Authorship - This book is commonly referred to as the "Psalms of David." Out of the 150 Psalms, however, only 73 are accredited to David; but this is by far a larger number than those ascribed to any other author. David was also responsible for the earlier collection of Psalms for liturgical purposes in the services of the sanctuary. Other authors specifically mentioned are Moses, Solomon, Asaph and sons of Asaph, sons of Korah, Heman, Ethan, and a Babylonian captive. Approximately, fifty psalms are anonymous. What is known as "Imprecatory Psalms" are the cries of the oppressed for justice. They represent the righteous desire for vengeance upon foes. In their literal meaning, the spirit of Christianity frowns upon their use, but they were appropriate for the spirit of the age and the conditions of Israel when written.

Period - The period of the composition of the Book of Psalms extends from the days of Moses to the Babylonian Exile, or even later. An example of this is found in the fact that Psalm 90 was written by Moses. Many of the anonymous psalms were probably written during the earlier history of Israel.

Theme - An elementary fact is that this collection of 150 psalms constituted the inspired prayer-and-praise book of Israel. They are, indeed, revelations of divine truth, written not abstractly, but in the terms of human experience. They are filled with spiritual truths wrought into the emotions, aspirations, sufferings, hopes, and faith of individual authors, and often expressive of these experiences by Israel as a people.

Inasmuch as circumstances and experiences out of which they were wrought were representative of the common experiences of God's people throughout all time, the Book of Psalms is really an inexhaustible treasure of religion. No book of the Bible speaks more directly, more comprehensively, and with greater spiritual fervour and power to modern religious life than this marvellous ancient Hebrew hymnbook. It is loved, used, and revered by Christendom universally. Within these holy poems every element of revealed religion is found: law, history, prophecy, penitence, repentance, faith, forgiveness, redemption, justification, sanctification - all with the dominant elements of praise and prayer. From their holy utterances, men have always found spiritual communion with God, aspiration, faith, hope, and assurance.

Outline - The Book of Psalms is in five different divisions: I. Psalms 1 to 41: all Davidic except the first, which is introductory and anonymous. II. Psalms 42 to 72: some 18 ascribed to David; the others to various authors. III. Psalms 73 to 89: ascribed very largely to Asaph; both historical and liturgical. IV. Psalms 90 to 106: mostly anonymous; one ascribed to Moses; three ascribed to David. V. Psalms 107 to 150; the period of Babylonian captivity and later.