The Book of Psalms serves as a comprehensive collection of liturgical poetry designed to express the full spectrum of human experience in relation to the divine. The text functions as a foundational anthology of ancient Hebrew prayer, song, and meditation. It provides a structured framework for communal and individual worship, addressing themes of lament, praise, thanksgiving, and wisdom through various poetic forms.

Scholars and theologians identify this work as a primary source for understanding ancient Near Eastern religious expression and liturgical practice. Readers frequently note the emotional depth and linguistic complexity of the poetry, which continues to influence contemporary religious and literary traditions.