The authorship of most of the psalms is anonymous, although tradition has long attributed the entire collection to King David. It is possible, but not probable, that David may have written some of them. Recent excavations and discoveries indicate quite clearly that parallels to certain of the psalms were in existence as early as the period of the monarchy, and the fact that David has been referred to as the "sweet singer of Israel" lends some support to the tradition. However, most of the psalms reflect ideas and conditions that came into existence long after the time of King David. For example, one psalm in particular discusses an event that occurred during the life of Isaiah. Others describe experiences pertaining to the Babylonian captivity, and still others appear to have originated during the period of the Maccabean wars. The earliest collection of psalms was probably titled "Psalms of David," and to this group several others were added at various times, including what was known as the "Korah Psalter," the "Asaph Psalter," the "Hallelujah Psalter," the "Pilgrim Psalter," and others. In its present form, the book is divided into five sections: Psalms 1–41; Psalms 42–72; Psalms 73–89; Psalms 90–106; and Psalms 107–150.
The psalms were used in connection with worship services conducted in the Temple at Jerusalem. Some of them were sung by the pilgrims on their journeys to the Central Sanctuary, for all of the faithful were required to attend services at this place at least once a year if it was at all possible for them to do so. Some of the hymns would be sung when the pilgrims first came in sight of the city of Jerusalem and others as they stood before the entrance to the Temple. Some of the hymns were antiphonal numbers, and their use constituted an essential part of the worship service. Hymns and prayers of adoration were used on appropriate occasions, such as the beginning of the new year, particular feast days, the enthronement of Yahweh, and celebrations of important events in Hebrew history. There were songs of praise to Yahweh for the mighty works that he had performed, and there were songs of thanksgiving for the way in which the Hebrews had been delivered from the hands of their enemies. Other songs were written in praise of the Law.
