Book introduction
The book of Psalms
Psalms is the Bible’s prayer and song book: 150 poems of praise, lament, thanks, confession, and trust. It gives words for every mood, and Jesus prayed from it on the cross.
Read Psalm 23Start at chapter 1
Who wrote Psalms?
Many psalms carry titles naming an author: 73 name David, others Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and more. Many have no name. Scholars debate whether the titles mean “by,” “for,” or “in the style of.” The collection was put together over centuries.
When was it written?
Written from about 1000 BC (David) or earlier to after the exile. Gathered into its final shape by about 300 BC.
Main themes
- Praise
- God is praised for who he is and what he has done.
- Lament
- About a third of the psalms are complaints brought to God.
- Trust
- The LORD is shepherd, rock, refuge, and keeper.
- The coming king
- Royal psalms look ahead to a king from David’s line.
Outline of Psalms
Key verses
Yahweh is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be lifted high among the nations; I will be lifted high on the earth.
God, create a clean heart for me, and renew a steadfast spirit inside me.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Start with Psalm 23, then Psalm 1, 51, 103, and 139.
How well do you know Psalms?
Ten questions on the book of Psalms, from “Psalm 23 begins, “Yahweh is my…”” on. Each answer shows its verse.
Ask about this book
Questions about Psalms?
Lumin answers in a few sentences and shows each verse it cites in full.
Keep going
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The same short answers with the verse beside each one, plus your saved questions, prayer, and the whole Bible to read in.
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