The Psalter is arranged into five books, each closing with a doxology and benediction. Hebrew tradition says these five books correspond to the five books of Moses.
Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72) celebrates Israel’s golden age during the time of the united monarchy. The book closes with a prayer that the king will extend the rule of God to the ends of the earth (Psalm 72). Laments in this book always conclude with praise.
Book II is very similar to Book I in its tone and topics, and they are often treated as one. The one major difference between the two is that Book II overwhelmingly uses the Hebrew word Elohim to refer to God while Book I prefers the word Yahweh.
Text adapted from 150 Questions about the Psalter by Bradley Johnston.
