Psalms Key Concepts
The Psalms were written over a 1000-year period across the whole range of OT history. To understand the purpose of the book, we have to move beyond the reasons that motivated the composers to those that motivated the compilers. Simply put, the message is, “God reigns.”
• Many psalms are an expression of emotion, and God responds to us in our emotional highs and lows.
• Psalms 1-2 embody the message of the book.

Proverbs Key Concepts
The purpose of Proverbs is to collect the wisdom of ancient Israel, offering insight into the wisdom that results from fear of the Lord. This wisdom functioned to shape character and develop virtue and was intended to promote a secure and functional family and society.
• Proverbs are general statements that affirm godly values and virtues.
• There are two ways, and the way of wisdom is to be chosen over the path to destruction.
• Wisdom is the foundation of a godly life.
• We show wisdom in the way we speak and interact with others.

Ecclesiastes Key Concepts
Ecclesiastes is one of the most difficult books in the Bible to read and understand. It investigates the validity of the common quest to find meaning in life which has several potential drawbacks. The author adopts the radical conclusion that no sense of self-fulfillment can bring meaning to life, so we should pursue a God-centered life.
• We should not expect to find “meaning in life” or to experience self-fulfillment in life.
• The author is not talking about what should be pursued in a faith/covenant context but what should not be pursued from a worldly perspective.
• Both prosperity and adversity are normal and come from God’s hand.

Song of Songs Key Concepts
This book emphasizes the necessity that love be kept under control despite the passion, the longing, and the anticipation. These characteristics must be controlled because they give love power over a person. That power can work in positive ways to overcome obstacles, or in negative ways to break through barriers of propriety.
• Love and sex are powerful forces in our lives.
• Wisdom will result in discipline and an understanding of appropriate
timing in love.

Isaiah Key Concepts
The purpose of the book of Isaiah demonstrates the trustworthiness of the Lord. A significant theme is the hope in a future ideal Davidic king. The book provides a template for Messianic expectation as it develops a profile of God’s plan.
• Kings who trusted alliances brought on disaster, while kings who trusted God experienced deliverance.
• Prophecy is not simply prediction of the future, it is God’s revelation of himself, his requirements, and his plan.
• It is important to have confidence in God’s plan and trust him to carry it out.