Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THE ONE
STORY OF
THE BIBLE
Arranged by: William J. Stewart
In this session, we will tell the entire story of the Bible in one sitting. As such, we will not
focus on every detail, but rather on the flow of the Bible story. We need to see that though
the Bible is a collection of 66 books with
a host of individual stories, it is also one
17 PERIODS OF BIBLE HISTORY
book, with one story.
In subsequent lessons, we will focus
1.
CREATION
more on the details, and yet move at an
2.
THE FLOOD
overview pace. We want to see the
3.
SCATTERINGS
consistent theme throughout Scripture of
4.
PATRIARCHS
5.
EXODUS
Gods concern for you and I.
6.
W ILDERNESS W ANDERINGS
We will use the 17 periods of Bible history
7.
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
as organized by Bob Waldron as a
8.
JUDGES
guideline and memory tool. This will
9.
UNITED KINGDOM
enable us to quickly summarize the story
10.
DIVIDED KINGDOM
11.
JUDAH ALONE
of the Bible in an easy to recall fashion.
12.
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
As time passes, we will add to the chart
13.
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
(see right), so as to help us also
14.
YEARS OF SILENCE
memorize what texts are associated with
15.
LIFE OF CHRIST
each period, main characters, dates, etc..
16.
EARLY CHURCH
17.
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
CREATION
God placed man in a garden, of which he could eat from every tree, except one which was
in the midst, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Sin entered the world, man exited the garden. Man has struggled with sin since that time.
Cain rose up against his brother Abel (Genesis 4). The population of the earth grew, as
did mans wickedness upon the earth.
THE FLOOD
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:8)
Noah built an ark, just as God commanded (according to the pattern). Thus Noah did;
according to all that God commanded him, so he did. (Genesis 6:22)
Flood waters prevail upon the earth, eight souls are saved through water.
God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of his covenant with man, never again to destroy
the world by a flood.
-1-
SCATTERINGS
Again, the population of the earth increased. Men decided to build a tower into the
heavens, to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4).
God confused the languages, and the people were dispersed over the face of the earth.
The place was called Babel (which would thereafter become the region of Babylon).
THREEFOLD PROMISE TO ABRAHAM
PATRIARCHS
Now
the LORD had said to Abram,
Israel became slaves in Egypt; God heard their cry and would deliver them.
Moses was sent to Pharaoh with the perpetual message, Let my people go.
-2-
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
After leaving Mount Sinai, 12 spies were sent into the land of Canaan, one spy from each
tribe. Only two (Joshua and Caleb) came back with a favourable report. Israel listened to
the 10, and thus God determined that generation would not enter the land.
They would spend 40 years wandering in the wilderness, while that generation died off.
At the end of the wilderness wanderings, before entering the land, the law was given to the
next generation (Deuteronomy), spies were sent into the land (Jericho), and the new
generation of Israelites were circumcised, according to Gods covenant with them.
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
There are 15 judges in the Bible record, the first being Othniel, the last being Samuel.
Among the more well known are Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Eli and Samuel.
At the end of this period, Samuels sons are wicked leaders in Israel. The people, looking
at the nations about them, desire to have a king to rule over them.
UNITED KINGDOM
After Davids death, his son Solomon receives the throne. Solomon is perhaps best known
for his great wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-28).
-3-
DIVIDED KINGDOM
After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam reigned in his stead. A servant from
Solomons house, Jeroboam led a revolt in the north, and became king of the northern
tribes (Israel). Jeroboam instituted places of worship in the north, contrary to the will of
God. Jeroboam reigned over Judah and Benjamin in the south, known as Judah.
Israel had 18 kings in their history. Among them, there were 0 good kings.
Judah had 19 kings and 1 queen in their history. Among them, there were 8 good kings.
God sent prophets among the people, calling them back to faithfulness. Prophets in the
time of the divided kingdom were: Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah and Micah.
JUDAH ALONE
Eventually Israels wickedness brought Gods wrath upon them; He would use another
nation (Assyria) to bring destruction upon His unfaithful people.
Among the prophet mentioned in the Divided Kingdom was Jonah. He was not sent to
Judah or Israel, but had been sent to the city of Nineveh. Recall, Jonah did not want to go,
and even attempted to flee in another direction from Nineveh. Why did Jonah not want to
go to Nineveh? It is the capital city of Assyria, the nation which God used to destroy Israel.
Prophets during the time when Judah was alone: Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah.
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
Prophets during the time of Judahs captivity: Ezekiel, Daniel and Jeremiah.
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
Having spent 70 years captive, Judah was returned from their captivity. Coming back to
Jerusalem, the people began to rebuild the walls of the city, and the house of God.
We find in this time the events recorded by Nehemiah, Ezra and Esther.
Prophets during the time of Judahs return from captivity: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
YEARS OF SILENCE
-4-
LIFE OF CHRIST
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Romans through Revelation are all letters written to various Christians and churches.
When we read these, we are reading the mail which was delivered from the Bible writers
to Gods people, for instruction, admonition and encouragement.
-5-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Genesis 1-2
Note the recurring sentiment regarding creation (1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). Once all was
finished, ...God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. (1:31)
How do we know creation was 6 literal days, and not millions of years, as some say?
1) So the evening and the morning were... (1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31)
2) The plants of day 3 need the sun of day 4.
3) The Sabbath day rest was commanded in Moses law (Exodus 20:9-11; 31:17)
How is man in the image of God? As a spiritual being. This distinguishes man from every
other creature made on the face of the earth. We were
given an eternal spirit.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
THE TRANSGRESSION
What happened? Their eyes were opened, but they did not become like God. They not
only knew evil, they had engaged in it. They lost their innocence (3:7), and in its place
was fear and shame (3:8).
Blame game! Adam blamed the woman and God (3:12); Eve blamed the serpent (3:13).
THE PUNISHMENTS
MESSIANIC
Serpent lowly stature; enmity between seed of the serpent and the woman. PROPHECY!
Man curse upon the ground, it would not be easily tended; hard labour; physical death.
3:22 is an intriguing text, as the Godhead contemplates what took place. Access to the tree
of life was cut off. Where is it now? (Rev 2:7; 22:2, 14).
MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS
Sin destroyed mans relationship with God. He once walked with God, but after he sinned,
he was driven out of the garden (Isa 59:1-2).
Were we born sinful because of Adams sin? (Ro 5:12; Eze 18:20)
On the issue of modesty, notice that Adam and Eve made garments for themselves (3:7),
but that God thereafter clothed them (3:21). The coverings Adam and Eve made failed to
clothe them sufficiently.
-7-
CAINS DESCENDANTS
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
MESSIANIC
PROPHECY!
YEAR BORN
AGE AT
OFFSPRING
AGE AT DEATH
YEAR OF DEATH
Adam
0 E / 4004 BC
130
930
930 E / 3074 BC
Seth
130 E / 3874 BC
105
912
1042 E / 2962 BC
Enosh
235 E / 3769 BC
90
905
1140 E / 2864 BC
Cainan
325 E / 3679 BC
70
910
1235 E / 2769 BC
Mahalalel
395 E / 3609 BC
65
895
1290 E / 2717 BC
Jared
460 E / 3544 BC
162
962
1422 E / 2582 BC
Enoch
622 E / 3382 BC
65
365
* 987 E / 3017 BC
Methuselah
687 E / 3317 BC
187
969
1656 E / 2348 BC
Lam ech
874 E / 3130 BC
182
777
1651 E / 2353 BC
Noah
1056 E / 2948 BC
502
950
2006 E / 1998 BC
THE FLOOD
Shem
1558 E / 2446 BC
100
600
2158 E / 1846 BC
Arphaxad
1658 E / 2346 BC
35
438
2096 E / 1908 BC
Salah
1693 E / 2311 BC
30
433
2126 E / 1878 BC
Eber
1723 E / 2281 BC
34
464
2187 E / 1817 BC
Peleg
1757 E / 2247 BC
30
239
1996 E / 2008 BC
Reu
1787 E / 2217 BC
32
239
2026 E / 1978 BC
Serug
1819 E / 2185 BC
30
230
2049 E / 1955 BC
Nahor
1849 E / 2155 BC
29
148
1997 E / 2007 BC
Terah
1878 E / 2126 BC
70
205
2083 E / 1921 BC
Abram
1948 E / 2056 BC
100
175
2123 E / 1881 BC
Isaac
2048 E / 1956 BC
60
180
2228 E / 1776 BC
Jacob
2108 E / 1896 BC
??
147
2255 E / 1749 BC
Joseph
??
??
110
??
-9-
The Flood
Genesis 6-9
MEN BEGAN TO MULTIPLY ON THE EARTH
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Specifications:
Thus Noah did; according to all that God
made of gopherwood
commanded him, so he did (6:22)
300 x 50 x 30 cubits (150 x 25 x 15 yds)
And Noah did according to all that the
a window, 1 ft from the top
LORD commanded him. (7:5)
a door in the side of the ark
3 levels in the ship
Noah, his sons, his wife, his sons wives and 2 of every living creature would be kept safe
from destruction in the ark.
Rain prevailed forty days and night. Waters prevailed on the earth 150 days. Noah and his
family were in the ark for 1 year and 17 days (Gen 7:1-4, 11; 8:14)
PROMISES OF GOD SURROUNDING THE FLOOD
Never again to curse the ground for mans sake (Gen 8:21)
-10-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Before the divisions which are set above, all the people of
the earth had a single language, and dwelt in close proximity to one another.
The people sought to make a great tower, ...whose top is in the heavens; let us make a
name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth. (11:4)
The tower was named Babel, for the Lord caused a great babel there.
ABRAHAMS LINEAGE
We are here introduced to Abram and Sarai (eventually, Abraham and Sarah).
-11-
Why did God call Abram away from his country, family and
fathers house? God wants His people to be separate from
the wicked (ie. Israel in Egypt, ...Canaan, 2 Co 6:14-18).
Threefold promise:
Now the LORD had said to Abram , Get out of your country, from your
fam ily and from your fathers house, to a land that I will show you. I will
make you a great nation; I will bless you and m ake your nam e great;
and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those wh bless you, and I will
curse him who curses you; and in you all the fam ilies of the earth
shall be blessed. ...Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, To
your descendants I w ill give this land. And there he built an altar to
the LORD, who had appeared to him . (Genesis 12:1-3, 7)
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
- 1 - Nation promise
- 2 - Seed promise
- 3 - Land promise
At age 75, Abram sets out, with Sarai his wife, and Lot his nephew.
-12-
Abraham & Abimelech (Gen 20) - Same type of events as in chapter 12, when Abraham
and Sarah went to Egypt. Sarah posed as the sister of Abraham, not his wife.
The Son Of Promise (Gen 21) - In their old age, Abraham (100) and Sarah (90) had a son,
as promised by the Lord. His name, Isaac, means laughter (21:6; 18:12-15). He was
circumcised, according to Gods covenant with Abraham.
A feast was given on the day that Isaac was weaned. Sarah saw Ishmael scoffing, and
requested that Abraham cast Hagar and Ishmael out. He does so, reminded by the Lord
that Isaac was the son of promise, not Ishmael. In the wilderness, God promised Hagar
that He would make Ishmael into a great nation (Ishmaelites).
A Test Of Faith (Gen 22) - Having given
W hy did God ask this of Abraham ?
the son of promise, God now asks
Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to
Abraham to sacrifice him to the Lord. The
him; for now I know that you fear God, since you
have not withheld your son, your only son, from
place of sacrifice was a great distance
Me. (Gen 22:12)
away, allowing him plenty of time to doubt,
How could Abraham do this?
ask why, etc.. Abraham simply obeyed the
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up
voice of the Lord. Isaac asked about the
Isaac, and he who had received the promises
sacrifice, Abraham responded, God will
offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was
provide for Himself a lamb... He built the
said, In Isaac your seed shall be called,
concluding that God was able to raise him up,
altar, bound his son, and laid him upon the
even from the dead, from which he also received
altar. And God stopped him.
him in a figurative sense. (Heb 11:17-19)
This test of Abrahams faith serves as a
figure of Gods own love for us.
Sarahs Death & Burial (Gen 23) - At age
127, Sarah died. Abraham purchased a cave in Machpelah to use as a burial site.
A Bride For Isaac (Gen 24) - Abraham did not want a bride for Isaac from the women of
the land, but rather from his own people. His chief servant journeyed to Mesopotamia to
find a wife for Isaac. He sought Gods
guidance, asking for a sign. Before hed
Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The
even finished speaking to the Lord about
thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you
the sign, Rebekah came and did exactly
either bad or good. Here is Rebekah before you;
as the servant had prayed to happen. At
take her and go, and let her be your masters sons
Rebekahs home, the servant recounts
wife, as the LORD has spoken. (Gen 24:50-51)
the events, and asks if they will deal
kindly with his master, or if he should
continue on his mission.
Abrahams New Wife & His Death (Gen 25) - After Sarahs death, Abraham married a
woman named Keturah. She bore 6 sons to him. These sons, when they were of age, were
given gifts, and sent eastward, away from Isaac. Thereafter, Abraham (175) died, and was
buried along side Sarah, in the cave of Machpelah.
-14-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Genesis 25-36
At age 40, Isaac took Rebekah as wife, but she was barren
for the first 20 years of their marriage (Gen 25:20-21).
Rebekah gave birth to twin boys, Esau (lit. hairy) and Jacob
(lit. supplanter, deceitful). Isaac loved Esau more than
Jacob, and Rebekah loved Jacob more than Esau.
As Abraham spoke of Sarah as his sister while in Gerar, so Isaac spoke of Rebekah as his
sister while among the Philistines (Gen 26:7-8). Still, we see a sense of morality among
the people of the land (Gen 26:9-11).
Isaac was very prosperous in the land, and became envied by the Philistines, who stopped
up his wells. Abimelech sent Isaac away (Gen 26:16), but afterward sought a covenant
with Isaac (Gen 26:28-29).
Very little else is mentioned about Isaac. He dies at age 180 (Gen 35:28-29).
THE LIFE OF JACOB
The Birthright
His Early Years
The firstborn son had special
Esau planned to kill Jacob after Isaacs passing (Gen 27:41). Jacob flees to the house of
Laban (Rebekahs brother) for ...a few days... Those few days turned into 20 years.
-15-
The place where this was revealed to Jacob, he named Bethel (lit. house of God).
Jacob wants to leave Haran and return to his the land of Canaan. Laban is not so willing.
He had been richly blessed by the Lord, and realized it was because of Jacobs presence.
Jacob agrees with Laban that the spotted and speckled born in the flock would become
his, and the rest would remain Labans. As a result, Jacobs flock became strong, and
Labans became weak (Gen 30:25-43).
Jacob departed Labans house, according to the commandment of God (Gen 31:11-13).
Before leaving, Rachel stole some of the household idols from her fathers house. Laban
pursued them, but before overtaking them, was warned by God, Be careful that you speak
to Jacob neither good nor bad. (Gen 31:24). Consider the possessive nature of Laban
(Gen 31:28, 43). He searched for the idols, but did not find them.
-16-
Return to Canaan
As he returned to Canaan, Jacob sent messengers ahead to speak with Esau. The
message begins, ...Thus your servant Jacob says... The messenger returned, reporting
that Esau was coming to meet him, and had 400 men with him. Jacob, fearing his brother,
breaks his family into two companies before they come near to Esau. Gifts are prepared
and sent ahead for Esau:
1) 200 female goats, 20 male goats,
2) 200 ewes, 20 rams,
3) 30 milk camels with colts,
4) 40 cows, 10 bulls,
5) 20 female donkeys, and 10 foals.
His family having gone ahead of him, Jacob wrestles with a Man until daybreak. The text
reveals that this is the Lord (Gen 32:28). Perhaps this served as a test for Jacob. Before
the Lord left, He changed Jacobs name to Israel (prince with God).
Though Jacobs expectation was that Esau would attack, Esau embraced his brother,
kissed him and wept (Gen 33:4).
In Canaan, Dinah, Jacobs daughter is raped by Shechem, the son of Hamor. He sought
to have her as a wife. Jacobs sons reason that it would not be fitting to give their sister to
one who was uncircumcised, but that if every male with Shechem became circumcised,
they would consent to giving him Dinah. The men of the city agree, and three days later,
while all were still in pain, Simeon and Levi killed all the males of the city, plundered their
goods, and took the little ones and women captive (Gen 34).
-17-
Joseph
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Genesis 37-50
Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers, and as he approached, they conspired against
him to kill him. Reuben, the eldest, sought to save Joseph, suggesting that they merely
cast him into a pit. Judah saw an opportunity as a company of Ishmaelites passed by. They
sold Joseph as a slave. These travellers would eventually sell Joseph to Potiphar, an
officer of Pharaoh. Joseph was 17 years old.
Josephs brothers dipped his tunic in goats blood, and took it to Jacob. Note, they did not
lie in word, but allowed Jacob to draw his own conclusions.
JUDAH: A BRIEF INTERLUDE (ch. 38)
Judah had 3 children; Er, Onan and Shelah. The eldest, Er, has married a wife (Tamar).
Er was found to be wicked before the Lord, and thus the Lord killed him. Custom
demanded that Onan marry Tamar, and raise an heir to his brother. He did not want to do
so, and he also was killed by the Lord.
Judah promised his youngest son to Tamar when he was grown, but failed to keep his
word. Seeing this, Tamar dressed herself as a harlot and sat along the road to Timnah,
where Judah passed by. He stopped and sought to be with her, unaware who she was. As
guarantee of payment, he left his signet, cord and staff.
When word came later to Judah that Tamar had played the harlot, he commanded that she
be burned. In her own defense, she produced Judahs signet, cord and staff.
Potiphars wife sought to lie with Joseph, but he refused. She pursued him, and on one
occasion, grabbed his garments and insisted he lie with her. He fled from her, leaving his
garment behind. With this garment, she testified falsely against him, and Joseph was
imprisoned.
-18-
Though being in prison, the Lord continued to bless Joseph. He was favoured by the jail
keeper, and was placed in charge of all the prisoners. As in Potiphars house, so it
happened in prison, that the Lord prospered all that Joseph did.
Pharaohs chief butler and chief baker were both cast into prison, and each man had a
dream. Joseph was given the interpretation of the two dreams.
Chief Butler: 3 branches in a vine, blossoming greatly. And
JOSEPH TO THE BUTLER:
But remember me when it is
he pressed them and gave Pharaohs cup to him.
well with you, and please show
Interpretation: In 3 days Pharaoh will restore you
kindness to me; make mention
of me to Pharaoh, and get me
to your position.
out of this house. (Gen 40:14)
Chief Baker: 3 white baskets on his head with baked goods
in them. Birds came and ate the baked goods
from the baskets.
Interpretation: In 3 days Pharaoh will have your head cut off.
On the 3rd day, at Pharaohs birthday, it happened just as Joseph had said, but the butler
did not remember Joseph.
Success In Egypt (ch. 41)
Dream # 1:
Standing by a river, seven healthy cows rise from the river
Jacob sent his sons to Egypt, that they might buy food for the family. All but Benjamin
went, Jacob reasoning, Lest some calamity befall him. (42:4)
In Egypt, his brothers come and bow before him. Remember the first dream!!
Joseph withholds his identity from them. He dealt harshly with them, accusing them of
being spies. He put them in prison 3 days, and then released all but one (Simeon). They
were to return home and bring their youngest brother to Egypt, and thus Simeon and the
rest would live.
Food began to run short, and they needed to buy more. Judah reminds his father that the
ruler in Egypt was clear, if they did not bring their youngest brother, they would not receive
any food. Judah sets himself as surety for Benjamins safe return.
Joseph has the brothers in his house for a meal, and assures them that the return of their
money in their sacks was a gift from God. Simeon is returned to his family. Seeing his
younger brother, Joseph approached the point of tears, and thus left the room.
At the meal, three tables are set: one for the eleven brothers, one for Joseph, and another
for the Egyptians. Joseph sat his brothers at the table in order of their ages.
When it is time for them to return home, again their money is placed back in the mouth of
their sacks. Also, Joseph has a servant place his silver cup in Benjamins sack. Joseph
sends his steward after them. The brothers agree that with whomever the cup is found, that
one should be put to death. They were distraught to find that it was with Benjamin.
Brought back in Josephs presence, they present themselves as slaves for him. Judah
seeks to intercede for Benjamin. Recall, it was he who found the opportunity to sell Joseph.
Joseph Reveals Himself To His Brothers (ch. 45)
Overwhelmed with emotion, Joseph clears the room. He reveals his identity to his brothers,
but they do not understand. Again, he reveals who he is.
He eases their minds concerning their former conduct toward him, revealing that though
they meant it for harm, that God had actually used it for good.
They are sent on their way by Pharaoh himself, and commanded to bring their families and
their father, and told that the best of Egypt would be given to them.
When Jacob was told that Joseph was alive, initially his ...heart stood still, because he did
not believe them. But afterward, ...the spirit of Jacob their father revived.
He led his family to Egypt, perhaps timidly at first, but after making sacrifice at Beersheba,
and receiving assurance from the Lord, they went down. They went down as a family of 70,
they would eventually come out as a nation of millions.
The famine became so severe, that many had to sell all they had to sustain their families,
and so it was that Pharaoh became exceedingly rich by the work of Joseph. However,
Jacobs house prospered in the land.
Jacob Blesses His Sons (ch. 48-49)
First, he blesses his grandchildren through Joseph. Jacob blesses Ephraim (the younger)
over Manasseh, the older.
Gad: ...a troop shall tramp upon him... he shall triumph at last...
Asher: ...rich...shall yield royal dainties...
Naphtali: ...a deer let loose, he uses beautiful words...
Joseph: ...fruitful bough...blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies
beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb...
Benjamin: ...a ravenous wolf, shall devour his prey... and divide the spoil...
This being done, Jacob dies (147 years old), commanding that he be buried in the cave
of Machpelah.
Jacobs Burial And Josephs Death (ch. 50)
Jacobs body underwent an embalming process which took 40 days. A procession was
convened to the cave of Machpelah, conducted by the Egyptians who also mourned his
death.
Josephs brothers feared what Joseph might do to them, not that they father was gone. He
assures them of his forgiveness and that God used their evil to bring about good.
Joseph himself dies (110 years old). He commanded the children of Israel to carry his
bones from Egypt when they would be brought from the land by God, to the land promised
to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
-21-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
A new king arose in Egypt, who did not know Joseph. The
luxury and prominence which Israel had enjoyed previously
was taken away. The Israelites became slaves (Ex 1:11),
but they continued to be fruitful and multiply (Ex 1:12).
Finally, Pharaoh commanded his own people to cast the Hebrew male infants into the river.
Moses Birth And Departure From Egypt (ch. 2)
Both Moses parents were of the tribe of Levi. After his birth, they hid him for 3 months, but
eventually were no longer able to do so. She fashioned a basket and set him in it along the
river bank. Miriam, Moses older sister watched over the basket as Pharaohs daughter
found it. Though she knew he was a Hebrew child, she had compassion on him.
In Midian, Moses helped the daughters of Reuel (a.k.a. Jethro), and would eventually
marry Zipporah, one of his daughters. Though the king who sought Moses life had died,
Moses was content to remain in the land of Midian.
Moses Is Called To Go To Egypt (ch. 3-4)
Moses was likely on board, until these words: ...Come now, therefore, and I will send you
to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. (Ex 3:10)
Through chapter 3-4, the LORD answers Moses objections to the assignment:
MOSES OBJECTION
GODS RESPONSE
WE DO THE SAME
God sent Moses, along with Aaron his brother. In Egypt, they came to the elders of the
children of Israel, who believed, and began to worship God for their visitation.
Speaking To Pharaoh & Further Hebrew Oppression (ch. 5-6)
Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh and gave Gods simple message: Let My people go.
Pharaohs response would set the stage for the destruction of his nation: Who is the
LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let
Israel go. (5:2)
God reaffirmed His promise made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and that He would lead
Israel to the land of promise. Regarding their departure from Egypt, Pharaoh would
eventually drive them from the land. Though Moses spoke these things to the people, they
would not hear or believe.
-23-
The Plagues
Exodus 7-12
GO SPEAK TO PHARAOH
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
The LORD would use the plagues upon Egypt to show His glory, and to bring humiliation
on Pharaoh, his servants and their gods (Ex 12:12; Num 33:4). The Egyptians
worshipped a myriad of deities; God would strike against these deities, displaying His
preeminence.
THE PLAGUES
Plague # 1 Water turned to blood (ch. 7)
-24-
Again Pharaoh said, I have sinned against the Lord your God..., but afterwards was
hardened more.
Plague # 9 Darkness (ch. 10)
God gave instruction to the Israelites about the Passover feast, which they would keep as
a perpetual feast. He also instructed regarding the preparation for the coming of the Angel
of the Lord in the land of Egypt. They were to be prepared to leave immediately.
-25-
Out Of Egypt
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Exodus 12-18
THE PASSOVER
The LORD would pass over every house where the blood
of the lamb was on the doorpost and the lintel. The lamb
was eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
Anything not eaten was to be burned.
Moses brought with him the bones of Joseph, as they were commanded to do.
SONGS OF PRAISE
Some gathered more than was needed, and found it turned to worms the next morning.
Some did not take the double portion commanded on the 6th day, and found none when
they went out on the Sabbath.
No Water (ch. 17)
Moses called the place
-27-
Jethro heard of what God accomplished for Moses and Israel, and came to Moses. He
brought Zipporah and Moses children. Jethro gave burnt offerings and sacrifices before
the Lord.
-28-
TO CHRISTIANS:
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
-29-
The law given through Moses was not just a religious law, it would be the civil law for the
people of Israel. As such, it dealt with a huge variety of topics. However, by careful
observation of the laws given, we can see the spiritual lessons which God was teaching.
Regarding Servants (21:1-11)
No Hebrew could be perpetually enslaved. At the end of 7 years, he was given capital to
make a fresh start. If he desired to remain with his master, he was permitted.
A female servant was not released as the male servant was. She remained in her masters
house, unless her family bought her back.
Regarding Violence (21:12-27)
C
Prem editated m urder
Numerous moral principles are established throughout the text. Consider a few:
Those who practised sorcery, bestiality or idolatry were not permitted to live;
Do not afflict strangers, widows, orphans or even your enemies;
Do not charge interest on money lent to your brethren;
Give of your firstfruits to the Lord quickly;
Do not pervert justice (false witness, partiality to the poor, receiving a bribe).
-30-
They people were to observe both the Sabbath day, and the Sabbath year.
In the Sabbath year, the land rested, and the poor of the people could gather.
Feast Of Unleavened Bread
Also referred to as the Passover. Laws for this feast were given in Ex 12.
A remembrance of the exodus from Egypt, held in first month, from the 14th to the 21st.
Feast Of Harvest
It was held 50 days after the Passover (Lev 23:15-21; Num 28:26-31; Deut 16:9-12), and
celebrated the first fruits of the harvest.
Feast Of Ingathering
A feast of thanksgiving for the harvest, held in the seventh month, from the 15th to the 22nd.
The people would dwell in booths (tents) to commemorate life in the wilderness.
Behold, I send an Angel before you to
THE ANGEL AND THE PROMISES (Ch. 23)
keep you in the way and to bring you into
So as to preserve the land, when God led them into Canaan, the conquest would take
several years. They were commanded not to make covenants with the other nations.
-31-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
The table would be along the North wall of the Holy Place.
Golden Lampstand
The lampstand was an elaborate design, hammered of a single piece of pure gold.
The lamp was to burn continually, using pure oil pressed from olives.
The altar of burnt offering was the location where sacrifices would be made for the people.
This altar would be located near the entrance to the tabernacle court area.
Altar Of Incense
The altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, before the curtain leading into the Most
Holy Place.
Upon this altar, the incense would be burnt each morning and evening.
The Bronze Laver
This wash basin was located outside the Holy Place, between the tabernacle and the altar
of burnt offering.
Aaron and his sons were to wash their hands and feet with the water of this basin before
entering the tabernacle for service.
THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS & CONSECRATION (Ch. 28-29)
The garments would be wonderful to behold. The Lord specifically says that they were
made ...for glory and for beauty. (Ex 28:2)
The Ephod
This garment was an ornamented vest. Upon the shoulders of the Ephod were two onyx
stones, set in gold. Upon these were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel.
The Breastplate
It is called the ...breastplate of judgment. Settings of stone were put upon it, 4 rows with
3 stones per row. Upon these stones, the names of the sons of Israel were written.
Two other stones, the Urim and Thummim (the lights and the perfections) would be upon
the breastplate, over the priests heart. These were used in determining the will of God (ie.
Lots).
Other Garments
Other garments which were made: robe, tunic, turban and sash. Each made of fine linen.
All were made decoratively, again, ...for glory and for beauty.
-32-
A ceremony was held with involved several sacrifices, in order to sanctify Aaron and his
sons to the service of the tabernacle. The entire consecration process would take seven
days.
THE TABERNACLE (Ch. 26)
The design of the tabernacle is referred to in the book of Hebrews, and in other New
Testament texts. Each component of the Old Testament Tabernacle was a type or
shadow of things to come in the New Testament.
-33-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Aaron sought to exempt himself of any fault, claiming that he simply placed the gold into
the fire and a calf came out.
About 3,000 people died that day, slaughtered by their brethren on account of this evil
deed.
I Will Go Up To The LORD
Yet now, if You will forgive their sin
God commanded Moses to lead the people away from Sinai, promising that He would
send His Angel before them, but that He
would not go up in their presence, lest He
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as
consume them on account of their stiff
a m an speaks to his friend. And he would return
necks.
to the cam p, but his servant Joshua the son of
the building of the tabernacle which God would command. The LORDs presence was in
the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.
Among the topics of conversation, Moses sought confirmation that the LORDs Presence
would go up with them from Sinai. Moses saw it as necessary that Gods presence be
with them, so that they might be considered distinct from all the peoples of the world.
It was in one of these conversations (apparently taking place upon Sinai) that God passed
by Moses to show His glory, but covered his face, lest he see the LORDs face and die.
Moses was commanded to bring another set of stones like the first before the LORD, and
again, Gods word would be written upon these.
Once again, we see Moses concerned about God going with His people. He always
wanted the presence of God among the people of God.
When Moses came down from the Mount, his face shone from being in the presence of
God.
THE TABERNACLE ARRANGED (Ch. 40)
The tabernacle was completed according to the directions which God gave in the law, as
were the furnishings.
Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, the children of Israel would rise
up and journey, and so the Lord went with them as they journeyed.
-35-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
The grain offering was a mix of fine flour with oil and frankincense which had been baked.
A portion of the offering was placed upon the altar, the rest was kept for the livelihood of
the priests.
The offering was to have no leaven, but was to be seasoned with salt.
The Peace Offering
The meat of the peace offering was not sacrificed, but was reserved for the priests. The
fat of the beast was burnt as an offering to God.
The Sin Offering
The sin offering was given by those who had unintentionally transgressed the law of God.
There are four different offerings prescribed, depending upon whom the offering was for
(a priest, the entire nation, a ruler of the people, the common people).
The fat of the animal would be burnt, like that of the peace offering, but the remainder of
the animal was to be taken out of the camp to a clean place, where the ashes were
poured out and burned.
There was also a daily sin offering given for the people in general. The meat of this
offering was reserved for the priests.
The Trespass Offering
The object of the offering was dependent upon the ability of the offender. Those who were
able would bring a lamb or a kid; if not, then two turtledoves or two pigeons; and if not this,
then an ephah of fine flour.
The law of Moses required that restitution be made when damages were suffered.
If one unintentionally sinned in regard to the holy things of the Lord, an offering and a fine
were imposed. In addition, the price of whatever was harmed would be returned, adding
one fifth.
If one sinned regarding his neighbour, he was required to make restitution, adding one
fifth. This preceded the trespass offering.
-36-
The offerings being made, the Lord showed His glory before the people; fire came from
the LORD and consumed the offering upon the altar.
THE CONDUCT OF PRIESTS (Ch. 10)
By those who com e near Me I m ust be regarded
Nadab And Abihu
as holy; and before all the people I m ust be
Aaron accepted the LORDs judgment of his sons. He and his two remaining sons were
commanded not to mourn, lest they die also.
Rules For The Priests
No intoxicating drink, ...that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, between
unclean and clean, that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord
has spoken to them...
Grain offerings, wave offerings and heave offerings were as food for the sons and
daughters of Levi.
-37-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
One would become unclean if they came into contact with an unclean beast.
What lesson would the distinction of clean and unclean animals teach Israel?
CLEANLINESS AND CHILDBIRTH (Ch. 12)
Following Birth Of A Male Child
A woman would be unclean for 7 days following the birth. The child was to be circumcised
the eighth day following birth.
From that point, she would continue in her days of purification for 33 days. A total of 41
days would pass from childbirth until she was again considered clean.
Among water creatures, they were permitted to eat whatever has fins and scales.
Following Birth Of A Female Child
From that point, she would continue in her days of purification for 66 days. A total of 80
days would pass from childbirth until she was again considered clean.
Whether Male Or Female
After the days of her purification were complete, a burnt offering was brought to the priest.
CLEANLINESS AND LEPROSY (Ch. 13-14)
Declared Unclean
One suspected of contracting leprosy was to be brought before the priest. He would be
examined, and either pronounced unclean or placed in isolation. After a period of isolation,
he would either be pronounced unclean or clean.
The leper was required to declare his uncleanness by crying out, Unclean! Unclean!
One who was healed would be brought to the priest, who would examine him outside the
camp. If he is cleansed, a lengthy ceremony is followed to pronounce him clean.
UNCLEANNESS AND BODILY DISCHARGES (Ch. 15)
-38-
The high priest did not enter the Most Holy Place at just any time. The only time he was
permitted (actually, commanded) to enter was the 10th day of the 7th month.
Sacrifice would be made for both the priests and for the people. In the process of the
days events, a live goat would be sent away into the wilderness. This was the scapegoat.
THE SANCTITY OF BLOOD (Ch. 17)
But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its
blood.
(G enesis 9:4)
Do not uncover the nakedness of your kinfolk, of people who are kin to one another, or
a woman while she is in her time of impurity.
Do not lie with your neighbours wife, a male as you would with a female, an animal.
Three of the ten commandments are highlighted here: honour father and mother, keep the
Sabbath day holy, do not have idols.
Do not reap the corners of a field, nor gather gleanings from a field or vineyard. These
would be left for the poor and strangers.
Do not steal, swear falsely, profane Gods name, cheat neighbours or employees.
Do not cuse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind. Do no injustice or show
partiality to any.
Do not sow your fields with mixed seed. Do not wear garments of mixed material.
No shaving around the head or disfiguring the beard. No cutting on the flesh or tatoos.
Any who sacrifice their children to Molech (a god of the Ammorites and Phoenicians) was
to be stoned. If the Israelites looked the other way, God would destroy that man, his
family, and those who prostituted themselves with him.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
He was not to uncover his head or tear his clothes (in mourning).
His wife was to be a virgin from among his own people, so as to not profane his seed.
Concerning Those With Defects:
Blind, lame, marred face, oversized limb, broken foot/hand, hunchback, dwarf, defect in
the eyes, eczema (festering), scabe, eunuch were all excluded.
The defected were permitted to eat the bread, but not to approach the veil or the altar. To
do so would profane the sanctuary.
Priests And Food:
The priests could not eat anything which died naturally or was torn by a beast.
Who may eat the holy offerings? No outsider, visitor or hired servant could. But a
purchased servant could. A priests daughter married to an outsider could not. But, if she
returned to her fathers house divorced or widowed, having no children, she may.
FEAST DAYS (Ch. 23)
The feast days of the Jews are listed:
The Sabbath.
-40-
A blasphemer was to be put to death. A situation of case law is recorded for us (v 10-16)
You shall have the same law for the stranger and for one from your own country; for I am
the LORD your God. (v 22)
The seventh year Sabbath. The land was given a year of rest. Enough would be gathered
in the 6th year to sustain them for 3 years.
The year of Jubilee. Occurred every 49 years. The trumpet would sound on the day of
atonement. The following year would be proclaimed a year of liberty. All were permitted
to go free. Each was permitted to return to his own possessions and family.
As none would sow or reap in the 49th year (it was a sabbath year), none would sow or
reap in the 50th year.
The land would not be sold permanently, for it belonged to God. Rather, the land would
be leased or traded. The price would be based upon the year of Jubilee.
Interest was not to be charged to the poor, nor was food to be given for profit.
BLESSINGS OR AFFLICATIONS (Ch. 26)
If They Obeyed:
The rain would not be withheld from the land; the land would yield its produce.
There would be peace in the land. The land would even be rid of wild beasts.
Their enemies would run from them and fall by way of the sword. Even 4 chasing 100, and
100 chasing 10,000.
God would look upon them favourably, and multiply them, confirming His covenant.
If They Did Not Obey:
There would be plagues with disease and fever, and great sorrow in the land.
They would sow seed, but their enemies would reap the benefit of the harvest.
Their punishment would increase seven times more than their sins.
Wild beasts would come upon them and steal away their children and kill their livestock,
so that the nation would be made few in number.
They would be left to the point that their highways would be desolate.
If They Still Did Not Obey:
A sword would be brought against them, executing the vengeance of His covenant.
In famine times, they would even eat the flesh of their own children.
They would be scattered among the nations, and persecuted wherever they went.
If They Confessed Their Sin:
He would again remember the covenant established with Jacob, Isaac and Abraham.
He would not destroy them, but would bring them back to the land of promise.
-41-
One might commit themselves, a family member of a possession to the Lord. This chapter
proves the rules to redeem such persons or possessions.
If one refused to redeem such items, they were the LORDs forever. Persons would live
their lives devoted to the sanctuary, property for the profit of the temple, or if a suitable
animal for sacrifice, it would be so used.
The firstborn of the oxen and the sheep could not be dedicated in a vow, for the firstborn
is the Lords.
-42-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Zebulun (1:3031).............................................................................................57,400
Ephraim (1:32-33).............................................................................................40,500
Manasseh (1:34-35)..........................................................................................32,200
Benjamin (1:36-37)............................................................................................35,400
Dan (1:38-39)....................................................................................................62,700
Asher (1:40-41).................................................................................................41,500
Naphtali (1:42-43).............................................................................................53,400
TOTAL............................................................................................................603,550
Note, the numbering of the children of Israel excluded the Levites. Those numbered were
...all who were able to go to war... The Levites were appointed by God to be those
...over the tabernacle of Testimony.
The number 603,550 take into account only those who are considered men of war. The
total number of people, including women, children and the Levites could easily be
2,500,000.
603,550 men of war listed in the census;
603,550 assuming each man had a wife (some may not have, but some may have had more than one);
1,207,100 assuming two children per married couple (which is an extremely conservative assumption);
22,000 Levites, as reported in chapter 3 (numbered from 1 month and above);
22,000 assumed women and female children among Levites
2,458,200
-43-
After Aaron and his sons had prepared the ark, the table of showbread, the lampstand and
the golden altar, the sons of Kohath would carry these items, but were forbidden to touch
anything holy.
The Sons of Gershon
They would carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the screen for the doors, and the
hangings in the court.
The Sons of Merari
They would carry the boards of the tabernacle, the bars, pillars and sockets.
GOD REQUIRES CLEANLINESS AND FAITHFULNESS (Ch. 5)
As was given in the book of Leviticus, so appears here instruction regarding uncleanness
and making restitution for transgressions.
If a man suspected his wife of being unfaithful, he was to bring her to the priest, along with
an offering of barley. The priest would have bitter water in his hand which would bring a
curse, for her to drink. If she had been unfaithful to her husband, when she drank the
water, it would cause her belly to swell, her thighs would rot, and she would become a
curse among her people. If she had been faithful, she is free, able to bear children.
THE NAZIRITE VOW (Ch. 6)
Nazirite literally, consecrated
If someone died suddenly beside him, he would be unclean. On the 7th day of his
cleansing, his head would be shaven. On the 8th day, an offering would be made, and his
separation would begin again.
At the end of his time as a Nazirite, several offerings were brought: a burnt offering, a sin
offering, a peace offering, a grain offering and a drink offering. These were given, his head
was shaved, and his hair placed on the fire where the peace offering had been.
OFFERINGS AND THE LEVITES DEDICATED (Ch. 7-8)
The tabernacle being set up and consecrated, the leaders of Israel now make offering
there. Moses records the offerings
made on each day over the
30? 25? or 20?
course of 12 days.
In 4:3, the Levites are appointed to the serve at age 30, in 8:24,
they are appointed at age 25, and in 1 Chr 23:24, they are
-44-
Israel observed the 2nd Passover. Some were unclean and thus not able to keep the feast
at the prescribed time. As such, God instructed that those who were not able to keep the
feast on the 14th day of the 1st month were to do so on the 14th day of the 2nd month.
The Cloud And The Fire
As God had appeared in the form of a cloud / pillar of fire to the Israelites while leading
them from Egypt, so He would show Himself in their presence above the tabernacle.
When the cloud was taken up off the tabernacle, the children of Israel would know it was
time to depart.
Two silver trumpets were made, for the purpose of calling the congregation together and
for directing the movement of the camp. The trumpets would also be used in times of war.
In the 2nd year, on the 20th day of the 2nd month, the cloud was taken up, and the children
of Israel set out from mount Sinai on their journey. God would lead yhem to the
wilderness of Paran.
With such an order, the priests and the furnishings of the tabernacle are protected.
-45-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
What is manna? Moses describes it as being like coriander seed (of the carrot family)
and the colour of bdellium (yellowish brown to reddish brown), and tasting like a pastry.
Moses Complains To The Lord
Complaining tends to beget complaining. The people complained to Moses, and Moses
complained to the Lord, Why have You afflicted Your servant? His complaint was the
charge which God had given him to lead the people.
Moses grief regarding the people was so great, he said to the Lord, If You treat me like
this, please kill me here and now if I have found favour in Your sight and do not let me
see my wretchedness! He did not delight in the foul, unpleasant and evil mood he was
in, and no longer wanted to see himself in such.
The Seventy Elders
God would supply 70 elders from among the people to serve among the people, thus
easing the burden which Moses was to bear. These would receive of the Lords Spirit,
even as Moses had.
Recall, Jethro had suggested this course of action previously; but it appears that Moses
had not continued to maintain the arrangement which had been structured.
The other spies (with the exception of Joshua) disagreed with Caleb:
W e are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. (13:31)
The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people
whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw giants (the descendants of Anak came from
the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight. (13:32-33)
-47-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Rather than being bolstered to faith in the LORD, they desired to stone them. It appears
that the LORDs glory appearing in the tabernacle spared them.
Wandering And Death Rather Than Milk And Honey
The people would wander in the wilderness until all had died, except for Caleb and
Joshua. Their children, whom they said would become victims, would inherit the land.
They would wander 40 years, 1 year for each day spent in spying out the land.
These laws had been given previously, but are now repeated for the next generation.
Moses began his discourse, When you have come into the land you are to inhert...
He teaches again the laws for various offerings, and unintentional and intentional sins.
One was found who worked on the Sabbath. Note, they held the man in custody, awaiting
Gods instruction of what should take place (cf. Lev 24:12). He was put to death.
God commanded tassels be put on their garments, to remind them of His law.
-48-
Moses called for Dathan and Abiram, but they would not come. They spoke back to Moses
with contempt:
1) attributing Egypt as a land flowing with milk and honey;
2) accusing Moses of acting like a prince over them; and
3) accusing Moses of not bringing them to the promised land flowing with milk and honey
The LORD Confirms His Representatives
The next day, all assembled as had been arranged. The LORD commanded Moses and
Aaron, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in
a moment. Moses and Aaron pleaded on behalf of the congregation. Thus, God
commanded that all move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.
The LORD demonstrated that He was with Moses, for the land opened up and consumed
Dathan and Abiram, and those who were with them. Also, all who offered incense to the
LORD were destroyed. Note, this was the job of the priests, not the Levites.
More Complaints
The next day, the people complained to Moses, You have killed the people of the LORD!
The LORDs glory came over the tabernacle, and He commanded Moses and Aaron to
get away from the congregation, ...that I may consume them in a moment. Again, they
acted for the people, offering incease before the LORD to make atonement for the people.
Thus, the plague which went out from the LORD ceased. 14,700 died that day.
God Seeks To Rid The Complaints Of Israel
12 rods were selected, one for each tribe in Israel. The name of the leader of each tribe
was written on a rod, Aarons name on the rod for Levi. They would be placed in the
tabernacle, and God would cause the rod of the man whom He choose to blossom.
The next day, Aarons rod had sprouted and put forth
The Chaldea text describes
buds, produced blossoms and yieleded ripe almonds.
their com plaining in this way:
Aarons rod was kept as a sign against the rebels.
W e die by the sword, the earth
swallows us up, the pestilence
-49-
God gives instruction regarding the service of the tabernacle. If it happened that any
offense/mistake/neglect occurred regarding the tabernacle or the offerings, the guilt for
such would fall upon the Levites and the priests.
The priests and Levites would be supported through the offerings of the people, and the
tithe which God commanded. The Levites also gave a tithe, which was then given to the
priests.
UNCLEANNESS AND PURIFICATION (Ch. 19)
Command was given for the use of a red heifer for the purification of the people. This does
not appear to be related to any particular iniquity, but rather served as a ceremony from
which ashes would be obtained for the water of purification.
The water of purification would be sprinkled on those who were unclean (ie. due to contact
with a dead body).
ERROR OF MOSES & DEATH OF AARON (Ch. 20)
Though the text does not specify, it becomes apparent as the story continues that we have
here entered the first month of the fortieth year in their wandering.
Moses Error
If only we had died when our brethren died before the
Afterward, Moses was rebuked by the LORD, Because you did not believe Me, to hallow
Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the
land which I have given them.
Not Through Edom
Aaron also had a part in Moses actions at Meribah, and thus would not enter into the land.
He did not strike the rock, but recall, Moses said, ...must WE bring water for you... Aaron
did not correct him, he remained a silent partner in the error.
Aaron and Eleazar ascended mount Hor, and the garments of the High Priest would be
removed from Aaron and placed upon Eleazar. Aaron died atop the mountain. Moses
and Eleazar returned to the people and announced Aarons death.
-50-
The king of Arad heard that Israel was coming, and went out against them, fought and
took prisoners. The people made a vow to God, If You will indeed deliver this people into
my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. And it was so.
The Bronze Serpent
As they continued to journey around the land of Edom, the people became discouraged
and complained against the LORD and Moses. The LORD sent fiery serpents among the
people. Many died.
-51-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Balaam was rebuked for both striking the donkey (who had saved his life) and for setting
out on this mission. The Lord has spoken on it the first time. He ought not to have obeyed.
Balaam admits his sin, and offers to turn back. But now it is Gods will that he go.
BALAAMS PROPHECIES (Ch. 23-24)
Balaams First Prophecy
From a high place of Baal, Balak showed Israel to Balaam. Balaam commanded seven
altars to be built, and seven bulls and seven rams to be sacrificed. After meeting with the
Lord, Balaam spoke a prophecy which exalted and blessed Israel
Balaams Second Prophecy
Balak shows another part of Israel to Balaam, asking that he curse them. Again, seven
altars are build, and seven bulls and seven rams are sacrificed. Again, after meetnig with
the Lord, Balaam brings a blessing upon Israel, referring to them as a lion who shall not
lie down until it devours the prey.
Balaams Third Prophecy
-52-
Balaam invites Balak to come and here what Israel would do to his people. He prophesies
about the Lord coming to destroy those who opposed. Gods people would overcome;
other nations would be brought to nothing.
ISRAELS HARLOTRY (Ch. 25)
How sad that a people who had just been
Phinehas, being zealous for the Lord, chased down and killed an Israelite man who had
come in their presence, presenting a Midianite woman with him. Gods anger subsided.
In all, 24,000 people died due to their harlotry with the women of Moab.
THE SECOND CENSUS (Ch. 26)
NUMBERS 1
DIFFERENCE
Reuben (26:5-11)................................................................................
46,500
43,730
(2,770)
Simeon (26:12-14)...............................................................................
59,300
22,200
(37,100)
Gad (26:15-18)....................................................................................
45,650
40,500
(5,150)
Judah (26:19-22).................................................................................
74,600
76,500
1,900
Issachar (26:23-25).............................................................................
54,400
64,300
9,900
Zebulun (26:26-27)..............................................................................
57,400
60,500
3,100
Ephraim (26:35-37).............................................................................
40,500
32,500
(8,000)
Manasseh (26:29-34)..........................................................................
32,200
52,700
20,500
Benjamin (26:38-41)............................................................................
35,400
45,600
10,200
Dan (26:42-43)....................................................................................
62,700
64,400
1,700
Asher (26:44-47).................................................................................
41,500
53,400
11,900
Naphtali (26:48-50)..............................................................................
53,400
45,400
(8,000)
603,550
601,730
(1,820)
TOTAL
NUMBERS 26
The land would be divided amongst these, according to the size of each tribe.
Like before, the number counted are only those who are
But among these there was not a
considered men of war. The total number of people,
man of those who were numbered
including women, children and the Levites could easily
by Moses and Aaron the priest
when they numbered the children
be 2,500,000+.
601,730 men of war listed in the census;
601,730 assuming each man had a wife (some may not have,
but some may have had more than one);
1,203,460 assuming two children per married couple (which is
an extremely conservative assumption);
23,000 Levites, as reported in chapter 3 (numbered from
1 month and above);
23,000 assumed women and female children among Levites
2,452,920
-53-
The daughters of Zelophehad came to Moses and Eleazar, concerned about their fathers
inheritance. He had no sons. The Lord revealed to Moses that the daughters would
receive their portion. If a man had no sons or daughters, his portion was to go to his
brother. If he had no brothers, it would go to the next closest relative.
Moses was told he would see the promised land, but not enter. God selected Joshua as
the new leader of the nation.
OFFERINGS (Ch. 28-29)
Daily Offerings
Two lambs were offered daily (accompanied by grain and drink offerings), one in the
morning, the other in the evening.
At the beginning of each month, 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 lambs, grain and drink offerings
were offered. As well, a kid (young goat) was offered as a sin offering.
Offerings of the Passover
On the 14th day of the 1st month, 2 young bulls, 1 ram and 7 lambs were offered, along
with a grain offering. As well, a kid (young goat) was offered as a sin offering. These
would be made for 7 days.
At each of these feasts, the offering was the same: a grain offering with 2 young bulls, 1
ram and 7 lambs were offered. A young goat was given as a sin offering.
Offerings at the Feast of Tabernacles
BULLS
RAMS
LAMBS
KIDS
13
14
12
14
11
14
10
14
14
14
14
If a man makes a vow to the Lord, he is bound to keep it. Also, if a woman makes a vow
to the Lord, and her father (if she is in his house) or her husband (if she is married) hears
it and holds his peace, she is bound to keep it.
However, if he (father or husband) hears it and overrules her, she is free from the word
of her vow.
-54-
The Lord commanded that vengeance be taken against the Midianites for their schemes
and harassment against Israel (ch. 25). 12,000 men were sent to war against the
Midianites. All the males of Midian were killed in the war, kings included. The women,
children and goods were taken by Israel. Their cities were burned. All who went to battle
for Israel returned. Not a man was missing.
MEN OF WAR
PRIESTS
CONGREGATION
LEVITES
675,000 sheep
336,825
675
330,750
6,750
72,000 cows
35,928
72
35,280
720
61,000 donkeys
30,439
61
29,890
610
32,000 women
15,968
32
15,680
320
The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the land east of the Jordan was good, and desired to
stay there. Moses reminded them of their fathers sinfulness, who were at the edge of
Canaan, ready to possess it, but ceased to follow God, and thus died in the wilderness.
Would they bring this same fate on the current generation?
Moses was commanded to write down the starting points of their journeys. Their journeys
from leaving Rameses in Egypt until camping in the plains of Moab are (33:1-49).
The people were given instructions for when they entered the land:
W hen you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants
of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and
demolish all their high places; you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have
given you the land to possess. (Num 33:51-53)
-55-
The southern border would stretch from the wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom,
eastward to the end of the Salt Sea.
The northern border would be from the Great Sea to Hazar Enan.
The eastern border would be from Hazar Enan toward the Jordan, and would follow the
Jordan to the Salt Sea.
The land inside these borders would be distributed amongst the children of Israel, except
for the children of Reuben, Gad and the tribe of Manasseh.
Cities for the Levites
The Levites were to receive cities from the inheritance for Israel, as well as common land
surrounding the cities. There would be 48 Levitical cities in all.
Cities of Refuge
Cities of refuge were provided for those who had accidentally killed an individual. They
could flee to these from an avenger of blood, and be safe there. Six cities of refuge would
be named, 3 on each side of the Jordan.
One who had fled to a city of refuge had to remain there until the high priests death. To
leave the city before such a time left him open to the avenger of blood.
Trial of a Murderer
One witness was not sufficient testimony to put a man to death. There had to be a plurality
of witnesses.
A murderer could not be ransomed, he was to be put to death. Neither could a manslayer
be ransomed. He had to wait for the death of the high priest.
Concern Among the Family of Manasseh
Recall the daughters of Zelophehad were to receive an inheritance, for they had no
brothers. Further instruction is given here. A woman who had received an inheritance
may marry only in her own tribe, thus, keeping the possession in the appropriate tribe.
-56-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
TREATY
INTENT
TEXT
Historical
Prologue
1:6-3:29
Basic
Stipulations
5:1-11:32
Detailed
Stipulations
12:1-26:19
Document
Clause
27:1-26
Blessings
28:1-14
Curses
28:15-68
Recapitulation
29:1-30:10
At Mount Sinai, leaders were chosen from among the tribes to aid Moses in addressing
the troubles of the people. These were cautioned to be impartial in their judgments.
Leaving Sinai, they came to Kadesh Barnea, from which they sent out spies into the land
which God promised to them. The spies came back with a bad report, which the people
heeded it. Thus, God determined that they would not enter, but wander in the wilderness
for 40 years. Recall, the people acknowledged their sin, and then attempted to go up into
the land of promise, but were driven back by the Amorites.
Moses adds a personal note, about his pleading with the Lord to enter the land, but the
Lord would not hear the matter. He would permit Moses to see the land, but not to enter
the land. Joshua was commanded to leave the people into the land of inheritance.
Obey The Lord
The history of Israel is a lesson in the blessing of obedience and the judgment which
accompanies disobedience. Now, Moses closes this message with a consistent
admonition to obedience (4:1-2, 5-6, 9-10, 13-14, 23, 40).
Along with the admonition to keep the commandments of God, the Israelites are warned
about idolatry (4:15-19). Recall, the former generation was guilty of idolatry (the golden
calf, Exodus 32), and this generation had been guilty of idolatry (the harlotry in Moab,
Numbers 25).
MOSES SECOND SPEECH (Ch. 4:44-11)
Beware Lest You Forget
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the
commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you
do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which
I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. (11:26-28)
-58-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
If a city is reported to have turned from the LORD to false gods, the report was to be
investigated, and if found true, the city was to be utterly destroyed and never again rebuilt.
Three words are key in the book: covenant (27 times), love (20 times), and heed/obey (20
times).
Holiness And Care For Others (ch. 14)
It was a practice among the Gentiles to cut themselves and shave their heads for a variety
of reasons. The Israelites were not to imitate these abominations.
As were previously given, Moses reminds this generation of the clean and unclean
animals. They could eat of the clean, but were not permitted to eat the unclean.
They were to be faithful in their tithing, for this was the means whereby the Levites would
receive their inheritance. If it was too far to carry your tithe, then you could convert it to
money and bring the money to give to the Levites.
The three major feasts are reviewed: the Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Harvest), and the
Feast of Tabernacles (Ingathering). These were required feasts, and they were to come
bearing gifts for the Lord in proportion to the way the Lord had blessed them.
Governance Among The People (ch. 17)
Judges were to be appointed among the people who would judge matters among the
people of their tribes. If a matter arises which is too hard for you to judge..., they were
to go to the priests in the place appointed by God and inquire of them.
Instruction is given regarding the institution of and conduct of a king in Israel. He shall be
a king ...whom the LORD your God chooses... The king would:
1) not multiply horses for himself;
If God foretells the coming of a monarch in
2) not multiply wives for himself;
Israel, and even selects the king, why does
3) not multiply silver and gold for himself;
He later say that the people have forsaken
4) write for himself a copy of the Law
Him by asking for a king? (1 Samuel 8:7)
which he was required to read
continually.
Levites Portion, Avoid Wickedness & A Prophet To Come (ch. 18)
The Levites did not receive an inheritance as the other tribes, but would live on the
offerings made to the Lord. The priests were to receive the proper portion from the
sacrifices of the people.
The abominations of the former inhabitants of the land were not to be found among the
people of God. They were not to engage in false worship, witchcraft, sorcery, or spiritism.
These practices are the very reason why God would dispossess the people in the land.
As three cities of refuge were set up on the East side of the Jordan River, so three cities
of refuge would be set up on the West side of the Jordan.
-60-
When going to battle against a superior foe, they were not to be afraid. The priests were
to speak to the people as they were on the verge of battle, and to remind them of the
LORDs presence among them.
After the priest speaks, then the officer spoke to the men, and exemption from battle
would be granted if one of the following were applicable:
C Any who had built a house but had not yet dedicated it;
C Any who had planted a vineyard and had not yet eaten of it;
C Any who was engaged to a woman, but not yet married to her;
C Any who cowardly, lest his faint heart affect others also.
If a man is found murdered in the field, but it is unknown who killed him, the nearby cities
are to measure their distance from the slain man, and the nearest city will make an
offering of atonement to put away the guilt of innocent blood from among them.
A woman who was taken captive may become an Israelite mans wife, after a month of
purification and mourning on her part.
A man is not to deal dishonourably with his firstborn son. He is to receive the inheritance
which is due the firstborn, even if his mother is unloved in his fathers eyes.
A rebellious son who would not listen to chastening was to be brought to the gates of the
city and would be stoned to death.
Miscellaneous Laws (ch. 22)
Respect your neighbours goods. Return what is found lost; help lift up a fallen beast.
A woman is not to wear mens clothing, nor is a man to wear womens clothing.
Respect nature: do not take the mother bird with the eggs or its young.
When building a house, put a bannister around the roof, so no one will fall and be injured.
Sow only one kind of seed in a field / Do not plow with an ox and donkey together / Do not
wear garments of mixed materials.
Sexual sins (pre-marital sex, adultery, rape, incest) are addressed, and the associated
penalties outlined.
Miscellaneous Laws (ch. 23)
A listing is given of those who cannot enter the assembly of Israel: those emasculated,
illegitimately born, the Ammonites or Moabites (to the 10th generation). The Edomites and
Egyptians could enter, in the 3rd generation.
The camp of the army of the Lord must be kept clean, for the Lord walks in the midst of
the camp.
The wages of a harlot or the price of a dog would not be brought to the house of the Lord
as an offering.
If you make a vow, keep your vow quickly. It was not necessary to make vows.
One may eat freely of his neighbours vineyard or field as he walks through it, but is not
to gather or harvest it.
-61-
If a man has divorced a woman and she has married another man, if the second husband
divorces her or dies, the first husband cannot take her to be his wife again.
In the midst of an outbreak of leprosy, take special care to observe all that is commanded
by the Lord through the priests and Levites. Remember Miriam.
When lending to a man, you shall receive what he gives as a pledge, and if he is poor, you
will return his pledged to him before the night comes.
Do not oppress a hired servant. Give him his wages each day.
Each one shall receive the penalty for his own sins.
Use diligent justice with strangers, fatherless and widows, keeping in mind that you once
were strangers in Egypt. When youve brought in your crops, and have left some behind,
do not go back for it, but leave it for the strangers, fatherless and widows.
Miscellaneous Laws (ch. 25)
No low blows. A woman who does so to a man will lose her hand.
The Amalekites were to be destroyed for their mistreatment of Israel when they were
coming out of Egypt. ...blot out the remembrance of Amalek... You shall not forget.
Firstfruits, Tithes And Mutual Vow (ch. 26)
When they had settled in the land, they were to bring their firstfruits to the Lord in
thanksgiving for His goodness to them. Likewise, they were to bring their tithes before the
Lord, just as He had commanded.
-62-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
The 12 curses proclaimed here quickly summarize key points in the Law:
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Bestiality
Incestuous activity
Violence
Disobedience to the Law
-63-
The curses were intended to effect repentance if the nation turned from the LORD. Recall
when the curses were given in Leviticus 26, they came in phases (v 14, 18, 21, 23, 27).
Deuteronomy does not subdivide the curses, but simply lists all that would come upon
Israel should they walk in disobedience.
Keep in mind, the purpose of the curses was to bring Israel to repentance. If they should
turn from their wickedness and walk uprightly before God, then He would turn from His
wrath against them, and bring the former blessings upon them.
C
C
C
C
Note the language used to speak of how the blessings would come upon them, and how
the curses would come upon them:
And all these blessings shall com e upon you and
overtake you, because you obey the voice of the
LORD your God. (v 2)
Moses closes his discourse by referring to the blessings and curses in this way: life and
good, death and evil.
-64-
God foretold to Moses and Joshua the disobedience which would come among Gods
people. In view of the fact that they would depart from the LORD, He commanded Moses
to write a song, which would ...be a witness for Me against the children of Israel.
THE SONG OF MOSES (ch. 32)
Moses taught the song he was commanded to write to the children of Israel. When words
are put to song, they come to the mind more readily. Even when in captivity, having been
taught this song, Gods people would recall its words, and it would witness against them.
A blessing is pronounced by Moses to the people. To the whole, a reminder of Gods love
for His people and the Law which He had given to them.
R E U B EN
ZE B U LU N
J UD AH
ISS A C H A R
LE V I
GAD
B E N JAM IN
DAN
E P H R AIM
N AP H TALI
Blessed with trade from W est & South & rich soil
M AN AS S EH
AS H E R
Moses final words to Israel prompt them to consider the greatness of God, the protection
which He is willing to give them, and the great place they possess as His people.
-65-
-66-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
When the spies returned, they reported, Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into
our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us. (v
24) No doubt the former generation was equally fearful (if not more), but the Israelites of
that generation lacked faith.
After all the people had crossed, twelve men, one from each
land of Canaan.
tribe, took stones from the midst of the Jordan. These would
be set up as a memorial in Gilgal. Also, Joshua set up 12
stones in the midst of the Jordan as a memorial.
The memorials would serve to teach future generations of Israelites, and ...that all the
peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear
the LORD your God forever. (v 24)
-67-
-68-
The city was destroyed, Rahab and her family were saved.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Men were sent to spy out Ai and the country around it. They returned, suggesting that only
two or three thousand be sent to attack Ai, for there were few people there. Joshua sent
3,000 men, but they fled from the battle, and 36 Israelites were struck down. Joshua
inquired before the LORD (7:7-9). The LORD responded (7:10-15) by identifying the sin
in Israel. Someone had taken of the accursed items in Jericho.
The troubler of Israel being removed, they are ready to go up to take Ai. Rather than the
two or three thousand advised by the spies, God told Joshua to take all the men of war.
They would set an ambush, and thus overtake the city.
After defeating the city, Joshua wrote the words of the Law on the stones, as the LORD
had commanded, and the people separated onto Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, as they
had been commanded. The Law, with the blessings and the curses were read before the
people.
GIBEONITE TREATY (Ch. 9)
When the success of Israel was heard by the kings of the land,
they gathered together to fight. But the Gibeonites, chose
deceit over battle. They sent to Joshua ambassadors, clothed
and provided as though they had journeyed a long way.
CITIES OF REFUGE
Kedesh
Shechem
Hebron
Bezer
Ramoth
Golan
-70-
Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the
elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD
which He had done for Israel. (Joshua 24:31)
-71-
God gave all the land which was promised to Israel, but
they did not completely drive out the inhabitants. Recall,
the people have been warned time and again of the
importance that they completely drive out the inhabitants.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Why did they not drive out the inhabitants? God had commanded them to drive out the
inhabitants, but they did not. Therefore, God would not drive them out, but ...they shall be
thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you. (2:3)
Othniel
Ehud
Shamgar
Deborah
Gideon
Abimelech
Tola
Jair
Jephthah
Ibzan
-72-
Elon
Abdon
Samson
Eli
Samuel
OTHNIEL
EHUD
SHAMGAR
DEBORAH
Judges 3:7-11
Judges 3:12-30
Judges 3:31
Judges 4:1-5:31
APOSTASY
No details given
AFFLICTION
REPENTANCE
No details given
DELIVERANCE
No details given
Deborah, a prophetess,
came as judge in Israel.
She and Barak, with the
help of Jael subdued
Canaan (4:5-24)
PEACE
No details given
GIDEON
ABIMELECH
TOLA
JAIR
Judges 6:1-8:35
Judges 9:1-57
Judges 10:1-2
Judges 10:3-5
APOSTASY
No details given
AFFLICTION
No external enemy is
i n di c a ted, but t he
troubles with Abimelech
afflicted the people.
No details given
REPENTANCE
No details given
No details given
Tola (10:1-2)
No details given
No details given
DELIVERANCE
PEACE
As Abimelech prepared
to kill the people of
Thebez in the same way
he did at Shechem, a
woman from the city
dropped a millstone on
his head. Lest it be said
that a woman killed him,
he asked his armorbearer to kill him with the
sword.
-73-
Deborah was not only a judge, but she was also a prophetess. We do not read of many
prophetesses in Scripture, and so far as judges, Deborah was the only female judge.
She commanded Barak to deploy troops to battle against the Canaanites, but he would
not go unless she went with him. In response, she told him, I will surely go with you;
nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will
sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. (Judges 4:9). Barak may have thought she spoke
of herself, but she spoke prophetically about Jael.
After the LORD granted victory, Deborah sang a song of victory. Note some key words in
the song:
C
C
W hen leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves, bless the LORD! (5:2)
My heart is with the rulers of Israel who offered themselves willingly with the people. Bless the LORD!
(5:9)
Gideon
Gideon was a downcast soul when God called him to deliver Israel. He focussed on his
own inadequacy rather than the LORDs ability to make him adequate. He required signs
from the LORD (the fire from rock for his sacrifice; the fleece of wool).
God would eventually show Gideon that the battle belongs to him, reducing Gideons army
of 32,000 to an army of 300 men. By this small number, God gave Gideon the victory over
the Midianites.
When the men of Israel sought to make Gideon a ruler over them, he responded, I will not
rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you. (8:23)
-74-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
JEPHTHAH
IBZAN
ELON
ABDON
Judges 10:6-12:7
Judges 12:8-10
Judges 12:11-12
Judges 12:13-15
APOSTASY
No details given
No details given
No details given
AFFLICTION
No details given
No details given
No details given
REPENTANCE
No details given
No details given
No details given
DELIVERANCE
Jephthah, a successful
raider was raised up to
free the people from the
Ammonites (11:3-10)
PEACE
No details given
No details given
No details given
Driven out by his brothers since he was born of a harlot (11:1-2). He became a raider in
the land (11:3). His brethren promised him authority if he was victorious (11:4-11).
She was given 2 months to bewail her virginity, and at the end of the two months, she
returned to her father and he carried out his vow.
-75-
And when the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and
delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the
LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them
and harassed them. And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they
reverted and behaved more corruptly than their fathers, by following other gods, to
serve them and blow down to them . They did not cease from their own stubborn
way. (Judges 2:18-19)
SAMSON
ELI
SAMUEL
Judges 13:1-16:31
1 Samuel 1:1-4:18
1 Samuel 1:20-25:1
APOSTASY
AFFLICTION
REPENTANCE
No details given
No indication of repentance
DELIVERANCE
PEACE
No details given
At the wedding, he posed a riddle to the men. A prize of linen garments was at stake. They
answered, only because his Philistine wife secured the answer for them. In His anger,
Samson killed 30 Philistines, and departed back to his fathers house.
-76-
He returned to see his wife, but his father-in-law would not allow it. He set 300 foxes with
torches tied in their tails loose in the Philistines grain fields, vineyards and olive groves.
The Philistines retaliated by burning his wife and father-in-law. Samson attacked them
with a great slaughter, and then departed for Judah. The men of Judah arrested him, and
sought to turn him over to the Philistines. However, he broke free of the new ropes they
secured him with and proceeded to kill 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
Samson and Delilah (ch. 16)
The Philistines requested that Delilah find the source of his great strength, that they might
defeat him. Three times, she asked for his secret and he did not give it. But ...when she
pestered him daily with her words and pressed him, so that his heart was vexed to
death... (v 16) he told her, should his hair be cut, then his strength would be gone.
He was taken captive by the Philistines, his eyes put out, and imprisoned.
Samsons end (ch. 16)
NOTE THE LORDS PRESENCE WITH SAMSON:
More on the end of the period of the judges and the life of Eli and Samuel in our next lesson...
-77-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
...his mother said, I wholly dedicated the silver from my hand to the
LORD for my son, to make a carved image and a molded image,
now therefore, I will return it to you. (17:3)
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was
right in his own eyes. (17:6)
Then Micah said, Now I know that the LORD will be good to me,
since I have a Levite as priest! (17:13)
A Levite dwelling in Ephraim went to Bethlehem to retrieve his concubine who had played
the harlot and returned to her fathers house. After several days at her fathers house, he
departed late into the day, and darkness fell by the time they were near Jerusalem. They
went on to Gibeah, for Jerusalem was a city of the Gentiles.
The result of this wickedness is that all Israel rose up against Benjamin (which Gibeah
belongs to). In the 3 days of battle between Israel and Benjamin, 40,000 men of Israel
were killed, and 25,100 men of Benjamin were killed.
-78-
The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges
for wherever you go, I will go; and
(Ruth 1:1). She was a Moabite woman. Her father-in-law,
wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people, and
brother-in-law and husband all died in the land of Moab.
your God, my God. Where you die, I
Naomi, her mother-in-law sought to return to Bethlehem to
will die, and there will I be buried.
The LORD do so to me, and much
be with her people. Ruth determined to go with her.
more also, if anything but death
In his old age, Eli rebuked his sons for their wickedness, but they would not listen. Eli was
not guiltless either. A prophet came, speaking against Eli and his household (2:27-36).
For 7 months, the ark was among the Philistines, bringing destruction and disease. They
sent it back to Israel, pulled on a cart by two milk cows.
ISRAEL DEMANDS A KING (ch. 7-8)
When Samuel was old, he made his sons judges in Israel, but they did evil. The people
asked Samuel for a king, like the nations about them (8:5, 19-20). God told Samuel to
heed the voice of the people, they had not rejected Samuel, they had rejected God (8:7).
-79-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Some time later, Samuel called together an assembly at Mizpah. He rebuked them for
rejecting the LORD as their king, and then proceeded to select their king. But when they
sought him, he could not be found. He hid himself (v 22).
Saving Jabesh Gilead (ch. 11)
Samuel addressed the people, first confirming his righteous character among them, then
summarized quickly their history which had brought them to the point of having a king. The
people were warned, that both they and the king needed to heed the voice of the LORD.
A sign was given to confirm the wickedness of their asking for a king: thunder and rain
came from heaven at the command of Samuel. He confirmed that he would continue to
pray for and teach them the good and the right way.
-80-
Saul was commanded to attack and utterly destroy Amalek. Not man, woman, infant,
nursing child, ox, sheep, camel or donkey were to remain. All was to be destroyed.
-81-
SAM UEL:
W hat then is this bleating of the sheep... and the lowing of the oxen...
SAUL:
They have brought them ... the people spared the best... to sacrifice to the LORD...
and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
SAM UEL:
Be quiet!
SAUL:
Samuel revealed that Saul was rejected as king of Israel. Note, Saul trumped up the
sacrifices which he and the people had in mind to do; Samuel begins by acknowledging
that the LORD prefers obedience over burnt offerings and sacrifices. Sauls sins were as
atrocious as that of witchcraft or idolatry.
Hearing that he would lose the kingdom, Saul gave lip service repentance. He explained
his actions, ...I feared the people... He sought Samuel to pardon his sins and go worship
with him. Samuel would not. Saul rejected the word of the LORD, therefore the LORD
rejected Saul as king.
Notice again, Sauls concern for his own reputation
I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before
the elders of my people and before Israel, and
and honour. He desired for Samuel to make him
return with me, that I may worship the LORD your
look good before the people.
God. (1 Samuel 15:30)
And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day
of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for
Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. (1 Samuel 15:35)
-82-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Saul saw and knew the LORD was with David (18:28)
plotted against him, offering his daughter
Sauls anger burned so hot, he even cast a spear at Jonathan, when he questioned his
father about what David had done worthy of death.
DAVID ON THE RUN (Ch. 21-31)
Sauls anger continued to burn hot against David. He ceased to be a leader of the nation
Israel in any manner, and spent his time pursuing David. David fled from place to place,
region to region.
-85-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
David and those who were with him mourned for Saul,
Jonathan, and the men of Israel who fell in battle.
Then, David commanded that the Amalekite be
How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand
to destroy the LORDs anointed? (2 Sam 1:14)
put to death.
The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my
The Philistines heard that David had been anointed king, and thus deployed troops against
him. The LORD delivered the Philistines in his hand, and he drove them back.
-86-
With much celebration, David and all Israel with him sought to bring the ark of covenant
to Jerusalem. However, instead of it being carried on the poles by the Levites, as the Law
prescribed, David followed the manner of the
Philistines for moving the ark, a cart drawn by
Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against
Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and
oxen. But, coming to Nachons threshing floor,
he died there by the ark of God. (2 Sam 6:7)
the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out
with his hand to steady the ark.
Eventually, the ark was brought to Jerusalem; David and the people celebrating.
A Covenant Between God And David (ch. 7)
...have I ever spoken a word to
Recall that David was busy while on the run from Saul, purging the land of the people
whom Israel had failed to drive out of the land. He continued his conquests, driving back
the Philistines, defeating Moab, the Syrians and the Edomites. He recovered territory so
far as the River Euphrates.
David And Mephibosheth (ch. 9)
And you shall not only show me the kindness of
The Ammonites and the Syrians both rose up against David again, but were defeated
before him.
-87-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Recall, we have seen in other instances that David has a profound sense of justice. He
calls for restoration to be made and for the life of the man who would do such a thing.
Nathan then reveals to David, he is the one who is guilty of such.
Sin has consequences. The aftermath of Davids sin with Bathsheba would affect him in
several ways and for the rest of his life:
1) ...the sword shall never depart from your house... (v 10)
2) ...I will raise up adversary against you from your own house... (v 11)
3) ...I will take your wives before you eyes and given them to your neighbor... (v 11)
4) ...the child who is born to you shall surely die. (v 14)
After the child was born, he became ill. David fasted and pleaded with the LORD. On the
seventh day, the child died. His servants did not want to tell him of the death, fearing how
he might receive the news. However, when he
was aware, he rose up, washed himself,
While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said,
Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to
changed his clothes, worshipped the LORD, and
me, that the child may live? But now he is dead; why
then requested food from his servants. They
should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to
him, but he shall not return to me. (2 Sam 12:22-23)
were confused, but in this, David revealed his
understanding of eternal things as contrasted
with temporal things.
Also note, Davids declaration regarding his son demonstrates that humans are not born
in sin. The child died on the 7th day, outside the covenant which God made with Israel
(circumcision on the 8th day). If inherent depravity were true, the child would be dead in sin,
but David confidently declared that he would see
his son again, in heaven.
Now the LORD loved him, and He sent word by the
Two years later, still nothing had been done regarding Amnon. Thus, having invited all the
kings sons to Baal Hazor, Absalom commanded his servants to kill Amnon. It was
reported to David, Absalom has killed all the kings sons, and not one of them is left!
Jonadab (Amnons friend) corrected the report, telling David that only Amnon had been
killed; for such was the desire of Absalom since the day Amnon had forced his sister.
Absalom fled to Geshur, and stayed there 3 years. All that time, ...David mourned for his
son every day. (v 37)
It was not until 2 more years had passed, and some strong words had come from
Absalom, that he saw the kings face. Basically, Absalom called for the king to either meet
with him (ie. forgive him) or execute him.
Treasonous Absalom (ch. 15-17)
Absalom The Beautiful
-89-
Absalom had 2 counsellors with him, both whom had been with David. Ahithophel, who
worked on behalf of Absalom (note 16:23), and Hushai, who worked on behalf of David
(secretly). Ahithophel advised Absalom that he should pursue David immediately, and
strike him. This was good advice!! However, Hushai said otherwise, and advised him to
wait, for David and his men would be like an angry bear robbed of her cubs. They could
defeat a small troop, and then fear would fall upon the rest of the people. Wait for all Israel
to be gathered together, and then pursue David.
David sent his men out in 3 troops, commanded by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. He gave
orders, Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.
The people of Israel were overthrown in battle. Absalom fled on a mule, but his hair got
caught in the branch of a tree. Joab was told that Absalom was seen hanging in a tree. He
took 3 spears and thrust them through Absaloms heart. Then, Joabs men surrounded
Absalom, and killed him. The kingdom was restored to David, but he mourned the death
of his son Absalom. Davids mourning affected the people adversely. Joab urged him to
speak encouragement to the people, lest they all depart from him.
Sheba was a rebel from among the tribe of Benjamin. He rallied the men of Israel around
himself. Joab and Davids men pursued him, and came to the city of Abel. Fearing that
they might destroy the whole city, a woman came out to stop Joab. Then, when she came
to the people of the city, they together killed Sheba, and delivered his head to Joab.
Famine In The Land (ch. 21, 24)
A famine was upon the land for 3 years. The LORD attributed it to Sauls actions against
the Gibeonites. Thus, David sought to bring justice for the men of Gibeon. They desired
7 men of Sauls offspring to be put to death for the actions of Saul, their father. Seven
were selected, the sons of Rizpah and the sons of Michal. Mephibosheth was spared. After
the sons of Saul were killed, the rain came.
Eventually, David sought to number the people. Joab warned him about it, but David was
determined to do so. After he had numbered the people, his heart condemned him. A
prophet came to David, giving him a choice of how his disobedience to the Lord would be
punished:
1) ...seven years of famine...
The choices are 3, 3 or 3. Remember, 3 years of
famine had already been upon the land, and with
2) ...flee three months before your enemies...
only a year having passed, the harvest would
3) ...three days of plague...
not yet be normal.
-91-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Though Abiathar the priest was deserving of death (he was guilty of treason), Solomon
sent him away, on account of the relationship he had with David, Solomons father.
Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood, which fulfilled the Lords word regarding
Eli and his descendants.
Joab Executed
Hearing that Solomon had killed Adonijah and exiled Abiathar, Joab fled to the tabernacle
and clung to the horns of the altar. He would not depart, so Solomon commanded Benaiah
to kill him there.
Joab was not only guilty of treason, but also had shed innocent blood (Abner, Amasa, etc.)
Shimei Executed
Two women had given birth about the same time, but one child had died in the night. they
disputed over whose baby remained. Solomons solution split the child in half, and give
half to each. The mother was revealed by her compassion for the childs life.
Solomons wisdom excelled all others, and his fame went out to all the regions around him.
He spoke proverbs and songs, and of all manner of topics.
-92-
Solomon acquired cedars from Lebanon for the building of the temple. Resulting from this
commerce, a peace treaty was signed with Hiram, king of Tyre.
See chapter 6 for details about the temple. The building took 7 years to complete.
Several other buildings were constructed as well: Solomons house, the House of the
Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, the Hall of
Judgment, and a house for Pharaohs daughter.
All those who dwelt in the land who were not of the children of Israel were turned into a
labour force by Solomon to accomplish these building projects.
Chapter 10 demonstrates the wealth of Solomon, speaking of the great amount of gold
which came into his possession and which was used for various items. ...King Solomon
surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. (10:23)
Many sought to come to hear the wisdom of Solomon, bearing gifts with them. Among
these, was the Queen of Sheba, who gave praise to God for Solomons wisdom.
THE END OF SOLOMONS LIFE (Ch. 11)
And he had seven hundred wives,
Idolatry And Adversaries
princesses, and three hundred
concubines; and his wives turned
Neither 1 Kings nor 2 Chronicles give the whole of Solomons life. Other writings are
mentioned, but we do not have access to these (1 Ki 11:41; 2 Chr 9:29).
Though no indication is given in 1 Kings or 2 Chronicles that Solomon turned back to the
LORD, the book of Ecclesiastes would seem to indicate that he did (Ecc. 10:1; 12:1-14).
-93-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
914
JUDAH
ISRAEL
PROPHETS
Shem aiah (in Judah)
Iddo the Seer (in both)
Ahijah the Shilonite (in Isreal)
Man of God (in Israel)
Prophet of Bethel (in Israel)
911
910
1 Ki 15:25-31
-94-
886
JUDAH
ASA continued...
In his old age, Asa was
afflicted with disease in his
feet. Rather than seeking the
L o r d s h e lp , h e s o le ly
consulted physicians. He did
not turn from the Lord, but
neither did he rely upon the
Lord as he ought to have.
ISRAEL
PROPHETS
1 Ki 16:8-14
886
875
872
JEHOSHAPHAT reigned 25
years and was a good king. He
was com m itted to the Lord, but
Judah was not. He sent out
the religious leaders to teach
the people.
856
battle
-95-
855 BC
851
JUDAH
ISRAEL
JEHOSHAPHAT continued...
AHAZIAH continued...
2 Ki 3:1-9:26
PROPHETS
2 Ki 9:1-10:36
-96-
838
JUDAH
ISRAEL
JEHU continued....
PROPHETS
802
801
J e h o ia d a renew ed th e
covenant between God and
Judah. W hen he was older,
Joash com m anded that the
tem ple be repaired. However,
after the death of Jehoiada,
Joash allowed idolatry in
Judah again. Zecharaiah, the
son of Jehoiada spoke against
the evil actions of Joash, but
was stoned for his words.
2 Ki 13:1-9
-97-
787 BC
JUDAH
AM AZIAH continued...
JEHOASH continued....
2 Ki 14:23-29
JEROBOAM II reigned 41
years and was an evil king. He
continued in the wickedness of
Jeroboam , the son of Nebat.
771
768
767
767
ISRAEL
2 Ki 15:8-12
Z E C H A R I A H r e ig n e d 6
m onths and was an evil king.
He was slain by Shallum , who
then took the throne for
him self.
2 Ki 15:10-15
757
PROPHETS
756
755
-98-
DATE
740 BC
JUDAH
ISRAEL
729 BC
727
721
2 Ki 18:1-20:21; 2 Chr29:1-32:33
PROPHETS
CAPTIVITY OF ISRAEL
The Assyrians besieged the
land for 3 years, after which
they took the people captive.
Sam aria becam e an Assyrian
province, and people from a
variety of nation s were
relocated there.
-99-
Judah Alone
2 Kings 18 2 Kings 24 (also 2 Chronicles 3136)
ISRAEL IN CAPTIVITY
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
JUDAH
PROPHETS
HEZEKIAH continued...
Ten years after Israel was taken, the Assyrians cam e against the
cities of Judah. Hezekiah paid a huge tribute to the king of
Assyria, seeking to be left in peace. The LORD answered the
prayer of both Isaiah and Hezekiah, assuring that He would
defend His city and people.
Isaiah
Micah
About the sam e tim e, the king was sick, and told he would die.
He prayed, and the LORD extended his life by 15 years.
Receiving gifts from the king of Babylon, Hezekiah showed the
m en who had com e all the wealth of Judah. Isaiah spoke against
Hezekiah and Judah, revealing that a day was com ing when all
would be carried away to Babylon.
698
2 Ki 21:1-18; 2 Chr33:1-20
Nahum
2 Ki 21:19-26; 2 Chr33:21-25
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JUDAH
PROPHETS
2 Ki 22:1-23:30; 2 Chr34:1-35:27
Isaiah
Micah
Huldah the prophetess
As king, Josiah com m anded that the people would serve the
LORD. He cleansed the tem ple, Judah and even into Israel.
W hile in Israel, at Bethel (2 Ki 23:15-20), Josiah fulfilled the
words of a m an of God who spoke in the days of Jeroboam (1 Ki
13:1-3).
610
Josiahs Epitaph:
Now before him there was no
king like him, who turned to
the LORD with all his heart,
with all his soul, and with all
his might, according to all the
Law of Moses, nor after him
did any arise like him.
(2 Ki 23:25)
2 Ki 23:31-34; 2 Chr36:1-4
Jerem iah
2 Ki 23:35-24:6; 2 Chr36:5-8
Jerem iah
Habakkuk
Daniel
Urjah the son of Shem aiah
2 Ki 24:7-16; 2 Chr36:9-10
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Jerem iah
Daniel
JUDAH
PROPHETS
2 Ki 24:17-25:7; 2 Chr36:11-14
CAPTIVITY OF JUDAH
Zedekiahs reign ended with the Babylonians destroying
Jerusalem and carrying the people of Judah away captive. It is
noteworthy that to be carried away captive was better than to
rem ain in the land (Jer 24:1-10; 29:4-20).
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Jerem iah
Daniel
Ezekiel
Ezekiel
Daniel
The Captivity
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Daniel, Ezekiel
Though Daniel and his friends were but young men, they
had a zeal for the God of Israel, and sought to serve and
glorify Him in their deeds and words. Daniel, ...purposed in his heart that he would not
defile himself with the portion of the kings delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank...
(1:8) As a result, he and his friends increased in strength, stature and knowledge, such
that Nebuchadnezzar found them to be 10 times better than his magicians and astrologers.
The secret which the king has demanded, the
NEBUCHADNEZZARS DREAMS (Dan 2)
wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and
Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue of himself, 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. At the sound
of the musical instruments in symphony, all were to fall down and worship the image of
Nebuchadnezzar. Any who did not would be cast into a burning furnace.
Those who had cast them in were killed by the heat of the flame when they approached
the furnace. But when Nebuchadnezzar looked in, he saw ...four men loosed, walking in
the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of
God. (3:25). He commanded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to come out. He
made a decree, that any who spoke amiss against the God of Israel should be cut in
pieces.
CAPTIVITY IN 3 PHASES
Jerem iah revealed that it was better
Ezekiel, the prophet, was taken in this second group of captives (Eze 1:1-2). It seems that
Mordecais great-grandfather, Kish was taken captive in this group of captives also (Est
2:5-6).
Both Jeremiah (in the land of Judah) and Ezekiel (in Babylon) were busy dispelling the
notion held by some Jews that the yoke of Babylon would soon be broken. False prophets
filled the people with false hope.
In 588 BC, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege against Jerusalem again, but broke off for a time,
to meet the Egyptians in battle. Being victorious over the Egyptians, the Babylonians
turned their attention back to Judah. More captives were carried away, and Jerusalem fell
in 586 BC.
NEBUCHADNEZZARS INSANITY (Dan 4)
Where exactly this occasion fits in, we cannot be entirely sure. Regardless, a wonderful
lesson is given through the dreams and
experiences of Nebuchadnezzar. The text
How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders!
of Daniel 4 is written from the perspective
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His
of the king.
dominion is from generation to generation. (Dan 4:3)
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By this time (539 BC), Daniel is an old man (82, assuming he was
16 at the time the captivity began). Though no longer chief of the
wise men in Babylon, he still served as Gods prophet.
Belshazzar went all out for this feast. It is noteworthy that his father Nabonidus had already
suffered defeat at the hand of Cyrus, on the battlefield. What prompted such a pompous
feast is uncertain. The gold vessels which were taken from the temple of God were used
to drink from. Suddenly, a mans hand appeared and wrote on the wall plaster.
Belshazzar would fall that night. The Persians had diverted the waters of the Euphrates,
which flowed under the city wall. When the water level had dropped sufficiently, they
waded beneath the wall, and took the city. Nabonidus would thereafter submit to Cyrus,
and become a governor in Cyrus kingdom. Babylon was placed under Darius, the Mede.
The reign of the Persians fulfills the dream of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2).
DANIEL IN THE LIONS DEN (Dan 6)
DECREE OF DARIUS
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Daniel not only was given interpretations for the dreams and visions of others, but God
granted dreams and visions which foretold things to come to Daniel also. He was given a
dream in the first year of Belshazzar (7:1) about the succession of kingdoms, and the
coming of the Lords kingdom. In the third year of Belshazzar (8:1), another vision was
given to Daniel, this one much like the previous, about the succession of kingdoms, and
the coming kingdom of God.
In the first year of Darius (9:1), Daniel understood the length of the captivity, and prayed
to the Lord regarding the people of Judah, for he realized the time of the captivity was
over. God supplied an immediate answer to Daniels prayer, as Gabriel, the angel was
sent. The people would be returned to the land, the city would be rebuilt, but after the
passing of time, it would be destroyed once more, this time for good. Not that the city
would never be rebuilt again, but that it would never again occupy the special place it had
in Gods plan.
THE END OF CAPTIVITY
The captivity officially ended with a proclamation in the first year of Cyrus, the king of
Persia. Cyrus declared, All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given
me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.
Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to
Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God),
which is in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:2-3)
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
The people made preparation to return to the land for the rebuilding of the city and the
temple. Most of those who returned were from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi.
The vessels which had been removed from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar were returned
by the hands of Shesbazzar, who had been made governor in Judah (Ezra 5:14). It would
seem that Shesbazzar is one and the same as Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2; 3:2, 8; 4:2-3; 5:2).
Having settled in the land, the people came together to Jerusalem. The altar was rebuilt,
and sacrifices began to be offered. Also, since it was the 7th month, the people observed
the Feast of Tabernacles.
The following spring, work began on the temple, to rebuild it. Their neighbours to the north
(who would later be called the Samaritans), had been worshipping God in the land, and
sought to help in the work of rebuilding the temple. However, the Jews would not permit
it, but did according to the command of Cyrus. Thus, the pagans harassed and sought to
discourage the Jews to keep them from finishing the work.
After Cyrus died in battle (530 BC), the enemies of the Jews wrote to his son, Cambyses
(called in Ezra 4:7, Artaxerxes). The letter indicated that the Jews sought to rebel against
the king by rebuilding the city, and that they would refuse to pay tribute. The king searched
the records, and found that Jerusalem had formerly been a rebellious city, as the enemies
of the Jews said. Thus, Artaxerxes sent orders that the construction cease. Note, they
conveniently failed to mention the decree of Cyrus, which commissioned the rebuilding.
-107-
Having been rebuked by the LORD through the prophets, the people again turned their
hand to the work of rebuilding the temple. It had been 16 years since the work had
stopped.
Esthers uncle, Mordecai, who served at the kings gate in some capacity, learned of a plot
to kill the king, and through his efforts, the plot was thwarted and those responsible were
put to death. This deed of Mordecais would become important in the saving of the Jews.
A man named Haman was elevated to a great position among the kings people, and he
enjoyed basking in the glory of his rank. All the kings servants bowed down before him,
all, except for Mordecai. When Haman was made aware that Mordecai would not bow
down, he sought to take out his anger, not only on Mordecai, but upon all the Jews.
Haman went to the king and spoke against the Jews, as a people who did not keep the
kings laws. He strongly suggested that they ought to be put to death. Haman was even
willing to pay for the cost of their destruction. So, the king gave his approval.
The king held out his scepter to Esther, thus giving his approval of her (and releasing her
from the penalty of death). Esther held 2 banquets, which the king and Haman attended.
Hamans ego was stroked by the invitation to the feasts a private feast with the king and
queen. But when he thought of Mordecai still alive, these things were nothing to him. He
sought at once a way to kill Mordecai. To do so, a great gallows was built, and he would
seek permission the next day to put Mordecai to death on the gallows.
Unable to sleep, the king requested that the
For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a
chronicles be read to him. As he listened, he
royal rob be brought which the king has worn, and
a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a
heard of Mordecai exposing the plot against
royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe
his own life, but realized no honour had been
and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the
given to him. When early morning came,
kings most noble princes, that he may array the
man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade
Haman was in the kings court (he sought
him on horseback through the city square, and
permission to hang Mordecai). So the king
proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the
called him in, and asked him what he would
man whom the king delights to honor! (6:7-9)
recommend be done for one the king sought
to honour. Haman thought the king sought to
honour him.
Haman was sent to honour Mordecai in the way that he described to the king. His plan to
kill Mordecai and all the Jews was coming undone before his eyes.
At the second of Esthers feasts, she petitioned the king on behalf of her people, revealing
that an evil plot had been devised against them. The king asked who was behind the plot,
and it was revealed that it was Haman. Haman would be hung on the gallows he built for
Mordecai.
Rather than the Jews being killed, the king decreed that the Jews avenge their enemies.
So, those who would have risen up against the Jews were put to death.
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Though the persecutions from their enemies continued, the Jews persisted in the work.
Their enemies plotted violence against them, but the people trusted the Lord. Also, they
divided the people, half serving as guards, the other half continuing in construction. Even
the labourers carried a weapon with them. They were always at the ready for an attack.
Some internal problems arose also. Folks were running out of food. To pay their taxes and
provide food, some had mortgaged their land and homes. Others had borrowed money or
even sold their children as slaves, but could not afford to redeem them.
They repeated the request 4 times, and he answered the same each time. The fifth time,
they sent an accusation, that he was rebuilding the walls, that he might become king in
Judah. They threatened to report this to the king, if he would not meet with them. Again,
he would not be deterred from the work.
The temple was complete in 52 days!! When their enemies saw it, they lost heart, for
they perceived that it was God who had accomplished this work (6:15-16).
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Later that same month, all the people assembled together, fasting and in sackcloth. This
was a public confession of sin, and a renewal of their covenant with God. Among the
things which they promised to do were:
not to intermarry with foreigners;
not to buy or sell on the Sabbath or any other holy day;
to observe the Sabbath year with regard to their crops;
to give to the Lord and the temple service as they ought;
We will not neglect the house of our God
A process was used (one of every 10 families by lot) to populate the city of Jerusalem. The
city could not prosper if it did not have a population.
-111-
Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me... (3:1). This
is Malachi foretelling the coming of John the Baptist.
...And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger
of the covenant... (3:1) this is Malachi foretelling the coming of the Lord. He comes to
purify the people (2-3). Gods people will be faithful after his coming, for He brings
judgment with Him (4-6).
He calls the people to repentance, for they have not been faithful. They have robbed the
Lord. (8-12), they have counted the service of God to be a burden rather than a blessing
(13-15). There appear to have been some that responded to Malachis preaching (16-18).
Again, the day of the LORD is promised (4:1-3). The people are warned to remember and
keep the Law (4:4). Before the day of the LORD, Elijah must come first. That was John
the Baptist (Mt 17:1-13; Mk 9:2-13; Lk 9:28-36).
Elijah to come would ...turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the
children to their faithers... (6). So, John the Baptist did (Lk 1:17).
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Years of Silence
Amos 8:11-12
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord GOD, That I will
send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for
water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander
from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro,
seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
CONTRASTING THE JEWS OF THE RETURN WITH THE NEW TESTAMENT JEWS.
JEWS OF THE RETURN
LANGUAGE
ATTITUDE TOWARD
THE LAW
THE LAND
NEIGHBOURS
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There are four cultures which should attract our attention during the
years of silence. Aside from the Jewish nation, who continued to be
Gods people through this time, we must follow the Persians, for they
were in power when the time of the LORDs silence began. They
would continue to be the prominent empire for the next 100 years.
The Greeks, though inconsequential at the close of the Old
Testament record, would become the next great world power (Daniel
2; 8:20-21), led by Alexander the Great. The Roman empire, also
spoken of by Daniel (Daniel 2; 7), would come in the latter days of
the silence, and would continue as the world power when the LORDs
word again would come.
The Persian Empire
At the end of our study on the return of the Jews, Artaxerxes was king in Persia. The
conflict which began between his father (Xerxes) and the Greeks continued in his reign.
His son (Xerxes, named after his father) took the throne after him, but only reigned 45
days before being assassinated by his half-brother, Sogdianus. He too only reigned a short
time (6 months) before he was assassinated by another half-brother, Darius II.
It was during the time of Daruis II (424-405 BC), that the great philosophers of the Greeks
began to come: Socrates (470-399 BC), Plato (428-348 BC), and Aristotle (384-322 BC).
Darius II was succeeded by his son Artaxerxes Mnemon. The latter portion of his name,
given to him by the Greeks, apparently because of his wonderful memory. He was
attacked by his brother Cyrus, who had amassed a large army of both Greeks and
Persians. Though Artaxerxes was wounded in the
battle, Cyrus himself died in his attempt. Perhaps the
KINGS OF PERSIA
most significant result of the battle between Cyrus
Cyrus (559-530 BC)
and Artaxerxes was that the Greeks became aware
Cam byses (530-522 BC)
Darius I (521-486 BC)
of the inferior state of the Persian army.
Xerxes I (486-465 BC)
beyond Judea, and dwelling in many parts of the empire, adopting both the language and
customs of the Greeks. However, they did not adopt their religion. They continued to
worship God.
About 280 BC, Ptolemy II commissioned scholars to translate the Hebrew Scriptures into
the Greek language. The result is what is known as the Septuagint. With this translation,
the Jews could easily read their Scriptures in a language they were comfortable with
(doubtless, as they were influenced by the Greek culture, their use and ability in Hebrew
faded), and for the first time, the Word of God was available to the Gentiles, in a language
which they could understand. Thus, as we enter the New Testament era, we find many
proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism).
The Roman Empire
Rome began its rise to power in the late part of the 3rd century BC, becoming the ruling
nation of the western Mediterranean Sea. When Rome turned their attention to the armies
of Syria (remember, this is a Greek empire), they were easily victorious. The Romans
imposed a large tax upon the Syrian empire. To guarantee payment, the Romans took
Antiochus Epiphanes (son of Antiochus) as hostage. He was late swapped for his brother
Demetrius.
After the death of Antiochus (he died while attempting to raid a temple at Susiana to gain
money to pay his debt to Rome), a conflict arose for the crown, which was eventually won
by Antiochus Epiphanes. He reigned over a kingdom that was dissolving around him; the
Romans in the West, and the Parthians (who took Persia and Mesopotamia away from the
Seleucid kingdom) in the East. He sought money to pay the Romans and to wage war from
any place he could find it. Men at this time (mid-2nd century BC) were buying the position
of High Priest from Epiphanes. One man in particular, Menelaus, permitted him to enter
the temple and take the money from the treasury, and strip the costly items of the temple.
The Jews rebelled against Menelaus and Epiphanes, and much bloodshed resulted.
Epiphanes struck hard against the Jews (see Daniel 8:21-26):
building a fortress for himself in
suspending all temple rituals;
the temple area;
burning the sacred scriptures;
forbidding observance of the
erecting an altar to Zeus on top the altar of
Sabbath or festival days;
burnt offering and forcing the people of the
forbidding circumcision;
land to offer incense to Zeus.
Through these actions, Epiphanes provoked a great rebellion by the Jews. Any who would
not submit and give honour to Zeus were publicly whipped and killed. Eventually, through
Judas Maccabaeus (his name meaning hammer), the Jews fought a guerrilla type
warfare against the Syrians armies, and time after time, defeated them. After the death
of Antiochus Epiphanes, Judas and his men regained control of Jerusalem and the temple.
They removed the altar to Zeus, and cleansed the temple.
Note, through this whole time, the Romans were sitting quietly
the Jews today, in the
in the West, watching in anticipation of each weakening blow to
feast of Hanukkah.
the Greek empire. Egypt was already an ally of Rome, and as
the Maccabees consistently fought and won against the Syrian
rule, the Romans could envision world domination.
-116-
Several sects of the Jews began in the 2nd century BC. Here they are briefly:
The Hasidim
These were known as the Pious Ones. They were a deeply spiritually-minded people, who
supported the work of the Maccabees, until the temple was regained. They were not
concerned about political freedom as the Maccabees, just religious freedom.
These were responsible for many of the ritualistic customs we find in the Gospels (ie.
ceremonial washing, ritualistic prayer and fasting, oral traditions on keeping Gods law).
The Pharisees
These rose out of the Hasidim. They held to the rituals established by the Hasidim, and
likewise were very strict when it came to the law of God.
What seems to distinguish them from the Hasidim is that they continued to support the
Maccabean effort for political freedom. However, their support ceased during the days of
John Hyrcanus (134-104 BC), when a dispute arose over his claim to be priest.
The Sadducees
These seem to have began about the same time as the Pharisees. There were a group
more politically minded than religious, though they certainly mixed the two.
When the Maccabean revolt first began, they did not participate. It was their position that
acceptance of the Greek ways was best for their political welfare.
The Essenes
These were completely opposed to the Greeks. They withdrew themselves from society,
living in communal groups.
It is believed that these are responsible for the collection of what has now become known
as the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947.
The Zealots
One
of
Jesus
These came after the groups already mentioned, likely after the
disciples was a Zealot
Romans had taken control of Judea. They were zealous to
(Sim on Zelotes).
establish an independent Jewish state, so that they might see the
kingdom which God promised in His word.
Eventually, this extreme political movement would become a group of terrorists. In the first
century AD, they would be responsible for countless riots, and would act without scruples
in their attempt to achieve political independence. Their ruthless actions played a role in
the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
The Sanhedrin
The Sanhedrin basically served as the Jewish court. The leader of the Sanhedrin was
usually the high priest. The remainder of the members were made up of the sects above
mentioned, primarily the Pharisees and Sadducees.
By the time we get to New Testament times, the Sanhedrin is placed under the rule of the
Romans. They were still permitted to govern local affairs, but could not rule contrary to the
Roman injunctions.
-117-
Rome took control of all Asia Minor, and Pompey, a Roman general, was granted authority
to conquer all the eastern shore of the Mediterranean. The Romans were never able to
defeat the Parthians (who had taken Persia and Mesopotamia in the late part of the 2nd
century BC), but considered it vitally important to control Judea, as a buffer zone between
themselves and the Parthians. When he came to Jerusalem, he went into the temple,
which was an action of sacrilege.
Internal strife occurred in the Roman leadership. Julius Caesar, who was leading his
forces in the west, came up against Pompey, and defeated him in battle. Pompey fled to
Egypt, where he was slain. Caesar brought Egypt into subjection to himself (Cleopatra,
of the house of Ptolemy ruled in Egypt).
Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, by Brutus, a trusted friend. Octavian (Caesars
nephew) and Mark Antony defeated those who conspired against Julius Caesar. Octavian
and Antony divided the Roman empire between themselves. It was Mark Antony who
appointed Herod as ruler in Judea (37-4 BC). Herod won favour with the Jews, as he
secured religious freedom for them, to worship in accordance with the law of Moses.
Eventually, strife arose between Mark Antony and Octavian. They warred against each
other, and Antony was defeated (31 BC). Both Antony and Cleopatra (whom Antony was
enamoured with) were put to death. After this, the Roman Senate gave Octavian the title
Augustus. This is the name which he is referred to with in the New Testament (Luke 2:1).
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Mark wrote to a Roman audience. They were not interested in the fulfilment of prophecy
(as the Jews) or philosophy (as the Greeks), but with action. Mark chronicles work after
work of the Lord, showing Him to be a labourer for God.
Luke wrote to a Greek audience. The Greek concept of gods was that they had little or
no interaction or concern for men. The writers presentation of Jesus is that of God who
has fully taken humanity upon Himself.
John wrote to all mankind. He supplies an excellent introduction to the person of Jesus,
both in His Godhood and His humanity.
-120-
Years of Preparation
BIRTH OF JOHN
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the
wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Lk 1:16-17)
BIRTH OF JESUS
Two names are given to the Child in Matthew 1:
Jesus Jehovah saves
Wise men came from the East to visit Jesus (Mt 2:1-12). They did
Herod sought to destroy
not find Him in Jerusalem, or in Bethlehem, but followed the star
the Child who was sought
by the wise men. Herod
northward to Nazareth. Warned by the Lord not to return to
perceived that He posed a
Jerusalem, they departed another way.
threat to his rule. He
commanded that all males
Warned of the Lord that Herod sought to kill the Child, Joseph took
in the region be killed, age
his family into Egypt. They returned from there after the death of
2 years and under.
Herod and again settles in Nazareth of Galilee (Mt 2:13-23).
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
At about the age of 30, it was time for the ministry of our
Lord to begin. However, before He began to preach and
teach, two events would take place.
1) Jesus would be baptized by John;
2) Jesus would be tempted in the wilderness.
Jesus came to be baptized by John (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:911; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:32-34). John knew who Jesus was
(Jn 1:31), and wondered at Him coming to be baptized (Mt
3:14). However, Jesus told John to permit it, that all
righteousness might be fulfilled (v 15).
Seeing Jesus, John remarked to his disciples, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away
the sin of the world! (Jn 1:29). Having baptized Jesus, and seen the Spirit of God
descend upon Him, John was able to now testify, I have seen and testified that this is the
Son of God. (Jn 1:34). Again, the next day, John bore witness to Jesus (Jn 1:35-36), and
so His disciples followed Jesus.
FIRST CONTACT WITH DISCIPLES
The Jews challenged Him, What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?
They sought for Him to prove His authority. The sign: His death, burial and resurrection.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (Jn 3:16)
After John bore witness again to Jesus, he was put in prison by Herod (Mt 14:1-5; Lk
3:19-20). When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed Judea for
Galilee (Mt 4:12; Mk 1:14; Lk 4:14; Jn 4:1-4).
THROUGH SAMARIA AND INTO GALILEE
On His way to Galilee, Jesus went through Samaria. He stopped at the well which was
outside the city of Sychar. Here, Jesus turned a commonplace conversation (though there
was nothing commonplace about the participants) into an opportunity to preach to an
entire city.
After spending 2 days with the Samaritans at Sychar, Jesus arrived in Galilee. Upon His
arrival there, He began to teach in their synagogues. The weight of His message, Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mt 4:17)
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Fishers of Men
In the early part of Jesus ministry in the region of Galilee, He performed a number of
miracles. Among them:
healing of the Noblemans son (Jn 4:46-54);
healing of a demonic at the synagogue on the Sabbath (Mk 1:21-28; Lk 4:31-37);
healing of Peters mother-in-law (Mt 8:14-17; Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41);
healing many as He toured the region preaching (Mt 4:23-25; Mk 1:35-39; Lk 4:42-44);
healing of a leper (Mt 8:2-4; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 5:12-16);
healing of a paralytic in Capernaum (Mt 9:2-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26)
Matthew Called as a Disciple
Jesus came to Matthew at his tax office, and called him to follow Him. Matthew thereafter
hosted a feast in his home in honour of Jesus (Mt 9:9-13; Mk 2:13-17; Lk 5:27-32).
Conflicts About the Sabbath
And He said to them, The Sabbath was
After returning from the feast at Jerusalem, having taught a great multitude (Mt 12:15-21;
Mk 3:7-12), Jesus spent the night in prayer, and the next day, selected the twelve apostles
(Mk 3:13-19; Lk 6:12-16).
Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5-7 records what is usually called the sermon on the mount. We might otherwise
refer to it as the gospel in preview, as Jesus gives a preview of His kingdom there. He
reveals the character of those will come to Him, and the morality and holiness which
governs His people.
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During the Galilean ministry, Jesus spoke several parables. Among them, we have:
parable of the sower (Mt 13:3-23; Mk 4:3-25; Lk 8:5-18);
parable of the growing seed (Mk 4:26-29);
parable of the tares (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43);
parable of the mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32; Mk 4:30-32);
parable of the leaven (Mt 13:33-35; Mk 4:33-34);
parable of the hidden treasure (Mt 13:44);
parable of the pearl of great price (Mt 13:45-46);
parable of the dragnet (Mt 13:47-52)
Jesus, Lord Over Things Physical And Spiritual
We see in the Galilean period that Jesus is the Lord over His creation.
on the Sea with His disciples, He stills the waters (Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25);
He destroyed demons in a herd of swine (Mt 8:28-34; Mk 5:1-20; Lk 8:26-39);
He raised Jarius daughter from the dead and healed the woman with an issue of blood
(Mt 9:18-26; Mk 5:21-43; Lk 8:40-56);
He healed 2 blind men and a mute demonic (Mt 9:27-34)
Death Of John The Baptist
This period ends with the death of John the Baptist at the hand of Herod. After Jesus
heard of Johns death, He withdrew from the people, and for the next six months or so, He
sought to speak with His disciples primarily.
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
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From Decapolis, Jesus briefly went to Magdala (or Dalmanutha), where He was confronted
by both the Pharisees and Sadducees (Mt 15:39-16:4; Mk 8:10-12).
The Fourth Retirement
From Magdala, Jesus crossed over to the other side of the sea of Galilee, to Bethsaida
Julias, and then eventually on to Caesarea Philippi. At Bethsaida, Jesus warned His
disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Mt 16:5-12; Mk 8:13-21).
Also, at Bethsaida, He healed a blind man (Mk 8:22-26).
At Caesarea Philippi, Peter confesses Jesus as the Son of God (Mt 16:13-20; Mk 9:27-30;
Lk 9:18-21). There, Jesus foretells His coming death (Mt 16:21-26; Mk 8:31-37; Lk 9:2225), and reveals that His kingdom would come within that generation (Mt 16:27-28; Mk
8:38-9:1; Lk 9:26-27).
Moving Southward
At Capernaum, Jesus paid the temple tax (Mt 17:24-27); and settled a dispute which had
arisen among His disciples along the way about who is greatest in the kingdom (Mt 18:114; Mk 9:33-37; Lk 9:46-48). From this, He proceeded into a discourse on how to deal
with a sinning brother (Mt 18:15-35).
Time for the feast of Tabernacles was approaching, and Jesus brother prompted Him to
go show Himself openly (Jn 7:2-9). Instead, Jesus went to the feast privately (Jn 7:10;
Lk 9:51-56).
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
It is uncertain where Jesus spent most of His time when these teachings / events occurred.
However, we know that after He returned from the feast of Dedication (below), He went
into Perea. Was He there after the feast of Tabernacles, we do not know.
Parable of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37);
Jesus visit in the home of Martha of Bethany (Lk 10:38-42);
Jesus teaches His disciples to pray (Lk 11:1-12);
Jesus accused of using the power of Beelzebub to cast out demons (Lk 11:14-36);
Jesus eats in the home of a Pharisee (Lk 11:37-54);
Jesus teaches His disciples (Lk 12:1-13:9)
Warning about the Pharisees and encouragement to faithfulness (1-12)
Parable of the rich fool (13-21)
Dont focus on material goods (22-34)
Parables about servitude (35-48)
Divisions resulting from the Lord and the signs of the times (49-59)
The need to repent and bear fruit (13:1-9)
Jesus heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath (13:10-21);
He makes His way toward Jerusalem, for the feast of Dedication (13:22-35)
Feast of Dedication
Jesus attended the feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. In Solomons porch at the temple,
the question arose whether He was the Christ or not. He had already affirmed this for
them, but again, Jesus declares His deity, saying, I and My Father are one. (Jn 10:30).
As a result, the Jews sought to stone Him.
Beyond the Jordan
Jesus departed Jerusalem, and went beyond the Jordan, into Perea. Many came to Him
there and believed (Jn 10:40-42).
Again, the gospel of Luke chronicles many of the teachings of the Lord during this time:
Jesus eats in the home of a Pharisee, and teaches in their midst (Lk 14:1-24);
The cost of discipleship (Lk 14:25-35);
The parable of the lost sheep / coin / son (Lk 15:1-32);
Parables on stewardship (Lk 16:1-17:10);
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (Jn 11:1-44)
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The time of Passover was approaching, and so Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem (Lk
17:11). On His way, He:
Heals ten lepers in Samaria (Lk 17:12-19);
Explains the nature of the kingdom and the coming judgment (Lk 17:20-37);
Speaks the parables of the unjust judge and the Pharisee & Publican (Lk 18:1-14);
Teaches on marriage and divorce (Mt 19:1-12; Mk 10:1-12);
Receives little children to Himself (Mt 19:13-15; Mk 10:13-16; Lk 18:15-17);
Teaches the rich young ruler (Mt 19:16-20:16; Mk 10:17-31; Lk 18:18-30);
Foretells his death and resurrection (Mt 20:17-19; Mk 10:32-34);
Arriving at Jericho, He meets blind Bartimaeus (Mt 20:30-34; Mk 10:47-52;
Lk 18:36-43), and Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Lk 19:1-28).
Shortly, the Lord will arrive at Bethany, and the final week will begin.
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The trip from Jericho to Bethany was uphill, from about 840
feet below sea level to 2,500 feet above sea level. It would
take approximately 6 hours to walk the rugged climb from
one location to the other.
Jesus made the trip on Friday, arriving in Bethany
sometime before sundown, when the Sabbath day began.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Location
afternoon
Bethany
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
12:1
evening
Bethany
26:6-13
14:3-9
morning
Mount of
Olives
21:1-11
11:1-10
evening
Jerusalem
11:11
evening
Bethany
11:11
12:2-8
19:29-44
12:12-19
Mark is the only gospel writer that distinguishes between the day of the entry into Jerusalem and the day upon which Jesus
cleansed the temple. Since it was already evening, Jesus returned to Bethany, and would return to the temple the next day.
morning
21:18-19a
11:11-18
21:12-13
11:15-18
19:45-48
12:20-36
Jerusalem
12:37-50
evening
Bethany
11:19
Luke reveals the Lords schedule in at least the first few days of the last week. Luke 21:37-38 records, And in the daytime
He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. Then early in the morning
all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.
morning
Jerusalem
21:19b-22
11:20-26
21:37-38
21:23-27
11:27-33
20:1-8
12:1-12
20:9-19
21:28-32
21:33-46
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Tim e of D ay
M atthew
M ark
Luke
22:1-14
22:15-22
12:13-17
20:20-26
22:23-33
12:18-27
20:27-40
22:35-40
12:28-34
22:41-46
12:35-37
20:41-44
23:1-39
12:38-40
20:45-47
12:41-44
21:1-4
13:1-37
21:5-36
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
24:1-51
Mount of
Olives
John
25:1-13
25:14-30
25:31-46
It appears that Tuesday was the last day on which Jesus entered into the temple to teach. There was no more need for Him
to debate with the Jewish leaders. There is no mention in Scripture of what Jesus did on the Wednesday of His final week.
26:1-5
14:1-2
22:1-2
26:14-16
14:10-11
22:3-6
Jerusalem
Judas agreed to betray Jesus
Jerusalem
26:17-19
PASSOVER
14:12-16
22:7-13
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
evening
26:20
14:17
22:14-16
13:1
22:24-30
13:2-17
Jerusalem
26:21-25
14:18-21
22:21-23
26:26-29
14:22-25
22:15-20
13:18-30
13:31-35
26:31-35
14:27-31
22:31-38
13:36-38
14:1-30
26:30
14:26
14:31
15:1-16:33
Kidron
valley
17:1-26
PASSOVER
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Tim e of D ay
Location
M atthew
M ark
Luke
John
Mount of
Olives
26:36-46
14:32-42`
22:39-46
18:1
26:47-56
14:43-52
22:47-53
18:2-12
night
night
night
18:13-14
night
18:24
night
26:57-68
14:53-65
22:54,
63-65
night
26:58,
69-75
14:54,
66-72
22:54-62
morning
27:1
15:1
22:66-71
morning
morning
15:1-5
23:1-7
morning
morning
Jerusalem
Field of
Blood
18:15-18,
25-27
27:3-10
27:2,
11-14
18:28-38
23:6-12
27:15-23
15:6-14
morning
27:27-31
15:16-19
morning
27:22-26
15:12-15
23:20-25
19:4-16
morning
27:31-34
15:20-23
23:26-32
19:16-17
morning
27:35-44
15:24-32
23:33-43
19:18-24
afternoon
27:45-50
15:33-37
23:44, 46
19:25-30
afternoon
27:51-56
15:38-41
23:45,
47-49
evening
27:57-61
15:42-47
23:50-55
Jerusalem
Calvary
SABBATH
Jewish leaders secure the tomb
18:39-40
19:1-3
19:31-42
Jerusalem
/Calvary
27:62-66
23:56
23:13-22
Calvary
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28:1-8
16:1-9
24:1-8
20:1
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
THE RESURRECTION
The women came to the tomb very early (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:2; Lk 24:1; Jn 20:1). They
included: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James; Salome, Joanna, and other women
who are not listed by name (Mk 16:1; Lk 24:10). As they approached, not knowing what
had taken place, they were concerned about how they would roll the stone away.
Having met the angels, and hearing that Jesus had risen, they went to tell His disciples.
Then, Jesus disciples (specifically Peter and John) also ran to the tomb, finding it empty.
APPEARANCES ON THE RESURRECTION DAY
There are five appearances of Jesus recorded in the gospels on the resurrection day.
These appearances include:
Mary Magdalene (Mk 16:9-11; Jn 20:11-18)
Mary returned to the tomb, after Peter and John had come, seen, and left. She wept
outside the tomb. She spoke briefly with the angels who were there, and then saw Jesus
(though she didnt recognize Him at first). After briefly conversing with Him, she went to tell
the disciples that she had seen the Lord.
The Other Women (Mt 28:9-10)
All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this
While this is going on, the guards who had been at the tomb reported what had taken
place to the chief priests. Thus, a coverup was born (Mt 28:11-16).
Two Disciples On The Road To Emmaus (Mk 16:12-13; Lk 24:13-32)
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The two men above mentioned immediately headed back to Jerusalem from Emmaus.
Finding the apostles (Thomas and apparently Peter being absent), they told of the things
which happened along the road, but the disciples did not believe them.
Prior to revealing their own experience, they told all, The Lord has risen indeed, and has
appeared to Simon!
The Gathered Disciples (Mk 16:14; Lk 24:36-43; Jn 20:19-25; 1 Cor 15:5)
As these men whom Jesus met on the road to Emmaus spoke with the disciples, Jesus
came in their midst. At first, they feared, believing theyd seen a ghost, but Jesus quickly
assures them that it was Him, in the flesh.
He asked if they had any food, and ate in their presence (Lk 24:43). On this night, He also
gave them a measure of the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22).
As indicated above, Thomas was not present on this occasion, and given the words of the
disciples who came from the Emmaus road, neither was Peter.
APPEARANCES THROUGH THE FOLLOWING 40 DAYS
Below are the recorded appearances through the remainder of Jesus time on earth after
His resurrection. Whether these are all the appearances of the Lord following His
resurrection, or whether there are others, which are not recorded, we do not know.
The Gathered Disciples, A Week Later (Jn 20:26-31)
Thomas, because you have seen Me, you
Because He doubted (and His doubts were answered), we need not doubt.
Seven Disciples At The Sea Of Tiberias (Jn 21:1-25)
This is identified as the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after being
raised from the dead (Jn 21:14). Those present include: Peter, Thomas, Nathanael,
James, John and two others, who are not named.
The disciples were on the water fishing when Jesus appeared on the shore. When Jesus
commanded that they put the net out on the right side of the boat, and numerous fish were
caught, Peter knew that it was the Lord. Jesus shared breakfast with the disciples.
At the time of Pauls writing to the Corinthians (some 25-30 years after the resurrection),
he indicated that most of these 500 people were still living. This is significant, because one
could actually talk with an individual or group of individuals who had seen the resurrected
Christ. There were numerous witnesses to the resurrection.
Though the text does not specify where these were from, Acts 1 speaks of there being 120
disciples in Judea. It would seem that these 500 were thus Galileans.
James (1 Cor 15:7)
We are not sure which James this is. There are three men named James who are possible
(James the son of Zebedee; James the son of Alphaeus; James the brother of Jesus).
Given the prominence which this last James had in the early church (Gal 1:19; 2:9; Ac
12:17; 15:13; 21:18), it is likely a reference to him, James, the brother of Jesus.
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On an appointed mountain in Galilee, Jesus again appeared to the eleven. Below, we see
the commission given in each of the accounts:
M ATTHEW S ACCOUNT:
All authority has been given to
Me in heaven and on earth. Go
therefore and make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all
things that I have commanded
you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.
M ARKS ACCOUNT:
Go into all the world and preach
the gospel to every creature. He
who believes and is baptized will
be saved; but he who does not
believe will be condemned. And
these signs will follow those who
believe: in My name they will cast
out demons; they will speak with
new tongues; they will take up
serpents; and if they drink
anything deadly, it will by no
m eans hurt them; they will lay
hands on the sick, and they will
recover.
LUKES ACCOUNT:
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.
...Thus it is written, and thus it
was necessary for the Christ to
suffer and to rise from the dead
the third day, and that repentance
and remission of sins should be
preached in His name to all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And you are witnesses of these
things. Behold, I send the
Prom ise of My Father upon you;
but tarry in the city of Jerusalem
until you are endued with power
from on high.
Though the great commission took place on a mountain in Galilee, the ascension appears
to have taken place near Bethany, in Judea (Lk 24:5). It is quite possible that it was at the
Mount of Olives, a place where Jesus spent much time when in Judea. Recall, He had
commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Spirit of God. Thus, He
accompanied them most of the way.
He raised His hands, blessing them, and was received into heaven out of their sight.
They went into the city, and there awaited the promise of the Father.
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The outline for the book of Acts can be found in Acts 1:8.
Jesus said:
...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
end of the earth.
The remainder of the book fits into the outline Jesus gave:
in Jerusalem (1:1-8:3)
in all Judea and Samaria (8:4-12:25)
to the ends of the earth (13:1-28:31)
In the process of our study, we will try to glean as much
from the book as possible, yet maintaining an overview
pace.
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Jesus commanded the apostles that they should stay in Jerusalem, and there await the
promise of the Father, which was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49; Ac 1:4). The
apostles returned there, having an upper room in which they were staying (v 13-14). Do
not confuse who is in the upper room. It is not the 120 mentioned later in the text, but
rather the apostles, the women, Jesus mother and Jesus brothers. The 120 assembled
at the temple (Lk 24:52-53).
The day of Pentecost came, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit
It is important for the Bible student
to understand who it was that
which Jesus had promised came. As a result, they began to
received the baptism of the Holy
speak in tongues.
Spirit. Was it the 120 or was it the
12? To determine this, one must
Hearing the apostles were people from all over the known
8 ...they... (2:4) 8
world, including those who dwelt in the land of the Medes and
Those baptized spoke. All who
the Persians, people from the Roman provinces near the
spoke were Galilean (2:7) It was
the apostles who received the
Black Sea, Asia Minor, Africa and Greece, Rome, and Judea.
baptism of the Spirit.
And all heard the apostles speak, in their own language.
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We are then given a discourse made by Peter, the first gospel sermon. In it, the apostle
begins with Jesus of Nazareth, a man, and concludes with Jesus, both Lord and Christ.
Convicted of their sin, the crowd asked the apostles what they should do (Ac 2:37). The
response was given:
Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ac 2:38)
As a result, ...those who gladly received his words were baptized; and that day about
three thousand souls were added to them. (Ac 2:41)
Going to the temple at the ninth hour (3 p.m.) for prayer, Peter and John came across a
man who had been lame from his mothers womb, who was laid at the gate. There, he
begged alms from those who were entering the temple. Peter and John did not have any
money to give him, but gave him much more.
Peter commanded the man to get up and walk, and he did (3:6-9). This miracle resulted
in a great opportunity for Peter and John to
speak with the crowd who had assembled
NOTE The Sadducees in particular would
about Jesus of Nazareth. This assembly
despise the m essage of the gospel, for it spoke
of the Lord being resurrected from the dead. The
ended with the apostles being taken into
Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection.
custody by the religious leaders, specifically,
the Sadducees being mentioned.
God blessed the apostles with great power and signs, so that their testimony of the
resurrected Christ was confirmed among the people. Among those signs, was even the
death of 2 Christians, who had conspired together (5:1-11). Even the shadow of Peter
falling upon someone was used by God to heal the sick (5:15).
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Stephen used the occasion to preach to the Jewish leaders. Beginning with the call of
Abraham, he demonstrated how that throughout the history of Israel, there were those who
stood opposed to God and His purpose, and those whom He used to convey His will. They
listened, until he drew application for them. They were just like those who in times past had
opposed the Lord.
Hearing this, they ceased to listen, and took Stephen out of the city and stoned him. It is
at this occasion that we are first introduced to Saul of Tarsus, who would eventually
become the apostle Paul. This Saul caused great trouble in the church (8:3).
Note, it is at this point where the ministry to Jerusalem alone has ended, and the preaching
of the gospel is extended to all Judea and Samaria (1:8; 8:4-5).
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CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Recall, Philip was one of the men who had been chosen to distribute to the saints who
were in need at Jerusalem. He and the others with him, were selected because they were
...of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom... (6:3) It is no surprise that the
first two listed are almost immediately active in preaching the gospel.
Word came to the apostles, so Peter and John were sent to Samaria, and there imparted
the Spirit to them. NOTE, the miraculous measure of the Spirit was not received through
obedience to the gospel, but by the laying on of the apostles hands (Acts 8:17-19).
After the work in Samaria, Philip was called by God to go to Gaza. There, he met a eunuch
from Ethiopia, the treasurer of the queen of Ethiopia. This man, returning from worship in
Jerusalem was reading from the prophet Isaiah, when Philip came to him. Beginning at the
place where he was, Philip taught Jesus to him. It is noteworthy that in the process of
teaching Jesus to this man, Philip mentioned the need to be baptized (Acts 8:35-36).
After the eunuch, ...the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away..., and he continued the work
of preaching the gospel in the cities of Samaria, returning to Caesarea.
The witness of Ananias (9:1-19)
Sauls diligence against the Christians prompted him to ask letters from the high priest, that
he might go with authority into Damascus, and arrest any who were of the Way. On his
way, the Lord appeared to him, as a bright light shone from heaven. The Lord commanded
that he go into Damascus, where he would hear what he must do.
In Damascus, the Lord gave two visions: 1) telling Ananias to go to Saul; 2) revealing to
Saul that Ananias was coming to him.
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Here, we are given a glimpse of the future for Saul of Tarsus, as the Lords ...chosen
vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. (9:15)
Ananias went to Saul, restored his sight, and spoke with him. The end result, Saul was
baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 9:18; 22:16).
Immediately, upon his conversion, Saul began to preach about Jesus. Note, the only way
he could accomplish this, is for the Lord to have directed him by the Spirit in what to say.
Paul had not sat at the feet of a Christian teacher to learn the message which he spoke.
Pauls preaching in Damascus confounded the Jews there, who plotted to put him to death.
The disciples helped him escape, and he went to Jerusalem. There, the disciples would
not receive him at first (remember, he not long before was arresting and killing Christians),
but after Barnabas presented him to the apostles, He was accepted into fellowship.
At Jerusalem, the Jews again plotted against him, and thus, for his safety, he was brought
by the disciples to the costal town of Caesarea, and sent to Tarsus
The witness of Peter (9:32-11:18)
In both Lydda and Joppa, God perform ed m iracles
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-141-
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
From the prophets who were at Antioch, the Holy Spirit selected Saul and Barnabas for a
special work, to bear the gospel to regions beyond their area. A helper went along, John
Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10).
As their journey continued, John Mark turned back. We do not know why, but presumably
it was for a reason that was not satisfactory to Paul, since he refused to take him on the
next journey (15:38).
As a result of their preaching in the Synagogue that day, the Gentiles begged to hear
more. On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city came together to hear the word of
God... (13:44). However, the Jews opposed the message. Thus, Paul and Barnabas
turned their attention to the Gentiles (13:46). Soon the persecution from the Jews was
such that Paul and Barnabas were expelled from the region.
The witness of Paul and Barnabas at Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (14:1-14:28)
At Iconium, like in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul went into the Synagogue to speak. Several Jews
and Greeks believed. However, those who did not believe stirred up a crowd, and
eventually, an attempt was on Pauls life. He and his companions fled to Lystra.
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At Lystra, after healing a crippled man, the people sought to worship Paul and Barnabas,
believing that they were gods (Hermes, the interpreter of the gods and Zeus, chief of the
gods). It was all they could do to keep the people from making sacrifice to them.
The Jews from Antioch and Iconium caught up with Paul at Lystra, and stirred the people
against him. Paul was taken outside the city, stoned, and left for dead. Afterward, the
disciples gathered around his body, and he was found to be alive. The next day, he left
Lystra headed for Derbe.
Having preached there, Paul and Barnabas
Consider the weight behind Pauls words to
returned through the cities where they had
the brethren, as he stood before them , no
been, encouraging the new Christians in these
doubt still bruised from the stones which had
been cast at him not long before!
locations. Note Pauls message to them, We
must through many tribulations enter the
kingdom of God. (14:22)
As they returned home to Antioch, they passed through Pamphylia, preaching the word
there also. Then, they came to Antioch, where they had begun their mission.
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Paul went to
Phrygia and the
region of Galatia,
and then wanted
to go into Asia,
but the Spirit did
not permit it.
Rather, through
a vision, Paul
was called to
Macedonia. The
book of Acts
records f our
opportunities he
had to teach the
people of Macedonia: a Jewish woman named Lydia (16:11-15), a Philippian jailer (16:2534), the city of Thessalonica (17:1-9), and the city of Berea (17:10-15).
Rather than complaining about their circumstance, Paul and Silas were praising God at
midnight. The earth quaked, the prison doors were opened, and all the prisoners chains
were loosed; but none departed! The conduct of Paul and Silas affected those who were
around them.
The people of Thessalonica are contrasted with those from Berea. It seems that few
accepted the gospel at Thessalonica, most of the people there not receiving the message
of Christ with an open and ready mind. However, the books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians reveal
to us that there was a faithful core of saints established in the city.
The witness of Paul and company to Achaia (17:16-18:22)
Going southward from the region of Macedonia, Paul entered into Achaia, where he would
preach in two cities that are recorded, Athens and Corinth. The city of Athens was the
philosophical hub of the known world, and people from all over would gather to the
Areopagus, where men shared their philosophies. It was in this manner that Paul was
received by the people of that region. Thus, it is no surprise that there were very few who
believed the message of Christ from Athens.
Noteworthy, however, is the skillful manner in which the apostle shared the message of
God with the Athenians. He did not speak to them on the basis of Old Testament
prophecy, but seeing an altar in their midst to the unknown god, he proceeded to tell
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them of the one whom they worshipped without knowing. Though making no mention of
the Old Testament law or prophets, he did appeal to their own prophets, not inferring that
they were inspired of God, but rather, that they had also spoken of God and our
relationship to Him, saying, For we are also
His offspring. This discourse is a wonderful
TEACHING THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE
demonstration of how to share the gospel
When sharing the gospel with those who have no faith
with those who have no basis of faith in the
at all in the God of heaven (ie. atheists, agnostics,
etc.), the use of Scripture will often avail nothing. They
God of heaven at all.
have no basis upon which to accept the things written
At Corinth, we are introduced to Aquilla and
in the Bible. However, as Paul used reason and
Priscilla. This faithful couple became close
appealed to truths which were generally accepted by
his audience (ie. words spoken by their own prophets),
workers with the apostle. The gospel was
we can also apply reason and generally accepted
not well received among the Jews at
truths to aid the unbeliever to come to faith.
Corinth, and so Paul turned his attention to
the Gentiles. However, of note, is that the
ruler of the synagogue, Crispus ...believed
on the Lord with all his household. (18:8). Eventually, it seems that his replacement
(Sosthenes) also obeyed the gospel (18:17; 1 Corinthians 1:1). Having stayed at Corinth
for a year and a half, Paul departed, headed for Jerusalem, that he might keep the coming
feast there. After the feast, returned back to Antioch, where he had begun his journey.
The riot was brought to a close by the city clerk, who warned the people that their unruly
assembly could bring questions from Rome.
Paul left Ephesus, journeying into Macedonia. After encouraging those of the region, He
set his face toward Jerusalem, setting sail from Philippi to Troas. After meeting with the
Christians there, he proceeded to Miletus, from which he called the Ephesian elders. He
wouldnt again have an opportunity to meet with the brethren at Ephesus, thus, he gave
this goodbye admonition to their elders.
As Paul journeyed toward Jerusalem, he was warned in every place that trouble awaited
him there (20:22-24; 21:4, 11-14). He would not be swayed by the concerns of the
disciples, but determined to go to Jerusalem.
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The Jews were intent on killing Paul immediately, but he was saved by the Roman
commander Claudius Lysias, who bound Paul, and commanded him to be taken to the
barracks. Paul sought to speak to the crowd, so Lysias permitted it. He gave his defence
before them namely, his conversion to Christ. They listened intently, until he mentioned
the mission the Lord had given him to the Gentiles. The crowd again was in an uproar, and
Paul was carried away, for his own safety (and to avoid a riot) into the barracks.
The next day, Paul was brought before the Jewish council (note, the previous day, there
were many more than the 70 member Sanhedrin present in the court). The proceeding did
not take long at all. Understanding he would not be granted a fair trial by these, he set
them at odds against one another, since the council was made of both Sadducees and
Pharisees. When dissension arose among them, Lysias again commanded Paul to be
taken into the barracks.
Having avoided the plot against him at Jerusalem, Paul appeared before the Jewish
council at Caesarea, in the governors court. The council came with a hired orator, while
Paul spoke for himself. Among their accusations against Paul, he was called ...a plague,
a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the
sect of the Nazarenes. The speech of Tertullus was full of charges, but lacked any
evidence.
As Paul made his defence, he first made note of the fact that
P a ul w as g ranted an
hed only arrived in Jerusalem 12 days previous, and that he
opportunity to speak directly
had not come there to dispute with anyone or to incite a
with Felix and Drusilla about
the gospel. He ...reasoned
crowd, but to worship and bring alms to the people of his
about righteousness, selfnation (cf. Ro 15:25). In fact, his true accusers, the Jews
control, and the judgment to
from Asia, were not even present. Recall, the whole trouble
com e..., but Felix in fear
in Jerusalem began by false accusations made against him
answered, Go away for
by the Asian Jews.
now; w hen I have a
convenient time I will call for
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The new governor, replacing Felix was Festus. Immediately upon coming into the region,
he went to Jerusalem. The Jews sought to have Paul brought to Jerusalem for trial, but
secretly plotted to ambush him along the road. But Festus affirmed that Paul would be
examined at Ceasarea.
A week and a half later, the Jews came to Caesarea, and Paul was brought before them.
Again, numerous complaints were brought against Paul, but no proof. However, when
Paul defended himself against their charges, Festus asked, Are you willing to go up to
Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things? Had there been
cause to judge Paul guilty, Festus would simply have done so, but in the lack of proof, he
used a threat, favouring the position of the Jews.
Paul appealed to Caesar. A trip back to Jerusalem would doubtless end in death. Though
there was no guarantee of justice at Rome, Paul would be kept alive longer, and recall, it
was foretold by the Lord that Paul would bear witness in Rome also.
Some time later, king Agrippa came to Caesarea, and Festus sought to have him examine
Paul, so that he might have something to write to the emperor regarding him. Chapter 26
chronicles Pauls defence before Agrippa.
Hearing his defence, Festus spoke up, Paul, you are beside
yourself! Much learning is driving you mad! Festus did not
Having listened to Pauls
understand these things. It was nothing more than religious
defence, Agrippa said,
junk to the governor. However, Agrippa was very much aware
You almost persuade me
to become a Christian.
of the things which Paul spoke of. His family had been involved
from the beginning with Jesus the Christ, and his followers.
One of his ancestors had sought to kill Jesus as an infant.
Another had killed James, the apostle.
Afterward, as Agrippa, Bernice and Festus conversed, Agrippa bluntly stated, This man
is doing nothing deserving of death or chains... This man might have been set free if he
had not appealed to Caesar. Had Festus approached Pauls case with a mind toward
justice, he would have freed him immediately.
The witness of Paul before his fellow travellers (27:1-44)
Pauls journey to Rome would be eventful. Fortunately, from the very beginning, he was
well treated by Julius, the centurion in charge.
On the first part of their journey, they had trouble with winds. They made it to Fair Havens,
a harbour on the south coast of Crete. Having stayed a long while, they afterward prepared
to set said again, but Paul cautioned them that it would be a voyage of disaster.
At first, the south wind blew softly, and they thought it would be a good trip, but quickly,
they were caught in a difficult head wind, eventually needing to simply let the ship be
driven by the wind, lest they break up by fighting against it. For 14 days, they were tossed
in the sea, seeing neither sun nor stars. Neither did any eat, for they had tossed the ships
tackle overboard on the third day, attempting to lighten the ship.
When all had lost hope, Paul spoke, assuring them that God would see them safely
through, but that the ship would be lost. The ran the ship aground on the island of Malta.
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The people of Malta were very kind to the weary travellers, but also showed themselves
a very superstitious people. As they build a fire, Paul helped by laying a bundle of sticks
on the fire, and a viper came out, and bit him. They supposed that though he had escaped
the sea, fate would not permit him to live, because of whatever evil deed he had
committed. But, when Paul simply shook the viper off, they then supposed that he was a
god. Eventually Paul had the opportunity to heal many of their sick, and no doubt, preach
about Jesus.
The witness of Paul before the Jews at Rome (28:11-28:31)
About 3 months later, they set said on a different ship, and eventually came to Rome.
In Rome, Paul called for the leaders of the Jews to come to him. He explained his situation
to them, but they had heard nothing about it. However, they were interested in hearing
from him about this Christians, for they were
spoken against everywhere.
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Letters To Christians
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Rom ans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Tim othy
2 Tim othy
Titus
Philem on
Hebrews
Jam es
The apostle Peter:
1 Peter
2 Peter
The apostle John:
1 John
2 John
3 John
Revelation
Jude, the brother of Jesus:
Jude
** NOTE there is some speculation whether Paul is the writer of the book of Hebrews, or if it is from someone else. I believe there is
adequate evidence to make a good case for Pauls authorship.
After leaving Thessalonica, Paul and his companions went to Berea, and then Paul went
on to the city of Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy behind (Acts 17:13-15). Then, Timothy
was sent back to Thessalonica, to encourage the saints (3:1-3). When Timothy rejoined
Paul at Corinth (3:6; Acts 18:5), he brought encouraging news regarding the Christians
at Thessalonica. Paul himself desired to return and see them (3:9-10).
While in Thessalonica, Paul spoke with these new
16 Rejoice always,
converts on how they should live, so as to please
17 Pray without ceasing,
18 In everything give thanks...
God. He reminds them of things which had been said
19 Do not quench the Spirit
(4:1-12). Also, it is evident that while there, he
20 Do not despise prophecies
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
spoke to them about the 2nd coming of Christ (4:1322 Abstain from every form of evil.
5:11). The epistle is closed with several short
exhortations and admonitions (5:12-28).
Again, the Thessalonians are commended for their love and patience while enduring
persecution (1:4-5), and assures them that God will take vengeance upon those who are
contrary to God and His people (1:7-9).
The churches in the region known as Galatia include: Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra,
Derbe, and perhaps others which had been started that are not recorded in Scripture. Paul
had visited this region on his second journey, just after the discussion at Jerusalem on the
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topic of circumcision. From the content of the book, it is evident that the Judaizing teachers
had troubled the region with their falsehoods. Even an example of an incident when Peter
was guilty of making a distinction between Jew and Greek is given (2:11-21);
demonstrating how serious this problem was. The epistle is an effort to lead these folks
away from the falsehoods and back to the truth.
It seems that some of the false teachers had called into question the authenticity of Pauls
apostleship, and thus he begins the letter with a defence of his call as an apostle (1:1-2,
11-2:10). He doesnt dilly-dally about the fact that they had turned from the truth (1:6-10;
3:1-5; 5:1-15; 6:12-15), and need to return. Much attention is given to the distinction of the
Old Covenant given through Moses, and the New which is affected through Christ (3:54:31). Also, a contrast is made between walking according to the Spirit and according to
the flesh (5:16-26).
The book is closed out with instruction on the Christians responsibility to others, especially
those who are Christians (6:1-10).
Timothy bore the letter to the Corinthians, and remained there to work with them (4:17).
As Paul defended his apostleship to the Galatians, so he did in this letter, as some had
cast doubt in the mind of brethren (4:1-4; 9:1-6).
The Corinthians had troubles with personal morality, attitudes, and some doctrinal issues.
A few that stand out are:
Sectarianism (1:10-13)
Carnality & haughtiness (3:1-3; 4:8-10)
Sexual immorality (5:1-2)
Suing one another (6:1-8)
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After writing, Paul went to Greece and stayed there 3 months (Acts 20:2-3). Though it is
not specified in the text, doubtless, it was in the city of Corinth where he stayed, having told
them in both letters that he planned to go to them.
While in Corinth, Paul would write his letter to the church at Rome.
Paul planned to go to Rome immediately after going to Jerusalem to deliver aid to the
Christians in Judea (15:30-32), but it did not happen so. He would be arrested at
Jerusalem and spend the next 2 years imprisoned at Caesarea, before being delivered to
Rome as a prisoner.
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Letters To Christians 2
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
The book of Ephesians and that which was written to the Colossians are parallels in many
aspects. These similarities can especially be seen between Ephesians 4-5 and
Colossians 3-4, but also appear scattered elsewhere in the two books.
The opening text of the book (1:3-14) demonstrates in great the detail the blessings which
are supplied to those who are in Christ:
...all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ... (v 3)
...He chose us in Him...that we should be holy and without blame... (v 4)
...predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ... (v 5)
...He has made us accepted in the Beloved. (v 6)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins... (v 7)
...made known to us the mystery of His will... (v 9)
...gather together in one all things in Christ... (v 10)
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance... (v 11)
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Paul wrote the Colossian letter in 62 or 63 AD, shortly before his release by the Romans.
It was carried by Tuchicus (Colossians 4:7, 18; Ephesians 6:21, 24), along with the
letters to the church at Ephesus and Pauls friend, Philemon.
Paul wrote to Philemon at the same time he wrote to the Ephesian and Colossian
churches, about 62 or 63 AD, just prior to his release from custody. This letter
accompanied the aforementioned letters, and thus would have been carried by Tychicus,
or perhaps his travel companion, and Philemons servant, Onesimus.
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Onesimus
His nam e literally m eans useful,
though to Philem on he had been
useless, as a runaway slave. Paul
reveals that Onesim us now lives up to
his nam e (1:11)
Prior to Pauls release, Epaphroditus brought a gift from the church at Philippi to Paul
(2:25). This letter was written, in part, in response to that gift. Paul expresses his
expectation that he would soon be released and able to visit with the church at Philippi
again (2:23-24). The writing of this letter, because of this earnest expectation, would seem
to have followed the previous three written while under house arrest. Spring of AD 63 is
a likely time for Paul to have penned the epistle.
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Letters To Christians 3
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
We have very little information about what Paul did during this time of freedom, but a few
things can be ascertained from his letters to Timothy and Titus.
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia remain in Ephesus... (1 Timothy 1:3)
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are
lacking... (Titus 1:5)
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for
I have decided to spend the winter there. (Titus 3:12)
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come and the books,
especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13)
Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. (2 Timothy 4:20)
The early church historian Eusebius writes the following concerning the apostle Paul:
After pleading his cause, he is said to have been sent again upon the ministry
of preaching, and after a second visit to the city that he finished his life with
martyrdom. (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book II, chapter 22)
From Rom e, Paul sails to Crete, and after a short stay, leaves Titus there (Titus 1:5);
He continues to Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), and while there, visits with Philem on in nearby
Colossae (Philemon 22);
He travels northward, com ing to Miletus, where he leaves his com panion Trophim us, who
had fallen ill (2 Timothy 4:20);
Still going northward, he visits Carpus at Troas, leaving behind a cloak, books, and
parchm ents, which he later requests Tim othy to pick up and bring to Rom e (2 Timothy 4:13);
He com es into the region of Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3), no doubt visiting with the church
at Philippi (Philippians 2:24). Perhaps from there, he writes to Titus, asking that they m eet
and winter together in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). It is likely that 1 Tim othy was written at this
sam e tim e;
Taking his leave from Macedonia, he journeys to Corinth, where Erastus rem ains (2
Timothy 4:20);
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LETTERS TO PREACHERS
BASIC OUTLINE TO 1 TIM OTHY
Pauls first letter to Timothy
G
Stand For Truth, And No Other Doctrine (1:1-11, 18-20)
The theme of 1 Timothy can be found in 3:14-15, These things I write to you, though I
hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you
ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth.
Timothy had been left in Ephesus to address doctrinal troubles which appear to have
begun there, specifically with regard to fables and genealogies (1:3-4), for some had
...turned aside to idle talk... (1:6) and were ...giving heed to deceiving spirits and
doctrines of demons... (4:1). Recall, Paul had called the elder of Ephesus to meet with
him in Miletus, as he journeyed to Jerusalem years before, and warned them that after his
departure, men would rise up, seeking followers after themselves (Acts 20:29-31).
In 1 Timothy, Paul addresses issues regarding the leadership of the church. The differing
roles of men and women in the church is discussed (2:8-12), as well as qualifications for
elders (3:1-7) and deacons (3:8-13).
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...blameless...
...husband of one wife...
...temperate...
...sober-minded...
...of good behavior...
...hospitable...
...able to teach...
...not given to wine...
...not violent...
...not greedy for money...
...gentle...
...not quarrelsome...
...not covetous...
...one who rules his own house well, having
his children in submission with all reverence...
...not a novice...
...must have a good testimony...
Titus, like Timothy, was warned against false teachers who turned to ...Jewish fables and
commandments of men... (1:14).
Specific exhortations to Titus include:
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine... (2:1)
...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing
integrity, reverence, incorruptibility... (2:7)
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
(2:15)
Gods call to humanity is worded in extraordinary clarity in Pauls letter to Titus. We read:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing
of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2:11-13)
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One of their own prophets commented, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy
gluttons. Paul confirms, This testimony is true. (1:12-13). Note the emphasis placed on
good works throughout the remainder of the letter:
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable,
disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. (1:16)
...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works... (2:7)
...who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and
purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (2:14)
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every
good work... (3:1)
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those
who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are
good and profitable to men. (3:8)
And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they
may not be unfruitful. (3:14)
Between The Writing Of 1 Timothy & Titus And The Writing Of 2 Timothy
That some time passed before Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy is evident, since
he is free and in Macedonia in both 1 Timothy and Titus, but is in prison at Rome, and
expecting his death to be soon in 2 Timothy. What happened in the interim?
At one time, Paul had expected to go to Spain (Romans 15:22-24), and to stop in Rome
on his way there. However, 6 or 7 years had passed between his writing those words to
the church at Rome and the time currently under consideration. Did he, before being
bound again in Rome, make his way to Spain? In a letter written to Corinth by Clement of
Alexandria, nearing the end of the first century, this contemporary of Paul spoke of the
apostle as
...having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the
extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the perfects...
(First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians)
These words have fuelled speculation that Paul did journey to Spain, and in the mind of
some, even to Britain.
Tacitus, a first century Roman historian, writes of a great fire which burned 10 of 14
districts in the city of Rome. The common perception was that Nero himself was
responsible for the fire, thus, to divert attention from himself, the emperor laid the blame
for the destruction upon the Christians.
At the command of Nero, Christians were
First, Nero had self-acknowledged Christians
persecuted and put to death. In 64-65 AD,
arrested. Then, on their information, large numbers
Peter was crucified in Rome (according to
of others were condem ned not so much for
incendiarism as for their anti-social tendencies.
the record of Clement of Alexandria and
Their deaths were made farcical. Dressed in wild
Dionysius of Corinth). Paul was beheaded
animals skins, they were torn to pieces by dogs, or
shortly thereafter, perhaps in 66 AD. We
crucified, or made into torches to be ignited after
have no details about Pauls arrest, nor
dark as substitutes for daylight... Despite their guilt
about his imprisonment, except the bit of
as Christians, and the ruthless punishm ent it
deserved, the victims were pitied. For it was felt that
information which is recorded in 2
they were being sacrificed to one mans brutality
Timothy.
rather than to the national interest.
(Tacitus, Annals)
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Paul encouraged young Timothy to ...not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor
of me His prisoner... (1:8), as some at that time, due to the persecutions, were renouncing
their faith. Throughout this letter, there are statements which demonstrate the apostles
deep concern that the preaching of the gospel not be set aside because of the current
trouble, but rather than it be continued with perseverance.
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to
faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2:2-3)
Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead
according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of
chains; but the word of God is not chained. (2:8-9)
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution... continue
in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you
have learned them. (3:12, 14)
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort,
with all longsuffering and teaching... be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the
work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (4:2, 5)
Though the primary theme surrounds the supremacy of Christ, one cannot overlook the
occasion which necessitated such a discussion, the tendency of some to drift away from
the Lord. Using Israel of old as his example, the writer admonishes the reader to
faithfulness.
Date
The date of writing for the book of Hebrews has been suggested as somewhere between
60-66 AD. There are some expressions in the text which indicate that the book was written
a considerable amount of time after the day of Pentecost:
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you
again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not
solid food. (5:12)
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great
struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches
and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so
treated... (10:32-33)
Other expressions in the text indicate that the book was written before the demise of
Judaism in the years leading up to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD:
For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the
gifts according to the law... (8:4)
And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices,
which can never take away sins... (10:11)
Author
The writer of the book of Hebrews does not identify himself. Some have supposed that it
is the apostle Paul, some have attributed the book to some other author (ie. Barnabas,
Apollos, Philip the evangelist).
The writers knowledge of Timothy and his situation (13:23), and the indication that the
writer himself was in prison in Rome (10:34; 13:19, 24) may lead one to conclude that Paul
wrote the book.
On the other hand, the statement of 2:3-4, where the writer appears to include himself
among those to whom the word had been confirmed is at odds with Pauls independence
of other men, including the apostles, so far as receiving the gospel (Galatians 1:11-24).
Paul consistently identified himself as an apostle, and defended his apostleship in his
writings. This book, in contrast, does not speak of the writer as an apostle. Of course, this
does not necessitate that Paul is not the writer. He may have written the book, realizing
that to place his name upon it would be detrimental to its reception among Jewish
Christians and Jews who had not yet obeyed the gospel.
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Key Word
The word better appears time and again in the book. If the purpose is to show the
superiority of following Christ, it is necessary to focus on the better things that are in Christ.
...we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany
salvation... (6:9)
...the lesser is blessed by the better... (7:7)
...the bringing in of a better hope... (7:19)
...Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant... (7:22)
...He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
(8:6)
...the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (9:23)
...you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. (10:34)
...now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country... (11:16)
...that they might obtain a better resurrection... (11:35)
God having provided something better for us... (11:40)
...Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks
of better things than that of Abel. (12:24)
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Letters To Christians 4
CREATION
THE FLOOD
SCATTERINGS
PATRIARCHS
EXODUS
WILDERNESS WANDERINGS
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
JUDGES
UNITED KINGDOM
DIVIDED KINGDOM
JUDAH ALONE
JUDAH IN CAPTIVITY
JUDAH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY
YEARS OF SILENCE
LIFE OF CHRIST
EARLY CHURCH
LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS
Date
Not, there is no mention of Gentile believers (which one might expect, had the letter beein
written after 50 AD, when the Jerusalem council took place).
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Purpose
The intent of the book is to gain a match between the Christs lifestyle and profession of
faith. Note some key phrases:
...be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves... (1:22)
...justified by works, and not by faith only. (2:24)
...faith without works is dead... (2:26)
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you... (4:8)
The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (5:16)
Throughout, we find that we must approach God and daily life with a living and active faith.
Interesting Details
He was a Galilean fisherman, chosen by the Lord to become a fisher of man. His call as
an apostle didnt change his rough exterior. Though he was determined to teach about
Christ, the religious elite considered ...uneducated and untrained... (Acts 4:13).
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Four different names from three different languages are used of Peter:
Simeon, Acts 15:14 (Hebrew)
Simon, Matthew 4:18 (Greek)
Petros, Matthew 4:18 (Greek)
Cephas, John 1 :42 (Aramaic)
Peter was the son of Jonah (Matthew 16:17) and brother of Andrew (John 1:40-42). He
was a married man (Matthew 8:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5), and had a home in Capernaum
(Mark 1:21, 29).
Date
Peters reference to persecutions in the epistle best fit the time of Nero, who began to reign
as emperor in 63-64 AD. According to Clement of Alexandria and Dionysius of Corinth,
Peter was crucified in Rome in 64-65 AD. Thus, both this first epistle, and the second,
would have been written sometime between 63-65 AD.
Purpose
The book serves two purposes, both duties which the Lord conferred upon Peter. In it he:
encourages and strengthens brethren in trials (Luke 22:32), and
feeds the people of God (John 21:15-17)
Enduring suffering is a major topic through the book, as evidenced by the frequency with
which sufferings are mentioned:
...now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials... (1:6)
...testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow... (1:11)
...this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief,
suffering wrongfully. (2:19)
...to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that you should follow His steps... (2:21)
...when He suffered, He did not threaten... (2:23)
...not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling... (3:9)
...even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed... (3:14)
...it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil... (3:17)
...Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust... (3:18)
...since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for
he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin... (4:1)
...do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you... (4:12)
...but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christs sufferings... (4:13)
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you... (4:14)
...let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody... (4:15)
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed... (4:16)
...let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing
good... (4:19)
...I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ... (5:1)
...knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood... (5:9)
...may the God of all grace... after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish,
strengthen, and settle you. (5:10)
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Peter is close to the time of his death, which both Clement of Alexandria and Dionysius
of Corinth peg at 64-65 AD. This epistle would have been written in either of those
years.
Purpose
Peter used this second epistle as a means of reminding the recipients of the need to be
faithful. Three times, he specifically says that he is writing to provide a reminder (1:12,
15; 3:1).
In the first letter, Peter encouraged the saints to stand in the midst of persecutions from
without. Those persecutions had not subsided, but, in this second epistle, his
admonition to them is to stand faithful in the face of false teachers and doctrines.
Since the writer identifies himself as the brother of James, but excludes himself from
those who were apostles (v 17-18), it would seem to be Jude, the brother of James,
and brother of our Lord.
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Date
The date of writing is unknown, but appears to be after the writing of 2 Peter, since
Jude quotes from that book (see Jude 18 & 2 Peter 3:3).
Purpose
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