His-Story Vol 1, Ch 9: Poetry and Wisdom

Sermon Notes

HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks

Volume I: The Old Testament Story

Chapter 9: Israel’s Poetry & Wisdom

1. Job

a. The Introduction

b. The Dialogues

c. The Conclusion & Message of Job

2. Psalms

a. Israel’s Worship book

b. The Nature of Hebrew Poetry

c. The Structure of the Psalms

d. Authors

e. Psalm Types

3. Proverbs

a. Authors

b. Central Theme: The Search for Wisdom

c. The Nature of Proverbs

4. Ecclesiastes

a. Author: Cynical Solomon

b. Central Theme: The “Vapor” of Human Life

c. Interpretations

5. Song of Songs

a. Genre

b. Author

c. Themes

Study/Discussion Questions:

1. What is the central theme of the book of Job? Does Job tell us the reason for human suffering? What does it tell us? How can this message help us in our daily lives?

2. Psalms is Israel’s worship book. But it is also ours. Do you have a favorite Psalm? Why is it special for you?

3. Proverbs are sometimes misunderstood. What are some important principles of interpretation when it comes to the Book of Proverbs?

4. What is the theme of the book of Ecclesiastes? Why do you think God would allow such a cynical book to appear in the Bible?

5. What are the main themes of the Song of Solomon? How has this book sometimes been misunderstood?

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