In the Wordනියැදිය

Week 29, Day 1 Read Job 1-2 Poetry - Job Remember Shakespeare in high school English class? Soon after you open the Psalms or Proverbs, you’ll notice that Biblical books of poetry differ stylistically from the plays and sonnets of Mr. Shakespeare in two key ways: 1) David and Solomon’s poetry doesn’t rhyme. You won’t find couplets, quatrains, or any other rhyme schemes in these poetic books. 2) In Biblical poetry, rhythmic meter cannot be found. When you read Ecclesiastes aloud, you won’t hear iambic pentameter or notice any particular beat or cadence to the words. You may wonder, “Without rhyme and rhythm, how can you classify these books as poetry?” The answer: it’s because either they were written with the intention of being accompanied by music (like the Psalms), or they utilize literary techniques like simile, metaphor, personification, parallelism, and figure of speech (like Proverbs). Through these more artistic writing styles, God is able to explore the themes presented in each of the books in unique and meaningful ways. Job (sometimes described as an opera) explores the connection between God’s sovereignty and man’s suffering through a series of debates with friends. Psalms, from King David and several other authors, offer up beautiful prayers and songs, typically falling into the categories of praise, thanksgiving, or lament. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon imparts wisdom and offers answers to tough questions using an instruction poetry style made up of short adages. Solomon also considers the futility of earthly pursuits in Ecclesiastes and creates a godly picture of romance, love, and marriage in Song of Solomon (sometimes called Song of Songs). Scripture Coverage: Job–Song of Songs Scripture Reading: Various verses throughout the Poetical books, including all of Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs Book Genre: Poetical Main Theme: God’s message is communicated poetically through a number of different literary techniques Main Events: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs Main Characters: Job, David, and Solomon Think about: What kind of man is Job? (Job 1:1-2:10) From the same verses, what do we learn about God, Satan, and the nature of their relationship? What do you learn about God’s protection over you? What comfort does that provide you?