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The Psalms

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	The Psalms
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The Psalms / Descriptive Information:

According to the Douay Rheims Translation

According to the NAB [Ordered by Psalm No.]

According to the NAB [Ordered Alphabetically]

The psalms may be referred to as "a catechesis of prayer". They appear in the Old Testament and are traditionally numbered at 150. The book of psalms (or the Psalter) is sometimes collected into five books. The subject matter of the psalms varies and includes pleas for God's assistance, laments, thanksgiving, praise, expressions of trust, and other items. Many of the psalms are attributed to King David, while the rest are attributed other writers (all under the influence of the Holy Spirit).

The psalms have been used for prayer since the earliest days of the Church. They appear in the liturgy, in songs, etc. Psalms have also been used privately for prayer and reflection. Note that Jesus Himself quoted from the Psalms while on the Cross (click here for more information).

Note that titles and descriptive information which may be applied to the Psalms are not original and may vary among translations / editions. Also note that numbering of the Psalms may vary [for example, traditional numbering may be one number less than modern numbering for Psalms 9/10-146/147]. The following descriptive information is from a popular, traditional Scripture translation (the Douay Rheims), as well as a modern Bible translation which has been in frequent use (the NAB). Reminder: Consult appropriate, competent Church authorities for assistance in interpreting / applying Scripture. Interpretation and application of Scripture should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take Scripture passages out of context. Do not inflict (or wish) harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally. We are not responsible for any interpretation / misinterpretation, application / misapplication, use / misuse, etc. of Scripture. Use of site is at your own risk and is subject to our terms of use.

The Psalms / According to the Douay Rheims Translation

Psalms Chapter	Descriptive Information [From the Douay Rheims Translation]
1	The happiness of the just and the evil state of the wicked.
2	The vain efforts of persecutors against Christ and his church.
3	The prophet's danger and delivery from his son Absalom: mystically, the passion and resurrection of Christ.
4	The prophet teacheth us to flee to God in tribulation, with confidence in him.
5	A prayer to God against the iniquities of men.
6	A prayer of a penitent sinner, under the scourge of God. The first penitential psalm.
7	David, trusting in the justice of his cause, prayeth for God's help against his enemies.
8	God is wonderful in his works; especially in mankind, singularly exalted by the incarnation of Christ.
9	The church praiseth God for his protection against her enemies.
10	The just man's confidence in God in the midst of persecutions.
11	The prophet calls for God's help against the wicked.
12	A prayer in tribulation.
13	The general corruption of man before our redemption by Christ.
14	What kind of men shall dwell in the heavenly Sion.
15	Christ's future victory and triumph over the world and death.
16	A just man's prayer in tribulation against the malice of his enemy.
17	David's thanks to God for his delivery from all his enemies.
18	The works of God shew forth his glory: his law is greatly to be esteemed and loved.
19	A prayer for the king.
20	Praise to God for Christ's exaltation after his passion.
21	Christ's passion: and the conversion of the Gentiles.
22	God's spiritual benefits to faithful souls.
23	Who are they that shall ascend to heaven: Christ's triumphant ascension thither.
24	A prayer for grace, mercy, and protection against our enemies.
25	David's prayer to God in his distress, to be delivered, that he may come to worship him in his tabernacle.
26	David's faith and hope in God.
27	David's prayer that his enemies may not prevail over him.
28	An invitation to glorify God, with a commemoration of his mighty works.
29	David praiseth God for his deliverance, and his merciful dealings with him.
30	A prayer of a just man under affliction.
31	The second penitential psalm.
32	An exhortation to praise God, and to trust in him.
33	An exhortation to the praise, and service of God.
34	David, in the person of Christ, prayeth against his persecutors: prophetically foreshewing the punishments that shall fall upon them.
35	The malice of sinners, and the goodness of God.
36	An exhortation to despise this world; and the short prosperity of the wicked; and to trust in Providence.
37	A prayer of a penitent for the remission of his sins. The third penitential psalm.
38	A just man's peace and patience in his sufferings; considering the vanity of the world, and the providence of God.
39	Christ's coming, and redeeming mankind.
40	The happiness of him that shall believe in Christ; notwithstanding the humility and poverty in which he shall come: the malice of his enemies, especially of the traitor Judas.
41	The fervent desire of the just after God: hope in afflictions.
42	The prophet aspireth after the temple and altar of God.
43	The church commemorates former favours, and present afflictions; under which she prays for succour.
44	The excellence of Christ's kingdom, and the endowments of his church.
45	The church in persecution trusteth in the protection of God.
46	The Gentiles are invited to praise God for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ.
47	God is greatly to be praised for the establishment of his church.
48	The folly of worldlings, who live on in sin, without thinking of death or hell.
49	The coming of Christ: who prefers virtue and inward purity before the blood of victims.
50	The repentance and confession of David after his sin. The fourth penitential psalm.
51	David condemneth the wickedness of Doeg, and foretelleth his destruction.
52	The general corruption of man before the coming of Christ.
53	A prayer for help in distress.
54	A prayer of a just man under persecution from the wicked. It agrees to Christ persecuted by the Jews, and betrayed by Judas.
55	A prayer of David in danger and distress.
56	The prophet prays in his affliction, and praises God for his delivery.
57	David reproveth the wicked, and foretelleth their punishment.
58	A prayer to be delivered from the wicked, with confidence in God's help and protection. It agrees to Christ and his enemies the Jews. [Note: Of course not all Jews are Christ's enemies. The first converts to the Church were among the Jews, as were many of Christ's disciples. In any event, we are called to love all persons]
59	After many afflictions, the church of Christ shall prevail.
60	A prayer for the coming of the kingdom of Christ, which shall have no end.
61	The prophet encourageth himself and all others to trust in God, and serve him.
62	The prophet aspireth after God.
63	A prayer in affliction, with confidence in God that he will bring to nought the machinations of persecutors.
64	God is to be praised in his church, to which all nations shall be called.
65	An invitation to praise God.
66	A prayer for the propagation of the church.
67	The glorious establishment of the church of the New Testament, prefigured by the benefits bestowed on the people of Israel.
68	Christ in his passion declareth the greatness of his sufferings, and the malice of his persecutors the Jews; and foretelleth their reprobation. [Note: Not all Jews were Jesus' persecutors, but only certain of them. Remember that the first converts to the Church were among the Jews, as were many of Christ's disciples. In any event, we are called to love all persons]
69	A prayer in persecution.
70	A prayer for perseverance.
71	A prophecy of the coming of Christ, and of his kingdom: prefigured by Solomon and his happy reign.
72	The temptation of the weak, upon seeing the prosperity of the wicked, is overcome by the consideration of the justice of God, who will quickly render to every one according to his works.
73	A prayer of the church under grievous persecutions.
74	There is a just judgment to come: therefore let the wicked take care.
75	God is known in his church: and exerts his power in protecting it. It alludes to the slaughter of the Assyrians, in the days of king Ezechias.
76	The faithful have recourse to God in trouble of mind, with confidence in his mercy and power.
77	God's great benefits to the people of Israel, notwithstanding their ingratitude.
78	The church in time of persecution prayeth for relief. It seems to belong to the time of the Machabees.
79	A prayer for the church in tribulation, commemorating God's former favours.
80	An invitation to a solemn praising of God.
81	An exhortation to judges and men in power.
82	A prayer against the enemies of God's church.
83	The soul aspireth after heaven; rejoicing in the mean time, in being in the communion of God's church upon earth.
84	The coming of Christ, to bring peace and salvation to man.
85	A prayer for God's grace to assist us to the end.
86	The glory of the church of Christ.
87	A prayer of one under grievous affliction: it agrees to Christ in his passion, and alludes to his death and burial.
88	The perpetuity of the church of Christ, in consequence of the promise of God: which, notwithstanding, God permits her to suffer sometimes most grievous afflictions.
89	A prayer for the mercy of God: recounting the shortness and miseries of the days of man.
90	The just is secure under the protection of God.
91	God is to be praised for his wondrous works.
92	The glory and stability of the kingdom; that is, of the church of Christ.
93	God shall judge and punish the oppressors of his people.
94	An invitation to adore and serve God, and to hear his voice.
95	An exhortation to praise God for the coming of Christ and his kingdom.
96	All are invited to rejoice at the glorious coming and reign of Christ.
97	All are again invited to praise the Lord, for the victories of Christ.
98	The reign of the Lord in Sion: that is, of Christ in his church.
99	All are invited to rejoice in God the creator of all.
100	The prophet exhorteth all by his example, to follow mercy and justice.
101	A prayer for one in affliction: the fifth penitential psalm.
102	Thanksgiving to God for his mercies.
103	God is to be praised for his mighty works, and wonderful providence.
104	A thanksgiving to God for his benefits to his people Israel.
105	A confession of the manifold sins and ingratitudes of the Israelites.
106	All are invited to give thanks to God for his perpetual providence over men..
107	The prophet praiseth God for benefits received.
108	David in the person of Christ, prayeth against his persecutors; more especially the traitor Judas: foretelling and approving his just punishment for his obstinacy in sin and final impenitence.
109	Christ's exaltation and everlasting priesthood.
110	God is to be praised for his graces, and benefits to his church.
111	The good man is happy.
112	God is to be praised for his regard to the poor and humble.
113	God hath shewn his power in delivering his people: idols are vain. The Hebrews divide this into two psalms.
114	The prayer of a just man in affliction, with a lively confidence in God.
115	This in the Hebrew is joined with the foregoing psalm, and continues to express the faith and gratitude of the psalmist.
116	All nations are called upon to praise God for his mercy and truth.
117	The psalmist praiseth God for his delivery from evils: putteth his whole trust in him; and foretelleth the coming of Christ.
118	Of the excellence of virtue consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.
119	A prayer in tribulation.
120	God is the keeper of his servants.
121	The desire and hope of the just for the coming of the kingdom of God, and the peace of his church.
122	A prayer in affliction, with confidence in God.
123	The church giveth glory to God for her deliverance, from the hands of her enemies.
124	The just are always under God's protection.
125	The people of God rejoice at their delivery from captivity.
126	Nothing can be done without God's grace and blessing.
127	The fear of God is the way to happiness.
128	The church of God is invincible: her persecutors come to nothing.
129	A prayer of a sinner, trusting in the mercies of God. The sixth penitential psalm.
130	The prophet's humility.
131	A prayer for the fulfilling of the promise made to David.
132	The happiness of brotherly love and concord.
133	An exhortation to praise God continually.
134	An exhortation to praise God: the vanity of idols.
135	God is to be praised for his wonderful works.
136	The lamentation of the people of God in their captivity in Babylon.
137	Thanksgiving to God for his benefits.
138	God's special providence over his servants.
139	A prayer to be delivered from the wicked.
140	A prayer against sinful words, and deceitful flatterers.
141	A prayer of David in extremity of danger.
142	The psalmist in tribulation calleth upon God for his delivery. The seventh penitential psalm.
143	The prophet praiseth God, and prayeth to be delivered from his enemies. No worldly happiness is to be compared with that of serving God.
144	A psalm of praise, to the infinite majesty of God.
145	We are not to trust in men, but in God alone.
146	An exhortation to praise God for his benefits.
147	The church is called upon to praise God for his peculiar graces and favours to his people. In the Hebrew, this psalm is joined to the foregoing.
148	All creatures are invited to praise their Creator.
149	The church is particularly bound to praise God.
150	An exhortation to praise God with all sorts of instruments.

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The Psalms / According to the NAB [Ordered by Psalm No.]

Psalm(s)	Description [From NAB]
1	True Happiness in God's Law
2	A Psalm for a Royal Coronation
3	Threatened but Trusting
4	Trust in God
5	Prayer for Divine Help
6	Prayer in Distress
7	God the Vindicator
8	Divine Majesty and Human Dignity
9	Thanksgiving for the Overthrow of Hostile Nations
10	Prayer for Help Against Oppressors
11	Confidence in the Presence of God
12	Prayer Against Evil Tongues
13	Prayer in Time of Illness
14	A Lament Over Widespread Corruption
15	The Righteous Israelite
16	God the Supreme Good
17	Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors
18	A King's Thanksgiving for Victory
19	God's Glory in the Heavens and in the Law
20	Prayer for the King in Time of War
21	Thanksgiving and Assurance for the King
22	The Prayer of an Innocent Person
23	The Lord, Shepherd and Host
24	The Glory of God in Procession to Zion
25	Confident Prayer for Forgiveness and Guidance
26	Prayer of Innocence
27	Trust in God
28	Petition and Thanksgiving
29	The Lord of Majesty Acclaimed as King of the World
30	Thanksgiving for Deliverance
31	Prayer in Distress and Thanksgiving for Escape
32	Remission of Sin
33	Praise of God's Power and Providence
34	Thanksgiving to God Who Delivers the Just
35	Prayer for Help Against Unjust Enemies
36	Human Wickedness and Divine Providence
37	The Fate of Sinners and the Reward of the Just
38	Prayer of an Afflicted Sinner
39	The Vanity of Life
40	Gratitude and Prayer for Help
41	Thanksgiving After Sickness
42-43	Longing for God's Presence In the Temple
44	God's Past Favor and Israel's Present Need
45	Song for a Royal Wedding
46	God, the Protector of Zion
47	The Ruler of All the Nations
48	The Splendor of the Invincible City
49	Confidence in God Rather Than in Riches
50	The Acceptable Sacrifice
51	The Miserere: Prayer of Repentance
52	The Deceitful Tongue
53	A Lament Over Widespread Corruption
54	Confident Prayer in Great Peril
55	A Lament Over Betrayal
56	Trust in God
57	Confident Prayer for Deliverance
58	The Dethroning of Unjust Rulers
59	Complaint Against Bloodthirsty Enemies
60	Lament After Defeat in Battle
61	Prayer of the King in Time of Danger
62	Trust in God Alone
63	Ardent Longing for God
64	Treacherous Conspirators Punished by God
65	Thanksgiving for God's Blessings
66	Praise of God, Israel's Deliverer
67	Harvest Thanks and Petition
68	The Exodus and Conquest, Pledge of Future Help
69	A Cry of Anguish in Great Distress
70	Prayer for Divine Help
71	Prayer in Time of Old Age
72	A Prayer for the King
73	The Trial of the Just
74	Prayer at the Destruction of the Temple
75	God the Judge of the World
76	God Defends Zion
77	Confidence in God During National Distress
78	A New Beginning in Zion and David [the Shepherd]
79	A Prayer for Jerusalem
80	Prayer to Restore God's Vineyard
81	An Admonition to Fidelity
82	The Downfall of Unjust Gods
83	Prayer Against a Hostile Alliance
84	Prayer of a Pilgrim to Jerusalem
85	Prayer for Divine Favor
86	Prayer in Time of Distress
87	Zion the True Birthplace of Diaspora Pilgrims
88	A Despairing Lament
89	A Lament Over God's Promise to David
90	God's Eternity and Human Frailty
91	Security Under God's Protection
92	A Hymn of Thanksgiving for God's Fidelity
93	God is a Mighty King
94	A Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
95	A Call to Praise and Obedience
96	God of the Universe
97	The Divine Ruler of All
98	The Coming of God
99	The Holy King
100	Processional Hymn
101	Norm of Life for Rulers
102	Prayer in Time of Distress
103	Praise of Divine Goodness
104	Praise of God the Creator
105	God's Fidelity to the Promise
106	Israel's Confession of Sin
107	God the Savior of Those in Distress
108	Prayer for Victory
109	Prayer of a Person Falsely Accused
110	God Appoints the King both King and Priest
111	Praise of God for Goodness to Israel
112	The Blessings of the Just
113	Praise of God's Care of the Poor
114	The Lord's Wonders at the Exodus
115	The Greatness of the True God
116	Thanksgiving to God Who Saves from Death
117	The Nations Called to Praise
118	Hymn of Thanksgiving
119	A Prayer to God, the Lawgiver
120	Prayer of a Returned Exile
121	The Lord My Guardian
122	A Pilgrim's Prayer for Jerusalem
123	Reliance on the Lord
124	God, the Rescuer of the People
125	Israel's Protector
126	The Reversal of Zion's Fortunes
127	The Need of God's Blessing
128	The Happy Home of the Just
129	Against Israel's Enemies
130	Prayer for Pardon and Mercy
131	Humble Trust in God
132	The Covenant Between David and God
133	A Vision of a Blessed Community
134	Exhortation to the Night Watch to Bless God
135	Praise of God, the Ruler and Benefactor of Israel
136	Hymn of Thanksgiving for God's Everlasting Love
137	Sorrow and Hope in Exile
138	Hymn of a Grateful Heart
139	The All-knowing and Ever-present God
140	Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
141	Prayer of a Just Man to be Saved From Wickedness
142	A Prayer In Time of Trouble
143	A Prayer in Distress
144	A Prayer for Victory and Prosperity
145	The Greatness and Goodness of God
146	Trust in God the Creator and Redeemer
147	God's Word Restores Jerusalem
148	All Creation Summoned to Praise
149	Praise God with Song and Sword
150	Final Doxology

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The Psalms / According to the NAB [Ordered Alphabetically]

Psalm(s)	Description [From NAB]
50	The Acceptable Sacrifice
129	Against Israel's Enemies
148	All Creation Summoned to Praise
139	The All-knowing and Ever-present God
81	An Admonition to Fidelity
63	Ardent Longing for God
112	The Blessings of the Just
95	A Call to Praise and Obedience
98	The Coming of God
59	Complaint Against Bloodthirsty Enemies
77	Confidence in God During National Distress
49	Confidence in God Rather Than in Riches
11	Confidence in the Presence of God
57	Confident Prayer for Deliverance
25	Confident Prayer for Forgiveness and Guidance
54	Confident Prayer in Great Peril
132	The Covenant Between David and God
69	A Cry of Anguish in Great Distress
52	The Deceitful Tongue
88	A Despairing Lament
58	The Dethroning of Unjust Rulers
8	Divine Majesty and Human Dignity
97	The Divine Ruler of All
82	The Downfall of Unjust Gods
134	Exhortation to the Night Watch to Bless God
68	The Exodus and Conquest, Pledge of Future Help
37	The Fate of Sinners and the Reward of the Just
150	Final Doxology
24	The Glory of God in Procession to Zion
110	God Appoints the King both King and Priest
76	God Defends Zion
93	God is a Mighty King
96	God of the Universe
75	God the Judge of the World
46	God, the Protector of Zion
124	God, the Rescuer of the People
107	God the Savior of Those in Distress
16	God the Supreme Good
7	God the Vindicator
90	God's Eternity and Human Frailty
105	God's Fidelity to the Promise
19	God's Glory in the Heavens and in the Law
44	God's Past Favor and Israel's Present Need
147	God's Word Restores Jerusalem
40	Gratitude and Prayer for Help
145	The Greatness and Goodness of God
115	The Greatness of the True God
128	The Happy Home of the Just
67	Harvest Thanks and Petition
99	The Holy King
36	Human Wickedness and Divine Providence
131	Humble Trust in God
138	Hymn of a Grateful Heart
118	Hymn of Thanksgiving
136	Hymn of Thanksgiving for God's Everlasting Love
92	A Hymn of Thanksgiving for God's Fidelity
106	Israel's Confession of Sin
125	Israel's Protector
18	A King's Thanksgiving for Victory
60	Lament After Defeat in Battle
55	A Lament Over Betrayal
89	A Lament Over God's Promise to David
14	A Lament Over Widespread Corruption
53	A Lament Over Widespread Corruption
42-43	Longing for God's Presence In the Temple
121	The Lord My Guardian
29	The Lord of Majesty Acclaimed as King of the World
23	The Lord, Shepherd and Host
114	The Lord's Wonders at the Exodus
51	The Miserere: Prayer of Repentance
117	The Nations Called to Praise
127	The Need of God's Blessing
78	A New Beginning in Zion and David [the Shepherd]
101	Norm of Life for Rulers
28	Petition and Thanksgiving
122	A Pilgrim's Prayer for Jerusalem
149	Praise God with Song and Sword
103	Praise of Divine Goodness
111	Praise of God for Goodness to Israel
66	Praise of God, Israel's Deliverer
104	Praise of God the Creator
135	Praise of God, the Ruler and Benefactor of Israel
113	Praise of God's Care of the Poor
33	Praise of God's Power and Providence
83	Prayer Against a Hostile Alliance
12	Prayer Against Evil Tongues
74	Prayer at the Destruction of the Temple
94	A Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
140	Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
85	Prayer for Divine Favor
5	Prayer for Divine Help
70	Prayer for Divine Help
10	Prayer for Help Against Oppressors
35	Prayer for Help Against Unjust Enemies
79	A Prayer for Jerusalem
130	Prayer for Pardon and Mercy
17	Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors
72	A Prayer for the King
20	Prayer for the King in Time of War
108	Prayer for Victory
144	A Prayer for Victory and Prosperity
6	Prayer in Distress
143	A Prayer in Distress
31	Prayer in Distress and Thanksgiving for Escape
86	Prayer in Time of Distress
102	Prayer in Time of Distress
13	Prayer in Time of Illness
71	Prayer in Time of Old Age
142	A Prayer In Time of Trouble
141	Prayer of a Just Man to be Saved From Wickedness
109	Prayer of a Person Falsely Accused
84	Prayer of a Pilgrim to Jerusalem
120	Prayer of a Returned Exile
38	Prayer of an Afflicted Sinner
22	The Prayer of an Innocent Person
26	Prayer of Innocence
61	Prayer of the King in Time of Danger
119	A Prayer to God, the Lawgiver
80	Prayer to Restore God's Vineyard
100	Processional Hymn
2	A Psalm for a Royal Coronation
123	Reliance on the Lord
32	Remission of Sin
126	The Reversal of Zion's Fortunes
15	The Righteous Israelite
47	The Ruler of All the Nations
91	Security Under God's Protection
45	Song for a Royal Wedding
137	Sorrow and Hope in Exile
48	The Splendor of the Invincible City
41	Thanksgiving After Sickness
21	Thanksgiving and Assurance for the King
30	Thanksgiving for Deliverance
65	Thanksgiving for God's Blessings
9	Thanksgiving for the Overthrow of Hostile Nations
34	Thanksgiving to God Who Delivers the Just
116	Thanksgiving to God Who Saves from Death
3	Threatened but Trusting
64	Treacherous Conspirators Punished by God
73	The Trial of the Just
1	True Happiness in God's Law
4	Trust in God
27	Trust in God
56	Trust in God
62	Trust in God Alone
146	Trust in God the Creator and Redeemer
39	The Vanity of Life
133	A Vision of a Blessed Community
87	Zion the True Birthplace of Diaspora Pilgrims

Important Notice: Psalm numbers, titles, and descriptive information may differ among transitions. We do not guarantee numbering, translation, titles, descriptive information, categorization, accuracy, or anything else concerning any item herein. We may change punctuation, wording, capitalization, shorten items, etc. We recommend reading Scripture in full context in an appropriate Catholic Bible. Consult appropriate, competent Church authorities for assistance in interpreting / applying Scripture. Interpretation and application of Scripture should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take Scripture passages out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally. We are not responsible for any interpretation / misinterpretation, application / misapplication, use / misuse, etc. of Scripture. Use of site is at your own risk and is subject to our terms of use. Click here for important cautionary statement and other important terms/information