Classification of the Psalms (Biblical)

Students of the Psalms have attempted to categorize them by content, literary type, and cultic usage. Though each of these methods has its value, an approach to the Psalms through the concept of the covenant correlates both the general theological stance of the Psalter and the variety exhibited by the individual psalms. Classification by Content A traditional method of classifying the Psalms has been by content or subject matter; this method has great appeal when the chief aim of the student is to apply biblical teaching to the support of Christian doctrine and the practice of personal faith. Psalms of praise speak of the character and attributes of God: his creative activity (Pss. 8; 33; 104), his eternity (Ps. 90), his infinity (Ps. 139), his dominion and judgment (Pss. 9697), his holiness and justice (Ps. 99), his mercy (Ps. 103), his word of revelation of his precepts (Pss. 19; 119). Historicalpsalms rehearse the saving events of Israel's sacred history (Pss. 78; 105; 136). Pen…