Not all of the writings in the Pseudepigrapha are of an apocalyptic nature. "The Psalms of Solomon" is a collection of eighteen psalms that extol the Pharisaic conception of righteousness. The standard that is set forth is complete obedience to the perfect Law of God. The Fourth Book of Maccabees, concerning the field of ethics, is a discourse on the power of reason to control passions; illustrations are drawn from the experiences of such men as Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and David. "The Story of Ahikar" belongs to the folktales of the ancient Hebrews. The hero of the story is an official in the court of an Assyrian king. An evil plot against him is formed by men who wish to kill him. The plot fails, and Ahikar is able to take full revenge on his enemies. The Book of Jubilees praises the Law revealed to Moses. The Law is declared to be everlasting, and the importance of obedience to its demands is illustrated throughout the entire course of history. A somewhat different attitude toward the Law is presented in the Book of Zodak, which was written in support of a reform movement designed to counteract the formalism and irregularities of the priesthood. Among the sacred legends, one finds the Epistle of Aristeas, in which the circumstances that led to the making of the Septuagint version of the Hebrew writings are described. The Books of Adam and Eve record popular beliefs concerning the events that occurred immediately after Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden. Finally, "The Martyrdom of Isaiah" describes the way in which the prophet Isaiah met his death at the hands of wicked King Manasseh.
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