What are royal psalms? Royal psalms (e.g., 18)emphasize God’s promise to David that he would have an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17). David and his descendants are called to bless Israel and the nations of the world. Some of these psalms are praises, some are thanksgivings, and some are confessions of sin. The promises to David point to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David.