Summary of the Book of Psalms

Author:
The brief descriptions introducing the psalms list David as the author in 73 instances. David’s personality and identity are evident in many of these psalms. While David wrote many individual psalms, he did not write the entire collection. Two psalms (72 and 127) are attributed to Solomon, David’s son and successor. Psalm 90 is a prayer attributed to Moses. Another group of 12 psalms (50) and (73—83) is credited to the family of Asaph. The sons of Korah wrote 11 psalms (42, 44—49, 84—85, 87—88). Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman, while Psalm 89 is assigned to Ethan the Ezrahite. Except for Solomon and Moses, all these additional authors were priests or Levites responsible for providing music for sanctuary worship during David’s reign. Fifty psalms do not specify an author, although two of those are identified elsewhere in the Bible as David’s psalms. Full article: Who wrote the book of Psalms? Who was the author of Psalms?

Date of Writing:
A careful examination of the authorship question and the subject matter covered by the psalms reveals that they span many centuries. The oldest psalm in the collection is probably Moses’ prayer (90), reflecting on the frailty of man compared to the eternity of God. The latest psalm is likely (137), a lament written during the Hebrews’ captivity by the Babylonians, from about 586 to 538 B.C.

It is evident that the 150 individual psalms were written by various people over a thousand years in Israel’s history. They were likely compiled and arranged in their current form by an unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended.

About 537 B.C.

Purpose of Writing:
The Book of Psalms contains more “chapters” than any other book in the Bible, consisting of 150 individual psalms. It is also remarkably diverse, addressing various topics such as God and His creation, warfare, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the arrival of the Messiah.

Key Verses:

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Psalm 22:16-19, “Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”

Psalm 29:1-2, “Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.”

Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalm 119:1-2, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.”

Brief Summary:
The Book of Psalms is a compilation of prayers, poems, and hymns that direct the worshiper’s focus towards God in praise and adoration. Portions of this book were utilized as a hymnal during the worship ceremonies of ancient Israel. The musical aspect of the psalms is evident from its title, derived from a Greek term meaning “a song sung to the accompaniment of a musical instrument.”

Foreshadowings:
The Psalms frequently allude to God’s provision of a Savior for His people. Prophetic images of the Messiah are evident in numerous psalms. Psalm 2:1-12 depicts the triumph and kingdom of the Messiah. Psalm 16:8-11 anticipates His death and resurrection. Psalm 22 portrays the suffering Savior on the cross and contains detailed prophecies of the crucifixion.

All of which were fulfilled perfectly. The glories of the Messiah and His bride are on exhibit in Psalm 45:6-7, while Psalms 72:6-17, 89:3-37, 110:1-7, and 132:12-18 present the glory and universality of His reign.

Practical Application:
One of the results of being filled with the Spirit or the word of Christ is singing. The psalms are the “songbook” of the early church that reflected the new truth in Christ.

God is the same Lord in all the psalms. But we respond to Him in different ways, according to the specific circumstances of our lives. What a marvelous God we worship, the psalmist declares, high and lifted up beyond our human experiences but also close enough to touch and who walks beside us along life’s way.

We can bring all our feelings to God—no matter how negative or complaining they may be—and we can rest assured that He will hear and understand. The psalmist teaches us that the most profound prayer of all is a cry for help as we find ourselves overwhelmed by the problems of life.