As we dig into the book of Ecclesiastes, or Qohelet to use its Hebrew name, we consider its author as well as the theme and purpose of the whole book. This profound work of wisdom does not come to the conclusion that life is “meaningless” – as many have understood it – but that life…

In this session, we take a look at how the Book of Moses bridges the gap from Job to the Wisdom writings of Solomon. We also begin to discuss the context and background of Ecclesiastes.

After Elihu steps up to speak for God, to confront Job and his friends on their failures, The LORD YHWH appears in a whirlwind. After questioning Job about His wondrous works of creation, the LORD silences Job and the friends but also restores Job. In the end, THE LORD answers none of the questions raised…

(Job 28-32) As the back and forth between Job and his “friends” comes to an end, the Narrator raises one of the questions at the heart of this book: Where can wisdom be found? It is not found in the heights of creation nor in the depths of man’s searching. Instead, God knows THE Way…

(Job 20—27) The third and final round of speeches in Job are a communication breakdown. As only two of Job’s friends address him and point out his obvious sin, Job maintains the affirmation of his integrity and righteousness. Job is convinced that if he could argue his case before the Almighty, the Almighty would exonerate…

(Job 15:1-19:29) In the second round of speeches, the intensity gets turned up. Job’s friends become more blunt and vicious with little mercy. Job also intensifies his appeal to the Almighty, confident that even in death he will see God and ultimately be shown to be in the right.

(Job 10:1-14:22) As the first round of speeches wind down, Zophar raises the issue of the Lord’s incompressibility. His wisdom and knowledge are too high and too deep for humans to know his plans or challenge His work. Nevertheless, Zophar claims to know exactly what Job needs to do! Job responds again with a plea…

(Job 4:1-9:35) In the first round of speeches, a core question is raised, “How can any person be right before God?” (4:17; 9:2). As Job’s friends suggest that he is not seeing things clearly and needs to turn to God and plea for mercy, Job continues to lament, claiming that the weight of his suffering…

In this session, we begin to work our way through the cycles of speeches in Job. We discuss the LORD’s role in the book, a few pointers on Hebrew Poetry, some general observations about the speeches, and the general structure of the book. Job begins the cycles of speeches by lamenting his misery by cursing…

Job chapters 1 and 2 introduce us to the “behind the scenes” setting for all the discussions that take place in the book. Because Job is unique in his integrity – the is no one like him on the Earth the LORD says – he is a unique candidate for a test. Has Job been…