Book 3 of 5 · Parallels Sefer Vayikra
Third Book of Tehilim
Chapters 73-89.
Book 3 is the shortest of the five: just 17 chapters. It opens with a substantial collection of Asaf psalms (73-83), which include national-historical psalms, communal lament, and prayers in time of trouble.
Chapter 83, "Elokim al domi lach", lives here: the Tanach's most direct prayer against the gathering enemies of Israel. It became central to wartime prayers and to the prayer for the welfare of Israel. Chapter 82, "Mizmor leAsaf Elokim nitzav ba'adat el", which speaks of God judging among judges, is also here.
Book 3 parallels Sefer Vayikra: focused on God as judge, on Israel as a community, and on communal prayer. Most psalms aren't David's but Asaf's and Bnei Korach's, emphasizing this is the book of the Levi'im in the Mikdash, not of the private king.
Notable chapters in Book 3
- 79 Mizmor LeAsaf
Prayer after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. Said in Tisha B'Av kinot.
- 80 Ro'eh Yisrael
Prayer for Israel's redemption. Said in some minhagim during distress.
- 82 Elokim Nitzav
Psalm of justice and judgement. Said when convening a beit din.
- 83 Al Domi Lach
The strongest psalm against gathering enemies of Israel.
- 84 Mah Yedidot
Longing for the Beit HaMikdash. Said in some Sephardic minhagim before Shabbat Shacharit.
All chapters in Book 3
Chapters 73-89. Tap a chapter to read.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Book 3 so short?
No single accepted explanation. The number 17 ("tov" in gematria) may be spiritually significant, or it may simply be an editorial choice. By content, the book is focused on specific themes (destruction, national justice, Mikdash prayer), so the smaller scope suits it.
Who is Asaf?
Asaf was one of the three chief musicians appointed by King David for the Levitical service in the Beit HaMikdash (along with Heiman and Yedutun). Twelve psalms in Tehilim are attributed to him, most in Book 3. His psalms deal heavily with national history and crisis.
Is chapter 83 relevant to Israel's current wars?
Chapter 83, "Elokim al domi lach", names the gathering enemies of Israel. Many recite it in prayer for the welfare of Israel during war, a custom that intensified after October 2023. See Tehilim for soldiers for the full collection.
When are Book 3 chapters said?
Chapters 79 and 83 are said in Tisha B'Av kinot. Chapter 84, "Mah yedidot mishkenotecha", is said in some Sephardic communities before Shabbat Shacharit. Chapter 82, "Elokim nitzav ba'adat el", is recited when convening a Jewish beit din.