"Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms examines the content, structure, and theological message of each of the Old Testament poetic books with primary emphasis on theological and literary analysis and secondary emphasis on critical issues. Estes notes that in the wisdom books and Psalms "the most profound issues that confront humans are explored with penetrating insight and memorable expression." Job and Ecclesiastes probe the perennial problems of evil and significance, Song of Songs develops a delightful theology of intimacy, Proverbs addresses the various ways in which wisdom is practiced in life, and in Psalms humans speak to God out of the full range of their experiences." "In each chapter, Estes explores one of the five poetical books, first summarizing some of the book's key issues so students will have a basic familiarity with the prominent scholarly discussions. He then devotes the main portion of the chapter to an exposition of the book, interacting with major commentaries and significant scholarly studies. Each chapter concludes with an extensive bibliography that allows for further exploration."--BOOK JACKET.