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OLD TESTAMENT

Psalms

Web reading editionPDF starts on page 139by Robert D. Price
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Psalms – An In-Depth Overview (KJV)

The book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible, containing 150 inspired songs and prayers. It served as Israel's hymnbook and devotional guide and continues to be one of the most beloved books of Scripture. Psalms teaches us how to worship God through every season of life. It expresses the full range of human emotion—joy, sorrow, fear, repentance, hope, thanksgiving, confidence, grief, and praise— while continually directing the heart back to the Lord. No Old Testament book is quoted more often in the New Testament than Psalms. It contains some of the clearest prophecies about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Key Verse (KJV):

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11) Another central verse: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)

Basic Information

Authors:

The Psalms were written over approximately 1,000 years by several authors, including:

Asaph

The Sons of Korah

Solomon

Heman

Ethan

Time Covered:

From the time of Moses to after the Babylonian exile.

Purpose

Psalms was written to:

Main Theme

Worship the LORD in Every Circumstance

Whether life brings victory or defeat, joy or sorrow, the proper response is to seek, trust, and worship God.

Christ in Psalms

No Old Testament book points to Christ more frequently. Some of the major Messianic Psalms include:

Jesus Himself quoted the Psalms frequently and fulfilled many of their prophecies.

Structure of Psalms

The book is divided into five books, perhaps reflecting the five books of Moses.

Book I (Psalms 1–41)

Emphasizes God's relationship with the individual believer. Mostly written by David.

Book II (Psalms 42–72)

Focuses on God's kingdom and deliverance. Contains many Psalms by the Sons of Korah and David.

Book III (Psalms 73–89)

Addresses national struggles and God's faithfulness during difficult times.

Book IV (Psalms 90–106)

Emphasizes God's eternal reign. Begins with Moses' prayer in Psalm 90.

Book V (Psalms 107–150)

Celebrates restoration, praise, and God's eternal kingdom. Ends with repeated calls to: "Praise ye the LORD."

Major Types of Psalms

1. Psalms of Praise

Celebrate God's greatness. Examples:

2. Psalms of Worship

Focus on God's holiness and majesty. Example: Psalm 95

3. Psalms of Thanksgiving

Express gratitude for God's blessings. Examples: Psalm 30 Psalm 100

4. Psalms of Lament

These are cries for help during suffering. Nearly one-third of the Psalms are laments. Examples: Psalm 13 Psalm 42 Psalm 88 A biblical lament honestly expresses pain while continuing to trust God.

5. Penitential Psalms

These express repentance over sin. The most famous include:

Psalm 51 records David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba.

6. Imprecatory Psalms

These ask God to judge evil and vindicate righteousness. Examples: Psalm 35 Psalm 69 Psalm 109 These prayers entrust justice to God rather than taking personal revenge.

7. Messianic Psalms

These point directly to Christ. Many are quoted in the New Testament.

Some of the Most Important Psalms

Psalm 1

The Two Ways Two people are contrasted: The righteous The wicked The righteous delight in God's Law. They are like a tree planted by rivers of water. The wicked are like chaff driven by the wind.

Lesson

Every person is traveling one of two spiritual paths.

Psalm 2

The Reigning King The nations rebel against God. God laughs at their rebellion. He establishes His Son as King. This Psalm is fulfilled in Christ.

Psalm 8

The Majesty of God David marvels at creation. He asks: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" The Psalm ultimately points to Christ's authority over creation.

Psalm 19

Two Revelations God reveals Himself through: Creation His Word The Psalm celebrates the perfection and sufficiency of Scripture.

Psalm 22

The Crucifixion Psalm Written approximately 1,000 years before Christ. Remarkable details include: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Hands and feet pierced. Garments divided. Lots cast for clothing. Mocking by spectators. Jesus quotes the opening verse from the cross.

Psalm 23

The Shepherd Psalm Perhaps the best-known chapter in Scripture. The LORD is portrayed as:

Even in: "the valley of the shadow of death" God remains present.

Psalm 24

The King of Glory Celebrates God's ownership of creation. Looks forward to the coming King.

Psalm 27

Confidence David declares: "The LORD is my light and my salvation." Faith overcomes fear.

Psalm 32

The Joy of Forgiveness David celebrates the blessing of confessed sin. This Psalm complements Psalm 51.

Psalm 37

Trusting God Repeated instructions include:

Rather than envying the wicked.

Psalm 46

God Our Refuge "God is our refuge and strength." Contains the famous command: "Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 51

Repentance Written after David's sin with Bathsheba. One of Scripture's greatest prayers of confession. David asks:

He recognizes: God desires a broken and contrite heart.

Psalm 73

The Prosperity of the Wicked Asaph struggles with why evil people seem successful. His perspective changes when he enters God's sanctuary. He realizes their prosperity is temporary.

Lesson

View life from God's eternal perspective.

Psalm 90

Moses' Prayer Contrasts: God's eternity Man's brevity Teaches believers to: "Number our days."

Psalm 91

God's Protection Emphasizes God's care for those who trust Him. This Psalm was even quoted (and misused) by Satan during Christ's temptation.

Psalm 100

A Psalm of Thanksgiving Calls believers to:

Psalm 103

Bless the LORD David recounts God's blessings:

Psalm 110

The Priest-King Perhaps the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. Foretells the Messiah as: King Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm 119

The Great Psalm About Scripture The longest chapter in the Bible. Every section celebrates God's Word. It uses many names for Scripture:

Main lesson: God's Word is sufficient for every area of life.

Psalms 120–134

The Songs of Degrees These were sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for worship.

Psalms 146–150

The Grand Finale Each Psalm begins and ends with: "Praise ye the LORD." The book concludes with: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD."

Major Doctrines

Worship

God alone deserves praise.

Prayer

Believers may bring every emotion honestly before God.

God's Sovereignty

God reigns over all nations and circumstances.

The Word of God

Scripture is perfect, trustworthy, and life-giving.

The Messiah

The Psalms repeatedly anticipate Christ's life, suffering, resurrection, priesthood, and eternal reign.

Lessons for Christians

Psalms in the Bible's Story

Psalms serves as the worship and prayer book of God's people, teaching believers how to respond to every circumstance with faith. It reveals God's character, celebrates His mighty works, and points repeatedly to the coming Messiah. More than any other Old Testament book, Psalms prepares readers to recognize Jesus Christ as the suffering Savior, the risen Lord, the eternal King, the Good Shepherd, and the Great High Priest.

Looking Ahead to Proverbs

The next book, Proverbs, shifts from worship to practical wisdom. While Psalms teaches us how to speak to God, Proverbs teaches us how to live wisely before God. Written primarily by Solomon, it provides practical instruction for daily life, covering topics such as the fear of the Lord, wisdom and foolishness, speech, work, family, finances, friendships, leadership, and integrity. It shows that true wisdom begins with a right relationship with God and is demonstrated through righteous living.

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