The Books of Poetry

© John Stevenson, 2009

PentateuchPentateuchGenesis, Exodus, Leviticus,

Numbers, Deuteronomy

Historical Historical BooksBooks

Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles,

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Poetic Poetic BooksBooks

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Prophetic Prophetic BooksBooks

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel,

Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah,

Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

BookBook

Pain & sufferingJobJob

Song of Song of SolomonSolomon

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes

PsalmsPsalms

ProverbsProverbs

ProblemProblem

Prayer & Worship

Conduct

Meaning & significance

Love

Sovereign

God as…God as…

Holy

All-wise

Creator

Lover of His people

On his face before God

Man as…Man as…

Before the throne of

God

Receiving instruction

Under the sun

In a love relationship

Poetic Poetic LiteratureLiterature

Psalms

Song of Solomon

Wisdom Wisdom LiteratureLiterature

Job

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Poetic Poetic LiteratureLiterature

Narrator is viewed as a normal man

Wisdom Wisdom LiteratureLiterature

Narrator is viewed as the wise voice of

experience

Touch the heart Touch the mind

Focus on human emotion

Focus on wisdom

Love for God and for others

Living before God and with others

The Book of Suffering

Dialogue & Discourse

Chapters 1-2

Historical prologue:

Job Tested

Chapters 3-31

Job’s three

friends

Chapters 33-37

Elihu’s speeches

Chapters 38-41

God speaks

Chapter 42

Historical epilogue:

Job Restored

Prose Section Poetry Section

Plain language Highly ornate

Written in pure Hebrew

Contains many expressions characteristic of Chaldaean

Setting for the Story

Uz

The StoryThe Story

• The Heavenly Challenge

• Job’s Calamities

• Satan’s Second Accusation

• Job’s Continuing Endurance

• Job’s Three Friends

The Cast of CharactersThe Cast of Characters

• Job

• Mrs. Job

• God

• Satan

• Three Friends– Eliphaz– Bildad– Zophar

• Elihu

Job maintains his innocenceJob maintains his innocence

• I made a covenant with my eyes that I would not look on a woman to lust (31:1).

• I gave food and clothing to the poor and the widow and the orphan (31:16-20).

• I did not let my own prosperity get in the way of my relationship with God (31:24-28).

ElihuElihu1 Then these three men ceased

answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned, because he justified himself before God. 3 And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he. (Job 32:1-4).

When God Finally Speaks...When God Finally Speaks...

• He does not give Job any answers to his questions

• He does not give Job any comfort in his situation

Job 38:1-3Job 38:1-3

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,

"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!

Job 38:4-7Job 38:4-7"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements, since you know?

Or who stretched the line on it?

On what were its bases sunk?

Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

Job 40:1Job 40:1Then the LORD said to Job, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it."

Job 40:6-9Job 40:6-9Then the LORD answered Job out

of the storm, and said, "Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you, and you instruct Me. Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? Or do you have an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?

Job 42:1-2Job 42:1-2Then Job answered the LORD,

and said, “I know that Thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.”

Job 42:5-6Job 42:5-6"I have heard of Thee by the

hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees Thee; therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes."

Job 42:7Job 42:7And it came about after the LORD

had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.

Job 42:8-9Job 42:8-9“Now therefore, take for yourselves

seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”

Lessons from JobLessons from Job• God is both all-loving and all-powerful• There are no simple answers• Expression of grief & trouble is

appropriate, but not to pass judgment on God

• God is in control, even when it is not obvious to our eyes

• God has a purpose in what he allows, even if we do not know what it is

Lessons from JobLessons from Job• Tragedy can serve as a wake-up call

• God has not remained distant from us in our pain

• Job is about God’s condemnation

Will you really annul My judgment?

Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? (Job 40:8).

God was condemned in Christ.

The Hymnbook of God

Characteristics of the PsalmsCharacteristics of the Psalms

• A thousand years of history• Musical instruments• Quoted in New Testament• Relates our response to God• A “sensory” book

What are the different types of What are the different types of Psalms?Psalms?

• Praise Psalms

• Songs of Thanksgiving

• Royal Psalms

• Wisdom Psalms

• Psalms of Remembrance

• Psalms of Lament

• Imprecatory Psalms

What are some of your favorite What are some of your favorite Psalms?Psalms?

Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Chapters 1-41

Chapters 42-72

Chapters 73-89

Chapters 90-106

Chapters 107-150

Mostly written by David

Mostly by Asaph

Mostly anonymous

Mostly by David

How blessed is the man who does not... Walk... In the

counsel... Of the wicked

Stand... In the path... Of sinners

Sit... In the seat... Of scoffers

Psalm 1Psalm 1

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:3Psalm 1:3He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Psalm 2:1-2Psalm 2:1-2Why are the nations in an uproar,

And the peoples devising a vain thing?

The kings of the earth take their stand,

And the rulers take counsel together

Against the LORD and against His Anointed.

Psalm 2:6-7Psalm 2:6-76 But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion,

My holy mountain.

7 I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:

He said to Me, “Thou art My Son,

Today I have begotten Thee.”

Psalm 2:8-9Psalm 2:8-9

8 Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance,

And the very ends of the earth as Thy possession.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron,

Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware.

Psalm 22-24Psalm 22-24

• Psalm 22. The Suffering ServantPsalm 22. The Suffering Servant

• Psalm 23. The Good ShepherdPsalm 23. The Good Shepherd

• Psalm 24. The Sovereign KingPsalm 24. The Sovereign King

Psalm 33:1-3Psalm 33:1-3Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. 3 Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Chapters 1-41

Chapters 42-72

Chapters 73-89

Chapters 90-106

Chapters 107-150

Mostly written by David

Mostly by Asaph

Mostly anonymous

Mostly by David

The title Elohim is used much morethan is the name Yahweh

Psalm 42:1-3Psalm 42:1-31 As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for Thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night,

While they say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

Psalm 42:4Psalm 42:4These things I remember, and I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.

• You cannot rest on yesterday’s experiences• Mutual support & encouragement

Psalm 42:5Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him

For the help of His presence.

Psalm 42-43Psalm 42-43

• Psalm 43 has no superscription.Psalm 43 has no superscription.

• Psalm 42 is a Psalm of Lament, Psalm 42 is a Psalm of Lament, but has no supplication at the but has no supplication at the end unless it is found in Psalm end unless it is found in Psalm 4343

• A continuing refrain to “hope in A continuing refrain to “hope in God.”God.”

The RefrainThe RefrainHope in God, for I shall again praise Him

For the help of His presence (Psalm 42:5).

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 42:11).

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 43:5).

Psalm 45:1Psalm 45:1For the choir director; according to the Shoshannim.

A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

A Song of Love.

My heart overflows with a good theme;

I address my verses to the King;

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Psalm 45:7-8Psalm 45:7-87 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness;

Therefore God, Thy God, has anointed Thee With the oil of joy above Thy fellows.

8 All Thy garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;

Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made Thee glad.

Prayer forindividual

restoration (1-2)

Prayer fornational

restoration (18-19)

Confession(3-6)

Thanksgiving(13-17)

Prayer for Restoration• Cleansing from sin (7-9)• Inward renewal (10-12)

“Meditation”

Lkf - To be Prudent

“Golden Prayer”

~tK - Gold

David’s flight from Saul

Maskils of David

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

Mikhtams of David

Psalm 57:1Psalm 57:1

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth.

A Mikhtam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,

For my soul takes refuge in Thee;

And in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge,

Until destruction passes by

Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Chapters 1-41

Chapters 42-72

Chapters 73-89

Chapters 90-106

Chapters 107-150

Mostly written by David

Mostly by Asaph

Mostly anonymous

Mostly by David

Focus upon Israel, Jerusalem andthe Temple

Psalm 73:1-2Psalm 73:1-2A Psalm of Asaph.

Surely God is good to Israel,

To those who are pure in heart!

2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,

My steps had almost slipped.

3 For I was envious of the arrogant

As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:16-17Psalm 73:16-1716 When I pondered to understand this,

It was troublesome in my sight

17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;

Then I perceived their end.

Psalm 89:1-2Psalm 89:1-2Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.

I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever;

To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.

2 For I have said, “Lovingkindness will be built up forever;

In the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.”

Psalm 89:3-4Psalm 89:3-4I have made a covenant with My chosen;

I have sworn to David My servant,

4 I will establish your seed forever

And build up your throne to all generations.

Selah.

Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Chapters 1-41

Chapters 42-72

Chapters 73-89

Chapters 90-106

Chapters 107-150

Mostly written by David

Mostly by Asaph

Mostly anonymous

Mostly by David

Yahweh used predominantly over Elohim

Psalm 90:1A Prayer of Moses the man of God.

1 Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born,

Or Thou didst give birth to the earth and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting,

Thou art God.

Psalm 92:1-21 A Psalm, a Song for the Sabbath day.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

And to sing praises to Thy name,

O Most High;

2 To declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning,

And Thy faithfulness by night,

Psalm 92:3-43 With the ten-stringed lute, and with the harp;

With resounding music upon the lyre.

4 For Thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done,

I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands.

Psalm 100:1-31 Psalm for Thanksgiving.

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

3 Know that the LORD Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:4-54 Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him; bless His name.

5 For the LORD is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting,

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 103-108Psalm 103-108For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him (103:11)

As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer (103:15-16).

He established the earth upon its foundations (104:5).

Psalm 103-1088 He has remembered His covenant forever,

The word which He commanded to a

thousand generations,

9 The covenant which He made with Abraham,

And His oath to Isaac.

10 Then He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,

To Israel as an everlasting covenant (Psalm 105:8-10).

Psalm 103-108Psalm 103-108He rebuked the Red Sea and it dried up;

And He led them through the deeps, as through the wilderness (106:9)

7 God has spoken in His holiness: "I will exult, I will portion out Shechem, And measure out the valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter. (Psalm 108:7-8).

Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Chapters 1-41

Chapters 42-72

Chapters 73-89

Chapters 90-106

Chapters 107-150

Mostly written by David

Mostly by Asaph

Mostly anonymous

Mostly by David

Psalm 110:1A Psalm of DavidA Psalm of David..

The LORD says to my The LORD says to my Lord:Lord:

““Sit at My right hand,Sit at My right hand,

Until I make Thine Until I make Thine enemies a footstool for enemies a footstool for Thy feet.”Thy feet.”

The Psalms of Praise

Psalms 113-118

(Sung at Passover)

Psalm 118:21-23

21 I shall give thanks to Thee, for Thou hast answered me;

And Thou hast become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected

Has become the chief corner stone.

23 This is the LORD's doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 120:1-2Psalm 120:1-2

1 A Song of Ascents, of David.

I Was glad when they said to me,

"Let us go to the house of the LORD."

2 Our feet are standing

Within your gates, O Jerusalem,

Psalm 120:3-4Psalm 120:3-43 Jerusalem, that is built

As a city that is compact together;

4 To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD--

An ordinance for Israel--

To give thanks to the name of the LORD.

Psalm 134:1-31 A Song of Ascents.

Behold, bless the LORD, all servants of the LORD,

Who serve by night in the house of the LORD!

2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary,

And bless the LORD.

3 May the LORD bless you from Zion,

He who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 137:1Psalm 137:1By the rivers of Babylon,

There we sat down and wept,

When we remembered Zion.

Psalm 137:2-4Psalm 137:2-42 Upon the willows in the midst of it We hung our harps.

3 For there our captors demanded of us songs,

And our tormentors mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

4 How can we sing the LORD's song

In a foreign land?

Psalm 137:5-6Psalm 137:5-65 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,

May my right hand forget her skill.

6 May my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth,

If I do not remember you,

If I do not exalt Jerusalem

Above my chief joy.

The Value of the PsalmsThe Value of the Psalms

• A Commentary of the Old A Commentary of the Old TestamentTestament

• Liturgy for WorshipLiturgy for Worship

• A Pattern for PrayerA Pattern for Prayer

• Wisdom for LivingWisdom for Living