General Facts about the Book of Psalms

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  1. Title: The Hebrew title is Cepher (OT:5612) Tehilliym (OT:8416), “The book of Praises.”  The English Psalms is from the Greek title Psalmos (NT:5568), “songs.”  The word psalms occurs seven times in the N.T.  (Luke 20:42; Luke 24:44; Acts 1:20; Acts 13:33; 1 Cor. 14:26; Ephes. 5:19; Col. 3:16).  The word psalter is from the Greek psalterion, “a harp or other stringed instrument.”
  2. The dispensational aspect of Psalms must be kept in mind, for repeatedly the first and second advents of Christ, the future tribulation, the Millennium, and other periods of God’s plan for man are mentioned.
  3. Psalms is divided into five books in the Hebrew Bible for some unknown reason, perhaps to correspond with the five books of Moses or the Pentateuch. Psalms as we have it today is just like it was when Christ used the book.
    • Book I, having 41 psalms (Psalm 1-41), is called the Genesis book. Its general theme concerns man-God’s counsels from the beginning to the end in relation to man.  Like Genesis, it begins with God’s blessing upon man (cp. Genesis 1-2 with Psalm 1), showing him that being blessed consists in obedience to, and occupation with, God’s Word.  It continues with man’s fall and rebellion (cp. Genesis 3-11 with Psalm 2-15).  It ends with the hope of redemption through Christ (cp. Genesis 12-50 with Psalm 16-41), concluding with a benediction and a double “Amen” (Psalm 41:13).
    • Book II, having 31 psalms (Psalm 42-72), is called the Exodus book. Its general theme concerns Israel as a nation-Israel’s ruin, Redeemer, and redemption.  Like Exodus, it begins with a cry from the depth of ruin and despair (cp. Exodus 1-3 with Psalm 41-42).  It continues with God’s mighty works of deliverance (cp. Exodus 4-15 with Psalm 44-50) and with backslidings, defeats by enemies, and hardships (cp. Exodus 16-27 with Psalm 51-55).  It ends with God’s redemptive work for Israel and His reign over them (cp. Exodus 19-40 with Psalm 56-72).  It concludes with a benediction and a double “Amen” (Psalm 72:19).
    • Book III, having 17 psalms (Psalm 73-89), is called the Leviticus book. Its general theme concerns the sanctuary and its purpose concerning God and man. The book begins with the sanctuary as related to man, revealing the basis of fellowship with God (cp. Leviticus 1-7 with Psalm 84-89).  In nearly every psalm of this book, the sanctuary and man’s relation to it are mentioned.  It concludes with a benediction and a double “Amen” (Psalm 89:52).
    • Book IV, having 17 psalms (Psalm 90-106), is called the Numbers book. Its general theme concerns Israel and the Gentiles on earth-the counsels of God revealing no hope for man in the earth apart from God. It records the walk of man in his earthly pilgrimage to a better world and a better life. It begins with Israel in the wilderness taking account of themselves (cp. Numbers 1-8 with Psalm 90).  It continues with proper order and instructions for the future (cp. Numbers 9-14 with Psalm 91-94), rest anticipated (cp. Numbers 15-26 with Psalm 95-100), and the basis for entering into rest (cp. with Psalm 101-106).  It concludes with a benediction, one “Amen,” and one “Praise ye the Lord” (Hallelu-JAH: halal (OT:1984) and Yah (OT:3050); Psalm 106:48).
    • Book V, having 44 psalms (Psalm 107-150), is called the Deuteronomy book. It concerns God and His Word, showing that all blessings of man (Book I), of Israel (Book II), of the sanctuary (Book III), and of the earth and all men (Book IV), are based upon obedience to the Word of God (Deut. 8:3). Disobedience brought man’s sorrows, Israel’s dispersion, the sanctuary’s ruin, and earth’s miseries.  It is only by obedience to God’s Word that these curses will be removed.  While the other books are distinguished by several divisions, this book, like God’s Word itself, is a perfect whole.  It is the only one of the five books with an even number of psalms.
  4. Divine titles that occur in each book:
    • The Genesis book (Genesis 1-41): Jehovah (Jehovah (OT:3068)) (Lord) occurs 279 times and )Elohiym (OT:430) (God) appears 49 times 10 times connected directly with Jehovah.
  5. (2) The Exodus book   Jehovah occurs 27 times and )Elohiym (OT:430) appears 198 times 3 times with Jehovah.  )El (OT:410) (the Almighty) occurs 16 times and Yah (OT:3050) twice-once as “JAH” (Psalm 68:4) and once as “Lord” (Psalm 68:18).  Yah is first used in Exodus 15:2.
    • The Leviticus book (Jehovah 43 times and ‘Elohiym 63 times, 8 times with Jehovah. ‘El occurs 24 times.
    • The Numbers book (Jehovah 106 times and ‘Elohiym 24 times, 10 times with Jehovah. ‘El occurs 9 times.
    • The Deuteronomy book (Jehovah 233 times and ‘Elohiym 31 times, 5 times with Jehovah. Yahh (an abbreviation of Jehovah) occurs 32 times. )El (OT:410) occurs 10 times and )Elowah (OT:433) (the Living God) is found twice.
  6. The 150 psalms divided by subjects:
    • Nine psalms of the righteous (Psalm 1; Psalm 15; Psalm 84; Psalm 91; Psalm 92; Psalm 101; Psalm 112; Psalm 128; Psalm 131)
    • Nineteen Messianic psalms (Psalm 2; Psalm 8; Psalm 16; Psalm 21-23; Psalm 40; Psalm 41; Psalm 45-48; Psalm 68; Psalm 69; Psalm 72; Psalm 89; Psalm 102; Psalm 110; Psalm 118)
    • Twenty prayers of distress (Psalm 3; Psalm 4; Psalm 6; Psalm 12; Psalm 13; Psalm 17; Psalm 25; Psalm 27; Psalm 31; Psalm 38; Psalm 43; Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Psalm 70; Psalm 80; Psalm 109; Psalm 120; Psalm 123; Psalm 130; Psalm 143)
    • One psalm of judgment (Psalm 50)
    • Eleven prayers for judgment (Psalm 5; Psalm 7; Psalm 28; Psalm 35; Psalm 58; Psalm 59; Psalm 79; Psalm 82; Psalm 83; Psalm 94; Psalm 140)
    • Twenty-four psalms of praise (Psalm 29; Psalm 65; Psalm 66; Psalm 75; Psalm 95-100; Psalm 103-105; Psalm 107; Psalm 117; Psalm 134-136; Psalm 145-150)
    • Eleven prayer/praise psalms (Psalm 9; Psalm 19; Psalm 30; Psalm 33; Psalm 64; Psalm 67; Psalm 71; Psalm 86; Psalm 106; Psalm 138; Psalm 144)
    • Six psalms of trust (Psalm 11; Psalm 20; Psalm 61; Psalm 63; Psalm 125; Psalm 127)
    • Two psalms of the wicked (Psalm 10; Psalm 36)
    • Four psalms of deliverance (Psalm 18; Psalm 34; Psalm 124; Psalm 126)
    • Eight psalms of God (Psalm 24; Psalm 93; Psalm 111; Psalm 113-115; Psalm 121; Psalm 139)
    • Six prayer/testimony psalms (Psalm 26; Psalm 39; Psalm 116; Psalm 129; Psalm 137; Psalm 142)
    • Twenty psalms of instruction (Psalm 14; Psalm 32; Psalm 37; Psalm 42; Psalm 44; Psalm 49; Psalm 52-55; Psalm 60; Psalm 73; Psalm 74; Psalm 76-78; Psalm 81; Psalm 88; Psalm 108; Psalm 133)
    • Four prayer psalms (Psalm 51; Psalm 85; Psalm 90; Psalm 141)
    • Three psalms of Zion (Psalm 87; Psalm 122; Psalm 132)
    • One psalm of the Word of God (Psalm 119)
  7. Another partial classification of psalms by subject and design:
    • Twenty-seven didactic (teaching or instruction) psalms (Psalm 1; Psalm 10; Psalm 12; Psalm 14; Psalm 15; Psalm 19; Psalm 36; Psalm 37; Psalm 39; Psalm 48; Psalm 49; Psalm 52; Psalm 53; Psalm 73; Psalm 75-77; Psalm 82; Psalm 87; Psalm 90; Psalm 112; Psalm 115; Psalm 119; Psalm 122; Psalm 128; Psalm 133; Psalm 139)
    • Nine adoration psalms (Psalm 8; Psalm 29; Psalm 47; Psalm 50; Psalm 67; Psalm 93; Psalm 95; Psalm 116; Psalm 134)
    • Thirty-three psalms of praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 18; Psalm 21; Psalm 22; Psalm 28; Psalm 30-34; Psalm 40; Psalm 66; Psalm 68; Psalm 92; Psalm 97; Psalm 98; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 103; Psalm 104; Psalm 108; Psalm 111; Psalm 113; Psalm 117; Psalm 124; Psalm 126; Psalm 136; Psalm 138; Psalm 145-150)
    • Eight psalms of penitence (Psalm 6; Psalm 13; Psalm 32; Psalm 38; Psalm 51; Psalm 102; Psalm 130; Psalm 143)
    • Twenty-six psalms of prayer (Psalm 13; Psalm 17; Psalm 20; Psalm 25; Psalm 28; Psalm 35; Psalm 40; Psalm 43; Psalm 44; Psalm 54-59; Psalm 64; Psalm 70; Psalm 71; Psalm 86; Psalm 88; Psalm 123; Psalm 140-144)
    • Eighteen psalms of trust (Psalm 3; Psalm 4; Psalm 7; Psalm 11; Psalm 16; Psalm 23; Psalm 27; Psalm 37; Psalm 42; Psalm 46; Psalm 61; Psalm 62; Psalm 91; Psalm 118; Psalm 121; Psalm 125; Psalm 127; Psalm 130)
    • Six psalms of imprecation or invoking a curse (Psalm 35; Psalm 58; Psalm 69; Psalm 83; Psalm 109; Psalm 129)
    • Sixteen historical psalms (Psalm 40; Psalm 42; Psalm 43; Psalm 70; Psalm 78; Psalm 81; Psalm 102; Psalm 104-107; Psalm 114; Psalm 124; Psalm 126; Psalm 129; Psalm 132)
    • Twenty-nine temple psalms (Psalm 4; Psalm 11; Psalm 15; Psalm 19; Psalm 23; Psalm 26; Psalm 27; Psalm 30; Psalm 33; Psalm 44-47; Psalm 49; Psalm 50; Psalm 65; Psalm 67; Psalm 74; Psalm 76; Psalm 79; Psalm 81; Psalm 82; Psalm 85; Psalm 92; Psalm 95; Psalm 100; Psalm 118; Psalm 132; Psalm 136)
    • Ten pilgrim psalms (Psalm 121-123; Psalm 125; Psalm 127; Psalm 128; Psalm 130; Psalm 131; Psalm 133; Psalm 134)
    • Fifteen song of degrees or pilgrim psalms (Psalm 120-134)
    • Nine acrostic psalms (Psalm 9; Psalm 10; Psalm 25; Psalm 34; Psalm 37; Psalm 111; Psalm 112; Psalm 119; Psalm 145). Not all acrostics are not retained in the KJV.
    • Eight royal psalms (Psalm 8; Psalm 19-21; Psalm 24; Psalm 29; Psalm 61; Psalm 101)
    • Eight psalms of complaint and lament (Psalm 31; Psalm 41; Psalm 60; Psalm 74; Psalm 79; Psalm 102; Psalm 120; Psalm 137)
    • Twenty-two Hallelujah psalms (Psalm 104-106; Psalm 110-114; Psalm 116-118; Psalm 134; Psalm 135; Psalm 145-150)
  8. Other divisions of psalms:
    • Seventy-five by David (Psalm 3-32; Psalm 34-41; Psalm 51-65; Psalm 68-70; Psalm 72; Psalm 86; Psalm 101; Psalm 103; Psalm 108-110; Psalm 122; Psalm 124; Psalm 131; Psalm 133; Psalm 138-145). David elsewhere (Psalm 2:1 with Acts 4:25; Psalm 95:8 with Hebrews 4:7)
    • Twelve by Asaph (Psalm 50; Psalm 73-83)
    • Ten for the sons of Korah (Psalm 42; Psalm 44-49; Psalm 84; Psalm 85; Psalm 87)
    • One by Heman (Psalm 88)
    • Two by Solomon (Psalm 72; Psalm 127)
    • One by Moses (Psalm 90). He wrote also Psalm 91 (note, Psalm 91:1)
    • One by Ethan (Psalm 89)
    • Seventeen anonymous, with merely descriptive titles (Psalm 66; Psalm 67; Psalm 92; Psalm 98; Psalm 100; Psalm 102; Psalm 120-123; Psalm 125; Psalm 126; Psalm 128-130; Psalm 132; Psalm 134; Psalm 135)
    • Thirty-three “orphan” psalms without titles of any kind (Psalm 1; Psalm 2; Psalm 10; Psalm 33; Psalm 43; Psalm 71; Psalm 91; Psalm 93-97; Psalm 99; Psalm 104-107; Psalm 111-119; Psalm 136; Psalm 137; Psalm 146-150)
  9. Twenty-six beatitudes (Psalm 1:1; Psalm 2:12; Psalm 32:1-2; Psalm 33:12; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 41:1; Psalm 65:4; Psalm 84:4-5,12; Psalm 89:15; Psalm 94:12; Psalm 106:3; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 119:1-2; Psalm 127:5; Psalm 128:1-2; Psalm 137:8-9; Psalm 144:15; Psalm 146:5)
  10. Selah is found 71 times (see note, Psalm 3:2).
  11. Psalmsis quoted 36 times in the N.T. and referred to 55 other times.
  12. The term “To the chief musician” is prefixed to 55 psalms, all Davidic except Psalm 66 and Psalm 67. It means “To the Director of the Temple worship.”
  13. The words employed in the psalm titles are explained in parenthesis where found. The obsolete words are explained in the margins.

Finis J. Dake, Dake Topical Index, WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Psalms, General Facts about the Book of”.

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