Author: Various, with nearly half attributed to King David. Other names noted include Solomon, Moses, Asaph, Ethan, and the sons of Korah. Many psalms don’t mention an author.
Date: Approximately the 1400s BC (Moses’ time) through the 500s BC (the time of the Jews’ Babylonian exile).
In Ten Words or Less: Ancient Jewish songbook showcases prayers, praise - and complaints - to God.
Details: Over several centuries, God led various individuals to compose emotionally charged poems - of which 150 were later compiled into the book we know as Psalms. Many of the psalms are described as “of David,” meaning they could be by, for, or about Israel’s great king. Highlights of the book include the “shepherd psalm” (23), which describes God as protector and provider; David’s cry for forgiveness after his sin with Bathsheba (51); psalms of praise (100 is a powerful example); and the celebration of scripture found in Psalm 119, with almost all of the 176 verses making some reference to God’s laws, statutes, commandments, precepts, word, and the like. Some psalms, called “imprecatory,” call for God’s judgment on enemies (see Psalms 69 and 109, for example). Many psalms express agony of spirit on the writer’s part - but nearly every psalm returns to the theme of praise to God. That’s the way the book of Psalms ends: “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (150:6).
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.