Introduction to the Book of Psalms The writings in the Book of Psalms opens our
hearts to God.
Much of the Old Testament is a narrative, but the Book of Psalms contains 150 poetic
compositions by different authors.
It is the hymn book and prayer book of the Bible.
One psalm dates back to Moses, while many of them were probably composed
after the Israelites returned from exile.
Almost half of the psalms are attributed to King David.
There are many moods expressed in the various kinds of psalms.
There are hymns of praise and worship to God, prayers for help, protection and
salvation, pleas for forgiveness, songs of thanksgiving, as well as requests
to punish the enemies of God.
Some are intensely personal, disclosing very intimate feelings.
Some express national needs of all God's people.
At the core of the psalms is the conviction that the gravitational center
of life is God.
He is the great King over all and the one to whom all things are subject.