Copyright: ® Copyright 1995 by Rusty Russell


Introduction

Introduction

How to use this program

If you know the basics about Windows then your all set. I've tried to make this Bible information program as simple as possible. Here are a few tips:

-All Scriptures are in blue

-Words of Christ are in red

-Pop-up definitions are in green with a dotted  line

-Jump texts are in green with a solid line

-Camera's have hot-spots if you click on them.

-Don't forget to experiment with copy and paste, annotations, print, search, and bookmark. These are handy tools and simple to use.

-This program works with Win 95.

Who's this program for?

Ps 119:130

The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Whether you are a Christian or not, this program will help you learn some of the basics [image] about the Old Testament. Although the best way to learn the Bible is to read it for yourself, I believe this program will stimulate your hunger for the Bible and help you with the general overview, or if you're a long time Christian then maybe it will, as Peter said, "stir you up by way of reminder." Nevertheless, it takes about 3 or 4 hours to read it completely depending on your reading speed.

What's covered in this program?

A very basic overview of the Old Testament. Understanding the Bible is often difficult for the average reader usually because of the unfamiliar names of people and cultures of the ancient world. For the most part the Bible is very easy to understand. My desire is to paint the broad strokes and give sort of a panorama of Biblical history. I hope you enjoy it.

Let me know what you think?

I've tried to make this program simple, somewhat informative, and honest. But what really matters is what it does for you. Please let me know what you think. The easiest way is to use email:

r3355@aol.com

Rusty Russell

5340 Las Virgenes Rd. #22

Calabasas, CA 91302

The Story of the Bible


Creation

Creation

Moses under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote Genesis, the first book in the Bible and the book of beginnings. The beginning of the world, the beginning of man, and the beginning of the Hebrew people.

According to Genesis 1, God created the world in 6 days:

The First Day. Light.

Gen 1:3-5

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

The Second Day. The Firmament

Gen 1:6-8

Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

The "firmament" here refers to the atmospheric heaven where the clouds are as well as the celestial heaven where the stars are.

The Third Day. Land and Vegetation

Gen 1:9-13

Then God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.So the evening and the morning were the third day.

The Fourth Day. The Sun, Moon, and Stars

Gen 1:14-19

Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; "and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

The Fifth Day. Sea Animals, and Birds

Gen 1:20-23

Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

The Sixth Day. Land Animals, and Man

Gen 1:24-31

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind"; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. "Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

On the seventh day, He ceased from His labor and established the Sabbath. Scholars disagree as to how long these "days" might have been. The Bible seems to indicate a literal 24 hour day. Scholars also differ on the date of creation. It would be impossible to know exactly the number of years back to the creation since the Bible's lists of generations sometimes skips names, and any other historical records are limited. According to the Bible and archaeology man has been here for about 6,000 - 10,000 years approximately. No one can be certain.

The purpose of the Bible is not to scientifically sketch every detail of creation but to reveal to man that God is prior to and distinct from His creation, that He is directly responsible for its having come into being, through His Word, that its continued existense is dependant upon Him, and that man has been given the highest position of honor and responsibility in that creation.

Ps 8:3-4

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?

Isa 40:12

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?

Isa 40:26

Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; he calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing.

The Story of the Bible


Adam and Eve

 Adam & Eve

fter God created Adam, He gave to him dominion over all His creation and the garden of Eden as a home to tend it and keep it. But He gave one restriction:

Gen 2:16-17

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Adam would know what it meant to participate in evil, and the result would be banishment and death. Death is separation from God.

Then God created the woman:

Gen 2:18-24

And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."  Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field.

ut for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Adam loved Eve, who was later seduced by the serpent, who was actually Satan, the one who leads the evil spirits in their rebellion against God and His purposes and she ate of the forbidden fruit (the Bible doesn't say what kind of fruit it was). Then Adam, who was with her, chose to eat of the fruit also and they sinned. When they sinned, spiritual and physical death came into the world and fellowship with God was broken. Like a rose being plucked off the vine, they were immediately disconnected from their source of life. You can almost see the shame and guilt and fear of their new nature taking over:

Gen 3:7-10

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.  And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."

But all was not lost. As God was revealing the consequences of their actions He also gave a glorious promise. God promised Adam and Eve that He would send a Redeemer (Messiah), who would destroy Satan and restore them to a right relationship with Him (Gen 3). In the meantime they could only approach God with a blood sacrifice. This animal acted as a substitute for the penalty of sin until "the lamb of God"  who is Jesus Christ would come and pay the full debt.

he Bible mentions alot between the time of Adam and the Flood. For example there was the first murder. Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters but there is only two mentioned because they are important to the history of redemption. Eve thought that her firstborn, Cain, was the one who would destroy Satan and deliver them from the curse of sin and death. But Cain jealously killed his brother Abel. Cain was upset at God because He would not accept his sacrifice (the best of his good works) as he accepted Abel's blood offering (God's prescribed way) so he rose up and slew his brother. God punished him by driving him out of the midst of the people who served God. Then God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth, who replaced Abel. The redeemer of the world would come from Seth's family.

But what about Cain's family? The Bible reveals that Cain's son, Lamech, inherited Cain's evil ways (Gen 4:19-24). Sin added unto sin and Lamech boasted that he didn't need God's protection because he had his sword. He rejected God's holy standards for marriage and took many wives. He also killed a man for striking him showing his contempt for God and his disregard for human life. Evil spread very rapidly to all mankind through the ungodly line of Cain.

The Story of the Bible


The Flood

 The Flood

Gen 6:5

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.

Gen 6:11-15

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. "And this is how you shall make it . . ."

he earth had become completely corrupt so God sent a great flood to punish sinful mankind but He would not break His promise to redeem man so He preserved the lives of Noah and His family as well as two of every kind of living creature in an ark (a large wooden ship).

Gen 7:13-16

On the very same day Noah and Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark - they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort.  And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in.

The Ark was about 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. It had three decks and was divided into compartments. Calculations have been made estimating that there was room in the Ark for 7000 species of animals.

Gen 7:11-12

. . . on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.

The flood covered the entire world. After a period of 150 days the Ark rested on Mt. Ararat (17,000 ft.) 200 miles North of the ancient city of Ninevah.

Before the flood there was kind of a vapor canopy that enveloped the whole earth which preserved it in probably a tropical atmosphere so that people were recorded as living up to ages of 900 - 950 years, but when the upper waters were released upon the earth, lifespans were decreased and the physical characteristics of the world changed dramatically. After the flood, God put the fear of man on the animals, and gave man permission to eat animals for food. God commanded the death penalty for murder and ordered that men establish a form of justice.

Gen 9:6

"Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God he made man.

 God also put a rainbow in the sky to be a constant reminder that He would never destroy the world again by water. Yet right after the flood, Noah's son, Ham, sinned against God by showing disrespect to his father, Noah (Gen 9) and Noah cursed Ham's son, Canaan, why we are not told. Then God spoke through Noah again and prophesied about his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth and also that the Messiah would come through Shem's family, and Japheth's family would share in that salvation.

The Story of the Bible


The Tower at Babel

 The Tower at Babel

ccording to the Bible, the families of the sons of Noah represent all of the racial groups upon the earth. Chapter 10 of Genesis lists a total of 70 individual founders of nations or racial groups, and divides them into three primary classifications: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It is interesting to note that Ethnologists generally agree that mankind divides into three basic groups. Here is how the Bible divides them geographically:

Shem's Descendants. Central Nations

Shemites included Jews, Assyrians, Syrians, Elamites, in north Euphrates Valley and its borders.

Ham's Descendants. South Nations

Hamites went Southward. The names given seem to be South and Central Arabia, Egypt (Heb. Mitzraim or Lands of Ham), East Mediterranean, and East Africa. There was at one point a great migration to Egypt, but Canaan (son of Ham) settled in the land later called Israel.

Japheth's Descendants. North Nations

Japhethites went Northward, and settled in the areas around the Black and Caspian Seas. They became the great Caucasion races of Europe and Asia.

An interesting event happened in Genesis 11. Proud and rebellious men desired to build a city and make a name for themselves under the leadership of Nimrod, so they built a tower, in the land of Shinar (Babel), that would reach to heaven. This was the first organized system of idolatry  recorded after the flood. They also disobeyed God's command to be fruitful and fill the earth. God condemned their arrogant ways by coming down and confusing their languages (probably racial distinctions also) which forced them to scatter throughout the whole earth.  Before this they all spoke one language.

So what does all this tell us? There are many things but two facts should be mentioned. First, man is given over to sin and rebellion, as Jeremiah' the prophet said:

Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

Secondly, it tells us that God loves man unconditionally and, though He will not tolerate disobedience, He will fulfill His promises to redeem humanity and go to whatever measure to keep anyone from thwarting His purposes.

The Story of the Bible


Abraham

Abraham

e now move on to another very important subject. That is the subject of Abraham, who became the first Hebrew, and whose family God chose to weave His scarlet thread through the linen of humanity. It was through Abraham's descendants that the Jewish nation would arise, a people who would receive the covenant of the Lord, and that One of those descendants would be the Savior, not only for the Jews but for the whole world.

Abraham lived in the city of Ur (capital of the ancient kingdom of Sumer). Sometime around 2,000 BC. God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a new land that God would show Him. The Bible traces Abraham's steps from Ur to Haran (north of Canaan), through the land of Canaan, into Egypt, and back into Canaan (which later became Israel).

God promised to give Abraham a son through his wife Sarah who was barren (unable to bear children). Through this son, a mighty nation would arise and also an uncountable amount of descendants, and One of those descendants would be a blessing to all the nations in the world.

his promise seemed impossible because they were so old but Abraham believed what God said, though later he doubted and tried to force God's hand by having a son through Sarah's servant girl, Hagar. In ancient times this was accepted, but not in God's sight. It violated His law for marriage (Gen 2), and Abraham suffered greatly for his sin. His son from Hagar, Ishmael, turned against Isaac, Abraham's son of the promise, who was born 13 years after Ishmael, when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90. So Ishmael had to leave Abraham's household.

Abraham was called the first "Hebrew" which probably means "to cross over" because he was supposedly so foolish for thinking that there was just one God and if he crosses over the Euphrates river that he would find this new land that God had promised. But it was with Abraham that God established His covenant. This was God's promise:

Gen 12:1-3

Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Abraham believed the Lord as it says:

Gen 15:6

And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Circumcision was the seal and reminder of the covenant, and so all of Abraham's male descendants would be circumcised to remind them that God would someday fulfill all the promises that He made to Abraham. Notice that Abraham believed before he was circumcised. Faith came before works. This is an important point that Paul makes in the book of Romans that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Rom 4).

There was a very beautiful yet wicked place in Canaan called Sodom and Gomorrah and the Lord told Abraham that He was going to destroy it but Abraham pleaded with God to spare the sinful cities for that is where his nephew Lot lived. God sent an angel to rescue Lot and his family but destroyed the cities because of their homosexualities and other abominations.

 ow there were many important events that took place in Abraham's life but there is one that is important to mention. As Abraham grew stronger in faith, God told him to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering to prove his faith (Gen 22), Abraham obeyed and brought Isaac to Mount Moriah, laid him on the altar and at the last minute the Lord told him not to kill Isaac and gave him a ram for the sacrifice. Here we see Abraham's faith (Heb 11:17-19) and a beautiful picture of Christ. The Bible calls Abraham a friend of God:

Isa 41:8

"But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend.

Before we move on keep in mind that the Lord made this peculiar promise to Abraham:

Gen 15:13-14

Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. "And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.

The Story of the Bible


Jacob

 Jacob

he Bible follows the messianic line to Abraham's son, Isaac, and then to Isaac's son, Jacob who lived around 1900 BC. Jacob was a shrewed and deceitful con man who tricked his brother Esau and lied to his father so he could steal his older brothers birthright. Afraid, Jacob fled to Haran, in Mesopotamia, where his uncle Laban lived, but on the way he met the Lord and saw a vision of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels on it. Jacob had his first encounter with God and the Lord revealed to him the promises He had made to Abraham and how he would be part of those promises, so Jacob began to trust in God and named that place, Bethel, which means, "house of God".

Gen 28:10-19

Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: "I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants.

"Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it." And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!" Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously."

hen he arrived in Haran, his uncle was more shrewed than he was, con-man meets super con-man. Laban tricked him into working for him for 14 years in exchange for a wife. He wanted Rachel, but he got Leah first and then Rachel. Developing the muscle of trust was a long, slow job for Jacob. Jacob had 12 sons and great possessions when he finally returned to Canaan not because he was more shrewd than Laban but because God was with him. God protected Jacob all the way and also prepared his brother Esau's heart so that he was no longer angry. God changed Jacob's name to "Israel." Jacob was next in the Messianic line. His 12 sons became the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel.

The Story of the Bible


Joseph

 Joseph

 Next we move on to another important person in God's plan whose name was Joseph. The story of Joseph is among those that are most favored in the Bible. As Jacob grew older, ten of his sons got jealous of their younger brother, Joseph, because Jacob adored Joseph. Joseph was receiving revelations and dreams at a very young age and dreamed they would all bow down to him someday. The 10 brothers got so mad that they sold him to a caravan going to Egypt and then told their father that he was dead. Later Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams by the Holy Spirit:

Gen 41:15-16

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it." So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

Joseph was faithful to God and became a main ruler in Egypt:

Gen 41:39-44

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. "You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you." And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand . . ."

Just as the dream had foretold, a famine came throughout the world and in the land of Canaan it was very severe so Joseph's 10 brothers came to Egypt in search of food. They all bowed down to him, and after testing them, Joseph revealed to them his true identity, and forgave them. God saved the whole family from the famine and they came down to live in Egypt.

he story of Joseph is an amazing story because it reveals how God in His foreknowledge, planned far in advance, knowing that the Hebrews wouldn't survive in Canaan because of the coming famine and other circumstances, but needed to be brought down into Egypt where they would not only survive but multiply exceedingly. God ordained the situation with Joseph so that He would preserve His people and fulfill His promises to Abraham.

Later Joseph said to his brothers:

Gen 50:20

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Gen 50:24-26

And Joseph said to his brethren, "I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob."  Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

The Story of the Bible


Moses and the Exodus

 Moses and the Exodus

ow the Bible turns its attention to Moses, who was born about 1500 BC. He was chosen to lead Israel out of slavery and give them God's laws. When the Book of Exodus begins, the Hebrews were living in Egypt and after time they grew in number and the new Pharaoh didn't remember Joseph and put them into slavery. The Hebrew slaves had been reproducing so fast that the king felt threatened by a potential revolt against his authority. He gave orders that no more male Hebrew children should be allowed to live. To save the infant Moses, his mother made a little vessel of papyrus waterproofed with asphalt and pitch. She placed Moses in the vessel, floating among the reeds on the bank of the Nile River.

By God's providence, Moses-- the child of a Hebrew slave-- was found and adopted by an Egyptian princess, the daughter of the Pharaoh himself. He was reared [image] in the royal court as a prince of the Egyptians: "And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds" (Acts 7:22). At the same time the Lord determined that Moses should be taught in his earliest years by his own mother. This meant that he was founded in the faith of his fathers, although he was reared as an Egyptian (Ex. 2:1-10).

 Moses was educated in a civilization unsurpassed by any people at that time. His training was designed to prepare him for a high office, or even the throne of Egypt. He became familiar with life at Pharaoh's courts and the pomp and grandeur of Egyptian religious worship. He was schooled in the writing and literary ideas of the time. He witnessed the administration of justice. When he was 40 years old, Moses became angry at an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave; he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand (Ex. 2:12). When this became known, however, he feared for his own life and fled from Egypt to the desert land of Midian where he married a daughter of Jethro in agreement to tend Jethro's flocks.

After about 40 more years, God spoke to Moses from a bush that was on fire but didn't burn. God sent Moses back to Egypt to lead the Hebrews out of slavery, and into the land promised to Abraham. God demonstrated His power to Moses and revealed to Him His holy Name "YHVH"  or "Yaweh" (Jehovah became a popular pronunciation in the 16th century through German translators although there is no "J" sound in the Hebrew).

God anointed Aaron to go with Moses to be the spokesman and they persuaded the people of Israel to follow them but Pharaoh would not let them go. Then God sent 10 devastating plagues on the Egyptians, the last plague being the death of the firstborn in every home whose doors were not marked with blood.

1.   First Plague: Blood

2.   Second Plague: Frogs

3.   Third Plague: Lice

4.   Fourth Plague: Flies

5.   Fifth Plague: Disease on Livestock

6.   Sixth Plague: Boils

7.   Seventh Plague: Hail

8.   Eighth Plague: Locusts

9.   Ninth Plague: Darkness

10. Tenth Plague: Death of the First-Born

God commanded the Israelites to celebrate yearly the "Passover",  where the death angel passed over  the houses that had the blood of a lamb.

Exod 12:1-14

Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, "This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. "Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: 'On the tenth day of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. 'And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man's need you shall make your count for the lamb. 'Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats.

'Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 'And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 'Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. . . roasted in fire . . . 'You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire.

'And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD'S Passover. 'For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. 'Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 'So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations.

After this Pharaoh finally gave in and agreed to let Israel go (and with all the wealth of Egypt), but as soon as they left, Pharaoh changed his mind. He sent his army after them where Israel was cornered against the Red Sea. God parted the waters and led them through on dry ground.

Exod 14:21-22

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Then the waters closed in on Pharaoh's armies:

Exod 14:28-29

Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

The Israelites were guided by the mysterious Shekinah glory cloud that led them to Mount Sinai. On the way their faith was tested as they experienced intense heat, hunger, thirst, and war. God did many miracles including "manna",  bread that fell from heaven.

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The Giving of the Law

The Giving of the Law

hen the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, Moses went up into the mountain for 40 days. God revealed Himself and they were terrified.

Exod 19:16-18

Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

Out of this momentous encounter came the covenant between the Lord and Israel, including the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17). When Moses delayed in coming down from Mount Sinai, the faithless people became restless. They persuaded Aaron to take their golden earrings and other articles of jewelry and to fashion a golden calf for worship. When he came down from the mountain, Moses was horrified at the idolatry and rebellion of his people. The sons of Levi were loyal to Moses, however; and he ordered them to punish the rebels (Ex. 32:28).

ecause of his anger at the golden calf, Moses cast down the two tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments and broke them at the foot of the mountain (Ex. 32:19). After the rebellion had been put down, Moses went up into Mount Sinai again and there received the Ten Commandments a second time (Ex. 34:1,29). There was given hundreds of laws in three phases:

Moral Laws (10 Commandments written by the finger of God),

Civil Laws (Dietary and Judicial also), and

Ceremonial Laws (Sacrifices, Feast Days, etc.).

In giving the Law to the Hebrew people, Moses taught the Israelites what the Lord expected of them-- that they were to be a holy people separated from the pagan immorality and idolatry of their surroundings. Here the foundation of Judaism was laid., A God given religious system all centering around the Tabernacle (the place where the blood was sprinkled on the ark), the Sacrifices, and the Priesthood. The Levites were the priestly tribe, and Aaron (Moses' brother) was the first High Priest.

Israel was numbered and organized for war. The 12 Tribes were established (Sons of Jacob) and leaders were appointed for each tribe.

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The Wilderness Wanderings

 The Wilderness Wanderings

rom Sinai, God led the Israelites through "the great and terrible wilderness"  to Kadesh (the border of the promised land). Moses sent 12 spies, one from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, into Canaan to explore the land. The spies returned with glowing reports of the fruitfulness of the land. They brought back samples of its figs and pomegranates and a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried between two men on a pole (Num. 13:1-25)

 The majority of the spies, however, voted against the invasion of the land because of the huge inhabitants of Canaan, and fortified cities "walled to heaven". It was a report of doom. Yet two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, brought back a report full of faith and encouragement.

Num 13:30-33

But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, "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 the 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."  . . . Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it."

But the people lost heart and rebelled, refusing to enter Canaan and crying for a new leader who would take them back to Egypt. To punish them for their lack of faith, God condemned all of that generation, except Caleb and Joshua, to perish in the wilderness for 40 years (Num. 14:26-38). All those 20 years old and up would indeed perish in the wilderness with the exception of Joshua and Caleb.

 During these years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses' patience was continually tested by the murmurings, grumblings, and complaints of the people. At one point, Moses' patience reached its breaking point and he sinned against the Lord, in anger against the people. When the people again grumbled against Moses, saying they had no water, the Lord told Moses to speak to the rock and water would flow forth. Instead, Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod. Apparently because he disobeyed the Lord in this act, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land (Num. 20:1-13). That privilege would belong to his successor, Joshua.

After 40 years the sandglass ran out and Moses brought the tribes back to Kadesh. They camped on the plains of Moab where Moses spoke to them for the last time. Moses then turned his leadership over to Joshua. God led him to the top of Mount Nebo to see the land and there Moses died.

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Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan

 Joshua & the Conquest of Canaan

hen Israel finally crossed over the Jordan River (on dry land) and entered Canaan and celebrated their first Passover in the promised land. God spoke to Joshua and made him a strong leader.

Josh 1:5-6

". . . as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

The sins of the Canaanites were at the boiling point and Joshua was to completely destroy them lest Israel inherit their evil ways. Some of the abominations happening in the land were temple prostitution, father and son commiting sexual acts with the same prostitute, child sacrifice, homosexualities, idolatry, and on and on. God spoke about their evil ways throughout the entire Old Testament.

Lev 18:25-30

'For the land is defiled; therefore I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants. 'You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your own nation or any stranger who dwells among you 'for all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the land is defiled), 'lest the land vomit you out also when you defile it, as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

'For whoever commits any of these abominations, the persons who commit them shall be cut off from among their people. 'Therefore you shall keep My ordinance, so that you do not commit any of these abominable customs which were committed before you, and that you do not defile yourselves by them: I am the LORD your God.'"

Deut 18:9-22

"When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,	"or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. "For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. "You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. "For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.

The inhabitants of Canaan were terrified. The first city they conquered was Jericho. It was a miracle, when the trumpets were blown, the walls fell.

Josh 6:20

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Under Joshua, the Israelites conquered the entire country (Josh 21). The only defeat was at Ai, where an Israelite named Achan disobeyed God's orders. In 7 years they defeated 31 kings in the land. Joshua divided the land among the 12 tribes of Israel as God directed.

Joshua was a great leader but he made 2 fatal mistakes.  First, he failed to completely defeat the Canaanites (especially the Philistines, Amalekites, and Midianites), and second, he failed to wipe out completely the filthy and idolatrous fertility cults of the land. Joshua's failure to cut this cancer completely out of society resulted in disastrous times for about the next 400 years of Hebrew history.

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The Judges

 The Judges

efore he died, Joshua urged Israel to keep trusting God and obeying His commands, but they didn't. After Joshua died, "every man did what was right in his own eyes".  They would forget God, the enemy would severely oppress them, they would cry out to God for help, and God would raise up a deliverer (Judge) to free them of their misery. This was the sad pattern for the Israelites for almost 400 years. The main deliverer-judges were: Othniel, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, Eli, and Samuel. (Ruth also lived during this period). Probably the most important person in this era was Samuel.

Judg 2:10-19

When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the Baals; and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the LORD to anger.

They forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel. So He delivered them into the hands of plunderers who despoiled them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer stand before their enemies. Wherever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for calamity, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn to them. And they were greatly distressed. Nevertheless, the LORD raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they would not listen to their judges, but they played the harlot with other gods, and bowed down to them.

They turned quickly from the way in which their fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of the LORD; they did not do so. 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 bow down to them. They did not cease from their own doings nor from their stubborn way.

The message that seems to become evident during the dark period of the judges is that man is inherently sinful and will always revert back to his evil ways, and the Lord will always be there for those who cry out to Him, but forgetting God can only result in bondage and defeat.

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Samuel the Prophet

 Samuel the Prophet

nd moving on we come to Samuel who was the first of Israel's great prophets, and the last of the judges. Samuel's mother Hannah (who was barren) had prayed for a son.

1 Sam 1:10-11

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life. . ."

She praised God when He answered her prayer and gave her a child. Hannah gave Samuel to the priest, Eli, so he could be taught to serve the Lord. As a child, Samuel, heard from God that he was going to be a prophet and judge in Israel. Before Samuel's time, a prophet was called a "seer." But Samuel was not just a forecaster of the future but became a "mouthpiece"  for God. He was used by God to inform Eli that his house would be punished for the abuses and the perversions of his sons who were the priests of the people. The priest was a mediator for God to the people and for the people to God. But they were completely corrupt. Samuel also rebuked the nation about their evil ways.

he Philistines and other enemies oppressed Israel so severely that they became disheartened. They complained that the nation had no hope of survival as long as it remained a collection of tribes. They were tired of being a theocracy under God. They wanted something more tangible. They wanted a monarchy. They cried for a king.  They longed for a strong nation headed by a warrior king. The more Samuel tried to wed them closer to Jehovah and His direct rule over them, the more uncontent they became. They wanted what the other nations had, an earthly king. At last, a broken-hearted Samuel let them have their way. (1 Sam 1-8).

1 Sam 8:4-22

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, "Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." So Samuel prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. "According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day-- with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods-- so they are doing to you also. "Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them."

So Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who asked him for a king. And he said, "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. "He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. "He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. "And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. "He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. "And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. "He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. "And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day."

Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, "No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles." And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. So the LORD said to Samuel, "Heed their voice, and make them a king."

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Saul, The First King

Saul, The First King

he Lord had always intended to give Israel a king (Deut 17), but Israel's sin was in demanding a king from the wrong motives, in looking for that king in the wrong tribe, and in demanding a king before it was God's time to give them one. A man named Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin was chosen, a man of impressive stature, who embodied the basic ideals Israel had at the time, being much more concerned with his appearance than his heart. It's sad how Saul's character turned out to be a reflection of Israel as a whole.

1 Sam 9:1-2

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. . . And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, "There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one you shall anoint to reign over My people."

Saul was a weak and ineffective king who didn't do much with his life except try to murder David, his son-in-law, despite David's repeated expression of loyalty, because he knew David was destined to take his place one day on the throne. Saul's hatred and insane jealousy for David made him fail as a king and Samuel regretted anointing him. Saul's reign ended in disaster. He received no answer for his prayers, and even sought the help of a witch.

The battle that took place the next day at Gilboa was a bitter defeat for Israel, Saul himself was wounded, and he committed suicide by throwing himself on his own sword. Three of his sons, including Jonathan also died.

The greatest failure for Saul, the first king of Israel, was when he disobeyed God at Gilgal. The Philistines were encamped against Israel and Saul's troops were deserting daily. The prophet Samuel had promised him that all would be well, only he must wait for God's time. Samuel would come at the end of a week and would offer a sacrifice. Then Saul's armies would have the victory. Saul impatiently went ahead and offered the sacrifice himself. No sooner had he finished than the prophet appeared. Saul had greatly sinned in officiating as a priest.

1 Sam 13:11-14

And Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, "then I said, 'The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD.' Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering." And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. "But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you."

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David, The Rightful King

David, The Rightful King

ike Jesus, David was from Bethlehem. He grew up as a shepherd and was skillful in music and courageous. Samuel secretly anointed him as king and God openly showed Israel His chosen by his singlehandedly slaying of the giant, Goliath of Gath.

1 Sam 17:43-50

So the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to [image] me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. "Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands."

So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hastened and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him.

But Saul began to hate David more and more. David had served at Saul's court, had been married to his younger daughter, and had gone to battle numerous times at Saul's command, and Saul began to hope that David would die in battle. When Saul openly tried to murder him was when David took to the hills.

For some 20 years David hid in the wilderness from Saul where he gathered an army from the outcasts of Israel.  David wrote most of the Psalms at this time and God called him, "a man after My own heart." Finally, 7 years after Saul died, the tribes crowned David king at Hebron. (about 1000 BC). He brought the Ark of the covenant (gold box containing the 10 commandments and symbolizing the throne of God) to Jerusalem, which he established as the capital (2 Sam 1-5).

David was Israel's greatest and truly ideal king. He was a great warrior and a man who loved God.  He brought great peace and prosperity to the land. But David also had his weaknesses. He took many wives, like other kings, and this was forbidden by God. He even arranged the murder of one of his soldiers so that he could marry the man's wife who he had already seduced. David was a great sinner, but he was also very remorseful and repentant. David also took a census (headcount) of his army, showing a lack of trust in God. God punished David and Israel for his sins. The good qualities found in David are a picture of Christ who would be a descendant of David.

As David, in his old age, looked back on his life and pondered on how God had delivered him from all of his enemies he sang:

2 Sam 22:4

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

2 Sam 23:1-2

Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. . ."

The next king was Solomon.

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Solomon

 Solomon

David ordained that his son Solomon become the next king. He then gave Solomon the plans for the Temple and said:

1 Chr 28:9-11

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. "Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it."

Soon after this, the Lord appeared to Solomon and offered him anything he wished for:

IKing 3:5-14

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" And Solomon said: "You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. "Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. "And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, "behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. "And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. "So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."

fterwards Solomon became Israel's most magnificent king. He built the marvelous Temple and God's favor was with him. When he had finished the Temple he made sacrifices and said a public prayer:

IKing 8:27-30

"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! "Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You today: "that Your eyes may be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, 'My name shall be there,' that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. "And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive. . ."

Then God revealed His glory:

2 Chr 7:1-3

When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever."

During his reign he made Israel a world power and great wealth flowed into the kingdom. He had such great wisdom from God that people came from distant lands to here him. He taught many proverbs and wrote Ecclesiastes and Songs. Yet Solomon did more than any other king to break down the kingdom and to destroy its true foundations. His biggest mistake was in disobeying God by taking many wives, and marrying the daughters of foreign kings. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. He allowed them to build altars to "Astarte" (Ishtar in Babylonia and Astoreth in Phoenicia) the fertility goddess and other pagan gods.

The instructions in the Law for a king were as follows:

Deut 17:14-20

"When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, 'I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,' "you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. "But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, 'You shall not return that way again.' "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.

"Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. "And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, "that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel."

Though Solomon was gifted with incredible wisdom, his heart led him astray. Toward the end of his life troubles began to appear through powerful factions, and enemies raised up both within and without the nation. Though Solomon made Jerusalem one of the wonders of the world, the kingdom was ready for a collapse. When Solomon died (about 922 BC) the kingdom split in two.

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The Divided Kingdom

The Divided Kingdom

fter Solomon the fame and fortunes of Israel went downhill. The nation rebelled against God and his laws. God might have destroyed Israel had He not promised to Abraham a redeemer and He still planned to use the house of David for this.

When Solomon died a civil war broke out as Solomon's sons and generals fought for the throne. Rehoboam had his fathers blessing to be the new king, but Jeroboam had more military influence. In the end, Rehoboam took the southern half of the country and called it "Judah".  Jeroboam took the northern half and kept the name Israel.  Each claimed to be God's chosen king.

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The Northern Kingdom (Israel)

 The Northern Kingdom (Israel)

he Northern Kingdom consisted of 10 of the tribes (excluding Judah and Benjamin). It lasted for about 210 years until it was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC. Its capital was Samaria. Every king of Israel was evil. In the northern kingdom there were 9 dynasties (family lines of kings) and 19 kings in all. An average of 11 years to a reign. 8 of these kings met death by violence.

The epitaph written over every one of its kings was:

IKing 15:34

and he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin by which he had made Israel to sin.

It was king Ahab who introduced Baal worship to them.

IKing 16:30-33

Now Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him. Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

The last king was Hoshea (2 Ki 17). The petty wars of the past, wars with Syria and Edom, Ammon and Philistia, were now to give way to war on an ominous new scale. A world empire was being gathered into the ruthless hands of the Assyrians. The ruthless and cruel Assyrians (under Sargon II) besieged Samaria for 3 years and finally it fell, Israel was doomed. The Assyrians hauled them away into captivity (722 BC).

But the Lord always reminded them of why judgement came:

II Ki 17:7-23

For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and they had feared other gods, and had walked in the statutes of the nations whom the LORD had cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.

Also the children of Israel secretly did against the LORD their God things that were not right, and they built for themselves high places in all their cities, from watchtower to fortified city. They set up for themselves sacred pillars and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. There they burned incense on all the high places, like the nations whom the LORD had carried away before them; and they did wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger, for they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, "You shall not do this thing."

Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets." Nevertheless they would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God. And they rejected His statutes and His covenant that He had made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He had testified against them; they followed idols, became idolaters, and went after the nations who were all around them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them that they should not do like them.

So they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, made for themselves a molded image and two calves, made a wooden image and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. And they caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.

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

The Story of the Bible


The Southern Kingdom (Judah)

 The Southern Kingdom (Judah)

The Southern Kingdom consisted of 2 tribes (Judah and Benjamin). The kingdom extended in the north as far as Bethel, while in the south it ended in the dry area known as the Negev. Its eastern and western boundaries were the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Jerusalem was its capital and it lasted from about 922-586 B.C.,

Judah was left suddenly independent when Rehoboam flatly refused to lighten the heavy load of forced labor and high taxation imposed on the Israelites by his father Solomon (1 Kin. 12:1-24). Upon Rehoboam's refusal, the ten tribes living north of Bethel promptly declared their independence.

ut something else occured along with this Division. An  entirely unexpected blow that devastated Judah. Shishak, Pharaoh of Egypt, invaded the country, plundered the treasures of the Temple and the royal palace, and destroyed a number of newly built fortresses (2 Chr. 12:1-12). Judah never recovered from the sudden loss of her national wealth. Because her land was not as fertile as that of the northern kingdom of Israel, Judah never enjoyed the same degree of prosperity. Rehoboam wanted to attack Israel and reunite the kingdom by force, but a Word from the Lord came to Shemaiah the prophet saying,

IKing 12:24

'Thus says the LORD: "You shall not go up nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel."

Judah had somewhat of a better record. Only 8 of Judah's kings served God. These were: Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah. The rest of the 20 kings were wicked. In the southern kingdom there was only one dynasty, that of king David, except usurper Athaliah from the northern kingdom, who by marriage, broke into David's line, and interrupted the succession for 6 years, 20 kings in all. An average of about 16 years to a reign.

Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram (about 848-841 B.C.) married Athaliah, daughter of king Ahab and the wicked Queen Jezebel; and their marriage led to Baal worship also being established in Jerusalem (2 Kin. 8:18). Jehoram's son Ahaziah reigned only for one year (841 B.C.) before he was killed. The pagan queen-mother Athaliah seized the throne and nearly brought the Davidic line to extinction by killing most of Ahaziah's sons. Only the infant Joash escaped; he was rescued by his aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband Jehoiada, the godly high priest (2 Chr. 22:10-12). After six years Joash was proclaimed the lawful king, and Athaliah was executed.

Baal worship climaxed in Judah during the reign of Ahaz (2 Ki 16). Ahaz (about 732-715 B.C.), was faced with Assyria's rise to power under TiglathPileser III; but Ahaz resisted the urgings of Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel to join an alliance against Assyria. Instead, Ahaz sought help from Assyria, against the prophet Isaiah's advice, and received assistance in return for heavy tribute. Syria and the kingdom of Israel were destroyed in 722 B.C., leaving Judah at the mercy of the Assyrians.

When Hezekiah (about 714-686 B. C.) succeeded Ahaz, he also disregarded Isaiah's advice and became involved in a coalition with Babylonia and Egypt against Assyria. Assyria, now ruled by Sennacherib, moved against Jerusalem in 701 B. C. It was at this time that Hezekiah constructed the Siloam Tunnel to bring water from the Spring of Gihon into the city of Jerusalem (2 Chr. 32:30). But then something very strange happened. Somehow, miraculously the Assyrians withdrew from attacking Jerusalem after suffering heavy losses, perhaps from a plague. History leaves a big question mark at this point. Why didn't Sennacherib build a seige mound against Jerusalem and completely conquer it? The Bible reveals something very interesting:

Isa 37:33-38

"Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: 'He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor build a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return; and he shall not come into this city,' says the LORD. 'For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David's sake.' "Then the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses-- all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.

Revival came during the reign of Hezekiah but it was immediately swept aside by Manasseh, who was Judah's most wicked and longest ruling king. The nation never fully recovered from the effects of this evil king. Manasseh's son Amon continued in his father's depravity, but he soon was murdered. His successor Josiah (about 640-609 B.C.) restored traditional covenant religion, which was based on the Book of the Law newly discovered in a Temple storeroom (2 Chr. 34:14). Many did not follow Josiah's example, however, and the prophet Zephaniah  foretold disaster for the nation. By 610 B.C. the Assyrian Empire had collapsed under Babylonian attacks, and Babylon prepared to march against Egypt, which had been helping the Assyrians. Against Jeremiah's advice, Josiah intervened and was killed at Megiddo.

After Josiah there was no hope for Judah, the last 3 kings were all evil. The Babylonians swept down upon Jerusalem in 597 B. C. and captured it. A second attack led to Jerusalem's second defeat in 586 B. C. Captives from both campaigns were taken to Babylonia to mark the captivity of the Southern Kingdom.

The Story of the Bible


The Assyrians

 Assyria

A kingdom between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers that dominated the ancient world from the ninth century to the seventh century B. C. Its capital was Nineveh. In stature the Assyrians were of average modern European height, and were powerfully built. Their complexion was dark, the nose prominent, the hair, eyebrows, and beard thick and bushy. They rarely intermarried with neighboring peoples.

The early inhabitants of Assyria were ancient tribesmen (Gen. 10:22) who probably migrated from Babylonia. They grew powerful enough around 1300 B. C. to conquer Babylonia. For the next 700 years they were the leading power in the ancient world, with their leading rival nation, Babylon, constantly challenging them for this position.

The ancient city of Ashur (west bank of the Tigris)

It was the Assyrians that destroyed the northern kingdom Israel under Shalmaneser IV who besieged Samaria and then died during the siege leaving Sargon II to finish the task and drag Israel into captivity. After defeating the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B. C., the Assyrians carried away thousands of Israelites and resettled them in other parts of the Assyrian Empire. This was a blow from which the nation of Israel never recovered. The ten tribes that were taken to Assyria became the ten lost tribes, for they have never again emerged in world history.

Assyrian policy was to deport conquered peoples to other lands within the empire, to destroy their sense of nationalism, and break any pride or hope of rebellion and replace them with strangers from far away. Assyrians were great warriors. Most nations at that time period were looters, building their state by robbing other nations. Assyria was the most ferocious of them all. Their very name became a byword for cruelty and atrocity. They skinned their prisoners alive, and cut off various body parts to inspire terror in their enemies. There is records of Assyrian officials pulling out tongues and displaying mounds of human skulls all to bring about stark horror and wealthy tribute from surrounding nations. Nowhere are the pages of history more bloody than in the records of their wars.

Assyrian scribes recording the number slain

Assyrian king putting out the eyes of an enemy king and leading the officials into captivity with hooks in their lips

Assyria was a world empire for about 300 years under several warrior kings some of which wielded Assyria into the best fighting machine of the ancient world. Finally the brutal empire fell in 607 B.C. giving way to the Babylonians.

The ruins of Nineveh

"And He will make Ninevah a desolation . . ."  (Zeph 2:13-14)

On the east bank of the Tigris river lay massive mounds of ruins where there stood the splendid capital city of the Assyrians with its great palaces and buildings. There is record of Alexander the Great, when he was near Nineveh, not recognizing that it once was the center of the great Assyrian empire.

The religion of the Assyrians, much like that of the Babylonians, emphasized worship of nature. They believed every object of nature was possessed by a spirit. The chief god was Asshur. All other primary gods whom they worshiped were related to the objects of nature. These included Anu, god of the heavens; Bel, god of the region inhabited by man, beasts, and birds; Ea, god of the waters; Sin, the moon-god; Shamash, the sun-god; and Ramman, god of the storms. These gods were followed by five gods of the planets. In addition to these primary gods, lesser gods also were worshiped. In some cases, various cities had their own patron gods. The pagan worship of the Assyrians was vehemently condemned by several prophets of the Old Testament (Is. 10:5; Ezek. 16:28; Hos. 8.9)

Here is a list of most of the later kings of Assyria (885-607 B.C.):

Assur-nasipal II (885-860 B.C.)

Shalmaneser II (860-825 B.C.)

Shansi-adad (825-808 B.C.)

Adad-nirari (808-783 B.C.)

Shalmaneser III (783-771 B.C.)

Assur-dayan (771-753 B.C.)

Assur-lush (753-747 B.C.)

Tiglath-pileser III (Pul) (747-727 B.C.)

Shalmaneser IV (727-722 B.C.)

Sargon II (722-705 B.C.)

Sennacherib (705-681 B.C.)

Esar-haddon (681-668 B.C.)

Assur-banipal (668-626 B.C.)

Assur-etil-ilani (626-607 B.C.)

Assyrian annals mention contacts with some nine Hebrew kings: Omri, Ahab, Jehu, Menahem, Pekah, Uzziah, Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh.

Because of the cruelty and paganism of the Assyrians, the Hebrew people harbored deep-seated hostility against this nation. This attitude is revealed clearly in the Book of Jonah . When God instructed Jonah to preach to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, Jonah refused and went in the opposite direction. After he finally went to Nineveh, the prophet was disappointed with God because He spared the city. 150 years later The prophet Nahum  spoke against Assyria indicating that they were ripe for the slaughter.

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The Story of the Bible


The Babylonian Captivity

 The Babylonian Captivity

Around 605 BC. Nineveh and Assyria had fallen. It was just Egypt and Babylon who were seeking world supremacy. The young brilliant new king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, went out and defeated the Egyptians at Carchemish. He marched on to Judah, during Jehoiakim's reign, and took thousands of Hebrews back to Babylon (including Daniel , who became one of the greatest prophets). Nebuchadnezzar made two more attacks when he heard of rebellion in Judah. Each time he took captives (including Ezekiel  the prophet). Only a remnant of the weakest, poorest, and least threatening Jews remained. King Nebuchadnezzar set up a puppet king (Zedekiah) of David's line to sit on the throne of Judah and made him swear an oath of allegiance (2 Chr 36:10-12).

Zedekiah was as faithless as the rest of the evil kings of Judah. He then rebelled and allied with other enemies. When Nebuchadnezzar heard he came back for the last time (586 BC) to reduce Jerusalem to rubble and send the Temple up in flames. Zedekiah was forced to witness the slaughter of his sons, then his eyes were put out, and he himself was carried off to Babylon. The Kingdom was over and the "times of the gentiles"  had begun.

2 Kin 24:13-14 13 And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house, and he cut in pieces all the articles of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. 14 Also he carried into captivity all Jerusalem: all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land.

The Story of the Bible


The Old Testament

 About  Divisions   Dates   Maps

• Introduction

• Creation

• Adam and Eve

• The Flood

• The Tower at Babel

• Abraham

• Jacob

• Joseph

• Moses and the Exodus

• The Giving of the Law

• The Wilderness Wanderings

• Joshua and the Promised Land

• The Judges                     Judges

• Samuel the Prophet

• Saul, The First King

• David, The Rightful King

• Solomon                           Kings

• The Divided Kingdom

• The Northern Kingdom (Israel)

• The Southern Kingdom (Judah)

• The Babylonian Captivity

• The Return from Babylon

• The Prophets

• Messianic Prophecy

• In Conclusion

• Bibliography and Credits

The Story of the Bible


The Captivity to the Return

The Return from Babylon

he people of Judah were horribly distressed. They lost their home, their city, their pride, their Temple, the ark of the covenant, and they were taken as prisoners to Babylon, the homeland of idolatry.  But God raised up great men to remind them of Jeremiah's prophesies, that they would only be there for 70 years. Babylon would not be their home:

Jer 29:10-14

For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

They would return and the temple would be rebuilt, and the Messiah would still come. Daniel  and Ezekiel  sought to keep the true faith alive.

The Decree of Cyrus

By 538 BC. Babylon had passed into history and the Medo-Persian Empire took its place. Cyrus the Persian issued a decree  to allow the Jews to go back to their land, and with the blessing of The Persian Empire.The Jews were hardly moved. Babylon was their home. Only a portion returned (Neh 7) and only 74 of the Levites, who were supposed to be known for their dedication to the things of God.

Zerubbabel

The first move back to Palestine was led by Zerubbabel, of the house of David. He was the only one of royal blood to pay any attention to the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 2). When he returned, he found just rubble. No temple, torn down walls, and a mixed breed of corrupt Jews (Samaritans)  living there. In 536 BC. he laid the foundations for a new temple, built an altar and worshipped the Lord.  The prophets Haggai  and Zechariah  helped urge the Jews on. They finished the work on the Temple in 516 BC. (exactly 70 years).

Ezra and Nehemiah

58 years later (458 BC) more Jews returned (Ezra 7) under the leadership of Ezra. 12 years later, Nehemiah, received permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to govern Judea. He arrived in 444 BC. Despite much opposition, Nehemiah completed this seemingly hopeless task in 52 days. Then a revival followed. Ezra and Nehemiah canonized the books of the Old Testament.  They read aloud to the people and gave interpretation. About 40 years later, the prophet Malachi  condemned the people for slipping back into their sinful ways.

The Story of the Bible


In Conclusion

 In Conclusion

his concludes the Story of the Bible - Pt.1 "The Old Testament." Look for other Bible Knowledge Accelerator information programs on the Internet.

Luke 16:17

Jesus said, "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the Word of God to fail."

Luke 24:44-45

Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

The Story of the Bible


Babylon

 Babylon

 "babilu" (gate of god). An ancient city in the plain of shinar on the Euphrates River, about 50 miles south of Modern Baghdad. Babylon was founded by Nimrod of Gen. 10, who developed the world's first organized system of idolatry which God condemned, ie. Gen. 11. It later became the capital of Babylonia and the Babylonian Empire. It was of overwhelming size and appearance.

Nebuchadnezzar (Nabu-kudurri-usur II) was the real genius and builder of Babylon. Of its 70 years in existence he ruled 43 years. As the commander of Nabopalassar’s armies he was unstoppable. He broke the power of Egypt at the battle of Carcemish and proved to be one of the mightiest monarchs of all time. Among the cities he invaded and plundered were Tyre, Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Jerusalem.

Inscriptions, documents and letters written during the 43 years of his reign (604-562 BC.) give an idea of the power and wealth of Babylon. Here are some interesting facts according to the historian Herodotus (Bk 1, 178-186) about Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon:

- The city was in the form of a square, 14 miles on each side, and of enormous magnitude.

- The brick wall was 56 miles long, 300 feet high, 25 feet thick with another wall 75 feet behind the first wall, and the wall extended 35 feet below the ground.

- There were 250 towers that were 450 feet high.

- A wide and deep moat encircled the city.

- The Euphrates River also flowed through the middle of the city. Ferry boats and a 1/2 mi. long bridge with drawbridges closed at night.

- The "Hanging Gardens" built by Nebuchadnezzar for his Median queen were considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Water was raised from the river by hydraulic pumps.

- There were 8 massive gates that led to the inner city and 100 brass gates.

- The streets were paved with stone slabs 3 feet square.

- There was "the great Tower" (Ziggurat) and 53 temples including the "GreatTemple of Marduk," and 180 altars to Ishtar.

-In Nebuchadnezzar's palace were the Golden image of Baal together with the Golden Table (both weighing over  50,000 lbs of solid gold), also 2 golden lions and a solid gold human figure (18 feet high).

-Nebuchadnezzar’s palace was considered to be the most magnificant building  ever erected on earth.

In 539 B.C. Cyrus led the Persian army into victory over Babylon by diverting the Euphrates River during a Feast. Nothing remains today of Babylon except a series of widely scattered mounds to study. (See Isaiah  13-14)

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The Persian Empire

 The Persian Empire

The new masters of the ancient world belonged to a particularly handsome race. This 5th-cent. B.C. glazed brick frieze is from the harem of Xerxes, the royal household at Persepolis. Their beards are carefully arranged in little curls in Persian fashion. At the heart of the imperial Persian army was the elite bodyguard known as the Ten Thousand Immortals, whose ranks included Medes, Elamites and Persians.

As the policy of Assyrian and Babylonian kings had been to deport conquered peoples to other parts of the empire, the Persian policy was the opposite and much more humane. They would send captives back to their land, as mentioned on the fired clay Persian "Cyrus Cylinder" as follows:

". . . to Ashur and Susa, Agade, Ashnunnak, Zamban, Meturnu, Deri, with the territory of the land of Gutium, the cities on the other side of the Tigris . . . the gods who dwelt in them, I brought back to their places . . . all their inhabitants I collected and restored them to their dwelling places . . . I liberated those who dwelt in Babylon from the yoke that chafed them . . . I am Cyrus, king of all things, the great king . . . king of all the earth . . ."

He also declares that he made good the wrong done by his predecessors by sending captives home, helping in the rebuilding of their temples and the return of their gods. This edict included the Jews. No doubt God had ordained Cyrus, who was a noble and just monarch, to issue a decree releasing the Jews. The remarkably powerful prophesy of Isaiah  is captivating in the light of history for it was written 150 years before Cyrus:

Isa 44:28-45:1

Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure, saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," and to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid."  "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-- to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut . . ."

 Persia was the mountainous plateau to the east of the lower Tigris-Euphrates Valley. The Persian empire was larger than the Babylonian and Assyrian empires, extending eastward to India and reaching westward to Greece. Its capitals were Persepolis and Susa. As a world empire it lasted 200 years (536-331 B.C.)

The Persian Kings were:

Cyrus (538-529 B.C.) Conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return.

Cambyses (529-522 B.C.) Stopped work on the Temple.

Darius I (521-485 B.C.) Authorized completion of the Temple.

Xerxes (Ahasuerus) (485-465 B.C.) Esther was his Queen.

Artaxerxes I (465-425 B.C.) Authorized Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem.

Xerxes II (424 B.C.)

Darius II (423-405 B.C.)

Artaxerxes II (405-358 B.C.)

Artaxerxes III (358-338 B.C.)

Arses (338-335)

Darius III (335-331 B.C.) He was defeated by Alexander the Great (331 B.C.) at the famous battle of Arbela, near Nineveh. This was the fall of Persia and the rise of Greece.

Alexander's marching army

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Maps

 Maps

  This Small topographic map shows how the Dead Sea region is the deepest land trench in the world being about 1300 ft. below sea level.

The Story of the Bible


Dates

Important Old Testament Dates:

Adam                                       (About 4000 B.C)

The Flood                               (About 2400 B.C.)

Abraham                                 (About 2000 B.C.)

Jacob                                      (About 1900 B.C.)

Joseph                                    (About 1800 B.C.)

Moses                                      (About 1450 B.C.)

Ruth                                         (About 1150 B.C.)

Samuel                                    (About 1100 B.C.)

Saul                                          (About 1053 B.C.)

David                                       (About 1013 B.C.)

Solomon                                 (About 973 B.C.)

Division of the Kingdom    (About 933 B.C.)

Galilee Captivity                   (About 734 B.C.)

Captivity of Israel                 (About 721 B.C.)

Babylon Conquers Judah (About 606 B.C.)

Jehoiachin's Captivity        (About 597 B.C.)

Destruction of Jerusalem  (About 586 B.C.)

Return from Captivity         (About 536 B.C.)

Temple Rebuilt                     (About 520 B.C.)

Esther is Queen of Persia  (About 478 B.C.)

Ezra goes to Jerusalem     (About 457 B.C.)

Nehemiah builds the Wall  (About 444 B.C.)

The Story of the Bible


The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary which contained the holy vessels of furniture including the "ark of the Covenant" (the box that contained the two tables of the Law) serving as a place of worship for the Israelites from the time of Moses and the wilderness wanderings until the Temple of Solomon was built. It represented God's throne on the earth  and typified God dwelling in His people just as the New Testament reveals the fulfillment that our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).

The Tabernacle was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. The curtain around the outer court was of fine white linen, which were fastened to 60 supporting pillars of bronze.

Within the outer court there were the great "bronze altar of burnt offering" (Ex 27) used for sacrifices and offerings, and the "bronze laver" (Ex 30) used for the cleansing and purifications of the priests.

The Tabernacle itself stood at the West end of the court and was a wooden structure overlaid with gold 45 x 15 feet divided into two parts by a heavy curtain called the "Veil."

The bigger part (30 x 15) was called "the holy place" and contained three golden articles of furniture. "The table of showbread," "the golden candlestick," and "the golden altar" of incense, each fulfilling certain functions.

The smaller part (15 x 15) was called "the holy of holies" and contained only "the ark of the covenant." This is where the blood was sprinkled on the lid "mercy seat" on the day of atonement once per year by the high priest. The glory of the Lord would be the only light in the room.

As the Israelites marched in the wilderness, the Levites (priestly tribe) would disassemble the Tabernacle, and, the ark carried by the priests on two poles would lead them as they went, with the glory cloud hovering over them.

Num 10:33-36

So they departed from the mountain of the LORD on a journey of three days; and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them for the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the LORD was above them by day when they went out from the camp. So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said:

"Rise up, O LORD! Let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You."  And when it rested, he said: "Return, O LORD, to the many thousands of Israel."

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About
About The Bible Knowledge Accelerator

The purpose of these information programs are to bring Biblical and historical information to the reader in a quick and easy to learn style using the Windows Help Format. Each program is filled with valuable information, pop-up definitions, charts, maps, and graphics, and can easily be stored and read off one 3½ in. HD disk. The graphics can only be viewed in 16-color at the present to conserve space but they are colorful and useful illustrations. Certain Bible Knowledge Accelerator information programs will be uploaded around the internet periodically. I am asking $5.00 for each program but if for some reason you can't pay that please feel free to use it and pass it along. The present list (8/95) of programs available are as follows:

The Incredible Bible

As with anything in God's creation the deeper you search, the more beauty and perfection you find. Such is the Bible. This book focuses on a closer understanding of the wonder Book, its uniqueness in  comparison to other sacred religious texts, canonicity, various names and divisions, ancient writing instruments, materials, and manuscripts, inspiration, and a brief history of pre-reformation translators, English translations, and some notes on modern Bible translations.

The Story of the Bible Pt. 1 - The Old Testament

This is a very simple overview of the history of the Old Testament. It follows the major people and events of the Old Testament in chronological order.

The Story of the Bible Pt. 2 - The Life of Jesus Christ

This is a very simple overview of the history of the life of Christ. It follows His ministry and the events surrounding His life in chronological order.

The Story of the Bible Pt. 1 - The New Testament

This is a very simple overview of the history of the New Testament beginning with the resurrection of Christ through to the ministry of Paul in Rome. It follows the major people and events of the New Testament in chronological order.

The Life of Jesus Christ

This information program takes us through the life of Christ in harmony with all four of the gospel accounts. The emphasis is on, "Y'Shua ha Mishiach" - Jesus, the Messiah. Understanding His teachings from a Hebraic backdrop, and examining His life and character in a way that gives insight into the incomprehensible love of a Man among men, One who befriended the most wretched, and felt with the deepest of emotions the beauties and agonies of the human experience.

The Historical Jesus

What does history say about Jesus Christ? How does history authenticate the gospel accounts of His life and ministry? This information program emphasizes extra-Biblical history and gains insight from ancient chroniclers such as Josephus, Pliny, Tacitus and others.

The Greeks

A history of the Greek world from a Christian perspective. Grecian history, language, influence, culture, great men, literature, religion, etc. A look at a culture that changed the whole world.

The Romans

A history of the Roman world from a Christian perspective. Roman history, architecture, language, power & military, culture, great men, literature, religion, etc. An empire that changed the whole world. Also Rome's influence on Christianity throughout the church age through Roman Catholicism.

Jerusalem at the Time of Christ

A look at Jerusalem, the city of the great king, in the first century A.D., with all its incredible architecture. Herod's Temple, his Palace, the Fortress of Antonia, the Hasmonean Palace, the Hippodrome, various roads, valleys, pools, hills, and mountains. Including the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, and Calvary (Golgotha).

Religion at the Time of Christ

Focusing on the backround and peculiar lifestyles and beliefs of the various religious sects in the land of Israel whom Jesus encountered and understood when He was here. Pharisee's, Sadducee's, Scribes, Essenes, Zealot's, Priest's, Levites, the Sanhedrin, the High Priest, etc.

Sociology at the Time of Christ

Community living in Israel 1st century A.D. Clothing, work, social life, economics, travel, sabbath, synagogue, children, marriage, homes, calendar and time, temple, festivals, etc.

The Crucifixion

The origins and details of crucifixion and Roman justice, as well as what really happened when the Lord was on the cross. Interesting studies on the history of crucifixion.

The Destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D

What really happened in 70 A.D? Who was Titus? How many came against Jerusalem? What took place at Masada? The slaughters of the Jews and destruction of the great Temple.

The Tabernacle

An in-depth look at the ancient Tabernacle of Israel, its furnishings, details, and spiritual significance. The Ark of the Covenant, golden 7-branched Menorah, bronze Altar, the Veil, and Holy of Holies, etc. This is a rich and edifying study for the serious Bible student.

The 7 Jewish Feasts and their Significance

The ancient yearly feasts and festivals of the Jews and their modern observances. Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. Details of each including Yom Kippur and the scapegoat. Each of the feasts have a unique fulfillment in God's calendar of events.

The Five Levitical Offerings

An object lesson which God ordained that would make your skin crawl. Why an innocent offering? What is sin? A detailed look at the five offerings that the common people of Israel brought to the priests. How were they uniquely fulfilled in Jesus, the final sacrifice? The Burnt Offering, the Meal Offering, the Sin Offering, the Trespass Offering, and the Peace Offering. How did they differ?

The Special Garments of the High Priest

A unique perspective on the priestly garments. This clothing was designed by God and they were only permitted to be worn by the priests who served. What was the purpose of the jewels on the breastplate of the high priest? the mitre? or the curious girdle? These subjects are pregnant with messianic significance. If you haven't researched this subject, it will amaze you.

Solomon's Temple

The construction, history, and significance of the Temple of Solomon, how it differed from the Tabernacle, and who officiated in its compounds. It also features Solomon's Empire, his remarkable prosperity, king Solomon's mines, his horses and stables, his army, the gold of Ophir, domestic economy, foreign policy, the queen of Sheba, and his 700 wives.

Prophets and Prophesy

This exhaustive information program examines the peculiar lives, ministries, and messages of the prophets (mouthpieces) of God. Men who spoke out in the midst of apostasy in Israel, and also in foreign nations like Babylon and Assyria. They spoke of the judgments to come, as well as the glories of the coming of the Messiah, and His glorious kingdom. Men like Isaiah , Jeremiah , Daniel , Ezekiel , also Elijah and Elisha who were identified with some of the greatest of the Bible's miracles.

Messianic Prophesy

The focus is on the Christology of the entire Old Testament. It traces verbal prophecies and non-verbal types and figures book by book with their preliminary and secondary fulfillments. This rich study is extremely insightful and faith-building to any person desiring to learn more about Jesus Christ and the great treasures found in the Holy Scriptures.

Old Testament History

Follows the entire Old Testament in chronological order with emphasis on history. There is much discussion on archaeology and ancient cultures. It clearly gives the student of the Bible a fresh insight into the Biblical story.

New Testament History

Follows the entire New Testament in chronological order with emphasis on history. There is also much discussion on archaeology and ancient mediterranean cultures. The seven wonders of the ancient world, Greece, Rome, Jerusalem, Paul's journeys, and much more.

Between the Testaments

There were approximately 400 years from the close of the Old Testament to the Beginning of the New Testament. Though the Bible was silent history reveals so very much that happened. This book examines that time period with Persia, Greece, Rome, the Ptolemies & Seleucids and their violently bitter hatred toward the Jews which led to the Maccabean revolt , one of the most heroic feats in history, the origin of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. It covers men like Alexander the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes, the Maccabeans, and the rise of the Roman Empire with Caius Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, Cleopatra and others.

Bible Survey

A general overview of every book in the Bible. It outlines each book and focuses on its themes, high points, theology, supposed contradictions, and messianic significance.

Basics of Christianity

This is a new believers handbook of the basics of Christianity. It gives a theological and yet practical understanding of subjects such as : Salvation, Repentance, Faith, Prayer, Praise and Worship, Baptism, Communion, Church, Spiritual Growth, Temptation and Sin. What is Born Again? Etc. The emphasis throughout is on the love of God and our love for one another.

The Attributes of God

Who is God? What is God? This book discusses subjects such as  God's eternal nature, His Immensity, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, Immutability, Love, Grace, Mercy, Justice,Wrath, Holiness, Sovereignty, etc.. Filled throughout with powerful, thought provoking Scriptures.

The Trinity

What is the Trinity? Isn't He one God? This book searches the historical doctrine of the Trinity. Was Tertullian (2nd Cent. A. D.) the first to teach the Trinity? What about Augustine? And the Council of Nicaea? What kind of heresies crept into the church throughout the ages? Is there a proper definition of the Trinity?

The Hebrew Names of God

The Old Testament Names of God revealed much more than just a name. They were revelations of who He is. This fascinating study examines 21 of these wonderful names and titles and the history behind them. El Elyon, El Shaddai, El Olam, Adonai, etc. What about Jehovah? Or is it Yahweh? And what's the Tetragrammaton? Why are there extensions to the name Jehovah like Nissi, Tsidk'nu, Jireh, M'kaddesh, and Shammah, etc? Is Elohim a name of God?

The Names of Jesus

Wonderful overview of the glorious names and titles of Jesus revealed throughout the Bible. The Bright and Morning Star, The Lamb of God, The Rose of Sharon, The Good Shepherd, The Door, The Branch, Immanuel, Son of God, Son of Man, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, The Rock of offence, etc. Over 40 names are studied.

Great Men of the Bible

A general sketch of 15 men of faith who, despite weaknesses and failures, were courageous in their pursuit of God and His will. They are the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. This information program is devotional and meant to encourage the man of God. Lots of illustrations and practical material.

The Rapture

An in-depth look at the various views concerning the "catching away" of the church. When was it first taught? Is it vital that I have the right point of view? Can Jesus come at any moment?

The Great Tribulation

A look at the various judgments to come upon the earth spoken about by Jesus and the prophets. The Day of the Lord, The Battle of Armageddon, The Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl judgments are interpreted in light of the rest of the Bible. Also the two witnesses and the 144,000, and the 70th week of Daniel.

The Antichrist and 666

What is the Abomination of Desolation? Who is the Antichrist? What is the mark of the beast? These questions and others are discussed in this book. Lengthy descriptions are given concerning the Antichrist who is to come spoken about in the Old and New Testaments. With all the events surrounding us in these "last days," we need to gain a clear perspective on what the Bible says specifically on each of these subjects.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Examines the events concerning the Return of Jesus Christ to the earth and the setting up of the kingdom (Millennium). The kingdom of the Messiah is promised throughout the Scriptures. It will be a time of peace, love, and prosperity, and Jesus Christ will literally be here ruling in Jerusalem. Explicit Scriptural details concerning the Millennium.

Heaven

What does the Bible say about heaven? Is it going to be here on earth? This information program discusses the reality of heaven according to the Scriptures, and gives a detailed exposition of the New Jerusalem.

Hell

The Bible mentions alot about hell. This information program focuses on subjects like: The Great White Throne Judgement, Hell, Hades, Sheol, Gehenna, Satan, etc.

The Hebrew Language

A brief history of the Hebrew language and a simple learning tool that quickly teaches you how to read and write Biblical Hebrew.

The Greek Language

A brief history of the Greek language and a simple learning tool that quickly teaches you how to read and write Biblical Greek

How to Make Your Own Windows Help Program

If you have a desire to write your own information program like this one in the Windows Help Format, it's very simple if you know what you need. This brochure will help you learn exactly what you need to know quickly and easily. Where to find the best commercial programs and shareware, what you should and shouldn't do, where to get info about creating with VB4 and Win 95. You'll be amazed at just how easy it is.

Send $5.00 for each additional program. The file can be uploaded to your EMail address after I have received your check, or you can send a blank HD disk to my home address and I will mail your requested program back to you.

EMail Address: R3355@aol.com

Personal Address:

Rusty Russell

5340 Las Virgenes Rd. #22

Calabasas, CA 91302

Please drop me an email and let me know what you think.

". . . God be gracious to you . . ."    (Gen 43:29)

The Story of the Bible


Divisions

 Divisions of the Old Testament

The Hebrew Old Testament was divided into 3 sections:

-The Law (Torah), or Pentateuch, 5 books:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

-The Prophets (Nebhim), 8 books:

Former Prophets - Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings

Latter Prophets - Isaiah , Jeremiah , Ezekiel , The Twelve

-The Writings (Kethubim), 11 books:

Poetical Books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job

Megilloth, 5 Rolls- Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Esther, Ecclesiastes

Historical Books - Daniel , Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles.

In the Hebrew Bible:

Genesis (Bershiyt) is the first book and

Chronicles (Dibre Hayamim) is the last book.

In the Christian church the Old Testament books are divided into the following categories:

Historical Books - Genesis to Esther

Wisdom Literature and Poetry - Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, & Lamentations

Prophetic Books - Isaiah to Malachi  (excluding Lamentations)

The Story of the Bible


Messianic Prophecy

Messianic Prophesy

A)  The Importance of Prophesy

eginning in Old Testament times there were men known as prophets who declared or spoke forth God's word. These prophets were "mouthpieces" of God with personalities similar to ours, and they would get a Word from the Lord and speak it out using their own personalities, and the message spoken out or written was the very word of God. Therefore it says:

2 Pet 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

These prophecies declared blessings or curses, dealing with the present or future. They were given ideally to strengthen the people and give them hope in the Lord. The Jewish faith was preserved through the prophets and the Lord was brought near to Israel. Jehovah was seen as the ruler of the world, in whose hands are the destinies of the future. Through these prophecies the Jews recognized their God and realized His presence and divine providence. As a nation they experienced oppression and sorrow, and so also as a nation they were often cheered up by the prophets with messages of future deliverance and victory over their enemies. They could say with the Psalmist:

Ps 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

God used the prophets to strengthen His people and give them hope. Something I often wonder about is when the kingdom of Judah was overthrown by Babylon, the holy temple that Solomon built, destroyed, the vessels and riches taken, and the people led captive to Babylon (an idolatrous land 600 miles across the desert), they might have thought "where is our God now," if it wasn't for the strengthening words of Jeremiah  the prophet that there was a limit to their banishment, and that after 70 years the Babylonian empire would be destroyed, and they would be restored to "the land" of their fathers. And what's amazing is that we actually find Daniel , one of these exiles, calculating these 70 years, strengthening himself through the Word of the prophet, though unfulfilled:

Dan 9:2-3  In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.  And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

God's promises bring His people near to Him, regardless of exactly when they will be fulfilled.

B) The Messianic Prophesies

he most important prophecies to the Jewish church and nation were the "Messianic Prophecies". Words about a Messiah King who would reign in righteousness. This was the Jewish faith and hope. In His days Judah would be saved, and Israel would dwell in safety. This more than anything else, preserved the faith of the nation to Jehovah their God. Though beaten down by their enemies, though carried captive into foreign lands, yet their spirits rose with the hopes of final deliverance and future greatness. They looked forward to a time when Messiah their anointed King, to whom the heathen would be given for an inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for a possession, would rule over them.

It may be that they misunderstood the nature and meaning of their prophecies; it may be that they overlooked the predictions relating to the sufferings of the Messiah, thinking only of His glorious reign, but still these Messianic hopes were the life of the nation, and the source of all that was beautiful in it. Were it not for the hope in a Messiah, the Jewish religion would have degenerated into a dry performance of ceremony and ritual, without any insight into their meaning, without any understanding of the nothingness of mere form and outward religion and of the necessity of spiritual worship.

We sometimes think that the priests were the heart of Judaism and the ceremonies within the temple and tabernacle, but the prophets made very clear that Jehovah was there, in their midst, and they were to come with clean hands and a pure heart.  When the people would dry up spiritually and just excercise outward observance the prophets would wake them up and denounce their sacrifices and offerings and foretell their discontinuance. These prophets were the great spiritual preachers among the Jews continually reminding them that sacrifices were worthless unless performed by pure hands; fasts, and assemblies, and new moons, if done outwardly, were worse than useless. As Isaiah  said:

Is 1:11-13 "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats.  "When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts?  Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies-- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.

The Messianic future was to be an era of moral purity, war was to cease, and total peace was about to dawn upon the earth; God's Spirit was to be poured upon all flesh; and on and on were the blessings promised to Jerusalem, as Isaiah said:

Is 62:1-7  For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, And give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Therefore it was by the messianic prophecies that true religion was preserved and nourished among the Jews, spiritual worship which alone pleases God. The true worshippers realized that God's promises brought them near to Him, regardless of exactly when they would be fulfilled.

The Jews could find great hope in promises yet to come, but even more important are the promises already fulfilled. Our faith and hope rest on a still surer foundation, the fulfillment seals the prophecy with the stamp of divinity. That which was to the Jews as a light shining in a dark place, is to us the dawning of the day, the rising of the day-star in our hearts.  And if, among all the prophecies in the Old Testament, the Messianic predictions were of special importance to the Jews, just think how much more important they are to us, who believe that we see the fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth.

All other prophecies are of minor importance. The prophecies about the ancient cities of Babylon, Tyre, and Nineveh are very important and strengthen our faith in the Bible as prewritten history, but the prophecies concerning Messiah are so much more important and so interwoven with Christianity and an essential evidence of our faith.

Here is a list of some of the prophesies about Jesus. First the topic, then the Old Testament prediction, and the New Testament fulfillment:

Messianic Prophecies

1. The seed of the woman

Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

2. The seed of Abraham

Gen 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.

3. The Tribe of Judah

Gen 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

Matt 1:2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.

4. The seed of Jacob

Num 24:17-19 "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel... Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, and destroy the remains of the city."

Lk 3:34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

5. The seed of David

Ps 132:11 The LORD has sworn in truth to David; he will not turn from it: "I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.

Jer 23:5-6  "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Rom 1:3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

6. A prophet like Moses

Deut 18:15-19 "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear... `I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. `And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

Jn 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."

7. The Son of God

Ps 2:7 "I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to Me, `You are My Son, today I have begotten You.

Prov 30:4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name, if you know?

Matt 3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

8. Resurrected from the dead

Ps 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 13:35-37 "Therefore He also says in another Psalm: `You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.' "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; "but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

9. Betrayed by a friend

Ps 41:9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Matt 26:48-49 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him." Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.

10. Ascend into Heaven

Ps 68:18 You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive; you have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.

Acts 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

11. A priest like Melchizedek

Ps 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not relent, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

Heb 5:5-6  So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: "You are My Son, today I have begotten You." As He also says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek"

12. Seated at the right hand of God

Ps 110:1 The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool."

Matt 26:64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."

13. The rejected stone to become the chief cornerstone

Ps 118:22-23 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

Is 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.

Matt 21:42-43 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: `The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

14. Born of a Virgin

Is 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Lk 1:34-35 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

15. Minister in Galilee

Is 9:1-2  Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.

Matt 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,

16. Will be meek and humble

Is 42:2-3  He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; he will bring forth justice for truth.

Is 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.

Matt 26:62-63 And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" But Jesus kept silent....

17. Bring salvation to the Gentiles

Is 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious."

Is 42:1 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

Is 49:6 Indeed He says, `It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

Matt 15:21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

18. Will be beaten

Is 50:6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

Matt 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands,

19. Will establish a New Covenant

Jer 31:31-33 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Matt 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

20. Will have two missions

Is 61:1-2  "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; he has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God;

21. Will perform miracles

Is 35:5-6  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Jn 11:47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.

22. Called Jehovah God

Jer 23:5-6  "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Is 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jn 8:24 "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that  I Am, you will die in your sins."

Jn 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."

23. Born in Bethlehem

Mic 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

Lk 2:4-6 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

24. Will enter the Temple with authority

Mal 3:1 "Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

Matt 21:12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

25. Will enter Jerusalem on a donkey

Zech 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; he is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matt 21:2-3  2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 "And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, `The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them."

26. Will be pierced

Ps 22:16 For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;

Zech 12:10 "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

Is 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Jn 19:34 one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

27. Forsaken by His disciples

Zech 13:7 "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion," says the LORD of hosts. "Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; then I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Matt 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: `I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

28. Victory over death

Is 25:8 He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken.

Heb 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

Jn 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

29. The exact time of His death predicted

Dan 9:26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off....

The Story of the Bible


Bibliography and Credits

Bibliography

Aharoni, Yohanan.  The Macmillan Bible Atlas. Macmillan, 1968.

Archer, Gleason.  A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Moody Press, 1964.

Blaiklock, Edward.  Dictionary of Biblical Archaeology. Zondervan, 1983.

Edersheim, Alfred.  Bible History of the Old Testament. Eerdmans, 1979.

Freeman, James.  Manners and Customs of the Bible. Bridge, 1972.

Halley, Henry.  Halley's Bible Handbook. Zondervan, 1965.

Harrison, R.K., ed.  Major Cities of the World. Nelson, 1985.

Packer, J.I., ed.  The Bible Almanac. Nelson, 1980.

Schutlz, Samuel.  The Old Testament Speaks. Harper and Row, 1960.

Soltau, Henry.  The Tabernacle. Kregal, 1972.

Tenney, Merrill.  The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. Zondervan, 1978.

Unger, Merrill.  The New Unger's Bible Handbook. Moody Press, 1984.

Van Der Woude, A.S.  The World of the Bible. Eerdmans, 1986.

The Illustrated Bible Dictionary.  Tyndale.

Unger's Bible Dictionary.  Moody.

The Encyclopedia Brittanica,  1988.

Credits

Grateful Acknowledgement:

Photos, Maps and Illustrations:

Photos by Ron Haaland,  Haaland Productions

Courtesy of The Oriental Institute, Chicago

Courtesy of the Trustees of the British Museum, London

Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Microsoft Corporation

Adobe Photoshop

Fractal Painter 3

Kai's Power Tools 2

Corel Corporation

The Story of the Bible


The Story of the Bible

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The Story of the Bible


Judges
The Judges

 The Judges

Some of them received only a brief mention in the Book of Judges. These minor judges were:

Shamgar 3:31,

Tola 10:1-2,

Jair 10:3-5,

Ibzan 12:8-10,

Elon 12:11-12, and

Abdon 12:13-15.

The other judges are viewed in greater detail in the Book of Judges:

Othniel 3:7-11 a nephew of Caleb, deliverered Israel from the Mesopotamians.

Ehud 3:12-30 was lefthanded and killed Eglon, king of Moab.

Jephthah 11:1--12:7 was a harlot's son who defeated the Amorites.

Gideon 6:11-8:35 led 300 Israelites to defeat the entire army of the Midianites.

Samson 13:1--16:31 delivered Israel from the Philistines. Known for his great strength.

Deborah 4:1--5:31 urged Barak to attack the mighty army of the Canaanites.

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The Kings

The Kings of Israel (all wicked)

Jeroboam I

Nadab

Baasha

Elah

Zimri

Omri

Ahab

Ahaziah

Jehoram (Joram)

Jehu

Jehoahaz

Jehoash (Joash)

Jeroboam II

Zechariah'

Shallum

Menahem

Pekahiah

Pekah

Hoshea

Kings of Judah (8 were good)

Rehoboam

Abijam

Asa (Good)

Jehoshaphat (Good)

Jehoram

Ahaziah

Athaliah

Joash (Good)

Amaziah (Good)

Azariah (Uzziah) (Good)

Jotham (Good)

Ahaz

Hezekiah (Good)

Manasseh

Amon

Josiah (Good)

Jehoahaz

Jehoiachim

Jehoiachin

Zedekiah

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The Prophets

 The Prophets

The history of the rise and fall of the Hebrew nation are found in the history books (Genesis-Esther). The prophets appeared during the days of the fall of the Hebrew nation. At the moment of the apostasy of the 10 tribes at the close of Solomon's reign and Israel's golden age the ministry of the prophets began. The prophets gave a wake up call as soon as people began to forget God.

Prophets of the Assyrian Period   Jonah   Joel   Amos   Hosea   Isaiah   Micah   Zephaniah   Nahum

Prophets of the Babylonian Period   Jeremiah   Habakkuk   Ezekiel   Obadiah   Daniel

Prophets of the Persian Period   Haggai   Zechariah   Malachi

God warned Israel and Judah over and over again through the prophets. The people forsook God, worshipped idols, did injustice, and loved evil. But God was kind enough to forewarn them of coming judgements because of sin and apostasy, and he would do marvelous miracles through the prophets that would give them hope and encouragement. The prophets even revived their faith in the coming Messiah and His glorious Kingdom. Prophets like Jeremiah warned both Israel and Judah even after it was too late and there was no chance for recovery.

Then you shall break the flask in the sight of the men who go with you, "and say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even so I will break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, which cannot be made whole again; and they shall bury them till there is no place to bury. "Thus I will do to this place," says the LORD, "and to its inhabitants, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to other gods."Then Jeremiah came from Tophet, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the Lord's house and said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words.'"

God was also very clear about prophets who spoke falsely and worked miracles to back up their words:

Deut 13:1-3

"If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, "and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods'-- which you have not known--' and let us serve them,' "you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deut 18:20-22

'But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.' "And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?'--"when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

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Glossary

A

Amos

D

Daniel

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E

Ezekiel

H

Habakkuk

Haggai

Hosea

I

Isaiah

J

Jeremiah

Joel

Jonah

M

Malachi

Micah

N

Nahum

O

Obadiah

Z

Zechariah

Zephaniah


Jonah

Jonah (790-770 B.C.) "yonah" (dove)

Sent to warn the inhabitants of Ninevah (Capital of Assyria) of God's Judgement. Jonah fled his call because it was the Assyrians who were destroying the Jews. As he was escaping on a ship bound for Tarshish a great storm arose. The sailors concluded that this tempest came on account of Jonah so they threw him overboard. He was immediately swallowed by a great sea monster prepared by God. Jonah repented in the bowels of the creature and was released the third morning. He came to Nineveh and said:

Jonah 3:4

Then he cried out and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"

As a result of his preaching the people changed their ways and God spared the city. Jonah was very upset at Gods mercy toward gentiles (non-Jews) and by the lesson of a plant, God

taught Jonah about His love for all mankind and not just Israel.


Joel

Joel (790-770 B.C.) "yo el" (Yaweh is God)

Joel prophesied during a devastating plague of locusts that was unparalleled in history. He warned all of the inhabitants of the land of Israel of devastation which would sweep across the land in the days soon to come. He called for a season of fasting, mourning, and repentance. Joel seized upon the imagery of the locusts as a type of the greater judgement that would come on "the Day of the Lord" in the last days:

Joel 1:15, 2:11

Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the Almighty . . . The LORD gives voice before His army, for His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; who can endure it?

He also gave a message of hope and prophesied of great blessings that would follow and the glories of the Messiah's kingdom.


Amos

Amos (780-740 B.C.) "amos"  (burden)

Amos was born in Judah but prophesied in Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. He condemned Israel's neighboring countries for their cruelty, but mostly Israel for breaking God's laws. He prophesied at Bethel which became the center of idol worship and the residence of king Jeroboam II. He warned that the Israelites would be taken captive by the Assyrians.

Amos 3:2-3

"You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

Amos' message was that God could no more dwell with His people any more than a man could maintain a normal relationship with his wife who commits adultery.


Hosea

Hosea (760-720 B.C.) "hoshea" (deliverer)

Israel's continued unfaithfulness is dramatically illustrated in brokenhearted Hosea's relationship with his unfaithful wife:

Hosea 8:14

"For Israel has forgotten his Maker, and has built temples; Judah also has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send fire upon his cities, and it shall devour his palaces."

God's love is also illustrated in Hosea's willingness to buy back his wife after her harlotry had led her to be sold at the slave block.

Hosea 11:7-8, 14:4

My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him. "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? . . . My heart churns within Me; my sympathy is stirred. . . "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him."

In the years leading up to the fall of Samaria, Hosea warned that the people would become slaves in Assyria because they had forgotten God. They had even turned to Assyria and Egypt for help. God would later restore them but after some measure of discipline.


Isaiah

Isaiah (745-695 B.C.) "yesha yahu" (Yaweh is salvation)

Isaiah lived in Jerusalem at the time Judah was threatened by the Assyrians. He warned Jerusalem about idolatry and foreign alliances, although he was usually scoffed at. He spoke about the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians. He also spoke of the destruction and captivity of Jerusalem by the Babylonians as well as the release of the Jews by Cyrus the Persian. Jewish tradition records that the leaders in Jerusalem sawed the prophet Isaiah in half between two planks.

Isaiah says more about the ministry of the Messiah than any other Book in the Old Testament.

Isa 53:4-6

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

He also describes in great detail the blessings of the future age of peace.

Isa 11:6-10

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. . .The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious."


Micah

Micah (740-700 B.C.) "mika yahu" (who is like Yaweh)

Warned of the Assyrian and Babylonian invasions and predicted the fall of both Samaria and Jerusalem, the capital cities of both the northern and southern kingdoms. It is set forth in the form of a lawsuit by God with Micah as the prosecuting attorney and the mountains and hills (places of idolatry) as the silent judges. He says, "her wounds are incurable," because the people are corrupt and also the leaders were described as "butchering the people,"

Micah 3:2-3

You who hate good and love evil; who strip the skin from My people, and the flesh from their bones; Who also eat the flesh of My people, Flay their skin from them, break their bones, and chop them in pieces like meat for the pot, like flesh in the caldron."

Micah also proclaims the birthplace of the Messiah and the glories of the future kingdom:

Micah 5:2,5

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting . . .and this One shall be peace."

Micah 4:1-2

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; he will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.


Zephaniah

Zephaniah (639-608 B.C.) "tzephani yah" (Yaweh is my treasure)

Watched Judah revert back to their evil ways under Manasseh, and Amon. He prophesied during the revival under good king Josiah's reign. Condemned the worship of Canaanite and Assyrian gods and predicted disaster for the pagan nations around such as Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, and Assyria. He also foretold the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem.

Zeph 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land.

Zephaniah also prophesied of blessings in the future for both the gentiles and the Jews:

Zeph 3:17

The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing."


Nahum

Nahum (630-610 B.C.) "nahum" (compassionate)

Nahum's main message was the destruction of Nineveh as a judgement on the Assyrians for their cruel treatment of other nations:

Nah 1:14

The LORD has given a command concerning you: "Your name shall be perpetuated no longer. Out of the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the molded image. I will dig your grave, for you are vile."

He reveals much about the majesty and goodness of God:

Nah 1:7

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.

As well as God's anger and wrath:

Nah 1:2

God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; the LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies;

Nah 3:18-19

Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria; your nobles rest in the dust. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and no one gathers them. Your injury has no healing, your wound is severe. All who hear news of you will clap their hands over you, for upon whom has not your wickedness passed continually?


Jeremiah

Jeremiah (626-586 B.C.) "yeremi yauw" (Yaweh will lift up) prophesied to Judah and against the surrounding nations. He emphasized the folly of idolatry as God pleaded with His people :

Jer 2:5-7 Thus says the LORD: "What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, have followed idols, and have become idolaters? . . . I brought you into a bountiful country, to eat its fruit and its goodness. But when you entered, you defiled My land and made My heritage an abomination.

He continually warned that Jerusalem would be captured and the inhabitants exiled to Babylon.

Jer 5:15; 19:3 Behold, I will bring a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel," says the LORD. "It is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know, nor can you understand what they say. . . "Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Behold, I will bring such a catastrophe on this place, that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle.

He prophesied against the pagan nations around (Jer 46-51) and also foretold that after 70 years the Jews would return from Babylon:

Jer 29:10-14 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah's words were vehemently rejected and he was heavily persecuted. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C Jeremiah was forced to live in Egypt. He prophesied much of the Messiah and His kingdom. His greatest prophecy was probably Chap. 31:

Jer 31:31-34 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant . . . No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."


Habakkuk

Habakkuk (606-586 B.C.) "haba kuk" (embrace)

Hababbuk asked two questions to God, #1 Why He allowed such evil to continue in Judah for so long and go unpunished and, #2 How could a holy God allow the cruel Babylonians to defeat His own people. In response to the first question God revealed to Habakkuk:

Hab 1:5-10

"Look among the nations and watch-- be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.	For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians), a bitter and hasty nation which marches through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs. They are terrible and dreadful; their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. . . they fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. "They all come for violence; their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand. They scoff at kings, and princes are scorned by them. They deride every stronghold, for they heap up earthen mounds and seize it."

And to the second He replied that Babylon has a big appetite so He's gonna use them as an instrument of judgement but their time is gonna come:

Hab 2:12-13

"Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed, who establishes a city by iniquity! Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the peoples labor to feed the fire, and nations weary themselves in vain?"

Habakkuk also spoke of a glorious future:

Hab 2:14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.


Ezekiel

Ezekiel (592-570 B.C.) "yehetzk'el" (God will strengthen)

Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah 3 times and took captives each time. In 607 (one of the captives was Daniel), in 597 (Ezekiel was taken) and in 586, (Jerusalem was destroyed and all the people taken). Ezekiel prophesied to the captives in Babylon. The captives thought Jerusalem would be delivered by the Lord and they would be rescued. God spoke through Ezekiel using Words, Parables, Visions, and many Similitudes (doing strange things as a sign of something greater). For example:

Ezek 6:11

 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Pound your fists and stamp your feet, and say, 'Alas, for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! For they shall fall by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence. 'He who is far off shall die by the pestilence, he who is near shall fall by the sword, and he who remains and is besieged shall die by the famine. Thus will I spend My fury upon them.

Ezekiel was married to a woman who was "the desire of his eyes". God told him that his wife was going to die on the very day the armies of Babylon laid siege against the holy city of Jerusalem and he was not to mourn, as a sign to the people. Ezekiel was commanded not to grieve her death; he was to brace himself for this tragedy even as God had prepared Himself for the death of His beloved city (24:15-22).

Ezek 6:8-14

"Yet I will leave a remnant, so that you may have some who escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered through the countries. "Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations where they are carried captive, because I was crushed by their adulterous heart which has departed from Me, and by their eyes which play the harlot after their idols; they will loathe themselves for the evils which they committed in all their abominations. "And they shall know that I am the LORD; I have not said in vain that I would bring this calamity upon them."

Ezekiel predicted the downfall of nations hostile to Judah and spoke of the false shepherds in Jerusalem (Ezek 34) as well as the true Shepherd Messiah and the future regathering of Israel and outpouring of the Spirit in the kingdom. Ezekiel 16 is one of the most striking chapters in the Bible revealing the everlasting love of God for His people and their continued unfaithfulness:

Ezek 16:14-15

"Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you," says the Lord GOD. "But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it."


Obadiah

Obadiah (586-583 B.C.) "obadi yah" (servant of Yaweh)

Obadiah prophesied judgement against Edom for attacking Judah at the time of the Babylonian invasion and for rejoicing over the misfortunes that befell Jerusalem.

Obad 1:13-15

You should not have entered the gate of My people in the day of their calamity. Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity. You should not have stood at the crossroads to cut off those among them who escaped; nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained in the day of distress. "For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head.

The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. The Edomites were always in conflict with Israel. They thought they were impregnable in their mountain strongholds high up in the rocky gorges (Petra). Obadiah predicted their doom. Within 4 years after Jerusalem was burned, Edom was raided and desolated (582 B.C.), by the same Babylonians whom they had helped against Jerusalem.

The Herodian Dynasty in the New Testament, being Idumaen, were the last of the Edomites. After the destruction of Herod's Temple in 70 A.D., they disappeared from history.


Daniel

Daniel (606-534 B.C.) "Dani El" (My Judge is God)

Daniel was taken captive during Nebuchadnezzar's first attack on Jerusalem in 607 B.C., he became a chief minister at the royal court in Babylon. God used him mightily through dreams and interpretation of visions.

In the third year of Cyrus (conqueror of Babylon, and founder of the Persian Empire) Daniel had a series of visions through which God revealed to the minutest details the future concerning the Jews as well as the ultimate fate of each world governing empire from his own day on through to the second coming of Christ. He specifically mentions Babylon, and then Mede-Persia, and then Greece, and the fourth being the most powerful, was the Roman empire.

Some of the famous miracles of the Bible are found in Daniel such as The Fiery Furnace, The Handwriting on the Wall, and Daniel in the Lion's Den.

Daniel was a man of incredible character and his book is considered one of the most important prophetic books of the Old Testament. Some of the topics mentioned are: the antichrist, the great tribulation, the second coming of Christ, the resurrection and the judgements. Probably the most important passages in Daniel are in chapter 9 which deal with the exact time of the death of the Messiah. After 7 + 62 (69) weeks (seven year periods) the Messiah would be "cut off" which is a clear prediction of His death.

Daniel also saw a vision of the Messiah in chapter 7 as the "Son of Man"

coming with the clouds of heaven:

Dan 7:13-14

"I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.


Haggai

Haggai (520-516 B.C.) "haggay" (festal)

In 520 B.C. eighteen years after the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon, Haggai urged them to forget their own interests and finish rebuilding the temple.

The Jews, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, started to rebuild the Temple but somehow they became discouraged and quit. They were more concerned with their paneled houses than the Temple which laid desolate.

The Lord said through Haggai that they were not being blessed and the recent drought and misfortunes were directly related to their laziness in the things of God:

Hag 1:7-8

Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways! "Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the LORD.

Haggai, along with the prophet Zechariah, urged them on. Within 4 years it was completed. They became courageous in the work and the Lord told them to mark this day and to watch from now on because they were obeying and His blessings were gonna come:

Hag 2:18-19

'Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid-- consider it: 'Is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day forward I will bless you.'"

Haggai also spoke of the Messiah and the future glories of the Messiah's kingdom with Jesus present on the earth and the gentiles flowing to Him:

Hag 2:6-7

"For thus says the LORD of hosts: "Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 'and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the LORD of hosts.


Zechariah

Zechariah (520-516 B.C.) "tzechari yah" (Yaweh is my remembrance)

Zechariah, along with Haggai prophesied to the returned Jewish exiles between 520 and 518 B.C. The message begins with a reminder that the captivity had been a result of disobedience. He then has a series of visions revealing that God is in control of history and will bring a glorious blessing to the faithful remnant of His people.

Jerusalem is pictured as so prosperous that it must be enlarged to contain all the people (ch. 2). The vision of Joshua, the high priest, clothed in filthy rags (ch. 3) apparently is a vision of the future cleansing of the nation at the return of Christ. Other visions in the book point to the coming judgement of God, His ultimate victory over sin, and culminates in the coming of the Messiah.

Zech 9:9-10

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; he is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. . . He shall speak peace to the nations; his dominion shall be 'from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.'

Zechariah predicted the destruction of nations which had oppressed the Jews; and foresaw a time when people would come from every part of the world to worship in Jerusalem. He spoke more about the Messiah than any other prophet except Isaiah. Including His death:

Zech 12:10

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.


Malachi

Malachi (450-400 B.C.) "malachi" (My messenger)

A prophet who lived in the fifth century B.C. By this time the Jews had become disillusioned and apathetic. Things were not as good as they had hoped. Drought and crop failures along with opposition from various enemies had made life difficult. They were neglecting the things of God and offering imperfect sacrifices as well as failing to give their tithes. The priests were lax and did not encourage them. Mixed marriages and divorce had become common.

Mal 2:16-17

"For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence," says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you say, "In what way have we wearied Him?" In that you say, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them," or, "Where is the God of justice?"

The heart of Malachi's message was to point to the fact that as long as they neglected the things of God, they could never expect to prosper. If they would repent, then God would bles them. Then he speaks of the approaching day of the Lord which will be ushered in by Elijah, who will be a forerunner of the Messiah, and then Messiah would come. The New Testament identifies Elijah as John the Baptizer and Jesus as the Messiah (Matt. 3:1-12; 11:14).

Mal 3:1

"Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

The book of Malachi closes the Old Testament and a prophet is not revealed in the Scriptures for approximately 400 years until the beginning of the New Testament.


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