There are numerous types of poetic and literary expressions read among the prophetic writings to articulate what Yahweh both directly and indirectly says. He is either actively in direct discourse with His people or He speaks solely through His prophets to convey His messages in a way He deems suitable.
It is sometimes recognized that with rhyme, there is the ease of recall. So, for memory retention and recollection, people can bring back to mind what they hear and learn. Through the various forms of verbal and written expression, people can internalize and repeat what messages they hear from Yahweh or His prophets in terms of what they read or hear. Structurally, words and meanings become assembled to support comprehension and reinforce sense where there is a lasting effect. At times messages are phonetically repeatable to drive home a point expressed. Easier shared and brought back to mind with others as instructions and lessons are learned.
A certain cause and effect occur with the verbal and literary language that unfold through the prophets. This cause and effect bring about a certain impact to effectively reach people where a more passive expression may not entirely be retained or sink in. For example, if Yahweh intends to bring fear and distress among people, He can choose to use language in any form He sees fit to convey an unmistakable meaning. It is a type of speech-act that corresponds to the circumstances which require attention, correction, or a new direction because of an offense of error.
At times Yahweh has used language to deliver theological messaging about the hardness of heart concerning people who reject Him. Given over to an inability to hear, see, or perceive what Yahweh would say through His prophets or in His word, people cannot receive what is communicated for their recovery and benefit. They eventually become their undoing and destruction without a possibility of reconciliation.
The prophets and poetry go hand-in-hand. While at times there is prose to narrate events or story, the use of poetry is often applied to prophetic messages in figures of speech and literary morphology of various types that comprise of an anthology, or a body of overall work. It is not for philosophical purposes, but to dispense truth in a way that reaches people’s literal realities. Through figurative language, analogies, metaphors, anthropomorphism, hyperbole, and other figures of speech, poetry is the currency by which Biblical prophets transmit and receive messages to correct, form, or cultivate relationships. Namely between Yahweh and His people and between themselves and their listeners.
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