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.
Smith, James E.
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