Psalms Overview and Outline

AUTHOR: Various Authors

DATE: Probable 1060-444 B.C.

The Jews referred to this book of songs, laments, and praises as “The Book of Praises,” while the Septuagint titled it “The Book of Psalms” (from a Greek word indicating songs sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments). The book was the hymnal of the Jewish people.

Seventy-three of the various psalms are attributed to David, two to Solomon, 12 to the sons of Korah, 12 to Asaph, one to Heman (1 Kings 4:31), one to Ethan (1 Chron. 15:19), and one to Moses. Most psalms were written during the times of David and Solomon (tenth century B.C.).

Hebrew poetry is not based on rhyme or meter but on rhythm and parallelism. The rhythm is not achieved by balanced numbers of accented and unaccented syllables but by tonal stress or accent on important words.

In parallelism, the poet states an idea in the first line and then reinforces it by various means in the succeeding line or lines. There are four styles of parallelism:

1. Synonymous parallelism (most common), in which the second line essentially repeats the idea of the first (3:1).
2. Antithetic parallelism, in which the second line contains an idea opposite to that in the first (1:6).
3. Synthetic parallelism, in which the second or succeeding lines add to or develop the idea of the first (1:1-2).
4. Emblematic parallelism, in which the second line elevates the thought of the first, often by using a simile (42:1).

Parallelism is not restricted to two lines but can also extend to strophes (smaller units of a few lines) and stanzas (longer units). An alphabetical acrostic is used in Psalm 119.

Classification of the Psalms

• lament or petition psalms, either individual (Ps. 3) or communal (Ps. 44);
• thanksgiving or praise psalms, either individual (Ps. 30) or communal (Ps. 65);
• psalms of trust in God (Ps. 4); (4) hymns that include psalms on the enthronement of Yahweh (see notes on Gen. 2:4; Ps. 47), psalms concerning Jerusalem (Ps. 48), and royal psalms (some of which are messianic; Pss. 2, 110); and
• didactic and wisdom psalms (Pss. 1, 37, 119)

Psalms may also be classified according to themes, e.g., creation (Pss. 8, 19), the Exodus (Ps. 78), imprecation (Ps. 7), penitence (Ps. 6), psalms of pilgrims (Ps. 120). Psalms that include important prophecies concerning Messiah include Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 40, 45, 72, 110, 118.

Titles were added to the psalms after they were written but are considered to be historically accurate. All but 34 of the psalms have titles or superscriptions that normally comprise the first verse of the Hebrew text. T

The two most frequently used technical terms are:

• “Selah” (occurring 71 times in the Psalms and three times in Hab. 3). Selah is probably a musical notation signaling an interlude (pause) or change of musical accompaniment and
• “For the choir director” is attached to 55 psalms (and Hab. 3:19).  This phrase suggests that a collection of psalms existed for the choir director, possibly for special occasions. 

Psalms 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139, and 140 are imprecatory psalms, meaning they invoke judgment or curses on one’s enemies. These are not intended to instruct us to call for judgment on others.

The imprecatory psalms record the psalmist calling out to God, asking Him to punish the wicked for these reasons:

• demonstrate God’s just and righteous judgment toward the wicked (58:11), how the authority of God over the wicked (59:13), (3) to lead the wicked to seek the Lord (83:16), and (4) to cause the righteous to praise God (7:17). Therefore, out of zeal for God and abhorrence of sin, the psalmist calls on God to punish the wicked and to vindicate His righteousness.
• show the authority of God over the wicked (59:13),  lead the wicked to seek the Lord (83:16), and (4) cause the righteous to praise God (7:17). Therefore, out of zeal for God and abhorrence of sin, the psalmist calls on God to punish the wicked and to vindicate His righteousness.
• lead the wicked to seek the Lord (83:16) and
• cause the righteous to praise God (7:17).

The Book of Psalms is divided into five books, with each section related to the Pentateuch in theme: 1-41 (Genesis); 42-72 (Exodus); 73-89 (Leviticus); 90-106 (Numbers); 107-150 (Deuteronomy). Each section ends with a doxology.  Psalms can also be understood as falling into these categories: Petition, Deliverance, Praise, Repentance/Confession, Promise/Blessing, and Other.

Short video clip teachings on select psalms:  Psalm 19, Ps 51,  Psalm 139, Psalm 139, Psalm 139, Psalm 62  

Videos and Charts Used By Permission of the Bible Project