Moving beyond the Deuteronomistic History, the depth of the Old Testament further unfolds with the prophetic books and wisdom literature. These collections take divergent approaches, focusing on different portrayals of God, distinct audiences, and various subject matter. Yet, some commonalities carry through both as the books of prophecy and wisdom look to instill obedience in believers and promote justice for all creation.
Following the prophetic writings, the book of Amos places God in a position of authority, as ruler and judge, “the God of all peoples and responsible for everything that happens” (Collins, 207). Through prophetic oracles, nations (including Israel) are denounced and threatened. In fact, Amos foretells the fall of Israel to the Assyrians. The directives from Amos and other prophets are intended for nations and communities, as the prophets would often speak to their immediate social locations.
Conversely, the wisdom literature, and Ecclesiastes specifically, presents God as the overseer of ordered creation, who is “encountered in human affairs” (Collins, 332). The audience here targets individuals while exploring wisdom based on causes and effects. Lastly, the thematic content presented by the Teacher in Ecclesiastes offers a timeless permanence to the discoveries of wisdom, ones which are relayed through experience.
While these differences exist, both collections display a fearful reverence of God. In speaking against Israel, Amos details the gravity of God’s wrath: “The lion has roared; who will not fear?” (3:8). Likewise, the stated narrator in Ecclesiastes summarizes his findings by proclaiming, “Fear God, and keep his commandments” (12:13b). Additionally, the role of justice is prominently featured with both scriptural groupings. From concerns for the poor to calls for righteousness, Amos trusts that “to serve God is to practice justice” (Collins, 206). Likewise, in the Teacher’s search for meaning and wisdom in Ecclesiastes, he finds wickedness “in the place of justice” (3:16) and is troubled by looking upon “the tears of the oppressed” (4:1).
In the end, both the prophetic books and the wisdom literature serve to highlight divine authority and human existence, whether through prophecies of God’s commands and judgments or through wisdom being promoted and challenged.