Intro to video 1

The books of the Old Testament prophets are packed with dense poetry and wild imagery. If you’ve tried to read them, odds are you were both intrigued and confused. In this video, we’ll learn how these books contribute to the storyline of the Bible and why it’s worth learning how to read them more attentively.

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Discuss

1. What is a biblical prophet? (Israelites who had met with God and were commissioned to speak on God’s behalf)

2. What was their job? To remind the Israelites of their role in the covenant partnership

3. How did they do this? (Accuse, call to repent, announced the consequences - the Day of the Lord)

4. Were the prophets talking about the present or the future in their prophecies? (Both! The cosmic imagery they often used helped them to do this)

Intro to video 2

The wisest king of Israel, King Solomon, is associated with three books of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Each book offers a unique perspective on how humans can rule with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. In this video, we briefly explore how the message of each book fits into the overall story of the Bible.

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Discuss

1. Which three books were connected to Solomon? (Proverbs, Songs of Songs, Ecclesiastes)

2. We are supposed to see Solomon as both an example to follow and a warning

3. What is the Fear of the Lord? (Living by God’s wisdom, not our own)

4. How is wisdom symbolised in Proverbs? (As an elegant woman)

5. Ecclesiastes can be a difficult read… it’s all about the fleeting nature of our existence and the struggles of life. What is Solomon’s conclusion at the end of the book? (Fear the Lord, but with realistic expectations)

6. There are two layers of meaning in Song of Songs, what are they? (Love poetry between a man and a woman; Lady Wisdom pursuing us so that we can have life)