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Week of June 12: Old Testament: Poetry of the Bible
Introduction
(Maria)
I wrote my first ‘memorable’ poem in 8th grade. Until then, the closest I had come to experiencing poetry was reading Dr. Seuss and coming up with cheesy “Roses are red...” type poems. But in 8th grade my English teacher had us write poems. She explained how poems can evoke emotion and create comparisons. I had a lot of feelings and nowhere to put those feelings. It was the first time I was able to express anger in a veiled way. I wasn’t acting out emotion and exploding, but I could write about it. I could try to contain my feelings in words and pray that someone would see and understand the depth of my emotion. From then on, I realized that when I had strong feelings, I could put them somewhere and portray those feelings in a way that captured something authentic and real that was often hiding inside of me.
So much of the Bible consists of poetry. It connects our heads and hearts. But not everyone likes or understands poetry. Some think it is silly or irrelevant. As an English teacher who enjoys poetry, my desire is to help others get a glimmer or sense that poetry is like a good song that speaks to your heart. If you’ve ever had a song hit you just right, I would argue it was a great poem.
How impactful is it that Bible was developed in a form of writing that is fluid and expressive and powerful?
It makes sense, and I wish I grasped it better.
It must be amazing in Hebrew, right?
I wonder if others who read the Bible get blown away by the intelligent crafting of verses that rhyme and build and create images?
I honestly don’t know the answer.
This week, instead of skimming over the selected scriptures that may seem like so much print and words upon words, take time to slow down and appreciate the impact these poems have had and can have upon their readers…
Monday, June 12
(Val)
This week we are looking at Old Testament Poetry. It is included in the Ketuvim portion of the Hebrew Bible. The Ketuvim contains a miscellaneous collection of liturgical poetry, secular love poetry, wisdom literature, history, apocalyptic literature, a short story, and a romantic tale. It contains some of the oldest known writings (parts of Job, Psalm 90) as well as ones potentially dating to the middle of the 2nd century BC.
These early writings were beautifully constructed, full of images and comparisons. They focus on relationships. Relationships between God and humankind, God and creation, humankind and creation, and humankind to humankind. They include historical background, important wisdom, and a plethora of human responses and emotions. They help our understanding of how God sees us, cares about us, and has a plan for us.
For me, the book of Psalms has been important in my understanding of human emotion, pain, suffering, depression, anger, fear, and need for God. I have turned to the Psalms often in times of confusion, loss, and heartache, and have found comfort and encouragement there. I have related to the Psalmist’s cries to God in many ways and realized that even when I felt lost and alone, God was with me. The lyrical language also speaks to me, as the Psalmist paints word pictures for the reader that we can relate to.
These two psalms are the first and last in the Book of Psalms. The first gives a comparison of what a person is like when they follow God’s covenant as opposed to the one who does not. The last is a song of praise to God that ends with “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
Why did I choose to juxtapose these two psalms?
Well, from the start, the instructions and benefits of following God’s covenant are clearly laid out–we will grow strong and be fruitful, as are the results of not following God–we will be blown away like the unusable remnants of wheat. The psalms in between the first and last contain most (if not all) of the things we may experience as humans. And, as the Psalmists cry out to God, there is a reoccurring theme that God is present and working, even when they don’t see or feel it. It’s no wonder a psalm of such powerful praise to God comes at the end! It is like a victory song! To me, it says, “Your trust was not in vain–you have great reason to praise God, so do it!”
When was the last time you simply praised God for who he is?
Take a few minutes and just glorify God and His attributes.
Next, take a moment to be still and think about God’s goodness…even if you are struggling with something right now. Focus on God’s faithfulness to you and others in the past. Remember God’s Word is full of promises to help you, save you, fight for you, bless you, heal you, and so much more. Let words of praise fill your heart and mind. Verbalize those praises! Like the psalmist said, “Praise the Lord!” Once done, think about what praising God has created in you at that moment.
Here are a few verses from various Psalms to help you think of reasons to praise God.
Psalm 42:5 (He is our hope when we are hopeless)
Psalm 140:4-8 (He keeps us safe from the wicked)
Psalm 69:29-33 (He heals our pain and provides for us)
Psalm 105:1-4 (He has done great deeds on our behalf)
Psalm 27:1 (He is our salvation; we need not be afraid)
Tuesday, June 13
(Val)
When I was in high school, I attended a fairly large Church-run school where I was on the Drill Team (kind of like a Christian version of Dance Team, but with no dance steps). Every summer we had a Bible reading project we had to complete that was due when we returned to summer practice. One summer the assignment was to read Proverbs each day and comment on what the assigned passage said and what we learned from each one. To be honest, I struggled with that assignment. Reading Proverbs felt tedious and repetitive. As a girl growing up in San Diego, I just wanted a carefree, school-free, beach-filled summer for the few weeks I had until I reported for practice in August. I did not want to spend some of that precious freedom doing the assignment. I didn’t understand a lot of it and did not necessarily relate to what it said. But, I did it, and while I really want to say it had a huge impact on me, I can’t. Looking back, I now understand the purpose of why they had us read this book of the Bible–it is full of wise advice and guidance that will help us navigate life. Reading it as an adult, I now understand the wisdom in the writings and the important role this advice plays in living life.
I love that the author of Proverbs (traditionally accredited to King Solomon) explained the purpose of Proverbs in the first 7 verses. The prologue laid out not only the purpose, but how to understand it as well. It reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
As that “long ago” teen, I did know the Lord, and was confused about “fearing” him because so often in the Bible we are told NOT to fear. Over the years I learned that there are multiple words and meanings used for fear in the original language. In this context, being afraid certainly has its place (especially when we are talking about the All-Powerful Creator of all things) and it leads us to a humble place of awe and respect. This is when wisdom can be gained.
As followers of Jesus, how do we fear and revere God?
How should this impact those around us?
Going back to my Christian school days, I had a Bible class that all Sophomores had to take. It was run by a pastor from the church that sponsored the school named Jerry. Pastor Jerry was a former military man and still looked and acted like he was an officer in charge of troops. He was strict, full of rules, and sometimes even harsh and unforgiving.
Pastor Jerry knew his Bible. He loved the Lord. He believed a regimented life was the way to honor God and made it his mission to teach a bunch of 15- and 16-year-olds how to follow God through fear. I didn’t enjoy that class in so many ways, however, much of what he taught still sticks with me today.
One of those things is the difference between being foolish and being wise. One of his favorite questions to us was, “Who are you a fool for?” Not only did he ask us this question regularly, he also rode his bike down at the beach and around nearby parks, directing the same question toward complete strangers as a way to engage them about Jesus.
Pastor Jerry said we were all fools for someone or something and being a fool for Jesus (putting it all on the line and not caring what others thought) was true wisdom.
How are you “being a fool for Christ?”
Wednesday, June 14
(Maria)
Following Proverbs is Ecclesiastes. It is interesting to me that the previous book really amped up or emphasized the value of wisdom while Ecclesiastes emphasized that everything was vanity, a mere chasing after wind.
As I was graduating high school and heading into college, I was convinced that pursuing knowledge was one of the keys of life. I was going to learn and become smart. Knowledge and reason were going to help me handle life really well. At least I hoped they would.
I had grown up in a Christian home and had a fairly strong understanding of the Bible and believed my faith was solid. Yet, at the same time, I was losing my faith as I increasingly relied on knowing stuff to reason through life. I didn’t have a lot of faith in God at that point. And then I came across Ecclesiastes. I had read it before, but I was in a different context. Honestly, Ecclesiastes knocked the wind out of my sails. I was hurt and frustrated when I read that “Everything is meaningless–a chasing after wind.”
Everything?
Really?
Then what’s the point?
I appreciated the teacher’s (Qoheleth) authenticity and I really respected the wisdom of who was saying it. AND it also hurt. Again, I wondered, “Now what?”
What do we do if it’s just meaningless?”
I like to think that Ecclesiastes is good for existential crises. It helps us prioritize our life and put the things we are doing into perspective.
In Ecclesiastes the phrase “Everything is vanity” or “Everything is meaningless” is a repeated refrain. The notes in my Bible interpret ‘vanity’ as the Hebrew word hebel, which means a mere breath or a “mist” or “vapor.” I love the seeming contrast of our wispiness (hebel) in comparison to God’s breath (Ruah), the source of life.
A mere breath is so slight and just a puff.
What is this mere breath?
Everything we do in our life.
Why do we work?
Why do we strive?
Why do we hoard?
According to the teacher, “there is nothing new under the sun.” We’re going to die and nothing goes with us. Later in life, as I continued to wrestle with this question, I had a wise friend who laughed when we were talking about this. She reminded me to read the end of Ecclesiastes and to not just focus on the beginning.
Can we be patient with life?
There’s a season for everything. As I tell my kids, sometimes you just have to ride the wave and a particular season will pass. If it’s a season you enjoy, soak it up.
In the end how do we cope with life?
Trust the Creator and, “Rejoice…in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” (Eccl. 11:9)
Thursday, June 15
(Val)
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a unique book of the Bible. Written in a conversational format, it describes and celebrates the passionate nature of the relationship between a man and woman deeply in love. The language used is absolutely beautiful and like nothing else found in the Bible. One way this book is unique is that God is not mentioned in its lines. Another is that much of it is “spoken” through the voice of a woman. In addition, its poetic language abounds with metaphors and similes, hyperbole and repetition, creating amazing images and producing strong emotional responses.
Take time to read the Song of Solomon today.
What does this book reveal regarding romance, love and physical connection?
Why do you think it was included in the Bible?
Friday, June 16
Background: The poetic passages in Job are believed to be some of (if not) the oldest works included in the Bible. The Hebrew language it was written in was very ancient and differed greatly from later versions of the Hebrew language (such as Dynastic Era Hebrew or Exilic Hebrew). Interestingly, the prologue (Job 1:1-3:2), Epilogue (Job 42:7-17) and various other parts of Job were written in the Hebrew language used during the Persian Empire. The imagery of the divine court scene at the beginning of Job also reflected the law-court system of the Persian Empire. It is clear Job was edited over time.
How do you think the Epilogue and Prologue impacted the Book of Job?
Why do you think God’s people living in exile under Persian rule needed the addition to Job’s story?
What do you think it means for us today?
(Maria)
We know that Job got put through the ringer. Job had the opportunity to openly questioned God and His ways. This is one of the things I find so beautiful in the Ketuvim. The texts are rich and authentic in the pouring out of one’s heart. We hear Job’s pain and questions in all their rawness! How relatable is that?
Similarly, I think many of us would like to have our questions regarding suffering answered!
Yet, by the end of his experience, Job backpedaled with his questioning. I think we would too. Similar to Ecclesiastes, this is another example of us dealing with our existence (existential crises) and God helping to put it all into perspective.
What things have you questioned God about?
What have you felt was unfair?
If God were to answer you about your questions, based on what you read in Job, what might he say?
How would you feel if God answered you directly?
When have you received an answer from God about things in your life?
What helped you realize that you had received an answer?
What do books like Job and Ecclesiastes stir up in you?
What message do you think you are supposed to take away from these books?
Saturday, June 18
(Maria)
According to the Oxford Dictionary, one definition of wisdom is, “the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.”
Another definition preceding it states, “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.”
I like that the first definition says that wisdom is the application of experience, etc. while the second definition states that it’s just something that one would have.
Within the Ketuvim, the collection of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes is referred to as the “Wisdom tradition.” Not only is the Ketuvim soaked in poetry and human experience, it is also drenched in wisdom!
I know a lot of folks don’t live in this experience, but I’m a high school teacher. Year after year I attend graduation. Graduation is surreal. Most school weeks can be called mundane. However, for high school seniors, the weeks preceding graduation start the culmination and application of experience, knowledge, and judgment. In my classes with seniors we reflect, we plan ahead, we talk about regrets, hopes, and advice we’d give our younger selves.
This year, I taught seniors all year. Next year, I will be back teaching freshmen. The mindset between a 9th grader and a 12th grader is very different. I have been wrestling with how to convey “life preparation” to my 9th graders.
How do I tell them, if you make these choices you will be better off?
How do I help them apply the advice of those who have gone before them?
Well, if I could just hand them the book of Proverbs, we’d probably be off to a great start. However, as I’ve skimmed through the Proverbs this week, I’ve struggled with how to read Proverbs.
Do I stick with one Proverb?
Do I read 10 and gloss over their meaning?
What’s the best way to get the most from them?
Because, there’s a lot of advice on how to live. Which then leads me to wonder, how do we go about APPLYING Proverbs?
If we study (gain knowledge) and use good judgment (discern other’s examples), we can obtain wisdom. But neither of these are as impactful in obtaining wisdom like experience. As much as I’d like to direct my students in ways that prepare them for their future, a large degree of what will truly impact them will be the experiences they have. So, I would propose, a Proverb a day, or even a Proverb a week, might be a good way to grow in wisdom.
Proverbs starts by describing knowledge and the value of wisdom through a Father’s instructions and advice. It ends with a description of a wife of noble character. The middle? A Lot of literal Proverbs–advice poured over pages. I’ve put a couple here for you to see. However, I suggest you take your time to dig in and find your own this week.
Choose one Proverb to dwell on this week. Write it down and put it where you can see it several times a day.
What do you need to learn about to apply this Proverb?
How would applying this Proverb demonstrate good judgment?
What experiences have you had in relation to this Proverb?
Did you act in the manner described?
Would you change your behavior?
What benefits would there be in changing?
Describe new ways in which you can apply this Proverb.