The Hebrew Psalter numbers 150 songs. The corresponding number in the Septuagint differs because of a different division of certain Psalms. Hence the numbering in the Greek Psalter (which was followed by the Latin Vulgate) is usually one digit behind the Hebrew. In the New American Bible the numbering of the verses follows the Hebrew numbering; many of the traditional English translations are often a verse number behind the Hebrew because they do not count the superscriptions as a verse.
The superscriptions derive from pre-Christian Jewish tradition, and they contain technical terms, many of them apparently liturgical, which are no longer known to us. Seventy-three Psalms are attributed to David, but there is no sure way of dating any Psalm. Some are preexilic (before 587), and others are postexilic (after 539), but not as late as the Maccabean period (ca. 165). The Psalms are the product of many individual collections (e.g., Songs of Ascents, Ps 120–134), which were eventually combined into the present work in which one can detect five “books,” because of the doxologies which occur at 41:14; 72:18–19; 89:53; 106:48.
Two important features of the Psalms deserve special notice. First, the majority were composed originally precisely for liturgical worship. This is shown by the frequent indication of liturgical leaders interacting with the community (e.g., Ps 118:1–4). Secondly, they follow certain distinct patterns or literary forms. Thus, the hymn is a song of praise, in which a community is urged joyfully to sing out the praise of God. Various reasons are given for this praise (often introduced by “for” or “because”): the divine work of creation and sustenance (Ps 135:1–12; 136). Some of the hymns have received a more specific classification, based on content. The “Songs of Zion” are so called because they exalt Zion, the city in which God dwells among the people (Ps 47; 96–99). Characteristic of the songs of praise is the joyful summons to get involved in the activity; Ps 104 is an exception to this, although it remains universal in its thrust.
Another type of Psalm is similar to the hymn: the thanksgiving Psalm. This too is a song of praise acknowledging the Lord as the rescuer of the psalmist from a desperate situation. Very often the psalmist will give a flashback, recounting the past distress, and the plea that was uttered (Ps 30; 116). The setting for such prayers seems to have been the offering of a todah (a “praise” sacrifice) with friends in the Temple.
There are more Psalms of lament than of any other type. They may be individual (e.g., Ps 3–7; 22) or communal (e.g., Ps 44). Although they usually begin with a cry for help, they develop in various ways. The description of the distress is couched in the broad imagery typical of the Bible (one is in Sheol, the Pit, or is afflicted by enemies or wild beasts, etc.)—in such a way that one cannot pinpoint the exact nature of the psalmist’s plight. However, Ps 51 (cf. also Ps 130) seems to refer clearly to deliverance from sin. Several laments end on a note of certainty that the Lord has heard the prayer (cf. Ps 7, but contrast Ps 88), and the Psalter has been characterized as a movement from lament to praise. If this is somewhat of an exaggeration, it serves at least to emphasize the frequent expressions of trust which characterize the lament. In some cases it would seem as if the theme of trust has been lifted out to form a literary type all its own; cf. Ps 23, 62, 91. Among the communal laments can be counted Ps 74 and 79. They complain to the Lord about some national disaster, and try to motivate God to intervene in favor of the suffering people.
Other Psalms are clearly classified on account of content, and they may be in themselves laments or Psalms of thanksgiving. Among the “royal” Psalms that deal directly with the currently reigning king, are Ps 20, 21, and 72. Many of the royal Psalms were given a messianic interpretation by Christians. In Jewish tradition they were preserved, even after kingship had disappeared, because they were read in the light of the Davidic covenant reported in 2Sm 7. Certain Psalms are called wisdom Psalms because they seem to betray the influence of the concerns of the ages (cf. Ps 37, 49), but there is no general agreement as to the number of these prayers. Somewhat related to the wisdom Psalms are the “torah” Psalms, in which the torah (instruction or law) of the Lord is glorified (Ps 1; 19:8–14; 119). Ps 78, 105, 106 can be considered as “historical” Psalms. Although the majority of the Psalms have a liturgical setting, there are certain prayers that may be termed “liturgies,” so clearly does their structure reflect a liturgical incident (e.g., Ps 15, 24).
It is obvious that not all of the Psalms can be pigeon-holed into neat classifications, but even a brief sketch of these types help us to catch the structure and spirit of the Psalms we read. It has been rightly said that the Psalms are “a school of prayer.” They not only provide us with models to follow, but inspire us to voice our own deepest feelings and aspirations.
FAQs
What's the big idea? The book of Psalms expresses worship. Throughout its many pages, Psalms encourages its readers to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The Psalms illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His Word.
What is the Catholic Church's theology of the Psalms? ›
The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls prayer “a reciprocal call between God and the human family,” (2591) and mentions the psalms as prayers that best illustrate how God calls each person into a mysterious encounter with him. The Book of Psalms is a book of prayers and also a book that shows us how to pray.
Did Jesus pray the Psalms as a Catholic? ›
In Jesus Christ and in his paschal mystery the Psalms find their deepest meaning and prophetic fulfilment. Christ himself prayed in their words. As we take up these inspired songs of praise, let us ask the Lord to teach us to pray, with him and in him, to our heavenly Father.
What are the three main points of the psalm? ›
Joy, pain, and prayer
Through the Psalms, we learn about the importance of prayer and the acknowledgment of pain, as well as the power of praise and fulfillment of prophecy. This book has been designed as a prayer book for God's people as they wait for the arrival of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises.
What are the key points of the book of Psalms? ›
The Psalms celebrate that God is a good God.
God is holy, loving, merciful, protective of his people, faithful, a keeper of promises, a giver of good gifts. He protects the vulnerable in society — the widow, the fatherless, the outsider, and the poor — and expects his representatives on earth to carry out this mission.
What is the book of Psalms trying to teach us? ›
Psalms teaches us to neither ignore our pain nor let it determine our lives. God will fulfill his promises from the Torah and send the Messiah. This book is all about the lament, praise, faith, and hope of God's people.
Which religion follows the Book of Psalms? ›
The book is an anthology of Hebrew religious hymns. In the Jewish and Western Christian traditions, there are 150 psalms, and several more in the Eastern Christian churches. The book is divided into five sections, each ending with a doxology, or a hymn of praise.
Do Catholics read the Book of Psalms? ›
The Psalms are still prayed by the Church daily in the Liturgy of the Hours. The 150 Psalms are the basis for the 150 Hail Marys of the Rosary (until the recent addition of the Luminous Mysteries), so that the Rosary has often been called the Little Psalter.
Should Christians pray the Psalms? ›
Overall, I believe the book of Psalms is the best place in Scripture from which to pray Scripture. In part, that's because Psalms is the only book of the Bible inspired by God for the expressed purpose of being reflected to God. God inspired them as songs, songs for use in both individual and corporate worship.
Which Psalm did Jesus sing? ›
This is especially true of Psalm 118, which served as the conclusion of the Passover meal. The singing of Psalm 118 is incredibly profound when considering the events that were taking place around Jesus and His disciples. It praises God for His goodness and protection.
Hymnody became acceptable for Presbyterians and Anglicans around the middle of the nineteenth century, though the Reformed Presbyterians continue to insist on exclusive a cappella psalmody.
Which psalm did Jesus pray? ›
Later, as he suffered to the end upon the cross, Christ quoted another psalm (after Psalm 22), praying to the Father with his last breath the words of Psalm 31:5 — “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). This psalm opens a window both into his grief—“I am repulsive to those who know me . . .
Why is Psalm 91 so powerful? ›
Psalm 91 says that God delivers those who set their love on Him. When we allow strife, unforgiveness, rebellion, anger or pride into our homes, we come out from under that protection we've been promised.
Why is Psalm 23 so powerful? ›
Psalm 23 explains beautifully themes of eternal rest, peace, and comfort. Because the Psalm references "the darkest valley," it still gives us not only personal reassurance of our God but reassurance for those we love who knew God as well.
Which psalm did Adam write? ›
According to the Midrash Shocher Tov, Psalm 139 was written by Adam. Verses 5 and 16, for example, allude to the formation of the First Man. Abramowitz explains that the themes of the psalm relate to Adam, while David wrote the actual words.
What is the lesson learned in the Psalms? ›
As you read, study, journal, and discuss the book of Psalms, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book: God is worthy of all worship. God will defend his people against their enemies. Being in relationship with God is the key to all joy and security.
What does Psalms mainly talk about? ›
Most individual psalms involve the praise of God for his power and beneficence, for his creation of the world, and for his past acts of deliverance for Israel. They envision a world in which everyone and everything will praise God, and God in turn will hear their prayers and respond.
What is the key word of the book of Psalms? ›
The key word in the Book of Psalms is Hallelujah, that is, Praise the Lord.
What is the good message from Psalms? ›
The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God's unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God's people everywhere—whatever their circ*mstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity.
