Old Testament Walk Through, Joshua-Esther
©Tod Kennedy, todkennedy.com; knowbelieveapply.com
Joshua Bible Walk
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, August 3, October 12, and 19, 2003
Joshua Theme: Holy War
The Lord, using Joshua as his leader, is fulfilling his land promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by settling Israel in her promised land through Holy War. But, Israel would only gain complete possession, blessing, and rest in the land through believing God and obeying God (Joshua 1.1-4, 13; 2.9; 7.1-12; 23.1; 21.44; 24.11-14; Hebrews 4.8).
Joshua Key Verses
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 24:15 “And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua: Background to events?
The Angelic Conflict in which Satan rebelled against God and attempted to take God’s authority and position.
Creation, fall of man, and God’s Redemption Plan through the seed of Eve to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God made his unconditional covenant with Abraham to make him into a great nation and to bless the world through Abraham’s seed—specifically Jesus Christ.
God formed the Hebrews into a nation in Egypt and later at Sinai God made them his priest nation.
God’s redemption plan, through Israel, was on schedule, even though Satan repeatedly tried to stop God’s plan.
When Did All This Happen?
The events begin in 1405 BC. Moses has died and Joshua has become the Lord’s new leader of Israel.
The Israelis are camped just east of the Jordan River and are about to cross into Canaan.
Caleb (Joshua 14.7-10) stated that 45 years had passed since the Kadesh reconnaissance (Numbers 14). Israel had wandered 38 years (Deuteronomy 2.14) after the reconnaissance before they entered the land. The battles of Joshua (1-14) took 7 years.
Key Words Used
Rest, Joshua 1.13, 15; 4.15; 21.44; 22.4; 23.1
Obey, Joshua 1.17, 18; 24.24.
Obeyed, Joshua 1.17
Observe, Joshua 22.5
Careful to do, Joshua 1.7, 8
Be strong and courageous, Joshua 1.6, 7, 9, 18; 10.25
Law (of Moses or God), 1.7, 8; 8.31, 32, 34; 22.5; 23.6; 24.26
Commanded 36 times (of Lord, Moses, Joshua) Joshua 1.7, 9, 10, 13, 16; 4.8, 10; 6.10, and others.
Inheritance (of land) 57 times Joshua 11.23; 13.7, and others
Main People
Joshua took Moses place of authority and leadership; he lived 110 years (Joshua 24.29). Joshua wrote at least portions of the book (Joshua 24.26).
Caleb, along with Joshua, had wanted to conquer the land after the Kadesh reconnaissance. God rewarded Caleb for his faith and spiritual courage by giving him Hebron (Joshua 14.7-15).
Achan, disobeyed God’s ban on taking spoil from Jericho. As a result, Ai defeated Israel (Joshua 7).
Narrative
Joshua is the record of the Lord’s holy wars and the division of this conquered land to the tribes. The Lord gave his orders to Joshua and Joshua ordered his commanders (Joshua 1). Jericho and Ai were defeated and burned (Joshua 2-8). At this point Joshua built an altar at Mount Ebal; there he sacrificed, copied the law, read it, and challeged the nation. Then the Gibeonites deceived Israel into a peace treaty (Joshua 9). Next, the Amorite kings were defeated (Joshua 10), followed by the defeat and burning of Hazor (Joshua 11).
After these initial victories, which took 7 years, Joshua divided the newly conquered land among the tribes (Joshua 13-24). Before Joshua died, he called a meeting at Shechem and challenged the nation to choose whom they will serve. They chose to serve the Lord, so there at Shechem Joshua made a covenant with the people to serve the Lord (Joshua 24).
Joshua Overview
Israel Crosses into Canaan, Joshua 1-5
Military Conquest in the Central, South, and North, Joshua 6-12
Joshua distributes the land, Joshua 12-22
Joshua challenges Israel, Joshua 23-24
Joshua Chapter Titles
Chapter 1: Prepare to cross the Jordan
Chapter 2: Two spies and Rahab
Chapter 3: The ark, priests, and Jordan
Chapter 4: Crossing and two 12-stone memorials
Chapter 5: Circumcision, manna stops, captain of Lord’s host
Chapter 6: Jericho falls
Chapter 7: Failure at Ai
Chapter 8: Victory at Ai
Chapter 9: Gibeonites plot for survival
Chapter 10: Sun stood still and victory over 5 kings
Chapter 11: Victory over Hazor and the rest
Chapter 12: Victory recap
Chapter 13: East of Jordan—Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh East
Chapter 14: West of Jordan—Hebron for Caleb
Chapter 15: West—Judah and Caleb
Chapter 16: West—Ephraim
Chapter 17: West—Manasseh West
Chapter 18: West—Benjamin
Chapter 19: West—Simeon, Zebulum, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan; Timnath Serah for Joshua
Chapter 20: Cities of Refuge
Chapter 21: Levite’s cities and lands
Chapter 22: East tribes’ altar—a witness
Chapter 23: Joshua challenges and warns Israel
Chapter 24: Choose to serve the Lord—Shechem Covenant
Key Doctrines
Holy War (Joshua 2.10-12; 3.9-10; 10)
National faith-rest (Joshua 1.13; 21.44-45; 22.4-5)
Leadership (Joshua 1.5-9; 4.1-7; 10.22-27; 23-24)
Miracles (Joshua 3.14-17, Jordan River; 6.1-23, Jericho; 10.10-14, the long day)
Faith Obedience-Application of God’s Word (Joshua 22.4-5; 23)
Volition or free will (Joshua 1.16-17; 24.15)
Leadership – Overview
Leadership requires authority orientation, humility, knowledge, faith, moral courage, spiritual courage, organization, sacrifice, and loyalty to God (Joshua 1, Philippians 2.17-30; 2 Timothy 2.1-10).
Examples of leaders: Moses, Joshua, Jesus, Paul.
Leadership – Joshua
Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, in the conquest of the land, and in the organization of the land (Joshua 1; 4; 23-24).
Joshua lived under God’s authority and leadership.
Joshua lived under the direction of God’s word.
Joshua was spiritually courageous; he trusted God in order to carry out his duties, even though he had to take human risks.
He disciplined wrong doers when necessary.
He communicated God’s will to the people.
He challenged those under his leadership to think and do God’s will.
Leadership – Paul in Philippians 2.17-30
He sacrificed and served in order to strengthen the faith of the people (Joshua 17-18).
He kept informed about the spiritual health of the people (Joshua 19, 27-28).
He delegated authority to trusted helpers (Joshua 20-23, 25).
He planned ahead (Joshua 24).
He did Christ’s work (Joshua 17, 21, 30).
Leadership – Paul in 2 Timothy 2.1-10
Strong in grace (Joshua 1).
Teaches others (Joshua 2).
Soldier: undergoes hardship, focuses on his job, please his commander (Joshua 3-4, 10).
Athlete: prepares the right way and according to the rules—God’s word (Joshua 5).
Farmer: works hard, shares in the rewards of his service (Joshua 6).
Teachable (Joshua 7).
Follows Christ (Joshua 8).
Leadership – Leaders must have right relationship to…
God
Bible
Authority
Purpose
Others
Self
Miracles, Henry Morris
Henry M. Morris said that a miracle is “an event outside the scope of either the fundamental laws of nature [thermodynamics 1, mass-energy must be conserved; thermodynamics 2, all things tend to decay] or of the normal operation of natural processes [the processes on space, time, energy that are ruled by the two fundamental laws].” (Biblical Naturalism and Modern Science, Part III, Issue 449 of Bibliothecasacra).
Creative miracles are those in which God sets aside the two fundamental laws of nature, restoration of life to one who had died, the provision of manna for Israel, changing water into wine, giving sight to the one born blind, Jesus walking on water, and others.
Providential miracles are those in which God changes the time, space, or the energy of natural processes: the drought and rain during Elijah’s time (James 5.17-18), the earthquake at Philippi (Acts 16.26), Daniel protected from the lions (Daniel 6.22), Peter being delivered from prison, and others.
Miracles, C. S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis wrote “I use the word Miracle to mean an interference with Nature by supernatural power” (Miracles, C.S. Lewis, page 5).
Miracles
God performs miracles to authenticate and demonstrate His word, His authority, His nature, and His plan so that man will believe Him, obey Him, and honor Him (Exodus 4.1-5;
Joshua 2.10-11; Luke 4.14-44).
Exodus 4, staff, hand, Nile water; Joshua 10, Joshua’s long day; John 11, Lazarus; Acts 12, Peter freed from prison.
Miracles – Stopped the Jordan during high water, Joshua 3:14-17
God Stopped the Jordan River at high water season and demonstrated that he can interrupt the natural processes of space, energy, and time—and do it with ease.
This miracle provided a visual and lasting memorial to God’s power and blessing.
Miracles – Jericho, Joshua 6
God demonstrated that Israel’s conquest of Canaan was completely by his power. Israel could not conquer the land and the cities; God had to give them victory. God was complete master over Israel’s enemies.
Miracles – Joshua’s long day, Joshua 10.12-14
God demonstrated that he can interrupt the natural processes of space and time—and do it with ease.
More noteworthy than the miracle is the fact that God answered a man’s prayer request (Joshua 10.14).
Lessons for Us Today
Faith in God and his Word produces spiritual rest (Hebrews 4.1-11; Philippians 4.6-7).
Spiritual courage is thinking and acting God’s way because of what we believe—faith in action (John 16.33; Acts 23.11; 2 Corinthians 5.8).
Leadership requires authority orientation, humility, knowledge, faith, moral courage, spiritual courage, organization, sacrifice, and loyalty to God (Joshua 1,
Philippians 2.17-30; 2 Timothy 2.1-10).
Military service is honorable, and Holy War (War and God) is sometimes needed to gain or protect what is right (Acts 23.11-35; Romans 13.3-4; 1 Corinthians 9.7
2 Timothy 2.4).
Mankind and especially believers are privileged and responsible to make right freewill choices (Genesis 2.16-17; Joshua 24.15; Isaiah 1.16-20; Acts 17.30; Romans 14.5-6).
Jesus Christ ought, in practice, to be each believer’s Lord or captain—Lordship Christian Life (1 Peter 3.15).
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, October 26, and November 2, 2003
Themes of Old Testament Books—Law or Torah
Genesis: Beginnings
Exodus: Redemption
Leviticus: Reconciliation
Numbers: Divine Discipline
Deuteronomy: Choose Life
Themes of Old Testament Books—Prophets or Nebiim
Judges: Syncretism, Oppression, and Grace
Hebrew Bible, The Prophets – Nebiim
Former Prophets
Joshua
Judges
Samuel
Kings
English Bible (Old Testament), History
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel
Kings
Narrative
Israel refused to obey God’s word about foreign gods, about taking complete possession of the land, and about following Moses’ Law. As a result they took on the spiritual life of the people of the land—Mesopotamians, Moabites, Philistines, Canaanites, Midianites, Ammonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jubusites.
Chapters 1-2 and 17-21 present the death of Joshua followed by Israel’s unbelief, confusion, disobedience, bloodshed, and suffering.
Chapters 3-17 describe the various cycles of spiritual failure, the oppression, and God’s deliverance through a leader (judge).
Background to Events
Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan in 1405 BC. Israel conquered major cities, but left many strongholds in Canaanite hands. These pagan areas became a source of spiritual and national testing.
After the initial victories, which took 7 years, Joshua divided the newly conquered land among the tribes (Joshua 13-24).
Before Joshua died, he called a meeting at Shechem and challenged the nation to choose whom they will serve. They chose to serve the Lord, so there at Shechem Joshua made a covenant with the people to serve the Lord (Joshua 24).
Joshua died in 1380 BC. Canaanites remained in the land and continued to be a distraction and bad influence on Israel.
When Did All This Happen?
The events in the book of Judges run from about 1380 until 1050 BC—the death of Joshua until the reign of King Saul.
Prophet Samuel lived during the final years of the judges and into the reign of Saul.
Judges was probably was written after the start of Saul’s reign but before the divided kingdom.
“In those days there was no king in Israel” (Judges 17.6; 18.1; 21.25; with 19.1) indicates that Judges was probably written after Saul became king.
“So the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day” (1.21) indicates that it was written before David removed the Jebusites in 1004 BC (2 Samuel 5.5-9).
Samuel may have written the book.
Key Verses
Judges 2:20 So the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers and has not listened to My voice, 21 I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died,
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Theme
Syncretism, Oppression, and Grace
Disobedience to God’s word brings chaos. This chaos begins with spiritual syncretism (combine teachings, beliefs, and practices) and then outright idolatry which results in personal and national testing, failure, disaster, and oppression. Even under such conditions, if God’s people ask for him to deliver them, he will graciously do so through Spirit-guided and Spirit-empowered leaders.
Overview Outline
Canaanites are left in the land, Judges 1-2
Cycles (pagan influence 🡪 religious syncretism 🡪 oppression 🡪 God delivers) and Judges, Judges 3-16
Flashback: Apostasy and fratricide, Judges 17-21
Chapter Titles: Canaanites are left in the land, Judges 1-2
Chapter 1: Only Judah, Simeon, and Joseph destroyed the Canaanites
Chapter 2: Thorns and snares and judges
Chapter Titles: Cycles (pagan influence🡪 apostasy🡪 oppression🡪 God delivers) and Judges, Judges 3-16
Chapter 3: Othniel, Ehud and Eglon, and Shagmar
Chapter 4: Deborah, Barak, Sisera, and Jael
Chapter 5: Deborah and Barak’s song of praise
Chapter 6: Gideon, Baal, and the fleece
Chapter 7: Gideon’s victorious 300
Chapter 8: Gideon’s victory and the ephod
Chapter 9: Bloody Abimelech
Chapter 10: Philistines, Ammonites, other gods
Chapter 11: Jephthah, his daughter, and the Ammonite defeat
Chapter 12: Ephraim’s anger and defeat by Gilead
Chapter 13: Angel of the Lord and Samson’s parents
Chapter 14: Samson marries a Philistine, and the riddle
Chapter 15: Samson’s 300 foxes, the jawbone, and 1000 dead Philistines
Chapter 16: Samson, Delilah, and Samson’s final battle
Chapter Titles: Flashback, Apostasy and Fratricide, Judges 17-21
Chapter 17: Micah mixes religious beliefs, and the Levite
Chapter 18: Danite’s idolatry and war on Laish
Chapter 19: Rape at Gibeah by Benjamites and 12 pieces of her body
Chapter 20: Israel takes vengeance on Benjamites
Chapter 21: 600 wives for Benjamites
Key Words Used
gods, god, 25 times. Judges 2.3,12,17,19; 3.6; 5.8; 6.10,31; 8.33; 9.27; 10.6,13,14,16; 11.24; 16.24; 18.24.
Idols, 7 times. Judges 3.19,26; 17.5; 18.14,17,18,20.
“Israel did what was evil,” 2 times. Judges 3.7; 6.1
“Did evil,” 2.11; again did evil, 4 times. Judges 3.12; 4.1; 10.6; 13.1.
“No king,” 4 times. Judges 17.6; 18.1; 19.1; 21.25.
“Did what was right in his own eyes,” 2 times. Judges 17.6; 21.25.
“Cried to the Lord”, 6 times. Judges 3.9,15; 4.3; 6.6,7; 10.10; to me, 10.12.
“Spirit of the Lord came upon,” 6 times. Judges 3.10; 6.34; 11.29; 14.6,19; 15.14.
“Spirit of the Lord began to stir, 13.25.
“Judged Israel,” “judging Israel,” 13 times. Judges 3.10; 4.4; 10.2,3; 12.7,8,9,11,13,14; 15.20; 16.31.
Main People: The Judges
Othniel, delivered Israel from the king of Mesopotamia, giving 40 years of peace. Judges 3.7-11
Ehud, Killed Eglon, king of Moab, giving Israel 80 years of peace. Judges 3.12-30
Shamgar, killed 600 Philistines. Judges 3.31
Deborah and Barak, defeated Jabin, king of Canaan, giving 40 years of peace. Judges 4.1-5.31
Gideon, Defeated Midian, giving 40 years of peace. Judges 6.1-8.32
Tola, lived in Ephraim and judged 23 years. Judges 10.1-3
Jair, lived in Gilead and judged 22 years. Judges 10.4-5
Jephthah, defeated the Ammonites and rebellious Ephraimites, giving 6 years of peace. Judges 10.6-12.7
Ibzan of Bethlehem judged 7 years. Judges 12.8-10
Elon of Zebulun judged 10 years. Judges 12.11-12
Abdon of Ephraim judged 8 years. Judges 12.8-15
Samson delivered Israel from Philistine oppression and judged for 20 years.
Judges 13.1-16.31
Other Main People in Judges
Eglon, king of Moab, was killed by Ehud. Judges 3.12
Sisera, chief military commander for Jabin, King of Canaan. Judges 4.2
Jael, killed Sisera with a tent peg. Judges 4.21
Joash, father of Gideon. Judges 6.29
Abimelech, son of Gideon, rebel and terrorist against God’s people; made king of Shechem. Judges 9.1
Manoah, father of Samson. Judges 13.2
Timnah, a Philistine, Samson’s wife, was blackmailed by Philistines. Judges 14.2
Delilah, a Philistine woman, was bribed by the Philistines and got Samson to tell the secret of his strength. Judges 16.6
Micah, lived in Ephraim and mixed the worship of the Lord with idols. Judges 17.1
Young Levite from Bethlehem hired himself to be Micah’s personal priest.
Judges 17.7
The concubine of a Levite was raped and killed by Benjamites at Gibeah. The Levite then cut her in twelve pieces and mailed one piece to each tribe. Judges 19.1
Let’s see Judges’ Theme
Ehud and Eglon illustrate the cycles: disobedience, spiritual syncretism, oppression, cry to God for help, and God’s gracious deliverance (Judges 3.12-30).
Ammonite oppression and the prelude to Jephthah illustrates rejection of God, the gods’ uselessness, and God’s grace (Judges 10.6-11.1).
Gideon and his terrorist son, Abimelech, demonstrate bad spiritual leadership, reversion to apostasy, and individual rebellion (Judges 8.22-9.15).
The Micah and the Levite priest promote spiritual syncretism (Judges 17).
Key Doctrines
Religious syncretism results from a failure to learn and be convinced of, and to obey or apply God’s word.
Lack of good spiritual leadership promotes spiritual apostasy, divine discipline, and suffering.
Spiritual tailspin=Rejection of God’s word + acceptance of pagan beliefs🡪spiritual syncretism🡪disaster and Divine discipline.
Spiritual recovery=Repentance (a change of thinking toward God and his word)🡪confession of sin🡪call for help🡪God graciously delivers.
Spiritual stabilization=Did not occur in Judges and so the cycles repeated many times.
Lessons for Us Today
Learn the word of God, and become convinced of the word of God, and obey or apply the word of God (Romans 6.6, 11, 13; James 1.21-27).
Spiritual syncretism will damage one’s faith and life (Hebrews 6; Ephesians 4.17-20; Galatians 4.9-31; 1 Corinthians 10.14-22).
It begins with a naïve acceptance that maybe a non-biblical belief system may be good.
Or, it begins by outright rejection of God’s word.
Good spiritual leadership is necessary for spiritual health, growth, and service (Acts 20.28-32; 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12; 2 Timothy 2).
Restoration to fellowship with God begins with confession of know sin (1 John 1.9).
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, November 9 and 16, 2002
Themes of Old Testament Books—Law or Torah
Genesis: Beginnings
Exodus: Redemption
Leviticus: Reconciliation
Numbers: Divine Discipline
Deuteronomy: Choose Life
Themes of Old Testament Books—History
Joshua: Holy War
Judges: Syncretism, Oppression, and Grace
Ruth: Grace Kinsman-Redeemer
Place in the Hebrew Bible
The Law
The Prophets
The Writings include Ruth
Background to Events
The Israelites were living in the land after the conquest under Joshua.
The Israelites failed to root out the Canaanites and took on their pagan beliefs and practices.
There was no strong and righteous leadership in Israel except for the occasional judge-administrators-military leader.
But there were pockets of godly believers in Israel—Boaz was one.
In the ancient Middle East widows had a very difficult time living.
God commanded His people to care for widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 24.19-22).
God commanded His people to leave some of their fields unharvested so that the poor and strangers could gather grain for their food (Leviticus 19.9, 10; 23.22).
When Did All This Happen?
The events of Ruth took place during the period of the Judges (Ruth 1.1).
Ruth and Boaz lived sometime around 1125 BC (Ruth 4.21-22).
The book was likely written during the reign of David or Solomon (Ruth 4.22, David is in the tribe of Judah, the king tribe).
Story
Because of a famine in the Bethlehem area, Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and emigrated to Moab, about 50 miles away. The sons married Moabite wives, Ruth and Orphah. All three men died in Moab, so once Naomi heard that the famine was over she went back to Bethlehem.
Ruth, out of loyalty to Naomi and the Lord, returned to Bethlehem with her.
Elimelech had left land in Bethlehem, but someone in the family had to redeem it for the family.
God used Ruth’s need for a protector to bless her and to continue the Messiah’s genealogy.
Naomi sent Ruth out to gather grain at Boaz’ farm. He was a relative of Elimelech who was wealthy enough to redeem the property and keep it in the family.
Boaz also could redeem Ruth by marrying her. So, Naomi instructed Ruth on the proper protocol for asking Boaz to redeem her. Boaz held back because there was a closer relative who would have first choice. This unnamed relative gave up his right to redeem Ruth.
Boaz redeemed Ruth by marriage. God blessed Ruth and Boaz with a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of David.
Key Verses
Ruth 2:12 “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
Ruth 3:11 “Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.”
Theme: Grace Kinsman-Redeemer
Ruth trusted God during undeserved suffering to provide His best for her. God blessed Ruth’s faithfulness to Him and to Naomi by guiding her to Boaz’ field where she gathered grain and met Boaz’, who soon redeemed her by marriage. God further blessed Ruth by placing her in the lineage of the Messiah.
Overview Outline
Bethlehem to Moab and Back, 1
Boaz and Ruth, 2-4
Chapter Titles
Chapter One: Famine, death, and loyalty
Chapter Two: Ruth gathers grain
Chapter Three: Ruth at Boaz’ feet
Chapter Four: Boaz redeems Ruth
Main People
Elimelech, of the tribe of Judah, was Naomi’s husband who took his wife and two sons to Moab during a famine in Bethlehem, is found 6 times (Ruth 1.2, 3; 2.1, 3; 4.3, 9).
Naomi, a widow and mother-in-law of Ruth, is mentioned 22 times (Ruth 1.2, 3, 8, 11, 19, 20, 21, 22; 2.1, 2, 6, 18, 20, 22; 3.1; 4.3, 5, 9, 14, 16, 17).
Ruth, a Moabite widow, is mentioned 12 times (Ruth 1.4, 14, 16, 22; 2.2, 8, 21, 22; 3.9; 4.5.10.13).
Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, of Judah’s tribe, is mentioned 20 times. He redeems Ruth (Ruth 2.1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 19, 23; 3.2, 7; 4.1, 5, 8, 9, 13, 21).
Key Words Used
Bethlehem (Ruth 1.1, 2, 19, 22; 2.4; 4.11).
Ephrathah🡪Ephrathite was another name for the region of Bethlehem (Genesis 48.7 and Micah 5.2; Ruth 1.2).
Moab was the area north and east of the Dead Sea. The people descended from Lot and his older daughter who had fled Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19.30-38). Her son was Moab. The Moabites fought Israel throughout their history. Moabites were forbidden to become part of the Israelite covenant community and worship life (Deuteronomy 23.3-6). Same held true for the Ammonites.
Redeem, 12 times (Ruth 3.13; 4.4, 6, 14). Strong #1350. ga’al to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman who acts as protector or guarantor of family rights. Also Job 5.20; 19.25; Psalm 44.26; and
Isaiah 43.14).
To buy back property that the family had sold.
To provide an heir for a deceased brother by marrying that brother’s wife and producing a child with her.
Redeem, 12 times (Ruth 3.13; 4.4, 6, 14).
To buy back a family member who had been sold into slavery due to poverty.
To avenge a relative who had been murdered by killing the murderer.
The Scripture calls God the Redeemer or the “close relative” of Israel
(Isaiah 60:16), and Jesus the Redeemer of all believers (1 Peter 1:18, 19).
Let’s see Ruth’s Theme
Ruth remains loyal to Naomi and Israel’s God (Ruth 1.16-18; 2.11-12).
Ruth trusts God, during undeserved suffering, to provide His best for her
(Ruth 1.16-17; 2.1-3, 7, 10, 14; 3.9-10, 14, 18).
God graciously provides Ruth a kinsman-redeemer husband, Boaz, who redeems Ruth and the family property (Ruth 2.3, 8-17; 3.9-13; 4.8-13).
God puts Ruth in the lineage of the Messiah (Ruth 4.13-22).
Key Doctrines
The LORD, Israel’s God, honored Ruth’s faith in Himself. She believed that God would provide for her care and God’s choice for a redeemer-husband (Ruth 1.16-17; 2.3, 10-13; 3.18).
Grace takes precedence over law. Ruth, a Moabite widow, becomes the great-grandmother of King David and is listed in Christ’s genealogy (Ruth 1.4; 2.6-8, 12, 21; 3.10-14; 4.8-22).
Grace can remove bitterness. Naomi saw God work in Ruth’s life and it changed her attitude (Ruth 1.12-13, 20; 2.18-20; 4.13-17).
Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth2.19-20; 3.12-14; 4).
Lessons for Us Today
God’s grace overcomes our past and our heritage to bless faithful believers (Philippians 3).
Christ’s redemption of mankind is illustrated by Boaz redemption of Ruth (Galatians 3.13; Ephesians 1.7; 1 Timothy 2.4-6; Titus 2.14; 1 Peter 1.18).
God will provide His best for the believer trusting Him when facing undeserved suffering (Romans 8.28-32; 1 Peter 5.6-11; Philippians 4.19). How do we face undeserved suffering?
Elimelech: by escaping or running to details of life?
Naomi: by existing or resentfully putting up with it?
Ruth: by enlisting the suffering for blessing and applying our spiritual resources to gain God’s good?
Lessons for Us Today, 1 Peter 5.6-11
Mental attitude humility (Humble yourselves, authority and grace orientation).
Faith in the Father’s person and work (casting).
Faith application of word of God (sober and alert) Undeserved suffering and testing (adversary’s attacks (resist him).
The Father builds us into mature believers able to enjoy His blessings (perfect, confirm, strengthen, establish).
Four Questions to Ask
Am I believing in Jesus Christ to give me eternal life (John 3.16-18; 20.31;
Romans 6.23)?
Am I walking in fellowship with God (1 John 1) and living by faith, by the Holy Spirit, in the Word of God, and in love (Galatians 2.20; 5.5; 2 John 4-6)?
Do I accept the fact that what I believe is more important that how I feel
(Psalm 13)?
Am I watching for the good (the blessing) that God is working out in my life and testing (Romans 8.28)?
1 Samuel Bible Walk
God’s King
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, November 30, December 7, and December 14, 2003
History—Setting
The events took place from the final days of the Judges (1120 BC) to the death of King Saul (1010 BC).
God had selected Judah to be the tribe of kings (Genesis 49.8-12). Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9.1-2); David was from Judah (1 Samuel 16.1-13; Matthew 1.3-6).
The empires of the ancient Middle East had lost their overwhelming power and influence.
Hittites lost their significance.
Assyria was declining.
Egypt, through internal fighting, had lost its power
The Philistines became Israel’s greatest enemy.
History—Author
Samuel, though not said to be the author, likely wrote much of the book or supplied the notes for the book. The book took its final form soon after the division into the northern and southern kingdoms (1 Samuel 27.6 and 18.16).
Jewish tradition says that Samuel wrote 1-24, and that Nathan and Gad finished
1 Samuel and added 2 Samuel.
Possibly, a later editor finalized the book under God’s inspiration.
History—The Book
Originally, 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek around 150 BC, the editors combined Samuel and Kings and it became the complete history of the Israelite monarchy—1, 2, 3, 4 Kingdoms.
Sometime later, editors followed the Greek pattern and separated Samuel and Kings into 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.
Trace the Theme in 1 Samuel
First Samuel records the transition from the Judges period of history to the beginning of the monarchy and highlights the failures of the king and the nation because they reject God’s word to them.
The prophet, Samuel, is born to Hannah and Elkanah during the time of the judges (1.20). In Samuel’s old age the people of Israel demanded a king so they might be like other nations (8.4-9). Samuel told Saul (10.1) and the people (12.12-16) that Saul was to be the Lord’s king. But Saul soon acted foolishly before the Lord, so the Lord rejected him (13.13-14; 16.14) and chose David, a man after his own heart, to be the king in waiting (13.14; 16.11-14).
Saul became jealous of David (18.7-9). He spent the rest of his life, hyphenated with brief periods of remorse (24.16-20; 26.21-25), trying to kill David. David, though given opportunities, refused to strike the Lord’s anointed (24.1-7; 26.7-12). He spent this time trying to elude capture and death by Saul. Eventually, at Mt Gilboa, the Philistines killed Saul and his sons—they wounded Saul, so he killed himself (31.1-4).
Key Verse
1 Samuel 13:14 “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
1 Samuel Theme: God’s King
Despite the fact that God allows Israel, by her free will and rejection of Him and his prophets, to prematurely choose a king, He, in His grace, accomplishes his plan to seat His chosen king over Israel.
1 Samuel Overview Outline
Samuel’s ministry, 1 Samuel 1-8
Saul, Israel’s first king, 1 Samuel 9-15
David, God’s king in waiting, 1 Samuel 16-20
Saul pursues David, 1 Samuel 21-31
1 Samuel Chapter Titles
Samuel’s Ministry, 1 Samuel 1-8
Chapter 1: Hannah dedicates Samuel
Chapter 2: God will judge Eli’s family
Chapter 3: Lord established Samuel a prophet
Chapter 4: Philistines capture God’s ark
Chapter 5: God judges Ashdod, Gath, Ekron
Chapter 6: Philistines send the ark back
Chapter 7: Lord routs and subdues Philistines
Chapter 8: Appoint a king for us
Saul, Israel’s First King, 1 Samuel 9-15
Chapter 9: Donkey chase leads Saul to Samuel
Chapter 10: Samuel anoints Saul at Mizpah
Chapter 11: Saul’s victory over Jabesh and Coronation
Chapter 12: Samuel introduces Saul and challenges Israel
Chapter 13: Saul acted foolishly
Chapter 14: Saul’s foolish oath; Jonathan’s honey
Chapter 15: Lord rejects Saul. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
III. David, God’s King in Waiting, 1 Samuel 16-20
Chapter 16: Lord chooses David
Chapter 17: David kills Goliath
Chapter 18: Jealous Saul fears David
Chapter 19: Jonathan, Michal, and Samuel protect David
Chapter 20: Jonathan warns David by arrows
IV. Saul Pursues David, 1 Samuel 21-31
Chapter 21: David to Priest Ahimelech, then to King Achish of Gath
Chapter 22: Saul kills priests of Nob. Abiathar escapes
Chapter 23: Saul chases David at Keilah, Ziph, Maon
Chapter 24: Saul’s robe in the Engedi cave
Chapter 25: Samuel dies. Nabal, Abigail, and David
Chapter 26: Mt Hachilah, Saul’s spear and bottle
IV. Saul Pursues David, 1 Samuel 21-31
Chapter 27: David at Philistine Ziklag
Chapter 28: The Medium at Endor
Chapter 29: Philistine commanders reject David
Chapter 30: Ziklag, David, and Amalekites
Chapter 31: Philistines victory. Saul dies
Main People
Hanna
Hannah was the mother of Samuel. God graciously answered her prayer for a son, and in response to God’s blessing she presented her son to the Lord so that he might serve Him (1 Samuel 1-2).
Principle: Mother’s faithfulness to the Lord, prayer for her children, and willingness for them to be in Christian service.
Eli
Eli was the priest at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1.3, 7, 9) at the time of Samuel’s birth
(1 Samuel 1.17, 24-28) and a judge (1 Samuel 4.18). He was to serve as priest for Israel and to care for the ark (1 Samuel 4.3). He was instrumental in the early training of Samuel (1 Samuel 2.11, 18-21; 3). His sons, priests under him (1 Samuel 1.3) were worthless rebels whom he failed to discipline and train (1 Samuel 2.12; 3.11-14). The Lord, through the Philistines, struck his sons down (1 Samuel 4.10-11). The news that the Philistines had captured God’s Ark caused Eli to collapse. He broke his neck in the fall and died (1 Samuel 4.15-18).
Principle: Failure to protect the priesthood by not disciplining and training his priest sons.
Principle: God graciously uses His people to bless others even though they have areas of failure.
Samuel
Samuel was the son of Hannah and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1). He was a Levite
(1 Samuel 6.33-38), a prophet (1 Samuel 3.20; 19.20; Acts 3.24), a priest
(1 Samuel 7.8-10), and the last judge (1 Samuel 7.15-17; Acts 13.20). He was called to his ministry while a young boy and he served Eli well during a time of national apostasy (1 Samuel 2.11, 18-21). He anointed Saul (1 Samuel 9.16; 10.1; 15.1) and David to be kings (1 Samuel 16.3, 12-13). He was classed with Moses as a great believer and spiritual leader of Israel (1 Samuel 7.3-6; Jeremiah 15.1).
Principle: Faithful ministry during a time of national apathy, rebellion, and apostasy.
Principle: Strong spiritual leadership in the face of powerful opposition.
Saul
Saul was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9.1, 21), who because of the rebellious demands of Israel (1 Samuel 8.4-8), was chosen by God to become king of Israel
(1 Samuel 10.1). He had few successes (1 Samuel 11.6-15; 14.47-48), and in negative volition he rejected God’s word and will (1 Samuel 13.8-14; 14.24, 43-46; 15.16-26; 28.3-20). Due to his rejection of God’s word and desire for power and fame combined with great jealousy of David, he tried to kill David (1 Samuel 20.33) eventually destroyed himself (1 Samuel 15.27-28, 35; 18.5-12; 19.1; 31.1-5).
Principle: Great opportunity for service to Lord and Israel, but because he was preoccupied with himself and details of life, and because he would not humble himself before the Lord, the Lord removed him from service and potential blessing.
Principle: Emotional repentance and spiritual inconsistency do not please the Lord. He wants consistent spiritual living.
Goliath
Goliath, a nine and one-half foot champion fighter for the Philistines, challenged Saul’s army to send someone to fight him in personal combat. The outcome of this challenge would determine the winner of the battle (1 Samuel 17). David believed that God would defeat Goliath through him. David knew that the battle was the Lord’s. David killed Goliath. Israel then chased the fleeing Philistines, killing them and plundering the camps.
Principle: No enemy can withstand the Lord and the believer trusting the Lord and doing God’s will.
Jonathan
Jonathan was Saul’s son and heir to the throne (1 Samuel 13.16). He unknowingly disobeyed Saul’s vow by eating some honey, after which the Israelites would not allow Saul to execute Jonathan (1 Samuel 14.24-45). He and David were very good friends (1 Samuel 18.1). He recognized God’s decision to make David king when he turned his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt (1 Samuel 18.4; 23.16-17). Jonathan fell in battle against the Philistines at Mt Gilboa along with his brothers and his father, Saul (1 Samuel 31.1-2).
Though Jonathan was Saul’s son and a soldier in Saul’s army, but did the right thing by protecting David from Saul (1 Samuel 19.1-10; 20). Jonathan fell with Saul fell in battle with the Philistines (1 Samuel 31.2-3).
Principle: First loyalty is to Lord.
Principle: Loyal friendship.
David
David was the son of Jesse, a distant son of Judah. He was a shepherd whom God trained to be king over Israel. Samuel anointed him king of Israel. See discussion in the 2 Samuel study.
Key Words Used
King 92x. 1 Samuel 2.10; 8.5, 6; 8.20; 10.19; 16.1.
Anoint. (verb and noun) 1 Samuel 2.10, 35; 9.16; 10.1; 12.3, 5; 15.1, 17; 16.3, 6, 12, 13; 24.6, 10; 26.9, 11, 16, 23.
Cleansing, blessing, coronation, endowment, or the title of the one selected. Psalm 2.2
Noun jyvm mashiyach. Strong #4899, Anointed, Messiah. 39x in OT.
Verb jvm mashach. Strong #4886, To smear, anoint, spread a liquid. 69x in OT.
War, 1 Samuel 8.12; 14.52; 17.20; 18.5; 19.8; 23.8; 28.1, 15. Strong # 4421 îÄìÀçÈîÈä milchamah. War was necessary because Israel’s enemies sought to destroy her.
Rejected, 1 Samuel 8.7; 10.19; 15.23, 26; 16.1, 7. Israel rejected the Lord as king; the Lord rejected Saul from continuing as king.
Ichabod (no glory) 1 Samuel 4.21. The glory left Israel because the Philistines took the Ark of God from Israel.
Key Doctrines
King of Israel. The monarchy became the political form for rule in God’s theocratic kingdom program (1 Samuel 2.10; 16.1; Psalm 78.70-72; Psalm 2). Jesus is the final and ultimate King of Israel and King of God’s entire creation (Matthew 2.2; Revelation 17.14; 19.16; Zechariah 14.9; 1 Corinthians 15.24-28).
God rules over all creation. The fall of Satan and man did not reduce God’s sovereign rule, nor did the unbelief and rebellion of Saul or any other Israeli king limit his authority. He will reestablish His rightful rule over creation and thereby demonstrate His unsurpassed authority, glory, and honor (Exodus 16.7; 24.16; Numbers 14.21; Psalm 19.1; Psalm 29; Ezekiel 3.12; Luke 2.9; Romans 9.23; 11.36; Ephesians 1.6, 12, 14; Revelation 4.11; and others).
God’s Plan to reestablish final rule. God pronounced judgment upon Satan after his rebellion (Matthew 25.41) and announced the means to defeat Satan and demonstrate his authority and honor through His redemptive program (Genesis 3.15). He worked through Abraham and his progeny (Genesis 12.1-3). The monarch form began with Saul (1 Samuel 10.1) and especially David (1 Samuel 16). This will find its ultimate form in King Messiah Jesus, the savior, priest, and ruling king in the Millennium (Zechariah 14.9; Matthew 1; Revelation 19.16; 1 Corinthians 15.24-28).
The battle is the Lord’s. The Lord fought for David and Israel against Goliath and the Philistines (1 Samuel 17, especially verses 26, 37, 45-47).
Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. God sent His Holy Spirit only to certain people in the time before the church age. The Holy Spirit’s job was to guide and give ability to the individual so that he could know and do God’s will (Saul, 1 Samuel 10.6, 10; 11.6; 16.14; 19.23-24; David, 16.13; Saul’s messengers, 19.20).
Obedience to God is more important than going through right religious activities (1 Samuel 15.22-23). Put another way, substance is more important than symbolism in one’s relationship with God. Reality is more important ritual.
Lessons for Us Today
God’s plan for Israel will be accomplished. Israel has a promised wonderful future.
The church does not replace Israel. The church has its own unique position and purpose in God’s plan. We in the church are part of God’s universal kingdom. He is our king by right of creation and union with Christ.
The day to day Christian life battle is the Lord’s battle. He works in us and through us.
In distinction from OT Israel, the Holy Spirit lives in every church age believer. Furthermore, God commands us to be filled with and to walk by means of the Holy Spirit.
God wants consistent Christian living based upon His word, His Spirit, and faith, not emotional highs and lows. He desires reality over ritual, substance over symbolism.
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, December 28, 2003, and January 4, 2004
History—2 Samuel Setting
The empires of the ancient middle east had lost their overwhelming power and influence.
Hittites lost their significance.
Assyria was declining.
Egypt, through internal fighting, had lost its power
The Philistines became Israel’s greatest enemy.
God had selected Judah to be the tribe of kings (Genesis 49.8-12). Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9.1-2); David was from Judah (1 Samuel 16.1-13; Matthew 1.3-6).
David brought together the tribes and formed them into a strong monarchy. He captured Jerusalem, the Jebusite fortress, and made it his capital.
Second Samuel covers the major events in David’s life.
He developed Israel into a military power that was able to throw off the yoke of the Philistines and Canaanites. Israel under David became the dominate power in the area.
He, through military victory and alliances, extended his control to Egypt in the southwest and to the Euphrates in the northeast.
The events took place from soon after the death of King Saul (2 Samuel 1.1) to David’s purchase of the threshing floor from Araunah the Jebusite (about 1010 BC to 970 BC) so that he might build an altar to the Lord and sacrifice “that the plague may be held back from the people” (2 Samuel 23.21). The plague was God’s discipline because David numbered the people.
History—2 Samuel Author
Jewish tradition says that Samuel wrote 1 Samuel 1-24, and that Nathan and Gad finished 1 Samuel and added 2 Samuel. Possibly, a later editor finalized the book under God’s inspiration.
It is very likely that most of the Samuels were written during the time of David and Solomon (1010-930 BC).
History—2 Samuel The Book
Originally, 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek around 150 BC, the editors combined Samuel and Kings and it became the complete history of the Israelite monarchy—1, 2, 3, 4 Kingdoms.
Sometime later, editors followed the Greek pattern and separated Samuel and Kings into 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.
The Samuels took their final form soon after the division into the northern and southern kingdoms (1 Samuel 18.16 and 27.6; 2 Samuel 5.5; 19.43).
Story in 2 Samuel
The story begins with David’s grief over Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1). David was then formally installed as king (2 Samuel 2). He consolidated his rule by friendship and alliances with neighboring powers. Though there was a challenge to David’s rule by Saul’s house (2 Samuel 2-4), David was recognized by Judah and Israel, and ruled from Hebron for seven and one-half years, then took Jerusalem for his capital
(2 Samuel 5). David then moved the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). God made a covenant with David, promising to build and perpetuate David’s dynasty
(2 Samuel 7).
At this point David began to subdue his enemies and strengthen his support
(2 Samuel 9-20). During David’s wars to establish his rule, he sinned with Bathsheba against the Lord and Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Nathan the prophet rebuked David and announced the Lord’s discipline. David confessed his sin and God forgave him (Psalm 51), yet consequences of his sin followed him throughout his life
(2 Samuel 12).
Amnon, David’s son, was killed by Absalom, another son (2 Samuel 13). Absalom also led a revolution against David which ended with Absalom’s death
(2 Samuel 15-18). David now began to regain his kingdom and authority
(2 Samuel 19-21).
He then composed a psalm of praise to the Lord for delivering him from his enemies (Psalm 18 and Psalm 22). After all of this David again publicly sins by taking a census of his military. David confessed this sin to God and was forgiven. He purchased a threshing floor from Araunah, who live in Jerusalem, to build an altar for the Lord. There he sacrificed to the Lord and interceded for the nation that the Lord might stop the plague, which He did (2 Samuel 24).
Key Verses:
2 Samuel 7:12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom.
2 Samuel 7:13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
2 Samuel Theme: Kingdom of Israel
Despite the fact that Israel had always been a rebellious and complaining people, God kept the Abrahamic Covenant and established His theocracy through the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—The Kingdom of Israel—through His chosen King, David, with its spiritual center in Jerusalem. In keeping with His grace and promises, and knowing that David would publicly sin many times, God promised David that his dynasty would last forever.
2 Samuel Overview Outline
David gains political, spiritual, and military victories, 2 Samuel 1-10.
David sins, confesses, is forgiven and disciplined, 2 Samuel 11-12.
David experiences revolution, bloodshed, sorrow, and return, 2 Samuel 13-20.
David reestablishes his authority, 2 Samuel 21-24.
2 Samuel Chapter Titles
David gains political, spiritual, and military victories, 2 Samuel 1-10
Chapter 1: The Amalekite’s Announcement
Chapter 2: Abner for Saul vs Joab for David
Chapter 3: Joab murders Abner
Chapter 4: Rechab and Baanah murder Ishbosheth
Chapter 5: Elders anoint David king over Israel
Chapter 6: The Ark to Jerusalem
Chapter 7: Davidic Covenant
Chapter 8: David defeats Philistia, Moab, Zobah, Aramea, Edom
Chapter 9: David restores Mephibosheth
Chapter 10: David defeats Ammonites and Arameans
David sins, confesses, is forgiven and disciplined, 2 Samuel 11-12
Chapter 11: David, Uriah, and Bathsheba
Chapter 12: David’s discipline and confession
David experiences revolution, bloodshed, sorrow, and return, 2 Samuel 13-20
Chapter 13: Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
Chapter 14: Joab brings Abalom
Chapter 15: Absalom Conspiracy
Chapter 16: Absalom takes Jerusalem
Chapter 17: Absalom plans war
Chapter 18: Joab kills Absalom
Chapter 19: David crosses the Jordan
Chapter 20: Sheba the Benjamite rebels
David reestablishes his authority, 2 Samuel 21-24
Chapter 21: Hanging, bones; Philistines
Chapter 22: David’s hymn of praise
Chapter 23: David’s Military Hall of Fame
Chapter 24: David’s military census
Main People—David
David was of the tribe of Judah, Son of Jesse, King of Israel, Psalmist
(2 Samuel 23.1). He was the second king in Israel and ruled after Saul, though he was the first king from the ruling tribe, Judah. He began as a shepherd, was Saul’s armor bearer, was anointed by Nathan to be God’s king of Israel (1 Samuel 16).
He killed Goliath, was pursued by Saul (2 Samuel 17), and at Saul’s death was inaugurated King of Israel (2 Samuel 5). God promised him (Davidic Covenant,
2 Samuel 7:4-17) that his descendents, and especially his greatest descendant, Jesus the Christ (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3) would rule forever over Israel
His most noted sons were Absalom (3:3, mother was Maacah), Nathan
(1 Chronicles 3:3, Bathsheba), and Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24, Bathsheba).
He was noted for his faith and loyalty to the Lord (Psalm 22 and 23), and though he publicly sinned numerous times he always returned to fellowship with the Lord by confessing his sin to Him (Psalm 32, 2 Samuel 12.1-15; Psalm 51; 1 Kings 15.3-5).
God said that David was a “man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13.14; Acts 13.22, 36); that is, one who, in spite of his sin, always returned to fellowship with God and desired to do God’s will.
David was a great military leader and author of many at least 73 Psalms.
Principle: David’s greatness was his consistent desire to do God’s will, his faith in the Lord, his loyalty to the Lord, his willingness to honestly confess sin and failure to the Lord, and his spiritual and national leadership.
Main People—Nathan the Prophet
Nathan was God’s prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon. Nathan delivered God message to David that he would not build the temple, but through his son [Solomon] David’s descendants would reign forever over Israel (Davidic Covenant) (2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15).
God, through Nathan, reproved David for his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1-15).
Nathan helped to ensure that Solomon would follow David as king when Adonijah conspired to take the throne (1 Kings 1:11-34). He also advised David
(2 Chronicles 29:25).
Nathan wrote Acts of David (1 Chronicles 29.29) and Acts of Solomon
(2 Chronicles 9:29) and left them as records.
Principle: Prophet’s faithful service is crucial to the spiritual and national life of the nation.
Main People—Uriah and Bathsheba
Uriah was a Hittite soldier who courageously and loyally served David in his army
(2 Samuel 23:39). He apparently accepted the Hebrew faith (2 Samuel 11:11). Bathsheba was his wife. During a battle at Rabbah, David and Bathsheba committed adultery. In order to cover this up David had Uriah sent to the battle front where he was killed (2 Samuel 11:6-21). Bathsheba was Solomon’s mother (1 Chronicles 3:5).
Principles: Uriah’s Loyalty to commanders. Grace to Bathsheba.
Main People—Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathon (2 Samuel 9:6), grandson of Saul, not Mephibosheth, the son of Saul (2 Samuel 21:8-9). At the news of Saul and Jonathon’s death, his nurse fled with Mephibosheth (age 5). She fell and Mephibosheth was lamed in the fall (2 Samuel 4:4). David kept his oath to Jonathon (1 Samuel 20:11-16, 42) and brought him to Jerusalem and gave him an honored place at his table (2 Samuel 9:1, 6-13). We learn of loyalty to one’s friends and one’s oath.
Main People, Abner
Abner was Saul’s nephew and commander in chief of Saul’s army (1 Samuel 14:50). He killed Asahel, Joab’s brother, after trying to dissuade Asahel from pursuing him
(2 Samuel 2:18-23). Joab treacherously killed Abner at Hebron (2 Samuel 3:27).
Principle: Loyal commander, yet a little naïve at times.
Main People, Joab
Joab was David’s nephew (2 Samuel 2:18) and commander in chief of David’s army
(2 Samuel 5.8). Joab was at different times efficient, brutal, loyal, and wise
(2 Samuel 11:6-26; 12.26-31; 18.14.33; 24.2-4). He was replaced by Amasa and later restored. Joab finally faltered by supporting a revolt against David and Solomon (1 Kings 1:5-53). Benaiah, in league with Solomon, killed Joab (1 Kings 2:28, 34).
Principle: Strong leadership, yet pride and bad judgment get in the way.
Main People—Absalom
Absalom was David’s third son (2 Samuel 3.3). He was handsome and had a full head of hair (2 Samuel 14.25-26). He avenged the rape of his sister, Tamar by Amnon, his brother. Afterward, he fled to Gesher where he stayed three years, followed by two more years of banishment from his father (2 Samuel 13). David welcomed him back, but Absalom soon revolted against David, entered Jerusalem and was anointed king (2 Samuel 19.10).
David’s army defeated Absalom and his army in the forests of Ephraim. While Absalom fled on his mule, his head caught in tree branches. Joab and 10 soldiers killed Absalom while he hung there.
Principle: A son’s pride, power lust, and rebellion can destroy families, people, and nations.
Key Words Used
David, 286 times
Kingdom, 8 times (2 Samuel 3.10, 28; 5.12; 7.12, 13, 16; 16.3, 8)
House, 102 times (2 Samuel 1.2; 2.4, 7, 10, 11; etc.)
Anointed, 15 times (2 Samuel 1.14, 16, 21; 2.4, 7; 3.39; 5.3, 17; 12.7, 20; 14.2; 19.10, 21; 22.51; 23.1)
Key Doctrines
Davidic Covenant
Sin has consequences
Divine discipline
God graciously forgives and continues to work through the sinner who has confessed his sin
Spiritual and national leadership
Lessons for Us Today
My “heart” attitude is most important. Do I want to do God’s will? Am I sensitive to His word and his leading? Do I continue to focus my life on the Lord and His will. To do otherwise, makes me vulnerable to sin, failure, discipline, heartache, and ridicule.
When I sin, I need to confess that sin and continue to live the Christian life. Even if the sin has consequences, God will use that to work his will and blessing.
Sin does not stop God from using me. When I sin, even what people call “big sins,” am I willing to accept God’s grace and continue to serve him in the job he has given me. Guilt over past sins is a rejection of God’s grace and a distraction to living the Christian life. Nourished guilt is actually a form of pride.
Take responsibility for whatever leadership God has given me. Do the best job I can do.
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, January 25 and February 1 and 8, 2004
History of Solomon’s Time
David left an enlarged and strong kingdom to his son, Solomon. But pride, hostility, and the seeds of rebellion were simmering. David had conquered Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Zobah. Jerusalem was the capital.
First Kings opens in 970 BC with David in old age (1 Kings 1.1). He soon died
(1 Kings 2.10).
When Solomon was chosen as king, the major problems he faced were trouble makers from David’s time. He quickly removed those who might prove a threat to him: Adonijah (1 Kings 2.13-25), Abiathar the priest was banished (1 Kings 2.26-27), Joab was executed by Benaiah (1 Kings 2.29-34), and Shimei was confined the city and when he left, he was executed
(1 Kings 2.36-46). He faced no other serious threat from external enemies.
His job was clear: to consolidate his rule, build the temple for the Lord, and lead Israel under God’s word (1 Kings 2.2-9)
Solomon’s kingdom and influence extended from the Euphrates River in the North to Egypt in the South (1 Kings 4.21).
Primarily because of Solomon’s later spiritual failure, his kingdom had civil war and divided into Judah and Israel (1 Kings 11.9-13).
With a few exceptions, the kings that followed Solomon were characterized by revolution, bloodshed, and idolatry.
History—Author of 1-2 Kings
Many evangelicals consider Jeremiah the most likely author of most of 1 and 2 Kings, though there are differences in style between Jeremiah’s known writings and Kings.
Jeremiah did have the qualifications to write these particular books: priestly origin, prophetic ministry, access to kings and others in authority, and he was closely involved in the activities of Judah until the Babylonians destroyed her.
Whoever the author, he was one who had access to the historical records and history of Israel and Judah, and he wrote during the last days Judah.
The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11.41).
The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 14.19-15.31, 17 times).
The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14.29-2 Kings 24.5, 15 times).
Biographies of David, Elijah, Elisha.
Theme of 1 Kings: Civil War
God’s people, Israel led by their kings and prophets, followed either the path of faith and obedience to the Lord or unbelief and rebellion against Him. The period of the kings beginning with Solomon played out, through apostasy and civil war, what God said through Moses: “I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity….So choose life.” With the exception of a few kings and prophets, Israel chose death and adversity.
Key Verses
1 Kings 9:4, “As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances,
1 Kings 9:5, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, just as I promised to your father David, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
1 Kings 11.11, So the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.
1 Kings Overview Outline
Solomon and his great kingdom, 1-11
The divided Kingdom—idolatry, chaos, bloodshed, 12-22
Trace the Theme of 1 Kings
Just before David died, he had to stop Adonijah’s attempt to supplant Solomon
(1 Kings 1), and then he charged Solomon to keep God’s word (1 Kings 2.1-9). As soon as Solomon took the throne he removed internal threats to his rule: Adonijah (1 Kings 2.13-25), Abiathar the priest was banished (1 Kings 2.26-27), Joab was executed by Benaiah (1 Kings 2.29-34), and Shimei was confined the city and when he left he was executed (1 Kings 2.36-46).
Next, Solomon began what was to doom his kingdom—he began making alliances with other nations through marriage (1 Kings 3.1 with 11.1-8). It was at this time that the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and told Solomon to ask what he wished. Solomon requested understanding and wisdom (1 Kings 3.9). God was pleased; not only did He give Solomon wisdom, he also gave riches and honor
(1 Kings 3.11-13). So, Solomon had the chance to please God, rule righteously, and at his death, leave a strong and godly nation.
Solomon gained wealth, fame, and a strong kingdom (1 Kings 4). About this time he hired Hiram, King of Tyre, to supply the materials to build the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5). The temple was built between 966 and 959 BC (1 Kings 6-7) and dedicated (1 Kings 8). At the same time Solomon had other building projects going. The LORD now appeared again to Solomon with a promise of blessing or adversity (1 Kings 9).
Solomon increased his bureaucracy, his building project, his wealth, his harem, his taxes, and his fame (1 Kings 9-10). Details of life controlled him. His wives turned him to idolatry; the adversities came (1 Kings 11). Solomon appointed Jeroboam, one of his valiant men, to be secretary of labor (1 Kings 11.23). He rebelled against Solomon and then fled to Egypt. At Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam became king. Jeroboam returned; he asked Rehoboam to lighten the tax load that Solomon has imposed. If that were done Jeroboam and his followers would serve Rehoboam.
The adversity continues. Rehoboam rejected the elders advice to right some policies. Instead, he listened to the young rebels in Judah. At this point civil war broke out. The northern tribes followed Jeroboam, while Judah stayed with Rehoboam (1 Kings 12).
From this time on God’s nation was divided. The two kingdoms were ruled by mostly evil kings interspersed with a few good kings (1 Kings 13-22). Elijah served as God’s prophet during the reign of evil Ahab (874-853); Elijah’s ministry highlighted the battle between false prophets and God’s true prophets during the history of the divided kingdoms.
Chapter Titles:
Solomon and his great kingdom, 1 Kings 1-11
Chapter 1: David makes Solomon king
Chapter 2: David commissions; Solomon established
Chapter 3: Solomon requests wisdom
Chapter 4: Solomon’s peace, prosperity, wisdom
Chapter 5: Temple building materials
Chapter 6: Temple built, 966-959 BC
Chapter 7: Temple furnishings
Chapter 8: Ark, prayer, challenge, sacrifice
Chapter 9: LORD charges Solomon. Building projects
Chapter 10: Queen of Sheba
Chapter 11: Wives, idolatry, Ahijah, death
Divided kingdom—idolatry, chaos, and bloodshed, 1 Kings 12-22
Chapter 12: Rehoboam vs Jeroboam
Chapter 13: The man of God
Chapter 14: Abijah, Jeroboam, and Rehoboam die
Chapter 15: Abijam and Asa of Judah; Nadab and Basha of Israel
Chapter 16: Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab of Israel
Chapter 17: Elijah at Cherith and Zarephath
Chapter 18: Elijah and Baal’s prophets; rain
Chapter 19: Elijah, the juniper, Horeb’s cave; Elisha
Chapter 20: Ahab of Israel, Ben-hadad of Aramaea
Chapter 21: Naboth and his vineyard
Chapter 22: Ahab dies in his chariot
Key People in 1 Kings
Adonijah was David’s fourth son. He attempted to take the throne when David was old. Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the commander of the king’s bodyguard stopped the attempt. When David authorized Solomon to follow him as king, Solomon allowed Adonijah to live as long as he was loyal. Soon after David died Adonijah revived his ambitions, so Solomon executed him (1 Kings 1-2).
Nathan the prophet served both David and Solomon. He advised David that not he, but Solomon would build the temple (2 Samuel 7). Nathan also confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah (2 Samuel 12). Nathan was instrumental in having Solomon made king in the face of Adonijah’s takeover attempt (1 Kings 1).
Abiathar, son of Ahimelech (chief priest at Nob who helped David) escaped Saul’s revenge against the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22). He was descended from Eli. He served as high priest for David (1 Samuel 30.7) and with Zadok brought the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15.11-15). Abiathar supported Adonijah’s rebellion against Solomon, so was removed as priest (1 Kings 2.26-27). Solomon spared his life because of faithfulness to David when Absalom rebelled (1 Kings 2.26).
Zadok served as priest in David’s court along with Abiathar. He and Nathan anointed Solomon King (1 Kings 1.45). Solomon appointed Zadok as court priest at the time he removed Abiathar (1 Kings 2.27, 35). The family of Zadok served as priests until the destruction of the temple in 586 BC, and then in the second temple until 171 BC, when Antiochus transferred the priesthood to Menelaus. Ezekiel has the sons of Zadok serving in the millennial temple (Ezekiel 33.15).
Benaiah was a member of David’s band of 30 elite soldiers (2 Samuel 23.18-23). He helped stop Adonijah’s coup. Solomon appointed him commander of his army. Solomon ordered him to execute Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei—all traitors—which he did (1 Kings 2.23-46).
Shimei was the son of Gera the Benjamite from Bahurim (a town just east of the Mount of Olives). When Absalom pursued David, Shimei followed David from a parallel hillside and cursed him and threw rocks at him (2 Samuel 16). For this, Solomon confined Shimei to Jerusalem. Three years later, Shimei took a trip to Gath. Because Shimei broke the agreement, Solomon had Benaiah execute him (1 Kings 2).
Hiram, king of Tyre (c. 970-936 BC), supplied Solomon with cedar wood, grain, wine, gold, and workers for the temple and his other building projects (1 Kings 5.1-12). As a part of their border treaties, Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in Galilee (which Hiram did not like) for which Hiram sent Solomon 120 talents of gold. Hiram and Solomon also engaged in joint commercial shipping operations (1 Kings 10.22).
Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba was ruler of the Sabaeans, a kingdom in SW Arabia (1 Kings 10). She heard of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth and made a 1200 mile trip to meet him. She posed riddles to him, all of which he answered. She was even more impressed with Solomon than she expected: “behold, the half was not told me” (10.10; 2 Chronicles 9.4). They exchanged gifts and made commercial treaties.
Jesus contrasted her to His present generation: the Queen of Sheba recognized the evidence of God’s blessing to Solomon, while Jesus’ generation did not recognize God’s blessings to them in Him—God’s Messiah (Luke 11.31).
Ahijah was the prophet who told Jeroboam that God would divide Israel and give him the 10 northern tribes (1 Kings 11.29-39).
Jeroboam
Jeroboam (1 Kings 11.26-12.33; r. 931-910 BC) was the son of Nebat and an Ephramite from Zereda. He was apparently wealthy, and a strong and brave man whom Solomon found working at Millo (a part of the Jebusite city=Jerusalem). Solomon made him his chief of labor for the northern tribes. Due to Solomon’s oppressive rule and Ahijah’s prophecy, Jeroboam rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam escaped to Egypt when Solomon heard of this. When Solomon died, Jeroboam returned.
Israel and Jeroboam then petitioned Rehoboam to stop the oppressive measure that Solomon had put in place. When Rehoboam refused, Israel made Jeroboam king over the northern tribes. Shechem (31 miles north of Jerusalem in the hills of Ephraim) was his capital. To hold Israel together, Jeroboam set up a golden calf at Bethel and at Dan. Thus, the civil war that was to last until the destruction of Israel by Assyria in 722 BC.
Rehoboam
Rehoboam (1 Kings 12-14; 972-913; r. 931-913 BC) was Solomon’s son who took the throne of Judah upon Solomon’s death. Soon after his installation Jeroboam and leaders of Israel petitioned him to reduce the oppressive measures that his father Solomon had imposed.
Rehoboam’s elder advisors counseled him to grant the request, but his friends—those with whom he grew up—told him to ignore the request and impose harder measures. He followed his friends advice, and as a result, the northern kingdom, Israel, rebelled against him—thus the civil war.
Soon after Israel broke from Rehoboam, he marshaled a 180,000 man army to force Israel back under his authority. Shemaiah the man of God prevented this battle when he delivered God’s word not to fight against their brothers. But, civil war continued throughout his reign, besides wars with the Philistines and Egypt.
Rehoboam allowed pagan religious practices—idolatry, cult prostitution, pagan high places—to invade and prosper in Judah and Jerusalem. About 926 BC, Pharaoh Shishak invaded Judah and Jerusalem. Shishak carried off the temple and palace treasures.
He died in 913 BC. His son, Abijam became king in his place.
Shemaiah was the man of God who, when Rehoboam had gathered an army of 180,000 men to fight Israel and break the rebellion, told the army of Rehoboam not to go to war against their brothers, the Northern Kingdom. They obeyed him (1 Kings 12.21-24).
Elijah the prophet (see the Elijah study) served during Ahab’s reign. He prophesied to Ahab about the coming drought, went to the brook Cherith, spent time at Zarephath, challenged the prophets of Baal, went to Beersheba and then into the wilderness where he slept under the Juniper tree, then went to a cave on Mt Sinai (Horeb) where the Lord corrected his attitude, passed his ministry to Elisha, confronted Ahab about the theft and murder of Naboth, and went to heaven in a whirlwind (1 Kings 17-19; 21; 2 Kings 1-2).
Ahab was the seventh king of Israel (reign 874-852 BC). He married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. He promoted the worship of Baal and “did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16.33). He was king during the ministry of Elijah. He was killed in battle at Ramoth-gilead—he had rejected the prophet Micaiah’s warning—and was buried in Samaria. Dogs licked his blood from his chariot as Elijah had predicted (1 Kings 16.28-ff).
Micaiah
Micaiah the prophet was called before Jehosphaphat King of Judah and Ahab King of Israel to give advice as to whether they should go to war to regain Ramoth-gilead. Ahab’s first bunch of prophets told him what he wanted to hear—just do it. Jehoshaphat objected that the prophets just said what Ahab wanted to hear.
He asked if there was a prophet who would tell the truth. Ahab said there was one—Micaiah—but Ahab did not like his prophecies. At Jehosphaphat’s urging, Ahab called Micaiah. Micaiah said, don’t go into battle. Ahab rejected the prophet’s word. They went to war: Jehoshaphat was not harmed, but Ahab was killed (c. 852 BC; 1 Kings 22).
Solomon
Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba. Solomon was established as king
(1 Kings 2:12) in 970 BC. He brought Israel to her greatest fame and wealth; yet at his death the kingdom tore itself into two because he allowed details of life (his were mainly wealth and foreign wives) to control him, resulting in spiritual failure. Judah and Israel and their kings that followed Solomon were characterized by revolution, bloodshed, and paganism and idolatry.
Solomon was not a warrior like his father, and he did not need to be. He faced no serious threat from external enemies, though he was harassed by Edom and Syria; nor did he have to enlarge his nation. His job was to consolidate and hold the nation together. Solomon concentrated on forming alliances, and he did this by marrying foreign nobility, hence his large harem (1 Kings 11:1-3). Tyre was his most important alliance
(1 Kings 5:1-12).
Though not a warrior, he did establish military bases to protect his territory
(1 Kings 9:15-22), and developed a chariot corp in his army (10.26). He developed his industry and international trade (1 Kings 10.1-15, 28). The highpoint of his construction was the temple, though he built many other sites (1 Kings 7). Solomon wrote enduring literature: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon (1 Kings 4.29-34; 11.41).
But Solomon’s reign also brought extensive bureaucracy (1 Kings 9.23), high state expenditures, and repressive taxes (1 Kings 12.1-7). In his personal life, he went through a period when he chose details of life (wealth, foreign wives, and pagan religion) over the Lord and because of that the Lord tore his kingdom apart after his death (1 Kings 11.1-13).
Solomon brought Israel to her greatest fame and wealth; yet at his death the kingdom tore itself into two because of evil kings, idolatry, and bloodshed. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes at the end of his life. In it he recorded that details of life did not give him satisfaction. He finally wrote his conclusion about life: “fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12.13).
Key Words Used
House, 171 times. Family (1 Kings 24, 27), personal house (1 Kings 1.53; 2.36), Temple
(1 Kings 5.3; 6.2).
Walk or walked, 27 times. The way one lived (1 Kings 2.3, 4; 6.12; 8.58; 11.33; 22.52).
Evil, 22 times (1 Kings 2.44; 3.9; 11.6; 13.33; 16.19; 21.25).
Kingdom, 19 times (1 Kings 1.46; 2.12; 2.46; 4.21; 10.20; 11.11, 34, 35).
King, 338 times (1 Kings 1.1; 2.23; 14.27; 16.29).
Key Doctrines
Evil refers to the ungodly presuppositions and viewpoint, plans, actions, and goals of life that stand apart from God’s will, direction, and influence because of a rejection of Him and His Word. Evil includes human viewpoint, human good, and sin. Evil seemed to touch every part of Israel’s life (1 Kings 3.9; 11.6; Proverbs 15.3; Ecclesiastes 12.1).
Apostasy is a departure or defection from the faith and the truth. Israel’s kings made apostasy a habit (1 Kings 11.6 with 3.3; Jeremiah 8.5).
Details or things in life can be a blessing or a curse. When they control one, they become a curse. When they are used within the context of God’s will they are a blessing. Solomon became so occupied with details in his life that he brought on unhappiness and human and divine judgment (1 Kings 10.1-11.8).
Lessons for Us Today
We need to get the biblical worldview and make it our own. Our worldview determines how we think and what we think, our purpose, and how we spend our time. Our worldview tells us what we value or what is important to us, and what we believe and what we do not believe. The biblical worldview comes from the Bible (2 Corinthians 10.3-6; Hebrews 5.11-14).
We need to make good decisions, one after another, to prevent self induced disasters and to prepare us for severe tests that come along. When disaster strikes due to things that we can control, we are ready for God to use us and bless us. And remember, self induced disasters usually do not happen from one bad decision, but from a series of bad attitudes and choices. Solomon and the kings of Israel and Judah teach us this (1 Kings 22.25-35; Matthew 6.24; James 4.13-17; Philippians 4.5-9).
Details of life include many things. Keep a proper perspective about them. Do not allow them to control your life. Solomon did and it just about destroyed him. They will not bring lasting happiness nor will they solve the big questions in life. Ecclesiastes teaches this (Ecclesiastes 8.11; 1 John 2.15-17; Matthew 6.29, 31-34; Philippians 4.11-13).
2 Kings Bible Walk
Apostasy and Exile
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, February 15, 22, and 29, 2004
History of 2 Kings Period
The events in 2 Kings begin where 1 Kings ended: with Ahaziah (Israel, 853-852 BC) and Jehoshaphat (Judah, 872-847 BC). The historical narrative ends with Jehoiachin released from prison by Evil-Merodach, king of Babylon, in 560 BC.
Solomon’s death (c. 931 BC) ushered in civil war in Israel. His son, Rehoboam, became king. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s strong and brave men and also Solomon’s chief of labor for the Northern Tribes, led a rebellion against Rehoboam. The result was that Jeroboam became king of Israel or the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam, became king of the Southern Tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
The history of Israel and Judah following Solomon’s death was dominated by evil: evil kings, evil worldview, evil religion, rejection of God’s prophets, and loss of God’s word.
Elijah (1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 2) and Elisha (1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2 through 13) sought to stem the tide of apostasy. They served well, but were unable to prevent the decline to exile that was to follow.
King Hezekiah (reign 715-686 BC; 1 Kings 18-20) and King Josiah (r. 640-609 BC; 1 Kings 22-23) were the two kings out of the entire history who served the Lord and attempted to reform the life of Judah. They had temporary success.
The Northern Kingdom (Samaria was the capital) ended when the Assyrian army defeated Israel in 722 BC. Assyria’s kings at the time were Shalmanesser V (r. 927-722 BC, and the son of Tiglath-pileser III) and Sargon II (r. 722-705 BC).
Assyria had a policy of uprooting conquered peoples and resettling them in various parts of her own kingdom and settling foreigners in the conquered lands: thus Israel was scattered and foreigners brought into Israel’s land. Israel’s fate was brought on because of her sin, idolatry, and worldview (2 Kings 17.1-8).
The Southern Kingdom ended in 586 BC when the Babylonian army finally destroyed Judah. Babylon’s king was Nebuchadnezzar (r. 604-562 BC). He invaded Judah three times: 605, 597, and 588-586 BC.
In 605 Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Jews and took captives to Babylon—Daniel and his three friends are the most well-known. He placed Jehoiakim (r. 605-602 BC) as his vassal king (Daniel 1.1-7; 2 Kings 24.1-9). Jehoiakim died in 602 BC and Jehoiachin (r. 602-597 BC) replaced him (2 Kings 24.1, 6).
In 597 BC, Jehoiachin rebelled and Nebuchadnezzar again invaded and took more captives—Jehoiachin and Ezekiel were included (2 Kings 24.10-20; Ezekiel 1.1.-3). Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah (r. 597-586 BC) Johoiachin’s uncle, governor over Judah
Then in 588-586 BC, after another rebellion—this time by by Zedekiah—Nebuchadnezzar defeated Jerusalem (July 18, 586), burned the temple and Jerusalem (August 15-18, 586). Nebuchadnezzar killed Zedekiah’s sons, blinded him, and took him to Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar made Gedaliah governor and exiled many Jews (2 Kings 25.1-24), but a remnant in Judah. According to Jeremiah 40-44, Jeremiah was allowed to stay in the land. He went to Mizpah to see Gedeliah. Soon the remaining Jewish forces gathered at Mizpah. Gedeliah urged the people to remain in the land and submit to Babylon.
Ishmael led a revolt. He assassinated Gedeliah two months later (October 9, 586 BC?). The Jews were afraid that Babylon would strike again, so fled to Egypt (2 Kings 25. 25-26).
Jeremiah gives more details. Johanan, one of the field commanders left in Judah, led a military force that retook Ishmael’s captive Judeans (Jeremiah 41.11). Against the advice of Jeremiah and out of fear of Babylon, Azariah and Johanan took Jeremiah and the people to Egypt. More of this story later.
Many evangelicals consider Jeremiah the most likely author of most of 1 and 2 Kings, though there are differences in style between Jeremiah’s known writings and Kings.
Jeremiah did have the qualifications to write these particular books: priestly origin, prophetic ministry, access to kings and others in authority, and he was closely involved in the activities of Judah until the Babylonians destroyed her.
History—Author of 1-2 Kings
Whoever the author, he was one who had access to the historical records and history of Israel and Judah, and he wrote during the last days Judah.
The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41)
The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 14:19-15.31, 17 times)
The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:29-2 Kings 24:5, 15 times)
Biographies of David, Elijah, Elisha
Theme of 2 Kings: Apostasy and Exile
Israel and Judah’s unbelieving and rebellious spiritual life brought on the tragic moral, political, economic, social, and further spiritual collapse of God’s people. The apostasy, idolatry, warfare, intrigue, and eventual exile of both Israel and Judah happened because the kings and people continually refused to listen to and obey God’s word through His prophets. Yet, two kings, Hezekiah and Josiah were faithful to the Lord, Who through them protected and blessed Judah.
Key Verses:
2 Kings 17:22-23 The sons of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them 23 until the Lord removed Israel from His sight, as He spoke through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away into exile from their own land to Assyria until this day.
Key Verses: 2 Kings 23.27
2 Kings 23:27 The Lord said, “I will remove Judah also from My sight, as I have removed Israel. And I will cast off Jerusalem, this city which I have chosen, and the temple of which I said, ‘My name shall be there.’ ”
Overview Outline of 2 Kings
Apostasy and wars lead to Assyria exiling the Northern Kingdom (2 Kings 1-17).
Apostasy and wars lead to Babylon destroying the temple, Jerusalem, and exiling the Southern Kingdom (2 Kings 18-25).
Chapter Titles: Apostasy and wars lead to Assyria defeating and exiling the Northern Kingdom, 2 Kings 1-17
Chapter 1: Ahaziah (I, 853-852 BC), Elijah, and fire
Chapter 2: Elijah’s whirlwind. Mantle on Elisha
Chapter 3: Jehoram (I, 852-841), war against Moab (Moabite Stone)
Chapter 4: Oil, Shunammite, Stew, Bread
Chapter 5: Naaman, leprosy, and lessons
Chapter 6: Chariots of fire
Chapter 7: Flour and Barley for a shekel
Chapter 8: Hazael, King of Aram; Jehoram (J, 848-841); Ahaziah (J, 841)
Chapter 9: Jehu (I, 841-814) kills Joram, Ahaziah, Jezebel
Chapter 10: Jehu (I, 841-814) destroys Ahab’s family and Baal worship
Chapter 11: Athaliah (J, 841-835). Young Joash made king of Judah
Chapter 12: Joash (J, 835-796) repaired temple
Chapter 13: Kings Jehoahaz (I) and Jehoash (I). Elisha dies
Chapter 14: King Jehoash (I) defeats King Amaziah (J). Azariah (J). Jereboam II (I)
Chapter 15: Many kings (790-731). Assyria strikes
Chapter 16: Ahaz (J, 731-715) of the virgin prophecy copies the altar at Damascus
Chapter 17: Assyria (722) exiles the Northern Kingdom
Chapter Titles: Apostasy and wars lead to Babylon destroying the temple, Jerusalem, and exiling the Southern Kingdom, 2 Kings 18-25
Chapter 18: Sennacherib of Assyria challenges King Hezekiah (J, 715-686)
Chapter 19: Hezekiah (J) asks Isaiah. Angel of the Lord slays 185,000 Assyrians.
Chapter 20: Hezekiah (J) cured, treasures, dies
Chapter 21: Manasseh (J, 695-642) super wicked. Amon (J, 642-640).
Chapter 22: Josiah (J, 640-609) finds Law
Chapter 23: Josiah’s reforms. Jehoahaz (J, 609). Jehoiakim (J, 609-597).
Chapter 24: Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim in 605 and Jehoiachin in 597
Chapter 25: Nebuchadnessar destroys Jerusalem, exiles people, appoints Gedeliah
Trace the Theme of 2 Kings
The author begins with Elijah (2 Kings 1-2) and Elisha’s (2 Kings 2-13) ministry and continues by alternating between the kings of Israel and Judah—almost all were evil.
Chapter 17 records the northern kingdom, Israel, taken into exile by Shalmaneser V (r. 727-722 BC) and Sargon II (r. 722-705 BC) of Assyria.
Beginning with chapter 18, Sennacherib challenges Hezekiah, King of Judah. Hezekiah follows the Lord and the Lord spares Judah.
Josiah, of Judah, is the other good king (22). With his death in 609 BC (23), Babylon is positioned to execute God’s judgment upon the southern kingdom, Judah. Nebuchadnezzar is Babylon’s king (r. 605-562 BC).
Now both Judah and Israel experience the fifth cycle of discipline that God promised through Moses in Leviticus 26.27-33 and Jeremiah recorded in 50.17.
Almost every king in each kingdom rejected the Lord, God’s word, and the prophets’ messages. If they did listen to the prophet, it was for their own personal and human gain.
The two notable exceptions were Hezekiah (2 Kings 18-20) and Josiah (2 Kings 20-23). They instituted reforms and tried to give godly leadership.
Key People in 2 Kings: Elijah
Elijah the prophet (see the Elijah study) served during Ahab’s reign. He prophesied to Ahab about the coming drought, went to the brook Cherith, spent time at Zarephath, challenged the prophets of Baal, went to Beersheba and then into the wilderness where he slept under the Juniper tree, then went to a cave on Mt Sinai (Horeb) where the Lord corrected his attitude, passed his ministry to Elisha, confronted Ahab about the theft and murder of Naboth, and went to heaven in a whirlwind (1 Kings 17-19; 21; 2 Kings 1-2).
Key People in 2 Kings: Elisha
Elisha was a prophet to Israel (NK) from about 850-800 BC. He succeeded Elijah, and served during the reigns of Ahab, Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jehoash (Joash). His ministry involved the political, religious, military, social, and personal: kings, common folk, armies, false prophets, miracles, and challenge to idolatry.
He saw Elijah taken to heaven in the chariot and two horses of fire carried by the whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11-12). At that time he picked up Elijah’s mantle (אַדֶּ֫רֶת, ‘adderet glory, cloak, mantle, garment). The mantle was a sign that Elijah’s spirit or same kind of ministry rested now on Elisha (2 Kings 2:13-14).
The Lord worked through Elisha for many different people and events: he fixed Jericho’s bad water (2 Kings 2:19-22); sent bears after the mocking young men (2 Kings 2:23-25); provided water for the armies of Judah, Israel, and Edom (2 Kings 3:13-20); defeated Moab (2 Kings 3:21-26); secured oil for a prophet’s widow (2 Kings 4:1-7); predicted a son for the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:16-17) and then later resuscitated the Shunammite woman’s dead son (2 Kings 4:18-37).
Elisha gave an antidote for a toxic stew (2 Kings 4:38-44); healed Naaman’s leprosy (2 Kings 5); passed leprosy to Gehazi because Gehazi was greedy for Naaman’s reward (2 Kings 5:20-27); found the lost axe head (2 Kings 6:1-7); told Israel’s king of the king of Aram’s plans for attack (2 Kings 6:8-12); the Lord protected Elisha from the Aramean bands and blinded them (2 Kings 6:13-19).
Elisha then instructed Israel’s king to set a feast for the Aramean bands (2 Kings 6:20-24). supplied plunder from the Arameans during a famine (2 Kings 7); restored the Shunammite woman’s land (2 Kings 8:1-6); predicted Ben-hadad’s death and Hazael’s treachery
(2 Kings 8:7-15); predicted Joash’s victory over the Arameans (2 Kings 13:14-19); even after his death from an illness, Elisha impressed Israel with God’s power (2 Kings 13:20-21).
We learn what God can accomplish through His chosen man who will believe Him. In a time of great apostasy and continued evil and sin in the nation of Israel, God showed His power and kept His word available.
Key People in 2 Kings: Man of God
The man of God. 36 times. Refers to Elijah in 2 Kings 1:9-12 and to Elisha in
2 Kings 4:7; 5:8 and many others. Second Kings 23:16-17 refers to an anonymous prophet who lived during the reign King Jeroboam of Israel (931-910 BC).
Key People in 2 Kings: Gehazi
Gehazi was Elisha’s servant. He served as a messenger (2 Kings 4:8-37), a protector
(2 Kings 4:27), and helper (2 Kings 8:1-6). He became greedy after Elisha healed Naaman of leprosy when he sought a personal reward from Naaman. Elisha punished Gehazi for that by giving Gehazi leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27). His leprosy was apparently the kind that did not require isolation.
Key People in 2 Kings: Hezekiah
King Hezekiah (728-686 BC, 2 Kings 18-20) was Ahaz’s (Jehoahaz, 732-715 BC) son. He was one of the godly kings of Judah. Hezekiah cleaned and repaired the temple and destroyed the idolatrous worship centers (2 Kings 18:3-6). He threw off Assyrian’s yoke which he had inherited from his father (2 Kings 18:7) and successfully fought the Philistines
(2 Kings 18:8). Sennacherib twice invaded Judah. The second time (701 BC), The Lord fought for Judah and destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35).
Following this victory, Isaiah told Hezekiah that he would soon die. Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him 15 more years (2 Kings 20:1-7). The Lord gave him a miraculous sign that this would be true—the shadow on the staircase went back ten steps
(2 Kings 20:8-11).
Soon after this, Hezekiah foolishly showed Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon, the temple treasures, for which Isaiah scolded him. Isaiah told Hezekiah that in the near future Babylon would come and take the temple treasures to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18). Hezekiah placidly accepted this because it would not happen until after his time.
Hezekiah is also famous for the construction of the 1777 foot long underground water tunnel that carried water from the Gihon springs outside the city (which he stopped up and covered over) into Jerusalem. Along with the water tunnel he built the Siloam reservoir to hold the water (2 Kings 20:20).
The Siloam Inscription in Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel “[…when] (the tunnel) was driven through. And this was the way in which it was cut through: While […] (were) still […] axe(s), each man toward his fellow, and while there were still three cubits to be cut through, [there was heard] the voice of a man calling to his fellows, for there was an overlap in the rock on the right [and on the left]. And when the tunnel was driven through, the quarrymen hewed (the rock), each man toward his fellow, axe against axe; and the water flowed from the spring toward the reservoir for 1200 cubits, and the height of the rock above the head(s) of the quarrymen was 100 cubits.”
Key People in 2 Kings: Josiah
Josiah (2 Kings 22-23, r. 640-609 BC) was the last king prominent King of Judah before the great destruction. Pharaoh Neco of Egypt imprisoned his son Jehoahaz at Riblah in 609 BC and the Babylonians invaded and attacked the following kings. Those invasions began in 605 BC and eventuated in the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the exile of the people to Babylon in 586 BC.
He purged Jerusalem and Judah of idols, idol high places (for worship), pagan priests, mediums, and spiritists. At the age of eight years he began his reign. In the eighteenth year of his reign be began repairing the temple. During construction Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the Law (Moses’ writing). Shaphan the scribe read to Law to Josiah. He was appalled at the apostasy of the people from God’s word.
Because of his honest acceptance of God’s word, the Lord would spare him of divine judgment, but His judgments would come upon the next generation (2 Kings 23:25-28). This was fulfilled through the Babylonians from 605 BC to 586 BC. Josiah foolishly went to fight against the Egyptians in 609 BC; Pharaoh Neco killed Josiah.
Key Doctrines
Apostasy is the departure or regression from previously believed truth. Israel experienced national and individual apostasy by kings (pick your favorite king), priests, and common people.
God at times blesses individuals and groups who are associated with healthy believers, but this was only temporary. He blessed Judah in association with Hezekiah and Josiah. Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, was the worst of kings. After Josiah died, God judged Israel through Babylon.
God uses prepared people, like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah, and Josiah. The preparation comes from positive or faith responses to God and His word.
Spiritual solutions are more important than political solutions. The advice of Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah demonstrated this.
Lessons for Us Today
Protection from apostasy begins with one’s faith response to God and His word. The kings, priests, and people of the divided kingdom rejected God and His word. Jude addressed this under eight principles.
All lasting solutions to national problems (political, economic, social, security, religious) begin with the right spiritual solutions which come from God and revealed in His word.
Spiritual and national and leaders determine the kind of life and length of life of a People. We ought to pray for both.
The people and ideas that we spend our time and energy with will eventually influence and control us—for good or for bad.
Just as the prophets taught God’s word to the people for their blessing, so today pastors and teachers, teachers, and evangelists teach God’s word to people for blessing. Take advantage of our local church’s ministry, by listening, learning, participating, and serving. This is where we get primary spiritual preparation.
1 Chronicles Bible Walk
Religious or Spiritual Continuity
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, May 16, 23 and June 13, 2004
1 Chronicles History Overview
The story of 1 Chronicles begins with Adam and ends with King David’s death
(1 Chronicles 1:1 and 29:28).
Most of the chronicle is the story of King David’s spiritual leadership of Judah. Ezra wrote the account during the Persian period of dominance and during the Jews struggle for identity and purpose after returning from exile.
The Jewish tradition says that Ezra wrote or edited Chronicles, probably between 460-425 BC. The emphasis on the temple, the priesthood, and David’s spiritual leadership indicates a priestly authorship—most likely Ezra.
At the time of writing the Jewish people have returned to their land after the Babylonian exile (605-536 BC, Jeremiah 25:1-14; Daniel 9:1-2. See John Whitcomb).
Cyrus the Great came to the Persian throne in 559 BC. He conquered Media in 549 BC, Lydia in 546, and Babylon in 539. Daniel wrote that his conquest of Babylon happened while Belshazzar was celebrating with a thousand of his nobles (Daniel 5; Isaiah 47:1-5).
On that night Cyrus’ Persian army, led by General Ugbaru, diverted the Euphrates, entered the city, and conquered it. The date was October 12, 539 BC.
In his first year after conquering Babylon he allowed exiles to return to their homelands. His decree to allow Jews to return was in 539/538 BC (2 Chronicles 36.22-23; Ezra 1:2-3).
The Jews then began to return to their land. Over the course of many years they would rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, though Persia would dominate Israel for the next 200 years.
Zerubbabel led the first return in 538 BC; Ezra led the second return in 458 BC; and Nehemiah led the third group back in 444 BC.
The record of 1 Chronicles was written during the period of the second and third returns to the land.
It answered their questions about identity and purpose by providing the religious or spiritual continuity or connections from God’s early promises and provision for the nation to the present generations of Jews.
Therefore, 1 Chronicles was written to inspire and challenge the Jews now back in their homeland to live as God’s people and to serve him through the law, the temple, and the priesthood.
Second Chronicles will carry the story from Solomon down to Cyrus’ decree of 539 BC.
Theme of 1 Chronicles: Religious or Spiritual Continuity
God’s people, Israel, just returned from Babylon. Though the Israelites wondered about their place in God’s plan because of all the bad things that have happened, they do have religious or spiritual continuity—divinely planned connections with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and especially with the great king David. In fact, God continues to work with them at the present time—after the Babylonian exile—and through them to bring the nation to the fullness of times and to fulfill his promises to the nation.
Key Verses:
1 Chronicles 17:11-14 “When your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up one of your descendants after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 “I will be his father and he shall be My son; and I will not take My lovingkindness away from him, as I took it from him who was before you.14 But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.”
1 Chronicles 29.18-19 “O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, our fathers, preserve this forever in the intentions of the heart of Your people, and direct their heart to You; 19 and give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies and Your statutes, and to do them all, and to build the temple, for which I have made provision.”
Overview Outline
The spiritual and physical connections from Adam to David, 1 Chronicles 1-9.
David’s spiritual leadership and reign, 1 Chronicles 10-29.
Trace the Theme
The chronicler begins by tracing Israel’s heritage from Adam down through the tribes of Israel. This is Israel’s religious heritage (1 Chronicles 1-8).
Chapter 9, verses 1-34, is somewhat parenthetical. It records those who came back to the Promised Land after the Babylonian captivity. The author then gives Saul’s immediate genealogy in 1 Chronicles 9:35-44, and chapter 10 covers Saul’s death because of his spiritual failure (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).
1 Chronicles 11 begins David’s story—the story of David’s spiritual leadership over the nation, a nation which, at the time of the Ezra and Nehemiah, finds itself back in the land and preparing for a new beginning.
David’s spiritual leadership was marked by seven actions: 1. men gathering under his leadership (1 Chronicles 11-12), 2. by him returning the ark to Jerusalem
(1 Chronicles 13-16), 3. by his plan to build the temple—which the Lord interrupted by stating that not he but his son would build the temple (1 Chronicles 17), 4. by his wars that defeated Israel’s oppressors (1 Chronicles 18-20), 5. by his plans for supplies to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22) and his plans for service at the temple (1 Chronicles 23-26), 6. by his military and civilian organization (1 Chronicles 27), 7. and by his challenges to Solomon (1 Chronicles 22, 28) and to the nation (1 Chronicles 28-29).
David’s main failure was spiritual and national—to take a census of his military power instead of trusting God to guide and protect the nation (1 Chronicles 21).
1 Chronicles ends with David giving his vision for the future and charge to the leaders and people (1 Chronicles 28-29).
Chapter Titles:
The Historical Connections from Adam to David, 1 Chronicles 1-9
Chapter 1: Adam through Esau (Edom)
Chapter 2: Judah (Jacob [Israel] to David
Chapter 3: David and Solomon
Chapter 4: Judah and Simeon
Chapter 5: Reuben, Gad, Manasseh
Chapter 6: Levi
Chapter 7: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher
Chapter 8: Benjamin
Chapter 9: Workers in Jerusalem; Saul
David’s spiritual leadership and reign, 1 Chronicles 10-29
Chapter 10: Saul fell on his sword
Chapter 11: David at Hebron and Jubus; his mighty men
Chapter 12: Soldiers join David
Chapter 13: The Ark, Uzza, Chidon
Chapter 14: David’s victories and fame
Chapter 15: Levites take Ark to Jerusalem
Chapter 16: The Ark, celebration, and thanks
Chapter 17: Davidic Covenant
Chapter 18: David defeats Philistia, Moab, Zobah, Aramaea
Chapter 19: Aramaea and Ammon revolt
Chapter 20: War with Philistines and giants
Chapter 21: David’s sinful census
Chapter 22: David charges Solomon
Chapter 23: Levites assist in temple
Chapter 24: Levites in 24 groups serve
Chapter 25: Musicians serve in temple
Chapter 26: Gatekeepers, Treasurers, Judges
Chapter 27: Standing Army
Chapter 28: David: “Build the temple”
Chapter 29: Consecration, Offerings, Benediction
Key People—Saul
Saul was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9:1, 21), who because of the rebellious demands of Israel
(1 Chronicles 8:4-8), was chosen by God to become king of Israel (1 Chronicles 10:1). He had few successes (1 Chronicles 11:6-15; 14:47-48), and in negative volition he rejected God’s word and will (1 Chronicles 13:8-14; 14:24, 43-46; 15:16-26; 28:3-20). Due to his rejection of God’s word and his desire for power and fame combined with great jealousy of David, he tried to kill David (1 Chronicles 20.33) and eventually destroyed himself
(1 Chronicles 15:27-28, 35; 18:5-12; 19:1; 31:1-5).
Saul had great opportunity for service to Lord and Israel, but because he was preoccupied with himself and details of life, and because he would not humble himself before the Lord, the Lord removed him from service and potential blessing. Saul illustrates that emotional repentance and spiritual inconsistency do not please the Lord. God wants consistent spiritual living.
Key People—David
David: Tribe of Judah, Son of Jesse, King of Israel, Psalmist (2 Samuel 23:1). He was the second king in Israel and ruled after Saul, though he was the first king from the ruling tribe, Judah. He began as a shepherd, was Saul’s armor bearer, was anointed by Samuel to be God’s king of Israel (1 Samuel 16).
He killed Goliath, was pursued by Saul (1 Chronicles 17), and at Saul’s death was inaugurated King of Israel (2 Samuel 5). God promised him (Davidic Covenant,
2 Samuel 7:4-17) that his descendents, and especially his greatest descendant, Jesus the Christ (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3) would rule forever over Israel.
His most noted sons were Absalom (1 Chronicles 3:3, mother was Maacah), Nathan
(1 Chronicles 3:3, Bathsheba), and Solomon (1 Chronicles 12:24, Bathsheba).
He was noted for his faith and loyalty to the Lord (Psalm 22 and 23), and though he publicly sinned numerous times he always returned to fellowship with the Lord by confessing his sin to Him (Psalm 32, 2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalm 51; 1 Kings 15:3-5).
God said that David was a “man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22, 36); that is, one who, in spite of his sin, always returned to fellowship with God and desired to do God’s will.
David was a great military leader and author of many at least 73 Psalms.
David’s challenge and instructions to Solomon, and the nation were applications of his understanding practice of grace, humility, obedience, and faith (1 Chronicles 28-29, and especially 1 Chronicles 29:10-21).
Principle: David’s greatness was his consistent desire to do God’s will, his faith in the Lord, his loyalty to the Lord, his willingness to honestly confess sin and failure to the Lord, and his spiritual and national leadership.
Key People—Solomon
Solomon was David’s son. His mother was Bathsheba. The Davidic Covenant went from David to Solomon. David told Solomon to build the temple; and David challenged him to know and serve God, to be strong and courageous, to be fearless, and to complete his task because God will be with him (1 Chronicles 22, 23, 28, 29). See the 2 Chronicles study.
Key People—Joab, Military leader
Joab: David’s nephew (2 Samuel 2:18) and commander in chief of David’s army
(2 Samuel 5:8). Joab was at different times efficient, brutal, loyal, and wise (2 Samuel 11:6-26; 12:26-31; 18:14.33; 24:2-4). Joab tried to dissuade David from taking a census. Joab was right, but David did it anyway (2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21).
Joab was replaced by Amasa and later restored. Joab finally faltered by supporting a revolt against David and Solomon (1 Kings 1:5-53). Benaiah, in league with Solomon, killed Joab (1 Kings 2:28, 34). Principle: Strong leadership, yet pride and bad judgment get in the way.
Key People—Priests
Zadok and Ahimelech served under David. Both trace their lineage to Aaron. Aaron had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu did not respect their priestly service and God removed them by death (Leviticus 10).
Zadok traced his lineage to Eleazar. Ahimelech traced his lineage to Ithamar.
David, Zadok, and Ahimelech organized the temple service in 24 groups. Each group served for two weeks on a rotating basis (1 Chronicles 24).
Key Words and Key Ideas
Ark of the Covenant. 10X. 1 Chronicles 15:25, 26, 28, 29; 16:6, 37; 17:1; 22:19; 28:2, 18.
Covenant. 3X with the Abrahamic Covenant and the Land Covenant.
Establish. Used 11X with the Davidic Covenant and Kingdom. 1 Chronicles 17:11, 12, 14, 23; 22:10; 28:7.
Courageous. 4X because God is with them and working through them. 1 Chronicles 19:13; 22:13; 28:10, 20.
Key Doctrines
Heritage, a continuity with your past gives belonging, direction, purpose, and stability
Theocratic Program
Davidic Covenant
Ark of the Covenant
Temple or central sanctuary
Spiritual and national leadership
Disobedience to God brings divine discipline
Ark of the Covenant (in Scripture)
“Ark of the Covenant” is found 43 times in the Bible: 10x in our study of 1 Chronicles
(1 Chronicles 15:25, 26, 28, 29; 16:6, 37; 17:1; 22:19; 28:2, 18); 2x in 2 Chronicles; 2x in Numbers; 4x in Deuteronomy; 12x in Joshua; 1x in Judges; 3x in 1 Samuel; 1x in 2 Samuel; 4x in 1 Kings; 1x in Jeremiah; and 1x in Hebrews.
Ark of the Covenant (symbolized)
The ark was the physical symbol of God’s presence, God’s holiness, and God’s majesty. It was a constant lesson that God was their God, that they were His people, that He was with them, that He was holy, and that they were dependent upon Him (Exodus 25:10-22;16:33-34; Joshua 20:27; Joshua 3:13; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Hebrews 9:4-5).
God appeared above the mercy seat on which blood from the sacrifice was placed on the Day of Atonement. He accepted the blood in place of the people and cleansed them from sin (Leviticus 16).
Ark of the Covenant (Levites)
The tribe of Levi was responsible for its care and movement (Deuteronomy 10:8). The Levites carried it in front of the Israelites when they traveled during the exodus
(Numbers 10:33; Joshua 3:3).
Ark of the Covenant (contained)
The Ark was kept in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and then in the temple
(1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 5:7).
The Ark contained two stone tablets of the ten commandments, a copy of the law, the golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod (Deuteronomy 10:1-5; 31:25-26; Hebrews 9:3-5).
Ark of the Covenant (physical make up)
It was a box made of acacia wood and covered with gold: 2 ½ cubits long, 1 ½ cubits wide, and 1 ½ cubits high. The lid was called the mercy seat. Mercy seat in Hebrew means covering; in the Greek LXX and New Testament it means place of propitiation
(Romans 3:25) or propitiation (1 John 2:2). The blood from the Day of Atonement sacrifice was placed on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16).
Two gold figures (cherubim, angels) stood on the lid. They emphasized God’s holiness expressed in grace and judgment. Wings spread upward and their faces looked at each other.
God saw the blood on the mercy seat that was from the substitutionary sacrifice and accepted the sacrifice in place of the death of the people.
Ark of the Covenant (teaches)
The Ark of the Covenant reveals God to man and teaches us His holiness, grace, forgiveness, judgment, continuing presence with His people, and His protective and judging care.
But the Ark of the Covenant specifically teaches us reconciliation to God through a sinless sacrifice—the doctrines of substitution, propitiation, unlimited atonement, and justification.
Lessons for Us Today
The expectation of David, Solomon, and the people was that they had a future in their promised land. This future would be ruled by a king in David’s line. This expectation was based upon God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. God’s promise still holds. Israel has a future of blessing in their land.
As the central place of revelation and worship was necessary to the Jewish nation (Ark and Temple), so the Bible and the assembly of believers in the church is equally important.
Your Christian heritage (family, friends, other ministries, nation, and the universal church) influences us in visible and invisible ways. It is a blessing to each of us to know our heritage.
Spiritual leaders are gifts from God. Spiritual leadership is something that we all depend upon—family, church, missions, body of Christ, and national leadership. God has made us dependent upon leadership.
2 Chronicles Bible Walk
Religious Continuity and the House of God—Israel’s Temple
Tod Kennedy, June-July, 2004
2 Chronicles Overview History. See the 1 Chronicles study for that overview history.
- First Chronicles ended with David’s death. Second Chronicles is the continuation of the history. The story begins with the start of Solomon’s reign in 970 BC and the construction of the house of God—the temple. The author will carry the story from Solomon down to Cyrus’ decree of 539 BC.
- Solomon’s temple was to be the center of Israel’s national life. After his death, spiritual apostasy set in: kings turned away from God, idolatry became common place, the temple fell into disrepair, God’s word—the law—was lost for many years (likely during Manasseh’s reign, 695-642 BC) until found during Josiah’s reign (640-609 BC).
- Remember that at Solomon’s death civil war developed. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s valiant men, took the northern tribes, Israel, and Rehoboam, the rebellious son of Solomon, took Judah and Benjamin.
- During this time of apostasy several kings, most notably Hezekiah (715-686 BC) and Josiah (640-609 BC), made a determined effort to reform the spiritual or religious life of the nation; none had lasting results.
- In 2 Chronicles the author chronicles the reigns of the kings of Judah from Solomon through Zedekiah. There were 20 kings after Solomon; 8 were relatively good kings and 12 were evil kings.
- Zedekiah, son of Josiah, was Judah’s last king. He was the king when Nebuchadnezzar’s army in 586 BC destroyed Solomon’s temple, Jerusalem, and exiled the inhabitants of the land.
- At the time of writing the Jewish people have returned to their land after the Babylonian exile (605-536 BC, Jeremiah 25:1-14; Daniel 9:1-2. See John Whitcomb).
- God used Cyrus the Great to send the Jews back to their homeland. Cyrus came to the Persian throne in 559 BC. He conquered Media in 549 BC, Lydia in 546, and Babylon in 539. Daniel wrote that his conquest of Babylon happened while Belshazzar was celebrating with a thousand of his nobles (Daniel 5; Isaiah 47:1-5).
- On that night Cyrus’ Persian army, led by General Ugbaru, diverted the Euphrates, entered the city, and conquered it. The date was October 12, 539 BC.
- In his first year after conquering Babylon Cyrus allowed exiles to return to their homelands. His decree to allow Jews to return was in 539/538 BC (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:2-3).
- The Jews then began to return to their land. Over the course of many years Israel would rebuild her temple and Jerusalem, though Persia would dominate Israel for the next 200 years.
- Zerubbabel led the first return in 538 BC; Ezra led the second return in 458 BC; and Nehemiah led the third group back in 444 BC.
- Note that 2 Chronicles opens with Solomon building the first temple and ends with Cyrus’ proclamation that allowed the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their temple. While David was the central figure of 1 Chronicles, Solomon and the temple were central to 2 Chronicles.
- The Jewish tradition says that Ezra wrote or edited Chronicles, probably between 460-425 BC. The emphasis on the temple, the priesthood, and David’s spiritual leadership indicates a priestly authorship—most likely Ezra. The record of 2 Chronicles was written during the period of the second and third returns to the land (458-444 BC).
- Both 1 and 2 Chronicles answered their questions about identity and purpose by providing the religious or spiritual continuity or connections from God’s early promises and provision for the nation to the present generations of Jews.
- Both 1 and 2 Chronicles were written to inspire and challenge the Jews now back in their homeland to live as God’s people and to serve him through the law, the temple, and the priesthood.
Theme of 2 Chronicles:
Religious continuity and the House of God. The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Israel’s national life. After Solomon built the temple, the following kings were to maintain the temple’s centrality, and therefore relationship with God, in the life of the people. Most failed. Because some attempted reforms, God blessed and withheld judgment. He was most interested in their heart attitude toward Him. The spiritual failure of the kings eventually resulted in the complete destruction of the temple in 586 BC and the exile of the people. Once the people returned to the land, plans were made to rebuild the temple and again give it the central place in the nation for God’s word, worship, and national life.
Key Verses:
2 Chronicles 7:14-16. “and [then] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. 16 “For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”
Overview Outline
- Solomon’s reign, temple, fame, and wealth (2 Chronicles 1-9).
- The twenty kings of Judah, spiritual failure, and the resultant destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and national exile (2 Chronicles 10-36).
Chapter Titles
Solomon’s reign, temple, fame, and wealth (2 Chronicles 1-9).
Chapter 1: Wisdom and Knowledge
Chapter 2: Plans and materials for temple
Chapter 3: Builds the temple
Chapter 4: Temple utensils and furniture
Chapter 5: Ark into the temple
Chapter 6: Blessing and prayer
Chapter 7: Dedicating the house of God
Chapter 8: Built cities, organized officers and Levites
Chapter 9: Queen of Sheba. Death
The twenty kings of Judah, spiritual failure, and the resultant destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, and national exile (2 Chronicles 10-36).
Chapter 10: Rehoboam rebels and divides the kingdom
Chapter 11: Rehoboam’s 3 good years
Chapter 12: Rehoboam forsakes the Lord
Chapter 13: Abijah blamed Jeroboam
Chapter 14: Asa did good and right
Chapter 15: Asa’s partial reform
Chapter 16: Asa’s spiritual regression
Chapter 17: Jehoshaphat’s reforms
Chapter 18: Jehoshaphat allies with Ahab
Chapter 19: Jehoshaphat seeks God
Chapter 20: Jehoshaphat did right and some wrong
Chapter 21: Jehoram did evil
Chapter 22: Ahaziah did evil. Athaliah
Chapter 23: Jehoida anoints Joash king
Chapter 24: Joash good and evil
Chapter 25: Amaziah would not listen
Chapter 26: Uzziah smitten with leprosy
Chapter 27: Jotham did right
Chapter 28: Ahaz unfaithful to the Lord
Chapter 29: Hezekiah cleanses temple
Chapter 30: Hezekiah celebrates national Passover
Chapter 31: Hezekiah destroys idols and restores contributions
Chapter 32: Hezekiah, Sennacherib, the water tunnel
Chapter 33: Manasseh’s great evil, partial repentance
Chapter 34: Josiah removed idols, repaired temple, found the law
Chapter 35: Josiah celebrates national Passover
Chapter 36: Last kings, Jerusalem destroyed, Cyrus’
Trace the theme of 2 Chronicles
- The chronicler begins with the new king, Solomon. He established his rule, sacrificed at the tabernacle which was at Gibeon, and asked the Lord for wisdom and knowledge. God not only gave him wisdom and knowledge, but also riches, wealth, and honor. Solomon soon amassed a great fortune and a powerful army (2 Chronicles 1).
- Solomon next built the temple and all the utensils and furniture (2 Chronicles 2-4).
- When he had completed the temple he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the holy of holies and then the glory of the Lord filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5).
- Solomon next blessed the assembled people and blessed God. He asked God to remember his covenant to David, to forgive the people when they turn back from sin to God, and to reside in the house of God, (2 Chronicles 6). When he finished the glory of the Lord filled the house (2 Chronicles 7.1). At this point Solomon dedicated the house of God, after which the Lord appeared to Solomon at night and said that He has chosen the house for Himself. He will discipline the nation if they forsake Him, but if they humble themselves and turn He will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:12-22).
- Solomon increased his business, fame, and wealth, so that even the queen of Sheba marveled at Solomon. He “became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom”
(2 Chronicles 9:22). He reigned 40 years in Jerusalem and then he died (2 Chronicles 8-9).
- After Solomon died his son Rehoboam rejected the advise of his wise counselors to rule kindly over Israel. If he did the entire nation would submit to his rule. Instead, he took the advice of his young and arrogant friends who told him to rule more strictly than his father had. The result was that Israel, except for Judah and Benjamin, turned from Rehoboam’s rule and separated. Jeroboam became the king over the remaining tribes (2 Chronicles 10).
- The chronicler now traces the history of Judah’s 20 kings after Solomon to the exile into Babylon (Rehoboam to Zedekiah). This is a history of failure, sin, apostasy, along with spiritual reform by Asa (2 Chronicles 14-16), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20), Joash
(2 Chronicles 23-24), Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32), and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35).
- The final chapter (2 Chronicles 36) carries the history from the death of Josiah through the last kings of Judah (Joahaz (609 BC) and Jehoiakim (609-597 BC), sons of Josiah; Jehoiachin (597 BC), son of Jehoiakim; and Zedekiah (597-586 BC), son of Josiah. All were evil kings. Pharaoh Neco of Egypt placed the first two on the throne. Nebuchadnezzar removed Jehoiakim and replaced him with Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, and 11 years later replaced him with Zedekiah. Not mentioned in Chronicles, but noted in 2 Kings 25.22-26, is Governor Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar appointed in 586 BC. Ishmael and his band of rebels went against God’s word and assassinated Gedaliah within the year. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and took the people into exile. Jeremiah writes of this in Lamentations.
- In 538 BC, God caused Cyrus King of Persia to decree that the Jews may return to Jerusalem and rebuilt God’s house. The record that began with building the temple now ends with the permission to rebuild the temple.
Key People
- Solomon, 2 Chronicles 1-9
- Rehoboam, 2 Chronicles 10-12
- Asa, 2 Chronicles 14-16
- Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17-20
- Joash, 2 Chronicles 23-24
- Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28
- Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 29-32. See the doctrine of Hezekiah.
- Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34-35. See doctrine of Josiah.
- Cyrus, 2 Chronicles 36
Key Words and Ideas
- House of God, 23x, (2 Chronicles 3:3; 4:19; 5:14; 7:5; 24:13; 31:21; 36:18-19).
- House of the Lord, 74x, (2 Chronicles 2:1; 3:1; 5:1; 8:16; 24:4; 24:18; 29:16; 33:15; 34:15; 36:7).
- Evil, 16x (2 Chronicles 12:14; 21:6; 22:4; 33:9; 36:5, 12)
- Did right, 5x, (2 Chronicles 25:2; 26:4; 27:2; 29:2; 34:2)
- Seek, 18x (2 Chronicles 7:14; 9:23; 11:16; 12:14; 14:4; 15:2, 12, 13; 16:12; 17:3; 19:3; 20:3,4; 26:5; 30:19; 31:21; 34:2).
Key Doctrines
- God’s grace toward his people: He does not demand sinlessness. He does desire an attitude of seeking the Him (Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:2; 15:17; 16:7-14. Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:3-4; 20:3, 32-33. Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 29-32; Josiah 2 Chronicles 34-35).
- House of God, House of the Lord, the temple (2 Chronicles 2:1; 5:14; 7:5; 24:13; 31:21; 33:15; 34:15; 36:18-19).
- Fifth Cycle of Divine Discipline or national exile (2 Chronicles 34:14-28 with
Leviticus 26:27-39).
- National repentance (2 Chronicles 5:12-16)
- Reliance upon the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:7-8 and others)
- Spiritual and national strength prevents aggression (2 Chronicles 17:1-10).
- Strength of the Davidic Covenant (2 Chronicles 21:7)
- Evil kings and good kings
Lessons for Us Today
- God is most interested in our heart attitude toward Him. He does not demand sinlessness. He does desire an attitude of seeking the Him.
- God’s word stresses the importance to a nation of worship of God, morality, national defense, international relations, and leadership.
- Our Christian heritage is very important for each of us. It connects us with the great biblical heroes, with the great heroes of church history, and with our biblical doctrine heritage. We learn who we are and what our present purpose is from our past Christian heritage.
- National leaders set the course and attitude of the nation. We in the USA are fortunate to have had founders who took the Bible seriously—some were believers in Christ and some were simply attracted to the biblical ethic. They gave us a strong foundation like Moses and the prophets gave Israel. We should follow their lead and pray for our present leaders, and all the more since we have a Christian president who desires to follow the biblical worldview.
- Evil leadership does great harm to a nation and its people.
Return and Rebuild the Temple
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, August, 2004
History around the time of Ezra (I have taken most of this history introduction from notes by Dr. Harold Hoehner of Dallas Theological Seminary).
- Six Gentile kings dominated the Israelites during Ezra’s lifetime.
- Cyrus, 559-530 BC (Ezra 1:1-4, 7, 8; Ezra 3:7; 4:3, 5; 5:13, 14, 17; 6:3, 14). See Cyrus below.
- Cambyses, Cyrus’ son, 530-522 BC. He killed his brother Bardiya (Smerdis) in 525 and then led an expedition against the Egyptians. While he was gone, Gaumata (Bardiya-Smerdis imposter), in 622, took the throne. When Cambyses heard of the successful plot, he may have committed suicide.
- Gaumata or Pseudo Smerdis (who posed as Smerdis, the brother of Cambyses whom Cambyses had killed in 525), ruled 6 months in 522 BC.
- Darius I, 522-486 BC. He killed Pseudo-Smerdis and took power. After he had consolidated his power, he studied law, which was significant for what was to follow. Remember that when Tattenai of Syria interfered with the Jew’s rebuilding project, Darius ordered the search for Cyrus’ decree. After he read the decree, he ordered Tattenai to stay away from Jerusalem and leave the work on the temple alone. In fact, Darius ordered Tattenai to provide the money and supplies necessary (Ezra 4:5; 4:24; 5:5, 6, 7; 6:1, 12, 13, 14, 15).
- Xerxes, 486-465 BC, Darius’ son, and king during Esther’s life (Ezra 4:6).
- Artaxerxes I, 465-423 BC, Xerxes’ son and the king under whom Ezra and Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and did their work (Ezra 4:7, 8, 11, 23; 6:14; 7:1, 7, 11, 12, 21; 8:1
- Cyrus, King of Persia and Babylon, decreed in 538 BC that the Jews could return to Judah from exile and rebuild the city and the temple.
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- Cyrus succeeded his father as king of Anshan, a vassal kingdom of Media, in 559 BC.
- In 550 BC, Cyrus rebelled against his maternal grandfather, Astyages, the king of the Medes. He took Ecbatana, the capitol, without a fight when Harpagus, one of Astyages’ generals deserted with his army to Cyrus. Cyrus was now king of the Medes and Persians.
- In 539 BC, Belshazzar was regent in Babylon for his father, Nabonidus, who had gone to Tema in Arabia in 553 BC. Nabonidus returned to Babylon in April of 539 BC.
- In September-October, 539 BC, Cyrus defeated the Babylonians at Opis on the Tigris River. He then defeated Sippar, which was across the river, on October 10, 539 BC.
- On October 12, 539 BC, Ugbaru, the commander of Cyrus’ armies defeated Babylon without a fight. He diverted the Euphrates River, which ran through the center of the city, and the troops entered by the river bed. Belshazzar was killed (Daniel 5:30) and Nabonidus was taken prisoner.
- Cyrus appointed Darius the Mede (539-525) ruler of Babylon, Syria, and Palestine. Darius then appointed governors to rule under him (Daniel 5:30-6:3).
- Cyrus allowed the conquered people to take their gods and return to their homes. Furthermore, he decreed that the Jewish people could return home and rebuild their temple (Ezra 1; Ezra 6:3-5; 2 Chronicles 36:21-23)
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- The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC).
- The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led them. Cyrus was king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of Darius I (Ezra 1-6).
- The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Ezra 7-10).
- The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Nehemiah 1-2).
- Ezra is most likely the author of the book that bears his name.
- Ezra is the main person of the book that bears his name. He used official sources and wrote at times as an eyewitness (e.g. Ezra 7:27-28).
- The author wrote the narrative sections in Hebrew and copied the official documents in the original Aramaic (Ezra 4:8-6.18 and 7.12-26), the official language of government and commerce in Persia at that time. (e.g. Ezra 6:2-12).
- Ezra was written around 450 BC.
- The prophets Haggai (520 BC), Zechariah (520-518 BC), and Malachi (450-430 BC) taught and wrote God’s word during this time period. The events of Esther also unfolded during the reign of Xerxes (485-465 BC).
- Pagan religious founders lived at this time.
- Gautama Buddha (about 550-480 BC) in India.
- Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
- Socrates (470-399 BC) in Greece
Key Verse
Ezra 9:9, “For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house of our God, to restore its ruins and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.”
Theme
Return and Rebuild the Temple. God’s imposed 70 year captivity and exile has finished. He stirred Cyrus, King of Media and Persia, to decree that the Jews may return to their land and rebuild their temple. The people returned in three groups. Though they faced opposition from the pagans living in their land, God moved kings and peoples to ensure their success. God sent Ezra to teach God’s word and to lead much needed spiritual, moral, and social reforms among the restored remnant.
Overview Outline
- Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel lead the first return from Babylon (now Persian) in 538 BC (Ezra 1-6).
- Ezra lad the second return from Babylon (now Persia) in 458 BC (Ezra 7-8).
- Ezra brought about religious reforms for the returnees (Ezra 9-10).
Chapter Titles
- Chapter 1: Cyrus’ decree
- Chapter 2: Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel lead first return
- Chapter 3: Temple foundation laid
- Chapter 4: Tattenai, Darius, Artaxerxes stop work
- Chapter 5: Tattenai complains to Darius
- Chapter 6: Darius decrees for work. Temple completed
- Chapter 7: Artaxerxes decrees for Ezra and work
- Chapter 8: Ezra leads second return
- Chapter 9: Ezra prays
- Chapter 10: Divorce pagan wives
Trace the Theme: Return and Temple
- Cyrus decrees and Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel lead the first return (Ezra 1-3).
- The leaders organize and begin the work on the temple (Ezra 4).
- Once the Jews begin to establish themselves, the Samaritans around them attempted by various means to discourage, cause compromise, intimidate, and even attempted to use law to stop the Jews from working on the temple. Darius and Ataxerxes temporarily stopped the work, but upon research of the facts they both decreed that the Jews were right; the work must continue (Ezra 4-6).
- Ezra the scribe received authorization from Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem. He gave much needed spiritual leadership to the Jews (Ezra 7-8).
- When Ezra got to Jerusalem, he saw that the people of Israel had not followed God’s word. One of the problems was that many of the men had married pagan wives. This was a violation of God’s word. This mixed marriage brought paganism into the national life of the new Jewish commonwealth. Ezra prayed and confessed to the Lord, and sought God’s guidance about what he should do (Ezra 9).
- While Ezra prayed, a group of men came with God’s answer. The men were to divorce their pagan wives for the sake of God’s honor and Israel’s spiritual survival and spiritual purity. Ezra organized and administered the divorce procedure (Ezra 10).
Key People
- Sheshbazzar. The leader or ruler of the Judeans—prince of Judah (Ezra 1:8; 5:14). He led the first return to Judah. There is a question as to whether he is Zerubbabel under another name or a different person. Eugene Merrill (493) and John Bright (7) think that Sheshbazzar a distinct person and likely the same as Shenazzar a son of Johoiachin (1 Chronicles 3:18). Zerubbabel is then his nephew and successor.
- Zerubbabel. He is prominent in the first return to Israel. He is the grandson of King Johoiachin and son of Shealtiel (Ezra 3:2, 8; Ezra 5:2) and the son of Pedaiah (Hebrew text of 1 Chronicles 3:19), possibly by Levirate marriage. He is likely the nephew of Sheshbazzar. Zerubbabel and Jeshua were active leaders in the putting down the temple foundation (Ezra 3:2-3). They also led the renewed building of the temple after their enemies had stopped their work (Ezra 5:2). Haggai identifies him as governor of Judah in Haggai 1:1 and 2:2.
- Ezra. He was comparable to Secretary of State for Jewish Affairs under Artaxerxes (465-423 BC), King of Persia. King Artaxerxes favored Ezra and as a result allowed him to return to Jerusalem in July-August of 458 BC take care of problems. Ezra was a priest and a scribe; he traced his linage back to Aaron. As a scribe he studied and taught God’s word to the Israelites. Because many Jewish men, including priests and Levites, had married pagan wives, the spiritual life of the new community was threatened. Ezra sought God’s sought God’s guidance through prayer. While he was praying, Shecaniah with a contingent of Jews came to him with the plan to divorce the pagan wives. They carried out this plan (Ezra 9-10). Later on, Ezra apparently returned to Babylon, and then in 444 BC went back to Judah at the time Jerusalem’s walls were completed. At that time he and Nehemiah participated in the dedication of the walls (Nehemiah 12, especially Nehemiah 12:26-37).
- Cyrus, Darius I, Xerxes (Ahasuerus), and Artaxerxes ruled Persia during these events.
Key Words Used
- Temple, 24X (Ezra 2:43; Ezra 2:58; Ezra 2:70; Ezra 3:6; Ezra 3:9; Ezra 3:10; Ezra 3:12; Ezra 4:1; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9; Ezra 5:11; Ezra 5:12; Ezra 5:14; Ezra 5:15; Ezra 6:3; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 6:15; Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:7; Ezra 8:17; Ezra 8:20).
- Law of God, Lord, Moses, 7X (Ezra 3:2; 7:6, 10, 12, 14, 21, 26).
Key Doctrines
- God keeps His word to his people (Ezra 1:1; Ezra 9:8-9).
- God has the right and power to rule any and all political rulers (Cyrus, Ezra 1:1; Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, Ezra 6:14).
- God can and does stir people or impress people to do what He wants them to do (Ezra 1:5).
- Enemies of a nation will attempt to take over that nation by intimidating propaganda, promoting false compromises, deceitful attacks on the leadership and policies, and appeals to other nations and groups (Ezra 4:1-6; 5:3,6).
- The spiritual leader studies, teaches, and applies God’s word to the people under his leadership (Ezra 3:1-3; 7:10; 9:10; 10:9-11).
- Leaders also must make critical decision in times of spiritual danger to the people (Ezra 7:21-24; Ezra 9-10).
Lessons for Us Today
- God moves within people to accomplish his purpose. This is divine guidance for believers. We see his overruling will, directive will, and permissive will.
- If God kept his word to a rebellious Israel, he also keeps his word to church age believers.
- Spiritual leaders are important for a congregation of believers. Their job is to study and teach God’s word, to provide leadership for the congregation, and make necessary decisions for the protection and welfare of people under his spiritual authority.
- Unequal (believer-unbeliever; interested believer and disinterested believer) marriages will undermine the spiritual lives and welfare of families and nations.
-Rebuild the Wall; Revive the People-
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, August 29, September 5, 12, and 19, 2004
History
The history is the same as for Ezra, except for 1.d. (I have taken most of this history introduction from notes by Dr. Harold Hoehner of Dallas Theological Seminary).
- Six Gentile kings dominated the Israelites during Ezra’s lifetime.
- Cyrus, 559-530 BC (Ezra 1:1-4, 7, 8; Ezra 3:7; 4:3, 5; 5:13, 14, 17; 6.3, 14). See Cyrus below.
- Cambyses, Cyrus’ son, 530-522 BC. He killed his brother Bardiya (Smerdis) in 525 and then led an expedition against the Egyptians. While he was gone, Gaumata (Bardiya-Smerdis imposter), in 622, took the throne. When Cambyses heard of the successful plot, he may have committed suicide.
- Gaumata or Pseudo Smerdis (who posed as Smerdis, the brother of Cambyses whom Cambyses had killed in 525), ruled 6 months in 522 BC.
- Darius I, 522-486 BC. He killed Pseudo-Smerdis and took power. After he had consolidated his power, he studied law, which was significant for what was to follow. Remember that when Tattenai of Syria interfered with the Jew’s rebuilding project, Darius ordered the search for Cyrus’ decree. After he read the decree, he ordered Tattenai to stay away from Jerusalem and leave the work on the temple alone. In fact, Darius ordered Tattenai to provide the money and supplies necessary (Ezra 4:5; 4:24; 5:5, 6, 7; 6:1, 12, 13, 14, 15).
- Xerxes, 486-465 BC, Darius’ son, and king during Esther’s life (Ezra 4.6).
- Artaxerxes I, 465-423 BC, Xerxes’ son and the king under whom Ezra and Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and did their work (Ezra 4:7, 8, 11, 23; 6:14; 7:1, 7, 11, 12, 21; 8:1
- Cyrus, King of Persia and Babylon, decreed in 538 BC that the Jews could return to Judah from exile and rebuild the city and the temple.
- Cyrus succeeded his father as king of Anshan, a vassal kingdom of Media, in 559 BC.
- In 550 BC, Cyrus rebelled against his maternal grandfather, Astyages, the king of the Medes. He took Ecbatana, the capitol, without a fight when Harpagus, one of Astyages’ generals deserted with his army to Cyrus. Cyrus was now king of the Medes and Persians.
- In 539 BC, Belshazzar was regent in Babylon for his father, Nabonidus, who had gone to Tema in Arabia in 553 BC. Nabonidus returned to Babylon in April of 539 BC.
- In September-October, 539 BC, Cyrus defeated the Babylonians at Opis on the Tigris River. He then defeated Sippar, which was across the river, on October 10, 539 BC.
- On October 12, 539 BC, Ugbaru, the commander of Cyrus’ armies defeated Babylon without a fight. He diverted the Euphrates River, which ran through the center of the city, and the troops entered by the river bed. Belshazzar was killed (Daniel 5:30) and Nabonidus was taken prisoner.
- Cyrus appointed Darius the Mede (539-525) ruler of Babylon, Syria, and Palestine. Darius then appointed governors to rule under him (Daniel 5:30-6:3).
- Cyrus allowed the conquered people to take their gods and return to their homes. Furthermore, he decreed that the Jewish people could return home and rebuild their temple (Ezra 1; Ezra 6:3-5; 2 Chronicles 36:21-23)
- The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC.
- The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led them. Cyrus was king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of Darius I (Ezra 1-6).
- The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Ezra 7-10).
- The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Nehemiah 1-2).
- Nehemiah is most likely the author of the book that bears his name.
- Nehemiah identifies himself as author of much of this book (e.g. Nehemiah 1:1; 2:1, 11; 4:13; 6:1, 10; 7:1).
- The book came from Nehemiah’s diary or personal accounts of the time. Ezra may have written two sections of the book (Nehemiah 7:6-12:26 and 12:44-13:3).
- Certainly Nehemiah is a main character; he is mentioned 7 times (Nehemiah 1:1; 3:16; 7:7; 8:9; 10:1; 12:26; 12:47).
- Ezra is the other main character; he is mentioned 12 times in the section about spiritual repentance and renewal (Nehemiah 8:1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13; 12:1, 13, 26, 33, 36).
- The prophets Haggai (520 BC), Zechariah (520-518 BC), and Malachi (450-430 BC) taught and wrote God’s word during this time period. The events of Esther also unfolded during the reign of Xerxes (485-465 BC).
- Pagan religious founders lived at this time.
- Gautama Buddha (about 550-480 BC) in India.
- Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
- Socrates (470-399 BC) in Greece
Key Verses
Nehemiah 6:15-16. So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, [September 21, 444 BC] in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
Nehemiah 8:8. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.
Theme
Rebuild the Wall; Revive the People. Nehemiah demonstrates that God-guided and empowered spiritual and political leaders can revive a nations heritage and bring about spiritual and national repair and resurgence, even in the face of enemy propaganda, intimidation, arms, and treachery.
Overview Outline
- Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem from Persia (Nehemiah 1-2).
- Nehemiah leads the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s gates and wall (Nehemiah 3-7).
- Ezra reads and explains the Law and the people agree to follow it (Nehemiah 8-13).
Chapter Titles
- Chapter 1: News and prayer
- Chapter 2: Return and reconnaissance
- Chapter 3: Repair 10 gates
- Chapter 4: Prayer, leadership, weapons
- Chapter 5: Stop economic extortion
- Chapter 6: Wall completed: Leadership, courage, and persistence
- Chapter 7: Zerubbabel’s census compared
- Chapter 8: Ezra teaches Torah
- Chapter 9: Repentance and praise
- Chapter 10: Allegiance to Torah
- Chapter 11: Live in Jerusalem
- Chapter 12: Census and dedicate the wall
- Chapter 13: Reform priesthood, Sabbath, marriage
Trace the Theme: Rebuild the Wall; Revive the People.
- Nehemiah went to Jerusalem (444 BC) in response to the report that the remnant was in “great distress and reproach” (Nehemiah 1.3). He worked toward the establishment of Israel’s homeland security and national welfare by concentrating on the completion of the Jerusalem wall and gates in the face of enemy propaganda, ridicule, threats, compromise, slander, and treachery (Nehemiah 1-7), and by bringing about spiritual revitalization of the Jewish people now in Judah (Nehemiah 8-13).
- Nehemiah inspected the city (Nehemiah 2:11-17), planned the work and assigned work (Nehemiah 3), armed the people (Nehemiah 4), stopped economic extortion (Nehemiah 5), and rejected the enemy’s threats and completed the wall (Nehemiah 4-6). Once the city wall was completed (Nehemiah 6:15; it took only 52 days), Nehemiah took a census of the returnees (Nehemiah 7).
- Then Ezra, the priest and scribe, led a spiritual revival for the Lord and for Nehemiah by reading and explaining the Old Testament to the nation (Nehemiah 8). The Levites, priests, and people responded by repentance followed by rejoicing. The nation renewed their allegiance to God’s covenant, the Old Testament (Nehemiah 9-10). Nehemiah continued to lead the social, economic, and spiritual restoration by organizing the resettlement of the Jewish population so that there were enough residents in Jerusalem and by dedicating the wall (Nehemiah 11-12).
- Nehemiah was recalled to the Persian capital in 432 BC (Nehemiah 13:6-7). When he returned to Jerusalem he corrected the priesthood, the observation of the Sabbath, and pagan marriages (Nehemiah 11-13).
Key People
- Nehemiah.
- Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer, or we might say the personal aide, of King Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC) at the royal city of Shushan (Susa). Shushan, a winter capital of the Persian kings, was about 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf in present day Iran. As cupbearer he occupied the closest position to the king and therefore had the confidence of the king and had access to the king (Nehemiah 1).
- He got the report that Jerusalem and the people were in danger of being overrun and destroyed. The city walls and gates were still destroyed; the citizens had no defense against the enemy and their moral was low. The year was 444 BC, 13 years after Ezra had gone to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1).
- Nehemiah prayed. King Artaxerxes granted Nehemiah a leave of absence. The king appointed him governor of Judah with authority to requisition supplies for his mission (Nehemiah 1-2).
- Nehemiah attacked the immediate Judean problem.
- He thought about the report—wept, mourned, fasted (Nehemiah 1.4).
- Prayed based on God’s character (Nehemiah 1:5-11.
- Confessed of the nation’s sins (Nehemiah 1:6-7.
- Interceded to God based on God’s promises to Israel (Nehemiah 1:5, 8-10.
- Acted by seeking the king’s permission to go to Judah (Nehemiah 2:1-7).
- Planning the trip and traveling to Judah (Nehemiah 2.7-10).
- Inspected the situation in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:11-16).
- Planned for action (Nehemiah 2:17-20).
- Chose and assigned his workers (Nehemiah 3).
- Prayed (Nehemiah 4:4-9).
- Set up an intelligence force and guards (Nehemiah 4:9-13).
- Armed the citizens and workers and set up communications system (Nehemiah 4:14-23).
- Encouraged the remnant (Nehemiah 4:14).
- Stopped economic extortion (Nehemiah 5).
- Did not fall to the propaganda, threats, intimidation, and treachery of the enemies (Nehemiah 4-6).
- Completed the job in such a way that honored God (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
- Organized guards against continued threats (Nehemiah 7:1-3).
- Organized the citizens (Nehemiah 7).
- Gave opportunity and encouraged Bible teaching (Nehemiah 8).
- Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem in 432 BC; his leave of absence was apparently over (Nehemiah 13.6). He requested and was given another leave of absence. When he returned to Jerusalem he found spiritual regression among the priesthood and the people.
- He soon initiated reforms of the priesthood, the Sabbath, and mixed marriages (Nehemiah 13).
- Nehemiah was a patriot, leader, and man of action—all under God’s motivation and guidance. He excelled as a spiritual, political, and military leader. Nehemiah stood out as a man driven by the biblical worldview in a world driven by antagonism to God and God’s word.
- Ezra. See the Ezra Bible Walk notes.
- Sanballat.
- Sanballat was from Beth-horan in Samaria which is about 19 miles NW of Jerusalem. The Elephantine Papyri names him as governor of Samaria in 407 BC. The same papyri give his sons’ names as Delaiah and Shelemiah. These names indicate that Sanballat was probably a syncretistic worshiper of Yahweh.
- When Nehemiah returned in 445 BC, Sanballat was allied with the Samaritans and likely in Artaxerxes’ service. Sanballat opposed Nehemiah and his attempts to repair Jerusalem and organize the Jewish settlers (Nehemiah 2:10, 19: 4:7).
- He tried to lure Nehemiah out of the city to kill him, but Nehemiah saw through his treachery (Nehemiah 6:1-9). Nehemiah prayed that God would judge Sanballat for his evil.
- Sanballat’s daughter married into the Jewish priestly family—she married “the son of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest”—for which Nehemiah expelled the priest (Nehemiah 13:27-28).
- Sanballat was power hungry; he used carefully planned propaganda to intimidate and mislead Nehemiah and the Jews; and he was treacherous. Like most bullies, he backed down once he realized that he could not intimidate Nehemiah.
- Tobiah.
- Tobiah was an Ammonite (Nehemiah 2:10, 19; 4:3) and probably a deputy of Sanballat. He allied with Sanballat to oppose the Jewish settlement (Nehemiah 4:7), and he was part of the plot to lure Nehemiah out Jerusalem in order to kill him (Nehemiah 6:1-9).
- His name means Yahweh is good. His son’s name, Jehohanan, which means “Yahweh is merciful” (Nehemiah 6:18), indicates Jewish ties. He was related to Eliashib, the priest (Nehemiah 13:4).
- During the time Nehemiah was back in Persia (He left Jerusalem in 432 BC.), Eliashib, the priest in Jerusalem, gave Tobiah, who was an enemy of Nehemiah and his reforms, an apartment in the temple.
- When Nehemiah did return, he threw Tobiah and his belongings out (Nehemiah 13:4-8).
- Tobiah, like Sanballat and other political bullies and intriguers, realized that Nehemiah was not to be bullied, so he backed down.
- Besides treachery, intimidation, and propaganda, Tobiah also was able to infiltrate the Jewish political and religious organization where he would have done much damage had Nehemiah not returned.
Key Words Used
- Scribe, 7X (Nehemiah 8:1, 4, 9, 13; 12:26, 36; 13:13).
- Covenant, 4X (Nehemiah 1:5; 9:8, 32; 13:29).
- Law, 32X (Nehemiah 8:1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9; 9:3, 13, 29; 10:29; 13:3; and others.
- Priest, priests, 44X (Nehemiah 2:16; 3:32; 12:30; 13:30; and others.
- Weapon, 2X (Nehemiah 4:17, 23).
- Wall, 33X (Nehemiah 1:3; 2:15; 4:1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19; 6:15; 7:1; 12:27; and others.
- Prayer, Praying, Prayed, 7X (Nehemiah 1:4, 6, 11; 2:4; 4:9; 11:17;
Key Doctrines
- National survival, establishment, and security come through spiritual, political, and military courage, preparation, and strength.
- An armed citizenry is vital to defense of one’s family, city, and nation.
- Leadership—spiritual, political, and military.
- Worldview—biblical and non-biblical.
- The Word of God is essential for God’s people to do His will and live right.
- Ezra and Nehemiah were different, yet God used each of them to get His job done.
Lessons for Us Today
- Does the Word of God direct my life over the long haul? Ezra taught the Word and the people accepted it.
- Does my worldview come from the Bible or from the world system?
- What kind of leaders do I want in the USA? Do I choose and support leaders who give spiritual, political, and military leadership based on the biblical worldview?
- Do I agree that national survival, establishment, and security come through spiritual, political, and military courage, preparation, and strength?
- An armed citizenry was necessary to maintain Nehemiah’s and the Jews’ freedom. Does this say anything about stringent “gun control” laws?
- How does my view of military, economic, social, political, and spiritual life harmonize with Nehemiah and Ezra’s view?
- God uses people who have different abilities, personalities, and gifts to do His work, and that includes me.
- Do I support those in the ministry so they can concentrate on God’s service?
-Faith, Wisdom, and Action, vs. Anti-Semitism-
Tod Kennedy
October, 2004
“There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.”
(William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, act 4, scene 3, lines 239–42)
Theme
Faith, Wisdom, and Action, vs. Anti-Semitism. God will work through men and women who trust the living God (though their faith may appear to be weak and sometimes uninformed), and who live and make decisions and application based upon biblical wisdom (though they may not seem to know many details of Bible doctrine), and then act because of their faith and wisdom to overcome evil opposition. In this case God worked to preserve his people from destruction.
There are questions that relate to the theme.
- Were Esther and Mordecai wrong to remain in Persia?
- If so, what about Nehemiah? Was Nehemiah wrong to stay in Persia and serve the king?
- Did Esther and Mordecai prepare the way for Ezra and Nehemiah?
- Did Esther and Mordecai set the stage for Persia to favor the Jews in Judea?
- Were Esther and Mordecai missionaries?
- Why is God not mentioned by name in the book?
- Why is nothing said about the relationship of Esther and Mordecai to the Lord God of Israel?
History Overview. Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Vashti, and Xerxes lived in the fifth century BC. Refer to the notes on Ezra and Nehemiah for the general history. Xerxes (r. 486-465 BC) was Persia’s king during the events of the book of Esther.
- The events of Esther began in 483 BC, during the Persian Empire. The empire stretched into India, Egypt, and North Africa. It began with Cyrus in 559 BC, and ended with Alexander’s defeat of Darius III at Gaugamela in 331 BC.
- Among Persia’s famous fifth century battles are Thermopyle (victory, 490 BC), The Battle of Marathon (defeat, 490 BC), Salamis (defeat, 480 BC), Plataea (defeat, 479 BC), and the naval battle at Cape Mycale (defeat, 479 BC). Cape Mycale ended phase 1 of the second Persian War Persian and the Persian invasions of Greece.
- The prophets Haggai (520 BC), Zechariah (520-518 BC), and Malachi (450-430 BC) taught and wrote God’s word during this time period.
- Pagan religious founders lived at this time.
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- Gautama Buddha (about 550-480 BC) in India.
- Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
- Socrates (470-399 BC) in Greece
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- Recall that Artaxerxes I (r. 465-423 BC) followed his father on the throne. He was king of Persia after Esther and during Ezra and Nehemiah’s service (Ezra 4:6-7).
- The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC.
- The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led them. Cyrus was king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of Darius I (Ezra 1-6).
- The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Ezra 7-10).
- The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Nehemiah 1-2).
Author: We do not know who authored Esther.
- The author was very familiar with the Persian court and with Persian culture. The author wrote as someone who had witnessed the events. He probably was a Jew. Ezra or Nehemiah could have written this book. It was probably written between 470 BC and 424 BC.
Key Verses
Esther 4:14-16. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 10:3. For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.
Key People
- Xerxes
- Xerxes (Ezra 4:6; Esther 1:1, 2, 9; 2:16; 3:1; 8:1; and others; Daniel 9:1) was the son of Darius Hystapes and king of Persia from 486-465 BC. He was Persia’s king during Esther’s story. He succeeded his father as king of Persia in 486 BC, at his father’s death. Prior to this, Xerxes was governor of Babylon, so he had experience in leadership and administration.
- Xerxes had certain interests and priorities: he wanted to complete the royal palace at Susa (Shushan); he also wanted to enlarge and beautify the Persepolis palace; and he wanted to conquer Greece. His construction projects occupied much of his 21 year reign.
- When he came to power Egypt revolted. He had to solve that problem. In doing this, he alienated the priestly caste by suppressing the Egyptian religion—not a good move. But, he was able to bring Egypt under control.
- The next major job that he undertook was a vast military expedition to the west—Greece. This was a continuation of his father’s plans. The 6 month long banquet of Esther 1:1-4 was probably to rally support for his coming Greek military expedition. He began in 481 BC. Xerxes was victorious at first, but then Greece won a series of victories that eventually sent Xerxes home. Among famous fifth century battles were Thermopyle (victory, 490 BC) and the Battle of Marathon (defeat, 490 BC)—both during his father’s reign. Xerxes was king during Salamis where the Persians lost over 200 ships (defeat, 480 BC), Plataea (defeat, 479 BC), and the naval battle at Cape Mycale (defeat, 479 BC). Xerxes blamed the losses on his Egyptian and Phoenician mercenaries. They were not about to take his blame, so they quit the war. Xerxes put General Mardonius in command and returned home. Mardonius lost a number of battles and was killed at the battle of Plataea. In 479 BC, at Mycale, the Greeks defeated the Persians and ended any hope of Xerxes for domination of Greece.
- When Xerxes returned home in 479 BC, after his military defeats, he recalled his domestic trouble with Queen Vashti. At this point he searched for a new Queen. Esther entered the harem and Xerxes chose her to be the new Queen (Esther 2:1-17).
- After Xerxes lost face due to his failed military expeditions, he gave his time to construction projects, drinking parties, chasing women of the court, and his harem. His behavior was often unpredictable. He would have fits of anger. In 465 BC, Artabanus, his vizier, murdered him and put Xerxes’ son, Artaxerxes I on the throne.
- We see in Xerxes instability, quest for recognition and self-glory, lack of self-discipline, a low value on human life as evidenced by his decree that allowed Haman to destroy the Jews in 474 BC, and a king who did not seem to search below the surface for causes of problems and the solutions. On the plus side he allowed Esther to present her case for the Jews and against Haman. He allowed the Jews to defend themselves in the face of the decree Haman got from him to destroy the Jews (474 BC). He also promoted Mordecai, a Jew, to Haman’s position. On the whole, Xerxes was probably no worse or no better than most of the rulers of that time.
- Haman
- Haman is the villain of the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite (Esther 3:1, 10; 8:3, 5; 9:24).
- Josephus (Antiquities 11.209) says that Haman was descended from Agag and was an Amalakite. Haman or his father could have come to Persia as captives.
- Agag was a title for Amalekite kings; the Amalakites were enemies of Israel. Saul, against God’s command had spared Agag, king of the Amalakites, in battle when the Lord told Saul to destroy him. This sin demonstrated Saul’s negative attitude toward the Lord, and as a result of this disobedience, the Lord rejected Saul as king of Israel (1 Samuel 15).
- Against this view, an inscription by Sargon II, an Assyrian king (721-705 BC), notes that Agag was a district near Media and became part of the Persian Empire. “Thirty-four districts of Media I conquered and I added them to the domain of Assyria: I imposed upon them an annual tribute of horses. The country of Agazi (Agag)…. I ravaged, I wasted, I burned.” (John Urquhart, ISBE, 2003). Gleason Archer also understands Agagite to mean Haman was from this province instead of a distant relation to the Amalekite king (Survey OT, 421).
- Haman had gained favor in Xerxes’ service so that the king promoted him to prime minister of his Persian kingdom (Esther 3:1).
- Haman had such an inflated ego that when Mordecai would not bow to him (probably as a recognition of divine status), his hatred for the Jews exploded and he devised a plot to have Mordecai and all the Jews in the kingdom destroyed (Esther 3:8-15). Furthermore, if Haman was in fact descended from the Amalakites, the longstanding animosity between Amalakites and Jews would partly explain his hatred of Jews (Esther 3:4-6).
- By God’s providence, Mordecai and Esther used Haman’s own plans and actions to expose him. Xerxes ordered him hanged on the gallows that Haman had built for Mordecai (Esther 7:1-10).
- We see in Haman a man utterly controlled by quest for recognition and glory. He was vindictive to anyone who might stand in his way (Mordecai in Esther’s story). Haman was actually quite cowardly as shown by his exchanges with his family and friends and when Esther revealed his plot to Xerxes. His anti-Semitism seemed to be arbitrary in that he opposed any group who might appear to hinder his quest for power and glory. As happens to most Hamans in the world, he eventually brought about his own destruction.
- Mordecai
- Mordecai was a Jew with a job that kept him near the Persian palace in Susa during the reign of Ahasuerus—Xerxes (Esther 2:5). He is mentioned 57 times in the book. Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and guardian (Esther 2:7, 10, 11) He was in Benjamin’s tribe, as was King Saul.
- He advised Esther about how to act during the year long preparation of the king’s potential queen (Esther 2:10-11). After she became queen and Haman’s plan was known, he challenged her take action to protect the Jews (Esther 3:13-14). Mordecai has also discovered and told Esther of a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21-23). We see that Mordecai was alert, loyal, careful, and one who acted in the face of trouble.
- Mordecai would not bow in worship of Haman. The text does not say, but Mordecai likely was a Jew loyal to the Lord God of Israel. In retaliation, Haman devised his plan to kill Mordecai (Esther 3:2-6; Esther 5:9). In the face of Haman’s vengeance, Mordecai was steady in his support and protection of his Jewish people (Esther 4). Once Xerxes hanged Haman, he promoted Mordecai to Haman’s position (Esther 8:1-2). Mordecai’s faithful work in Susa brought him promotion and honor.
- Mordecai, along with Queen Esther, wrote a decree that allowed the Jews to protect themselves (Esther 8:7-17), with the result that the Jews defeated those who hated them (Esther 9:1). He also ordered the annual celebration of the Jews’ victory—Purim.
- The last notice about Mordecai was that he was great, wise, and patriotic to his own people and to Persia (Esther 10:1-3). He combined faith—and as with Esther, we do not know the personal relationship he had with the Lord God of Israel—wisdom, and action for the welfare of Esther, the Jews, and the Persian people. As to why he did not return to Judah, we do not know. Was he wrong by not returning? We cannot say. Certainly the Lord put people in different places to protect the Hebrew people. Mordecai seems to have been one of these.
- Esther
- Esther is one of the heroes of the book bearing her name. She lived during the fifth century BC. Her exploits occurred during the reign of Xerxes I (Ahasuerus), who ruled Persia from 486 to 465 BC. The name, Esther, either comes from the Persian word which means star or from the Babylonian goddess, Ishtar. She is named 55 times in the book (Esther 2:7, 8, 10, 11, and others). Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, which means myrtle. The Babylonian Talmud claims that she is one of the four most beautiful women in the world. She is the cousin of Mordecai; Mordecai became her guardian after her parents died (Esther 2:5).
- She entered the historical record at a time when Xerxes was in turmoil because of military defeats and Queen Vashti’s rebellion. Xerxes looked for a queen replacement. Apparently Esther did not apply for the job, but due to her beauty and reputation she was selected to join the group of women from whom Xerxes would choose his queen
(Esther 2:8).
- She, as with Joseph and Daniel, had something about her character that impressed her superiors. Probably her looks, grace, intelligence, humility, and ability made her stand out from the others (Esther 2:9, 15). She also impressed Xerxes and she was chosen as queen (Esther 2:16-17).
- Cousin Mordecai advised her throughout her year of preparation (Esther 2:10-11, 20) and later advised her to seek an audience with Xerxes because of Haman’s plans (Esther 4:13-14). From this we can see that she was teachable and humble.
- Once Esther decided to help her people (Esther 4:15) she planned and put the plan into action (Esther 5:4, 8). She ordered two banquets with the king and Haman as the guests. The first set up the guests, and the second exposed Haman (Esther 7:6). Not only did Esther possess outstanding character traits and physical beauty, she was a quick thinker and leader when necessary. Esther’s plan to reveal Haman’s plot and to save her people indicated patience, steadiness of purpose, and planning.
- With Haman out of the way, Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin (Esther 8:1). With the king’s permission she made Mordecai the administrator of Haman’s estate (Esther 8:2). Esther then appealed to the king a second time (Esther 8:3-5); this time to reverse Haman’s decree. Since he could not, he told Mordecai and Esther to write up a legal decree that would get around his original decree (Esther 8:8). This decree allowed the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8:11-12, 17). The second decree was published and carried out resulting in the Jews destroying those intent on purging Persia of Jews according to Haman’s plan (Esther 9:1).
- Purim comes from the word for “lot.” Purim became the name of the celebration that remembered the Jews victory over the anti-Semitic enemies. The date set was Adar 14 and 15 (usually the latter part of March). Esther and Mordecai authorized this remembrance (Esther 9:20-22, 26-29).
- Esther, then, was a young Jewish woman of wonderful character, intelligence, beauty, and initiative. She understood submission to authority and then how to use authority when she was in a position to do so. She was teachable and also a leader. We wonder why she kept her Jewish heritage secret at first. There is probably more beneath the surface that we do not understand. Possibly her action anticipated “There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune” (William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar). She waited to take the right action at the right time. If this is true, she was a woman of faith, wisdom, and action. If she hid her identity out of fear; if she failed to speak of the Lord because he was not a personal part of her life; then we still have a picture of a woman with faith (thought not a personal relationship with the Lord), wisdom, and action. Either way, she demonstrated intelligence and courage.
Key Words Used
- Pur, 3X (Esther 3:7; 9:21, 26). Pur is the word for a lot which is thrown to determine a decision (often from the gods of the day). To cast a lot today would be like throwing a coin to see if heads or tails would show or like throwing dice.
- Purim, 5X (Esther 9:26, 28, 29, 31, 32). Purim comes from the word “lot” which was the way Haman chose the day for his purge of the Jews. The lot chose Adar 13, in 2004. Purim is the celebration remembering God’s deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s intended massacre. Purim is on Adar 14 (usually March 7). Adar is the sixth month of the religious calendar (February-March) and the twelfth month of the civil calendar. Shushan Purim was set on Adar 15 because Shushan was a walled city and their deliverance was not completed until the 15th. On Purim the Jews have parties. They send food and drink gifts to friends and give gifts to charities. They read the book of Esther and each time Haman’s name is read they hiss, boo, stamp their feet, and use noise makers. So, Purim is a happy celebration in remembrance of God’s deliverance from Haman’s pogrom.
- Defend, 2X (Esther 8:11 and 9:16).
- Decree, 8X (Esther 2:1, 8; 3:9, 15; 4:3; 8:8, 14, 17).
- Jew or Jews, 52X (Esther 2:5; 3:13; 4:16; 8:13; 9:25; 10:3).
Overview Outline
- Xerxes replaces Vashti with Esther (Esther 1-2).
- Haman plots against the Jews because of pride and anti-Semitism (Esther 3-4).
- Esther bravely intercedes for her people (Esther 5-7).
- The Jews defend themselves (Esther 8-10).
Chapter Titles
- Chapter 1: Replace Queen Vashti
- Chapter 2: Esther chosen; Mordecai reveals a plot
- Chapter 3: Decree: Kill the Jews
- Chapter 4: Mordecai asks Esther to help
- Chapter 5: Esther invites Xerxes and Haman
- Chapter 6: Xerxes honors Mordecai, not Haman
- Chapter 7: Esther’s banquet; Haman hanged
- Chapter 8: Counter decree: Jews can defend themselves
- Chapter 9: Jews kill enemies; Purim
- Chapter 10: Greatness of Mordecai
Trace the Theme: Faith, Wisdom, and Action, vs. Anti-Semitism.
- In chapter 1, the story begins with Xerxes, in 483 BC, giving a six month banquet. At the end he ordered Queen Vashti to show off her beauty. She refused. Memucan advised that she be replaced. At this point Xerxes went on his Greek military expeditions. Both Xerxes and Vashti are upset (Esther 1).
- In chapter 2 Xerxes returned from defeat at the hands of the Greeks in 479 BC. He began a search for a new queen. Mordecai advised Esther to conceal the fact that she was a Jew. She would later reveal this to the king. Was this wise waiting for the right time? Probably. Later on, Mordecai uncovered and a plot against the king and saved the king’s life. Mordecai did not benefit at the time. He was patriotic and humble. He just did what he should have done (Esther 2).
- In chapter 3 Haman wanted Mordecai to bow before him. Mordecai would not, possibly because Haman wanted god-like recognition. This of course made Haman furious. Haman plotted to kill Mordecai and all the Jew in the Persian kingdom. Power lust and ego drive Haman (Esther 3).
- In chapter 4, Mordecai mourned at the death decree against his people, but he stayed cool. He informed Queen Esther and challenged her that God may have been made her queen in order to preserve her people—to stop anti-Semitism against the exiles. Mordacai’s faith, wisdom, and action show themselves. Esther answered in effect “let’s roll—I will lead the action” (Esther 4).
- In chapter 5 Esther approached the king to plead for the Hebrews. But, she wisely did not say what was on her mind. She knew, but patiently played out her plan. She acted courageously; Xerxes could have had her killed for coming without invitation. She invited Xerxes and Haman to a banquet. At that first banquet requested that the king and Haman would attend another banquet the next day. She did not betray her plan. She was patient, humble, honest, and direct. Haman took her bait (Esther 5).
- In chapter 6 the king had insomnia. He asked for reading material—chronicles of palace activities. Here God worked Mordecai and Esther’s faith, wisdom, and action together for good. Mordecai was honored with honor Haman expected (Esther 6).
- In chapter 7 Esther opens up. She exposes Haman; Haman exposes himself. The king hangs Haman on the gallows built for Mordecai. God worked. Who could have guessed it (Esther 7)?
- In chapter 8 Mordecai is honored for his patriotism, for his faith that God would do something, for his wisdom through out, and for his active role in exposing Haman and helping Esther. Esther was also honored. She took another courageous step. She asked that Haman’s decree be revoked, knowing that her request for impossible. But Xerxes did something for her and her people. He had Esther and Mordecai write up another decree—they could word it how they wanted. This shows his trust and respect for Mordecai and Esther. The Jews could defend themselves (Esther 8).
- In chapter 9 the plans of Esther and Mordecai brought victory for the Jews in Persia. Those who hated the Jews feared. The Jews took courage. They killed 75,000 anti-Semites but did not take another’s property. The Jews celebrated with a feast called Purim. Mordecai again showed his wisdom by making the Purim celebration an annual festival to recall their deliverance from the Persians (Esther 9).
- In chapter 10 Mordecai was recognized as second only to the king in the Persian kingdom. The Jews, too, honored him as wise and good for them. Should Mordecai and Esther have returned to Judea? Maybe so, but God used them to work protection and blessing for the exiles in Persia. And not only that, Xerxes and others learned the greatness of Israel’s God (Esther10).
Key Doctrines
- God works through people to preserve Israelites outside of their land. God will always have Jewish people alive on earth.
- Readiness, timing, wisdom, and patience, combine with enthusiasm, energy, and action to accomplish the right purpose in the right way at the right time.
- A person trusting God, gaining and using biblical wisdom, and acting in keeping with faith and biblical wisdom will honor the Lord, preserve and benefit people, and may bring proper honor to himself.
- One can follow the Lord and still be a patriot of one’s country. In fact, spiritual patriotism and national patriotism work together.
Lessons for Us Today
- Am I good for my country—an informed and believing believer who understands God’s word and therefore possess biblical wisdom and then acts based upon my faith and biblical wisdom?
- Am I prepared, ready, and willing to risk my personal life and reputation to do what is biblically right in the life of the United States of America.
- Do I know when to keep silent and when to speak; when to patiently wait and when to act; and how to act when the opportunity arises?
- Can I handle unjust criticism, personal attacks, and politically correct adversaries and at the same time continue to trust God, gain God’s word, and serve him?
- Can I handle honor, praise, and fame; and, can I handle wealth and power?