Publisher's Synopsis
One of the most interesting 'artistic' lessons we can learn from scripture is its basis for classical Hebrew poetry, for it is quite different from our contemporary forms. Whereas we tend to express ourselves in meaningful rhyme - words that sound the same or similar, the writers of scripture, moved by the Spirit of God wrote poetry that was based upon the association of stark contrasts and/or similitudes in meaning. As an example, this is the poetry we can see in Genesis and the Gospels: -The first Adam was rebellious to His Loving Father; the Last Adam (Christ) was obedient -- both died as a result. -For love, the first Adam died with his bride; for love, the Last Adam died for His bride. -Burdened with sin, the first Adam was shown the door out of paradise; burdened with sin, the Last Adam became the door into Paradise. -The first ark (Noah's) was covered with 'atonement' (the literal meaning of the word for pitch); the 'last ark' (the cross) was covered with the atoning blood of the Lamb. Both mean(t) salvation for every kind of creature -- Jew and Gentile. On and on the poetry of God continues. And surprise, it includes you and me. "For we are His workmanship (literally 'poema' or poetry) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Eph 2:10 And in addition to His poetry, His Word portrays His truth both in the 'plain sense' of its reading and in amazing illustrations of deep and prophetic messages to His children - revelations of His Son, Jesus. Indeed, the entire cosmos is the Artistry of the Almighty.
