Springhill Church

Topic: Journey Through the Bible

  • Journey Through the Bible – 6

    (From the Series: CONCISE OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY found at Bible.org)

    FIRST KINGS – (David’s Death; Disruption of the Kingdom) 

    AUTHOR:

    The author is unknown, though the Jews credit its writing to Jeremiah. As Ryrie points out: Whoever the author or compiler of these books was, he used historical sources (11:41; 14:19, 29). He likely was one of the exiles who lived in Babylon, perhaps an unknown one, or Ezra or Ezekiel or Jeremiah (though someone other than Jeremiah would have had to write the last chapter of 2 Kings, since Jeremiah apparently died in Egypt, not Babylon; Jer. 43:6-7).8

     DATE:

    About 550 B.C. The release of Jehoiachin from prison is the last event recorded in 2 Kings. This took place in the 37th year of his imprisonment (560 B.C.). Therefore 1 and 2 Kings could not have been written before that event. It seems unlikely that the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity in 538 B.C. had taken place when 1 and 2 Kings were written; had it occurred, the author would probably have referred to it. Probably 1 and 2 Kings were completed in their final form between 560 and 538 B.C.9

     TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    First and Second Kings, originally one book (like 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Chronicles) and simply called “Kings” in the Hebrew tradition (Melechim), are appropriately titled since they trace the history of the kings of Israel and Judah from the time of Solomon to the Babylonian captivity. First Kings abruptly ends with the beginning of the reign of Ahaziah in 853 B.C. 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    After David’s death (chaps. 1-2), his son Solomon became king. Chapters 1-11 trace the life and reign of Solomon, including Israel’s rise to the peak of her glory, the spread of the nation’s kingdom, and the construction of the temple and palace in Jerusalem. But in Solomon’s later years, he drifted from the Lord because of his pagan wives who wrongly influenced him and turned his heart away from the worship of God in the temple.

    As a result, the king with the divided heart leaves behind a divided kingdom. For the next century, the book of First Kings traces the twin histories of two sets of kings and two nations of disobedient people who are growing indifferent to God’s prophets and precepts.10

     

    The next king was Rehoboam, who lost the northern part of the kingdom. After this the Northern Kingdom, which included 10 tribes, was known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, was called Judah. In the last chapters of 1 Kings, the focus is on the evil of King Ahab and righteous prophet Elijah who condemned Ahab’s wickedness and Israel’s disobedience.

     

    The central theme, therefore, is to show how disobedience led to the disruption of the kingdom. The welfare of the nation depended on the faithfulness of its leadership and people to the covenants of God with Israel. First Kings not only gives a record of the history of these kings, but it demonstrates the success of any king (and of the nation as a whole) depends on the measure of the king’s allegiance to God’s law or truth. The book truly illustrates how “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Unfaithfulness to God’s covenant resulted in decline and captivity. 

    KEY WORD:

    While the key word is “kingdom,” which occurs some 357 times (NASB), the key concept is the division of the kingdom. 

    KEY VERSES: 

    1 Kings 9:3-7 NKJV (3) And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.  (4)  Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments,  (5)  then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’  (6)  But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them,  (7)  then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

     1 Kings 11:11 NKJV  (11) Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.  

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapters 11 and 12: The key chapters are 11 and 12 which describe the demise of Solomon and the division of the kingdom.

    Other significant chapters that have key roles are 3 and 4 dealing with Solomon’s choice of wisdom and wise rule, chapter 8 the dedication of the temple, chapters 17 through 19 recording the great ministry of Elijah. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Solomon, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Elijah and Elisha, Ahab and Jezebel.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 1 KINGS:

    Like David, Solomon is one of the greatest types in the Old Testament of Christ, portraying Messiah in His future reign on earth. Solomon especially does this as his fame, glory, wealth, and honor all speak of Christ in His earthly kingdom. Solomon also portrays Christ in the great wisdom he demonstrated. 

    OUTLINE:

    First Kings naturally falls into two sections: the united kingdom (1-11) and the divided kingdom (12-22).

    1. The United Kingdom: The Forty Year Reign of Solomon (1:1-11)
      1. Solomon’s Accession (1:1-3:1)
      2. Solomon’s Wisdom (3:2-4:34 )
      3. Solomon’s Temple (5:1-8:66; cf. 2 Chron. 2:1-7:22)
      4. Solomon’s Fame (9:1-10:29; cf. 2 Chron. 8:1-9:28)
      5. Solomon’s Decline and Downfall (11:1-43)
    2. The Divided Kingdom: The First Eighty Years of the Two Kingdoms (12-22)
      1. The Cause of Division (12:1-24)
      2. The Reign of Jeroboam in Israel(12:25-14:20)
      3. The Reign of Rehoboam inJudah(14:21-31)
      4. The Reign of Abijam in Judah(15:1-8)
      5. The Reign of Asa in Judah(15:9-24)
      6. The Reign of Nadab in Israel(15:25-31)
      7. The Reign of Baasha in Israel(15:32-16:7)
      8. The Reign of Elah in Israel(16:8-14)
      9. The Reign of Zimri in Israel(16:15-20)
      10. The Reign of Omri in Israel(16:21-28)
      11. The Reign of Ahab in Israel(16:29-22:40)
      12. The Reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah(22:41-50)
      13. The Reign of Ahaziah in Israel(22:51-53)
    SECOND KINGS – (Dispersion—Willful Sin Has a Woeful End) 

    AUTHOR:

    Since 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book and were artificially divided, see the previous discussion regarding the author in the 1 Kings overview. 

    DATE:

    About 550 B.C. Again, since 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book, see the discussion on the date in 1 Kings. 

    TITLE OF THE BOOK: See 1 Kings. 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Second Kings continues the history of Elijah and his successor, Elisha, but it also continues what might be termed, the “Tale of the Two Kingdoms.” As such, it continues to trace the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah until they are finally conquered and taken into captivity. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 B.C. and Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 B.C. In both kingdoms the prophets continued to warn the people that God would punish them unless they repented. Second Kings teaches that willful sin in a nation has a woeful end. In 1 and 2 Samuel, the nation is born, in 1 Kings it is divided, and in 2 Kings it is dispersed. After years of pleading with His people through the prophets, God’s patience finally turns to discipline just as He promised. Because both books were originally one, 1 and 2 Kings share the same theme and goal. They teach us how unfaithfulness (disobedience to God’s law and rebellion) must lead to God’s discipline and the overthrow of the monarchy. The two kingdoms collapsed because of the failure of the kings to rule righteously and give heed to God’s truth. 

    KEY WORD:

    Two key words are the word, “king,” occurring over 400 times (NASB), and the word “prophet,” which occurs some 34 times (NASB). But the key term that describes the content would be dispersion or captivities since this book describes the historical demise that lead to the loss of the monarchies and the dispersion of the two kingdoms. 

    KEY VERSES: 

    2 Kings 17:18-23 NKJV  (18) Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; there was none left but the tribe of Judah alone.  (19)  Also Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.  (20)  And the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel, afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them from His sight.  (21)  For He tore Israel from the house of David, and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. Then Jeroboam drove Israel from following the LORD, and made them commit a great sin.  (22)  For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them,  (23)  until the LORD removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.

    2 Kings 23:27 NKJV  (27) And the LORD said, “I will also remove Judah from My sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, ‘My name shall be there.’ ”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    A number of chapters fall into this category: chapter 2, Elijah taken to heaven; chapter 4, Elisha’s miracle for the widow; chapter 5, the healing of Naaman and Gehazi’s greed; chapter 6, Elisha’s prayer for his servant and the capture of Syria; chapter 17, Israel’s fall and the Assyrian Captivity (722 B.C.); chapters 18-19, Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah and Hezekiah’s prayer; chapters 22-23, Josiah’s revival, reforms, and renewal; chapters 24-25, the fall of Judah to Babylon (586 B.C.) 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Elijah, Elisha, Josiah, Naaman, Hezekiah. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 2 KINGS:

    Elijah naturally anticipates the forerunner of Christ in John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14; 17:10-12; Luke 1:17) and Elisha in many ways reminds us of Jesus Christ in His ministry. Jensen compares and summarizes their ministry: Elijah is noted for great public acts, while Elisha is distinguished by the large number of miracles he performed, many of them for individual needs. Elijah’s ministry emphasized God’s law, judgment, and severity. Elisha supplemented this by demonstrating God’s grace, love and tenderness. Elijah was like John the Baptist, thundering the message of repentance for sin. Elisha followed this up by going about, as Christ did, doing deeds of kindness, and by doing miracles attesting that the words of the prophets were from God.11

    OUTLINE:

    Second Kings also naturally falls into two section. The first section, The Divided Kingdom (1:1-17:41), selectively traces the reign of the kings of both nations until the dispersion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The second section, The Surviving Kingdom of Judah (18:1-25:30), then traces the reign of the surviving kings of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

    1. The Divided Kingdom (1:1-17:41)
      1. The Reign of Ahaziah in Israel (1:1-18 )
      2. The Reign of Jehoram (Joram) in Israel(2:1-8:15)
        1. The translation of Elijah (2:1-11)
        2. The beginning of Elisha’s ministry (2:12-25)
        3. Jehoram’s expedition against Moab (3:1-27)
        4. Elisha’s ministry (4:1-8:15)
      3. The Reign of Joram (Jehoram) in Judah(8:16-24)
      4. The Reign of Ahaziah in Judah(8:25-29)
      5. The Reign of Jehu in Israel(9:1-10:36)
      6. The Reign of Athaliah in Judah(11:1-16)
      7. The Reign of Jehoash (Joash) in Judah(11:17-12:21)
      8. The Reign of Jehoahaz in Israel(13:1-9)
      9. The Reign of Jehoash (Joash) in Israel(13:10-25)
      10. The Reign of Amaziah inJudah(14:1-22)
      11. The Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel(14:23-29)
      12. The Reign of Azariah (Uzziah) in Judah(15:1-7)
      13. The Reign of Zechariah in Israel(15:8-12)
      14. The Reign of Shallum in Israel(15:13-15)
      15. The Reign of Menahem in Israel(15:16-22)
      16. The Reign of Pekahiah in Israel(15:23-26)
      17. The Reign of Pekah in Israel(15:27-31)
      18. The Reign of Jotham in Judah(15:32-38)
      19. The Reign of Ahaz in Judah(16:1-20)
      20. The Reign of Hoshea in Israel(17:1-41)
      21. Israel’s Defeat (17:1-6 )
      22. Israel’s Sins (17:7-23)
      23. Israel’s Dispersion (17:24-41) 
    1. The Surviving Kingdom of Judah (18:1-25:30)
      1. The Reign of Hezekiah (18:1-20:21)
      2. The Reign of Manasseh (21:1-18)
      3. The Reign of Amon (21:19-26)
      4. The Reign of Josiah (22:1-23:30)
      5. The Reign of Jehoahaz (2 Chron. 36:1-4) (23:31-33)
      6. The Reign of Jehoiakim (23:34-24:7)
      7. The Reign of Jehoiachin (24:8-16)
      8. The Reign of Zedekiah (24:17-25:21)
        1. Rebellion against Babylon and destruction of the Temple (24:17-25:10)
        2. Third deportation to Babylon (25:11-21)
      9. The Governorship of Gedaliah, a Puppet Governor (25:22-26)
      10. The Release of Jehoiachin in Babylon (25:27-30)

    Note carefully the instructive contrasts Ryrie demonstrates for us in the content of 1 and 2 Kings.12 These contrasts clearly demonstrate the truth that Willful Sin has a Woeful End.

    FIRST CHRONICLES – (Preparation of the Temple) 

    AUTHOR:

    Chronicles (originally both 1 and 2 Chronicles were one book) does not identify the author, but Jewish tradition has traditionally ascribed the book to Ezra. The consistency of style throughout the book indicates that though several sources were used in compiling the book, one editor shaped the final product. The various sources include the prophetic records by Samuel (1 Chron. 29:29), Isaiah (2 Chron. 32:32), and others (2 Chron. 9:29; 12:15; 20:34; 33:19); but particularly a source called “the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chron. 16:11; 25:26). The content suggests a priestly authorship because of the strong focus on the temple, the priesthood, and the theocratic line of David and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. That Ezra is the compiler of the book is also supported by the common themes of Ezra and Chronicles as the building and dedication of the temple. 

    DATE:

    450-425 B.C. 

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    Though the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles cover the same period of Jewish history, the perspective is very different. So while the content is similar, it is not a mere repetition, but more of a spiritual editorial of the history of the people of Israel. The Kings give man’s viewpoint while the Chronicles give God’s perspective.

    Originally one book with 2 Chronicles (until 180 B.C.), the book’s Hebrew title means “the words (affairs) of the days,” i.e., the annals of Israel from Adam to the Babylonian captivity and Cyrus’s decree allowing the exiled Jews to return. In a sense it is a “miniature Old Testament,” tracing in capsule form the flow of Old Testament history.13

    When producing the Septuagint, the translators divided Chronicles into two sections. At that time it was given the title, “Of Things Omitted,” referring to the things omitted from Samuel and Kings. The name “Chronicles” comes from Jerome in his Latin Vulgate Bible (A.D. 385-405): Chronicorum Liber. He meant his title in the sense of “The Chronicles of the Whole of Sacred History.”14 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    First Chronicles begins with an outline of history from Adam through the death of King Saul. The rest of the book is about the reign of King David. The books of Chronicles seem like a repeat of Samuel and Kings, but they were written for the returned exiles to remind them that they came from the royal line of David and that they were God’s chosen people. The genealogies point out that the Davidic promises had their source in those pledged to Abraham that He would make him the father of a great nation, one through which He would bless the nations. The main theme is that God is faithful to His covenant.

    Chronicles emphasizes the role of the Law, the priesthood, and the temple. Although Solomon’s temple was gone, the second temple could be regarded as the Remnant’s link to the first. This book also taught that the past was pregnant with lessons for their present. Apostasy, idolatry, intermarriage with Gentiles, and lack of unity were the reasons for their recent ruin. It is significant that after the Exile, Israel never again worshiped foreign gods.15

    KEY WORD:

    The key words are David (183 times) and the Davidic Covenant. 

    KEY VERSES: 

    11:1-3 Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 In times past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord through Samuel. 

    17:11-14 “And it shall come about when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up one of your descendants after you, who shall be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My lovingkindness away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. 14 But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.” 

    29:11-12 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. 

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapter 17. Because of the importance of God’s covenant with David to all of Scripture and its fulfillment in the person of Christ, this chapter is the pivotal and key chapter since it unfolds the Davidic Covenant as does 1 Samuel 7. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    As mentioned, it is a book about David, though others that were prominent in 1 Samuel are also important here like Nathan, Bathsheba, and Uriah. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 1 CHRONICLES:

    What was said in 1 and 2 Samuel regarding David as a type of Christ would naturally be prominent here also. 

    OUTLINE:

    First Chronicles naturally divides into four sections: (1) The Genealogies or the Royal Line of David (1:1-9:44); (2) the Rise of David or His Anointing (10:1-12:40), (3) The Reign of David (13:1-29:21), and (4) The Assession of Solomon and the Death of David (29:22-30).

    1. Genealogies from Adam to David (1:1-9:44)
      1. Adam to Abraham (1:1-27)
      2. Abraham to Jacob (1:28-54)
      3. Jacob to David (2:1-55)
      4. David to the Captivity (3:1-24)
      5. Genealogies of the Twelve Tribes (4:1-8:40)
      6. Jerusalem’s Inhabitants (9:1-34)
      7. The Family of Saul (9:35-44)
    2. The Rise and Anointing of David (10:1-12:40)
    3. The Death of Saul (10:1-14)
    4. The Accession of David (11:1-3)
    5. The Capture of Jerusalem (11:4-9)
    6. The Heroes of David (11:10-12:40)
    7. David’s Reign (13:1-29:21)
      1. David and the Ark (13:1-17:27)
        1. David brings the Ark to Chidon: Uzza’s death (13:1-14)
        2. David’s fame and victory over the Philistines (14:1-17)
        3. David brings the ark to Jerusalem (15:1-29)
        4. David’s celebration and arrangements for the ark (16:1-43)
        5. David’s desire to build a Temple: the Davidic covenant (17:1-27)
      2. David’s Wars (18:1-20:8)
      3. David’s Sinful Census (21:1-30)
      4. David’s Preparations for the Temple (22:1-23:1)
      5. David’s Organization of the Levites (23:2-26:32)
        1. Numbering of and duties of the Levites (23:2-32)
        2. Dividing the Levites into twenty-four groups (24:1-31)
        3. Assigning the musicians (25:1-31)
        4. Appointing gatekeepers (26:1-19)
        5. Assigning the treasures (26:20-28)
        6. Delegating magistrates (26:29-32)
      6. David’s Civil Leaders (27:1-34)
      7. David’s Last Instructions to the People and to Solomon (28:1-21)
      8. David’s Offerings and Worship (29:1-21)
    8. The Accession of Solomon and Death of David (29:22-30)
    SECOND CHRONICLES (Destruction of the Temple) 

    AUTHOR:

    As previously mentioned, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally one book. As with 1 Chronicles, it does not state who wrote it, but Jewish tradition, which identifies the author as Ezra, and the consistency of viewpoint and style suggest it was probably the work of one person sometimes referred to by writers as the chronicler. In support of Ezra as the author are certain commonalties like the extensive lists, the Levites, and the temple. Whoever he was, he had access to a number of official sources like: (1) the book of the kings of Israel and Judah (27:7; 35:27; 36:8); (2) the book of the kings of Judah and Israel (16:11; 25:26; 28:26; 32:32); (3) the book of the kings of Israel (20:34; 33:18); (4) the annals of the book of the kings (24:27); (5) the book Nathan, the prophecy of Ahijah, and the visions of Iddo (9:29); (6) the history of Shemaiah (12:15); (7) the annals of Iddo (13:22); (8) the writings of the prophet Isaiah (26:22); (9) the sayings of Hozai (33:19); (10) the Laments (35:25); and (11) the writings of David and his son Solomon (35:4). 

    DATE:

    450-425 B.C.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    See under 1 Chronicles. 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    While 1 Chronicles parallels 1 and 2 Samuel, 2 Chronicles continues the history of David’s line and parallels 1 and 2 Kings. But for all practical purposes, it ignores the Northern Kingdom because of apostasy and total absence of any godly kings who patterned their life after David. By contrast, 2 Chronicles focuses on those kings who did walk after the lifestyle of David. Chapters 1-9 describe the building of the temple during Solomon’s reign. Chapters 10-36 trace the history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah to the final destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people to Babylon. Therefore, it devotes extended sections to the lives of those kings who brought revival and reform to the nation like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, and Josiah.

    As mentioned, Chronicles goes over some of the same history as Samuel and Kings, but from a different perspective in order to emphasize certain things: In 1 Chronicles, David is the subject while in 2 Chronicles the house of David is central. In Kings the history of the nation is given from the throne whereas in Chronicles it is given from the altar (the temple). In Kings the palace is central, but in Chronicles the temple is prominent. In Kings the focus is on the political history while in Chronicles the focus is on the religious or spiritual element of Israel’s history.

    Chronicles is more than simply an historical record. It is God’s commentary on the spiritual characteristics of David’s dynasty. Because of this, the focus is on the kingdom of Judah, the Southern Kingdom where there were revival and godly kings in David’s line and why the Northern Kingdom, with no godly kings, is basically ignored. 

    KEY WORD:

    References to the House of God and the priest(s) occur often. For this reason, the key word conceptually is “the priestly perspective of Judah.” 

    KEY VERSES:

    7:14 … and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

    16:9 For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.

    See also 1:1; 5:1; 36:14, 17-18. 

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    The chapters covering the reforms of godly kings are key chapters in the way they illustrate the promise of 7:14. See especially chapter 34 and the reforms under Josiah when the book of the Law was found, read, and obeyed. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Josiah, Rehoboam, Solomon. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 2 CHRONICLES:

    The throne of David has been destroyed, but the line of David remains. Murders, treachery, battles, and captivity all threaten the messianic line; but it remains clear and unbroken from Adam to Zerubbabel. The fulfillment in Christ can be seen in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3.16

    The temple which is so prominent in 2 Chronicles is a beautiful portrait of Christ (see Matt. 12:6; John 2:19; and Revelation 21:22).

    OUTLINE:

    1. The Reign of Solomon (1:1-9:31)
      1. Solomon’s Inauguration (1:1-17)
      2. Solomon’s Temple (2:1-7:22)
      3. Solomon’s Fame (8:1-9:28)
      4. Solomon’s Death (9:29-31)
    2. The Kings of Judah (10:1-36:21)
      1. Rehoboam (10:1-12:16)
      2. Abijah (13:1-22)
      3. Asa (14:1-16:14)
      4. Jehoshaphat (17:1-20:37)
      5. Jehoram (21:1-20)
      6. Ahaziah (22:1-9)
      7. Athaliah (22:10-23:15)
      8. Joash (23:16-24:27)
      9. Smaziah (25:1-28)
      10. Uzziah (26:1-23)
      11. Jotham (27:1-9)
      12. Ahaz (28:1-27)
      13. Hezekiah (29:1-32:33)
      14. Manasseh (33:1-20)
      15. Amon (33:21-25)
      16. Josiah (34:1-35:27)
      17. Joahaz (36:1-4)
      18. Jehoiakim (36:5-8)
      19. Jehoiachin (36:9-10)
      20. Zedekiah (36:11-21)
    3. The Decree of Cyrus (36:22-23)
    EZRA – (Reconstruction of the Temple and Restoration of the People)

    AUTHOR:

    Though the book of Ezra does not name its author, Jewish tradition (the Talmud) ascribes it to Ezra along with Chronicles and Nehemiah. Modern scholarship often agrees that Ezra is the author and that he wrote these using various documents (e.g., 4:7-16), genealogies (e.g., 2:1-70), and personal memoirs (e.g., 7:27-9:15) as his sources. In the Vulgate (Latin Bible), Ezra and Nehemiah are titled 1 and 2 Esdras, while the apocryphal book called 1 Esdras in the English text is 3 Esdras in the Vulgate.

    The fact that Ezra is the principal character of the major sections of Ezra lends further support to his authorship. He takes part in the events described in chapters 1-10 and also in chapters 8-10 of Nehemiah. In both cases, the passages are written in the first person.

    Tradition holds that Ezra was the founder of the Great Synagogue where the canon of Old Testament scripture was settled. Another tradition says that he collected the biblical books into a unit and that he originated the synagogue form of worship.17

    DATE:

    Ezra wrote between 457 B.C. and 444 B.C.

    Although some date the book around 330 B.C., its linguistic

    similarities with the fifth-century Aramaic papyri from the Jewish community at Elephantine, Egypt, argue for an earlier date during the lifetime of Ezra (who lived to the time of Nehemiah, Neh. 8:1-9; 12:36). Ezra probably finished the book between 456 (when the events of 10:17-44 took place) and 444, when Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem.18 

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    In the ancient Hebrew Bible, Ezra and Nehemiah were treated as one book and called “The Book of Ezra.” Modern Hebrew Bibles designate the two-fold arrangement of Ezra and Nehemiah as in our English versions. Further, Josephus (Against Apion 1. 8) and Jerome (Preface to the Commentary on Galatians) also considered the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as one. But not all agree.

    … there is evidence that the two books were originally separate. The lists in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 are basically the same. This would militate against the idea that the two books were originally one, for it would seem strange to repeat the same list in one volume. The name Ezra for the title of the first work comes from the major person in the second half of the book, who also appears in chapters 8 and 12 of the Book of Nehemiah.19 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    From an historical standpoint, Ezra continues the narrative where 2 Chronicles ends and traces the history of the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple. From a spiritual and doctrinal standpoint, Ezra demonstrates how God fulfilled His promise to return His people to the land of promise after seventy years of exile as announced by the prophets. As in Chronicles, Ezra, as a priest, shows the centrality of the temple and its worship to the life of the nation as God’s people. It begins with the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, which allowed a remnant of the people to return. The people enthusiastically began rebuilding the temple, but were delayed for 18 years by enemies from the north. Finally a decree from Darius let them finish (see Ezra 1-6). Chapters 7-10 tell about the return of the priest Ezra who taught the people the law and reformed the nation’s spiritual life.

    The theme can be summarized as the spiritual, moral, and social restoration of the Remnant who returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Ezra.

    KEY WORD:

    Fitting with the concepts to return to the land and the temple in Jerusalem, two key words are “Jerusalem,” which occurs 48 times, and “temple,” which occurs 25 times. 

    KEY VERSES: 

    1:3 Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 

    2:1 Now these are the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his city. 

    6:21-22 And the sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to join them, to seek the Lord God of Israel, ate the Passover. 22 And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. 

    7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. 

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Key chapters would include (1) the decree of Cyrus allowing the remnant to return, chapter 1, (2) the foundation of the temple completed, chapter 3, (3) the completion and dedication of the temple and the keeping of the Passover, chapter 6, (4) the return under Ezra and his prayer, chapters 7-9. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Cyrus (Persian king who decreed to allow the return), Ezra (priest and scribe), Jeshua (the high priest), and Zerubbabel. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN EZRA:

    In keeping with the Davidic covenant and God’s promises to keep the line of descendants alive for Messiah, Son of David, Ezra and Nehemiah show how God continued to keep His promises by restoring His people to their land. 

    OUTLINE:

    Ezra divides into two sections: the earlier return under Zerubbabel, the restoration of the temple (1-6) and the later return under Ezra, the reformation of the people (7-10). Or it may be divided:

    1. The Restoration; The First Return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel (1-6)
      1. The Decree of Cyrus (1:1-11)
      2. The Census of the People (2:1-70)
      3. The Construction of the Temple Begun (3:1-13)
      4. The Opposition (4:1-24)
      5. The Construction Renewed (5:1-6:12)
      6. The Temple Completed (6:13-22)
    2. The Reformation of the People; the Return Under Ezra (7:1-10:44)
      1. The Return to Jerusalem (7:1-8:36)
      2. The Revival of Jerusalem (9:1-10:44)

  • Journey Through the Bible – 5

    (From the Series: CONCISE OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY found at Bible.org)

    FIRST SAMUEL (Transition From Judges to Kingship)

    AUTHOR:

    Precisely who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel is not certain. The Jewish talmudic tradition says that it was written by Samuel. However, though 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, the key figure of the early chapters, the prophet could not possibly have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chapter 25. But 1 Samuel 10:25 does attest to the fact that Samuel did write a book. Further, 1 Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.

    DATE: 930 B.C. and later.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were placed together as one book in the Hebrew Bible. These two books give the history of the monarchs of Israel in the early period of the monarchy. Fundamentally, 1 Samuel is about king Saul and 2 Samuel is about king David. Both 1 and 2 Samuel get their names from the prophet Samuel whom God used in the transition from using judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

    Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate) and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions).

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Beginning with the birth of Samuel and his training in the temple, 1 Samuel describes how this great man of God led Israel as prophet, priest, and the last judge. During Samuel’s leadership, the people of Israel, wanting to be like the nations, demanded a king. Under God’s direction, Samuel then anointed Saul to be the first king. But Saul was rejected by God because of his disobedience. To replace Saul, again under God’s directions, Samuel anointed David, a man after God’s own heart to become the king of Israel. The rest of the book describes the struggles between jealous and demented Saul and godly David.

    First Samuel picks up the history of Israel where Judges left off with Samuel following Samson (cf. Judges 16:31). This book traces the transition of leadership in the nation from judges to kings, from a theocracy to a monarchy. Because the people of Israel would not allow Yahweh to rule their lives, with every man doing that which was right in his own eyes, the monarchy brought stability because the people were more willing to follow an earthly king. “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (8:7).

    The clamor for an earthly king in First Samuel was a natural outcome of this practical rejection (8:7). God had intended to give Israel a king (see Gen. 49:10; Deut. 17:14-20), but the people insisted on the king of their choice instead of waiting for God’s king. … Saul was rejected by the Lord because he failed to learn the truth that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22). He became characterized by mental imbalance, raging jealousy, foolishness, and immorality. David illustrated the principle that, “the Lord does not see as man sees” (16:7). The Lord established the Davidic dynasty because of David’s obedience, wisdom, and dependence on God.7

    Historically, one of the key purposes of 1 Samuel is to record the divine origin of the Davidic dynasty.

    KEY WORD:

    In thought, the key word is transition, but in use, anoint (7 times) and rejected (7 times) are two key terms to this period of transition.

    KEY VERSES:

    8:6-7 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”

    13:14 But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.

    15:22-23 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapter 8, particularly verses 19-22, record the sad complaint of the nation in their desire for a king over them like that of the nations to judge them and fight their battles. Here, in answer to their request, Samuel is told by the Lord to appoint them a king and the prophet assumes his role of becoming a king-maker.

    Chapter 15 is another key chapter in that it records the transition of kingdom authority from Saul to David because of Saul’s disobedience and self-willed character (cf. 15:23).

    Chapter 16 forms another key chapter in that it records the choice and anointing of David.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Samuel the prophet, Saul the disobedient king, and David the shepherd.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 1 SAMUEL:

    Samuel forms an interesting portrait of Christ in that he was a prophet, a priest, and though he was not a king, he was a judge who was used of God to inaugurate a new age.

    Messiah is literally “the anointed one” and Samuel is the first biblical book to use the word anointed (2:10). Furthermore, the primary portrait and anticipation of Messiah is found in the life of David. He was born in Bethlehem, worked as a shepherd, was ruler over Israel, and became the forerunner of Messiah King through the Davidic dynasty. In the New Testament, Christ is described as a “descendant of David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3).

    OUTLINE:

    1. Samuel, the Last Judge (1:1-8:22)
      1. The Call of Samuel (1:1-3:21)
      2. The Commission of Samuel (4:1-7:17)
      3. The Concern of Samuel (8:1-22)
    2. Saul, the First King (9:1-15:35)
      1. The Selection of Saul (9:1-12:25)
      2. The Rejection of Saul (13:1-15:35)
    3. David, the Next King (16:1-31:13)
      1. David, the Shepherd, Chosen and Anointed (16:1-23)
      2. David, the Giant Killer, Acclaimed by the Court of Saul (17:1-58)
      3. David, the Friend of Jonathan, but Rejected by Saul (18:1-19:24)
      4. David, the Fugitive, Pursued by Saul (20:1-26:25)
        1. David protected by Jonathan (20:1-42)
        2. David protected by Ahimelech (21:1-9)
        3. David protected by Achish (21:10-15)
        4. David and his band of men (22:1-26:25)
      5. The Refuge of David in Philistine Territory (27:1-31:13)
        1. David becomes a Philistine servant (27:1-28:2)
        2. Saul consults the medium at En-dor (28:3-25)
        3. David dismissed by the Philistines (29:1-11)
        4. David destroys the Amalekites (30:1-31)
        5. The Philistines and the death of Saul (31:1-13)
    SECOND SAMUEL – (David’s Reign; Expansion of the Nation)

    AUTHOR:

    Precisely who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel is not certain. The Jewish talmudic tradition says that it was written by Samuel. However, though 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, the key figure of the early chapters, the prophet could not possibly have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chapter 25. But 1 Samuel 10:25 does attest to the fact that Samuel did write a book. Further, 1 Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.

    DATE: 930 B.C. and later.

    NAME:

    Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were placed together as one book in the Hebrew Bible. These two books give the history of the monarchs of Israel in the early period of the monarchy. Fundamentally, 1 Samuel is about king Saul and 2 Samuel is about king David. Both 1 and 2 Samuel get their names from the prophet Samuel whom God used in the transition from using judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

    Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate) and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions). 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    With no real break in the story of Israel’s kingdom, 2 Samuel continues the narrative of the beginning of Israel’s kingdom beginning with Saul’s death and continuing with the reign of David. It is distinctively about the forty-year reign of David (5:4-5) and traces his reign through his triumphs and tragedies, which include his sins of adultery, murder, and their consequences on his family and the nation. The theme, as 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign, could be summarized as “how sin turns triumphs into troubles.” Whereas the kingdom was established under Saul, it is expanded by David. Saul’s kingdom gave stabilization to Israel from the time of the judges, but David’s reign brought growth or expansion. In the typical fashion of the Bible which candidly tells the story of its leaders with warts and all, 2 Samuel portrays the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the life of King David.

    KEY WORD:

    Since the name of David occurs some 267 times (NASB), his name clearly becomes the key word.

    KEY VERSES:

    7:12-16 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. 

    12:12-14 “‘Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.”

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapter 5 is a key chapter in that it records David’s reign as king over all Israel, but chapters 11-12 are perhaps the more pivotal chapters in that they record David’s sin with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, his rebuke by Nathan the prophet, and the discipline that came on David’s house as a result. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    David, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absolom, Joab, Amnon, and Ahithophel. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 2 SAMUEL:

    With the exception of his sins, David remains a type of Christ as the king of Israel. It is in this chapter that God establishes the Davidic Covenant which ultimately has its fulfillment in the person of Christ.  

    OUTLINE:

    Second Samuel naturally falls into three sections: The Triumphs of David (1-10), the Transgressions of David (11), and the Troubles of David (12-24).

    1. The Triumphs of David (1-10)
      1. The Coronation of the King (1:1-5:6)
      2. The Consolidation of the Kingdom (5:7-6:23)
      3. The Covenant Concerning the Kingdom (7:1-29)
      4. The Conquests of the King (8:1-10:19)
    2. The Transgressions of the King (11:1-27)
      1. The Adultery by the King (11:1-13)
      2. The Murder Caused by the King (11:14-27)
    3. The Troubles of the King (12:1-24:25)
      1. Troubles at Home (12:1-13:36)
      2. Troubles in the Kingdom (13:37-24:25)
    FIRST KINGS – (David’s Death; Disruption of the Kingdom)

    AUTHOR:

    The author is unknown, though the Jews credit its writing to Jeremiah. As Ryrie points out: Whoever the author or compiler of these books was, he used historical sources (11:41; 14:19, 29). He likely was one of the exiles who lived in Babylon, perhaps an unknown one, or Ezra or Ezekiel or Jeremiah (though someone other than Jeremiah would have had to write the last chapter of 2 Kings, since Jeremiah apparently died in Egypt, not Babylon; Jer. 43:6-7).8

    DATE:

    About 550 B.C. The release of Jehoiachin from prison is the last event recorded in 2 Kings. This took place in the 37th year of his imprisonment (560 B.C.). Therefore 1 and 2 Kings could not have been written before that event. It seems unlikely that the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity in 538 B.C. had taken place when 1 and 2 Kings were written; had it occurred, the author would probably have referred to it. Probably 1 and 2 Kings were completed in their final form between 560 and 538 B.C.9

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    First and Second Kings, originally one book (like 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Chronicles) and simply called “Kings” in the Hebrew tradition (Melechim), are appropriately titled since they trace the history of the kings of Israel and Judah from the time of Solomon to the Babylonian captivity. First Kings abruptly ends with the beginning of the reign of Ahaziah in 853 B.C.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    After David’s death (chaps. 1-2), his son Solomon became king. Chapters 1-11 trace the life and reign of Solomon, including Israel’s rise to the peak of her glory, the spread of the nation’s kingdom, and the construction of the temple and palace in Jerusalem. But in Solomon’s later years, he drifted from the Lord because of his pagan wives who wrongly influenced him and turned his heart away from the worship of God in the temple.

    As a result, the king with the divided heart leaves behind a divided kingdom. For the next century, the book of First Kings traces the twin histories of two sets of kings and two nations of disobedient people who are growing indifferent to God’s prophets and precepts.10

    The next king was Rehoboam, who lost the northern part of the kingdom. After this the Northern Kingdom, which included 10 tribes, was known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, was called Judah. In the last chapters of 1 Kings, the focus is on the evil of King Ahab and righteous prophet Elijah who condemned Ahab’s wickedness and Israel’s disobedience.

    The central theme, therefore, is to show how disobedience led to the disruption of the kingdom. The welfare of the nation depended on the faithfulness of its leadership and people to the covenants of God with Israel. First Kings not only gives a record of the history of these kings, but it demonstrates the success of any king (and of the nation as a whole) depends on the measure of the king’s allegiance to God’s law or truth. The book truly illustrates how “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Unfaithfulness to God’s covenant resulted in decline and captivity.

    KEY WORD:

    While the key word is “kingdom,” which occurs some 357 times (NASB), the key concept is the division of the kingdom.

    KEY VERSES: 

    1 Kings 9:3-7 NKJV (3) And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.  (4)  Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments,  (5)  then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’  (6)  But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them,  (7)  then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.  

    1 Kings 11:11 NKJV  (11) Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapters 11 and 12: The key chapters are 11 and 12 which describe the demise of Solomon and the division of the kingdom.

    Other significant chapters that have key roles are 3 and 4 dealing with Solomon’s choice of wisdom and wise rule, chapter 8 the dedication of the temple, chapters 17 through 19 recording the great ministry of Elijah. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Solomon, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Elijah and Elisha, Ahab and Jezebel.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 1 KINGS:

    Like David, Solomon is one of the greatest types in the Old Testament of Christ, portraying Messiah in His future reign on earth. Solomon especially does this as his fame, glory, wealth, and honor all speak of Christ in His earthly kingdom. Solomon also portrays Christ in the great wisdom he demonstrated. 

    OUTLINE:

    First Kings naturally falls into two sections: the united kingdom (1-11) and the divided kingdom (12-22).

    1. The United Kingdom: The Forty Year Reign of Solomon (1:1-11)
      1. Solomon’s Accession (1:1-3:1)
      2. Solomon’s Wisdom (3:2-4:34 )
      3. Solomon’s Temple (5:1-8:66; cf. 2 Chron. 2:1-7:22)
      4. Solomon’s Fame (9:1-10:29; cf. 2 Chron. 8:1-9:28)
      5. Solomon’s Decline and Downfall (11:1-43)
    2. The Divided Kingdom: The First Eighty Years of the Two Kingdoms (12-22)
      1. The Cause of Division (12:1-24)
      2. The Reign of Jeroboam in Israel(12:25-14:20)
      3. The Reign of Rehoboam inJudah(14:21-31)
      4. The Reign of Abijam in Judah(15:1-8)
      5. The Reign of Asa in Judah(15:9-24)
      6. The Reign of Nadab in Israel(15:25-31)
      7. The Reign of Baasha in Israel(15:32-16:7)
      8. The Reign of Elah in Israel(16:8-14)
      9. The Reign of Zimri in Israel(16:15-20)
      10. The Reign of Omri in Israel(16:21-28)
      11. The Reign of Ahab in Israel(16:29-22:40)
      12. The Reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah(22:41-50)
      13. The Reign of Ahaziah in Israel(22:51-53)
     SECOND KINGS – (Dispersion—Willful Sin Has a Woeful End)

    AUTHOR:

    Since 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book and were artificially divided, see the previous discussion regarding the author in the 1 Kings overview. 

    DATE:

    About 550 B.C. Again, since 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book, see the discussion on the date in 1 Kings. 

    TITLE OF THE BOOK: See 1 Kings. 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Second Kings continues the history of Elijah and his successor, Elisha, but it also continues what might be termed, the “Tale of the Two Kingdoms.” As such, it continues to trace the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah until they are finally conquered and taken into captivity. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 B.C. and Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 B.C. In both kingdoms the prophets continued to warn the people that God would punish them unless they repented. Second Kings teaches that willful sin in a nation has a woeful end. In 1 and 2 Samuel, the nation is born, in 1 Kings it is divided, and in 2 Kings it is dispersed. After years of pleading with His people through the prophets, God’s patience finally turns to discipline just as He promised. Because both books were originally one, 1 and 2 Kings share the same theme and goal. They teach us how unfaithfulness (disobedience to God’s law and rebellion) must lead to God’s discipline and the overthrow of the monarchy. The two kingdoms collapsed because of the failure of the kings to rule righteously and give heed to God’s truth. 

    KEY WORD:

    Two key words are the word, “king,” occurring over 400 times (NASB), and the word “prophet,” which occurs some 34 times (NASB). But the key term that describes the content would be dispersion or captivities since this book describes the historical demise that lead to the loss of the monarchies and the dispersion of the two kingdoms. 

    KEY VERSES: 

    2 Kings 17:18-23 NKJV  (18) Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; there was none left but the tribe of Judah alone.  (19)  Also Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.  (20)  And the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel, afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them from His sight.  (21)  For He tore Israel from the house of David, and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. Then Jeroboam drove Israel from following the LORD, and made them commit a great sin.  (22)  For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them,  (23)  until the LORD removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.  

    2 Kings 23:27 NKJV  (27) And the LORD said, “I will also remove Judah from My sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, ‘My name shall be there.’ ”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    A number of chapters fall into this category: chapter 2, Elijah taken to heaven; chapter 4, Elisha’s miracle for the widow; chapter 5, the healing of Naaman and Gehazi’s greed; chapter 6, Elisha’s prayer for his servant and the capture of Syria; chapter 17, Israel’s fall and the Assyrian Captivity (722 B.C.); chapters 18-19, Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah and Hezekiah’s prayer; chapters 22-23, Josiah’s revival, reforms, and renewal; chapters 24-25, the fall of Judah to Babylon (586 B.C.) 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Elijah, Elisha, Josiah, Naaman, Hezekiah. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 2 KINGS:

    Elijah naturally anticipates the forerunner of Christ in John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14; 17:10-12; Luke 1:17) and Elisha in many ways reminds us of Jesus Christ in His ministry. Jensen compares and summarizes their ministry: Elijah is noted for great public acts, while Elisha is distinguished by the large number of miracles he performed, many of them for individual needs. Elijah’s ministry emphasized God’s law, judgment, and severity. Elisha supplemented this by demonstrating God’s grace, love and tenderness. Elijah was like John the Baptist, thundering the message of repentance for sin. Elisha followed this up by going about, as Christ did, doing deeds of kindness, and by doing miracles attesting that the words of the prophets were from God.11

    OUTLINE:

    Second Kings also naturally falls into two section. The first section, The Divided Kingdom (1:1-17:41), selectively traces the reign of the kings of both nations until the dispersion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The second section, The Surviving Kingdom of Judah (18:1-25:30), then traces the reign of the surviving kings of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

    1. The Divided Kingdom (1:1-17:41)
      1. The Reign of Ahaziah in Israel (1:1-18 )
      2. The Reign of Jehoram (Joram) in Israel(2:1-8:15)
        • The translation of Elijah (2:1-11)
        • The beginning of Elisha’s ministry (2:12-25)
        • Jehoram’s expedition against Moab (3:1-27)
        • Elisha’s ministry (4:1-8:15)
      3. The Reign of Joram (Jehoram) in Judah(8:16-24)
      4. The Reign of Ahaziah in Judah(8:25-29)
      5. The Reign of Jehu in Israel(9:1-10:36)
      6. The Reign of Athaliah in Judah(11:1-16)
      7. The Reign of Jehoash (Joash) in Judah(11:17-12:21)
      8. The Reign of Jehoahaz in Israel(13:1-9)
      9. The Reign of Jehoash (Joash) in Israel(13:10-25)
      10. The Reign of Amaziah inJudah(14:1-22)
      11. The Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel(14:23-29)
      12. The Reign of Azariah (Uzziah) in Judah(15:1-7)
      13. The Reign of Zechariah in Israel(15:8-12)
      14. The Reign of Shallum in Israel(15:13-15)
      15. The Reign of Menahem in Israel(15:16-22)
      16. The Reign of Pekahiah in Israel(15:23-26)
      17. The Reign of Pekah in Israel(15:27-31)
      18. The Reign of Jotham in Judah(15:32-38)
      19. The Reign of Ahaz in Judah(16:1-20)
      20. The Reign of Hoshea in Israel(17:1-41)
      21. Israel’s Defeat (17:1-6 )
      22. Israel’s Sins (17:7-23)
      23. Israel’s Dispersion (17:24-41) 
    1. The Surviving Kingdom of Judah (18:1-25:30)
      1. The Reign of Hezekiah (18:1-20:21)
      2. The Reign of Manasseh (21:1-18)
      3. The Reign of Amon (21:19-26)
      4. The Reign of Josiah (22:1-23:30)
      5. The Reign of Jehoahaz (2 Chron. 36:1-4) (23:31-33)
      6. The Reign of Jehoiakim (23:34-24:7)
      7. The Reign of Jehoiachin (24:8-16)
      8. The Reign of Zedekiah (24:17-25:21)
        • Rebellion against Babylon and destruction of the Temple (24:17-25:10)
        • Third deportation to Babylon (25:11-21)
      9. The Governorship of Gedaliah, a Puppet Governor (25:22-26)
      10. The Release of Jehoiachin in Babylon (25:27-30)

    Note carefully the instructive contrasts Ryrie demonstrates for us in the content of 1 and 2 Kings.12 These contrasts clearly demonstrate the truth that Willful Sin has a Woeful End.

  • Journey Through the Bible – 4

    (From the Series: CONCISE OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY found at Bible.org)

    JUDGES (Seven Cycles of Apostasy, Judgment, and Deliverance)

    AUTHOR:

    Tradition tells us that Samuel wrote the book, but its authorship is actually uncertain. Samuel may have assembled some of the accounts from the period of the judges and prophets like Nathan and Gad may have had a hand in editing the material (see 1 Chron. 29:29).

    The Hebrew title is Shophetim, meaning “judges, rulers, deliverers, or saviors.” Shophet not only carries the idea of maintaining justice and settling disputes, but it is also used to mean “liberating and delivering.” First the judges deliver the people; then they rule and administer justice…5

    DATE: 1050-1000 B.C.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    The book gets its name from the number of leaders called judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel from their oppressors. The title for the book is best expressed in 2:16, “Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them.” Ultimately, however, God was Israel’s Judge and Deliverer because it was God Himself who would first allow the times of oppression as divine discipline for Israel’s repeated apostasy, and then raise up judges to bring deliverance after the nation repented and cried out for help (cf. 11:27 and 8:23).

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    The contrast between the moods of Joshua and Judges is striking. Israel goes from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from freedom to oppression, and from advancement to retrogression. So why the book?

    Historically, Judges bridges the gap from the time of Joshua to the time of the prophet Samuel and the beginning of the monarchy under Saul and David. It records the history of seven cycles of decline, oppression, supplication, and deliverance. In doing so, it becomes an explanation and reason for the need of a monarchy in Israel. With every man doing that which was right in his own eyes (21:25), the nation needed the leadership of a righteous king.

    Doctrinally, Judges draws our attention to a number of important truths. As God had warned in Deuteronomy, obedience brings blessing, but disobedience results in God’s discipline and oppression. But Judges also reminds us that when people will turn to the Lord, cry out to Him and repent, God, who is long-suffering and gracious, responds in deliverance. Judges unfolds its theme by describing cycles of apostasy followed by oppression as a form of divine discipline followed by supplication and repentance by the people followed by judges whom God raised up to deliver the nation.

    KEY WORDS:

    Evil (14 times), judge, judged, judgment (22 times); Cycles.

    KEY VERSES:

    2:15-16 Wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had spoken and as the Lord had sworn to them, so that they were severely distressed. 16 Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them.

    2:20-23 So the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not listened to My voice, 21 I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, 22 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” 23 So the Lord allowed those nations to remain, not driving them out quickly; and He did not give them into the hand of Joshua.

    21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

    KEY CHAPTER:

    Chapters 1-2 give a backward look to Israel’s sin and a forward look to Israel’s servitude. As such, these two chapters provide a kind of overview of the key issues in the book. One of the keys to Israel’s failure is found in the repeated phrase, they “did not drive out the inhabitants” of the land (Judges 1:21, 27, 29, 30). This early failure was an ingredient in Israel’s later failure to remain faithful to the Lord. Then, chapter 2 gives a kind of summary of the rest of the book which records the picture of the cycles: from being godly to ungodly to oppression to deliverance through the judges.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    The Judges—Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Tola and Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon, and Samson. The best known judges are Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN JUDGES:

    Since each judge functioned as a ruler-deliverer, they served as pictures of the Savior in His work as Savior and Lord, the Righteous Deliverer King.

    OUTLINE:

    Judges easily divides into three sections: Deterioration (1:1-3:4), Deliverance (3:5-16:31), and Depravity (17:1-21:25). Some like to divide the book around the seven cycles of apostasy.

    1. Deterioration—An Introduction, the Reason for the Period of the Judges (1:1-3:6)
      1. The Political Condition (1:1-36)
      2. The Spiritual Condition (2:1-3:6)
    2. Deliverance—The History and Rule of the Period of the Judges (3:7-16:31)
      1. Mesopotamian Oppression and Othniel’s Deliverance (3:7-11)
      2. Moabite Oppression and Ehud’s Deliverance (3:12-30)
      3. Shamgar’s Victory Over the Philistines (3:31)
      4. Canaanite Oppression and Deliverance by Deborah and Barak (4:1-5:31)
      5. Midianite Oppression and Gideon’s Deliverance (6:1-8:35)
      6. Abimelech’s Tyranny (9:1-57)
      7. Tola’s Judgeship (10:1-2)
      8. Jair’s Judgeship (10:3-5)
      9. Ammonite Oppression and Jephthah’s Deliverance (10:6-12:7)
      10. Ibzan’s Judgeship (12:8-10)
      11. Elon’s Judgeship (12:11-12)
      12. Abdon’s Judgeship (12:13-15)
      13. Philistine Oppression and Samson’s Career (13:1-16:31)
    3. Depravity—Apostasy and Anarchy, the Ruin of the Period of the Judges (17:1-21:25)
      1. Micah and the Migration of the Danites (17:1-18:31)
      2. The Benjamite War (19:1-21:25)

    RUTH (An Addendum to Judges)

    AUTHOR:

    As with Judges, the author is uncertain though Jewish tradition points to Samuel. This is unlikely, however, since the author of Ruth mentions David, and Samuel died before David’s coronation (4:17, 22).

    DATE: 1000 B.C.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    The book of Ruth gets its name from one of its main characters, a young woman of Moab, the great-grandmother of David and one who is in the genealogical line of the Savior (Matt 1:5). Another book of the Bible named after a woman is Esther.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Ruth is the story of a couple in Israel who, during a time of famine, moved to Moab. There the husband and his two sons died, leaving the mother (Naomi) alone with her two daughters-in-law (Orpah and Ruth). Naomi decided to move back to Israel and Ruth insisted on returning with her. Once in Israel, they turned to a relative by the name of Boaz for help. Eventually, Ruth married Boaz.

    Like a brilliant diamond against black velvet, Ruth sparkles against the dark days of the book of Judges. Ruth is the story of loyalty, purity, and love in a day when anarchy, selfishness, and depravity was generally the rule. As such, Ruth serves as a positive picture of faith and obedience in the midst of apostasy and shows how such faith brings blessing. Ruth also serves as an important link in the ancestry of King David and, as mentioned, is found in the line of Messiah. Other purposes of Ruth are seen in the way it illustrates the truths of the Kinsman-Redeemer, the presence of a godly remnant even in times of great apostasy, and God’s faithfulness to those who will walk with Him by faith. Since Ruth was a Gentile, the book illustrates God’s desire to bring the Gentile world into the family of God.

    It may seem surprising that one who reflects God’s love so clearly is a Moabitess. Yet her complete loyalty to the Israelite family into which she has been received by marriage and her total devotion to her desolate mother-in-law mark her as a true daughter of Israel and a worthy ancestress of David. She strikingly exemplifies the truth that participation in the coming kingdom of God is decided, not by blood and birth, but by the conformity of one’s life to the will of God through the “obedience that comes from faith” (Rom. 1:5). Her place in the ancestry of David signifies that all nations will be represented in the kingdom of David’s greater Son.6

    KEY WORDS:

    Kinsman (14 times), Redeem (9 times). In thought, a key term would be Kinsman-Redeemer.

    KEY VERSES:

    1:15-17 Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.”

    3:11-13 “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. 12 And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. 13 Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapter 1 is a key chapter because it demonstrates Ruth’s decision of faith, devotion, and commitment to stay with Naomi, a decision that led to her redemption.

    Chapter 4 is another key chapter because in this chapter, Ruth goes from being a widow and poverty to marriage and wealth through the Kinsman-Redeemer.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Ruth, Naomi, Boaz.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN RUTH:

    In the Old Testament, if a person or an estate were sold into bondage, they could be redeemed if certain requirements were met by what is called the Kinsman-Redeemer or goel, “close relative.” This is a perfect illustration of the redemptive work of the Savior. The goel must:

      1. be a blood relative (a kinsman) of those he redeems (Deut. 25:5, 7-10; John 1:14; Rom. 1:3; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:14-15);
      2. be able to pay the price of redemption (cf. 2:1; 1 Pet. 1:18-19);
      3. be willing to redeem or pay the price (cf. 3:11; Matt. 20:28; John 10:15, 19; Heb. 10:7);
      4. be free himself, as Christ was free from the curse of sin, being without sin (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

    OUTLINE:

    1. The Resolve and Return of Ruth (1:1-22)
      1. Her Background, 1:1-5
      2. Her Choice, 1:6-18
      3. Her Arrival in Bethlehem, 1:19-22
    2. The Reaping Rights of Ruth (2:1-23)
      1. Her Right to Glean (2:1-3)
      2. The Results of Her Gleaning (2:4-17)
      3. The Report of Her Gleaning (2:17-23)
    3. The Request of Ruth (3:1-18)
      1. Suggested by Naomi (3:1-4)
      2. Executed by Ruth (3:5-9)
      3. Agreed to by Boaz (3:10-18)
    4. The Reward of Ruth (4:1-22)
      1. A Husband (4:1-12)
      2. A Son (4:13-17)
      3. A Lineage (4:18-22)

    FIRST SAMUEL (Transition From Judges to Kingship)

    AUTHOR:

    Precisely who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel is not certain. The Jewish talmudic tradition says that it was written by Samuel. However, though 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, the key figure of the early chapters, the prophet could not possibly have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chapter 25. But 1 Samuel 10:25 does attest to the fact that Samuel did write a book. Further, 1 Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.

    DATE: 930 B.C. and later.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were placed together as one book in the Hebrew Bible. These two books give the history of the monarchs of Israel in the early period of the monarchy. Fundamentally, 1 Samuel is about king Saul and 2 Samuel is about king David. Both 1 and 2 Samuel get their names from the prophet Samuel whom God used in the transition from using judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

    Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate) and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions).

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Beginning with the birth of Samuel and his training in the temple, 1 Samuel describes how this great man of God led Israel as prophet, priest, and the last judge. During Samuel’s leadership, the people of Israel, wanting to be like the nations, demanded a king. Under God’s direction, Samuel then anointed Saul to be the first king. But Saul was rejected by God because of his disobedience. To replace Saul, again under God’s directions, Samuel anointed David, a man after God’s own heart to become the king of Israel. The rest of the book describes the struggles between jealous and demented Saul and godly David.

    First Samuel picks up the history of Israel where Judges left off with Samuel following Samson (cf. Judges 16:31). This book traces the transition of leadership in the nation from judges to kings, from a theocracy to a monarchy. Because the people of Israel would not allow Yahweh to rule their lives, with every man doing that which was right in his own eyes, the monarchy brought stability because the people were more willing to follow an earthly king. “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (8:7).

    The clamor for an earthly king in First Samuel was a natural outcome of this practical rejection (8:7). God had intended to give Israel a king (see Gen. 49:10; Deut. 17:14-20), but the people insisted on the king of their choice instead of waiting for God’s king. … Saul was rejected by the Lord because he failed to learn the truth that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22). He became characterized by mental imbalance, raging jealousy, foolishness, and immorality. David illustrated the principle that, “the Lord does not see as man sees” (16:7). The Lord established the Davidic dynasty because of David’s obedience, wisdom, and dependence on God.7

    Historically, one of the key purposes of 1 Samuel is to record the divine origin of the Davidic dynasty.

    KEY WORD:

    In thought, the key word is transition, but in use, anoint (7 times) and rejected (7 times) are two key terms to this period of transition.

    KEY VERSES:

    8:6-7 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”

    13:14 But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.

    15:22-23 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapter 8, particularly verses 19-22, record the sad complaint of the nation in their desire for a king over them like that of the nations to judge them and fight their battles. Here, in answer to their request, Samuel is told by the Lord to appoint them a king and the prophet assumes his role of becoming a king-maker.

    Chapter 15 is another key chapter in that it records the transition of kingdom authority from Saul to David because of Saul’s disobedience and self-willed character (cf. 15:23).

    Chapter 16 forms another key chapter in that it records the choice and anointing of David.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Samuel the prophet, Saul the disobedient king, and David the shepherd.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 1 SAMUEL:

    Samuel forms an interesting portrait of Christ in that he was a prophet, a priest, and though he was not a king, he was a judge who was used of God to inaugurate a new age.

    Messiah is literally “the anointed one” and Samuel is the first biblical book to use the word anointed (2:10). Furthermore, the primary portrait and anticipation of Messiah is found in the life of David. He was born in Bethlehem, worked as a shepherd, was ruler over Israel, and became the forerunner of Messiah King through the Davidic dynasty. In the New Testament, Christ is described as a “descendant of David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3).

    OUTLINE:

    1. Samuel, the Last Judge (1:1-8:22)
      1. The Call of Samuel (1:1-3:21)
      2. The Commission of Samuel (4:1-7:17)
      3. The Concern of Samuel (8:1-22)
    2. Saul, the First King (9:1-15:35)
      1. The Selection of Saul (9:1-12:25)
      2. The Rejection of Saul (13:1-15:35)
    3. David, the Next King (16:1-31:13)
      1. David, the Shepherd, Chosen and Anointed (16:1-23)
      2. David, the Giant Killer, Acclaimed by the Court of Saul (17:1-58)
      3. David, the Friend of Jonathan, but Rejected by Saul (18:1-19:24)
      4. David, the Fugitive, Pursued by Saul (20:1-26:25)
        1. David protected by Jonathan (20:1-42)
        2. David protected by Ahimelech (21:1-9)
        3. David protected by Achish (21:10-15)
        4. David and his band of men (22:1-26:25)
      5. The Refuge of David in Philistine Territory (27:1-31:13)
        1. David becomes a Philistine servant (27:1-28:2)
        2. Saul consults the medium at En-dor (28:3-25)
        3. David dismissed by the Philistines (29:1-11)
        4. David destroys the Amalekites (30:1-31)
        5. The Philistines and the death of Saul (31:1-13)

    SECOND SAMUEL
    (David’s Reign; Expansion of the Nation)

    AUTHOR:

    Precisely who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel is not certain. The Jewish talmudic tradition says that it was written by Samuel. However, though 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, the key figure of the early chapters, the prophet could not possibly have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chapter 25. But 1 Samuel 10:25 does attest to the fact that Samuel did write a book. Further, 1 Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.

    DATE: 930 B.C. and later.

    NAME:

    Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were placed together as one book in the Hebrew Bible. These two books give the history of the monarchs of Israel in the early period of the monarchy. Fundamentally, 1 Samuel is about king Saul and 2 Samuel is about king David. Both 1 and 2 Samuel get their names from the prophet Samuel whom God used in the transition from using judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

    Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate) and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions). 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    With no real break in the story of Israel’s kingdom, 2 Samuel continues the narrative of the beginning of Israel’s kingdom beginning with Saul’s death and continuing with the reign of David. It is distinctively about the forty-year reign of David (5:4-5) and traces his reign through his triumphs and tragedies, which include his sins of adultery, murder, and their consequences on his family and the nation. The theme, as 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign, could be summarized as “how sin turns triumphs into troubles.” Whereas the kingdom was established under Saul, it is expanded by David. Saul’s kingdom gave stabilization to Israel from the time of the judges, but David’s reign brought growth or expansion. In the typical fashion of the Bible which candidly tells the story of its leaders with warts and all, 2 Samuel portrays the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the life of King David.

    KEY WORD:

    Since the name of David occurs some 267 times (NASB), his name clearly becomes the key word.

    KEY VERSES:

    7:12-16 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. 

    12:12-14 “‘Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.”

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapter 5 is a key chapter in that it records David’s reign as king over all Israel, but chapters 11-12 are perhaps the more pivotal chapters in that they record David’s sin with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, his rebuke by Nathan the prophet, and the discipline that came on David’s house as a result. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    David, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absolom, Joab, Amnon, and Ahithophel. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 2 SAMUEL:

    With the exception of his sins, David remains a type of Christ as the king of Israel. It is in this chapter that God establishes the Davidic Covenant which ultimately has its fulfillment in the person of Christ.  

    OUTLINE:

    Second Samuel naturally falls into three sections: The Triumphs of David (1-10), the Transgressions of David (11), and the Troubles of David (12-24).

    1. The Triumphs of David (1-10)
      1. The Coronation of the King (1:1-5:6)
      2. The Consolidation of the Kingdom (5:7-6:23)
      3. The Covenant Concerning the Kingdom (7:1-29)
      4. The Conquests of the King (8:1-10:19)
    2. The Transgressions of the King (11:1-27)
      1. The Adultery by the King (11:1-13)
      2. The Murder Caused by the King (11:14-27)
    3. The Troubles of the King (12:1-24:25)
      1. Troubles at Home (12:1-13:36)
      2. Troubles in the Kingdom (13:37-24:25)

  • Journey Through the Bible – 3

    (From the Series: CONCISE OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY found at Bible.org)

    JOSHUA (Possession and Conquest)

    AUTHOR: Joshua

    DATE: 1400-1370 B.C.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    Unlike the first five books of the Old Testament, this book appropriately takes its name from the chief human personality of the book, Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant. Joshua’s original name was Hoshea (Num. 13:8; Deut. 32:44) which means “salvation.” But during the wilderness wanderings Moses changed his name to Yehoshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “Save, Yahweh” (Num. 13:16). Joshua is a contracted form of Yehoshua. This amounted to a prophetic anticipation and reminder to Joshua, to the spies, and the people that victory over the enemies and possession of the land would be by the power of the Lord rather than by human skill or wisdom or power. This book is given the name Joshua because, though Joshua was one of the world’s greatest military strategist of history, his wisdom and military achievements came from the Lord who alone is our Salvation. It was the Lord Himself who brought about victory for Israel and vanquished Israel’s enemies giving them possession of the land.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Possessing, conquering, and dividing of the promised land is the theme and purpose of Joshua. The book of Joshua is designed to show God’s faithfulness to His promises, doing for Israel exactly as He had promised (cf. Gen. 15:18 with Josh. 1:2-6 and 21:43-45). The events recorded in Joshua are selective to set forth God’s special intervention on behalf of His people against all kinds of tremendous odds. The fulfillment of God’s promises, as so evident in the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah and in possessing the land with its fortified cities, is the work of God and that which man could never do no matter how hard he might try (see Rom. 4).

    KEY WORDS:

    Possession, conquest, victory, dividing the land.

    KEY VERSES:

    Joshua 1:6-9 NKJV Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. (7) Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. (8) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

    11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war.

    KEY CHAPTER(S):

    Changes in leadership are always critical times for any nation. For that reason, the following chapters are key chapters in Joshua.

    Chapters 1-4 record the change of leadership from Moses to Joshua and God’s personal promises and words of encouragement to Joshua in his new commission from the Lord, the crossing of the Jordan by the power of God, the commemoration of the crossing followed by the statement, “On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; so that they revered him, just as they had revered Moses all the days of his life.”

    Chapter 24: In keeping with the crucial nature of changes in leadership, chapter 24 is likewise an important chapter. Here Joshua reminds the people of God’s faithfulness from the time of Abraham through their deliverance out of Egypt, the crossing of the Jordan and victory over the Canaanites. Then he calls on them to remember the necessity of their faithfulness or they would be consumed by the Lord.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Joshua, Rahab, Caleb.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN JOSHUA:

    Though there are no direct Messianic prophecies of Christ, there are a number of types which point to the Savior. Joshua is a type of Christ in two very important ways. First, his name, Yeshua, a contracted form of Yehoshua, meaning, “Yahweh is salvation,” is the Greek equivalent of the name Jesus. Joshua is actually called by the name Jesus in Acts 7:45. Second, Joshua is seen as a type of Christ in his work of leading Israel triumphantly into the rest of their promised possession, the land of Canaan (cf. Heb. 4:8). This is but a foretaste of the rest we enter by faith in Christ. He surely foreshadows the Savior who leads “many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:9-10). Further, Joshua was met by the Commander of the Lord’s army in 5:13-15. This is undoubtedly a Christophany, a preincarnate appearance of Christ who was there to teach Joshua that He had come not to take sides, but to take over as commander. Finally, Rahab’s scarlet cord (2:21) portrays salvation through the blood and death of Christ (cf. Heb. 9:19-22). This Gentile prostitute heard of the mighty works of God, believed, hid the spies, was delivered when Jericho was destroyed, and is found in the genealogy of Christ (Matt. 1:5).

    Beautiful Story of Rahab

    Joshua 6:25 NKJV And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

    Matthew 1:5-6 NKJV Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, (6) and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

    OUTLINE:
    1. The Invasion of Canaan (1:1-5:12)
      1. The Commissioning of Joshua (1:1-9)
      2. The Command of Joshua to the People and Their Response (1:10-18)
      3. The Canvassing of Jericho (chap. 2)
      4. The Crossing of the Jordan (chap. 3)
      5. The Commemoration of the Crossing (chap. 4)
      6. The Consecration of the People (chap. 5-12)
    2. The Conquest of Canaan (5:13-12:24)
      1. Conditioned for Victory: The Divine Commander (5:13-15)
      2. The Campaign in the Central Portion (chaps. 6-8)
      3. The Campaign in the South (chaps. 9-10)
      4. The Campaign in the North (11:1-15)
      5. The Review of the Victories (11:16-12:24)
    3. The Division of Canaan (chaps. 13-21)
      1. The Inheritance for the Two and One-Half Tribes (chap. 13)
      2. The Inheritance for Caleb (chap. 14)
      3. The Inheritance for the Nine and One-Half Tribes (15:1-19:48)
      4. The Inheritance for Joshua (19:49-51)
      5. The Cities of Refuge (20:1-9)
      6. The Cities for the Levites (21:1-45)
    4. Conclusion (chaps. 22-24)
      1. The Dispute About the Altar (chap. 22)
      2. The Discourse of Joshua (23:1-24:28)
      3. The Death of Joshua (24:29-33)

    Sun Stand Still Faith (Always based on the Word of God)

    Promise to Joshua

    Joshua 8:1-2 NIV Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. (2) You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.”

    Joshua defeats Ai and its King

    Joshua 8:29 NIV He impaled the body of the king of Ai on a pole and left it there until evening. At sunset, Joshua ordered them to take the body from the pole and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And they raised a large pile of rocks over it, which remains to this day.

    Gibeon makes peace with Israel

    Joshua 10:1-2 NKJV Now it came to pass when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it–as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king–and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, (2) that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty.

    Five Kings decide to attack Gibeon and Children of Israel

    Joshua 10:3-4 NKJV Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, (4) “Come up to me and help me, that we may attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.”

    Promise of Victory over Five Kings

    Joshua 10:7-8 NKJV So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. (8) And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.”

    Joshua needs more time to accomplish his mission

    Joshua 10:12-14 NKJV Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” (13) So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. (14) And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.

    What gave Joshua faith to believe he could command the Sun to stand Still

    Deuteronomy 21:22-23 NKJV (22) “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, (23) his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.

    Joshua 10:16-27 NKJV But these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave at Makkedah. (17) And it was told Joshua, saying, “The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.” (18) So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them. (19) And do not stay there yourselves, but pursue your enemies, and attack their rear guard. Do not allow them to enter their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.” (20) Then it happened, while Joshua and the children of Israel made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they had finished, that those who escaped entered fortified cities. (21) And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah, in peace. No one moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. (22) Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave.” (23) And they did so, and brought out those five kings to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. (24) So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. (25) Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (26) And afterward Joshua struck them and killed them, and hanged them on five trees; and they were hanging on the trees until evening. (27) So it was at the time of the going down of the sun that Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees, cast them into the cave where they had been hidden, and laid large stones against the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day.

    Jesus did the same thing:

    Mark 4:39-41 NKJV (39) Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (40) But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (41) And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

    Psalms 107:28-30 NKJV Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. (29) He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. (30) Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.

    JUDGES (Seven Cycles of Apostasy, Judgment, and Deliverance)

    AUTHOR:

    Tradition tells us that Samuel wrote the book, but its authorship is actually uncertain. Samuel may have assembled some of the accounts from the period of the judges and prophets like Nathan and Gad may have had a hand in editing the material (see 1 Chron. 29:29).

    The Hebrew title is Shophetim, meaning “judges, rulers, deliverers, or saviors.” Shophet not only carries the idea of maintaining justice and settling disputes, but it is also used to mean “liberating and delivering.” First the judges deliver the people; then they rule and administer justice…5

    DATE: 1050-1000 B.C.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    The book gets its name from the number of leaders called judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel from their oppressors. The title for the book is best expressed in 2:16, “Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them.” Ultimately, however, God was Israel’s Judge and Deliverer because it was God Himself who would first allow the times of oppression as divine discipline for Israel’s repeated apostasy, and then raise up judges to bring deliverance after the nation repented and cried out for help (cf. 11:27 and 8:23).

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    The contrast between the moods of Joshua and Judges is striking. Israel goes from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from freedom to oppression, and from advancement to retrogression. So why the book?

    Historically, Judges bridges the gap from the time of Joshua to the time of the prophet Samuel and the beginning of the monarchy under Saul and David. It records the history of seven cycles of decline, oppression, supplication, and deliverance. In doing so, it becomes an explanation and reason for the need of a monarchy in Israel. With every man doing that which was right in his own eyes (21:25), the nation needed the leadership of a righteous king.

    Doctrinally, Judges draws our attention to a number of important truths. As God had warned in Deuteronomy, obedience brings blessing, but disobedience results in God’s discipline and oppression. But Judges also reminds us that when people will turn to the Lord, cry out to Him and repent, God, who is long-suffering and gracious, responds in deliverance. Judges unfolds its theme by describing cycles of apostasy followed by oppression as a form of divine discipline followed by supplication and repentance by the people followed by judges whom God raised up to deliver the nation.

    KEY WORDS:

    Evil (14 times), judge, judged, judgment (22 times); Cycles.

    KEY VERSES:

    2:15-16 Wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had spoken and as the Lord had sworn to them, so that they were severely distressed. 16 Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them.

    2:20-23 So the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not listened to My voice, 21 I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, 22 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” 23 So the Lord allowed those nations to remain, not driving them out quickly; and He did not give them into the hand of Joshua.

    21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

    KEY CHAPTER:

    Chapters 1-2 give a backward look to Israel’s sin and a forward look to Israel’s servitude. As such, these two chapters provide a kind of overview of the key issues in the book. One of the keys to Israel’s failure is found in the repeated phrase, they “did not drive out the inhabitants” of the land (Judges 1:21, 27, 29, 30). This early failure was an ingredient in Israel’s later failure to remain faithful to the Lord. Then, chapter 2 gives a kind of summary of the rest of the book which records the picture of the cycles: from being godly to ungodly to oppression to deliverance through the judges.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    The Judges—Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Tola and Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon, and Samson. The best known judges are Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN JUDGES:

    Since each judge functioned as a ruler-deliverer, they served as pictures of the Savior in His work as Savior and Lord, the Righteous Deliverer King.

    OUTLINE:

    Judges easily divides into three sections: Deterioration (1:1-3:4), Deliverance (3:5-16:31), and Depravity (17:1-21:25). Some like to divide the book around the seven cycles of apostasy.

    1. Deterioration—An Introduction, the Reason for the Period of the Judges (1:1-3:6)
      1. The Political Condition (1:1-36)
      2. The Spiritual Condition (2:1-3:6)
    2. Deliverance—The History and Rule of the Period of the Judges (3:7-16:31)
      1. Mesopotamian Oppression and Othniel’s Deliverance (3:7-11)
      2. Moabite Oppression and Ehud’s Deliverance (3:12-30)
      3. Shamgar’s Victory Over the Philistines (3:31)
      4. Canaanite Oppression and Deliverance by Deborah and Barak (4:1-5:31)
      5. Midianite Oppression and Gideon’s Deliverance (6:1-8:35)
      6. Abimelech’s Tyranny (9:1-57)
      7. Tola’s Judgeship (10:1-2)
      8. Jair’s Judgeship (10:3-5)
      9. Ammonite Oppression and Jephthah’s Deliverance (10:6-12:7)
      10. Ibzan’s Judgeship (12:8-10)
      11. Elon’s Judgeship (12:11-12)
      12. Abdon’s Judgeship (12:13-15)
      13. Philistine Oppression and Samson’s Career (13:1-16:31)
    3. Depravity—Apostasy and Anarchy, the Ruin of the Period of the Judges (17:1-21:25)
      1. Micah and the Migration of the Danites (17:1-18:31)
      2. The Benjamite War (19:1-21:25)

    RUTH (An Addendum to Judges)

    AUTHOR:

    As with Judges, the author is uncertain though Jewish tradition points to Samuel. This is unlikely, however, since the author of Ruth mentions David, and Samuel died before David’s coronation (4:17, 22).

    DATE: 1000 B.C.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    The book of Ruth gets its name from one of its main characters, a young woman of Moab, the great-grandmother of David and one who is in the genealogical line of the Savior (Matt 1:5). Another book of the Bible named after a woman is Esther.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Ruth is the story of a couple in Israel who, during a time of famine, moved to Moab. There the husband and his two sons died, leaving the mother (Naomi) alone with her two daughters-in-law (Orpah and Ruth). Naomi decided to move back to Israel and Ruth insisted on returning with her. Once in Israel, they turned to a relative by the name of Boaz for help. Eventually, Ruth married Boaz.

    Like a brilliant diamond against black velvet, Ruth sparkles against the dark days of the book of Judges. Ruth is the story of loyalty, purity, and love in a day when anarchy, selfishness, and depravity was generally the rule. As such, Ruth serves as a positive picture of faith and obedience in the midst of apostasy and shows how such faith brings blessing. Ruth also serves as an important link in the ancestry of King David and, as mentioned, is found in the line of Messiah. Other purposes of Ruth are seen in the way it illustrates the truths of the Kinsman-Redeemer, the presence of a godly remnant even in times of great apostasy, and God’s faithfulness to those who will walk with Him by faith. Since Ruth was a Gentile, the book illustrates God’s desire to bring the Gentile world into the family of God.

    It may seem surprising that one who reflects God’s love so clearly is a Moabitess. Yet her complete loyalty to the Israelite family into which she has been received by marriage and her total devotion to her desolate mother-in-law mark her as a true daughter of Israel and a worthy ancestress of David. She strikingly exemplifies the truth that participation in the coming kingdom of God is decided, not by blood and birth, but by the conformity of one’s life to the will of God through the “obedience that comes from faith” (Rom. 1:5). Her place in the ancestry of David signifies that all nations will be represented in the kingdom of David’s greater Son.6

    KEY WORDS:

    Kinsman (14 times), Redeem (9 times). In thought, a key term would be Kinsman-Redeemer.

    KEY VERSES:

    1:15-17 Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.”

    3:11-13 “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. 12 And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. 13 Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapter 1 is a key chapter because it demonstrates Ruth’s decision of faith, devotion, and commitment to stay with Naomi, a decision that led to her redemption.

    Chapter 4 is another key chapter because in this chapter, Ruth goes from being a widow and poverty to marriage and wealth through the Kinsman-Redeemer.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Ruth, Naomi, Boaz.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN RUTH:

    In the Old Testament, if a person or an estate were sold into bondage, they could be redeemed if certain requirements were met by what is called the Kinsman-Redeemer or goel, “close relative.” This is a perfect illustration of the redemptive work of the Savior. The goel must:

      1. be a blood relative (a kinsman) of those he redeems (Deut. 25:5, 7-10; John 1:14; Rom. 1:3; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:14-15);
      2. be able to pay the price of redemption (cf. 2:1; 1 Pet. 1:18-19);
      3. be willing to redeem or pay the price (cf. 3:11; Matt. 20:28; John 10:15, 19; Heb. 10:7);
      4. be free himself, as Christ was free from the curse of sin, being without sin (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

    OUTLINE:

    1. The Resolve and Return of Ruth (1:1-22)
      1. Her Background, 1:1-5
      2. Her Choice, 1:6-18
      3. Her Arrival in Bethlehem, 1:19-22
    2. The Reaping Rights of Ruth (2:1-23)
      1. Her Right to Glean (2:1-3)
      2. The Results of Her Gleaning (2:4-17)
      3. The Report of Her Gleaning (2:17-23)
    3. The Request of Ruth (3:1-18)
      1. Suggested by Naomi (3:1-4)
      2. Executed by Ruth (3:5-9)
      3. Agreed to by Boaz (3:10-18)
    4. The Reward of Ruth (4:1-22)
      1. A Husband (4:1-12)
      2. A Son (4:13-17)
      3. A Lineage (4:18-22)

    FIRST SAMUEL (Transition From Judges to Kingship)

    AUTHOR:

    Precisely who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel is not certain. The Jewish talmudic tradition says that it was written by Samuel. However, though 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, the key figure of the early chapters, the prophet could not possibly have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chapter 25. But 1 Samuel 10:25 does attest to the fact that Samuel did write a book. Further, 1 Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.

    DATE: 930 B.C. and later.

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were placed together as one book in the Hebrew Bible. These two books give the history of the monarchs of Israel in the early period of the monarchy. Fundamentally, 1 Samuel is about king Saul and 2 Samuel is about king David. Both 1 and 2 Samuel get their names from the prophet Samuel whom God used in the transition from using judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

    Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate) and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions).

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Beginning with the birth of Samuel and his training in the temple, 1 Samuel describes how this great man of God led Israel as prophet, priest, and the last judge. During Samuel’s leadership, the people of Israel, wanting to be like the nations, demanded a king. Under God’s direction, Samuel then anointed Saul to be the first king. But Saul was rejected by God because of his disobedience. To replace Saul, again under God’s directions, Samuel anointed David, a man after God’s own heart to become the king of Israel. The rest of the book describes the struggles between jealous and demented Saul and godly David.

    First Samuel picks up the history of Israel where Judges left off with Samuel following Samson (cf. Judges 16:31). This book traces the transition of leadership in the nation from judges to kings, from a theocracy to a monarchy. Because the people of Israel would not allow Yahweh to rule their lives, with every man doing that which was right in his own eyes, the monarchy brought stability because the people were more willing to follow an earthly king. “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (8:7).

    The clamor for an earthly king in First Samuel was a natural outcome of this practical rejection (8:7). God had intended to give Israel a king (see Gen. 49:10; Deut. 17:14-20), but the people insisted on the king of their choice instead of waiting for God’s king. … Saul was rejected by the Lord because he failed to learn the truth that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22). He became characterized by mental imbalance, raging jealousy, foolishness, and immorality. David illustrated the principle that, “the Lord does not see as man sees” (16:7). The Lord established the Davidic dynasty because of David’s obedience, wisdom, and dependence on God.7

    Historically, one of the key purposes of 1 Samuel is to record the divine origin of the Davidic dynasty.

    KEY WORD:

    In thought, the key word is transition, but in use, anoint (7 times) and rejected (7 times) are two key terms to this period of transition.

    KEY VERSES:

    8:6-7 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”

    13:14 But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.

    15:22-23 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapter 8, particularly verses 19-22, record the sad complaint of the nation in their desire for a king over them like that of the nations to judge them and fight their battles. Here, in answer to their request, Samuel is told by the Lord to appoint them a king and the prophet assumes his role of becoming a king-maker.

    Chapter 15 is another key chapter in that it records the transition of kingdom authority from Saul to David because of Saul’s disobedience and self-willed character (cf. 15:23).

    Chapter 16 forms another key chapter in that it records the choice and anointing of David.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Samuel the prophet, Saul the disobedient king, and David the shepherd.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 1 SAMUEL:

    Samuel forms an interesting portrait of Christ in that he was a prophet, a priest, and though he was not a king, he was a judge who was used of God to inaugurate a new age.

    Messiah is literally “the anointed one” and Samuel is the first biblical book to use the word anointed (2:10). Furthermore, the primary portrait and anticipation of Messiah is found in the life of David. He was born in Bethlehem, worked as a shepherd, was ruler over Israel, and became the forerunner of Messiah King through the Davidic dynasty. In the New Testament, Christ is described as a “descendant of David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3).

    OUTLINE:

    1. Samuel, the Last Judge (1:1-8:22)
      1. The Call of Samuel (1:1-3:21)
      2. The Commission of Samuel (4:1-7:17)
      3. The Concern of Samuel (8:1-22)
    2. Saul, the First King (9:1-15:35)
      1. The Selection of Saul (9:1-12:25)
      2. The Rejection of Saul (13:1-15:35)
    3. David, the Next King (16:1-31:13)
      1. David, the Shepherd, Chosen and Anointed (16:1-23)
      2. David, the Giant Killer, Acclaimed by the Court of Saul (17:1-58)
      3. David, the Friend of Jonathan, but Rejected by Saul (18:1-19:24)
      4. David, the Fugitive, Pursued by Saul (20:1-26:25)
        1. David protected by Jonathan (20:1-42)
        2. David protected by Ahimelech (21:1-9)
        3. David protected by Achish (21:10-15)
        4. David and his band of men (22:1-26:25)
      5. The Refuge of David in Philistine Territory (27:1-31:13)
        1. David becomes a Philistine servant (27:1-28:2)
        2. Saul consults the medium at En-dor (28:3-25)
        3. David dismissed by the Philistines (29:1-11)
        4. David destroys the Amalekites (30:1-31)
        5. The Philistines and the death of Saul (31:1-13)

    SECOND SAMUEL
    (David’s Reign; Expansion of the Nation)

    AUTHOR:

    Precisely who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel is not certain. The Jewish talmudic tradition says that it was written by Samuel. However, though 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, the key figure of the early chapters, the prophet could not possibly have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chapter 25. But 1 Samuel 10:25 does attest to the fact that Samuel did write a book. Further, 1 Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.

    DATE: 930 B.C. and later.

    NAME:

    Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were placed together as one book in the Hebrew Bible. These two books give the history of the monarchs of Israel in the early period of the monarchy. Fundamentally, 1 Samuel is about king Saul and 2 Samuel is about king David. Both 1 and 2 Samuel get their names from the prophet Samuel whom God used in the transition from using judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

    Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate) and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions). 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    With no real break in the story of Israel’s kingdom, 2 Samuel continues the narrative of the beginning of Israel’s kingdom beginning with Saul’s death and continuing with the reign of David. It is distinctively about the forty-year reign of David (5:4-5) and traces his reign through his triumphs and tragedies, which include his sins of adultery, murder, and their consequences on his family and the nation. The theme, as 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign, could be summarized as “how sin turns triumphs into troubles.” Whereas the kingdom was established under Saul, it is expanded by David. Saul’s kingdom gave stabilization to Israel from the time of the judges, but David’s reign brought growth or expansion. In the typical fashion of the Bible which candidly tells the story of its leaders with warts and all, 2 Samuel portrays the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the life of King David.

    KEY WORD:

    Since the name of David occurs some 267 times (NASB), his name clearly becomes the key word.

    KEY VERSES:

    7:12-16 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. 

    12:12-14 “‘Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.”

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapter 5 is a key chapter in that it records David’s reign as king over all Israel, but chapters 11-12 are perhaps the more pivotal chapters in that they record David’s sin with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, his rebuke by Nathan the prophet, and the discipline that came on David’s house as a result. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    David, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absolom, Joab, Amnon, and Ahithophel. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN 2 SAMUEL:

    With the exception of his sins, David remains a type of Christ as the king of Israel. It is in this chapter that God establishes the Davidic Covenant which ultimately has its fulfillment in the person of Christ.  

    OUTLINE:

    Second Samuel naturally falls into three sections: The Triumphs of David (1-10), the Transgressions of David (11), and the Troubles of David (12-24).

    1. The Triumphs of David (1-10)
      1. The Coronation of the King (1:1-5:6)
      2. The Consolidation of the Kingdom (5:7-6:23)
      3. The Covenant Concerning the Kingdom (7:1-29)
      4. The Conquests of the King (8:1-10:19)
    2. The Transgressions of the King (11:1-27)
      1. The Adultery by the King (11:1-13)
      2. The Murder Caused by the King (11:14-27)
    3. The Troubles of the King (12:1-24:25)
      1. Troubles at Home (12:1-13:36)
      2. Troubles in the Kingdom (13:37-24:25)

  • Journey Through the Bible – 2

    Jesus is the underlying theme of the entire Bible and specifically the Old Testament.

    Matthew 5:17 NKJV “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

    Matthew 5:17 NLT “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

    Luke 24:25-27 NKJV Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (27) And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

    Luke 24:44-45 NKJV Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” (45) And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

    John 5:39 NLT “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me!

    Revelation 19:10 NKJV And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    The Old Testament can be divided up into Five Major Divisions:

    The Pentateuch

    1. Genesis
    2. Exodus
    3. Leviticus
    4. Numbers
    5. Deuteronomy

    The Historical Books

    1. Joshua
    2. Judges
    3. Ruth
    4. 1 Samuel
    5. 2 Samuel
    6. 1 Kings
    7. 2 Kings
    8. 1 Chronicles
    9. 2 Chronicles
    10. Ezra
    11. Nehemiah
    12. Esther

    The Poetic Books

    1. Job
    2. Psalms
    3. Proverbs
    4. Ecclesiastes
    5. Song of Solomon

    The Major Prophetical Books

    1. Isaiah
    2. Jeremiah
    3. Lamentations
    4. Ezekiel
    5. Daniel

    The Minor Prophetical Books

    1. Hosea
    2. Joel
    3. Amos
    4. Obadiah
    5. Jonah
    6. Micah
    7. Nahum
    8. Habakkuk
    9. Zephaniah
    10. Haggai
    11. Zechariah
    12. Malachi

    The first five books of the Bible are sometimes called the Pentateuch which means “five books.” They are also known as the books of the law because they contain the laws and instruction given by the Lord through Moses to the people of Israel. These books were written by Moses, except for the last portion of Deuteronomy because it tells about the death of Moses. These five books lay the foundation for the coming of Christ in that here God chooses and brings into being the nation of Israel. As God’s chosen people, Israel became the custodians of the Old Testament, the recipients of the covenants of promise, and the channel of Messiah (Rom. 3:2; 9:1-5).

     

    (From the Series: CONCISE OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY found at Bible.org)

    GENESIS (The Book of Beginnings)

    AUTHOR: Moses

    DATE: 1450-1410 B.C.

    SCOPE:

    From the Creation to the death of Joseph, covering a period of 2315 years, from 4004 BC to 1689 BC

    NAME OF THE BOOK:

    The name Genesis is taken from the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    It has been called the seed-plot of the Bible from the fact that the seeds of all the great doctrines concerning God, man, sin, and salvation are found there. But perhaps the main theme is also the selection of a nation through Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant. Through Abraham God promised to bless the nations (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-21) and provide redemption for mankind.

    KEY WORDS:

    “Generations” or “account.” A key word or phrase is “these are the generations of” or “this is the account of.” It is used some eleven times to introduce the reader to the next section which gives the narrative about what happened in connection with the key events and persons of the book from the creation of the heavens and the earth to all the patriarchs of Israel.

    KEY IDEA: Beginnings

    Genesis not only means ‘beginning’, but it is the book of beginnings. The book of Genesis gives us our historical point of reference, from which all subsequent revelation proceeds. In the book of Genesis all the major themes of the Bible have their origin. It is a book of many beginnings: in it we see the beginning of the universe, of man and woman, of human sin and the fall of the race, the beginning of God’s promises of salvation, and the beginning of the nation Israel as the chosen people of God because of God’s special purpose for them as the channel for Messiah and Savior. In Genesis we learn about Adam and Eve, about Satan the tempter, about Noah, the flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph and his brothers. But here we also have the beginning of marriage, family, work, sin, murder, capitol punishment, sacrifice, races, languages, civilization, Sabbath, the first attempt at a united nations, and Babylonianism. The Bible is, through and through, a historical revelation. It is the account of God’s activity in history.

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Since the call of Abraham and the promises of blessing to the nations through his seed is the prominent message of Genesis, the key chapters are those relating to the Abrahamic covenant and its reiteration, 12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:1-9.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, Jacob, Rachel, Joseph.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN GENESIS:

    Prophetically: Immediately after the fall, the promise of salvation is given in the seed of the woman (3:15), but then the Messianic links are made clear throughout Genesis: the family of Abraham (12:3), the Abrahamic Covenant, the seed and sacrifice of Isaac (26:3), the sons of Jacob (46:3)

    OUTLINE: The book easily falls into two major sections:

    Four Events and Four People

    Four Events (Gen. 1-11)

    1. The creation of the world and man (1-2)
    2. The corruption of man, the fall (3-5)
    3. The destruction of man, the flood (6-9)
    4. The dispersion of man, the nations (10-11)

    Four People: (Gen. 12-50)

    1. Abraham (the father of faith and of the nation Israel) (12-23)
    2. Isaac (the beloved son of promise) (24-26)
    3. Jacob (scheming and chastening) (27-36)
    4. Joseph (suffering and glory) (37-50)

    EXODUS (The Book of Redemption)

    AUTHOR: Moses

    DATE: 1450-1410 B.C.

    SCOPE:

    Covers 216 years, from 1706 BC to 1490 BC

    NAME OF THE BOOK:

    “Exodus” is a Latin word derived from the Greek exodos, the name given to the book by those who translated it into the Greek Septuagint (LXX). The word means “exit,” “departure.”

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Two themes prevail in Exodus: (1) Redemption as pictured in the Passover, and (2) deliverance from the bondage of Egypt as seen in the Exodus out of Egypt and crossing the Red Sea.

    KEY WORD:

    “Redeem,” used nine times (6:6; 13:13; 15:13; 21:8; 34:20).

    After nearly four hundreds years of growth in Egypt, Exodus continues the history of God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel, and describes their deliverance out of Egypt and their development as a nation, actually, a theocracy under God. It describes the birth, history, and call of Moses by God to lead the people out of their Egyptian bondage and into the promised land, the land of Canaan. Through the Passover lamb, the sparing of the firstborn, along with the miracles of the ten plagues, and the crossing of the Red Sea, God showed His people that He was not only more powerful than any Egyptian Pharaoh, but was the sovereign Lord, Yahweh, the God of redemption and revelation.

    Once the people had crossed the Red Sea and arrived in the wilderness or desert, God gave them His righteous law and declared that they were a treasured possession to Him and were to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation as a testimony to the nations (Ex. 19:4-7). This holy law, including the Ten Commandments, demonstrated God’s holiness, taught them how to love God and one another, but in the process, it also demonstrated how all fall short of the holiness of God and need a way of access to God that provides forgiveness. This was provided for in the tabernacle, the sacrifices, and the Levitical priesthood.

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapters 12-14 record the redemption of Israel from slavery in fulfillment of God’s promises; delivered from slavery by blood (the Passover lamb) and by power (the parting of the Red Sea).

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Pharaoh.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN EXODUS:

    While Exodus contains no direct prophecy of Christ, there are a number of beautiful types of the Savior.

    (1) In many ways, Moses is a type of Christ. Deuteronomy 18:15 shows that Moses, as a prophet, anticipates Christ. Both are kinsman-redeemers who were endangered in infancy, renounced their power to serve others, and functioned as mediators, lawgivers, and deliverers.

    (2) The Passover is a very specific type of Christ as the sinless Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36; 1 Cor. 5:7).

    (3) The Seven Feasts, each of which portray some aspect of the Savior.

    (4) The Exodus, which Paul connects with baptism, pictures our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Cor. 10:1-2; Rom. 6:2-3).

    (5) The Manna and Water are both portrayed as pictures of Christ (John 6:31-35, 48-63; 1 Cor. 10:3-4). Bread of Life and Living Water

    (6) The Tabernacle portrays the Savior in its material, colors, furniture, arrangement, and the offerings sacrificed there (Heb. 9:1-10:18).

    (7) The High Priest quite clearly foreshadows the person and ministry of Christ (Heb. 4:14-16; 9:11-12, 24-28).

    OUTLINE:

    Exodus easily divides into two sections: Redemption and Revelation

    Redemption From Egypt (1-18)

    1. In Bondage (Subjection) (1-12)
    2. Out of Bondage (Redemption by blood and power) (12-14)
    3. Journeying to Sinai (Education) (15-18)

    Revelation From God (19-40)

    1. The Giving of the Law (19-24)
    2. The Institution of the Tabernacle (25-31)
    3. The Breaking of the Law (32-34)
    4. The Construction of the Tabernacle (35-40)

    LEVITICUS (The Book of Holiness)

    AUTHOR: Moses

    DATE: 1450-1410 B.C.

    SCOPE:

    Less than a year of the journey at Sinai.

    NAME OF THE BOOK:

    Leviticus receives its name from the Septuagint and means “relating to the Levites.” The Levites were the priests who were chosen of God to minister to the nation. The book of Leviticus contains many of the laws given by God to direct them in their work as priests for the worship of God.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Leviticus 11:45 says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” The directives given in the book of Leviticus showed Israel was to walk before God as a holy people. Leviticus was designed to teach Israel (1) how to worship and walk with God and (2) how the nation was to fulfill its calling as a nation of priests. The great theme of Leviticus is holiness. A holy God can only be approached on the basis of sacrifice through the mediation of a priest.

    KEY WORD: “Holiness.”

    KEY CHAPTER:

    Chapter 16 deals with the Day of Atonement, which became the most important day in the Hebrew calendar because it was the only day the high priest was allowed to enter into the Holy of Holies in order to make atonement for the people. “… for it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you shall be clean from all your sins before the Lord” (16:30).

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Moses and Aaron.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN LEVITICUS:

    Similar to Exodus, a number of types of Christ are evident in Leviticus.

    1. The Five Offerings all typify the person and work of Christ in His sinless life, submission to the Father that we might have fellowship with God.
    2. The High Priest as mentioned above is a very prominent type of Christ in Leviticus.
    3. The Seven Feasts, again, as mentioned, also form a type of the Savior.

    OUTLINE:

    Leviticus falls into two clear divisions: Sacrifice and Sanctification

    Sacrifice (1-17)

      1. The Laws of Sacrifice for Approach to God (1-7)
      2. The Laws of the Priests (8-10)
      3. The Laws Regarding Purity (11-15)
      4. The Laws of National Atonement (16-17)

    Sanctification (18-27)

      1. The Laws of Sanctification for God’s People (18-20)
      2. The Laws of Sanctification for God’s Priests (21-22)
      3. The Laws of Sanctification in Worship (23-24)
      4. The Laws of Sanctification in the Land of Canaan (25-26)
      5. The Laws of Sanctification and Vows (27)

    NUMBERS (Wilderness Wanderings)

    AUTHOR: Moses

    DATE: 1450-1410 B.C.

    SCOPE:

    39 years of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, from about 1490 to 1451 BC

    NAME OF THE BOOK:

    Numbers gets its name from the two accounts in chapters 1 and 26 of the numbering or counting of the people of Israel first at Mount Sinai and second on the plains of Moab.

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Though Numbers gets its name from the numbering of the people, it is primarily concerned with nearly 40 years of wandering in the desert. A journey which should have only lasted eleven days became a 38-year agony of defeat simply because of the disbelief and disobedience of the people. Numbers, then, shows the consequence of failing to mix faith with the promises of God (see Heb. 3:16-4:2). Further, Numbers teaches us that while life does have its wilderness experiences, God’s people do not have to stay in those conditions. Joshua will illustrate this later.

    Another important theme shown throughout the book of Numbers is found in God’s continual care for his people. Over and over again, regardless of their rebellion and unbelief, He miraculously supplied their needs. He provided them with water, manna, and quail. He continued to love and forgive the people even when they complained, grumbled, and rebelled against Him.

    GOD’S PROVISION IN THE WILDERNESS:

    To provide for 2.5 million people:

    • 4500 tons of manna per day / 65,700,000 tons over 40 years

    • 90,000,000 quail per month (30 days)

    • 15,000,000 gallons of water per day / 100,000,000 per week

    KEY WORD:

    “Wanderings.”

    KEY CHAPTERS:

    Chapters 13-14 stand as the key chapters because these chapters record a critical turning point for the nation. Here, at Kadesh-Barnea (32:8), after receiving the evil report from 10 of the 12 spies whom Moses sent to spy out the land, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb Israel focused on the giants in the land, failed to believe God, and refused to enter to possess and conquer the land, a Land that flowed with milk and honey.

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Balak, Balaam

    Balaam’s error consisted of the belief that God could not refuse to curse such a sinful people as Israel. But he failed to take into account that which could blot out their sins – the grace of God.

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN NUMBERS:

    1. Perhaps no place is there a clearer portrait of Christ and His crucifixion than in the serpent lifted up on the standard (cf. Num. 21:4-9 with John 3:14).
    2. The rock that quenched the thirst of the people is a type of Christ (1 Cor. 10:4).
    3. The daily manna pictures Christ as the bread come down from heaven (John 6:31-33).
    4. The pillar of cloud and fire portray the guidance of Christ and the cities of refuge certainly portray Christ as our refuge from judgment.
    5. Finally, the red heifer is also a type of Christ (ch. 19).

    OUTLINE:

    Numbers divides into three sections: Preparation at Sinai, Failure of the Old Generation, Preparation of the New Generation.

    Preparation at Sinai (Old Generation) (1-10)

      1. The Position and Numbering of the People (1-4)
      2. The Precepts of God and Sanctification of the People (5:1-9:14)
      3. The Pilgrimage Toward the Promised Land (9:15-10:36)

    Failure of the Old Generation (11-25)

      1. Discontent Along the Way (11-12)
      2. Disbelief at Kadesh-Barnea (13-14)
      3. Discipline from the Lord (15-25)

    Preparation of the New Generation (26-36)

      1. Reorganization of Israel (26-27)
      2. Regulation of Offerings and Vows (28-30)
      3. Regionalization of the Land (31-36)

    DEUTERONOMY (Reiteration and Reviewing) 

    AUTHOR: Moses 

    DATE: 1410 B.C. 

    SCOPE: 

    Two months on the plains of Moab, 1451 BC 

    NAME OF THE BOOK:

    The English title, which comes from the Septuagint, means “second law-giving” and comes from the mistranslation of 17:18, which actually says “a copy of this law.” Deuteronomy is a not a second law, but rather a review, expansion, and reiteration of the original law given at Sinai. 

    THEME AND PURPOSE: 

    Watch yourself lest you forget. After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were on the eve of entering the promised land. Before they did, it was necessary (lest they forget what God had done and who they were) that they be reminded about all that God had done for them and about God’s holy law which was so vital to their ability to remain in the land and function as God’s holy nation and as a kingdom of priests to the nations (Deut. 4:1-8). As a part of this theme or purpose, the book also emphasizes the vital necessity of teaching children to love and obey God. Deuteronomy ends with the renewal of God’s covenant with Israel (chapter 29), Joshua’s appointment as the new leader (chapter 31), and Moses’ death (chapter 34). 

    KEY WORD:

    “Covenant” (occurring some 27 times) 

    KEY VERSES: 

    30:19-20 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them. 

    KEY CHAPTERS: 

    Chapter 27 is key because in it there is a formal ratification of Israel’s covenant as Moses and the levitical priests call upon all Israel to take heed and listen, for in verses 9-10 it is declared, “This day you have become a people for the Lord your God. You shall therefore obey the Lord your God, and do His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.” 

    Chapters 28-30 are also key because of the promises regarding Israel’s near and distant future as it pertains to blessing for obedience or cursing for disobedience. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Moses and Joshua. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN DEUTERONOMY:

    The statement about Moses in 18:15 is one of the clearest portraits of Christ. It reads, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.” 

    OUTLINE: 

    Deuteronomy divides into five sections: 

      • Preamble (1:1-5)
      • Review of Israel’s Wanderings—Historical (1:6-4:43)
      • Rehearsal of Israel’s Law—Legal (4:44-26:19)
      • Ratification of Israel’s Covenant—Motivational (27:1-30:20)
      • Conclusion (31:1-34:12)

     

    Summary: Key Words and Themes to Remember

    Genesis Beginnings Election of the nation
    Exodus Redemption Redemption of the nation
    Leviticus Holiness Sanctification of the nation
    Numbers Wandering Direction of the nation
    Deuteronomy Review Instruction of the Nation

    JOSHUA (Possession and Conquest) 

    AUTHOR: Joshua 

    DATE: 1400-1370 B.C. 

    TITLE OF THE BOOK:

    Unlike the first five books of the Old Testament, this book appropriately takes its name from the chief human personality of the book, Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant. Joshua’s original name was Hoshea (Num. 13:8; Deut. 32:44) which means “salvation.” But during the wilderness wanderings Moses changed his name to Yehoshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “Save, Yahweh” (Num. 13:16). Joshua is a contracted form of Yehoshua. This amounted to a prophetic anticipation and reminder to Joshua, to the spies, and the people that victory over the enemies and possession of the land would be by the power of the Lord rather than by human skill or wisdom or power. This book is given the name Joshua because, though Joshua was one of the world’s greatest military strategist of history, his wisdom and military achievements came from the Lord who alone is our Salvation. It was the Lord Himself who brought about victory for Israel and vanquished Israel’s enemies giving them possession of the land. 

    THEME AND PURPOSE:

    Possessing, conquering, and dividing of the promised land is the theme and purpose of Joshua. The book of Joshua is designed to show God’s faithfulness to His promises, doing for Israel exactly as He had promised (cf. Gen. 15:18 with Josh. 1:2-6 and 21:43-45). The events recorded in Joshua are selective to set forth God’s special intervention on behalf of His people against all kinds of tremendous odds. The fulfillment of God’s promises, as so evident in the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah and in possessing the land with its fortified cities, is the work of God and that which man could never do no matter how hard he might try (see Rom. 4).

    KEY WORDS:

    Possession, conquest, victory, dividing the land. 

    KEY VERSES: 

    Joshua 1:6-9 NKJV Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. (7) Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. (8) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

    11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war. 

    KEY CHAPTER(S):

    Changes in leadership are always critical times for any nation. For that reason, the following chapters are key chapters in Joshua. 

    Chapters 1-4 record the change of leadership from Moses to Joshua and God’s personal promises and words of encouragement to Joshua in his new commission from the Lord, the crossing of the Jordan by the power of God, the commemoration of the crossing followed by the statement, “On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; so that they revered him, just as they had revered Moses all the days of his life.” 

    Chapter 24: In keeping with the crucial nature of changes in leadership, chapter 24 is likewise an important chapter. Here Joshua reminds the people of God’s faithfulness from the time of Abraham through their deliverance out of Egypt, the crossing of the Jordan and victory over the Canaanites. Then he calls on them to remember the necessity of their faithfulness or they would be consumed by the Lord. 

    KEY PEOPLE:

    Joshua, Rahab, Caleb. 

    CHRIST AS SEEN IN JOSHUA:

    Though there are no direct Messianic prophecies of Christ, there are a number of types which point to the Savior. Joshua is a type of Christ in two very important ways. First, his name, Yeshua, a contracted form of Yehoshua, meaning, “Yahweh is salvation,” is the Greek equivalent of the name Jesus. Joshua is actually called by the name Jesus in Acts 7:45. Second, Joshua is seen as a type of Christ in his work of leading Israel triumphantly into the rest of their promised possession, the land of Canaan (cf. Heb. 4:8). This is but a foretaste of the rest we enter by faith in Christ. He surely foreshadows the Savior who leads “many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:9-10). Further, Joshua was met by the Commander of the Lord’s army in 5:13-15. This is undoubtedly a Christophany, a preincarnate appearance of Christ who was there to teach Joshua that He had come not to take sides, but to take over as commander. Finally, Rahab’s scarlet cord (2:21) portrays salvation through the blood and death of Christ (cf. Heb. 9:19-22). This Gentile prostitute heard of the mighty works of God, believed, hid the spies, was delivered when Jericho was destroyed, and is found in the genealogy of Christ (Matt. 1:5).

    Beautiful Story of Rahab 

    Joshua 6:25 NKJV And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. 

    Matthew 1:5-6 NKJV Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, (6) and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

    OUTLINE:

    1. The Invasion of Canaan (1:1-5:12)
      1. The Commissioning of Joshua (1:1-9)
      2. The Command of Joshua to the People and Their Response (1:10-18)
      3. The Canvassing of Jericho (chap. 2)
      4. The Crossing of the Jordan (chap. 3)
      5. The Commemoration of the Crossing (chap. 4)
      6. The Consecration of the People (chap. 5-12)
    2. The Conquest of Canaan (5:13-12:24)
      1. Conditioned for Victory: The Divine Commander (5:13-15)
      2. The Campaign in the Central Portion (chaps. 6-8)
      3. The Campaign in the South (chaps. 9-10)
      4. The Campaign in the North (11:1-15)
      5. The Review of the Victories (11:16-12:24)
    3. The Division of Canaan (chaps. 13-21)
      1. The Inheritance for the Two and One-Half Tribes (chap. 13)
      2. The Inheritance for Caleb (chap. 14)
      3. The Inheritance for the Nine and One-Half Tribes (15:1-19:48)
      4. The Inheritance for Joshua (19:49-51)
      5. The Cities of Refuge (20:1-9)
      6. The Cities for the Levites (21:1-45)
    4. Conclusion (chaps. 22-24)
      1. The Dispute About the Altar (chap. 22)
      2. The Discourse of Joshua (23:1-24:28)
      3. The Death of Joshua (24:29-33)

    Sun Stand Still Faith (Always based on the Word of God) 

    Promise to Joshua 

    Joshua 8:1-2 NIV Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. (2) You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.”

    Joshua defeats Ai and its King 

    Joshua 8:29 NIV He impaled the body of the king of Ai on a pole and left it there until evening. At sunset, Joshua ordered them to take the body from the pole and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And they raised a large pile of rocks over it, which remains to this day.

    Gibeon makes peace with Israel 

    Joshua 10:1-2 NKJV Now it came to pass when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it–as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king–and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, (2) that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty.

    Five Kings decide to attack Gibeon and Children of Israel 

    Joshua 10:3-4 NKJV Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, (4) “Come up to me and help me, that we may attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.”

    Promise of Victory over Five Kings 

    Joshua 10:7-8 NKJV So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. (8) And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.”

    Joshua needs more time to accomplish his mission 

    Joshua 10:12-14 NKJV Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” (13) So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. (14) And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.

    What gave Joshua faith to believe he could command the Sun to stand Still 

    Deuteronomy 21:22-23 NKJV (22) “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, (23) his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God. 

    Joshua 10:16-27 NKJV But these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave at Makkedah. (17) And it was told Joshua, saying, “The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.” (18) So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them. (19) And do not stay there yourselves, but pursue your enemies, and attack their rear guard. Do not allow them to enter their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.” (20) Then it happened, while Joshua and the children of Israel made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they had finished, that those who escaped entered fortified cities. (21) And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah, in peace. No one moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. (22) Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave.” (23) And they did so, and brought out those five kings to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. (24) So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. (25) Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (26) And afterward Joshua struck them and killed them, and hanged them on five trees; and they were hanging on the trees until evening. (27) So it was at the time of the going down of the sun that Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees, cast them into the cave where they had been hidden, and laid large stones against the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day.

    Jesus did the same thing: 

    Mark 4:39-41 NKJV (39) Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (40) But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (41) And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

    Psalms 107:28-30 NKJV Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. (29) He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. (30) Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.

     

  • Journey Through the Bible – 1

    2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

    It has always been the plan of God for He and His Word to dwell in and among His people.

    Exodus 29:45-46 NKJV I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God. (46) And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

    Revelation 7:9-10, 15 NKJV After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (10) and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.

    Isaiah 55:10-11 NKJV “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, (11) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

    The word “Bible” means Book.

    It was written over a period of 1600 years in over a dozen countries on three continents by people from all walks of life.

    There were about 40 writers but only one Author.

    2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, (21) or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

    How We Got Our Bible: Christian History Timeline (PHILIP W. COMFORT)

    EARLY DEVELOPMENT

    • c. 1400–400 B.C. Books of the Hebrew Old Testament written
    • c. 250–200 B.C. The Septuagint, a popular Greek translation of the Old Testament, produced
    • A.D. 45–85? Books of the Greek New Testament written
    • 90 and 118 Councils of Jamnia give final affirmation to the Old Testament canon (39 books)
    • 140-150 Marcion’s heretical “New Testament” incites orthodox Christians to establish a NT canon (dualistic view of God)
    • 303-306 Diocletian’s persecution includes confiscating and destroying New Testament Scriptures
    • c. 317 Constantine – first Christian Emperor of Rome issues the edict of Milan allowing the freedom of religion and release of property confiscated under the Diocletian persecution.
    • c. 305-310 Lucian of Antioch’s Greek New Testament text; becomes a foundation for later Bibles
    • 367 Athanasius’s Festal Letter lists complete New Testament canon (27 books) for the first time
    • 381 Christianity made state religion of Roman Empire by Emperor Theodosis
    • 397 Council of Carthage establishes orthodox New Testament canon (27 books)
    • c. 400 Jerome the priest translates the Bible into Latin; this “Vulgate” becomes standard of medieval church

    ENGLISH VERSIONS FROM LATIN

    • c. 650 Caedmon, a monk, puts Bible books into verse
    • c. 735 Historian Bede translates the Gospels
    • 871-899 King Alfred the Great translates the Psalms and 10 Commandments
    • 950 The 7th-century Lindisfarne Gospels receive English translation
    • 955-1020 Aelfric translates various Bible books
    • c. 1300 Invention of eyeglasses aids copying
    • c. 1325 Both Richard Rolle and William Shoreham translate psalms into metrical verse
    • 1380-1382 John Wycliffe and associates make first translation of the whole Bible into English
    • 1388 John Purvey revises Wycliffe Bible
    • 1455 Gutenberg’s Latin Bible—first from press
    • Martin Luther – Born 1483, originally going to be a lawyer, member of the Catholic Church. He rebels against plans of his father and becomes a monk.

    Martin Luther struggled to understand his own relationship with God and how to obtain purity and right-ness with God. At that time the Catholic Church has a practice of indulgences. This is where you can make a withdrawal on the treasury of merits and graces of saints that have gone before and purchase and receive them for yourself. You could not only purchase these for yourself or your loved ones, you could purchase them for loved ones that have already died and also to cover your sins not yet committed. Luther writes a 95 point thesis on why this is wrong titled, “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences,” also known as “The 95 Theses,” and nails it to the door of the Church at the Whittenburg Castle. This causes Pope Leo to issue a decree labeling Luther a heretic and offering him the opportunity to repent and recant his thesis. He refuses and ends up getting kicked out of the church. In exile, he then translates the New Testament into German. This “rebellion” is what started the Protestant Reformation and eventually the Protestant wing of Christianity.

    Martin Luther died in 1546.

    ENGLISH VERSIONS FROM GREEK

    • 1516 Erasmus’s Greek New Testament, forerunner to the Textus Receptus used by KJV translators
    • 1525 William Tyndale makes the first translation of the New Testament from Greek into English
    • 1536 Tyndale strangled and burned
    • 1537 Miles Coverdale’s Bible completes Tyndale’s work on the Old Testament
    • 1538 Great Bible, assembled by John Rogers, the first English Bible authorized for public use
    • 1560 Geneva Bible—the work of William Whittingham, a Protestant English exile in Geneva
    • 1568 Bishop’s Bible—a revision of the Great Bible
    • 1582 Rheims New Testament published
    • 1607-1611 King James Version, the “Authorized Version,” is made

    Dr. Philip W. Comfort is visiting professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and author of The Quest for the Original Text of the New Testament (Baker, 1992).

    Copyright © 1994 by the author or Christianity Today

    Interesting to note, the Industrial Revolution began in the mid 1700’s, about 100 years after the Bible was translated into languages that ordinary people could understand. From that time until now, technology has exploded and is only accelerating at record speed.

    Daniel 12:4 NKJV “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

    Revelation from God’s Word is directly associated with the prosperity of a society as a whole.

    Proverbs 29:18 NKJV Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

    The Soviets, Chinese and other communist or socialist nations copied technologies of other nations because of a lack of creativity because they do not allow the Word of God to flow into their nations.

    Languages of the Bible

    Obviously, the Bible was not originally written in English, Italian or any modern language. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew with small parts being written in Aramaic. However, while Jesus most likely spoke Aramaic, the New Testament was originally written in Greek. Thus, all modern Bibles are translations of the original languages.

    Methods of Translation

    1. Literal translation. Attempts to keep the exact words and phrases of the original. It is faithful to the original text, but sometimes hard to understand. Keeps a constant historical distance. Examples: King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB).
    2. Dynamic equivalent (thought for thought) translation. Attempts to keep a constant historical distance with regard to history and facts, but updates the writing style and grammar. Examples: New International Version (NIV), Revised English Bible (REB).
    3. Free translation (paraphrase). Translates the ideas from the original text but without being constrained by the original words or language. Seeks to eliminate historical distance. Readable, but possibly not precise. Examples: The Living Bible (TLB), The Message.

    Types of Bibles

    Most translations are available in several different types of Bibles.

    Here are just a few of the many different kinds of Bibles.

    1. Traditional. Text only. Minimal footnotes.
    2. Study Bible. Such Bibles usually have extensive footnotes and explanatory notes next to the columns of text. They may also have extensive cross references, a narrative commentary, and maps. (Some also have a cyclopedic index and/or a concordance—see Reference Bible.)
    3. Reference Bible. Usually has a cyclopedic index (like an encyclopedia with a reference to the verse where the word or thought is used), a concordance (like a dictionary of common words with examples of their usage and verse references for each example), and maps.
    4. “Place in Life” Bible. Has meditations and thoughts about issues of concern to people at a particular stage in life. There are versions of these Bibles aimed at men, women, sports players, recovering addicts, new believers, converted Jews, small group members, and many others.
    5. One-Year Bibles. Divided into 365 readings for each day of the year, usually with each having a portion of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
    6. Chronological Bible. Entire Bible in one continuous story with narration to cover gaps and make everything flow. The four gospels are harmonized into one, for example, and the writings of the prophets are placed in the proper historical place in the books of history.
    7. Pastor’s Bible. Includes protocol outlines and recommended verses for hospital visits, weddings, funerals, and other events. Often has answers to frequently asked questions.
    8. Children’s Bible. Usually includes color drawings, maps, and simplified stories.
    9. Parallel Bible. Has from two to eight translations side by side.
    10. Other Specialty Bibles. The Serendipity Bible, The Quest, Key Word Bible, Leadership Bible, Hebrew-Greek Keyword Bible, “Here’s Hope” Bible, Serenity Bible, and many others.
    These are some tools that every student of the Bible should have:
    • Concordance – cross referencing verses in the Bible
    • Bible Dictionary – dictionary of words from the original text
    • Bible Background Commentary – to help with context, understand the context in which it was written
    • Chain Referencing Bible
    • English Dictionary – such as Webster’s, etc
    • Interlinear Bible – Original language with translation below for reference on words in the original
    • Maps
    • Study Bible – has more in-depth information on topics.

    Many of these tools are now available in digital format through Bible software packages or some even online for free.