Books of Poetry and Wisdom pt. 1

C. Books of poetry and wisdom – These books consist of narratives, hymns, songs, prayers, poems, and statements of wisdom containing personal truths and observations. These books are creative and honest expressions of worship, love, frustration, anger, joy, futility, desire, and wisdom.

18. Job - named for the principal character in the book. It is believed to be the oldest book in the Bible. Written perhaps 2000 years before Jesus was born. Job may have lived sometime after the Flood and before Abraham.

Theme: suffering and faith

Chapters 1-2: Prologue: Job’s happiness and Job’s testing
Chapters 3-27: Dialogue and Dispute: Job and his three friends
Chapter 28: Interlude on Wisdom
Chapters 29-41: Monologues: Job, Elihu, and God
Chapter 42: Epilogue: Repentance and Restoration

Key verse: Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:23-27)

19. Psalms – derived from the Greek word: Psalmoi, originally meaning “songs sung to a harp or stringed instrument.” Psalms is a collection of 150 songs and prayers sung by Jews in the Temple. Christians also sing psalms found in this book. It is the songbook of the Bible. The authors of Knowing the Bible 101 characterizes Psalms this way: “If the Bible is God’s message to humanity, then the Book of Psalms is humanity’s response to God” in both good times and bad. The Book of Psalms is similar to a diary. The many authors of the psalms express to God in very personal terms what they are feeling/experiencing at a particular moment in their lives - their joys, grief, fears, frustrations, gratitude, and ultimately, faith. They are also expressions of praise, repentance, and wisdom. Examples: Psalm 42, Psalm 51, Psalm 136. The psalms were written over many centuries by various authors. The majority of the psalms (over 70) were written by David. Other authors include Moses, Solomon, Asaph (a worship leader), and sons of Korah (group of singers and composers in the Temple). We do not know who the author is for about 50 psalms. The shortest (two verses – Psalm 117) and longest “chapters” (Psalm 119) in the Bible are found in Psalms.

Theme: Worship in all aspects of life

The Book of Psalms is divided into 5 sections mirroring the first 5 books of the Old Testament known as the Pentateuch.

Part 1 – Psalms 1-41
Part 2 – Psalms 42-72
Part 3 – Psalms 73-89
Part 4 – Psalms 90-106
Part 5 – Psalms 107-150

Key verse: My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever. (Psalm 145:21)