A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 17. Psalm 17 is a prayer for vindication and protection. David asks the Lord to hear his just plea and to show His steadfast love. He asks to be hidden in the shadow of God's wings from the wicked who surround him, and he trusts that he will see God's face when he awakes.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 16. Psalm 16 expresses complete trust in the Lord as the psalmist's portion and cup. David declares that the Lord is his chosen inheritance and that he will not be moved. His heart is glad, his flesh dwells secure, and he trusts that God will not abandon him to Sheol.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 15. Psalm 15 asks who may dwell in God's presence. The answer is the one who walks blamelessly, does what is right, speaks truth, does not slander, honors those who fear the Lord, keeps oaths, and does not take bribes. Such a person will never be shaken.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 14. Psalm 14 declares that the fool says in his heart there is no God. The Lord looks down from heaven and finds that all have turned aside. Yet the psalm ends with hope that God will restore His people and that salvation will come out of Zion.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 13. Psalm 13 is a brief but powerful lament asking 'How long, O Lord?' Four times David asks how long God will hide His face. He prays for light and deliverance, then declares that he trusts in God's steadfast love and will sing because the Lord has dealt bountifully with him.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 12. Psalm 12 laments the disappearance of the faithful and the prevalence of lies and flattery. David cries out for help, and the Lord answers that He will protect the needy from those who oppress them. The words of the Lord are pure, like silver refined seven times.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 11. Psalm 11 expresses trust in the Lord when everything seems unstable. David rejects the advice to flee like a bird, declaring that the Lord is in His holy temple and that He tests the righteous and the wicked alike. The upright will see His face.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 10. Psalm 10 cries out against the wicked who oppress the poor and boast in their evil. The psalmist asks why God seems far away, then declares that the Lord is king forever and that He will bring justice for the fatherless and the oppressed.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 9. Psalm 9 praises God for His righteous judgments and His care for the oppressed. David gives thanks with his whole heart, declaring that the Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed and that He will judge the world with righteousness.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 8. Psalm 8 marvels at the majesty of God displayed in creation. David declares that the heavens declare God's glory and that human beings, though small in the vastness of creation, are crowned with glory and honor and given dominion over God's works.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 7. Psalm 7 is a plea for God to vindicate David against false accusations. David declares his innocence and asks God to judge between him and his enemies. He trusts that God is a righteous judge who saves the upright and punishes the wicked.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 6. Psalm 6 is a lament asking God for mercy in the midst of suffering. David cries out in anguish, asking how long until God delivers him. He weeps through the night, but he trusts that the Lord has heard his plea and that his enemies will be put to shame.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 5. Psalm 5 is a morning prayer asking God to hear David's cry. David declares that God takes no pleasure in wickedness and that the arrogant cannot stand in His presence. He asks for guidance and protection, rejoicing that God blesses the righteous and surrounds them with favor.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 4. Psalm 4 is an evening prayer asking God for relief from distress. David calls on the Lord to answer him, rebukes those who love vain words, and declares that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself. He lies down in peace, for the Lord alone makes him dwell in safety.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 3. Psalm 3 is a morning prayer of trust written when David fled from Absalom. Despite many enemies who say God will not deliver him, David cries out to the Lord and is answered. He lies down and sleeps in peace because the Lord sustains him.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 2. Psalm 2 describes the rebellion of the nations against God and His Anointed. The kings of the earth plot in vain, but God laughs from heaven and establishes His king on Zion. The psalm calls the nations to submit to the Son, warning of judgment but promising blessing to those who take refuge in Him.

A verse-by-verse study of Psalms 1. Psalm 1 contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. The righteous person delights in God's law and is like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. The wicked are like chaff driven by the wind. The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.