Bible Classes - Tanakh

Ch. 5-8: Oppression by the upper class creates a situation similar to slavery. Nehemiah serves as a role model. First religious awakening gathering. Questions regarding Torah observance.

Chapters 2-4 of Nehemiah describe his clever manipulation of the king and his success in uniting the Jews and building the walls of Jerusalem.

Ezra ch. 7-10. Ezra is authorized to travel to Israel and have judicial autonomy but is shocked to find out that there is massive assimilation.

Ezra ch. 3-6: Work starts on the Second Temple. Opposition of the neighboring nations.

Chapters 1-2 of Ezra: the return to Zion.

Chapter 12 concludes the book of Qohelet with a beautiful and touching poem, and with final words which reiterate the author’s understanding of our purpose in life.

In chapters 10-11 Qohelet offers tidbits of wisdom, popular máxima, and some of his observations.

In chapter 8-9 Qohelet discusses emotions, body language, dealing with authority, and finally, the answer to the big question: what is my purpose in Life?

Towards the end of chapter 7 Qohelet has harsh words for women. But it turns out it is a hidden criticism of King Solomon himself.

Qohelet chapter 7: advice on wisdom, anger, long term planning and more.

In chapters 4-7 Qohelet questions the purpose of life, encourages people to visit a mourner’s house, and contemplates the futility of wealth.

Chapters 2-5. The famous list of “time to” is misleading. Signaling imperfection and imbalance.

Qohelet chapters 1-2: In the pursuit of happiness and purpose, Qohelet drags the readers into an abyss of despair.

At the conclusion of Job, Elihu disappears, Job and God have a dialog and both confess. Also comparison to Eikha-lamentations.

Job chapters 29-35: Job delivers s final statement in which the true nature of his personality and observance is revealed. Muster man Elihu joins the conversation do deliver a revolutionary and not easily digestible solution to the question of theodicy.

Job chapters 11-28: The argument between Job and his friends intensifies, with insults thrown at each other. Job accuses God and then turns to talk of wisdom.

Job chapters 5-10. Job replies to Eliphaz. He argues that he is innocent and that had there been an objective arbiter he would win his suit against God.

Job 2:11-5:1: Job reveals his true belief. His friend Eliphaz offers consolation that is not very helpful.

Job 1:6-2:10. Job is afflicted. God and Satan fight over him. His wife turns out to be a heretic.