psalmboek

A psalmboek, also known as a psalter or book of psalms, is a collection of the Book of Psalms from the Hebrew Bible, typically presented in a format suitable for liturgical or devotional use. These books often include musical notation for singing the psalms, though some are intended for private reading and meditation. Historically, psalm books have played a significant role in various religious traditions, particularly within Judaism and Christianity.

In Jewish tradition, the Psalms are a central part of both synagogue services and personal prayer. While a separate "psalm book" might not be a distinct genre in the same way as in some Christian contexts, collections of psalms are integral to Jewish prayer books (siddurim). The Temple in Jerusalem would have been a focal point for the recitation and chanting of psalms.

Within Christianity, psalm books have been widely used since the early Church. During the Middle Ages, illuminated manuscripts of psalms were created for wealthy patrons and monastic communities. The Protestant Reformation saw a renewed emphasis on congregational singing of psalms, leading to the development of vernacular psalm translations and the creation of printed psalm books. These books often included metrical versions of the psalms, adapted for singing to common hymn tunes. Contemporary Christian worship continues to utilize psalms, whether in traditional chanted forms, sung as hymns, or incorporated into prayers and readings. The specific content and presentation of a psalmboek can vary greatly depending on its historical period, denominational affiliation, and intended use.