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PSALMS

Welcome to the book of Psalms! To begin your study of the Psalms, meditate on the contents of the book reflected in the overview chart above. Note the two major movements of the book. Prayer and praise are to be the vertical focus of the believer. Also note the passages listed within the overview chart below. Take this opportunity to refer to and note each one, relating the section titles to the appropriate passages. What have you learned so far about Psalms? Take the time to read the five Psalms from the chart that reflect the Prayer and Praise themes!

An alternate overview:

Open your heart as you read! We have viewed the NO HEART attitude and life of Saul. We have investigated the WHOLE HEART life of David in the books of 1 & 2 Samuel. Now we focus on the Psalms to search through the actual heart reflections of the Psalmists of Israel.

In what ways is your life a Psalm? How is Prayer and Praise evidenced in your life?

The Psalms can become a very active and enriching part of our spiritual lives if we have the heart to seek! them.

1-41 42-72 73-89 90-106 107-150

Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Man Redemption Worship Hope Thanks

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! 100:4

PRAYERS PRAISES of Reliance for His Providence

PSALMS Prayer & Praise

20; 51; 90 77; 92

AUTHORS At least seven writers contributed to the book: David, Asaph, Solomon, Moses, Ethan, Heman, and the sons of Korah.

DATE Various time periods depending on the writer.

OTHER BACKGROUND The Hebrew title of this book is "Praise" or "Book of Praise." The book of Psalms is quoted more times in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book. Psalms is actually five books in one. Book 1, Chapters 1-41; Book 2, Chapters 42-72; Book 3, Chapters 73-89; Book 4, Chapters 90-106; Book 5, Chapters 107-150. Each section or book closes with a ringing song of praise. The 150 psalms which make up this book were often forged in the crucible of human experience; jubilation and judgment, peace time and war. They contain both quiet meditation and thunderous proclamation: which is one reason why these songs of praise are so appealing to so many Christi followers.

Most of us enjoy different types of music, depending on what kind of mood we find our-selves in. We flip the radio dial back and forth until we tune in the sound that best matches our particular emotional level. That's something like the variety you will find in the book of Psalms because it contains seven different moods or types of psalms:

Lamentation... Psalms are praises offered to the Lord when He seems far away. Praise... Psalms revolve around the word "praise", and extol God's virtues. Enthronement... Psalms praise God's universal rule and lift Him up as our majestic King! Zion... Psalms focused on the city of Jerusalem and were usually sung during one of three annual religious feasts, much like Christmas carols that we sing at Christmastime. Thanksgiving... Psalms express appreciation for something God has done in the past, or confidence in His promise to act in the future. Theme... Psalms focus various subjects covered.

Why study consider the Psalms?1. To better learn about living a life of gratefulness in the midst of life's challenges.2. To learn healthy ways to face conflict and find peace.3. To encourage, motivate, and strengthen us during the times we face depression, defeat and difficulties.

.

Following these steps will prove beneficial as you seek indepth understanding of the Psalms.

ENCOUNTER THE REFERENCE Take the time...Psalms are short statements that say much about heart feelings. You will want to make it a habit that when you have 5-20 minutes to study (not time for lengthy study) to use the Psalms, dividing them quickly for meditation and application. Think of the short periods of time that are wasted because we do not use them adequately because they are not "lengthy"enough to get "deep"! Have a plan...Psalms may usually be divided easily, and because of their "theme" nature, can be approached systematically. Remember this plan: Effectual Reading Entertain Questions Expose Details Envelope in Outline If these steps are made a part of your meditating process, you can quickly uncover application principles that really do "enlighten your heart."

EXPOSE THE MEANING Effectual reading...read the passage once or twice and give it a short title (re: Psalm 1..."Wicked & Righteous"). This title should as much as possible be derived from specific words or phrases of the Psalm that truly exemplify the Psalm's main thrust. Entertain questions (and test your title)...gathering general information for under-standing (who, what, when, where, why and how) can be very enlightening as you take time to meditate on a Psalms significance to your life. You may wish to check your title for accuracy at this step! Expose details...observing grammatical and literary elements for insight......

Repeated words and phrases are key.Connectives or linking words (and, therefore, but)

Sentence cores (subject, verb)Unknown words (use dictionary, Bible dictionary)Location or place words (action and movement)

Figurative expressions ("vessels prepared for wrath" discover deeper meaning author had in mind)

Logical sequences (progression of thoughts, events, places, action/response, etc.)

Anything unusual or unexpected (not fitting the context; out of the ordinary)

Related entities (parts of books, sections, chapters, and verses that clarify each other by similar words, thoughts, etc.)

STEPS TO STUDY A PSALM

By increasing your abilities to meditate and observe these "structure markers" you will train yourself to go past content to indepth interpretation.

ENVELOPE IN OUTLINE... (Example from Psalms 1)Title Choices: Righteous & Wicked Contrasted (1) The Tree & The Chaff (2) The Tree & Me (3)

Outline: (1-2) Specific Contrasts (What are they?) (3) Righteous Revealed (Why this analogy: tree?) (4-5) Wicked Revealed (What about them?) (6) Lord's Viewpoint (What does it reveal?)

(1-2) Walk, Stand, Sit vs. Delight (3) Trees yield fruit and leaves (4-5) Chaff, Judgment, Perish (6) "I know your way"

This approach will work on every Psalm, giving you a helpful framework for your meditation!

Here are some examples of titled psalms that have been simply outlined. We have included some examples of the kinds of questions you will want to ask throughout the Psalms.

PSALM 1. CONTRAST: RIGHTEOUS AND WICKEDContains good instruction and promises as we delight in His Word.Outline: The Blessed Man (1) The Stable Life (2-3) The Unstable Life (4-6)

What about me? What does this passage give as the basis for delighting in the Lord? As the results What are the major stablizing factors in your life? The unstablizing factors? What one specific step can you take revealed by this principle to be more stable?

PSALM 2. THE NATIONS AND THE LORDGives encouragement to the believer because we are at peace with God.Outline: Nation's Opposition (1-3) Lord's Response (4-9) Nation's Warning (10-12)

What about me? Who is the Lord's anointed? How does this Psalm describe His attitudes and actions toward the nations? There are five commands in 10-12, what are they? Though these are spoken to the nations, we can benefit by making ourselves the recipients. what do these commands teach you about your relationship with Jesus?

PSALM 3. DAVID FLEES FROM ABSALOMA good picture of trust in hopeless situations, resulting in prayerful trust and encouragement.Outline: The Situation (1-2) David's Reaction (3-6) David's Prayer (7-8)

What about me? David was being chased from Jerusalem by his own son. Though he was persecuted from every side, he still chooses to trust in God. When have you felt like David did in verses 1-2? Notice that even in the midst of his trust David experienced anxiety (vs. 4). It is not so much that we will not go through trials, but it is how we cope with those trials. How did David deal with the situation?

PSALM 4. A LIFE OF TRUSTGood insights on the characteristics of one who trusts in God.Outline: David's Request (1) David's Instruction (2-5) David's Prayer (6-8)

What about me? David had confidence (1). He knew that in God's grace He would listen. Do you have this confidence? David saw himself as godly; how do you picture yourself and why? Trust involves five specific actions (4-5). What are they? How do verses 6-8 show David's confidence and peace? What have you learned specifically about trust?

A READING GUIDE TO PSALMS 1-10

5. THE PROTECTION OF GODHere are some helpful insights into taking refuge in God when others are against you.Outline: A Morning Prayer (1-3) A Humble Servant (4-7) Rebellious Talkers (8-10) A Joyful Shield (11-12)

What about me? What was David's prayer like? (1-3) What specific insights do you receive into your own prayer life? What is worship? How does David worship God (this Psalm)? Because David knew that God was his shield he could be joyful and rest. Do you believe that God is your shield? Rest and be joyful in God's unconditional love for you!

6. MERCY IN TROUBLED TIMESHere we find a graphic picture of a person's true feelings in the midst of trials.Outline: David's Feelings (1-3) David's Request (4-5) David's Condition (6-7) David's Trust (8-10)

What about today? How were David's trials affecting him (1-3)? (6-7) Trials come and go. Many times we think "to act spiritual" is to not acknowledge stress. How did David deal with spiritual, physical, and emotional stress? What creative and useful ways does this passage give you insight into dealing with problems?

7. A PRAYER OF DEFENSE AND VINDICATIONSome useful insights into godliness and its opposite: the mischief of man.Outline: The Pursuers (1-2) The Justice (3-5) The Judge (6-11) Mischief's Plight (12-16) David's Trust (17) What about me?

8. THE MAJESTIC TRANSCENDENCE OF GOD God's Purpose (1-2) God's Plan for Man (3-8) God's Praise (9) What about me?

9. PRAISE & THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S JUSTICE David's Heart Praise (1-2) David's Testimony (3-6) God's Justice (7-10) David's Requests (11-16) God's Sovereignty (17-20)

10. A PORTRAIT OF THE WICKED David's Question (1-2) Wicked Described (5-11) David's Request (12-17)

Outline: Questions:

Psalm TItle ________________________________________________________What About Me?

Use this as a master for your own study of the Psalms. Outline the content, write out your questions, choose key and favorite verses, and give the Psalm a title with words from the text. Then come to "simple and focused "what about me" conclusions for your life! Happy hunting!

A Bread of Life Bible Study Guide. Copyright 1990. Psalms Chapter Chart

PSALM ________ Favorite Verse(s) _________ Key Verse _________

A QUOTE FROM A. W. TOZER: "I trust I speak in charity, but the lack in our pulpits is real. Milton's terrible sentence ap-plies to our day as accurately as it did to his: "The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed". It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table. The truth of Wesley's words is established before our eyes: "Ortho-doxy, or right opinions, is, at best, a very slender part of religion. Though right attitudes cannot subsist without right opinions, yet right opinions may subsist without right attitudes. There may be a right opinion of God without either love or one right attitude toward Him. Satan is a proof of this." Thanks to our splendid Bible societies and to other effective agencies for the dissemi-nation of the Word, there are today many millions of people who hold "right opinions", probably more than ever before in the history of the Church. Yet, I wonder if there was ever a time when true spiritual worship was at a lower ebb. To great sections of the Church, the art of worship has been lost entirely, and in its place has come that strange and foreign thing call the "program". This word has been borrowed from the state and applied with sad wisdom to the type of public service which now passes for worship among us."

WORSHIP OF GOD DEFINED: "Reverence paid to a divine being - the act of expression; extravagant respect or admira-tion for or devotion to an object of esteem."

There are a number of words in the Scriptures that define worship:

Worship before God: (Exodus 34:14) to depress (prostrate); to pay homage; bow (self) down; crouch, fall down, humbly beseech, to stoop.

Worship of false gods: (Jeremiah 44:19) to fabricate or fashion (worry, pain, anger) grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex, worship. (Daniel 3:5) Prostrate oneself, fall down. (Matthew 2:2) to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand; to fawn or crouch to; prostrate oneself in homage. (Matthew 19:9) to revere, adore, devout, "religious" worship. (Acts 7:42) a hired menial; to minister to God - render religious homage; secure, do the service, worship. (Acts 17:23) to be pious, respect (support), devout, godly.

THE PURSUIT OF GOD

The human body of is fragile. Even in strength and good health it takes very little to turn everything upside down when our physical health is impaired. Our emotional life is simi-lar. We can be high as a kite on life one moment, and then a simple word or change of circum-stances can send us plummeting to earth, often to a very rude landing!

The soul is the indestructible part of us. It is where the true battles are fought and it is the arena of our conscience and our spirit as well. You could say it is where the essence of a man or woman exists. This is where our interior life is thought out, forged, and where we are won or lost. The soul is crucial to the measure of our lives. Giving attention to our interior lives is critical to the sum of who we are.

The Psalms are probably the best representations of an interior life that we have in all of human recorded history. The struggle with good and evil, desire and want, and anger and joy are all arrayed before us in the lives of the Psalmists - David, King of Israel owning the lion's share of these helpful snapshots into our interior lives.

To put this into perspective, we must understand that David probably enjoyed one of the most intimate and spiritually favored lives with the Living God of any human who has ever lived. We can look into his writings and find his heart, and in so doing we can find God's heart. The Psalms are a key to unlocking our hearts.

Spiritual transformation into a Kingdom heart is both mystical and practical. It is mysti-cal because no matter how zealous or how disciplined we may become, we are still complete-ly reliant upon God's Spirit to connect us with our Creator. It is practical in that the choices we make each day drastically impact our spiritual resiliency.

The scriptures are clear. First King (Jesus), then Kingdom (our interior lives), then Church (what we do in our exterior lives). The balance of these three will determine our ulti-mate satisfaction in life. Whatever devotion or place I find in visible expressions of men and religion, the Kingdom must supersede them all. In fact, our work is measured by our submis-sion to the King and our connectedness to how He is building His Kingdom - in and around our lives! Check out these King and Kingdom references!

Matthew 2:2 Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?Matthew 2:11 They fell to the ground and worshipped HimMatthew 4:17 Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!Matthew 11:2-6 Are You the Expected One?Matthew 11:25-30 The Yoke of the True King!Matthew 13:51,52 Like the Head of a Household...Matthew 18:4 Whoever humbles himself like a child...Matthew 25:31-40 Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!Matthew 27:37 King of the Jews!Revelation 19:11-16 The King Returns

OUR INTERIOR LIVES

PSALMISTS (in general terms)Psalms 1-41 DavidPsalms 42-49 Sons of KorahPsalm 50 AsaphPsalm 60-71, 86 David (time sensitive)Psalm 72 Solomon73-83 Asaph84-85, 87-88 Korah89 Ethan90 Moses91-100 Moses?101-110 David..?111-121 ? (Hebrew legacy?)122-137 Ascents (worship in Jerusalem)138-145 David146-150 ? (Hebrew legacy?)

David..............................75 or so for sureSons of Korah...............11 or soAsaph.............................12 or soEthan..............................1 or soMoses..............................1 up to 11Legacy............................16 or soAscents...........................15

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PROVERBS

Welcome to the Book of Proverbs! To begin your study of Proverbs, meditate upon the contents and message of the book reflected in the overview chart below. What are the major movements of the book? What is the emphasis of Proverbs? There are many things that people devote their lives to acquiring. To pursue and regard wisdom as a prize takes a unique person. Our key verse is found in 1:7. In what way does it reflect the spiritual message of the book?

Also note the passages listed within the overview chart. Take this opportunity to note each one, relating the section titles to the appropriate passages. What have you learned thus far about the book of Proverbs?

Solomon was one of the wisest men who ever lived on the face of the earth. He devoted his life to practical wisdom. He would observe carefully, test his conclusions over time, and en-capsulate his conclusions in a single or series of proverbs. We are the beneficiaries of this type of God-directed reflection!

Solomon himself understood the practical benefit of Proverbs when he said that the words of wise men are like goads (tenacious and present attention-getting devices), and that masters of these collections are like well-driven nails. They are given by one shepherd (Ecclesiastes 12:11).

Open your heart as your read! In what ways do you consider you have benefited from wise foundations in your life? How can wise foundations help and protect you? How can foolish foundations make you vulnerable?

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1 2-9 10-31The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 1:7

PROVERBS Wisdom AboveWisdom to

be Acquired

1:20-25,32,33

Wisdom is Superior

3:1-12

Wisdom's Voice

10:1; 29:7-9

AUTHOR AND DATE:Primarily Solomon about 970-900BC. (See 1:1; 10:1; 25:1)The Proverbs were probably arranged into book form during the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, about 700 BC., at which time were added the sayings of Agur (30), and the Oracles of Lemuel's mother (31).

OTHER BACKGROUND FOR THE BOOK:The English word for Proverb indicates that a proverb is a brief saying that says much.Proverbs are picture that speak volumes to the on who takes the time to listen and to meditate and to apply what he or she sees! It is important to remember that the Hebrew view of wisdom differed greatly from other eastern spokesmen such as Confucious. For the Jew wisdom was rooted in a belief and submission to a personal, holy God. In this sense Proverbs is an extremely practical approach to serving God in our everyday lives!

WHY STUDY THE BOOK OF PROVERBS?Solomon himself said in Ecclesiates 12:11 (also a book that he authored):

The words of wise men are like goads, and the masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd!

A goad is an attention getting presense or device that barbs un back to reality.The Proverbs, then, are useful in bringing us back to reality, and assuring us of being driven straight, strong, and secure rather than bent, weak, and ineffective!

THE SEVEN PILLARS OF A FAMILYGod wants us to build strong households on the rock of Wisdom!(24:3,4,27)Building in this way is a challenge (24:10) and the fear of the lord is the foundation for such a quest! (14:26)

The goal of our efforts is to build a house of honor.(15:33; 16:18-20; 23:10-12; 25:14; 28:13; 29:1)

To accomplish this someone once noted seven pillars from Proverbs for building a strong house. They are reflected elsewhere in the Scriptures. What are they?#1: 16:11; 20:7-10#2: 12:11; 14:23#3: 14:12; 20:25#4: 12:9; 15:16,17; 30:7-9#5: 20:1; 23:1-3#6: 13:12; 24:5,6#7: 23:10-12; 24:17,18And all must be built with full assurance of heart! (15:13,15; 17:22)

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Chapter Title Key Verse

1

KEY QUESTIONS:1. What are the overall practical benefits of Proverbs?2. List the specific qualities that are promised to a faithful reader.3. Note the key words "to know". Proverbs does not claim to make you into a wise man, it just claims to reveal practical wisdom to you.4. The key to success in the eyes of the writer of Proverbs is found in verse 7 of chapter 1. What is it, and why is it so important?

What about me?How do you practically demonstrate reverence for God? Compare the statement of 1:7 with Solomon's reflective words in Ecclesiates 12:13. What do you learn from this?

My thoughts about wisdom in my life and in the lives of those around me:

A Bread of Life Bible Study Guide. Copyright 1990. Proverbs Chapter Chart

The Purpose of Proverbs Read 1:1-7

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. What would you consider the overall or "big picture" teachings of wisdom (1:8-33).2. What are the specific values of wisdom (2:1-22)?3. What are the rewards of wisdom (3:1-35)?4. What are the two paths of life and how do they differ (4:1-27)?

What about me?How important and recognizable is wisdom's voice to you? Do you agree with the concept of two basic life paths or do you see more options? How can a person be sure they are seeking and following day-by-day wisdom?

My thoughts about the two paths of life:

4 3 2


Values, Rewards, and Advice Read 1:1-8-4:27

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. Chapter five defines the pitfalls of immorality. What determines what is moral and what is immoral?2. How are people drawn toward immoral relationships?3. What other warnings are found in this section?4. Chapter six defines seven things that God hates. What are they and why would they be so detestable to God? How are they connected? 5. What are the six follies that are listed? Follies are made for fools!

What about me?Evaluate your relationships based on the seven abominations and six follies. How do you measure up? How would God feel about your personal response to the warning voice of wisdom?

My thoughts about being a fool and knowing a fool:

5 6


8 7

9

Warning of Wisdom Read 5:1-9:18

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KEY QUESTIONS: In this section, you will want to note the use of the connective word "but" and how often it notes a contrast: good & evil; light & darkness; industrious & lazy; etc. Choose at least ten of these contrasts that most apply to your life, and are most likely to help you choose wisdom and reject folly!

What about me? There is a natural tendancy of humanity (especially in our culture) to dislike being told what to do. The idea that there is someone in authority over us with specific absolutes is repugnant to the "enlightened" mind. You must decide about these absolutes. You must make your own day-by-day decisions: Wisdom or folly!?

My thoughts about what makes an enlightened mind:

10 11


13

12

14

Wisdom & Folly Read 10:1-15:33

15

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KEY QUESTIONS: This section is similar to the one before it. Again, choose at least 10 statements that relate to your life and conduct. Where are popular sources of wisdom originating today? How do we decide on the validity of an authority source? What are some recur-ring themes in this section?

What about me? How do the recurring themes of Proverbs relate to the recurring themes of your life? What do these repetitions teach you about God? About men? About yourself? Look for opportunities today at home, school, or work to contrast wise and foolish behavior. Who are some wise people in your life? Some foolish people?

My thoughts about the wise people that I respect:

16 17


19

18

20

Submitting to Wisdom Read 16:1-22:16

21

22

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. What would you consider the highlights of these chapters?2. How do the words of Agur and Lemuel differ from those of Solomon in tone, style, and content? How are they similar?3. Note the series of "fours" mentioned in chapter 30 and apply the three questions of the previous reading.

What about me?What kind of balance is taught in 30:7-9? In what ways does this passage reveal a balance or imbalance in your life?

My thoughts about what makes a person live a balanced life:

24 23 22


Words of the Wise Read 22:17-24:34

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. How do the words of Agur and Lemuel compare with those of Solomon?2. Take several of the "fours" of chapter 30 and apply the previous questions.3. What do youconsider the highlights of these six chapters?4. What makes a noble woman in light of Proverbs 31?

What about Today?In what ways does 30:7-9 reveal a balance or imbalance in your life?Do you feel that you are a master of this collection of Proverbs?What makes a "master" in Biblical matters?In what ways are you a well-driven nail?

My thoughts about being wise enough to penetrate my culture:

25 26


28

27

29

Words of Solomon, Agur & Lemuel Read 25:1-31:31

30

31

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ch# Favorite Proverb #1 Favorite Proverb #2 Favorite Proverb #312345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

The book of Proverbs merits special attention because of the numerous practical insights that it provides for a variety of everyday circumstances. A steady commitment to Proverbs over the years can prepare a household and a person with a wealth of personal insight! Most of the months have close to 31 days. Proverbs has 31 chapters. Faithful reading in conjunction with the day of the month (Ex: Proverbs 7 on May 7; etc.) can be an effective long-term tool.

PROVERBS STUDY CHART

Topic______________ Topic_______________

As you examine Proverbs look for recurring themes such as Family Life, money-management prin-ciples, being industrious or lazy, proverbs that promote good interpersonal relationships, purity, business life; etc. Begin a cumulative list under the various topics you observe!

PROVERBS TOPICAL CHART

Topic______________ Topic_______________

Topic______________ Topic_______________

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ECCLESIASTES

Welcome to the book of Ecclesiastes! To begin your study of Ecclesiastes, meditate upon the contents of the book reflected in the overview chart. As you consider each section and title, relate each one to the theme of vanity (or futility). The book of Ecclesiastes gives us a proper view of daily life in relationship to eternity, and causes us to evaluate our priorities as we maintain an open heart. You could look at this as a book of reflective wisdom, written from the point of view of very experienced eyes!

Also note the references listed within the overview chart. Take this opportunity to inves-tigate each one, looking for the relationship between section titles and key verses. Use these passages as guideposts to unlock the message of the book. What have you learned thus far about the book of Ecclesiastes? The final chapter is painfully inciteful for Solomon and critcally relevant to those who would follow him (that's us!!). In this book we encounter the specific questions that provoke the spiritually minded man or woman every day!

Open your heart as you read! In Proverbs we encountered the wisdom of a man as he progressively considered life's circumstances and recorded his well thought-out and God-inspired conclusions. In Ecclesiastes we see that same man ravaged by wrong choices and lacking in the heart to find comfort from his own writings! Recognition, accumulation, and engaging in a full range of activities can bring little comfort if, in the final analysis, we cannot share them with our Creator!

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"And behold, all was vanity and striving after wind." - 2:11

DOING2:18-23

1-2 3-6 7-10 11-12

ECCLESIASTES Vanity Below

HAVING5:10-17

BEING9:11; 10:5-7

Be Wise!12:1-14

The Vanity of:

AUTHOR and DATE King Solomon, third of the united kingdom's kings of Israel. Saul had no heart for God. David had a whole heart, even though he was quite flawed. Solomon had half of a heart. Even though he had it all, he neglected the most important priority of all and payed dearly for it! (1:1, 12). The book was probably written in the later years of Solomon's reign, around 940 B.C.

OTHER BACKGROUND Someone has said that Solomon probably wrote the Song of Solomon as a young man, filled with love for life and the bride of his youth. Proverbs was written during his prolific and inspiring building years, as the eyes of the entire earth fixed their gaze upon his splendor. Eccle-siastes reflects the bitterness of old age, where the great Solomon in all his wisdom views the meaningless futility of life apart from God!

There is probably no better life-advice than that found in Ecclesiastes 12. As we seek identity, position, wealth, and life...let us remember now our Creator in the days of our youth, before the evil days come and we find no delight in them! The Scriptures tell us that to remember our Creator is to embrace the One whom He has sent: Jesus Christ, Lamb of God and Wisdom of God! (John 10:10; 17:3)

Why study the book of Ecclesiastes? Life can often seem meaningless and futile. These are some of the times that we can be on the verge of personal wisdom! God has many unusual ways of drawing men to Himself. With Job, He used suffering. With David, He employed the life of a fugitive. With Christ, He used the body of a man for the very dwelling place of God! Reject the vanity of having and doing and being as the center of your life. Remember your Creator every day!

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. Another word for vanity is futility. Why does Solomon emphatically state that there is nothing new under the sun?2. What examples does he use to make his point and why do you think that each example was chosen? In what ways do they give you a clear picture of his theme?

What about today? Life goes on! In what ways are Solomon's initial thoughts discouraging? What things in your life do you find wearisome? Would you consider yourself an encouraged or discouraged person?

My thoughts about life being futile and meaningless:


1

The Theme Read Chapter 1

A Bread of Life Bible Study Guide. Copyright 1990.

Ecclesiastes Chapter Chart

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. Why is Solomon so frustrated (1:12-18)?2. Make a list of his activities in 2:1-11. In what specific ways would you correlate these activities into your own life?3. In what ways does he contrast wisdom and folly?4. What is the focus of his complaint (2:18-23)?5. What do 2:24-26 teach us about the place of work in our lives?

What about today? Make a list of your leisure activities. How do you feel about your career? Do your activities frustrate you or fulfill you? Is it wrong to enjoy leisure activities? Do you feel that you experience Biblical balance in your life?

My thoughts about what makes my life fulfilling:


1

2

Man's Emptiness Read Chapters 1-2

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. What is Solomon attempting to communicate in 3:1-8? What does this section tell you about life?2. In what ways could or should 3:11-22 affect our attitudes toward other men?3. What does 4:13-16 teach us about our relationship with leaders and rulers?4. How does 4:9-12 have application to our friendships?

What about today? The finality of death can be a sober reality as we embrace it through our own frail-ties or those of another. What are your feelings about death? To what degree do you live as though you were invincible? Based upon these chapters, do you feel you have an informed big picture on your life?

My thoughts about having the big picture on my years on earth:


3

4

Everyone's Stalker! Read Chapters 3-4

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. Reread 1-8. This describes man's natural inclination in worhip. What does it teach about worship? About prayer?2. What should be our attitude as we approach God? Remember, prayer is intended to be a two-way experience. We speak to God and God listens, but He wishes to speak to us and requires an attentive ear!3. What is the grievous evil?

What about today?We must be careful not approach God brashly or ritualistically.What parts of your Christian experience could become a ritual?What can you do about it?

My thoughts about ritualism in my life:


5

6

Ritualism Kills Read Chapters 5-6

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. What type of balance is Solomon implying in 7:15-18?2. What devices (7:29) have already been referred to in the book?3. What cannot man discover (8:17)?4. Is it true that we are to enjoy life (9:9)?5. Notice 9:11-12. Here we have examples that reflect men whom our culture holds in high regard. Who are some 20th century examples?6. What insights does Solomon reveal about them?

What about today? God's intent is that humans would experience great joy and fulfillment in life. The idea of a strict, celestial killjoy is just a question of perspective. Like our own children, as children of God we are to mature into the image of our Creator. It is little wonder that our prolonged choice for juvenile spiritual behavior is met with the disapproval of God, and that our subsequent responses to His rebuke are so childish and self-centered. From this passage, list the things that you believe that God wants for you in order to enjoy quality life!

My thoughts about what makes my life quality (and what makes it lack quality):

7 8


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Advice Read Chapters 7-9

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. Reread 11:1,2. What do you think these verses mean to man or woman of today?2. The preacher begins to conclude his theme in 11:7-12:8. What specific advice does he give that would be useful to a teenager?3. In what specific ways does he describe the old age of one who has not remembered God in his or her youth?

What about today?We must be careful not to expend our life striving after wind!What does it mean for you to grasp the wind?What can a person grasp?

My thoughts about things that I can take hold of that will endure:

9 10


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Life's Conclusions Read Chapters 9-11

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KEY QUESTIONS:1. What is the conclusion of Solomon's discourse?2. How would you summarize his evaluation of his own lifee?3. What are his reasons behind his conclusions?4. What does Solomon's choices of images reveal about his perspective on his later years?

What about today?Why is it important to master the collections found in the wisdom books?What does it mean to be a well-driven nail?

My thoughts about my own life being well-driven:


12

Major Reflections Read Chapter 12

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Fourthstream.com

SONG OF SOLOMON

Welcome to the book of Song of Solomon! To begin your study of Song of Solomon, meditate upon the content of the book reflected in the overview chart below. As you consider each section and title we have chosen, decide how each one relates to the theme of godly intimacy in a godly relationship. The book of Song of Solomon gives us very practical principles for maintaining proper interest in and care for that partner that God has provided. The key verse (8:6) reflects the depths to which committed, intimate love may attain.

Also note the Scriptures listed within the overview chart above. Take this opportunity to investigate each one, looking for the relationship between the section titles and key verses. Use these passages as "guideposts" to unlock the message of the book. What have you learned thus far of Song of Solomon?

We mentioned in previous teachings the possibility that Solomon had written Song of Solomon reflecting upon the wife of his youth. As you study the beautiful poetry and imagery of the book, meditate long and deeply upon the principles of innocent love that may be gleaned. The infatuated intimacy of Song of Solomon is something that the writer himself would have done well to maintain and cultivate with the wife of his youth. Read Proverbs 5:15-23 which is significant here.

Open your heart as you read! Our value system for human love may be polluted by any of a number of sources. Do you have God's view on love and sex? Are you practicing joy and purity when it comes to con-sidering the interests of your partner in the area of intimate love?

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MARRIAGE5:10-16; 7:10

1-3 3-5 5-8

"Put me like a seal over your heart." 8:6

SONG OF SOLOMON Intimate Love

COURTSHIP1:7; 2:10-14

WEDDING NIGHT

3:6-11; 5:8

Godly human love...

AUTHOR King Solomon of Israel. The ideal love of this poem which reflects the love of loves (Jesus Christ for His Bride: the Church) comes from the pen of a man with an imperfect view of love. The 300 wives and 700 concubines of Solomon testify to the unrestrained polygamy of the King of Israel. How then, can a man with such a notorious harem write a poem extolling true love?

One possibility is that the poem is designed to show the joy of monogamy against the backdrop of polygamy. In 6:8, Solomon is said to have only 60 wives and 80 concubines. The mention of these is an obvious reflection that the love of the Shulamite in this song is a special love which stands out amidst the many women in the harem. Though surrounded by a large retinue of women, the Shulamite is the sole possessor of his heart. If Solomon wrote this back while practicing polygamy, it would be a powerful argument against the emptiness of having many wives. It would be a poem emphasizing the beauty of ideal love written by one who had experienced the opposite.

DATE 10th Century B.C....early in Solomon's reign.

OTHER BACKGROUND King Solomon, Israel's wisest and richest king, owns land all over the nation. One par-ticular piece of real estate he owns is a vineyard close to Baalhamon in the northernmost part of Galilee, near the foothills of the Lebanon mountains. While on a visit to his vineyard, Solomon meets a farm girl called Shulamite and it's almost love at first sight. For some time, he pursues her and makes periodic visits to see her at her country home. He finally "pops" the question but Shulamite is unsure of her answer at first. Can she be happy in another country, with his rich and powerful friends, away from her family? She finally says "yes" and Solomon sends his "limousine" to pick her up for their wedding day in Jerusalem's palace. The book opens as she is getting ready for the wedding banquet and wedding night or honeymoon. This, the beginning of love, is recounted in chapters 1-5:1. The second half of the book deals with the joys and problems of their married life. Such marital tensions as not having enough time together, homesickness, communication breakdown, and sexual difficulties are sensitively but realistically dealt with in this section of the book describes as "the development of oneness" found in chapters 5:2-8:14.

Why study the Song of Solomon? For husbands with a busy schedule, Solomon, who undoubtedly had an even busier schedule, serves as an example to follow in giving our wives a high priority when it comes to our time.

This book pictures love as a "garden" which needs continual cultivating. There are many practical suggestions given in this book on ways to cultivate your own love garden. See if you can pick them out, then do them with your spouse.

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A Bread of Life Bible Study Guide. Copyright 1990. Song of Solomon Chapter Chart

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

Chapter Title Verse

2

WHAT ABOUT TODAY? Finding true love

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Before the Marriage Read 1:7,8; 2:8-17 Here we see an excited infatuation in the first meeting of 1:7-8 and then the breath-taking romance of 2:8-17! Twice we see the beckoning call of Solomon, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along". (2:10, 13) Here is the common experience of love, the anticipation of first meeting and those romantic first visits.

What about today? Think about your own courtship. What first attracted you to your mate? In what ways have you "outgrown" courtship infatuation? In what ways does your marriage still need these delights?

Before the Marriage Read 3:6-11; 1:2-6 Read 3:6-22 and 1:2-6. Here is the glorious wedding day and the Shulamite is experiencing anxious waiting. Notice her view of her husband to be. She sees him as magnificent! We all must see our mates as "Solomons" and "Shulamites". When we are in love we entertain high thoughts of our partner.

What about today? Too often after marriage, we lose our high view of our partner. In what ways has this diminished in your marriage? How has it Increased? Why is it important to hold our mate in high esteem?

During the Wedding Read 6:4-7,10; 1:9-17; 2:1-7 Here we see mutual love and admiration for each other that is apparently displayed publicly.

What about today? These two held each other in high regard. This characterized their speech when they spoke to others. Do you support and praise your mate before others? Do others see him or her as in high regard to you or do they pciture your mate in a slanted light deduced from your comments (or lack of them)?

Wedding Night Read 4:1-7 Review the background section as you study this lesson in admiration!

What about today? Do you compliment your spouse? (About his or her work, care, concerns, love; etc.) Do you know his/her language of love?

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Wedding Night Read 4:8-5:1

Here we have a breathtaking account of lovemaking romance. In 5:1, we hear the voice of another observer. It is either the wind that is blowing or God, who is observing this pleasing union.

What about today? Lovemaking is not dirty! Indeed, if the God of heaven created man in His image, even our love relationships somehow reflect His glory! Do you have any hang-ups about love and sex? Where do they come from, how do they affect you, and what does God say about them in Song of Solomon?

Separated Lovers Read 3:1-5; 5:2-6:3 In 3:1-5, the bride dreams a fearful dream of separaton from her lover. In 5:2 - 6:3, this actually happens. For some unknown reason, Solomon is gone and the Shulamite goes in search of him.

What about today? True love demands true commitment! How great is your need for your spouse? Are there any things that you have put in your life in place of this intense commitment to your mate?

Here we see the two lovers returning to the bride' home. Solomon is sensitive to the needs of his wife, and as they return to the scene of their courtship, they review their initial vow of love (8:6).

What about today? We must accurately access and adequately meet the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of our mate. How often do you consider whether your marriage is doing so? Why not make it a point to get alone with your mate to discuss your feelings about your marriage?

Homesick Bride Read 7:11 - 8:4-14

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