AN INTRODUCTION

TO THE BOOKS OF POETRY

The five books of poetry show a progression of spiritual life.

Job: Describes the death to the old life of self.

Psalms: Illustrates the new life in God, expressing itself in praise, prayer, adoration, supplication, confession, and intercession. Psalms is the hymn book and worship manual of the Bible.

Proverbs: Gives heavenly, yet practical, wisdom for life on earth.

Ecclesiastes: Tells of the vanity of pursuing life "under the sun" apart from God.

Song of Solomon: Provides an example of life with meaning by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Biblical poetry is different from most types of poetry because it is written in Hebrew poetic structure. Keys to understanding this structure are given in the Harvestime International Institute Course entitled "Creative Bible Study Methods."