How to Read Biblical Poetry

The poems found in the Old Testament are part of the Word of God, and it's important to learn how to read and understand them.
Poems are prime examples of the “poetic function” of language, composed with a “focus on the language for its own sake.” Their study entails several fundamental convictions:
1. That they are poems;
2. That the goal is not to “condense” or “summarize” the poem in a prose statement (e.g., “This poem means . . .” or “ . . . says . . .”);
3. That study requires contemplation-a patient receptivity rather than an insistent probing;
4. That the poem’s text is the primary witness to the poem, not its proposed history (i.e., the details of the poet’s life, or when or why it was composed);
5. That the poet wrote with concentration focused on every nuance of the linguistic resources at his or her command; and
6. That we cannot know what the biblical poet was thinking when composing a line or poem or choosing a particular word or verbal form.
We read biblical poems with the conviction that each poem is a word from God, which leads us to expect that the poem will discuss or suggest some aspect of God and his relationship with what he has made, is redeeming, and sustains, and which we will want therefore to hear and understand. And this makes us even more diligent students of the text.
The poetic function of language suggests that noticing the details of the poet’s language ought to strengthen our ability to appreciate the fruit of the poet’s labors and that our ability to appreciate the poet’s creativity is a necessary part of a genuine poetic encounter-the aesthetic appreciation that rewards close study is also an aspect of understanding.
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[@ChrystiLove]

So true! When I read in an updated version, I seem to miss the rhythm. I’m being successful in memorizing the Psalms in King James. Thanks for your steps.

[@Audrey.SmilingSticks]

I really appreciate the enthusiasm to dwell in the Scriptures even when we struggle to understand them. 😎 This video got me excited to go read some poetry.

[@anajuliasilveira7953]

Thanks for sharing this video! looking forward to keep learning about hebrew poetry with you!

[@thefractalbible8214]

I live in Mexico. I wrote four books about the deep literary structure of the Bible, and it is closely related with rhetorical Hebrew divaices. I'd like to publish my books with Zondervan, but it is ver expensive for me now.

[@evaflores624]

Your comments are insightful of the truth about poetry. I share in your understanding of the point about love in expression through words. I can truly relate to how I express my hearts love towards Jesus, so I write. ❤️🙏📖

[@jameslhomi5674]

Thank you for your sharing!

[@annemartin8520]

Beautifully explained

[@keciafenton2690]

thanks for your words.

[@magrietbarnard1445]

You have opened my eyes. (From South Africa)

[@andrewharmon2157]

Amazing! This whole video on poetry in the Sacred Scripture and not a word about analogical reality (universals) which link our understanding with the eternal truths expressed by God.

[@gianni206]

That's good, right? I think it is.

[@andrewharmon3653]

@@gianni206 Universals are those concepts which bridge the gap between material and spiritual reality, like "the arm of God." We know God does not have a material arm, but He does use His power as we use our arm; that is, He intentionally acts to intervene in some context. This use of the word "arm" is analogical and therefore poetical, because poetry is the art of analogy. All spiritual realities have material references by which we can recognize them and what they do, like God's arm and His eye and that the spiritual salvation of man is like the physical salvation of a drowning man....etc. This realm of analogy is the spiritual overlay of all the texts of Sacred Scripture. But the cult of "literalists" seem to deny this dimension of Sacred Scripture and in doing so, strip God's Word of much of its meaning.

[@cfleket]

I appreciate your desire to reach the source. With so many courses lead by Jewish and Israeli teachers - the people to whom God has delivered His oracles - why would I want to be taught by you? Just asking.

[@PaulGruendlerBeau]

Translation DOES matter. Think about it. I mean, is all bourbon bourbon?