This article is part 5 of a short series covering the Old Testament, or Tanakh. If you haven’t read the first introductory article, click here, for Part 2 – Pentateuch, click here. For Part 3 – Historical Books, click here. The final article of this series, Part 5 Major and Minor Prophets will be linked once it’s available. For the Bible Project Old Testament books playlist, click here.

As you’re reading through my summaries, watching videos from other authors, and seeking different perspectives, I want to remind you that we are all fallible, and there may be mistakes. Feel free to correct any errors as we learn together.

I encourage you to delve into the Word for yourself, pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, attend a church that teaches sound doctrine, and consult with your Pastor for further clarification.

Poetry and Wisdom

The Old Testament of the Bible contains several books that fall under the categories of poetry and wisdom literature. These books offer profound insights, reflections, and guidance for both personal and communal life. These books of poetry and wisdom in the Old Testament provide timeless wisdom, spiritual nourishment, and a guide for living a fulfilling and moral life. They encourage readers to seek understanding, pursue righteousness, and cultivate a deep relationship with God.

Job

According to the chronological reading plan I’m going through, the book of Job takes place around the same time as Genesis, which I found fascinating. It is believed that Job’s story occurs sometime after the fall of the Tower of Babel. The book itself is written in a combination of poetic and prose style, with chapters 3-41 being entirely in poetic language. While there is some speculation by a minority that the book is not meant to be taken literally and is only poetic, most theologians and historians agree that it is a historic account of Job’s life. For more on that, consider reading: Is the book of Job a true story or a parable/allegory?

In the book of Job, we learn about a righteous man named Job who undergoes immense loss and adversity. His friends, who come to comfort him, unfortunately, prove to be rather unhelpful. They assume that Job must have done something wrong to deserve his suffering. However, in chapter 18:10-16, Job argues that accepting the perspective of his friends would be to embrace darkness instead of having faith and trusting that God, who knows the truth, will vindicate him. Job believes that all of his suffering will ultimately be used for God’s glory.

Throughout the book, Job’s wife tells him to curse God, but Job remains steadfast in his faith. He values the mysteries of God, as well as Wisdom and Understanding. In fact, in Job 28:28, he declares, “And he said to man, ‘Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil, that is understanding.’” The book of Job explores profound concepts such as the nature of suffering, the justice of God, and the importance of trust and faith in difficult times. It serves as an illustration of the extent to which God protects us.

Although the author of the book of Job is unknown, its story is the infallible and inspired word of God. According to a commentary I read, Job 42:1-7 are crucial verses that help us understand the book as a whole. In these verses, Job finally receives an answer to his unjust treatment. He learns that God is sovereign, and His plans cannot be thwarted. Job acknowledges that he spoke about things he did not understand and admits that he had previously heard of God but now truly sees Him. He apologizes for and rejects the words he had spoken against God. In response, God expresses His anger towards Job’s friends and asks Job to pray for them. God restores Job, doubling his possessions, and his last days are even better than his first.

Psalms

The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic songs and prayers that cover a range of human emotions. These Psalms are written mostly by David while he was on the run from Saul, facing battles, and after the death of Saul. However, they are also penned by other unknown authors. With heartfelt emotions and vivid imagery, these Psalms truly resonate with the human experience. Below are a few that are especially meaningful to me.

One Psalm that deeply resonated with me is Psalm 23. During a challenging period of my life marked by illness and uncertainty, I turned to this Psalm for comfort. It was during this time that I recommitted my life to God and found comfort in the words of Psalm 23. Reflecting on all that God has brought me through, this Psalm serves as a constant reminder of His faithfulness and the commitment I made to Him.

Another Psalm that stands out is Psalm 142, specifically verse 3. In this Psalm, David cries out to the Lord, expressing his troubles and seeking deliverance from persecution. David finds himself overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, except to call upon the name of the Lord. “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path…” (Psalm 142:3). During times when we feel like we’ve run out of options, this Psalm reminds us that God understands our struggles and knows the way we should walk. We can trust Him with each step we take.

Jesus is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. In Psalms 22:1, David speaks the words “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me…” which are later uttered by Jesus on the cross, as recorded in Matthew 27:46. The entirety of David’s words in Psalms 22 find fulfillment in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. This connection between the Old and New Testaments is a powerful reminder of the fulfillment of prophecy. To dive deeper into this, you may consider reading: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 22: finding hope in darkness.

I’d love to read more about which Psalms are your favorite and why. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Proverbs

Proverbs is a collection of short, wise sayings that offer practical guidance for a righteous and meaningful life. It covers a variety of topics, including wisdom, virtue, relationships, work, and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs provides timeless principles for making wise choices and discerning the path of righteousness. It is important, however, to consider each one within the full context of the Bible.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is a profound reflection on the meaning of life, written from the perspective of “the Teacher.” It explores themes such as the futility of worldly pursuits and the fleeting nature of our existence. It challenges the constant search for purpose and fulfillment. It highlights the futile cycle of acquiring possessions that only fade away. Even if we accumulate wealth, it may end up in the hands of someone who does not appreciate it. All our acquiring never truly satisfies us.

There is nothing truly new under the sun. History repeats itself, generation after generation, as we tirelessly strive without truly learning. The more knowledge we gain, the more we realize our limitations. All human labor is ultimately for sustenance, yet the soul remains unsatisfied. Only through the redeeming blood of Jesus can we find cleansing. Let us remember our Creator before it is too late. The Teacher implores us to fear God and keep His commandments, for this is our duty as humans. God will judge every action, be it good or evil, even the hidden ones.

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 speaks to the mystery of life, where sometimes the righteous face the consequences that should befall the wicked, and vice versa. It seems unfair and meaningless. In the face of this uncertainty, the Teacher encourages us to embrace the enjoyment of life. There is nothing better for us under the sun than to eat, drink, and be glad. By doing so, we can experience joy in our toil throughout the days God has given us in this world. Some might interpret this verse as a call to simply pursue pleasure without any other considerations. However, when we closely examine the latter part of verse 15, we find a profound truth: “…and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.” It is not merely about indulging in earthly pleasures but rather living with joy, knowing that God has graciously granted us each day of our life. Our ultimate joy comes from our relationship with the Lord.

Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic allegorical work. It celebrates the beauty of love and desire between a bride and her bridegroom, using vivid imagery and metaphors. This book also symbolizes the relationship between God and His people.

Remarkably, Song of Solomon has been subject to a broader range of interpretation than any other book. Some scholars believe it describes a marital relationship, while others argue it represents the bond between Christ and the church. Some even see it as a metaphorical depiction of both. The doubts arise due to King Solomon’s polygamous lifestyle, which contradicts the monogamous relationship portrayed in the Song of Solomon.

The ESV Study Bible reveals that there are at least four alternative interpretations to the traditionally accepted view of marital love in this book. However, amidst the differing viewpoints, a common thread of coherence remains – the key theme of covenantal love, depicted by the affection between the shepherd and his betrothed.

One point of contention raised in the ESV Study Bible is that in 1 Kings 3:1, Solomon formed a marriage alliance with the daughter of the Egyptian Pharaoh, which challenges the idea of the Shulammite being Solomon’s first wife. Additionally, Solomon’s polygamous nature further complicates the assumption that the young shepherd and the king are one and the same, as the object of the Shulammite’s affection. Either way, the Song of Solomon is considered a poetic masterpiece, inviting us into a complex and symbolically layered love story.

Key Takeaways from the Poetry and Wisdom Books:

• God’s sovereignty is highlighted and demonstrated in the book of Job.
• Job’s suffering is turned around for his good and God’s glory.
• Wisdom and understanding are important attributes to pursue.
• God’s omniscience is evident in his knowledge of our steps
• The Old Testament continues to foreshadow the coming of Jesus.
• Psalms and Proverbs contain beautiful nuggets of truth, wisdom, and understanding.
• Ecclesiastes is profound in its relatability, emphasizing that there is “nothing new under the sun.”
• Despite considering the context, culture, and audience, some profound words in these texts transcend time and culture, resonating with the whole human experience.

Wrapping it up – Until Next Time!

Thank you for joining me on this series. Stay tuned for the fifth and final article, “Part 5: Major and Minor Prophets,” where we will cover the remaining 17 books of the Old Testament. Once the final article is available, I will provide a hyperlink.

I am looking forward to engaging in discussions with fellow believers as we explore the Word of the Lord together. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Additionally, I invite you to join me in reading through the New Testament with Tara Leigh Cobble’s “The Bible Recap,” starting on January 1, 2024!