The book of Psalms in its entirety can be divided into five supplementary books. 1 These books are 1) chapters 1-41, 2) chapters 42-72, 3) chapters 73-89, 4) chapters 90-106, and 5) chapters 107-150. Each of these “books” contain unique themes, content, and analogy that seems to compliment the Torah books. 2 This is broken down below…
Book 1 (chapters 1-41)
Theme: Humanity, Content: Personal, Analogy: Genesis
Book 2 (chapters 42-72)
Theme: Deliverance, Content: Devotional, Analogy: Exodus
Book 3 (chapters 73-89)
Theme: Sanctuary, Content: Liturgical/Historical, Analogy: Leviticus
Book 4 (chapters 90-106)
Theme: God’s Reign, Content: General, Analogy: Numbers
Book 5 (chapters 107-150)
Theme: God’s Word, Content: Prophetic/Natural, Analogy: Deuteronomy
1 As to the reason why these books are divided into five distinct books, no one really knows the true reason. However, since the Psalms are not organized based on chronology or authorship, the analogies and parallels to the Torah are very interesting connections to consider. Another interesting note is how each of the five books end. Each end with either an “Amen” or “Praise the Lord!”. These are very fitting doxologies that render praises to whom these psalms or “songs” are written for and about.
Bibliography:
1. Bullock, C. Hassell. Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction. Baker Academic. (2001)
2. https://www.insightforliving.ca/read/insights-bible/psalms
