Period of the Captivity

These books speak of Israel's return from exile to rebuild the city and the temple. Ezra covers two periods of return to rebuild the Temple and restore worship of the Lord. Nehemiah records the rebuilding of the city. Esther is the story of the Jewish woman who became the Queen of Persia.
These books reveal something of the faithful, gracious character of God, who brings his beloved Israel back to himself, even after her repeated unfaithfulness over many centuries. His redemption flows from the goodness of his heart, rather than from any merit on the part of his chosen ones.

Experience of the Chosen People: 5 Books of Poetry

The books of wisdom and poetry record the heart experience of God's people. The book of Job records how one man passed the trial of suffering. Psalms is the book of songs of worship and the prayers of God's people. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings with the purpose of bringing spiritual and practical wisdom to all readers, but especially to the young. Ecclesiastes, "the Preacher," highlights the futility of life in this world apart from God. Song of Songs is a love song which expresses the delight of the love between king Solomon and his beloved.

These books help prepare the way for the coming of redemption by defining the wise life for the people of God. Wisdom is characterized by a particular kind of relationship with God. Ecclesiastes puts it this way:"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil" (12:13,14).

Wisdom demands that we live in such a way that we can stand in the Day of Judgment, when everyone will give an account of the deeds done in the flesh before a holy God. But how can sinful people stand in the Judgment before a holy God?