An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books

The poetic books of the Old Testament—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon—are often called humankind's reach toward God. The other books of the Old Testament picture God's reach toward man through the redemptive story. Yet these five books reveal the very heart of men and women struggling with monumental issues such as suffering, sin, forgiveness, joy, worship, and the passionate love between a man and woman.

C. Hassell Bullock, a noted Old Testament scholar, delves deep into the hearts of the five poetic books, offering readers helpful details, like:

• Hermeneutical considerations for each book
• Theological content and themes
• Detailed analyses of each book
• Cultural perspectives.

Hebrew is a language of "intrinsic musical quality that naturally supports poetic expression," says Bullock in his introduction. That poetic expression comes from the heart of the Old Testament writers and reaches all of us exactly where we are in our own struggles and joys.

• A Theology for the Church
• The Formation of Christian Doctrine
• An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophetic Books
• Interpreting the Prophetic Word: An Introduction to the Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament
• An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books
• The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction
• An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch
• Theological Anthropology (Sources of Early Christian Thought)
• Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis)
• Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series)