Psalms
 Bible Book

Psalms

Poetry-Wisdom • Old Testament • 150 Chapters

Summary

The third book of Wisdom; nineteenth book of the Old Testament; nineteenth book of the Bible.  

Author: Psalms is a book consisting of works by multiple authors. David’s name is connected with seventy-three of the 150 psalms. Solomon wrote Psalms 72 and 127; Moses wrote Psalm 90; the family of Asaph composed twelve psalms; the sons of Korah wrote eleven psalms; Heman wrote Psalm 88; Ethan the Ezrahite wrote Psalm 89. The remaining fifty psalms are anonymous.  

Audience: Though each psalm had particular audiences at their original time of writing, the collection of the psalms was published for the benefit of all Israelites. These songs formed the musical collection of the nation, becoming of great importance during the reigns of David and Solomon when Levites often used them to lead the Jews in praise. Christians likewise find much beauty and theology in the Psalms that remain the foundation for many of the enduring songs of the church. 

Date: Since the book of Psalms is a collection of songs by various authors, their dates vary greatly as well. Moses wrote the oldest psalm during his forty years in the wilderness, approximately 1440—1400 BC. Many of the psalms were written during the reigns of David and Solomon in approximately the tenth century BC. The latest psalms were completed shortly after the Jewish return from Babylon in about 537 BC.

Illustrative Verse

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his names sake Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

Psalm 23

Explanation

David's words in Psalm 23 are some of the most inspiring ever penned. It makes sense that this specific Psalm is used to bring comfort to people who are walking through the most trying and difficult times.

Study Resources

  McGee Notes
  Synopsis on Bible Hub
  Introduction on ESV
  Author Summary

Read Chapters

Ps. 1 Ps. 2 Ps. 3 Ps. 4 Ps. 5 Ps. 6 Ps. 7 Ps. 8 Ps. 9 Ps. 10 Ps. 11 Ps. 12 Ps. 13 Ps. 14 Ps. 15 Ps. 16 Ps. 17 Ps. 18 Ps. 19 Ps. 20 Ps. 21 Ps. 22 Ps. 23 Ps. 24 Ps. 25 Ps. 26 Ps. 27 Ps. 28 Ps. 29 Ps. 30 Ps. 31 Ps. 32 Ps. 33 Ps. 34 Ps. 35 Ps. 36 Ps. 37 Ps. 38 Ps. 39 Ps. 40 Ps. 41 Ps. 42 Ps. 43 Ps. 44 Ps. 45 Ps. 46 Ps. 47 Ps. 48 Ps. 49 Ps. 50 Ps. 51 Ps. 52 Ps. 53 Ps. 54 Ps. 55 Ps. 56 Ps. 57 Ps. 58 Ps. 59 Ps. 60 Ps. 61 Ps. 62 Ps. 63 Ps. 64 Ps. 65 Ps. 66 Ps. 67 Ps. 68 Ps. 69 Ps. 70 Ps. 71 Ps. 72 Ps. 73 Ps. 74 Ps. 75 Ps. 76 Ps. 77 Ps. 78 Ps. 79 Ps. 80 Ps. 81 Ps. 82 Ps. 83 Ps. 84 Ps. 85 Ps. 86 Ps. 87 Ps. 88 Ps. 89 Ps. 90 Ps. 91 Ps. 92 Ps. 93 Ps. 94 Ps. 95 Ps. 96 Ps. 97 Ps. 98 Ps. 99 Ps. 100 Ps. 101 Ps. 102 Ps. 103 Ps. 104 Ps. 105 Ps. 106 Ps. 107 Ps. 108 Ps. 109 Ps. 110 Ps. 111 Ps. 112 Ps. 113 Ps. 114 Ps. 115 Ps. 116 Ps. 117 Ps. 118 Ps. 119 Ps. 120 Ps. 121 Ps. 122 Ps. 123 Ps. 124 Ps. 125 Ps. 126 Ps. 127 Ps. 128 Ps. 129 Ps. 130 Ps. 131 Ps. 132 Ps. 133 Ps. 134 Ps. 135 Ps. 136 Ps. 137 Ps. 138 Ps. 139 Ps. 140 Ps. 141 Ps. 142 Ps. 143 Ps. 144 Ps. 145 Ps. 146 Ps. 147 Ps. 148 Ps. 149 Ps. 150