Psalms & Proverbs

What other two authors of Proverbs are named? What is known about them?

Agur and King Lemuel. The term oracle (mass) is applied to both. Meaning burden carried. Also, they seem to be Gentiles, possibly Arabian.

Who wrote most of the Psalms (at least more than any other person)?

David wrote 73 psalms, nearly half.

Each book of Psalms (e.g., 1-41) ends in a _____ . What is that?

Doxology or an outburst of praise to God.

The Psalms were produced in what broad time period (from what period to what period)?

From the exodus (Ps. 90 by Moses) to the return from exile (126, 137, 147). But like other books of poetry, most of them are clustered in the United Kingdom period (David and Solomon).

The Psalms were the _____ of the Jews and the early church.

Hymnal. They were used in both public and private worship.

What is the description of a proverb?

It is a short, memorable expression that uses vivid language and figures of speech.

What is the definition of the term "proverb," both specifically and generally? How does this relate to form?

It is a wise saying or moral principle. But more specifically it is "marshal" or "parallel" or "similar" a description of comparison or analogy in this specific form.

What do these four things/ terms specifically mean?

P. They are meant to be lived out in real life situations. U. They are timeless truth for all and all times. G. They recognize exceptions to the rule, but the rule still remains true. Therefore they are to be interpreted as general principles, not necessarily absolute laws or promises. M. They have to do with right living before God.

The proverbs are characterized as with four terms. What do these terms specifically mean?

Practical, Universal, Generalizations, Moral (PUG.M.)

What does the "fear of God" mean?

Reverence and respect.

The Proverbs were authored (for the most part) by whom?

Solomon is the author of most.

How do the various books of the Psalms relate to the Pentateuch?

Some scholars have noted that the books seems to correspond to the important books of the Pentateuch in terms of themes and emphases.

What is the English translation of the title of Psalms in the Hebrew Scriptures?

Tehillim, meaning "praises" or "praise songs."

How does the book end (31:10-31)? What is the significance of this?

The book ends with a praise psalm towards a excellent wife. The ideal woman. This could be significant because it is a representation of wisdom, and summarizes the themes.

Enthronement Psalms

The focus is on God's sovereign rule over all. Not a king's reign on earth, but the focus is on God's reign in more of a cosmic or universal sense.

Messianic Psalms

The focus is on the coming of the "Anointed One" the Messiah, who would establish an eternal, righteous reign over Israel.

What is the purpose of the Proverbs? What does the "fear of God" mean?

The purpose is to teach wisdom in life which is based upon fear of God.

What is the meaning of "psalm" (based on the Greek word)?

The word is psalmos, meaning "song."

Royal Psalms

Their focus is on the reign of Israel's Davidic kings and the anticipation of the reign of The King.

How many authors of the psalms are named? What percentage of the psalms are anonymous?

There are six authors named, David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Ethan. 49 are anonymous. 32%

Salvation History Psalms

These are characterized by a review of and a reflection on Israel's history, specifically how God has faithfully taken care of them, protected them, blessed them.

Penitential Psalms

These are confessions of sin which express sorrow for sin and request for forgiveness from God.

What is an imprecatory psalm?

These are psalms characterized by the psalmist asking God to judge and pour out his vengeance upon the psalmist's enemies and to do so in a violent and extreme way.

Wisdom Psalms

These focus on practical issues of living before God. They are based on observations about life, they often contrast unrighteous with righteous, the wise and the foolish. More educational than liturgical.

Love Psalms

These may have been used at weddings. 45, Song of Solomon

Acrostic Psalms

These were arranged alphabetically.

Pilgrimage Psalms

These were sung as God's people made their way to Jerusalem for a feast time.

Why would Asaph, the sons of Korah, and probably Ethan be writing psalms?

They are likely Levites who are especially involved in worship in the temple or tabernacle. They would be especially interested in song writing that could be used in worship.

How do the authors relate to the historical setting?

They are related to the historical setting because during this time the reign was characterized by peace, and this would allow time to reflect about wisdom.

How are the psalms to be characterized, understood and used (the Background of the Psalms)?

They are to be known as significant, not primarily theological, but appeals to an array of emotions, they are like spiritual journals of people who are serious about their relationship with God and want Him involved in all of their lives. They help us to identify with human feelings and to express the same feelings in prayer and worship to God. The Psalms are honest expressions of real emotions.

How are Christians to understand the content of imprecatory psalms?

They are to remember that these are real expressions of emotions, the Psalmists don't take matters into their own hands, they consider their enemies to be enemies of God, they are pleas to God to fulfill promises he's already made, and in some cases prior love has been demonstrated and rejected, but also the New Testament does use this type of writing.

The titles of the psalms provide what information?

They give the author, historical occasion, and musical notations.

How does wisdom literature relate to Law and Prophets?

This term relates to this because they show how to live the law, but also they aren't the law, but guidance that is not absolute.

What does "wisdom" (the Hebrew word) mean? How is this related to "knowledge"?

This word is "hokhmah" and means "skillful living." This means that wisdom is practical application of knowledge to life.

What is the purpose of the Psalms? Audience (for the most part)?

To provide a means of worship and prayer to be used corporately as well as individually. Therefore, they are primarily God-ward.

What are the main themes of the proverbs (as presented in class)?

Wisdom & Foolishness Righteous & Wickedness Humility & Pride The home, family, children The tongue Laziness Sexual Morality vs. Immorality Riches & Poverty Relationships Anger Business affairs Decisions

What is the significance of the personification of wisdom? How is this technique used in this book?

Wisdom is personified as a woman and this was used in other texts of the time. It helps with comparison because "Lady Wisdom" can be compared to "Lady Folly."