The genre of Psalms is Songs and Poetry of all kinds. It is written by multiple authors; David wrote 73, Asaph wrote 12, the sons of Korah wrote 9, Solomon wrote 3, Ethan, and Moses each wrote one (Ps. 90), and 51 of the Psalms are anonymous. They were written over the span of approximately 900 years (Beginning at the time of Moses 1440 B.C. and through the captivity in 586 B.C.).
The Psalms include praises of joy, laments, blessings, and thanksgivings. They are directed at God and they help us to express and communicate ourselves to Him. We read about the Psalmist's emotions from one extreme to another, from praising, delighting in and worshiping God with fervor, to repentance and crying out to Him in despair.
Psalms sits at the very center of the Bible. The major themes found in Psalms are Praise, God's Power, Forgiveness, Thankfulness and Trust. "My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever" (145:21).
• The book of Psalms was originally divided into five books: o Book 1 consisted of chapters 1-41. o Book 2 corresponds to chapters 42-72. o Book 3 is chapters 73-89. o Book 4 included chapters 90-106. o Book 5 is compiled with chapters 107-150.
Mainly, the Psalms were written to help us deliver praise to God who is worthy of such. As psalms 150:6 reads, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
How do we know what God wants for us in our lives? "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (119:105). The answer is found in reading His Word, studying it, and applying its unchanging truths to your life.
