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Although
poetry with rhyme was not found among the Hebrews in Biblical
times, we do
find much rhythmic poetry in the Bible. We may think of
the Song of Moses (Exodus 15) and the Song of Deborah (Judges
5). David is known as "the sweet singer of Israel" and
many of his poems/songs are found in our book of Psalms.
Much of the book of Job also qualifies as poetry. Further,
the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon
are written in poetic language.
Some have even suggested
that primitive poetry or songs may be found in the New
Testament (e.g., Ephesians 5:14; Philippians 2:5-11; 1
Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-13). Other poetic passages
might include Romans 8:35-38; 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 13;
15:51-57; Hebrews 11:32-38; and Jude 24-25. The first chapters
of Luke include poetic sections (e.g., 1:46-55, 68-79;
2:14, 29-32). The book of Revelation includes various songs
and hymns to God and Christ which are worthy of study (Revelation
4:8, 11; 5:9, 10, 12, 13; 7:15-17; 11:17-19; 15:3, 4; 19:6-8).
All of this poetry emphasizes vivid images and rhythm,
but no strict rhyme.
Our contemporary poetry not
only has rhythm but also usually has rhyme.
Various forms of rhyme are employed and the reader interested
in poetry may consult appropriate volumes (poetry books,
literature books, encyclopedia articles, etc.) to explore
the common forms of poems more fully.
In this portion of the True
Discipleship website, we wish to offer you
a selection of poems. Some of them are our own compositions
while others have been gleaned from secondary sources.
In all of them we hope to draw your heart to Scriptural
topics, heavenly pursuits, virtuous meditations, family
themes, and general Christian subjects. Paul tells
us that psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs may be used
for teaching and admonishing (Colossians 3:16). Hopefully,
our selection of poems will have this same positive
effect. |
