Tag: Bible Survey

January 22 2021

Jeremiah

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Book of Jeremiah, Gospel, Jeremiah, Jeremiah Outline, Jeremiah Themes, Jesus, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of Jeremiah, Survey of Jeremiah 0

Author

Jeremiah, who is also called “The Weeping Prophet” since no one would listen to his warnings, and his calling as a prophet took him into the final destruction of God’s people as a nation.

Date

Jeremiah was called to the prophetic office around 626 B.C. (60 years after Isaiah finished his prophetic ministry). The book of Jeremiah covers a period of about 40 years of prophetic ministry and was likely compiled around 585 B.C.

Audience and Purpose

Jeremiah originally wrote to the people of Judah, about 40 years before the Babylonian (also called Chaldean) captivity.

As Isaiah had protected Jerusalem from falling to the Assyrians by his calls to repentance, Jeremiah would attempt to protect them from falling to the Babylonians. His attempts, however, would prove fruitless, as the people rejected his prophecies, and refused to repent. The book finishes with a prophecy of the future fall of Babylon (chapter 51) and then a recounting of the fall of Jerusalem into Babylonian captivity (chapter 52).

Major Themes

God’s Judgement for Sin.
God’s Promise of Salvation and Restoration.
The Day of the Lord.
Covenant.

Key Scriptures

Jeremiah 5:31 — “the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?”
Jeremiah 24:7 — “I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34 — ““Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Outline

Jeremiah 1:1-19 — Jeremiah’s Call as a Prophet
Jeremiah 2:1–25:38 — Prophesy of God’s Judgment on Judah
Jeremiah 26:1– 29:32 — Jeremiah’s Rejection By Judah
Jeremiah 30:1-33:26 — Promise of Restoration for Judah and Israel
Jeremiah 34:1-45:5 — Fulfillment of God’s Judgement on Judah
Jeremiah 46:1–51:64 — Prophesy of God’s Judgement on the Nations
Jeremiah 52:1–34 — The Destruction of Jerusalem

Gospel Summary

Jeremiah prophesied in the darkest hour for the Jewish people. After hundreds of years of breaking God’s covenant, they finally see the curse promised in Deuteronomy 28:25-68 come to pass. In such a dark book, it is difficult to see the gospel made evident, and yet lurking behind every prophecy of destruction Jeremiah makes, there are whispers of hope, and a day in the future when God would come into a new covenant with the people. It would not be a covenant based on the works of men, but one based on the faithfulness of God, which would ultimately transform men from the inside out, and bring God into focus as the object of their desires.

The dark history recorded in the book of Jeremiah was a necessary step toward God bringing about this new covenant, and should bring to mind the dark night of suffering Jesus went through as He went to the cross in order to see the new covenant birthed into the world.

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December 18 2020

Isaiah

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Book of Isaiah, Gospel, Isaiah, Isaiah Outline, Isaiah Themes, Jesus, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of Isaiah, Survey of Isaiah 0

Author

Isaiah, who, because of the large numbers of prophecy concerning the coming of Christ, has earned the nickname, “The Messianic Prophet.”

Date

The book of Isaiah was written over many decades, covering the period from Isaiah’s calling as a prophet “in the year that King Uzziah died” (6:1), which would have been around 740 B.C; through the death of Sennacherib (37:38), which would have been around 681 B.C. However, many scholars believe Isaiah had finished his public prophetic ministry by 700 B.C.

Audience and Purpose

Isaiah was writing primarily to the people of Judah, after the nation was divided. His writings were prior to the attempted Assyrian captivity of Judah, and during the Assyrian captivity of Israel. Although delivered from Assyria under the leadership of King Hezekiah, Isaiah does prophesy that Judah would be taken into captivity by Babylon as punishment for their sin as well as their restoration under a future man named Cyrus (see Chapters 41, 44-45).

In the book, Isaiah’s prophecies are recorded chronologically. Each of his prophecies tend to follow the same general pattern: first he brings an accusation agains the people for their sin, then he prophesies the judgement God will bring as punishment After this, he calls the people to repentance and to return to the Lord, then he paints a picture of God’s restoration and blessing to follow if they do.

Major Themes

God’s Judgement for Sin.
God’s Promise of Salvation and Restoration.
The Promised Messiah. Isaiah 53 has been called “The Gospel of Isaiah,” because it gives the clearest picture of Christ’s sacrificial death, making atonement for sin and sickness, than any other Old Testament writer.
The Day of the Lord. This day of God’s final judgment of the wicked and vindication of the righteous is a major topic for many of the Old Testament prophets.

Key Scriptures

Isaiah 1:18-20 — “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Isaiah 53:4-6 — (Prophesying about Jesus) “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Outline

Isaiah 1:1-12:6 — Prophesy of God’s Judgment on His People
Isaiah 13:1-27:13 — Prophesy of God’s Judgment on the Nations
Isaiah 40:1-55:13 — Promise of Restoration and Salvation for God’s people
Isaiah 56:1-66:24 — Preparation for a Glorious Future

Gospel Summary

Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. Despite being a timely word of warning for the people of Judah concerning their continual sin and imminent punishment from the Lord, he still manages to prophesy a clearer picture of the life of the coming Messiah than any other book of the Old Testament. His prophecy includes, among other things:

the virgin birth and that the Messiah would be called “Immanuel,” or “God With Us” (7:14);
that Messiah would work from Galilee (9:1-2);
that Messiah would be God and that His Kingdom would be without end (9:6-7);
that God’s Spirit would rest on the Messiah, who would be called “the branch” (11:1-2);
the gentleness of the Messiah as a servant (42:1-4),
the suffering and death of the Messiah which would atone for the sin and sicknesses of mankind (52:13-53:12), and
the purpose of the Messianic anointing (61:1-4), which Jesus quotes concerning Himself in Luke 4:18-19.

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December 11 2020

Song of Solomon

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Book of Song of Solomon, Gospel, Jesus, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Song of Solomon, Song of Solomon Outline, Song of Solomon Themes, Summary of Song of Solomon, Survey of Song of Solomon 0

Author

Tradition holds that Solomon was the author, which is supported by the text itself, as Solomon is mentioned many times within the book.

Date

Possibly around 965 B.C; as most scholars believe that Solomon wrote this book early in life, before his affections for one woman (and for the Lord alone) was overcome by his acceptance of many wives and their gods.

Audience and Purpose

If the Book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s exploration of human wisdom and intellectualism written at the end of his life, then the Song of Solomon is his exploration of human emotions and love, written from the perspective of a young man being carried by such things.

Major Themes

Human Emotion.
Love and Marriage. In this book of love, written between Solomon and his unnamed lover, we also get a glimpse into the biblical mystery of marriage in Christ and the Church.

Key Scriptures

Song of Solomon 6:3 — “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine…”

Outline

Song of Solomon 1:1-6:3 — The Longings of the Lovers
Song of Solomon 6:4-8:4 — The Praises of the Lovers
Song of Solomon 8:5-14 — The Marriage of the Lovers

Gospel Summary

As Solomon was writing specifically about his own love interest, and exploring human passions and emotions, this book might seem out of place in the Old Testament canon. Young Jewish children are actually forbidden from reading the book of Song of Solomon until they are mature.

At a basic level, our study of the Song of Solomon must understand that it paints a picture of God’s ideals for human love and marriage, including things like monogamy, fidelity, affection, and more. However, in light of the New Testament’s fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies of God claiming a people for Himself, we cannot miss the fact that in many ways the book of Song of Solomon is intended by God to be a metaphor of the love between God and His people, specifically between Christ and the church. For example, we can explore this metaphor deeper if we read the book in light of Ephesians 5:25-32.

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December 4 2020

Ecclesiastes

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Book of Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes Outline, Ecclesiastes Themes, Gospel, Jesus, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of Ecclesiastes, Survey of Ecclesiastes 0

Author

Although the author only refers to himself as “the preacher, the son of David” in 1:1, there are many other evidences in the book that the author was King Solomon, including the author’s great wisdom (1:16), his mass of wealth (2:8), his building projects (2:4-6), and his discussion of his collection of proverbs (12:9-14).

Date

The book of Ecclesiastes was likely written between 940 and 931 B.C., near the end of Solomon’s reign.

Audience and Purpose

Ecclesiastes was written to God’s people to answer the question, “does life have meaning?”

Major Themes

Brevity of Life.
Wealth. The author amasses enormous wealth, but determines that it is “vanity.”
Human Pleasure. The author amasses thousands of women (wives and concubines), but determines that it, too, is “vanity.”
Wisdom and Human Intellect.

Key Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 1:2 — “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”

Outline

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 — Introduction
Ecclesiastes 1:4-2:26 — First List of Vanities
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 — A Poem: “For Everything There Is A Season”
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 — The Humility of Man Before God
Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16 — Second List of Vanities
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 — Fear and Honor God
Ecclesiastes 5:8-12:7 — Wisdom for Life “Under the Sun”
Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 — Conclusion

Gospel Summary

The book of Ecclesiastes might well be considered humanity’s greatest test of all that life has to offer. King Solomon spent his life throwing lavish parties, accumulating wealth, growing in wisdom and knowledge, and exploring all the sensualities of the flesh. However, at the end of the day, his findings came down to this: life is but a fleeting moment of time, and in comparison to eternity, all of life’s pleasures and accomplishments on earth are “vanity.” His concluding words in the book, summarize this succinctly: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

The whole experiment that is Ecclesiastes brings about one conclusion, we must obey God and live for Him. Of course, the rest of the Old Testament continues to build the case that no matter how hard we try, we are incapable of doing that without the Messiah – Jesus – who is to come.

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November 26 2020

Proverbs

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Book of Proverbs, Gospel, Jesus, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Proverbs, Proverbs Outline, Proverbs Themes, Scripture, Summary of Proverbs, Survey of Proverbs 0

Author

The majority of the proverbs were written by King Solomon, although later portions of the book are attributed to other authors, as well.

The proverbs collected in chapters 22:17-24:34 are attributed to “the wise,” while chapters 30 and 31 are assigned to the authorship of Agur and Lemuel. These men’s identities are otherwise unknown. It is possible that these proverbs, however, came before the time of Solomon, and that he, too, collected them and added them to his book of saying.

Chapters 25-29 are attributed to Solomon, but were collected and edited together by order of King Hezekiah of Judah around 700 B.C.

Date

Solomon would have written his portion of Proverbs from around 971-931 B.C; however, Hezekiah’s collection was not compiled until around 700 B.C. It is therefore easy to conclude that the book of proverbs in its current form was completed at that time.

Audience and Purpose

The audience and purpose of the book are stated clearly in the introduction of the book. Chapter 1 verse 5 says, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning…” which implies that Solomon was writing to anyone looking to grow in wisdom, particularly among his people, Israel. (Though we know the fame of Solomon spread around the world, so it is reasonable to assume many of his proverbs went beyond the borders of Israel as well.)

His purpose is again stated in chapter 1, verses 2-4: “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth.” He expands on his own explanation of purpose in Ecclesiastes 12:9-14.

Major Themes

Wisdom.
Ethics and Morality.
Godly Worldview.

Key Scriptures

Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Outline

Proverbs 1:1-7 — Introduction
Proverbs 1:8-9:18 — A Father to Son Call to Wisdom
Proverbs 10:1-22:16 — Solomon’s Proverbs
Proverbs 22:17-24:34 — Proverbs of “The Wise”
Proverbs 25:1-29:27 — Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs
Proverbs 30:1-33 — Agur’s Proverbs
Proverbs 31:1-9 — King Lemuel’s Proverbs
Proverbs 31:10-31 — Proverbs Regarding a Godly Woman

Gospel Summary

The book of proverbs gives everyday examples of what it means to obey the great commandment of God: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. These sayings, or maxims, apply daily wisdom to demonstrate how to live, and how not to live, to fulfill God’s law and to have a blessed life.

As with all of the books of the Old Testament, Proverbs points to Christ in many different ways, with each topic that is discussed in the book. However, the most prominent picture we get of Christ is that as Solomon became known as the wisest man ever to live, and put that wisdom into this writing, it was only a picture of Jesus (see Isaiah 11:2 and Matthew 12:42), who in His own early life demonstrated the wisdom of God in every aspect thought and action, as He lived in perfect obedience to God. Jesus is our highest example to follow in living a life of wisdom (see Colossians 2:1-3).

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November 13 2020

Job

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Book of Job, Gospel, Jesus, Job, Job Outline, Job Themes, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of Job, Survey of Job 0

Author

The author of the book of Job is unknown. The book takes its name from its primary character, however most biblical scholars believe the book was written down from oral history at a later date, rather than being recorded by Job himself.

Date

The exact date of the writing of Job is unknown. Many scholars believe the book was likely written during the time of King Solomon.

The events of the book of Job likely took place between the Tower of Babel and God’s calling of Abraham (i.e. between Genesis 11:9 and Genesis 12:1). There is no reference to any of God’s covenants to Abraham or the Law of God, which are central to Hebrew theology from Genesis 12 onward. This means that Job was a believer in Yahweh, but outside of the covenant family of Israel.

Audience and Purpose

The fact that scholars believe the book of Job was originally passed through Jewish oral traditions means that the intended audience was the Jewish people. There was a value found in the story, which kept each generation passing it on to the next.

The purpose of the book was to remind the people the God always has a sovereign plan, and is trustworthy in the good times and bad. Job does away with any idea that God is keeping score, or that He works among mankind on an emotional basis.

Major Themes

Overcoming Trials and Adversity.
The Heavenly Host. The book of Job gives us great insight into the political workings of Yahweh and His heavenly host, or “the divine council.” (See also Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1.) It clearly shows Yahweh to be God above all gods.
God’s Justice.
Satan and Evil. Evil has a name. Mankind has a personal enemy. The devil is not just a force at work against humanity, but a person with a strategic mind to battle against God and His people.

Key Scriptures

Job 1:21 — “And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job 38:3-4 — “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. ‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.’”

Outline

Job 1:1-2:13 — Introduction
Job 3:1-26 — Job’s Complaint
Job 4:1-5:27 — Eliphaz Speaks to Job
Job 6:1-7:21 — Job Responds to Eliphaz
Job 8:1-22 — Bildad Speaks to Job
Job 9:1-10:22 — Job Responds to Bildad
Job 11:1-20 — Zophar Speaks to Job
Job 12:1-14:22 — Job Responds to Zophar
Job 15:1-35 — Eliphaz Speaks to Job A Second Time
Job 16:1-17:16 — Job Responds to Eliphaz A Second Time
Job 18:1-21 — Bildad Speaks to Job A Second Time
Job 19:1-29 — Job Responds to Bildad A Second Time
Job 20:1-29 — Zophar Speaks to Job A Second Time
Job 21:1-34 — Job Responds to Zophar A Second Time
Job 22:1-30 — Eliphaz Speaks to Job A Third Time
Job 23:1-24:25 — Job Responds to Eliphaz A Third Time
Job 25:1-6 — Bildad Speaks to Job A Third Time
Job 26:1-14 — Job Responds to Bildad A Third Time
Job 27:1-31:40 — Job’s Final Complaint
Job 32:1-37:24 — Elihu Speaks to Job
Job 38:1-41:34 — God Speaks to Job
Job 42:1-6 — Job Responds to God
Job 42:7-9 — God Responds to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar
Job 42:10-17— The Finale of Job’s Life

Gospel Summary

The book of Job does not fit well into the Old Testament historical narrative. Rather than building on the stories of God’s covenant people (leading to Christ), it instead gives us a glimpse into the life of faith of a single person who is living dedicated to God as King. Job forces us to ask the question, “why do bad things happen to good people;” or rather, “to God’s people?” Throughout the course of the narrative, there is not an adequate answer given to ease the human mind. Instead, the story of Job encourages us to remain faithful, anyways, even when an explanation is not given for our struggles, simply trusting that God’s glory and His justice will shine through in the end.

Job makes clear that the world does not work on a principle of karma; in which good is repaid with good and evil with evil. Instead, as we get a glimpse into heaven we find that we have a spiritual enemy, who is actively working against us (and against God’s Kingdom). As Job waits for deliverance, we understand that God’s justice will eventually triumph over that enemy, through the coming of Christ. All of Job’s questions throughout the book are answered in Jesus. Like Job, our only hope is to keep our faith in God, and to know that suffering is but for a moment compared to an eternity in God’s Kingdom.

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November 6 2020

Esther

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Esther, Esther Outline, Esther Themes, Gospel, Jesus, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of Esther, Survey of Esther 0

Author

Unknown. Some scholars suggest Ezra, as there is a similarity in writing style.

Date

The book of Esther was probably written in the later part of the fifth century B.C., around the same time the book’s events occurred.

Audience and Purpose

The story of Esther fits somewhere between the events of Ezra chapter 6 and 7, and tells us how God’s people were sustained, even in the exile, by God’s supernatural hand.

Major Themes

God’s Sovereignty, Protection, and Faithfulness. Despite the fact that “God” is not mentioned in the book of Esther, His hand can clearly be seen guiding Esther and others, in His sovereign plan to protect His people and remain faithful to His covenant promise.
Partnering with God in His Work.
Deliverance.

Key Scriptures

Esther 4:13-14 — “Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’”

Outline

Esther 1:1-2:23 — Introduction
Esther 3:1-9:19 — Main Story
Esther 9:20-10:3 — Conclusion

Gospel Summary

Esther is a young Jewish girl, chosen by Persian King Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes I) to become Queen. Through her appointment to this office and her willingness to be a voice for her people, even if it costs her life, she foils a plot by the King’s right-hand man, Haman to exterminate the Jews. The Jewish holiday of Purim is a celebration of God’s deliverance through Queen Esther.

Esther not only protected God’s people from extermination, ensuring the continuation of Abraham’s line leading to the Messiah, but she also becomes a picture of Christ who would place Himself in harm’s way in order to save God’s people from death and extinction. (See John 17:12.)

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October 30 2020

Ezra and Nehemiah

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Ezra & Nehemiah, Ezra Outline, Ezra Themes, Gospel, Nehemiah Outline, Nehemiah Themes, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of Ezra, Summary of Nehemiah, Survey of Ezra, Survey of Nehemiah 0

Author

Originally Ezra and Nehemiah were one book. They were separated into two by Jerome in the Latin Vulgate. Ezra is the author, and also a primary character in the books.

Date

Probably between 450 and 425B.C. The book picks up immediately after 1 & 2 Chronicles closes.

Audience and Purpose

Ezra/Nehemiah was written to the Jews returning to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon during the reign of Artaxerxes I.

The primary focus of Ezra is God’s fulfillment of His promise to restore the people to their homeland, and also the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The primary focus of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem, and a return to life in the land, led by the Law of Moses and the priesthood.

Major Themes

Restoration.
God’s Faithfulness.
Spiritual Commitment.
Idolatry and Culture.
Partnering with God in His Work.

Key Scriptures in Ezra

Ezra 6:16 — “And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.”

Key Scriptures in Nehemiah

Nehemiah 6:15-16 — “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Outline of Ezra

Ezra 1:1-2:70 — Exiles Return from Babylon
Ezra 3:1-6:22 — Rebuilding the Temple
Ezra 7:1-8:36 — Ezra the Priest Returns to Jerusalem to Reestablish the Law of Moses
Ezra 9:1-10:44 — Ezra calls for Separation from Intercultural Marriages

Outline of Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1:1-2:20 — Nehemiah Returns to Jerusalem to Rebuild Walls
Nehemiah 3:1-7:4 — Wall is Rebuilt in 52 Days Despite Opposition
Nehemiah 7:5-73 — List of Original Returnees from Exile
Nehemiah 8:1-8:8 — Public Reading of the Law by Ezra
Nehemiah 8:9-10:39 — Covenant Renewal to the Law by the People
Nehemiah 11:1-36 — Resettlement of Towns and Villages Around Jerusalem
Nehemiah 12:1-26 — High Priest and Leading Levites Since Time of Zerubbabel
Nehemiah 12:27-43 — The Dedication of the Rebuilt Walls
Nehemiah 12:44-13:31 — Nehemiah Governs in Jerusalem

Gospel Summary

The book of Ezra follows the initial return of the Jewish exiles under the governorship of Zerubbabel, who although he did not carry the title of King, was appointed as ruler over the Jewish people and a descendant of King David (the grandson of King Jeconiah; take note of Jeremiah 22:30). As the people return to the land, there is a restoration of worship, leading to the rebuilding of God’s Temple. This would be the temple where Jesus would one day stand and fulfill many of the prophecies concerning Messiah.

In Ezra, the people recommit themselves to living according to God’s plan and rule, there is a revival of holiness among the people. This leads the people to separate from their mixed marriages. The community of faith is restored, and God is at the center of life once again.

In Nehemiah, we see the community of faith come together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, as they also rebuilt their national identity as the people of God.

This points us to Jesus who would become the ultimate Temple of God and sacrifice on the altar, as He dwelt with man on earth. He would call all of God’s people – not just Jews, but gentiles as well – back to true worship and holiness. He is rebuilding us- His church – into a royal priesthood and a holy nation in Him.

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October 23 2020

First and Second Chronicles

A. Scott Ingram Bible Basics, Old Testament Survey 1 & 2 Chronicles, 1 & 2 Chronicles Outline, 1 & 2 Chronicles Themes, Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Bible Survey, Gospel, Jesus, Moses, Old Testament, Old Testament Survey, Scripture, Summary of 1 & 2 Chronicles, Survey of 1 & 2 Chronicles 0

Author

It is very likely that Ezra was the author, and it has been suggested that 1 & 2 Chronicles and the books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally written to be one consecutive work.

Date

Probably between 450 and 425B.C.

Audience and Purpose

1 & 2 Chronicles have many topics in common with 1 & 2 Kings, however Chronicles deal mostly with the Kingdom of Judah alone, and was written to the Jews returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem.

Also, whereas Kings was written from the prophetic perspective, Chronicles is written from the priestly viewpoint. Rather than judgements, it offers hope.

Major Themes

Redemption.
The Construction of The Temple.
The Davidic Lineage of Kings.

Key Scriptures in 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 28:4-5 — “Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father’s house, and among my father’s sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel.”

Key Scriptures in 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 7:1 — “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”

2 Chronicles 36:19 — “And they burned the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem and burned all its palaces with fire and destroyed all its precious vessels.”

Outline of 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 1:1-9:44 — Genealogy of Tribes of Israel
1 Chronicles 10:1-20:8 — Reign of King David
1 Chronicles 21:1-29:30 — David Prepares to Build the Temple

Outline of 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 1:1-7:22 — Solomon Builds the Temple
2 Chronicles 8:1-9:31 — Reign of King Solomon
2 Chronicles 10:1-36:23 — Reigns of Judah’s Kings in the Divided Kingdom
- 2 Chronicles 10:1-12:16 — Reign of Rehoboam
- 2 Chronicles 12:1-14:1 — Reign of Abijah
- 2 Chronicles 14:2-16:14 — Reign of Asa
- 2 Chronicles 17:1-21:1 — Reign of Jehoshaphat
- 2 Chronicles 21:2-22:12 — Reign of Jehoram and Ahaziah
- 2 Chronicles 23:1-24:27 — Reign of Joash
- 2 Chronicles 25:1-28 — Reign of Amaziah
- 2 Chronicles 26:1-23 — Reign of Uzziah
- 2 Chronicles 27:1-9 — Reign of Jotham
- 2 Chronicles 28:1-27 — Reign of Ahaz
- 2 Chronicles 29:1-32:33 — Reign of Hezekiah
- 2 Chronicles 33:1-20 — Reign of Manasseh
- 2 Chronicles 33:21-25 — Reign of Amon
- 2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27— Reign of Josiah
- 2 Chronicles 36:1-4 — Reign of Jehoahaz
- 2 Chronicles 36:5-8 — Reign of Jehoiakim
- 2 Chronicles 36:9-10 — Reign of Jehoiachin

2 Chronicles 36:11-14 — Reign of Zedekiah
2 Chronicles 36:15-21 — Destruction of Jerusalem and Captivity of Judah
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 — Restoration

Gospel Summary

The books of 1 & 2 Chronicles show very clearly how God, through many trials, sins, and global events, upheld His promise of a Messiah King who would be a son of David. The genealogies and stories of family lines show that the seed of David remained in tact, even in years of exile.

2 Chronicles, especially, outlines both the building and destruction of Solomon’s Temple – representative of God’s presence as the center of Jewish life and culture. Jesus Himself would later prophecy the destruction and rebuilding of God’s Temple. This time, however, it would not be with stones! His body would be the Temple broken down, rebuilt through His resurrection, and expanded through the establishment of His church (see John 2:19 and 1 Corinthians 3:16).

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October 16 2020

First and Second Kings

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Author

Unknown. Some traditions hold that Jeremiah was the author who wrote down the narratives passed through oral tradition. Most scholars simply ascribe authorship to an unknown Jewish captive in Babylon.

Date

Likely written between 562B.C. (when the Jehoiachin, the last king written about was released from prison) and 536B.C. (when the exiles returned from captivity). The two books cover the period of history from about 970 to 562B.C.

Audience and Purpose

Written to the Jewish exiles living in Babylon, 1 & 2 Kings (originally a single book that was divided in two for the sake of scroll lengths) picks up the story of the Kingship of God’s people where 2 Samuel left off. The book is written from the prophetic perspective of the nation, with God’s judgement continually in mind.

Major Themes

Spiritual Offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. These topics are continued from 1 & 2 Samuel.
God’s Justice.
God’s Faithfulness or His “Steadfast Love”. Based on His nature and His promise, God proves over and over again that He does not treat His people according to their sins. Rather, he continually shows mercy and grace.
Morality.

Key Scriptures in 1 Kings

1 Kings 2:3 — (David to Solomon) “…and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…”

1 Kings 8:23 — “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart…”

1 Kings 11:35-36 — “But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and will give it to you, ten tribes. Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.”

Key Scriptures in 2 Kings

2 Kings 17:22-23 — “The people of Israel walked in all the sins that Jeroboam did. They did not depart from them, until the Lord removed Israel out of his sight, as he had spoken by all his servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their own land to Assyria until this day.”

Outline of 1 Kings

1 Kings 1:1-11:43 — Reign of King Solomon
1 Kings 12:1-14:31 — Divided Kingdom
1 Kings 15:1-24 — Reigns of Abijam to Asa in Judah
1 Kings 15:25-16:34 — Reigns of Nadab to Ahab in Israel
1 Kings 17:1-22:40 — Elijah the Prophet vs. Ahab
1 Kings 22:41-50 — Reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah
1 Kings 22:51-53 — Reign of Ahaziah (son of Ahab) in Israel

Outline of 2 Kings

2 Kings 1:1-18 — Elijah the Prophet vs. Ahaziah
2 Kings 2:1-8:15 — Elisha the Prophet
2 Kings 8:16-29 — Reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah (son of Jehoram) in Judah and Joram in Israel
2 Kings 9:1-10:27 — Jehu kills Ahaziah, Joram and Jezebel
2 Kings 10:28-35 — Reign of Jehu in Israel
2 Kings 11:1-12:21 — Reign of Joash (also spelled Jehoash) in Judah
2 Kings 13:1-25 — Reigns of Jehoahaz in Israel
2 Kings 14:1-15:7 — Reigns of Amaziah and Azariah in Judah; Jeroboam II in Israel
2 Kings 15:8-31 — Final Kings of Israel
2 Kings 15:32-16:20 — Reigns of Jotham and Ahaz in Judah
2 Kings 17:1-41 — Destruction of Israel
2 Kings 18:1-20:21 — Reign of Hezekiah in Judah and the Prophet Isaiah
2 Kings 21:1-23:30 — Reigns of Manasseh, Amon and Josiah in Judah
2 Kings 23:31-25:30 — Final Kings and Destruction of Judah

Gospel Summary

God’s continual faithfulness in the books of Kings is overwhelming at times. Though the people continue to sin and work for their own passions and desires, God continually shows grace. He does this, “for the sake of my servant David,” as stated in 1 Kings 11:11-13, 32, 34, and in 2 Kings 8:19 and 19:34. This statement should point our attention directly to Jesus, who is the offspring of David, and the one who would fulfill God’s promise of an eternal Kingdom.

Despite the fact that their sin did lead to times of cursing, destruction, and even exile, God continually showed them grace so that the promise of the coming King could be fulfilled. This is such a beautiful picture of the faithfulness of God because this King who would come, would be the one to extend God’s grace beyond the nation of Israel, to the whole world. Because of Jesus, God still does not deal with us as our sin deserves.

Once again, we see Jesus typified as our great Prophet and King by Elijah, Elisha, David, and Solomon.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash