FACTS ON JOB
Author
The book of Job is anonymous. The Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b) attributes the
work to Moses, but there does not seem to be any internal evidence to support this suggestion.
Date of Writing
There is a wide divergence of opinion concerning the date of composition. Five main views are held by biblical scholars:
1. The patriarchal age, before the time of Moses.
2. The reign of Solomon (10th century B.C.)
3. The reign of Manasseh (seventh century B.C.)
4. The time of Jeremiah (late seventh century B.C.)
5. The Babylonian exile (6th century B.C.)
A number of conservative scholars date the writing during the reign of Solomon who was noted for his literary pursuits.
Historical Setting
Internal evidence suggests that the Patriarchal age (2000-1000 B.C.)
provides the historical setting for the book. This accounts for Job’s patriarchal family-clan organization and sacrifice, and his longevity (140 + years). This would also account for the lack of reference to Israel, the exodus, or the Mosaic law. The events of the book reflect a non-Hebraic background, for Job lived in the district of Uz located in northern Arabia.
Purpose
While the problem of suffering provides the historical setting for the book, the author presents an even more significant issue–the problem of faith and doubt. The story of Job leads the reader to consider, “How do you maintain faith in God in the face of such devastating trials? How do you go on believing in God in times of His apparent absence?” The book of Job is intended to demonstrate that it is possible to keep faith through trial.
Theme Keeping faith in times of trial.
Outline
I. THE TRAGEDY OF JOB (Introduction) 1-2
II. THE STRUGGLE OF JOB (Speeches) 3:1-42:6
III. THE TRIUMPH OF JOB (Conclusion) 42:7-17
FACTS ON PSALMS
Author
Although many psalms are anonymous, quite a number identify the author.
The authors and their psalms include:
1. David (3-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124,
131, 133, 138-145) 73 total
2. Asaph (50, 73-83) 12 total
3. Sons of Korah (42, 44-45, 47-49, 84-85, 87) 9 total
4. Solomon (72, 127) 2 total
5. Heman the Ezrahite (88) 1
6. Ethan the Ezrahite (89) 1
7. Moses (90) 1
Date of Writing
The earliest of the psalms would be Psalm 90, written by Moses (c. 1440
B.C.). The Davidic psalms would have been composed between 1020 and 975 B.C. and those of Asaph during approximately the same period. Psalms 72 and 127 date from Solomon’s reign, around 950 B.C. The psalms of the descendants of Korah and the two Ezrahites were probably pre-exilic. Psalm 126 and 137 date from the return of the exiles. There is little evidence for dating any of the psalms later than c. 500 B.C.
Historical Setting
Thirteen psalms give the historical setting out of which they were composed. These include: Psalm 3, 7, 18, 34, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63, and 142. It is hazardous to attempt to reconstruct the historical setting of a psalm where none is clearly indicated.
Purpose
The purpose of Psalms is to express the religious sentiments of God’s people and ultimately praise God.
Theme
The praise of God–the public acknowledgment of His greatness and
goodness.
FACTS ON PROVERBS
Author
Solomon is the most noteworthy author and contributor of the book (1:1,
10:1, 25:1). Two sections of Proverbs (22:17-23:14 and 24:23-34) are attributed to “the wise.” Proverbs 30:1-30 was written by Agur the son of Jakeh, and Proverbs 31:1-9 is said to be the sayings of king Lemuel.
Date of Writing
While most of the proverbs were written during the lifetime of Solomon, the final form of the book could not have appeared before the time of king Hezekiah (25:1). The book was probably in its completed and final form around 700 B.C.
Historical Setting
According to Jeremiah 18:18 the religious life of the Hebrews was molded by the prophets, the priests, and the wise men. Although the wise men (and women) were never as prominent in national life as the priests and prophets, they did exert a considerable influence as teachers of wisdom. Their sayings enshrined certain truths gleaned from the experience of life, and were intended to serve as practical guidelines for successful living.
Their great concern was for the application of divine truth to human experience. The most preeminent among the wise was Solomon (1 Kings 3:9-12), the author and contributor of most of Proverbs.
Purpose
The purpose of Proverbs, recorded in 1:2-4, is to know wisdom and allow it
to govern one’s life.
Theme
The theme of Proverbs is the distinctive motto of the wisdom teachers (Prov. 1:7, Job 28:28, Ecc. 12:13), “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Reverence toward God is the essential prelude to all wisdom and successful living.
Outline
I. THE INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 1:1-7
II. THE DISCOURSES ON WISDOM 1:8-9:18
III. THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON 10:1-22:16
IV. THE WORDS OF THE WISE 22:17-24:34
V. PROVERBS OF SOLOMON RECORDED BY HEZEKIAH’S MEN 25:1-29:27 VI. THE WORDS OF AUGUR BEN JAKEH 30
VII. THE WORDS OF KING LEMUEL 31:1-9
VIII. THE DESCRIPTION OF A WORTHY WOMAN 31:10-31
FACTS ON ECCLESIASTES
Author
The author identifies himself as the “son of David, king of Jerusalem.” While Solomon is not specified as the author, he is the most likely candidate. References to the author’s unrivaled wisdom (1:16), unequaled wealth (2:7), opportunities for pleasure (2:3), and extensive building activities (2:4-6) support the Jewish tradition that Solomon authored the book (Megilla 7a and Shabbath 30).
Date of Writing
If Solomon was indeed the author of Ecclesiastes, then the work was probably composed late in his life (c. 935 B.C.) as indicated by the writer’s consciousness of old age and death (2:18, 12:1-7). At the end of Solomon’s life he would have been able to draw upon his great wisdom and unsurpassed experience to provide very helpful and wise instruction.
Historical Setting
The book appears to be an address by Qohelet to an assembly of the wise
(cf. 1 Kings 4:31). Wise men in ancient Israel were one media which God used to communicate His truth to man (Jer. 18:18). They gave people counsel and presented wisdom from life and by divine inspiration. The book may have been the record of Solomon’s wisdom instruction at an assembly of the wise during the latter days of his life.
Purpose
Ecclesiastes demonstrates that it is utterly futile to assimilate all the
riddles and paradoxes of life. God simply has not revealed the answers to all of life’s inconsistencies to man. In light of the futility of trying to put all of life together, man must live by faith and use this one opportunity to live life to the fullest. The book is intended to show that there is no contradiction between enjoying life to its fullest and living in obedience to God.
Theme
Enjoy God’s gift of life to the fullest, living in obedience to God with an awareness of impending judgment (2:24, 12:13-14).
Outline
I. THE PROLOGUE 1:1-11
II. THE PARADOXES OF LIFE 1:12-2:26
III. THE SOVEREIGN DESIGN OF GOD 3:1-11
IV. THE FUTILITY CAUSED BY SUFFERING 4:1-5:20
V. THE FUTILITY OF RICHES 6:1-12
VI. THE COUNSEL CONCERNING WISDOM AND FOLLY 7:1-14
VII. THE ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF WISDOM 7:15-8:15
VIII. THE SUMMARY OF SOLOMON’S QUEST 8:16-9:10
IX. THE LESSONS ON WISDOM 9:17-11:8
X. THE INSTRUCTION TO A YOUNG MAN 11:9-12:7
XI. THE EPILOGUE 12:8-14
FACTS ON SONG OF SOLOMON
Author
The book is attributed to Solomon (1:1). This is confirmed by the repeated
references to royal luxury and costly imported products such as spikenard (1:12), myrrh (1:13), frankincense (3:6), silver, gold, purple, ivory, and beryl–items with which only royalty would be so familiar.
Date of Writing
The indiscriminate mention of geographical localities found in both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms would suggest that the work was composed before the division of the monarchy. The Song of Solomon was probably composed by Solomon sometime during his reign as king in Jerusalem (970-931 B.C).
Historical Setting
The Song of Songs is a lyric dialogue accompanied by a certain dramatic
movement. A true story in the life of Solomon and a young lady lies at the background of the song.
King Solomon apparently had a vineyard in the mountains of Lebanon (4:8, 8:11) which he entrusted to caretakers consisting of a mother, two sons (1:6) and two daughters–the Shulammite (6:13) and a little sister (8:8). While traveling in the north, Solomon encountered the lovely Shulammite maiden. He spoke loving words to her (1:8-10) and won her affection (2:16). Eventually, Solomon took the Shulammite to Jerusalem to become his bride (3:6-7).
Purpose
The purpose of the book is to set forth the beauty and purity of wedded
love and its expression. The book also warns against arousing one’s passions before there is a pleasing, God-honoring relationship and a proper marriage union.
Theme The purity and beauty of wedded love as a divine gift.
Outline
I. THE MUTUAL AFFECTION OF THE BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM 1:1-2:7
II. THE SHULAMMITE SPEAKS AND DREAMS OF HER BELOVED 2:8-3:5
III. THE SHULAMMITE’S MARRIAGE TO SOLOMON 3:6-5:1
IV. THE SHULAMMITE DREAMS OF SEPARATION FROM SOLOMON 5:2-6:3
V. THE SHULAMMITE AND SOLOMON ARE REUNITED 6:4-13
VI. THE PRAISE OF SOLOMON FOR HIS BELOVED SHULAMMITE 7:1-8:4
VII. THE VISIT TO THE SHULAMMITE’S COUNTRY HOME 8:5-14