What Are the Purpose and Themes in the Book of Psalms?

Almost every biblical theme and theologically significant idea is to be found in Psalms. However, the overarching purpose of the book is indicated by Pss 1 and 2, which were intended to be read together as an introduction to the entire book of Psalms. These two psalms are joined by the literary device in the Hebrew Bible known as an inclusio (or “book ending”), whereby the identical term or expression is intended to highlight the main theme of the “framed” unit—in this case, “blessed” (lit., “O, the blessedness of ”), denoting primarily a state of spiritual—and only secondarily material—well-being (not necessarily emotional happiness), equivalent to the blessedness indicated by Jesus in the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-11).

As an introduction to the book, Ps 1 focuses on worship at the individual level and is grounded in God’s Word, whereas Ps 2 focuses on worship expressed at the corporate level and is grounded in submission to God’s Son, the Messiah King.

As a general introduction, therefore, these two psalms note that the book’s overarching purpose is to instruct believers in the ways of expressing both personal as well as collective worship, grounded in the study of God’s Word and directed toward the Anointed One, the Messiah. It is the Messiah who is the central theme of the book of Psalms, as the last words of David indicate (2Sm 23:1). The future Messiah was “the Delightful One of the songs of Israel,” or David’s favorite subject in the psalms (cf. comments on 2Sm 23:1).