History of Psalms in Timeline

"The Book of Psalms", often called "Psalms" or "the Psalter," holds the distinction of being the first book within the Ketuvim ("Writings"), the third section of the Hebrew Bible. This places it also within the Old Testament.

1928: Suzanne Haik-Vantoura is Born

Suzanne Haïk-Vantoura was born in 1928.

1974: New Breviary Distributes Psalms Over Four-Week Cycle

A new Breviary was introduced in 1974, implementing a four-week cycle for the recitation of the Psalms.

1979: American Book of Common Prayer (1979) Features New Psalter Translation

The 1979 edition of the American Book of Common Prayer included a new translation of the Psalter, aiming to maintain the rhythms of the Coverdale Psalter.

1985: Gerald H. Wilson Publishes "The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter"

In 1985, Gerald H. Wilson published his influential work, "The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter."

1997: David C. Mitchell Proposes Eschatological Timetable in "The Message of the Psalter"

In 1997, David C. Mitchell published "The Message of the Psalter," in which he suggested that the Book of Psalms presents an eschatological timetable similar to Zechariah 9-14.

2000: Suzanne Haik-Vantoura Passes Away

Suzanne Haïk-Vantoura died in 2000.

2005: Gerald H. Wilson Modifies Position on Messianic Prophecy

Shortly before his death in 2005, Gerald H. Wilson adjusted his stance to acknowledge the presence of messianic prophecy within the editorial framework of the Psalms.