The Psalms of Solomon

The Psalms of Solomon is a collection of eighteen Jewish religious poems written by an unknown author or authors, probably in the first century BC. This English version was translated by Rutherford H. Platt, Jr. and included in The Forgotten Books of Eden (1928).

The psalms reflect a period of political turmoil, religious conflict, and foreign domination. They combine prayers, laments, and expressions of hope, while condemning injustice and calling for faithfulness to God.

A recurring theme is the expectation of divine judgment and the restoration of Israel. Several passages look forward to a righteous ruler who will defeat the wicked, purify Jerusalem, and establish justice, ideas that later became important in discussions of Jewish messianic thought.

The Psalms of Solomon offers valuable insight into Jewish religious beliefs and hopes during the late Second Temple period, especially ideas concerning righteousness, repentance, judgment, and the coming of a divinely appointed king.

"1. I cried unto the Lord when I was in distress,
Unto God when sinners assailed.
2. Suddenly the alarm of war was heard before me;
I said, He will hearken to me for I am full of righteousness."