Psalms

Introduction

The Psalter is a collection of 150 inspired songs and prayers, gathered into five books mirroring the five books of Moses. They cover the full range of human experience — joy, lament, repentance, thanksgiving, longing, praise — and put God-honoring words in the mouths of his people. Many are unmistakably messianic (Psalms 2, 22, 110), and the New Testament quotes them more than any other Old Testament book.

Outline

1. Book I (Psalms 1–41)largely Davidic
2. Book II (Psalms 42–72)David and the sons of Korah
3. Book III (Psalms 73–89)Asaph and others
4. Book IV (Psalms 90–106)Moses and anonymous psalms
5. Book V (Psalms 107–150)ascents and final praise

Key verses

• Psalm 1:1-2
• Psalm 23:1
• Psalm 51:10
• Psalm 119:105
• Psalm 150:6

Chapter notes

Detailed reflections on key chapters in Psalms.

• Psalms 1 — The Two Ways

  The Psalter opens with a portrait of two roads. The blessed man does not stand in the path of sinners; instead he meditates on God's law day and night and is like a tree planted by streams of water, fruitful in its season. The wicked are not so — they are like chaff the wind drives away. The chapter is the doorway to all 150 psalms: prayer and praise grow out of a life rooted in the Word.

  Meditation on ScriptureTwo waysFruitfulnessJudgment
• Psalms 23 — The Lord is My Shepherd

  The most-loved psalm in the Bible. David, himself once a shepherd, confesses that the LORD is his shepherd; therefore he shall not want. Green pastures, still waters, paths of righteousness, the dark valley, the prepared table, the overflowing cup, the goodness and mercy that follow him every day, and the house of the LORD forever — every line is the language of trust. The psalm passes from green pastures to the valley of the shadow of death without panic, because the same Shepherd walks both.

  ProvidenceGod's presenceComfort in sufferingEternal hope
• Psalms 51 — A Broken and Contrite Heart

  The penitential psalm of David, written after Nathan the prophet confronted him over his sin with Bathsheba. There is no excuse-making here, only naked confession: 'against thee, thee only, have I sinned.' David asks not merely for forgiveness but for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. He understands that God will not despise a broken and contrite heart — and that the only sacrifice God ultimately wants is a humbled life.

  ConfessionRepentanceInward renewalTrue worship