Chapter 2: The Old Testament Historical Books

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover: 

The battle of Jericho and Israel's conquest of Canaan.

The concept of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth.

Why Israel divided into two kingdoms.

What happened to Israel during the Exile. 

AS A RESULT, you will be able to: 

Recognize how faithfulness and obedience bring spiritual victory.

Escape the cycle of sin in your life. 

Understand the importance of training your children to love God.

Know how to experience revival in your heart.

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp. 47-57.

Key Word: Conquest.

Key Verse: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Josh. 1:8).

Key Chapter: Joshua 24.

The Historical Books
The twelve historical books are divided into three major groups: Theocratic, Monarchial, and Restoration. The Theocratic books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth describe the occupation and settlement of the Promised Land, Israel, and life during the period of the judges (1404 - 1043 B.C.). During these years Israel was a nation ruled by God (a theocracy).

The six Monarchial books trace the history of Israel's monarchy (rule by a king) from 1043 - 586 B.C. The books of Samuel relate the stories of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. The books of Kings describe the reigns of King Solomon and the kings of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms were later exiled -- Israel to Assyria in 722 B.C. and Judah to Babylon from 605 - 586 B.C. The books of Chronicles give a divine perspective of the life of David and the construction and dedication of the temple.

The Restoration books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe the return of the remnant to Jerusalem after seventy years of exile in Babylon (605 - 536 B.C.). The book of Esther is the account of the Jews who stayed behind in Persia and were miraculously saved by God?s intervention.

Key Concepts:

1. Rule by God is called a _____________________________. [47]
2. Idolatry was always a stumbling block because Israel failed to drive out all the __________________________.[47]
3. The prophet _________________________ was instrumental in the transition of rule the judges to a king. [48]
4. After Solomon's death in ___________ B.C., the kingdom was divided into northern kingdom of ____________________, consisting of ten tribes, and the southern kingdom of ______________________, consisting of two tribes. [48]
5. Only the two tribes of the southern kingdom of Judah remained subject to the dynasty of ______________________. [48]
6. _____________________ led about fifty thousand Jews back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple. [40]

Joshua

Joshua, the Old Testament namesake of Jesus, leads the second generation (mentioned in Deuteronomy) into the Promised Land. God fulfills his promises to the people as they battle the inhabitants of Canaan. The book of Joshua is filled with warfare-three major military campaigns with over thirty enemy armies. During these battles, Israel learns that victory results through her faith and obedience, not through military strength.

Two important lessons are covered in the book of Joshua: God faithfully keeps his covenant promises to Israel, and his holiness requires him to judge the immoral and idolatrous Canaanites.

Historically, the purpose of Joshua is to record the conquest of Canaan. Geographically, the book centers around three settings. Note the numerous detailed topographical maps scattered throughout the commentary on "Joshua" in the IBC on pages 286 - 305. The NIDB, on page 3 of the map section at the end of the volume, contains a color map of the tribal lands and Levitical towns.

Through a divine miracle, the Israelites cross the flooded Jordan. On the other side of the river, Joshua implements a divide-and-conquer strategy. He drives a wedge into the center of Canaan. Then, despite the seemingly foolish instructions to capture Jericho, Israel chooses to obey God. As a result, the strategic city is destroyed without loss of life to the Israelites. This success teaches them that victory comes from God alone, not through their own strength or ingenuity.

How quickly Israel forgets! By depending on her own strength, the nation stumbles at Ai and loses the battle. God must punish the guilty ones in order to cleanse the camp. Later, the people enter into an oath with the Gibeonites because they rely on appearances and do not consult God. Such self-reliance establishes an unfortunate pattern for their behavior in the Promised Land.

The settlement of Canaan begins after the land is subdued. Joshua, now an old man, divides the Promised Land among the tribes. Caleb, one of the original spies, is given a special reward for his faithfulness. Joshua assembles all the people in Shechem and instructs them one last time. He rehearses their history beginning with Abraham and reminds them that obedience to God is the reason for their success. The people renew their covenant with God, declaring that they will serve and obey him. The book concludes with the deaths of Eleazar, the high priest, and Joshua, the great general. Suddenly Israel is left without civil or spiritual leadership.

Key Concepts:

1. It took (7, 18) years to divide and possess Canaan. [51]
2. Eleazar the priest and his son __________________________ may have written the account of Joshua's death and burial. [52]
3. Two of the spies, Joshua and _____________________, were privileged to enter the Promised Land. [52]
4. The book of ___________________________ is the only historical book that does not record a massive failure by Israel. [53]
5. The Commander of the army of the Lord was _________________________. [54]
6. ______________________, who hid the two spies at Jericho, appears in the genealogy of Christ. [54]
7. Joshua was charged by God to complete the task started by ________________________. [55]
8. Israel's success in battle always occurred through the power of ________________________ and not by her own might or cleverness. [55]

Further Study: "Introduction to the Historical Books," IBC, pp. 84- 87; "Joshua," IBC, pp. 283-84.

Life Application: Joshua declares at the book's end, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" (24:15). Do you and your family serve the Lord unreservedly? What things interfere with the wholehearted obedience to God's will?

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp. 58-82.

Key Words: Cycles, Kinsman-Redeemer, Transition.

Key Verse: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD' To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22).

Key Chapters: Judges 2, Ruth 4, 1 Samuel 15, 2 Samuel 11.

Judges

The last verse of Judges aptly summarizes Israel's situation:"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit" (21 :25). The period of Judges represents the"Dark Ages" of the Old Testament. While Joshua represents Israel at her finest hour, Judges shows the depths of her depravity. The title of the book refers to the thirteen judges or deliverers whom God raised up to save Israel. (See the list in the NIDB, p. 556.) Unlike our modern-day judges, Israel's judges initially delivered the people from their enemies before ruling and administering justice.

Judges selectively chooses historical facts and presents them thematically. Its theological lessons portray the sharp contrast between Israel's idolatry, immorality, and violence with God's covenant love and desire to save his people. Over and over, he forgives their waywardness and gives them a chance to start anew. With startling clarity, Judges shows how sin always leads to suffering while repentance leads to deliverance.

Judges has three sections:

• Deterioration - The people's faithlessness and disobedience cause Israel's rapid decay.
• Deliverance - Israel continues her cycles of sin and deliverance.
• Depravity - Violence and idolatry depict the depths to which Israel has fallen.

Key Concepts:

1. Judges and 1 Samuel name ____________________ judges altogether. [61]
2. Which judge was a warrior-ruler' __________________ a priest' __________________ a prophet' _________________. [61]
3. Israel vacillated between __________________ and apostasy. [62]
4. ___________________ was the only woman judge. [62]
5. Judges records ______________ cycles of sin and deliverance. [62]
6. Match the Deliverer with the Oppressor: [62]

Samson           A.Moabites
Gideon            B. Midianites
Ehud               C. Ammonites
Tola                 D. Philistines
Elon                E. Abimelech

Ruth

The book of Ruth is perhaps the most famous  - and beloved  - romance in the Old Testament. Written by an anonymous author, this beautiful love story depicts the faithfulness of a Moabite woman during Israel's time of utter faithlessness.

Ruth, widowed in Moab, returns to Bethlehem with Naomi, her Jewish mother-in-law. In spite of Naomi's protests, Ruth insists,"Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (1:16).

The exact date of the book is difficult to determine, but the narrative clearly occurs during the period of the judges. The book of Judges concludes with two negative illustrations; yet Ruth provides a godly contrast. Remarkable Ruth, a woman with the rare qualities of love and tenacity, joins two other gentile women, Tamar and Rahab, in the genealogy of Jesus.

The theme of Ruth is redemption. Boaz is the kinsman-redeemer who purchases the property necessary to marry Ruth. The kinsman-redeemer portrays the mediating redemptive work of Christ. As the goal, he is the blood relative of those he redeems and is himself free to redeem. He pays the price of redemption and then willingly redeems.

Key Concepts:

1. The book of Ruth took place during the time of ____________________ [65].
2. (Ruth, Orpah) means friendship or association. [66]
3. The theme of Ruth is (redemption, consecration). [67]
4. Ruth is included in the genealogy of ___________________ in Matthew 1. [67]
5. The concept of the _________________________ portrays the redemptive work of Christ. [67]
6. Elimelech moved his family to (Bethlehem, Moab). [68]
7. Ruth proves her loyalty to her mother-in-law _________________. [69]
8. The name ________________ means 'in him is strength,' which gives a clue to his future relationship with Ruth. [69]
9. God rewarded Ruth's devotion by giving her a son Obed, who was the grandfather of ____________________. [69]

1 Samuel

The first book of Samuel describes the transition of Israel's leadership from judges to kings. It revolves around three main characters: Samuel (the last judge and first prophet), Saul (the first king of Israel), and David (the king-elect).

Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book in the Hebrew Bible. The author is anonymous, but scholars believe that at least the first part of the book may have been written by Samuel. First Samuel begins where Judges ends'in the turbulent times when Eli is the judge'priest of Israel. We read of the birth of Samuel, called out very early in his life by God to be a prophet.

The continued corruption of Eli's undisciplined sons is an indication of the condition of Israel as a nation. Finally, because of her sins, Israel is defeated in a crucial battle, and the nation is conquered. Worse yet, the Ark of the Covenant is lost to the enemy. Later, Samuel leads the people into revival, the ark is returned, and the Philistines are defeated. Great as he is, however, Samuel has failed to discipline his own sons. Since they are unfit as leaders, the Israelites demand a king"like all the nations" around them.

Saul, the first king, seems a good choice, but his character degenerates as he commits many gross sins. When he fails to kill the livestock plundered from the Amalekites, Samuel delivers these famous words,"To obey is better than sacrifice" (15:22). After God finally rejects Saul, David is anointed as the next king of Israel. Subsequently, he conquers the Philistine giant Goliath, makes a name for himself, and serves in Saul's court.

Meanwhile, Saul's jealousy of David turns into attempted murder. It is only through God's intervention that David's life is spared several times. Finally, the young king-elect is forced to flee from Saul's wrath. The king's final recorded sin is his consultation with the witch of Endor. The Lord rebukes Saul and pronounces his doom. The book ends with Saul and his sons being killed in battle.

Key Concepts:

Matching :
Eli                     A. Anointed the first two kings of Israel [72]
Samuel             B. Nation ruled over by an earthly king [72]
Jonathan          C. Nation directly ruled by God [72]
Saul                 D. "No glory" [73]
David               E. High priest who died soon after his sons [73]
Theocracy       F. "Anointed" [73]
Ichabod           G. Saul's son who sacrificed his throne for David [74]
Messiah          H. Protected her husband David from her father Saul's wrath [74]
Monarchy         I. Sought refuge among Philistines while fleeing [74]
Michal             J. Sinned by assuming role of a priest [74] 

2 Samuel

Second Samuel chronicles the forty-year reign of David who lived about 1000 B.C. His lifetime is the halfway point between the time of Abraham and Jesus Christ. David's story begins in 1 Samuel 16 and ends in 1 Kings 2. The major events of his rule are set forth in 2 Samuel. His reign over Judah lasts a scant seven years before the kingdoms are reunited. Then David rules over both Judah and Israel for thirty-three years. David's kingship lasts forty years.

In the Book of 2 Samuel, both David's strengths and weaknesses are shown. Even though David is considered Israel's greatest king'an ideal for others to follow'the Bible presents a balanced perspective of his life. He is one of the most important types of Christ in the Old Testament. Because of David's responsive and faithful attitude toward God, he is considered a 'man after God's own heart.' Most of his reign is characterized by justice, wisdom, integrity, courage, and compassion.

Then David's life and reign are changed abruptly when he commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband Uriah murdered. His victory and success are exchanged for personal, family, and national problems. However, it is because of David's earnest desire to please God that he repents. At that moment their relationship is restored, but a chain reaction has already been set into motion. David's life illustrates several spiritual truths:
 

• Obedience brings blessing.
• Disobedience leads to God's judgment.
• Sin's consequences cannot be avoided.
• Sin brings death.

Key Concepts:

1. The final split between Judah and Israel occurred after the death of Solomon in _________ B.C. [78]
2. God promised David three things'an eternal kingdom, a ___________, and seed. [79]
3. There was only one dynasty in (Judah, Israel). [79]
4. Saul's son _____________________ was installed as a puppet king over Israel. [80]
5. One of David's greatest triumphs was bringing the ______________ back to Jerusalem. [80]
6. ______________________ the prophet confronted David over his sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. [80]
7. The Lord told David through Nathan,"The (rebellion, sword) will never depart from your house." [80]
8. David's son _______________________"stole the hearts of the men of Israel." [80]
9. General killed King David's son Absalom. [80]
10. Israel enjoyed blessing when the king was (obedient, kind) . [81 ]

Further Study: "Judges," IBC, pp. 309-312; "Ruth," NIDB, p. 875; "Samuel, Books of," NIDB, pp. 893-94.

Life Application: Three great men of God-Eli, Samuel, David-had wicked children. Can a person serve God and neglect his or her own family? In what ways can we pass godliness on to the next generation?

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp. 83-115. 

Key Words: Divided Kingdom, Captivity; Davidic Covenant. 

Key Verse: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14). 

Key Chapters: 1 Kings 12, 2 Kings 25, 1 Chronicles 17, 2 Chronicles 34. 

1 Kings 

Originally 1 and 2 Kings were one book, but the Septuagint artificially divided it. First Kings covers the beginning of Solomon's reign through Ahaziah's reign. It chronicles the breakup of God's people into two kingdoms in 931 B.C. The northern kingdom is called Israel and the southern kingdom Judah. (See "The Divided Kingdom" in the NIDB map section, p. 5.) The book is not a biography of the kings since only selective information is given. Rather, their lives are used to point out several basic principles:  

• People cannot properly rule themselves without depending on God. 
• A king's faithfulness to God largely determines the circumstances of his nation.   
• Kings reflect the people as a whole.   
• Obedience brings blessing; apostasy brings judgment. 

The first part of the book emphasizes the united kingdom under Solomon. His degeneration from the height of wealth, fame, and wisdom to the depths of idolatry is pointed out. God allows us to witness the degradation that occurs when a man's heart becomes divided. 

The second part of the book revolves around the divided kingdom - its two capitals, two worship centers, and two lines of kings. Interwoven throughout the whole book is the growing prophetic ministry. Elijah emerges as God's prophet, who speaks against Israel's worship of Baal and Ahab's wickedness.  

Key Concepts:   

Solomon brought about the divided kingdom because of his divided (household, heart). [83]  

Solomon's greatest achievement was the building of the (temple, capital). [84]  

Solomon's kingdom was divided in (1011, 931) B.C. [85]  

The southern kingdom was called (Judah, Israel). [85]  

The prophet (Elijah, Elisha) was compared to John the Baptist. [86]  

Solomon's half-brother (Rehoboam, Adonijah) attempted to take the throne away fro the ailing David. [87]  

The wealth of (Solomon, David) became a hindrance when he began to purchase forbidden items. [87]  

(Jeroboam's Ahab's) wife Jezebel introduced Baal worship into Israel. [87]  

(Elijah's Nathan's) encounters with Ahab never caused him to turn away from false gods. [87]  

Matching: [87]  

___ Solomon                 A. Wives led him into idolatry

___ Ahab                      B. Did what "was right in the sight of the Lord"

___ Jeroboam              C. Was coregent with Solomon

___ Rehoboam             D. Desperately wicked king married to Jezebel

___ David                     E. Rebellious officer in Solomon's army

___ Jehoshaphat          F. Promised to be even harder than his father  

2 Kings  

And the saga continues! The division and decline of Israel and Judah begun in 1 Kings becomes deterioration and destruction in 2 Kings. God's original intention was that a king should be his servant, leading the nation into righteousness and bringing fellowship with the Lord. While Israel and Judah are collapsing from within, there are great shifts in world power. During these years, God sends many prophets to call Israel and Judah back to himself. Time after time, they are warned of the consequences of their sins. Yet both remain deaf to his pie Since God is holy, he must bring judgment. Israel falls first becal of her idolatry, immorality, and disunity. Judah's judgment, although delayed, occurs 136 years later just as God has promised. 

Not one of Israel's nineteen kings is righteous, and only eight of Judah's are upright before God. Judah's King Hezekiah brings some prosperity to Judah because of his faith. His son Manasseh, however, is so idolatrous that his reign leads to Judah's downfall. This is but one example in a pattern repeated many times. Unfortunately, the evil kings far outnumber the good ones. By the end of 2 Kings, both the kingdo of Israel and Judah have been dissolved and the people sent i captivity-Israel to Assyria in 722 B.C. and Judah to Babylon in 586 B.C. Second Kings tells us that God is sovereign (predicting c controlling history) over all nations. Furthermore, God may use individuals or nations to bring about his judgment. (A complete list of the kings of Israel and Judah can be found in TTB, p. 136.) 

Key Concepts: 

1. Name four prophets who ministered in the northern kingdom. [92]   
2. Name four prophets who ministered in the southern kingdom. [93]   
3. Which happened first, second, third, fourth?  _____Babylonian Exile [91]  ____ Assyrian captivity [91 ]  ____ United kingdom [92]  ____ Divided kingdom [92] 
4. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in _________ B.C. [95] 

1 Chronicles 

Is there hope in history? Has Israel learned anything from her mistake? Yes, emphatically, yes! At last she has found hope. Chronicles was written to remind the returned remnant of Israel that all was not lost; God still had a future for them. The book also teaches that the past is pregnant with lessons for the present. First Chronicles does not deny failures; instead it concentrates on the messianic line, the Davidic covenant, and temple and spiritual reforms. Its genealogies move from the patriarchal period (Adam to Jacob) to the national period (tribes of Israel), demonstrating God's keeping of his covenant promises. 

The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles cover the same period of history described in 2 Samuel through 2 Kings. But what a difference in perspective! Chronicles, written from a spiritual point of view, emphasizes the positive aspects of Israel's history. Several events considered important in her political history have been completely omitted (e.g., David's seven years spent in Hebron). Chronicles does add some important events not found in 2 Samuel and Kings (e.g., David's preparation for the building of the temple and the worship associated with it). 

Much of 1 Chronicles is devoted to David's reign over the united kingdom. His deep spiritual commitment, courage, integrity, and concern for things of the Lord are highlighted in this positive book. 

Key Concepts: 

1. Jewish Talmudic tradition names ______________________ as the author of the Chronicles. [100] 
2. Three emphases in Chronicles are the role of the Law, the priesthood, and the _______________________. [101] 
3. Two reasons for the ruin of both kingdoms are _______________________ and ______________________. [101] 
4. After the _____________________, Israel never worshiped foreign gods. [101 ] 
5. The tribe of _____________________ is placed first in the national genealogy. [102] 
6. Chronicles is found at the _____________________ of the Hebrew Bible. [103] 
7. Although the throne of David was gone, the Davidic ________________________ would remain through the centuries. [103] 
8. First Chronicles omits David's sin with __________________________. [103]   

2 Chronicles   

Reform and revival! This book continues 1 Chronicles' spiritual commentary on Israel's kingdom period. Like its predecessor, 2 Chronicles ignores the northern kingdom because of Israel's idolatry, immorality, and lack of repentance. The focus is on a priestly view of Judah and the eight kings who walk uprightly in God's sight. Since the temple stands as a reminder of God's presence among his people, it is the spiritual link between their past and future. Second Chronicles determines the greatness of a king by his relationship to the temple.   After Solomon's death, both kingdoms forsake the temple and begin to spiral downward toward destruction. Twelve of Judah's twenty kings are wicked. Only great religious reforms can delay the crash. Second Chronicles teaches that when God's people forsake him, he withdraws his blessing; yet trust and obedience to the Lord brings victory.  

Key Concepts:  

1. Second Chronicles parallels the books of _______________. [109]  
2. Two kings known as reformers and temple restorers were ________________ and ______________. [110]  
3. Christ said, "Destroy this _____________, and in three days, I will raise it up" (John 2:19). [111]  
4. The mighty spiritual, political and architectural feats of ______________ raised Israel to her zenith. [111]  
5. Three wicked kings of Judah were ________________, __________________, and ___________________. [112]  
6. The last king of Judah was ___________________. [112]  

Further Study: "1 and 2 Kings," IBC, pp. 393-95; "1 and 2 Chronicles," IBC, pp. 441-43.  

Life Application: Why do you think God felt it necessary to give both a human perspective (2 Samuel and Kings) and a divine perspective (Chronicles) of his people? How does the same positive and negative perspective - that you are both a saint and a sinner - influence your Christian life?

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp. 116-35.

Key Words: Temple, Jerusalem Walls, Providence.

Key Verse: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Est. 4:14).

Key Chapters: Ezra 6, Nehemiah 9, Esther 8.

Ezra

"Jehovah helps!"  - an appropriate name for the prophet Ezra who has the arduous task of bringing spiritual reformation to God's remnant. Actually, Ezra relates the story of two returns from Babylonia-the first d by Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple, and the second under his own leadership to restore the people's spiritual condition.

God reveals himself through his faithful care of Israel. He has protected them in a foreign country and even prospered them there. God has raised up pagan kings, who encourage the Jews to go home and rebuild. In addition, he raises up strong, zealous, and capable leaders to bring e remnant home again.

The first leader Zerubbabel, a direct descendant of King David, leaves Babylon under a decree from Cyrus the Persian. Almost fifty thousand Jews walk away from a comfortable life and march to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Zerubbabel first restores the altar and the religious feasts before beginning work on the temple itself. That work is finally finished in 515 B.C. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah minister during this period.

Ezra leads a smaller group of less than two thousand men back to Jerusalem during the reign of Artaxerxes I. There God uses him to store the people spiritually and morally. A great reform sweeps over the remnant as Ezra intercedes on their behalf. Many of them (even priests) have married foreign women in direct disobedience to God's commands. Becoming convicted of their sins, the Jews make a covenant. They will put away their foreign wives and live in accordance with God's laws.

Key Concepts:

1. The "second exodus" was less impressive than the first Exodus because only a __________________ left. [117]
2. ______________________ and ______________________ were founders of false religions who lived during the same period as Ezra. [117]
3. The rebuilding of the temple was begun under the rule of _________________ and finished under ________________  -  both pagan kings. [118]
4. The prophet _____________________ predicted that Cyrus would rebuild the temple. [120]
5. _________________ was the prince God used to rebuild the temple. [12
6. When Ezra discovered that the people had intermarried with foreign women, he identified with their sin and offered ___________________ on their behalf. [120]

Nehemiah

You may think that building a wall is not very important. And today a wall does lose some of its former significance. In ancient times, however, a wall symbolized the strength of a city. It protected from marauders, wild animals, and enemy armies. The city gates would be closed at night, and watchmen could look out from vantage points on the wall. A city without walls was unprotected and defenseless - an easy prey for man or beast.

Nehemiah, upon hearing about the plight of the Jerusalem wall, leaves a very prosperous position as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia. It is easy to see why God chooses Nehemiah, for he is a godly man with a prayerful dependence on his Lord.

Nehemiah hears of the need to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, prays about the situation, assesses the costs, gets permission from the king rallies his countrymen - and begins! In spite of insults, abuse, threats, and impending danger, Nehemiah and his followers finish the work in record time - only 52 days. That feat is enough to make Israel's enemies stand up and take notice. Even they realize that God is the divine Enabler.

The book of Nehemiah is written to show the obvious hand of God in bringing his people home after their exile. They accomplish in less than two months what has not been done in ninety-four years!

Key Concepts:

1. Nehemiah was cupbearer to ________________. [124]
2. __________________ the prophet lived and ministered during Nehemiah's time. [125]
3. Unlike Ezra, Nehemiah is primarily concerned with Judah's ___________________ and geographical restoration. [125]
4. In Nehemiah everything was restored except the __________________. [126]
5. The role of _________________ in Nehemiah's life was instrumental in his ability to solve the problems he encountered. [126]
6. Two types of opposition faced by Nehemiah were __________________ and _________________. [127]
7. When Ezra read the Law to the people, they responded with ___________________, confession, obedience, and rejoicing. [127]
8. Why was a second trip back to Jerusalem necessary for Nehemiah? [128] _________________________________________

Esther

The book of Esther provides the only biblical account of the vast majority of Jews who choose to remain in Persia rather than return to their homeland. While the author is not known, indications are that he was Jewish and lived in Persia at the time.

The story begins at the Persian palace. After seven days of revelry, King Xerxes has given an order for his beautiful wife Vashti to come in and be viewed by his drunken friends. When she refuses, the king becomes enraged and seeks advice from his counselors. They advise him that Vashti must be put away; otherwise, all the wives in the kingdom will rebel against their husbands.

An elaborate beauty contest is held, and the lovely Esther is chosen as the new queen. Unknown to King Xerxes, Esther is the niece of the Jew Mordecai. Earlier, Mordecai had warned the king of an assassination attempt. As a result, his name is now favorably recorded in the palace records.

Meanwhile, the villain - wicked Haman - becomes captain of the princes. He hates Mordecai for failing to show him proper respect. Unaware of the queen's relationship to Mordecai, Haman plots to kill all the Jews. But Esther, having been divinely placed, is able to unveil Haman's trickery. As a result, Haman is killed. All the Jews in the province alerted to the danger and are given permission by the king to defend themselves. It's a banner day for the Jews in exile: Mordecai proclaimed second only to the king and Esther is revered as the woman who has saved her people.

Although God is not mentioned by name, his providence is evident throughout the book. Esther represents Christ when she puts her in the place of death to save the Jews. And Esther, like Christ, is advocate on behalf of her people.

Key Concepts:

Matching: [133-134]

_____Told king about assassination attempt                    A. Esther

_____Desired to honor Mordecai                                     B. Xerxes

_____Former queen of Persia                                         C. Vashti

_____Is placed in palace by God's providence               D. Mordecai

_____Cast lots to determine day of Jews' massacre      E. Haman

Give two possible reasons why God is not directly mentioned in the book of Esther. [ 133]

______________________________________________ and _____________________________________________________

Further Study: "Ezra and Nehemiah," IBC, pp. 488-89; "Esther, Book of," NIDB, pp. 326-27.

Life Application: What specific tasks has God given you? Have you encountered any opposition? What steps are you taking to overcome it? Nehemiah believed that work and prayer were inseparable. His spontaneous "arrow" prayers were so effective, because Nehemiah was already grounded in God's Word and in intercessory prayer.