Psalms: Prayer and praise before the reigning LORD

Where Psalms sits

In the story

Act IV, Israel · The Kingdom, c. 1050–930 BC

In the Bible

Old Testament · Wisdom & Poetry · book 19 of 66

The Psalms teach God’s people to pray within the unfolding story of creation, covenant, kingship, exile and restoration while awaiting the promised King.

Psalms summary

These 150 songs gather praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving and wisdom into five books. Individual voices and whole congregations remember creation, exodus, kingship and exile. The collection opens with delight in God’s instruction and refuge in His Anointed One; it closes with every breathing creature called to praise. Its movement toward worship neither denies suffering nor treats the cries of the afflicted as failures of faith. David’s royal hope, the righteous sufferer and the lasting priesthood reach their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Psalms in context

Written by

David and other named singers, including Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman and Ethan; many psalms are unnamed. The final arrangers are not identified.

Written to

Israel’s worshiping community and all later readers who receive these songs as Scripture.

Setting

A collection spanning many settings, from wilderness memory and David’s kingship to ruined Jerusalem, exile and restoration. Each psalm must first be read in its own stated setting.

When

The superscriptions and contents span centuries. Psalm 90 names Moses, many songs name David, and Psalm 137 explicitly remembers Babylonian captivity. The exact date of final collection is not stated.

Why

To form faithful worship: delight in God’s instruction, appeal to His mercy, await His righteous judgment and honor His promised King.

Themes of Psalms

• Trust in God’s word
• Prayer from suffering
• Forgiveness and renewed obedience
• The promised King
• The LORD reigns
• Remembered redemption

Key verses in Psalms

• Psalm 1:2

  But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

• Psalm 2:12

  Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

• Psalm 32:1–2

  Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

• Psalm 89:49

  Where, O Lord, is Your loving devotion of old, which You faithfully swore to David?

• Psalm 110:4

  The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

• Psalm 150:6

  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah!

Psalms chapter by chapter

Part 1 · Book I: the way of faith and the praying king 1–41

1. 1
   Psalm 1: Two paths before the LORD

   The LORD guards those who delight in His instruction, while the way of the wicked perishes.

2. 2
   Psalm 2: Take refuge in the appointed Son

   The LORD establishes His Son as King, so rebellious rulers must submit and find refuge in Him.

3. 3
   Psalm 3: Sleep under the LORD's protection

   Surrounded by enemies, David trusts the LORD who sustains him and saves His people.

4. 4
   Psalm 4: The LORD gives peace at night

   David calls others from empty pursuits to trust the LORD, whose favor gives joy and peaceful rest.

5. 5
   Psalm 5: Morning prayer before the holy King

   The LORD rejects deceit and shelters those who approach Him through His abundant mercy.

6. 6
   Psalm 6: Mercy amid tears

   The distressed sufferer asks for mercy and gains confidence that the LORD has heard his prayer.

7. 7
   Psalm 7: The Judge searches hearts

   David submits his disputed cause to the righteous Judge, who saves the upright and turns evil upon its makers.

8. 8
   Psalm 8: Human dignity under the majestic LORD

   The majestic Creator gives frail humanity honor and responsibility over the works of His hands.

9. 9
   Psalm 9: The King remembers the oppressed

   The LORD's righteous rule gives the afflicted reason to praise Him and ask for deliverance.

10. 10
    Psalm 10: God sees what the wicked deny

    The LORD hears the oppressed and will call violent people to account despite their claim that He does not see.

11. 11
    Psalm 11: Refuge when foundations shake

    The LORD still reigns, sees and judges when danger makes the righteous seem helpless.

12. 12
    Psalm 12: Faithful words amid flattering lips

    The LORD's flawless promise sustains the oppressed amid a society corrupted by boastful and deceitful speech.

13. 13
    Psalm 13: How long before joy returns?

    David brings his prolonged distress to God and rests his hope in the LORD's faithful love.

14. 14
    Psalm 14: Corruption exposed from heaven

    God exposes universal human corruption, shelters His afflicted people and remains their hope for salvation.

15. 15
    Psalm 15: Who may dwell with God?

    The LORD's presence calls for truthful speech, faithful dealings and justice toward the vulnerable.

16. 16
    Psalm 16: The LORD is my lasting portion

    David finds his good in the LORD and trusts Him for life, joy and deliverance beyond the grave.

17. 17
    Psalm 17: Satisfied in God's presence

    David appeals for protection from violent enemies and values God's presence above the portion of this life.

18. 18
    Psalm 18: The LORD delivers His king

    David praises the LORD who rescued him, equipped him for victory and keeps faithful love for his royal line.

19. 19
    Psalm 19: Creation speaks and Scripture searches

    God reveals His glory in creation and His will in Scripture, leading His servant to seek cleansing and obedience.

20. 20
    Psalm 20: Trust beyond chariots

    God's people pray for their anointed king and trust the LORD's saving power above military strength.

21. 21
    Psalm 21: The king rejoices in God's strength

    The LORD blesses His trusting king and defeats the enemies whose schemes cannot prevail.

22. 22
    Psalm 22: From forsaken anguish to worldwide praise

    The afflicted singer cries for rescue, then announces God's answer to the congregation and the nations.

23. 23
    Psalm 23: The shepherd stays with His sheep

    The LORD provides, guides and protects His servant, who trusts His goodness through danger and into His presence.

24. 24
    Psalm 24: The King of Glory enters

    The Creator owns the earth, requires pure worshipers and enters as the victorious King of Glory.

25. 25
    Psalm 25: Teach and forgive me

    David asks the merciful LORD to forgive his sin, teach His ways and redeem His afflicted people.

26. 26
    Psalm 26: Test the worshiper's heart

    David seeks God's searching judgment, rejects corrupt company and longs to worship in the LORD's house.

27. 27
    Psalm 27: Seek His face and wait

    Confidence in the LORD leads David to seek His presence, plead for help and wait courageously.

28. 28
    Psalm 28: Carry Your people forever

    The LORD hears His servant's plea and is the saving strength of His king and people.

29. 29
    Psalm 29: Glory in the storm

    The LORD's powerful voice rules creation, and the enthroned King gives strength and peace to His people.

30. 30
    Psalm 30: Mourning turned to praise

    David praises the LORD who rescued him from death and replaced self-confident prosperity with grateful dependence.

31. 31
    Psalm 31: My times are in Your hands

    David entrusts his life to the faithful LORD amid grief, slander and danger, then calls others to take courage.

32. 32
    Psalm 32: The joy of forgiven sin

    Confessed sin meets the LORD's forgiveness, freeing His people for trusting, teachable obedience and joy.

33. 33
    Psalm 33: The Creator's counsel stands

    The LORD's creative word, unchanging purpose and watchful mercy call His people to joyful trust.

34. 34
    Psalm 34: Taste the LORD's goodness

    God hears the afflicted and teaches His people to fear Him, speak truth, seek peace and trust His redeeming care.

35. 35
    Psalm 35: Contend for the unjustly accused

    David asks the LORD to defend him against unprovoked hostility, treacherous witnesses and malicious celebration.

36. 36
    Psalm 36: The fountain of life

    Human wickedness blinds the heart, but God's faithful love shelters and sustains those who know Him.

37. 37
    Psalm 37: Wait for the inheritance

    Do not envy the wicked; trust the LORD, do good and wait for the lasting inheritance He gives the meek.

38. 38
    Psalm 38: Sin confessed in painful isolation

    Overwhelmed by sin, sickness and hostility, David confesses his guilt and asks the LORD not to forsake him.

39. 39
    Psalm 39: A brief life before God

    David faces life's frailty, places his hope in the LORD and asks mercy under painful discipline.

40. 40
    Psalm 40: Ready to do Your will

    The God who rescued David calls for willing obedience and remains his refuge in renewed guilt and danger.

41. 41
    Psalm 41: Mercy for the betrayed sufferer

    David seeks mercy amid illness and betrayal, trusting the LORD to preserve him in His presence.

Part 2 · Book II: longing, deliverance and righteous rule 42–72

1. 42
   Psalm 42: Thirsting for the living God

   The distant, downcast worshiper longs for God and repeatedly calls his soul to hope in Him.

2. 43
   Psalm 43: Let Your light lead me home

   The distressed singer asks God to vindicate him and lead him back to joyful worship.

3. 44
   Psalm 44: Faithful yet afflicted

   God's people remember His victories and appeal for mercy while enduring defeat they cannot explain by apostasy.

4. 45
   Psalm 45: The righteous King and His bride

   The royal wedding song celebrates a just king whose enduring throne and honor reach beyond ordinary kingship.

5. 46
   Psalm 46: Our refuge amid upheaval

   God's presence secures His people when creation shakes and nations rage; He will be exalted over all the earth.

6. 47
   Psalm 47: King over all the earth

   All peoples must praise the LORD whose kingship gathers the nations under the God of Abraham.

7. 48
   Psalm 48: Tell the next generation

   The LORD's protection of Zion leads His people to contemplate His love and tell later generations of His faithfulness.

8. 49
   Psalm 49: Wealth cannot ransom life

   Riches cannot overcome death, but God can redeem His people from the grave and take them to Himself.

9. 50
   Psalm 50: The Judge examines worship

   God calls His covenant people to thankful dependence and exposes the hypocrisy of religious words joined to evil.

10. 51
    Psalm 51: Create in me a clean heart

    David confesses deep guilt and asks God for cleansing, renewed obedience and restored joy by His mercy.

11. 52
    Psalm 52: The deceitful tongue is uprooted

    Destructive speech and trusted wealth end in ruin, while trust in God's faithful love sustains the righteous.

12. 53
    Psalm 53: God sees humanity's corruption

    God exposes corrupt humanity, scatters the enemies of His people and remains Israel's hope for salvation.

13. 54
    Psalm 54: God sustains the hunted servant

    David asks God to vindicate him against ruthless pursuers and gives thanks for His faithful help.

14. 55
    Psalm 55: Entrust the burden of betrayal

    Terror and a friend's treachery drive David to persistent prayer and trust in the LORD who sustains him.

15. 56
    Psalm 56: When afraid, trust God

    David brings fear and tears to the God whose faithful word gives courage before mortal enemies.

16. 57
    Psalm 57: Shelter until danger passes

    David shelters in God's mercy and turns threatened life into praise that seeks God's glory among the nations.

17. 58
    Psalm 58: There is a Judge of the earth

    Corrupt rulers cannot escape the God whose judgment proves that justice matters.

18. 59
    Psalm 59: Morning praise after a threatened night

    The LORD is David's fortress against murderous enemies, whose repeated threats cannot silence morning praise.

19. 60
    Psalm 60: Restore the shaken people

    Defeat drives God's people back to His promise, for only His help can secure deliverance.

20. 61
    Psalm 61: Lead me to the higher rock

    The fainthearted king seeks God's shelter and lasting faithful protection, answering with daily praise.

21. 62
    Psalm 62: Rest in God alone

    God alone is a secure refuge; neither rank, wealth nor force can bear the weight of human hope.

22. 63
    Psalm 63: Your love is better than life

    In the wilderness David seeks and remembers God, whose faithful love satisfies him amid danger.

23. 64
    Psalm 64: Hidden plots are not hidden from God

    God turns secret malice and weaponized speech against their makers, giving the upright reason to rejoice.

24. 65
    Psalm 65: The God who forgives and waters the earth

    God hears prayer, forgives sin, governs creation and makes the land fruitful, drawing praise from His people.

25. 66
    Psalm 66: Come and hear what God has done

    God's rescue through testing calls the whole earth to praise and His people to thankful, honest testimony.

26. 67
    Psalm 67: Blessing for all the nations

    God blesses His people so that His salvation, righteous rule and praise become known throughout the earth.

27. 68
    Psalm 68: The victorious God dwells with His people

    God marches to save, dwells among His people and calls all kingdoms to praise His strength and mercy.

28. 69
    Psalm 69: Zeal, reproach and the plea for rescue

    David appeals for rescue from causeless hatred, asks just judgment and expects God's needy people to praise Him.

29. 70
    Psalm 70: Hurry to help me

    The needy singer urgently seeks God's deliverance, the defeat of malice and joy for all who love His salvation.

30. 71
    Psalm 71: Do not forsake me in old age

    The lifelong worshiper asks God for continued help so that the next generation will hear of His saving righteousness.

31. 72
    Psalm 72: The King who defends the needy

    The ideal king rules with justice and mercy, bringing lasting blessing to the nations under God's glorious name.

Part 3 · Book III: faith faces national ruin 73–89

1. 73
   Psalm 73: God is my portion forever

   God's presence exposes the false security of wicked prosperity and restores the troubled believer's hope.

2. 74
   Psalm 74: Remember Your ruined sanctuary

   The devastated congregation appeals to the Creator and covenant King to defend His name and His afflicted people.

3. 75
   Psalm 75: God chooses the time to judge

   The LORD holds the earth firm, humbles the proud and determines when righteous judgment comes.

4. 76
   Psalm 76: Who can stand before His anger?

   God's victory over violent power calls the earth to fear Him and honor the Judge who saves the lowly.

5. 77
   Psalm 77: Remember the path through the sea

   When God's mercy seems absent, the distressed singer recalls His mighty redemption and hidden guidance.

6. 78
   Psalm 78: Tell the next generation to trust

   Israel's repeated unbelief and God's persistent mercy instruct later generations to trust and obey Him.

7. 79
   Psalm 79: Help us for Your name's sake

   The ruined people confess sin and ask God to pardon, preserve and vindicate them for His name's glory.

8. 80
   Psalm 80: Restore the vine You planted

   Israel appeals to its Shepherd to restore His ravaged vine and renew His people under His appointed representative.

9. 81
   Psalm 81: If only My people would listen

   The God who redeemed Israel calls for exclusive allegiance and grieves over the blessings refused by disobedience.

10. 82
    Psalm 82: The Judge judges the judges

    God condemns unjust authority, commands protection for the vulnerable and claims judgment over every nation.

11. 83
    Psalm 83: Make Your name known to the enemies

    The threatened people ask God to defeat a hostile coalition so the nations recognize His sole supremacy.

12. 84
    Psalm 84: One day in Your courts

    The LORD's presence is the pilgrim's joy, strength and greatest good.

13. 85
    Psalm 85: Revive us again

    Remembered forgiveness leads God's people to ask for renewed life and listen for His righteous peace.

14. 86
    Psalm 86: Give me an undivided heart

    David appeals to the incomparable, forgiving God for mercy, faithful obedience and help against the ruthless.

15. 87
    Psalm 87: Born in the city of God

    God establishes Zion and counts people from former enemy nations among those who belong to His city.

16. 88
    Psalm 88: Prayer in unbroken darkness

    The afflicted singer keeps calling on the God of salvation even when the song ends without relief.

17. 89
    Psalm 89: Where is the promised faithful love?

    The apparent collapse of David's throne drives the singer to appeal to the covenant God has sworn to keep.

Part 4 · Book IV: the eternal LORD still reigns 90–106

1. 90
   Psalm 90: Teach us to number our days

   The eternal God teaches mortal sinners to seek wisdom, compassion and lasting purpose in His favor.

2. 91
   Psalm 91: Under the Almighty's shelter

   Those who trust the LORD rest under His faithful protection and call upon Him in trouble.

3. 92
   Psalm 92: Fruitful before the LORD

   The LORD's enduring righteousness makes thankful worship fitting and gives His people lasting fruitfulness.

4. 93
   Psalm 93: The eternal throne above the waters

   The LORD's eternal kingship is stronger than raging waters and guarantees the trustworthiness of His word.

5. 94
   Psalm 94: The Creator hears the oppressed

   God sees violent injustice, sustains His troubled people and will judge corrupt power.

6. 95
   Psalm 95: Hear His voice today

   Worship the Creator and Shepherd with joy, and do not harden your heart against His voice.

7. 96
   Psalm 96: Tell the nations that the LORD reigns

   All nations and all creation are summoned to rejoice before the LORD, who comes to judge with righteousness.

8. 97
   Psalm 97: Love the LORD and hate evil

   The LORD's righteous reign shames idols, gladdens His people and calls them to holiness.

9. 98
   Psalm 98: All the earth has seen His salvation

   God's remembered faithfulness calls the whole creation to joyful praise and expectation of righteous judgment.

10. 99
    Psalm 99: The holy King answers His people

    The holy LORD reigns with justice, answers prayer and forgives without treating sin as harmless.

11. 100
    Psalm 100: Enter with thanksgiving

    The LORD's goodness, ownership of His people and lasting faithfulness call the earth to glad worship.

12. 101
    Psalm 101: Integrity in the king's house

    The king resolves to practice integrity, honor faithful servants and remove deceit and injustice from his rule.

13. 102
    Psalm 102: You remain when my days fade

    The afflicted singer trusts the eternal LORD to hear him, restore Zion and establish future generations.

14. 103
    Psalm 103: Remember His compassionate love

    The LORD's forgiving compassion outlasts human frailty and calls every creature to bless His holy name.

15. 104
    Psalm 104: Every creature depends on You

    The Creator wisely orders and sustains the world, giving every creature reason to depend on Him and praise.

16. 105
    Psalm 105: He remembers His covenant

    God faithfully preserves Abraham's offspring and fulfills His promise so that His redeemed people obey Him.

17. 106
    Psalm 106: Save the people who keep forgetting

    Israel confesses repeated rebellion and appeals to God's covenant mercy for renewed gathering and praise.

Part 5 · Book V: gathered people learn enduring praise 107–150

1. 107
   Psalm 107: Let the redeemed tell their rescue

   God answers cries from distress, overturns human circumstances and calls the redeemed to consider His faithful love.

2. 108
   Psalm 108: Praise before the battle is won

   God's steadfast love gives His people courage to seek the help that human strength cannot provide.

3. 109
   Psalm 109: Let God answer malicious accusation

   The falsely accused servant appeals to God for judgment and asks the LORD's faithful love to defend the needy.

4. 110
   Psalm 110: The enthroned King and lasting Priest

   The LORD appoints David's Lord to reign over His enemies and serve as priest forever by divine oath.

5. 111
   Psalm 111: Remember His wonderful works

   The LORD's faithful and righteous works call His people to thankful remembrance and reverent obedience.

6. 112
   Psalm 112: The generous life of reverent trust

   The person who fears the LORD practices generous justice and can remain steadfast amid bad news and opposition.

7. 113
   Psalm 113: The exalted LORD raises the lowly

   The incomparable LORD deserves worldwide praise because He stoops to lift the poor and bring joy to the humiliated.

8. 114
   Psalm 114: Creation trembles at His presence

   Israel's deliverance displays the LORD's power over creation and calls the earth to tremble before Him.

9. 115
   Psalm 115: Give the glory to the living God

   God's people must reject helpless idols, trust their living Helper and bless His faithful name.

10. 116
    Psalm 116: What shall I return to the LORD?

    The rescued sufferer loves the LORD who hears prayer and responds with public thanksgiving and faithful service.

11. 117
    Psalm 117: All nations, praise Him

    Every nation is called to praise the LORD because His steadfast love is great and His faithfulness endures.

12. 118
    Psalm 118: The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone

    God's steadfast love overturns rejection and calls the rescued community to enter His presence with thanksgiving.

13. 119
    Psalm 119: Teach me to live by Your word

    God's trustworthy word guides the afflicted believer, whose obedience depends continually on His mercy and help.

14. 120
    Psalm 120: Peace among people who want war

    The servant trapped among deceitful and hostile people cries to the LORD who hears and judges lying speech.

15. 121
    Psalm 121: Your Keeper does not sleep

    Help comes from the Creator, whose watchful care accompanies His people through every journey.

16. 122
    Psalm 122: Seek the peace of Jerusalem

    Joy in gathered worship leads to prayer and action for the peace of the city where God's people meet.

17. 123
    Psalm 123: Eyes lifted for mercy

    God's scorned people wait attentively on their heavenly Master for the mercy they cannot secure themselves.

18. 124
    Psalm 124: If the LORD had not helped

    Israel confesses that survival amid overwhelming hostility depends entirely on the Creator's rescuing help.

19. 125
    Psalm 125: Surrounded by the LORD

    Those who trust the LORD are secure in His care, while lasting peace excludes participation in wickedness.

20. 126
    Psalm 126: Tears await a harvest of joy

    Remembered restoration fuels prayer for renewed deliverance and hope that sorrowful sowing will yield joy.

21. 127
    Psalm 127: The LORD makes labor fruitful

    Work, security and family depend on the LORD's generous provision rather than anxious human effort alone.

22. 128
    Psalm 128: Blessing around the household table

    The fear of the LORD shapes fruitful work, household joy and prayer for the peace of the whole people.

23. 129
    Psalm 129: Persecuted but not overcome

    Israel remembers prolonged cruelty, thanks the righteous LORD for freedom and asks that hatred of Zion fail.

24. 130
    Psalm 130: Forgiveness gives reason to wait

    The guilty cry from the depths and wait in hope because the LORD forgives and redeems from all iniquity.

25. 131
    Psalm 131: A quiet soul that hopes in God

    David renounces proud self-importance and invites Israel to rest its hope in the LORD.

26. 132
    Psalm 132: Remember David and Your oath

    The LORD's sworn promise to David and chosen dwelling in Zion ground prayer for faithful rule, salvation and joy.

27. 133
    Psalm 133: The blessing of life together

    Unity among God's people is a beautiful gift through which His life-giving blessing is enjoyed.

28. 134
    Psalm 134: Bless the LORD through the night

    The servants in God's house bless the LORD and speak His blessing over His worshipers.

29. 135
    Psalm 135: The living LORD acts for His people

    The LORD's freedom, saving acts and compassion expose lifeless idols and call every worshiper to bless Him.

30. 136
    Psalm 136: His faithful love endures

    Every act of creation, deliverance and daily provision calls forth thanks for the LORD's enduring love.

31. 137
    Psalm 137: Remember Zion in exile

    Grieving exiles refuse to forget Jerusalem and appeal for judgment against the powers that devastated their home.

32. 138
    Psalm 138: Your love will finish Your work

    Answered prayer leads David to public thanks and confidence that the exalted LORD will preserve His lowly servant.

33. 139
    Psalm 139: Known completely by the LORD

    The God who knows, accompanies and forms His servant is asked to expose sin and lead him in the everlasting way.

34. 140
    Psalm 140: Defend the poor against violence

    David asks God to frustrate violent deceit and trusts Him to uphold the needy and receive the righteous.

35. 141
    Psalm 141: Guard my heart as well as my life

    David seeks protection from enemies and from his own attraction to the words, pleasures and practices of the wicked.

36. 142
    Psalm 142: You know my way in the cave

    When every human refuge fails, David brings his isolation to the LORD and hopes to praise among the righteous.

37. 143
    Psalm 143: Lead me by Your good Spirit

    The guilty and pursued servant seeks mercy, renewed life and the Spirit's guidance into God's will.

38. 144
    Psalm 144: The frail king depends on the LORD

    David seeks divine rescue so that God's people may enjoy ordered households, sufficient provision and peace.

39. 145
    Psalm 145: One generation tells the next

    The LORD's boundless greatness, compassionate rule and faithful care call every generation and creature to praise.

40. 146
    Psalm 146: Trust the King who outlives princes

    Lasting hope belongs in the faithful Creator who defends the vulnerable and reigns forever, not in mortal rulers.

41. 147
    Psalm 147: He gathers exiles and names the stars

    The LORD's limitless power gently restores His people, provides for creation and instructs Israel by His word.

42. 148
    Psalm 148: Heaven and earth join the praise

    Every level of creation and every rank of humanity must praise the Creator who draws His people near.

43. 149
    Psalm 149: The humble rejoice in their King

    The LORD adorns His humbled people with salvation and grants them a share in the triumph of His appointed judgment.

44. 150
    Psalm 150: Let everything that breathes praise

    Every living worshiper is summoned to praise God for His mighty works and incomparable greatness.

See the outline of Psalms