# 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.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/about
Section: Wisdom and poetry · 150 chapters

## 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

- Chapters 1–41: [Book 1](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/1)
- Chapters 42–72: [Book 2](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/42)
- Chapters 73–89: [Book 3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/73)
- Chapters 90–106: [Book 4](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/90)
- Chapters 107–150: [Book 5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/107)

## Key verses

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

> Yahweh is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
> — [Psalm 23:1](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/23#1)

> Be still, and know that I am God. I will be lifted high among the nations; I will be lifted high on the earth.
> — [Psalm 46:10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/46#10)

> God, create a clean heart for me, and renew a steadfast spirit inside me.
> — [Psalm 51:10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/51#10)

> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
> — [Psalm 119:105](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/119#105)

## Where to start

Start with Psalm 23, then Psalm 1, 51, 103, and 139. [Read Psalm 23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/23.md)

Read the whole book: https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/1.md
Ask about it: https://www.lumin.faith/ask.md