Psalm 86

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Who - David writes a prayer to the LORD.  

What - David is asking the LORD to save him from a group of men pursuing him with the intent to kill David.  David also asks the LORD for more than escape and deliverance.  David asks for the LORD to perform a very public sign so that those pursuing him may “be put to shame.”  David is asking for vindication.  

When - Unstated, but could fit several instances in David’s life.  

Where - Unstated

Why - David is writing a prayer of deliverance because he is being pursued by men who want to take his life.  David believes that unless the LORD intervenes, these men will overtake him.  

Psalm 84

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Who - The sons of Korah to the LORD.

What - A pilgrimage psalm.  The psalmist is writing of the joy to go to Jerusalem and worship at the temple.  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - The psalmist is expressing the joy of coming to the temple to worship.  As this is a choir song it is also a song to be sung to help all worshipers find delight and joy in coming to worship the LORD.  It reads as a song to be sung on the way to Jerusalem.  

Psalm 79

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Who - Asaph writes a lament to the LORD.

What - The psalmist is lamenting to the LORD at the destruction of Israel and and the death of many Israelites at the hands of foreign invaders.  

When - The Psalmist does not specifically say when this happened, but the description only fits the Babylonian conquest and exile.  

Where - Unstated, but most likely Jerusalem.  

Why - The psalmist acknowledges the sins of the nation that have caused this destruction and it is the LORD’S anger poured out on them.  The psalmist is asking the LORD to relent and repay the hostile invaders.

Psalm 76

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Who - A song of Asaph written to be a corporate praise song to the LORD.  

What - The Psalmist is acknowledging the LORD’S deliverance and success in battle.  Apparently Israel went out in battle against a powerful foe and the LORD gave them victory.  While the psalmist does not specifically say it, he alludes that the LORD made a miraculous victory for Israel.  Whether by special means, or just giving Israel victory, the Psalmist makes clear the LORD caused the victory.  He also calls the hearers to give praise to the LORD and offer thank offerings for the LORD’S victory.  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - The Psalmist wants people to realize this great victory is from the LORD and to give him appropriate honor and praise.  He also wants them to live in covenant faithfulness and he uses this victory to call them to it.  

Psalm 74

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Who - Asaph speaking to the LORD.

What - A lament to the LORD for the great calamity that has happened to Israel.  The temple has been burned and destroyed and people who do not worship the LORD rule the land.  The psalmist pleads with the LORD to come and act for the good of Israel and the LORD’S own name.  

When - No specific time stated, but the Babylonian exile and conquest is the only time that makes sense.  

Where - Unstated, but either Jerusalem our Babylon.  

Why - The Babylonians have overrun Israel, taken away the people and destroyed the Temple.  The psalmist pleads to the LORD for relief and help.  

Psalm 70

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Who - David talking to God and making it a choir song for public worship.  

What - David is in dire straits and needs God to deliver him.  This is a psalm of petition, a strong and desperate plea to God.

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - David sees his situation as one in which only God can help.  Perhaps he is at his wits end.

Psalm 69

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Who - David is writing his song to the LORD to be sung by the choir.  

What - David is writing a lament to the LORD (this psalm has all seven of Longman's elements for a lament.)  David is asking for the LORD to intervene and take action against David's enemies, who have been very vocal and plotting against him.  David is very strong in his curse against his enemies.  The psalm does not give us any clues as to when or what events David is referring to, however, it must have been significant for David to ask for such a strong curse against his enemies.  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - David is in despair and feels the weight of his situation.  He sees his plight as desperate and desperately needs the LORD to intervene.  David is asking the LORD to save him from these enemies as well as restore the joy of life to him.  David asks the LORD to enact severe punishment on his enemies for these attacks against him.  David does more than ask God to act.  He is asking the LORD to make their punishment public.  David is asking for vindication in the court of public opinion.  David's hope in the LORD gives him hope that the LORD will do this.  

Psalm 67

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Who - An unnamed psalmist speaking to the LORD, the people of Israel and the nations.  

What - The Psalmist writes a praise song to be sung by a choir during the temple worship along with instruments.  It is a mixture off praise and Thanksgiving.

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - To ask the LORD to bless the nation of Israel and the nations through Israel.  He also wants the people to see the gracious goodness of the LORD and praise the LORD for it.

Psalm 65

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Who - David writes a praise song to the LORD.

What - A song of praise to the LORD for His provisions and care for His people.

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - David seems to write this psalm as a praise song to be sung by Israel.  It appears he wants the people to see how the LORD has provided for them in physical and spiritual ways, then give the LORD praise for these provisions.  

Psalm 61

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Who - David writes a song to the LORD.

What - This song of petition asks for the LORD to lead David to a place of blessing.  David writes a song to be sung in public worship.  

When - Unknown

Where - Unknown

Why - David is requesting the LORD to be a refuge in times of distress.  He also asks God to lead David to the rock of safety and comfort.   David desires to know and experience the LORD’S protection and fellowship.  David is also asking for the LORD’S blessing over his kingship or possibly Solomon’s.