Psalms Outline

1. BOOK 1: Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked
1. The happiness of the godly
4. The unhappiness of the ungodly
2. Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
1. The kingdom of Christ
10. Kings are exhorted to accept it
3. O Lord, how my adversaries have increased!
1. The security of God's protection
4. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness.
1. David prays for audience
2. He reproves and exhorts his enemies
6. Man's happiness is in God's favor
5. Give ear to my words, O Lord. Consider my meditation.
1. David prays, and professes his study in prayer
4. God favors not the wicked
7. David, professing his faith, prays to God to guide him
10. to destroy his enemies
11. and to preserve the godly
6. O Lord, don't rebuke me in your anger
1. David's complaint in his sickness
8. He triumphs over his enemies
7. O Lord, my God, I take refuge in you
1. David prays against the malice of his enemies, professing his innocence
10. By faith he sees his defense, and the destruction of his enemies
8. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth
1. God's glory is magnified by his works, and by his love to man
9. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart
1. David praises God for executing judgment
11. He incites others to praise him
13. He prays that he may have cause to praise him
10. Why do you stand far off, O Lord?
1. David complains of the wicked
12. He prays for remedy
16. He professes his confidence
11. In the Lord I take refuge
1. David encourages himself in God against his enemies
4. The providence and justice of God
12. Help, O Lord; for the godly man ceases
1. David, destitute of human comfort, craves help of God
3. He comforts himself with God's promises, and his judgments on the wicked
13. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
1. David complains of delay
3. He prays for preventing grace
5. He boasts of divine mercy
14. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
1. David describes a natural man
4. He convinces the wicked by the light of their conscience
7. He glories in the salvation of God
15. O Lord, who shall dwell in your sanctuary?
1. David describes a citizen of Zion
16. Preserve me, God, for in you do I take refuge.
1. David, in distrust of merits, and hatred of idolatry
5. He shows the hope of his calling, of the resurrection, and life everlasting
17. Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer
1. David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies
10. He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness
13. He prays against them in confidence of his hope
18. I love you, O Lord, my strength.
1. David praises God for his manifold and marvelous blessings
19. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
1. The creatures show God's glory
7. The excellence of the divine law
12. David prays for grace
20. May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.
1. The church blesses the King in his exploits
7. and expresses her confidence in God's helpfulness
21. The king rejoices in your strength, O Lord!
1. A thanksgiving for victory
7. with confidence of further success
22. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
1. David complains in great discouragement
9. He prays in great distress
23. He praises God
23. The Lord is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
1. David's confidence in God's grace
24. The earth is the Lord's, with its fullness
1. God's Lordship in the world
3. The citizens of his spiritual kingdom
7. An exhortation to receive him
25. To you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
1. David's confidence in prayer
7. He prays for remission of sins
16. and for help in affliction
26. Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity.
1. David resorts to God in confidence of his integrity
27. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?
1. David sustains his faith by prayer
28. To you, O Lord, I call. My rock, don't be deaf to me
1. David prays earnestly against his enemies
6. and for the people
29. Ascribe to the Lord, you sons of the mighty
1. David exhorts princes to give glory to God
3. by reason of is power
11. and protection of his people
30. I will extol you, O Lord, for you have raised me up
1. David praises God for his deliverance
4. He exhorts others to praise him by example of God's dealings with him
31. In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed.
1. David, showing his confidence in God, craves his help
7. He rejoices in his mercy
9. He prays in his calamity
19. He praises God for his goodness
32. Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
1. Blessedness consists in remission of sins
3. Confession of sins gives ease to the conscience
8. God's promises bring joy
33. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright.
1. God is to be praised for his goodness
6. for his power
12. and for his providence
20. Confidence is to be placed in God
34. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth.
1. David praises God, and exhorts others thereto by his experience
8. They are blessed who trust in God
11. He exhorts to the fear of God
15. The privileges of the righteous
35. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me.
1. David prays for his own safety, and his enemies' confusion
11. He complains of their wrongful dealing
22. Thereby he incites God against them
36. There is no fear of God before his eyes.
1. The grievous state of the wicked
8. The excellence of God's mercy
10. David prays for favor to God's children
37. Don't fret because of evildoers
1. David persuades to patience and confidence in God,
12. by the different estate of the godly and the wicked
38. O Lord, don't rebuke me in your wrath
1. David moves God to take compassion on his pitiful case
39. I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue.
1. David's care of his thoughts
4. The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life
7. the reverence of God's judgments
10. and prayer, are his bridles of impatience
40. I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me, and heard my cry.
1. The benefit of confidence in God
6. Obedience is the best sacrifice
11. The sense of David's evils inflames his prayer
41. Blessed is he who considers the poor. The Lord will deliver him.
1. The recompense of the charitable
4. David complains of his enemies' treachery
10. He flees to God for helpfulness
42. BOOK 2: As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.
1. David's zeal to serve God in the temple
5. He encourages his soul to trust in God
43. Vindicate me, God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation.
1. David, praying to be restored to the temple, promises to serve God joyfully
5. He encourages his soul to trust in God
44. We have heard with our ears, God; our fathers have told us
1. The church, in memory of former favors
7. complains of her present evils
17. professing her integrity,
24. she fervently prays for helpfulness
45. My heart overflows with a noble theme
1. The majesty and grace of Christ's kingdom
10. The duty of the church, and the benefits thereof
46. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
1. The confidence which the church has in God
8. An exhortation to behold it
47. Oh clap your hands, all you nations. Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
1. The nations are exhorted cheerfully to entertain the kingdom of Christ.
48. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
1. The ornaments and privileges of the church
49. Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world,
1. An earnest persuasion to build the faith of resurrection
16. Worldly prosperity is not to be admired
50. The Mighty One calls the earth from sunrise to sunset.
1. The majesty of God in the church
5. His order to gather his saints
7. The pleasure of God is not in ceremonies
14. but in sincerity of obedience
51. Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness.
1. David prays for remission of sins, whereof he makes a deep confession
6. He prays for sanctification
16. God delights not in sacrifice, but in sincerity
18. He prays for the church
52. Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man?
1. David, condemning the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesies his destruction
6. The righteous shall rejoice at it
8. David, upon his confidence in God's mercy, gives thanks
53. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
1. David describes the corruption of the natural man
4. He convinces the wicked by the light of their own conscience
6. He glories in the salvation of God
54. Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.
1. David, complaining of the Ziphims, prays for salvation
4. Upon his confidence in God's help he promises sacrifice
55. Listen to my prayer, God. Don't hide yourself from my supplication.
1. David in his prayer complains of his fearful case
9. He prays against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complains
16. He comforts himself in God's preservation oh him, and confusion of his enemies
56. Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up.
1. David, praying to God in confidence of his word, complains of his enemies,
9. He professes his confidence in God's word, and promises to praise him
57. Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you.
1. David in prayer fleeing unto God, complains of his dangerous case
7. He encourages himself to praise God
58. Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones?
1. David reproves wicked judges
3. describes the nature of the wicked
6. devotes them to God's judgments
10. whereat the righteous shall rejoice
59. Deliver me from my enemies, my God.
1. David prays to be delivered from his enemies
6. He complains of their cruelty
8. He trusts in god
11. He prays against them
16. He praises God
60. God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down.
1. David, complaining to God of former judgment
4. now upon better hope, prays for deliverance
6. Comforting himself in God's promises, he craves that help whereon he trusts
61. Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer.
1. David flees to God upon his former experience
4. He vows perpetual service unto him, because of his promises
62. My soul rests in God alone. My salvation is from him.
1. David, professing his confidence in God, discourages his enemies
5. In the same confidence he encourages the godly
9. No trust is to be put in worldly things
11. Power and mercy belong to God
63. God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you.
1. David's thirst for God
4. His manner of blessing God
9. His confidence of his enemies' destruction, and his own safety
64. Hear my voice, God, in my complaint.
1. David prays for deliverance, complaining of his enemies
7. He promises himself to see such an evident destruction of his enemies,
10. as the righteous shall rejoice at it.
65. Praise waits for you, God, in Zion. To you shall vows be performed.
1. David praises God for his grace
4. The blessedness of God's chosen by reason of benefits
66. Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
1. David exhorts to praise God
5. observe his great works
8. to bless him for his gracious benefits
12. He vows for himself reverent service to God
16. He declares God's special goodness to himself
67. May God be merciful to us, bless us, and cause his face to shine on us.
1. A prayer for the enlargement of God's kingdom
3. to the joy of the people
6. and the increase of God's blessings
68. Let God arise! Let his enemies be scattered!
1. A prayer at the removing of the ark
4. An exhortation to praise God for his mercies
7. for his care of the church
19. for his great works
69. Save me, God, for the waters have come up to my neck!
1. David complains of his affliction
13. He prays for deliverance
22. He devotes his enemies to destruction
30. He praises God with thanksgiving
70. Hurry, God, to deliver me. Come quickly to help me, O Lord.
1. David solicits God to the speedy destruction of the wicked,
4. and preservation of the godly
71. In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed.
1. David, in confidence of faith, and experience of God's favor, prays both for himself,
10. and against the enemies of his soul
14. He promises constancy
17. He prays for perseverance
19. He praises God, and promises to do it cheerfully
72. God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son.
1. David, praying for Solomon, shows the goodness and glory of God's kingdom
18. He blessed God
73. BOOK 3: Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
1. The prophet, prevailing in a temptation
2. Shows the occasion thereof, the prosperity of the wicked
13. The wound given thereby, diffidence
15. The victory over it, knowledge of God's purpose.
74. God, why have you rejected us forever?
1. The prophet complains of the desolation of the sanctuary
10. He moves God to help in consideration of his power
18. Of his reproachful enemies, or his children and of his covenant.
75. We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near.
1. The prophet praises God
2. He promises to judge uprightly
4. He rebukes the proud by consideration of God's providence
9. He praises God, and promises to execute justice.
76. In Judah, God is known. His name is great in Israel.
1. A declaration of God's majesty in the church
11. An exhortation to serve him reverently.
77. My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help
1. The psalmist shows what fierce combat he had with distrust
10. The victory which he had by consideration of God's great and gracious works.
78. Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth.
1. An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God
9. The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient
67. The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David.
79. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
1. The psalmist complains of the desolation of Jerusalem
8. He prays for deliverance
13. and promises thankfulness
80. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock
1. The psalmist in his prayer complains of the miseries of the church
8. God's former favors are turned into judgments
14. He prays for deliverance
81. Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!
1. An exhortation to a solemn praising of God
4. God challenges that duty by reason of his benefits
8. God, exhorting to obedience, complains of their disobedience, which proves their own hurt.
82. God presides in the great assembly. He judges among the gods.
1. The psalmist, having exhorted the judges
5. And reproved their negligence
8. Prays God to judge
83. God, don't keep silent. Don't keep silent, and don't be still, God.
1. A complaint to God of the enemies conspiracies
9. A prayer against those who oppress the Church
84. How lovely are your dwellings, O Lord Almighty!
1. The prophet, longing for the communion of the sanctuary
4. Shows how blessed they are that dwell therein
8. He prays to be restored unto it.
85. O Lord, you have been favorable to your land.
1. The Psalmist, out of the experience of former mercies, prays for continuance thereof.
8. He promises to wait thereon, out of confidence of God's goodness
86. Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
1. David strengthens his prayer by the consciousness of his religion
5. By the goodness and power of God
11. He desires the continuance of former grace
14. Complaining of the proud, he craves some token of God's goodness
87. His foundation is in the holy mountains.
1. The nature and glory of the church
4. The increase, honor, and comfort of the members thereof.
88. O Lord, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.
1. A prayer containing a grievous complaint.
89. I will sing of the loving kindness of the Lord forever.
1. The psalmist praises God for his covenant
5. For his wonderful power
15. For the care of his church
19. For his favor to the kingdom of David
38. Then complaining of contrary events
46. He expostulates, prays, and blesses God.
90. BOOK 4: Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.
1. Moses, setting forth God's providence
3. Complains of human fragility
7. Divine chastisement
10. and brevity of life
12. He prays for the knowledge and sensible experience of God's good providence.
91. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
1. The state of the godly
3. Their safety
9. Their habitation
11. Their servants
14. Their friend; with the effects of them all.
92. It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord
1. The prophet exhorts to praise God
4. For his great works
6. For his judgments on the wicked
10. And for his goodness to the godly.
93. The Lord reigns! He is clothed with majesty!
1. The majesty, stability, power, and holiness of Christ's kingdom.
94. O Lord, you God to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth.
1. The prophet, calling for justice, complains of tyranny and impiety.
8. He teaches God's providence
12. He shows the blessedness of affliction
16. God is the defender of the afflicted.
95. Oh come, let's sing to the Lord. Let's shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!
1. An exhortation to praise God
3. For his greatness
6. And for his goodness
8. And not to tempt him
96. Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to O Lord, all the earth.
1. An exhortation to praise God
4. for his greatness
8. for his kingdom
11. for his general judgment
97. The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
1. The majesty of God's kingdom
7. The church rejoices at God's judgments upon idolaters
10. An exhortation to godliness and gladness
98. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!
1. The psalmist exhorts the Jews
4. The Gentiles
7. And all the creatures, to praise God
99. The Lord reigns! Let the peoples tremble.
1. The prophet, setting forth the kingdom of God in Zion
5. Exhorts all, by the example of their forefathers, to worship God at his holy hill
100. Shout for joy to the Lord, all you lands!
1. An exhortation to praise God, cheerfully
3. For his greatness
4. And for his power
101. I will sing of loving kindness and justice.
1. David makes a vow and profession of godliness.
102. Hear my prayer, O Lord! Let my cry come to you.
1. The prophet in his prayer makes a grievous complaint.
12. He takes comfort in the eternity, and mercy of God
18. The mercies of God are to be recorded
23. He sustains his weakness by the unchangeableness of God.
103. Praise the Lord, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name!
1. An exhortation to bless God for his mercy
5. And for the constancy thereof
104. Bless the Lord, my soul. O Lord, my God, you are very great.
1. A meditation upon the mighty power
7. And wonderful providence of God
31. God's glory is eternal
33. The prophet vows perpetually to praise God
105. Give thanks to the Lord! Call on his name!
1. An exhortation to praise God, and to seek out his works
7. The story of God's providence over Abraham
16. Over Joseph
23. Over Jacob in Egypt
26. Over Moses delivering the Israelites
37. Over the Israelites brought out of Egypt, fed in the desert, and planted in Canaan.
106. Praise the Lord! Give thanks to O Lord, for he is good
1. The psalmist exhorts to praise God
4. He prays for pardon of sin, as God pardoned the fathers
7. The story of the people's rebellion, and God's mercy
47. He concludes with prayer and praise
107. BOOK 5: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his loving kindness endures forever.
1. The psalmist exhorts the redeemed in praising God to observe his manifold providence
4. Over travelers
10. Over captives
17. Over sick men
23. Over sailors
33. And in diverse varieties of life.
108. My heart is steadfast, God. I will sing and I will make music with my soul.
1. David encourages himself to praise God
5. He prays for God's assistance according to his promise
11. His confidence in God's help
109. God of my praise, don't remain silent
1. David complains of his slanderous enemies
16. He shows their sin
21. Complaining of his own misery, he prays for help
29. He promises thankfulness
110. The Lord says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand
1. The kingdom
4. The priesthood
5. The conquest
7. And the passion of Christ
111. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart
1. The psalmist by his example incites others to praise God for his glorious
5. And gracious works
10. The fear of God breeds true wisdom
112. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord
1. Godliness has the promises of this life
4. And of the life to come
10. The prosperity of the godly shall be an eyesore to the wicked
113. Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.
1. An exhortation to praise God for his excellence
6. For his mercy
114. When Israel went forth out of Egypt
1. The miracles wrought by God, when he brought his people out of Egypt,
7. are a just ground of fearing him.
115. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory
1. Because God is truly glorious
4. And idols are vanity
9. He exhorts to confidence in God
12. God is to be blessed for his blessing
116. I love the Lord, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.
1. The psalmist professes his love and duty to God for his deliverance
12. He studies to be thankful
117. Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy and truth
118. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his loving kindness endures forever.
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy
5. The psalmist by his experience shows how good it is to trust in God
19. Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his kingdom is expressed
119. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless
1. This psalm contains various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience.
2. Aleph.
9. Beth
17. Gimel
25. Daleth
33. He
41. Waw
49. Zayin
57. Heth
65. Teth
73. Yodh
81. Kaph
89. Lamedh
97. Mem
105. Nun
113. Samekh
121. Ayin
129. Pe
137. Tsadhe
145. Qoph
153. Resh
161. Sin and Shin
169. Taw
120. In my distress, I cried to the Lord. He answered me.
1. David prays against Doeg
3. Reproves his tongue
5. Complains of his necessary conversation with the wicked
121. I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?
1. The great safety of the godly, who put their trust in God's protection
122. I was glad when they said to me, "Let's go to the Lord's house!"
1. David professes his joy for the church
6. And prays for the peace thereof
123. To you I do lift up my eyes, you who sit in the heavens.
1. The godly profess their confidence in God
3. And pray to be delivered from contempt
124. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, let Israel now say,
1. The church blesses God for a miraculous deliverance
125. Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which can't be moved
1. The safety of such as trust in God
4. A prayer for the godly, and against the wicked
126. When the Lord brought back those who returned to Zion
1. The church celebrating her incredible return out of captivity
4. Prays for and prophesies the good success thereof
127. Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.
1. The virtue of God's blessing
3. Good children are his gift
128. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.
1. The various blessings which follow those who fear God
129. Many times they have afflicted me from my youth up.
1. An exhortation to praise God for saving Israel in their great afflictions
5. The haters of the church are cursed
130. Out of the depths I have cried to you, O Lord.
1. The psalmist professes his hope in prayer
5. And his patience in hope
7. He exhorts Israel to trust in God
131. O Lord, my heart isn't haughty, nor my eyes lofty
1. David professing his humility
3. Exhorts Israel to trust in God
132. O Lord, remember David and all his affliction,
1. David in his prayer commends unto God the reverent care he had for the ark
8. His prayer at the removing of the ark
11. With a repetition of God's promises
133. See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!
1. The blessedness of unity among brothers
134. Look! Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
1. An exhortation to bless God
135. Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you servants of the Lord
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy
5. For his power
8. For his judgments
15. The vanity of idols
19. An exhortation to bless God
136. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his loving kindness endures forever.
1. An exhortation to give thanks to God for particular mercies.
137. By the rivers of Babylon we sat down, wept, remembered Zion.
1. The constancy of the Jews in captivity
7. The prophet curses Edom and Babel
138. I will give you thanks with my whole heart.
1. David praises God for the truth of his word
4. He prophesies that the kings of the earth shall praise God
7. He professes his confidence in God
139. O Lord, you have searched me, and you know me.
1. David praises God for his all-seeing providence
17. And for this infinite mercies
19. He defies the wicked
23. He prays for sincerity
140. Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man;
1. David prays to be delivered from Saul and Doeg
8. He prays against them
12. He comforts himself by confidence in God
141. O Lord, I have called on you. Come to me quickly!
1. David prays that his suit may be acceptable
3. His conscience sincere
7. And his life free from snares
142. I cry with my voice to the Lord. With my voice, I ask the Lord for mercy.
1. David shows that in his trouble all his comfort was in prayer unto God
143. Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen to my petitions.
1. David prays for favor in judgment
3. He complains of his grief
5. He strengthens his faith by meditation and prayer
7. He prays for grace
9. For deliverance
10. For sanctification
12. For destruction of his enemies
144. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who teaches my hands to war
1. David blesses God for his mercy both to him and to man
5. He prays that God would powerfully deliver him from his enemies
9. He promises to praise God
11. He prays for the happy state of the kingdom
145. I will exalt you, my God, the King. I will praise your name forever and ever.
1. David praises God for his fame
8. For his goodness
11. For his kingdom
14. For his providence
17. For his justice, holiness, and savings mercy
146. Praise the Lord, my soul.
1. The Psalmist vows perpetual praises to God
3. He exhorts not to trust in man
5. God, for his power, justice, mercy, and kingdom, is only worthy to be trusted
147. It is good to sing praises to our God
1. The prophet exhorts to praise God for his care of the church
4. His power and wisdom
6. His mercy
7. His providence
12. To praise him for his blessings upon the kingdom
15. For his power over the elements
19. And for his ordinances in the church
148. Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him in the heights!
1. The psalmist exhorts the celestial
7. The terrestrial
11. And the rational creatures to praise God
149. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
1. The prophet exhorts to praise God for his love to the church
5. And for that power which he has given to the church
150. Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power!
1. An exhortation to praise God
3. With all kinds of instruments