Background and Context Psalm 74 is a raw and heart-wrenching national lament, written in the aftermath of a devastating military defeat and, most shockingly, the complete destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is a “Maskil of Asaph,” indicating it is a psalm of instruction from the Asaphite school of temple musicians. The scene it … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 73 is a deeply honest and relatable wisdom psalm, written by Asaph, one of King David’s chief musicians and a leader of worship in the sanctuary. This context is vital, as the psalm describes a profound crisis of faith experienced not by an outsider, but by a man at the very … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 72 is a magnificent royal psalm, a prayer for a king at the time of his coronation. The superscription attributes it to Solomon (“Of Solomon”), but the content feels more like a prayer for the king rather than by him. The most widely held view is that this was King David’s … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 71 is a deeply personal and moving prayer of an elderly person facing a crisis. Uniquely, this psalm has no title or superscription identifying its author or historical setting. However, the content and language strongly suggest it is a prayer of King David in his later years. The psalmist speaks of … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 70 is a short, sharp, and urgent cry for help. It is a prayer stripped down to its essential elements, making it a powerful “emergency prayer” for someone in immediate distress. The title identifies it as a psalm “Of David. For the memorial offering,” which might suggest it was used in … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 69 is one of the most poignant and powerful laments in the Psalter. It is a raw and desperate cry from David, who finds himself overwhelmed by suffering, alienated from his own people, and persecuted precisely because of his passionate devotion to God. The psalm is a profound exploration of what … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 68 is one of the most majestic, complex, and powerful hymns in the Psalter. It is a triumphant and epic song, a victory ode celebrating God as the Divine Warrior who leads His people in a glorious procession from victory to victory. The author is David, and the style is a … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 67 is a short but powerful hymn, sung by the community of Israel. The author is anonymous, but the psalm’s central theme of a bountiful harvest (“the land has yielded its harvest”) strongly suggests it was used during one of Israel’s great agricultural festivals, most likely the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 66 is a powerful and joyous hymn of thanksgiving. The author is not named, but the psalm speaks on behalf of the entire nation of Israel, and then transitions to a personal testimony. The specific event that prompted the psalm is not mentioned, which allows it to be a timeless song … Read more
Background and Context Psalm 65 is a majestic hymn of thanksgiving, attributed to David and likely used in the corporate worship of Israel at the temple in Jerusalem. While it doesn’t name a specific historical event, its powerful themes of forgiveness, answered prayer, and abundant harvest suggest it was composed for a national festival, such … Read more