Reading Plan

Summer 2025

The Book of Psalms

Psalms is a collection of 150 ancient Hebrew poems, songs, and prayers that come from different eras in Israel’s history. Seventy-three of these psalms are connected to King David, who was a poet and harp player (1 Sam. 16; 2 Sam. 23). There were also many other authors involved. Asaph wrote 12 poems, the sons of Korah produced 11, and other worship leaders in the temple contributed as well (Heman and Ethan wrote one each; see 1 Chronicles 15:17-19). Two are connected to King Solomon and one other to Moses.

Nearly one-third of the poems (49, to be exact) are anonymous. Many of these poems were used by Israel’s temple choirs (1 Chronicles 25; Neh. 11:22-23), but the book of Psalms is not actually a hymnbook. In the period after Israel’s exile to Babylon, these ancient songs were gathered together with many other Hebrew poems and intentionally arranged into the book of Psalms. The entire work has a unique design and message that you won’t notice unless you read it beginning to end.

The Big Idea

Psalms teaches us to neither ignore our pain nor let it determine our lives. God will fulfill his promises from the Torah and send the Messiah. This book is all about the lament, praise, faith, and hope of God’s people.

Context

The events described in Psalms span several centuries during Israel’s history. Editors and compilers arranged the book of Psalms during the period after Israel’s exile to Babylon.

Key Themes

God as King of all creation
Hope for the Messiah after exile
Lament as a response to evil

Structure

The book of Psalms is divided into five books, with chapters 1-2 serving as an introduction. The rest of Psalms are arranged as:

Book 1 (Psalms 3-41)
Book 2 (Psalms 42-72)
Book 3 (Pslams 73-89)
Book 4 (Psalms 90-106
Book 5 (Pslams 107-150)

This overview of the Pslams is from the BibleProject. More insight and additional resources can be accessed at the link below:

BibleProject Guide to the Psalms

Use the links to below to dive deeper into meditating on and studying God's Word as you read!

BIBLE MEDITATION

BIBLE STUDY

Psalms Reading Plan | Summer 2025

May 26-July 26, 2025 • Readings are Monday-Saturday