I. Book 1 (Pss. 1–41)
A. Introduction to the Psalter
Psalm 1 The Way God Knows
B. Establishment of Davidic Covenant
1. Introduction: Great Expectations
Psalm 2 Promise of Eternal Rule of the King
2. Facing Contradictions of the Real World
Psalm 3 The Attack of Many Foes
Psalm 4 Distorted Worship
Psalm 5 Deceitful Enemies
Psalm 6 Personal Weakness
Psalm 7 Protestation of Innocence
Psalm 8 Humility in the Presence of God
Psalms 9/10 God Is King and Refuge
Psalm 11 God Is Judge and Refuge
Psalm 12 The Arrogance of the Wicked
Psalm 13 Trust in the Face of Divine Absence
Psalm 14 Corruption of the Fools
Psalm 15 The Standard of Divine Support
Psalm 16 God Is Support and Refuge
Psalm 17 Commitment to Righteousness
Psalm 18 God Is Strength and Refuge
Psalm 19 Divine Revelation and Guidance
Psalm 20 Prayer for Divine Deliverance of the King
Psalm 21 The King Trusts in God’s Strength
Psalm 22 The Agony of Divine Absence
3. Hope for Dwelling in the House of Yahweh
Psalm 23 Protection in the Presence of Enemies
Psalm 24 Who Can Dwell in the House of God?
Psalm 25 Trusting in God
Psalm 26 Protestation of Righteousness
Psalm 27 Desiring to Dwell in Yahweh’s House
Psalm 28 Relying on God’s Mercy
Psalm 29 Meeting in the House of Yahweh
Psalm 30 Thanksgiving for Deliverance
4. God as Refuge and Hiding Place
Psalm 31 God Is Deliverer and Refuge
Psalm 32 Hiding Place for Those Who Confess
Psalm 33 Joy and Reliance in God the Almighty
5. Hope for the Destruction of the Wicked
Psalm 34 God Will Cut off the Wicked
Psalm 35 God Will Vindicate the Righteous
Psalm 36 Evildoers Lie Fallen, Never to Rise
Psalm 37 The Evil Will Be No More
6. Confession and Waiting for God
Psalm 38 Confession as Foundation of Deliverance
Psalm 39 Humility as Foundation of Deliverance
Psalm 40 Endurance as Foundation of Deliverance
Psalm 41 The King Waits for Yahweh
II. Book 2 (Pss. 42–72)
A. Davidic Covenant Continues
1. Communal Longing for Restoration
Psalms 42/43 Longing and Hope for Restoration
Psalm 44 Historical Contradictions
2. God as King and Hope for the Future
Psalm 45 The Glory of God and King
Psalm 46 God Is Fortress and Refuge
Psalm 47 God Rules as King over the Earth
Psalm 48 God Rules from Zion
Psalm 49 World Called to Understand Redemption of God
3. Call to Repentance and Confession
Psalm 50 God Calls Israel to Repentance
Psalm 51 The King as Model Confessor
Psalm 52 The Evil Destroyed, the Righteous Flourish
Psalm 53 Foolish Resistance to Repentance
4. Communal Plea for Restoration
Psalm 54 Desire for Vindication
Psalm 55 Attack from Within and Without
Psalm 56 Trust in the Face of Attack
Psalm 57 God Is Faithful and Refuge
Psalm 58 God Condemns Rulers of the Earth
Psalm 59 God Judges the Nations of the Earth
5. The Agony of Divine Rejection
Psalm 60 Trust in the Face of Divine Delay
6. Reliance and Universal Restoration
Psalm 61 Commitment from the Ends of the Earth
Psalm 62 God Is Salvation and Refuge
Psalm 63 Trust in God Is Better Than Life
Psalm 64 All Humanity Will Fear God
Psalm 65 The World Comes to God in Hope
Psalm 66 The World Bows Down to God
Psalm 67 All the Peoples of the Earth Praise God
Psalm 68 God Establishes His Kingship over All the Earth
7. Deliverance and Praise
Psalm 69 Continued Need for Forgiveness and Deliverance
Psalms 70/71 Praising God for Deliverance and Refuge
B. The Hope of the Davidic Kings
Psalm 72 The King’s Son Rules the World