PRINCETON COLLEGE
SURULERE, LAGOS
CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS
KNOWLEDGE NOTE
FOR
GRADE 11 SECOND TERM
2023/2024 SESSION
SCHEME OF WORK
WEEKS TOPICS
1
Disobedience And Its
Consequences
2
A Man After God’s Own Heart
SUB-TOPICS
 Saul Anointed As King
 Saul’s Disobedience
 Consequences Of Saul’s Disobedience
 David, A Man After God’s Own Heart
 David Becomes Saul’s Enemy
3
4
5
6
David’s Submission To The
Will Of God
David’s Peace Covenant With
Abner
David Commits Murder And
Adultery
Making Decisions
 David Accepts God’s Verdict
 David’s Peace Covenant With Abner
 David Commits Murder And Adultery
 Solomon’s Wisdom
 The
Applications
Of
Solomon’s Wisdom
 Unwise Decisions Of Solomon
 Unwise Decisions Of Rehoboam
7
Greed And Its Effects
 Greed And Its Effects
 Ahab’s Greed And Consequences
 Gehazi’s Greed And Its Consequences
8
The Supremacy Of God
 Religious Tension In Israel
 Elijah Announces Drought
 Elijah Organized The Contest On
Mount Carmel
9
Religious Reform
 Motivating Factors To The Reform
 The Discovery Of The Book Of T
 Law (The Book Of Deuteronomy)
 The Prophecy Of Prophetess Huldah
 The Prophecy Of Prophetess Huldah
10
11
Josiah’s Reform Measures
Concern For One’s Nation
 The Reform In Judah
 The Reform In The
 Kingdom Of Israel
 The State Of The Nation
 Jehoiakim’s Revolt
 Zedekiah’s Revolt
12
Revision
 Revision
13
Examination
 Examination
Northern
WEEK 1
DISOBEDIENCE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Bible Verses: 1samuel, 10:1-16, 15:1-19
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGu9CAxL8a0
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Define disobedience.
2. Narrate Saul’s disobedience and its consequences.
3. Enumerate lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
Disobedience means the refusal to carry out an order, rebellion against
constituted authority, or deliberate failure to discharge an assignment in line with
stipulated rule or instructions. Disobedience attracts some negative consequences
which could be immediate or delayed. The topics under this theme cover Saul’s
disobedience and its consequences.
SAUL ANOINTED AS KING
Following the Israelites request for a king to govern them like other nations,
Samuel was directed by God to anoint Saul king over Israel. Samuel, the Prophet
of God, met Saul on his way in search of his father’s lost asses, took a vial of oil,
poured it on his head and kissed him, Saul was told that God had anointed him
king over Israel, to save them from the hands of their enemies. The prophet went
further to give Saul three signs to confirm his divine choice as king of Israel.
Saul was to meet two men at Rachael’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin, who
would inform him that the father’s lost asses are found and that his father was
anxious about him.
At the oak of Tabor, three men going up to God at Bethel would meet Saul and
would give him three loaves of bread, which Saul was advised to accept.
At Gibeath-elohim, where there was a garrison of the philistines, Saul would
meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine,
flute and lyre and prophesying, and the spirit of God would come mightily upon
him and he would prophesy. The above prophesies were fulfilled.
Through the above confirmations, Saul was made king over Israel. Thus, the first
king of Israel.
SAUL’S DISOBEDIENCE
The Amalekites were among the enemies of the Israelites, who posed a great
threat to the people on their way to the land of Canaan. When the Israelites were
fully settled, God decided to punish the Amalekite for the opposition given to the
Israelites when they came out of Egypt.
Following this, God sent Samuel to Saul, directing him to go and smite the
Amalekite, utterly destroy all that they had, and not spear them but kill both man,
woman, children and animals. It was to be a holy war.
Saul mobilized his soldiers against them. He however, instructed the Kenites who
dwelt among the Amalekites that showed kindness to the Israelites, when they
came out of Egypt, to depart from the city before the total destruction.
Saul went his men, destroyed the city but spared Agag the king and the best of
the sheep, lambs, and all that was good, and destroyed only the despised and
worthless things. God was not happy with the actions of Saul, so He sent Samuel
to confront Saul for doing such a thing. As Saul explained to Samuel, that the
animals were spared so as to sacrifice them to God. Samuel viewed it as an act of
disobedience, and he made Saul to understand that obedience is better than
sacrifice.
CONSEQUENCES OF SAUL’S DISOBEDIENCE
Saul’s failure to carry out the instruction of God through Samuel brought the
following consequences on him, his family and Israel.
Saul was rejected as king of Israel because Saul rejected the word of God. God
had also rejected him from being king. All efforts made by Saul to convince
Samuel of the reasons for sparing Agag and the animals proved abortive.
David was anointed to succeed Saul as king, while Saul was alive.
The spirit of God departed from Saul and an evil spirit from the lord tormented
him. This led to psychological imbalance and occasional insanity.
Saul and his three sons died at mount Gilboa, in a battle with the philistines.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 18-19.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 26:1-25.
EVALUATION
1. State five things about the first king of Israel.
2. How did Saul disobey God and what were the consequences of the
disobedience?
3. State three significance of this lesson.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. When Samuel said to Saul, to obey is better than sacrifice, he meant that
(a) Sacrifices are acceptable only if they come from a man who obeys God (b)
God prefers sacrifices to obedience (c) God prefers offerings to sacrifices (d)
God has barred all sacrifices (e) fats and rams are no longer desired for
sacrifice.
2.
David was ordered to play the lyre for Saul because
(a) there was no other competent player (b) David was a specialist (c) music was
believed to relieve insanity (d) David was to be the chief musician (e) Saul
wanted to learn music.
3. The three sons of Saul who lost their lives on Mount Gilboa were
(a) Abinadah, Jonathan and Malchishus (b) Jonathan, Ishbohsheth and
Malchishua
(c) Jonathan, Abinadah and Ishbohsheth
(d) Ishbosheth, Malchishua and Abinadab (e) Abinadab, Beth-shan and
Malchishua.
4. All of the following happened to the body of Saul after his death on Mount
Gilboa except that (a) his head was cut off (b) his body was stripped of all his
armour (c) his body was left naked in the battlefield (d) dogs ate up his body (e)
his body was fastened to the wall of Bethshan.
5. Saul’s war with the Amalekite was called Holy War because ………
(a) God spared the Canannites (b) the Amalekites worshipped Baal (c) the houses
of war were to be taken only by the king (d) Yahweh ordered total destruction (e)
the Amalekites were God’s people.
WEEK 2
A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART
Bible Verses: 1 Samuel 17
VideoLink:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoxiWdZ1k60&list=PLnMs5lL
Zuj1dBDuScsQbJdeb_j_bU5XF4
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Identify the man after God’s own heart.
2. State and narrate why he was called the man after God’s heart.
3. State the lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
DAVID, A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART
The picture of David as a king in Israel is that of a great king who acknowledged
the sovereignty of God. As a result of this acknowledgement God loved him and
extended this to his descendants. Among the qualities that distinguished David
from other kings were- his submission to the will of God, readiness to exhibit
repentance when he has erred against God, and the ability to forgive his enemies.
DAVID BECOMES SAUL’S ENEMY
The growing popularity of David after killing Goliath, and also the divine hands
of God on him, forced Saul to regard David as the greatest threat to his kingship.
He was determined to eliminate David by all means, but God was on the side of
David. David in order to save his life was on the run and almost became a fugitive.
When David perceived the intentions of Saul against him, he ran to the wilderness
of Ziph.
The Ziphites sabotaged David, by revealing to Saul that David was hiding on the
hill of Hachilah, on the east of Jeshimon. Saul with three thousand Chosen men
from Israel went to the wilderness of Ziph in search of David. Saul encamped
with his men on the hill of Hachilah. David having learnt that Saul had come in
search of him, sent spies to go and find out the exact place he laid with his men.
With the information received from the spies, David went with Abishai at night
and saw Saul lying asleep with Abner the son of Ner, his army commander,
surrounded by the other soldiers. Saul was fast asleep with his spear stuck in the
ground near his head. Abishai suggested he be allowed to pin Saul to the ground
because he felt it was God who provided such opportunity. David prevented him,
pointing out that it was a great sin for one to kill the Lord’s anointed. Rather he
removed his spear and jar of water without being noticed by any of the soldiers.
David left the scene with Abishai. The next day, David went and stood afar off
calling on Saul and his men, and even blaming Abner for incompetency as a guard
to the king. The spear and jar of water was David’s proof and confirmed the
opportunity he had to do away with the king’s life, but did not.
Saul on hearing the words of David and also seeing the proof, made him address
David with a repentant voice, calling him his son. He showed remorse begging
David to return, and promising never to hurt him. He finally blessed him and
David returned home.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 18-19.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 26:1-25.
EVALUATION
Describe the event where the life of Saul was spared in wilderness of Ziph.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1.
David was ordered to play the lyre for Saul because (a) there was no other
competent player (b) David was a specialist in music (c) music was
believed to relieve insanity (d) David was to be the chief musician (e) Saul
wanted to learn.
2.
‘The Lord forbid that I should put my sword against the Lord’s anointed’
By hand this statement David meant that (a) preferred dying to striking
Saul (b) wanted Saul to die fighting on the battle field (c) wanted Saul to
surrender unconditionally (d) wishes that God should be the arbitrator between
him and Saul (e) wished Saul to live forever.
3.
Abner transferred his loyalty from the house of Saul to that of David
because (a) Ishbosheth threatened to remove him as commander (b)
Ishbosheth charged him with a fault concerning to woman (c)Samuel have
had no legitimate successor (d) it was the wish of the people (e) David
invited Abner.
4.
Which of the following actions shows that king David was a man after
God’s heart? He (a) laid in ambush against Saul in the wilderness of Ziph
(b) attacked Saul’s camp secretly when his spies gave him useful
information (c) ordered Abner to slay Saul in his sleep (d) rejected the
suggestion to slay Saul (e) stealthily removed Saul’s spear and water jar.
5.
David told Abner in the wilderness of Ziph that he (Abner) deserved to die
because he (a) was slack in protecting king Saul (b) Allowed David to steal
the king’s helmet (c) lost the king’s spear and shield (d) plotted against
king Saul (e) led the king into death trap.
WEEK 3
DAVID’S SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD
Bible verses: 2 Samuel 12:15-25
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjHcOKT5hbA
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Identify the man after God’s own heart.
2. State and narrate why he was called the man after God’s heart.
3. State the lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
David submitted to the will of God by accepting God’s verdict over the death of
his child, born to him by Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. After David seduced Bathsheba
and put her in the family way. God was not pleased with the action of David and
He struck the child with sickness. While the child was sick David was not happy
and he tasted no food nor drink but kept praying to God to spare the child’s life.
However, the child died after one week and when David was told the child was
dead, he stopped mourning and anointed himself and went into the house of the
Lord and worshipped God. His servants were astonished at his act, because when
the child was sick he mourned and now the child was dead he anointed himself
and was praising God. Thus he had accepted God’s verdict as announced by
Prophet Nathan. Later a second son was born to him by Bathsheba. He named
him Solomon and also Jedidiah because the Lord loved him.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 20-21.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
1. State five things about King David.
2. Give reason why the servants of David refused to inform him of his child’
death.
3. State three significance of this lesson.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. David told Abner in the wilderness of Ziph that he (Abner) deserved to die
because he (a) was slack in protecting king Saul (b) Allowed David to steal
the king’s helmet (c) lost the king’s spear and shield (d) plotted against
king Saul (e) led the king into death trap.
2. The sword devours now one and now another. This statement was
David’s reaction the death of (a) Saul (b) Joab (c) Ishbosheth (d) Jonathan
(de) Uriah.
3. One of the moral defects of David which Nathan condemned was (a)
adultery (b) idolatry (c) polytheism (d) wickedness (e) ethnicity.
4. David was described by Bible writer as a man after God’s own heart
because (a) he accepted and lamented his sins (b) he planned to build a
temple (c) he composed some of the Psalms (d) he secured the Ark and
encourage the priests and Levites (e) all of the above.
5. David was known by later Israelites as their greatest king because he (a)
was a great and powerful warrior (b) built an empire for them that has never
been surpassed (c) played music for Saul when he was sick (d) was
shepherd boy of Jesse’s household (e) fasted more than any Israelite.
WEEK 4
DAVID’S PEACE COVENANT WITH ABNER
Bible Verses: 1 Samuel 17: 1-18, 2 Samuel 3:12-21
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1yDesxC4is
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Identify the man after God’s own heart.
2. State and narrate why he was called the man after God’s heart.
3. State the lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
DAVID’S PEACE COVENANT WITH ABNER
There was a lasting war between the house of David and that of Saul. As Saul was
growing weaker David grew stronger. The weakness of Saul gave Abner the
opportunity to grow in authority and influence which later threatened the house
of Saul. His strength grew to the point that he an affair with Rizpah Saul’s
concubine to which Ishbosheth the surviving son of Saul protested against. This
challenge angered Abner and in reaction to the affront, he vowed to transfer the
throne of Israel from the house of Saul to David, in fulfilment to what God had
decided.
As a result, Abner requested that David go into a covenant with him so as to
transfer the kingdom to David. David gave as a condition, the return of Michal,
whom he had betrothed with the foreskin of a hundred philistines and who was
his first wife. Michal was taken from her husband Patiel and returned to David.
Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, and reminded them of God’s promise
to save them from the hand of the Philistines and their enemies through David.
He urged them to accept David as their king. The report of the meeting was taken
to David by Abner in company of twenty men. David made a feast for Abner and
these men and later sent them away in peace.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 21-22.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
Briefly write on the encounter between Abner and Joab.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1.
The people of Israel said. ‘To your tents O Israel. Look now to your house
David’ because David had conspired and slain Saul (a) David had
conspired and slain Saul (b) David had instigated the death of Abner (c)
Rehoboam wanted to transfer the capital from Jerusalem to Schechem (d)
Reroboam had turned down the people’s plea for easing their burden (e)
Jeroboam had turned from exile.
2.
King Solomon’s request to God at Gibeon, God endowed him with all the
following except (a) an understanding mind (b) ability for good governance
(c) righteousness with and faithfulness to God (d) riches and honour (e)
ability to discern between good evil.
3.
When God said to Solomon, ‘ask what I shall give you he requested for (a0
the art of governance (b) the art of worship © fame and honour (d) long
4.
5.
life and prosperity (e) Riches and assistance against his neighbouring
enemies.
God allowed Rehoboam to retain only one tribe in Israel because (a) his
father, Solomon, had shared the other tribes among his other brothers (b)
he had married many foreign wives (c) the northern tribes had successfully
revolted against him (d) of David, who had been faithful to the Lord (e) his
father, Solomon, had served the Lord all his life.
Which of the following decisions did Solomon take contrary to the will of
God (a) building a temple for God (b0 marrying foreign wives who came
with their gods to Israel (c) inviting foreign labour for his building projects
(d) making Jeroboam take charge of labour (e) engaging the Israelite in
many battles.
WEEK 5
DAVID COMMITS MURDER AND ADULTERY
Bible Verses: 1 Samuel 17
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1yDesxC4is
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Identify the man after God’s own heart.
2. State and narrate why he was called the man after God’s heart.
3. State some lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
DAVID COMMITS MURDER AND ADULTERY
Israel was at war with the Ammonites, while David remained in Jerusalem.
David was attracted by the beauty of Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. Whom he saw
bathing. He sent for her and had intercourse with her, which resulted in
pregnancy. In order that David might cover his sin, he sent for Uriah who was in
the battle field, and ordered him to go to his house and wash his feet. The washing
of feet would have freed him from abstinence from sexual intercourse imposed
on soldiers according to Jewish custom during the war, so as to be in a position
to lie with his wife. Uriah refused the order and when all effort to lure him to be
with his wife failed, including making him drunk. David wrote a letter to Joab,
through Uriah himself instructing Joab to put Uriah where there were valiant men
of the Ammonites, so that he might be killed. The instruction was successfully
implemented. When David heard of the death of Uriah, he took Bathsheba to be
his wife and she bore him a son. The action of David displeased God who
immediately sent Prophet Nathan to rebuke him and pronounce punishment upon
him, including the death of the child. David acknowledged his sin and asked for
forgiveness, after confessing his sin as contained in Psalm 51.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 21-22.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary Schools
by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
Identify the dual sins of King David and describe the reactions of God towards.
WEEK 6
MAKING DECISIONS
Bible Verses: (1kings 3:3-28, 4:29-34, 5:1-12, 8:1-53)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0seKLR_oC3s
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Explain decision making.
2. Narrate Solomon’s and Rehaboam’s decision making.
3. List out some lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT:
The greatness of a nation is dependent on the quality of its leadership. The quality
of leadership on the other hand is dependent on the ability of its leaders to make
wise decisions. A leader who is gifted with this ability is regarded as wise.
Wisdom is a gift from God; it paves the way to the greatness of a leader and the
nation at large.
SOLOMON’S WISDOM
Solomon became king after the death of his father, David. David had instructed
Solomon before his death to observe God’s laws and work according to his
statues, as condition for his success. Solomon loved God and walked in the way
of his father David. As a true servant of God, Solomon went to Gibeon to offer
sacrifice upon the altar, and there the Lord appeared to him in a dream at night,
asking him to make a request, because He was pleased with the sacrifice.
Solomon requested for wisdom to rule the people of God the Israelites. The
request pleased God, and he was given wisdom surpassing that of his predecessors
or those who would live after him. God added riches and honour to him and
promised to lengthen his life, if he walked according to his statues.
THE APPLICATIONS OF SOLOMON’S WISDOM
Following the gift of wisdom as requested by Solomon and God granting his
request, he applied it in the following areas as king of Israel.
1. Judgment of the case involving two harlots: There were two harlots who
lived together. Each had a child, and one of the children died. They both
struggled over the ownership of the living child. When the issue was taken
to the king Solomon. He ruled that the living child be cut into two and
shared between the prostitutes. While the mother of the living child
opposed the decision the other harlot approved it. Solomon was able to
ascertain the true owner of the child through the decision. His Judgment
thereafter made him popular among the people as a wise king.
2. Building and dedication of the temple: Another event which portrayed
Solomon as a wise king was his ability to bring the dream of his father,
which is the building of the temple to reality. With the materials collected
from Hiram the king of Tyre, Solomon erected a magnificent temple to
God.
3. Wisdom in Arts- Songs and proverbs: The bible records it that Solomon
composed about one thousand and five songs, and uttered three thousand
proverbs. All these were manifestations of the true wisdom in Solomon
which placed him above others of his time and after.
4. Dedication of the temple: Immediately the building of the temple was
completed, Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and the representatives
of the people for the dedication of the temple. He transferred the Ark of
God to its new resting place in the inner sanctuary of the temple and made
the Ark once again the symbol of national unity. Feasting and religious
celebrations characterized the dedication, with the priests taking their
positions.
UNWISE DECISIONS OF SOLOMON
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0seKLR_oC3s
THE UNWISE DECISIONS OF DAVID
Solomon started his rule with the fear of God, followed by practical exhibition of
wisdom, which gave rise to the admiration of his people. His popularity later
faded away due to deviation from divine injunctions, and failure to place his
people at the forefront of his administration. The above reasons led to his down
fall. Solomon’s unwise decisions could be studied under the following headings.
1
Forced labour: The building projects of Solomon i.e. the temple, the royal
palace and the fortification of Jerusalem required both human and financial
resources. Solomon in order to achieve these, reduced the people and their vassals
to the level of slaves through forced labour. The people groaned under the
condition which later led to rebellion.
2
Over Taxation: Solomon needed money to maintain not only his building
projects, also his wives and concubines (700 and300), he consequently levied
heavy taxation on the subjects as a way out. The action displeased the people and
led to the total disapproval of Solomon’s reign.
3
Marriage to foreign women: contrary to God’s injunction, Solomon loved
and married many foreign women, including the daughter of Pharaoh. The vice
laid the foundation for the life of apostasy by Solomon in the later days of his life.
MARRIAGE WITH MANY WIVES
4
Worship of foreign God’s: His foreign wives turned his heart to their
foreign gods and he was no longer true to the God of Israel. He became a full
worshipper of these foreign gods and took part in heathen practices.
UNWISE DECISIONS OF REHOBOAM
The Israelites needed solace in the hand of a new king, after their undue
suppression in the hands of King Solomon. At Shechem, Rehoboam the son of
Solomon, presented himself before the elders of Israel to be made king as
successor to his father, after Solomon’s death. There, the people bitterly
complained of the burden imposed on them through the oppressive rule of
Solomon and wanted him to inform them if he would lighten their burden.
After due consultation with the elders and the young men, Rehoboam rejected the
advice of the elders, whose advice was to lighten the burden of the people. Rather
he accepted the advice of the young men; which was to increase the burden of the
people. The declaration of the advice by the young men gave rise to rebellion and
division in the kingdom. This led to the formation of the Northern and southern
kingdom. The North was under Jeroboam while the south was under Rehoboam.
This marked the beginning of a divided kingdom and monarchy.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 21-22.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
1. State three wise and three unwise decision of King Solomon.
2. Give four significance of this lesson.
WEEK 7
GREED AND ITS EFFECTS
Bible Verses: 1kings 21:1-29
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zOQjMWMngE
Specific Objectives: By the of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Define greed.
2. State some effects of greed on a nation.
3. Give the significance of this lesson.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT:
Greed is one of the major human tendencies. It is a selfish and excessive desire
for the good things of life or the urge to acquire things beyond one’s normal due
or the desire to convert what belongs to another to one’s personal use. It is a sin
that leads to other sins, since a greedy person tries to achieve his or her aim
through foul means. It leads to murder, lies, false accusations, false claims etc.
AHAB’S GREED AND CONSEQUENCES
Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard close to Ahab’s palace. Ahab desired the
vineyard and went ahead to request for the vineyard from Naboth, so as to convert
it to a vegetable garden either in exchange for money or a better vineyard. Naboth
turned down the request claiming that it was his father’s inheritance. Ahab went
home in a very sad mood and refused to eat. Jezebel his wife noticing his mood,
enquired from him the cause. Ahab explained what transpired between him and
Naboth. Jezebel then told him to cheer up and eat for he will surely possess the
vineyard of Naboth.
NABOTH VINEYARD NABOTH STONED TO DEATH
Jezebel now wrote a letter in the name of Ahab the king and sent it to the elders
of Jezreel. She instructed them to proclaim a fast, set Naboth on high among the
people and get two base fellows to accuse him of cursing God and the king. They
were immediately to take him out and stone him to death.
The elders carried out the instruction as contained in the letter, thereby putting
Naboth to death. Jezebel on hearing that Naboth was dead directed her husband
to take possession of the vine yard.
CONSEQUENCES OF AHAB’S GREED
When Ahab had gone to Naboth’s vineyard to take possession of it, God directed
Elijah, His Prophet to go and meet Ahab in Naboth’s vineyard and rebuke him
for killing Naboth and taking possession of Naboth’s vineyard and to pronounce
the following curses on him.
1. Dogs would lick the blood of Ahab in the place where they licked the blood
of Naboth.
2. God would cut off every male from the house of Ahab.
3. Dogs would eat Jezebel within the bounds of Jezreel.
4. The dogs would eat any member of Ahab’s family who died in the city and
birds of the air would eat anyone of Ahab’s family who died in the open
country.
When Ahab heard of God’s Verdict, He tore his clothes and wore
sack clothes, as a show of repentance. God as a result his repentance
postponed the punishment to the days of his sons, and not in Ahab’s life
time.
GEHAZI’S GREED AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Naaman was the great army commander of the Syrian army, by whom the Syrians
defeated many nations. He was loved by the king of Syria although he was a leper.
In one of their encounters with Israel in war, the Syrians had taken captive an
Israelite girl who became an attendant to Naaman’s wife. The Jewish girl
informed her mistress of the ability of Elisha the Prophet, of Yahweh in Samaria,
to cure Naaman of his leprosy.
Naaman made this known to the king of Syria and the king of Syria despatched a
letter to the king of Israel, informing him that his servant Naaman was being sent
to him to be cured of his leprosy. Naaman went with ten talents of silver, six
hundred shekels of gold and ten festal garments. When the king of Israel received
the letter he was so troubled that he tore his clothes, regarding the letter by the
Syrian king as an attempt to pick quarrel with him, because according to the king
of Israel he was not God that could cure diseases.
When Elisha heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, he ordered that
Naaman be sent to him so that he might know there was a prophet in Israel. When
Naaman arrived at the door step of Elisha, he was ordered Naaman to go and wash
himself seven times in the river Jordan in order to have his flesh restored. Naaman
was not happy about the instruction, because he thought the prophet would call
the name of his God, wave his hands about and cure him, rather than asking him
to go to Jordan and wash himself.
According to Naaman, there were after all, superior rivers in Damascus, like the
Abana and Pharpar. Naaman left in anger but was advised by his servants to
comply with the instruction of the Prophet. He went to the river Jordan and dipped
himself seven times and his flesh was completely restored.
As a show of gratitude to the prophet, Naaman returned to Elisha with gifts. But
Elisha refused to accept the gift. Naaman further requested that some quantity of
earth (sand) be given him to take along as he would now worship only the God
of Israel, his request was granted and Elisha sent him away in peace.
When Naaman left with his gifts, Gehazi Elisha’s servant was not happy with the
decision of Prophet Elisha in not collecting the gifts and so he ran after Naaman.
When he got to Naaman, he lied that soon after Naasman left, the sons of the
prophets from the country of Ephraim came to Elisha and that he was sent by the
prophet to collect a talent of silver and two festal garments from him for these
two sons of his. Naaman did as he requested. The gifts were hidden by Gehazi
who was soon summoned by Elisha.
GEHAZI COLLECTING THE GIFTS
When Elisha asked Gehazi of his where about, he replied that he went nowhere.
Elisha then told Gehazi that he went with him in Spirit, when he ran after
Naaman. Elisha went further to pronounce that Naaman’s leprosy would be
transferred to Gehazi and his descendants and it was so.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 21-22.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
1. Define greed.
2. State three effects of greed on a nation.
3. Give five significance of this lesson.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1.
The marriage of Ahab to Jezebel ………….. (a) made Israel weak (b)
brought Eastern despotism to Israel (c) made Ahab an oppressor (d) gave
foreign gods a strong football in Israel (d) caused all the above.
2.
Ahab worshipped Baal Melkat in order to please his ………….. (a)
Egyptian wife (b) Lebanese wife (c) Syrian wife (d) Sidonian wife (e)
Arabian wife.
3.
The kings of Israel were afraid to kill the prophet as ‘the Lord’s anointed’,
but the first Israelite king to persecute a prophet was (a) Josiah (b) Ahab
(c) Menahem (d) Jeremiah (e) Jehoida.
4.
Gehazi’s request for Naaman’s talent of silver and festal garments exposed
his (a) evil plan to discredit his master (b) sense of objectivity and fair play
(c) greed and lust for material wealth (d) consideration for other people’s
rights (e) contempt and envy for his master’s position.
5.
Ahab’s request for Naboth’s vineyard exposed his (a) fairness and justice
(b) consideration for other’s rights (c) cleverness and treachery (d) appreciation
of beauty (e) envy and disregard for law
WEEK 8
THE SUPREMACY OF GOD
Bible Verses: 1Kings 16:29-34, 17:1-7, 18:1-19, 19:1-18
Video Link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OHvyS_DJ_I
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Define and explain the supremacy of God.
2. Mention some ways men of God are being attacked today.
3. State and emulate from the lessons on this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
In all true religions, there is a belief in the existence of the Supreme Being.
However, during the reign of Ahab, pagan worship was imposed on the people of
Israel and this caused a religious crisis. At this time Prophet Elijah faithfully and
courageously stood firm and restored Israel’s faith in Yahweh (God).
RELIGIOUS TENSION IN ISRAEL
THE PROPAGATION OF THE WORSHIP OF BAAL BY AHAB AND
JEZEBEL
With the influence of Jezebel, Ahab in diverse ways propagated Baalism in Israel.
He built
A house for Baal and erected an altar in it for its worship. He also made for Jezebel
an Asherah a female counter part of Baal. Ahab himself also served and
worshipped Baal.
Ahab’s idolatry made him evil, such that during his reign, that he allowed Hiel of
Bethel to rebuild the cursed city of Jericho. Hiel lost his first son at the laying of
its foundation, and his youngest son Segub at the setting of its gates, according to
God’s word spoken through Joshua.
THE PROPAGATION OF BAAL WORSHIP BY AHAB AND JEZEBEL
CAUSES RELIGIOUS TENSION
1 The prophets of God persecuted: with the introduction of Baal worship in
Israel, the prophets of God were persecuted by Jezebel. Obadiah the officer
in charge of Ahab’s house hold had to hide hundreds of those prophets in
a cave in fifties. He also fed them with bread and water morning and
evening.
2 Unsafe atmosphere for the worshippers of God: Jezebel with the help of
her husband Ahab the king, was determined to make Baalism prevail in
Israel by all means, the people did not feel safe to worship God. This
reduced the number of loyal worshippers of Yahweh.
3 The Israelites suffer drought: Elijah the prophet of Yahweh pronounced
drought upon Israel and God allowed it to come to pass. The drought was
for about three years and the people suffered greatly. God used the drought
partly as a punishment to the people for the idolatry they were practising
in form of Baal worship and partly to show his supremacy over Baal and
prove himself the owner and controller of everything.
4 Baal prophets killed and Jezebel scares Elijah away: after the contest on
Mount Carmel, four hundred and fifty Baal prophets were killed, and the
Israelites faith in Yahweh as the supreme God was restored. On hearing of
the killing of the prophets of Baal, Jezebel swore to destroy Elijah’s life.
Feeling unsafe and frustrated, Elijah went to mount Horeb in the
wilderness, a desolate area and dwelt in a cave.
There he asked God to take his life, and while he was there waiting to hear
from God either through the earth quake, the strong wind or fire, God spoke
to him in a still small voice. Elijah at this point complained to God that all
Israel had apostatised except him. God however, told him that there were
about seven thousand Israelites who have not bowed to or worship Baal.
5 Further punishment to the apostates: pronouncing further Judgement on the
apostates, God commanded Elijah to anoint Hazel as the new King of Syria,
and Jehu as the new king of Israel. Elisha was also chosen as prophet to
replace Elijah through those three persons, God reformed
Israel.
ELIJAH ANNOUNCES DROUGHT
Bible Verse: 1Kings 17:1-7. 18:17-46.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OHvyS_DJ_I
As directed by God, Elijah announced a drought in Israel and it happened. This
was to prove God as the Supreme Being. During the drought God directed Elijah
to the brook Cherith, to the east of the Jordan. There he hid himself and was fed
by the ravens with bread and meat, morning and evening, he also drank from the
brook.
ELIJAH ORGANISED THE CONTEST ON MOUNT CARMEL
As directed by Elijah, Ahab gathered four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, the
four hundred prophets of Asherah and all the Israelites for the contest. Elijah first
rebuked the people for their infidelity and syncretic practice. Through the contest,
Elijah came to prove God publicly as the true and supreme God and not Baal.
The condition for the contest was that a bull each would be offered to God and
Baal, and the one that would answer by fire would prove to be the true and
supreme God. The prophets of Baal were the first to offer their bull to their god,
Baal. When they offered the bull, Baal did not consume it. They cried and bruised
themselves until past noon, their god did not answer as the bull remained on the
altar unconsumed.
THE CONTEST AT MOUNT CAMEL
As it got to Elijah’s turn, to call on his God, he first prepared the altar with twelve
stones, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. He laid the bull with wood on the
altar and dug a trench around it. He then ordered the people to pour four jar of
water on it. It was done repeatedly and on the third time when the trench was
filled up, Elijah called on God to consume the burnt offering and to prove Himself
(the supreme) God in Israel, and to prove him Elijah as His true servant.
Immediately fire fell from heaven and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the
stones and the dust licking the water that was in the trench. Seeing what had
happened the people fell on their faces, and cried “The Lord He is God, the Lord
He is God.” This signifies the restoration of their faith in God as the true and
supreme God.
Consequently, Elijah ordered that the prophets of Ball be executed, and this was
done at the brook of Kashon. After the contest Elijah went on the mountain top
to pray that the rain might fall, this prayer was followed by a heavy down pour.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 21-22.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary Schools
by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
1. Mention five ways men of God are being attacked today.
2. State five lessons on this topic.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIIONS
1.
The contest on Mount Carmel was to demonstrate that …………. (a) Baal
was the God of Israel (b) Baal controls nature (c) Yahweh was supreme to
other gods (d) Israel had declared for Yahweh (e) Ahab had won Israel for
Baal.
2.
When God ordered famine on Israel, Elijah was fed by the ravens at
…………… (a) river Jordan (b) mount Carmel (c) river Kishon (d) the plain of
Moab (e) brook cherith.
3.
Elijah demonstrated the supremacy of God to the people of Israel by
……………. (a) condemning Ahab for slaying Naboth (b) prophesying the
death of Ahab (c) anointing Jehu as Ahab’s successor (d) slaying all the
worshippers of Baal (e) ordering fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice.
4.
Elijah and the prophets of Baal proved the true God on Mount ……………
(a) Bethel (b) Carmel (c) Hermon (d) Horeb (e) Pisgtah.
5.
Elijah killed the prophets of Baal ………… (a) In order to provoke Baal
worshippers (b) as an act of revenge (c) as an act of sacrifice (d) I order to
revive monotheism (e) in order to show his power.
WEEK 9
RELIGIOUS REFORM
Bible Verses: 2 Kings22; 23:1-30.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggWHMo6McFI
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Define Reformation.
2. List areas the church needs reformation.
3. Highlight some lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
Adulteration of pure worship of God with pagan worship, usually removes the
fear of God in people, leading to the prevalence of social and religious evils. This
was the situation in Judah as well as in the Northern kingdom when Josiah became
king of Judah. Being aware of the unpleasant situation, Josiah carried out a
religious reform in Judah and also extended it to the Northern kingdom.
MOTIVATING FACTORS TO THE REFORM
THE PREVALENT RELIGIOUS EVIL: At the time of King Josiah, the pagan
practices fostered by King Manasseh, Josiah’s grandfather still prevailed in
Judah. These were the factors that led to the reformation.
a. Idolatrous practices in Jerusalem: there were foreign gods and their
officiating priests and priestesses in the temple. Prostitution was practised
in the house of god in line with pagan worship prevalent at the time.
b. Shrines and idolatrous priest were found in all the cities of Judah, where
idols were worshipped. A similar situation existed in the Northern
kingdom.
c. Child sacrifice: child sacrifice was in practice at a place called Tophet, in
line with the Assyrian religious practice.
d. The use of mediums and wizards: innocent people were killed through such
practices.
When the law book was discovered, it became glaring to Josiah, from its contents,
how much the prevalent practice contradicted the commandments of
God.
2. THE DISCOVERY OF THE BOOK OF THE LAW (THE BOOK OF
DEUTERONOMY. (2 Kings 22:1-11)
The Law book was discovered in the 18th year of Josiah, the king of Judah, whose
father was Amon and his mother Jedidah. He started reigning at the age of eight,
and reined for twenty-one years. The book was found by Hilkiah the priest, during
the renovation of the house. The discovered book was sent to Josiah through
Shaphan the king’s secretary. When the contents of the book were read to the
king, he realised the people had deviated greatly from the ideals of the worship
of God. He was disturbed and therefore became concerned about how to reform
the people’s religious life style.
3. THE PROPHECY OF PROPHETESS HULDAH
Sensing the anger of God on the people due to their infidelity, Josiah sent people
to prophetess Huldah, to inquire from her God’s intention concerning Judah.
From the prophecy of prophetess Huldah, Josiah knew that the judgment of God
was imminent on Israel. This made the king see the reform as an urgent matter.
Immediately, he started making the necessary preparations for the reform.
4. THE FAVOURABLE POLITICAL SITUATION OF HIS TIME
During the reign of Josiah, Assyria to which Judah was a vassal state was weak.
This encouraged Josiah to embark on the reform, which was partly an indirect
way of rejecting Assyrian dominion, as the reform, involved purging Judah from
Assyrian religious practices.
JOSIAH’S GOD FEARING NATURE
Josiah’s sensitivity to the will of God, made him concerned when, from the
contents of the book, he knew that they had been living in disobedience to God.
PREPARATION FOR THE REFORM
As a first step to the reform, King Josiah summoned all the people of Judah,
notably the elders, the priest and the prophets to the temple in Jerusalem. Standing
by the pillar in the house of God, he renewed their covenant with God.
It was marked by reading out the words of the book of the law to the people, after
which they promised to obey all the commandments of God. Having committed
the people to his course, he was set for the reform.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 58-61.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary Schools
by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2 Samuel 12:15-25.
EVALUATION
1. What is Reformation?
2. List five areas our nation needs reformation.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. During the reign of Josiah, the Book of Law was found by ………. (a)
Shaphan (b) Hilkiah (c) Isaiah (d) Zedekiah (e) Hezekiah.
2. Josiah the king of Judah is best remembered in Jewish community
……………. (a) His opposition to Pharaoh-Neco of Egypt (b) destroying all
the shrines of Baal Asherah in the country (c) ordering the bones and tombs
of the prophet of God to be preserved (d) repairing the temple (e) depositing
all the priests of Baal and Asherah.
3. King Josiah was regarded as the defender of Jewish religion because
…………… (a) he killed all the priests of Baal (b) he sanctified the priests of
Baal at the altar in Jerusalem (c) houses dedicated to the sun god were
rededicated to the Lord (d) he brought down Jeroboam’s altar from Bethel to
Jerusalem (e) he reformed the corrupt religious practices of his predecessors.
4. King Josiah was commended by the Deuteronomic historians because he
……………(a) wrote a book of the law (b) ordered the repair of the temple in
Jerusalem (c) defended the king of Assyria against Egyptian attacks (d) built
a new temple in Jerusalem (e) directed Shaphan, his secretary to recognize
Baalism in Israel.
5. In spite of Josiah’s religious reforms, God still punished Judah because
………….. (a) his reforms did not go far enough (b) Judah had sold herself to
foreign powers (c) Josiah’s reforms were limited to Judah alone (d) Josiah
overturned Manasseh’s religious unpardonable.
WEEK 10
JOSIAH’S REFORM MEASURES
Bible Verse: 2 kings 23:4-30
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggWHMo6McFI
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Define Reformation.
2. List areas the church needs reformation.
3. Highlight some lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
1. Eradication of idolatrous practices in Jerusalem: Josiah started his religious
reform in Judah by eradicating idolatrous practices in the temple. On the
king’s orders, all the foreign gods, including Baal, Asherah, the sun god
and all the things used for their worship were removed from the temple and
burnt at kidron outside Jerusalem. All the idolatrous priest and priestesses
were removed from the temple and their houses burnt. Idolatrous priest in
all the city of Judah disposed, high places defiled and the foreign god’s
destroyed.
2. Child sacrifice abolished: Topheth a place in the valley of the sons of
Hinnom, where the people were practicing Child sacrifice to the god of
Molech according to the religious custom of Assyria was defiled and child
sacrifice was abolished.
3. The use of mediums and wizards stopped: The pagan practice (divination
or sooth saying) by which many innocent people were killed was abolished
throughout Judah.
THE REFORM IN THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL
Destruction of the high places, foreign gods and the altar at Bethel: King Josiah
extended the reform to the northern kingdom by destroying the high places and
the altar built at Bethel by Jeroboam1, the first king of the northern kingdom.
He also burnt all the foreign gods found there.
Defilement and destruction of all the high places in the cities of Samaria, the
capital of the Northern kingdom.
Idolatrous priests in Samaria were killed.
The reform measures used by Josiah followed the recommendations in the
discovered law book, for the ideal worship of God.
THE OUTCOME OF THE REFORM
It succeeded in eradicating idolatrous practices in Judah at that time.
Jerusalem again became the only legitimate place of worship.
The Passover feast which was last celebrated at a national level during the time
of the Judges was celebrated again in Jerusalem by all the people, immediately
after the reform.
The success of the reform was only external, the basic aim of it was not achieved.
It was to reform the people internally. It only succeeded in making the people
return to God outwardly, while evil still prevailed in Judah. This was evident in
the prophecies of Jeremiah, who started his prophetic ministry towards the end of
Josiah’s reign.
Further Reading
1. Round-Up Christian Religion Education, for Senior Secondary Schools by
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 64-66.
2. Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3. The Holy Bible (R.S.V) 2kings 23:4-30.
EVALUATION
1. Write five things about Josiah.
2. Mention three areas of Josiah’s reformation.
3. Give two significance of the lesson.
WEEK 11
CONCERN FOR ONE’S NATION
Bible Verses: 2 Kings 24; 25:1-17
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Identify some ways a nation may suffer punishment.
2. Narrate Nehemiah’s concern for his nation.
3. List out lessons from this topic.
Teaching Aids: The Bible, Pictures and videos.
CONTENT
A nation sometimes faces natural disasters like famine, war and invasion, which
leads to insecurity, destruction of lives and property, and the general suffering of
people. Such things are sometimes used by God to redirect people. He equally
uses concerned and patriotic individuals to restore things for the people. The
people of Judah experienced such correction from.
God right from the period of time after the death of King Josiah, to the time of
Ezra and Nehemiah.
THE STATE OF THE NATION
(2Kings 24; 25:1-17)
Egypt (under Pharaoh Neco) destabilises Judah’s political state (1kings 23:2831)
Josiah was killed by Pharaoh Neco in a battle at Meggido. This resulted in Israel
in becoming a vassal of Egypt. Pharaoh Neco therefore deposed Jehoahaz,
Josiah’s son and successor, and in his place made Jehoiakim a vassal king over
Judah.
JEHOIAKIM’S REVOLT AND THE CONSEQUENT BABYLONIAN
INVASION AND THEFIRST EXILE OF THE PEOPLE
Egypt was later defeated by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, making Judah a
vassal of Babylon. Jehoiakim was encouraged by Egypt to revolt against Babylon.
He did so against the advice of Prophet Jeremiah, for the Prophet saw
Babylon as God’s punitive measure for Judah. Jehoiakim’s revolt made Babylon
invade Judah, and Jehoiakim died in the struggle, leaving his son Jehoiachin on
the throne.
God did not only use the Babylonian invasion to punish the people of Judah
and their kings for their sins, but also made other states like Syria, Moab and
Amon, take advantage of the invasion to attack Judah. Latter Nebuchadnezzar
exiled all the leading people in Judah to Babylon. They included king Jehoiachin
and every member of his family, mighty men of Valour, the crafts men and some
Prophets, including prophet Ezekiel. All the precious vessels of gold were carried
from the temple away by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon to the house of his god.
This was the period of the first exile or the first deportation. It took place around
579 BC. Nebuchadnezzar then appointed Zedekiah
Jehoiachin’s uncle a vassal king over Judah. Zedekiah also revolted against the
king of Babylon.
ZEDEKIAH’S REVOLT, AND THE SECOND EXILE AND THE
DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND THE WALL OF JERICHO
Zedekiah, just like Jehoiachin, revolted against Babylon. This was in the tenth
month of the ninth year of his reign. Zedekiah’s revolt made Babylon revolt the
second time under Nebuchadnezzar. This time the Babylonians (Chaldeans) laid
siege to the city of Jerusalem. It lasted from the tenth month of the ninth year of
Zedekiah’s reign to his eleventh year. There was severe famine in Judah.
When the Babylonians were still attacking, King Zedekiah tried to escape, but
was caught by the Army of the Chaldeans in the plains of Jericho, and was taken
to king Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah. There his two sons were killed before him and
King Zedekiah’s eyes were pulled out. He was bound with fetters and exiled to
Babylon and some other persons with him. At this time all except the poorest
people were exiled to Babylon. The temple and the walls of Jerusalem were
destroyed, and the city of Jerusalem was burnt. Jerusalem was therefore left in
ruins. The period was known as the period of the second exile or deportation and
its date was 586BC.
RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE NATION
(Nehemiah1:1-11; 2:9-20)
In the month of Chislev, after the exile, Nehemiah a Jew serving in Susa, capital
of the Persian empire, received the news of the pathetic state of Judah, from
Hanani one of the Jews that came from Judah to susa. Hanani reported to
Nehemiah that:
1. The survivors were in great trouble and shame.
2. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down.
3. Its gates were destroyed by fire.
Due to this report Nehemiah became sad and greatly concerned about the state of
Judah. He went to the king of Persia, asking for permission to go and help rebuild
the walls of Jerusalem (king Artaxerxes).
RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE NATION
THE DECREE OF CYRUS THE RETURN OF THE EXILES AND THE
PROBLEMS THAT FACED THEM BABYLON
Babylon came under Persian Empire and the king of Persia, Cyrus, as directed by
God in fulfilment of the prophecy of Jeremiah, issued a decree that the Jewish
exiles should return to their country and rebuild Jerusalem Temple.
In line with this decree, the Jewish exiles returned to Judah. They were led by
Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar. At this time, the Jews in Judah were faced with
many problems, some of which were:
Lack of a place of worship.
An adulteration of Yahweh worship, which was one of the negative effect of the
exile on the Jews.
Insecurity as the wall of Jerusalem and its gates had been destroyed. However
God used some of the patriotic Jews like Ezra, Nehemiah Zerubbabel,
Sheshhbazzar, Jeshua, Prophets Haggai and Zachariah, to solve these problems
for the Jews.
The rebuilding of the temple under the leadership of Zerubabael and Jeshua in the
face of opposition.
THE CONSTRUCTION WORK TAKES OFF
Being faced with the problem of a place of worship, and in line with the prophecy
of Jeremiah and the decree of Cyrus, the Jews started rebuilding the temple in
Jerusalem. They were led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, prophets Haggai and
Zachariah also supported them with their encouraging Prophecies.
OPPOSSITION TO THE RECONSTRUCTION WORK
The Samaritans showed their desire to join the Jews in the rebuilding of the
temple, but they were however not allowed, so they resorted to sabotage. They
wrote a petition against the Jews in Aramaic language to the king of Persia that
the Jews were rebellious and wicked people. They stated that if the Jews were
allowed to build the temple they would stop paying tribute and revolt against the
king. They asked the king to search the archives and find out information about
the rebellious nature of the Jews. The king (Artaxerxes) did find out and so stop
the rebuilding of the temple, temporarily.
THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE
Ezra 6:13-22
The Jews finished the rebuilding of the temple on the third day of month of Adar,
in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king of Persia. It was dedicated with
one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, and four hundred rams and lambs, twelve
goats according to the twelve tribes of Israel were sacrificed as sin offering. The
priests were put in their positions according to the recommendation of the book
of Moses. On the fourteenth day of the first month, the returned exiles started the
celebration of the feast of the Passover. The Passover lamb was killed and the
days of the unleavened bread was observed. The feast was celebrated with joy.
EZRA REVIVES THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW AND ITS
OBEDIENCE AMONG THE RETURNED EXILES: Ezra 7:1-10.
After the dedication of the re built temple, Ezra a scribe (a teacher) and an expert
in Jewish law, came from Babylon with some Israelites. They included some
priests and Levites, singers, gate keepers and temple servants. They went to
Jerusalem from Babylon in the seventh year of king Artexerses, to reform the
religious life of the people (returned exiles). Ezra studied the law and taught the
people (returned exiles). This teaching of the law was very necessary, as some of
the exiled Israelites had forgotten the true worship of Yahweh, and some partially
or completely influenced by pagan a lot of people were born in exile and probably
do not know about the law and its observance. Ezra reformed the life of the
returned exiles, he helped them with the adulteration of Yahweh worship which
was a problem with the exiles after their return to Judah.
NEHEMIAH HELPED TO REBUILD THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM IN
THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:9-20; 4:1-23
Nehemiah was the cup bearer of king Artexerxes the king of Persia, hearing about
the condition of Judah and the state of Jerusalem, mourned and fasted and prayed
for days. Asking God for divine favour before the king in order that he might be
granted permission by the king to go to Jerusalem and lead the Jews to rebuild
the temple. He prayed for the Israelites confessing their sins and asking for
forgiveness on their behalf, he also asked for mercy.
NEHEMIAH SECURES THE PERMISSION OF THE KING
God granted Nehemiah’s petition and he was not only given permission to go to
Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple but also had his support. On request,
Nehemiah was given a letters of authority to the governors of the province beyond
the river, to enable him pass through the province on his way to Jerusalem. He
was also given a letter of authority to Asa the officer in charge of the king’s forest
in order to collect timber needed for the rebuilding of the temple. He was also
provided with adequate security for his journey.
When Nehemiah got to Jerusalem he went with some few men to assess the
damage to the wall in order to plan for its repairs but this was done at night in
order not to attract the attention of people and so that there may be no distractions
or oppositions at the early stage.
After the inspection of and planning, Nehemiah stirred up support for the
rebuilding. He gathered the leading Jews, including the nobles, officials and priest
and appealed to them concerning the rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and save
themselves from the disgrace they were experiencing as a result of insecurity. He
told them of how God had granted him favour in the sight of the king of Persia
concerning the rebuilding work. In response to his appeal, the people signified
their interest to work with him.
THE WALL OF JERUSALEM REBUILT IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
Nehemiah having secured the support of the people, the rebuilding started under
his leadership. When the enemies of the Jews heard that the Jews were rebuilding
the wall of Jerusalem, they were not happy, they tried in diverse ways to frustrate
them. Sanbballat the Horonite and Tobiath Ammonite and Geshem the Arab
despised the Jews and tried to frighten them by stating that their work could be
interpreted to the king of Persia as a rebellion. However, Nehemiah was an able
leader and was not discouraged.
Sanbbalat in the presence of his people and of the Army of Samaria, ridiculed the
Jews and by describing them as feebleminded people who engaged themselves in
an impossible task. Tobia the Ammonite also taunted the Jews, saying that
whatever they were building was fragile that if a fox would go on it, it would
crumble. At this point, Nehemiah took the enemies ridicule to God. And asked
him to avenge their enemies and make them suffer invasion and captivity. He
stated that by taunting the Jews, the enemies were ridiculing Him (God)
indirectly.
Again the enemies of the Jews planned to attack them while they worked, from
different sides to cause confusion. When Nehemiah knew of the plot he prayed to
God and mounted a protective guard against their enemies day and night.
At a point in time one of the workers Judah complained that the strength of the
workers was falling and there was still enormous work to do. This he said was
also as a result of the knowledge of the attack planned by the enemies. In response
to this and to make sure the work went on unhindered, Nehemiah asked the
workers to bring their families into Jerusalem in order to be assured of their safety,
he also got the workers armed. He told them that a trumpet would be used to alert
them and bring them to a particular point in the event of any sudden attack of the
enemies from any side.
The adversaries were eventually frustrated and the walls of Jerusalem were
rebuilt, under the divine inspiration and concerned leadership of Nehemiah.
Further Reading
1.
A.E Izuchukwu. Page 35-39.
2.
Comprehensive Christian Religion Education for Senior Secondary
Schools by Johnson Ugoji Anyaele. Page 22-24.
3.
The Holy Bible (R.S.V) Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:9-20; 4:1-23.
EVALUATION
Describe Johoakim’s revolt and its consequences on Judah.