Week 4

Chapter 15 JOB
Describe the enormity of
Job's losses.
Why did God allow this to happen to him? God allowed Satan to take everything from
Job including, eventually his health. God does this to prove Job's righteousness to Satan. pg. 176

Chapter 16 PSALMS
What is the major purpose of Psalms in regard to worship? Many were written to be sung as expressions of faith and worship/ express full range of human emotions. pg. 183

Chapter 17PROVERBS
In what way does Proverbs exhibit the wisdom of
God?

Fear of the Lord as the key to wisdom and knowledge. God is the ultimate source of truth. pg. 200

Chapter 18ECCLESIASTES
AND SONG OF
SONGS
What is unique about the author's approach in writing Ecclesiastes?

The author was frustrated by injustice and the inability of man to straighten what is crooked. He was also frustrated by the transitory nature of life and the inability of wisdom to provide any sense of guarantee over what tomorrow might bring. pg. 203

5.

Describe the various types of proverbs with biblical examples. Marriage and Sexuality
Wealth and Poverty
Power of the Tongue
Principles on Child-Rearing
Personal Discipline
Friendship

6.

How did these tragedies impact Job's wife? She says "Why don't you curse God and die?" out of realistic agony of losing all her children and soon to lose her husband. pg. 176

7.

How does the
Song of Songs caution the reader? Cautions the power of love between the sexes? pg. 210

1.

2.

3.

4.

8.

How do the
"goads," and
"nails" of wisdom help us find the meaning of life? Throughout the book, we will find what the
Preacher later describes as "goads" and
"nails" (cf. 12:11). These are wise sayings that will "prod" our thinking, and exhortations that will provide stability and direction for living.

9.

How do the psalms express the heart of
God's people?

Through singing? As we read them and sing them, we experience true worship from our hearts to the heart of God. pg. 190

10.

How is the
Hebrew term hevel ("meaningless,"
"vapor," or
"futility") used throughout the book?

The overarching observation that all is
"hevel" introduces and concludes the main body of material through a literary technique that "bookends" the contents. pg. 204

11.

How should the poetic language of the psalms be understood? Through the use of metaphor and imagery.
The prevailing metaphor and unifying theological concept in Psalms is that the
Lord is King over all creation. pg. 189 last ¶

12.

How was
Elihu's
perspective different and unique? He affirms God's justice, and deems God's ways as "beyond our understanding." God uses suffering as a means to keep men from sin, to chastise, and to maintain a healthy degree of reverence before the Almighty. In other words, God may permit suffering to mature and grow our faith. pg. 179 ¶1

13.

Is God really the final answer to the problem of suffering? How do you know?

Yes because he is just even when we don't understand our circumstances. Our suffering can be used as a preventative measure, or chastisement for sin. pg. 181

14.

Is there any real purpose to life without
God?

Life "under the sun." Qohelet is not overly pessimistic in his assessment of a fallen world. He is simply realistic in observing life from a human perspective, in other words, life without God. pg. 206

15.

Key Terms

none

16.

Key Terms

Psalmos- refers to a song sung to the accompaniment of a harp
Tehilim- "praise" or "songs of praise"
Penitential psalm- 186 hallel psalms- 188

17.

Key Terms

Orion Nebula- greek hunter who was bound and placed in the heavens

18.

What are the messianic psalms, and how are they interpreted in the NT?

A Messianic psalm is a psalm that makes predictions about the Messiah. Their
Christological perspective gave them a clear understanding to the pictures of the
Messiah in the psalms. pg. 190

19.

What does the
Song of Songs teach us about human love?

Teaches God's people how to express their love to the one to whom they commit their hearts and bodies in marriage.
Pg. 212

20.

What factors are important in interpreting the book of
Proverbs?

Proverbs are poetry, not prose. One must think in parallel lines by which thoughts are connected. Due to figurative language, one must contemplate carefully the point of comparison, substitution, sarcasm or exaggeration. pg. 196

21.

What indications does the text give that the writer is
Solomon?

Allusions to Solomon's wisdom and lifestyle are clear in chapter two, and the writer identifies himself as "son of David" pg. 204

22.

What is the most serious challenge you have faced with the issue of personal suffering? How are you handling it?

Personal Question

23.

What practical matters are addressed in the book of
Proverbs?

General truths and practical application, not specific instructions or promises. pg. 197

24.

What was wrong with the advice of Job's three friends?

They claimed that he was suffering because he's a sinner, but they couldn't find much evidence to support their claim. pg. 177

25.

Which is you favorite psalm and why?

Personal Question

26.

Why are there so many warnings against wrong choices and wrong behavior in Proverbs?

Repeated warnings are directed at marrying or provoking a contentious spouse. The book also includes warnings against adultery, drunkenness, and excessive appetite. In many ways Proverbs serves as a teacher's manual for teaching biblical principles of success, prosperity, and godly living. pg. 195/ 200

27.

Why do some of the psalms seem angry, depressed, or even vindictive? Laments (largest category of psalms).
Humans pleading for God's help, intervention, and deliverance.
Approaching God with pain and hurt. pg. 186