A psalm of appeal for divine justice.
The psalmist calls on the Lord to contend with those who contend against him.
He describes enemies who plot without cause, contrasts their malice with his innocence, and prays that the righteous may rejoice in God’s vindication.
The tone alternates between anguish and confidence in the Lord’s just defence.

A psalm of thanksgiving and instruction.
David blesses the Lord for deliverance, inviting others to taste and see His goodness.
He teaches that God’s eye is upon the righteous and His face against evildoers.
The psalm closes with the assurance that the Lord redeems the souls of His servants; none who trust in Him shall be condemned.

A psalm of praise and trust in the Lord’s providence.
The just are called to rejoice, for God’s word is faithful and His works are done in justice and mercy.
By His word the heavens were made; He frustrates the designs of the nations but upholds those who fear Him.
The psalm closes with serene confidence: “In ipso laetabitur cor nostrum.”

A psalm of confession and forgiveness.
The psalmist declares blessed those whose sins are forgiven.
He recalls the heaviness of unconfessed guilt and the relief of repentance, then exhorts all the faithful to trust in God, who surrounds them with mercy.
The closing verses contrast the pain of stubbornness with the joy of obedience and uprightness of heart.

A psalm of trust and deliverance.
The psalmist entrusts his soul to God amid affliction, persecution, and fear.
He moves between pleading and confidence, confessing: “In manus tuas commendo spiritum meum” — words later echoed by Christ on the Cross.
The closing verses turn to gratitude: “Diligite Dominum omnes sancti eius.”

A thanksgiving for deliverance from danger.
The psalmist, once near death, praises God for raising him up.
He recalls that anger lasts but a moment, favour for a lifetime.
The psalm closes with renewed gratitude and joy: mourning is turned into dancing.

A psalm of divine majesty and power.
The voice of the Lord is heard over the waters, shaking the wilderness and stripping the forests bare.
It is a hymn of awe before the Creator whose voice thunders through creation — yet ends with peace for His people.

A psalm of earnest supplication.
The psalmist cries to God for mercy and protection, fearing to be dragged down with the wicked.
He asks that justice fall upon evildoers but rejoices in the Lord’s help, ending with a benediction:
“Salvum fac populum tuum, et benedic hereditati tuae.”

A confident declaration of trust in God.
The psalmist faces fear, danger, and false witnesses, yet clings to faith.
He asks to dwell in God’s house, to behold His beauty, and to be taught His way.
The tone moves from courage to prayer, ending with patient hope: “Expecta Dominum.”