Davidic Psalms are Psalms that are explicitly tied to events in David’s life, as noted in the inscription for each Psalm. These “examples of David” Psalms use stories and model prayers in those circumstances to instruct God’s people in right expressions of faith amid suffering.
The Davidic Psalms in Chronological Order
| Psalm | Event in David’s Life | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | When Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. | 1 Samuel 19:11 |
| 56 | When the Philistines seized him in Gath. | 1 Samuel 21:10-11 |
| 34 | When he feigned madness before Abimelech. | 1 Samuel 21:12-15 |
| 57 | When he fled from Saul in the cave. | 1 Samuel 22:1, 24:3 |
| 142 | When he was in the cave. | 1 Samuel 22:1, 24:3 |
| 63 | When he was in the wilderness of Judah. | 1 Samuel 22:5 |
| 52 | When Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.” | 1 Samuel 22:9-19 |
| 54 | When the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?” | 1 Samuel 23:19 |
| 7 | When he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. | Uncertain (cf. 1 Samuel 23:25) |
| 30 | At the dedication of the house of David. | 2 Samuel 5:11 |
| 60 | When he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down 12,000 of Edom in the Valley of Salt. | 2 Samuel 8:1-14 |
| 51 | When Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. | 2 Samuel 11-12 |
| 3 | When he fled from Absalom his son. | 2 Samuel 15-17 |
| 18 | On the day when the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies. | 2 Samuel 22 |
Text adapted from 150 Questions about the Psalter by Bradley Johnston.
Listen to the Davidic Psalms
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Free Me, My God (Psalm 59A) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Deliverance |
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I Wait for You (Psalm 59B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Faithfulness |
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Be Merciful to Me, O God (Psalm 56A) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Trust |
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You Have Recorded All My Ways (Psalm 56B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Trust |
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I Will at All Times Bless the Lord (Psalm 34B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Refuge |
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O Sons and Daughters, Come (Psalm 34C) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Redemption |
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Be Merciful to Me, O God (Psalm 57A) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Defender |
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O Be Exalted High, O God (Psalm 57B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Glory |
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To You, O Lord, I Lift My Voice (Psalm 142) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Defender |
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I'll Seek You Early, God (Psalm 63B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Wisdom |
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And When I Turn My Thoughts to You (Psalm 63C) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Wisdom |
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Mighty Man, Why Boast in Evil? (Psalm 52B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Trust |
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By Your Name, O God (Psalm 54B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Justice |
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O Lord, My God, I Take Refuge (Psalm 7A) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Abundance |
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God Is My Shield (Psalm 7B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Defender |
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O Lord, I Will Exalt You (Psalm 30B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Refuge |
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O God, You Have Rejected Us (Psalm 60A) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Restoration |
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God in His Holiness Declared (Psalm 60B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Restoration |
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God, Be Merciful to Me (Psalm 51C) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Refuge |
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O Hide Your Face (Psalm 51B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Restoration |
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Lord, How My Foes Are Multiplied (Psalm 3B) The Book of Psalms for Worship | Deliverance |
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