The lecture commences with a discussion of the authors of the psalms and the various types of psalms, such as: hymns, laments, songs of thanksgiving, royal psalms, messianic psalms, imprecatory psalms, psalms of confidence, wisdom psalms and other minor types. This is ensued by a presentation of the place of psalms in the worship of ancient Israel, of the psalm headings, the structure, growth and nature of the book of Psalms. Further topics to be discussed include: the historical headings in the book of Psalms, the psalms and music.