The Book of Psalms: A Spiritual Guide for Jehovah's Witnesses

With 150 songs, prayers, and poems, Psalms is the heart of the Hebrew Scriptures. Here is why Jehovah's Witnesses turn to Psalms for comfort, praise, and spiritual strength.

Of all 66 books of the New World Translation, Psalms is perhaps the most personally intimate. It is a collection of 150 songs, prayers, and poems that span the full range of human experience — joy, grief, fear, gratitude, doubt, and unwavering trust in Jehovah. For Jehovah's Witnesses, Psalms serves as both a window into the hearts of faithful servants of Jehovah and a mirror for their own spiritual journey.

Overview of Psalms

Psalms is the longest book in the Bible and sits at the center of the Hebrew Scriptures. Compiled over many centuries, its contributors include David (who wrote approximately half the psalms), Moses (Psalm 90), Asaph, the sons of Korah, and Solomon. The collection is divided into five books, each closing with a doxology of praise to Jehovah.

Key Themes

  • Praise to Jehovah — More than any other theme, Psalms calls its readers to acknowledge Jehovah's greatness: "Let everything that has breath praise Jah. Praise Jah!" — Psalm 150:6

  • Jehovah's name — Psalm 83:18 is one of the clearest declarations in the entire Bible: "May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth."

  • The kingdom hope — Many psalms look forward to the time when Jehovah's kingdom will bring justice and peace to the earth, including the promise that the meek will inherit it. — Psalm 37:10, 11

  • Personal trust in Jehovah — Psalm 23, perhaps the most recognized psalm in the world, expresses complete trust in Jehovah as shepherd, provider, and protector.

Key Verses

"How I do love your law! I ponder over it all day long." — Psalm 119:97

"Commit your way to Jehovah; trust in him, and he will act in your behalf." — Psalm 37:5

Reading Psalms with NWT Progress

NWT Progress includes a dedicated Psalms study guide with key themes and verses. The Psalms and Proverbs in 60 Days plan pairs these two wisdom books in a focused two-month reading journey.

If you are going through a difficult season and need to hear Jehovah's voice, open Psalms. It was written for exactly such moments.