · LV-only PSA 81:2–17 · LV-only PSA 82:1–8 · LV-only PSA 83:2–19)) and its diversity of authors (Asaph, Pss 73–83 OET PSA 73:1–28 · OET PSA 74:1–23 · OET PSA 75:1–10 · OET PSA 76:1–12 · OET PSA 77:1–20 · OET PSA 78:1–72 · OET PSA 79:1–13 · OET PSA 80:1–19 · OET PSA 81:1–16 · OET PSA 82:1–8 · OET PSA 83:1–18 (RV-only PSA 73:1–28 · RV-only PSA 74:1–23 · RV-only PSA 75:1–10 · RV-only PSA 76:1–12 · RV-only PSA 77:1–20 · RV-only PSA 78:1–72 · RV-only PSA 79:1–13 · RV-only PSA 80:1–19 · RV-only PSA 81:1–16 · RV-only PSA 82:1–8 · RV-only PSA 83:1–18 · LV-only PSA 73:1–28 · LV-only PSA 74:1–23 · LV-only PSA 75:2–11 · LV-only PSA 76:2–13 · LV-only PSA 77:2–21 · LV-only PSA 78:1–72 · LV-only PSA 79:1–13 · LV-only PSA 80:2–20 · LV-only PSA 81:2–17 · LV-only PSA 82:1–8 · LV-only PSA 83:2–19); the descendants of Korah, Pss 84–85 OET PSA 84:1–12 · OET PSA 85:1–13 (RV-only PSA 84:1–12 · RV-only PSA 85:1–13 · LV-only PSA 84:2–13 · LV-only PSA 85:2–14); 87–88 OET PSA 87:1–7 · OET PSA 88:1–18 (RV-only PSA 87:1–7 · RV-only PSA 88:1–18 · LV-only PSA 87:1–7 · LV-only PSA 88:2–19); David, Ps 86 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). Psalm 73 OET (RV-only · LV-only), which opens Book Three, questions God’s justice and power, thus calling into doubt the magnificent vision of the messianic kingdom outlined in the final psalm of Book Two (Ps 72 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). This questioning returns in Psalm 89 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 89:2–53), at the close of Book Three.

5. The psalms of Book Four (Pss 90–106 OET PSA 90:1–17 · OET PSA 91:1–16 · OET PSA 92:1–15 · OET PSA 93:1–5 · OET PSA 94:1–23 · OET PSA 95:1–11 · OET PSA 96:1–13 · OET PSA 97:1–12 · OET PSA 98:1–9 · OET PSA 99:1–9 · OET PSA 100:1–5 · OET PSA 101:1–8 · OET PSA 102:1–28 · OET PSA 103:1–22 · OET PSA 104:1–35 · OET PSA 105:1–45 · OET PSA 106:1–48 (RV-only PSA 90:1–17 · RV-only PSA 91:1–16 · RV-only PSA 92:1–15 · RV-only PSA 93:1–5 · RV-only PSA 94:1–23 · RV-only PSA 95:1–11 · RV-only PSA 96:1–13 · RV-only PSA 97:1–12 · RV-only PSA 98:1–9 · RV-only PSA 99:1–9 · RV-only PSA 100:1–5 · RV-only PSA 101:1–8 · RV-only PSA 102:1–28 · RV-only PSA 103:1–22 · RV-only PSA 104:1–35 · RV-only PSA 105:1–45 · RV-only PSA 106:1–48 · LV-only PSA 90:1–17 · LV-only PSA 91:1–16 · LV-only PSA 92:2–16 · LV-only PSA 93:1–5 · LV-only PSA 94:1–23 · LV-only PSA 95:1–11 · LV-only PSA 96:1–13 · LV-only PSA 97:1–12 · LV-only PSA 98:1–9 · LV-only PSA 99:1–9 · LV-only PSA 100:1–5 · LV-only PSA 101:1–8 · LV-only PSA 102:2–29 · LV-only PSA 103:1–22 · LV-only PSA 104:1–35 · LV-only PSA 105:1–45 · LV-only PSA 106:1–48)) wrestle with questions raised at the time of the Exile, when it seemed that God’s covenant with David had been dissolved (see Ps 89 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 89:2–53)). In response to this crisis, several psalms encourage individual growth in character and godliness (see Pss 91–92 OET PSA 91:1–16 · OET PSA 92:1–15 (RV-only PSA 91:1–16 · RV-only PSA 92:1–15 · LV-only PSA 91:1–16 · LV-only PSA 92:2–16)). Most psalms in this collection present God as the true and faithful king whose kingdom extends to every part of creation (Pss 93–100 OET PSA 93:1–5 · OET PSA 94:1–23 · OET PSA 95:1–11 · OET PSA 96:1–13 · OET PSA 97:1–12 · OET PSA 98:1–9 · OET PSA 99:1–9 · OET PSA 100:1–5 (RV-only PSA 93:1–5 · RV-only PSA 94:1–23 · RV-only PSA 95:1–11 · RV-only PSA 96:1–13 · RV-only PSA 97:1–12 · RV-only PSA 98:1–9 · RV-only PSA 99:1–9 · RV-only PSA 100:1–5 · LV-only PSA 93:1–5 · LV-only PSA 94:1–23 · LV-only PSA 95:1–11 · LV-only PSA 96:1–13 · LV-only PSA 97:1–12 · LV-only PSA 98:1–9 · LV-only PSA 99:1–9 · LV-only PSA 100:1–5)). He still loves his people, the flock of his pasture (Ps 100 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), but they have to listen to him (Pss 95 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 100 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). God is the source of forgiveness, and his compassion assures his exiled people that he still cares for them. The review of redemption history from creation to the Exile (Pss 104–106 OET PSA 104:1–35 · OET PSA 105:1–45 · OET PSA 106:1–48 (RV-only PSA 104:1–35 · RV-only PSA 105:1–45 · RV-only PSA 106:1–48 · LV-only PSA 104:1–35 · LV-only PSA 105:1–45 · LV-only PSA 106:1–48)) underscores both God’s wisdom and Israel’s folly as a framework for understanding the Exile.

6. The benediction of Psalm 106:48 OET (RV-only · LV-only) is also included in 1 Chronicles 16:36 OET (RV-only · LV-only) and might indicate that Book Four was completed in the postexilic era (when Chronicles was compiled).

7. Book Five (Pss 107–150 OET PSA 107:1–43 · OET PSA 108:1–13 · OET PSA 109:1–31 · OET PSA 110:1–7 · OET PSA 111:1–10 · OET PSA 112:1–10 · OET PSA 113:1–9 · OET PSA 114:1–8 · OET PSA 115:1–18 · OET PSA 116:1–19 · OET PSA 117:1–2 · OET PSA 118:1–29 · OET PSA 119:1–176 · OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 · OET PSA 135:1–21 · OET PSA 136:1–26 · OET PSA 137:1–9 · OET PSA 138:1–8 · OET PSA 139:1–24 · OET PSA 140:1–13 · OET PSA 141:1–10 · OET PSA 142:1–7 · OET PSA 143:1–12 · OET PSA 144:1–15 · OET PSA 145:1–21 · OET PSA 146:1–10 · OET PSA 147:1–20 · OET PSA 148:1–14 · OET PSA 149:1–9 · OET PSA 150:1–6 (RV-only PSA 107:1–43 · RV-only PSA 108:1–13 · RV-only PSA 109:1–31 · RV-only PSA 110:1–7 · RV-only PSA 111:1–10 · RV-only PSA 112:1–10 · RV-only PSA 113:1–9 · RV-only PSA 114:1–8 · RV-only PSA 115:1–18 · RV-only PSA 116:1–19 · RV-only PSA 117:1–2 · RV-only PSA 118:1–29 · RV-only PSA 119:1–176 · RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · RV-only PSA 135:1–21 · RV-only PSA 136:1–26 · RV-only PSA 137:1–9 · RV-only PSA 138:1–8 · RV-only PSA 139:1–24 · RV-only PSA 140:1–13 · RV-only PSA 141:1–10 · RV-only PSA 142:1–7 · RV-only PSA 143:1–12 · RV-only PSA 144:1–15 · RV-only PSA 145:1–21 · RV-only PSA 146:1–10 · RV-only PSA 147:1–20 · RV-only PSA 148:1–14 · RV-only PSA 149:1–9 · RV-only PSA 150:1–6 · LV-only PSA 107:1–43 · LV-only PSA 108:2–14 · LV-only PSA 109:1–31 · LV-only PSA 110:1–7 · LV-only PSA 111:1–10 · LV-only PSA 112:1–10 · LV-only PSA 113:1–9 · LV-only PSA 114:1–8 · LV-only PSA 115:1–18 · LV-only PSA 116:1–19 · LV-only PSA 117:1–2 · LV-only PSA 118:1–29 · LV-only PSA 119:1–176 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 135:1–21 · LV-only PSA 136:1–26 · LV-only PSA 137:1–9 · LV-only PSA 138:1–8 · LV-only PSA 139:1–24 · LV-only PSA 140:2–14 · LV-only PSA 141:1–10 · LV-only PSA 142:2–8 · LV-only PSA 143:1–12 · LV-only PSA 144:1–15 · LV-only PSA 145:1–21 · LV-only PSA 146:1–10 · LV-only PSA 147:1–20 · LV-only PSA 148:1–14 · LV-only PSA 149:1–9 · LV-only PSA 150:1–6)) includes a number of smaller collections: the Egyptian Hallel (Pss 113–118 OET PSA 113:1–9 · OET PSA 114:1–8 · OET PSA 115:1–18 · OET PSA 116:1–19 · OET PSA 117:1–2 · OET PSA 118:1–29 (RV-only PSA 113:1–9 · RV-only PSA 114:1–8 · RV-only PSA 115:1–18 · RV-only PSA 116:1–19 · RV-only PSA 117:1–2 · RV-only PSA 118:1–29 · LV-only PSA 113:1–9 · LV-only PSA 114:1–8 · LV-only PSA 115:1–18 · LV-only PSA 116:1–19 · LV-only PSA 117:1–2 · LV-only PSA 118:1–29)); the Torah Psalm (Ps 119 OET (RV-only · LV-only)); the Great Hallel (Pss 120–136 OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 · OET PSA 135:1–21 · OET PSA 136:1–26 (RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · RV-only PSA 135:1–21 · RV-only PSA 136:1–26 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 135:1–21 · LV-only PSA 136:1–26)), which includes the Songs of Ascents (Pss 120–134 OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 (RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3)); eight psalms of David (Pss 138–145 OET PSA 138:1–8 · OET PSA 139:1–24 · OET PSA 140:1–13 · OET PSA 141:1–10 · OET PSA 142:1–7 · OET PSA 143:1–12 · OET PSA 144:1–15 · OET PSA 145:1–21 (RV-only PSA 138:1–8 · RV-only PSA 139:1–24 · RV-only PSA 140:1–13 · RV-only PSA 141:1–10 · RV-only PSA 142:1–7 · RV-only PSA 143:1–12 · RV-only PSA 144:1–15 · RV-only PSA 145:1–21 · LV-only PSA 138:1–8 · LV-only PSA 139:1–24 · LV-only PSA 140:2–14 · LV-only PSA 141:1–10 · LV-only PSA 142:2–8 · LV-only PSA 143:1–12 · LV-only PSA 144:1–15 · LV-only PSA 145:1–21)); and five concluding hymns of praise (Pss 146–150 OET PSA 146:1–10 · OET PSA 147:1–20 · OET PSA 148:1–14 · OET PSA 149:1–9 · OET PSA 150:1–6 (RV-only PSA 146:1–10 · RV-only PSA 147:1–20 · RV-only PSA 148:1–14 · RV-only PSA 149:1–9 · RV-only PSA 150:1–6 · LV-only PSA 146:1–10 · LV-only PSA 147:1–20 · LV-only PSA 148:1–14 · LV-only PSA 149:1–9 · LV-only PSA 150:1–6)). Book Five sets out the thematic progression of affliction, lament, God’s rescue, and praise. The opening psalm (Ps 107 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) begins this pattern, and its final verse (107:43 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) points to the importance of wisdom in discerning God’s ways. Psalm 119 OET (RV-only · LV-only), the longest psalm, celebrates the wisdom of God and the word of God. The psalms recounting the Lord’s historic care for Israel in the wilderness (Pss 114–118 OET PSA 114:1–8 · OET PSA 115:1–18 · OET PSA 116:1–19 · OET PSA 117:1–2 · OET PSA 118:1–29 (RV-only PSA 114:1–8 · RV-only PSA 115:1–18 · RV-only PSA 116:1–19 · RV-only PSA 117:1–2 · RV-only PSA 118:1–29 · LV-only PSA 114:1–8 · LV-only PSA 115:1–18 · LV-only PSA 116:1–19 · LV-only PSA 117:1–2 · LV-only PSA 118:1–29); 135–136 OET PSA 135:1–21 · OET PSA 136:1–26 (RV-only PSA 135:1–21 · RV-only PSA 136:1–26 · LV-only PSA 135:1–21 · LV-only PSA 136:1–26)) prepare exilic and postexilic Israel to read David’s final prayers (Pss 138–145 OET PSA 138:1–8 · OET PSA 139:1–24 · OET PSA 140:1–13 · OET PSA 141:1–10 · OET PSA 142:1–7 · OET PSA 143:1–12 · OET PSA 144:1–15 · OET PSA 145:1–21 (RV-only PSA 138:1–8 · RV-only PSA 139:1–24 · RV-only PSA 140:1–13 · RV-only PSA 141:1–10 · RV-only PSA 142:1–7 · RV-only PSA 143:1–12 · RV-only PSA 144:1–15 · RV-only PSA 145:1–21 · LV-only PSA 138:1–8 · LV-only PSA 139:1–24 · LV-only PSA 140:2–14 · LV-only PSA 141:1–10 · LV-only PSA 142:2–8 · LV-only PSA 143:1–12 · LV-only PSA 144:1–15 · LV-only PSA 145:1–21)) in a new light: David looked forward to God’s kingdom (Ps 145 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). The psalms of praise affirm this hope (Pss 146–150 OET PSA 146:1–10 · OET PSA 147:1–20 · OET PSA 148:1–14 · OET PSA 149:1–9 · OET PSA 150:1–6 (RV-only PSA 146:1–10 · RV-only PSA 147:1–20 · RV-only PSA 148:1–14 · RV-only PSA 149:1–9 · RV-only PSA 150:1–6 · LV-only PSA 146:1–10 · LV-only PSA 147:1–20 · LV-only PSA 148:1–14 · LV-only PSA 149:1–9 · LV-only PSA 150:1–6)).

8. Additions appear to have been made to already-existing psalms. This may explain the prayer for the restoration of Zion (51:18-19 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 51:20–21)) and for God’s blessing on Jerusalem (69:34-36 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 69:35–37)). Changes in circumstances may have occasioned the addition of new stanzas.

9. The available manuscripts reveal some flexibility in the organization and titles of the psalms. Both the Hebrew and Greek editions of the Psalter contain 150 psalms, but with differing divisions and numbering as well as differences regarding which psalms have titles. The Greek text combines both Psalms 9 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 9:2–21) and 10 OET (RV-only · LV-only) and Psalms 114 OET (RV-only · LV-only) and 115 OET (RV-only · LV-only) into one psalm each, but it splits both Psalms 116 OET (RV-only · LV-only) and 147 OET (RV-only · LV-only) into two. Differences between the Hebrew and English numbering are indicated in the notes.

By the time of Jesus, the collected Psalter was well known (see Luke 20:42 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Acts 1:20 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). It was part of the third section of the Hebrew canon, called the Writings (see Luke 24:44 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

Authorship

Many of the psalms are associated with David, but not all; in fact, less than half are explicitly connected with him. Others are connected with Asaph (Pss 50 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 73–83 OET PSA 73:1–28 · OET PSA 74:1–23 · OET PSA 75:1–10 · OET PSA 76:1–12 · OET PSA 77:1–20 · OET PSA 78:1–72 · OET PSA 79:1–13 · OET PSA 80:1–19 · OET PSA 81:1–16 · OET PSA 82:1–8 · OET PSA 83:1–18 (RV-only PSA 73:1–28 · RV-only PSA 74:1–23 · RV-only PSA 75:1–10 · RV-only PSA 76:1–12 · RV-only PSA 77:1–20 · RV-only PSA 78:1–72 · RV-only PSA 79:1–13 · RV-only PSA 80:1–19 · RV-only PSA 81:1–16 · RV-only PSA 82:1–8 · RV-only PSA 83:1–18 · LV-only PSA 73:1–28 · LV-only PSA 74:1–23 · LV-only PSA 75:2–11 · LV-only PSA 76:2–13 · LV-only PSA 77:2–21 · LV-only PSA 78:1–72 · LV-only PSA 79:1–13 · LV-only PSA 80:2–20 · LV-only PSA 81:2–17 · LV-only PSA 82:1–8 · LV-only PSA 83:2–19)), the descendants of Korah (Pss 42–49 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21); 84–85 OET PSA 84:1–12 · OET PSA 85:1–13 (RV-only PSA 84:1–12 · RV-only PSA 85:1–13 · LV-only PSA 84:2–13 · LV-only PSA 85:2–14); 87 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), Solomon (Pss 72 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 127 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), Heman (Ps 88 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 88:2–19)), Ethan (Ps 89 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 89:2–53)), and Moses (Ps 90 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

Of the 116 psalms with a title, most identify a person who is linked to that psalm. The person named may be the author, but not necessarily. The Hebrew preposition le before the name (often translated “of”) can also mean “for,” “dedicated to,” “concerning,” “to,” or “by.” So, ledawid (often translated “of David”) could be interpreted as “for David,” “dedicated to David,” “concerning David,” or “by David.” While many psalms “of David” may have been written by him, there are several reasons for caution. The titles occasionally have two names, such as David and Jeduthun or Asaph (Pss 39 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 39:2–14), 62 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 62:2–13), 77 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 77:2–21)). It is possible that the other individual was the actual author of the psalm. Furthermore, the psalms whose titles connect them with an episode of David’s life (Pss 3 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 3:2–9), 7 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 7:2–18), 18 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 18:2–51), 34 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 34:2–23), 51 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 51:3–21), 52 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 52:3–11), 54 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 54:3–9), 56 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 56:2–14), 57 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 57:2–12), 59 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 59:2–18), 60 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 60:3–14), 63 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 63:2–12), 142 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 142:2–8)) provide little or no specific connection with those episodes. For example, the title in Psalm 51 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 51:3–21) connects the psalm with David’s sin and Nathan’s rebuke. The psalm speaks of sin, forgiveness, and a broken spirit, but any specifics of the situation are notoriously absent. In addition, several psalms “of David” seem to assume the existence of the Temple, which was not constructed until after David’s death (see Ps 5:7 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 5:8); 122:title OET (RV-only · LV-only); 138:2 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). Similarly, the title of Psalm 30 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 30:2–13) connects David with the dedication of the Temple, and Psalm 69 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 69:2–37) does not seem to fit with what is known of David’s life. Finally, some textual traditions vary in the mention of David in the heading (e.g., Pss 122 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 124 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). It is possible, therefore, that ledawid should be understood in many cases as meaning “for/dedicated to/concerning David” rather than “by David.” Such psalms evoke his persona as the chief representative of the dynasty without implying that he himself was the author. Still, there are many psalms that could have been authored by David.

Literary Issues

The title Psalms comes from the Greek word psalmos (“song”; see Luke 20:42 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 24:44 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), which translates the Hebrew mizmor, a word frequently found in the titles of individual psalms (e.g., see Ps 3:title OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 3:2), translated “psalm”). The word mizmor is related to a verb meaning “to play a stringed instrument.” The psalms were originally accompanied by instruments and were part of the oral tradition of Israel before they were collected. The Hebrew title of the Psalter is tehillim (“praises”), a word that is related to hallelujah (“praise Yahweh”).

Psalm Titles. The psalm titles, or short superscriptions accompanying most of the psalms, give information such as the author, the type of psalm (e.g., song, prayer), a musical notation, the use of the psalm, a historical context, or a dedication. Much of the information is not well understood, so many scholars do not emphasize the psalm titles in the interpretation of the psalms.

In Hebrew editions, the psalm titles are typically numbered as verse 1. As a result, the verse numbers for many entire psalms differ by one from most English translations.

Interlude (Hebrew Selah).  This word is found throughout the book of Psalms. The meaning of the word is uncertain, though it is probably a musical or literary term. In the NLT it is consistently rendered Interlude.

Groupings of the Psalms.  The psalms can be grouped in a number of ways:

• By the names they use for God: Yahweh (“the Lord,” Pss 1–41 OET PSA 1:1–6 · OET PSA 2:1–12 · OET PSA 3:1–8 · OET PSA 4:1–8 · OET PSA 5:1–12 · OET PSA 6:1–10 · OET PSA 7:1–17 · OET PSA 8:1–9 · OET PSA 9:1–20 · OET PSA 10:1–18 · OET PSA 11:1–7 · OET PSA 12:1–8 · OET PSA 13:1–6 · OET PSA 14:1–7 · OET PSA 15:1–5 · OET PSA 16:1–11 · OET PSA 17:1–15 · OET PSA 18:1–50 · OET PSA 19:1–14 · OET PSA 20:1–9 · OET PSA 21:1–13 · OET PSA 22:1–31 · OET PSA 23:1–6 · OET PSA 24:1–10 · OET PSA 25:1–22 · OET PSA 26:1–12 · OET PSA 27:1–14 · OET PSA 28:1–9 · OET PSA 29:1–11 · OET PSA 30:1–12 · OET PSA 31:1–24 · OET PSA 32:1–11 · OET PSA 33:1–22 · OET PSA 34:1–22 · OET PSA 35:1–28 · OET PSA 36:1–12 · OET PSA 37:1–40 · OET PSA 38:1–22 · OET PSA 39:1–13 · OET PSA 40:1–17 · OET PSA 41:1–13 (RV-only PSA 1:1–6 · RV-only PSA 2:1–12 · RV-only PSA 3:1–8 · RV-only PSA 4:1–8 · RV-only PSA 5:1–12 · RV-only PSA 6:1–10 · RV-only PSA 7:1–17 · RV-only PSA 8:1–9 · RV-only PSA 9:1–20 · RV-only PSA 10:1–18 · RV-only PSA 11:1–7 · RV-only PSA 12:1–8 · RV-only PSA 13:1–6 · RV-only PSA 14:1–7 · RV-only PSA 15:1–5 · RV-only PSA 16:1–11 · RV-only PSA 17:1–15 · RV-only PSA 18:1–50 · RV-only PSA 19:1–14 · RV-only PSA 20:1–9 · RV-only PSA 21:1–13 · RV-only PSA 22:1–31 · RV-only PSA 23:1–6 · RV-only PSA 24:1–10 · RV-only PSA 25:1–22 · RV-only PSA 26:1–12 · RV-only PSA 27:1–14 · RV-only PSA 28:1–9 · RV-only PSA 29:1–11 · RV-only PSA 30:1–12 · RV-only PSA 31:1–24 · RV-only PSA 32:1–11 · RV-only PSA 33:1–22 · RV-only PSA 34:1–22 · RV-only PSA 35:1–28 · RV-only PSA 36:1–12 · RV-only PSA 37:1–40 · RV-only PSA 38:1–22 · RV-only PSA 39:1–13 · RV-only PSA 40:1–17 · RV-only PSA 41:1–13 · LV-only PSA 1:1–6 · LV-only PSA 2:1–12 · LV-only PSA 3:2–9 · LV-only PSA 4:2–9 · LV-only PSA 5:2–13 · LV-only PSA 6:2–11 · LV-only PSA 7:2–18 · LV-only PSA 8:2–10 · LV-only PSA 9:2–21 · LV-only PSA 10:1–18 · LV-only PSA 11:1–7 · LV-only PSA 12:2–9 · LV-only PSA 13:2–6 · LV-only PSA 14:1–7 · LV-only PSA 15:1–5 · LV-only PSA 16:1–11 · LV-only PSA 17:1–15 · LV-only PSA 18:2–51 · LV-only PSA 19:2–15 · LV-only PSA 20:2–10 · LV-only PSA 21:2–14 · LV-only PSA 22:2–32 · LV-only PSA 23:1–6 · LV-only PSA 24:1–10 · LV-only PSA 25:1–22 · LV-only PSA 26:1–12 · LV-only PSA 27:1–14 · LV-only PSA 28:1–9 · LV-only PSA 29:1–11 · LV-only PSA 30:2–13 · LV-only PSA 31:2–25 · LV-only PSA 32:1–11 · LV-only PSA 33:1–22 · LV-only PSA 34:2–23 · LV-only PSA 35:1–28 · LV-only PSA 36:2–13 · LV-only PSA 37:1–40 · LV-only PSA 38:2–23 · LV-only PSA 39:2–14 · LV-only PSA 40:2–18 · LV-only PSA 41:2–14)) and Elohim (“God,” Pss 42–72 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 · OET PSA 50:1–23 · OET PSA 51:1–19 · OET PSA 52:1–9 · OET PSA 53:1–6 · OET PSA 54:1–7 · OET PSA 55:1–23 · OET PSA 56:1–13 · OET PSA 57:1–11 · OET PSA 58:1–11 · OET PSA 59:1–17 · OET PSA 60:1–12 · OET PSA 61:1–8 · OET PSA 62:1–12 · OET PSA 63:1–11 · OET PSA 64:1–10 · OET PSA 65:1–13 · OET PSA 66:1–20 · OET PSA 67:1–7 · OET PSA 68:1–35 · OET PSA 69:1–36 · OET PSA 70:1–5 · OET PSA 71:1–24 · OET PSA 72:1–20 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · RV-only PSA 50:1–23 · RV-only PSA 51:1–19 · RV-only PSA 52:1–9 · RV-only PSA 53:1–6 · RV-only PSA 54:1–7 · RV-only PSA 55:1–23 · RV-only PSA 56:1–13 · RV-only PSA 57:1–11 · RV-only PSA 58:1–11 · RV-only PSA 59:1–17 · RV-only PSA 60:1–12 · RV-only PSA 61:1–8 · RV-only PSA 62:1–12 · RV-only PSA 63:1–11 · RV-only PSA 64:1–10 · RV-only PSA 65:1–13 · RV-only PSA 66:1–20 · RV-only PSA 67:1–7 · RV-only PSA 68:1–35 · RV-only PSA 69:1–36 · RV-only PSA 70:1–5 · RV-only PSA 71:1–24 · RV-only PSA 72:1–20 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21 · LV-only PSA 50:1–23 · LV-only PSA 51:3–21 · LV-only PSA 52:3–11 · LV-only PSA 53:2–7 · LV-only PSA 54:3–9 · LV-only PSA 55:2–24 · LV-only PSA 56:2–14 · LV-only PSA 57:2–12 · LV-only PSA 58:2–12 · LV-only PSA 59:2–18 · LV-only PSA 60:3–14 · LV-only PSA 61:2–9 · LV-only PSA 62:2–13 · LV-only PSA 63:2–12 · LV-only PSA 64:2–11 · LV-only PSA 65:2–14 · LV-only PSA 66:1–20 · LV-only PSA 67:2–8 · LV-only PSA 68:2–36 · LV-only PSA 69:2–37 · LV-only PSA 70:2–6 · LV-only PSA 71:1–24 · LV-only PSA 72:1–20)).

• By the names in the titles: David (Pss 3–32 OET PSA 3:1–8 · OET PSA 4:1–8 · OET PSA 5:1–12 · OET PSA 6:1–10 · OET PSA 7:1–17 · OET PSA 8:1–9 · OET PSA 9:1–20 · OET PSA 10:1–18 · OET PSA 11:1–7 · OET PSA 12:1–8 · OET PSA 13:1–6 · OET PSA 14:1–7 · OET PSA 15:1–5 · OET PSA 16:1–11 · OET PSA 17:1–15 · OET PSA 18:1–50 · OET PSA 19:1–14 · OET PSA 20:1–9 · OET PSA 21:1–13 · OET PSA 22:1–31 · OET PSA 23:1–6 · OET PSA 24:1–10 · OET PSA 25:1–22 · OET PSA 26:1–12 · OET PSA 27:1–14 · OET PSA 28:1–9 · OET PSA 29:1–11 · OET PSA 30:1–12 · OET PSA 31:1–24 · OET PSA 32:1–11 (RV-only PSA 3:1–8 · RV-only PSA 4:1–8 · RV-only PSA 5:1–12 · RV-only PSA 6:1–10 · RV-only PSA 7:1–17 · RV-only PSA 8:1–9 · RV-only PSA 9:1–20 · RV-only PSA 10:1–18 · RV-only PSA 11:1–7 · RV-only PSA 12:1–8 · RV-only PSA 13:1–6 · RV-only PSA 14:1–7 · RV-only PSA 15:1–5 · RV-only PSA 16:1–11 · RV-only PSA 17:1–15 · RV-only PSA 18:1–50 · RV-only PSA 19:1–14 · RV-only PSA 20:1–9 · RV-only PSA 21:1–13 · RV-only PSA 22:1–31 · RV-only PSA 23:1–6 · RV-only PSA 24:1–10 · RV-only PSA 25:1–22 · RV-only PSA 26:1–12 · RV-only PSA 27:1–14 · RV-only PSA 28:1–9 · RV-only PSA 29:1–11 · RV-only PSA 30:1–12 · RV-only PSA 31:1–24 · RV-only PSA 32:1–11 · LV-only PSA 3:2–9 · LV-only PSA 4:2–9 · LV-only PSA 5:2–13 · LV-only PSA 6:2–11 · LV-only PSA 7:2–18 · LV-only PSA 8:2–10 · LV-only PSA 9:2–21 · LV-only PSA 10:1–18 · LV-only PSA 11:1–7 · LV-only PSA 12:2–9 · LV-only PSA 13:2–6 · LV-only PSA 14:1–7 · LV-only PSA 15:1–5 · LV-only PSA 16:1–11 · LV-only PSA 17:1–15 · LV-only PSA 18:2–51 · LV-only PSA 19:2–15 · LV-only PSA 20:2–10 · LV-only PSA 21:2–14 · LV-only PSA 22:2–32 · LV-only PSA 23:1–6 · LV-only PSA 24:1–10 · LV-only PSA 25:1–22 · LV-only PSA 26:1–12 · LV-only PSA 27:1–14 · LV-only PSA 28:1–9 · LV-only PSA 29:1–11 · LV-only PSA 30:2–13 · LV-only PSA 31:2–25 · LV-only PSA 32:1–11); 34:1–41:13 OET PSA 34:1–22 · OET PSA 35:1–28 · OET PSA 36:1–12 · OET PSA 37:1–40 · OET PSA 38:1–22 · OET PSA 39:1–13 · OET PSA 40:1–17 · OET PSA 41:1–13 (RV-only PSA 34:1–22 · RV-only PSA 35:1–28 · RV-only PSA 36:1–12 · RV-only PSA 37:1–40 · RV-only PSA 38:1–22 · RV-only PSA 39:1–13 · RV-only PSA 40:1–17 · RV-only PSA 41:1–13 · LV-only PSA 34:2–23 · LV-only PSA 35:1–28 · LV-only PSA 36:2–13 · LV-only PSA 37:1–40 · LV-only PSA 38:2–23 · LV-only PSA 39:2–14 · LV-only PSA 40:2–18 · LV-only PSA 41:2–14), etc.), the descendants of Korah (Pss 42–49 OET PSA 42:1–11 · OET PSA 43:1–5 · OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 · OET PSA 46:1–11 · OET PSA 47:1–9 · OET PSA 48:1–14 · OET PSA 49:1–20 (RV-only PSA 42:1–11 · RV-only PSA 43:1–5 · RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · RV-only PSA 46:1–11 · RV-only PSA 47:1–9 · RV-only PSA 48:1–14 · RV-only PSA 49:1–20 · LV-only PSA 42:2–12 · LV-only PSA 43:1–5 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18 · LV-only PSA 46:2–12 · LV-only PSA 47:2–10 · LV-only PSA 48:2–15 · LV-only PSA 49:2–21); 84:1–85:13 OET PSA 84:1–12 · OET PSA 85:1–13 (RV-only PSA 84:1–12 · RV-only PSA 85:1–13 · LV-only PSA 84:2–13 · LV-only PSA 85:2–14); 87:1–88:18 OET PSA 87:1–7 · OET PSA 88:1–18 (RV-only PSA 87:1–7 · RV-only PSA 88:1–18 · LV-only PSA 87:1–7 · LV-only PSA 88:2–19)), and Asaph (Pss 50 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 73-83 OET PSA 73:1–28 · OET PSA 74:1–23 · OET PSA 75:1–10 · OET PSA 76:1–12 · OET PSA 77:1–20 · OET PSA 78:1–72 · OET PSA 79:1–13 · OET PSA 80:1–19 · OET PSA 81:1–16 · OET PSA 82:1–8 · OET PSA 83:1–18 (RV-only PSA 73:1–28 · RV-only PSA 74:1–23 · RV-only PSA 75:1–10 · RV-only PSA 76:1–12 · RV-only PSA 77:1–20 · RV-only PSA 78:1–72 · RV-only PSA 79:1–13 · RV-only PSA 80:1–19 · RV-only PSA 81:1–16 · RV-only PSA 82:1–8 · RV-only PSA 83:1–18 · LV-only PSA 73:1–28 · LV-only PSA 74:1–23 · LV-only PSA 75:2–11 · LV-only PSA 76:2–13 · LV-only PSA 77:2–21 · LV-only PSA 78:1–72 · LV-only PSA 79:1–13 · LV-only PSA 80:2–20 · LV-only PSA 81:2–17 · LV-only PSA 82:1–8 · LV-only PSA 83:2–19)).

• By genre (see below).

• By the collections of which they are already a part: e.g., the Songs of Ascents (Pss 120–134 OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 (RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3)). Other collections were recognized in Jewish tradition, such as the Egyptian Hallel (Pss 113–118 OET PSA 113:1–9 · OET PSA 114:1–8 · OET PSA 115:1–18 · OET PSA 116:1–19 · OET PSA 117:1–2 · OET PSA 118:1–29 (RV-only PSA 113:1–9 · RV-only PSA 114:1–8 · RV-only PSA 115:1–18 · RV-only PSA 116:1–19 · RV-only PSA 117:1–2 · RV-only PSA 118:1–29 · LV-only PSA 113:1–9 · LV-only PSA 114:1–8 · LV-only PSA 115:1–18 · LV-only PSA 116:1–19 · LV-only PSA 117:1–2 · LV-only PSA 118:1–29)) and the hallelujah hymns (Pss 146–150 OET PSA 146:1–10 · OET PSA 147:1–20 · OET PSA 148:1–14 · OET PSA 149:1–9 · OET PSA 150:1–6 (RV-only PSA 146:1–10 · RV-only PSA 147:1–20 · RV-only PSA 148:1–14 · RV-only PSA 149:1–9 · RV-only PSA 150:1–6 · LV-only PSA 146:1–10 · LV-only PSA 147:1–20 · LV-only PSA 148:1–14 · LV-only PSA 149:1–9 · LV-only PSA 150:1–6)).

• By thematic connections: e.g., God’s kingship (Pss 93–100 OET PSA 93:1–5 · OET PSA 94:1–23 · OET PSA 95:1–11 · OET PSA 96:1–13 · OET PSA 97:1–12 · OET PSA 98:1–9 · OET PSA 99:1–9 · OET PSA 100:1–5 (RV-only PSA 93:1–5 · RV-only PSA 94:1–23 · RV-only PSA 95:1–11 · RV-only PSA 96:1–13 · RV-only PSA 97:1–12 · RV-only PSA 98:1–9 · RV-only PSA 99:1–9 · RV-only PSA 100:1–5 · LV-only PSA 93:1–5 · LV-only PSA 94:1–23 · LV-only PSA 95:1–11 · LV-only PSA 96:1–13 · LV-only PSA 97:1–12 · LV-only PSA 98:1–9 · LV-only PSA 99:1–9 · LV-only PSA 100:1–5)), or the storyline from creation to the Exile (Pss 104–106 OET PSA 104:1–35 · OET PSA 105:1–45 · OET PSA 106:1–48 (RV-only PSA 104:1–35 · RV-only PSA 105:1–45 · RV-only PSA 106:1–48 · LV-only PSA 104:1–35 · LV-only PSA 105:1–45 · LV-only PSA 106:1–48)).

Genres of the Psalms.  The psalm titles often designate the genre of a psalm. The most frequent genre designation in the titles is the Hebrew term mizmor, referring to a song originally accompanied by stringed instruments. Less frequent are the words maskil (meaning “psalm” or “chant”: Pss 32 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 42 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 42:2–12); 44-45 OET PSA 44:1–26 · OET PSA 45:1–17 (RV-only PSA 44:1–26 · RV-only PSA 45:1–17 · LV-only PSA 44:2–27 · LV-only PSA 45:2–18); 52-55 OET PSA 52:1–9 · OET PSA 53:1–6 · OET PSA 54:1–7 · OET PSA 55:1–23 (RV-only PSA 52:1–9 · RV-only PSA 53:1–6 · RV-only PSA 54:1–7 · RV-only PSA 55:1–23 · LV-only PSA 52:3–11 · LV-only PSA 53:2–7 · LV-only PSA 54:3–9 · LV-only PSA 55:2–24); 74 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 88–89 OET PSA 88:1–18 · OET PSA 89:1–52 (RV-only PSA 88:1–18 · RV-only PSA 89:1–52 · LV-only PSA 88:2–19 · LV-only PSA 89:2–53)), miktam (“psalm” or “chant”: Pss 16 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 56-60 OET PSA 56:1–13 · OET PSA 57:1–11 · OET PSA 58:1–11 · OET PSA 59:1–17 · OET PSA 60:1–12 (RV-only PSA 56:1–13 · RV-only PSA 57:1–11 · RV-only PSA 58:1–11 · RV-only PSA 59:1–17 · RV-only PSA 60:1–12 · LV-only PSA 56:2–14 · LV-only PSA 57:2–12 · LV-only PSA 58:2–12 · LV-only PSA 59:2–18 · LV-only PSA 60:3–14)), shir (“song”: Pss 45 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 45:2–18); 120-135 OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 · OET PSA 135:1–21 (RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · RV-only PSA 135:1–21 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 135:1–21)), shiggayon (“psalm,” a generic or musical term: Ps 7 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 7:2–18)), tepillah (“prayer”: Pss 17 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 86 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 90 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), tehillah (“psalm of praise”: Ps 145 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), higgayon (“meditation,” meaning unknown: Ps 9:16 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 9:17)), and todah (“psalm of thanksgiving”: Ps 100 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

In addition to the genre identifications that are found in the Hebrew text, the psalms may be divided into three main categories:

1. Wisdom or instructional psalms (Pss 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 15 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 24 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 33 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 34 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 34:2–23), 37 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 73 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 90 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 107 OET (RV-only · LV-only))

2. Psalms of lament (most psalms in books 1—3), which can be subdivided into individual laments and community laments

3. Hymns of praise or thanksgiving (Pss 8 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 8:2–10), 19 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 19:2–15), 29 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 65 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 65:2–14), 67 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 67:2–8), 114 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), which can similarly be divided into individual and community hymns

The psalms of praise include several subgenres, including “royal” psalms about the king (Pss 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 45 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 45:2–18), 72 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 89 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 89:2–53), 110 OET (RV-only · LV-only)); psalms ascribing kingship to the Lord (Pss 93 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 95-99 OET PSA 95:1–11 · OET PSA 96:1–13 · OET PSA 97:1–12 · OET PSA 98:1–9 · OET PSA 99:1–9 (RV-only PSA 95:1–11 · RV-only PSA 96:1–13 · RV-only PSA 97:1–12 · RV-only PSA 98:1–9 · RV-only PSA 99:1–9 · LV-only PSA 95:1–11 · LV-only PSA 96:1–13 · LV-only PSA 97:1–12 · LV-only PSA 98:1–9 · LV-only PSA 99:1–9)); hymns about creation (Pss 19 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 19:2–15), 29 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 104 OET (RV-only · LV-only)); and hymns about Zion (Pss 46 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 46:2–12), 48 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 48:2–15), 84 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 84:2–13), 87 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

Another way of reading the psalms is based on the movement in many psalms from instruction to a problem and from a problem to a renewal in commitment and character. The Psalter as a collection of five books is largely instructional in nature. It is “instruction” (torah; see 1:2 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) and has the purpose of teaching God’s people how to live.

The Psalms in Israel’s Worship

The book of Psalms contains much information on music making in ancient Israel. The majority of psalms are songs of praise, thanksgiving, prayer, and repentance. Some of the psalms were used on specific occasions, such as at Passover (Pss 113–118 OET PSA 113:1–9 · OET PSA 114:1–8 · OET PSA 115:1–18 · OET PSA 116:1–19 · OET PSA 117:1–2 · OET PSA 118:1–29 (RV-only PSA 113:1–9 · RV-only PSA 114:1–8 · RV-only PSA 115:1–18 · RV-only PSA 116:1–19 · RV-only PSA 117:1–2 · RV-only PSA 118:1–29 · LV-only PSA 113:1–9 · LV-only PSA 114:1–8 · LV-only PSA 115:1–18 · LV-only PSA 116:1–19 · LV-only PSA 117:1–2 · LV-only PSA 118:1–29), or when journeying to Jerusalem for the annual festivals (Pss 120–134 OET PSA 120:1–7 · OET PSA 121:1–8 · OET PSA 122:1–9 · OET PSA 123:1–4 · OET PSA 124:1–8 · OET PSA 125:1–5 · OET PSA 126:1–6 · OET PSA 127:1–5 · OET PSA 128:1–6 · OET PSA 129:1–8 · OET PSA 130:1–8 · OET PSA 131:1–3 · OET PSA 132:1–18 · OET PSA 133:1–3 · OET PSA 134:1–3 (RV-only PSA 120:1–7 · RV-only PSA 121:1–8 · RV-only PSA 122:1–9 · RV-only PSA 123:1–4 · RV-only PSA 124:1–8 · RV-only PSA 125:1–5 · RV-only PSA 126:1–6 · RV-only PSA 127:1–5 · RV-only PSA 128:1–6 · RV-only PSA 129:1–8 · RV-only PSA 130:1–8 · RV-only PSA 131:1–3 · RV-only PSA 132:1–18 · RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · RV-only PSA 134:1–3 · LV-only PSA 120:1–7 · LV-only PSA 121:1–8 · LV-only PSA 122:1–9 · LV-only PSA 123:1–4 · LV-only PSA 124:1–8 · LV-only PSA 125:1–5 · LV-only PSA 126:1–6 · LV-only PSA 127:1–5 · LV-only PSA 128:1–6 · LV-only PSA 129:1–8 · LV-only PSA 130:1–8 · LV-only PSA 131:1–3 · LV-only PSA 132:1–18 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 134:1–3). There are also historic odes that relate great national events (for example, Ps 30 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 30:2–13), “a song for the dedication of the Temple,” and Ps 137 OET (RV-only · LV-only), which portrays the sufferings of the Jews in captivity). Such psalms played a role in the life of the community; however, the exact nature of that role is uncertain.

Meaning and Message

The psalms provide windows into the souls of the ancient saints who wrote them. Their theological reflections are not easy or simple-minded, but the psalmists’ faith, when tried, is purified.

The psalms model depth of character, wisdom, honesty, and authenticity. But the prayers in the Psalter are more than models to be imitated. They are God’s instructions for righteous living, part of his torah (“instruction”; see Pss 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 19 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 19:2–15); 119 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). God teaches who he is, what he has done, and what he expects from his people. The psalms are God-centered, instructing his people to discern error in themselves, to receive his correction, and to be like him. They also encourage God’s people to worship him vibrantly and to bear witness about him to the world.

The psalmists reflected on the transitory nature of life, on suffering, and on the many kinds of adversity that human beings experience. As the psalmists faced alienation and pain, they longed for God’s presence, provision, and protection (e.g., Ps 23 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), and for a lasting glory. Even the psalms connected with David often reveal a humble rather than a victorious David—humiliated rather than glorious. The psalmists experienced alienation and shame, and they longed for redemption, trusting in the Lord to vindicate them.

The Psalter illustrates the failures of Israel and of David’s dynasty. The best of the godly Israelites and kings were unable to bring the happiness and peace that Psalms 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only) and 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only) speak of (see also Ps 72 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). The psalms are thus God’s exhortation to each person to cultivate wisdom, to trust in him, to live by grace, and to have hope in the one who can bring blessings to a needy world.

The psalms prepare God’s people for the coming of Jesus Christ as the perfect human and ideal king, the descendant of David who has absolute integrity. Jesus and the apostles understood Jesus’ life and ministry in light of the psalms (see Matt 13:34-35 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 21:16 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 42 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 23:39 OET (RV-only · LV-only); John 2:17 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 15:25 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 19:24 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 28 OET (RV-only · LV-only), 36 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Acts 2:22-35 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 4:11 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 13:32-38 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Rom 15:3 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 1 Cor 15:25-27 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Eph 4:7-10 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 1 Pet 2:7 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). Jesus entered the world of humans and lived out the patterns found in the psalms, including humiliation, suffering, death, vindication, and glory. He is the only human being who has completely pleased God (Ps 1 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). He is the Messiah and King (Ps 2 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) who has become our means of redemption, happiness, and peace.