The answer is: 5

Psalm 1:1-2 - The book of Psalms is divided into five sections, reflecting both the structure of the Torah and the poetic nature of Israel's worship. Each division concludes with a doxology, highlighting a pattern of praise that mirrors creation’s rhythm in Genesis, linking life and spirituality.

The book of Psalms is often likened to a spiritual feast, and those five sections serve as distinct courses that deepen our engagement with praise. Each of these collections can catch readers off guard, presenting thematic varieties ranging from lament to exuberant worship. The structure isn’t just an arbitrary choice; it reflects the five books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). This parallel enriches our understanding, suggesting that just as the Torah lays the foundational principles of life and law, the Psalms embody the outpouring of human emotion before the divine.

It’s also intriguing to note that traditionally, many Psalms have been attributed to King David, whose life was a blend of triumphs and trials, reflective of the emotional rollercoaster we often ride. By peppering their prayers and hymns into these five divisions, ancient worship leaders provided myriad ways for people to express everything from sorrow to joy.

Doxologies at the end of these sections remind us to celebrate each phase in our spiritual journeys, helping us internalize the rhythm of sacred life that mirrors the creation stories in Genesis. Just as God created the world in days, establishing rhythms and cycles, so too can our lives reflect these cycles of acknowledgment, gratitude, and praise. So dive into the Psalms! They’re not just poetic; they’re a tapestry woven with the essence of human experiences, designed to connect deeply with readers across centuries.