Esther, Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, like the shorter tunnels on the bike ride, can feel like a mix of dark and light. There are still some convoluted places, but more light.
Bike trail and more tunnels
After the second tunnel of the ride – which as I mentioned last week, caught me off guard – we were back to bike trail out in the open. We came across a few tunnels, but all were much smaller and most of the time I could see the light shining through to the other end, making this section of trail much more approachable than the initial long tunnel.
Approachable
These next four books of the Bible – Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs – are like that too.
Esther
The Book of Esther might confuse with all those names and details, but it is fairly short and reads like a story complete with hero and villain. The main character, Esther, inspires as she pushes through her fear to follow God’s lead in her life.
Job
Right after Esther comes Job (rhymes with robe). Much like the section of bike trail that ran right into a tunnel, Job leads straight into darkness. If you thought your life had challenges, Job really has a rough go of it.
One thing the Book of Job has going for it is the format. This book reads like a play which could be called Job and his unhelpful friends. After Job’s life falls apart, his well-intentioned friends offer advice, but they blame Job for his problems. Job’s perspective changes when he focuses on God and not on his problems.
Anybody notice a theme with these two books?
Psalms
The Book of Psalms leads us back into the light of day after the darkness of Job, if not from the content, then at least from the length of the Psalms. I really like the Psalms because of the varied number of verses of each text and the layers of feelings represented. They cover the gamut of emotions often reflecting the raw experience of the author or intended audience.
Proverbs
I think of Proverbs as the fortune cookie of the Bible, often short phrases to ponder. Some are more straightforward than others. Some require a little more thought. So for me, depending on the Proverb, these can either be like the trail in the daylight or another short tunnel.
If we look at the first lines of Proverbs we see they were written by Solomon. Remember him?
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;” Proverbs 1:1-2 NIV
Scripture always available
With any Scripture passage, release the need to fully understand what you read. Scripture is always available to come back to and see something new in.
Esther Job Psalms Proverbs
Esther and Job read as standalone stories, Psalms and Proverbs break up nicely and are often assigned in Bible reading plans along with other sections of Scripture.
So whether you opt for a story format or smaller passages of Scripture, Esther, Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, offer accessible entry into the Bible.
Want a reminder of what comes before these books?
A bike and the Bible – 1 and 2 Kings to Nehemiah – part 9
A few more thoughts on the Psalms:
Psalms at the heart of the Bible:
A way to look at the 23rd Psalm – a structure for viewing the Psalms: