Psalms
150 chapters · Old Testament
The book of Psalms is an anthology of 150 sacred poems composed over many centuries, with contributions attributed to David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and others. Many psalms carry no specific attribution at all. Compiled and arranged in five books — likely mirroring the structure of the Pentateuch — the Psalter served as the official hymnbook and prayer book of ancient Israel, used in temple worship, personal devotion, and communal festivals. It reflects a wide sweep of historical settings, from the wilderness wanderings to the anguish of Babylonian exile.
The Psalms give voice to the deepest movements of the human heart in relationship with God. Their themes span praise and lament, confession and forgiveness, trust and doubt, joy and grief, wisdom and worship. Particularly prominent are psalms of lament, in which the psalmist cries out honestly to God in suffering, and psalms of praise, which celebrate God's majesty, faithfulness, and steadfast love. The book also contains royal psalms pointing toward a coming messianic king, and wisdom psalms reflecting on righteous living. Jesus himself quoted the Psalms frequently, and Christians across every tradition have found in this book a timeless language for prayer, worship, and honest communion with God.