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An introduction to the book of Psalms.
Psalms is a compilation of sacred songs,
which have been
an important feature of true worship
that highlight giving praise to Jehovah.
In fact, God’s name, Jehovah,
and a shortened form of it, Jah,
appear almost 800 times throughout the book.
The writing of the book of Psalms
spanned about 1,000 years.
Moses is considered
to be the earliest composer.
The Psalms were compiled
after the return of the Jews to Jerusalem
from Babylonian exile,
apparently by the scribe Ezra.
Although Jehovah inspired
such men as Solomon,
the sons of Korah,
the house of Asaph, and others
to pen these moving expressions of faith,
more than half of the psalms
are attributed to David.
The different experiences in David’s life
provided the background
for many of the psalms.
The headings, or superscriptions,
found at the beginning of many psalms
identify the writer
and give other information about the psalm.
The book is made up of 150 chapters.
It is the largest book of the Bible.
The Psalms were compiled
into five separate books, or volumes.
Several themes are developed
in these lyrical works.
Consider just three of them.
Praise to Jehovah is a recurring theme.
Many psalms
praise Jehovah for his saving acts.
Other psalms praise Jehovah
for his creative works,
from the marvels of the human body
to the earth and seas.
Psalm 83 praises Jehovah
as the Most High over all the earth.
Another theme developed in Psalms
is that Jehovah helps
and comforts those who love him.
Jehovah is referred to
as the “Hearer of prayer”
and as a merciful Father,
who pardons repentant sinners.
Psalm 23 describes Jehovah
as a loving Shepherd,
who guides, protects,
and cares for his people.
An additional theme
is that Jehovah will transform the earth
into a paradise
by means of the Messianic Kingdom.
This Kingdom will remove all wickedness
and bring peace to the earth.
Certain psalms are grouped together.
For example, Psalms 113 to 118
form the group called the Hallel Psalms.
Did you know?
It is likely that Jesus and his disciples
sang these very psalms
after the Lord’s Evening Meal.
Psalms 120 to 134
are called the Songs of the Ascents.
Many believe these psalms were sung
as the Israelites ascended to Jerusalem
to attend the three great annual festivals.
The last five psalms form a group
in which each begins and ends
with the words “Praise Jah!”
An important feature of Psalms
is that it contains numerous prophecies
about the Messiah.
Jesus himself said:
“All the things written about me in the . . .
Psalms must be fulfilled.”
As you read the book of Psalms,
take note of how it supports
Jehovah’s sovereignty,
how Jehovah helps and comforts
those who love him,
and how Jehovah
will transform the earth into a paradise
by means of his Messianic Kingdom.

Introduction to Psalms