Overview Of The Bible

Overview of the Bible http://www.biblicalscholarship.net/overview.htm

Overview of the Bible

PREFACE

In order to pursue a Biblical scholarship, one must know the Bible, speciﬁcally, the
Authorized King James Version of the Bible. And in order to know and understand the Bible,
one must be born again, for,

...the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned. I Corinthians 2:14

This is not to say that the Bible is not for the unbeliever. He can come to know the Lord
through the reading and hearing of the scriptures--

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.

But until a man knows God, a Biblical scholarship is not his. He cannot receive it. It is
foolishness to him and he cannot know it because it is spiritually discerned.

In the book of Acts, chapter 16, the Philippian jailer asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be
saved?" The answer was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

In order to be saved, we must repent of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must believe that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third
day (I Cor 15:1-6).

It is not enough to just believe. James 2:19 says that even the devils believe and
tremble. We must obey the teachings of Christ. This self-evident doctrine is under
attack in the false church today. Jesus Christ is become the author of eternal salvation
unto all them that obey him (ref. Heb 5:9). Jesus came to save us from sin, not in sin
(Matt 1:21).

The Lord Jesus said, "If ye continue IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples
indeed." (John 8:31) It is only then (when one follows the scriptures) that one can
call himself a Christian, a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Disciple" means
"follower."

It is good to confess the name of God and Jesus, but that is not enough. Psalms teaches

1 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


that GOD HATH MAGNIFIED HIS WORD ABOVE ALL HIS NAME (Ps 138:2). It
is not enough to say, "God" and "Jesus." We must deal with God's word faithfully. We
must believe AND FOLLOW the scriptures. This seems self-evident but in these days
of deception, many church people think that they can live like the world and simply say
that they love Jesus. They derisively call obedience, "Lordship salvation."

The Bible teaches that a disciple must hate the world, but many so-called Christians
love the world. They watch tv, get divorced and remarried (thereby committing
adultery), and live like the world (the only difference is that they go to "church").
Many professed Christians are greatly deceived--they believe that the Roman Catholic
"church" is a Christian church, that all Bible versions say the same thing, etc. Maybe a
lot of people who look at this page are in this category--worldly and deceived. This
website is for true disciples. If you are not right, may you get right and get in line with
the doctrine of the Lord as found in the Authorized scriptures. The website at this link
may help you in your journey.

At this link, you can download the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible

This overview is based on the doctrine found in the Authorized Version, not the
corruptions, e.g., the NASV, NIV, NKJV, RV, et al.

Please note that this overview is a work in progress
and is edited and updated at different seasons.

MANY CHRISTIANS DO NOT KNOW THE BIBLE, ESPECIALLY THE OLD
TESTAMENT

In today's false church, there is not only false teaching, but also an ignoring of the ﬂow and
substance of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is only looked upon as a place of sermon
illustrations and "Bible stories". There is practically no sound teaching available showing the
ﬂow and substance of the Old Testament. Unfortunately, one cannot depend on preachers,
seminaries, books, and study Bibles for this information. These are the days of apostasy. The
falling away of II Thessalonians 2:3 has occurred.

For more than 200 years, men of corrupt minds have been wresting with the scriptures to
their own destruction under the names of "Biblical Criticism," "Biblical Scholarship,"
"Higher Criticism," "Bible translation," etc. They continually cast doubt on the holy
scriptures whenever they can. They devote themselves to this practice. The devil has used
them mightily to destroy souls across the face of the earth. These are the scorners who write
the Bible commentaries, Bible dictionaries, study Bibles, Biblical archaeology magazines,
etc. in the name of Biblical Scholarship. Anyone who has learned from them is infected--

2 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


whether they know it or not. That includes the hireling preachers that make ignorant
proclamations about "the original Greek"--they look up a word in a corrupted Greek lexicon
and then present themselves as experts in Greek. Worse yet, they actually think that we do
not have the Bible in the English language, they say that it is only found in "the originals"
which NOBODY has. When they make their proclamations about the "original Greek"
(which nobody has), they make their audiences think that the word of God is not found in the
English language. This is an outright lie. We do have the word of God in the Authorized
Version of 1611. The name says it all, AUTHORIZED. For more information on the modern
counterfeit Bibles, click here.

[Note: Heathen publishers have been tampering with the Authorized King James Bible,
incorporating alterations to the text and adding all kinds of abominations (e.g., "study
aids," commentaries, illustrations, cartoon pictures, geneaological record sheets, etc.) .
Download and bind your own Authorized King James Bible (Pure Cambridge Edition)
(has two columns like a traditional Bible. Free.)]

The apostasy of these last days reaches into the most conservative of groups. For our
sanctified homeschool, I consulted a conservative Mennonite workbook that showed that
Israel did not cross the Red Sea when God brought them out of Egypt! This blasphemy is
found in their "God Chooses a Family" Book 5, page 125, Code 97-3-02, Catalogue 17521,
Copyright 1997. This Mennonite group (Rod & Staff) also sold me the Baker's Bible Atlas, a
book that I had to throw away. These blasphemers, called "Biblical Scholars," are the
men who teach in the seminaries and write the college textbooks. These false teachers
teach the "religious studies" classes in classrooms worldwide to multitudes of
impressionable young people--tomorrow's rulers who will grow up to become two fold
more the children of hell than themselves. Fellow Christians and honest seekers, ignore
these blasphemers, for they will pervert your mind with their hateful "scholarship."
Years ago, I somehow received a free copy of a "Biblical" Archaeology magazine. It had
to be discarded. With hatred it attacked the scriptures and seemed to grudingly report
about new archaeological finds confirming the scripture record. The result of all these
sustained Satanic attacks has been a general disbelief of the scriptures. We would all do
well to take heed to II Timothy 2:15--

Study to shew THYSELF approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

In these days of apostasy, it is basically every man for himself. Today is the day to get
into the word for yourself.

My Testimony

Even after going to church services for years, I knew that my Old Testament knowledge was
severely lacking. So in the fulness of time I took a tape and workbook correspondence course
entitled, "Surveying the Old Testament." It steered me in the right direction. The course's
introductory letter said that by learning the Old Testament, one could move up from being a
lieutenant in the Lord's army to being a captain. This was not an overstatement. The course
was put out by a group that, I believe, teaches a separation between Israel and the church
which is an error (I didn't know that they taught this at the time I ordered it); but this study

3 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


did help me immensely. It was true to its name.

Having an overview of how the Old Testament flows, I found myself systematically--through
personal study and our sanctified homeschool--going through the Old Testament. As a result
of these studies I have found that the entire Bible is available to me. Should not the children's
bread be available to them? or is it only for hereticks, false teachers, and blasphemers to
wrest with to their own destruction?

I no longer have to overlook the Old Testament because I do not understand it. At various
seasons in my life, I think about what book I should read for that season. Now that I have an
understanding of the Old Testament, the whole Bible is available to me to choose from. I can
now find a place to read without having to overlook the Old Testament because I do not
understand it. There is meat in the Old Testament. There is prophecy. There are precepts.
There are explanations. There are directions for how to live. There is healing medicine. Not
knowing the Old Testament can keep a Christian weak in the word and in understanding.

Amazing and wonderful revelations await those disciples that embark on an exploration of
the Old Testament. With this new understanding, one comes to realize that he has been
previously reading the New Testament scriptures with very little understanding. The book of
Hebrews will take on whole new significance. One's life and outlook will be changed. The
greatness, power, mercy, lovingkindness, tenderheartedness, and superintending hand of God
will come into greater view. Strange and peculiar revelations will arise. A new, ever-fresh
world will emerge. This is my testimony.

[A word of warning is in order here. There are groups that have arisen that teach that
Christians must keep the laws of the Old Testament and must learn and observe all the
Jewish feasts. The Hebrew Roots movement is an example of this. This type of teaching is
proven to be an heresy when one reads the book of Galatians. We are become dead to the law
by the body of Christ that we should be married to him (ref. Rom 7:1-13).]

What you are about to read is an overview of each book of the Bible and how they all flow
together. It is only an overview of the Bible. It is meant to serve as a catalyst to further the
understanding when it meets with the faith of the one who reads it with a ready heart.

THE BIBLE CONSISTS OF TWO TESTAMENTS

The Bible consists of sixty-six books and is divided into two sections--

1. The Old Testament

2. The New Testament

What is a "testament"?

testament, n., A solemn authentic instrument in writing, by which a person
declares his will as to the disposal of his estate and effects after his death. This is
otherwise called a will. (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

4 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


You may have heard of a person writing his last will and testament. A will, or testament, is
not in force until somebody dies (Heb. 9:17). A testament requires death. Both the Old
Testament and the New Testament required blood. These are blood covenants.

Old Testament: In the Old Testament, God required man to shed the blood of
cattle (lambs, sheep, kids, goats, bullocks, heifers, firstlings) and fowl
(turtledoves, young pigeons) in order to atone for sins. Blood was required
because God will not let man's sins go unpunished. Sin must be paid for
with blood. Prescribed blood is the only way that a person can receive
forgiveness. No blood, no forgiveness. Moses sprinkled blood on both the book
and the people after he read the book of the covenant to them (Hebrews 9:18-22;
Exodus 24:6-8).

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with
blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

New Testament: In the New Testament, God required the sacrifice of his Son
(the Lamb of God). The blood of Jesus was shed in order to save us from our
sins (ref. Matt 1:21) and to purge our conscience from dead works to serve the
living God (ref. Heb. 9:14). The people under the law were sprinkled with the
blood of beasts, we are sprinkled with the blood of Jesus (Heb 12:22-24; I Pet
1:9). The blood of Jesus is the blood of the everlasting covenant (Heb 13:20),
that speaketh better things than that of Abel (Heb 12:24) and that purges the
conscience, unlike the blood of beasts that only sanctified to the purifying of the
flesh (Heb 9:13). And unlike those beasts under Moses, the sacrifice of Jesus was
a one time sacrifice of everlasting value and worth. The sacrifice of beasts could
never take away sins and had to be repeated over and over again, morning and
evening, year in and year out, with all kinds of extra sacrifices for the
transgressions of the people.

THE EVENTS OF THE BIBLE OCCURRED IN SPACE AND TIME

The events of the Bible occurred in a specific, identifiable region of the earth. The events of
the Bible occurred at specific, known times. The events of the Bible deal with real people and
substances.

The events of the Bible can be traced. It is an historical record like no other in existence.

Space. Having a basic knowledge of the geography of the region is essential to good
understanding of the scriptures. Locating Israel is a good start. Find Egypt in the upper
northeast corner of Africa. Find the triangle next to it (the Sinai peninsula) and then find
Israel next to that. Draw your own homemade map to get a feel for how things are situated.
Here's a homemade map. Look at the landmarks in Israel--the sea of Galilee to the north
which flows into the winding Jordan River which flows into the salt sea (Dead Sea) in the
south.

5 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Look at that picture again. Do you see the region where Eden was located? Do you see Babel
where God confounded the languages? Do you see the mighty Euphrates? Do you see where
mount Ararat is? How about Gihon and mount Sinai? How about the region of the seven
churches of the Revelation? How about Armaggedon and mount Carmel where Elijah faced
the prophets of Baal? They are all there in that simple map. There are only a few keys to
know to get your grounding in the geography of the region. You've received one already.
Here is another: do you see that Y to the east of Israel past the winding Jordan? The
westward river of that Y is Euphrates. The eastward river is Hiddekel (called "Tigris" today).
In between them is Mesopotamia. It is in and around this region that:

the languages were confounded in Babel,
Abraham received his call to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldees,
God brought Israel through the Red Sea on dry land,
The Hebrew kings reigned,
the Assyrians of the north set forth to conquer a disobedient Israel,
the Babylonians of the south, led by powerful king Nebuchadnezzar, conquered a
disobedient Judah
Nebuchadnezzar lived in Shusan the palace. Shushan...the palace where Daniel and
Nehemiah served (Dan 8:2, Neh 1:1), where Queen Esther lived with King Ahaseurus

6 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


(Est 2:8), where Alexander the Great died.

Maybe you already know all this, but if not, will you learn it now? Will you grab a pencil and
sketch/trace a map of Egypt, triangle, Israel? Will you then add in the tiny sea of Galilee, the
winding Jordan, and the salt sea? Maybe you'll go further and produce the whole map,
labeling Euphrates, the Tigris and Mesopotamia. This kind of information can be learned in
kindergarten (that's what we did)--within days (spread it out, lay your foundation)--and it will
stick through the years as you teach your child from the scriptures. Grab your globe and a
few homemade worksheets and go to work. At some point, we'll look to share our own.

Time. Why are there so many genealogies in the scriptures? Can we look back at these things
to determine how long the earth has existed and approximately how many generations there
have been? Might we find--by internal evidences alone--that the earth is about 6,000 years
old and that there have only been perhaps 200 generations? What else might we find?

The following abbreviated timeline shows the approximate times of major Old Testament
events. All 39 books of the Old Testament are found in the general era in which they
occurred. Within the scriptures you will find contemporaries like Haggai and Zechariah under
whose prophesying the people prospered when rebuilding the temple (Ezra 6:14).

I believe that this is a sound timeline based upon my researches and continued use of these
dates through the years. Knowing that King David lived around 1000 BC has provided a
useful reference point for me more than once. The scriptures give a lot of information to help
us to understand approximately when these various events occurred, e.g., genealogies (e.g.,
Gen 5:3-32) and statements of the numbers of years between events (e.g. Gal 3:17). This is to
say that there are internal Biblical evidences for this information.

4000 BC 2000 BC 1500 BC 1000 BC 736 BC 606 BC 5

THE ABRAHAM, MOSES, THE THE HEBREW ISRAEL--THE JUDAH--THE MOV
NORTHERN SOUTHERN CYRU
BEGINNING ISAAC, & LAW, & KINGS KINGDOM-- KINGDOM-- PER
Israel starts out as one
JACOB ENTRANCE kingdom, but because of CARRIED CARRIED AWAY BY IS
INTO THE Solomon's sin, it is soon split
up into two kingdoms under
AWAY BY THE THE BABYLONIANS REB
Genesis Genesis PROMISED his son, king Rehoboam. The
ASSYRIANS BECAUSE OF T
two kingdoms were (1) Israel BECAUSE OF DISOBEDIENCE. (Ez
Job LAND to the north and (2) Judah to DISOBEDIENCE
the south (see the overview
for I & II Kings). (II Kings Lamentations
Exodus 17:6-23)
Ezekiel
Leviticus I, II Samuel Daniel
Numbers I, II Kings
Deuteronomy I, II
Joshua Chronicles
Judges Psalms
Ruth Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of
Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah

7 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah

click here for a timeline from Creation to the Revelation of Jesus Christ...

Matter. The Bible tells us about all kinds of substances in heaven and earth. The people of
the Bible were real people like us. In fact they are our relatives--we all have a common
father, Adam. Many people do genealogical research on their families. In the scriptures, God
recorded the ﬁrst ten fathers of every single man on earth. This is ancient knowledge. Can we
name them by heart? Can we teach these fathers rhythmically to our children and ourselves?

Adam
Seth
Enos
Cainan
Ma-ha-la-leel and
Jared
E-noch was not
Me-thusaleh
La-mech and
Noah.

The black man, the
white man, the
comparison_clay
Indian, the Asian, and
the aboriginie all
came from Adam, the
ﬁrst man. The Bible
even tells us what we
are made of, the dust
of the ground, clay.
Do we ever stop to
really think about this
amazing information?
The Bible is the word of God and clearly reveals itself to be so by telling us things that
Do we ever stop to we could not possibly otherwise know. By way of example, the Bible teaches us that
think about what man was made from the dust of the ground/clay (Gen 2:7; Job 4:19, 33:6; Isa 64:8).
happened at Babel? This amazing graphic came from two different sources (1) a pottery book (these are
natural colored clays. Only the black clay had a pigment added--which is what we see
Do we know where it in people) and (2) a children's magazine article teaching about "evolution."
is? When studying a

8 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


foreign language, do
we ever stop to
consider why we have
to study to
communicate with
our very own
brethren? Our
teachers sure are not
going to bring this
information to light.

The Bible does not
only tell us about
men. Throughout the
scriptures, in richest
narrative, we read
about plants, ﬁsh,
fowls, beasts, deserts,
metals, stones,
buildings, angels,
devils, lepers,
lunaticks, clothing,
waterways, seas, air,
engines, jail, pits,
suburbs, cities, and
more. We read about
bodies celestial and
bodies terrestrial.
When we read about
the conies that make
their houses in the
rocks (Ps 104:18; Pro
30:26), do we know
what they look like?
Would not a Biblical
Scholar pay special
attention to the exact
substances in the
scriptures as he
comes across them in
life? Might one have
a better
understanding of the
world around him
and a better
understanding of the
scriptures if he did

9 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


this? If one has read
the scriptures without
these basic, natural
understandings of
things, how good is
his understanding of
what he readeth?
What is his reading
based on? Is not his
reading out of focus?
How is he reading if
he does not
understand?

Where was Eden? Did you ever ask yourself that question and then try to answer it based on
the internal evidences of the scriptures? The river that went out of Eden to water the garden
that was eastward in Eden came to four heads (Gen 2:8, 10-14):

Pison
Gihon
Hiddekel
Euphrates

Euphrates is still called by the same name. It is in the region of modern day Iraq. Does that
not put Eden somewhere in or near the middle east? Could Hiddekel that goeth toward the
east of Assyria (modern day Iraq) be what we call the Tigris? Might Gihon that compasseth
the whole land of Ethiopia be what we call the Nile? Might Ezekiel 31:16 hold a clue?

Ashfall Fossil Beds is located in the state of Nebraska. There have been rhinoceros, camel,
and horse skeletons found there. How did they get half way around the world if Noah and the
animals landed on mount Ararat in modern day Turkey? Might the days of Peleg (Gen 10:25)
and Babel (Gen 11:9) shed light on this mystery? At one time was the earth one solid land
mass? According to the scriptures, the earth was divided in the days of Peleg. Was it during
the days of Peleg that the earth was divided into the continents and islands that we see today?
Would that not give light on how you could find a rhinoceros in Nebraska? Wherever an
animal was during the division, that is where he stayed. Can we take the scriptures, and get
further revelations about other phenomena that we see around us?

Why are there Indians in the mountains of South America who call themselves the elder
brothers of mankind and everybody else younger brothers? And why do the Inuit eskimos
call themselves, "the real people"? What about some Cherokee Indians who called
themselves, "Ani'-Yun-wiyd'," which means, "real people"? May it be that after the
confounding of the languages at Babel those that understood each other determined that the
others that did not understand them were inferior in rank? Or could it be possible that they
identified themselves as sons of Japheth the elder son of Noah (ref. Gen 10:21) and others as
born of the younger brothers?

And why are versions of the Genesis flood account found in practically every region on earth

10 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


where men dwell? These flood stories have been told for generations in North America,
South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe by their native peoples. Chinese people
told it. So did Scandinavians, Native Americans, Greeks, Aboriginies, Indians, Masai,
Tanzanians, Welsh, Hawaiians, Polynesians, Russians, Iranians, Vietnamese, and many
others. Old world missionaries were amazed to find remote, previously unreached tribes
already possessing flood stories so similar to the Biblical account. Although the tribal
versions are imperfect, elements of them often parallel the Biblical account, e.g., warning of
a coming flood, construction of a boat in advance, storage of animals, the inclusion of family,
and the release of birds to determine if the water level had subsided. The overwhelming
consistency among flood accounts found in distant parts of the world indicates that they were
indeed passed down through the generations. Given the nature of oral transmission, it is no
surprise that details of the accounts would be changed...

As you can see in the above maps, all of the events of the Bible occurred in one small region
of the world. The Bible records extensive geographical information about this region. It gives
cardinal directions, landmarks, topographical features, flora, fauna, and other detailed
information so that these places can be found and noted. It gives the who, what, why, when,
and where of various events. There is no other record like it on the face of the earth. Even
wicked men have used it in order to figure out what happened in the past--and where it
happened. Make no mistake, the stones of archaeological ruins do not tell the story. Honest
historians, albeit grudgingly at times, must acknowledge that they (or their sources) have had
to consult the scripture history. Men have actually taken the Bible in hand in order to go back
in time. They have discovered cities that no one would have ever known existed without the
scripture record.

THE BIBLE IS A PECULIAR BOOK

The Bible is not like other books where you get an overview and then you do not need to read
it again. It is peculiar and its workings in the life of a child of God are peculiar. It effects
changes, all of which tend to holiness. This page is an overview of the Bible, however, it
must be noted that the Bible actually provides overviews of itself in places like Acts 7, Psalm
105, Psalm 106, Psalm 78, Psalm 136, Hebrews 11, Deuteronomy 9, Nehemiah 9, and
Ezekiel 20. What you are about to read is only information to introduce you to some of the
contents of the Bible. This is vanilla, smooth, easy-to-understand information. This is only
the beginning of your journey in the word. It is meant to help orient you to the holy
scriptures. As you keep reading, studying, and living the word, you will find MUCH
BIGGER meanings to the accounts and doctrines that you read about in the Bible. This page
is ONLY to get you started.

The following is not the Bible, just some of my comments about what is in the Bible. As you
read the Bible for yourself, be like the Bereans and see if these things be so (ref. Acts
17:10-11).

OVERVIEW OF THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

11 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Genesis
Genesis is a book of beginnings. It tells about the beginning of time, the wonderful creation
of the heaven and the earth and all that in them is. It is here that we learn about the first two
people who ever lived, Adam and Eve, our parents. Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world
that God set before them. They could freely eat with the exception of one single tree. We
learn in chapter three how the serpent (also called the devil and Satan) tempted Eve to
disobey God. She listened to him and ate. She also gave to her husband who did also eat.
They were driven from their home, Eden, with judgments, as a result of that rebellion against
God's word lest they eat of the tree of life and live forever in their iniquitous state.

In Genesis, we see some of the disastrous results of their revolt. They had a son, Cain, who
grew up to murder his brother Abel. As time went on, iniquity abounded all over the earth
and God, who so lovingly crafted a beautiful earth for us, was grieved at his heart.

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it
grieved him at his heart.

We still feel, see, and experience the aftermath of our first parents' rebellion. We are born
ready to sin in due time and must all die today because of our transgressions. But all is not
lost, in the fullness of time, God sent us a Saviour to save us from our sins so that we might
be reconciled to him. His name is Jesus.

In Genesis, we learn about the patriarchs--the fathers of every person who walks the earth
today. We learn about the worldwide flood in Noah's day, the first occupations (see Cain's
three sons), the tri-fold division of nations*, the division of the land mass into continents in
Peleg's day, the division of one language into the many languages we have today.

*all nations on the earth today come from one of Noah's three sons--Shem, Ham, or Japheth.
I do not know if there is an ethnologist alive that does not know this fact. This is common
knowledge amongst them. This information comes exclusively out of our Bible so I do not
know why it is hidden from most Christians. Here is a basic map showing how these three
families were divided after the flood. As time went on they migrated to various regions.
Examine several maps and compare them to what you find in the scripture record.

12 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


13 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


sons

Genesis also accounts the beginning of the nation of Israel. It all began with a man named
Abram. One day, God told Abram to leave his country, Ur of the Chaldees in Mesopotamia
(in the region of modern day Iraq) to go to a place that God would show him. Abram obeyed.
Abram, whose name was changed to Abraham, was a man who loved the Lord and obeyed
him. Therefore, God made him two great promises in Genesis 12--

1. that Abraham would have a son and many descendants even though his wife Sarai
(later Sarah) was barren; and,
2. he would possess all the land of Canaan.

Abraham believed God's promises, and that belief was accounted to him for righteousness
(Gen 15:6; Jam 2:23).

Just as God promised, God gave Abraham and Sarah a son. They named him Isaac. Isaac had
a son named Jacob but his name was changed to Israel after he wrestled with a man (an
angel) all night (ref. Gen 32:24-30). Israel had 12 sons, each of whom was the head of a tribe
of people. These are called are called the 12 tribes of Israel. This is important to know
because you will read about the 12 tribes of Israel from Genesis to Revelation.

Abrahamic Descent of the 12 Tribes of Israel

14 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


As we near the end of Genesis, we read about Joseph, who was one of the 12 sons of Israel.
Joseph was a just man and his father loved him more than his brothers. His brothers hated
him for this and sold him into slavery. He ended up in Egypt. After going through sore trials,
God used Joseph to tell Pharaoh (King of Egypt) that there was going to be a severe famine
in the land. As a result, Pharaoh made Joseph second in charge of his kingdom to prepare for
the forthcoming famine. At the close of Genesis, we find the other 11 tribes of Israel going to
Egypt to live with Joseph because of the famine in the land. This is how the Israelites got into
Egypt. See Ps 105:16-23 for an overview of Joseph and Israel going into Egypt.

Exodus
After Joseph died, a new Pharaoh arose that did not know Joseph. He looked around and saw
the Israelites (descendants of Jacob/Israel) prospering. Pharaoh decided to enslave them. The
Israelites then became slaves for 400 years. During that time, they increased more and more
and became a nation, a multitude of people just like God promised Abraham in Genesis 12.

The Israelites cried out to God because of the affliction that they suffered as slaves--and God
heard them. He raised up a man named Moses to deliver the people out of Egypt. God
performed many wonders in Egypt by the hand of Moses. When Pharaoah would not let the
people go, God sent a total of ten plagues on the Egyptians. The last plague, the 10th plague,
was the slaying of all the firstborn of Egypt. In order to escape this plague, Israel was told to

15 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


slay a lamb without blemish and put its blood on the side posts and upper door post of their
houses and to eat the lamb roast with fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. And when
the Lord passed through the land of Egypt that night, he smote all of the firstborn, but he
passed over those houses where he saw the blood of the lamb. They were safe. But the
firstborn of all the Egyptians died whether man or beast--including Pharaoh's son.

After the 10th plague, Pharaoh said that red_sea
the people could go, and the people
departed. But then he changed his mind
and his army began to chase after the
Israelites. The Israelites found themselves
on the border of the Red Sea.

It looked as if they were trapped. Then
Moses said unto the people,

14:13 ...Fear ye not, stand still, and
see the salvation of the LORD,
which he will shew to you to day:
for the Egyptians whom ye have
seen to day, ye shall see them again
no more for ever.
14:14 The LORD shall fight for
you, and ye shall hold your peace.
14:15 And the LORD said unto
Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto
me? speak unto the children of
Israel, that they go forward:
14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide
it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
14:17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall
follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon
his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
14:18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me
honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and
went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and
stood behind them:
14:20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel;
and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so
that the one came not near the other all the night.
14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the
sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land,
and the waters were divided.
14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry
ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their
left.
14:23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea,

16 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the
host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the
host of the Egyptians,
14:25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the
Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for
them against the Egyptians.
14:26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that
the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon
their horsemen.
14:27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to
his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and
the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
14:28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and
all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so
much as one of them.

God magnified the scope of his power when he overthrew Egypt for his people. This great
event is recounted over and over again in the scriptures. The Israelite slavery was long and
hard, but in the fullness of time, after they had become a nation, after their incubation in
Egypt, their enemies were destroyed having served their purpose. In Romans 9:17, the Bible
teaches that Pharaoh was raised up to shew God's power. May we never forget what God
wrought in Egypt and may we truly consider what was happening during each of the plagues.

After the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, they spent time in the desert, the wilderness of
Sinai. Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive God's law for his people. Mount Sinai is
located in Arabia (Gal 4:25).

17 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


This recently enslaved people needed laws to govern their nation just as any other nation
needs laws, rules, and regulations.

In Exodus 20, God gives Moses the ten commandments while he is on mount Sinai. Every
man should know the ten commandments by heart--

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

While Moses was on mount Sinai receiving the ten commandments, the people called on
Aaron (Moses' brother) to make them a golden calf to worship. This Israelite rebellion would
be repeated over and over in the scriptures.

The ten commandments are sometimes called the moral law. In Exodus, God shewed Moses a
pattern for building a portable tabernacle. He also gave them a priesthood and told them how
to make sacriﬁces. God gave them additional laws and statutes for criminal law (e.g., what to
do if someone steals), civil law (e.g., someone borrows an animal and it dies, recompensing
someone you hurt accidentally) as well as other statutes and ordinances for things like

18 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


sanitation, disease, and diet.

Leviticus

After Israel escaped Egypt, God set up a priesthood while they were still in the wilderness
with Moses. He selected the sons of Aaron (who was Moses' brother and from the tribe of
Levi) to perform the ofﬁce of the priesthood. Other Levites performed various functions in
the tabernacle. That is why this book is called LEVIticus.

The New Testament teaches that we are a royal priesthood. It would therefore do us well to
study the law of the priest found in Leviticus. Deuteronomy 10:8 gives three reasons why
God separated out the Levitical priesthood--

Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the
ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto
him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

The book of Leviticus also covers sundry ordinances and prescribes how to identify the
plague of leprosy. Those infected had to dwell outside the camp, quarantined--something that
we STILL need to practice, especially with plagues like AIDS--places for people with
debilitating infectious diseases until they are cured.

In the scriptures, God tells us why he gave Israel all these ceremonial laws, procedures and
rituals. One of those reasons was--

Leviticus 11:47, To make a difference between the unclean and the clean...

The priesthood has a responsibility to teach people right and wrong--

Ezekiel 44:23, And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy
and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

God's priests are called to teach the difference between holy and profane. We are to cause
people to discern between what is unclean and what is clean. By God's grace and anointing,
we are to open people's perception.

In the Old Testament, God uses natural things in order to teach us great spiritual realities. I
look for the natural ﬁrst and then the spiritual (I Cor 15:46).

[Aside: Perhaps this goes without saying, but with the rise of heresies such as the "Hebrew
Roots of Christianity," I will say it: Christians do not perform the carnal rituals and
ceremonies found in the law of Moses--the washings, slaying animals, avoiding certain
animals, etc. We are under the New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
not the Old Testament of Moses which Hebrews teaches is vastly inferior to the New
Testament and inadequate for salvation. Anyone who tries to keep the Old Testament law is
fallen from grace (Gal 5:4).]

19 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Numbers
God told Moses to take several numberings, or censuses, of the children of Israel while they
were out in the wilderness--men able to go forth to war, Levites, etc.

It is in the book of numbers where we read about that fateful event when the 12 spies (one
from each tribe of Israel) were sent out to search the land of Canaan, the land that God had
promised Abraham. After looking it over, all the spies agreed that it was a good land, flowing
with milk and honey--but only two of the spies believed that God would allow them to
overcome their formidable enemies. Their names were Joshua and Caleb. The other spies
brought forth an evil report saying that the land was good, but that their enemies were great.
The people listened to the unbelieving spies. Therefore God said that Israel would wander
and die in the wilderness for their unbelief. They wandered for 40 years until all that
generation died out and a new generation (their children) had come into adulthood. Then
another numbering was taken. Out of that generation, only Joshua and Caleb survived and
were able to go into the promised land.

In this book, we find more laws that God gave to govern Israel. We also find narrative of
what happened when Israel was wandering in the wilderness from place to place. We read of
Korah and others who wanted to take over Moses' position. We also read about Moses'
disobedience at the waters of Meribah--that one act prevented him from going into the
promised land. We read about Balaam and his ass that spake with man's voice. We read how
the Israelites became idol worshippers and how God destroyed 24,000 of them with a plague.

Deuteronomy
Here we find Moses' final instructions to Israel before they go into the promised land.
Deuteronomy is a book of blessing for the obedient and a book of cursing for the disobedient.
It is also a reminder of the ten commandments and other laws. In Deuteronomy, Moses
blesses and lays hands on Joshua, his successor. Moses gets to see the promised land (but not
enter) and dies at 120 years old. His eyes were not dim and his natural force was not abated.
Deuteronomy ends the books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy).

Joshua
Joshua was a mighty man of valour, a warrior, who successfully led Israel's army across
Jordan and into the promised land of Canaan. This book chronicles the conquests of the
children of Israel and the dividing of the land once it was conquered. God fulfilled every
promise that he made to Abraham (Joshua 21:43-45). He cast out seven nations greater and
stronger than Israel and gave them houses that they did not build and vineyards that they did
not plant. Here is a map showing the territory of the kingdom of Israel.

20 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


israel_territory

The following is a map of how the land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. Notice
the sea of Galilee in the north, the river of Jordan, and the salt sea. Levi had no inheritance in
the land (ref. Nu 18:20-26), the LORD was his inheritance.

21 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


land_divided

Judges
After the death of Joshua, God raised up various judges to judge Israel.

As one reads Judges, a cycle emerges--

Israel would listen to the Lord while the judge was alive
when he died, they would go back to idol worship
God would deliver his disobedient people over to their enemies to be afﬂicted
The people would cry out for deliverance from their afﬂiction
God would give them another judge to deliver them from oppression.

22 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


This would happen over and over again. In Judges we read about the exploits of the strong
man Samson, and other judges including Deborah, the only female judge, who dwelt under a
palm tree with her husband, Lapidoth.

If we take a step back and look at God's chosen government for his people--judges--we find
that the legal system of ancient Israel was based on every man understanding God's law and
simply keeping it as he dwelt under his own vine and under his own fig tree. God's people
were to be a self-governing people free from overbearing kings and rulers. If a matter arose
that was too hard for them in judgment, then they would go unto the priests, the Levites, and
to the judge to enquire and receive the sentence of judgment (see Deu 17:8-13).

I, II Samuel
Samuel was a judge. It was in his days that Israel decided that it wanted a king like the
nations instead of judges. They did not want God ruling over them. God gave them what they
asked for, but there would be a price to pay. Samuel details many exciting historical accounts.
It is here that we meet King Saul, the first Hebrew king. We also meet David, a man after
God's own heart, who slew the giant Goliath. We read here how David develops a deep
friendship with Saul's son, Jonathan, and how David lives on the run because he is hunted by
King Saul. We also read about how David became king after Saul died and how David
committed adultery with Uriah's wife,Bathsheba, and then had that noble man killed. As a
result, the sword (troubles) never left the house of David after that.

I, II Kings
First and Second Kings continues the history of the Israelites. At the beginning of I Kings,
David is old. It presents two contenders for the throne (both of whom are David's
sons)--Solomon (David's choice) and Adonijah (who exalted himself to be king). Solomon
became king. Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule God's people. In response to this
request, God gave Solomon much wisdom as well as riches. Solomon built a permanent
temple for the Lord with those materials that his father David had laid up for that purpose.

Now that Israel was settled in the land, they had a permanent, fixed structure at which to
worship. During the times of Solomon all of Israel was still under one king. They were a
united kingdom. This did not last too long, however. A problem arose. Solomon loved many
strange women who turned his heart away from the Lord. Solomon even built a mount of
corruption to other gods. God said that as a result of this, he would tear away much of the
kingdom from Solomon's son, Rehoboam, who became the next king of Israel. God took
Solomon's servant, Jeroboam, and raised him up to eventually be a king over Israel. In the
end, Jeroboam had ten tribes and Rehoboam, Solomon's son, only had one tribe. Jeroboam
introduced idolatry into his kingdom, Israel, from which they never recovered.

Israel was now a divided kingdom and would remain divided_kingdom
that way throughout the times of the kings. Israel
was divided into two kingdoms--one was in the north
with Jeroboam. It became known as Israel. The

23 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


capital of Israel was Samaria. The other kingdom divided_kingdom
was in the south with Rehoboam. It became known
as Judah (David was of the tribe of Judah). The
capital of Judah was Jerusalem. These kingdoms
were so separate that they would even make war
against each other at times.

As in the times of Moses, the Israelites were
rebellious and disobedient to the commands of the
Lord. Moses told them, "Ye have been rebellious
against the LORD from the day that I knew you"
(Deu 9:24). During the reign of the kings, God sent
them various prophets to show them their errors and
to urge Israel to repent. Prophets like Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Hosea, etc.

When reading about the times of the kings, it is striking to see that the kings of Israel all seem
wicked, some less so than others. I cannot recall reading about even one good king in Israel.
In Judah, on the other hand, we do read about some good kings and their exploits--like good
king Josiah and good king Hezekiah who believed in the Lord and wrought righteousness. In
the end, however, both Israel and Judah fall to their enemies because the Hebrews refused to
repent of their disobedience to God's commands. Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians
around 700 BC and Judah was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, around
600 BC Nebuchadnezzar took the vessels out of the temple and destroyed the temple. The
people were taken captive to Babylon. This is called the Babylonian captivity. According to
the word of the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah, the Babylonian captivity lasted 70 years.

Once the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were carried away, they never arose again under the
Hebrew kings. The next and final and everlasting king of Israel would be her Messiah, the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

I, II Chronicles
A chronicle is the setting forth of facts in order. I and II Chronicles, like I and II Kings,
chronicles the Hebrew kings and their acts. The northern kingdom, Israel, had a series of
kings (beginning with Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom, Judah, had a series of kings
(beginning with Rehoboam, Solomon's son). The kings of Israel came from different families
and different men would fight to gain the throne. The kings of Judah came from the lineage
of David. There seemed to be more stability with the kings of Judah, the tribe from which our
Lord Jesus Christ would come to reign as king of Israel.

The first chapters of I Chronicles include important genealogical information on the tribes of
Israel. Our Lord would come through the lineage of Judah and David and so the names of the
fathers are thus set in order to establish this fact. In the New Testament, in Matthew 1 and
Luke 3, we also see genealogical information establishing that our Lord is of the lineage of
David. The Old Testament prophesies of the son of David that would sit upon the throne of
David. The Bible, at various points, traces how our Lord lineally descended from David.

24 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


It is said that Chronicles focuses more on the exploits of the kings of Judah while Kings
focuses more on the kings of Israel. They both record the various kings and their acts. One
can get different aspects of the same king in by reading both Kings and Chronicles.

Both the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah did wickedly and ran after heathen
gods. As a result, they both eventually fell to their enemies. Israel, the northern tribe, was
carried away by Assyria (II Kings 18:11), and about one hundred years later Judah was taken
captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. This is
often referred to as the "Babylonian captivity" which lasted for 70 years as prophesied by the
prophet Jeremiah. As we will read a little further on, Ezekiel and Daniel were both prophets
during this time of the Babylonian captivity.

Ezra
At the end of the Babylonian captivity, God raised up workers to rebuild the temple that
Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed. Ezra emerged as a teaching priest who had prepared his heart
to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments (Ez
7:10).

Nehemiah
Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer in Shushan the palace (Interesting note: Daniel and
Esther were also in Shushan the palace in Babylon. Alexander the Great of Greece died in
Shushan the palace. Read the review of Daniel to learn more about the four world
kingdoms--the last of which is still in power.) God raised up Nehemiah to rebuild the wall
around Jerusalem. He and Ezra were contemporaries. Nehemiah was a clean up man who
cleaned up many abuses that had occurred in Israel.

Esther
Esther, a comely, adopted Jewess, was chosen to marry a heathen king during the reign of the
Medes-Persian empire. This book tells how she risked her life to save her people.

Job
Job was a man from the land of Uz, south of Israel. Job was an upright man who feared God
and eschewed evil. But God tried Job. He permitted Satan to kill all his children, take his
cattle and smite Job with boils all over his body. Job and his friends debate about why this
happened to him. Job said that he was just and his friends say that he was being punished for
being wicked. In the end, a young man named Elihu reproves Job for justifying himself
instead of justifying God. (This is a lesson for us--no matter what happens we better give
God the glory for he is right and all his works are done in truth. He allows what he wants to
happen to us.) Finally, God himself powerfully enters into the conversation and reproves Job
for his utter ignorance. He also reproves Job's friends for not speaking that thing which was
right concerning himself. Job sees that he spoke wrongly and acknowledges this fact. He

25 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


prays for his friends and God restores all he lost and gives him even more.

Psalms
Psalms is the sacred songbook of Israel. The Psalms contain praises and expressions that also
give vent to the full range of emotions that we have--sorrow, joy, contrition, repentance, etc.
They express vengeance on enemies. We cannot take vengeance, but God will. The foot of
the wicked will slide in due time. The Psalms rehearse the acts of the Lord and history. They
prophesy of the coming Messiah. Many Psalms were written by King David, the sweet
psalmist of Israel (II Samuel 23:1). Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible. In it, the
psalmist extols the many merits of God's word.

In a time of deep oppression, we found the psalms a healing balm to our souls. From that
night onward, we incorporated them into our school at the top of our school day. My
experience with them has shown them to be medicine for the soul and mind in times of
oppression and depression.

Proverbs
Proverbs is a collection of wise sentences from a wise father (King Solomon) to his son. It is
full of practical everyday wisdom. Looking at it from a wider view, the Father is God and the
son is each of us his children who is reading his words. It shows us how to behave ourselves
and live uprightly amongst men and how to be diligent and wise. As with all scripture, it is
proﬁtable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, That the
man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (ref. II Tim 3:16-17).

Ecclesiastes, or The Preacher
Here King Solomon discusses the vanity of life. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. A man who
had all that the world had to offer invites us to look around at the world and see the folly of it
all. Wide in scope, and beautiful in presentation, Ecclesiastes directs and focuses our
attention on what we are doing and what we are a part of. At the end of this discussion,
Solomon draws a conclusion--fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole
duty of man.

Song of Solomon
This is the song of songs, which is Solomon's. It is a dialogue between a man and a woman.
It reveals the rich physical love between the man and his wife and their exchanges. As we
look at the Song of Solomon in wider view--the church is the wife (bride) and Christ is the
husband (bridegroom). Each of us disciples has a peculiar and highly personal relationship
with Christ that parallels a husband-wife relationship. Our Maker is our husband (Is 54:5).
We make prayers and worship and praise God. We read his word and sing songs to him. We
spend time with him and good works are conceived in us as a result of this relationship.
People are not there to see those works conceived, but they do see them as they mature within

26 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


us and finally are born into the world. When God looks at his true people, he does so with
love and desire and the closer we draw to Christ, the more we can understand the Song of
Solomon.

The Prophets

What is a prophet? A prophet is someone who tells men what God wants them to hear. God
has a message to his people and the prophet's ministry includes relaying that message to men.

Many of the book titles in the Old Testament are the names of the prophets who prophesied in
Israel and Judah under various kings. A few of the prophetical books are directed toward the
heathen--like Jonah and Obadiah. One commonality that we often see in the prophets is the
call to Israel to repent of their evil works. The prophets were despised, persecuted and
suffered affliction. Prophets are the watchmen of the church. We see that some prophets
prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel and some prophesied to the southern kingdom
of Judah. In their books we can often see to whom a particular prophet prophesied.

The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Lord and of judgment. They foretell
what is yet to come in the future. They also express the feelings and experiences that we have
as we look around and see so much injustice and wickedness both inside the church and
outside of it. The writings of prophets also give us hope that things will one day be better,
just, and equal, and that all injustice will be avenged.

Isaiah
Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Israel. His book is full of observations on
Israel's behaviour, God's judgments against the nations and Israel, as well as prophecies
regarding the end times. There are also many beautiful and comforting portions for the elect.
Many call Isaiah the prince of the prophets. It is said that his book is the one most quoted and
referred to in the New Testament.

Isaiah foretold that Christ would be born of a virgin and that he would suffer for our
transgressions. Isaiah 53 has opened the eyes of many Jewish people, showing them how
Christ Jesus is the prophesied Messiah of Israel.

As with the other prophets, Isaiah called Israel to repent. In the latter chapters, we find much
beauty, comfort, and promises of relief. We also find is several chapters, beginning around
chapter 40, a series of statements where God makes clear that there is no other God beside
him (e.g. 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:5, 6, 21, 22). Mormon males are told that they can (and have)
become gods like God the Father. These scriptures make clear that they have been taught a
lie.

Jeremiah
Jeremiah prophesied to Judah. He kept warning the people to repent, but they would not

27 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


listen. Jeremiah told the people that they were going to go into captivity for 70 years for their
disobedience. Jeremiah was thrown in a pit, kidnapped and taken into Egypt, and had his life
threatened. He prophesied until the captivity when king Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the
temple and took Israel captive.

Lamentations
These are the lamentations of Jeremiah. He is weeping over the city because it has been taken
captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah is often referred to as "the weeping
prophet".

Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a prophet of the Babylonian captivity. God showed Ezekiel many visions and
told Ezekiel to prophesy to Israel, "a rebellious house". Israel clave to idols and idol worship
in spite of the second commandment to make unto themselves any graven images.

As with many of the prophets, Ezekiel warned Israel of God's coming judgments. He also
made known to them the pattern for the new temple different in size from the tabernacle of
Moses and the temple of Solomon. Hearing of this temple and form was to make Israel
ashamed. And if ashamed, they were to learn the particulars of the house. These are obscure
and dark sayings, however, a careful reading of Ezekiel and the temple can reveal new truths
and insights to those diligently seeking the Lord. Sketching what is revealed about the temple
on a verse-by-verse basis can be very helpful. Where something is not understood, draft what
seems to be understood and in the end, one better understands.

Daniel
According to Daniel 1:1-6, Daniel was taken from his homeland when he was a child. He was
taken after Jehoiakim king of Judah fell before Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Daniel
1:1-2, II Kings 24:1-2).

About twenty years later (after the reigns of Jehoichin and Zedekiah), Judah, as a nation,
would fall before Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. At that time, the Babylonians would
destroy the temple and take Judah captive into Babylon. This was the beginning of what we
now call "the Babylonian captivity". Daniel would rise to become a powerful prophet of the
Babylonian captivity. He lived in Shushan the palace directly under Nebuchadnezzar the king
as one of his wise men. It appears that Daniel's presence there under the master of the
eunuchs (Dan 1:3, 7, 9-11) was a fulﬁllment of II Kings 20:17-19 where Isaiah told king
Hezekiah that some of his seed would be made eunuchs in the palace of the king of
Babylon--

17 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy
fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing
shall be left, saith the LORD. 18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee,
which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the

28 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


palace of the king of Babylon. 19Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the
word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace
and truth be in my days?

Daniel is an interesting book full of exciting accounts, dreams, and visions. Of especial note,
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a great image (Dan 2). Of all the wise men of Babylon, only
Daniel could make known the dream and the interpretation thereof. That great image is of
the utmost importance to us today. It tells of four world kingdoms--and only four. It began
with Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar as the head of gold. Here are the four kingdoms in order:

Babylon
Medes-Persians
Grecia
Rome

In the book of Daniel, we read about the ﬁrst image
three kingdoms (Babylon, Medes-Persians,
Greeks). By the time Christ was born, Rome
was in power. In Luke 2, we read that the
Roman Caesar Augustus sent out a decree
that all the world should be taxed. As the
scriptures continue, we read about other
caesars as well--Tiberius (Luke 3:1) and
Claudius (Acts 11:28 & 18:2). In the
subscript to II Timothy it mentions Paul being
brought before the Roman emperor Nero.

What you are reading here is not an obscure
interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
These are historical facts that can also be seen
in books and museums--in this exact order.
What the museums and books do not
know--or do not reveal--is that Rome is still
in power. They say that the Roman empire
died in 476 AD. Rome is still the world
power, but in a new form,

the ROMAN Catholic church.

Through the centuries, the popes have
continued to take the styles and names and
forms of imperial Rome. The pope is still
called pontifex maximus which means, "high
priest" just like the caesars were. There are
many other such styles that they have retained. They are modern emperors, they live in a
palace, the Vatican, and are far richer than any other king who has ever lived. MYSTERY,
BABYLON THE GREAT is truly a mystery in many ways, but exploration of her at this time
is outside the scope of this treatise.

29 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


All history is not equally important. With the four kingdoms of Daniel in hand, those that
understand can properly focus on what is relevant--and its workings as we near the end.
Modern day locations of the four kingdoms--

Babylon (in modern Iraq)
Medes-Persians (in modern Iran)
Grecia (Greece)
Rome (Rome, Italy)

In speaking of the abomination of desolation, the Lord Jesus directed us to the book of Daniel
(Matt 24:15, Mark 13:14). Daniel is for us today. Daniel was curious about the revelations
that he received, but was told to seal up the book for it was for the time of the end. These
times in which we live are the end. It is time for the visions of Daniel to be loosed and
understood. Daniel 11 teaches that in the end times, those that know their God shall be strong
and do exploits and they that understand among the people shall instruct many.

For additional information on this matter, see the entry for Revelation (the last book of the
Bible) below.

Hosea
Hosea prophesied during the time of the kings. God told him to marry an unfaithful whore to
demonstrate that like a whore, Israel was unfaithful to the Lord.

Joel
Joel calls the people to repentance and prophesies of fearsome endtimes. He warns of the day
of the LORD when the LORD will gather all nations into the valley of Jehoshaphat when the
harvest is ripe, the press is full, and the fats overﬂow. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of
decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall
be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion,
and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD
will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Amos
Amos prophesied to Israel during the reign of the kings (ref. Amos 1:1). As with many other
prophets, Amos warns Israel concerning God's judgments against Israel and other disobedient
nations.

Amos said this of his calling, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an
herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the ﬂock,
and the LORD said unto me, 'Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.'"

30 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Obadiah
Obadiah prophesied against the heathen nation of Edom. Edom is the nation of Esau, Jacob's
older brother spoken of in the book of Genesis. Edom is located in the region south of Israel.

map_edom

Jonah
Jonah is sometimes called, "the reluctant prophet". God told Jonah to go and warn the
Ninevites of impending judgment for their sins. But Jonah did not want to do it. He did not
want to warn his enemies, so he ran away on a ship in another direction. There was a storm at
sea and the ship had trouble because of Jonah. Jonah told the mariners to throw him
overboard because he was the one causing the trouble.

When they threw him overboard, a great fish/whale swallowed Jonah and he was in the
whale's belly for three days. Jonah prayed to the Lord out of the fish's belly. God had the
whale to vomit him out and Jonah did what God told him to in the first place. The Ninevites
repented at the preaching of Jonah and God spared the city. Jonah was very angry, even unto
death, because God did not destroy the Ninevites, but rather had mercy on them.

Micah
Micah prophesied during the times of the kings. As with many other prophets, he reproved
Israel of its idolatry. He also prophesied that Christ would be born in Bethlehem.

31 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Nahum
Nahum foretells the ruin of Nineveh.

Habakkuk
Habakkuk complains of all the wickedness of the people. They are lawless, disobedient and
doing whatever they want to--just like in the church today. He asks God, "Why dost thou
shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance?" God answers him in chapter two that
Habakkuk is to, "write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth
it." God had Habakkuk to write down the prophecy so that the Lord's people could run. We
get our footing in the scriptures. In chapter three, Habakkuk rejoices in the Lord, "I will
rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and
he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."

Zephaniah
Zephaniah prophesied during the time of the Israelite kings. He warned of God's judgment
and the day of the Lord. That day is a day of wrath. Zephaniah also prophesies of the
comforts to God's people when they shall be free in Zion and the heathen are perished.

...wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my
determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour
upon them mine indignation, even all my ﬁerce anger: for all the earth shall be
devoured with the ﬁre of my jealousy.

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem. The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast
out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou
shalt not see evil any more. Zephaniah 3:8, 14-15

Haggai
Haggai was a prophet of the post-captivity after the Jews were permitted to go back to
Jerusalem and rebuild the temple that Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed. The Medes-Persians
were still in power at this time. Haggai prophesied during the times of Ezra and Nehemiah
and is mentioned in Ezra. The people prospered under their prophesying (Ezra 6:14).

Zechariah
Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. The people prospered under their prophesying
(Ezra 6:14).

32 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM


Malachi
Malachi was also a prophet of the post-captivity. His is the last book of the Old Testament.
Malachi reproves the people and the priests for their polluted service to God. He also tells of
the faithful in Israel--

But those that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the LORD
hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the LORD and that thought on his name.

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Malachia 3:16-17

In chapters three and four, Malachi prophesies of the coming of the Lord, and his
messenger, John the Baptist. Malachi ends the Old Testament. It would be 400
years before the coming of the Lord and the New Testament scriptures.

INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD

This consists of those 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is here
that we witness the events that gave rise to groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees,
politically minded religious rulers under Israel's foreign captors. [more forthcoming...]

OVERVIEW OF THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD AND
SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST

In the fullness of time, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is born the fulﬁllment of all the
prophets. He is God manifested in the ﬂesh. He came down here to die for our sins and
transgressions. No man took his life from him, he laid it down of himself and then took it
back again when he rose from the dead.

John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I
might take it again.

John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power
to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I
received of my Father.

No man past, present, or future has this type of power. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour
of the world and is the only way by which any man will come to the Father.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man

33 of 71 11/27/10 12:31 PM

Overview Of The Bible

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (18)

Similaire à Overview Of The Bible

Similaire à Overview Of The Bible (18)

Plus de Santosh Mote

Plus de Santosh Mote (20)

Overview Of The Bible