The Books of Poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon The Writings or the Books of Poetry *Job: The P______Book-Why do the righteous suffer? It approaches suffering from a personal rather than philosophical viewpoint. *Psalms: The S______Book of Israel-it speaks to people in need written by people in need *Proverbs: The W______Book-It prompts the reader to follow the ways of the Lord which are the only way one can lead a successful life *Ecclesiastes: Book of Life’s M______-it raises the questions that grow out pf the search for joy and meaning in life *Song of Solomon: I______Book-Human love picturing God’s Love THE BOOKS OF POETRY: Job: *Theme of the book: suffering is not always explained *Author: unknown *Interesting things about this book: -the oldest book in the Bible probably written during the days of Abraham -Job was not an Israelite, Uz was in NE Palestine -God brings Job to the attention of the devil -His friends argue with Job rather than comfort him and in the end God rebukes them and blesses Job with twice what he started with God was silent till the very end Spiritual principles of this book: When suffering comes, there is always a work of God going on, even when we cannot see it. Some things we have to leave with the wisdom of the Lord alone. Psalms: *This is the book of Jewish songs and prayers. They cover the range of human emotions from great joy to deep despair. *Author: David (92 of the Psalms), Moses (Ps. 90) and a few others *Theme: Praise belongs to God no matter what you are experiencing. Interesting things about Psalms: -Ps 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible -15 Psalms have the title, “A Psalm of Ascents” (Ps. 120-134): Rabbinic tradition states that there were 15 steps going up from the women’s court in the temple to the Israelite’s court and that a Psalm was composed for each. -“Selah” occurs 71 times in Psalms and indicates a pause during which instruments are played or a change in speaking or singing softly to full volume The Spiritual Principles of Psalms: The spiritual intersects with the human experience at every level of our being

PROVERBS: *This book is about practical wisdom. *Author: Solomon *Theme: The wisdom of God, there is virtually no area of life that this book does not address *Interesting Things about this book: -There are seven things that God absolutely hates: Prov. 6:16-19 -Wisdom is personified as a lady (Prov. 8) *Spiritual principles of Proverbs: -When I acknowledge God in all my ways, He directs my paths -My reverence for God leads to greater wisdom ECCLESIASTES: *This book is about humanity’s search for significance and meaning in life. It is full of frustration as the search leads him down one empty path after another. *Author: Solomon Ecclesiastes is a Greek word which means “assembly” or “congregation.” In Hebrew it is “The Preacher” -i.e. the one who assembles the congregation Theme of the book: What makes life worth living? Life is empty apart form God. What you build your life on is all important since it determines the ultimate quality of living. Seeking your own happiness always comes up as futile, frustrating and a failure. It is the futility of a value system based upon material possessions and personal ambitions. It points out the total absurdity of pursuing happiness as your ultimate goal. Interesting things about this book: -This is the closest piece of writing in the Bible to what Greeks call philosophy. -Ecclesiastes comes from the Latin form of the Greek word meaning, “preacher.” -Spiritual principles of this book: -Nothing can satisfy my soul other than an intimate relationship with God. -Self-seeking life is futile SONG OF SOLOMON: *This is a love poem. The Jews called it the Holy of Holies of Scripture. *Author: Solomon-the author of over 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs *Theme: The relationship God desires with you is similar to the love, intimacy between a married woman and man. Yet it is best to take this book literally rather an allegorically as an exaltation of the biblical ideal of sexual relationship being limited to one man and one woman who commits themselves to each other for life. Interesting thing about this book: Jewish young men were not allowed to read this book until they were 30 years of age due to its erotic tone. Spiritual principle of this book: Intimacy is what God desires above all else