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Psalms and Time of Composition

Adapted from Gillingham (1994: 253-254).

B.C.E.PeriodContextSub-categoryPsalms
950-587First TempleDavidic monarchyRoyal psalms2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 89, 89, 132, 144
Solomonic templeSongs of Zion46, 48, 76, 87, 122
Liturgies15, 24
Borrowed Canaanite hymns29, 68
Nation and landCommunity psalms65, 66, 67, 118
Individual psalms7, 12, 23, 30, 40, 41, 51, 61, 140, 141
Psalms with prophetic oracles50, 75, 81, 82, 95
587-520Babylonian ExileNo monarchyYahweh's kingship47, 93-99
Creation hymns19A, 104
No templeZion laments74, 77, 79, 137
No nationCommunity laments44, 60, 123, 126
Individual laments13, 17, 22, 31, 35, 42-43, 54, 55, etc.
PropheticSalvation history78, 105, 107
520-323 ?Second TempleTheocracy, adaptation of royal and divine kingship psalms
Second templeIndividual temple songs25, 84, 116, 138
Hymns of praise8, 33, 100, 103, 117, 135, 136, 145-150
Decline of prophecyWisdom psalms1, 36, 37, 49, 73, 111, 112, 127, 128, 129
Torah psalms1, 19B, 119

ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Psalms | ToC