Overview book of Psalms
The book of Psalms is known for it’s beautiful poetry, interesting reflections, and profound theology.
The Book of Psalms is a collection of religious songs, prayers, and poems found in the Bible. It consists of 150 individual psalms that express joy and praise as well as sorrow and lament. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters, out of 1,189 total chapters in Scripture, making it the longest book in the Bible. Given the large amount of material, and the poetic nature, it has also become the most frequently quoted book in the Bible.
There are 5 groups of chapters that some refer to as five "books" that each end with a song of praise.
Group 1 consists of Psalms 1-41.
Group 2 consists of Psalms 42-72.
Group 3 consist of Psalms 73-89.
Group 4 includes Psalms 90-106.
Group 5 includes Psalms 107-150.
Key verses in the book of Psalms.
Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
Psalm 22:16-19 “For dogs have compassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: They look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.”
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 29:1-2 “Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 119:1-2. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”
Authors of the books of Psalms.
David wrote at least 75 psalms. Seventy-three bear his name. Acts 4:25 confirms he wrote Psalm 2 and Hebrews 4:7 confirms he wrote Psalm 95. According to Jewish tradition, David wrote 88 of the psalms.
At least six other authors contributed to the book of Psalms, including Moses (Psalm 90), Solomon (Psalm 72 and 127), Asaph (12 psalms), the “sons of Korah” (11 psalms), and Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89).
New Testament authors quoted from the Book of Psalms 95 times including the Apostle Peter, the Apotle John, and Paul the author of thirteen books in the New Testament. Some of these are listed below.
Peter preached from Psalm 69:25 as he tells how Judas had betrayed Jesus saying “May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it.” In Acts 1:20b Peter quotes Psalm 109:8b, “Let another take his office.”
Peter’s Pentecost sermon includes a quote of the prophet Joel to show that what happens on Pentecost with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of the Scriptures. Peter also quotes the book of Psalms to show that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are also a fulfillment of Scripture. In Acts 2:25-28, Peter quotes Psalm 16:8-11: “For David says concerning Jesus, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’” In Acts 2:34-35, Peter quotes Psalm 110:1, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’” Peter’s Pentecost argument is that Jesus is David’s Lord.
John 1:11. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” Refers to Psalm 69:8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.”
John 15:25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. Refers to psalm 69:4 “They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.”
Furthermore, Jesus had referred to the Psalms, and He recited verses from the book as He was dying on the cross: Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" This was Jesus quoting Psalm 22:1a. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
The Apostle Paul who wrote 13 of the New Testament books. Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 3:20 “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” Paul was referring to Psalm 94:11 “The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.”
Below is the underlined link to the noted pdf