Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thank you for participating in our study. Today begins a new installment of last year's “Psalm Summer,” a four-part series so named because I liked the sound of the title. If you missed it last summer, check out Volumes 224, 225, 226, and 230.
For reasons known only to God, I felt called to start Psalm Summer 2025 with what might be considered the three most popular Psalms. There are no scientific ways to determine such a subjective ranking. However, after reading numerous “most popular” lists, I asked my supercomputer to perform complex calculations, which generated today’s list. Next week, we will study three more of the “most popular” results.
Before we get into today’s winners, here’s a quick overview of the Book of Psalms for readers who aren’t familiar with the Bible. The 150 Psalms in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) were written between 1000 and 450 BC by various authors, starting with King David, identified by the subtitle, “A psalm of David.”
The other known writers were Asaph, who wrote 12 Psalms, the sons of Korah are credited with 11, and King Solomon (David’s son) penned Psalms 72 and 127.
Psalms are a collection of prayers, lamentations, songs, and poetry. Often, Catholic masses and other Christian worship services include Psalm verses.
The beauty of Psalms lies in their ability to express a wide range of human emotions, experiences, and situations, all of which point to God. The recurring themes include praising, glorifying, thanking, and fearing Him. Additionally, trust or a lack of trust in Him is often present, along with talking to or praying to God and asking for His help.
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When reading the Psalms, you understand that He is omnipresent and wants you to draw near to Him. Psalms are forever relatable, which is why they are the most frequently read book in the Bible.
Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other book in the Hebrew Bible; however, some sources suggest that Isaiah and Psalms are roughly equal in the frequency of Jesus's quotations. Then, regarding the Hebrew Bible’s Messianic prophecies, Jesus said:
"These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled" (Luke 24:44).
It thrills me to know that Jesus read these same Psalms. Also refer to Vol. 122 “The New Testament's most often quoted Psalms.”
Let's begin with Psalm 23, which tops every “most popular” list. Authored by King David, the message is deeply comforting. God is portrayed as a shepherd who cares for his sheep. Jesus continued that theme. Read about the meaning of “shepherd” in Vol. 72.
Psalm 23 is often heard at funerals as a poignant reminder that life is transitory and we will return to our eternal home. Let’s read the first four verses:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:1-4).
For anyone embattled by life's challenges or fighting a war, the power of Psalm 23 is legendary for its strength and protection. Its poetry offers hope while encouraging us to lean on God in times of danger. The last two verses read:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23: 4-6).
In six verses, Psalm 23 eloquently speaks about how God loves and cares for us, whether we are living or have passed away to be with Him in heaven.
Next is Psalm 91, a powerful declaration of God's protection, deliverance, and faithfulness for those who trust in Him, attributed to an unknown author. The Psalm emphasizes the safety and security found in dwelling in the Almighty’s presence.
Psalm 91 records how God shields His people from deadly threats, including disease, danger, and their enemies. The imagery speaks of protection from armor, and not to fear terror or destruction. God also mentions that angels are assigned to guard and uplift the faithful. Thus, Psalm 91 is often referred to as the “Psalm of Protection.” Read Vol. 10 for more details. The Psalm opens with poetic assurance:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ (Psalm 91:1-2). God speaks to the author in the Psalms’ last three verses:
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:14-16).
The third most popular is Psalm 27, which begins with an often-quoted verse:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
King David wrote Psalm 27 while pursued by his enemies. However, David expressed trust, courage, and confidence as he sought God’s presence to overcome these life-threatening circumstances. Note that Psalm 27 includes wording similar to Psalm 23:
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27: 3-4).
David is being courageous while pleading for his life to be spared so that he can worship the Lord, where He dwells. More pleading:
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’ Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help" (Psalm 27: 7-9).
This stressful Psalm ends with David’s confidence, patience, and great trust in the Lord, who did deliver David from his enemies:
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
No matter how many times I have read these Psalms, it's as if I'm reading them for the first time, and my faith is strengthened. Do you also feel that way? Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, dedicated to building a future permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Join our effort! Click to attend a major Shroud conference July 31- August 2 in St. Louis. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
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