The Wisdom Literature & Psalms

As early as the fourth century AD Christian writers referred to thebooks of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song ofSolomon as the "poetic books." Perhaps more controversy swirlsabout these five books than any other division of the Old Testament.The canonicity of three of these books was questioned in ancienttimes. The interpretation of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon arenotoriously difficult. Even among conservative scholars there is nounanimity regarding the date of Ecclesiastes and Job. The archaicpoetry of some passages in these books make them virtually impossibleto decipher at points.In spite of these difficulties, the careful study of the poetic books ismost rewarding. Job depicts faith under trial. Here the believer isassured that his suffering is not necessarily the result of grievous sinon his part, and that an all-wise and all-powerful God ultimately is incharge of the universe. In Psalms the believer can learn to express hisfaith in the various circumstances of life. This book is also full of directmessianic prophecies from the pen of the prophet David. Proverbsprovides a collection of wise observations to guide the believer in hisdaily walk. Ecclesiastes stresses that faith is the key to meaning in thislife, and that the enjoyment of life is a duty. The Song of Solomonplaces the divine seal of approval upon the human emotion of loveand physical attraction. Lessons are taught in these books which helpto place in proper perspective the message of the rest of the sacredword.This present volume completes the Old Testament Survey Series.