Lesson 3 : Books of Poetry (Poetic Books)
Lesson 3 : Books of Poetry (Poetic Books)
Books : Job to Songs of Solomon
Specific Objectives:
By the end of this session, the student will be able to:
- Know the third division of the bible (Books of Poetry)
- Tell how many books the third division consists of
- Name the books of the Poetry
- Understand the purpose of the Books of Poetry
- Recite the memory verse
Bible Reference:
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Words to Remember:
Poetry – Poetry is a kind of writing, usually in verse. Poetry verse is set out in short lines with words put together in rhythm or rhyme or both. Poetry is about a writer sharing with the reader an experience or strong feelings
Wisdom – ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense; ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding
Proverb – a short, wise, easy-to-learn saying that calls a person to action
Poem – A verbal composition designed to convey experiences, ideas, or emotions in a vivid and imaginative way
Song – a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung
Pre-Session Activity
Greet the children as they arrive. Make certain that you know their names. As they arrive, have each child joins in a circle or around a table. Play a game, sing a song or give them activity to introduce the new lesson.
Beginners : Hunt for someone special (see pre-session activity file for beginners)
Primary : Differentiate a Poem and a Song (see pre-session activity file for Primary)
Intermediate: Differentiate a Poem and a Song (see pre-session activity file for Intermediate)
Lesson Proper
A. PREPARATION and MOTIVATION
Teacher: So far we have learned about the first 17 books of the Bible. We divided those books into two groups: the Law and History. The Law relates to Israel’s moral life. The Historical books relate to Israel’s national development and life. And today we are going to look at the books of Poetry (Job to Songs of Solomon) Who remembers what sorts of things are in the Law, the first 5 books of the Bible? (The Ten Commandments and other instructions from God) Who remembers what sorts of things are in the next 12 books of the Bible, the history books? (The history of God’s Chosen People, the Israelites)
Then ask below questions:
- What are the two primary divisions of the Bible? (Old & New Testament)
- How many books the Bible consists of? (66 books)
- How many books the Old Testament consists of? (39 books)
- How many books the New Testament consists of? (27 books)
- What is the first division of the Old Testament? (Books of Law)
- What is the collective name for the first five books of the Bible? (Pentateuch)
- What are the first five books of the bible? (G-E-Le-N-D)
- What is the second division of the Old Testament? (Books of History)
- Name the twelve books of history.
Make sure that all students will be able to answer all the questions correctly.
B. INTRODUCTION
The third section of the Old Testament is known as the Poetic Books. The Poetic Books are comprised of 5 books namely, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. They are the books of the human experiences of the people of God under the various exercises of earthly life; but those experiences are apart from the mere external setting, wrought in them by the Spirit, interpreted to us by the Spirit, and written by holy men of God as they were moved by the Spirit.
This section explores questions of suffering, love, wisdom, and the nature of the God of Israel. It examines inquiries of life, daily practical living, and relationships with others. Thus, they are also sometimes labeled the writings of “wisdom” especially found in Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs. The remaining books are a collection of songs (psalms), love stories, and worship prayers.
THE THREE KINDS OF HEBREW POETRY
There are three kinds of poetry: (1) lyric poetry, which was originally accompanied by music on the lyre (the Psalms); (2) moralistic poetry, which, using maxims, was designed to communicate basic principles of life (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes); (3) dramatic poetry, which used dialog to communicate its message (Job and the Song of Solomon).
C. LESSON
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE POETICAL BOOKS TO EACH OTHER
(see the comparison table for students’ better appreciation)
1. The Book of Job—Blessing through Suffering
2. The Psalms—Praise through Prayer
3. The Proverbs—Prudence through Precept
4. Ecclesiastes—Verity through Vanity
5. Song of Solomon—Bliss through Union
JOB
(Blessing through Suffering)
Author: Unknown (possibly Job)
While we know the title of this book obviously comes from its main character, Job, and that he was a historical person, the author is unknown and there are no textual claims as to the author’s identity.
Job’s trials of extreme suffering emphasize God’s great omnipotence. This book is named for a righteous and faithful man who was challenged to remain faithful through the loss of everything in his life—his children, home, and friends. However, in the end and by remaining steadfast, God rewards Job by not only replacing all he lost but multiplying it as well. Job was blessed when his flocks increased to the thousands; he was granted seven more sons and three of the most beautiful daughters in the land. Job lived to see his grandchildren to the fourth generation. “He died old and full of years.”
Famous story/verses: (see visual aids for Job story)
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
PSALMS
(Praise through Prayer)
Author: Mostly David
The Book of Psalms is a collection of petitions, prayers, songs, and beautiful poetry. King David is recognized to be the psalmist for much of this book, but is placed with the writings of some of his contemporaries. Here we see prayerful songs and poetry describing almost every facet of man’s relation to God in times of trials and the returning words of a loving God.
The Psalms are more about man talking to God than God talking to man. Most individual psalms involve the praise of God – for his power and beneficence, for his creation of the world, and for his past acts of deliverance for Israel.
Famous verses:
19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
And take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
And uphold me with a willing spirit
PROVERBS
(Prudence through Precept)
Author: Mostly Solomon
Proverbs obviously gets its name from its contents—short sayings or maxims that convey truth in a pointed and pithy way. Proverbs was written mostly by Solomon, but is again a collection which passes on words of knowledge and experiences God has for us today. Though short and concise, most proverbs offer sound advice that covers a wide range of topics. They include messages on chastity, controlling our tongues, drinking too much wine, the love of money, having true wisdom, and many more. The title comes from the fact that this writing deals with moral and spiritual instruction designed to enable one to live wisely.
Why read Proverbs?
- It was written to children
1:8 says, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching”. - To choose the right path in life
4:26 watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. - To gain wisdom
9:10 the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Famous verses:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will make straight your paths.
ECCLESIASTES
(Verity through Vanity)
Author: Solomon
Ecclesiastes, meaning assembly [of the church] deals with vanity and shows that fullness of life is found only in God. It is a book that is often misunderstood and even more often ignored. That is regrettable since this book addresses the often asked questions on the “meaning of life.” Ecclesiastes is sometimes thought of as being negative or cynical, but in fact it illustrates that faith and patience are keys to enjoying the victorious life God has for us.
Famous verses:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
SONG OF SOLOMON
(Bliss through Union)
Author: Solomon
Song of Solomon’s unique theme is one of beautiful love. The compilation of songs is of marriage, purity, and morality. This book is a symbolic parallel to our relationship (as pure and righteous people—the Bride of Christ) with our groom, Messiah the Christ. Songs of Solomon’s imagery demonstrates flawlessly God’s love for Israel and Christ’s love for His believers. This book takes us from falling in love, to uniting in love, to struggling in love, and to finally, maturing in love.
Memory Verse
2 Tim 3:16
Beginners : “All Scripture is breathed out by God,”
Primary : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Intermediate : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Questions to Ponder
- What is the third division of the Old Testament? (Books of Poetry)
- How many books the Books of Poetry consists of? (5 books)
- What does the book of Job tells us? (Job helps us to see that we can trust God completely)
- What does the book of Psalms teaches us? (it helps us express our feelings to God)
- Why do we need to read Proverbs? (it teaches us how to live wisely – choose right path in life)
- How does the Books of Poetry apply to our life today?
- Name the first seven (17) books of the Bible
Life Application
The books of the Law and the books of History told us about the nation of Israel. They told us God cares about people. But the books of Poetry are given to us as examples of ways to tell God we care about Him. He wants you to talk to Him, to tell Him how you feel and what you are thinking. He wants you to live wisely. You are His beloved.
God is a God who understands our emotions and feelings. God understands us. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect (remember Job). The books also show us that God is much greater than we are. He does have all the answers and we can ask him for wisdom
and understanding like Solomon did and he will give it to us. We cannot ever be good enough on our own but we live in faith that God has provided the perfect sacrifice – his own Son.
Activity
Beginners : (Craft) – to create the five books of Poetry
Materials –printed cut-out letters, pictures, coloring
Primary : (Craft) – to create the five books of Poetry
Materials –printed cut-out letters, pictures, coloring
Intermediate : (Craft) – to create a picture Bible “pop-up”
Close in Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the Holy Bible. You are truly an awesome God, full of grace and mercy and love towards us. We want to learn to come into a quiet place, alone with You, so that we can express our feelings to You. We praise You and thank You for giving us the books of Poetry that we can learn from. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
Lesson 2a : Historical Books (Part 1)
Books : Joshua to 2 Kings
Specific Objectives
By the end of this session, the student will be able to:
- Know the second division of the bible (Books of History)
- Tell how many books the second division consists of
- Name the books of the History (part 1)
- Name the authors of the books of History
- Recite the memory verse
Bible Reference
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Words to Remember
- History – comes from Greek word, “historia” – a continuous, typically chronological, record of important or public events or of
a particular trend or institution - Historical – relating to history; based on past events or set in the past
- Journey – an act of travelling from one place to another
Pre-Session Activity
Greet the children as they arrive. Make certain that you know their names. As they arrive, have each child joins in a circle or around a table. Play a game, sing a song or give them activity to introduce the new lesson. Tell the children that you are going to introduce them to the other books of the bible.
Beginners : Review and continuation of Lesson 1 Books of Law
Primary : Review | Lesson 1 Books of Law
Intermediate: Review | Lesson 1 Books of Law
Lesson Proper
A. PREPARATION and MOTIVATION
Review the students about past week’s lessons – The Origin of the Bible and The Books of Law.
- What are the two primary divisions of the Bible? (Old & New Testament)
- How many books the Bible consists of? (66 books)
- How many books the Old Testament consists of? (39 books)
- How many books the New Testament consists of? (27 books)
- What is the first division of the Old Testament? (Books of Law)
- What is the collective name for the first five books of the Bible? (Pentateuch)
- What are the first five books of the bible? (G-E-Le-N-D)
- Which book of the Bible contains the Ten Commandments? the creation?
- Who wrote the first five books of the Bible? (Moses)
- Give the meaning of each of the first five books.
Make sure that all students will be able to answer all the questions correctly.
As you introduce the new lesson, hold the Bible in your hand and show the children the second divisions of the Bible.
Teacher: Today we will be talking about the second division of the Bible – The Books of History or the Historical Books. This division consists of 12 books in it and each book reveals the history of the people God chose for a special purpose. But for this week, we will be talking only the first seven (7) books.
ASK: How many books did I say are in the Historical Books? (12)
ASK: How many books we will be talking today? (7)
B. INTRODUCTION
Romans 15:4 [International Children’s Bible (ICB)]
“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that we could have hope. That hope comes from the patience and encouragement that the Scriptures give us.”
The second section of the Old Testament is known as the Historical Books of the Bible. After 40 years of wandering in the desert and the death of Moses, God began to move the Israelites across the Jordan River. Under the leadership of Joshua and Caleb into the Promised Land, these books tell of their journey to and life in the land of Canaan. It was not easy as they lived and encompassed by antagonistic nations with superstitious, blasphemous practices, and cruel customs. The Historical Books are comprised of 12 books.
C. LESSON
JOSHUA
(The story of the conquest and partition of Canaan)
Author: Joshua
The book of Joshua records the obedient faith of Israel as it entered and claimed the land that God had promised to Abraham, as well as the blessing of God on that obedient faith. Under the leadership of Joshua, Israel is delivered from its enemies and given rest in its own homeland. However, impossible it may have seemed, God’s covenant promise is fulfilled. He is sovereign and faithful God. He keeps His covenants and blesses His faithful people.
Famous story: The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 5:13-6:27) (Picture 1)
Joshua sent spies to Jericho, the first city of Canaan to be taken, and discovered that the land was in fear of Israel and their God. The Israelites marched around the walls once every day for seven days with the priests and the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they marched seven times around the walls, then the priests blew their ram’s horns, the Israelites raised a great shout, and the walls of the city fell. Following God’s law, the Israelites took no slaves or plunder but slaughtered every man, woman and child in Jericho, sparing only Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who had sheltered the spies, and her family.
JUDGES
Author: Samuel
(The history of the nation from Joshua to Samson)
This book records the disobedience and consequent failure that marked the early life of Israel in that land before it had a king. During these morally and politically chaotic days that lacked a centralized government, Israel would find itself in subjection to various foreign powers. This was a humiliation and suffering imposed upon it by God for it continued unfaithfulness and disobedience to His law. However, in response to its repentance and pleas for help, God would raise up judges to bring temporary deliverance. But throughout this period, Israel “did that which was right in its own eyes” and sank again and again into oppression.
Famous story: Samson’s rise and fall (Judges 13-16) (Picture 2)
Samson is a legendary Israelite warrior and judge, renowned for the extraordinary strength that he derived from his uncut hair. His mother, a peasant of the tribe of Dan at Zorah, near Jerusalem, was visited by an angel who told her that her son was to be a lifelong NAZARITE (one dedicated to the special service of God, usually through a vow of abstinence from strong drink, from shaving or cutting the hair, and from contact with a dead body). He first broke his religious obligation by feasting with a woman from the neighbouring town of Timnah, who was also a Philistine, one of Israel’s mortal enemies. On another occasion, he repulsed their assault on him at Gaza, where he had gone to visit a harlot. He finally fell, victim to his foes through love of Delilah, who beguiled him into revealing the secret of his strength: his long Nazirite hair. As he slept, Delilah had his hair cut and betrayed him. He was captured, blinded, and enslaved by the Philistines, but in the end God granted Samson his revenge; through the return of his old strength, he demolished the great Philistine temple of the god Dagon, at Gaza, destroying his captors and himself (Judges 16:4–30).
RUTH
Author: Samuel
(The story of the ancestors of the royal family of Judah)
Ruth tells the touching story of a foreign woman who is welcomed not only into Israelite society, but into the lineage of Jesus Christ Himself. It gives us a brief but important snapshot of the life of one faithful family during the unfaithful days of the judges. God sees to it that genuine faith is preserved in Israel even amid large-scale apostasy and in so doing also preserves the Messianic line.
Famous story: Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4) (Picture 3)
Ruth was a Moabite woman, from a country that was one of Israel’s traditional enemies. She was an outsider. But she married an Israelite and joined his family while they were living in Moab. Her husband died. When this happened, her mother-in-law Naomi decided she had no alternative but to return to her homeland, and to the village her family came from – Bethlehem. Naomi prepared to say good-bye to her two daughters-in-law but one of them, Ruth, showed unexpected loyalty and insisted on staying with her. The two women returned to Bethlehem together.
1 and 2 SAMUEL
Author: Samuel, Nathan, Gad
(The story of the nation during the judgeship of Samuel, the reign of Saul and the reign of David)
These books describe the establishment of the Israelite monarchy, as the people cry out to be ruled by a king. It records the earliest days of the monarchy — first Saul, the choice of God’s rebellious people, and then David, God’s chosen one. Sovereignty and graciously, God establishes David as king and in covenant promises him a never-ending dynasty.
Famous story: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2-11, 16, 40, 45-50) (Picture 4)
David was a shepherd boy who lived in Israel. He took care of sheep. God chose David to take care of the Jewish people. David played the harp. When the king of Israel was tired of fighting in the war, he asked David to play for him. David’s music made him feel better. One day a terrible giant named Goliath started bragging to his soldier friends that none of the Jews would dare to fight him. And he was right. The Jewish soldiers were all afraid of big Goliath. What would happen to the Jewish people? Then little David said: “I’ll fight Goliath. God will help me.” And he went and got some stones for his slingshot.
The giant just laughed at him. David put a stone in his sling and flung it. The stone hit big Goliath on the head. Then David killed him with his sword. All of Goliath’s friends ran away. The little shepherd boy had saved the Jewish people.
1 and 2 KINGS
Author: Jeremiah
Continue the story of the great rulers of Israel, although Israel’s story takes a tragic turn as the kingdom splits into two and begins a steady drift away from God, even as enemy nations like Assyria press in.
Famous story: The Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-19) (Picture 5)
Naaman was a great soldier, but he had a skin disease called leprosy. A young girl from Israel, who was a slave, served Naaman’s wife. She told about a prophet who could cure his leprosy. Naaman’s king sent a letter to the king of Israel asking him to cure Naaman. The king of Israel was upset because he knew he had no such power. Elisha, a man of God, asked to see Naaman. He told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was angry because he did not expect to be cured this way. He thought Elisha would wave his hand over him and cure him. He also thought the rivers in his country would be better than the Jordan River. But he decided to obey. He dipped one, two, three, four, five, six, seven times. When he obeyed what had been told him, his leprosy was gone. He was so happy! He said, “Now I know the God of Israel is the only God.”
Memory Verse
2 Tim 3:16
Beginners : “All Scripture is breathed out by God,”
Primary : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Intermediate : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Questions to Ponder
- What is the second division of the Old Testament? (Books of History)
- How many books the Books of History consists of? (12 books)
- Who led the Israelites to march on the walls of Jericho? (Joshua)
- Who was born to be a Nazarite? (Samson)
- Who showed her loyalty and insisted on staying with her mother-in-law? (Ruth)
- What is the famous story we can read in 1 Samuel? (David and Goliath)
- Name the first seven (7) books of the Books of History? (J-Ju-R-1&2S-1&2K)
Life Application
The historical books do not relay history merely but interpretative history. History itself is an important part of God’s self-revelation. And so as we read the historical books, we should look for more than heroes, good and bad role models and the like. We should look to see what God is saying and how His purpose is being accomplished. God is in control of history and with that we could even say that “History is His-story”.
(The teacher may add/share their inputs)
Activity
Beginners : (Craft) – to create the seven books of the Historical Books
Materials –printed cut-out letters, pictures, coloring
Primary : (Craft) – to create the seven books of the Historical Books
Materials –printed cut-out letters, pictures, coloring
Intermediate : (Craft) – to create a picture Bible “pop-up”
Close in Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the Holy Bible. We learn so much from the stories about people who loved you and followed your direction. We thank you for the people who wrote this Book so that we might know about you and how you want us to live. Help us always to think about how you would want us to behave. Help us to listen to you and to do what you want us to do. AMEN.
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