Psalms - Introduction

The book of Psalms has been called the 'hymnal of the Old Testament' because most, if not all, of the Psalms were sung and used as part of the worship of the Lord throughout the year.
As we read the Psalms, we can identify with the writer in many ways since they capture in words the wide range of emotions and feelings we all experience from time to time (from the lowest despair to the highest of joy and celebration). Each and every one focuses the read on the Lord and challenges us to respond to Him appropriately and correctly. The psalms teach us various expressions of worship by which we honor and glorify Him. They also reveal the amazing nature and character of God and prophetically point to the Lord Jesus Christ.
There are various types of psalms which follow or focus on a particular theme. Some even fit into several types of categories. Here are a few of them...

  Didactic (teaching) 1,5,7,15,17,50,52,73,94,101
  Messianic 2,8,20-24,31,34,40,41,68,69,96-99,102,109,110,118,132
  Acrostic 9,10,25,39,44,86,88,120,129
  Thanksgiving 8,16,18,32-34, 66,139, 146-150
  Penitential 6,32,38,51,102,130,143
  Wisdom 19,37,119,127,133,138
  History 75,78,105-106,136

Writers included David (73 of the Psalms), Moses, Solomon, Asaph, Ethan,
 the sons of Korah, others, and some are anonymous

Time frame of the Exodus to Post-Exile (1490 BC to 444 BC)

Outline:

   I.   Book 1 (Psalms 1-41)
   II.  Book 2 (Psalms 42-72)
   III. Book 3 (Psalms 73-89)
   IV.  Book 4 (Psalms 90-106)
   V.   Book 5 (Psalm 107-150)
   Note: It is suggested that each of the 'books' in the Psalms
   correspond with and parallel each of the first five books of the Bible.

Doxologies found at the end of each book
41:13, 72:18-19, 89:52, 106:48, 150:6