Psalms and Proverbs.
Psalms.
Name. The Hebrew word means praises or hymns, while the Greek word
means psalms. It may well be called the "Hebrew Prayer and Praise
Book." The prevailing note is one of praise, though some are sad and
plaintive while others are philosophical.
Authors. Of the 150 Psalms, there is no means of determining the
authorship of 50. The authors named for others are David, Asaph, the
sons of Korah, Herman, Ethan, Moses and Solomon. Of the 100 whose
authorship is indicated, David is credited with 73, and in the New
Testament he alone is referred to as the author of them. Lu. 20:42.
Relation to the Other Old Testament Books. It has been called the
heart of the entire Bible, but its relation to the Old Testament is
especially intimate. All divine manifestations are viewed in regard to
their bearing on the inner experience. History is interpreted in the
light of a passion for truth and righteousness and as showing forth
the nearness of our relation to God.
The Subjects of the Psalms. It is very difficult to make any sort of
classification of the Psalms and any classification is open to
criticism. For this reason many groupings have been suggested. The
following, taken from different sources, may be of help. (1) Hymns of
praise, 8, 18, 19, 104, 145, 147, etc. (2) National hymns, 105, 106,
114, etc. (3) Temple hymns or hymns for public worship, 15, 24, 87,
etc. (4) Hymns relating to trial and calamity, 9, 22, 55, 56, 109,
etc. (5) Messianic Psalms, 2,16, 40, 72, 110, etc. (6) Hymns of
general religious character, 89, 90, 91, 121, 127, etc.
The following classification has been given in the hope of suggesting
the most prominent religious characteristics of the Psalms. (1) Those
that recognize the one infinite, all-wise and omnipotent God. (2)
Those that recognize the universality of his love and providence and
goodness. (3) Those showing abhorrence of all idols and the rejection
of all subordinate deities. (4) Those giving prophetic glimpses of the
Divine Son and of his redeeming work on earth. (5) Those showing the
terrible nature of sin, the divine hatred of it and judgment of God
upon sinners. (6) Those teaching the doctrines of forgiveness, divine
mercy, and the duty of repentance. (7) Those emphasizing the beauty of
holiness, the importance of faith and the soul's privilege of
communion with God.
Analysis.
1. Davidic Psalms. 1-41. These are not only ascribed to him but
reflect much of his life and faith.
2. Historical Psalms. 42-72.
These are ascribed to several authors, those of the sons of Korah
being prominent and are especially full of historical facts.
3. Liturgical or Ritualistic Psalms. 73-89.
Most of them are ascribed to Asaph and, besides being specially
prescribed for worship, they are strongly historical.
4. Other Pre-Captivity Psalms. 90-106.
Ten are anonymous, one is Moses' (Ps. 90) and the rest David's. They
reflect much of the pre-captivity sentiment and history.
5. Psalms of the Captivity and Return. 107-150. Matters pertaining to
the captivity and return to Jerusalem.
For Study and Discussion. (1) On what occasion were the following
Palms probably composed: (a) Psalm 3 (2 Sam. 15). (b) Psalm 24 (2 Sam.
6:12-17). (c) Psalm 56 (1 Sam. 21:10-15). (d) Psalms 75 and 76 (2
Kings 19:32-37). (e) Psalm 109 (1 Sam. 22:9-23). (f) Psalm 74 (2 Kings
25:2-18). (g) Psalm 60 (1 Chron. 18:11-13). (2) What is the subject of
Psalms 23, 84, 103,133 and 137? (3) What doctrine of the divine
character is taught in each of the following Psalms; 8, 19, 33, 46,
93, 115 and 139?
Proverbs.
Practical Value of the Book of Proverbs. The proverbs emphasize the
external religious life. They teach how to practice religion and
overcome the daily temptations. They express a belief in God and his
rule over the universe and, therefore, seek to make his religion the
controlling motive in life and conduct. They breathe a profound
religious spirit and a lofty religious conception, but put most stress
upon the doing of religion in all the relations of life. Davison says:
"For the writers of Proverbs religion means good sense, religion means
mastery of affairs, religion means strength and manliness and success,
religion means a well furnished intellect employing the best means to
accomplish the highest ends." This statement is correct as far as the
side of duty emphasized is concerned.
Nature of Proverbs. (1) There is a voice of wisdom which speaks words
of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prudence, subtility, instruction,
discretion and the fear of Jehovah, and furnishes us with good advice
for every condition of life. (2) There is a voice of folly, which
speaks words of folly, simplicity, stupidity, ignorance, brutishness
and villainy, and lifts her voice wherever wisdom speaks. (3) Wisdom
is contrasted with folly, which often issues in simplicity and
scorning. (4) Wisdom is personified, as if it were God speaking about
the practical, moral, intellectual and religious duties of men. (5)
Christ finds Himself in the book, Lu. 24:27, and if Christ be
substituted for wisdom, where it is found, a new and wonderful power
will be seen in the book.
Scheme of the Considerations Found in Proverbs. The first sphere-the
home, father and children, 1:8-9 and Chs. 2-7. Key-word here is "my
son." The second sphere-friendship; companions is the important word.
1:10-19. The third sphere-the world beyond.
Analysis.
I. Praise of Wisdom. Chs. 1-9. This is shown by contrast with folly.
1. The design and some fundamental maxims, 1:1-19.
2. Wisdom's warnings, 1:20 end.
3. Wisdom will reveal God and righteousness and save one from
wicked men and strange women, Ch. 2.
4. Description of the life of wisdom, Ch. 3.
5. Wisdom the best way, Ch. 4.
6. The strange woman, Ch. 5.
7. Against various evils, Ch. 6.
8. Wisdom's warnings against the seductions of an adulterous, Ch.
7.
9. Wisdom makes an appeal, Ch. 8.
10. Wisdom gives her invitations, Ch. 9.
II. Practical Proverbs of Solomon. 10:1-22:16. These are separate and
cannot be classified.
III. Words of the Wise. 22:17-24 end. Sometimes called commendations
of justice. There are several authors, but no common topic.
IV. Proverbs of Solomon, copied by the scribes of Hezekiah, Chs. 25-
29.
V. Words of Agur. Ch. 30.
From one who has tried "to find out God unto perfection and found the
task above him."
VI. Words of Lemuel, Ch. 31.
1. The duty of Kings, 1-9.
2. The praise of a virtuous woman or good wife, 10-31.
For Study and Discussion. (1) Collect passages that tell of the
rewards of virtue and piety. (2) Cite passages that show the evils of:
sloth or indolence, of wine-drinking and drunkenness, of tale-bearing,
of family contentions. (3) Make a list of the chief thoughts of the
book concerning God, man, and other great religious teachings of our
day. (4) What is said of a man who rules his own spirit, of a good
name, of obedience to parents, of fitly spoken words, of a beautiful
woman who lacks discretion, of a liberal soul, of a false balance, of
a soft answer, of a wise son. Find where the answers are found (5) The
Peril of following an unchaste love (woman), chapter 5. (6) Folly of
yielding to the wiles of an harlot, chapter 7. (7) The description of
a worthy woman, 31:10 end.
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