This is a reader’s diary through the Psalms — a study journal that runs each psalm through five questions:
- Genre (type)
- The original “sitz im leben” (the situation in life that prompted the writing of the psalm)
- A brief outline of the contents
- Insight into the psalm from its place in the canon
- How does this psalm speak to me in my own concrete situation?
A note on the groupings that follow: Psalms 1 and 2 are editorial psalms; Psalms 42–49 are Psalms of the Sons of Korah.
Book One: Psalms 1–41
Psalm 1 — The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked
Genre: Wisdom / “torah” psalm.
Setting: —
Outline:
- The blessed man and his prosperity 1:1-3
- The wicked and his fate 1:4-6
Canonical place: An editorial psalm — it has no superscription. Psalms 1, 19 and 119 are wisdom psalms; it recalls Joshua 1:8.
How it speaks to me: It encourages me to read, to meditate on, and to obey God’s Word.
Psalm 2 — The Coronation of God’s Anointed
Genre: Royal / messianic psalm.
Setting: It presupposes some rebellion against the king.
Outline:
- The rebellion of the nations 2:1-3
- God’s response 2:4-6
- God’s decree concerning His Anointed 2:7-9
- The psalmist’s exhortation to the nations 2:10-12
Canonical place: An editorial psalm — it has no superscription. The fact that Psalm 2 ends the same way Psalm 1 begins (an inclusio) — with a beatitude — marks off the first and second psalms as a single unit of meaning. This leads us to think that Psalms 1 and 2 together serve as a general introduction to the whole book of Psalms. The message of these two psalms corresponds to the close of Malachi and of the whole Old Testament — “await the Messiah, and until He comes, keep My Word.” Cited in the New Testament: 2:1-2 (LXX) — Acts 4:25-26; 2:7 — Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5.
How it speaks to me: Rebellion against God’s Anointed is rebellion against God Himself. Every such rebellion is by its very nature doomed to fail.
Psalm 3 — Victory in the Face of Threatened Defeat
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: The psalm’s superscription connects it with the revolt of Absalom. The Jews recited it as an evening prayer.
Outline:
- The present danger 3:1-2
- Confidence in the Lord 3:3-6
- Prayer for complete victory 3:7-8
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me: Sleep in the face of defeat speaks of complete trust in God.
Psalm 4 — An Evening Prayer for Deliverance
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Prayer to God 4:1
- Warning to the enemies 4:2-5
- Confidence in the Lord 4:6-8
Canonical place: 4:4 (LXX) — Ephesians 4:26.
How it speaks to me: People may accuse us falsely, but if we have a clear conscience, God’s approval will be what matters to us, and we will have joy and peace in our hearts.
Psalm 5 — A Morning Prayer for Guidance
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: In an Old Testament way, this prayer says: “Your kingdom come… now.”
Outline:
- Prayer that the one praying be heard by God 5:1-3
- Praise to God for His holiness 5:4-7
- Prayer for guidance 5:8-12
Canonical place: 5:9 (LXX) — Romans 3:13.
How it speaks to me: It speaks of the harm done by falsehood and lies in our culture.
Psalm 6 — A Prayer for God’s Mercy
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: The prayer of a sick person for healing.
Outline:
- Prayer for relief from pain — physical and spiritual 6:1-3
- Prayer for salvation 6:4-5
- Lament because of the illness 6:6-7
- Confidence in restoration 6:8-10
Canonical place: Used during the Lenten fast and Holy Week.
How it speaks to me: God heals all my diseases.
Psalm 7 — Just Recompense for Wickedness
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: “Concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.”
Outline:
- Plea for deliverance 7:1-2
- Insistence on innocence 7:3-5
- Appeal for judgment and recompense 7:6-9
- Description of the injustice 7:10-17
- Promise of praise 7:17
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me. (Psalm 7:1)
Psalm 8 — God’s Glory and Human Dominion
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: For the director of music, on the gittith (the Gath instrument).
Outline:
- Introductory reflection on God’s majesty 8:1-2
- The place of man in God’s creation 8:3-8
- Concluding reflection on God’s majesty 8:9
Canonical place: An expression of the theology of God’s sovereignty, which is a characteristic mark of the Psalter. 8:3 (LXX) — Matthew 21:16; 8:4-6 (LXX) — Hebrews 2:6-8; 8:6 — 1 Corinthians 15:27.
How it speaks to me: God’s greatness consists in this: that in His infinite glory and omnipotence He is seen also in the way He takes something as fragile and small as man, made from dust, and sets him to be lord over all His creation.
Psalm 9 — Praise for Victory Over Enemies
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: The situation reflects the community after the exile.
Outline:
- Praise for righteous judgment 9:1-12
- Appeal for present deliverance 9:13-20
Canonical place: An acrostic psalm, connected with Psalm 10.
How it speaks to me:
Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. (Psalm 9:13-14)
Psalm 10 — A Plea for God’s Judgment
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Description of the wicked 10:1-11
- Call for recompense 10:12-18
Canonical place: An acrostic psalm, connected with Psalm 9. 10:7 (LXX) — Romans 3:14.
How it speaks to me:
Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. (Psalm 10:12)
Psalm 11 — The Lord Tests the Children of Men
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- The inner struggle in the heart of the righteous 11:1-3
- God rewards the righteous 11:4-7
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. (Psalm 11:7)
Psalm 12 — The Pure Words of the Lord
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: For the director of music, on an eight-stringed harp.
Outline:
- God’s true words and man’s false words
Canonical place: In a similar way the prophets lament the wickedness of their society.
How it speaks to me: In such times, turn to the Lord in prayer and trust in His promises. He will shelter you and keep you from this generation forever.
Psalm 13 — A Prayer for an Answer from God — Now
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: A Davidic psalm.
Outline:
- Lament over suffering that has lasted too long 13:1-2
- Prayer for an urgent answer 13:3-4
- Trust in God for the eventual answer 13:5-6
Canonical place: A model example of a lament psalm.
How it speaks to me: It teaches us how to pray.
Psalm 14 — The Characteristics of the Wicked
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: At the end of the psalm there is a longing for return from exile (v.7).
Outline:
- The universal turning away from truth and goodness on the part of the lawless 14:1-3
- God defends the righteous from the lawless 14:4-6
- Longing for return from exile 14:7
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 53 — part of the Elohistic Psalter (Psalms 42–83). 14:1-3 — Romans 3:10-12.
How it speaks to me: Atheism leads to the increase of man’s moral corruption.
Psalm 15 — The Characteristics of the Godly
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: In a liturgy at the gates of the temple.
Outline:
- The question of who is pleasing to God 15:1
- Characteristics of the person pleasing to God 15:2-5
Canonical place: It is interesting that it is placed right after Psalm 14, which speaks of the characteristics of the wicked. In this way a very telling contrast is created between the two psalms.
How it speaks to me: God loves the righteous.
Psalm 16 — God Is a Good God
Genre: Psalm of confidence.
Setting: Perhaps used as a liturgy on entering the temple.
Outline:
- Thanksgiving to God for who He is 16:1-8
- Confidence in future deliverance 16:9-11
Canonical place: 16:8-11 — Acts 2:25-28; 16:10 — Acts 2:31; 16:10 (LXX) — Acts 13:35.
How it speaks to me:
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)
Psalm 17 — “Hide Me in the Shadow of Your Wings”
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Arguments for his righteousness 17:1-7
- Plea for protection 17:8-9
- Description of the wicked 17:10-15
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me: God delivers the righteous from the wicked.
As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. (Psalm 17:15)
Psalm 18 — Thanksgiving for Deliverance from God
Genre: Individual thanksgiving.
Setting: After David’s deliverance from the hand of Saul (v.1).
Outline:
- God’s character 18:1-3
- God’s deliverance 18:4-20
- God’s blessings 18:21-50
Canonical place: Compare 2 Samuel 22. 18:49 — Romans 15:9.
How it speaks to me: The ultimate triumph of salvation.
Psalm 19 — The Works and the Words of God
Genre: Wisdom / “torah” psalm.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Revelation through nature 19:1-6
- Revelation through the Scriptures 19:7-11
- Prayer for cleansing 19:12-14
Canonical place: Similar to Psalms 1 and 119. It is interesting that the psalm following it is again a royal psalm — just as Psalm 1 (wisdom) is followed by Psalm 2 (royal). On natural revelation, compare Romans 1:20; 19:4 (LXX) — Romans 10:18.
How it speaks to me:
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (Psalm 19:12)
Psalm 20 — Do Not Trust in Chariots and Horses, but in God!
Genre: Hymn — a royal / messianic psalm.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Wishes for the king 20:1-5
- The source of confidence that the wishes will be fulfilled 20:6-8
- The people’s wish for themselves 20:9
Canonical place: This psalm teaches the church to pray for those who are in authority.
How it speaks to me: Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Psalm 21 — The Triumph of the King
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Thanksgiving for the answered prayers for the king 21:1-7
- Confidence in God’s intervention in future clashes with enemies and conspirators 21:8-12
- Vow of praise 21:13
Canonical place: It seems that in this Psalm 21 God answers the prayers of the king from Psalm 20. It was probably used at enthronement ceremonies.
How it speaks to me:
Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might. (Psalm 21:13)
Psalm 22 — My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Despair and faith 22:1-10
- David’s despair and God’s faithfulness to his ancestors 22:1-5
- David’s humiliation and God’s faithfulness to him 22:6-10
- Enemies and exhaustion 22:11-18
- Description of David’s enemies and his agony 22:12-15
- Repetition of the description of David’s enemies and his agony 22:16-18
- Prayer for deliverance from death 22:19-21
- Praise and encouragement 22:22-31
Canonical place: Cited in several places in the New Testament; it speaks of Christ’s inner experiences on the cross. It could be called a matching description of Isaiah 53, only given in the first person singular. 22:1 — Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; 22:8 — Matthew 27:43; 22:18 — John 19:24; 22:22 — Hebrews 2:12.
How it speaks to me: Suitable for the Lord’s Supper.
Psalm 23 — A Psalm of the Divine Shepherd
Genre: Psalm of confidence (a confession of faith).
Setting: —
Outline:
- God as guide 23:1-4
- God as protector and provider 23:5
- The believer’s response 23:6
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)
Psalm 24 — The King of Glory
Genre: Royal / messianic psalm.
Setting: It reflects a ceremonial procession.
Outline:
- Ascent to the sanctuary 24:1-6
- The entrance of the King 24:7-10
Canonical place: 24:1 — 1 Corinthians 10:26.
How it speaks to me: God is the owner of everything, of the whole world.
Psalm 25 — An Acrostic Prayer-Instruction
Genre: Communal lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Plea for forgiveness and guidance 25:1-7 (In vv.6-7 we see an interesting chiasm — remember, do not remember, remember.)
- Repetition of the plea 25:8-22
Canonical place: A prayer for redemption from the troubles of Israel.
How it speaks to me:
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. (Psalm 25:1)
Psalm 26 — “Examine Me, Lord, and Test Me”
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Declaration of integrity 26:1-3
- Evidence of that integrity 26:4-8
- Prayer for the reward of integrity 26:9-12
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord. (Psalm 26:12)
Psalm 27 — Trust in the Lord and Do Not Fear!
Genre: Personal psalm of confidence.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Confidence regardless of threat and danger 27:1-3
- The source of protection, security, peace and safety 27:4-6
- Prayer for immediate help 27:7-14
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8)
Psalm 28 — Joy Because of Answered Prayer
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Urgent cry for deliverance 28:1-4
- Confident praise for God’s deliverance 28:5-8
- Final plea for deliverance 28:9
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. (Psalm 28:6)
Psalm 29 — The Mighty Voice of the Lord
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: Often used on the first Sunday after Epiphany. A doxology of heaven.
Outline:
- Call to praise Yahweh 29:1-2
- Reasons for praising Yahweh 29:3-9
- The sovereignty of Yahweh 29:10-11
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me: Glory to the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth!
Psalm 30 — Praise for a Dramatic Deliverance
Genre: Individual thanksgiving.
Setting: At the dedication of David’s house; it was used at the Feast of the Dedication of the temple by Judah Maccabee in 165 BC.
Outline:
- David’s deliverance from God’s chastening 30:1-5
- The reason for God’s chastening of David 30:6-7
- David’s prayer in his distress 30:8-10
- David’s thanksgiving for God’s mercy 30:11-12
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. (Psalm 30:1)
Psalm 31 — “Take Courage!”
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- David’s cry for salvation 31:1-2
- David’s confidence in God’s love 31:3-8
- David’s lament in the distress in which he finds himself 31:9-13
- David’s prayer for deliverance 31:14-18
- David’s praise to God 31:19-22
- David’s exhortation to the godly 31:23-24
Canonical place: A canonical link to Jeremiah 20:10,18; 17:18. 31:5 — Luke 23:46.
How it speaks to me:
Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. (Psalm 31:23)
Psalm 32 — The Blessedness of Forgiveness
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: —
Outline:
- The blessedness of forgiveness 32:1-2
- The punishment of the unrepentant 32:3-5
- The counsel of the forgiven 32:6-11
Canonical place: 32:1-2 — Romans 4:7-8.
How it speaks to me:
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:2)
Psalm 33 — The Lord Observes All Human Deeds
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Call to praise the Lord skillfully 33:1-3
- Reasons to praise the Lord 33:4-19
- A fresh dedication to trust in the Lord 33:20-22
Canonical place: Compare Genesis 1; Psalm 19.
How it speaks to me:
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. (Psalm 33:21)
Psalm 34 — Taste and See That the Lord Is Good!
Genre: Individual thanksgiving — an acrostic psalm.
Setting: When David feigned madness before Abimelek.
Outline:
- God’s goodness to His people 34:1-10
- God’s blessing of the righteous 34:11-22
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 25. 34:12-16 — 1 Peter 3:10-12.
How it speaks to me: I must be righteous.
Psalm 35 — A Plea for God’s Intervention
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Plea for deliverance 35:1-10
- Complaint about the unjust opposition 35:11-18
- Plea for justice to be done 35:19-28
Canonical place: For when a person needs vindication. 35:19 — John 15:25.
How it speaks to me: God delivered the poor and needy from those stronger than them and from those who would rob them (v.10).
Psalm 36 — The Surpassing Mercy of God
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Revelation concerning the wicked 36:1-4
- Reflection concerning the Lord 36:5-9
- Plea concerning the future 36:10-12
Canonical place: Used on Holy Monday. 36:1 — Romans 3:18.
How it speaks to me:
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains… in your light we see light. (Psalm 36:6, 9)
Psalm 37 — Be Still Before the Lord!
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Call to keep on trusting in the Lord 37:1-8
- Assurance of the just punishment of evildoers 37:9-22
- Confidence in God’s care for the righteous 37:23-31
- The conflict between the righteous and the wicked 37:32-40
Canonical place: Compare Psalms 1, 11, 12.
How it speaks to me:
The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. (Psalm 37:29)
Psalm 38 — The Heavy Burden of Sin
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- God’s disciplinary measures 38:1-12
- The psalmist’s hope 38:13-22
Canonical place: Used during the Lenten fast and Holy Week. Compare Psalm 6; Isaiah 1:5-6.
How it speaks to me:
Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. (Psalm 38:21)
Psalm 39 — “Show Me, Lord, How Fleeting My Life Is!”
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Keeping silent in the presence of the wicked 39:1-3
- Lament over the brevity of human life 39:4-6
- Prayer for cleansing from iniquities 39:7-11
- Prayer that our lament be heard 39:12-13
Canonical place: Compare Job; Psalm 90; Isaiah 40:6-8.
How it speaks to me:
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7)
Psalm 40 — Delight in Doing God’s Will
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: The salvation history of Israel.
Outline:
- Thanksgiving for salvation 40:1-10
- Prayer for salvation 40:11-17
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 70; Isaiah 40–55. 40:6-8 — Hebrews 10:5-7.
How it speaks to me:
I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8)
Psalm 41 — “Blessed Is the One Who Has Regard for the Weak”
Genre: Individual thanksgiving.
Setting: —
Outline:
- God’s blessing for the merciful 41:1-3
- Complaint about gossips and traitors 41:4-9
- God’s deliverance of the conscientious and blameless 41:10-13
Canonical place: Compare Matthew 5:7. 41:9 — John 13:18.
How it speaks to me: The Lord will heal the merciful one — the one who visits the sick and cares for them, God will heal (vv.1-3).
Book Two: Psalms 42–72
Psalm 42 — As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water…
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: An instruction (maskil) for the sons of Korah.
Outline:
- The psalmist’s longing for God 42:1-5
- The psalmist’s lament because of his enemies 42:6-11
Canonical place: An acrostic psalm — it continues in Psalm 43. Compare Psalm 79; 115; Joel; Micah.
How it speaks to me: Am I thirsty for God?
Psalm 43 — “Hope in God!”
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: An instruction for the sons of Korah.
Outline:
- Prayer for vindication 43:1-2
- Prayer for guidance 43:3
- Vow of praise 43:4
- Impulse to trust in God 43:5
Canonical place: An acrostic psalm — a continuation of Psalm 42. It is interesting that, just as the beginning of the first book of Psalms — Psalms 1 and 2 — can be regarded as a whole, so too the beginning of the second book of Psalms — Psalms 42–43 — can be regarded as a whole. Compare Psalm 79; 115; Joel; Micah.
How it speaks to me: Am I thirsty for God?
Psalm 44 — A Prayer for Deliverance
Genre: Communal lament.
Setting: It fits a time of national catastrophe — such as the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes.
Outline:
- The reason for Israel’s present trust in the Lord — the past deliverances 44:1-8
- The present situation of defeat into which Israel has fallen 44:9-16
- Continuing trust in the Lord 44:17-22
- A call for divine intervention 44:23-26
Canonical place: Compare the laments of Jeremiah and Job. 44:22 — Romans 8:36.
How it speaks to me: Even in the hardest situation, even when we cannot answer the question “Why?”, we must not stop praying and crying out to God!
Psalm 45 — A Psalm for the Great King
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: For a royal wedding.
Outline:
- Praise of the bridegroom 45:1-9
- Counsel to the bride 45:10-15
- Blessing of the couple 45:16-17
Canonical place: 45:6-7 — Hebrews 1:8-9.
How it speaks to me: God’s love for me.
Psalm 46 — “God Is Our Refuge and Strength”
Genre: Communal psalm of confidence (a confession of faith).
Setting: Zion as the city of God.
Outline:
- God’s protection of His people 46:1-3
- God’s presence in Zion 46:4-7 (Around God’s city there may be earthquakes, but it remains unshaken, because “God is within it.”)
- The exaltation of God on the earth 46:8-11
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me: Confidence in the face of danger.
Psalm 47 — The Lord Will Subdue All Nations to Himself
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: Perhaps the return of the Babylonian captives to Zion.
Outline:
- Rendering honor to the sovereign King 47:1-4
- The reign of the sovereign King 47:5-9
Canonical place: Suitable for Ascension Day.
How it speaks to me: God’s rule surpasses our understanding.
Psalm 48 — Praise of Mount Zion
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: Zion as the city of God.
Outline:
- The privilege of Zion 48:1-3
- The security of Zion — its impregnability 48:4-8
- The joy of Zion 48:9-14
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me: Those who live in God’s city have nothing to fear!
Psalm 49 — Riches Cannot Redeem
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Invitation to listen to wisdom 49:1-4
- Observation of the prosperity of the wicked 49:5-13
- Encouragement to trust in God 49:14-20
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me: Do not fear the rich!
Psalm 50 — The Lord Will Judge His People
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: A prophetic judgment.
Outline:
- The heavenly Judge 50:1-6
- Accusation 1: formal worship 50:7-15
- Accusation 2: a hypocritical life 50:16-23
- Concluding warning 50:22-23
Canonical place: Compare Isaiah 4; Hosea 5.
How it speaks to me: God loves true worship and a true life.
Psalm 51 — Confession and Forgiveness for Sin
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: When the prophet Nathan came to David after his adultery.
Outline:
- Prayer for gracious cleansing 51:1-2
- Confession of an enormous sin 51:3-5
- Prayer for restoration 51:6-12
- Promise of grateful service 51:13-17
- Plea for the prosperity of Israel 51:18-19
Canonical place: 51:4 (LXX) — Romans 3:4.
How it speaks to me:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
Psalm 52 — God Will Judge the Malicious
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: When Doeg told Saul that David had gone to Nob.
Outline:
- The destruction of the traitor 52:1-7
- The blessed state of those who trust in God 52:8-9
Canonical place: Compare Psalms 11, 12, 14, 37, 49, 73.
How it speaks to me:
Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? (Psalm 52:1)
Psalm 53 — Portrait of the Wicked
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: For the director of music.
Outline:
- Reflection on the human race 53:1-3
- Expectation of judgment 53:4-5
- Longing for return from the Babylonian exile 53:6
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 14. 53:1-3 — Romans 3:10-12.
How it speaks to me:
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Psalm 53:6)
Psalm 54 — God Is Our Helper
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: When the Ziphites betrayed David to Saul.
Outline:
- Prayer for deliverance from his adversaries 54:1-3
- Confidence in God’s help 54:4-7
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 13; Jeremiah 15:21.
How it speaks to me:
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. (Psalm 54:4)
Psalm 55 — “Cast Your Burden on the Lord”
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Agony over betrayal 55:1-8
- Complaint about the traitor 55:9-15
- Strengthening in the Lord 55:16-23
Canonical place: Compare Jeremiah 9:2-9; Micah 7:1-6.
How it speaks to me:
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)
Psalm 56 — Fears Amid Trials
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: When the Philistines had seized David in Gath.
Outline:
- The opposition of the enemies 56:1-7
- The confidence of the psalmist 56:8-13
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)
Psalm 57 — Prayers Amid Deadly Dangers
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: When David fled from Saul and hid in the cave.
Outline:
- The psalmist’s need for God’s help 57:1-5
- The psalmist’s confidence that God will help him 57:6-11
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 7; 108.
How it speaks to me:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 57:5)
Psalm 58 — The Wicked Judges Will Be Judged
Genre: Instruction.
Setting: —
Outline:
- The distinctive marks of the wicked judges 58:1-5
- The punishment of the wicked judges 58:6-9
- The joy of the righteous 58:10-11
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 1; 7; 9; 11; 96–99; Luke 18:7-8.
How it speaks to me:
Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” (Psalm 58:11)
Psalm 59 — A Prayer for Deliverance from Violent Men
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: When Saul sent men to watch the house where David was, in order to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11).
Outline:
- The plot of David’s enemies 59:1-5
- David’s triumph over his adversaries 59:6-10
- David’s desire that it become clear to all that “God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth” 59:11-13
- David’s joy in expectation of the sure deliverance 59:14-17
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 24.
How it speaks to me: Deliver me and save me!
Psalm 60 — A Prayer for the Deliverance of the Nation
Genre: Communal lament.
Setting: When David struck down the Edomites.
Outline:
- Cry for deliverance in the battle 60:1-5
- Reminder of the certain victory 60:6-8
- Expression of confidence in God 60:9-12
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 108. The psalm is based on the old theology of holy war — Numbers; Judges.
How it speaks to me:
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. (Psalm 60:12)
Psalm 61 — When My Heart Grows Faint
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Prayer for salvation 61:1-2
- Confidence in God 61:3-7
- Promise of praise 61:8
Canonical place: A psalm intended for recitation before the king (v.6).
How it speaks to me:
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)
Psalm 62 — Trust in God Alone!
Genre: Psalm of confidence (a confession of faith).
Setting: —
Outline:
- David’s example of trust in God 62:1-4
- David’s encouragement to us all to trust in God 62:5-8
- David’s insistence that we trust in God alone 62:9-12
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. (Psalm 62:1)
Psalm 63 — Thirst for God
Genre: Prayer.
Setting: When David lived in the Judean wilderness.
Outline:
- David’s thirst for God 63:1-2
- David’s satisfaction in God 63:3-8
- David’s confidence in God 63:9-11
Canonical place: Compare Psalms 36, 42–43.
How it speaks to me:
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (Psalm 63:3)
Psalm 64 — A Prayer for God’s Protection
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: —
Outline:
- Prayer for preservation 64:1-2
- The secret counsel of the evildoers 64:3-6
- The prediction of punishment 64:7-10
Canonical place: —
How it speaks to me:
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. (Psalm 64:2)
Psalm 65 — God’s Providence Through Nature
Genre: Thanksgiving psalm.
Setting: Used at harvest time.
Outline:
- God’s forgiveness 65:1-4
- God’s power 65:5-8
- God’s abundance 65:9-13
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 46:4.
How it speaks to me: God hears our prayers.
Psalm 66 — Come and See the Works of God
Genre: Individual thanksgiving psalm.
Setting: —
Outline:
- The praise of the nation 66:1-12
- The praise of the psalmist 66:13-20
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 100.
How it speaks to me: What has God done for me?
Psalm 67 — God Will Rule the Earth
Genre: Communal thanksgiving.
Setting: When Aaron and his sons bless the assembly of Israel.
Outline:
- God’s grace to His people 67:1-2
- The praise to God from His people 67:3-7
Canonical place: Compare Genesis 12; Isaiah 40–55.
How it speaks to me: God’s blessings through Christ.
Psalm 68 — God Is a Father to the Fatherless
Genre: Hymn.
Setting: Israel’s journey through the wilderness from Sinai to Jerusalem.
Outline:
- Prayer that God scatter His enemies 68:1-6
- A record of how God scatters His enemies 68:7-18
- The effect of the scattering of God’s enemies 68:19-31
- The right response to God’s scattering of His enemies 68:32-35
Canonical place: Compare Exodus 15. 68:18 — Ephesians 4:8.
How it speaks to me:
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalm 68:35)
Psalm 69 — A Plea for God to Draw Near
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: It belongs to the exilic or post-exilic period.
Outline:
- The unjustified hatred of David’s enemies 69:1-4
- The cause and the consequences of David’s condition 69:5-12
- David’s appeal to God in prayer 69:13-29
- David’s unwavering resolve to praise God 69:30-36
Canonical place: Compare Jeremiah 11, 15, 17. 69:4 — John 15:25; 69:9 — John 2:17; Romans 15:3; 69:22-23 (LXX) — Romans 11:9-10; 69:25 — Acts 1:20.
How it speaks to me:
The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. (Psalm 69:33)
Psalm 70 — A Prayer for the Poor and Needy
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: A psalm used in the weekly services on Wednesday.
Outline:
- Plea for immediate help 70:1-3
- Prayer for God’s glory 70:4-5
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 40; Leviticus 2:5; 5:12.
How it speaks to me: God always comes on time. He is never late!
Psalm 71 — A Prayer for Those of Advanced Age
Genre: Individual lament.
Setting: A psalm used in the weekly services on Tuesday.
Outline:
- Prayer for God’s help 71:1-4
- A review of the psalmist’s faith 71:5-13
- A new dedication to continue trusting in God 71:14-24
Canonical place: Compare Psalm 22, 31.
How it speaks to me:
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:18)
Psalm 72 — The Reign of the Messiah
Genre: Royal / messianic psalm.
Setting: Dedicated to Solomon?
Outline:
- Request for the ability to govern well 72:1-7
- Request for greater influence 72:8-14
- The consequences of a prolonged righteous rule 72:15-20
Canonical place: A royal psalm at the end of the second book of Psalms. Compare Psalm 2, Isaiah 11.
How it speaks to me:
Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. (Psalm 72:19)