What Is the Book of Psalms About — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

The Book of Psalms is the Bible's greatest collection of poetry and the church's oldest hymnal. Its Hebrew title, Tehillim, means 'praises,' though only a portion are strictly songs of praise. The 150 psalms span approximately a thousand years of Israel's history, from Moses (Psalm 90) to the post-exilic period (Psalm 137). Multiple authors contributed: David wrote the majority (73), followed by the sons of Korah, Asaph, Solomon, Ethan, and Moses. Many are anonymous. The psalms are organized into five books, mirroring the five books of the Torah, with doxologies marking the end of each book. The psalms cover every human emotion and circumstance. Psalms of lament cry out to God in times of distress, persecution, and suffering — 'How long, O LORD? wilt thou forget me for ever?' Psalms of thanksgiving celebrate God's deliverance — 'I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up.' Psalms of praise exalt God's character and works — 'Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary.' Royal psalms focus on the Davidic king and ultimately the Messiah — 'The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' Wisdom psalms teach the fear of the Lord — 'Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.' Psalms of confidence express trust in God's care — 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.' The psalms were central to Israel's worship, sung in the temple with musical accompaniment. Jesus quoted the Psalms more than any other Old Testament book, and the New Testament writers used them extensively to explain His life, death, and resurrection. Psalm 22 describes crucifixion in detail a thousand years before the invention of that execution method. Psalm 110 is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. The Psalms remain the church's prayer book, guiding believers in how to approach God honestly in every season of life.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages