Type

Description

Examples

Enthronement

A psalm that celebrates God’s kingship

Pss 24; 47; 93; 96–99

Historical

A type of praise psalm that recounts God’s actions throughout history

Pss 78; 105; 106; 114; 135; 136

Corporate Lament

A cry to God from the community

Pss 12; 44; 58; 74; 80; 83; 94; 123; 126; 137

Individual Lament

A cry to God from an individual

Pss 3; 6; 13; 16; 22; 31; 57; 56; 102; 142

Pilgrimage

A psalm intended to be sung on pilgrimage to Jerusalem

Pss 120–134

Royal

A psalm on behalf of the king

Pss 2; 20; 21; 45; 72; 89; 110; 132

Song of Zion

A psalm that focuses on Yahweh’s presence in Jerusalem

Pss 46; 76; 84; 87; 122

Temple Entry

A psalm intended to be sung as the worshiper enters the temple

Pss 15; 24; 26; 101

Confidence

A psalm that expresses trust in God’s loyal love

Pss 16; 23; 52; 62; 91; 115; 121; 125; 131

Thanksgiving

a psalm intended to express gratitude to God

Pss 18; 21; 30; 34; 40; 92; 107; 118; 138; 144

Wisdom

a psalm that shows a similarity to Wisdom literature

Pss 14; 36; 37; 49; 73; 112; 119; 127; 128; 133

Praise

A psalm intended to praise God for his attributes

Pss 8; 21; 33; 103; 111; 115; 135; 145–150