occasion, whom it is written for, how it should be accompanied, and what kind of psalm it is. If a psalm has a superscription, read it and consult cross-references noted. This will help you put the psalm into context. Watch for a theme for each psalm and how it is developed. Sometimes it’s stated at the beginning of the psalm, other times in the middle. The theme is the author’s design for the psalm (which of course is God’s intention). Some psalms give insights into the history of Israel (such as Psalm