No bookmarks yet
Bookmark pages to access them quickly laterNo recent items
Pages you visit will appear hereSongs of praise, lament, and worship
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Anonymous (wisdom psalm). Theme: contrast of righteous and wicked. The blessed one delights in God’s law and prospers, while the wicked perish.
|
Commentary
|
| 2 |
Davidic (royal/messianic psalm). Theme: God’s anointed King. Nations rebel, but God establishes His King; refuge in Him brings blessing.
|
|
| 3 |
Davidic (when fleeing Absalom). Theme: trust amid danger. Surrounded by enemies, David cries to God and rests in His sustaining protection.
|
|
| 4 |
Davidic. Theme: evening prayer of trust. David calls on God for deliverance, exhorts trust, and finds peace in God alone.
|
|
| 5 |
Davidic. Theme: morning prayer for guidance. David contrasts the wicked and the righteous, asking God to lead him in His way.
|
|
| 6 |
Davidic (penitential psalm). Theme: cry for mercy. David pleads for healing and deliverance, trusting God will hear and save.
|
|
| 7 |
Davidic (concerning Cush the Benjamite). Theme: appeal for justice. David calls on God as righteous judge against false accusations.
|
|
| 8 |
Davidic (hymn). Theme: God’s majesty and human dignity. Creation reveals God’s glory, and humanity is crowned with honor under Him.
|
|
| 9 |
Davidic. Theme: thanksgiving for God’s justice. David praises God for judging nations and delivering the oppressed.
|
|
| 10 |
Anonymous (lament). Theme: God’s justice for the oppressed. The psalmist laments the arrogance of the wicked and calls on God to act.
|
|
| 11 |
Davidic. Theme: confidence in God’s justice. Though foundations crumble, the Lord is righteous and tests both wicked and just.
|
|
| 12 |
Davidic. Theme: God’s faithful word. Surrounded by lies and deceit, David trusts the pure and flawless word of the Lord.
|
|
| 13 |
Davidic. Theme: prayer in despair. Feeling abandoned, David cries out, but ends with renewed trust in God’s steadfast love.
|
|
| 14 |
Davidic. Theme: human corruption. The fool denies God, all are corrupt, but God is with the righteous generation.
|
|
| 15 |
Davidic. Theme: who may dwell with God. A description of the righteous life: blamelessness, truthfulness, and integrity.
|
|
| 16 |
Davidic (Miktam). Theme: God as refuge. David delights in God’s presence, confident in His eternal security and hope.
|
|
| 17 |
Davidic (prayer). Theme: plea for vindication. David calls on God to examine his heart and protect him from violent enemies.
|
|
| 18 |
Davidic (royal thanksgiving). Theme: God’s deliverance. David praises God for rescuing him from enemies, exalting His power and faithfulness.
|
|
| 19 |
Davidic. Theme: God’s revelation. The heavens declare God’s glory, and His law is perfect, reviving the soul.
|
|
| 20 |
Davidic (royal psalm). Theme: prayer for victory. The people pray for the king’s success, trusting God over human power.
|
|
| 21 |
Davidic (royal psalm). Theme: thanksgiving for victory. David rejoices in God’s strength and salvation; the king’s enemies will be destroyed.
|
|
| 22 |
Davidic (lament/messianic). Theme: suffering and deliverance. David cries of forsakenness, yet trusts God; prophecy fulfilled in Christ’s crucifixion.
|
|
| 23 |
Davidic (shepherd psalm). Theme: God as shepherd. The Lord provides, guides, protects, and restores, giving eternal security.
|
|
| 24 |
Davidic. Theme: the King of glory. God owns the earth; only the pure may ascend His hill. The King of glory enters triumphantly.
|
|
| 25 |
Davidic (acrostic prayer). Theme: trust and guidance. David pleads for forgiveness, guidance, and deliverance from enemies.
|
|
| 26 |
Davidic. Theme: integrity before God. David appeals for vindication, walking blamelessly and loving God’s house.
|
|
| 27 |
Davidic. Theme: trust in God’s presence. The Lord is my light and salvation; David longs to dwell in God’s house and seeks His help.
|
|
| 28 |
Davidic. Theme: prayer for deliverance. David pleads not to be dragged with the wicked; he praises God for hearing his cry.
|
|
| 29 |
Davidic (hymn). Theme: the voice of the Lord. God’s voice thunders over creation; He reigns as King, giving peace to His people.
|
|
| 30 |
Davidic (song for temple dedication). Theme: thanksgiving for deliverance. Mourning turns to dancing as God rescues from death.
|
|
| 31 |
Davidic. Theme: refuge in God. In distress, David entrusts his spirit to God, praising His steadfast love.
|
|
| 32 |
Davidic (penitential psalm). Theme: blessing of forgiveness. Confession brings relief; God forgives and surrounds with steadfast love.
|
|
| 33 |
Anonymous (hymn). Theme: praise of God’s sovereignty. God’s word is upright, His plans stand forever, and He cares for His people.
|
|
| 34 |
Davidic (when feigning madness before Abimelek). Theme: God delivers the righteous. David calls to taste and see God’s goodness.
|
|
| 35 |
Davidic. Theme: plea for vindication. David asks God to contend with those who attack him, rejoicing when the Lord rescues.
|
|
| 36 |
Davidic. Theme: contrast of wickedness and God’s love. The wicked plot evil, but God’s steadfast love reaches the heavens.
|
|
| 37 |
Davidic (wisdom psalm). Theme: trust vs. fretting. The wicked wither, but the righteous inherit the land and know God’s peace.
|
|
| 38 |
Davidic (penitential psalm). Theme: cry under discipline. David confesses sin, laments suffering, and seeks God’s salvation.
|
|
| 39 |
Davidic. Theme: life’s brevity. David reflects on human frailty, pleading for deliverance and hope in God.
|
|
| 40 |
Davidic. Theme: thanksgiving and petition. David praises God’s past deliverance, declares His works, and prays for present help.
|
|
| 41 |
Davidic. Theme: blessed are those who consider the poor. David prays for healing, laments betrayal by a close friend, and affirms God’s sustaining presence.
|
|
| 42 |
Sons of Korah (lament). Theme: longing for God. As a deer pants for water, so the psalmist thirsts for God amid despair and exile.
|
|
| 43 |
Anonymous (linked to Psalm 42, likely Korahite). Theme: prayer for vindication. The psalmist pleads for God’s light and truth to lead him back to His altar.
|
|
| 44 |
Sons of Korah (communal lament). Theme: appeal for God’s help. Despite faithfulness, Israel suffers defeat and pleads for deliverance.
|
|
| 45 |
Sons of Korah (royal/wedding psalm). Theme: the king’s majesty and the bride’s beauty, foreshadowing Christ the Bridegroom.
|
|
| 46 |
Sons of Korah. Theme: God our refuge. Though nations rage and the earth shakes, God is present and exalted among the nations.
|
|
| 47 |
Sons of Korah. Theme: God the King of all nations. A call to clap and shout in triumph, for God reigns over the earth.
|
|
| 48 |
Sons of Korah (hymn). Theme: Zion, the city of God. God’s greatness and protection are celebrated in His holy city.
|
|
| 49 |
Sons of Korah (wisdom psalm). Theme: the futility of wealth. Rich and poor alike face death, but God redeems the faithful.
|
|
| 50 |
Asaph. Theme: true worship. God summons the earth, condemning empty ritual and demanding obedience and thanksgiving.
|
|
| 51 |
Davidic (after sin with Bathsheba). Theme: repentance. David confesses sin, asks for a clean heart, and pleads for renewed joy in God’s salvation.
|
|
| 52 |
Davidic (when Doeg betrayed him). Theme: God’s judgment on the deceitful. The wicked trust in riches, but the righteous trust in God’s steadfast love.
|
|
| 53 |
Davidic. Theme: human corruption. The fool denies God; all are corrupt, but God saves His people.
|
|
| 54 |
Davidic (when Ziphites betrayed him). Theme: prayer for deliverance. David trusts God to repay his enemies and uphold him.
|
|
| 55 |
Davidic. Theme: betrayal’s pain. David laments treachery by a close companion but casts his burden on the Lord.
|
|
| 56 |
Davidic (when seized by Philistines in Gath). Theme: trust amid fear. When afraid, David trusts God, who delivers him from death.
|
|
| 57 |
Davidic (when fleeing Saul in a cave). Theme: refuge in God. Amid danger, David sings praise for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
|
|
| 58 |
Davidic. Theme: condemnation of unjust rulers. The wicked are likened to venomous snakes, but the righteous rejoice at God’s judgment.
|
|
| 59 |
Davidic (when Saul sent men to watch his house). Theme: deliverance from enemies. David prays for protection and praises God as fortress.
|
|
| 60 |
Davidic (after battle with Aram and Edom). Theme: national lament and hope. Israel cries for restoration, but God promises victory.
|
|
| 61 |
Davidic. Theme: prayer for refuge. From the ends of the earth David cries to God, asking to be led to the rock higher than himself and to dwell in God’s presence forever.
|
|
| 62 |
Davidic. Theme: trust in God alone. Salvation, honor, and refuge are found in God, not in wealth or human strength.
|
|
| 63 |
Davidic (when in the wilderness of Judah). Theme: longing for God’s presence. David thirsts for God, praising Him even in dry and weary places.
|
|
| 64 |
Davidic. Theme: deliverance from secret plots. David laments the schemes of the wicked, but God will strike them down.
|
|
| 65 |
Davidic (song of praise). Theme: God’s abundant provision. The psalm celebrates God’s forgiveness, power over creation, and blessing of the earth.
|
|
| 66 |
Anonymous (hymn). Theme: praise for God’s mighty deeds. The psalmist recalls God’s works in Israel’s history and personal deliverance.
|
|
| 67 |
Anonymous (song). Theme: God’s blessing for the nations. A prayer that God’s face shine on His people so all nations may know His salvation.
|
|
| 68 |
Davidic. Theme: God as victorious warrior. God scatters His enemies, cares for the fatherless, and dwells in Zion amid triumph.
|
|
| 69 |
Davidic (lament/messianic). Theme: suffering servant. David cries out in deep distress, foreshadowing Christ’s passion.
|
|
| 70 |
Davidic. Theme: urgent plea for help. A short psalm asking God to deliver quickly from adversaries.
|
|
| 71 |
Anonymous (likely elderly psalmist). Theme: lifelong trust. From youth to old age, the psalmist declares God’s faithfulness and seeks continued deliverance.
|
|
| 72 |
Solomonic (or for Solomon). Theme: the ideal king. A prayer for righteous rule, justice for the poor, and worldwide dominion; foreshadows Christ.
|
|
| 73 |
Asaph (wisdom psalm). Theme: struggle with the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist finds resolution in God’s presence and eternal justice.
|
|
| 74 |
Asaph. Theme: lament over destruction. The psalmist cries to God after the sanctuary is defiled, pleading for deliverance from enemies.
|
|
| 75 |
Asaph. Theme: God the righteous judge. The psalm declares that exaltation comes from God, who will bring down the wicked.
|
|
| 76 |
Asaph. Theme: God’s awe-inspiring power. God is praised for His victory over enemies, instilling fear among the nations.
|
|
| 77 |
Asaph. Theme: remembering God’s deeds. In trouble, the psalmist recalls God’s wonders, especially the exodus, as grounds for hope.
|
|
| 78 |
Asaph (historical psalm). Theme: Israel’s repeated rebellion. The psalm recounts God’s faithfulness and Israel’s failures, urging future generations to trust Him.
|
|
| 79 |
Asaph (communal lament). Theme: plea after destruction. The psalmist cries out as Jerusalem lies in ruins, asking God for mercy and justice.
|
|
| 80 |
Asaph. Theme: prayer for restoration. God is addressed as the Shepherd of Israel, asked to shine His face and save His people.
|
|
| 81 |
Asaph. Theme: call to covenant faithfulness. God recalls His deliverance of Israel, urges obedience, and laments their stubbornness.
|
|
| 82 |
Asaph. Theme: God the supreme Judge. God rebukes unjust earthly rulers, declaring His authority over all nations.
|
|
| 83 |
Asaph. Theme: prayer against hostile nations. The psalmist pleads with God to defeat conspiring enemies and show His supremacy.
|
|
| 84 |
Sons of Korah. Theme: longing for God’s dwelling. Blessed are those who live in God’s house and find strength in His presence.
|
|
| 85 |
Sons of Korah. Theme: plea for restoration. The psalm recalls past deliverance, prays for revival, and trusts in God’s steadfast love.
|
|
| 86 |
Davidic. Theme: prayer for mercy and help. David cries out for God’s grace and affirms His greatness among the nations.
|
|
| 87 |
Sons of Korah. Theme: Zion, the city of God. Nations are counted as born in Zion, showing God’s universal plan of redemption.
|
|
| 88 |
Sons of Korah (Heman the Ezrahite). Theme: darkest lament. The psalmist cries out from deep suffering, feeling abandoned by God.
|
|
| 89 |
Ethan the Ezrahite. Theme: God’s covenant with David. The psalm praises God’s faithfulness but laments apparent rejection of the king.
|
|
| 90 |
Moses. Theme: God’s eternity and human frailty. Life is short under God’s wrath, so the psalmist asks God to teach us to number our days.
|
|
| 91 |
Anonymous. Theme: God our refuge. Those who dwell in His shelter are protected; He delivers from fear, plague, and danger.
|
|
| 92 |
Anonymous (Sabbath psalm). Theme: praise for God’s works. The righteous flourish like palm trees while the wicked perish.
|
|
| 93 |
Anonymous. Theme: God reigns in majesty. The Lord is enthroned, mightier than the seas, and His decrees stand firm.
|
|
| 94 |
Anonymous. Theme: plea for justice. The psalmist asks God to punish the arrogant and affirms His discipline brings blessing.
|
|
| 95 |
Anonymous. Theme: call to worship and obedience. God is the great King; Israel is warned not to harden their hearts like in the wilderness.
|
|
| 96 |
Anonymous. Theme: God’s reign proclaimed to the nations. A new song celebrates His glory and coming judgment with equity.
|
|
| 97 |
Anonymous. Theme: the Lord reigns. Fire and lightning reveal His glory, idols are shamed, and the righteous rejoice in Him.
|
|
| 98 |
Anonymous. Theme: joy in God’s salvation. Sing to the Lord for His marvelous deeds; He will judge the world with righteousness.
|
|
| 99 |
Anonymous. Theme: the holy King. God reigns over nations in justice, exalted in Zion, worthy of worship.
|
|
| 100 |
Anonymous (thanksgiving psalm). Theme: call to joyful worship. All lands are summoned to serve the Lord with gladness, for His steadfast love endures forever.
|
|
| 101 |
Davidic. Theme: commitment to integrity. David vows to live blamelessly, reject wickedness, and rule justly in his house.
|
|
| 102 |
Anonymous (penitential/lament). Theme: prayer of the afflicted. The psalmist laments personal and national suffering, yet affirms God’s eternal reign and future restoration of Zion.
|
|
| 103 |
Davidic. Theme: praise for God’s mercy. Bless the Lord, who forgives, heals, redeems, and shows steadfast love from everlasting to everlasting.
|
|
| 104 |
Anonymous (hymn). Theme: God the Creator and Sustainer. The psalm celebrates God’s majesty, creation’s order, and His providential care for all creatures.
|
|
| 105 |
Anonymous (historical psalm). Theme: God’s covenant faithfulness. Recounts God’s deeds from Abraham through the exodus and settlement in Canaan.
|
|
| 106 |
Anonymous. Theme: Israel’s unfaithfulness. The psalm confesses sins throughout Israel’s history, yet affirms God’s steadfast love and plea for deliverance.
|
|
| 107 |
Anonymous. Theme: thanksgiving for deliverance. God rescues people from distress—wanderers, prisoners, the sick, and sailors—showing His steadfast love.
|
|
| 108 |
Davidic (combination of Psalms 57 & 60). Theme: confidence in victory. David praises God and calls for His help over nations.
|
|
| 109 |
Davidic (lament). Theme: plea against false accusers. David calls for judgment on his enemies but ends affirming God as his deliverer.
|
|
| 110 |
Davidic (royal/messianic psalm). Theme: the Lord’s anointed king and priest. The Messiah reigns at God’s right hand as priest forever.
|
|
| 111 |
Anonymous. Theme: praise for God’s works. His deeds are majestic, His covenant remembered, and His precepts trustworthy.
|
|
| 112 |
Anonymous (wisdom psalm). Theme: blessings of the righteous. Those who fear the Lord are steadfast, generous, and remembered forever.
|
|
| 113 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: praise to the exalted Lord. God raises the poor and needy, showing His greatness.
|
|
| 114 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: God’s power at the exodus. The sea fled and mountains trembled at His presence.
|
|
| 115 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: God vs. idols. Unlike powerless idols, the Lord blesses those who trust Him.
|
|
| 116 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: thanksgiving for deliverance. The psalmist loves the Lord who heard his cry and vows to call on Him forever.
|
|
| 117 |
Anonymous (shortest psalm). Theme: universal praise. All nations are called to glorify God for His steadfast love.
|
|
| 118 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: thanksgiving for God’s salvation. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone; His love endures forever.
|
|
| 119 |
Anonymous (acrostic psalm). Theme: delight in God’s law. The longest psalm exalts God’s word as life-giving, guiding, and sustaining.
|
|
| 120 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: prayer for deliverance. The psalmist, living among deceitful people, calls on the Lord for peace.
|
|
| 121 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: God our keeper. The psalmist lifts eyes to the hills, affirming help comes from the Lord, who guards His people day and night.
|
|
| 122 |
Davidic (Song of Ascents). Theme: joy in Jerusalem. The psalmist rejoices in going to God’s house and prays for the peace of Jerusalem.
|
|
| 123 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: plea for mercy. The psalmist looks to God’s hand like a servant to a master, asking for mercy amid scorn.
|
|
| 124 |
Davidic (Song of Ascents). Theme: God our deliverer. If the Lord had not been on Israel’s side, enemies would have swallowed them alive.
|
|
| 125 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: security in God. Those who trust the Lord are like Mount Zion, unshakable and enduring forever.
|
|
| 126 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: restoration joy. The psalm recalls God’s past restoration and prays for renewed blessing, with weeping turning into joy.
|
|
| 127 |
Solomonic (Song of Ascents). Theme: God builds and sustains. Labor, security, and family prosper only by God’s blessing.
|
|
| 128 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: blessings of fearing God. Those who walk in His ways enjoy fruitful family life and peace in Israel.
|
|
| 129 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: perseverance amid affliction. Though afflicted from youth, Israel affirms the Lord’s justice against oppressors.
|
|
| 130 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: hope in forgiveness. From the depths, the psalmist cries for mercy, waiting on God’s steadfast love and redemption.
|
|
| 131 |
Davidic (Song of Ascents). Theme: humility and trust. David quiets his soul like a weaned child, resting in the Lord.
|
|
| 132 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: God’s covenant with David. The psalm recalls David’s devotion and affirms God’s promise to dwell in Zion.
|
|
| 133 |
Davidic (Song of Ascents). Theme: blessing of unity. Brothers dwelling in unity is like precious oil and the dew of Hermon.
|
|
| 134 |
Anonymous (Song of Ascents). Theme: call to bless the Lord. Servants of the Lord in His house are exhorted to lift hands in praise.
|
|
| 135 |
Anonymous (hymn). Theme: praise for God’s mighty acts. Unlike idols, God does whatever He pleases and vindicates His people.
|
|
| 136 |
Anonymous (liturgical psalm). Theme: God’s steadfast love endures forever. Recounts creation, exodus, conquest, and ongoing providence with refrain.
|
|
| 137 |
Anonymous (exilic lament). Theme: grief in Babylon. Exiles weep by the rivers, remembering Zion, and call for justice on their captors.
|
|
| 138 |
Davidic. Theme: thanksgiving for God’s steadfast love. David praises God’s faithfulness and prays for continued care.
|
|
| 139 |
Davidic. Theme: God’s intimate knowledge. God knows all thoughts and deeds, is present everywhere, and formed us in the womb.
|
|
| 140 |
Davidic. Theme: prayer for deliverance from the violent. David asks God to protect him from evildoers and affirms His justice for the needy.
|
|
| 141 |
Davidic. Theme: prayer for purity and protection. David asks God to guard his words and heart, and to keep him safe from the wicked.
|
|
| 142 |
Davidic (when in the cave). Theme: cry from isolation. David pours out his complaint, acknowledging God as his only refuge.
|
|
| 143 |
Davidic (penitential psalm). Theme: prayer for mercy and guidance. David confesses human unrighteousness and seeks God’s deliverance and leading.
|
|
| 144 |
Davidic. Theme: God who gives victory. David praises God as his rock, prays for deliverance, and asks blessing on the nation.
|
|
| 145 |
Davidic (acrostic hymn). Theme: praise of God’s greatness. The psalmist exalts God’s majesty, goodness, and everlasting kingdom.
|
|
| 146 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: trust in God, not princes. God cares for the oppressed, blind, and stranger; He reigns forever.
|
|
| 147 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: praise for God’s care. God heals the brokenhearted, governs creation, and blesses Jerusalem.
|
|
| 148 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: all creation praises God. Heaven, earth, animals, and people are summoned to worship the Lord.
|
|
| 149 |
Anonymous (Hallel psalm). Theme: call to joyful praise. God’s people rejoice in Him and triumph over enemies with His justice.
|
|
| 150 |
Anonymous (final Hallel psalm). Theme: universal praise. In a climactic call, everything that has breath is exhorted to praise the Lord with instruments and song.
|