Some scholars drink the majority of the Psalms originate in Maccabean times. However, the trend today is toward earlier dates. Yet much of the Psalter is pre exilic, with some elements originally pre Davidic. It is more appropriate to speak of the Psalm's literary background than their historical background. Other smaller categories are also included.
Most psalms fit neatly into one category.
Both the praise and the lament psalms have typical characteristics that make them easily identifiable. Each category of Psalms follows a fairly consistent format. The largest single category of psalms is the hymns and Psalms of praise. These are offered either directly or indirectly to God. Seventy four of the 150 psalms are considered as belonging to the praise psalms.