OT SURVEY // UNIT - III // LESSON - 2 // HISTORICAL BOOKS //

 

UNIT 3                                                              LESSON 2

Joshua—The Book of Conquest

 

A.  Introduction to the Historical Books

Joshua is the first book that is not part of the first five Books of Moses, sometimes referred to as the Torah or the Pentateuch. It is the first of the historical books in the Old Testament of which there are twelve. The following chart will help to visualize the relationship of the historical books to each other.

Book Dates Covered	World Kingdom	Events Covered
Joshua	1405- 1390	Canaanites The death of Moses to the death of Joshua
Judges	1390- 1045	Canaanites The death of Joshua to the death of Samson and civil war with Benjamin
Ruth	1100- 1089	Canaanites A cameo story of Ruth who finds refuge with Boaz
I Samuel	1105- 1011	Assyria The birth of Samuel to the death of Saul
II Samuel	1011- 971	Assyria David’s ascendancy to the throne to the end of David’s rule.
I Kings	971- 851	Assyria The beginning of Solomon’s reign to King Ahaziah’s death
II Kings	853- 722	Assyria King Ahaziah to the fall of Samaria to Assyria
I Chronicles	1011- 971	Babylon The reign of David to the anointing of Solomon
II Chronicles	971- 576	Babylon Solomon’s reign to the fall of Judah and Cyrus’ decree to rebuild
Ezra	538- 457	Medo-Persia The first return to Jerusalem through the second return.
Nehemiah	444- 425	Medo-Persia Nehemiah commissioned to build the wall to the dedication of wall.
Esther	483- 471	Medo-Persia A cameo picture of how God saved a nation through His providence

 

B.  What is the main theme of the Book of Joshua?

The main theme in the Book of Joshua is Conquest. It presents to us the natural process of

possessing God’s promised inheritance. It should be noted that there is a difference between

“inheritance” and “possession.”

A.  Inheritance is “that which is given by promise to one’s heirs” (Josh. 11:23). It is that over which someone has legal right.

B.  Possession is “that part which is actually claimed or appropriated. In this case that part which was actually taken by force, if necessary, and occupied (Josh. 21:43-45).

 

C.  What were the main events covered in the Book of Joshua?

1. God commissions Joshua and gives him orders to cross Jordan (1:1-18).

2. Joshua sends spies into Jericho who are preserved by Rahab (2:1-24).

3. Israel crosses over Jordan (3:1-17).

4. Israel sets up twelve memorial stones from the Jordan (4:1-24).

5. The second generation is circumcised (5:1-2).

6. Joshua encounters the Commander of the Lord’s army (5:13-15).

7. Jericho is taken (6:1-26).

8. Achan sins and Israel fails at Ai (7:1-26).

9. Israel takes Ai and covenant is reestablished (8:1-35).

10. The land of Canaan is generally subdued (9-13:7)

11. The land is divided and allotted to the various tribes (13:8-19:51).

12. The cities of refuge and the cities of the Levites are set up (20-21).

Note: Six cities of refuge were set up, three on either side of the Jordan to provide sanctuary for people who may have killed someone by accident. They needed protection from the “avenger of blood,” a near relative who would have considered it his duty to avenge the death of his kin. A judge would determine if such refuge was appropriate in such a case.

13. Joshua gives his farewell address and reaffirms the covenant (22-24:28).

 

D.  A simple outline of the Book of Joshua?

1. The Entrance into the Promised Land (Joshua 1-4).

2. The Preparation for Conquest of the Land (Joshua 5).

3. The Conquest of the Land (Joshua 6-13:7).

4. The Division of the Land (Joshua 13:7-22).

5. The Joshua’s Farewell and Conditions for Continued Possession (Joshua 23- 24).

 

 

Judges

The Book of Failure through Compromise

 

A. What is the setting for the Book of Judges?

1.   The Children of Israel were now living in the Land of Promise.

2.   Joshua had died; all of the elders who served with Joshua had died; and all of the generation of those who had entered Canaan had died (Judges 2:7-10).

3.   The new generation must now live in the land in right relationship to the Lord. Each generation needs to have its own experience of the Lord. It is the responsibility of the previous generation to pass truth on to the next generation. We need to have the spirit of Abraham (Gen. 18:17-19).

It should be noted that the Book of Judges is not in perfect chronological order and at times can be confusing as a result. The correct order would be to start with Judges 2:6-9, back to chapter 1, then 2:10-13, then chapter 17-21, then 2:14-16:31.

 

D. There are some notable leaders.

While there are about 12 judges referred to in the Book of Judges, some are considered minor

(Shamgar, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon and Abdon) and some are considered major (Othniel, Ehud,

Deborah, Gideon, Jephtha, and Samson). This distinction is usually made based on the success of

their military campaign and on other later biblical references to these figures of history.*

*It should be noted that some commentators include Barak, Abimilech and Samuel on the list of

judges. Barak served with Deborah although she was clearly the leader of the two. Abimilech was

a usurper judge who was not raised up by the Lord and was the cause of a great deal of internal

strife in the nation. Samuel is often considered the last of the judges and the first of the prophets.

He will be discussed later when we get to the books of Samuel.

The list of notable leaders includes the following:

a. Othniel b. Ehud c. Deborah d. Gideon e. Jephtha f. Samson

Ruth

The Book of Grace or Redemption

1.   What makes the book of Ruth unique?

1.   It is one of two books in the Old Testament bearing the name of a woman (Esther being the other one). It is the only one that concerns itself entirely with the life of a woman.

2.   It is a book about how a Gentile woman of faith became part of the godly seed line to Christ

(Matt. 1:5). She was the great grandmother of King David.

3.   It demonstrates God’s special care for those who cannot fully care for themselves— the widows, the fatherless and the strangers (Deut. 10:17-19).

 

2.   How does the Book of Ruth fit into the historical books of the Old Testament?

1.   The Book of Ruth according to Jewish tradition was written by Samuel and occurred sometime during the period of the Judges. Most commentators put it near the middle of the period of the judges around 1150 B.C. It covers a span of approximately eleven years.

2.   Many believe that it occurred during one of the times of backsliding in Israel which could have accounted for the severe famine.

3.   The Book of Ruth is history, but it is more than that.

                i.      It is a story of love. It is a story of God’s love for the entire world that is also found in the hearts of His special people (Lev. 19:33-34).

               ii.      It is a story of grace. It is a story of a Moabite woman who, because of her hunger for the true God and her willingness to forsake false gods found the favor of God and was grafted into the tree of faith.

              iii.      It is a story of persistent faith. In spite of adverse circumstances we have a woman who would not let go of the hope that she knew would be rewarded by a God who rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

              iv.      It is a story of redemption and restoration. It is the story of the kinsman redeemer (Boaz) who was willing and able to bring restoration of that which had been lost or stolen.

               v.      It is the story of Christ and the Church. Boaz the kinsman redeemer represents Christ and all that He has done for us to make us His bride.

 

3.   What is the story of the Book of Ruth in outline form?

1.   Famine in Israel and hardship in Moab (1:1-5)

2.   Naomi and Ruth return to the land of promise (1:6-22)

3.   Ruth meets Boaz and gleans in his field (2:1-23)

4.   Ruth presents herself to Boaz, the Near Kinsman (3:1-18)

5.   Boaz redeems Ruth (4:1-21)

6.   Boaz and Ruth marry and have children (4:13-22)

 

4.   What is the background concept of the kinsmen redeemer?

In the Old Testament Era, since genealogy was so critical to the possession of inheritance in the land, God gave Israel the law of the kinsman redeemer to help ensure that nothing could be lost forever without the possibility of recovery.

a.   The Law of the Kinsman Redeemer

Laws regarding the kinsman redeemer involved both the property of, justice for and the perpetuation of progeny of the kinsman.

                i.      Property :- In order to maintain the property inheritance, the near kinsman would be required to buy back the property that had been sold due to foreclosure or poverty to keep it in the family (Lev. 25:25-34).

               ii.      Justice :- If the relative was murdered, the near kinsman would be responsible to become the “avenger of blood” and see to it that justice was served on behalf his slain relative (Num. 35:9-34).

              iii.      Progeny:- When a man died childless, the nearest male relative would be responsible to take his widow as a wife and raise up offspring for him through the widow of the deceased (Deut. 25:5-10).

b.   The Qualifications of the Kinsman Redeemer

There were several qualifications that had to apply in order for a kinsman to redeem the land and the

wife.

                i.      The person had to have the right to redeem—blood related (Deut. 25:5, 7-10; Ruth 2:20).

               ii.      The person had to have the power to redeem—financially capable (Ruth 2:1).

              iii.      The person had to have the will to redeem—voluntary/grace (Ruth 3:11).

5.    What does this book teach us about redemption in Christ?

Jesus is Our Kinsman Redeemer! He is our Boaz!

                i.      Jesus became incarnate to that he could be a partaker of flesh and blood (John 1:1; Rom. 1:3; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:14-15).

               ii.      Jesus was able to pay the price because he was the only one without sin (I Pet. 1:18- 19).

              iii.      Jesus was willing to redeem us from the curse of the law (Mt. 20:28; John 10:15. 18; Heb. 10:7).

 

I & II Samuel—The Books of the Monarchy

A.  What do the books of Samuel cover?

The books of Samuel were originally one book in the earliest Hebrew texts.

a.   The books of Samuel cover the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings.

b.   The books of Samuel cover the life of Samuel the last of the judges and the first of the prophets.

c.   The books of Samuel cover the reign of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

d.   The books of Samuel begin with the birth of Samuel and end with the failure and judgment of

David.

B.  What were the circumstances surrounding the birth of Samuel?

a.   National Decline :- The nation of Israel was in one of its cycles of decline. There was a spiritual dearth in the land (I Sam. 3:1).

b.   Weak Leadership:-  The high priest Eli was a weak leader who had very little connection with the Spirit of God (I Sam. 1:12-14; 2:22-3:1-3; 4:18).

c.   Despised Tabernacle Worship:- Because the sons of Eli were so vile, the people of God despised the sacrifices that were prescribed by God and they no longer practiced them (I Sam. 2:12-17, 22-24).

d.   Ark Lost:- Because of the presumption of Eli’s sons and a disregard for the laws of God, the Ark of the Covenant fell into enemy hands for the first time in its history (I Sam. 4:1-11) The birth of Icabod (inglorious) would be a sign child reminding them that “the glory has departed from Israel” (I Sam. 4:21-22).

e.   God Hears:- In this situation God responds to the cry of His people and brings a miracle baby into the world by the name of Samuel (“Heard by God”). Because he came as an answer to prayer, his mother Hannah gave him back to the Lord (I Sam. 1:20, 28).

C. What is the significance of Samuel in the overall plan of God?

1.   Samuel was the last of the judges (I Sam. 7:6, 15-17).

2.   Samuel was the first of a new order of prophets (I Sam. 3:19-4:1a; Acts 3:24; 13:20). Moses had been recognized as a prophet. The only other individuals between Moses and Samuel who were represented as speaking for God were Deborah and two other unnamed prophets (Judges 4:4; 6:8; I Sam. 2:27-36).

3.   Samuel is believed to have begun the schools of the prophets (I Sam. 10:5; 19:20, Compare: I

Kgs. 20:35; II Kgs. 2:3ff; 4:1, 38).

4.   Samuel anointed the first of the kings (I Sam. 10:1, 25; 16:13).

5.   Samuel laid the foundation for the prophets’ ministry to the kings (I Sam. 13:8-15; 15:22). The prophets would serve as the conscience to the kings and the nation for many years to come. The kings that listened to the prophets were blessed of the Lord and prospered.

6.   Samuel was considered by the Jews as second only to Moses among their historical leaders (Ps. 99:6-7; Jer. 15:1). Together they are the embodiment of the Law and the Prophets.

 

D.        What are some key lessons from the books of Samuel?

1.   Obedience and dedication will bring God’s authority (Samuel).

2.   Disobedience brings a loss of authority and anointing (Saul).

3.   Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart (I Sam. 9:1-3 with 16:7).

4.   Sin can be forgiven by God but the consequences or fruit of sin can remain forever (David).

5.   When you make mistakes as a leader, the people you serve will also pay the consequences (II Sam. 24:10-17).

 

 

I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles

The Books of Glory to Captivity

 

A. What are some of the background details in relation to each of these books?

It is important to note that in the original texts, both Kings was one book and Chronicles was one book. Perhaps the best way to see the background of these books is to use the following chart:

KINGS

Authorship                  -       Most likely Jeremiah

Date of Writing            -       Around 560 B.C. (586 B.C.) but before the return.

Years Covered             -       Approximately 420 Years Approximately 440 years

Events Spanned            -       From the death of David through the captivities of both Israel

and Judah.

Distinctive Features:-

a.   The glory of Solomon

b.   The division of the kingdom

c.   The corrupt kings of Israel

d.   Ministry of Elijah and Elisha

e.   The captivity of Israel

f.    The good and bad in Judah

g.   The captivity of Judah

 

Contrasts:- Focus on political history, wars, wickedness of kings, prophetic, judgments, a record of both houses.

 

CHRONICLES

 

Authorship                  -       Most likely Ezra

Date of Writing            -       Approximately 450-425 B.C.

Years covered              -       Approximately 440 years

Even spanned                      -       From the death of Saul to the decree of Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem.

Distinctive Features:-

a.   The reign of David

b.   The Tabernacle of David

c.   The reign of Solomon

d.   The Temple

e.   The division of the kingdom

f.    The kings of Judah both back- slidings and revivals

Contrasts:-  Focus on priestly functions, temple, continuity of Davidic line (note genealogies), a record of Judah (mostly).

 

A.  What happened in the life of David and Solomon that precipitated the weakening of the glory of the kingdom?

1. David had his failures.

a.   David took another man’s wife Bathsheba (II Sam. 11).

b.   David plotted to kill Uriah (II Sam. 11).

c.   David numbered the people (I Chr. 21).

2. Solomon had his failures.

a.   Solomon violated the laws of the kings.

•         He multiplied silver and gold (I Kgs. 10:14-25) His extravagance went to his head. It is said that every drinking vessel in his palace was made of gold and that silver was as prevalent as the rocks in the streets. It took him seven years to build the temple of the Lord. He followed this by spending 13 years building his own house of the finest of materials including cedars from Lebanon.

•         He multiplied horses (I Kgs. 4:26; 10:26-29). Just for his own personal collection he had 40,000 horses of Arabian stock. They say that the feeding troughs for these horses were lined with marble. The money for these things would come from the taxes of the people.

•         He multiplied wives (I Kgs. 11:1-8). Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Many of these wives were politically arranged and related to covenants of peace that he made with surrounding nations. A large percentage of these women came from pagan cultures who wanted to retain their pagan forms of worship. Solomon gave in to them and provided what they needed to maintain

·       their worship even to the extent of building temples to Molech. At times, he even would accompany them to their temples.

b.   Solomon turned his heart toward other gods (I Kgs. 11:6-11).

c.   Solomon did not follow the instructions of David his father (I Chr. 28:9-10).

d.   Solomon failed in wisdom (his strength) and ended his life in folly. Solomon’s best days are represented for us in Proverbs and Song of Solomon. His worst days are represented in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

3.   God indicated that because Solomon did not follow the ways of the Lord after his death the kingdom would be torn apart (I Kgs. 11:11-13, 34-36).

 

B.  What actually caused the kingdom to be divided?

1.   The Root Cause.

The root cause was the disobedience of Solomon and his backsliding away from the Lord. The

only reason why God’s judgment did not happen under his leadership is because of God’s respect

for David his father.

2.   The Local Cause.

a.   Jereboam, the servant of Solomon, took the opportunity after the death of Solomon to lead a rebellion against Rehoboam contesting his leadership (I Kgs. 11:26-12:5). Jereboam would eventually take the 10 northern tribes and separate from Judah. In order to establish his kingdom, Jereboam would set up calf worship at Dan and Bethel to keep those under his rule from having to go to Jerusalem to worship (I Kgs 12:25-33).

b.   Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, provided the catalyst for the division by not heeding the advice of the elders and listening to the poor advice of his peers to increase taxation and rule with a rod of iron (I Kgs. 12:6-24). Rehoboam would end up with Judah, Simeon and half of the tribe of Benjamin that would become the southern kingdom.

From this point on, Israel (Northern) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) begin their separate histories.

 

C.  Who are the two measuring rods for all future kings of Israel and Judah?

The two measuring rods or standard men by which all future kings would be judged are David and

Jereboam, the servant of Solomon.

1.   David represents the positive side or those kings that sought after the Lord. These kings did what was right in the sight of the Lord (II Kgs. 12:2). The key phrase associated with these kings is “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord as did his father David.” Note the following: I Kings 15:11; II Kgs. 14:3; 18:3; 22:2, Etc.

2.   Jereboam represents the negative side or those kings that did not seek the Lord. The key phrase associated with these kings is “did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of Jereboam, and in his sin by which he made Israel to sin.” Virtually all of the kings of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. Note the following: I Kings 15:34; 16:2, 19, 26, 31; 22:52; II Kings 10:29, 31; 13:2, 6, 11; 14:24; 15:18, 24, 28.

 

 

D.   What were some of the high points during the period of the kings?

 

Unfortunately one has to look beneath the surface to see some of the high points during these years.

1. The Prophets

1. The ministry of the prophets was the purest ministry in the Old Testament.

• Judges would fail.

• Kings would fall short.

• Priests would become corrupted.

• The Prophets (as a rule) would remain true.

2. The ministry of the prophets was to serve as a conscience to the nation and especially to the kings

 

3. There were prophets of scripture (We will be taking a closer look at these as we look at their

writings).

• Obadiah – Ministered under Jehoram of Judah

• Joel – Ministered under Joash of Judah

• Jonah – Ministered under Jereboam II of Israel

• Amos – Ministered under Jereboam II of Israel

• Hosea – Ministered under the last seven kings of Israel

• Micah – Ministered under Jothan, Ahaz and Hezekiah of Judah

• Isaiah – Ministered under Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manasseh of Judah

• Nahum – Ministered under Manasseh of Judah

• Zephaniah – Ministered under Josiah of Judah

• Jeremiah – Ministered under the last five kings of Judah

• Habakkuk – Ministered under the last five kings of Judah

There were other prophets as well.

• Ahijah – Ministered under Jereboam I of Israel

• Elijah – Ministered under Ahab of Israel

• Micaiah – Ministered under Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah

• Jehu – Ministered under Jehoshaphat of Judah

• Elisha – Ministered under Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz and Jehoash of Israel

2. The Good Kings of Judah

There were several good kings of Judah who led the nation in revival at key points in their history.

a)   Asa (I Kgs. 15; II Chr. 14)

b)   Jehoshaphat (I Kgs. 15, 22; II Chr. 17-21) He sent out itinerant preachers throughout the land to preach the Word of the Lord to the people of the land (II Chr. 17:7-9).

c)   Joash (II Kgs. 11-12; II Chr. 23-24) His chief work was to repair the house of the Lord under the leadership of Jehoiada the high priest. Unfortunately, he backslid toward the end of his reign after Jehoiada died.

d)   Uzziah (II Kgs. 14-15; II Chr. 26)

e)   Hezekiah (II Kgs. 18-20; II Chr. 29-32) - He had his life extended by 15 years when the Lord healed him (II Kgs. 20).

f)   Josiah (II Kgs. 22-23; II Chr. 34-35) He discovered the book of the Law in some rubble in the temple. When it was read, he repented for the nation and led the nation back to the right ways of God.

 

E.   What are the key lessons that we can learn from these books (Rom. 15:4; I Cor.10:11)? Four Key Lessons from Kings and Chronicles

a)   When we are loyal to God we will flourish, when we depart from the Lord and do not maintain His standards we will decline.

b)   Every generation is responsible to pass on the faith to their sons and daughters. Hezekiah, one of the greatest kings is followed by his son one of the worst of the kings, Manasseh (II Kgs. 21).

c)   When all seems lost, God has a way of bringing forth His purpose.

a.   Note that the Davidic line was nearly eliminated, but God preserved an heir (II Kgs. 11:1-3).

b.   Note that the book of the law was nearly lost, but God allowed a copy to be found (II Kgs. 22:8-20).

d)   When we seek the Lord, He will be found of us and He will lead us to victory (II Chr. 7:14; 11:16; 14:4, 7; 15:2, 4, 12-15; 17:4-5; 19:3; 20:3-4; 26:5; 30:18-19; 31:20-21; 34:3), when we do not, we will fail (II Chr. 12:14; 16:12).

 

 

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Books of Restoration and Providence

 

I. What are some comparisons and distinctions between these books?

Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther are all post-exilic, historical books, that is, the events that they cover pertain to Judah after the end of the 70 year captivity. For this reason all three go together. They are in fact the last of the historical books contained in the Old Testament. The remaining books are the poetic and the prophetic books.

Ezra and Nehemiah deal with the remnant of Judah that returned to Jerusalem and Judea, while Esther has to do with those who stayed in the land of their captivity. The three prophets that are seen in connection with these books are Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were seen as one book until the 3rd Century B.C. For this reason it is believed that Ezra and Nehemiah may have written their books in conjunction with one another.

 

II.  What was Ezra’s place in history in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel?

A.  Ezra was a priest and a scribe who was considered one of the four greatest leaders in the history of the nation.

1. Abraham was seen as the father of the nation.

2. Moses was the seen as the giver of the law.

3. David was the great and beloved king.

4. Ezra was a restorer of the nation.

B.  Ezra was accredited with some very important accomplishments besides those mentioned in the Book of Ezra. Although some of these cannot be proven, Ezra has been credited with—

1.   Starting the synagogue system. Because the temple had been destroyed under Nebuchadnezzar the people needed some place to go to hear the word of God. The synagogue was set up to be a school where people could be trained in the word of God. Synagogues were started in many communities. If they had ten or more men a synagogue could be started. The synagogues eventually became an important foundation for the establishment of New Testament local churches.

2.   Canonizing the Old Testament. Extra biblical literature (II Esdras 14) credits Ezra with having rewritten and published the twenty four books of the Hebrew canon which had been burned during the captivity. In the tradition, he dictated the books rapidly under special divine enablement. As a result of this process he is believed to have solidified the canon of the Old Testament.

 

3.   Translating the Hebrew Old Testament into Aramaic. Since many of the children of Israel who were born in captivity did not speak Hebrew, Ezra is credited with translating the Hebrew Bible into Aramaic, the mother tongue those born in captivity.

4.   Writing books of the Old Testament including Chronicles and Ezra (Compare II Chronicles 36:22- 23 and Ezra 1:1-3). In addition, some have credited him with the writing of Psalm 119. As such he was called the skilled scribe (Ezra 7:6, 10).

 

III. What is the basic outline of the Book of Ezra?

The Book of Ezra is divided into two main sections depicting two groups of people returning to the land.

A.  The first return under Zerubabel (the great grandson of Jeconiah, See: I Chronicles 3:17-19) and

the restoration of the temple (Ezra 1-6). This return involved about 50,000 people (Ezra 2:64-65).

1. The decree of Cyrus (1:1-4)

2. The departure under Zerubabel (1:5-11)

3. The registration of the remnant (2:3-65)

4. The sacred vessels returned (1:6-11; 2:68-70)

5. The rebuilding and the resistance (ch. 3-6)

6. The dedication of the temple (6:13-18)

B.  The second return under Ezra and the restoration of worship (Ezra7-10). This return occurred about 80 years later and involved at least 2000 (Ezra 8:1-20).

1.   The decree of Artaxerxes (7:1, 11-26)

2.   The leadership of Ezra (7:1-10)

3.   The registration of the remnant (8:1-20)

4.   The sacred vessel and gifts (7:15-22; 8:24-35)

5.   The journey to Jerusalem (8:31)

6.   The intercessory ministry of Ezra (9:1-15)

7.   The people rededicated and separated to the Lord (10:1-44)

C. The book of Ezra closes with the temple rebuilt (such as it was),and a revival of worship, but the

1.   walls of the city are still broken down.

IV. What is the background to the Book of Nehemiah?

1.   The remnant is in the land, the temple has been rebuilt and the worship restored but the walls of the city are broken down and all of the gates to the city are in a state of total destruction. This leaves the city and the people very vulnerable to enemies.

2.   A Jewish man in captivity Nehemiah, the cup bearer(food tester)for the king of Persia, becomes aware of the condition of the city and grieves over it.

3.   The king of Persia sees the sorrow of Nehemiah and releases him to lead the people of God in the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem.

V. What are the events covered in the Book of Nehemiah?

The book of Nehemiah can be divided into two primary sections.

1. The building of the wall and gates of the city (ch. 1-6).

a)   Nehemiah’ s distress and intercession (1:1-11)

b)   Nehemiah’ s expedition to Jerusalem (2:1-16)

c)   Nehemiah’ s exhortation to the people (2:17-20)

d)   The rebuilding started (3:1-32)

e)   The rebuilding opposed (4:1-6:14)

f)   The rebuilding completed (6:15-19)

2. There-instructing of the people (ch.7-13).

a)   The re-registration of the remnant (7:4-73).

b)   The re-reading of the law (8:1-18)

c)   The re-consecration of the people (ch. 9-10)

d)   The re-population of the city (ch. 11)

e)   The re-dedication of the walls (ch. 12)

f)   The reforms of Nehemiah (ch. 13)

 

 

VI. How is the providence of God seen in the Book of Esther?

Even though the name of God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, this book is all about the providence of God and His watchful eye over His people. “The silence about God is quite deliberate, not to make the point that he is inactive in human  situations, but on the contrary, that he is hidden behind all events. This is the implication of the numerous coincidental occurrences in the book. The story can become, therefore, a powerful statement about the reality of God in a world from which he appears to be absent.” God’s providence is seen in the following ways:

1.   God places key people in key places at just the right time for the sake of His purpose (Mordecai, Esther).

2.   God  arranges circumstances for His purposes. The chain of events recorded is just too coincidental. The king cannot sleep, he decides to read some records (Remember, he has a huge harem), happens to read in the exact place that is needful, finds that Mordecai has done something great without reward, decides to bless him, Haman comes to ask for the life of Mordecai, instead the king asks Haman to be the instrument of the kings blessing for Mordecai, Mordecai is honored and Haman is hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. God’s people are saved rather than annihilated.

3.   God preserves His people from annihilation. Remember the order that Haman was attempting to enact would have meant worldwide extermination. The Seed of the Woman is under attack. God will intervene (Read Esther 7:3-4).

4.   God thwarts the evil plans of those who set themselves against Him. The intended victims become the victors.