Old TestamentWisdom & Poetry150 Chapters

Psalms

The prayer book of the Bible — 150 poems and songs covering the full range of human emotion: praise, lament, thanksgiving, confession, trust, and anger. The Psalms are central to Catholic liturgy, forming the backbone of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Responsorial Psalm at every Mass.

Author: David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, and others · Written: c. 1000-400 BC

🎯Key Themes

Praise and worshipLament and sufferingTrust in GodGod's kingshipWisdomMessianic hope

Famous Verses

Psalm 23:1

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 139:14

I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!

📝Summary & Overview

The Psalms are organized into five books (mirroring the five books of the Torah). They include psalms of praise (Hallel psalms), royal psalms, wisdom psalms, penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), pilgrimage psalms (Songs of Ascent, 120-134), and messianic psalms. Psalm 22 ('My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?') prophetically describes the crucifixion. The Psalms teach us how to pray in every circumstance of life.

📚Book Details

Author

David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, and others

Written

c. 1000-400 BC

Testament

Old Testament

Category

Wisdom & Poetry

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