As opposed to the books in the Pentateuch and history section, which are often described as long and tedious, the poetical books are often well-received by modern audiences. Known as “wisdom literature,” the books of Job through Song of Solomon were meant to teach the Israelites how to live well in a way that honored God. Even though they were written to people who lived thousands of years ago, the basic principles can still be applied today. Through stories and songs, the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs illustrate how to live a life pleasing to God, something still important to an audience living several centuries later.
The events in the poetical books cover a broad section of history. Scholars believe that Job lived during the time of the patriarchs in the land of Uz, located in the southwestern Canaan. Moses was probably the author of the some of the earlier Psalms, and many Psalms are attributed to King David, who reigned ca. 1011–971B.C. Some Psalms, though, were probably not written until after the exile in 587 B.C. However, the bulk of the text found in these books was likely written in Jerusalem during Israel’s united monarchy under David (ca. 1011–971B.C.) and Solomon (ca. 970–930 B.C.). This was a peak in the nations’ power, and culture often flourishes in times of prosperity.
These books also cover a fairly broad array of topics. Job is best known for its theme of suffering and musings about the reason behind seemingly undeserved pain. It begins by introducing the readers to Job, a man described as “blameless and upright…who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1) in addition to having great wealth. The author then gives the audience a luxury Job did not have through insight ...
... middle of paper ...
...d in Proverbs. It can also mean making sure God is a part of everyday life, as shown in Ecclesiastes, and it can mean saving oneself for marriage, as demonstrated by Song of Solomon.
The books of poetry are formed around general principles of how to live life in a way pleasing to God. This is true wisdom, insight that extends beyond factual knowledge. Although those who follow God do not necessarily escape pain and suffering on earth, as seen in Job, in some ways retribution theology is correct. It may not be the case presently, but ultimately the wicked will be punished and the wise will be blessed for trusting in their God.
Bibliography
Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Barker Academic, 2008. Print.
ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2007. Print.
The Bible: The Old Testament. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Sarah Lawall et al. Vol 1. 7th ed. New York: Norton, 1999. 47-97.
The King James Bible serves as the world’s base belief system. The creation of the King James Bible from Tyndale’s writings on the New Testament help mode what the King James Bible is today. Psalm 23 is almost a direct copy of Tyndale’s version, but written in simpler forms for better understanding seen in Romans 1:1-3. And the poetic wisdom in The Sermon on the Mount and through the bible is very self-evident and shows Jesus not only teaching but to give visual gratification mentally. The King James Bible was formed with many literary elements and samples of other examples of God’s word put into layman’s language. The King Jams Bible was written for better understanding of the word. The bible today is the source of all knowledge of God and Jesus
Hindson, E. E., & Yates, G. E. (2012). The Essence of the Old Testament: A survey. Nashville, Tenn: B & H Academic.
The beginnings of Judaism came about in the mid-13th century. The Hebrew Scriptures also known as the Christian Old Testament dates back between the times of 700 and 400 BCE. One of the main instructions that was given to the Hebrew people was to be monotheistic and only serve one God, however for the Hebrews this was a struggle for them to follow this guideline.
Often we also see the Old Testament written in a poetic and impacting way so that it was easily remembered and passed on in the absence of formal schooling.
Harris, Stephen. Understanding The Bible. 6 ed. New York City: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages, 2002. Print.
All biblical stories are dedicated in providing a life lesson. They are God’s ways in teaching His people on how they should behave and how to better their relationships with Him. In addition, the accounts also give insight to characteristics and truths of God. The lives of numerous biblical characters serve as archetypes that affirm the fact that God is the sovereign Creator, the supreme Judge, and the merciful Savior.
...pse." In Current Issues in New Testament Interpretation, edited by W. Klaasen and G.F. Snyder, 23-37. New York, NY: Harper and Row, 1962.
The authors acknowledge that many books have been written on this topic. Their goal is to be unique by focusing on different types of literature (genres) so their readers will understand how to properly interpret them in the context they were written. This review will examine the principles the authors use to interpret the Bible. The review will summarize the book, followed by a critique, and a conclusion.
Henry, Matthew, and Leslie F. Church. Commentary on the Whole Bible: Genesis to Revelation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1961. Print.
Deffinbaugh, B. (n.d.). Wisdom Literature: The Psalms Part 1. Retrieved May 9, 2011, from Bible.org: http://bible.org/seriespage/wisdom-literature-psalms-part-i
The bible has teachings that can be applied to any situation in life. The book of Galatians, found in the New Testament, houses just a few of these teachings. Galatians...
... is faith, which is to “return to what took place at salvation.” Faith and obedience are keys to spiritual victory as we are called to pursue holiness and be sanctified (Col. 2:11-12).
Levine, Amy –Jill and Douglas Knight. The Meaning of the Bible: What Jewish and Christian Old Testament Can Teach Us. New York: HarperOne, 2011
LaSor, W., Hubbard, D., Bush, F., & Allen, L. (1996). Old Testament survey: The message, form, and background of the Old Testament (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans