The Wisdom Literature and Psalms

As early as the fourth century AD Christian writers referred to the

books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of

Solomon as the “poetic books.” Perhaps more controversy swirls

about these five books than any other division of the Old Testament.

The canonicity of three of these books was questioned in ancient

times. The interpretation of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon are

notoriously difficult. Even among conservative scholars there is no

unanimity regarding the date of Ecclesiastes and Job. The archaic

poetry of some passages in these books make them virtually impossible

to decipher at points.

In spite of these difficulties, the careful study of the poetic books is

most rewarding. Job depicts faith under trial. Here the believer is

assured that his suffering is not necessarily the result of grievous sin

on his part, and that an all-wise and all-powerful God ultimately is in

charge of the universe. In Psalms the believer can learn to express his

faith in the various circumstances of life. This book is also full of direct

messianic prophecies from the pen of the prophet David. Proverbs

provides a collection of wise observations to guide the believer in his

daily walk. Ecclesiastes stresses that faith is the key to meaning in this

life, and that the enjoyment of life is a duty. The Song of Solomon

places the divine seal of approval upon the human emotion of love

and physical attraction. Lessons are taught in these books which help

to place in proper perspective the message of the rest of the sacred

word.

This present volume completes the Old Testament Survey Series.