Take a look at 2 particular type of poetical literature: psalms and the wisdom books.
Psalms:
150 psalms making a temple of words in the form of a prayer book. Two main types are laments and praises. Some familiar psalms are 23, 91, 139
These prayers show us how to begin relationship with God. The responses and attitudes are a reflection of God's character. They all point to the coming promise, the Messiah.
Bible Project links: Overview- https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/psalms/
Structure Overview- https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/book-of-psalms/
Psalms Resources:
CS Lewis Reflections on the Psalms
Bible Project Psalms Series Podcast: https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/psalms-study/
Wisdom Books:
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job- What does it mean to live a good life?
Proverbs: wisdom given in principles of life, NOT promises. Look for parallelism- 2 seemingly opposite ideas set beside one another that actually validate and life up each one.
Ecclesiastes: Is life meaningless? The proverbs don't always play out in life and this book wrestles with that. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to those undeserving. How are we to handle that in light of the gospel? Fear God and follow His commandments- you are not in charge.
Job: A narrative about bad things happening to good people. What is fair and who decides it? Many passages are written in poetical language, images and metaphors. Job demands an audience with God to explain Himself. Like a good and patient father, He does. Just not the way we might expect.
Life with God should be wonderful and perfect and yet we know it isn't. These books explore that issue and remind us we aren't in charge. God is the only one capable of deciding what is fair and what isn't. We can be in relationship with Him because of Jesus Christ.
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