Psalm 119.1–24

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem and uses every letter of the Hebrew alphabet to explain how God’s faithful people delight in and think about God’s law.

Psalm 3

David is in a tough situation. Enemies surround him and his own son is trying to take over as king. But David knows who helps him—God, the Great King. Thinking about God’s help allows David to rest because he knows that God is the one who protects him.

Psalm 84

When God’s people travelled to Jerusalem for festivals or to offer sacrifices, they would sing a psalm like this. God’s people reminded themselves how great it is to worship God and be with him in his temple.

Ecclesiastes 1.1–11

The Teacher in Ecclesiastes has some big questions that he thinks about in the book of Ecclesiastes. One of the Teacher’s big questions is about people’s work. The Teacher wants to know: “What is the point of work?”

Ecclesiastes 7.1–6

The Teacher has more words of wisdom for his learners. And some of this wisdom is quite surprising. The Teacher says that it is good to remember death while we are living.

Ecclesiastes 11.7–12.14

At the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher leaves his younger readers with his closing thoughts: to enjoy their lives as God’s gift to them and to remember God, the Great King, when they are young.

Daniel 5

King Belshazzar rules over the empire of Babylon. But while Belshazzar is partying one night, he sees some mysterious writing on a wall. Daniel is called in to explain what it means.

Daniel 7.13–14

God sends Daniel some dreams about what will happen in the future. Even though the rulers of our world are strong and powerful, God rules over them all. In his dream, Daniels sees that God will give power and authority to someone like “a son of man,” who will rule forever and ever.

Jonah 1, 2

God sends Jonah to speak to the people of Nineveh, the capital city of a cruel and powerful empire. Jonah disobeys God and runs away as far as he can go. But God saves Jonah because this is what God is like: God saves people.

Jonah 3, 4

Jonah goes to Nineveh and the people turn away from their sin. They worship God, the Great King. But Jonah is angry because he knows what God’s heart is like: gracious and compassionate. God invites Jonah’s readers to reflect his heart of compassion and love.