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60 Poetic Passages within the Bible

The Bible is replete with poetic language that captures the depth of human experience and divine interaction while creating a lyrical cadence that elevates spiritual messages and teachings. The poetic passages in the Bible convey the grandeur of God's creation, the intimacy of human relationships, and the intricacies of faith, providing immutable inspiration and comfort. Through its rich and ornate tradition, the Bible offers a unique fusion of literary beauty and spiritual insight, imparting readers with an experience of beauty and contemplation. 

Echoes of Sacred Wisdom

The following passages use poetry to express worship, reflection, and instruction. 

Psalm 91:4: He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge, his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
John 15:5: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.
Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Isaiah 35:10: And those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Psalm 8:3-4: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Proverbs 18:10: The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Psalm 23:1-4: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Isaiah 40:8: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Revelation 22:5: There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.
Psalm 103:2-5: Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Zephaniah 3:9: Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
Psalm 30:5: For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Isaiah 61:10: I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Colossians 1:16-17: For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.

Isaiah 64:8: Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 44:22: I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,  your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. 
Psalm 107:9: For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Romans 8:38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 49:15-16: Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Psalm 63:1: You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Jeremiah 17:7-8: But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;  its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Proverbs 26:27: Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
Isaiah 40:11: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Psalm 104:1-4: Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Psalm 139:13-16: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Isaiah 55:12: You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Colossians 3:16: Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Psalm 1:1-4: Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Psalm 147:15-18: He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters,  I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Job 12:7-10: But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you, or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Psalm 33:6: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
Ecclesiastes 7:8: The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
John 10:14: I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
Ephesians 1:18: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. 
Psalm 34:7: The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Psalm 119:114: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Ecclesiastes 8:1: A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.
Psalm 42:1-2: As the deer pants for streams of water,  so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Psalm 19:14: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart, be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Mark 8:36: What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Psalm 139:9-10: If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Psalm 19:1-2: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
Matthew 6:26: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Isaiah 53:5: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Psalm 40:1-3: I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
Psalm 119:130: The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Revelation 21:4: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

A Final Whisper 

Truly, through its poetry, the Bible communicates God’s splendor, the depth of His love, and the reality of human existence in ways that engage both the mind and the heart.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Teachings from Unsung Figures: Jethro’s Prudence

Often overshadowed by the towering presence of his son-in-law, Moses, Jethro’s sage counsel and discernment offer invaluable insights that surpass familial ties, guiding both Moses and the Israelites through moments of unpredictability and wariness. Join us as we study the remarkable wisdom of a father-in-law who provided sound guidance for one of the greatest leaders in ancient times.

The Breadth of Jethro's Wisdom

In the following examples, Jethro emerges as a paragon of wisdom, offering pivotal direction and guidance to Moses that continues to resonate across time. 

Employment of Organizational Structure and Strategic Planning

Throughout Exodus 18, we witness Moses burdened with the responsibility of adjudicating disputes among the people, a task consuming both his time and energy. Sensing the weight upon Moses, Jethro astutely observes the inefficiency of this approach and offers practical solutions to address challenges: "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone" (Exodus 18:17-18). Further stressing the need for a clear division of labor and responsibilities, he reminds Moses of his indispensable role as spiritual leader, remarking that he “must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him” (Exodus 18:19).

Jethro advises Moses to delegate tasks, appointing others to oversee various duties. Alleviating Moses’ burden, ensuring that Moses can effectively fulfill his role as the spiritual leader, addressing the Israelites' practical needs, and promoting communal efficiency and accountability, Jethro’s advocacy for shared responsibilities radiates with his inclination for constructive acuity.

Facilitating Encouragement

Expressing confidence in Moses’ leadership and God’s guidance, Jethro assures Moses, saying, "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (Exodus 18:23). These words of encouragement and affirmation reveal that Jethro administered invaluable emotional support, amplifying Moses’ sense of calling and purpose. 

Appreciation for Diversity and Collaboration

Recognizing that they do not have all the answers, both Jethro and Moses demonstrate consideration and attentiveness for one another’s distinctive perspectives. 

Paying tribute to the significance of diversity and unity in faith, Jethro praises God's deliverance for both the Israelites and himself, stating, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods” (Exodus 18:11). Jethro's acknowledgment of the supremacy of the Israelite God reflects cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for divine revelations beyond his own beliefs. 

Acknowledging Jethro's background as a Midianite priest as an opportunity to learn from a perspective that offers insights and solutions that may differ from those rooted solely in Israelite culture and tradition; Moses heeds Jethro’s guidance and incorporates it into his decision-making process. By doing so, Moses exhibits adaptability, and a willingness to grow as a leader, ultimately enriching the efficiency of his approach. 

Further establishing a culture of inclusivity, Jethro offers his counsel and guidance with a spirit of respect and collaboration. His recommendation for the distribution of responsibility and authority testifies to his awareness of the limitations of individual leadership and his acknowledgment of the value of leveraging the strengths and talents of others founded in mutual respect. The collective pursuit of shared goals and values advances unity, and the diversity of thoughts and experiences affirms every individual's inherent value and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.

Resolute Trust in God

Urging Moses to focus on his divine calling as the mediator between God and the people, Jethro displays a deep awareness of God's providential care and guidance. Recognizing that their plans must align with God’s will, Jethro declares, "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (Exodus 18:19). Furthermore, he advises Moses to "teach them God's decrees and instructions and show them how to conduct their lives” (Exodus 18:20). The prioritization of spiritual instruction and communion with God conveys Jethro’s understanding about the inseparable connection between faith and mentorship. 

To Conclude

Jethro models a comprehensive blueprint for leadership that integrates delegation, collaboration, spiritual grounding, adaptability, and trust in God’s providence. Characterizing the qualities of a wise and faithful servant of God, Jethro’s wisdom and discernment illustrate that true leadership exceeds competence and charisma; it requires a deep-rooted commitment to values and principles that guide decision-making and inspire others. 

As we apply these lessons from Jethro's leadership to our own lives and contexts, may we proceed to live with wisdom, integrity, and a steadfast reliance on God's guidance.

-Torrance Church of Christ

Teachings from Unsung Figures: Loyalty in Times of Trouble

In the shadow of adversity, loyalty shines brightly through the lives of individuals who remain steadfast in their faith and commitment. One such exemplary figure from biblical history is Zadok, a priest whose unwavering loyalty to God and his anointed king, David, serves as a timeless testament to the significance of faithfulness throughout challenges. As we sift through Zadok’s story, we uncover a life of personal allegiance and insights into the indispensable role of loyalty to your faith. 

Who is Zadok?

Appointed as high priest of the Tabernacle by David himself, Zadok’s significance transcends religious affairs, serving as both a key advisor and spiritual leader within David’s court. Emerging as a close and trusted confidant to David, Zadok played a pivotal role in guiding the king through the complexities of leadership and the challenges of governance; deeply intertwining the religious and political landscape of the kingdom.

Instances of Loyalty

Within the intricate web of court intrigues and power struggles throughout David's reign, Zadok was considerably tested, encountering the daunting challenge of remaining faithful among conflicting loyalties. Despite the trials, personal risks, and potential repercussions, Zadok's loyalty remained resolute, providing unshakable support in the monarch's bleakest moments. 

Absalom’s Uprising: Plunging the Nation into a state of civil unrest and uncertainty, Absalom’s uprising is marked by familial betrayal and political turmoil. Fueled by the potent mix of resentment and ambition, David’s charismatic and zealous son Absalom orchestrated rebellion, seeking to seize the throne for himself. Cunningly garnering support from disaffected factions and exploiting grievances against his father's rule, his rebellion posed a direct threat to David’s authority. 

During this time, Zadok’s devotion was revealed through a series of proactive and decisive actions. As Absalom's rebellion gained ground and momentum, Zadok found himself at a critical crossroads. Yet, even in the face of mounting pressure and uncertainty, Zadok refused to be swayed by the shifting tides of political allegiance, recognizing David as God's anointed king.

Knowing the king needed to flee the city, Zadok actively participated in facilitating David’s escape; assisting him in evading Absalom's advancing forces. Risking his own safety to stand by the side of his sovereign, Zadok chose to accompany David on his flight from Jerusalem. On the retreat, Zadok willingly bore the responsibility of transporting the Ark of the Covenant, a charge that symbolized the presence and favor of God with David, reinforcing his legitimacy as the rightful king.  Zadok faithfully safeguarded the Ark’s sanctity, ensuring its safekeeping and eventual restoration to its rightful place in Jerusalem.

Zadok provided invaluable spiritual support to David during this tumultuous period. As a trusted advisor and confidant, Zadok stood by David, offering counsel and encouragement, guiding him through the emotional and spiritual challenges of facing his son in battle, and acting as a source of strength and reassurance to the beleaguered king. 

David’s Succession: As David's reign neared its end, the question of who would succeed him loomed large and the kingdom teetered on the brink of uncertainty, sparking potential conflicts and contenders vying for power. Among the hopefuls, Adonijah, David’s son, attempted to capitalize on his position as the eldest surviving son and the presumptive heir apparent in the absence of clear royal decrees. Undeterred by the absence of his father's blessing and David's prior promise to Bathsheba that Solomon would succeed him, Adonijah pursued to assert his claim to the throne through a preemptive coronation ceremony, gathering supporters and gaining momentum for his bid for kingship.

Throughout the disorder, Zadok boldly stood by Solomon's side, effectively warranting the legitimate succession of the Davidic dynasty. When David publicly proclaimed Solomon as his successor, Zadok’s loyal endorsement unfolded as he strategically rallied support among the priesthood and the people for Solomon's ascension, leveraging his influence and credibility to ensure a smooth transition of power. During the ceremonial process, Zadok lent his authority as a high priest to validate Solomon's legitimacy and affirm Solomon's divine appointment as the rightful heir to the throne.

The Catalyst of Zadok’s Loyalty

Zadok’s devotion to David constitutes the tangible manifestation of his loyalty to God and underlies the entirety of Zadok’s loyalty we’ve outlined so far. 

Through the chaos of political maneuverings and power struggles, Zadok reverently preserved the sanctity of God's presence among His people. Zadok committed himself to upholding the principles of justice, righteousness, and mercy that are central to God's character. Aligning his actions with God's commandments, he demonstrated moral integrity and spiritual leadership, aiding his ability to carry out his religious duties as a priest. His steadfast commitment to his vocation strengthened the spiritual fabric of the nation and offered hope and inspiration for all who sought refuge in the Lord during times of peril.

His role as a priest proved to be a benefit for himself, too. Despite the considerable allure of self-preservation, Zadok remained rooted in faith, choosing to place his trust in God's plan and purpose for the nation of Israel. His intimate relationship with God allowed him to draw upon sacred strength, guidance, and protection. 

Zadok's loyalty to David was not only a matter of political allegiance but also stemmed from his deep-seated faith in God's sovereignty and providence. In ancient Israelite society, the king was considered to be God's chosen representative on earth, entrusted with the responsibility of leading and governing the nation according to God's will. Understanding the great significance of David's reign and the divine mandate upon his life, Zadok’s faithful service to David is an acknowledgment and commitment to supporting God’s plan. During David’s succession, again, Zadok upheld God’s will by supporting Solomon as the rightful successor to the throne; ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the covenant God had established with David. 

Final Thoughts

Playing a crucial role in religious affairs and serving as a trusted advisor to the king. Zadok stood as an unshakeable bastion of support, opting to stand by David's side even in the face of grave peril. A paragon of continuity and stability, Zadok’s life serves as a compelling testament to the enduring value of loyalty within one's faith. Zadok's loyalty was not confined to seasons of ease and prosperity but was tested and proven true among the crucible of adversity and personal sacrifice that besieged the kingdom.

In the face of adversity, Zadok's resolve only grew stronger, his steady commitment to righteousness and justice guiding him through the darkest of hours. His loyalty and support proved instrumental in maintaining the security of David's reign, simultaneously upholding the sacred covenant between God and his chosen people, leaving behind a legacy of faithfulness for generations to come.

Zadok teaches us that true loyalty transcends mere words, manifesting in sacrificial service, unwavering devotion, and resolute allegiance. As we reflect on his legacy, heed the call to reflect on the depth of our loyalty to God, recognizing that true faithfulness is beyond a sentiment but a steadfast resolve that permeates every aspect of our lives. Let us strive to emulate Zadok's loyalty, and pledge to walk faithfully in His ways, regardless of the challenges we may face, knowing that in doing so, we honor God and embody the essence of true discipleship.

-Torrance Church of Christ