Who Wrote the Psalms? Not Just David — Here’s What You Didn’t Know

When people think of the Book of Psalms, King David is the first name that comes to mind. And rightly so — he wrote many of them. But David wasn’t the only contributor to this powerful and poetic collection. The Psalms were written by multiple authors over centuries, capturing the spiritual heart of God’s people through every season of life.

David: The Main Psalmist

King David is traditionally credited with writing 73 of the 150 psalms. His words express deep emotion — joy, sorrow, repentance, fear, trust, and praise. Some of the most beloved psalms, including Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my Shepherd”) and Psalm 51 (a heartfelt cry for mercy), came from David’s own walk with God.

Other Authors of the Psalms

While David is the best-known psalmist, the Bible attributes many psalms to others:

• Moses – Psalm 90 is credited to Moses, making it the oldest psalm in the Bible. It reflects on human frailty and God’s eternal nature.
• Solomon – David’s son and king of Israel, is credited with Psalm 72 and Psalm 127, both focused on wisdom and God’s blessings.
• Asaph – A worship leader appointed by David, wrote 12 psalms (Psalms 50, 73–83). His writings often deal with justice, faith, and God’s sovereignty.
• The Sons of Korah – A group of temple musicians and Levites. They authored 11 psalms (including Psalms 42, 44–49, 84–85, 87–88), many of which are rich in worship and longing for God.
• Heman the Ezrahite – Credited with Psalm 88, one of the most somber and honest cries of despair in Scripture.
• Ethan the Ezrahite – Wrote Psalm 89, a reflection on God’s promises and faithfulness.
• Anonymous Authors – Nearly 50 psalms have no author listed. They may have been composed by unknown poets, temple musicians, or priests.

When Were the Psalms Written?

The Psalms span a wide timeline — from the time of Moses (around 1500 BC) to the post-exilic period after Israel’s return from Babylonian captivity (around 500 BC). This makes the Book of Psalms a powerful spiritual anthology written across centuries, in moments of both national triumph and personal pain.

Final Thoughts

The Book of Psalms is more than just David’s poetry. It’s a sacred collection of voices — kings, prophets, priests, and worshipers — all crying out to God in their own way. Whether you’re rejoicing, grieving, repenting, or seeking hope, there’s a psalm for every soul.