What Are the Psalms of Solomon?
The Psalms of Solomon are a collection of 18 pseudepigraphal psalms dating to the mid-1st century BC (c. 63–40 BC). They were originally written in Hebrew — likely by a Pharisaic author in Jerusalem — and survive primarily in Greek and Syriac manuscripts. Though never included in any biblical canon, they are quoted in early Christian literature and offer profound insight into Jewish piety and messianic expectation in the years immediately before Jesus.
These psalms were discovered in a 10th-century Greek manuscript and published in the 17th century. They are distinct from the canonical Psalms of David and from the later Odes of Solomon (a Christian work from the 2nd century).
Historical Background
The Psalms of Solomon were written in response to the Roman general Pompey’s conquest of Jerusalem in 63 BC. Pompey entered the Holy of Holies, an act of profound desecration, and the Jewish people experienced intense suffering under Roman occupation. The psalms wrestle with the theological question: Why does God allow the wicked to prosper and the righteous to suffer? They answer with a call to repentance, trust in God’s righteousness, and hope for the coming Messiah.
Key Themes
- Messianic expectation — Psalm 17 is one of the most detailed messianic prophecies outside the Old Testament, describing a Davidic king who will destroy the wicked, gather the holy people, and rule with righteousness. It directly influenced the early Christian understanding of Jesus as the Christ.
- God’s justice and mercy — The psalms struggle deeply with theodicy, ultimately affirming that God is just even when His ways are hard to understand.
- Repentance and restoration — Time and again, the psalms call Israel to repent and return to the Lord.
- The destruction of the wicked — A strong theme of divine judgment against oppressors (both foreign rulers and corrupt Jews).
Notable Psalms
- Psalm 17 — The Messianic Psalm: “Behold, O Lord, and raise up for them their king, the son of David, to rule over your servant Israel in the time known to you, O God” (17:21). This psalm is echoed in Luke 1:32–33 (the Annunciation) and in early Christian messianism.
- Psalm 2 — A meditation on God’s righteousness and the folly of the wicked.
- Psalm 8 — Describes Pompey’s invasion and the desecration of the Temple.
- Psalm 18 — A companion to Psalm 17, continuing the messianic theme with emphasis on the Messiah’s holiness.
Why It Matters for Christians Today
- It illuminates Jewish messianic expectation — Psalm 17 gives us an unparalleled look at what first-century Jews expected from the Messiah, helping us understand why some recognized Jesus as Messiah and others did not.
- It bridges the Old and New Testaments — The Psalms of Solomon show how Jewish piety evolved in the intertestamental period, preparing the way for the gospel.
- It deepens our understanding of the Magnificat — Mary’s song in Luke 1 echoes themes found in the Psalms of Solomon, particularly the exaltation of the humble and the scattering of the proud.
- It connects to the canon debate — Like the other books in our Study Resources, the Psalms of Solomon demonstrate why the canons of different traditions vary and what we can learn from these ancient texts.
Key Passages
“Behold, O Lord, and raise up for them their king, the son of David, to rule over your servant Israel in the time known to you, O God. Gird him with the strength to destroy the unrighteous rulers, to purge Jerusalem from gentiles who trample her to destruction.” — Psalms of Solomon 17:21–22
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord at all times. The Lord will save them in the shelter of peace. The Lord will guard them from sin, and they will be blessed forever.” — Psalms of Solomon 14:1–2
Video Resources
A full audiobook with text of the Psalms of Solomon, perfect for listening and following along.