Books of Poetry

The Poetic books of the Bible do not continue with the history of the Hebrew people, however, they are considered to be a transition from the History Books (1 Samuel through Esther) to the Prophetic books of the Major Prophets (Isaiah through Daniel).

This section explores questions of suffering, love, wisdom, and the nature of the God of Israel. It examines inquiries of life, daily practical living, and relationships with others. Thus, they are also sometimes labelled the writings of “wisdom” especially found in Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs. The remaining books are a collection of songs (psalms), love stories, and worship prayers.

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The book of Job teaches us how to look through the lens of Pain

When in great tribulation, those who turn to God, even if they argue, plead and protest in God's presence, will find a pathway nearer to the tender mercies.

 

No one understands the meaning of "lean not on your understanding" until the circumstances cast them into a dark and painful place. 

If we give ourselves to God fully, we will obtain keepsakes of Him to treasure now and forever.

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The book of Psalm teaches us the Language of our deepest Longings

Sometimes, we cannot find the words to shape our fears, joys, longings, or sorrows into prayers.

We can just grasp the expressions from the pages of this ancient hymnbook of Israel.

Psalms contain towering peaks of joy and canyons of desolation.

God gave us a book at the very heart of our Bibles that will sustain us through it all

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The most crucial term in the book of Proverbs is "Discernment" 

The Hebrew term means “to separate; to make distinct.” 

Discernment is the ability to look at a situation and clearly see ALL its moving parts.

A discerning mind has the ability to think critically, and to distinguish truth from error.

To anticipate the likely consequences of any given choice.

The HOLY SPIRIT who is our Helper, Teacher, and Counsellor instructs our hearts day by day

So we can apply it to the specific, sometimes, tangled circumstances and relationships where we need wisdom the most.

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The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that "Eternity is in our hearts"

Solomon wrote: "He has put eternity in our hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end" 3:11.

God has created us as spiritual beings

We all crave to understand the ultimate realities of life

Yet, we can never figure out life using our minds alone

In fact, the farther we drift from our daily walk with God, the more frustrated and confused we get.

Without that eternal dimension, we will always be looking for substitutes  and shallow stand-ins

Which will make us emptier than ever.

Our mind may say we need, a vacation, a hobby, a new car, a night in the town or a new romance to being life back into our days.

But we know those fixes are temporary at best.

The good news is, He is right at the door... Rev 3:20

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Songs of Solomon also teaches teach us:

The importance of the husband and wife relationship

Apart from the relationship with God, there is no other relationship as important as husband and wife

One cannot imagine the kind of impact a loving, deeply committed, christ-honouring marriage can make

It not only affects the happiness and well-being of the couple itself but also touches, the children, grandchildren, friends, neighbours, the church and the angels who observe us too.

Even after the couple leaves the earth, the lasting influence of a strong marriage inspires future generations.

So don't allow resentments, unforgiveness, pride, selfishness and neglect to nibble away at the health and joy of your marriage.

Songs of Solomon has 4 woven themes:

i) Marriage: In the days when marriage is being redefined by contemporary culture, this book is ever more relevant. From the beginning, God established marriage between one man and one woman for a lifetime and this is how it must be preserved (Gen 2:24). The same view of the biblical view of marriage represents the pattern for the relationship between Christ and His church - A permanent union based on Love, faithfulness, and purity

ii) Sexual intimacy: The book honours the physical dimension of married love as healthy and holy. The books frank descriptions of the beauty of the human body - and the attraction such beauty inspires - simply honours the Creator

iii) Extravagance: Solomon was not only rich to afford extravagance but also demonstrated his investment in love and marriage. The union created by God is limitless in its expression and possibilities. We should also value our beloved and their love like Solomon if we want our marriage to prosper

iv) Language of Love: The book is made up of 15 reflections written as lyric poetry with insights into love, romance, marriage, and sexual intimacy. Solomon and his bride plumbed the depths of their language and creativity to develop word pictures to enrapture one another.

The Book is a reminder to all lovers that there is a language of love that can turn the ordinary into extraordinary