PSALMS
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How did a collection of ancient songs become a source book for an entire faith?
After the ninth century B.C. · Israel
The Psalms (from Greek psalmos, “song”) are poems and songs dating from various periods in the history of Israel after the ninth century B.C. They were assembled for use at public worship and have continued to perform a central role in the religious life of Jews and Christians.
Songs from many periods, assembled for worship
- The name: From Greek psalmos, “song”
- Form: Poems and songs
- Written: Across various periods of Israel’s history after the ninth century B.C.
- Purpose: Assembled for use at public worship
- Still central: In the religious life of Jews and Christians
What does it mean to live always in the presence of God?
Hover or tap each idea to look closer
- A Source BookPsalms is a source book for the beliefs contained in the entire Hebrew Bible. It describes in detail the Jews’ experience and worship of Yahweh.
- Creator and SaviorIn the Psalms, Yahweh is creator and savior.
- A Chosen NationIsrael is his chosen nation, to whom he remains faithful, and the enemies of Israel are his enemies.
- Submission to Divine AuthorityThese songs convey the basic idea of man’s necessary submission to divine authority.
- A Standard Above MankindThey also convey man’s ultimate need to appeal to a standard above mankind when judging political and social life.
- HumilityThe Psalms are a powerful expression of the virtue of humility among men who understand themselves to be always in the presence of God.
A standard above mankind for judging political and social life.
Assembled for public worship, the Psalms have continued to perform a central role in the religious life of Jews and Christians. They convey man’s necessary submission to divine authority and remain a powerful expression of the virtue of humility.
Secondary Literature
Willem A. VanGemeren, “Psalms” in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary (2008)
Comprehensive commentary with introductions, expository comments, and textual notes for each psalm.
Allen P. Ross, Psalms 1–41; Psalms 42–89; Psalms 90–150 (Kregel Exegetical Library, 2012, 2013, 2016)
Three-volume set with in-depth exegesis and theological analysis.
Gerald Wilson, Dennis Tucker, and Jamie Grant, Psalms Volumes 1 & 2 (NIV Application Commentary, 2002, 2018)
Noted for bridging original meaning, historical context, and contemporary significance.
John Goldingay, Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Wisdom and Psalms (BCOTWP, Baker, 2006–2008)
Lucid introduction and detailed commentary, considering literary, historical, and theological dimension.
Archival or Online Sources
Library of Congress: Psalter of David the Prophet
Digital facsimile of an Arabic manuscript of the 150 psalms, with historical annotations.
Cambridge Digital Library: Western Medieval Manuscripts – Psalter
Digitized medieval Psalters, including the Moore Psalter, with illustrations and scholarly commentary.
Milken Archive: The Book of Psalms and its Musical Interpretations
Articles and resources on the Psalms’ influence in music and liturgy.
("A Lenten Study on the Book of Psalms | The Island Parson." Photograph, 2010s. https://theislandparson.com/2019/03/13/a-lenten-study-on-the-book-of-psalms/ (accessed October 4, 2025).)
A tattered parchment fragment with Hebrew script in columns, showing signs of aging, burns, and irregular edges.
("Bible Psalms Medieval Text Manuscript : Medieval Text Manuscripts." Photograph, 2000s. https://www.textmanuscripts.com/medieval/hebrew-bible-psalms-91999 (accessed October 4, 2025).)
An open ancient book with Hebrew text in two columns on yellowish parchment, showing wear and dark ink handwriting.
("How the Dead Sea Scrolls Change Our Translation of the Book of Psalms." Photograph, 2020s. https://www.logos.com/grow/bsm-how-the-dead-sea-scrolls-change-our-translation-of-the-book-of-psalms/ (accessed October 4, 2025).)
A fragmented ancient scroll with Hebrew inscriptions, likely from the Dead Sea Scrolls, showing textual variations relevant to Psalms translations (inferred from context).