Themes The book of Ezra includes the following themes: 1. God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign over all peoples and rulers, even pagan kings (1:1; 6:22; 7:6,27). He controls history and orchestrates events for his own purposes. Despite opposition, God will fulfill his promises and protect his people. 2. Restoration. Ezra describes not only the

Notice the key role of prayer in Nehemiah’s life, and evaluate its importance in your own life today.

Introduction to Job Author, Place and Date of Writing The author of Job is anonymous. Jewish tradition states that it was written by Moses, but there is nothing in the book itself to suggest Mosaic authorship. Many scholars today wonder whether the work is unified or the product of multiple authors. It has a prose framework (Job 1–2; 42:7–17),

9If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.i

In Jewish tradition Proverbs 31:10–31 is recited by a husband to his wife on Sabbath evenings.

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character 102A wife of noble characterk who can find?l She is worth far more than rubies. 11Her husbandm has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.n 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.o 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing

Septuagint (the early Greek translation of the Old Testament)

Song of Songs is a love poem or compilation of love poems written to God’s people to honor and celebrate his gift of romantic, sexual love within the context of a marital relationship.

Song of Songs demonstrates that contentment and fulfillment are found in the exclusivity (2:16) of the marriage relationship.