David (Major Contributor)
Category: Endurance in persecution & trust under pressure
Could avoid: Abandon trust, seek revenge on enemies.
“How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1)
Cross-Refs: 1 Samuel 24:6; Hebrews 10:36.
Chose: Cried to God in prayer instead of giving up.
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 56:3–4; Romans 5:3–5.
Endured: Betrayal, danger, exile, grief.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Cross-Refs: 2 Samuel 22:1; John 16:33.
Why: Knew God was his refuge and shepherd.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 12:2; John 10:11.
Result: Songs of deliverance and praise; testimony for all generations.
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit… He put a new song in my mouth.” (Psalm 40:2–3)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 14:3; Romans 15:4.
Asaph (and Sons of Korah)
Category: Wrestling with injustice & persevering in faith
Could avoid: Envy the wicked and abandon faith.
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2–3)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 12:1; Habakkuk 1:13.
Chose: Entered God’s sanctuary, gained eternal perspective.
“Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” (Psalm 73:17)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 37:1–2; Hebrews 12:2.
Endured: Inner turmoil, doubts, temptations.
“When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant.” (Psalm 73:21–22)
Cross-Refs: Job 3:11; Matthew 11:6.
Why: Recognised God was his portion forever.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Cross-Refs: Lamentations 3:24; 2 Corinthians 4:16.
Result: Renewed faith, declaration of God’s goodness.
“But as for me, it is good to be near God.” (Psalm 73:28)
Cross-Refs: James 4:8; Revelation 21:3.
The Suffering Righteous (Anonymous Laments)
Category: Patience in affliction & appeal for justice
Could avoid: Turn to idols or despair when God seemed distant.
“Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)
Cross-Refs: Habakkuk 1:2; Matthew 27:46.
Chose: Cried out persistently to God for help.
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.” (Psalm 10:14)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 2:24–25; Luke 18:7–8.
Endured: Mockery, oppression, loneliness.
“I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” (Psalm 22:6)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 27:39–44.
Why: Believed God hears the cries of the oppressed.
“But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” (Psalm 22:19)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 4:16.
Result: Deliverance turned into public praise.
“From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly.” (Psalm 22:25)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 7:10; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4.
The Pilgrims (Songs of Ascents)
Category: Perseverance in journey & hope in God’s protection
Could avoid: Stay home instead of making the hard pilgrimage.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 2:3; Hebrews 12:22.
Chose: Trusted God as keeper during the journey.
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)
Cross-Refs: Deuteronomy 28:6; John 17:15.
Endured: Long travel, danger, fatigue.
“They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” (Psalm 84:7)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 11:13.
Why: Desired God’s presence above all else.
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 16:11; Revelation 21:22–23.
Result: Joy in worship at Zion.
“Let us go to the house of the LORD… I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go.’” (Psalm 122:1)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 35:10; Revelation 7:9–10.