Old Testament Survey Series: The Wisdom Literature and Psalms
Overview
The poetic books have certain characteristics which set them apart from the other books of the Bible. First, these books are almost entirely written in Hebrew poetry. Second, they are not historically oriented. Except for the Book of Psalms, there are few historically allusions here. Third, these books deal with issues which are of universal concern to mankind. From the dawn of history human minds have grappled with such issues as suffering, love, and the brevity and meaning of human life. Fourth, direct divine speech is rare here. Fifth, in treating these difficult topics these books exhibit boldness and honesty. Thus one could list a courageous spirit as one of the characteristics of this literature.
Top Highlights
“It would appear that Solomon had sent one tenth of his personal bodyguard to escort his future bride” (Page 850)
“He is not some gloomy pessimist. He is viewing, for the moment, life at ground level—‘under the sun’—without thought to spiritual values.” (Page 712)
“Wisdom appeals to three classes: the ‘simple’ (petayim) are those who do not know, have never heard, and consequently never think about the divine standards of morality. The ‘scoffers’ (letsim) are those who mock moral principles, willfully ignore them in their own conduct, and seek to corrupt others. ‘Fools’ (kesilim) are those who ‘hate knowledge,’ i.e., they have no desire to inquire about the moral standards of the Lord (1:22).” (Page 478)
“The term ‘profit’ (yithron) appears nowhere else in the Old Testament, but ten times in this book. It literally means ‘that which remains.’” (Page 710)
“On a trip to the northern part of his land, the king met and fell in love with a beautiful maiden. She was given by her brothers in marriage to Solomon. The Shulamite maiden, however, loved a shepherd back in the country. The book is the story of Solomon’s struggle to woo this maiden to true love, and her steadfast determination to reman faithful to her beloved.” (Pages 821–822)
