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.