Why Are the Psalms of Solomon “of Solomon”?

The Psalms of Solomon is a pseudepigraphic work. The attribution to Solomon, although it is difficult to prove that it dates to the time these psalms were written, is nevertheless ancient. The reasons for this attribution, however, are not entirely clear. One might suggest, among other things, that this is mainly due to the messianic nature of Pss. Sol. 17 and 18, which deal with the »son of David,« or to an attempt to draw a connection between some sapiential prayers and the figure of the Wise King. This article aims to demonstrate that the Sitz im Leben of these Psalms of Solomon could also be the call for prayers that King Solomon addressed during his prayer at the temple (1 Kgs 8:33-34).