Introduction to Biblical Poetry
It’s midnight, and I just finished my homework. Yes, real homework. College homework! I’m taking an elementary literature class at Aletheia Christian College. My assignment this week was to start creating a notebook on the classic, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. I plan to share it when it is done, but for now, I’d like to introduce you to Biblical poetry.
Poetry isn’t my favorite form of literature, but my research created such an engaging word picture inspiration erupted. I was able to take this one lesson and relate it to all my children, ages 4 to 12. Please pay special attention to the definition of composition in my outline to see if you get any ideas.
photo credit: whiteafrican
To pique student interest:
Imagine stumbling across a treasure box full of gold and diamonds. Would you simply sigh and walk away? What kinds of words would you use to describe your excitement?
Sometimes a narrative just isn’t enough. Sometimes our souls beg to express to the wonder of our experiences. We sing. We dance. We cry. We pray. We use words to try to expose what is going on inside our hearts. One way we do this is through the gift of poetry.
I. Introduction to Biblical Poetry
A. Poem “…A composition in which the verses consist of certain measures, whether in blank verse [has meter, but not rhyme] or in rhyme.”
B. Verse “In poetry, a line, consisting of a certain number of long and short syllables…”
C. Composition “In literature, the act of inventing or combining ideas, clothing them with words, arranging them in order…writing them.”
The Bible has some of the most beautiful poetry of all, but the poetry in the Bible is much different from our English poetry.
II. Characteristics of Hebrew Poetry
A. Hebrew poetry relies on rhythms and sounds. Hence, the use of alliteration, repeating of sounds.
B. Parallelism, logical rhythm
- Synonymous parallelism, the second line reinforces the first (Psalms 19:1)
- Antithetic parallelism, the second line shows a contract (Proverbs 13:16)
- Synthetic parallelism, the second line continues the thought (Proverbs 26:20)
C. Acrostic “A composition in verse, in which the first letter of the lines, taken in order, form the name of a person, kingdom, city, etc. which is the subject of the composition.” (Psalms 9, 199, and 37)
Did you see it? Clothing ideas with words. Who knew the dictionary could bring life to a lesson? Well, Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary can!
I took that one idea and talked to my children about our internal thoughts. Words clothe our ideas, but can they truly reveal our innermost parts? How can mere letters comprehend the personality and soul of a unique individual?
And think of all the ways we use words. Some work in warm boots and overalls, some lounge in jeans and a t-shirt, some dance in sparkling ballroom gowns, some sing in pajamas at dawn.
I’ll embrace that last gift, but it might not be before coffee…
“And think of all the ways we use words. Some work in warm boots and overalls, some lounge in jeans and a t-shirt, some dance in sparkling ballroom gowns, some sing in pajamas at dawn.”
There is poetry here my friend. God continues to give appropriate “clothes” to your experiences. Encouraging and beautiful as always!
Congrats on the class. How fun! Enjoy every moment of this journey. Cant wait to hear more.
Nicole Wetzel´s last blog ..Chasing Garbage Trucks (a Marathon Story)
Nicole,
Thank you for your faithful encouragement. When I think I finally killed my blog for lack of posting, I remember my sweet friends like you. :)
I debated taking the class, but I’m so glad I did. I enjoyed college so much! I always planned to go back, but I thought it wouldn’t be for years yet.
Sounds like a neat class. I was srtuggling with my son yesterday over Language Arts. He loves to read, but is just not creative. Anything that requires him to to put ideas into words just makes him recoil. ‘Clothing ideas with words’ is an neat way of putting it.
Sandpiper´s last blog ..A New Fashion
Sandpiper,
I bet your son is plenty creative, but writing is hard work. I start slow with it. For instance, we practice writing one good sentence. Then two, etc.
Yesterday, my son’s assignment was to write a detailed paragraph. He wrote all about magnets, a topic I never would have thought of. What is your son interested in? He just might surprise you. ;)
Also, have you considered giving him a blog? My son started one about his Lego projects. Mostly he posted pictures, but he did write captions to go with them. Writing is writing, and you have to start somewhere. :)
P.S. I really like Institute for Excellence in Writing. You might check out their site. Some of it is pretty expensive, but they might have some downloads or examples.
You’re right, he is creative. He just has trouble expressing himself in words. Yes, a blog may be a neat idea, he takes tonnes of pictures! I have heard of IEW, it just looked quite overwhelming.
Thanks for your encouraging reply!
Sandpiper´s last blog ..A New Fashion
I also love the phrase “clothing ideas with words.” I’m going to borrow that.
We’re Institute for Excellence in Writing in my little school, and I love it as well.
Jennifer in OR´s last blog ..Sleepy Goodnight
Excellent post – some great ideas here. Thank you.
Michelle´s last blog ..Tears – Soft Whispers
I follow you on twitter and was glad to find your blog! Nice post. I spend much time in the books of poetry in the Bible.
Very beautiful thoughts, Renae. Loved your closing lines.
Dana´s last blog ..Homeschooling in the popular culture