The Psalms of Solomon are a collection of 18 songs that claim to be written by King Solomon. They belong to a group of writings called the pseudepigrapha (ancient works that falsely claim to be written by a well-known person). The psalms were probably written by one author who lived during the middle of the first century BC and wrote in Hebrew. The author’s beliefs reflect the views of the Pharisees, especially about the law, judgment, and the future of Israel.
Style and Themes
These psalms are written in the same style as the Psalms in the Bible. Like the biblical psalms, they describe the contrast between righteous and wicked people. In this collection, the “wicked” are gentiles who have dishonored the holy things of the Lord (2:3) and Jewish people who have turned away from God (3:11, 13).
The sinner is described as a fool, like in the biblical wisdom writings. The fool does not care about the Lord (4:1). His words and actions show his unrighteousness (4:2–4). He lies, judges others unfairly, makes false oaths, commits sexual sin, acts without respect for the law, and seeks his own success even if others are harmed (12).
In contrast, the righteous person is wise and shows respect and awe for the Lord (4:26). The righteous person is not frightened by bad dreams or dangerous times (6:4–5). He is filled with passion for the Lord’s righteousness when he sees the temple and the law being dishonored (8:28).
The Lord shows love for the righteous through discipline, and the righteous respond with repentance. The author compares them to the “tree of life” in Paradise. They are stable and will not be uprooted (14:2–4). The wicked, however, will be forgotten, and God will bring judgment upon them, sending them into Sheol (the place of the dead) and destruction (14:6; 15:10).
God's Rule and Care
The author sees God as the King who mightily rules over nations (2:34 and following). God is ready to judge his enemies and those who faithfully follow him (2:38 and following; 4:9). He will vindicate the righteous (2:39). God shows his care by sustaining creation (5:11–12) and raising up kings, rulers, and nations (5:13). In the same way, the author assures readers that God's care extends particularly to poor people and to those who call on him (5:2–3, 13). He is the hope of the righteous (8:37).
Because of this belief in God’s just rule, the psalmist has confidence that God will overcome evil and rescue the righteous.
Historical Setting and Messianic Hope
The historical context of these psalms is the entrance of Pompey into Jerusalem and his desecration of the temple in 63 BC. There was hope that at the death of Pompey (48 BC, compare 2:30 and following), the messianic age would begin.
He reminds God of his covenant with King David and asks for forgiveness for Israel’s sins. The nation had suffered under foreign control as punishment for its disobedience (17:6). With the death of Pompey, the author prays that God will bring back the kingdom of Israel under a new king from the family line of David.:
“Behold, O Lord, and raise up unto them their king, the son of David. All the time in the which Thou seest, O God, that he may reign over Israel Thy servant” (17:23). By means of the Davidic Messiah, the land will be purged of sinners, godless nations, and the righteous will be sanctified.
The author believes this Messiah (God’s chosen one) will cleanse the land from sin and from godless nations. Only the righteous remnant (small faithful group) will live under his rule. When God brings them back to the land, he will divide them again into the 12 tribes. The Messiah will rule Israel and the nations “in the wisdom of his righteousness” (17:29–31). Foreigners will serve but will not share in the kingdom’s glory.
Future Hope
The Psalms of Solomon express a hope for a new and righteous future. Though they arise from a real historical situation, they also look forward to God’s final judgment and the restoration of Israel. The psalmist blesses those who will live to see God’s mercy and justice:
“Blessed are those who will be there to see Israel’s good fortune when God gathers the tribes. May the Lord quickly show mercy to Israel! The Lord is our king forever and ever” (17:50–51).