Volume 38: Psalm Authors
David, Asaph, the Sons of Korah, Moses, and Solomon
Psalm Authors explores the diverse inspired voices behind the 150 lyrical poems comprising the Hebrew Psalter. It profiles King David, Asaph the temple choir leader, the guild of the Sons of Korah, Moses, and Solomon, outlining the five liturgical books mirroring the Pentateuch.
A historical and literary study of the psalmists who penned Israel's prayer book: Davidic laments, Asaph's wisdom, Korahite hymns, and liturgical divisions.
Key facts
- King David is attributed with authorship of at least 73 individual psalms, emerging from seasons of shepherd isolation, royal triumphs, and agonizing penitence.
- Asaph, appointed by David as chief musician, authored 12 psalms (Psalm 50, 73–83) focusing on social justice, divine sovereignty, and national lament.
- The Sons of Korah—descendants of the rebel who was swallowed by the earth—were redeemed into a hereditary guild of temple musicians authoring 11 psalms.
- Moses is the author of Psalm 90, the oldest psalm in the collection, meditating on God's eternity and the brief transience of human life.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Book of Psalms divided into five books?
The fivefold division (Book I: 1–41, Book II: 42–72, Book III: 73–89, Book IV: 90–106, Book V: 107–150) intentionally parallels the five books of Moses (the Torah), presenting the Psalter as Israel's devotional response to God's Law.
Who were the Sons of Korah?
Korah led a rebellion against Moses in Numbers 16 and was judged, but his sons were spared; generations later, his descendants served faithfully as gatekeepers and master musicians in the tabernacle and temple.
What is an imprecatory psalm?
Imprecatory psalms (e.g., Psalm 35, 69, 109) are passionate prayers that appeal to God's holy justice against violent, unrepentant oppressors, releasing vengeance into God's hands rather than taking personal revenge.
What does the musical term 'Selah' mean?
While its precise technical meaning is debated, Selah most likely functioned as a musical pause, liturgical interlude, or invitation for worshippers to stop and deeply ponder the preceding lyric.