How to Read the Bible
How to Read Biblical Poetry
Why is there so much poetry in the Bible? Understanding the function and cultural significance of poems in Scripture is key to seeing the Bible’s message.
6 Episodes
Episode 1
Poetry
Did you know that a third of the Bible is ancient Israelite poetry? Poetry is a rich and artistic form of human communication, but it's also some of the most difficult to read. In this video, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of biblical poetry and discover its beauty and power.
5:23
Episode 2
Poetic Metaphor
Understanding how metaphors are used in the Bible is an essential tool for reading biblical poetry. Anytime someone describes one thing to give meaning to something else, they are using metaphorical thinking. Metaphors are everywhere in the Bible and in our everyday speech. In this video, we’ll explore this crucial aspect of biblical language.
5:12
Episode 3
The Book of Psalms
The book of Psalms is the largest collection of poetry in the Bible. In this video, we’ll explore the design, shape, and main themes of this marvelous book, which was crafted to be read from beginning to end. The Psalms are an invitation to a literary temple, where you can meet with God and hear the entire biblical storyline retold in poetic form.
5:30
Episode 4
The Prophets
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 prophetic books contribute to the storyline of the Bible and why it’s worth learning how to read them more attentively.
5:18
Episode 5
The Books of Solomon
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.
5:28
Episode 6
Apocalyptic Literature
The Bible is filled with dreams and visions about human history coming to a climax, and they’re usually packed with intense imagery and strange symbols. In this video, we’ll explore the meaning of the word “apocalypse” in the Bible and learn some basic steps for reading this literature with more wisdom and insight.
6:58
