What type of psalm expresses anger against someone or something directly to or through God?

The correct answer is imprecatory psalm. This type of psalm distinctly expresses a direct invocation of God's judgment or wrath upon enemies or those perceived as unjust. Imprecatory psalms articulate feelings of anger, frustration, and a desire for retribution, allowing the psalmist to openly convey grievances and appeal for divine intervention against adversaries.

These psalms play a unique role in the broader context of the Psalter as they confront the reality of human suffering and injustice, all while placing those emotions within the framework of prayer and communication with God. Examples of imprecatory psalms include Psalms 69 and 109, where the psalmists request God to act decisively against their enemies, showcasing the raw honesty of their emotions in the face of wrongdoing.

This focus on direct appeals for divine vengeance and the acknowledgment of deep-seated anger distinguishes imprecatory psalms from other types, such as penitential psalms, which emphasize confession and seeking forgiveness, lament psalms that typically express sorrow and mourning, and hymns that are celebratory in nature, focusing on praise and thanksgiving rather than anger or judgment.