Bible Walk Through
Old Testament
© Tod M. Kennedy
Bible Walk Through
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Page 2 of 212
Bible Walk Through
Page 3 of 212
“Bible Walk Through”
Old Testament
By Tod M. Kennedy
June 2003 through September 2009
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 4 of 212
Genesis Briefing
Tod Kennedy
June 2003
History—Angelic Conflict
1. Satan, in the great the Angelic Rebellion and Conflict, attempted to take God’s authority and
position.
2. God judged Satan and those angels who joined him put his redemption plan into action. He
restored the earth and created mankind.
3. When man sinned, he worked his redemption plan through the seed of Eve to Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob.
4. He will demonstrate his perfect character mankind.
History—Title
1. Hebrew Title is tyvarb bere’sit, in the beginning.
2. English title, Genesis, is from the LXX of Genesis 2.4, geneseo~, geneseos, which means
accounts, generations, histories.
3. The Hebrew word behind this is twdlwt toledot.
History—Dates
1. Undated past to 1805 BC.
2. Abraham born 2166 BC (lived 175 years).
3. Isaac born 2066 BC (lived 180 years).
4. Jacob born 2006 BC (lived 147 years).
5. Joseph sold in 1898 BC; released from prison in 1885 BC; Jacob and family move to Egypt
in 1876 BC; Joseph died 1805 BC (lived 110 years).
History—The Law or Torah
1. The Pentateuch
2. Genesis
3. Exodus
4. Leviticus
5. Numbers
6. Deuteronomy
Theme: Beginnings
Genesis records the foundations for all of history: creation, fall, promise of redemption, flood
judgment, formation of nations, and then narrows the redemptive theocratic line with his
covenant to Abraham and his progeny, Israel. Genesis then traces this redemptive line through
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Key Verses
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 5 of 212
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her
seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.”
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And
in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis Overview
1. Adam to Babel, Genesis 1-11
2. Abraham, Genesis 12-20
3. Abraham and Isaac, Genesis 21-24
4. Isaac, Jacob, and Esau, Genesis 25-27
5. Jacob and Esau, Genesis 28-36
6. Joseph, Genesis 37-50
Trace the Theme of Genesis
1.
As a result of the prehistoric fall of Satan and the angels who chose to fall with him, God
judged the earth. This is assumed, but not recorded in Genesis, by Moses, the author.
Genesis begins with the re-creation or restoration of earth so that man may inhabit it
(Genesis 1-2). Satan in the form of a serpent tempted Eve and then Adam. Both chose to
disobey God and became sinful (fall) (Genesis 3.1-7). LORD God then made his
redemption plan known to Satan and to Adam and Eve.
2.
God was going to solve the sin problem through a man born in the line of Adam and Eve—
true humanity (Genesis 3.14-16). Chapters 4-11 trace the growth and spread of man’s line.
During this period mankind became so degenerate that the line of true humanity might be
corrupted, so God destroyed all but Noah and his family through the universal flood.
3.
God called Abram who lived in Ur, a prestigious commercial and political city of about
350, 000 situated north of Persian Gulf. He sent Abram to Canaan. The promised redeemer
was to be through Abram’s line (Israel). Genesis traces this line through Isaac, Jacob, and
the twelve sons.
4.
Joseph (Genesis 37), a son of Jacob, was sold by his brothers to be a slave. Joseph, by
God’s design, ended up in Egypt, where he became a high official in the Egyptian
government. Eventually, Jacob brought his family to Egypt (Genesis 46). Joseph took care
of them and from this family of 70 the nation of Israel grew into the Exodus generation.
5.
Genesis ends with Joseph confirming that God will return the Israelites to Canaan; he
received a promise that they will take his bones back with them. He then dies (Genesis 50).
Genesis Chapter Titles
Adam to Babel, Genesis 1-11
1.
Chapter 1.
Creation Six Days
2.
Chapter 2.
Creation of Adam and Eve
3.
Chapter 3.
Fall of Mankind
4.
Chapter 4.
Cain and Abel
5.
Chapter 5.
Adam to Noah
6.
Chapter 6.
Noah – Build the Ark
7.
Chapter 7.
Flood Over the Earth
8.
Chapter 8.
Flood Recedes
9.
Chapter 9.
Noah Covenant
10. Chapter 10. Table of Nations
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
11.
Chapter 11. Tower of Babel
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Page 6 of 212
Bible Walk Through
Abraham, Genesis 12-20
12. Chapter 12. Land, Nation, and Blessing Promise
13. Chapter 13. Lot Chooses Land
14. Chapter 14. Abraham Rescues Lot
15. Chapter 15. Lord’s Covenant with Abram
16. Chapter 16. Ishmael Born
17. Chapter 17. Covenant through Isaac
18. Chapter 18. If Ten Righteous in Sodom?
19. Chapter 19. Lord Destroys Sodom and Gomorrah
20. Chapter 20. Abraham and Abimelech
Abraham and Isaac, Genesis 21-24
21. Chapter 21. Isaac Born
22. Chapter 22. Isaac Offered As Sacrifice
23. Chapter 23. Sarah Dies
24. Chapter 24. Isaac Marries Rebekah
Isaac, Jacob, and Esau, Genesis 25-27
25. Chapter 25. Abraham Dies – Jacob and Esau Birthright
26. Chapter 26. Lord’s Covenant with Isaac
27. Chapter 27. Isaac Blessed Jacob
Jacob and Esau, Genesis 28-36
28. Chapter 28. Jacob’s Ladder Dream
29. Chapter 29. Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
30. Chapter 30. Jacob’s Spotted and Speckled Lambs
31. Chapter 31. Jacob Returns to Canaan
32. Chapter 32. Jacob Wrestles with the Angel of the Lord
33. Chapter 33. Jacob Reunited with Esau
34. Chapter 34. Jacob’s Son Revenge Dinah
35. Chapter 35. Jacob Named Israel; Isaac and Rachel Die
36. Chapter 36. Esau’s Descendants
Joseph, Genesis 37-50
37. Chapter 37. Joseph Sold to Ishmaelites Going to Egypt
38. Chapter 38. Judah and Tamar
39. Chapter 39. Potiphar’s Wife Accuses Joseph
40. Chapter 40. Pharaoh's Cupbearer and Baker in Jail
41. Chapter 41. Seven Productive Years and Seven Famine Years
42. Chapter 42. Joseph’s Brothers’ First Visit; Leave Simeon
43. Chapter 43. Joseph’s brothers’ Second Visit; All Eat Together
44. Chapter 44. Joseph’s Silver Cup in Benjamin’s Pack
45. Chapter 45. Joseph Reveals Himself
46. Chapter 46. Joseph’s Family Goes to Egypt
47. Chapter 47. Joseph’s Famine Policy in Action
48. Chapter 48. Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
49. Chapter 49. Jacob Blesses His Sons, then Dies
50. Chapter 50. Joseph’s Final Days
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Page 7 of 212
Bible Walk Through
Page 8 of 212
Key People
1.
God (Elohim), Genesis 1.1 and many others
2.
LORD (Yahweh), Genesis 2.4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and many others
3.
Serpent (Satan), Genesis 3.1
4.
Adam, Genesis 1.20; 5.1
5.
Eve, Genesis 3.20 and 4.1
6.
Cain and Abel, Genesis 4.1-2
7.
Noah, Genesis 5.29
8.
Ham, Shem, and Japheth, Genesis 6.10
9.
Abram or Abraham, Genesis 11.26; 12.1; 15.1
10. Sarai (Genesis 11.29), Sarah (Genesis 18.10)
11. Ishmael, Genesis 16.3
12. Isaac, Genesis 17.19; 21.3
13. Jacob and Esau, Genesis 25.25-26
14. Jacob’s sons, Genesis 49
15. Joseph, Genesis 37.2
Key Words
1.
Created, Genesis 1.1
2.
Formed, Genesis 2.7
3.
Man, Genesis 1.26 and 2.7
4.
Woman, Genesis 2.22, 23
5.
Image and likeness, Genesis 1.26
6.
Bless, Genesis 12.2, 3
7.
Covenant, Genesis 17.2
Key Doctrines
1.
God
2.
Angelic Conflict
3.
Creation
4.
Fall
5.
Sin
6.
Redemption
7.
Theocratic Program
8.
Divine Institutions
9.
Grace before Judgment
10. Divine Discipline
11. Salvation through Faith
12. Abrahamic Covenant
13. Israel
14. God brings blessing from bad things
Lessons for Us Today
1.
God is the creator of all things and all life.
2.
God defeated Satan and paid the penalty for sin through his redemptive plan.
3.
The biblical worldview centers on creation, fall, redemption, resurrection, and judgment.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Page 9 of 212
God established certain divine institutions for mankind and supported them with his moral
laws of civilization.
God’s redemptive plan centers on Israel, the line of the Messiah Savior.
God always keeps his Word.
Salvation is through faith alone.
God turns bad things into blessings for those who believe him.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 10 of 212
Exodus Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Exodus: English Title
The English title, Exodus, means “a going out [from Egypt],” and is from the LXX title,
exodo~, Exodos. The Hebrew title is twmv hlaw and means “And these are the names.”
Exodus Key Verses:
Exodus 13:18 Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and
the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt.
Exodus 19:5 ‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall
be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6 and you shall be to Me
a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of
Israel.”
The Law – Torah
The Pentateuch
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Theme
1. God formed the Hebrews from the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Egypt; under the
leadership of Moses, he delivered them from Egypt; he made them his priest nation and
revealed his instructions, the Mosaic Law, at Sinai.
Expanded Theme
1. God created Israel—his priest nation—from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He used Joseph to
protect the nation during the beginning years in Egypt. Years later, God raised up Moses to
lead the new nation out of Egypt and back into Canaan their homeland. A short time out of
Egypt, God gave Israel the Law. The Mosaic Law was the constitution for the theocracy. The
first half of Exodus (1-19) finds them in Egypt and then takes them to Sinai. The second half
is the record of God’s laws and instructions (20-40). Moses records God’s successes
alongside Israel’s unbelief and failures.
Background to Events
1. The Angelic Conflict in which Satan attempts to take God’s authority.
2. God’s Redemption Plan through the seed of Eve to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
3. God made his unconditional covenant with Abraham to make him into a great nation and to
bless the world through Abraham’s seed—specifically Jesus Christ.
4. God formed the Hebrews into a nation in Egypt and later at Sinai God made them his priest
nation.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 11 of 212
5. God’s redemption plan, through Israel, was on schedule, even though Satan repeatedly tried
to stop God’s plan.
Exodus: When did all this happen?
1.
Genesis ended with the death of Joseph in Egypt in 1805 BC the age of 110 years.
2.
Moses was born in Egypt from parents of the tribe of Levi around 1520 BC (Exodus 2.110).
3.
Most of the events took place in the Sinai area around 1445 BC.
Exodus: Key Words
1.
Pharaoh
2.
Hardened
3.
Law
4.
Ordinances
5.
Plague
Exodus: Key People
1.
Moses
2.
Aaron
3.
Egyptians
4.
Pharaoh
5.
Israelites
Exodus: Narrative
1.
God prepared Moses for the leadership, formed the sons of Israel into a community, and
Moses led them out of Egypt (Exodus 1-12). The people repeatedly complain against God
and Moses because they refuse to believe God’s word.
2.
At Sinai, God made them his kingdom of priest and his holy nation (Exodus 19).
3.
God gave the Israeli people his law, called the Mosaic Law (Exodus 20-34).
4.
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, Aaron failed as a leader and the people made the golden
calf idol (Exodus 32).
5.
Moses interceded for the people based upon God’s covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;
and God kept his word to bless Israel (Exodus 32-34).The Israelites complete the
tabernacle and God’s glory filled the tabernacle (Exodus 35-40).
6.
Palace Fort 18th Dynasty. Ruins of a large fortification were discovered in the 1990s at
Ramesses on the south bank of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile River. It was active during
the 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550-1300 BC.
Exodus Route
Exodus Overview
Exodus 1-6, Moses’ Preparation
Exodus 7-18, Plagues and Exodus
Exodus 19-24, Priest Nation and the Law
Exodus 25-40, Tabernacle
Chapter Titles:
Moses’ Preparation, Exodus 1-6
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chapter 1 – New Pharaoh and Midwives
Chapter 2 – Moses Born, Taught, Midian
Chapter 3 – Burning Bush Revelation
Chapter 4 – Staff, Hand, Blood, Egypt
Chapter 5 – Make More Bricks
Chapter 6 – Moses, Tell Pharaoh
Plagues and Exodus, Exodus 7-18
7.
Chapter 7 – Staff, Serpents, Nile Blood
8.
Chapter 8 – Frogs, Lice, Flies
9.
Chapter 9 – Disease, Boils, Hail
10. Chapter 10 – Locust, Darkness
11. Chapter 11 – Predicts Death
12. Chapter 12 – Passover, Death, Exodus
Plagues and Exodus, Exodus 7-18
13. Chapter 13 – Sanctify Firstborn
14. Chapter 14 – Red Sea Deliverance
15. Chapter 15 – Moses’ Song, Bitter Water
16. Chapter 16 – Manna and Quail
17. Chapter 17 – Rephidum, No Water, Amelek
18. Chapter 18 – Jethro Advises Moses
Priest Nation and the Law, Exodus 19-24
19. Chapter 19 – Mt. Sinai, Holy Priest Nation
20. Chapter 20 – Ten Commandments
21. Chapter 21 – Slaves, Personal Injury
22. Chapter 22 – Laws, Restitution, Loans
23. Chapter 23 – Justice, Sabbaths, Conquest
24. Chapter 24 – Book of the Covenant, Stone Tablets
Tabernacle, Exodus 25-40
25. Chapter 25 – Tabernacle
26. Chapter 26 – Tabernacle
27. Chapter 27 – Tabernacle
28. Chapter 28 – Priest Uniform
29. Chapter 29 – Consecrate Tabernacle and Priests
30. Chapter 30 – Altar, Money, Laver, Oil, Incense
31. Chapter 31 – Builders, Sabbath, Tablets
32. Chapter 32 – Golden Calf
33. Chapter 33 – Moses Face to Face with the Lord
34. Chapter 34 – Ten Commandments and Shining Face
35. Chapter 35 – Freewill Offerings for Tabernacle
36. Chapter 36 – Excess Offerings, Curtains, Boards, Veil
37. Chapter 37 – Mercy Seat, Table, Lampstand, Altar
38. Chapter 38 – Brass Altar, Laver, Court
39. Chapter 39 – Priests Clothes, Inspection Passed
40. Chapter 40 – Set Up and Anoint Tabernacle. Lord’s Glory
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Page 12 of 212
Bible Walk Through
Page 13 of 212
Key Doctrines
1.
Obey God, not man. Exodus 1
2.
Preparation for Service. Exodus 2-4
3.
God’s Glory and Character. Exodus 3, 33-34
4.
Importance of God’s Word. Exodus 3, 4, 20
5.
Authority. Exodus 4, 19
6.
Hard Heart. Exodus 4, 7-10, 14
7.
Faith Application of God’s Word. Exodus 3-5
8.
Lord will fight. Exodus 14
9.
Fear of the Lord. Exodus 14
10. Unbelief. Exodus 4, 14, 15, 16, 17
11. Leadership. Exodus 14, 18, 33
12. Priest Nation. Exodus 19
13. Sin. Exodus 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20
14. Passover. Exodus 12-13
15. Redemption. Exodus 12
16. Divine Guidance. Exodus 13
17. Heritage. Exodus 13
18. Faith-Rest Principle. Exodus 14
19. Mosaic Law. Exodus 20-40
20. Levitical Priesthood. Exodus 28-29
21. Golden Calf Idolatry. Exodus 32
22. Grace. Exodus 32
23. Freewill offerings. Exodus 35
24. Tabernacle. Exodus 40
Exodus: Lesson for Us Today
1.
God is sovereign and holy, yet gracious and compassionate.
2.
Redemption is always through sacrifice.
3.
God does have His Plan for His people and guides His people.
4.
God reveals His word, inspires His word, illumines His word, and communicates His word.
5.
Unbelief or negative volition reaps consequences.
6.
God always keeps His word to His people.
7.
God appointed leadership is necessary for His people.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 14 of 212
Leviticus Briefing
twmv hlaw
“And these are the names”
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, June 29, 2003
The Law – Torah
The Pentateuch
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Theme
God is holy; man is sinful; and God graciously forgives man’s sin because a blameless animal—
which illustrated Christ dying for the sins of the world—died in man’s place.
Key Verse
Leviticus 20:26 ‘Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart
from the peoples to be Mine
Background to Events
1. The Angelic Conflict in which Satan attempts to take God’s authority.
2. God’s Redemption Plan through the seed of Eve to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
3. God made his unconditional covenant with Abraham to make him into a great nation and to
bless the world through Abraham’s seed—specifically Jesus Christ.
4. God formed the Hebrews into a nation in Egypt and later at Sinai God made them his priest
nation.
5. God’s redemption plan, through Israel, was on schedule, even though Satan repeatedly tried
to stop God’s plan.
When Did all this Happen
1. God gave Moses the Leviticus revelation after the Israelites had left Egypt in 1445 BC, and
while they were in the Sinai area.
2. The Israelites left Sinai in Nisan (April), 1445 BC, after receiving the law.
Key Words Used
1. Atonement, 55 times
2. Holy, 90 times
3. Priest, 178; Priests, 13; total 191 times
4. Offering, 273; Offerings 58; total 331 times
5. Sacrifice, 36; Sacrifices 8; 44 times
6. Sin, 82 times
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 15 of 212
Leviticus: Main People
1. Moses
2. Aaron
3. Sons of Levi
Narrative
1. God revealed his instructions for the priestly ministry to Moses. God instructed about the
offerings and sacrifices, the dedication and service of the priests, and regulations and
warnings about how Israel was to live.
2. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron ignored God’s instructions for their priestly service and
instead did it their way. They suffered ultimate discipline, the sin unto death.
3. The regulations included the laws for clean and unclean, holy living, annual festivals,
national blessing or discipline, and free will dedications.
Overview
1. Five Sacrifices (Leviticus 1-7)
2. Priestly Mediators (Leviticus 8-10)
3. Clean and Unclean (Leviticus 11-15)
4. Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)
5. Holy Living (Leviticus 17-25)
6. Blessing or Cycles of Discipline (Leviticus 26)
7. Free Will Offerings of Dedication (Leviticus 27)
Chapter Titles:
Five Sacrifices, Leviticus 1-7
1. Chapter 1: Burnt Offering
2. Chapter 2: Grain Offering
3. Chapter 3: Peace Offering
4. Chapter 4: Sin Offering
5. Chapter 5: Sin and Trespass Offerings
6. Chapter 6: More on Sin and Trespass Offerings
7. Chapter 7: More on Sin and Trespass Offerings
Priestly Mediators, Leviticus 8-10
8. Chapter 8: Dedication of the Priests
9. Chapter 9: First Priestly Service
10. Chapter 10: Nadab and Abihu
Clean and Unclean, Leviticus 11-15
11. Chapter 11: Clean and Unclean
12. Chapter 12: Clean and Unclean
13. Chapter 13: Clean and Unclean
14. Chapter 14: Clean and Unclean
15. Chapter 15: Clean and Unclean
Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16
16. Chapter 16: Day of Atonement
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Holy Living, Leviticus 17-25
17. Chapter 17: Blood, Life, Death
18. Chapter 18: Sexual Sin and Perversion
19. Chapter 19: Regulations for Life – Be Holy
20. Chapter 20: Death Penalty Sins for God’s Separated People
21. Chapter 21: Regulations for Priests – Defilement
22. Chapter 22: Regulations for Priests – Offerings
23. Chapter 23: Annual Feasts
24. Chapter 24: The Holy Place, Blasphemy, and Justice
25. Chapter 25: Sabbath and Jubilee Years
Chapter Titles: Blessings or Cycles of Discipline, Leviticus 26
26. Chapter 26: Blessings or Cycles of Discipline
Chapter Titles: Free Will Offerings of Dedication, Leviticus 27
27. Chapter 27: Free Will Offerings of Dedication
Key Doctrines
1. God’s Attributes, especially holiness, (See Leviticus 11.45; 19.2)
2. Substitution, Leviticus 1
3. Sin Barrier, Leviticus 1
4. Hebrew calendar,
5. Five Levitical sacrifices and offerings, Leviticus 1-7
6. Aaronic priesthood, Leviticus 8-9
7. Levites, Leviticus 10
8. Nadab and Abihu rebellion, Leviticus 10
9. Divine Discipline, Leviticus 10
10. Sin Unto Death, Leviticus 10
11. Human Good, Leviticus 10
12. Clean and unclean, Leviticus 11-15
13. Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16
14. Holy people—national values, Leviticus 18-20
15. Capital punishment, Leviticus 20
16. Sabbath and Five Annual feasts of Israel, Leviticus 23
17. Sabbath, Leviticus 25
18. Jubilee years, Leviticus 25
19. Cycles of discipline, Leviticus 26
20. Mosaic Law, Leviticus 26
21. Abrahamic Covenant, Leviticus 26
22. Free Will Vows, Leviticus 27
Leviticus 1-7: Offerings
1. Burnt (Voluntary)—Reconciliation
2. Grain (Voluntary)—Positional Relationship with God
3. Peace (Voluntary)—Fellowship with God
4. Sin (Required)—Confession of Sin
5. Guilt (Required)—Confession of Sin
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Page 16 of 212
Bible Walk Through
Page 17 of 212
Leviticus: Clean and Unclean, Leviticus 11
1. Why the regulations? The priests were to teach the people to distinguish between holy and
profane, clean and unclean (Leviticus 10.10-11; 11.47). To do this God revealed divine
viewpoint about diet (Leviticus 11), disease (Leviticus 13-14), and other physical
uncleanness (Leviticus 12, 15).
Leviticus: Clean and Unclean, Leviticus 12-15
1. The laws for uncleanness and purification served to highlight 1) God’s holiness, 2) man’s sin,
3) the distinction between relationship with Yahweh (LORD) their God and religion around
them, and 4) to point out Israel’s priest nation status. An unclean person was prohibited from
participating in the tabernacle services.
Leviticus 23: Feasts
1. Passover—Redemption
2. Unleavened Bread—Separation from past to new life with God
3. Firstfruits—Thanksgiving and God provides
4. Pentecost—Thanksgiving and God Provides over and above
5. Trumpets—Called the Lord’s attention to Israel’s need of his blessing
6. Day of Atonement—God graciously forgives sin
7. Booths—God gives fatherly care and protection
Leviticus 26: Cycles of National Discipline
1. First—mental and physical illness, economic downturns, military losses (Leviticus 26.14-17)
2. Second—loss of influence, drought, famine, economic failure (Leviticus 26.18-20)
3. Third—domestic terror, culture and society breakdown, (Leviticus 26.21-22)
4. Fourth—disease, military invasion, national vassalage, famine (Leviticus 26.23-26)
5. Fifth—culture and social disintegration, religious anarchy, national destruction and exile
(Leviticus 26.27-39)
Lessons for Us Today
1. Attributes of God
2. Sin Barrier
3. Fellowship with God
4. Priesthood of every church age believer
5. Divine good vs. Human good
6. Divine Discipline
7. Separation from wrong crowd and religion
8. Importance of the ministry
9. Ritual with reality is valuable—communion
10. Cultural and societal breakdown
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 18 of 212
Numbers Briefing
myrbdh hla
“these are the words”
“Numbers” is from the two censuses
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, July 6 and 13, 2003
Theme
God has a plan for his people. The LORD’S people must live each day by faith in Him and His
word if they are to please Him and enjoy His plan of blessings in time. Unbelief and
disobedience bring painful consequences, but the LORD, in grace, always keeps His Word to His
people.
Key Verses:
Numbers 14:22 “Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs, which I performed in
Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to
My voice,
Numbers 14:23 shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of
those who spurned Me see it.”
Background to Events
1. The Hebrew people left Egypt one year ago. They are still at Sinai.
2. God has already given Moses the Law for the people.
3. The tabernacle has been completed.
4. It is now time to move into Canaan.
When Did all this Happen
1. The first census was on second day of the second month of the second year dated from the
time they left Egypt—April 1445 BC (Numbers 1.1-4).
2. The Israelites left Sinai 20 days later (Numbers 10.11).
3. Thirty-nine years later, God told Moses to take another census of the new generation while
they were in the Plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. This generation would
enter Canaan (Numbers 26.1-4).
4. They remained in the Plains of Moab about 5 months.
5. The events in Numbers cover 39 years.
Key Words Used
1. Moses, 236
2. Congregation, 73 times
3. Lord spoke, 49 times
4. Wilderness, 48
5. Set out, 37 times
6. Law, 15
7. Grumble, 2 times, Complain, 1 time
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 19 of 212
Key People
1. Moses
2. Aaron
3. Caleb
4. Joshua
5. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
6. Balak
7. Balaam
Narrative Preview
1. The Lord generously organized, prepared, and provided everything for his people and their
short trip to the promised Canaan land. Yet Israel disbelieved, disobeyed, and complained
against the Lord. As a result the Lord disciplined the people, yet kept his covenant of
blessing to them, and the next generation entered the land under Joshua.
Narrative
1. Numbers begins with Moses counting the people in preparation for the march to Canaan. The
first census was on second day of the second month of the second year dated from the time
they left Egypt—April 1445 BC It is only 13 months after leaving Egypt (Numbers 1.1-4).
2. Twenty days later the Israelites begin the trip to Canaan (10.11). Along the way they
repeatedly disbelieve and disobey God: complain about no meat; Aaron and Miriam jealous;
unbelief of the spies; military defeats; Korah rebellion; Moses hits the rock; complain against
Moses followed by the fiery serpents; Balak and Balaam and idolatry; As a result, God
disciplines them in order to prepare them to enter Canaan.
3. After 39 years of wandering, God tells Moses to take a new census (26.2). They are in the
Plains of Moab, near the Jordan River across from Jericho, where they would stay for about
five months. The old generation had died; the new generation was ready to take their land.
4. Moses inaugurated Joshua as the new leader (27.18). Moses then gave instructions for
dividing the land and for living in Canaan.
5. The events in Numbers cover 39 years.
Outline
1. Preparation at Sinai for the journey (Numbers 1-9)
2. Failures, Wanderings, and Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 10-20)
3. Plains of Moab, Balaam, and Idolatry (Numbers 21-25)
4. Plains of Moab, instructions before crossing the Jordan, and Joshua
(Numbers 26-36)
Chapter Titles: Preparation at Sinai, Numbers 1-9
1. Chapter 1: Census at Sinai.
2. Chapter 2: Camp arrangement.
3. Chapter 3: Levites’ Camp and Duties.
4. Chapter 4: Levites’ Census and Duties.
5. Chapter 5: Unclean, Sin, Law of Jealousy.
6. Chapter 6: Nazirite vow.
7. Chapter 7: Offerings at tabernacle dedication.
8. Chapter 8: Levites in place of firstborn.
9. Chapter 9: Passover. Cloud and Fire.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 20 of 212
Chapter Titles: Failures, Wanderings, and Kadesh-Barnea, Numbers 10-20
10. Chapter 10: Two trumpets. Leave Sinai.
11. Chapter 11: Grace in spite of complaining—quail.
12. Chapter 12: Miriam and Aaron jealous of Moses.
13. Chapter 13: Spies to Canaan.
14. Chapter 14: Will not enter Canaan.
15. Chapter 15: Offerings and punishment when in Canaan.
16. Chapter 16: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. God judges.
17. Chapter 17: Aaron’s rod budded.
18. Chapter 18: Priests and Levites: Duties and support.
19. Chapter 19: The red heifer and cleansing.
20. Chapter 20: Moses hits the rock. Edom. Aaron dies.
Plains of Moab, Balaam, and Idolatry, Numbers 21-24
21. Chapter 21: The bronze serpent. Amorites and others.
22. Chapter 22: Balaam, the Angel, and the donkey.
23. Chapter 23: Balaam blesses Israel – Prophetic proverbs 1-2.
24. Chapter 24: Balaam blesses Israel – Prophetic proverbs 3-7.
Plains of Moab, instructions before crossing the Jordan, and Joshua, Numbers 25-36
25. Chapter 25: Idolatry with Moabites and Midianites, and judgment.
26. Chapter 26: Census of the new generation.
27. Chapter 27: Passing the Mantel to Joshua.
28. Chapter 28 Offerings, sacrifices, feasts.
29. Chapter 29: Offerings, sacrifices, feasts.
30. Chapter 30: Vows.
31. Chapter 31: Midian’s defeat and the spoil.
32. Chapter 32 : Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh’s land.
33. Chapter 33: Egypt to the Jordan—a review.
34. Chapter 34: Borders, leaders, and lands.
35. Chapter 35: Levite cities. Murder.
36. Chapter 36: No inter-tribe land transfer.
Key Doctrines
1. Decently and in Order, Numbers 1-4
2. Nazirite vow, Numbers 6
3. Levites, Numbers 8
4. Divine Guidance, Numbers 9
5. Grumbling, Numbers 11
6. God Provides, Numbers 11
7. Spiritual Cowards and Spiritual Heroes, Numbers 13-14
8. Divine Attributes, Numbers 14
9. Divine Discipline, Numbers 12, 13, 20, 21
10. Authority, Service, Pride, Rebellion, Numbers 16
11. Moses and Failure, Numbers 20
12. Bronze Serpent and Faith Salvation, Numbers 21
13. Balaam, Numbers 22-24
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 21 of 212
14. Passing the Mantle, Numbers 27
15. Tribes and Land, Numbers 34
16. Cities of Refuge, Numbers 35
Lessons for Us Today: 1 Corinthians 10.6
1. God is a God of order (Numbers 1-4; 1 Corinthians 14:40)
2. Live and obey by faith—Faith application and Faith-Rest (Numbers 11, 13, 14; Hebrews 3-4)
3. Spiritual Cowards (grumble and unbelief) and Spiritual Heroes (Numbers 11, 21, 13-14;
2 Timothy 4)
4. Authority, humility, and rebellion, in ministry (Numbers 12, 16; 1 Corinthians 4;
3 John 9-10)
5. Divine Discipline (Numbers 11, 14, 16, 20, 21; Hebrews 12.5-13; 1 Corinthians 11.3-31;
Acts 1-11)
6. Failure does not stop service (Numbers 20; Luke 22:4-62; Acts 1:15; 2:14; 10:5)
7. Salvation by faith (Numbers 21; John 3:14-16)
8. Passing the mantel: transition of authority and leadership (Numbers 27; Titus 1:5;
Philippians 2:19-30)
9. Importance of spiritual heritage (Numbers 8, 16, 34-36; Philippians 1:27-30)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 22 of 212
Deuteronomy Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, July 20 and 27, 2003
The Law – Torah
The Pentateuch
1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
Theme
The revealed, taught, remembered, and applied Word of God is the life of God’s people as they
enter the land, take possession of the land, and live as God’s people in the land. God’s word
instructs, prepares, warns, protects, and blesses God’s people (Deuteronomy 30.19-20; 32.4547).
Key Verses
Deuteronomy 30.19 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before
you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and
your descendants,
Deuteronomy 30.20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to
Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the
Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Background to Events
1. The Lord has brought his people from Canaan to Egypt, and now to the Plains of Moab.
2. Israel is the theocratic nation, the priest nation.
3. The Exodus generation, who refused to believe that the Lord would make them victorious
over the Canaanites and give them the Promised Land, has died off.
When Did All This Happen?
1. The events of Deuteronomy happened in 1445 BC, just prior to Joshua taking the Israelites
across the Jordan and into Canaan.
Key Words Used
1. Wrote, 5 times
2. Law, 24 times; 16 times in 27-33
3. Commandment, 9 times
4. Commandments, 37 times
5. Statutes, 29 times
6. Remember, 15 times
7. Obey, 14 times
8. Bless, 21 times; Blessing, 12 times; Blesses, 2 times
9. Not obey, 6 times
10. Curse, 11 times; curses, 6 times
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 23 of 212
11. Life, 20 times
Main People
1. Moses
2. Joshua
3. Aaron
4. Miriam
Narrative
1. The second generation Israelites are on the Plains of Moab, north of the Dead Sea and east of
the Jordan River. Moses prepares them for the conquest by delivering three messages. First,
he reviews God’s blessings to them during the wilderness wanderings. Then, Moses reviews
the Law that God gave at Sinai so that they know God’s will and what God expects of them.
Finally, Moses challenges this generation to learn and follow the Sinai Law. That done,
Moses dies and Joshua leads.
Overview
1. Moses reviews God’s wilderness blessings, Deuteronomy 1-4
2. Moses reviews God’s statues and ordinances, Deuteronomy 5-26
3. Moses charges Israel to keep God’s commandments, Deuteronomy 27-30
4. Moses’ Final Words and Death, Deuteronomy 31-34
Moses reviews God’s wilderness blessings, Deuteronomy 1-4
Chapter 1: Recap—Sinai to Kadesh
Chapter 2: Recap—Edom to Moab to Sihon of Heshbon
Chapter 3: Recap—Og of Bashon, and Gilead
Chapter 4: Israel, Watch yourselves—blessing or cursing
Moses reviews God’s statues and ordinances, Deuteronomy 5-26
Chapter 5:
Moses recalls the Horeb Covenant
Chapter 6:
Listen, fear, obey, love the Lord
Chapter 7:
Remove the Canaanites
Chapter 8:
Remember the Lord your God
Chapter 9:
God’s grace, not Israel’s righteousness
Chapter 10: Fear, walk, love, serve, keep
Chapter 11: Blessing or cursing in the land
Chapter 12: The central sanctuary
Chapter 13: Capital punishment for idolatry
Chapter 14: Clean and unclean. Tithe
Chapter 15: Seven year loans. Poor. Servants. Firstborn
Chapter 16: Annual feasts. Judges
Chapter 17: Idolaters, trials. King
Chapter 18: Levites, omens, a prophet
Chapter 19: Cities of refuge. Witnesses
Chapter 20: Warfare
Chapter 21: War bride. Double portion. Incorrigible son
Chapter 22: Good neighbors. Boundaries on sex
Chapter 23: Regulations on people, foreign slaves, loans
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Chapter 24:
Chapter 25:
Chapter 26:
Page 24 of 212
Divorce, Loans, Poor
Court case, brother’s wife, weights and measures
First of produce. Tithe to Levites. His people
Moses charges Israel to keep God’s commandments, Deuteronomy 27-30
Chapter 27: The Law, Mt Ebal, and Mt Gerizim
Chapter 28: Blessings and cursings
Chapter 29: Lord’s covenant with Israel
Chapter 30: Choose life and live
Moses’ Final Words & Death, Deuteronomy 31-34
Chapter 31: Joshua, the song, the law
Chapter 32: Moses’ song is Israel’s life
Chapter 33: Moses blesses Israel
Chapter 34: Moses dies, Joshua leads
Key Doctrines
1. Divine Revelation. Deuteronomy 1.6
2. Delegated authority and leadership. Deuteronomy 1.13
3. Uniqueness of Israel. Deuteronomy 4.7-8
4. Spiritual alertness. Deuteronomy 4.9
5. God provides for his people. Deuteronomy 4.14
6. Divine Discipline. Deuteronomy 4.24
7. Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 5.6
8. Teaching children. Deuteronomy 6.7
9. Testing. Deuteronomy 8.2
10. Importance of the Word of God. Deuteronomy 8.3
11. Self-righteousness. Deuteronomy 9.4
12. Abrahamic Covenant and Theocratic line. Deuteronomy 9.5
13. Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy 9.9
14. Blessing and cursing. Deuteronomy 11.26
15. Divine Attributes. Deuteronomy 13.17
16. Faith-Application—Learn, Consider, Apply. Deuteronomy 11.13
17. Central sanctuary. Deuteronomy 12.11
18. False Prophets. Deuteronomy 13.1
19. Capital Punishment. Deuteronomy 13.9
20. Tithing. Deuteronomy 14.22
21. Poor people. Deuteronomy 15.11
22. Canaanite religion. Deuteronomy 18.9
23. Future Prophet. Deuteronomy 18.15
24. Judicial witness. Deuteronomy 20.15
25. Deterrence of crime. Deuteronomy 19.20
26. Holy War. Deuteronomy 20.3
27. Rebellious son. Deuteronomy 21.18
28. Blessing before cursing. Deuteronomy 28.1, 15
29. Repentance and blessing. Deuteronomy 30.1
30. Life and death, blessing and the curse. Deuteronomy 30.19
31. Spiritual Courage. Deuteronomy 31.6
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 25 of 212
32. Fear of the Lord. Deuteronomy 31.13
33. Passing the leadership mantle. Deuteronomy 34.1
34. Land Covenant. Deuteronomy 34.1
35. Abrahamic Covenant. Deuteronomy 34.4
Lessons For Us Today
1. God’s Word is our life (Deuteronomy 8.3; Matthew 4.4; Luke 4.4; James 1.21-25; 1 Peter
2.2; 2 Timothy 3.16-17).
2. Communication of the Word (Deuteronomy 31.9-13; 1 Timothy 1.3; 6.17; 2 Timothy 2.2, 11,
15; 4.2-5).
3. Faith-Application, choose blessing or cursing (Deuteronomy 1.30-8; 4.10, 14, 15, 23; 6.1
11.26-32; 28.1-2, 15; 30.19-20; Acts 17.27; Romans 6.6, 11, 12-13; Philippians 4.8-9;
Colossians 3.23-25; Hebrews 4.1-16;James 1.21-25).
4. Spiritual courage (Deuteronomy 1.30-38; 31.6; John 16.33; Acts 23.11; 2 Corinthians 4.16).
5. Divine discipline (Deuteronomy 4.24; 1 Corinthians 11.29-30; Hebrews 12.5-13).
6. Punishment deters crime (Deuteronomy 19.20; Romans 13.3-4; 1 Thessalonians 4.6).
7. Faith focusing on Christ (Occupation with Christ) is like fear of the Lord (Deuteronomy
31.13; Galatians 2.20; Colossians 3.1-3; Hebrews 12.2).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 26 of 212
Joshua Bible Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, August 3, October 12, and 19, 2003
Joshua Theme: Holy War
The Lord, using Joshua as his leader, is fulfilling his land promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
by settling Israel in her promised land through Holy War. But, Israel would only gain complete
possession, blessing, and rest in the land through believing God and obeying God (Joshua 1.1-4,
13; 2.9; 7.1-12; 23.1; 21.44; 24.11-14; Hebrews 4.8).
Joshua Key Verses
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 24:15 “And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves
today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the
River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we
will serve the Lord.”
Joshua: Background to events?
1. The Angelic Conflict in which Satan rebelled against God and attempted to take God’s
authority and position.
2. Creation, fall of man, and God’s Redemption Plan through the seed of Eve to Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob.
3. God made his unconditional covenant with Abraham to make him into a great nation and to
bless the world through Abraham’s seed—specifically Jesus Christ.
4. God formed the Hebrews into a nation in Egypt and later at Sinai God made them his priest
nation.
5. God’s redemption plan, through Israel, was on schedule, even though Satan repeatedly tried
to stop God’s plan.
When Did All This Happen?
1. The events begin in 1405 BC. Moses has died and Joshua has become the Lord’s new leader
of Israel.
2. The Israelis are camped just east of the Jordan River and are about to cross into Canaan.
3. Caleb (Joshua 14.7-10) stated that 45 years had passed since the Kadesh reconnaissance
(Numbers 14). Israel had wandered 38 years (Deuteronomy 2.14) after the reconnaissance
before they entered the land. The battles of Joshua (1-14) took 7 years.
Key Words Used
1. Rest, Joshua 1.13, 15; 4.15; 21.44; 22.4; 23.1
2. Obey, Joshua 1.17, 18; 24.24.
3. Obeyed, Joshua 1.17
4. Observe, Joshua 22.5
5. Careful to do, Joshua 1.7, 8
6. Be strong and courageous, Joshua 1.6, 7, 9, 18; 10.25
7. Law (of Moses or God), 1.7, 8; 8.31, 32, 34; 22.5; 23.6; 24.26
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 27 of 212
8. Commanded 36 times (of Lord, Moses, Joshua) Joshua 1.7, 9, 10, 13, 16; 4.8, 10; 6.10, and
others.
9. Inheritance (of land) 57 times Joshua 11.23; 13.7, and others
Main People
1. Joshua took Moses place of authority and leadership; he lived 110 years (Joshua 24.29).
Joshua wrote at least portions of the book (Joshua 24.26).
2. Caleb, along with Joshua, had wanted to conquer the land after the Kadesh reconnaissance.
God rewarded Caleb for his faith and spiritual courage by giving him Hebron (Joshua 14.715).
3. Achan, disobeyed God’s ban on taking spoil from Jericho. As a result, Ai defeated Israel
(Joshua 7).
Narrative
1. Joshua is the record of the Lord’s holy wars and the division of this conquered land to the
tribes. The Lord gave his orders to Joshua and Joshua ordered his commanders (Joshua 1).
Jericho and Ai were defeated and burned (Joshua 2-8). At this point Joshua built an altar at
Mount Ebal; there he sacrificed, copied the law, read it, and challeged the nation. Then the
Gibeonites deceived Israel into a peace treaty (Joshua 9). Next, the Amorite kings were
defeated (Joshua 10), followed by the defeat and burning of Hazor (Joshua 11).
2. After these initial victories, which took 7 years, Joshua divided the newly conquered land
among the tribes (Joshua 13-24). Before Joshua died, he called a meeting at Shechem and
challenged the nation to choose whom they will serve. They chose to serve the Lord, so there
at Shechem Joshua made a covenant with the people to serve the Lord (Joshua 24).
Joshua Overview
1. Israel Crosses into Canaan, Joshua 1-5
2. Military Conquest in the Central, South, and North, Joshua 6-12
3. Joshua distributes the land, Joshua 12-22
4. Joshua challenges Israel, Joshua 23-24
Joshua Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1: Prepare to cross the Jordan
2. Chapter 2: Two spies and Rahab
3. Chapter 3: The ark, priests, and Jordan
4. Chapter 4: Crossing and two 12-stone memorials
5. Chapter 5: Circumcision, manna stops, captain of Lord’s host
6. Chapter 6: Jericho falls
7. Chapter 7: Failure at Ai
8. Chapter 8: Victory at Ai
9. Chapter 9: Gibeonites plot for survival
10. Chapter 10: Sun stood still and victory over 5 kings
11. Chapter 11: Victory over Hazor and the rest
12. Chapter 12: Victory recap
13. Chapter 13: East of Jordan—Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh East
14. Chapter 14: West of Jordan—Hebron for Caleb
15. Chapter 15: West—Judah and Caleb
16. Chapter 16: West—Ephraim
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 28 of 212
17. Chapter 17: West—Manasseh West
18. Chapter 18: West—Benjamin
19. Chapter 19: West—Simeon, Zebulum, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan; Timnath Serah for
Joshua
20. Chapter 20: Cities of Refuge
21. Chapter 21: Levite’s cities and lands
22. Chapter 22: East tribes’ altar—a witness
23. Chapter 23: Joshua challenges and warns Israel
24. Chapter 24: Choose to serve the Lord—Shechem Covenant
Key Doctrines
1. Holy War (Joshua 2.10-12; 3.9-10; 10)
2. National faith-rest (Joshua 1.13; 21.44-45; 22.4-5)
3. Leadership (Joshua 1.5-9; 4.1-7; 10.22-27; 23-24)
4. Miracles (Joshua 3.14-17, Jordan River; 6.1-23, Jericho; 10.10-14, the long day)
5. Faith Obedience-Application of God’s Word (Joshua 22.4-5; 23)
6. Volition or free will (Joshua 1.16-17; 24.15)
Leadership – Overview
1. Leadership requires authority orientation, humility, knowledge, faith, moral courage, spiritual
courage, organization, sacrifice, and loyalty to God (Joshua 1, Philippians 2.17-30; 2
Timothy 2.1-10).
2. Examples of leaders: Moses, Joshua, Jesus, Paul.
Leadership – Joshua
1. Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, in the conquest of the land, and in the organization of
the land (Joshua 1; 4; 23-24).
a. Joshua lived under God’s authority and leadership.
b. Joshua lived under the direction of God’s word.
c. Joshua was spiritually courageous; he trusted God in order to carry out his duties,
even though he had to take human risks.
d. He disciplined wrong doers when necessary.
e. He communicated God’s will to the people.
f. He challenged those under his leadership to think and do God’s will.
Leadership – Paul in Philippians 2.17-30
1. He sacrificed and served in order to strengthen the faith of the people (Joshua 17-18).
2. He kept informed about the spiritual health of the people (Joshua 19, 27-28).
3. He delegated authority to trusted helpers (Joshua 20-23, 25).
4. He planned ahead (Joshua 24).
5. He did Christ’s work (Joshua 17, 21, 30).
Leadership – Paul in 2 Timothy 2.1-10
1. Strong in grace (Joshua 1).
2. Teaches others (Joshua 2).
3. Soldier: undergoes hardship, focuses on his job, please his commander (Joshua 3-4, 10).
4. Athlete: prepares the right way and according to the rules—God’s word (Joshua 5).
5. Farmer: works hard, shares in the rewards of his service (Joshua 6).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 29 of 212
6. Teachable (Joshua 7).
7. Follows Christ (Joshua 8).
Leadership – Leaders must have right relationship to…
1. God
2. Bible
3. Authority
4. Purpose
5. Others
6. Self
Miracles, Henry Morris
1. Henry M. Morris said that a miracle is "an event outside the scope of either the fundamental
laws of nature [thermodynamics 1, mass-energy must be conserved; thermodynamics 2, all
things tend to decay] or of the normal operation of natural processes [the processes on space,
time, energy that are ruled by the two fundamental laws]." (Biblical Naturalism and Modern
Science, Part III, Issue 449 of Bibliothecasacra).
2. Creative miracles are those in which God sets aside the two fundamental laws of nature,
restoration of life to one who had died, the provision of manna for Israel, changing water into
wine, giving sight to the one born blind, Jesus walking on water, and others.
3. Providential miracles are those in which God changes the time, space, or the energy of
natural processes: the drought and rain during Elijah's time (James 5.17-18), the earthquake
at Philippi (Acts 16.26), Daniel protected from the lions (Daniel 6.22), Peter being delivered
from prison, and others.
Miracles, C. S. Lewis
1. C.S. Lewis wrote "I use the word Miracle to mean an interference with Nature by
supernatural power" (Miracles, C.S. Lewis, page 5).
Miracles
1. God performs miracles to authenticate and demonstrate His word, His authority, His nature,
and His plan so that man will believe Him, obey Him, and honor Him (Exodus 4.1-5;
Joshua 2.10-11; Luke 4.14-44).
2. Exodus 4, staff, hand, Nile water; Joshua 10, Joshua’s long day; John 11, Lazarus; Acts 12,
Peter freed from prison.
Miracles – Stopped the Jordan during high water, Joshua 3:14-17
1. God Stopped the Jordan River at high water season and demonstrated that he can interrupt
the natural processes of space, energy, and time—and do it with ease.
2. This miracle provided a visual and lasting memorial to God’s power and blessing.
Miracles – Jericho, Joshua 6
1. God demonstrated that Israel’s conquest of Canaan was completely by his power. Israel
could not conquer the land and the cities; God had to give them victory. God was complete
master over Israel’s enemies.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 30 of 212
Miracles – Joshua’s long day, Joshua 10.12-14
1. God demonstrated that he can interrupt the natural processes of space and time—and do it
with ease.
2. More noteworthy than the miracle is the fact that God answered a man’s prayer request
(Joshua 10.14).
Lessons for Us Today
1. Faith in God and his Word produces spiritual rest (Hebrews 4.1-11; Philippians 4.6-7).
2. Spiritual courage is thinking and acting God’s way because of what we believe—faith in
action (John 16.33; Acts 23.11; 2 Corinthians 5.8).
3. Leadership requires authority orientation, humility, knowledge, faith, moral courage, spiritual
courage, organization, sacrifice, and loyalty to God (Joshua 1,
Philippians 2.17-30; 2 Timothy 2.1-10).
4. Military service is honorable, and Holy War (War and God) is sometimes needed to gain or
protect what is right (Acts 23.11-35; Romans 13.3-4; 1 Corinthians 9.7
2 Timothy 2.4).
5. Mankind and especially believers are privileged and responsible to make right freewill
choices (Genesis 2.16-17; Joshua 24.15; Isaiah 1.16-20; Acts 17.30; Romans 14.5-6).
6. Jesus Christ ought, in practice, to be each believer’s Lord or captain—Lordship Christian
Life (1 Peter 3.15).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 31 of 212
Judges Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, October 26, and November 2, 2003
Themes of Old Testament Books—Law or Torah
1. Genesis: Beginnings
2. Exodus: Redemption
3. Leviticus: Reconciliation
4. Numbers: Divine Discipline
5. Deuteronomy: Choose Life
Themes of Old Testament Books—Prophets or Nebiim
1. Judges: Syncretism, Oppression, and Grace
Hebrew Bible, The Prophets – Nebiim
Former Prophets
1. Joshua
2. Judges
3. Samuel
4. Kings
English Bible (Old Testament), History
1. Joshua
2. Judges
3. Ruth
4. Samuel
5. Kings
Narrative
1. Israel refused to obey God’s word about foreign gods, about taking complete possession of
the land, and about following Moses’ Law. As a result they took on the spiritual life of the
people of the land—Mesopotamians, Moabites, Philistines, Canaanites, Midianites,
Ammonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jubusites.
2. Chapters 1-2 and 17-21 present the death of Joshua followed by Israel’s unbelief, confusion,
disobedience, bloodshed, and suffering.
3. Chapters 3-17 describe the various cycles of spiritual failure, the oppression, and God’s
deliverance through a leader (judge).
Background to Events
1. Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan in 1405 BC. Israel conquered major cities, but left many
strongholds in Canaanite hands. These pagan areas became a source of spiritual and national
testing.
2. After the initial victories, which took 7 years, Joshua divided the newly conquered land
among the tribes (Joshua 13-24).
3. Before Joshua died, he called a meeting at Shechem and challenged the nation to choose
whom they will serve. They chose to serve the Lord, so there at Shechem Joshua made a
covenant with the people to serve the Lord (Joshua 24).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 32 of 212
4. Joshua died in 1380 BC. Canaanites remained in the land and continued to be a distraction
and bad influence on Israel.
When Did All This Happen?
1. The events in the book of Judges run from about 1380 until 1050 BC—the death of Joshua
until the reign of King Saul.
2. Prophet Samuel lived during the final years of the judges and into the reign of Saul.
3. Judges was probably was written after the start of Saul’s reign but before the divided
kingdom.
a. “In those days there was no king in Israel” (Judges 17.6; 18.1; 21.25; with 19.1) indicates
that Judges was probably written after Saul became king.
b. “So the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day” (1.21)
indicates that it was written before David removed the Jebusites in 1004 BC (2 Samuel
5.5-9).
4. Samuel may have written the book.
Key Verses
Judges 2:20 So the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has
transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers and has not listened to My voice, 21
I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died,
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own
eyes.
Theme
Syncretism, Oppression, and Grace
Disobedience to God’s word brings chaos. This chaos begins with spiritual syncretism (combine
teachings, beliefs, and practices) and then outright idolatry which results in personal and national
testing, failure, disaster, and oppression. Even under such conditions, if God’s people ask for him
to deliver them, he will graciously do so through Spirit-guided and Spirit-empowered leaders.
Overview Outline
1. Canaanites are left in the land, Judges 1-2
2. Cycles (pagan influence  religious syncretism  oppression  God delivers) and Judges,
Judges 3-16
3. Flashback: Apostasy and fratricide, Judges 17-21
Chapter Titles: Canaanites are left in the land, Judges 1-2
1. Chapter 1: Only Judah, Simeon, and Joseph destroyed the Canaanites
2. Chapter 2: Thorns and snares and judges
Chapter Titles: Cycles (pagan influence apostasy oppression God delivers) and
Judges, Judges 3-16
3. Chapter 3: Othniel, Ehud and Eglon, and Shagmar
4. Chapter 4: Deborah, Barak, Sisera, and Jael
5. Chapter 5: Deborah and Barak’s song of praise
6. Chapter 6: Gideon, Baal, and the fleece
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 33 of 212
7. Chapter 7: Gideon’s victorious 300
8. Chapter 8: Gideon’s victory and the ephod
9. Chapter 9: Bloody Abimelech
10. Chapter 10: Philistines, Ammonites, other gods
11. Chapter 11: Jephthah, his daughter, and the Ammonite defeat
12. Chapter 12: Ephraim’s anger and defeat by Gilead
13. Chapter 13: Angel of the Lord and Samson’s parents
14. Chapter 14: Samson marries a Philistine, and the riddle
15. Chapter 15: Samson’s 300 foxes, the jawbone, and 1000 dead Philistines
16. Chapter 16: Samson, Delilah, and Samson’s final battle
Chapter Titles: Flashback, Apostasy and Fratricide, Judges 17-21
17. Chapter 17: Micah mixes religious beliefs, and the Levite
18. Chapter 18: Danite’s idolatry and war on Laish
19. Chapter 19: Rape at Gibeah by Benjamites and 12 pieces of her body
20. Chapter 20: Israel takes vengeance on Benjamites
21. Chapter 21: 600 wives for Benjamites
Key Words Used
1. gods, god, 25 times. Judges 2.3,12,17,19; 3.6; 5.8; 6.10,31; 8.33; 9.27; 10.6,13,14,16; 11.24;
16.24; 18.24.
2. Idols, 7 times. Judges 3.19,26; 17.5; 18.14,17,18,20.
3. “Israel did what was evil,” 2 times. Judges 3.7; 6.1
4. “Did evil,” 2.11; again did evil, 4 times. Judges 3.12; 4.1; 10.6; 13.1.
5. “No king,” 4 times. Judges 17.6; 18.1; 19.1; 21.25.
6. “Did what was right in his own eyes,” 2 times. Judges 17.6; 21.25.
7. “Cried to the Lord”, 6 times. Judges 3.9,15; 4.3; 6.6,7; 10.10; to me, 10.12.
8. “Spirit of the Lord came upon,” 6 times. Judges 3.10; 6.34; 11.29; 14.6,19; 15.14.
9. “Spirit of the Lord began to stir, 13.25.
10. “Judged Israel,” “judging Israel,” 13 times. Judges 3.10; 4.4; 10.2,3; 12.7,8,9,11,13,14;
15.20; 16.31.
Main People: The Judges
1. Othniel, delivered Israel from the king of Mesopotamia, giving 40 years of peace. Judges 3.711
2. Ehud, Killed Eglon, king of Moab, giving Israel 80 years of peace. Judges 3.12-30
3. Shamgar, killed 600 Philistines. Judges 3.31
4. Deborah and Barak, defeated Jabin, king of Canaan, giving 40 years of peace. Judges 4.15.31
5. Gideon, Defeated Midian, giving 40 years of peace. Judges 6.1-8.32
6. Tola, lived in Ephraim and judged 23 years. Judges 10.1-3
7. Jair, lived in Gilead and judged 22 years. Judges 10.4-5
8. Jephthah, defeated the Ammonites and rebellious Ephraimites, giving 6 years of peace.
Judges 10.6-12.7
9. Ibzan of Bethlehem judged 7 years. Judges 12.8-10
10. Elon of Zebulun judged 10 years. Judges 12.11-12
11. Abdon of Ephraim judged 8 years. Judges 12.8-15
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 34 of 212
12. Samson delivered Israel from Philistine oppression and judged for 20 years.
Judges 13.1-16.31
Other Main People in Judges
1. Eglon, king of Moab, was killed by Ehud. Judges 3.12
2. Sisera, chief military commander for Jabin, King of Canaan. Judges 4.2
3. Jael, killed Sisera with a tent peg. Judges 4.21
4. Joash, father of Gideon. Judges 6.29
5. Abimelech, son of Gideon, rebel and terrorist against God’s people; made king of Shechem.
Judges 9.1
6. Manoah, father of Samson. Judges 13.2
7. Timnah, a Philistine, Samson’s wife, was blackmailed by Philistines. Judges 14.2
8. Delilah, a Philistine woman, was bribed by the Philistines and got Samson to tell the secret of
his strength. Judges 16.6
9. Micah, lived in Ephraim and mixed the worship of the Lord with idols. Judges 17.1
10. Young Levite from Bethlehem hired himself to be Micah’s personal priest.
Judges 17.7
11. The concubine of a Levite was raped and killed by Benjamites at Gibeah. The Levite then cut
her in twelve pieces and mailed one piece to each tribe. Judges 19.1
Let’s see Judges’ Theme
1. Ehud and Eglon illustrate the cycles: disobedience, spiritual syncretism, oppression, cry to
God for help, and God’s gracious deliverance (Judges 3.12-30).
2. Ammonite oppression and the prelude to Jephthah illustrates rejection of God, the gods’
uselessness, and God’s grace (Judges 10.6-11.1).
3. Gideon and his terrorist son, Abimelech, demonstrate bad spiritual leadership, reversion to
apostasy, and individual rebellion (Judges 8.22-9.15).
4. The Micah and the Levite priest promote spiritual syncretism (Judges 17).
Key Doctrines
1. Religious syncretism results from a failure to learn and be convinced of, and to obey or apply
God’s word.
2. Lack of good spiritual leadership promotes spiritual apostasy, divine discipline, and
suffering.
3. Spiritual tailspin=Rejection of God’s word + acceptance of pagan beliefsspiritual
syncretismdisaster and Divine discipline.
4. Spiritual recovery=Repentance (a change of thinking toward God and his word)confession
of sincall for helpGod graciously delivers.
5. Spiritual stabilization=Did not occur in Judges and so the cycles repeated many times.
Lessons for Us Today
1. Learn the word of God, and become convinced of the word of God, and obey or apply the
word of God (Romans 6.6, 11, 13; James 1.21-27).
2. Spiritual syncretism will damage one’s faith and life (Hebrews 6; Ephesians 4.17-20;
Galatians 4.9-31; 1 Corinthians 10.14-22).
a. It begins with a naïve acceptance that maybe a non-biblical belief system may be good.
b. Or, it begins by outright rejection of God’s word.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 35 of 212
3. Good spiritual leadership is necessary for spiritual health, growth, and service (Acts 20.2832; 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12; 2 Timothy 2).
4. Restoration to fellowship with God begins with confession of know sin (1 John 1.9).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 36 of 212
Ruth Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, November 9 and 16, 2002
Themes of Old Testament Books—Law or Torah
1. Genesis: Beginnings
2. Exodus: Redemption
3. Leviticus: Reconciliation
4. Numbers: Divine Discipline
5. Deuteronomy: Choose Life
Themes of Old Testament Books—History
1. Joshua: Holy War
2. Judges: Syncretism, Oppression, and Grace
3. Ruth: Grace Kinsman-Redeemer
Place in the Hebrew Bible
1. The Law
2. The Prophets
3. The Writings include Ruth
Background to Events
1. The Israelites were living in the land after the conquest under Joshua.
2. The Israelites failed to root out the Canaanites and took on their pagan beliefs and practices.
3. There was no strong and righteous leadership in Israel except for the occasional judgeadministrators-military leader.
4. But there were pockets of godly believers in Israel—Boaz was one.
5. In the ancient Middle East widows had a very difficult time living.
6. God commanded His people to care for widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 24.19-22).
7. God commanded His people to leave some of their fields unharvested so that the poor and
strangers could gather grain for their food (Leviticus 19.9, 10; 23.22).
When Did All This Happen?
1. The events of Ruth took place during the period of the Judges (Ruth 1.1).
2. Ruth and Boaz lived sometime around 1125 BC (Ruth 4.21-22).
3. The book was likely written during the reign of David or Solomon (Ruth 4.22, David is in the
tribe of Judah, the king tribe).
Story
1. Because of a famine in the Bethlehem area, Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two
sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and emigrated to Moab, about 50 miles away. The sons married
Moabite wives, Ruth and Orphah. All three men died in Moab, so once Naomi heard that the
famine was over she went back to Bethlehem.
2. Ruth, out of loyalty to Naomi and the Lord, returned to Bethlehem with her.
3. Elimelech had left land in Bethlehem, but someone in the family had to redeem it for the
family.
4. God used Ruth’s need for a protector to bless her and to continue the Messiah’s genealogy.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 37 of 212
5. Naomi sent Ruth out to gather grain at Boaz’ farm. He was a relative of Elimelech who was
wealthy enough to redeem the property and keep it in the family.
6. Boaz also could redeem Ruth by marrying her. So, Naomi instructed Ruth on the proper
protocol for asking Boaz to redeem her. Boaz held back because there was a closer relative
who would have first choice. This unnamed relative gave up his right to redeem Ruth.
7. Boaz redeemed Ruth by marriage. God blessed Ruth and Boaz with a son, Obed, who
became the grandfather of David.
Key Verses
Ruth 2:12 “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of
Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
Ruth 3:11 “Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people
in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.”
Theme: Grace Kinsman-Redeemer
Ruth trusted God during undeserved suffering to provide His best for her. God blessed Ruth’s
faithfulness to Him and to Naomi by guiding her to Boaz’ field where she gathered grain and met
Boaz’, who soon redeemed her by marriage. God further blessed Ruth by placing her in the
lineage of the Messiah.
Overview Outline
1. Bethlehem to Moab and Back, 1
2. Boaz and Ruth, 2-4
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter One:
2. Chapter Two:
3. Chapter Three:
4. Chapter Four:
Famine, death, and loyalty
Ruth gathers grain
Ruth at Boaz’ feet
Boaz redeems Ruth
Main People
1. Elimelech, of the tribe of Judah, was Naomi’s husband who took his wife and two sons to
Moab during a famine in Bethlehem, is found 6 times (Ruth 1.2, 3; 2.1, 3; 4.3, 9).
2. Naomi, a widow and mother-in-law of Ruth, is mentioned 22 times (Ruth 1.2, 3, 8, 11, 19,
20, 21, 22; 2.1, 2, 6, 18, 20, 22; 3.1; 4.3, 5, 9, 14, 16, 17).
3. Ruth, a Moabite widow, is mentioned 12 times (Ruth 1.4, 14, 16, 22; 2.2, 8, 21, 22; 3.9;
4.5.10.13).
4. Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, of Judah’s tribe, is mentioned 20 times. He redeems Ruth
(Ruth 2.1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 19, 23; 3.2, 7; 4.1, 5, 8, 9, 13, 21).
Key Words Used
1. Bethlehem (Ruth 1.1, 2, 19, 22; 2.4; 4.11).
2. EphrathahEphrathite was another name for the region of Bethlehem (Genesis 48.7 and
Micah 5.2; Ruth 1.2).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 38 of 212
3. Moab was the area north and east of the Dead Sea. The people descended from Lot and his
older daughter who had fled Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19.30-38). Her son was Moab.
The Moabites fought Israel throughout their history. Moabites were forbidden to become part
of the Israelite covenant community and worship life (Deuteronomy 23.3-6). Same held true
for the Ammonites.
4. Redeem, 12 times (Ruth 3.13; 4.4, 6, 14). Strong #1350. ga’al to redeem, act as kinsmanredeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman who acts as protector or
guarantor of family rights. Also Job 5.20; 19.25; Psalm 44.26; and
Isaiah 43.14).
a. To buy back property that the family had sold.
b. To provide an heir for a deceased brother by marrying that brother’s wife and producing
a child with her.
5. Redeem, 12 times (Ruth 3.13; 4.4, 6, 14).
a. To buy back a family member who had been sold into slavery due to poverty.
b. To avenge a relative who had been murdered by killing the murderer.
c. The Scripture calls God the Redeemer or the “close relative” of Israel
(Isaiah 60:16), and Jesus the Redeemer of all believers (1 Peter 1:18, 19).
Let’s see Ruth’s Theme
1. Ruth remains loyal to Naomi and Israel’s God (Ruth 1.16-18; 2.11-12).
2. Ruth trusts God, during undeserved suffering, to provide His best for her
(Ruth 1.16-17; 2.1-3, 7, 10, 14; 3.9-10, 14, 18).
3. God graciously provides Ruth a kinsman-redeemer husband, Boaz, who redeems Ruth and
the family property (Ruth 2.3, 8-17; 3.9-13; 4.8-13).
4. God puts Ruth in the lineage of the Messiah (Ruth 4.13-22).
Key Doctrines
1. The LORD, Israel’s God, honored Ruth’s faith in Himself. She believed that God would
provide for her care and God’s choice for a redeemer-husband (Ruth 1.16-17; 2.3, 10-13;
3.18).
2. Grace takes precedence over law. Ruth, a Moabite widow, becomes the great-grandmother of
King David and is listed in Christ’s genealogy (Ruth 1.4; 2.6-8, 12, 21; 3.10-14; 4.8-22).
3. Grace can remove bitterness. Naomi saw God work in Ruth’s life and it changed her attitude
(Ruth 1.12-13, 20; 2.18-20; 4.13-17).
4. Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth2.19-20; 3.12-14; 4).
Lessons for Us Today
1. God’s grace overcomes our past and our heritage to bless faithful believers (Philippians 3).
2. Christ’s redemption of mankind is illustrated by Boaz redemption of Ruth (Galatians 3.13;
Ephesians 1.7; 1 Timothy 2.4-6; Titus 2.14; 1 Peter 1.18).
3. God will provide His best for the believer trusting Him when facing undeserved suffering
(Romans 8.28-32; 1 Peter 5.6-11; Philippians 4.19). How do we face undeserved suffering?
a. Elimelech: by escaping or running to details of life?
b. Naomi: by existing or resentfully putting up with it?
c. Ruth: by enlisting the suffering for blessing and applying our spiritual resources to
gain God’s good?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 39 of 212
Lessons for Us Today, 1 Peter 5.6-11
1. Mental attitude humility (Humble yourselves, authority and grace orientation).
2. Faith in the Father’s person and work (casting).
3. Faith application of word of God (sober and alert) Undeserved suffering and testing
(adversary’s attacks (resist him).
4. The Father builds us into mature believers able to enjoy His blessings (perfect, confirm,
strengthen, establish).
Four Questions to Ask
1. Am I believing in Jesus Christ to give me eternal life (John 3.16-18; 20.31;
Romans 6.23)?
2. Am I walking in fellowship with God (1 John 1) and living by faith, by the Holy Spirit, in the
Word of God, and in love (Galatians 2.20; 5.5; 2 John 4-6)?
3. Do I accept the fact that what I believe is more important that how I feel
(Psalm 13)?
4. Am I watching for the good (the blessing) that God is working out in my life and testing
(Romans 8.28)?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 40 of 212
1 Samuel Briefing
God’s King
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, November 30, December 7, and December 14, 2003
History—Setting
1. The events took place from the final days of the Judges (1120 BC) to the death of King Saul
(1010 BC).
2. God had selected Judah to be the tribe of kings (Genesis 49.8-12). Saul was from the tribe of
Benjamin (1 Samuel 9.1-2); David was from Judah (1 Samuel 16.1-13; Matthew 1.3-6).
3. The empires of the ancient Middle East had lost their overwhelming power and influence.
a. Hittites lost their significance.
b. Assyria was declining.
c. Egypt, through internal fighting, had lost its power
d. The Philistines became Israel’s greatest enemy.
History—Author
1. Samuel, though not said to be the author, likely wrote much of the book or supplied the notes
for the book. The book took its final form soon after the division into the northern and
southern kingdoms (1 Samuel 27.6 and 18.16).
2. Jewish tradition says that Samuel wrote 1-24, and that Nathan and Gad finished
1 Samuel and added 2 Samuel.
3. Possibly, a later editor finalized the book under God’s inspiration.
History—The Book
1. Originally, 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into
Greek around 150 BC, the editors combined Samuel and Kings and it became the complete
history of the Israelite monarchy—1, 2, 3, 4 Kingdoms.
2. Sometime later, editors followed the Greek pattern and separated Samuel and Kings into 1
and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.
Trace the Theme in 1 Samuel
1. First Samuel records the transition from the Judges period of history to the beginning of the
monarchy and highlights the failures of the king and the nation because they reject God’s
word to them.
2. The prophet, Samuel, is born to Hannah and Elkanah during the time of the judges (1.20). In
Samuel’s old age the people of Israel demanded a king so they might be like other nations
(8.4-9). Samuel told Saul (10.1) and the people (12.12-16) that Saul was to be the Lord’s
king. But Saul soon acted foolishly before the Lord, so the Lord rejected him (13.13-14;
16.14) and chose David, a man after his own heart, to be the king in waiting (13.14; 16.1114).
3. Saul became jealous of David (18.7-9). He spent the rest of his life, hyphenated with brief
periods of remorse (24.16-20; 26.21-25), trying to kill David. David, though given
opportunities, refused to strike the Lord’s anointed (24.1-7; 26.7-12). He spent this time
trying to elude capture and death by Saul. Eventually, at Mt Gilboa, the Philistines killed
Saul and his sons—they wounded Saul, so he killed himself (31.1-4).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 41 of 212
Key Verse
1 Samuel 13:14 “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a
man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you
have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
1 Samuel Theme: God’s King
Despite the fact that God allows Israel, by her free will and rejection of Him and his prophets, to
prematurely choose a king, He, in His grace, accomplishes his plan to seat His chosen king over
Israel.
1 Samuel Overview Outline
1. Samuel’s ministry, 1 Samuel 1-8
2. Saul, Israel’s first king, 1 Samuel 9-15
3. David, God’s king in waiting, 1 Samuel 16-20
4. Saul pursues David, 1 Samuel 21-31
1 Samuel Chapter Titles
Samuel’s Ministry, 1 Samuel 1-8
1. Chapter 1: Hannah dedicates Samuel
2. Chapter 2: God will judge Eli’s family
3. Chapter 3: Lord established Samuel a prophet
4. Chapter 4: Philistines capture God’s ark
5. Chapter 5: God judges Ashdod, Gath, Ekron
6. Chapter 6: Philistines send the ark back
7. Chapter 7: Lord routs and subdues Philistines
8. Chapter 8: Appoint a king for us
Saul, Israel’s First King, 1 Samuel 9-15
9. Chapter 9: Donkey chase leads Saul to Samuel
10. Chapter 10: Samuel anoints Saul at Mizpah
11. Chapter 11: Saul’s victory over Jabesh and Coronation
12. Chapter 12: Samuel introduces Saul and challenges Israel
13. Chapter 13: Saul acted foolishly
14. Chapter 14: Saul’s foolish oath; Jonathan’s honey
15. Chapter 15: Lord rejects Saul. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
III. David, God’s King in Waiting, 1 Samuel 16-20
16. Chapter 16: Lord chooses David
17. Chapter 17: David kills Goliath
18. Chapter 18: Jealous Saul fears David
19. Chapter 19: Jonathan, Michal, and Samuel protect David
20. Chapter 20: Jonathan warns David by arrows
IV. Saul Pursues David, 1 Samuel 21-31
21. Chapter 21: David to Priest Ahimelech, then to King Achish of Gath
22. Chapter 22: Saul kills priests of Nob. Abiathar escapes
23. Chapter 23: Saul chases David at Keilah, Ziph, Maon
24. Chapter 24: Saul’s robe in the Engedi cave
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 42 of 212
25. Chapter 25: Samuel dies. Nabal, Abigail, and David
26. Chapter 26: Mt Hachilah, Saul’s spear and bottle
IV. Saul Pursues David, 1 Samuel 21-31
27. Chapter 27: David at Philistine Ziklag
28. Chapter 28: The Medium at Endor
29. Chapter 29: Philistine commanders reject David
30. Chapter 30: Ziklag, David, and Amalekites
31. Chapter 31: Philistines victory. Saul dies
Main People
Hanna
1. Hannah was the mother of Samuel. God graciously answered her prayer for a son, and in
response to God’s blessing she presented her son to the Lord so that he might serve Him (1
Samuel 1-2).
2. Principle: Mother’s faithfulness to the Lord, prayer for her children, and willingness for them
to be in Christian service.
Eli
1. Eli was the priest at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1.3, 7, 9) at the time of Samuel’s birth
(1 Samuel 1.17, 24-28) and a judge (1 Samuel 4.18). He was to serve as priest for Israel and
to care for the ark (1 Samuel 4.3). He was instrumental in the early training of Samuel (1
Samuel 2.11, 18-21; 3). His sons, priests under him (1 Samuel 1.3) were worthless rebels
whom he failed to discipline and train (1 Samuel 2.12; 3.11-14). The Lord, through the
Philistines, struck his sons down (1 Samuel 4.10-11). The news that the Philistines had
captured God’s Ark caused Eli to collapse. He broke his neck in the fall and died (1 Samuel
4.15-18).
2. Principle: Failure to protect the priesthood by not disciplining and training his priest sons.
3. Principle: God graciously uses His people to bless others even though they have areas of
failure.
Samuel
1. Samuel was the son of Hannah and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1). He was a Levite
(1 Samuel 6.33-38), a prophet (1 Samuel 3.20; 19.20; Acts 3.24), a priest
(1 Samuel 7.8-10), and the last judge (1 Samuel 7.15-17; Acts 13.20). He was called to his
ministry while a young boy and he served Eli well during a time of national apostasy (1
Samuel 2.11, 18-21). He anointed Saul (1 Samuel 9.16; 10.1; 15.1) and David to be kings (1
Samuel 16.3, 12-13). He was classed with Moses as a great believer and spiritual leader of
Israel (1 Samuel 7.3-6; Jeremiah 15.1).
2. Principle: Faithful ministry during a time of national apathy, rebellion, and apostasy.
3. Principle: Strong spiritual leadership in the face of powerful opposition.
Saul
1. Saul was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9.1, 21), who because of the rebellious demands of Israel (1
Samuel 8.4-8), was chosen by God to become king of Israel
(1 Samuel 10.1). He had few successes (1 Samuel 11.6-15; 14.47-48), and in negative
volition he rejected God’s word and will (1 Samuel 13.8-14; 14.24, 43-46; 15.16-26; 28.320). Due to his rejection of God’s word and desire for power and fame combined with great
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 43 of 212
jealousy of David, he tried to kill David (1 Samuel 20.33) eventually destroyed himself (1
Samuel 15.27-28, 35; 18.5-12; 19.1; 31.1-5).
2. Principle: Great opportunity for service to Lord and Israel, but because he was preoccupied
with himself and details of life, and because he would not humble himself before the Lord,
the Lord removed him from service and potential blessing.
3. Principle: Emotional repentance and spiritual inconsistency do not please the Lord. He wants
consistent spiritual living.
Goliath
1. Goliath, a nine and one-half foot champion fighter for the Philistines, challenged Saul’s army
to send someone to fight him in personal combat. The outcome of this challenge would
determine the winner of the battle (1 Samuel 17). David believed that God would defeat
Goliath through him. David knew that the battle was the Lord’s. David killed Goliath. Israel
then chased the fleeing Philistines, killing them and plundering the camps.
2. Principle: No enemy can withstand the Lord and the believer trusting the Lord and doing
God’s will.
Jonathan
1. Jonathan was Saul’s son and heir to the throne (1 Samuel 13.16). He unknowingly disobeyed
Saul’s vow by eating some honey, after which the Israelites would not allow Saul to execute
Jonathan (1 Samuel 14.24-45). He and David were very good friends (1 Samuel 18.1). He
recognized God’s decision to make David king when he turned his robe, armor, sword, bow,
and belt (1 Samuel 18.4; 23.16-17). Jonathan fell in battle against the Philistines at Mt Gilboa
along with his brothers and his father, Saul (1 Samuel 31.1-2).
2. Though Jonathan was Saul’s son and a soldier in Saul’s army, but did the right thing by
protecting David from Saul (1 Samuel 19.1-10; 20). Jonathan fell with Saul fell in battle with
the Philistines (1 Samuel 31.2-3).
3. Principle: First loyalty is to Lord.
4. Principle: Loyal friendship.
David
1. David was the son of Jesse, a distant son of Judah. He was a shepherd whom God trained to
be king over Israel. Samuel anointed him king of Israel. See discussion in the 2 Samuel
study.
Key Words Used
1. King 92x. 1 Samuel 2.10; 8.5, 6; 8.20; 10.19; 16.1.
2. Anoint. (verb and noun) 1 Samuel 2.10, 35; 9.16; 10.1; 12.3, 5; 15.1, 17; 16.3, 6, 12, 13;
24.6, 10; 26.9, 11, 16, 23.
a. Cleansing, blessing, coronation, endowment, or the title of the one selected. Psalm 2.2
b. Noun jyvm mashiyach. Strong #4899, Anointed, Messiah. 39x in OT.
c. Verb jvm mashach. Strong #4886, To smear, anoint, spread a liquid. 69x in OT.
3. War, 1 Samuel 8.12; 14.52; 17.20; 18.5; 19.8; 23.8; 28.1, 15. Strong # 4421 îÄìÀçÈîÈä
milchamah. War was necessary because Israel’s enemies sought to destroy her.
4. Rejected, 1 Samuel 8.7; 10.19; 15.23, 26; 16.1, 7. Israel rejected the Lord as king; the Lord
rejected Saul from continuing as king.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 44 of 212
5. Ichabod (no glory) 1 Samuel 4.21. The glory left Israel because the Philistines took the Ark
of God from Israel.
Key Doctrines
1. King of Israel. The monarchy became the political form for rule in God’s theocratic
kingdom program (1 Samuel 2.10; 16.1; Psalm 78.70-72; Psalm 2). Jesus is the final and
ultimate King of Israel and King of God’s entire creation (Matthew 2.2; Revelation 17.14;
19.16; Zechariah 14.9; 1 Corinthians 15.24-28).
2. God rules over all creation. The fall of Satan and man did not reduce God’s sovereign rule,
nor did the unbelief and rebellion of Saul or any other Israeli king limit his authority. He will
reestablish His rightful rule over creation and thereby demonstrate His unsurpassed authority,
glory, and honor (Exodus 16.7; 24.16; Numbers 14.21; Psalm 19.1; Psalm 29; Ezekiel 3.12;
Luke 2.9; Romans 9.23; 11.36; Ephesians 1.6, 12, 14; Revelation 4.11; and others).
3. God’s Plan to reestablish final rule. God pronounced judgment upon Satan after his
rebellion (Matthew 25.41) and announced the means to defeat Satan and demonstrate his
authority and honor through His redemptive program (Genesis 3.15). He worked through
Abraham and his progeny (Genesis 12.1-3). The monarch form began with Saul (1 Samuel
10.1) and especially David (1 Samuel 16). This will find its ultimate form in King Messiah
Jesus, the savior, priest, and ruling king in the Millennium (Zechariah 14.9; Matthew 1;
Revelation 19.16; 1 Corinthians 15.24-28).
4. The battle is the Lord’s. The Lord fought for David and Israel against Goliath and the
Philistines (1 Samuel 17, especially verses 26, 37, 45-47).
5. Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. God sent His Holy Spirit only to certain people in the
time before the church age. The Holy Spirit’s job was to guide and give ability to the
individual so that he could know and do God’s will (Saul, 1 Samuel 10.6, 10; 11.6; 16.14;
19.23-24; David, 16.13; Saul’s messengers, 19.20).
6. Obedience to God is more important than going through right religious activities (1 Samuel
15.22-23). Put another way, substance is more important than symbolism in one’s
relationship with God. Reality is more important ritual.
Lessons for Us Today
1. God’s plan for Israel will be accomplished. Israel has a promised wonderful future.
2. The church does not replace Israel. The church has its own unique position and purpose in
God’s plan. We in the church are part of God’s universal kingdom. He is our king by right of
creation and union with Christ.
3. The day to day Christian life battle is the Lord’s battle. He works in us and through us.
4. In distinction from OT Israel, the Holy Spirit lives in every church age believer. Furthermore,
God commands us to be filled with and to walk by means of the Holy Spirit.
5. God wants consistent Christian living based upon His word, His Spirit, and faith, not
emotional highs and lows. He desires reality over ritual, substance over symbolism.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 45 of 212
2 Samuel Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, December 28, 2003, and January 4, 2004
History—2 Samuel Setting
1. The empires of the ancient middle east had lost their overwhelming power and influence.
a. Hittites lost their significance.
b. Assyria was declining.
c. Egypt, through internal fighting, had lost its power
d. The Philistines became Israel’s greatest enemy.
2 God had selected Judah to be the tribe of kings (Genesis 49.8-12). Saul was from the tribe of
Benjamin (1 Samuel 9.1-2); David was from Judah (1 Samuel 16.1-13; Matthew 1.3-6).
3 David brought together the tribes and formed them into a strong monarchy. He captured
Jerusalem, the Jebusite fortress, and made it his capital.
4 Second Samuel covers the major events in David’s life.
5 He developed Israel into a military power that was able to throw off the yoke of the
Philistines and Canaanites. Israel under David became the dominate power in the area.
6 He, through military victory and alliances, extended his control to Egypt in the southwest and
to the Euphrates in the northeast.
7 The events took place from soon after the death of King Saul (2 Samuel 1.1) to David’s
purchase of the threshing floor from Araunah the Jebusite (about 1010 BC to 970 BC) so that
he might build an altar to the Lord and sacrifice “that the plague may be held back from the
people” (2 Samuel 23.21). The plague was God’s discipline because David numbered the
people.
History—2 Samuel Author
1 Jewish tradition says that Samuel wrote 1 Samuel 1-24, and that Nathan and Gad finished 1
Samuel and added 2 Samuel. Possibly, a later editor finalized the book under God’s
inspiration.
2 It is very likely that most of the Samuels were written during the time of David and Solomon
(1010-930 BC).
History—2 Samuel The Book
1 Originally, 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into
Greek around 150 BC, the editors combined Samuel and Kings and it became the complete
history of the Israelite monarchy—1, 2, 3, 4 Kingdoms.
2 Sometime later, editors followed the Greek pattern and separated Samuel and Kings into 1
and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings.
3 The Samuels took their final form soon after the division into the northern and southern
kingdoms (1 Samuel 18.16 and 27.6; 2 Samuel 5.5; 19.43).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 46 of 212
Story in 2 Samuel
1 The story begins with David’s grief over Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1). David was then formally
installed as king (2 Samuel 2). He consolidated his rule by friendship and alliances with
neighboring powers. Though there was a challenge to David’s rule by Saul’s house (2
Samuel 2-4), David was recognized by Judah and Israel, and ruled from Hebron for seven
and one-half years, then took Jerusalem for his capital
(2 Samuel 5). David then moved the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). God made a covenant
with David, promising to build and perpetuate David’s dynasty
(2 Samuel 7).
2 At this point David began to subdue his enemies and strengthen his support
(2 Samuel 9-20). During David’s wars to establish his rule, he sinned with Bathsheba against
the Lord and Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Nathan the prophet rebuked David and announced the
Lord’s discipline. David confessed his sin and God forgave him (Psalm 51), yet
consequences of his sin followed him throughout his life
(2 Samuel 12).
3 Amnon, David’s son, was killed by Absalom, another son (2 Samuel 13). Absalom also led a
revolution against David which ended with Absalom’s death
(2 Samuel 15-18). David now began to regain his kingdom and authority
(2 Samuel 19-21).
4 He then composed a psalm of praise to the Lord for delivering him from his enemies (Psalm
18 and Psalm 22). After all of this David again publicly sins by taking a census of his
military. David confessed this sin to God and was forgiven. He purchased a threshing floor
from Araunah, who live in Jerusalem, to build an altar for the Lord. There he sacrificed to the
Lord and interceded for the nation that the Lord might stop the plague, which He did (2
Samuel 24).
Key Verses:
2 Samuel 7:12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up
your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom.
2 Samuel 7:13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his
kingdom forever.
2 Samuel Theme: Kingdom of Israel
Despite the fact that Israel had always been a rebellious and complaining people, God kept the
Abrahamic Covenant and established His theocracy through the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob—The Kingdom of Israel—through His chosen King, David, with its spiritual center in
Jerusalem. In keeping with His grace and promises, and knowing that David would publicly sin
many times, God promised David that his dynasty would last forever.
2 Samuel Overview Outline
1. David gains political, spiritual, and military victories, 2 Samuel 1-10.
2. David sins, confesses, is forgiven and disciplined, 2 Samuel 11-12.
3. David experiences revolution, bloodshed, sorrow, and return, 2 Samuel 13-20.
4. David reestablishes his authority, 2 Samuel 21-24.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 47 of 212
2 Samuel Chapter Titles
David gains political, spiritual, and military victories, 2 Samuel 1-10
Chapter 1: The Amalekite’s Announcement
Chapter 2: Abner for Saul vs Joab for David
Chapter 3: Joab murders Abner
Chapter 4: Rechab and Baanah murder Ishbosheth
Chapter 5: Elders anoint David king over Israel
Chapter 6: The Ark to Jerusalem
Chapter 7: Davidic Covenant
Chapter 8: David defeats Philistia, Moab, Zobah, Aramea, Edom
Chapter 9: David restores Mephibosheth
Chapter 10: David defeats Ammonites and Arameans
David sins, confesses, is forgiven and disciplined, 2 Samuel 11-12
Chapter 11: David, Uriah, and Bathsheba
Chapter 12: David’s discipline and confession
David experiences revolution, bloodshed, sorrow, and return, 2 Samuel 13-20
Chapter 13: Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom
Chapter 14: Joab brings Abalom
Chapter 15: Absalom Conspiracy
Chapter 16: Absalom takes Jerusalem
Chapter 17: Absalom plans war
Chapter 18: Joab kills Absalom
Chapter 19: David crosses the Jordan
Chapter 20: Sheba the Benjamite rebels
David reestablishes his authority, 2 Samuel 21-24
Chapter 21: Hanging, bones; Philistines
Chapter 22: David’s hymn of praise
Chapter 23: David’s Military Hall of Fame
Chapter 24: David’s military census
Main People—David
1. David was of the tribe of Judah, Son of Jesse, King of Israel, Psalmist
(2 Samuel 23.1). He was the second king in Israel and ruled after Saul, though he was the
first king from the ruling tribe, Judah. He began as a shepherd, was Saul’s armor bearer, was
anointed by Nathan to be God’s king of Israel (1 Samuel 16).
2. He killed Goliath, was pursued by Saul (2 Samuel 17), and at Saul’s death was inaugurated
King of Israel (2 Samuel 5). God promised him (Davidic Covenant,
2 Samuel 7:4-17) that his descendents, and especially his greatest descendant, Jesus the
Christ (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3) would rule forever over Israel
3. His most noted sons were Absalom (3:3, mother was Maacah), Nathan
(1 Chronicles 3:3, Bathsheba), and Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24, Bathsheba).
4. He was noted for his faith and loyalty to the Lord (Psalm 22 and 23), and though he publicly
sinned numerous times he always returned to fellowship with the Lord by confessing his sin
to Him (Psalm 32, 2 Samuel 12.1-15; Psalm 51; 1 Kings 15.3-5).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 48 of 212
5. God said that David was a “man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13.14; Acts 13.22, 36); that
is, one who, in spite of his sin, always returned to fellowship with God and desired to do
God’s will.
6. David was a great military leader and author of many at least 73 Psalms.
7. Principle: David’s greatness was his consistent desire to do God’s will, his faith in the Lord,
his loyalty to the Lord, his willingness to honestly confess sin and failure to the Lord, and his
spiritual and national leadership.
Main People—Nathan the Prophet
1. Nathan was God’s prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon. Nathan delivered God
message to David that he would not build the temple, but through his son [Solomon] David’s
descendants would reign forever over Israel (Davidic Covenant) (2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1
Chronicles 17:1-15).
2. God, through Nathan, reproved David for his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah (2
Samuel 12:1-15).
3. Nathan helped to ensure that Solomon would follow David as king when Adonijah conspired
to take the throne (1 Kings 1:11-34). He also advised David
(2 Chronicles 29:25).
4. Nathan wrote Acts of David (1 Chronicles 29.29) and Acts of Solomon
(2 Chronicles 9:29) and left them as records.
5. Principle: Prophet’s faithful service is crucial to the spiritual and national life of the nation.
Main People—Uriah and Bathsheba
1. Uriah was a Hittite soldier who courageously and loyally served David in his army
(2 Samuel 23:39). He apparently accepted the Hebrew faith (2 Samuel 11:11). Bathsheba was
his wife. During a battle at Rabbah, David and Bathsheba committed adultery. In order to
cover this up David had Uriah sent to the battle front where he was killed (2 Samuel 11:621). Bathsheba was Solomon’s mother (1 Chronicles 3:5).
2. Principles: Uriah’s Loyalty to commanders. Grace to Bathsheba.
Main People—Mephibosheth
1. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathon (2 Samuel 9:6), grandson of Saul, not Mephibosheth,
the son of Saul (2 Samuel 21:8-9). At the news of Saul and Jonathon’s death, his nurse fled
with Mephibosheth (age 5). She fell and Mephibosheth was lamed in the fall (2 Samuel 4:4).
David kept his oath to Jonathon (1 Samuel 20:11-16, 42) and brought him to Jerusalem and
gave him an honored place at his table (2 Samuel 9:1, 6-13). We learn of loyalty to one’s
friends and one’s oath.
Main People, Abner
1. Abner was Saul’s nephew and commander in chief of Saul’s army (1 Samuel 14:50). He
killed Asahel, Joab’s brother, after trying to dissuade Asahel from pursuing him
(2 Samuel 2:18-23). Joab treacherously killed Abner at Hebron (2 Samuel 3:27).
2. Principle: Loyal commander, yet a little naïve at times.
Main People, Joab
1. Joab was David’s nephew (2 Samuel 2:18) and commander in chief of David’s army
(2 Samuel 5.8). Joab was at different times efficient, brutal, loyal, and wise
(2 Samuel 11:6-26; 12.26-31; 18.14.33; 24.2-4). He was replaced by Amasa and later
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 49 of 212
restored. Joab finally faltered by supporting a revolt against David and Solomon (1 Kings
1:5-53). Benaiah, in league with Solomon, killed Joab (1 Kings 2:28, 34).
2. Principle: Strong leadership, yet pride and bad judgment get in the way.
Main People—Absalom
1. Absalom was David’s third son (2 Samuel 3.3). He was handsome and had a full head of hair
(2 Samuel 14.25-26). He avenged the rape of his sister, Tamar by Amnon, his brother.
Afterward, he fled to Gesher where he stayed three years, followed by two more years of
banishment from his father (2 Samuel 13). David welcomed him back, but Absalom soon
revolted against David, entered Jerusalem and was anointed king (2 Samuel 19.10).
2. David’s army defeated Absalom and his army in the forests of Ephraim. While Absalom fled
on his mule, his head caught in tree branches. Joab and 10 soldiers killed Absalom while he
hung there.
3. Principle: A son’s pride, power lust, and rebellion can destroy families, people, and nations.
Key Words Used
1. David, 286 times
2. Kingdom, 8 times (2 Samuel 3.10, 28; 5.12; 7.12, 13, 16; 16.3, 8)
3. House, 102 times (2 Samuel 1.2; 2.4, 7, 10, 11; etc.)
4. Anointed, 15 times (2 Samuel 1.14, 16, 21; 2.4, 7; 3.39; 5.3, 17; 12.7, 20; 14.2; 19.10, 21;
22.51; 23.1)
Key Doctrines
1. Davidic Covenant
2. Sin has consequences
3. Divine discipline
4. God graciously forgives and continues to work through the sinner who has confessed his sin
5. Spiritual and national leadership
Lessons for Us Today
1. My “heart” attitude is most important. Do I want to do God’s will? Am I sensitive to His
word and his leading? Do I continue to focus my life on the Lord and His will. To do
otherwise, makes me vulnerable to sin, failure, discipline, heartache, and ridicule.
2. When I sin, I need to confess that sin and continue to live the Christian life. Even if the sin
has consequences, God will use that to work his will and blessing.
3. Sin does not stop God from using me. When I sin, even what people call “big sins,” am I
willing to accept God’s grace and continue to serve him in the job he has given me. Guilt
over past sins is a rejection of God’s grace and a distraction to living the Christian life.
Nourished guilt is actually a form of pride.
4. Take responsibility for whatever leadership God has given me. Do the best job I can do.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 50 of 212
1 Kings Briefing
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, January 25 and February 1 and 8, 2004
History of Solomon’s Time
1. David left an enlarged and strong kingdom to his son, Solomon. But pride, hostility, and the
seeds of rebellion were simmering. David had conquered Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Zobah.
Jerusalem was the capital.
2. First Kings opens in 970 BC with David in old age (1 Kings 1.1). He soon died
(1 Kings 2.10).
3. When Solomon was chosen as king, the major problems he faced were trouble makers from
David’s time. He quickly removed those who might prove a threat to him: Adonijah (1 Kings
2.13-25), Abiathar the priest was banished (1 Kings 2.26-27), Joab was executed by Benaiah
(1 Kings 2.29-34), and Shimei was confined the city and when he left, he was executed
(1 Kings 2.36-46). He faced no other serious threat from external enemies.
4. His job was clear: to consolidate his rule, build the temple for the Lord, and lead Israel under
God’s word (1 Kings 2.2-9)
5. Solomon’s kingdom and influence extended from the Euphrates River in the North to Egypt
in the South (1 Kings 4.21).
6. Primarily because of Solomon’s later spiritual failure, his kingdom had civil war and divided
into Judah and Israel (1 Kings 11.9-13).
7. With a few exceptions, the kings that followed Solomon were characterized by revolution,
bloodshed, and idolatry.
History—Author of 1-2 Kings
1. Many evangelicals consider Jeremiah the most likely author of most of 1 and 2 Kings, though
there are differences in style between Jeremiah’s known writings and Kings.
2. Jeremiah did have the qualifications to write these particular books: priestly origin, prophetic
ministry, access to kings and others in authority, and he was closely involved in the activities
of Judah until the Babylonians destroyed her.
3. Whoever the author, he was one who had access to the historical records and history of Israel
and Judah, and he wrote during the last days Judah.
a. The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11.41).
b. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 14.19-15.31, 17 times).
c. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14.29-2 Kings 24.5, 15
times).
d. Biographies of David, Elijah, Elisha.
Theme of 1 Kings: Civil War
God’s people, Israel led by their kings and prophets, followed either the path of faith and
obedience to the Lord or unbelief and rebellion against Him. The period of the kings beginning
with Solomon played out, through apostasy and civil war, what God said through Moses: “I have
set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity….So choose life.” With the
exception of a few kings and prophets, Israel chose death and adversity.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 51 of 212
Key Verses
1 Kings 9:4, “As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of
heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My
statutes and My ordinances,
1 Kings 9:5, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, just as I
promised to your father David, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
1 Kings 11.11, So the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept
My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from
you, and will give it to your servant.
1 Kings Overview Outline
1. Solomon and his great kingdom, 1-11
2. The divided Kingdom—idolatry, chaos, bloodshed, 12-22
Trace the Theme of 1 Kings
1. Just before David died, he had to stop Adonijah’s attempt to supplant Solomon
(1 Kings 1), and then he charged Solomon to keep God’s word (1 Kings 2.1-9). As soon as
Solomon took the throne he removed internal threats to his rule: Adonijah (1 Kings 2.13-25),
Abiathar the priest was banished (1 Kings 2.26-27), Joab was executed by Benaiah (1 Kings
2.29-34), and Shimei was confined the city and when he left he was executed (1 Kings 2.3646).
2. Next, Solomon began what was to doom his kingdom—he began making alliances with other
nations through marriage (1 Kings 3.1 with 11.1-8). It was at this time that the Lord appeared
to Solomon in a dream, and told Solomon to ask what he wished. Solomon requested
understanding and wisdom (1 Kings 3.9). God was pleased; not only did He give Solomon
wisdom, he also gave riches and honor
(1 Kings 3.11-13). So, Solomon had the chance to please God, rule righteously, and at his
death, leave a strong and godly nation.
3. Solomon gained wealth, fame, and a strong kingdom (1 Kings 4). About this time he hired
Hiram, King of Tyre, to supply the materials to build the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5).
The temple was built between 966 and 959 BC (1 Kings 6-7) and dedicated (1 Kings 8). At
the same time Solomon had other building projects going. The LORD now appeared again to
Solomon with a promise of blessing or adversity (1 Kings 9).
4. Solomon increased his bureaucracy, his building project, his wealth, his harem, his taxes, and
his fame (1 Kings 9-10). Details of life controlled him. His wives turned him to idolatry; the
adversities came (1 Kings 11). Solomon appointed Jeroboam, one of his valiant men, to be
secretary of labor (1 Kings 11.23). He rebelled against Solomon and then fled to Egypt. At
Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam became king. Jeroboam returned; he asked Rehoboam
to lighten the tax load that Solomon has imposed. If that were done Jeroboam and his
followers would serve Rehoboam.
5. The adversity continues. Rehoboam rejected the elders advice to right some policies. Instead,
he listened to the young rebels in Judah. At this point civil war broke out. The northern tribes
followed Jeroboam, while Judah stayed with Rehoboam (1 Kings 12).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 52 of 212
6. From this time on God’s nation was divided. The two kingdoms were ruled by mostly evil
kings interspersed with a few good kings (1 Kings 13-22). Elijah served as God’s prophet
during the reign of evil Ahab (874-853); Elijah’s ministry highlighted the battle between
false prophets and God’s true prophets during the history of the divided kingdoms.
Chapter Titles:
Solomon and his great kingdom, 1 Kings 1-11
Chapter 1: David makes Solomon king
Chapter 2: David commissions; Solomon established
Chapter 3: Solomon requests wisdom
Chapter 4: Solomon’s peace, prosperity, wisdom
Chapter 5: Temple building materials
Chapter 6: Temple built, 966-959 BC
Chapter 7: Temple furnishings
Chapter 8: Ark, prayer, challenge, sacrifice
Chapter 9: LORD charges Solomon. Building projects
Chapter 10: Queen of Sheba
Chapter 11: Wives, idolatry, Ahijah, death
Divided kingdom—idolatry, chaos, and bloodshed, 1 Kings 12-22
Chapter 12: Rehoboam vs Jeroboam
Chapter 13: The man of God
Chapter 14: Abijah, Jeroboam, and Rehoboam die
Chapter 15: Abijam and Asa of Judah; Nadab and Basha of Israel
Chapter 16: Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab of Israel
Chapter 17: Elijah at Cherith and Zarephath
Chapter 18: Elijah and Baal’s prophets; rain
Chapter 19: Elijah, the juniper, Horeb’s cave; Elisha
Chapter 20: Ahab of Israel, Ben-hadad of Aramaea
Chapter 21: Naboth and his vineyard
Chapter 22: Ahab dies in his chariot
Key People in 1 Kings
1. Adonijah was David’s fourth son. He attempted to take the throne when David was old.
Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the commander of the king’s bodyguard
stopped the attempt. When David authorized Solomon to follow him as king, Solomon
allowed Adonijah to live as long as he was loyal. Soon after David died Adonijah revived his
ambitions, so Solomon executed him (1 Kings 1-2).
2. Nathan the prophet served both David and Solomon. He advised David that not he, but
Solomon would build the temple (2 Samuel 7). Nathan also confronted David about his sin
with Bathsheba and against Uriah (2 Samuel 12). Nathan was instrumental in having
Solomon made king in the face of Adonijah’s takeover attempt (1 Kings 1).
3. Abiathar, son of Ahimelech (chief priest at Nob who helped David) escaped Saul’s revenge
against the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22). He was descended from Eli. He served as high
priest for David (1 Samuel 30.7) and with Zadok brought the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles
15.11-15). Abiathar supported Adonijah’s rebellion against Solomon, so was removed as
priest (1 Kings 2.26-27). Solomon spared his life because of faithfulness to David when
Absalom rebelled (1 Kings 2.26).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 53 of 212
4. Zadok served as priest in David’s court along with Abiathar. He and Nathan anointed
Solomon King (1 Kings 1.45). Solomon appointed Zadok as court priest at the time he
removed Abiathar (1 Kings 2.27, 35). The family of Zadok served as priests until the
destruction of the temple in 586 BC, and then in the second temple until 171 BC, when
Antiochus transferred the priesthood to Menelaus. Ezekiel has the sons of Zadok serving in
the millennial temple (Ezekiel 33.15).
5. Benaiah was a member of David’s band of 30 elite soldiers (2 Samuel 23.18-23). He helped
stop Adonijah’s coup. Solomon appointed him commander of his army. Solomon ordered
him to execute Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei—all traitors—which he did (1 Kings 2.23-46).
6. Shimei was the son of Gera the Benjamite from Bahurim (a town just east of the Mount of
Olives). When Absalom pursued David, Shimei followed David from a parallel hillside and
cursed him and threw rocks at him (2 Samuel 16). For this, Solomon confined Shimei to
Jerusalem. Three years later, Shimei took a trip to Gath. Because Shimei broke the
agreement, Solomon had Benaiah execute him (1 Kings 2).
7. Hiram, king of Tyre (c. 970-936 BC), supplied Solomon with cedar wood, grain, wine, gold,
and workers for the temple and his other building projects (1 Kings 5.1-12). As a part of their
border treaties, Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in Galilee (which Hiram did not like) for
which Hiram sent Solomon 120 talents of gold. Hiram and Solomon also engaged in joint
commercial shipping operations (1 Kings 10.22).
8. Queen of Sheba
a. The Queen of Sheba was ruler of the Sabaeans, a kingdom in SW Arabia (1 Kings 10).
She heard of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth and made a 1200 mile trip to meet him. She
posed riddles to him, all of which he answered. She was even more impressed with
Solomon than she expected: “behold, the half was not told me” (10.10; 2 Chronicles 9.4).
They exchanged gifts and made commercial treaties.
b. Jesus contrasted her to His present generation: the Queen of Sheba recognized the
evidence of God’s blessing to Solomon, while Jesus’ generation did not recognize God’s
blessings to them in Him—God’s Messiah (Luke 11.31).
9. Ahijah was the prophet who told Jeroboam that God would divide Israel and give him the 10
northern tribes (1 Kings 11.29-39).
10. Jeroboam
a. Jeroboam (1 Kings 11.26-12.33; r. 931-910 BC) was the son of Nebat and an Ephramite
from Zereda. He was apparently wealthy, and a strong and brave man whom Solomon
found working at Millo (a part of the Jebusite city=Jerusalem). Solomon made him his
chief of labor for the northern tribes. Due to Solomon’s oppressive rule and Ahijah’s
prophecy, Jeroboam rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam escaped to Egypt when
Solomon heard of this. When Solomon died, Jeroboam returned.
b. Israel and Jeroboam then petitioned Rehoboam to stop the oppressive measure that
Solomon had put in place. When Rehoboam refused, Israel made Jeroboam king over the
northern tribes. Shechem (31 miles north of Jerusalem in the hills of Ephraim) was his
capital. To hold Israel together, Jeroboam set up a golden calf at Bethel and at Dan. Thus,
the civil war that was to last until the destruction of Israel by Assyria in 722 BC.
11. Rehoboam
a. Rehoboam (1 Kings 12-14; 972-913; r. 931-913 BC) was Solomon’s son who took the
throne of Judah upon Solomon’s death. Soon after his installation Jeroboam and leaders
of Israel petitioned him to reduce the oppressive measures that his father Solomon had
imposed.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 54 of 212
b. Rehoboam’s elder advisors counseled him to grant the request, but his friends—those
with whom he grew up—told him to ignore the request and impose harder measures. He
followed his friends advice, and as a result, the northern kingdom, Israel, rebelled against
him—thus the civil war.
c. Soon after Israel broke from Rehoboam, he marshaled a 180,000 man army to force Israel
back under his authority. Shemaiah the man of God prevented this battle when he
delivered God’s word not to fight against their brothers. But, civil war continued
throughout his reign, besides wars with the Philistines and Egypt.
d. Rehoboam allowed pagan religious practices—idolatry, cult prostitution, pagan high
places—to invade and prosper in Judah and Jerusalem. About 926 BC, Pharaoh Shishak
invaded Judah and Jerusalem. Shishak carried off the temple and palace treasures.
e. He died in 913 BC. His son, Abijam became king in his place.
12. Shemaiah was the man of God who, when Rehoboam had gathered an army of 180,000 men
to fight Israel and break the rebellion, told the army of Rehoboam not to go to war against
their brothers, the Northern Kingdom. They obeyed him (1 Kings 12.21-24).
13. Elijah the prophet (see the Elijah study) served during Ahab’s reign. He prophesied to Ahab
about the coming drought, went to the brook Cherith, spent time at Zarephath, challenged the
prophets of Baal, went to Beersheba and then into the wilderness where he slept under the
Juniper tree, then went to a cave on Mt Sinai (Horeb) where the Lord corrected his attitude,
passed his ministry to Elisha, confronted Ahab about the theft and murder of Naboth, and
went to heaven in a whirlwind (1 Kings 17-19; 21; 2 Kings 1-2).
14. Ahab was the seventh king of Israel (reign 874-852 BC). He married Jezebel, the daughter of
Ethbaal, king of Sidon. He promoted the worship of Baal and “did more to provoke the Lord
God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16.33). He was king
during the ministry of Elijah. He was killed in battle at Ramoth-gilead—he had rejected the
prophet Micaiah’s warning—and was buried in Samaria. Dogs licked his blood from his
chariot as Elijah had predicted (1 Kings 16.28-ff).
15. Micaiah
a. Micaiah the prophet was called before Jehosphaphat King of Judah and Ahab King of
Israel to give advice as to whether they should go to war to regain Ramoth-gilead. Ahab’s
first bunch of prophets told him what he wanted to hear—just do it. Jehoshaphat objected
that the prophets just said what Ahab wanted to hear.
b. He asked if there was a prophet who would tell the truth. Ahab said there was one—
Micaiah—but Ahab did not like his prophecies. At Jehosphaphat’s urging, Ahab called
Micaiah. Micaiah said, don’t go into battle. Ahab rejected the prophet’s word. They went
to war: Jehoshaphat was not harmed, but Ahab was killed (c. 852 BC; 1 Kings 22).
16. Solomon
a. Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba. Solomon was established as king
(1 Kings 2:12) in 970 BC. He brought Israel to her greatest fame and wealth; yet at his
death the kingdom tore itself into two because he allowed details of life (his were mainly
wealth and foreign wives) to control him, resulting in spiritual failure. Judah and Israel
and their kings that followed Solomon were characterized by revolution, bloodshed, and
paganism and idolatry.
b. Solomon was not a warrior like his father, and he did not need to be. He faced no serious
threat from external enemies, though he was harassed by Edom and Syria; nor did he
have to enlarge his nation. His job was to consolidate and hold the nation together.
Solomon concentrated on forming alliances, and he did this by marrying foreign nobility,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 55 of 212
hence his large harem (1 Kings 11:1-3). Tyre was his most important alliance
(1 Kings 5:1-12).
c. Though not a warrior, he did establish military bases to protect his territory
(1 Kings 9:15-22), and developed a chariot corp in his army (10.26). He developed his
industry and international trade (1 Kings 10.1-15, 28). The highpoint of his construction
was the temple, though he built many other sites (1 Kings 7). Solomon wrote enduring
literature: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon (1 Kings 4.29-34; 11.41).
d. But Solomon’s reign also brought extensive bureaucracy (1 Kings 9.23), high state
expenditures, and repressive taxes (1 Kings 12.1-7). In his personal life, he went through
a period when he chose details of life (wealth, foreign wives, and pagan religion) over the
Lord and because of that the Lord tore his kingdom apart after his death (1 Kings 11.113).
e. Solomon brought Israel to her greatest fame and wealth; yet at his death the kingdom tore
itself into two because of evil kings, idolatry, and bloodshed. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes
at the end of his life. In it he recorded that details of life did not give him satisfaction. He
finally wrote his conclusion about life: “fear God and keep his commandments”
(Ecclesiastes 12.13).
Key Words Used
1. House, 171 times. Family (1 Kings 24, 27), personal house (1 Kings 1.53; 2.36), Temple
(1 Kings 5.3; 6.2).
2. Walk or walked, 27 times. The way one lived (1 Kings 2.3, 4; 6.12; 8.58; 11.33; 22.52).
3. Evil, 22 times (1 Kings 2.44; 3.9; 11.6; 13.33; 16.19; 21.25).
4. Kingdom, 19 times (1 Kings 1.46; 2.12; 2.46; 4.21; 10.20; 11.11, 34, 35).
5. King, 338 times (1 Kings 1.1; 2.23; 14.27; 16.29).
Key Doctrines
1. Evil refers to the ungodly presuppositions and viewpoint, plans, actions, and goals of life that
stand apart from God’s will, direction, and influence because of a rejection of Him and His
Word. Evil includes human viewpoint, human good, and sin. Evil seemed to touch every part
of Israel’s life (1 Kings 3.9; 11.6; Proverbs 15.3; Ecclesiastes 12.1).
2. Apostasy is a departure or defection from the faith and the truth. Israel’s kings made
apostasy a habit (1 Kings 11.6 with 3.3; Jeremiah 8.5).
3. Details or things in life can be a blessing or a curse. When they control one, they become a
curse. When they are used within the context of God’s will they are a blessing. Solomon
became so occupied with details in his life that he brought on unhappiness and human and
divine judgment (1 Kings 10.1-11.8).
Lessons for Us Today
1. We need to get the biblical worldview and make it our own. Our worldview determines how
we think and what we think, our purpose, and how we spend our time. Our worldview tells us
what we value or what is important to us, and what we believe and what we do not believe.
The biblical worldview comes from the Bible (2 Corinthians 10.3-6; Hebrews 5.11-14).
2. We need to make good decisions, one after another, to prevent self induced disasters and to
prepare us for severe tests that come along. When disaster strikes due to things that we can
control, we are ready for God to use us and bless us. And remember, self induced disasters
usually do not happen from one bad decision, but from a series of bad attitudes and choices.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 56 of 212
Solomon and the kings of Israel and Judah teach us this (1 Kings 22.25-35; Matthew 6.24;
James 4.13-17; Philippians 4.5-9).
3. Details of life include many things. Keep a proper perspective about them. Do not allow
them to control your life. Solomon did and it just about destroyed him. They will not bring
lasting happiness nor will they solve the big questions in life. Ecclesiastes teaches this
(Ecclesiastes 8.11; 1 John 2.15-17; Matthew 6.29, 31-34; Philippians 4.11-13).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 57 of 212
2 Kings Bible Briefing
Apostasy and Exile
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, February 15, 22, and 29, 2004
History of 2 Kings Period
1. The events in 2 Kings begin where 1 Kings ended: with Ahaziah (Israel, 853-852 BC) and
Jehoshaphat (Judah, 872-847 BC). The historical narrative ends with Jehoiachin released
from prison by Evil-Merodach, king of Babylon, in 560 BC.
2. Solomon’s death (c. 931 BC) ushered in civil war in Israel. His son, Rehoboam, became
king. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s strong and brave men and also Solomon’s chief of labor
for the Northern Tribes, led a rebellion against Rehoboam. The result was that Jeroboam
became king of Israel or the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam, became king of the Southern
Tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
3. The history of Israel and Judah following Solomon’s death was dominated by evil: evil
kings, evil worldview, evil religion, rejection of God’s prophets, and loss of God’s word.
4. Elijah (1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 2) and Elisha (1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2 through 13)
sought to stem the tide of apostasy. They served well, but were unable to prevent the decline
to exile that was to follow.
5. King Hezekiah (reign 715-686 BC; 1 Kings 18-20) and King Josiah (r. 640-609 BC; 1 Kings
22-23) were the two kings out of the entire history who served the Lord and attempted to
reform the life of Judah. They had temporary success.
6. The Northern Kingdom (Samaria was the capital) ended when the Assyrian army defeated
Israel in 722 BC. Assyria’s kings at the time were Shalmanesser V (r. 927-722 BC, and the
son of Tiglath-pileser III) and Sargon II (r. 722-705 BC).
7. Assyria had a policy of uprooting conquered peoples and resettling them in various parts of
her own kingdom and settling foreigners in the conquered lands: thus Israel was scattered and
foreigners brought into Israel’s land. Israel’s fate was brought on because of her sin, idolatry,
and worldview (2 Kings 17.1-8).
8. The Southern Kingdom ended in 586 BC when the Babylonian army finally destroyed Judah.
Babylon’s king was Nebuchadnezzar (r. 604-562 BC). He invaded Judah three times: 605,
597, and 588-586 BC.
9. In 605 Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Jews and took captives to Babylon—Daniel and his
three friends are the most well-known. He placed Jehoiakim (r. 605-602 BC) as his vassal
king (Daniel 1.1-7; 2 Kings 24.1-9). Jehoiakim died in 602 BC and Jehoiachin (r. 602-597
BC) replaced him (2 Kings 24.1, 6).
10. In 597 BC, Jehoiachin rebelled and Nebuchadnezzar again invaded and took more captives—
Jehoiachin and Ezekiel were included (2 Kings 24.10-20; Ezekiel 1.1.-3). Nebuchadnezzar
made Zedekiah (r. 597-586 BC) Johoiachin’s uncle, governor over Judah
11. Then in 588-586 BC, after another rebellion—this time by by Zedekiah—Nebuchadnezzar
defeated Jerusalem (July 18, 586), burned the temple and Jerusalem (August 15-18, 586).
Nebuchadnezzar killed Zedekiah’s sons, blinded him, and took him to Babylon.
12. Nebuchadnezzar made Gedaliah governor and exiled many Jews (2 Kings 25.1-24), but a
remnant in Judah. According to Jeremiah 40-44, Jeremiah was allowed to stay in the land. He
went to Mizpah to see Gedeliah. Soon the remaining Jewish forces gathered at Mizpah.
Gedeliah urged the people to remain in the land and submit to Babylon.
13. Ishmael led a revolt. He assassinated Gedeliah two months later (October 9, 586 BC?). The
Jews were afraid that Babylon would strike again, so fled to Egypt (2 Kings 25. 25-26).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 58 of 212
14. Jeremiah gives more details. Johanan, one of the field commanders left in Judah, led a
military force that retook Ishmael’s captive Judeans (Jeremiah 41.11). Against the advice of
Jeremiah and out of fear of Babylon, Azariah and Johanan took Jeremiah and the people to
Egypt.
15. More of this story later.
16. Many evangelicals consider Jeremiah the most likely author of most of 1 and 2 Kings, though
there are differences in style between Jeremiah’s known writings and Kings.
17. Jeremiah did have the qualifications to write these particular books: priestly origin, prophetic
ministry, access to kings and others in authority, and he was closely involved in the activities
of Judah until the Babylonians destroyed her.
History—Author of 1-2 Kings
1. Whoever the author, he was one who had access to the historical records and history of Israel
and Judah, and he wrote during the last days Judah.
a. The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41)
b. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 14:19-15.31, 17 times)
c. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:29-2 Kings 24:5, 15 times)
d. Biographies of David, Elijah, Elisha
Theme of 2 Kings: Apostasy and Exile
Israel and Judah’s unbelieving and rebellious spiritual life brought on the tragic moral, political,
economic, social, and further spiritual collapse of God’s people. The apostasy, idolatry, warfare,
intrigue, and eventual exile of both Israel and Judah happened because the kings and people
continually refused to listen to and obey God’s word through His prophets. Yet, two kings,
Hezekiah and Josiah were faithful to the Lord, Who through them protected and blessed Judah.
Key Verses:
2 Kings 17:22-23 The sons of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did
not depart from them 23 until the Lord removed Israel from His sight, as He spoke through all His
servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away into exile from their own land to Assyria until
this day.
Key Verses: 2 Kings 23.27
2 Kings 23:27 The Lord said, “I will remove Judah also from My sight, as I have removed Israel.
And I will cast off Jerusalem, this city which I have chosen, and the temple of which I said, ‘My
name shall be there.’ ”
Overview Outline of 2 Kings
1. Apostasy and wars lead to Assyria exiling the Northern Kingdom (2 Kings 1-17).
2. Apostasy and wars lead to Babylon destroying the temple, Jerusalem, and exiling the
Southern Kingdom (2 Kings 18-25).
Chapter Titles: Apostasy and wars lead to Assyria defeating and exiling the Northern
Kingdom, 2 Kings 1-17
Chapter 1: Ahaziah (I, 853-852 BC), Elijah, and fire
Chapter 2: Elijah’s whirlwind. Mantle on Elisha
Chapter 3: Jehoram (I, 852-841), war against Moab (Moabite Stone)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 59 of 212
Chapter 4: Oil, Shunammite, Stew, Bread
Chapter 5: Naaman, leprosy, and lessons
Chapter 6: Chariots of fire
Chapter 7: Flour and Barley for a shekel
Chapter 8: Hazael, King of Aram; Jehoram (J, 848-841); Ahaziah (J, 841)
Chapter 9: Jehu (I, 841-814) kills Joram, Ahaziah, Jezebel
Chapter 10: Jehu (I, 841-814) destroys Ahab’s family and Baal worship
Chapter 11: Athaliah (J, 841-835). Young Joash made king of Judah
Chapter 12: Joash (J, 835-796) repaired temple
Chapter 13: Kings Jehoahaz (I) and Jehoash (I). Elisha dies
Chapter 14: King Jehoash (I) defeats King Amaziah (J). Azariah (J). Jereboam II (I)
Chapter 15: Many kings (790-731). Assyria strikes
Chapter 16: Ahaz (J, 731-715) of the virgin prophecy copies the altar at Damascus
Chapter 17: Assyria (722) exiles the Northern Kingdom
Chapter Titles: Apostasy and wars lead to Babylon destroying the temple, Jerusalem, and
exiling the Southern Kingdom, 2 Kings 18-25
Chapter 18: Sennacherib of Assyria challenges King Hezekiah (J, 715-686)
Chapter 19: Hezekiah (J) asks Isaiah. Angel of the Lord slays 185,000 Assyrians.
Chapter 20: Hezekiah (J) cured, treasures, dies
Chapter 21: Manasseh (J, 695-642) super wicked. Amon (J, 642-640).
Chapter 22: Josiah (J, 640-609) finds Law
Chapter 23: Josiah’s reforms. Jehoahaz (J, 609). Jehoiakim (J, 609-597).
Chapter 24: Nebuchadnezzar defeats Jehoiakim in 605 and Jehoiachin in 597
Chapter 25: Nebuchadnessar destroys Jerusalem, exiles people, appoints Gedeliah
Trace the Theme of 2 Kings
1. The author begins with Elijah (2 Kings 1-2) and Elisha’s (2 Kings 2-13) ministry and
continues by alternating between the kings of Israel and Judah—almost all were evil.
2. Chapter 17 records the northern kingdom, Israel, taken into exile by Shalmaneser V (r. 727722 BC) and Sargon II (r. 722-705 BC) of Assyria.
3. Beginning with chapter 18, Sennacherib challenges Hezekiah, King of Judah. Hezekiah
follows the Lord and the Lord spares Judah.
4. Josiah, of Judah, is the other good king (22). With his death in 609 BC (23), Babylon is
positioned to execute God’s judgment upon the southern kingdom, Judah. Nebuchadnezzar is
Babylon’s king (r. 605-562 BC).
5. Now both Judah and Israel experience the fifth cycle of discipline that God promised through
Moses in Leviticus 26.27-33 and Jeremiah recorded in 50.17.
6. Almost every king in each kingdom rejected the Lord, God’s word, and the prophets’
messages. If they did listen to the prophet, it was for their own personal and human gain.
7. The two notable exceptions were Hezekiah (2 Kings 18-20) and Josiah (2 Kings 20-23).
They instituted reforms and tried to give godly leadership.
Key People in 2 Kings: Elijah
1. Elijah the prophet (see the Elijah study) served during Ahab’s reign. He prophesied to Ahab
about the coming drought, went to the brook Cherith, spent time at Zarephath, challenged the
prophets of Baal, went to Beersheba and then into the wilderness where he slept under the
Juniper tree, then went to a cave on Mt Sinai (Horeb) where the Lord corrected his attitude,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 60 of 212
passed his ministry to Elisha, confronted Ahab about the theft and murder of Naboth, and
went to heaven in a whirlwind (1 Kings 17-19; 21; 2 Kings 1-2).
Key People in 2 Kings: Elisha
1. Elisha was a prophet to Israel (NK) from about 850-800 BC. He succeeded Elijah, and served
during the reigns of Ahab, Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jehoash (Joash). His ministry involved the
political, religious, military, social, and personal: kings, common folk, armies, false prophets,
miracles, and challenge to idolatry.
2. He saw Elijah taken to heaven in the chariot and two horses of fire carried by the whirlwind
(2 Kings 2:11-12). At that time he picked up Elijah’s mantle (‫ ַאדֶּ֫ ֶרת‬, 'adderet glory, cloak,
mantle, garment). The mantle was a sign that Elijah’s spirit or same kind of ministry rested
now on Elisha (2 Kings 2:13-14).
3. The Lord worked through Elisha for many different people and events: he fixed Jericho’s bad
water (2 Kings 2:19-22); sent bears after the mocking young men (2 Kings 2:23-25);
provided water for the armies of Judah, Israel, and Edom (2 Kings 3:13-20); defeated Moab
(2 Kings 3:21-26); secured oil for a prophet’s widow (2 Kings 4:1-7); predicted a son for the
Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:16-17) and then later resuscitated the Shunammite woman’s
dead son (2 Kings 4:18-37).
4. Elisha gave an antidote for a toxic stew (2 Kings 4:38-44); healed Naaman’s leprosy (2
Kings 5); passed leprosy to Gehazi because Gehazi was greedy for Naaman’s reward (2
Kings 5:20-27); found the lost axe head (2 Kings 6:1-7); told Israel’s king of the king of
Aram’s plans for attack (2 Kings 6:8-12); the Lord protected Elisha from the Aramean bands
and blinded them (2 Kings 6:13-19).
5. Elisha then instructed Israel’s king to set a feast for the Aramean bands (2 Kings 6:20-24).
supplied plunder from the Arameans during a famine (2 Kings 7); restored the Shunammite
woman’s land (2 Kings 8:1-6); predicted Ben-hadad’s death and Hazael’s treachery
(2 Kings 8:7-15); predicted Joash’s victory over the Arameans (2 Kings 13:14-19); even after
his death from an illness, Elisha impressed Israel with God’s power (2 Kings 13:20-21).
6. We learn what God can accomplish through His chosen man who will believe Him. In a time
of great apostasy and continued evil and sin in the nation of Israel, God showed His power
and kept His word available.
Key People in 2 Kings: Man of God
1. The man of God. 36 times. Refers to Elijah in 2 Kings 1:9-12 and to Elisha in
2 Kings 4:7; 5:8 and many others. Second Kings 23:16-17 refers to an anonymous prophet
who lived during the reign King Jeroboam of Israel (931-910 BC).
Key People in 2 Kings: Gehazi
1. Gehazi was Elisha’s servant. He served as a messenger (2 Kings 4:8-37), a protector
(2 Kings 4:27), and helper (2 Kings 8:1-6). He became greedy after Elisha healed Naaman of
leprosy when he sought a personal reward from Naaman. Elisha punished Gehazi for that by
giving Gehazi leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27). His leprosy was apparently the kind that did not
require isolation.
Key People in 2 Kings: Hezekiah
1. King Hezekiah (728-686 BC, 2 Kings 18-20) was Ahaz’s (Jehoahaz, 732-715 BC) son. He
was one of the godly kings of Judah. Hezekiah cleaned and repaired the temple and destroyed
the idolatrous worship centers (2 Kings 18:3-6). He threw off Assyrian’s yoke which he had
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page 61 of 212
inherited from his father (2 Kings 18:7) and successfully fought the Philistines
(2 Kings 18:8). Sennacherib twice invaded Judah. The second time (701 BC), The Lord
fought for Judah and destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35).
Following this victory, Isaiah told Hezekiah that he would soon die. Hezekiah prayed to the
Lord and the Lord gave him 15 more years (2 Kings 20:1-7). The Lord gave him a
miraculous sign that this would be true—the shadow on the staircase went back ten steps
(2 Kings 20:8-11).
Soon after this, Hezekiah foolishly showed Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon, the temple
treasures, for which Isaiah scolded him. Isaiah told Hezekiah that in the near future Babylon
would come and take the temple treasures to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18). Hezekiah placidly
accepted this because it would not happen until after his time.
Hezekiah is also famous for the construction of the 1777 foot long underground water tunnel
that carried water from the Gihon springs outside the city (which he stopped up and covered
over) into Jerusalem. Along with the water tunnel he built the Siloam reservoir to hold the
water (2 Kings 20:20).
The Siloam Inscription in Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel “[...when] (the tunnel) was driven
through. And this was the way in which it was cut through: While [...] (were) still [...]
axe(s), each man toward his fellow, and while there were still three cubits to be cut through,
[there was heard] the voice of a man calling to his fellows, for there was an overlap in the
rock on the right [and on the left]. And when the tunnel was driven through, the quarrymen
hewed (the rock), each man toward his fellow, axe against axe; and the water flowed from
the spring toward the reservoir for 1200 cubits, and the height of the rock above the head(s)
of the quarrymen was 100 cubits.”
Key People in 2 Kings: Josiah
1. Josiah (2 Kings 22-23, r. 640-609 BC) was the last king prominent King of Judah before the
great destruction. Pharaoh Neco of Egypt imprisoned his son Jehoahaz at Riblah in 609 BC
and the Babylonians invaded and attacked the following kings. Those invasions began in 605
BC and eventuated in the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the exile of the people to
Babylon in 586 BC.
2. He purged Jerusalem and Judah of idols, idol high places (for worship), pagan priests,
mediums, and spiritists. At the age of eight years he began his reign. In the eighteenth year of
his reign be began repairing the temple. During construction Hilkiah the high priest found the
book of the Law (Moses’ writing). Shaphan the scribe read to Law to Josiah. He was
appalled at the apostasy of the people from God’s word.
3. Because of his honest acceptance of God’s word, the Lord would spare him of divine
judgment, but His judgments would come upon the next generation (2 Kings 23:25-28). This
was fulfilled through the Babylonians from 605 BC to 586 BC. Josiah foolishly went to fight
against the Egyptians in 609 BC; Pharaoh Neco killed Josiah.
Key Doctrines
1. Apostasy is the departure or regression from previously believed truth. Israel experienced
national and individual apostasy by kings (pick your favorite king), priests, and common
people.
2. God at times blesses individuals and groups who are associated with healthy believers, but
this was only temporary. He blessed Judah in association with Hezekiah and Josiah.
Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, was the worst of kings. After Josiah died, God judged Israel
through Babylon.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 62 of 212
3. God uses prepared people, like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah, and Josiah. The
preparation comes from positive or faith responses to God and His word.
4. Spiritual solutions are more important than political solutions. The advice of Elijah, Elisha,
Isaiah, and Jeremiah demonstrated this.
Lessons for Us Today
1. Protection from apostasy begins with one’s faith response to God and His word. The kings,
priests, and people of the divided kingdom rejected God and His word. Jude addressed this
under eight principles.
2. All lasting solutions to national problems (political, economic, social, security, religious)
begin with the right spiritual solutions which come from God and revealed in His word.
3. Spiritual and national and leaders determine the kind of life and length of life of a People.
We ought to pray for both.
4. The people and ideas that we spend our time and energy with will eventually influence and
control us—for good or for bad.
5. Just as the prophets taught God’s word to the people for their blessing, so today pastors and
teachers, teachers, and evangelists teach God’s word to people for blessing. Take advantage
of our local church’s ministry, by listening, learning, participating, and serving. This is where
we get primary spiritual preparation.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 63 of 212
1 Chronicles
Religious or Spiritual Continuity
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, May 16, 23 and June 13, 2004
1 Chronicles History Overview
1. The story of 1 Chronicles begins with Adam and ends with King David’s death
(1 Chronicles 1:1 and 29:28).
2. Most of the chronicle is the story of King David’s spiritual leadership of Judah. Ezra wrote
the account during the Persian period of dominance and during the Jews struggle for identity
and purpose after returning from exile.
3. The Jewish tradition says that Ezra wrote or edited Chronicles, probably between 460-425
BC. The emphasis on the temple, the priesthood, and David’s spiritual leadership indicates a
priestly authorship—most likely Ezra.
4. At the time of writing the Jewish people have returned to their land after the Babylonian exile
(605-536 BC, Jeremiah 25:1-14; Daniel 9:1-2. See John Whitcomb).
5. Cyrus the Great came to the Persian throne in 559 BC. He conquered Media in 549 BC,
Lydia in 546, and Babylon in 539. Daniel wrote that his conquest of Babylon happened while
Belshazzar was celebrating with a thousand of his nobles (Daniel 5; Isaiah 47:1-5).
6. On that night Cyrus’ Persian army, led by General Ugbaru, diverted the Euphrates, entered
the city, and conquered it. The date was October 12, 539 BC.
7. In his first year after conquering Babylon he allowed exiles to return to their homelands. His
decree to allow Jews to return was in 539/538 BC (2 Chronicles 36.22-23; Ezra 1:2-3).
8. The Jews then began to return to their land. Over the course of many years they would
rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, though Persia would dominate Israel for the next 200
years.
9. Zerubbabel led the first return in 538 BC; Ezra led the second return in 458 BC; and
Nehemiah led the third group back in 444 BC.
10. The record of 1 Chronicles was written during the period of the second and third returns to
the land.
11. It answered their questions about identity and purpose by providing the religious or spiritual
continuity or connections from God’s early promises and provision for the nation to the
present generations of Jews.
12. Therefore, 1 Chronicles was written to inspire and challenge the Jews now back in their
homeland to live as God’s people and to serve him through the law, the temple, and the
priesthood.
13. Second Chronicles will carry the story from Solomon down to Cyrus’ decree of 539 BC.
Theme of 1 Chronicles: Religious or Spiritual Continuity
God’s people, Israel, just returned from Babylon. Though the Israelites wondered about their
place in God’s plan because of all the bad things that have happened, they do have religious or
spiritual continuity—divinely planned connections with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,
and especially with the great king David. In fact, God continues to work with them at the present
time—after the Babylonian exile—and through them to bring the nation to the fullness of times
and to fulfill his promises to the nation.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 64 of 212
Key Verses:
1 Chronicles 17:11-14 “When your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers,
that I will set up one of your descendants after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish
his kingdom. 12 He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 “I will be
his father and he shall be My son; and I will not take My lovingkindness away from him, as I
took it from him who was before you.14 But I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom
forever, and his throne shall be established forever.”
1 Chronicles 29.18-19 “O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, our fathers, preserve this
forever in the intentions of the heart of Your people, and direct their heart to You; 19 and give to
my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies and Your
statutes, and to do them all, and to build the temple, for which I have made provision.”
Overview Outline
1. The spiritual and physical connections from Adam to David, 1 Chronicles 1-9.
2. David’s spiritual leadership and reign, 1 Chronicles 10-29.
Trace the Theme
1. The chronicler begins by tracing Israel’s heritage from Adam down through the tribes of
Israel. This is Israel’s religious heritage (1 Chronicles 1-8).
2. Chapter 9, verses 1-34, is somewhat parenthetical. It records those who came back to the
Promised Land after the Babylonian captivity. The author then gives Saul’s immediate
genealogy in 1 Chronicles 9:35-44, and chapter 10 covers Saul’s death because of his
spiritual failure (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).
3. 1 Chronicles 11 begins David’s story—the story of David’s spiritual leadership over the
nation, a nation which, at the time of the Ezra and Nehemiah, finds itself back in the land and
preparing for a new beginning.
4. David’s spiritual leadership was marked by seven actions: 1. men gathering under his
leadership (1 Chronicles 11-12), 2. by him returning the ark to Jerusalem
(1 Chronicles 13-16), 3. by his plan to build the temple—which the LORD interrupted by
stating that not he but his son would build the temple (1 Chronicles 17), 4. by his wars that
defeated Israel’s oppressors (1 Chronicles 18-20), 5. by his plans for supplies to build the
temple (1 Chronicles 22) and his plans for service at the temple (1 Chronicles 23-26), 6. by
his military and civilian organization (1 Chronicles 27), 7. and by his challenges to Solomon
(1 Chronicles 22, 28) and to the nation (1 Chronicles 28-29).
5. David’s main failure was spiritual and national—to take a census of his military power
instead of trusting God to guide and protect the nation (1 Chronicles 21).
6. 1 Chronicles ends with David giving his vision for the future and charge to the leaders and
people (1 Chronicles 28-29).
Chapter Titles:
The Historical Connections from Adam to David, 1 Chronicles 1-9
Chapter 1:
Adam through Esau (Edom)
Chapter 2:
Judah (Jacob [Israel] to David
Chapter 3:
David and Solomon
Chapter 4:
Judah and Simeon
Chapter 5:
Reuben, Gad, Manasseh
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Page 65 of 212
Levi
Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher
Benjamin
Workers in Jerusalem; Saul
David’s spiritual leadership and reign, 1 Chronicles 10-29
Chapter 10: Saul fell on his sword
Chapter 11: David at Hebron and Jubus; his mighty men
Chapter 12: Soldiers join David
Chapter 13: The Ark, Uzza, Chidon
Chapter 14: David’s victories and fame
Chapter 15: Levites take Ark to Jerusalem
Chapter 16: The Ark, celebration, and thanks
Chapter 17: Davidic Covenant
Chapter 18: David defeats Philistia, Moab, Zobah, Aramaea
Chapter 19: Aramaea and Ammon revolt
Chapter 20: War with Philistines and giants
Chapter 21: David’s sinful census
Chapter 22: David charges Solomon
Chapter 23: Levites assist in temple
Chapter 24: Levites in 24 groups serve
Chapter 25: Musicians serve in temple
Chapter 26: Gatekeepers, Treasurers, Judges
Chapter 27: Standing Army
Chapter 28: David: “Build the temple”
Chapter 29: Consecration, Offerings, Benediction
Key People—Saul
1. Saul was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9:1, 21), who because of the rebellious demands of Israel
(1 Chronicles 8:4-8), was chosen by God to become king of Israel (1 Chronicles 10:1). He
had few successes (1 Chronicles 11:6-15; 14:47-48), and in negative volition he rejected
God’s word and will (1 Chronicles 13:8-14; 14:24, 43-46; 15:16-26; 28:3-20). Due to his
rejection of God’s word and his desire for power and fame combined with great jealousy of
David, he tried to kill David (1 Chronicles 20.33) and eventually destroyed himself
(1 Chronicles 15:27-28, 35; 18:5-12; 19:1; 31:1-5).
2. Saul had great opportunity for service to Lord and Israel, but because he was preoccupied
with himself and details of life, and because he would not humble himself before the Lord,
the Lord removed him from service and potential blessing. Saul illustrates that emotional
repentance and spiritual inconsistency do not please the Lord. God wants consistent spiritual
living.
Key People—David
1. David: Tribe of Judah, Son of Jesse, King of Israel, Psalmist (2 Samuel 23:1). He was the
second king in Israel and ruled after Saul, though he was the first king from the ruling tribe,
Judah. He began as a shepherd, was Saul’s armor bearer, was anointed by Samuel to be
God’s king of Israel (1 Samuel 16).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 66 of 212
2. He killed Goliath, was pursued by Saul (1 Chronicles 17), and at Saul’s death was
inaugurated King of Israel (2 Samuel 5). God promised him (Davidic Covenant,
2 Samuel 7:4-17) that his descendents, and especially his greatest descendant, Jesus the
Christ (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3) would rule forever over Israel.
3. His most noted sons were Absalom (1 Chronicles 3:3, mother was Maacah), Nathan
(1 Chronicles 3:3, Bathsheba), and Solomon (1 Chronicles 12:24, Bathsheba).
4. He was noted for his faith and loyalty to the Lord (Psalm 22 and 23), and though he publicly
sinned numerous times he always returned to fellowship with the Lord by confessing his sin
to Him (Psalm 32, 2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalm 51; 1 Kings 15:3-5).
5. God said that David was a “man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22, 36); that
is, one who, in spite of his sin, always returned to fellowship with God and desired to do
God’s will.
6. David was a great military leader and author of many at least 73 Psalms.
7. David’s challenge and instructions to Solomon, and the nation were applications of his
understanding practice of grace, humility, obedience, and faith (1 Chronicles 28-29, and
especially 1 Chronicles 29:10-21).
8. Principle: David’s greatness was his consistent desire to do God’s will, his faith in the Lord,
his loyalty to the Lord, his willingness to honestly confess sin and failure to the Lord, and his
spiritual and national leadership.
Key People—Solomon
1. Solomon was David’s son. His mother was Bathsheba. The Davidic Covenant went from
David to Solomon. David told Solomon to build the temple; and David challenged him to
know and serve God, to be strong and courageous, to be fearless, and to complete his task
because God will be with him (1 Chronicles 22, 23, 28, 29). See the 2 Chronicles study.
Key People—Joab, Military leader
1. Joab: David’s nephew (2 Samuel 2:18) and commander in chief of David’s army
(2 Samuel 5:8). Joab was at different times efficient, brutal, loyal, and wise (2 Samuel 11:626; 12:26-31; 18:14.33; 24:2-4). Joab tried to dissuade David from taking a census. Joab was
right, but David did it anyway (2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21).
2. Joab was replaced by Amasa and later restored. Joab finally faltered by supporting a revolt
against David and Solomon (1 Kings 1:5-53). Benaiah, in league with Solomon, killed Joab
(1 Kings 2:28, 34). Principle: Strong leadership, yet pride and bad judgment get in the way.
Key People—Priests
1. Zadok and Ahimelech served under David. Both trace their lineage to Aaron. Aaron had four
sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu did not respect their priestly
service and God removed them by death (Leviticus 10).
2. Zadok traced his lineage to Eleazar. Ahimelech traced his lineage to Ithamar.
3. David, Zadok, and Ahimelech organized the temple service in 24 groups. Each group served
for two weeks on a rotating basis (1 Chronicles 24).
Key Words and Key Ideas
1. Ark of the Covenant. 10X. 1 Chronicles 15:25, 26, 28, 29; 16:6, 37; 17:1; 22:19; 28:2, 18.
2. Covenant. 3X with the Abrahamic Covenant and the Land Covenant.
3. Establish. Used 11X with the Davidic Covenant and Kingdom. 1 Chronicles 17:11, 12, 14,
23; 22:10; 28:7.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 67 of 212
4. Courageous. 4X because God is with them and working through them. 1 Chronicles 19:13;
22:13; 28:10, 20.
Key Doctrines
1. Heritage, a continuity with your past gives belonging, direction, purpose, and stability
2. Theocratic Program
3. Davidic Covenant
4. Ark of the Covenant
5. Temple or central sanctuary
6. Spiritual and national leadership
7. Disobedience to God brings divine discipline
Ark of the Covenant (in Scripture)
1. “Ark of the Covenant” is found 43 times in the Bible: 10x in our study of 1 Chronicles
(1 Chronicles 15:25, 26, 28, 29; 16:6, 37; 17:1; 22:19; 28:2, 18); 2x in 2 Chronicles; 2x in
Numbers; 4x in Deuteronomy; 12x in Joshua; 1x in Judges; 3x in 1 Samuel; 1x in 2 Samuel;
4x in 1 Kings; 1x in Jeremiah; and 1x in Hebrews.
Ark of the Covenant (symbolized)
1. The ark was the physical symbol of God’s presence, God’s holiness, and God’s majesty. It
was a constant lesson that God was their God, that they were His people, that He was with
them, that He was holy, and that they were dependent upon Him (Exodus 25:10-22;16:33-34;
Joshua 20:27; Joshua 3:13; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Hebrews 9:4-5).
2. God appeared above the mercy seat on which blood from the sacrifice was placed on the Day
of Atonement. He accepted the blood in place of the people and cleansed them from sin
(Leviticus 16).
Ark of the Covenant (Levites)
1. The tribe of Levi was responsible for its care and movement (Deuteronomy 10:8). The
Levites carried it in front of the Israelites when they traveled during the exodus
(Numbers 10:33; Joshua 3:3).
Ark of the Covenant (contained)
1. The Ark was kept in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and then in the temple
(1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 5:7).
2. The Ark contained two stone tablets of the ten commandments, a copy of the law, the golden
pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod (Deuteronomy 10:1-5; 31:25-26; Hebrews 9:3-5).
Ark of the Covenant (physical make up)
1. It was a box made of acacia wood and covered with gold: 2 ½ cubits long, 1 ½ cubits wide,
and 1 ½ cubits high. The lid was called the mercy seat. Mercy seat in Hebrew means
covering; in the Greek LXX and New Testament it means place of propitiation
(Romans 3:25) or propitiation (1 John 2:2). The blood from the Day of Atonement sacrifice
was placed on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16).
2. Two gold figures (cherubim, angels) stood on the lid. They emphasized God’s holiness
expressed in grace and judgment. Wings spread upward and their faces looked at each other.
3. God saw the blood on the mercy seat that was from the substitutionary sacrifice and accepted
the sacrifice in place of the death of the people.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 68 of 212
Ark of the Covenant (teaches)
1. The Ark of the Covenant reveals God to man and teaches us His holiness, grace, forgiveness,
judgment, continuing presence with His people, and His protective and judging care.
2. But the Ark of the Covenant specifically teaches us reconciliation to God through a sinless
sacrifice—the doctrines of substitution, propitiation, unlimited atonement, and justification.
Lessons for Us Today
1. The expectation of David, Solomon, and the people was that they had a future in their
promised land. This future would be ruled by a king in David’s line. This expectation was
based upon God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. God’s promise still holds.
Israel has a future of blessing in their land.
2. As the central place of revelation and worship was necessary to the Jewish nation (Ark and
Temple), so the Bible and the assembly of believers in the church is equally important.
3. Your Christian heritage (family, friends, other ministries, nation, and the universal church)
influences us in visible and invisible ways. It is a blessing to each of us to know our heritage.
4. Spiritual leaders are gifts from God. Spiritual leadership is something that we all depend
upon—family, church, missions, body of Christ, and national leadership. God has made us
dependent upon leadership.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 69 of 212
2 Chronicles Briefing
Religious Continuity and the House of God—Israel’s Temple
Tod Kennedy, June-July, 2004
2 Chronicles Overview History. See the 1 Chronicles study for that overview history.
1. First Chronicles ended with David’s death. Second Chronicles is the continuation of the
history. The story begins with the start of Solomon’s reign in 970 BC and the construction of
the house of God—the temple. The author will carry the story from Solomon down to Cyrus’
decree of 539 BC.
2. Solomon’s temple was to be the center of Israel’s national life. After his death, spiritual
apostasy set in: kings turned away from God, idolatry became common place, the temple fell
into disrepair, God’s word—the law—was lost for many years (likely during Manasseh’s
reign, 695-642 BC) until found during Josiah’s reign (640-609 BC).
3. Remember that at Solomon’s death civil war developed. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s valiant
men, took the northern tribes, Israel, and Rehoboam, the rebellious son of Solomon, took
Judah and Benjamin.
4. During this time of apostasy several kings, most notably Hezekiah (715-686 BC) and Josiah
(640-609 BC), made a determined effort to reform the spiritual or religious life of the nation;
none had lasting results.
5. In 2 Chronicles the author chronicles the reigns of the kings of Judah from Solomon through
Zedekiah. There were 20 kings after Solomon; 8 were relatively good kings and 12 were evil
kings.
6. Zedekiah, son of Josiah, was Judah’s last king. He was the king when Nebuchadnezzar’s
army in 586 BC destroyed Solomon’s temple, Jerusalem, and exiled the inhabitants of the
land.
7. At the time of writing the Jewish people have returned to their land after the Babylonian exile
(605-536 BC, Jeremiah 25:1-14; Daniel 9:1-2. See John Whitcomb).
8. God used Cyrus the Great to send the Jews back to their homeland. Cyrus came to the
Persian throne in 559 BC. He conquered Media in 549 BC, Lydia in 546, and Babylon in
539. Daniel wrote that his conquest of Babylon happened while Belshazzar was celebrating
with a thousand of his nobles (Daniel 5; Isaiah 47:1-5).
9. On that night Cyrus’ Persian army, led by General Ugbaru, diverted the Euphrates, entered
the city, and conquered it. The date was October 12, 539 BC.
10. In his first year after conquering Babylon Cyrus allowed exiles to return to their homelands.
His decree to allow Jews to return was in 539/538 BC (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:2-3).
11. The Jews then began to return to their land. Over the course of many years Israel would
rebuild her temple and Jerusalem, though Persia would dominate Israel for the next 200
years.
12. Zerubbabel led the first return in 538 BC; Ezra led the second return in 458 BC; and
Nehemiah led the third group back in 444 BC.
13. Note that 2 Chronicles opens with Solomon building the first temple and ends with Cyrus’
proclamation that allowed the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their temple. While
David was the central figure of 1 Chronicles, Solomon and the temple were central to 2
Chronicles.
14. The Jewish tradition says that Ezra wrote or edited Chronicles, probably between 460-425
BC. The emphasis on the temple, the priesthood, and David’s spiritual leadership indicates a
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 70 of 212
priestly authorship—most likely Ezra. The record of 2 Chronicles was written during the
period of the second and third returns to the land (458-444 BC).
a. Both 1 and 2 Chronicles answered their questions about identity and purpose by
providing the religious or spiritual continuity or connections from God’s early
promises and provision for the nation to the present generations of Jews.
15. Both 1 and 2 Chronicles were written to inspire and challenge the Jews now back in their
homeland to live as God’s people and to serve him through the law, the temple, and the
priesthood.
Theme of 2 Chronicles:
Religious continuity and the House of God. The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Israel’s
national life. After Solomon built the temple, the following kings were to maintain the temple’s
centrality, and therefore relationship with God, in the life of the people. Most failed. Because
some attempted reforms, God blessed and withheld judgment. He was most interested in their
heart attitude toward Him. The spiritual failure of the kings eventually resulted in the complete
destruction of the temple in 586 BC and the exile of the people. Once the people returned to the
land, plans were made to rebuild the temple and again give it the central place in the nation for
God’s word, worship, and national life.
Key Verses:
2 Chronicles 7:14-16. “and [then] My people who are called by My name humble themselves
and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will
forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to
the prayer offered in this place. 16 “For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My
name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”
Overview Outline
1. Solomon’s reign, temple, fame, and wealth (2 Chronicles 1-9).
2. The twenty kings of Judah, spiritual failure, and the resultant destruction of the temple and
Jerusalem, and national exile (2 Chronicles 10-36).
Chapter Titles
Solomon’s reign, temple, fame, and wealth (2 Chronicles 1-9).
Chapter 1: Wisdom and Knowledge
Chapter 2: Plans and materials for temple
Chapter 3: Builds the temple
Chapter 4: Temple utensils and furniture
Chapter 5: Ark into the temple
Chapter 6: Blessing and prayer
Chapter 7: Dedicating the house of God
Chapter 8: Built cities, organized officers and Levites
Chapter 9: Queen of Sheba. Death
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 71 of 212
The twenty kings of Judah, spiritual failure, and the resultant destruction of the temple
and Jerusalem, and national exile (2 Chronicles 10-36).
Chapter 10: Rehoboam rebels and divides the kingdom
Chapter 11: Rehoboam’s 3 good years
Chapter 12: Rehoboam forsakes the Lord
Chapter 13: Abijah blamed Jeroboam
Chapter 14: Asa did good and right
Chapter 15: Asa’s partial reform
Chapter 16: Asa’s spiritual regression
Chapter 17: Jehoshaphat’s reforms
Chapter 18: Jehoshaphat allies with Ahab
Chapter 19: Jehoshaphat seeks God
Chapter 20: Jehoshaphat did right and some wrong
Chapter 21: Jehoram did evil
Chapter 22: Ahaziah did evil. Athaliah
Chapter 23: Jehoida anoints Joash king
Chapter 24: Joash good and evil
Chapter 25: Amaziah would not listen
Chapter 26: Uzziah smitten with leprosy
Chapter 27: Jotham did right
Chapter 28: Ahaz unfaithful to the Lord
Chapter 29: Hezekiah cleanses temple
Chapter 30: Hezekiah celebrates national Passover
Chapter 31: Hezekiah destroys idols and restores contributions
Chapter 32: Hezekiah, Sennacherib, the water tunnel
Chapter 33: Manasseh’s great evil, partial repentance
Chapter 34: Josiah removed idols, repaired temple, found the law
Chapter 35: Josiah celebrates national Passover
Chapter 36: Last kings, Jerusalem destroyed, Cyrus’
Trace the theme of 2 Chronicles
1. The chronicler begins with the new king, Solomon. He established his rule, sacrificed at the
tabernacle which was at Gibeon, and asked the Lord for wisdom and knowledge. God not
only gave him wisdom and knowledge, but also riches, wealth, and honor. Solomon soon
amassed a great fortune and a powerful army (2 Chronicles 1).
2. Solomon next built the temple and all the utensils and furniture (2 Chronicles 2-4).
3. When he had completed the temple he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the holy of
holies and then the glory of the Lord filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5).
4. Solomon next blessed the assembled people and blessed God. He asked God to remember his
covenant to David, to forgive the people when they turn back from sin to God, and to reside
in the house of God, (2 Chronicles 6). When he finished the glory of the Lord filled the house
(2 Chronicles 7.1). At this point Solomon dedicated the house of God, after which the Lord
appeared to Solomon at night and said that He has chosen the house for Himself. He will
discipline the nation if they forsake Him, but if they humble themselves and turn He will
forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:12-22).
5. Solomon increased his business, fame, and wealth, so that even the queen of Sheba marveled
at Solomon. He “became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom”
(2 Chronicles 9:22). He reigned 40 years in Jerusalem and then he died (2 Chronicles 8-9).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 72 of 212
6. After Solomon died his son Rehoboam rejected the advise of his wise counselors to rule
kindly over Israel. If he did the entire nation would submit to his rule. Instead, he took the
advice of his young and arrogant friends who told him to rule more strictly than his father
had. The result was that Israel, except for Judah and Benjamin, turned from Rehoboam’s rule
and separated. Jeroboam became the king over the remaining tribes (2 Chronicles 10).
7. The chronicler now traces the history of Judah’s 20 kings after Solomon to the exile into
Babylon (Rehoboam to Zedekiah). This is a history of failure, sin, apostasy, along with
spiritual reform by Asa (2 Chronicles 14-16), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20), Joash
(2 Chronicles 23-24), Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32), and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35).
8. The final chapter (2 Chronicles 36) carries the history from the death of Josiah through the
last kings of Judah (Joahaz (609 BC) and Jehoiakim (609-597 BC), sons of Josiah;
Jehoiachin (597 BC), son of Jehoiakim; and Zedekiah (597-586 BC), son of Josiah. All were
evil kings. Pharaoh Neco of Egypt placed the first two on the throne. Nebuchadnezzar
removed Jehoiakim and replaced him with Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, and 11 years later
replaced him with Zedekiah. Not mentioned in Chronicles, but noted in 2 Kings 25.22-26, is
Governor Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar appointed in 586 BC. Ishmael and his band of
rebels went against God’s word and assassinated Gedaliah within the year. Nebuchadnezzar
destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and took the people into exile. Jeremiah writes of this in
Lamentations.
9. In 538 BC, God caused Cyrus King of Persia to decree that the Jews may return to Jerusalem
and rebuilt God’s house. The record that began with building the temple now ends with the
permission to rebuild the temple.
Key People
1. Solomon, 2 Chronicles 1-9
2. Rehoboam, 2 Chronicles 10-12
3. Asa, 2 Chronicles 14-16
4. Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17-20
5. Joash, 2 Chronicles 23-24
6. Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28
7. Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 29-32. See the doctrine of Hezekiah.
8. Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34-35. See doctrine of Josiah.
9. Cyrus, 2 Chronicles 36
Key Words and Ideas
1. House of God, 23x, (2 Chronicles 3:3; 4:19; 5:14; 7:5; 24:13; 31:21; 36:18-19).
2. House of the Lord, 74x, (2 Chronicles 2:1; 3:1; 5:1; 8:16; 24:4; 24:18; 29:16; 33:15; 34:15;
36:7).
3. Evil, 16x (2 Chronicles 12:14; 21:6; 22:4; 33:9; 36:5, 12)
4. Did right, 5x, (2 Chronicles 25:2; 26:4; 27:2; 29:2; 34:2)
5. Seek, 18x (2 Chronicles 7:14; 9:23; 11:16; 12:14; 14:4; 15:2, 12, 13; 16:12; 17:3; 19:3;
20:3,4; 26:5; 30:19; 31:21; 34:2).
Key Doctrines
1. God’s grace toward his people: He does not demand sinlessness. He does desire an attitude of
seeking the Him (Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:2; 15:17; 16:7-14. Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:3-4;
20:3, 32-33. Hezekiah 2 Chronicles 29-32; Josiah 2 Chronicles 34-35).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 73 of 212
2. House of God, House of the Lord, the temple (2 Chronicles 2:1; 5:14; 7:5; 24:13; 31:21;
33:15; 34:15; 36:18-19).
3. Fifth Cycle of Divine Discipline or national exile (2 Chronicles 34:14-28 with
Leviticus 26:27-39).
4. National repentance (2 Chronicles 5:12-16)
5. Reliance upon the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:7-8 and others)
6. Spiritual and national strength prevents aggression (2 Chronicles 17:1-10).
7. Strength of the Davidic Covenant (2 Chronicles 21:7)
8. Evil kings and good kings
Lessons for Us Today
1. God is most interested in our heart attitude toward Him. He does not demand sinlessness. He
does desire an attitude of seeking the Him.
2. God’s word stresses the importance to a nation of worship of God, morality, national
defense, international relations, and leadership.
3. Our Christian heritage is very important for each of us. It connects us with the great biblical
heroes, with the great heroes of church history, and with our biblical doctrine heritage. We
learn who we are and what our present purpose is from our past Christian heritage.
4. National leaders set the course and attitude of the nation. We in the USA are fortunate to
have had founders who took the Bible seriously—some were believers in Christ and some
were simply attracted to the biblical ethic. They gave us a strong foundation like Moses and
the prophets gave Israel. We should follow their lead and pray for our present leaders, and all
the more since we have a Christian president who desires to follow the biblical worldview.
5. Evil leadership does great harm to a nation and its people.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 74 of 212
Ezra Bible Walk
Return and Rebuild the Temple
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, August, 2004
History around the time of Ezra (I have taken most of this history introduction from notes
by Dr. Harold Hoehner of Dallas Theological Seminary).
1. Six Gentile kings dominated the Israelites during Ezra’s lifetime.
a. Cyrus, 559-530 BC (Ezra 1:1-4, 7, 8; Ezra 3:7; 4:3, 5; 5:13, 14, 17; 6:3, 14). See Cyrus
below.
b. Cambyses, Cyrus’ son, 530-522 BC. He killed his brother Bardiya (Smerdis) in 525 and
then led an expedition against the Egyptians. While he was gone, Gaumata (BardiyaSmerdis imposter), in 622, took the throne. When Cambyses heard of the successful plot,
he may have committed suicide.
c. Gaumata or Pseudo Smerdis (who posed as Smerdis, the brother of Cambyses whom
Cambyses had killed in 525), ruled 6 months in 522 BC.
d. Darius I, 522-486 BC. He killed Pseudo-Smerdis and took power. After he had
consolidated his power, he studied law, which was significant for what was to follow.
Remember that when Tattenai of Syria interfered with the Jew’s rebuilding project,
Darius ordered the search for Cyrus’ decree. After he read the decree, he ordered Tattenai
to stay away from Jerusalem and leave the work on the temple alone. In fact, Darius
ordered Tattenai to provide the money and supplies necessary (Ezra 4:5; 4:24; 5:5, 6, 7;
6:1, 12, 13, 14, 15).
e. Xerxes, 486-465 BC, Darius’ son, and king during Esther’s life (Ezra 4:6).
f. Artaxerxes I, 465-423 BC, Xerxes’ son and the king under whom Ezra and Nehemiah
returned to Jerusalem and did their work (Ezra 4:7, 8, 11, 23; 6:14; 7:1, 7, 11, 12, 21; 8:1
2. Cyrus, King of Persia and Babylon, decreed in 538 BC that the Jews could return to Judah
from exile and rebuild the city and the temple.
a. Cyrus succeeded his father as king of Anshan, a vassal kingdom of Media, in 559 BC.
b. In 550 BC, Cyrus rebelled against his maternal grandfather, Astyages, the king of the
Medes. He took Ecbatana, the capitol, without a fight when Harpagus, one of Astyages’
generals deserted with his army to Cyrus. Cyrus was now king of the Medes and
Persians.
c. In 539 BC, Belshazzar was regent in Babylon for his father, Nabonidus, who had gone to
Tema in Arabia in 553 BC. Nabonidus returned to Babylon in April of 539 BC.
d. In September-October, 539 BC, Cyrus defeated the Babylonians at Opis on the Tigris
River. He then defeated Sippar, which was across the river, on October 10, 539 BC.
e. On October 12, 539 BC, Ugbaru, the commander of Cyrus’ armies defeated Babylon
without a fight. He diverted the Euphrates River, which ran through the center of the city,
and the troops entered by the river bed. Belshazzar was killed (Daniel 5:30) and
Nabonidus was taken prisoner.
f. Cyrus appointed Darius the Mede (539-525) ruler of Babylon, Syria, and Palestine.
Darius then appointed governors to rule under him (Daniel 5:30-6:3).
g. Cyrus allowed the conquered people to take their gods and return to their homes.
Furthermore, he decreed that the Jewish people could return home and rebuild their
temple (Ezra 1; Ezra 6:3-5; 2 Chronicles 36:21-23)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 75 of 212
3. The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups
Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC).
a. The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led them.
Cyrus was king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of
Darius I (Ezra 1-6).
b. The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia
(Ezra 7-10).
c. The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia
(Nehemiah 1-2).
4. Ezra is most likely the author of the book that bears his name.
a. Ezra is the main person of the book that bears his name. He used official sources and
wrote at times as an eyewitness (e.g. Ezra 7:27-28).
b. The author wrote the narrative sections in Hebrew and copied the official documents in
the original Aramaic (Ezra 4:8-6.18 and 7.12-26), the official language of government
and commerce in Persia at that time. (e.g. Ezra 6:2-12).
c. Ezra was written around 450 BC.
5. The prophets Haggai (520 BC), Zechariah (520-518 BC), and Malachi (450-430 BC) taught
and wrote God’s word during this time period. The events of Esther also unfolded during the
reign of Xerxes (485-465 BC).
6. Pagan religious founders lived at this time.
a. Gautama Buddha (about 550-480 BC) in India.
b. Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
c. Socrates (470-399 BC) in Greece
Key Verse
Ezra 9:9, “For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended
lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house
of our God, to restore its ruins and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.”
Theme
Return and Rebuild the Temple. God’s imposed 70 year captivity and exile has finished. He
stirred Cyrus, King of Media and Persia, to decree that the Jews may return to their land and
rebuild their temple. The people returned in three groups. Though they faced opposition from the
pagans living in their land, God moved kings and peoples to ensure their success. God sent Ezra
to teach God’s word and to lead much needed spiritual, moral, and social reforms among the
restored remnant.
Overview Outline
1. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel lead the first return from Babylon (now Persian) in 538 BC
(Ezra 1-6).
2. Ezra lad the second return from Babylon (now Persia) in 458 BC (Ezra 7-8).
3. Ezra brought about religious reforms for the returnees (Ezra 9-10).
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1: Cyrus’ decree
2. Chapter 2: Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel lead first return
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 76 of 212
3. Chapter 3: Temple foundation laid
4. Chapter 4: Tattenai, Darius, Artaxerxes stop work
5. Chapter 5: Tattenai complains to Darius
6. Chapter 6: Darius decrees for work. Temple completed
7. Chapter 7: Artaxerxes decrees for Ezra and work
8. Chapter 8: Ezra leads second return
9. Chapter 9: Ezra prays
10. Chapter 10: Divorce pagan wives
Trace the Theme: Return and Temple
1. Cyrus decrees and Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel lead the first return (Ezra 1-3).
2. The leaders organize and begin the work on the temple (Ezra 4).
3. Once the Jews begin to establish themselves, the Samaritans around them attempted by
various means to discourage, cause compromise, intimidate, and even attempted to use law to
stop the Jews from working on the temple. Darius and Ataxerxes temporarily stopped the
work, but upon research of the facts they both decreed that the Jews were right; the work
must continue (Ezra 4-6).
4. Ezra the scribe received authorization from Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem. He gave much
needed spiritual leadership to the Jews (Ezra 7-8).
5. When Ezra got to Jerusalem, he saw that the people of Israel had not followed God’s word.
One of the problems was that many of the men had married pagan wives. This was a
violation of God’s word. This mixed marriage brought paganism into the national life of the
new Jewish commonwealth. Ezra prayed and confessed to the Lord, and sought God’s
guidance about what he should do (Ezra 9).
6. While Ezra prayed, a group of men came with God’s answer. The men were to divorce their
pagan wives for the sake of God’s honor and Israel’s spiritual survival and spiritual purity.
Ezra organized and administered the divorce procedure (Ezra 10).
Key People
1. Sheshbazzar. The leader or ruler of the Judeans—prince of Judah (Ezra 1:8; 5:14). He led the
first return to Judah. There is a question as to whether he is Zerubbabel under another name
or a different person. Eugene Merrill (493) and John Bright (7) think that Sheshbazzar a
distinct person and likely the same as Shenazzar a son of Johoiachin (1 Chronicles 3:18).
Zerubbabel is then his nephew and successor.
2. Zerubbabel. He is prominent in the first return to Israel. He is the grandson of King
Johoiachin and son of Shealtiel (Ezra 3:2, 8; Ezra 5:2) and the son of Pedaiah (Hebrew text
of 1 Chronicles 3:19), possibly by Levirate marriage. He is likely the nephew of
Sheshbazzar. Zerubbabel and Jeshua were active leaders in the putting down the temple
foundation (Ezra 3:2-3). They also led the renewed building of the temple after their enemies
had stopped their work (Ezra 5:2). Haggai identifies him as governor of Judah in Haggai 1:1
and 2:2.
3. Ezra. He was comparable to Secretary of State for Jewish Affairs under Artaxerxes (465-423
BC), King of Persia. King Artaxerxes favored Ezra and as a result allowed him to return to
Jerusalem in July-August of 458 BC take care of problems. Ezra was a priest and a scribe; he
traced his linage back to Aaron. As a scribe he studied and taught God’s word to the
Israelites. Because many Jewish men, including priests and Levites, had married pagan
wives, the spiritual life of the new community was threatened. Ezra sought God’s sought
God’s guidance through prayer. While he was praying, Shecaniah with a contingent of Jews
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 77 of 212
came to him with the plan to divorce the pagan wives. They carried out this plan (Ezra 9-10).
Later on, Ezra apparently returned to Babylon, and then in 444 BC went back to Judah at the
time Jerusalem’s walls were completed. At that time he and Nehemiah participated in the
dedication of the walls (Nehemiah 12, especially Nehemiah 12:26-37).
4. Cyrus, Darius I, Xerxes (Ahasuerus), and Artaxerxes ruled Persia during these events.
Key Words Used
1. Temple, 24X (Ezra 2:43; Ezra 2:58; Ezra 2:70; Ezra 3:6; Ezra 3:9; Ezra 3:10; Ezra 3:12;
Ezra 4:1; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9; Ezra 5:11; Ezra 5:12; Ezra 5:14; Ezra 5:15; Ezra 6:3; Ezra 6:5;
Ezra 6:15; Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:7; Ezra 8:17; Ezra 8:20).
2. Law of God, Lord, Moses, 7X (Ezra 3:2; 7:6, 10, 12, 14, 21, 26).
Key Doctrines
1. God keeps His word to his people (Ezra 1:1; Ezra 9:8-9).
2. God has the right and power to rule any and all political rulers (Cyrus, Ezra 1:1; Cyrus,
Darius, and Artaxerxes, Ezra 6:14).
3. God can and does stir people or impress people to do what He wants them to do (Ezra 1:5).
4. Enemies of a nation will attempt to take over that nation by intimidating propaganda,
promoting false compromises, deceitful attacks on the leadership and policies, and appeals to
other nations and groups (Ezra 4:1-6; 5:3,6).
5. The spiritual leader studies, teaches, and applies God’s word to the people under his
leadership (Ezra 3:1-3; 7:10; 9:10; 10:9-11).
6. Leaders also must make critical decision in times of spiritual danger to the people (Ezra 7:2124; Ezra 9-10).
Lessons for Us Today
1. God moves within people to accomplish his purpose. This is divine guidance for believers.
We see his overruling will, directive will, and permissive will.
2. If God kept his word to a rebellious Israel, he also keeps his word to church age believers.
3. Spiritual leaders are important for a congregation of believers. Their job is to study and teach
God’s word, to provide leadership for the congregation, and make necessary decisions for the
protection and welfare of people under his spiritual authority.
4. Unequal (believer-unbeliever; interested believer and disinterested believer) marriages will
undermine the spiritual lives and welfare of families and nations.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 78 of 212
Nehemiah Briefing
-Rebuild the Wall; Revive the PeopleTod Kennedy
Sunday, August 29, September 5, 12, and 19, 2004
History
The history is the same as for Ezra, except for 1.d. (I have taken most of this history introduction
from notes by Dr. Harold Hoehner of Dallas Theological Seminary).
1. Six Gentile kings dominated the Israelites during Ezra’s lifetime.
a. Cyrus, 559-530 BC (Ezra 1:1-4, 7, 8; Ezra 3:7; 4:3, 5; 5:13, 14, 17; 6.3, 14). See Cyrus
below.
b. Cambyses, Cyrus’ son, 530-522 BC. He killed his brother Bardiya (Smerdis) in 525 and
then led an expedition against the Egyptians. While he was gone, Gaumata (BardiyaSmerdis imposter), in 622, took the throne. When Cambyses heard of the successful plot,
he may have committed suicide.
c. Gaumata or Pseudo Smerdis (who posed as Smerdis, the brother of Cambyses whom
Cambyses had killed in 525), ruled 6 months in 522 BC.
d. Darius I, 522-486 BC. He killed Pseudo-Smerdis and took power. After he had
consolidated his power, he studied law, which was significant for what was to follow.
Remember that when Tattenai of Syria interfered with the Jew’s rebuilding project,
Darius ordered the search for Cyrus’ decree. After he read the decree, he ordered Tattenai
to stay away from Jerusalem and leave the work on the temple alone. In fact, Darius
ordered Tattenai to provide the money and supplies necessary (Ezra 4:5; 4:24; 5:5, 6, 7;
6:1, 12, 13, 14, 15).
e. Xerxes, 486-465 BC, Darius’ son, and king during Esther’s life (Ezra 4.6).
f. Artaxerxes I, 465-423 BC, Xerxes’ son and the king under whom Ezra and Nehemiah
returned to Jerusalem and did their work (Ezra 4:7, 8, 11, 23; 6:14; 7:1, 7, 11, 12, 21; 8:1
2. Cyrus, King of Persia and Babylon, decreed in 538 BC that the Jews could return to Judah
from exile and rebuild the city and the temple.
a. Cyrus succeeded his father as king of Anshan, a vassal kingdom of Media, in 559 BC.
b. In 550 BC, Cyrus rebelled against his maternal grandfather, Astyages, the king of the
Medes. He took Ecbatana, the capitol, without a fight when Harpagus, one of Astyages’
generals deserted with his army to Cyrus. Cyrus was now king of the Medes and
Persians.
c. In 539 BC, Belshazzar was regent in Babylon for his father, Nabonidus, who had gone to
Tema in Arabia in 553 BC. Nabonidus returned to Babylon in April of 539 BC.
d. In September-October, 539 BC, Cyrus defeated the Babylonians at Opis on the Tigris
River. He then defeated Sippar, which was across the river, on October 10, 539 BC.
e. On October 12, 539 BC, Ugbaru, the commander of Cyrus’ armies defeated Babylon
without a fight. He diverted the Euphrates River, which ran through the center of the city,
and the troops entered by the river bed. Belshazzar was killed (Daniel 5:30) and
Nabonidus was taken prisoner.
f. Cyrus appointed Darius the Mede (539-525) ruler of Babylon, Syria, and Palestine.
Darius then appointed governors to rule under him (Daniel 5:30-6:3).
g. Cyrus allowed the conquered people to take their gods and return to their homes.
Furthermore, he decreed that the Jewish people could return home and rebuild their
temple (Ezra 1; Ezra 6:3-5; 2 Chronicles 36:21-23)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 79 of 212
3. The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups
Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC.
a. The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led them.
Cyrus was king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of
Darius I (Ezra 1-6).
b. The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia
(Ezra 7-10).
c. The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia
(Nehemiah 1-2).
4. Nehemiah is most likely the author of the book that bears his name.
a. Nehemiah identifies himself as author of much of this book (e.g. Nehemiah 1:1; 2:1, 11;
4:13; 6:1, 10; 7:1).
b. The book came from Nehemiah’s diary or personal accounts of the time. Ezra may have
written two sections of the book (Nehemiah 7:6-12:26 and 12:44-13:3).
c. Certainly Nehemiah is a main character; he is mentioned 7 times (Nehemiah 1:1; 3:16;
7:7; 8:9; 10:1; 12:26; 12:47).
d. Ezra is the other main character; he is mentioned 12 times in the section about spiritual
repentance and renewal (Nehemiah 8:1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13; 12:1, 13, 26, 33, 36).
5. The prophets Haggai (520 BC), Zechariah (520-518 BC), and Malachi (450-430 BC) taught
and wrote God’s word during this time period. The events of Esther also unfolded during the
reign of Xerxes (485-465 BC).
6. Pagan religious founders lived at this time.
a. Gautama Buddha (about 550-480 BC) in India.
b. Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
c. Socrates (470-399 BC) in Greece
Key Verses
Nehemiah 6:15-16. So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, [September
21, 444 BC] in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations
surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been
accomplished with the help of our God.
Nehemiah 8:8. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so
that they understood the reading.
Theme
Rebuild the Wall; Revive the People. Nehemiah demonstrates that God-guided and empowered
spiritual and political leaders can revive a nations heritage and bring about spiritual and national
repair and resurgence, even in the face of enemy propaganda, intimidation, arms, and treachery.
Overview Outline
1. Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem from Persia (Nehemiah 1-2).
2. Nehemiah leads the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s gates and wall (Nehemiah 3-7).
3. Ezra reads and explains the Law and the people agree to follow it (Nehemiah 8-13).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 80 of 212
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1: News and prayer
2. Chapter 2: Return and reconnaissance
3. Chapter 3: Repair 10 gates
4. Chapter 4: Prayer, leadership, weapons
5. Chapter 5: Stop economic extortion
6. Chapter 6: Wall completed: Leadership, courage, and persistence
7. Chapter 7: Zerubbabel’s census compared
8. Chapter 8: Ezra teaches Torah
9. Chapter 9: Repentance and praise
10. Chapter 10: Allegiance to Torah
11. Chapter 11: Live in Jerusalem
12. Chapter 12: Census and dedicate the wall
13. Chapter 13: Reform priesthood, Sabbath, marriage
Trace the Theme: Rebuild the Wall; Revive the People.
1. Nehemiah went to Jerusalem (444 BC) in response to the report that the remnant was in
“great distress and reproach” (Nehemiah 1.3). He worked toward the establishment of
Israel’s homeland security and national welfare by concentrating on the completion of the
Jerusalem wall and gates in the face of enemy propaganda, ridicule, threats, compromise,
slander, and treachery (Nehemiah 1-7), and by bringing about spiritual revitalization of the
Jewish people now in Judah (Nehemiah 8-13).
2. Nehemiah inspected the city (Nehemiah 2:11-17), planned the work and assigned work
(Nehemiah 3), armed the people (Nehemiah 4), stopped economic extortion (Nehemiah 5),
and rejected the enemy’s threats and completed the wall (Nehemiah 4-6). Once the city wall
was completed (Nehemiah 6:15; it took only 52 days), Nehemiah took a census of the
returnees (Nehemiah 7).
3. Then Ezra, the priest and scribe, led a spiritual revival for the Lord and for Nehemiah by
reading and explaining the Old Testament to the nation (Nehemiah 8). The Levites, priests,
and people responded by repentance followed by rejoicing. The nation renewed their
allegiance to God’s covenant, the Old Testament (Nehemiah 9-10). Nehemiah continued to
lead the social, economic, and spiritual restoration by organizing the resettlement of the
Jewish population so that there were enough residents in Jerusalem and by dedicating the
wall (Nehemiah 11-12).
4. Nehemiah was recalled to the Persian capital in 432 BC (Nehemiah 13:6-7). When he
returned to Jerusalem he corrected the priesthood, the observation of the Sabbath, and pagan
marriages (Nehemiah 11-13).
Key People
1. Nehemiah.
a. Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer, or we might say the personal aide, of King
Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC) at the royal city of Shushan (Susa). Shushan, a winter capital
of the Persian kings, was about 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf in present day Iran.
As cupbearer he occupied the closest position to the king and therefore had the
confidence of the king and had access to the king (Nehemiah 1).
b. He got the report that Jerusalem and the people were in danger of being overrun and
destroyed. The city walls and gates were still destroyed; the citizens had no defense
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 81 of 212
against the enemy and their moral was low. The year was 444 BC, 13 years after Ezra
had gone to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1).
c. Nehemiah prayed. King Artaxerxes granted Nehemiah a leave of absence. The king
appointed him governor of Judah with authority to requisition supplies for his mission
(Nehemiah 1-2).
d. Nehemiah attacked the immediate Judean problem.
1. He thought about the report—wept, mourned, fasted (Nehemiah 1.4).
2. Prayed based on God’s character (Nehemiah 1:5-11.
3. Confessed of the nation’s sins (Nehemiah 1:6-7.
4. Interceded to God based on God’s promises to Israel (Nehemiah 1:5, 8-10.
5. Acted by seeking the king’s permission to go to Judah (Nehemiah 2:1-7).
6. Planning the trip and traveling to Judah (Nehemiah 2.7-10).
7. Inspected the situation in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:11-16).
8. Planned for action (Nehemiah 2:17-20).
9. Chose and assigned his workers (Nehemiah 3).
10. Prayed (Nehemiah 4:4-9).
11. Set up an intelligence force and guards (Nehemiah 4:9-13).
12. Armed the citizens and workers and set up communications system (Nehemiah 4:1423).
13. Encouraged the remnant (Nehemiah 4:14).
14. Stopped economic extortion (Nehemiah 5).
15. Did not fall to the propaganda, threats, intimidation, and treachery of the enemies
(Nehemiah 4-6).
16. Completed the job in such a way that honored God (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
17. Organized guards against continued threats (Nehemiah 7:1-3).
18. Organized the citizens (Nehemiah 7).
19. Gave opportunity and encouraged Bible teaching (Nehemiah 8).
e. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem in 432 BC; his leave of absence was apparently over
(Nehemiah 13.6). He requested and was given another leave of absence. When he
returned to Jerusalem he found spiritual regression among the priesthood and the people.
f. He soon initiated reforms of the priesthood, the Sabbath, and mixed marriages (Nehemiah
13).
g. Nehemiah was a patriot, leader, and man of action—all under God’s motivation and
guidance. He excelled as a spiritual, political, and military leader. Nehemiah stood out as
a man driven by the biblical worldview in a world driven by antagonism to God and
God’s word.
2. Ezra. See the Ezra Bible Walk notes.
3. Sanballat.
a. Sanballat was from Beth-horan in Samaria which is about 19 miles NW of Jerusalem.
The Elephantine Papyri names him as governor of Samaria in 407 BC. The same papyri
give his sons’ names as Delaiah and Shelemiah. These names indicate that Sanballat was
probably a syncretistic worshiper of Yahweh.
b. When Nehemiah returned in 445 BC, Sanballat was allied with the Samaritans and likely
in Artaxerxes’ service. Sanballat opposed Nehemiah and his attempts to repair Jerusalem
and organize the Jewish settlers (Nehemiah 2:10, 19: 4:7).
c. He tried to lure Nehemiah out of the city to kill him, but Nehemiah saw through his
treachery (Nehemiah 6:1-9). Nehemiah prayed that God would judge Sanballat for his
evil.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 82 of 212
d. Sanballat’s daughter married into the Jewish priestly family—she married “the son of
Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest”—for which Nehemiah expelled the priest
(Nehemiah 13:27-28).
e. Sanballat was power hungry; he used carefully planned propaganda to intimidate and
mislead Nehemiah and the Jews; and he was treacherous. Like most bullies, he backed
down once he realized that he could not intimidate Nehemiah.
4. Tobiah.
a. Tobiah was an Ammonite (Nehemiah 2:10, 19; 4:3) and probably a deputy of Sanballat.
He allied with Sanballat to oppose the Jewish settlement (Nehemiah 4:7), and he was part
of the plot to lure Nehemiah out Jerusalem in order to kill him (Nehemiah 6:1-9).
b. His name means Yahweh is good. His son’s name, Jehohanan, which means “Yahweh is
merciful” (Nehemiah 6:18), indicates Jewish ties. He was related to Eliashib, the priest
(Nehemiah 13:4).
c. During the time Nehemiah was back in Persia (He left Jerusalem in 432 BC.), Eliashib,
the priest in Jerusalem, gave Tobiah, who was an enemy of Nehemiah and his reforms, an
apartment in the temple.
d. When Nehemiah did return, he threw Tobiah and his belongings out (Nehemiah 13:4-8).
e. Tobiah, like Sanballat and other political bullies and intriguers, realized that Nehemiah
was not to be bullied, so he backed down.
f. Besides treachery, intimidation, and propaganda, Tobiah also was able to infiltrate the
Jewish political and religious organization where he would have done much damage had
Nehemiah not returned.
Key Words Used
1. Scribe, 7X (Nehemiah 8:1, 4, 9, 13; 12:26, 36; 13:13).
2. Covenant, 4X (Nehemiah 1:5; 9:8, 32; 13:29).
3. Law, 32X (Nehemiah 8:1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9; 9:3, 13, 29; 10:29; 13:3; and others.
4. Priest, priests, 44X (Nehemiah 2:16; 3:32; 12:30; 13:30; and others.
5. Weapon, 2X (Nehemiah 4:17, 23).
6. Wall, 33X (Nehemiah 1:3; 2:15; 4:1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19; 6:15; 7:1; 12:27; and others.
7. Prayer, Praying, Prayed, 7X (Nehemiah 1:4, 6, 11; 2:4; 4:9; 11:17;
Key Doctrines
1. National survival, establishment, and security come through spiritual, political, and military
courage, preparation, and strength.
2. An armed citizenry is vital to defense of one’s family, city, and nation.
3. Leadership—spiritual, political, and military.
4. Worldview—biblical and non-biblical.
5. The Word of God is essential for God’s people to do His will and live right.
6. Ezra and Nehemiah were different, yet God used each of them to get His job done.
Lessons for Us Today
1. Does the Word of God direct my life over the long haul? Ezra taught the Word and the
people accepted it.
2. Does my worldview come from the Bible or from the world system?
3. What kind of leaders do I want in the USA? Do I choose and support leaders who give
spiritual, political, and military leadership based on the biblical worldview?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 83 of 212
4. Do I agree that national survival, establishment, and security come through spiritual,
political, and military courage, preparation, and strength?
5. An armed citizenry was necessary to maintain Nehemiah’s and the Jews’ freedom. Does this
say anything about stringent “gun control” laws?
6. How does my view of military, economic, social, political, and spiritual life harmonize with
Nehemiah and Ezra’s view?
7. God uses people who have different abilities, personalities, and gifts to do His work, and that
includes me.
8. Do I support those in the ministry so they can concentrate on God’s service?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 84 of 212
Esther Briefing
-Faith, Wisdom, and Action, vs. Anti-SemitismTod Kennedy
October, 2004
“There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.”
(William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, act 4, scene 3, lines 239–42)
Theme
Faith, Wisdom, and Action, vs. Anti-Semitism. God will work through men and women who
trust the living God (though their faith may appear to be weak and sometimes uninformed), and
who live and make decisions and application based upon biblical wisdom (though they may not
seem to know many details of Bible doctrine), and then act because of their faith and wisdom to
overcome evil opposition. In this case God worked to preserve his people from destruction.
There are questions that relate to the theme.
1. Were Esther and Mordecai wrong to remain in Persia?
2. If so, what about Nehemiah? Was Nehemiah wrong to stay in Persia and serve the king?
3. Did Esther and Mordecai prepare the way for Ezra and Nehemiah?
4. Did Esther and Mordecai set the stage for Persia to favor the Jews in Judea?
5. Were Esther and Mordecai missionaries?
6. Why is God not mentioned by name in the book?
7. Why is nothing said about the relationship of Esther and Mordecai to the Lord God of Israel?
History Overview. Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Vashti, and Xerxes lived in the fifth century BC.
Refer to the notes on Ezra and Nehemiah for the general history. Xerxes (r. 486-465 BC) was
Persia’s king during the events of the book of Esther.
1. The events of Esther began in 483 BC, during the Persian Empire. The empire stretched into
India, Egypt, and North Africa. It began with Cyrus in 559 BC, and ended with Alexander’s
defeat of Darius III at Gaugamela in 331 BC.
2. Among Persia’s famous fifth century battles are Thermopyle (victory, 490 BC), The Battle of
Marathon (defeat, 490 BC), Salamis (defeat, 480 BC), Plataea (defeat, 479 BC), and the
naval battle at Cape Mycale (defeat, 479 BC). Cape Mycale ended phase 1 of the second
Persian War Persian and the Persian invasions of Greece.
3. The prophets Haggai (520 BC), Zechariah (520-518 BC), and Malachi (450-430 BC) taught
and wrote God’s word during this time period.
4. Pagan religious founders lived at this time.
a. Gautama Buddha (about 550-480 BC) in India.
b. Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
c. Socrates (470-399 BC) in Greece
5. Recall that Artaxerxes I (r. 465-423 BC) followed his father on the throne. He was king of
Persia after Esther and during Ezra and Nehemiah’s service (Ezra 4:6-7).
6. The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups
Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 85 of 212
a. The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led them.
Cyrus was king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of
Darius I (Ezra 1-6).
b. The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia
(Ezra 7-10).
c. The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes was king of Persia
(Nehemiah 1-2).
Author: We do not know who authored Esther.
1. The author was very familiar with the Persian court and with Persian culture. The author
wrote as someone who had witnessed the events. He probably was a Jew. Ezra or Nehemiah
could have written this book. It was probably written between 470 BC and 424 BC.
Key Verses
Esther 4:14-16. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the
Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether
you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”15 Then Esther told them to reply to
Mordecai, 16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or
drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I
will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 10:3. For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the
Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who
spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.
Key People
1. Xerxes
a. Xerxes (Ezra 4:6; Esther 1:1, 2, 9; 2:16; 3:1; 8:1; and others; Daniel 9:1) was the son of
Darius Hystapes and king of Persia from 486-465 BC. He was Persia’s king during
Esther’s story. He succeeded his father as king of Persia in 486 BC, at his father’s death.
Prior to this, Xerxes was governor of Babylon, so he had experience in leadership and
administration.
b. Xerxes had certain interests and priorities: he wanted to complete the royal palace at Susa
(Shushan); he also wanted to enlarge and beautify the Persepolis palace; and he wanted to
conquer Greece. His construction projects occupied much of his 21 year reign.
c. When he came to power Egypt revolted. He had to solve that problem. In doing this, he
alienated the priestly caste by suppressing the Egyptian religion—not a good move. But,
he was able to bring Egypt under control.
d. The next major job that he undertook was a vast military expedition to the west—Greece.
This was a continuation of his father’s plans. The 6 month long banquet of Esther 1:1-4
was probably to rally support for his coming Greek military expedition. He began in 481
BC. Xerxes was victorious at first, but then Greece won a series of victories that
eventually sent Xerxes home. Among famous fifth century battles were Thermopyle
(victory, 490 BC) and the Battle of Marathon (defeat, 490 BC)—both during his father’s
reign. Xerxes was king during Salamis where the Persians lost over 200 ships (defeat,
480 BC), Plataea (defeat, 479 BC), and the naval battle at Cape Mycale (defeat, 479 BC).
Xerxes blamed the losses on his Egyptian and Phoenician mercenaries. They were not
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 86 of 212
about to take his blame, so they quit the war. Xerxes put General Mardonius in command
and returned home. Mardonius lost a number of battles and was killed at the battle of
Plataea. In 479 BC, at Mycale, the Greeks defeated the Persians and ended any hope of
Xerxes for domination of Greece.
e. When Xerxes returned home in 479 BC, after his military defeats, he recalled his
domestic trouble with Queen Vashti. At this point he searched for a new Queen. Esther
entered the harem and Xerxes chose her to be the new Queen (Esther 2:1-17).
f. After Xerxes lost face due to his failed military expeditions, he gave his time to
construction projects, drinking parties, chasing women of the court, and his harem. His
behavior was often unpredictable. He would have fits of anger. In 465 BC, Artabanus, his
vizier, murdered him and put Xerxes’ son, Artaxerxes I on the throne.
g. We see in Xerxes instability, quest for recognition and self-glory, lack of self-discipline,
a low value on human life as evidenced by his decree that allowed Haman to destroy the
Jews in 474 BC, and a king who did not seem to search below the surface for causes of
problems and the solutions. On the plus side he allowed Esther to present her case for the
Jews and against Haman. He allowed the Jews to defend themselves in the face of the
decree Haman got from him to destroy the Jews (474 BC). He also promoted Mordecai, a
Jew, to Haman’s position. On the whole, Xerxes was probably no worse or no better than
most of the rulers of that time.
2. Haman
a. Haman is the villain of the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite
(Esther 3:1, 10; 8:3, 5; 9:24).
1. Josephus (Antiquities 11.209) says that Haman was descended from Agag and was an
Amalakite. Haman or his father could have come to Persia as captives.
a. Agag was a title for Amalekite kings; the Amalakites were enemies of Israel.
Saul, against God’s command had spared Agag, king of the Amalakites, in battle
when the Lord told Saul to destroy him. This sin demonstrated Saul’s negative
attitude toward the Lord, and as a result of this disobedience, the Lord rejected
Saul as king of Israel (1 Samuel 15).
1. Against this view, an inscription by Sargon II, an Assyrian king (721-705
BC), notes that Agag was a district near Media and became part of the Persian
Empire. "Thirty-four districts of Media I conquered and I added them to the
domain of Assyria: I imposed upon them an annual tribute of horses. The
country of Agazi (Agag).... I ravaged, I wasted, I burned." (John Urquhart,
ISBE, 2003). Gleason Archer also understands Agagite to mean Haman was
from this province instead of a distant relation to the Amalekite king (Survey
OT, 421).
2. Haman had gained favor in Xerxes’ service so that the king promoted him to prime
minister of his Persian kingdom (Esther 3:1).
3. Haman had such an inflated ego that when Mordecai would not bow to him (probably
as a recognition of divine status), his hatred for the Jews exploded and he devised a
plot to have Mordecai and all the Jews in the kingdom destroyed (Esther 3:8-15).
Furthermore, if Haman was in fact descended from the Amalakites, the longstanding
animosity between Amalakites and Jews would partly explain his hatred of Jews
(Esther 3:4-6).
4. By God’s providence, Mordecai and Esther used Haman’s own plans and actions to
expose him. Xerxes ordered him hanged on the gallows that Haman had built for
Mordecai (Esther 7:1-10).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 87 of 212
5. We see in Haman a man utterly controlled by quest for recognition and glory. He was
vindictive to anyone who might stand in his way (Mordecai in Esther’s story). Haman
was actually quite cowardly as shown by his exchanges with his family and friends
and when Esther revealed his plot to Xerxes. His anti-Semitism seemed to be
arbitrary in that he opposed any group who might appear to hinder his quest for
power and glory. As happens to most Hamans in the world, he eventually brought
about his own destruction.
3. Mordecai
a. Mordecai was a Jew with a job that kept him near the Persian palace in Susa during the
reign of Ahasuerus—Xerxes (Esther 2:5). He is mentioned 57 times in the book.
Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and guardian (Esther 2:7, 10, 11) He was in Benjamin’s
tribe, as was King Saul.
b. He advised Esther about how to act during the year long preparation of the king’s
potential queen (Esther 2:10-11). After she became queen and Haman’s plan was known,
he challenged her take action to protect the Jews (Esther 3:13-14). Mordecai has also
discovered and told Esther of a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21-23). We see that
Mordecai was alert, loyal, careful, and one who acted in the face of trouble.
c. Mordecai would not bow in worship of Haman. The text does not say, but Mordecai
likely was a Jew loyal to the Lord God of Israel. In retaliation, Haman devised his plan to
kill Mordecai (Esther 3:2-6; Esther 5:9). In the face of Haman’s vengeance, Mordecai
was steady in his support and protection of his Jewish people (Esther 4). Once Xerxes
hanged Haman, he promoted Mordecai to Haman’s position (Esther 8:1-2). Mordecai’s
faithful work in Susa brought him promotion and honor.
d. Mordecai, along with Queen Esther, wrote a decree that allowed the Jews to protect
themselves (Esther 8:7-17), with the result that the Jews defeated those who hated them
(Esther 9:1). He also ordered the annual celebration of the Jews’ victory—Purim.
e. The last notice about Mordecai was that he was great, wise, and patriotic to his own
people and to Persia (Esther 10:1-3). He combined faith—and as with Esther, we do not
know the personal relationship he had with the Lord God of Israel—wisdom, and action
for the welfare of Esther, the Jews, and the Persian people. As to why he did not return to
Judah, we do not know. Was he wrong by not returning? We cannot say. Certainly the
Lord put people in different places to protect the Hebrew people. Mordecai seems to have
been one of these.
4. Esther
a. Esther is one of the heroes of the book bearing her name. She lived during the fifth
century BC. Her exploits occurred during the reign of Xerxes I (Ahasuerus), who ruled
Persia from 486 to 465 BC. The name, Esther, either comes from the Persian word which
means star or from the Babylonian goddess, Ishtar. She is named 55 times in the book
(Esther 2:7, 8, 10, 11, and others). Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, which means myrtle.
The Babylonian Talmud claims that she is one of the four most beautiful women in the
world. She is the cousin of Mordecai; Mordecai became her guardian after her parents
died (Esther 2:5).
b. She entered the historical record at a time when Xerxes was in turmoil because of
military defeats and Queen Vashti’s rebellion. Xerxes looked for a queen replacement.
Apparently Esther did not apply for the job, but due to her beauty and reputation she was
selected to join the group of women from whom Xerxes would choose his queen
(Esther 2:8).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 88 of 212
c. She, as with Joseph and Daniel, had something about her character that impressed her
superiors. Probably her looks, grace, intelligence, humility, and ability made her stand
out from the others (Esther 2:9, 15). She also impressed Xerxes and she was chosen as
queen (Esther 2:16-17).
d. Cousin Mordecai advised her throughout her year of preparation (Esther 2:10-11, 20) and
later advised her to seek an audience with Xerxes because of Haman’s plans (Esther 4:1314). From this we can see that she was teachable and humble.
e. Once Esther decided to help her people (Esther 4:15) she planned and put the plan into
action (Esther 5:4, 8). She ordered two banquets with the king and Haman as the guests.
The first set up the guests, and the second exposed Haman (Esther 7:6). Not only did
Esther possess outstanding character traits and physical beauty, she was a quick thinker
and leader when necessary. Esther’s plan to reveal Haman’s plot and to save her people
indicated patience, steadiness of purpose, and planning.
f. With Haman out of the way, Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin (Esther
8:1). With the king’s permission she made Mordecai the administrator of Haman’s estate
(Esther 8:2). Esther then appealed to the king a second time (Esther 8:3-5); this time to
reverse Haman’s decree. Since he could not, he told Mordecai and Esther to write up a
legal decree that would get around his original decree (Esther 8:8). This decree allowed
the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8:11-12, 17). The second decree was published
and carried out resulting in the Jews destroying those intent on purging Persia of Jews
according to Haman’s plan (Esther 9:1).
g. Purim comes from the word for “lot.” Purim became the name of the celebration that
remembered the Jews victory over the anti-Semitic enemies. The date set was Adar 14
and 15 (usually the latter part of March). Esther and Mordecai authorized this
remembrance (Esther 9:20-22, 26-29).
h. Esther, then, was a young Jewish woman of wonderful character, intelligence, beauty,
and initiative. She understood submission to authority and then how to use authority
when she was in a position to do so. She was teachable and also a leader. We wonder
why she kept her Jewish heritage secret at first. There is probably more beneath the
surface that we do not understand. Possibly her action anticipated “There is a tide in the
affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune” (William Shakespeare,
Julius Caesar). She waited to take the right action at the right time. If this is true, she was
a woman of faith, wisdom, and action. If she hid her identity out of fear; if she failed to
speak of the Lord because he was not a personal part of her life; then we still have a
picture of a woman with faith (thought not a personal relationship with the Lord),
wisdom, and action. Either way, she demonstrated intelligence and courage.
Key Words Used
1. Pur, 3X (Esther 3:7; 9:21, 26). Pur is the word for a lot which is thrown to determine a
decision (often from the gods of the day). To cast a lot today would be like throwing a coin to
see if heads or tails would show or like throwing dice.
2. Purim, 5X (Esther 9:26, 28, 29, 31, 32). Purim comes from the word “lot” which was the way
Haman chose the day for his purge of the Jews. The lot chose Adar 13, in 2004. Purim is the
celebration remembering God’s deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s intended massacre.
Purim is on Adar 14 (usually March 7). Adar is the sixth month of the religious calendar
(February-March) and the twelfth month of the civil calendar. Shushan Purim was set on
Adar 15 because Shushan was a walled city and their deliverance was not completed until the
15th. On Purim the Jews have parties. They send food and drink gifts to friends and give gifts
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 89 of 212
to charities. They read the book of Esther and each time Haman’s name is read they hiss,
boo, stamp their feet, and use noise makers. So, Purim is a happy celebration in remembrance
of God’s deliverance from Haman’s pogrom.
3. Defend, 2X (Esther 8:11 and 9:16).
4. Decree, 8X (Esther 2:1, 8; 3:9, 15; 4:3; 8:8, 14, 17).
5. Jew or Jews, 52X (Esther 2:5; 3:13; 4:16; 8:13; 9:25; 10:3).
Overview Outline
1. Xerxes replaces Vashti with Esther (Esther 1-2).
2. Haman plots against the Jews because of pride and anti-Semitism (Esther 3-4).
3. Esther bravely intercedes for her people (Esther 5-7).
4. The Jews defend themselves (Esther 8-10).
Chapter Titles
1.
Chapter 1: Replace Queen Vashti
2.
Chapter 2: Esther chosen; Mordecai reveals a plot
3.
Chapter 3: Decree: Kill the Jews
4.
Chapter 4: Mordecai asks Esther to help
5.
Chapter 5: Esther invites Xerxes and Haman
6.
Chapter 6: Xerxes honors Mordecai, not Haman
7.
Chapter 7: Esther’s banquet; Haman hanged
8.
Chapter 8: Counter decree: Jews can defend themselves
9.
Chapter 9: Jews kill enemies; Purim
10. Chapter 10: Greatness of Mordecai
Trace the Theme: Faith, Wisdom, and Action, vs. Anti-Semitism.
1. In chapter 1, the story begins with Xerxes, in 483 BC, giving a six month banquet. At the end
he ordered Queen Vashti to show off her beauty. She refused. Memucan advised that she be
replaced. At this point Xerxes went on his Greek military expeditions. Both Xerxes and
Vashti are upset (Esther 1).
2. In chapter 2 Xerxes returned from defeat at the hands of the Greeks in 479 BC. He began a
search for a new queen. Mordecai advised Esther to conceal the fact that she was a Jew. She
would later reveal this to the king. Was this wise waiting for the right time? Probably. Later
on, Mordecai uncovered and a plot against the king and saved the king’s life. Mordecai did
not benefit at the time. He was patriotic and humble. He just did what he should have done
(Esther 2).
3. In chapter 3 Haman wanted Mordecai to bow before him. Mordecai would not, possibly
because Haman wanted god-like recognition. This of course made Haman furious. Haman
plotted to kill Mordecai and all the Jew in the Persian kingdom. Power lust and ego drive
Haman (Esther 3).
4. In chapter 4, Mordecai mourned at the death decree against his people, but he stayed cool. He
informed Queen Esther and challenged her that God may have been made her queen in order
to preserve her people—to stop anti-Semitism against the exiles. Mordacai’s faith, wisdom,
and action show themselves. Esther answered in effect “let’s roll—I will lead the action”
(Esther 4).
5. In chapter 5 Esther approached the king to plead for the Hebrews. But, she wisely did not say
what was on her mind. She knew, but patiently played out her plan. She acted courageously;
Xerxes could have had her killed for coming without invitation. She invited Xerxes and
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 90 of 212
Haman to a banquet. At that first banquet requested that the king and Haman would attend
another banquet the next day. She did not betray her plan. She was patient, humble, honest,
and direct. Haman took her bait (Esther 5).
6. In chapter 6 the king had insomnia. He asked for reading material—chronicles of palace
activities. Here God worked Mordecai and Esther’s faith, wisdom, and action together for
good. Mordecai was honored with honor Haman expected (Esther 6).
7. In chapter 7 Esther opens up. She exposes Haman; Haman exposes himself. The king hangs
Haman on the gallows built for Mordecai. God worked. Who could have guessed it (Esther
7)?
8. In chapter 8 Mordecai is honored for his patriotism, for his faith that God would do
something, for his wisdom through out, and for his active role in exposing Haman and
helping Esther. Esther was also honored. She took another courageous step. She asked that
Haman’s decree be revoked, knowing that her request for impossible. But Xerxes did
something for her and her people. He had Esther and Mordecai write up another decree—
they could word it how they wanted. This shows his trust and respect for Mordecai and
Esther. The Jews could defend themselves (Esther 8).
9. In chapter 9 the plans of Esther and Mordecai brought victory for the Jews in Persia. Those
who hated the Jews feared. The Jews took courage. They killed 75,000 anti-Semites but did
not take another’s property. The Jews celebrated with a feast called Purim. Mordecai again
showed his wisdom by making the Purim celebration an annual festival to recall their
deliverance from the Persians (Esther 9).
10. In chapter 10 Mordecai was recognized as second only to the king in the Persian kingdom.
The Jews, too, honored him as wise and good for them. Should Mordecai and Esther have
returned to Judea? Maybe so, but God used them to work protection and blessing for the
exiles in Persia. And not only that, Xerxes and others learned the greatness of Israel’s God
(Esther10).
Key Doctrines
1. God works through people to preserve Israelites outside of their land. God will always have
Jewish people alive on earth.
2. Readiness, timing, wisdom, and patience, combine with enthusiasm, energy, and action to
accomplish the right purpose in the right way at the right time.
3. A person trusting God, gaining and using biblical wisdom, and acting in keeping with faith
and biblical wisdom will honor the Lord, preserve and benefit people, and may bring proper
honor to himself.
4. One can follow the Lord and still be a patriot of one’s country. In fact, spiritual patriotism
and national patriotism work together.
Lessons for Us Today
1. Am I good for my country—an informed and believing believer who understands God’s
word and therefore possess biblical wisdom and then acts based upon my faith and biblical
wisdom?
2. Am I prepared, ready, and willing to risk my personal life and reputation to do what is
biblically right in the life of the United States of America.
3. Do I know when to keep silent and when to speak; when to patiently wait and when to act;
and how to act when the opportunity arises?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 91 of 212
4. Can I handle unjust criticism, personal attacks, and politically correct adversaries and at the
same time continue to trust God, gain God’s word, and serve him?
5. Can I handle honor, praise, and fame; and, can I handle wealth and power?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 92 of 212
Job Briefing
Undeserved Suffering and Free Will in the Angelic Conflict
Tod Kennedy
November, 2004
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright,
fearing God and turning away from evil. Job 1:1
Introduction: suffering without knowing why, the angelic conflict, and 1 Peter 5
Theme
Undeserved Suffering and Free Will in the Angelic Conflict—Sovereignty, Suffering,
Repentance, Restoration. A believer may not know why everything is going wrong. Sometimes,
as with Job, God allows Satan or Satan’s ministers to bring suffering into a believer’s life, but in
these cases God is in control and has a reason. Satan wants to discourage the believer’s faith
while God is demonstrating His own goodness and mankind’s free will and faith. Furthermore,
other people—whether family, friends, believers, or unbelievers—may view the sufferer through
self-righteous and know-it-all eyes and give bad advice instead of mercy, prayer support, and
encouragement. When this kind of suffering and testing come, the believer needs to trust God,
God’s wisdom, and God’s plan. God is just, gracious, and compassionate. He will work all the
things together for good for the believer.
History Overview. The book of Job is poetic wisdom literature. Job lived many years ago, likely
during Abraham’s era. The book was probably written soon after the events.
1. Location: Uz is mentioned in Job 1:1; Jeremiah 25:20; and Lamentations 4:21. It is SE of the
Dead Sea, adjacent to Edom in North Arabia. According to Gleason Archer (ASOTI 454),
Job was from North Arabia and the book has an Arabic setting.
2. Job was a real person who lived at a specific time in Middle East history. Both Ezekiel and
James accept Job as a real person (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; James 5:11).
3. Job was his family’s priest (Job 1:5), just like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The patriarchal
family clan was the basic family unit.
4. Job counted his wealth in livestock (Job 1:3), which was similar to Abraham’s time.
5. Job lived 142 years after he was restored (Job 42:16). This length of life fits with the
patriarchal age.
6. The divine name Shaddai (Almighty) is used 31 times. This, too, is similar to Abraham’s
time (Exodus 6:3). It is used only 10 times in post-patriarchal Old Testament books.
7. The book seems to be unaware of the Mosaic Law. At the least, it has no clear references to
that law.
Author: We do not know who authored Job.
1. The book was written soon after the events or by someone familiar with the history and
culture of Job’s life and times.
2. Moses may have written the record of Job’s suffering. This is the view of the.
3. Others suggest that the book was written in Solomon’s time; and a few favor Manasseh’s
time, Jeremiah’s time, or later.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 93 of 212
Key Verses
Job 13:15 “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before
Him.
Job 37:23-24 “The Almighty—we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power And He will not do
violence to justice and abundant righteousness. 24 “Therefore men fear Him; He does not regard
any who are wise of heart.”
Job 42:5-6, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You; therefore I
retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
Key People and Satan
1. Satan (Genesis 3:1-7; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 4:1-11:
Matthew 25:41; John 8:44; 12:31; John 16:11; John 17:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians
6:10-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Peter 5:8-11; Jude 9; Revelation 20; and others). Satan was
God’s highest creation. He is an angel who rebelled against God and therefore condemned
with those angels who followed him to the lake of fire. Satan is he temporary ruler of this
present world system. As rebel and temporary ruler he accuses believers before God, blinds
the minds of unbelievers, instigates and dominates the present non-biblical worldview, heads
up his demon organization, and seeks to destroy the spiritual life of believers.
2. Job. Job lived in the patriarchal times, somewhere east of the Jordan River, probably in the
area around Edom. He was a real person. Job was wealthy and righteous. Satan claimed that
Job followed God because God had prospered him. God allowed Satan to remove everything
from Job but his life. Job suffered undeservedly. Three friends gave him advice as to why he
was suffering. They concluded that he had sinned. Elihu, a younger man gave better advice:
God is just and wise; Job was wrong to critically question God. After the men had their say,
God taught Job through rhetorical questions about creation, life, wisdom, righteousness, and
sovereignty. In the end, Job recognized that he had spoken without understanding; he
retracted and repented. God restored Job’s fortunes.
3. Eliphaz. Eliphaz is the first of Job’s acquaintances to speak (Job 4, 5, 15, 22). He concludes
that Job has sinned and God is disciplining him.
4. Bibdad. Bildad is the second acquaintance to speak (Job 8, 18, 25). He concludes that Job
that God does not pervert justice; Job is wrong to question his plight; Job has sinned.
5. Zophar. Zophar is the third to speak against Job (Job 11, 20). He concludes that God
recognizes false men, and their triumph is short; Job is obviously guilty of sin.
6. Elihu. Elihu is the final advisor to speak (Job 32-37). He is younger than the three advisors
and Job. He waited until the others had exhausted their arguments. Elihu’s message is much
closer to the truth: God is greater than man; he is always just; Job should consider God’s
creation and listen to God.
Key Words and Phrases Used
1. Sons of God (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7), refers to angels.
2. Wisdom, 21X (e.g. Job 4:21; 11:6; 26:3; 28:18, 28; 38:36).
3. Fear of God (Job 4:6), Fear of the Almighty (Job 6:14), and fear of the Lord
(Job 28:28).
4. Worthless physicians (Job 13:4)
5. Proverbs of ashes (Job 13:12)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 94 of 212
6. Windy knowledge (Job 15:2)
7. Sorry comforters (Job 16:2)
Overview Outline of Job
1. Job’s status, Satan’s accusation, God’s verdict, and the test (Job 1-3).
2. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar argue with Job. They say all suffering, including Job’s, is
because Job sinned (Job 4-31).
3. Elihu speaks to Job. He says that God is infinitely greater in all ways than man. God is right
in whatever He does (Job 32-37).
4. God then speaks to Job; Job finally understands that God is indeed just and infinite; after that
God restores Job to temporal prosperity (Job 38-42).
Job Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1: Satan: Does Job fear God for nothing? (Job 1:9)
2. Chapter 2: Satan: Skin for skin; Lord: only spare his life. (Job 2:4,6)
3. Chapter 3: Job cursed his birth. (Job 3:1)
4. Chapter 4: Eliphaz: Now it has come to you. (Job 4:5)
5. Chapter 5: Eliphaz: Don’t despise God’s reproof. (Job 5:17)
6. Chapter 6: Job: How have I erred? (Job 6:24)
7. Chapter 7: Job: Have I sinned? (Job 7:20)
8. Chapter 8: Bildad: If you are upright. (Job 8:6)
9. Chapter 9: Job: God is not a man. (Job 9:32)
10. Chapter 10: Job: Let me know why. (Job 10:2)
11. Chapter 11: Zophar: God knows false men. (Job 11:11)
12. Chapter 12: Job: Lord has done this. (Job 12:9)
13. Chapter 13: Job: You are worthless physicians. (Job 13:4)
14. Chapter 14: Job: Man is short-lived. (Job 14:1)
15. Chapter 15: Eliphaz: Your mouth condemns you. (Job 15:6)
16. Chapter 16: Job: You are sorry comforters. (Job 16:1)
17. Chapter 17: Job: The grave is ready for me. (Job 17:1)
18. Chapter 18: Bildad: You hunt for words. (Job 18:2)
19. Chapter 19: Job: God has struck me. (Job 19:21)
20. Chapter 20: Zophar: Triumph of the wicked is short. (Job 20:5)
21. Chapter 21: Job: The wicked live on. (Job 21:7)
22. Chapter 22: Eliphaz: Your great wickedness. (Job 22:5)
23. Chapter 23: Job: When He has tried me…gold. (Job 23:10)
24. Chapter 24: Job: God ignores folly. (Job 24:12)
25. Chapter 25: Bildad: How can man be just with God? (Job 25:4)
26. Chapter 26: Job: These are the fringes of His ways. (Job 26:14)
27. Chapter 27: Job: My integrity…you act foolishly. (Job 27:5,12)
28. Chapter 28: Job: Where is wisdom and understanding? (Job 28:12,28)
29. Chapter 29: Job: As in months gone by. (Job 29:2)
30. Chapter 30: Job: Taunt and byword, dust and ashes. (Job 30:9,19)
31. Chapter 31: Job: If I have..., then let him weigh me. (Job 31:5-6)
32. Chapter 32: Elihu: Elihu’s anger burned. (Job 32:2-3)
33. Chapter 33: Elihu: God is greater than man. (Job 33:12)
34. Chapter 34: Elihu: God will not act wickedly or pervert justice. (Job 34:12)
35. Chapter 35: Elihu: The case is before God. (Job 35:14)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 95 of 212
36. Chapter 36: Elihu: More to be said in God’s behalf. (Job 36:2)
37. Chapter 37: Elihu: Consider the wonders of God. (Job 37:14)
38. Chapter 38: Lord: I will ask you, and you instruct Me! (Job 38:3)
39. Chapter 39: Lord: Do you know? (Job 39:1)
40. Chapter 40: Lord: Gird up and instruct me. (Job 40:7)
41. Chapter 41: Lord: What about Leviathan? (Job 41:1)
42. Chapter 42: Job: I repent and retract. (Job 42:6) Lord restored fortunes.
Trace the Theme:
Undeserved Suffering and Free Will in the Angelic Conflict—Sovereignty, Suffering, Repentance,
Restoration
1. The events begin in chapter 1 with Satan challenging God that Job only follows Him because
of what God gives him.
2. The events then move to earth where Satan causes Job’s world to fall apart (Job 1) and then
attacks Job’s health (Job 2). God allows Satan to test Job, and Job through his free will
eventually demonstrates to Satan that he accepts and trusts God in spite of all his undeserved
suffering. The entire story of Job is meaningless to God, to Satan, to Job, to Job’s
acquaintances, and to the world if Job and mankind do not have free will.
3. Job has three acquaintances. Eliphaz (Job 4, 5, 15, 22); Bildad (Job 8, 18, 25); and Zophar
(Job 11, 20) give him lots of advice—essentially their conclusion is that Job suffers because
he has sinned.
4. The last acquaintance to speak is younger Elihu (32-37), who more accurately advises Job.
5. After Job has responded to all these men, God steps in and through a series of questions
demonstrates that only He is trustworthy, holy, all powerful, and sovereign (Job 38-41).
6. Job gets the point. He repents of his his faltering faith and criticism of God (Job 42).
7. The book ends with God disciplining the advisors and blessing Job.
8. Satan has seen, much to his dislike, that Job and mankind can and will choose to believe God
and submit to God from their individual free will.
Key Doctrines
1. Angelic conflict (Job 1:1-2; Ephesians 3:10; 6:10-20: 1 Peter 5:8-9).
2. Free-will (Job 1-3; 42; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Jonah; Matthew 4:5; 23:37;
John 7:17; Acts 17:29-31; James 4:7-17; Revelation 22:7, 17).
3. Undeserved suffering (Job; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 1 Peter 4:12-19; James 1:2-12).
4. God’s character or divine attributes (Exodus 3:5-7; Deuteronomy 32:1-4; Hebrews 13:8;
1 John 1:5; 4:8).
5. Self-righteous friends (Job).
6. God’s faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 119:89-90; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; Hebrews
10:23; 1 John 1:9).
Lessons for Us Today
1. How do I think about God while I suffer and do not know the exact reason why?
2. When I am suffering or under great pressure, am I confident in God’s character—that God is
my comforter, strengthener, and restorer?
3. Do I give quick and unsympathetic answers to people who are suffering; do I criticize and
judge them; or am I available to encourage, support, and pray for them without interfering?
4. What is my part in the angelic conflict?
5. Am I thankful for my free-will and do I seek to make right choices?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 96 of 212
Psalms Bible Walk
Sepher Tehillim “Book of Praises”
Israel praises, prays to, and ponders God,
Or, Man responds to God and His work
Tod Kennedy
December, 2004 and January, 2005
Psalm 150:6. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Theme
Israel praises, prays to, and ponders God.
1. The Psalms were Israel’s God-inspired temple hymnal and poetry book. They were religious
lyric poetry. Lyric poetry employed images, symbols, figures of speech, and emotional
language that expressed the authors deep feelings. Furthermore, the word pictures used help
the reader to experience the same feelings that the author had (e.g. Psalm 22; 23; 32; 42; 46;
91; 121).
2. The Psalms reveal on the one hand God’s character, His lovingkindness, His plan for history,
and His acts in history; and on the other hand they reveal Israel’s loyalty, faith, emotion,
worries, sins, confessions, and pleas directed to the Lord God, the creator of heaven and
earth.
3. The Psalms represent the experiences of Israel’s struggles to survive and prosper as God’s
people and her struggles to witness to God and to God’s redemption. She was an agricultural
nation, a military nation, and the priest nation. Her history was laden with wars to conquer
her land and to preserve her freedom, her land, and her spiritual heritage. She often failed,
and sometimes succeeded. The Psalms reflect this.
4. Israel wrote, recited, and sang of God’s past deliverances and blessings, of God’s word as her
source of comfort, strength, and guidance, and of her future. This psalm writing, singing, and
reciting was a part of the day to day life of the Hebrew people. The Bible records Moses’
psalm of praise in Exodus 15. Deborah praised God with a psalm about the defeat and death
of Commander Sisera of the Canaanite forces (Judges 5). Hannah praises God for her son
Samuel. Mary did the same, in Luke 1:46-55, about the coming birth of the Savior.
Overview Outline of the Psalms
1. Book 1: Psalms 1-41 ends with “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel” (Psalm 41:13).
2. Book 2: Psalms 42-72 ends with “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel” (Psalm 72:18).
3. Book 3: Psalms 73-89 ends with “Blessed be the Lord forever (Psalm 89:52).
4. Book 4: Psalms 90-106 ends with “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel” (Psalm 106:48).
5. Book 5: Psalms 107-150 “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).
History and Organization
The 150 different Psalms were written over approximately 1000 years. Moses lived from 1520 to
1440; he wrote Psalm 90. The last Psalms were likely written and collected during the Ezra and
Nehemiah era (400s BC). Psalms is in the third section of the Hebrew OT, the writings. The
history and organization is technical, but demonstrates that the Hebrews took their hymn book
seriously and used it often.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 97 of 212
1. The name “Psalms” comes from Codex Vaticanus, a fifth century copy of the Greek
translation of the OT. The Hebrew word is mizmor, (‫֖ור‬
ֹ‫ְמ‬
‫ִז‬
‫ )מ‬which indicates lyrics
accompanied by stringed instruments. It is found in 57 Psalm titles (e.g. Psalm 30; 31; 75).
2. The Psalter was formed over a period of a thousand years through gradual stages. One can
see principles of arrangement throughout the Psalter: same author, similar or contrasting life
situations, words and phrases linking psalms.
a. Individual authors, (Moses (90) and David (105), wrote poems. Some were then used in
the worship by Israel. First Chronicles 16:4 indicate that Levites in David’s time prepared
psalms for worship services.
b. Next, there would have been some type of collection in groups and these were included in
the books that we now have. Psalm 72:20 indicates an older collection of David’s
prayers. Second Chronicles 29:30 suggest that Hezekiah had two collections of poems for
singing. The Qumran scrolls have the same five book division as our present Hebrew
text.
c. These smaller collections were likely arranged into the books that we now have.
d. An editor apparently arranged the books in the present order. Psalms 1 and 2 are fitting
beginning to the Psalter and Psalms 145-150 are the “grand finale” to the Psalter.
3. The Psalms have been organized into five books. Each book ends with a doxology, “Blessed
be the Lord, the God of Israel” or a slight variation of that. Psalm 150 then is the doxology
for the entire Psalter.
a. Book 1: Psalms 1-41 ends with “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel” (Psalm 41:13).
b. Book 2: Psalms 42-72 ends with “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel” (Psalm
72:18).
c. Book 3: Psalms 73-89 ends with “Blessed be the Lord forever (Psalm 89:52).
d. Book 4: Psalms 90-106 ends with “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel” (Psalm
106:48).
e. Book 5: Psalms 107-150 “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).
4. The headings of the individual chapters are part of the Hebrew text and as such are inspired
and accurate (e.g. 23, 49, 72, 90, 92, 100, 102, 120-134, 145). Fourteen Psalm titles refer to
some historical event. Some of the historical references are clear and some are not so clear as
to the specific event or events referred to.
a. Psalm 3 has Absalom’s rebellion against David recorded in 2 Samuel 15-18 as the
history.
b. Psalm 7 possibly goes back to 1 Samuel 23:24-29 where Saul was chasing David in the
wilderness of Maon, but Saul had to turn back because the Philistines raided his own
land.
c. Psalm 18 is almost the same as 2 Samuel 22. David sings to the Lord because God
delivered him from Saul.
d. Psalm 34 goes with 1 Samuel 21:10-22:2. David escaped from Gath and went to the cave
of Adullam.
e. Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of confession after he admits his sin with Bathsheba to
Nathan recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12.
f. Psalm 52 has its history in 1 Samuel 22.9. Doeg told Saul that David went to Ahimelech,
the priest.
g. Psalm 54 goes with 1 Samuel 23:15-23. David was in Ziph and the Ziphites tried to
surrender him to Saul, but failed.
h. Psalm 56 has its history in 1 Samuel 21:10-15 where David went to Gath and acted like a
madman.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Page 98 of 212
i. Psalm 57, like Psalm 142, likely refers to 1 Samuel 22 and 1 Samuel 24. David hides in a
cave at Adullam and En Gedi.
j. Psalm 59 has 1 Samuel 19:11-17 in mind. Michal helped David escape from Saul.
k. Psalm 60 finds its history in 1 Chronicles 18:9-12 and 2 Samuel 8:8, and 13. David
defeated Hadadezer of Zobah, the Arameans, and the Edomites.
l. Psalm 63 may have its background in 2 Samuel 8:13 (David’s battles with the
Arameans), 2 Samuel 15:23 (Absalom rebellion), or 1 Samuel 22 and 23 (David’s
troubles while Saul pursued him).
m. Psalm 30 may have it background when David wrongly numbered the people, then
bought the threshing floor from Ornan the Jebusite and built an altar to the Lord on it as
recorded in 1 Chronicles 21 and 22.
n. Psalm 142, like Psalm 57, likely refers to 1 Samuel 22 and 1 Samuel 24. David hides in a
cave at Adullam and En Gedi.
The Psalms have technical names that identify the kind of psalm or that refer to some event
or use of the psalm.
a. Psalm (mizmor), 57 psalms, is a “song accompanied by the plucking of the strings of an
instrument.”
b. Song (shir), 12 psalms, means a song.
c. Maskil, 13 psalms, is a contemplative poem.
d. Miktam is in the heading of six psalms. The original meaning is unknown, but it was later
known as an epigram, an inscribed poem, or a poem with pithy sayings.
e. Prayers (tepillah), is used for five psalms and Habakkuk 3.
f. Praise (tehillah) heads Psalm 145.
g. A song of Ascents (Psalm 120-134) likely were psalms sung or used when Israel went up
to Jerusalem for her festivals (Exodus 23:17; Psalm 42:4; Isaiah 30:29). These could be
classified with the thanksgiving, praise, declaration psalms.
The numbering of the Psalms varies a little, with the Greek and the Vulgate slightly different
from the Hebrew. The English translations that depend more on the Greek and Latin differ
from the English translations that depend on the Hebrew text. For example, Psalm 131 in the
Greek text is Psalm 132 in the Hebrew and English.
The verse numbers also differ between the Greek and the Hebrew texts because the Hebrew
superscriptions or titles are not numbered in the Greek and English versions, and therefore
the Hebrew verse numbers will often be one or more numbers higher than the English or
Greek.
The Psalms have at least three text types—Massoretic Hebrew, Septuagint Greek which is
inferior to the Hebrew, and a text type found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (11QPsa ), also
inferior.
a. The Massoretic Text (MT) is the Hebrew text; it is the best text. This is the text of the
standard published Hebrew Bible.
b. The Septuagint text is the Greek text. This is inferior to the Hebrew text. It became the
basis for two of Jerome’s translations-revisions of the Old Latin Psalter. The Latin
Vulgate also follows the Greek text.
c. The Dead Sea Scrolls is the third major text type and demonstrates the accuracy of the
MT.
The Psalm headings (superscriptions) have notes that indicate author, music, director, and
instruments.
a. Ninety Psalms name their author, while 60 Psalms are anonymous.
i. Moses wrote Psalm 90.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 99 of 212
ii. David wrote 73 Psalms, mainly in Books I and II.
iii. Asaph wrote 12 Psalms: Psalm 50 and 73-83.
iv. Heman the Ezrahite wrote Psalm 88
v. Ethan the Ezrahite wrote Psalm 89.
vi. Solomon wrote Psalm 72 and 127.
b. Many of the Psalms have beginning notes to indicate the director or performer.
i. For the choir director in 55 Psalms (e.g. 4, 5, 6, 20, 22).
ii. For the sons of Korah were likely the musical performers (42, 44-49, 84, 87-88).
iii. Jeduthun, who was one of David’s music directors in 1 Chronicles 16.41 (39, 62, 77).
iv. Alamoth possibly means “maidens” or a song sung by female voices (46).
c. Some Psalms have beginning notes about the instruments. I have listed important ones.
i. Stringed instruments or instrument (4, 6, 54-55, 67, 76).
ii. Eight stringed lute, lyre, harp (6, 12).
iii. Flute (5).
iv. Gittith may mean wine song or an instrument from Gath (8, 81, 84).
d. Melody indicators are also placed in the superscription or heading and indicate “to the
tune of.”
i. To the lily or lilies, shoshannim (45, 60. 69. 80).
ii. To the doe of the morning, Aijeleth Hashshahar (22).
iii. To the silent dove of the distances, Jonath elem rehokim (56).
iv. Do not destroy, Al-tashheth, (57-59, 75).
v. The meanings of the tunes of 9, 53, and 88 are disputed. Psalm 9, Muth-labben means
the death of the son.
vi. One exception is Selah, which is found 71 times in the Psalms, but not in the heading.
It may be a pause to tell the worshippers to lift up their voices. It was an editorial
addition.
10. The Psalms were written with meter (rhythm) and parallelism. The meter has not been
determined with any confidence. Most scholars simply count the accented words or groups of
words to arrive at a meter. Parallelism in the Psalms is parallelism of expression or ideas.
Most parallelism refers to ideas within a verse. There are a number of kinds of parallelism.
a. Synonymous parallelism. The two consecutive lines are very close in thought or a term.
Examples include 1:2, 3:1, 7:17, 22:18, and 105:23.
b. Antithetical parallelism. The two consecutive lines contrast thought. Examples include
1:6 and 90:6.
c. Emblematic parallelism. One line is a truth and the other line pictures the truth or gives
an emblem clarifying the truth. Examples include 1:3, 23:1, 42:1, and 103:13.
d. Synthetic parallelism. Here the second line develops or expands the first line. Examples
include 1.1 and 95:3
e. Climactic parallelism. The first line makes a statement and the second line repeats the
statement and completes the thought. Psalm 29:1 and 96:7 are examples.
f. Alphabetic or acrostic Psalms. In these psalms each line begins with a letter of the
alphabet in order from aleph (the first Hebrew letter) to tav (the last Hebrew letter).
Psalm 119 has each section divided according to letter. For example, 119:1-8 is the aleph
section and each line begins with aleph. There are 22 sections corresponding to the 22
letters (sin and shin count as the same letter, so 22 sections, not 23) of the Hebrew
alphabet. This alphabetizing aids in memory. The acrostic psalms are 9-10 (taken
together), 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, and 145.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 100 of 212
11. There are different categories of psalms based upon their themes. The Chronicler wrote that
David appointed some Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to celebrate and to
thank and praise the Lord God of Israel (1 Chronicles 16:4). There are also different kinds of
Psalms. The classification varies with different scholars. This is a simplified classification.
As a note of caution regarding what are called messianic psalms, we must be careful not to
read into a psalm more than the author understood or meant. The NT author under inspiration
used psalms for his purpose, but this use was often different than the original author
understood.
a. Imprecatory psalm in which the author asks God (not man) to judge sin, condemn the
wicked, and show his righteousness (e.g. 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139).
b. Lament psalms, individual and national, in which a person or the nation asks God for
help during a failure, testing, or disaster (e.g. 3, 12, 13, 44, 85).
c. Messianic psalms, in which the psalmist speaks in some way of the coming messiah
(110). Messianic predictions are based in the hoped for ideal Davidic king. Some refer to
the historical scene at the time of writing but apparently also have a clouded reference to
the coming messiah. These do have historical reality, but the Messiah is the one through
whom the ideal Davidic ruler is completely realized (2, 22, 45, 72, 69, 132).
d. Penitential psalms, in which one confesses sin to God and desires forgiveness and
blessing (e.g. 6, 32, 51).
e. Royal psalms proclaim God the king (e.g. 2, 72, 93, 97, 99, 132).
f. Thanksgiving, praise, and declaration psalms (e.g. 19, 92, 103-106, 112, 113, 135, 136,
145-150).
Key Words and Phrases
There are many. I have selected some.
1. Anoint, anointed. = messiah. 12x. Noun mashiyach 10x, 2:2; 18:50; 20:6; 28:8; 84:9; 89:38;
89:51; 105:15; 132:10, 17. Verb mashach 2x, 45:7; 89:20. Psalm 23:5 is a different word.
2. Bless, blessed, blessing(s), 108x. 1:1; 5:12; 32:1
3. Enemy, 75x. 3:7; 23:5; 83:2; 92:9; 143:9.
4. God’s Power, 21x. 21:3; 54:1; 59:11; 62:11; 63:2; 78:26; 106:8; 145:6, 11.
5. Heart, 130x. 4:4, 7; 13:5; 14:1; 19:8; 40:8; 73:26; 111:1; 139:23.
6. Israel 62x. 14:7; 68:35; 78; 81; 98:3; 103:7; 105; 114:1-2; 135; 147.
7. King, 68x. 2:6; 5:2; 10:16; 47:7; 74:12; 145:1
8. Praise, 166x. 7:17; 9:11; 48:1; 69:34; 89:5; 113:1, 3; 148:13; 150:6 “halelu yah”
9. Prayer, 28x. 17:1; 54:2; 66:19; 102:17. Pray, 4x. 5:3; 32:6; 122:6.
10. Righteous, 66x. 7:11; 11:7; 19:9; 32:11; 68:3; 119:137; 148:8.
11. Salvation, 61x. Noun yeshu`ah Strongs 3444. 3:8; 9:14; 118:2. Noun Yesha` Strong 3468,
27:1; 51:12; 79:9; 95:1. Noun teshu`ah Strong 8668, 146:3.
12. Thanks, 52x. 9:1; 52:9; 100:4.
13. Trust, 47x. Verb batach Strong 982, 4:5; 9:10; 37:5; 44:6; 56:11; 115:11; 146:3. Noun
mibtach Strong 4009, 40:4.
14. Word, 87x. 12:6; 33:6; 56:4; 119:11; 119:50; 138:2. Also law 35x, testimony 31x, precepts
24x, commandment 41x, and judgments 29x as in Psalm 19.
15. Worship, 14x in NASB; 17x by Hebrew word chavah in the eshtaphal stem, to bow down, to
prostrate oneself, to worship. Strong’s 7812 says from shachah. New research based on the
Ugaritic language has corrected this. 5:7; 22:27; 29:2; 66:4; 72:11; 99:5, 9. Psalm 2:11 has
`bad, to serve.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 101 of 212
Key Doctrines with example Scripture
1. War against God and God’s people, 2; 59
2. Dispensation of Israel, 78; 114
3. Divine attributes, 19, 33, 139, and 145
4. Encouragement, 13, 23, and 31
5. Faith and rest, 37, 91
6. Fellowship with God, 27, 34, 40, 42,
7. Forgiveness, 32, 38, 86, and 51
8. God’s faithfulness, 23, 91
9. God’s word, 19 and 119
10. Messiah, 110
11. Praise, 145-150
12. Suffering, 22, 86
13. Worship, 66, 99
Lessons for Us Today
1. God is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer. He alone is unique. We ought to listen to God,
believe him, praise him, worship him, and serve him. Psalm 115
2. God is trustworthy and faithful to his word and to his people. We ought to trust him and
obey him. Psalm 91
3. God’s word is the truth. It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God, man, sin,
salvation, righteousness, blessing, and the future—about whatever is important. We ought to
study it, meditate in it, and delight in it. Psalm 119
4. Mankind sins. Sin has consequences—directly from God or simply from bad choices—and
God forgives. God disciplines his people to correct and to bless them, and to honor himself.
God also freely forgives sin. The psalms give case histories of sin, consequences of sin,
confession of sin, and forgiveness. We ought to listen to the psalms and experience the
forgiveness, blessing, comfort, refreshment. Psalm 51
5. God has created, chosen, blessed, and covenanted with Israel that they are his people and
they have a wonderful future through the Messiah. God will bless and rule the world through
Israel. We ought to bless Israel and pray for her restoration. Psalm 78
6. The world is at war with God and with God’s people, Israel and the Church. Satan leads his
forces against God, Israel, Jesus Christ, and the Church. The angelic conflict plays out
through God’s will verses man’s will, sin verses righteousness, grace verses works, Israel
verses anti-semitism, God’s Word and the biblical worldview verses human viewpoint or the
non-biblical worldview. The psalms clearly depict this constant warfare with the pitfalls,
defeats, sources of strength and encouragement, and the short term and long terms victories.
We ought to be informed, prepared, and fight with God’s power and God’s weapons. Psalm 2
7. The psalmist desires and seeks Fellowship with God. We find this scattered throughout the
Psalms. It is especially noted when sin has interrupted fellowship with God, when adversity
has struck and the psalmist longs for God’s fellowship or presence, and when the psalmist is
especially aware of God’s greatness. We also ought to desire close fellowship with God
every day of our lives—to live as friends of God. Psalm 42
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 102 of 212
Proverbs Briefing
Theme: God’s wisdom for living in God’s world
Tod Kennedy, April 24, 2005
Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and
instruction.”
Theme of Proverbs: God’s wisdom for living in God’s world
1. Think of someone who has seen and experienced much in his life—godly people and
ungodly people, hard workers and lazy people, those who think and plan ahead and those
who have no motivation and initiative, poverty and wealth, fame and dishonor, failure,
success, discouragement, those who listen, think, and learn, and those who care nothing
about learning, and everything in between. The OT book of Proverbs is the God-inspired
record or notebook of accumulated experiences with all kinds of people and in all kinds of
events.
2. A Proverb is a short, clear, and often picturesque statement of a truth, and this statement
takes the place of a long explanation. A Proverb is a recommendation of what works or what
will cause harm.
3. Proverbs that are statements of human action and inaction, of human attitudes and speech are
dependent upon man. These are not absolutes for every case, but they are true, all things
being equal.
4. A proverb that depends upon God is absolute if man meets the requirement. This kind of
proverb depends upon God’s nature and character, e.g. Proverbs 3:5-6.
5. Proverbs was written and compiled to provide general instructions and wise statements that
would promote godly living. We can summarize the purpose by saying that Proverbs
encourages clear thinking and right choices. The clear thinking begins with a “fear of the
Lord” or we might say a “believing reverence of the Lord.”
6. Wisdom, the central theme of Proverbs.
a. Wisdom refers to skill gained through 1) knowledge and understanding, plus 2)
experience gained from the application and use of that knowledge and understanding.
A wise person is a sensible person—one who lives skillfully because he has learned
right and wrong through learning, observation, and experience (e.g. Proverbs 1:2, 7;
2:2, 6, 7, 10; 3:13; 8:11).
b. The word wisdom, chokmah ‫ ָח ְכ ָמה‬, is found 42 times in Proverbs.
i. Read each of the 42 wisdom (chokmah) verses in Proverbs.
ii. Read through selected wisdom (chokmah) verses in the Old Testament.
c. True wisdom begins with right relationship with God. The sequence is fear of the
Lord  instruction, knowledge, instruction for wisdom wisdom. The fear of the
Lord is a learned volitional faith following of the Lord. Practically, all of this means
that one has a right relationship with the Lord—a faith motivated biblical reverence
and receptiveness to the Lord and his word. From there one gains a desire to know the
Lord better by believing him, by learning from him and about him, and by faith
obeying him. Instruction, knowledge, and wisdom result.
i. Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord (yira’th yehovah ‫ )י ְִר ַא֣ת ֭ י ְהוָה‬is the
beginning of knowledge. Fools dispise wisdom (chokmah) and
instruction.” Beginning is re’shith ‫ ֵראשִׁ ית‬first, beginning, best.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 103 of 212
ii. Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
(chokmah).” Beginning is techilah ‫תְּ ִחלָּה‬, beginning point of time, at the
start, first time in a sequence). Compare this with Proverbs 2:1-6.
iii. Proverbs 15:33, “The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom
(chokmah).”
d. Proverbs gives some spiritual requirements for gaining wisdom (chokmah):
i. A strong desire (free will choice, volition) to gain wisdom (Proverbs 1:29;
2:2)
ii. Diligence (Proverbs 8:17, 2:4-5)
iii. Humility (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33)
iv. Reverence (Proverbs 9:10)
v. Teachableness (Proverbs 9:9, 15:31, 19:20, 27)
vi. Uprightness (Proverbs 2:7)
e. One with wisdom will then be able to make right decisions—decisions for honoring
and serving the Lord and living God’s way in God’s world. We will see some of these
right and wrong decisions in the book of Proverbs. A few examples:
i. Work hard or be lazy (Proverbs 6:6-8)
ii. Quarrel or listen to those wiser (Proverbs 18:1-2)
iii. Live a life of integrity or foul speech and foolish (Proverbs 19:1)
iv. Know when to talk and what to say (Proverbs 10:19-21).
v. Say no to the wrong crowd (Proverbs 4:14-16)
Author
1. Solomon (r. 971-931 BC) is the author of most of the Proverbs. The indications of his
authorship are noted in Proverbs 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. Note that King Hezekiah’s scribes
copied Proverbs 25-29 for inclusion in the canon (Proverbs 25:1). He was therefore the likely
author of all the included material from Proverbs 1-29.
2. Solomon was famous for his wisdom (1 Kings 3:12; 4:30-31). God gave him a “wise and
discerning heart” so that he was wiser than those who preceded him and those who followed
him.
3. Agur wrote Proverbs 30 (Proverbs 30:1).
4. King Lemuel wrote Proverbs 31:1-9 (Proverbs 31:1), and Lemuel or an unknown author
wrote the acrostic on the capable woman (Proverbs 31:10-31).
History and organization
1. Though Solomon was the wisest of all men, Israel was not the only nation to have wise men
or sages. Egypt (Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11; Isaiah 19:11-12), Edom (Obediah 8), and
Babylon (Jeremiah 50:35; 51:57; Daniel 1:20; 2:13-14; and 5:8) had their wise men.
a. One good source to see comparisons between the ancient near eastern texts and
the Bible wisdom literature is The Ancient Near East, An Anthology of Texts and
Pictures, edited by James B. Pritchard, Princeton University Press, 1958.
b. “In Egypt’s and Babylon’s wisdom literature several works are collections of
proverbs or include at least some proverbial sayings. Examples from Egypt are
The Instruction of the Vizier Ptah-Hotep (ca. 2450 b.c.), with advice on how to be
a successful state official; The Instruction of Amen-em-Het (ca. 2000 b.c.), a
father’s words to his son about how people he had favored disappointed him; The
Instruction of Amen-em-Ope (ca. 1300-900 b.c.), a king’s teachings to his son
about life, using some words similar to those in Proverbs (e.g., “Listen, my son,”
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 104 of 212
“path of life,” “the way”). The fact that some sayings in The Instruction of Amenem-Ope parallel parts of Proverbs (e.g., Prov. 22:17-24:22) has raised the question
of whether Proverbs borrowed from this Egyptian writing, or the Egyptian writer
borrowed from Proverbs, or whether both wrote independently about common
concerns. On this question see the comments on 22:17-24:22.
c. Samples of Babylonian wisdom literature that include proverbs are Counsels of
Wisdom (ca. 1500-1000 b.c.), Akkadian Proverbs (ca. 1800-1600 b.c.), and The
Words of Aḥiqar (700-400 b.c.).” (Walvoord, J. F., R. B. Zuck, & Dallas
Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985. Page 904.)
2. The Proverbs were organized according to author: Solomon, Agur, Lemuel, and an unknown
author if Proverbs 31:10-31 were written by someone other than Lemuel.
3. The Proverbs, like Psalms, were written in Hebrew poetry with meter (rhythm) and
parallelism. The meter has not been determined with any confidence. Most scholars simply
count the accented words or groups of words to arrive at a meter. Parallelism in Proverbs is
parallelism of expression or ideas. Most parallelism refers to ideas within a verse. There are a
number of kinds of parallelism.
a. Synonymous parallelism. The two consecutive lines are very close in thought or a
term. Examples include 1:2; 2:11; 30:2.
b. Antithetical parallelism. The two consecutive lines contrast thought. Examples are
10:1; 11:1; 13:5; 14:29.
c. Emblematic parallelism. One line is a truth and the other line pictures the truth or
gives an emblem clarifying the truth. An example is 10:26; 25:12; 28:15.
d. Synthetic parallelism. Here the second line develops or expands the first line. An
example is 6:12; 15:3; 16:8; 28:17.
e. Climactic parallelism. The first line makes a statement and the second line repeats
the statement and completes the thought.
f. Alphabetic or acrostic parallelism. In these each line begins with a consecutive
letter of the alphabet in order from aleph (the first Hebrew letter) to tav (the last
Hebrew letter). Proverbs 31:10-31, the efficient woman, is written in acrostic
style.
Key Verses
Proverbs 1:7. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and
instruction.”
Proverbs 9:10. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Proverbs 15:33. “The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom.”
Overview outline of Proverbs
1. Proverbs of Solomon about wisdom, Proverbs 1-9.
2. Proverbs of Solomon about right living, Proverbs 10-24.
3. Proverbs of Solomon about relationships, Proverbs 25-29.
4. Proverbs of Agur, Proverbs 30.
5. Proverbs of Lemuel, Proverbs 31.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 105 of 212
Chapter Titles. The nature of Proverbs makes it difficult to give a summary chapter title to each
chapter. With each reading one can find a different title. Below are suggestions from each
chapter to start the student.
1. Proverbs of Solomon about wisdom, Proverbs 1-9.
Chapter 1. Beginning of knowledge, Proverbs 1:7.
Chapter 2, Deliver from evil, Proverbs 2:12, 14.
Chapter 3, Trust, fear, honor, accept the Lord, Proverbs 3:5, 7, 9, 12.
Chapter 4, Beginning of wisdom, Proverbs 4:1, 5, 7, 11.
Chapter 5, Reject the adulteress, Proverbs 5:3, 8, 20.
Chapter 6, Cosigner, sluggard, adulteress, Proverbs 6:1, 6, 24.
Chapter 7, The adulteress and the ox, Proverbs 7:5, 10, 22.
Chapter 8, Wisdom better than all, Proverbs 8:1, 5, 11, 12, 14.
Chapter 9, Wisdom calls, Proverbs 9:1, 10.
2. Proverbs of Solomon about right living, Proverbs 10-24.
Chapter 10, Wise and foolish, Proverbs 10:1, 14.
Chapter 11, Righteous and wicked, Proverbs 11:5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 18, 23, 31.
Chapter 12, Righteous and wicked, Proverbs 12:3, 5.
Chapter 13, The mouth, wealth, and poverty, Proverbs 13:2, 8, 23
Chapter 14, The wise, sensible, and evil, Proverbs 14:1, 8, 15.
Chapter 15, The tongue, Proverbs 15:1-4, 7, 14, and the heart, 13-15.
Chapter 16, Plans and motives, Proverbs 16:1-4, 9, 23.
Chapter 17, Tranquility and strife, Proverbs 17:1-2, 13, 19; the tongue, 7, 27, 28.
Chapter 18, Fools, wise, and humble, Proverbs 18:1-2, 6-7, 12, 15.
Chapter 19, Integrity, knowledge, poor, scoffers, Proverbs 19:1-2, 4, 7, 17, 22, 25, 29.
Chapter 20, Wine, king, sluggard, plans, gossip, Proverbs 1, 2, 4, 5, 18, 19.
Chapter 21, The king’s heart, man’s ways, contentious woman, tongue, Proverbs 21:1, 2,
9, 19, 23, 28.
Chapter 22: a good name, humility, train a child, trust in the Lord, do not…,
Proverbs 22:1, 3, 6, 19, 22.
Chapter 23: consider carefully, envy, heavy drinkers, harlot, Proverbs 23:1, 17, 20, 27.
Chapter 24: evil men, wise men, partiality, the sluggard, Proverbs 24:1, 5, 23, 30.
3. Proverbs of Solomon about relationships, Proverbs 25-29.
Chapter 25: kings, neighbors, enemies, Proverbs 25:2, 8, 21.
Chapter 26: the fool, the sluggard, and the meddler, Proverbs 25:1, 13, 17.
Chapter 27: the boaster, a friend, a prudent, the naïve, the shepherd, Proverbs 26:2, 6, 12,
23.
Chapter 28: the wicked, righteous, poor, rich, faithful and fool, Proverbs 28:1, 3, 6, 11,
25, 26.
Chapter 29: the righteous, wicked, wise, rod and reproof, slaves, Proverbs 29:2, 9, 15, 19.
Chapter 30: Agur’s wise and witty sayings.
Chapter 31: King Lemuel’s lessons; the capable woman.
Trace the Theme
The theme can best be traced by thoughtful reading through Proverbs. The authors unveil
inspired wisdom line upon line through the course of their writings. At times, certain sections
emphasize certain topics. For example, Proverbs 1:1-19 contain Solomon’s instructions to his
son; chapter 30 contains wisdom penned through witty sayings; Chapter 31 has advice for a king
and characteristics of the wise and excellent woman.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 106 of 212
Key People
1. King Solomon wrote most of the Proverbs. Solomon was David’s son. His mother was
Bathsheba. The Davidic Covenant went from David to Solomon. David told Solomon to
build the temple; and David challenged him to know and serve God, to be strong and
courageous, to be fearless, and to complete his task because God will be with him (1
Chronicles 22, 23, 28, 29). Solomon achieved great successes and great failures. He wrote
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. He finally realized that the only way to live
was to “fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
2. Agur, the son of Jakeh, is unknown (30:1)
3. Lemuel, the king. Rabbinic commentators say he is Solomon, others identify him with
Hezekiah, and some say with a petty Arabian prince (31:1-9).
Key Words and Phrases for further study
1. Adulteress. 7X Strong’s 5237 (e.g. 2:15; 5:3; 5:20). Adultery, verb, 1X, Strong’s 5003
(6:32). Adulterous, verb, 3X, Strong’s 5003 (e.g. 23:27; 27:13; 30:20). Other English words
in context with same or similar meaning are stranger 2X, strange 1X, foreigner 2X. Total
used 16X.
2. Discipline, instruction, punishment. 30X Strong’s 4148 (e.g. 3:11; 12:1; 13:1; 19:18; 23:1213).
3. Faithful. 4X Strong’s 530 (13:17; 25:13; 27:6; 28:20)
4. Father. 26X Strong’s 1 (1:8; 3:12; 13:1)
5. Fear of the Lord. 18X Strong’s 3374 (1:7, 29; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:2, 26–27; 15:16,
33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 24:21; 31:30).
6. Heart. 72X Strong’s 3820 (2:2; 3:1; 3:5; 6:18; 10:8; 10:20; 14:30; 16:23; 28:26).
7. Humble, Humility. 7X, Strong’s many #s (6:3; 11:2; 15:33; 18:12; 22:4).
8. Knowledge. 40X Strong’s 1847 (1:7; 2:6; 9:10; 13;16; 15:14; 24:5).
9. Mother. 14X Strong’s 517 (1:8; 6:20; 22:20; 29:15; 30:17).
10. Mouth. 48X Strong’s 6310 (2:6; 4:24; 6:2; 10:31; 18:7); Lips 35X Strong’s 8193 (7:21;
10:32; 15:7; 18:6; 24:28; 27:2).
11. Pride, Proud. 10X, Strong’s many #s (8:13; 11:2; 29:23; 15:25; 16:5; 21:24).
12. Proverb. 6X, Strong’s 4912 (1:1, 6; 10:1; 25:1; 26:7, 9).
13. Sin. 8X Strong’s 2403, 2398, 817 (5:22; 8:36 14:34; 24:9).
14. Son. 55X Strong’s 1121 (1:1, 10; 15:20).
15. Speech. 6X Strong’s 8193 (4:24; 5:3; 19:1).
16. Trust. 9X Strong’s 982 (3:5; 11:28; 16:20; 22:19; 28:25, 26; 29:25; 31:11).
17. Understanding. 59X Strong’s 995, 998, 8394 (1:2; 2:2; 9:6; 13:15; 28:5; 28:16).
18. Wisdom. 48X, Strong’s 2451 (1:2, 7, 20; 2:2, 6, 7, 10; 3:13, 19, 21; 14:33; 15:33; 24:14;
31:26).
19. Woman. 17X Strong’s 802 (2:16; 6:32; 11:16; 11:22; 27:15; 31:30).
20. Work. 13X Strong’s 4399, 4639, 5998 (10:4; 16:3; 18:9; 24:27).
Key Doctrines
1. Avoid sexual immorality
2. Character—good and bad
3. Fear of the Lord
4. God’s Wisdom
5. Learn and use God’s word
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 107 of 212
6. Learning from Parents
7. Parenting
8. Speech and sins of the tongue
9. Work
10. Capable woman
Lessons for Us Today
1. Successful life begins and progresses with a right relationship with God, called in Proverbs
fear of the Lord. Because mankind was created in God’s image, nothing else will bring the
temporal and eternal honor to God and satisfaction to mankind.
2. Learn God’s word and use God’s word and you will gain wisdom for successful living in
God’s world.
3. The organized life is one centered on God and God’s word. Proverbs repeatedly urges a
person to prepare for one’s life, to organize one’s life, to diligently pursue life, and do one’s
best.
4. Parents are responsible to properly teach, to instill good character, and to train their
children—about God, treating other people with respect and manners, morality, working hard
at whatever one does, proper use of the tongue, avoiding the wrong people, and many others.
5. A wife and mother has great responsibility and wonderful opportunities to bless others, both
in and out of the home.
6. Children and youth: respect, listen to, and learn from your parents.
7. Reject sexual immorality. The effects are devastating.
8. Watch what we say. Speech can help or hurt, build up or destroy.
9. Most of life is common sense. Do we use common sense?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 108 of 212
Ecclesiastes Bible Walk
Theme: Man, alone, cannot figure out life
Or, Right relationship with God is the only answer
Tod Kennedy, May 22, 2005
Key Verses
Ecclesiastes 1:2, “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His
commandments, because this applies to every person.”
1. Fearing God was the attitude of Abraham (Genesis 22:12), Job (Job 1:1, 8, 9; 2:3), and the
Egyptian midwives (Exodus 1:17, 21). God commanded his people to learn his word and to
fear him (Deuteronomy 17:19; 31:13). Fearing God or fearing the Lord is not dread of God,
but a believing reverential awe and respect and it produces obedience.
Theme
Man alone cannot figure out life.
1. Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s notebook prepared from what he discovered about himself, a
person who had intelligence, wealth, honor, and success and yet lived out of fellowship with
God for a time—he tried to live without God. Ecclesiastes, then, is wisdom literature—
Solomon’s wisdom gained in his life and written as poetry.
2. It is Solomon’s own story, the record of a very wise man viewing life without God and God’s
revelation as his guide; he goes through life apart from God’s viewpoint. Furthermore, this
wise man recognizes that life is very fleeting, and that man must make the best of what he
has.
3. Solomon demonstrates from his observations that life lived without God as the central person
and God’s word as the controlling viewpoint has no satisfactory answers or lasting meaning.
Another way to express this is that even if one has everything life can offer, he still cannot
understand life and find satisfying answers and lasting meaning.
4. Remember that Solomon speaks as a “man in the street” apart from God’s revelation. His
human conclusions are simply human viewpoint, but he comes to realize again the
purposelessness and hopelessness of man living apart from God’s revelation. God is
necessary because he is the creator and because he is the source of absolute knowledge for
living.
5. He concludes that only relationship and fellowship with God—Solomon calls this “fear God
and keep his commandments”—provides the satisfactory and lasting answers.
Author
The author is Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1.1; 1.12; 1.16; 2.4-9).
1. “The preacher” (qohelet, a speaker in an assembly, Ecclesiastes 1.1-2, 12; 7.27; 12.8-10) is
the title that characterizes Solomon as the one who collects wise sayings and preaches them
(1 Kings 4:32). The assembly in this contest refers to the entire covenant community of
Israel.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 109 of 212
2. His purpose was to leave a Biblical (divine viewpoint) legacy so that believers know what is
most important in life, and what is of lesser importance. If you confuse the priorities, then
you will confuse your life (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14).
History
1. Solomon was the last king over Israel before the civil war and division into the northern
kingdom, Israel, and the southern kingdom, Judah.
2. This was a time of Israel’s expansion of wealth, prestige, and power. Some have said that the
glories of Solomon’s kingdom were romantic and exaggerated. Such was not the case;
research has shown that surrounding kingdoms were in decline and that the Israel of
Solomon’s time was indeed a great kingdom just as the Bible depicts (1 Kings 3-11;
Matthew 6:29; 12:42).
Overview Outline
1. The problem: Our fleeting life is meaningless without God, Chapters 1-2.
2. Man’s attempt to understand life, Chapters 3-11.
3. The answer: Fear God and keep his commandments, Chapter 12
Chapter Titles
1. The problem: Our fleeting life is meaningless without God, Chapters 1-2.
a. Chapter 1: Life is empty when based upon human wisdom.
b. Chapter 2: Life is empty when based upon pleasure and hard work.
2. Man’s attempt to understand life, Chapters 3-11.
a. Chapter 3: There is a time for everything. Do what you can with your time.
b. Chapter 4: Oppression, rivalry, wealth, people.
c. Chapter 5: Religious ritual, power and wealth, eat, drink, enjoy.
d. Chapter 6: Wealth, children, long life, wisdom, words.
e. Chapter 7: Wise sayings, excess, man cannot master wisdom, women.
f. Chapter 8: Man’s wisdom has limitations.
g. Chapter 9: Everything is in God’s hand, so live fully.
h. Chapter 10: Wisdom and foolishness: wisdom is better.
i. Chapter 11: Live, rejoice, do not worry.
3. The answer, Chapter 12
a. Fear God and keep his commandments, Chapter 12
Key People
Solomon, this book is autobiographical.
1. Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 5.14; 12.24) and became the third
king of Israel, 971-931 BC (1 Kings 1.28-31).
2. He asked God for wisdom to rule the nation; God granted his request (1 Kings 3.5ff; 4.29ff;
Proverbs 10-22, 25-29, Psalms 72 and 127).
3. His most noteworthy accomplishment was the construction and dedication of Yahweh’s
temple as predicted by God through Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 8).
4. God warned him about spiritual failure, and Solomon surely failed (1 Kings 9 and 11). God
also gave him great prosperity (1 Kings 10.23-29), but he lost this through spiritual failure.
He finally recovered from spiritual failure when he was in old age (1 Kings 11.41-43).
5. Solomon was established as king (1 Kings 2.12) in 970 BC. He brought Israel to her greatest
fame and wealth; yet at his death the kingdom tore itself into two because he allowed details
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 110 of 212
of life (his were mainly wealth and foreign wives) to control him, resulting in spiritual
failure. Judah and Israel and their kings that followed Solomon were characterized by
revolution, bloodshed, and paganism and idolatry.
6. Solomon was not a warrior like his father, and he did not need to be. He faced no serious
threat from external enemies, though he was harassed by Edom and Syria; nor did he have to
enlarge his nation. His job was to consolidate and hold the nation together. Solomon
concentrated on forming alliances, and he did this by marrying foreign nobility, hence his
large harem (1 Kings 11.1-8). Tyre was his most important alliance (1 Kings 5.1-12).
7. Though not a warrior, he did establish military bases to protect his territory (1 Kings 9.1522), and developed a chariot corp in his army (10.26). He developed his industry and
international trade (1 Kings 10.1-15, 28). The highpoint of his construction was the temple
(1 Kings 7), though he built many other sites. Solomon wrote enduring literature: Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon (1 Kings 4.29-34; 11.41).
8. But Solomon’s reign also brought extensive bureaucracy (1 Kings 9.23), high state
expenditures, and repressive taxes (1 Kings 12.1-7). In his personal life, he went through a
period when he chose details of life (wealth, foreign wives, and pagan religion) over the Lord
and because of that the Lord tore his kingdom apart after his death (1 Kings 11.1-13).
9. Solomon brought Israel to her greatest fame and wealth; yet at his death the kingdom tore
itself into two because of evil kings, idolatry, and bloodshed. At the end of his life Solomon
wrote Ecclesiastes. In that book he recorded for posterity that details of life did not give him
satisfaction.
10. He finally wrote his conclusion about life: “fear God and keep his commandments”
(Ecclesiastes 12.13).
11. So what does Solomon teach us?
a. Famous parents do not ensure that the children will always walk with the Lord.
David was Solomon’s father.
b. Children from parents who have walked closely with the Lord may turn from God
to details of life and idolatry. David, Solomon’s father, was a man close to the
Lord; he was Israel’s greatest king; he even wrote inspired Scripture.
c. Fame, fortune, and people can turn believers away from the Lord. These are
constant sources of temptation.
d. Happiness does not come with having things, fame, wealth, learning, or power.
Happiness comes from right relationship with God.
e. Because God created man in his image, both unbelievers and carnal believers (a
NT term for living by the sinful nature) can observe history and record correct
principles about life. Solomon observed the realities of history and life. He was
able to evaluate and make choices.
f. Mankind has volition. Even though a person has Bible knowledge and wisdom, he
still has a sinful nature and is still vulnerable to spiritual failure. Each believer
needs to learn the word, live by faith and in fellowship and by Holy Spirit, and
make good faith based decisions. Solomon summarizes this in Old Testament
terms by “fear God and keep his commandments.”
Key Words and Phrases
1. Fear God or fear him 7X in NASB. Strong’s #3372 (3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12, 13; 12:13).
2. Futility. 11X in NASB. Strong’s 1892 (2:1, 17; 6:4, 9, 11; 7:6, 15; 8:10, 14; 11:8).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 111 of 212
3. God, Elohim. 40X in the NASB. We see that Solomon was quite aware of God throughout
his life and the book. He just had pushed God and his word away. Note that neither Lord nor
LORD is not found in Ecclesiastes.
4. Happy, Merry, Pleasant, Rejoice. Various Hebrew words. (3:12, 22; 4:16; 5:19; 8:15; 9:7l
10:19; 11:8-9).
5. Pleasure. 7X in NASB. Strong’s #8057 (2:1, 2, 8, 10; 4:8, 7:4; 8:15).
6. Striving after wind. 9X in NASB. (1:14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9).
7. Time. 41X in NASB. (3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 17; 7:17l 8:5, 6, 8; 9:8. 11, 12; 10:17).
8. Vanity. So translated 22X in NASB Ecclesiastes (1:2, 14; 2:11, 15, 19, 21, 23, 26; 3:19; 4:4,
7, 8, 16; 5:10; 6:2; 12:8). The Hebrew word ( ‫ ֶהבֶל‬hebel) generally means indicates vapor,
breath, vanity, and emptiness. It occurs 36 times in Ecclesiastes.
9. Wisdom. 27X in NASB. Strong’s #2451 chokmah (1:13; 2:9, 21; 7:11; 8:1; 9:18; 10:10).
Trace the Theme
1. The theme of Ecclesiastes is developed from chapter to chapter. Each human acquisition of
material wealth, every human success, all his thinking and study, every new philosophy of
life—whatever he examined and experimented with came up short of giving him lasting
meaning and happiness in life.
2. Ecclesiastes begins with a prologue that says that all physical creation goes on generation
after generation in monotonous unending cycles (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11). The epilogue provides
the answers: only special revelation provides the key to unlock the mysteries, meaning, and
purpose of life (Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14).
3. In between the prologue and epilogue, Solomon experiments and observes life, and he does
so without considering special revelation from God (Ecclesiastes 1:12-11:8). Among his
experiments and observations he includes wisdom (1), pleasure (2), human accomplishments
(2), time (3), oppression (4), work (4), political power (5), religion (5), wealth (5-6), and
human advice laced with cynicism and fatalism (7-11).
4. Examples of the theme traced: hedonism and materialism do not work (2) fatalism does not
work (Ecclesiastes 3:14-21); pessimism does not work (Ecclesiastes 4:1-3); wealth does not
work (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2); intellectualism does not work (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17); and others
indicate the same thing. Only right relationship with God and God’s word answer life’s
questions and give meaning and satisfaction to one’s life.
Key Doctrines
1. Man was created in God’s image to live in relationship with God and God’s word. Life
without God and God’s revelation is incomplete, empty, and indefinite. The entire book of
Ecclesiastes drives this point home to us.
2. Fear God, called fear of the Lord in other Scripture is the learned volitional faith commitment
to God. It is the same as Occupation with Christ. Live for the Lord from your soul
(Deuteronomy 6:2; 31.11-13; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 15; 7:1; Colossians 3:23;
Ephesians 6:7).
3. Keep His commandments. The Word of God ought to influence what you think and what you
do. Today the church is the primary place for Bible instruction. In the Old Testament times
people assembled to listen to the prophets and priests teach the Word of God. But, as
Solomon realized, when a person learns about God, what he learns should influence him
(Ephesians 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:7, 17; Titus 2:15; Deuteronomy 32:46-47; Psalm 19:7-14;
James 1:1-23; 2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:23).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 112 of 212
Lessons for Us Today
1. God is infinite and therefore his wisdom and his acts are infinite; God’s word is the product
of his perfect character and infiniteness. Mankind, on the other hand, is limited and therefore
his wisdom is limited, his knowledge of life is limited, and his acts are limited.
2. Man, alone, cannot figure out life. Human knowledge, human wisdom, human
accomplishments, and human relationships by themselves cannot make sense out of life.
Neither, money, learning, wisdom, wealth, possessions, reputation, or family can give
permanent meaning, accomplishment, and happiness to life without relationship and
fellowship with God and God’s word.
3. God had to reveal himself and his thoughts to mankind through his word and through his Son
so that man can know about God, know how to have relationship and fellowship with God,
and know how to serve God.
4. Start early in life: relationship with God; fellowship with God; learn and apply God’s word;
Christian service.
5. Therefore to fear God and his word is the right, the smart, the practical thing to do.
6. Therefore, as Solomon concluded, we should enjoy our fleeting life while we can, but the
only right and best way is to do so is to have a right relationship with God and his word and
to grow in that relationship.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 113 of 212
Song of Solomon Bible Walk
Theme: Romantic love in courtship and marriage
Tod Kennedy, July 31, 2005
Key Verses
Song of Solomon 5:16: “This is my beloved (Hebrew ‫ דּ ֹוד‬dod) and this is my friend (Hebrew ‫ֵר ַע‬
rea`).”
Song of Solomon 8:6-7: “Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love
(Hebrew ‫‘ אַ ֲהבָה‬ahabah) is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are
flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. 7 “Many waters cannot quench love (Hebrew ‫אַ ֲהבָה‬
‘ahabah), Nor will rivers overflow it; If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love
(Hebrew ‫‘ אַ ֲהבָה‬ahabah), It would be utterly despised.”
Author is Solomon (Song of Solomon 1:1, 5; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11-12). Furthermore, other evidence
indicates that Solomon is the author.
1. Solomon wrote 1005 songs (1 Kings 4:32).
2. He is the king (1:4, 12; 3:9, 11; 7:5).
3. He has luxury and commercial success (3:6-11; 6:12).
4. He has many queens and concubines (6:8). At this time in his story these queens and
concubines were likely political dressing for his kingdom. This would change.
5. He has knowledge of plants and animals (Solomon in 1 Kings 4:32-33, with 21 species of
plants and 15 species of animals mentioned in SONG OF SOLOMON).
6. The song gives indication of one intact Jewish kingdom when it mentions Tirzah, the
northern capital, and Jerusalem, the southern capital (6:4).
7. The song mentions 15 geographic locations from north to south, and this is compatible with
Solomon’s kingdom and his international relations. For example, Kedar (1:5); Egypt (1:9);
Sharon (2:1); Jerusalem (2:7); Lebanon (3:9); Heshbon (7:4); Damascus (7:4); and others.
Interpretation of Song of Solomon goes in several directions.
1. There are three main wrong interpretations of this book.
2. Allegory in which hidden spiritual truths. For example, God’s love is taught for Israel or the
Church; the dark skin of the Shulamite refers to the blackness of sin in the church; the beauty
of the bride teaches about the Church’s beauty after conversion; cooing doves refers to the
apostles preaching; and the vineyard of 5:1 refers to the Lord’s Supper. This, of course, is
subjective and silly.
3. Typical in which Solomon pictures Christ and the Shulamite pictures the Church—wrong. It
is true that Christ loves the church, but there is no basis in the Bible for saying that is what
the Song of Solomon is about.
4. Drama—but drama as such was not used by Israel; and it is difficult to divide up the acts and
scenes.
5. The normal or literal view is correct. It understands The Song of Solomon as an
autobiographical lyric poem that describes the romantic courtship and marriage between
King Solomon and the Shulamite woman. A lyric poem is a subjective story song often
accompanied by music. The song is about human love between a man and a woman who
become husband and wife.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 114 of 212
6. Some understand the story to have three main characters: Solomon, the Shulamite, and a
shepherd. The shepherd is the true love of the woman, and Solomon is cast as the villain
trying to lure here from him. But, there is nothing in the text of Song of Solomon that
identifies another man pursuing the Shulamite woman.
7. The best interpretation understands the story to have two characters: Solomon and the
Shulamite woman.
History. See studies of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes for information about
Solomon.
1. Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba and the last king over Israel before the civil
war and division into the northern kingdom, Israel, and the southern kingdom, Judah.
2. He had three clear periods in his life. They are not equal in time and do not exactly
coordinate with young, middle, and old age.
3. In the early period of his life he walked with the Lord, built the temple, and wrote the
proverbs. Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule the nation; God granted his request.
Solomon became a successful, prosperous, famous, and godly king. He brought Israel wealth,
prestige, and power (1 Kings 3.5ff; 4.29ff; 10.23-29; Proverbs 10-22, 25-29, Psalms 72 and
127). His most noteworthy accomplishment was the construction and dedication of Yahweh’s
temple as predicted by God through Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 8). During this time, God
promised Solomon blessing and success if he would follow Him. He also warned him of the
terrible consequences of rejecting God and God’s word (1 Kings 9:1-9). This appears to be
the time of the events recorded in Song of Solomon. The events would best fit before
Solomon became estranged from the Lord by his allegiance to his pagan wives and
concubines. One can compare Song of Solomon 6:8-9 with Ecclesiastes 9:9 and 1 Kings
11:1-4. This romance, then, took place earlier in Solomon’s reign: after he had completed the
temple and before he “loved many foreign woman” of 1 Kings 11:1. The events most likely
took place sometime during 1 Kings 9 and 10.
4. In the middle period of his life, when Solomon was getting old (1 Kings 11:4), he rejected
the Lord and his word. His many pagan wives and concubines, and his great success turned
him away from the Lord. He lost his purpose for living, his meaning for life, and his
happiness (1 Kings 11). Apparently, the Shulamite woman was displaced in his affections
during this time. Ecclesiastes is his look back at this period. Ecclesiastes 9:9 may refer to the
Shulamite woman and he recognizes all that he lost by turning to other people and things and
away from her during this middle period of his life.
5. In his later old age, the third period of his life, he realized his disobedience and failure to
obey God’s word and walk in fellowship with God. He returned to fellowship with the Lord
and later wrote the story of his spiritual failure, his spiritual recovery, and the lessons he
learned in his book, Ecclesiastes.
Theme
Romantic love in courtship and marriage. The Song’s theme is the romantic love between one
man and one woman during courtship and marriage. The emphasis is the physical, emotional,
and sexual attraction. God has placed these attractions and desires in man and woman to be a
source of blessing to each other. Note that children are not mentioned at all, and so we learn that
producing children are not the only reason for romantic love and sex between the man and
woman. What Solomon does not mention, and very likely an important reason that this romance
seems to eventually lose its luster, is the soul relationship, the genuine friendship love (rea’),
between him and the Shulamite. This relationship is based upon the recognition of and then the
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 115 of 212
developing and sharing of thinking, interests, work, ideals, and purpose in life—the real likeness
or compatibility factor—without which sex is simply the window dressing. Furthermore, the
commitment love based upon his strength of character which strengthens and protects a
relationship seems to be lacking. The result, not seen in this poem, is that Solomon seems to have
harmed and likely lost this wonderful romantic love with the Shulamite sometime future to the
story.
Overview Outline
1. Solomon’s courtship of the Shulamite woman, Song of Solomon 1.1-3:5.
2. Solomon and the Shulamite’s wedding, Song of Solomon 3:6-5:1.
3. Solomon and the Shulamite’s married life, Song of Solomon 5:2-8:4.
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1, Romantic beginnings
2. Chapter 2, Growth of the romance
3. Chapter 3, The wedding
4. Chapter 4, The wedding night
5. Chapter 5, Apathy in the marriage
6. Chapter 6, Restoration of closeness
7. Chapter 7, Mutual affection
8. Chapter 8, The strength of love
Trace the Theme
The theme can be traced by following the chapter titles. The emphasis is on romantic love
(Hebrew Dod) over both friendship love (Hebrew rea`) and committed love based upon
relationship (‘ahabah), therefore Solomon’s love for the Shulamite did not stand the tests that
came. He apparently lost her or so damaged the relationship that it was never recovered.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 seems to indicate this, if as it seems likely, he was referring to the Shulamite
woman.
Key People
1. Solomon, 6X (Song of Solomon 1:5; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11, 12), the son of David and Bathsheba
(2 Samuel 5.14; 12:24) and the third king of Israel, 971-931 BC (1 Kings 1:28-31). You can
refer to previous studies on Solomon.
2. The Shulamite woman (Song of Solomon 6:13). We do not know who she was or here home
town. Some think that she was Abishag the Shunammite of 1 Kings 1:3-8. There is no strong
textual indication. We do know that she was beautiful young woman who was attracted to
King Solomon (Song of Solomon 1:16) and he to her (Song of Solomon 1:15). She is only
named in 6:13. She worked outside in her family’s vineyards (Song of Solomon 1:6),
apparently was from a different social class than Solomon.
3. The Daughters of Jerusalem, 7X (Song of Solomon 1:5; 2:7; 3:5, 10; 5:8, 16; 8:4). They are
friends of the Shulamite and her attendants.
Key Words and Phrases
1. Love (Hebrew ‫ דּ ֹוד‬dod), 39X, Strong’s #1730, love and beloved of romantic affection, also
uncle; here means romantic love. (Song of Solomon 1:2, 4, 13, 14, 16; 2:16; 4:10; 5:16; 6:1;
7:11; 8:5, 14.)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 116 of 212
2. Love (Hebrew ‫‘ אַ ֲהבָה‬ahabah), 11X, Strong’s #160, love or strong affection based on
relationship; can be family, friend, covenant, can be romantic; here means a committed and
responsible love. (Song of Solomon 2:4, 5, 7; 3:5, 10; 5:8; 7:6; 8:4, 6, 7.)
3. Friend (Hebrew ‫ ֵר ַע‬rea`), 2X, Strong’s #7453, neighbor, friend, fellow, companion; here
means companion, strong friendship love (Song of Solomon 5:1, 16).
4. Fragrant perfumes (Song of Solomon 1:3, 12; 3:6; 4:10)
5. Beloved cheeks (Song of Solomon 1:10; 5:13)
6. Eyes like doves (Song of Solomon 1:15; 4:1)
7. Teeth like sheep (Song of Solomon 4:2; 6:6)
8. Daughters of Jerusalem (Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4)
9. Like a gazelle (Song of Solomon 2:9, 17; 8:14)
10. Lebanon (Song of Solomon 3:9; 4:8, 11, 15; 7:4)
11. “This is my beloved and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16)
12. “Love is as strong as death” (Song of Solomon 8:6)
13. “Many waters cannot quench love” (Song of Solomon 8:7)
Key Doctrines
1. Man was created for relationship with one woman. It began in the Garden of Eden.
2. There seem to be three levels of love in this book: attraction and romantic love, friendship
and companion love, and a committed family or personal relationship love that is very hard
to break. The Greek NT recognizes these as eros, philos, and agape.
3. God designed romance and sex to be within marriage. But romantic love cannot be the basis
for a lasting and strong relationship.
4. Lessons For Us Today
5. Though attraction between a man and a woman initially comes in various forms, the basis for
a truly strong romance love and marriage love is the friendship and companionship love. This
is the point of contact and compatibility between a man and a woman, and this must be
present and natural to have the best kind of marriage relationship.
6. During dating and engagement you must discover likeness, fellowship, friendship,
compatibility. Sexual passions and sex during this period can counterfeit and camouflage true
character and personality. If you marry at that point, you really do not know who you are
marrying.
7. Resist sexual passions while dating and during engagement. God designed sex to be enjoyed
between the husband and wife.
8. The basis then for a strong relationship and romantic love is the friendship love protected by
the committed and responsible love.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 117 of 212
Isaiah Bible Walk
Theme: Messiah-Servant of the Lord: Judgment, then Glorious Future
Tod Kennedy, August-September, 2005
Introductory comments about the prophets.
1. The Old Testament, according the Hebrew canon has three sections: law, prophets, and
writings. The writing prophets have two sections: former prophets and latter prophets. The
designations come from where they are in the canon.
a. The former prophets are the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. They
give Israel’s history from Joshua’s time until the exile to Babylon. Here we find the
prophets’ world—the events surrounding their ministries and the people to whom they
speak.
b. The latter prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve.
2. Remember that there were many prophets who did not leave a written record for Israel:
Elijah and Elisha are two of them.
3. The prophets’ ministry emphasized four messages. 1. They reminded Israel that they were
God’s chosen people and His priest nation. 2. They condemned Israel’s sin and challenged
her to return to God and God’s word. 3. They warned the nation that God will judge them
because of their rejection of Him. 4. They predicted and described Messiah’s coming and
future blessing under him and his rule, and this subject was central to their ministry—
Acts 10:43 and 1 Peter 1:10-12 speak of this.
4. The prophets message, then, was both a warning and a promise—judgment and deliverance.
Isaiah 1 shows this pattern.
Theme of Isaiah
Messiah-Servant of the Lord: Judgment, then Glorious Future
Key Verses
Isaiah 9:6-7, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will
rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal
Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On
the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and
righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish
this.”
Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the
Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”
History
1. When did Isaiah live and to whom did he minister? He served from about 740 BC (Death of
Uzziah in 740 BC, Isaiah 6) to 680 BC. His ministry was to Judah. Assyria was the dominant
power during his time. He predicted Assyria’s defeat of Israel (722 BC) in Isaiah 28 and
Babylon’s defeat of Judah (destruction of Jerusalem and Temple in 586 BC) in Isaiah 39.
2. Isaiah served the Lord during the reigns of Uzziah (790-739 BC), Jotham (750-733 BC),
Ahaz (735-715 BC), and Hezekiah (729-686 BC and Hezekiah (729-686 BC).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Page 118 of 212
a. Uzziah (790-739 BC) was the tenth king of Judah, also called Azariah. Uzziah was strong
king, but God gave him leprosy because he attempted to burn incense in the temple
(2 Chronicles 26:16-23).
b. Jotham (750-733 BC) was the eleventh king of Judah and son of Uzziah
(2 Chronicles 27).
c. Ahaz (735-715 BC) was the twelfth king of Judah, and when besieged by Israel and Syria
he asked and received help from Assyria, to whom he became a vassal, and he also
brought idolatry into Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 28).
d. Hezekiah (729-686 BC) was son of Ahaz and a godly and reforming king who opposed
Assyria, foolishly showed his wealth to Babylon’s king Merodach Baladan, and built the
water tunnel and reservoir. God added 15 years to his life (2 Chronicles 29-32).
At the beginning of Isaiah’s ministry Assyria was a power under King Tiglath-Pileser III
(r. 745-727 BC), also known as Pul. Isaiah’s ministry was then under the shadow of Assyrian
domination.
a. About 740 BC Judah, Israel, and Aramaea formed a coalition to resist Assyria. This
coalition failed.
b. In 734 BC Israel (Pekah) and Syria (Rezin) fought against Judah in order to force Judah,
ruled by Ahaz, into another coalition against Assyria. Ahaz refused. Instead, Ahaz went
to Assyria for help. This was the background for Isaiah 7-9. Assyria defeated both
kingdoms.
Hoshea, the last king of Israel, paid a heavy tribute to Assyria and was spared. But in about
724 BC he revolted against Assyria. Assyria, under Sargon II (r. 721-705 BC), then defeated
and exiled Israel in 721 BC. The people were uprooted and moved to various parts of the
Assyrian empire.
At this same time Judah submitted to Assyria and was spared destruction. Hezekiah became
king of Judah in 715 BC. Though he was anti-Assyrian, he did not revolt. When Sennacherib
(r. 705-681 BC) came to power in Assyria in 705 BC, Hezekiah revolted against him.
Sennacherib invaded Judah in 701 BC (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36-37).
Though God spared Jerusalem in Isaiah’s time, the Babylonian empire was rising. This
power begins to show itself in the prophecies of Isaiah 40. In Isaiah 36-39 we have the
transition from Assyrian dominance to Babylonian dominance. In about 700 BC messengers
from Merodach baladan arrive in Jerusalem with a challenge to Hezekiah. Hezekiah foolishly
showed the wealth of the temple to the messengers. One hundred years later Babylon would
destroy Judah and the temple and exile most of the citizens who survived the destruction.
Egypt, during Isaiah’s ministry, prodded Israel and Judah to rebel against Assyria, yet Egypt
was also defeated by Sennacharib in about 701 BC.
What does this teach us? We should learn that rebellion against God and God’s plan has very
destructive consequences. Instead of rebelling, listen to the word of God and live by it.
Furthermore, we learn that God keeps his word—He is dependable.
Author is Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1; 2:1; 13:1; see Mark 1:2; Luke 4:17-19; Acts 8:28).
1. He served the Lord from about 740-680 BC. We could call Isaiah the evangelist of the Old
Testament because of his clear presentations of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ (Isaiah 53). We
could also call him the Paul of the Old Testament because of his apparent aristocracy,
training, writing ability, and theological statements. He served in and around Jerusalem.
2. This great poet and prophet was married to a prophetess (8:3) and they had two sons, Shearjashub “a remnant shall return” (7:3) and Maher-shalal-hash-baz “swift is the booty, speedy
is the prey” of 8:1 (8:3).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 119 of 212
3. His main ministry was with Judah, but he prophesied judgment upon both Israel and Judah
because of their apostasy, and along with judgment he also prophesied their future restoration
and blessing because of God’s covenants with His people—the united nation of Israel. Isaiah
then is a book that contains much warning and judgment, but great messages of blessing are
woven into Isaiah’s book. He repeated these two basic messages over and over again.
4. Jewish tradition says that he was killed during Manasseh’s reign (696-642 BC), and possibly
Hebrews 11:37 had Isaiah in mind.
5. Isaiah’s name is found 54 times in the Bible—32 times in the Old Testament and 22 times in
the New Testament. He is named 16 times in the book bearing his name. He is not named in
any other Old Testament prophetic book, and the Old Testament books in which he is named
are histories—2 Kings (13 times) and 2 Chronicles (3 times). The normal conclusion is that
Isaiah the prophet is the author of Isaiah the prophetic book.
6. The New Testament names Isaiah 22 times (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:2; Luke 3:4; 4:17;
John 12:38, 39, 41; Acts 8:28, 30; 28:25; Romans 9:29; 10:16; Romans 10:20, 21; and
others).
7. Critics often divide Isaiah into the so-called first Isaiah (1-39) and second Isaiah (40-66), and
claim that Isaiah did not write both sections. Some divide Isaiah into three sections (1-39, 4055, 56-66) because each section has a different emphasis. The critics do not think that a
prophet accurately speak of events in the distant future. For example, Isaiah predicts Cyrus
by name (44:28 and 45:1) almost 200 years before he came on the scene. He also predicted
the return from Babylon that would happen many years in the future (48:20).
8. In truth, Isaiah wrote the entire book. In the first section, he addressed Israel as she faced
Assyrian trouble (1-35). Isaiah’s second section contains messages to the Babylonian exiles
of the sixth century BC (36-39). In the third section he challenges the post-exilic nation to
repentance and predicts more fully their restoration through the Messiah (40-66).
9. Yet Jesus (e.g. Matthew 13:13-14, Luke (Acts 8:28-30), and Paul (Romans 10:20-21) quote
Isaiah by name and say that he is the author of the quotations. This clearly contradicts the
critics claim that there were two or three Isaiahs.
i. So-called first Isaiah: Matthew 3:3 with Isaiah 40:3; Mathew 4:14-16 with Isaiah 9:12; Matthew 13:14-15 with Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 15:7-9 with Isaiah 29:13; Mark
7:6-7 with Isaiah 29:13; John 12:39-41 with Isaiah 6:10; Acts 28:25-27 with Isaiah
6:9-10; Romans 9:27-28 with Isaiah 10:22-23; Romans 9:29 with Isaiah 1:9; Romans
15:12 with Isaiah 11:10.
ii. So-called second Isaiah (40-66): Matthew 8:17 with Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 12:17-21
with Isaiah 42:1-4; Mark 1:2-3 with Isaiah 40:3; Mark 3:4-6 with Isaiah 40:3-5; Luke
4:17-19 with Isaiah 61:1-2; John 1:23 with Isaiah 40:3; John 12:38 with Isaiah 53:1;
Acts 8:28 -33 with Isaiah 53:7-8; Romans 10:16 with Isaiah 53:1; Romans 10:20-21
with Isaiah 65:1-2.
Trace the Theme
Messiah-Servant of the Lord: Judgment, then Glorious Future
We can trace the theme by following the chapter titles and noting the emphases of Isaiah’s
messages. Isaiah 1 shows the pattern. Isaiah 8:19-9:7 contrast terrible gloom and darkness with
future light and blessing through God’s Messiah King; 24 has judgment on the earth, while 25-27
predict blessing; 28 denounces the unbelief of Israel and God’s judgment and deliverance for
those who trust Messiah; 35 predicts judgment and 35 predicts blessing; 44-45 clearly state
Israel’s unique position as God’s people along with condemnation for Idolatry followed by the
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 120 of 212
promise of deliverance—Cyrus is even named; 49 also reminds Israel of her special position as
the Lord’s servant and blessing through her, but also condemns her apostasy; 52 speaks of
slavery and national deliverance through Messiah, while 53 clearly predicts the Messiah as the
substitute sin bearer and spiritual deliverance. Chapter 54 predicts Israel’s future sure victory and
blessing against the background of her then suffering; and 59 describes Israel’s sin and God’s
coming salvation through the Redeemer from Zion. Isaiah 60-66 clearly describes the future
kingdom blessings that the Lord will secure for Israel—her promised kingdom is coming.
Isaiah’s emphasis is obey God or judgment, but future national restoration and blessing is
assured.
Overview Outline
1. Judgment on Judah, the nations, and the earth, 1-35.
a. Judah, 1-12
b. The nations, 13-23
c. The earth, 24-35
2. Historical transition from Assyria to Babylon, 36-39
a. Hezekiah and Assyria, 36-37
b. Hezekiah and Babylon, 38-39
3. Sure hope for the future, 40-66.
a. God rules, 40-48
b. God saves, 49-57
c. God secures, 58-66
Chapter Titles
Judgment on the nations, Isaiah 1-35
1. Chapter 1. Israel, dumber than a donkey
2. Chapter 2. The Lord and his Kingdom in the last days
3. Chapter 3. Rebellion against the Lord produces a culture crisis
4. Chapter 4. The Lord will cleanse and protect Israel in that day
5. Chapter 5. Spiritual culture crisis produces a savage society
6. Chapter 6. Isaiah responds to God's greatness
7. Chapter 7. Virgin birth of the deliverer
8. Chapter 8. Assyria invades and Judah chooses the wrong help
9. Chapter 9. The Son rules from David's throne. Arrogant Israel suffers
10. Chapter 10. Arrogant Assyria. A remnant of Israel
11. Chapter 11. The shoot and branch will rule the gathered people.
12. Chapter 12. Song of thanksgiving.
13. Chapter 13. Lord judges Babylon, Assyria, Philistia.
14. Chapter 14. Lord judges Babylon, Assyria, Philistia.
15. Chapter 15. Lord judges Moab
16. Chapter 16. Lord judges Moab
17. Chapter 17. Lord judges Damascus
18. Chapter 18. Lord judges Ethiopia
19. Chapter 19. Lord judges Egypt
20. Chapter 20. Lord judges Egypt
21. Chapter 21. Lord judges Arabia
22. Chapter 22. Lord judges Judah and Jerusalem
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 121 of 212
23. Chapter 23. Lord judges Tyre
24. Chapter 24. Day of the Lord Judgments
25. Chapter 25. Day of the Lord blessings
26. Chapter 26. Day of the Lord peace and prosperity
27. Chapter 27. Day of the Lord regathering
28. Chapter 28. Gentile languages announce judgment
29. Chapter 29. Jerusalem gets judgment and restoration
30. Chapter 30. Egypt and Assyria cannot help
31. Chapter 31. Egypt and Assyria cannot help
32. Chapter 32. The righteous King blesses
33. Chapter 33. Deliverance from Assyria. The King will reign
34. Chapter 34. The Lord’s judgment on all nations
35. Chapter 35. The Glory of the Lord—deliverance and blessing
Historical transition from Assyria to Babylon, Isaiah 36-39
36. Chapter 36. Assyrian Rabshakeh challenges Hezekiah
37. Chapter 37. Hezekiah prays; Lord strikes Sennacherib’s 185,000
38. Chapter 38. The Lord gives Hezekiah 15 more years.
39. Chapter 39. Hezekiah wrongly shows the temple riches to Babylon
Sure hope for the future, Isaiah 40-66
40. Chapter 40. The Lord—the sure future hope
41. Chapter 41. Israel’s God will deliver Israel
42. Chapter 42. Messiah-Servant will deliver
43. Chapter 43. Lord will return Israel
44. Chapter 44. No God besides Israel’s God
45. Chapter 45. Cyrus used by God. Israel’s creator is the Lord
46. Chapter 46. God’s purpose will be established
47. Chapter 47. Babylon will fall
48. Chapter 48. Stubborn Israel, If only you had listened to me
49. Chapter 49. Messiah-Servant will restore Israel
50. Chapter 50. Messiah-Servant is trustworthy
51. Chapter 51. Israel, listen to the Lord
52. Chapter 52. Israel, redeemed without money
53. Chapter 53. All our iniquity fell on Messiah-Servant
54. Chapter 54. Lord’s compassion and lovingkindness on Israel
55. Chapter 55. Come, listen, seek, and call on the Lord
56. Chapter 56. Lord’s salvation is coming
57. Chapter 57. Lord will judge idolaters
58. Chapter 58. Lord wants righteousness, not hypocrisy
59. Chapter 59. The redeemer from Zion for sinful Israel
60. Chapter 60. Israel—acknowledged, righteous, blessed
61. Chapter 61. The anointed Messiah and restored Israel
62. Chapter 62. Zion—your salvation comes
63. Chapter 63. Lord judges enemies. Israel prays
64. Chapter 64. Prayer for deliverance. Israel confesses sin
65. Chapter 65. Repentant servant Israel. New kingdom heavens and earth
66. Chapter 66. Peace, blessing, and glory in Jerusalem
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 122 of 212
Key People
1. Isaiah
2. Hezekiah
3. Servant of the Lord
4. Cyrus
Key Words and Phrases
1. Comfort, 17X (Isaiah 40:1; 51:3; 66:13)
2. Idol, 19X (Isaiah 2:18; 40:19-20; 57:13)
3. Image, 14X (Isaiah 10:10-11; 42:8; 44:9)
4. In that day, 40X (Isaiah 4:2; 7:18; 25:9; 28:5)
5. Judgment, 12X (Isaiah 3:14; 34:5; 66:16)
6. Salvation, 27X (Isaiah 12:2; 17:10; 52:7)
7. Servant, 42X (Isaiah 41:8; 42:1)
Key Doctrines
1. God is the creator and is sovereign
2. God uses nations
3. God will restore Israel and bless her
4. Idolatry is foolish
5. Israel has a bright future—peace, prosperity, blessing
6. Israel is God’s priest nation
7. Messiah-Servant is Jesus the Christ
8. Millennial Kingdom
9. National divine discipline.
10. Rebellion against God reaps terrible consequences
11. Theocratic program centered through Israel and Israel’s Messiah will defeat Satan and restore
God’s rightful rule.
Lessons For Us Today
1. There is no God but Israel’s God; He is the creator and ruler.
2. Rebellion against God pays terrible consequences.
3. Though the world is in turmoil, God is in charge and his plan continues.
4. God’s plan for history centers around his Servant Messiah.
5. History is the story of God restoring his rightful rule in creation; Israel and we in the church
are active combatants in this spiritual conflict.
6. World peace, prosperity, and blessing will not come through human government such as the
United Nations. It will only come through Messiah’s reign on earth.
7. God keeps his word. He never lies and does not forget what he has promised.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 123 of 212
Jeremiah Bible Walk
Theme: Judah Ignores Her Spiritual Crisis
Tod Kennedy, November, 2005
Theme
Judah Ignores Her Spiritual Crisis
Key Verse
Jeremiah 25:11-12. And this whole land shall be a desolation and a horror, and these nations
shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. ‘Then it will be when seventy years are completed
I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation,‘ declares the Lord, ‘for their iniquity, and the
land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation.
Overview Outline
1. LORD appoints Jeremiah, Jeremiah 1
2. Prophecies about Judah, Jeremiah 2-45
3. Prophecies about the nations, Jeremiah 46-51
4. Historical summary, Jeremiah 52
History. This was the time of the Israel’s greatest apostasy and rejection of her major prophet’s
messages, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the exile of the people to Babylon. Jeremiah came on
the scene during the reign of Josiah, who was one of the few good kings.
1. Knowing the changing political scene helps us to understand Jeremiah’s book.
a. 722 B.C. Assyrians under Shalmaneser V (726-722) and Sargon II (Isaiah 20:1; 721705) conquered Israel and wasted Samaria, the capital (2 Kings 17).
b. 640 B.C. Josiah becomes king in Judah (640-609). Assyria remained the dominant
power. Josiah attempted religious reforms (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34).
c. 627 B.C. God appoints Jeremiah prophet to Judah (Jeremiah 1:4-10).
d. 622 B.C. Hilkiah finds the Law in the temple (2 Kings 22:8).
e. 612 B.C. Nabopolassar (626-605 B.C.), ruler of Babylon, captures Nineveh, Assyria.
Power shifts to Babylon (Nahum 2:1-3:19; Zephaniah 2:13-15).
f. 609 B.C. Pharoah Neco of Egypt killed Josiah at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2
Chronicles 35:20-25).
g. 609 B.C. Jehoahaz’s now king and rules 3 months. Necho then takes Jehoahaz to Egypt
(2 Kings 23:31-35).
h. 608 B.C. Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23: 34-24:7), Josiah’s son, begins rule in Judah (608-597).
He began as a vassal of the king of Egypt. He too Judah back to idolatry. He destroyed
Jeremiah’s scroll (Jeremiah 36).
i. 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar defeats Egypt at Carchemish. Also becomes king of Babylon
(605-562 B.C.). He conquers Jerusalem and Judah.
j. 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar takes Daniel and his three friends to Babylon (Daniel 1:1-7).
k. 597 B.C. Jehoiachin, son of Jehoiakim, ruled in Judah for 3 months (2 Kings 24:8-16).
l. 597 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar makes Zedekiah vassal king of Judah (2 Kings 24:17-20).
m. 596 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar takes Jehoiachin, Ezekiel, and 10,000 captives to Babylon (2
Kings 24:10-16; 2 Chronicles 36:9-10; Ezekiel 1:2-3: 3:15).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 124 of 212
n. 588-586 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:1-10).
o. 586 B.C. Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. Nebuchadnezzar burns the city and temple
in August, 586 B.C. (2 Kings 25).
p. 586 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar makes Gedeliah governor of Judah. Ishmael assassinated
Gedeliah in October, 586 after a 2 month rule (2 Kings 25:22-25).
q. 586 B.C. Jews feared reprisals from Babylon and fled to Egypt, taking Jeremiah to
Egypt with them (2 Kings 25:26; Jeremiah 43).
Author was Jeremiah. He served as prophet from 627 B.C. until at least 586 BC (Jeremiah 1:13); and according to Jeremiah 40-44, possibly until 562 BC or beyond. His scribe, Baruch
(Jeremiah 36:1-4), apparently compiled and edited the book.
1. Jeremiah’s prophecy is somewhat autobiographical. He was God’s prophet for Judah before,
during, and after the traumatic Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. He was intense,
courageous, at times despondent, and yet he persevered. Jeremiah preached the Lord’s
unwanted and unheeded message. He used “word of the LORD” 58 times and “thus says the
LORD” 151 times. He angered priests, prophets, soldiers, and kings. Unbelieving and
rebellious Judah rejected God’s message and God’s man of the hour. She ignored her
national crisis of which Jeremiah persistently warned. This also seems to be the continuing
story of all mankind.
2. He was rejected, beaten, imprisoned, ridiculed, and finally kidnapped and taken to Egypt; all
happened because he was faithful to God’s appointment to preach to Judah during the
greatest crisis of her 250 year history. Furthermore, God told Jeremiah that he could not
marry, go to funerals, or go to parties in order to illustrate the destruction that was coming
(16:1-9).
3. Jeremiah was born around 640 BC in Anathoth, which was about 3 miles northeast of
Jerusalem, into a priestly family, and God put him into the prophetic ministry in 627 BC
(Jeremiah 1:1-2). He was a contemporary of Ezekiel (served about 592-570 B.C. in Babylon,
Nebuchadnezzar’s reign), Zephaniah (served around 630 B.C., Josiah’s reign), Habakkuk
(served about 605 B.C., Jehoiakim’s reign), and Daniel (served about 605-536 B.C.,
Nebuchadnezzar’s to Cyrus’ reigns).
4. Jeremiah seemed to write in bursts during very tumultuous periods of Judah’s history.
a. The time of Josiah’s reforms (chapters 1-6 and 11-12).
b. Nebuchadnezzar’s rise to power (chapters 7-10, 14-20, 22, and 26).
c. The remaining chapters relate to the two deportations to Babylon, the Zedekiah revolt,
and the final destruction of Jerusalem.
d. Chapter 52 is similar to 2 Kings 24:18-25:30. It likely was written and added after King
Jehoiachin was freed from Babylonian imprisonment.
Trace the Theme
1. In chapter 1 the LORD called Jeremiah to be prophet to Judah. The LORD immediately says
what the will happen to Judah (Jeremiah 1:13-16) and why (Jeremiah 1:16 and 2:13). He also
promises to protect Jeremiah from the unbelieving and rebellious kings, princes, priest, and
people (Jeremiah 1:17-19).
2. Jeremiah’s message was that Judah has forsaken the Lord and turned to idols (Jeremiah 2:1113), and she is worse than Israel was 125 years ago (Jeremiah 3:6-11). God, through
Babylon, will severely discipline her (Jeremiah 19; 20:1-6). If Judah will submit to Babylon,
God will allow her to remain in the land; but If Judah resists, he will bring catastrophic
destruction upon her (Jeremiah 27:1-11). Judah did not repent, nor did she submit to
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 125 of 212
Babylon. Therefore, God kept his word. He catastrophically judged Judah, destroyed
Jerusalem and the temple, and sent his people into slavery (Jeremiah 32:17-36; 39; 52). The
book of Lamentations is Jeremiah’s sorrowful poem describing the results of Judah’s choice
for idolatry instead of God.
3. Along with the prophecy of judgment God also promised to restore Israel to her land
sometime in the future. That promise is the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). At that time
the Hebrew people will know and love God’s word; they will have eternal salvation
relationship with the Lord; and the Lord will have forgiven all their sins.
4. Because Jeremiah courageously delivered God’s messages his townspeople threatened him
(Jeremiah 11:21), his family opposed him (Jeremiah 12:6), the priests beat him and put him
in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-3), and even the prophets demanded his life (Jeremiah 26:11). King
Jehoiakim destroyed one of his prophetic manuscripts (Jeremiah 36). Jeremiah wore a yoke
on his neck to symbolize Nebuchadnezzar’s control of Judah and the surrounding nations
(Jeremiah 27:1-7). He was beaten and put in a dungeon (Jeremiah 37:11-16) and then
Zedekiah released him from the dungeon and imprisoned him in the court of the guardhouse
(Jeremiah 37:17-21).
5. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar ordered Jeremiah freed and
gave him the option to either go to Babylon or remain in Judah with Gedeliah, the governor
of Judah. He chose Judah with his people (Jeremiah 39:11-40:6). Johanan, and leader in
Judah and supporter of Gedeliah, warned Gedeliah that Ishmael planned to assassinate the
governor, but the warning fell on deaf ears (Jeremiah 40:13-16). Ishmael and 10 others
succeeded in assassinating Governor Gedeliah (Jeremiah 41:1-3). Johanan then rescued Jews
whom Ishmael had taken as captive. After more killing, Ishmael escaped (Jeremiah 41:4-14).
Soon Johanan asked Jeremiah for God’s message about what they should do. God said they
should stay in Judah. Again, God’s prophet was rebuffed. Johanan gathered the remnant,
including Jeremiah and Baruch, and fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 42-43). Jeremiah likely died in
Egypt.
Overview Outline
1. LORD appoints Jeremiah, 1
2. Prophecies about Judah, 2-45
3. Prophecies about the nations, 46-51
4. Historical summary. 52
Chapter Titles
Section 1, LORD appoints Jeremiah
1. God appoints Jeremiah
Section 2, Prophecies about Judah, Jeremiah 2-45
2. The two sins
3. Faithless Israel, Treacherous Judah
4. Partial destruction
5. Why pardon you?
6. Destruction from the north
7. Jeremiah’s temple message
8. No man repented
9. Ruin, scatter, sword
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 126 of 212
10. LORD is God; Idols are worthless
11. Disobey the covenant and punishment
12. Uproot then compassion
13. The waistband and wine jug
14. Sword, famine, pestilence
15. Death, sword, famine, captivity
16. Double payment for sins
17. Cursed, blessed, deceitful heart, listen
18. The potter and the pit
19. I will break the potter’s jar
20. Jeremiah rejected and persecuted
21. King of Babylon will conquer
22. Shallum, Jehoiakim, Coniah
23. Good and bad prophets; Righteous branch
24. Good and bad figs
25. Seventy years in Babylon
26. Riot against Jeremiah
27. Serve the king of Babylon and live
28. Hananiah, the false prophet
29. The Lord has plans for welfare
30. Jacob’s distress, then Jacob’s fortunes restored
31. Lord will be God of Israel; New covenant
32. Captivity soon, later restoration
33. Restoration; the righteous branch of David
34. Release to the sword, pestilence, famine from Babylon
35. Rechabites obeyed forefather, Judah did not
36. Jeremiah’s scroll—burned and rewritten
37. Jeremiah arrested, beaten, jailed
38. The cistern; surrender to Babylon
39. Jerusalem destroyed; Zedekiah blinded
40. Jeremiah freed; Johanan warn Gedaliah
41. Ishmael assassinates Gedaliah; Johanan rescues some
42. Do not go to Egypt In Judah, blessing; in Egypt death
43. They went to Egypt; Nebuchadnezzar will conquer
44. Judah did not learn, therefore destruction in Egypt
45. The LORD will protect Baruch
Section 3, Prophecies about the nations, Jeremiah 46-51
46. The LORD will conquer Egypt
47. The LORD will conquer the Philistines
48. The Lord will conquer Moab
49. The LORD will conquer Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Arabia, and Elam
50. The LORD will conquer Babylon
51. The LORD will conquer Babylon
Section 4, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, Jeremiah 52
52. Siege, destruction, exile
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 127 of 212
Key People. See the chronological political scene above point 4, history.
1. Jeremiah, 132X. God’s prophet to Judah during her final days (Jeremiah 1 and following).
Faithfully proclaimed God’s word to apathetic, disobedient, and idolatrous Jews.
2. Baruch, 23X. Jeremiah’s scribe (Jeremiah 36:32).
3. Nebuchadnezzar, 37X. King of Babylon during most of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Daniel’s head
of gold. He destroyed Jerusalem, the temple, and removed many Jews to Babylon—including
Daniel and his three friends, and Ezekiel (Jeremiah 39:1; 2 Kings 24-25; Daniel 1-4).
4. Josiah, 18X. Judah’s last reforming king. During his reign he OT Law of Moses was found.
He repaired the temple, restored the worship of the Lord and celebrated the Passover. He
foolishly went to battle with Pharo Necho and was killed (Jeremiah 3:6; 2 Kings 22-23; 2
Chronicles 35:20-27).
5. Jehoahaz, (Joahaz). Son of Josiah. He ruled 3 months. The Egyptian Pharoah removed him,
took him to Egypt, and placed his brother Jehoiakim on the throne of Judah (2 Kings 23:3133; 2 Chronicles 36:1-4;
6. Jehoiakim, 22X, (Eliakim). Son of Josiah. Ruled 11 years after his father, Josiah. He
destroyed Jeremiah’s scroll (Jeremiah 36). Rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24).
God cursed him with no sons to ever sit for any long period of time on David’s throne, and
he died a violent death (Jeremiah 36:30-31; 2 Kings 23:34-24:7).
7. Jehoiachin, 3X, (Jeconiah, 4X; Coniah 3X). Son of Jehoiakim. Ruled for 3 months and 10
days in 597 BC. Apparently Nebuchadnezzar changed his mind about Jehoiachin. He went
back to Jerusalem and took Jehoiachin to Babylon with 10,000 others where he was
imprisoned for 36 years. Evil-Merodach released him (Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 52:31; 2
Kings 24.14-17).
8. Zedekiah, 49X. (Mattaniah). Son of Josiah. He defended Jeremiah twice (Jeremiah 37:15-21
and 38:7-13). He was vassal king at the time Nebuchadnezzar and foolishly rebelled against
him which brought the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Nebuchadnezzar had
Zedekiah’s sons killed and then blinded Zedekiah. He died in Babylon (2 Kings 24:17-25:17).
9. Gedeliah, 23X. Appointed Governor of Judea by Nebuchadnezzar after Zedekiah was taken.
He respected Jeremiah (Jeremiah 39:11-14 and 40:5). Attempted to calm the Jews and urged
submission to Babylon. Ishmael assassinated him. Some Jews feared Babylon’s reprisals and
took Jeremiah and fled to Egypt (2 Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 52).
Words and Phrases in NASB translation
1. Babylon, 169 X (20:4).
2. Fear, 16X (5:22-24; 46:27).
3. Idols, 11 X (8:19).
4. Judgment, 7X (1:16).
5. Listen, 63X (6:10).
6. Sin, 26X. (2:35; 40:3).
Key Doctrines
1. God does not guarantee that his faithful servants will not suffer because they serve him
(Jeremiah 11:21; 20:1-3; 26:11; 37:11-21).
2. God’s faithful messengers can still serve during a spiritual and political crisis
(Jeremiah 26:11-15; 27; 36; 51:59-64).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 128 of 212
3. Grace before judgment: God graciously warned his people about their sin before he
disciplined the nation because of her sin (Jeremiah 7; 22:1-9; 27; 42).
a. National divine discipline comes because of sin, and after warning (above Scripture).
b. Sin not confessed brings judgment.
4. The seventy years exile prophecy (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10).
5. God’s will restore Israel and Judah and fulfill his New Covenant with them (Jeremiah 29:1115; 30:3; 31:27-40; 43-44).
6. God used Gentile kings and nations to discipline Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 22:25; 27:6;
37:28; 46:26).
7. God is more powerful than the strongest nation and can raise them up and bring them down
(Jeremiah 50:17-18; 51:24).
8. The opinion of political and religious leaders and the general public may be the majority
opinion, yet it can be wrong (people, Jeremiah 11:21; 52:3), his family, Jeremiah 12:6), 20:13), the prophets demanded his life, Jeremiah 26:11), King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah 36), and King
Zedekiah, Jeremiah 52:3).
9. Central Scripture for doctrines.
a. God gave his promise of blessing, similar to Psalm 1, to those who trust him
(Jeremiah 17:5-8).
b. The nature of man (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
c. Volition Jeremiah (21:8).
d. God’s will restore Israel and Judah and fulfill his New Covenant with them
(Jeremiah 29:11-15; 30:3; 31:27-40; 43-44).
Lessons for Us Today
1. God’s has a plan and purpose for Israel despite her unbelief.
2. God uses willing and faithful people, but does not guarantee an easy or safe life.
3. God always warns us before he judges us.
4. Believe and follow the word of God; it stands above public opinion.
5. God uses humble, faithful to him, strong, and gracious leaders.
6. Kings, dictators, presidents, and prime ministers may be powerful, ruthless, and even
temporarily popular, but they come and go. God still controls history.
7. God wants to bless his people.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 129 of 212
Lamentations Bible Walk
Title from the Latin Vulgate
The Hebrew title is ‫( ֵאיכָה‬ekah) “How!” “Alas!”
Sin, Destruction, Death, Exile
Tod Kennedy
December, 2005
Lamentations Theme
Sin, Destruction, Death, Exile
Lamentations Key Verses
Lamentations 2:11
“My eyes fail because of tears, My spirit is greatly troubled; My heart is poured out on the earth
Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, When little ones and infants faint In the
streets of the city."
Lamentations 3:19-23
“Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul
remembers And is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The
Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every
morning; Great is Thy faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have
hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him."
History
This was the time of the Israel’s greatest apostasy and rejection of her major prophet’s messages,
the destruction of Jerusalem, and the exile of the people to Babylon.
See the Jeremiah notes for the history. Jeremiah also wrote Lamentations.
Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah wrote
about the destruction of the city, the temple, and the people that occurred in July and August, 586
BC.
Author Jeremiah
1. The author was Jeremiah, though he is not named. He served as prophet from 627 B.C. until
at least 586 BC (Jeremiah 1:1-3); and according to Jeremiah 40-44, possibly until 562 BC or
beyond.
2. Lamentations 1:13-15; 2:6, 9; 4:1-12 indicate that the author was an eyewitness to the
destruction of Jerusalem.
3. Jeremiah and Lamentations are similar: Lamentations 1:2 and Jeremiah 30:14; Lamentations
1:15 and Jeremiah 8:21; Lamentations 1:16 and 2:11 with Jeremiah 9:1, 18; Lamentations
2:22 and Jeremiah 6:25; Lamentations 4:21 and Jeremiah 49:12.
4. The LXX superscription to Lamentations claims Jeremiah as the author.
5. The Talmud (200-500 AD), Aramaic Targum of Jonathan (first century AD), Origen (185254 AD), and Jerome (345-419 AD) all say Jeremiah wrote this book. The Talmud is made
up of the Mishna (the written oral law) and the Gemara (commentaries on the Mishnah).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 130 of 212
6. The Talmud (‫ )תלמוד‬is a record of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, Jewish ethics,
customs, legends and stories, which Jewish tradition considers authoritative. It is a
fundamental source of legislation, customs, case histories and moral exhortations. The
Talmud has two components, the Mishnah which is the first written compilation of Judaism's
Oral Law, and the Gemara, a discussion of the Mishnah (though the terms Talmud and
Gemara are generally used interchangeably).
7. It [The Talmud (‫ ])תלמוד‬expands on the earlier writings in the Torah in general and in the
Mishnah in particular, and is the basis for all later codes of Jewish law, and much of
Rabbinic literature. The Talmud is also traditionally referred to as Shas (a Hebrew
abbreviation of shishah sedarim, the "six orders" of the Mishnah).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmud
8. Jeremiah in this book “laments” Jerusalem and Judah’s sin and judgment.
9. The accepted tradition of Judaism and Christianity accept Jeremiah as the author.
Poetry and Structure of Lamentations
1. Lamentations was a lament for Jerusalem. Jerusalem was not just the capital of Israel and the
city of David; it was the center for worship and sacrifice, for the temple, and later where
Christ would be crucified.
2. Lamentations is more than a dirge about suffering. It is a funeral poem for the center of
God’s redemption plan—Jerusalem, the temple, and the Messiah’s people.
3. Lamentations is a poem composed of five laments. A lament is a funeral poem or song. The
technical name for this funeral poem is qina, which expresses grief, sorrow, and mourning.
4. Jeremiah is expressing his anguished grief over the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and
the people.
5. Chapters 1, 2, 4 are acrostic poems. Each chapter is a unit and each chapter has 22 verses.
The first verse begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (a, aleph) and each
succeeding verse begins with the next successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
6. Chapter 3 is also an acrostic, but the chapter is in 3 verse segments. It has 66 verses. Verses
1, 2, and 3 begin with a, aleph, and so on. Chapter 3 is an individual lament like Psalm 7 and
22.
7. Chapter 5 with its 22 verses is not in acrostic form. Jeremiah penned this lament in a
somewhat whispered fashion as he quietly grieves over the people and then pleads for
restoration based upon God’s sovereignty and grace.
8. Summary
a. Chapter 1. 22 verse acrostic
b. Chapter 2. 22 verse acrostic
c. Chapter 3. 66 verse acrostic, 3 verses per letter
d. Chapter 4. 22 verse acrostic
e. Chapter 5. 22 verse, not acrostic.
9. Lamentations was read on the ninth day of Ab when the Jews commemorated the destruction
of Jerusalem. Ab in our calendar is July-August. It is the fifth month of the religious calendar
and he eleventh month of the civil calendar.
Overview Outline and Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1: Jerusalem, lonely and desolate (1, 3, 17)
2. Chapter 2: The Lord’s anger, wrath, and destruction (1, 3, 4)
3. Chapter 3: Jeremiah’s affliction, hope, and prayer (1, 21, 55)
4. Chapter 4: Sin caused unspeakable suffering (1, 6, 10, 11)
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 131 of 212
5. Chapter 5: Jeremiah prays because joy has ceased (5, 15)
Trace the Theme of Lamentations Simply Sin, Destruction, Death, Exile
1. Lamentations 1:1 and 8, Jerusalem, lonely and desolate.
2. Lamentations 2:1 and 11, The Lord’s anger, wrath, and destruction.
3. Lamentations 3:1 and 21-23, Jeremiah’s affliction, hope, and prayer.
4. Lamentations 4:6, 10 and 11, Sin caused unspeakable suffering.
5. Lamentations 5:1, 15, and 21, Jeremiah prays because joy has ceased.
Chapter Overviews
1. Chapter 1: Jerusalem, lonely and desolate (1, 3, 17). Verse 1 sets the theme for the chapter
and the book.
a. Verses:
Lamentations 1:1.
“How lonely sits the city
That was full of people!
She has become like a widow
Who was once great among the nations!
She who was a princess among the provinces
Has become a forced laborer!”
Lamentations 1:3, Judah has gone into exile under affliction, and under harsh
servitude; She dwells among the nations, But she has found no rest; All her
pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of distress.
b. Some descriptive terms and phrases include “weeps bitterly” 2; “harsh servitude” 3;
“sinned greatly” 8; “her nakedness” 8; “fallen astonishingly 9; “groan seeking bread” 11;
“sent fire into my bones” 13; “Jerusalem has become an unclean thing” 17; “The Lord is
righteous…captivity” 18; “in the house it is like death” 20; “no one to comfort me” 21.
2. Chapter 2: The Lord’s anger, wrath, and destruction. Verses 1, 3, and 4 demonstrated this.
a. Verses:
1. Lamentations 2:1 “How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in
His anger! He has cast from heaven to earth the glory of Israel, and has not
remembered His footstool in the day of His anger.”
2. Lamentations 2:3, “In fierce anger he has cut off all the strength of Israel. He has
drawn back his right hand from before the enemy.”
b. This lament concentrates on the Lord’s anger against Judah. Jeremiah emphasizes this in
numerous verses. “His anger” 2x in 1; “not spared” 2; “wrath” 2; “fierce anger” 3; “bent
his bow” and “wrath like fire” 4; “violently treated” and “despised” 6; “rejected” and
“abandoned” 7; “destruction” 11; “life is poured out” 12; “the Lord has done” 17;
“women eat their offspring” 20; “hast slaughtered” 21; “day of the Lord’s anger” 22.
3. Chapter 3: Jeremiah’s affliction, hope, and prayer. Verses 1, 21, 55 are illustrative verses.
a. Verses:
1. Lamentations 3:1 I am the man who has seen affliction Because of the rod of His
wrath.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 132 of 212
2. Lamentations 3:22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His
compassions never fail.
3. Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
4. Lamentations 3:24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in
Him.”
5. Lamentations 3:55 I called on Your name, O Lord, Out of the lowest pit
b. This lament gives us Jeremiah’s thinking, discouragement, confident expectation, and
prayer. We can see this by “seen affliction” 1; “in darkness” 2; “against me” 3; “He shuts
out my prayer” 8; “laughing stock” 14; “bitterness” 15; “forgotten happiness” 17; “bowed
down” 20; “I have hope” 21; “great is thy faithfulness” 23; “I have hope in Him” 21;
“compassion” and “abundant lovingkindness” 32; “both good and ill” 38; “in view of his
sins” 39; “let us examine and probe…and return” 40; “no prayer” 44; “devastation and
destruction” 47;“I am cut off” 54; “I called” 55; “Thou hast heard” 56; “do not fear” 57;
“Thou has redeemed” 58; “Thou wilt recompense” 64;
4. Chapter 4: Sin caused unspeakable suffering. Verses 1, 6, 10, and 11 demonstrate this theme.
a. Verses:
1. Lamentations 4:1 How dark the gold has become, How the pure gold has changed!
The sacred stones are poured out.
2. Lamentations 4:6 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin
of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands were turned toward
her.
3. Lamentations 4:10 The hands of compassionate women Boiled their own children;
They became food for them Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people.
4. Lamentations 4:11 The Lord has accomplished His wrath, He has poured out His
fierce anger; And He has kindled a fire in Zion Which has consumed its foundations.
b. “tongue of infants” and “ask for bread” (4); “Embrace ash pits” (5); “greater than the sin
of Sodom” (6); “skin is shriveled” (8); “slain with hunger” (9); “boiled their own
children” (10); “accomplished His wrath” (11); “kings of the earth did not believe” (12);
“our end had come” (18); “captured in the pits” (20); “your iniquity has been completed”
(22).
5. Chapter 5: Jeremiah prays because joy has ceased. Verses 1, 5, 15, 21, 22 demonstrate this
theme.
a. Verses:
i. Lamentations 5:1 Remember, O Lord, what has befallen us; Look, and see our
reproach!
ii. Lamentations 5:5 Our pursuers are at our necks; We are worn out, there is no rest
for us.
iii. Lamentations 5:15 The joy of our hearts has ceased; Our dancing has been turned
into mourning.
iv. Lamentations 5:21 Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored; Renew our
days as of old, 22 Unless You have utterly rejected us And are exceedingly angry
with us.
b. “Remember, O Lord” (1); “our inheritance has been turned over” (2); “become orphans”
(3); “pay for drinking water” (4); “Slaves rule over us” (8); “They ravished the women”
(11); “Princes were hung by their hands” (12); “joy of our hearts has ceased” and
“dancing has been turned into mourning” (15); “our heart is faint” and “eyes are dim”
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 133 of 212
(17); “why dost Thou forget us forever” (20); “Restore us” (21); “Renew our days” (21);
“unless” (22).
Key People
1. Jeremiah. God’s prophet to Judah during her final days. He faithfully proclaimed God’s word
to apathetic, disobedient, and idolatrous Jews. Jeremiah penned Lamentations has he recalled
the destruction, death, and exile of God’s people and his people.
Key Words and Phrases in NASB
1. Daughters 18x, of Judah, Zion, Jerusalem, my people. 1x, daughters of my city. All
references to Israel’s relationship to the Lord and the land and city. Points out God’s choice
of the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem (1:6; 2:2; 2:13; 3:48; 3:51).
2. Lament 1x, (2:8). Personification of the defenses of the city, which once breached, leads to
destruction of the city and people.
3. Cry 3x. Refers to pleading with the Lord for help during the destruction of Jerusalem, the
temple, and the people (2:19; 3:8; 3:56).
4. Help 4x. This brings out the helpless situation. Only the Lord can deliver Judah (1:7; 3:8;
3:56; 4:17).
5. Compassion 2x, and Lovingkindness 2x. These are found in those great passages about
God’s compassion that revived Jeremiah (3:22; 3:32).
Key Doctrines
1. Sin (1-5)
2. National discipline (1-5)
3. Suffering (1-5)
4. Hope in a crisis (3)
5. God’s character (3)
6. Faith and waiting (3)
7. Spiritual recovery (5)
Lessons for Us Today
1. God is perfect. The more one understands who he is and what he is like, the more one can
relate to life and live successfully. All truth stems from God’s character.
2. God’s anger and discipline demonstrate his love for his people. If he did not love Israel, he
would not have gone to such lengths to correct and restore them. Hebrews 12, in the NT, also
teaches this.
3. In any and every situation God is always faithful to his word and his people. This is what
restored Jeremiah from his discouragement.
4. God the Lord rules over life. He disciplines and he restores. Without him, suffering is
unbearable and joy ceases.
5. What five questions should I ask myself in a crisis?
6. Five Questions to Ask in Suffering
a. Am I believing in Jesus Christ to give me eternal life (John 3.16-18; 20.31; Romans
6.23)?
b. Do I really know what God is like (Lamentations 3:21-25)?
c. Am I walking in fellowship with God (1 John 1) and living by faith, by the Holy Spirit, in
the Word of God, and in love (Galatians 2.20; 5.5; 2 John 4-6)?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 134 of 212
d. Do I accept the fact that what I believe is more important that how I feel (Psalm 13)?
e. Am I watching for the good (the blessing) that God is working out in my life and testing
(Romans 8.28)?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 135 of 212
Ezekiel
Judgment Now, Promised Kingdom Later
Tod Kennedy
Sunday, February, 2006
Theme of Ezekiel
Now God judges Israel; later, He will establish her promised kingdom
Key Verses
Ezekiel 36:24-26 “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring
you into your own land. 25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will
cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 “Moreover, I will give you a new
heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and
give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:33-35 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “On the day that I cleanse you from all your
iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt. 34 “The
desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes
by. 35 “They will say, ‘This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste,
desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’
History Overview
1. General
a. The history is the same as for Jeremiah and Lamentation.
b. Judah has rebelled against the Lord and against Nebuchadnezzar.
c. Nebuchadnezzar defeated Jerusalem (Jehoiakim) in 605 BC. At that time he took
Daniel and his friends and other hostages to Babylon.
d. In 597 BC, because of Judah’s rebellion (Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin) Nebechadnezzar
took 10,000 more hostages, including Jehoiachin, Ezekiel to Babylon.
e. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and burned the temple in the summer of 586
BC.
2. Chronology of the kings
a. Josiah 640-609 BC. Reforming king. Killed by Pharoah Necho.
b. Jehoahaz 3 months in 609 BC. Pharoah Neco replaced him. Died in Egypt.
c. Jehoiakim (Eliakim) 609-598 BC. Destroyed Jeremiah’s prophecy; rebelled.
d. Jehoiachin December 598-March 597 BC. Taken captive to Babylon with Ezekiel and
10,000.
e. Zedekiah (Mattaniah) 597-586 BC. Revolted; City and temple destroyed; Taken to
Riblah; Sons killed; he was blinded and taken to Babylon.
f. Gedaliah 2 months in 586 BC. Assassinated by Ishmael.
3. Dated prophecies
a. 1:2. July-August 593 BC, Vision
b. 8:1. August-September 592 BC, Abominations
c. 20:1. July-August 591 BC, Panorama
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
Page 136 of 212
24:1. December-January 589-588 BC, Cooking Pot
29:1. December-January 588-587 BC, Egypt
26:1. 587 BC, Tyre, Sidon
30:20. March-April 587 BC, Egypt’s defeat
31:1. May-June 587 BC, Egypt, like Assyria, falls
33:21. December-January 586-585 BC, Restoration
32:1. February-March 585 BC. Lament for Pharoah
32:17. February-March 585 BC. Egypt also falls
40:1. March-April 573 BC. Restored Theocracy
29:17. March-April 571 BC. Nebuchadnezzar is God’s instrument against Egypt.
Author
1. The book names Ezekiel as the author in 1:1-3 with chapters 2 and 3, and 24:15-27
(especially 24:15, 16, 24, 25).
2. The author writes in the first person singular (I, me, my) very frequently (1:4, 15, 24; 2:1, 2,
9, 10; 3:2, 3, 12; 6:1) and the author is also called the son of man in many of these contexts
(2:1; 3:1, 6:1-2; 7:1-2, and others.
3. The language and unity of thought supports one author.
4. Ezekiel was a priest who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC because of the
rebellion of Jehoichin. This was the 8th year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.
5. He was probably born in 627 BC (Ezekiel 1:1) and was about the same age as Daniel, who
was in Babylon at this time (Ezekiel 3:11).
6. He began receiving visions from the Lord in 593 BC (Ezekiel 1:1-3). This ministry continued
until at least 571 BC (Ezekiel 29:17).
7. Ezekiel was married. His wife died in Babylon as a sign to Ezekiel and the Jews (Ezekiel
24:16-18).
8. Daniel, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah were his contemporaries.
9. In general, Ezekiel gives messages of warning and judgment in chapters 1-32 and then
messages about restoration in 33-48. Note in association with this that God’s glory leaves
Solomon’s temple in 9-11 and then returns to the millennial temple in chapter 43.
Overview Outline
1. Preparation of Ezekiel, 1-3
2. Judgment of Judah, 4-24
3. Judgment of Nations, 25-32
4. Prophesies of Future Kingdom, 33-39
5. Future Kingdom temple, priesthood, sacrifices, and land, 40-48
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1.Vision: Living Creatures
2. Chapter 2-3.Preparation of Ezekiel
3. Chapter 4.Brick, Side
4. Chapter 5.Razor, Hair
5. Chapter 6.Idolatry Judged
6. Chapter 7.Sword, Famine, Plague
7. Chapter 8.Abominations in Temple
8. Chapter 9.Executioners
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
9. Chapter 10.Vision: Glory Moving
10. Chapter 11.Vision: Glory Departs
11. Chapter 12.Baggage, Bread, Proverb
12. Chapter 13.Foolish Prophets
13. Chapter 14.Self-Responsibility
14. Chapter 15.Vine Wood
15. Chapter 16.Prostitute Queen
16. Chapter 17.Eagles, Cedar
17. Chapter 18.Repentance Desired
18. Chapter 19.Lamentation on Kings
19. Chapter 20.Panorama
20. Chapter 21.Yahweh’s Sword
21. Chapter 22.Blood, Dross
22. Chapter 23.Two Sisters
23. Chapter 24.Cooking Pot
24. Chapter 25.Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia
25. Chapter 26-28.Tyre, Sidon
26. Chapter 29-32. Egypt
27. Chapter 33.Watchman Dwellers
28. Chapter 34.Shepherds
29. Chapter 35.Mt. Seir
30. Chapter 36.Restoration, Regeneration
31. Chapter 37.Bones, Sticks
32. Chapter 38-39.Gog invasion
33. Chapter 40-42.Temple Detail
34. Chapter 43.Vision: Glory Returns
35. Chapter 44.Zadok Priesthood
36. Chapter 45.Priestly Land, Offerings
37. Chapter 46.Offerings
38. Chapter 47-48.Land Divided
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Page 137 of 212
Bible Walk Through
Page 138 of 212
Daniel Bible Walk
Theme: Israel in the Times of the Gentiles
Tod Kennedy
November, 2006
Theme
Israel in the times of the Gentiles. Daniel, a statesman who had a prophetic gift and not office,
wrote to Jews in exile about the individuals, nations, and events that will dominate Israel from
his time until Jesus the Messiah returns to earth to rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
(Daniel 2:28; 10:14). Daniel’s prophetic view chronicles the rise and fall of these leading Gentile
powers. Jesus called period is called the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21.24). Israel’s Messiah, the
Son of Man (Daniel 7:13) will destroy the Gentile powers and replace the times of the Gentiles
with his everlasting kingdom in which Israel has central blessing (Daniel 7:14; 8:23-25). He left
out the church age because God had not revealed the coming church age to anyone. Daniel’s
message is a warning to Gentile nations and a message of hope and encouragement for those
Israelites in Babylon: 1. Israel’s God has history in his own control and Israel is a central part of
that future history, and 2. since Israel is God’s people the people should be encouraged by God’s
promises and should stay faithful to God.
Daniel
1
2-4
5-6
7-9
70 x 7
Daniel
Enters
Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar Period
Belshazzar to
Cyrus Period
Daniel’s
Visions
10-12
3 1/2
Angel’s
Message:
Last Days
@Dr. Tod Kennedy
Key Verses
Daniel 2:20-22: “Daniel answered and said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever,
For wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 “And it is He who changes the times and the epochs;
He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, And knowledge to men
of understanding. 22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 139 of 212
the darkness, And the light dwells with Him.”
Daniel 2:44: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will
never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an
end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”
Daniel 3:17-18: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of
blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 “But even if He does not, let it be
known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that
you have set up.”
Author and Date
1. Daniel wrote about 530 BC (Daniel 7:2,15,28; 8:1-2, 15, 27; 9:1-3, 22; 10:1-2, 7, 11-12;
12:4-5, 8-9; Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 28:3; Matthew 25:15; Mark 13:14).
a. He wrote chapters 1 and 8-12 in the Hebrew language, the language of Israel. Daniel
wrote chapters 2-7 in Aramaic, the international language at that time.
b. Why the insertion of Aramaic? Because in chapters 2-7 Daniel was highlighting the
Gentile rule over Israel. In those chapters he covered the four Gentile powers, the
persecution as a result of that, and he encouraged Jews to stay faithful to God.
God and History
1. God works progressively through history. The KJV call these periods of history
dispensations (Greek oikonomia dispensation, economy, administration).
2. Charles Ryrie wrote “A dispensation is a distinguishable economy in the outworking of
God’s purpose” (Dispensationalism. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995. Page 29). “Thus, the
central idea in the word dispensation is that of managing or administering the affairs of a
household” (25).
3. Roy Zuck wrote “The word "dispensation" occurs nine times in the New Testament (Luke
16:2-4; 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2, 9; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4). Oikonomia, a combination of
oikos, "house" and nomos, "law," means "administration, stewardship, or management." The
verb oikonomeo, "to administer or manage," is used in Luke 16:2, and the noun oikonomos, a
steward or manager, occurs ten times (Luke 12:42; 16:1; 3, 8; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; Gal
4:2; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:10). These words refer to the human administration of a house,
property, state, or nation, or to God’s administration of the human race or part of it. Thus
dispensationalism views the world as a household or administration run by God. So while the
word "dispensationalism" is not used in the Bible, the concept certainly is…. While the word
"dispensation" itself does not designate a time period, the very nature of differing
stewardships suggests a beginning and ending in time for each of the dispensations. (“What
Is Dispensationalism?” found at http://www.scofield.org/historical/dispensationalism.htm)
4. The word “dispensation” is the King James Version translation of the Greek word oikonomia
means 1. management of a household, direction office (Luke 16.2-4; 1 Corinthians 9.17;
Colossians 1.25; Ephesians 3.2; 2. arrangement, order, plan (Ephesians 1.10; 3.9) 3. training
(1 Timothy 1.4). (BAGD 559) Another word that has been translated age, world, and
dispensation is aion aiwn (Matthew 13.39,40,49; 28.20; Hebrews 9.26; 11.3). (BAGD 27)
5. Dispensations are God’s distinguishable and chronological economies or administrations of
human history during which he progressively reveals (gives written new revelation—The Old
and New Testament) and accomplishes his plan. God has divided human history into basic
administrations or economies. These are called dispensations. God gives revelation,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 140 of 212
privilege, and responsibility for each administration, some of which is different from the
previous economy or administration. Each dispensation has unique doctrine, people,
administrators, and events. Eternal salvation in every dispensation is always by God’s grace
and through faith (Ephesians 1.10; 3.1-12; Genesis 15.6; Galatians 3.6-9; Ephesians 2.8-9).
6. What really distinguishes dispensational theology from reformed and covenant theology?
First, dispensational theology is based upon a normal or plain interpretation of the Bible.
Normal or plain interpretation means to read the Bible as any other book; the author means
what he says; the Bible uses figures of speech; it uses parables; it talks of ideas, people,
places, and events; when the author names a person or group of people or promises
something to a person or group of people or predicts a specific event, one using a normal or
plain interpretation will take the people, places, events, and predictions at face value unless
there is something in the context to indicate a different meaning. From a plain interpretation
we see that God, throughout human history, distinguishes between Israel and the Church.
This is the second hallmark of dispensational theology. Israel and the church are two
prominent groups of people through whom God works. Since Pentecost, God has been
working through the church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1.22-23). After Christ removes
the church, God will resume working through Israel. The third hallmark of dispensational
theology is that the primary purpose of God is doxological, that is, to demonstrate God’s
glory. The salvation of people is a prominent way to glorify God, but that is not the purpose
of history
7. The current events of Daniel occur in the dispensation or age of Israel. The end time
prophecies that Daniel records will take place in the end of the age of Israel, what Matthew
calls the tribulation (Daniel 9:27; 12:1; Matthew 24:15-29), and in the Messianic or
millennial dispensation (Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44-45; 7:13-14).
History Overview for Daniels’s time
1. The events of this book begin in 605 BC (Daniel 1:1). The last date notice is 536 BC, the
third year of Cyrus (Daniel 10:1). The chief Babylonian gods included Bel and Marduk
(Daniel 4:8).
2. In 605 BC the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt and Assyria at the
Battle of Carchemish (May-June 605 BC). He chased Egypt out of Syria-Palestine. While he
was away his father, Nabopolassar, died. Nebuchadnezzar hurried back to Babylon. He
became king and Babylon became the leading power of the day (2 chronicles 35:20; 2 Kings
24:7; Jeremiah 46:2).
3. Israel, the northern kingdom, had been conquered by Assyria in 722 BC. The northern
kingdom was no longer a political entity at this time. Assyria had broken up the northern
kingdom and had deported many Jews from Palestine. The southern kingdom, Judah, was
still a nation in her homeland. Jehoiakim (609-598 BC) was the vassal king placed in power
by Egypt. When Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt and Assyria he allowed Jehoiakim to
remain king of Judah. He was an evil king and eventually rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar
in 598 BC.
4. The kings of Judah during this period were
5. Josiah (640-609 BC), who instituted reforms. He was killed at the Battle of Carchemish by
archers of Pharaoh Neco of Egypt (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35).
6. Jehoahaz (three months in 609 BC), whom Neco replaced (2 Kings 23:31-33; 2 Chronicles
36:1-3; Jeremiah 22:11-12).
7. Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), Judah’s 17th king, was an evil king. He destroyed Jeremiah’s
writing. He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar and asked for help from Egypt.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 141 of 212
Nebuchadnezzar took him captive to Babylon (2 Kings 23:34-24:7; 2 Chronicles 36:4-8;
Jeremiah 22:18-19; 36:27-32).
8. Jehoiachin (December 598-March 597 BC) was king when Nebuchadnezzar attacked
Jerusalem in March 597 BC. He was taken captive to Babylon along with Ezekiel and 10,000
others (2 Kings 24:8-26); 2 Chronicles 36:9-10).
9. Zedekiah, also called Mattaniah (597-586 BC), was installed by Nebuchadnezzar. He
followed the anti-Babylon faction and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah had
warned against this. He also tried to get Egypt to help him, but Egypt was too weak.
Nebuchadnezzar marched on Jerusalem in 588. He captured the city and destroyed the temple
in 586. Nebuchadnezzar captured Zedekiah, killed his sons, blinded Zedekiah, and took him
to Babylon (2 Kings 24:17-25:21; 2 Chronicles 36;11-21; Jeremiah 39:1-10).
10. Gedeliah (586 BC) was appointed governor by Nebuchadnezzar. Ishmael’s faction
assassinated him (2 Kings 25:22-30; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Jeremiah 40-44).
11. Nebuchadnezzar was the second and the greatest king of the Neo-Babylonian empire. His
father, Nabopolassar, was the founder and first king. The kings were Nabopolassar (626-605
BC), Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC); Evil-Merodach, Neb’s son (562-560 BC); Neriglissar,
Neb’s son-in-law (560-556 BC); Laborosoarchad, Neb’s son (few months in 556 BC);
Nabonidus, Neb’s son-in-law and husband of Nitrocris who was Neb’s daughter; and
Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus and Nitrocris (556-539 BC).
12. Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire (559-530 BC). He conquered Media in 550 and
Babylon in 539. Ugbaru, governor of Gutium and under Cyrus’ authority, conquered
Babylon on an October night in 539 BC, while Belshazzar was celebrating a festival (Daniel
5). The city welcomed Cyrus. He incorporated the Babylonian empire under his rule. Cyrus
signed the decree in 538 BC that authorized the Jews to return to their land (2 Chronicles
36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4; Daniel 1:21; 6:28, 10:1).
13. Darius the Mede (Daniel 5:31 and 6:1) became governor of Babylon soon after the conquest
by Cyrus. Darius the Mede was most likely the Gubaru, also named Gobyras, of the
Nabonidus Chronicle and the Babylonian Contract Tablets.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 142 of 212
Overview Outline
1. Section 1, Daniel Enters Babylon, Daniel 1.
2. Section 2, Nebuchadnezzar’s Period, Daniel 2-4.
3. Section 3, Belshazzar to Cyrus Period, Daniel 5-6.
4. Section 4, Daniel’s Visions about Future Kingdoms and Rulers, Daniel 7-9.
5. Section 5, The Angel Teaches Daniel about Events in the Last Days, Daniel 10-12.
Chapter Titles of Daniel
1. Section 1, Daniel Enters Babylon, Daniel 1.
a. Chapter 1, The Hebrew captives pass the test.
2. Section 2, Nebuchadnezzar’s Period, Daniel 2-4.
a. Chapter 2, Dream of the gold, silver, bronze, iron, and iron and clay statue.
b. Chapter 3, The gold image and the fiery furnace.
c. Chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony about the tree vision.
3. Section 3, Belshazzar to Cyrus Period, Daniel 5-6.
a. Chapter 5, Belshazzar’s party and the handwriting on the wall.
b. Chapter 6, Jealousy and the den of lions.
4. Section 4, Daniel’s Visions about Future Kingdoms and Rulers, Daniel 7-9.
a. Chapter 7, the four beast dream, (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome)
b. Chapter 8, The ram and the goat (Medo-Persian and Greek empires)
c. Chapter 9, National confession and the 70 weeks.
5. Section 5, The Angel Teaches Daniel about Events in the Last Days, Daniel 10-12.
a. Chapter 10, Introduction and the angelic conflict
b. Chapter 11, Future rulers and wars.
c. Chapter 12, Resurrection, three and one-half times, and the end.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 143 of 212
Trace the Theme of Daniel
1. Chapter 1, The Hebrew captives pass the test. Nebuchadnezzar, a Gentile king attacked
Jerusalem, captured King Jehoiakim, removed the wealth from the temple which
demonstrated his conquest of Israel’s God, and took young aristocrats to Babylon as hostages
(Daniel and the three included, Isaiah 39:6-7) with plans to turn them into Babylonians.
Gentiles now controlled Jerusalem, and will continue to do so until the Messiah returns to
reign. Daniel and the three decided against going “Babylonian.” God granted them favor
from the commander so he allowed them a 10 day test. They passed the food test. God also
provided for the four so that they graduated in 3 years (Daniel 1:5) at the head of the class
and so were promoted into the king’s service. The times of the Gentiles had begun, yet in the
middle of all the struggles these young men trusted Israel’s God and remained faithful to him
and his word. They showed wisdom, courage, discipline, and faithfulness.
2. Chapter 2, Dream of the gold, silver, bronze, iron, and iron and clay statue. This chapter
relates Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the giant image that pictured the four ruling Gentile
kingdoms (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome) that would dominate Israel before God
destroyed Gentile rule of Israel and set up his everlasting kingdom (Messiah’s kingdom,
Daniel 2:44-45). God’s favor and preparation of Daniel and Daniel’s faithfulness showed.
When Arioch was on his way to kill Nebuchadnezzar’s counselors, Daniel offered to
interpret the dream. First, he and his friends had a prayer meeting. What does that tell us
about them? It reveals spiritual courage, dependence upon God and faith in him to work his
will. It also reveals that Daniel, a faithful Jewish young man, had a very good testimony in
the royal court. Daniel interpreted the dream. Nebuchadnezzar recognized that Daniel’s God
was the God of gods and Lord of kings. Nebuchadnezzar begins to learn about God.
3. Chapter 3, The gold image and the fiery furnace. Nebuchadnezzar, motivated by pride and
power demanded that all people worship the image, and so honor him above all gods. The
kingdom of man challenged the kingdom of God; Gentile idols challenged the God of Israel.
In the middle of a pagan society Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego remained faithful to
Israel’s God—the only true God—regardless of whether he saved them from the fire or not.
God delivered them; Nebuchadnezzar saw that Israel’s God was real and ruled that no one
was to speak against God. Nebuchadnezzar saw the faithful witness of the three.
4. Chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony about the tree vision. This chapter teaches God’s
greatness and God’s rule over the greatest contemporary human ruler and kingdom.
Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. He was not able to understand the dream and Daniel
came to the rescue. The dream was about the greatest tree on earth. This tree was cut down,
yet the stump was left for seven years with a metal band around it. The tree represented
Nebuchadnezzar in his power and pride. Nebuchadnezzar would be removed from his rule
until he recognized that God rules over mankind and has the power and right to raise and
lower rulers (Daniel 4:25). At the end of seven years Nebuchadnezzar realized that God was
greater and more powerful. Because he repented, God restored Nebuchadnezzar to his rule.
The chapter is Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony about Israel’s God. God has a plan for history
and for Israel in particular. No Gentile power can stop God’s plan. Israel ought to be
encouraged to know this.
5. Chapter 5, Belshazzar’s party and the handwriting on the wall. Belshazzar was the son of
Nabonidus and grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. He was the second in power, and ruled in
Babylon in his father’s absence. The events occurred on October 12, 539 BC. Daniel’s theme
is repeated. Though Gentile powers rule Israel, God controls history. Kings may challenge
God and rule for a time, but God holds history in his hand. Belshazzar toasted his own
greatness using cups that were stolen from the Jerusalem temple. God’s message was written
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 144 of 212
on the wall of the banquet hall: mene (number), mene (number), tekel (weigh), upharsin (and
divide). Belshazzar’s days as king were numbered because he had been weighed in God’s
balances and failed and his kingdom was going to be divided. While the bragging and
toasting were going on the Median army diverted the Euphrates River and was invading
Babylon. That very night Belshazzar and Babylon fell to the Medes who were ruled by Cyrus
the Great.
6. Chapter 6, Jealousy and the den of lions. This took place at the beginning of the MedoPersian Empire 539 BC. Daniel was one of three administrators over 120 regional rulers.
Daniel was that “Jew” who was favored by the king. The regional rulers resented him. This
bred jealousy, conspiracy, and entrapment. Daniel’s faithfulness to God was their point of
attack. In the middle of all the chaos Daniel continued his fellowship with God and he
continued serving God. Darius had to honor his decree, so Daniel was put into the den full of
lions. God again delivered his faithful servant. God honored Daniel’s faith (Daniel 6:23).
Darius then decreed that those in his kingdom fear Daniel’s God. Daniel was a great witness
to God’s plan, power, and faithfulness.
7. Chapter 7, The four beast dream. On a night in 553 BC Daniel saw a vision of four great
beasts: a lion that had wings; a bear with three ribs in its mouth; a leopard with four wings on
its back and with four heads; and a terrible unrecognized and unnamed beast with iron teeth,
ten horns, and a little horn that grew up among the ten horns. This little horn had human
looking eyes, was a braggart, and he destroyed three of the previous horns (Daniel 7:1-8).
These will be interpreted in 7:18-28. Daniel’s vision takes a turn in verses 9-14, where he
sees one called the Ancient of Days (God the Father) sitting in judgment. The fourth beast,
now dominated by the little horn, was judged. The first three kingdoms simply failed
(Daniel 11-12). This agrees with history. Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece were taken over
by succeeding powers, but the fourth has remained in some form to our time. Note that “one
like the Son of Man” came to the Ancient of Days. To the Son was given everlasting
dominion (authority and rule) that included all peoples, nations, and languages. His dominion
and kingdom will be everlasting. This kingdom of the Son comes on the scene after the
destruction of the fourth Gentile kingdom and its ruler, the little horn. When the Son of Man
comes to rule the times of the Gentiles are stopped. The interpretation follows in Daniel 7:1528. It highlights the destruction of the fourth beast kingdom and the little horn king at the
very time the little horn king was viciously warring against believers (Daniel 7:21-26).
Following the judgment on him, the kingdom of the Son of Man will begin. It will be an
everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:27-28). Gentile dominion of Israel has ended.
8. Chapter 8, The ram and the goat. Daniel received this vision in 551 BC. It unfolds the
coming second and third beast kingdoms of the previous visions. The vision is in verses 1-14,
and Gabriel interprets the vision in verses 15-26, while verses 26-27 show Daniel’s
astonishment at what he learned. The ram with two horns (3-4) is Medo-Persia (20). The goat
with the horn (5) is Alexander the Great’s Greece (21). These two consecutive Gentile
kingdoms or empires that follow the first (Babylon) will also dominate Israel—more times of
the Gentiles. Note the accuracy of the prophecy. When Alexander died in 323 BC, his
kingdom was divided among his four leading generals (21-22). Out of these four parts of
Greece, Syria arose. Antiochus Epiphanes IV was the Syrian king who desecrated the
Jerusalem temple between 168-165 BC. He is the prototype of the coming ruler whom
Messiah, the Son of Man, will defeat (Daniel 8:23-25).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 145 of 212
9. Chapter 9, National confession and the seventy weeks. Daniel, in 538 BC, was reading
Jeremiah’s prophecy (Daniel 9:1-2). He came to the section that told about Israel’s 70 year
captivity in Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11-12 and 29:10). Because of what he read he began to
pray a prayer of confession (Daniel 9:3-15) and intercession for national deliverance
(Daniel 9:16-19). The angel Gabriel came to Daniel with God’s message in response to
Daniel’s prayer. God had determined to take, in the future, 70 weeks of years (490 sabbatical
years of 360 days each) to conclude his judgment on Israel (9:24-27). This time clock will
begin with Artaxerxes’ decree in 444 BC that gave Nehemiah the authority to return to
Jerusalem and restore the city, gates, and walls (Nehemiah 2:1-8). This decree was dated
March 5, 444 BC. There were two other decrees: by Cyrus in 537 BC to rebuild the temple
(Ezra 1:2-4 and 6:3-5); and by Artaxerxes in 458 BC to provide money and supplies for the
temple (Ezra 7:11-26). Neither meets the requirements of Gabriel’s message to Daniel. The
first seven weeks, 49 years, refer to the troubles of Nehemiah’s time. After the conclusion of
the sixty-two weeks “Messiah the prince” will come, followed by “Messiah will be cut off”
which means he will die, and following that “the people of the prince who is to come”
(Rome) will destroy Jerusalem and the temple (9:26). Between the sixty-ninth and seventieth
week we have at least a 40 year gap; this gap has now extended past AD 70 into the
twentieth-first century. Verse 27 concludes the prophecy about the seventieth week. “The
prince who is to come” (the little horn, anti-Christ, dictator) will make and then break a
covenant with Israel. This final seven years is the tribulation period of Matthew 24. Daniel
now knows the future course of the times of the Gentiles.
10. Chapter 10, Angelic conflict. In 536 BC Daniel received revelation from God after praying
for three weeks. An angel delivered the message (Daniel 10:1-9). The message was about
“what will happen to your people in the latter days” (Daniel 10:14 and 21) and is found in
Daniel 11. This angel had duty in Persia. He had wanted to visit Daniel at the beginning of
Daniel’s prayer, but a demon stationed in Persia prevented him from coming to Daniel. The
angel apparently served many kings of Persia over a long period of time (Daniel 10:13, 2021). We learn from this chapter that there is a great unseen spiritual battle raging in the
capital of Persia and likely in capitals throughout the world. Demons attempt to control
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 146 of 212
governments, while angels attempt to serve God in those capitals. The demonic power is
enormous, since Michael had to come to the angel’s aid.
11. Chapter 11, Future rulers and wars. This chapter is a continuation of chapter 10. In 538 BC
the angel helped Darius (or possibly Michael). The angelic interventions in centers of power
may partly explain Daniel’s good ministry with Darius (Daniel 6).The angel gave the
message that astounded Daniel. Verses 1-35 predict the successive empires from the time of
Darius through Antiochus Epiphanes IV (538-164 BC). Verses 36-45 move to the final
dictator of the last Gentile empire which is revived Rome during the seventieth week of
Daniel 9. Antiochus Epiphanes IV is the prototype for this dictator-antichrist. The three
Persian kings (Daniel 11:2-3) are Cambyses, Pseudo-Smerdis, and Darius I Hystaspes. They
ruled from 530 BC until 486 BC. Xerxes, of Esther’s time, is the fourth (ruled 486-465 BC).
Alexander rapidly rose to power (ruled 336-323 BC) and just as quickly fell (Daniel 11:3-4).
He is the male goat of Daniel 8:5-8 and 22. Alexander’s kingdom divided at his death into
four parts (Daniel 8:5, 8, 21-22 and 11:4). Ptolemy I Soter (Ptolemies) took Egypt; Antipater
and then Cassander took Macedonia and Greece; Lysimachus took Thrace and Asia Minor;
and Seleucis I Nicator (Seleucids) took Babylon and Syria. Daniel 11:5-20 emphasize the
activities of the Ptolomies (Egypt, south) and Seleucids (Syria, north). Out of Syria “a
despicable person will arise.” This is Antiochus Epiphanes IV—Epiphanes means the
illustrious one, but he was nicknamed Epimanes which means madman—who ruled 175-164
BC (Daniel 11:21-35). Daniel 11:36-45 gives details about the end time “prince” predicted
in Daniel 9:27. He is “the king” of 11:36, and the little horn of Daniel 7:8, the last king of the
fourth beast empire of the times of the Gentiles. Paul called him the “lawless man” in
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. Jesus predicted these events in Matthew 24:4-28. Antiochus
Epiphanes IV, the little horn of Daniel 8:9-12, 23-25, foreshadowed this future ruler-dictator
of the Revived Roman Empire in Daniel 11:21-35. God will defeat him at the end of the
Tribulation (11:45).
12. Chapter 12, Resurrection, three and one-half times, and the end. This chapter continues on
from chapter 11. “That time” is the time that the “king” of Daniel 11:36-45 does his evil
work during Daniel’s seventieth week—the Tribulation. He will come to his end by the
victory of Messiah. Tribulation martyrs and Old Testament believers will be resurrected and
rewarded (Daniel 12:2-3). The unbelievers will also be raised to judgment, but apparently
this will not occur until after the 1000 year kingdom (Revelation 20). When will the final
defeat of the “king” and the “everlasting dominion…and “kingdom” of the “Son of Man”
(Daniel 7:13-14 and 12:6) happen? Daniel did not know all the details (Daniel 12:4, 8-9), but
the last part of this “time of distress” (Daniel 12:1) will last three and one-half times or three
and one-half years (Daniel 12:7). This will be a time of severe testing and purging.
Unbelievers will not understand God’s ways, but those who pay attention to the prophecy
will understand what is happening (Daniel 12:10). The messenger angel concludes his
warning by giving a timeline. There will be 1290 days from the public installation of the
“abomination of desolation.” This is 30 days longer than the 1260 days of Daniel 9:27 and
Revelation 11:3 and 12:6. The 30 days is probably for judgment by Messiah on those raging
against him. Then another date is given—1335 days (75 days longer than 1260 days) from
the time the abomination appears. This is probably the time needed to install King Jesus and
for him to begin his kingdom. Those surviving the Tribulation will enter the kingdom in their
physical bodies. Tribulation martyrs and Old Testament believers will enter the kingdom in
their resurrection bodies. It is significant that the angel messenger concludes his message by
telling Daniel to live out his life and that Daniel will arise by resurrection at the end of the
age, which in context is the end of the Tribulation or seventieth week.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 147 of 212
Key People
1. Ancient of Days is God the Father (Daniel 7:9 and 13).
2. Ashpenaz, (1:3, 8) chief of the king Nebuchadnezzar’s officials.
3. Belshazzar (5:1) son of King Nabonidus and coregent with him, grandson of
Nebuchadnezzar.
4. Daniel—Belteshazzar, Hananiah—Shadrach, Mishael—Meshach, Azaria—Abednego (1:7),
The names were changed to help assimilate the captives into the Babylonian culture. These
were noble Jewish young men whom Nebuchadnezzar took to Babylon as hostages.
Nebuchadnezzar attempted to remold them in the Babylonian image. He failed. The remained
faith to God. Daniel became very valuable and trusted by the rulers, and was an outstanding
testimony for Israel’s God.
5. Darius (5:31), was most likely Gubaru, also named Gobyras (Archer, “Daniel,” pp. 76–77;
Whitcomb, Darius the . . ., p. 35; Robert Dick Wilson, Studies in the Book of Daniel, pp.
128–29). Wiseman prefers Cyrus (D. J. Wiseman, “Some Historical Problems in the Book of
Daniel,” in Notes on Some Problems in the Book of Daniel, pp. 12–14.). Cyrus appointed
Darius governor of Babylon.
6. Gabriel (Daniel 8:16 and 9:21), the heavenly messenger (angel) whom God sent to explain to
Daniel the meaning of his visions. He also told Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, of
John’s coming birth (Luke 1:11-20) and announced to Mary that she would be the mother of
Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
7. Michael (10:13 and 21), the archangel and guardian of Israel. He is also called the prince of
Israel (10:21) and the great prince (12:1). He is also mentioned in Jude 9 and Revelation
12:7.
8. Nebuchadnezzar (1:1) second and greatest king of Babylon.
9. Son of Man is God the Son, Jesus Christ (Daniel 7:13).
Key Words and Events
1. Dream. God reveals something to a person while sleeping. Nebuchadnezzar had two dreams
(chapter 2, his vision of the 90 foot high image and chapter 4, his 7 years of insanity).
2. Gold head refers to Nebuchadnezzar and his empire; Silver refers to the Medo-Persian
empire; Bronze refers to the Greek empire; Iron refers to the Roman empire of our Lord’s
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Page 148 of 212
time; Iron and clay refer to the Revived Roman empire which will reform as a dominant
power in the last days, and which Jesus Christ will destroy when he returns to earth.
Latter days (Daniel 2:28 and 10:14), time of the end (Daniel 8:17), end of time (Daniel 12:4),
end time (Daniel 11:40, 12:9), and end of the age (Daniel 12:13) refer to the tribulation time
that comes before Messiah returns to earth to set up his promised kingdom. This end time is
different from the last days of the church age.
Mene (number), mene (number), tekel (weigh), upharsin (and divide). Belshazzar’s days as
king were numbered because he had been weighed in God’s balances and failed and his
kingdom was going to be divided (Daniel 5).
“Satraps were the highest political officials in each province. The prefects (princes) were
military chiefs. The governors (captains) were heads of sections of the provinces. The
counselors (advisers, judges) were high-ranking judges. The treasurers were superintendents
of the treasury. The judges (counselors) were secondary judges, and the magistrates (sheriffs)
were lower level legal officials. The rulers (officials) were subordinates of the satraps. These
groups represented all the administrative government officials of the wide-ranging empire,
and they spoke many different languages (v. 7).” (Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the
Bible (Daniel 3:3). Galaxie Software)
Stone (2:34-35 and 45) refers to the Messianic kingdom headed by Jesus the Messiah.
“Times of the Gentiles” is not named in Daniel’s book, but it is a central part of Daniel’s
theme. Jesus refers to it in Luke 21:24. This is the period of time during which the Israeli
people and Israel’s promised land are controlled by Gentile powers. During the times of the
Gentiles Israel has no rightful king of David’s line ruling. It began in 605 BC with the rule of
Nebuchadnezzar and will end when Messiah comes to earth at his second coming and rules
the promised Messianic Kingdom as king over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9).
Week (one) is 7 years of 360 day years, and 7 weeks equals 490 years (Daniel 9:24-27).
Time, times, and half a time equal three and one/half years (Daniel 7:25 and 12:7; Revelation
12:14). A time is one year of 360 days. Times equal two years. Half a time is 6 months or
one-half a year. The book of Revelation also has similar time notations. Revelation 11:3 and
12:6 mention 1260 days which equal three and one-half years. Revelation 11:2 and 13:5
mention 42 months which equal three and one-half years.
Key Doctrines
1. Angels, demons, and governments.
2. Character counts.
3. Daniel’s seventieth week.
4. Faithfulness to God and to his will.
5. God is the ultimate sovereign over kings, nations, and people.
6. God’s faithfulness to his people.
7. Messiah King
8. Resurrection of Old Testament believers.
9. Testing that believers go through.
10. Theocratic program and dispensations.
11. Times of the Gentiles.
12. Tribulation, second coming, and millennial kingdom.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 149 of 212
Lessons for Us Today
1. During the times of the Gentiles, Gentile nations and rulers dominate Israel. We presently
live in the times of the Gentiles.
2. God has history under his control and history is moving toward God’s goal. Be encouraged
by God’s plan for history and by God’s promises. He is stronger, smarter, and possesses
higher authority than any earthly ruler.
3. Be encouraged because God has infinite ability to deliver his people from testing if and when
he chooses. God has not lost or forgotten about his people in any period of history, though he
often allows severe testing of his people. Our part is to remain believing and faithful to God.
4. Our ability to resist temptation is related to our love for God and our faith in God and his
word (Daniel 3:17-18; James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:3-4).
5. Just as Nebuchadnezzar had to admit that God was ruler of earth and heaven, so all people
and rulers will bow before God’s king Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).
6. Personal biblical character in a pagan society witnesses to the reality of God and his will. But
this character will be tested (Daniel 1 and 3 are good examples).
7. Daniel does not emphasize any campaign to change Babylon. He and his Jewish friends
learned and applied God’s word, remained faithful to God, and trusted God throughout their
lives of service in a pagan government. We should do the same. Regarding bringing biblical
standards into American government, we need to remember that the USA began with a
strong biblical basis. We ought to resist departure from that.
8. Angels and demons work in the capitals of the world, and apparently especially concerning
Israel. Angels work to restrain evil and to further God’s plan. Demons work to oppose God’s
plan.
Daniel 12:13
“But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your
allotted portion at the end of the age.”
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 150 of 212
Hosea Bible Walk
Theme: Spiritual Prostitution, Judgment, and Restoration
Tod Kennedy
December 2006-January 2007
Theme
Spiritual Prostitution, Judgment, and Restoration. We can summarize Hosea with four pairs—
prophet and prostitute, God and Israel, sin and judgment, forgiveness and restoration. The
Northern Kingdom, Israel continues to commit spiritual adultery with the pagan gods. God tells
Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute or soon to be a prostitute. The marriage becomes an object
lesson of God’s relationship with Israel. Hosea remains faithful to Gomer, even to the point of
redeeming (buying her back) after she left him for adulterous activities (Hosea 3). As Hosea
Loved Gomer, God loves Israel in spite of her deliberate sin. He warns Israel, judges Israel, yet
will forgive her and restore her to fellowship with himself.
Key Verses
Hosea 4:1, “1 Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the
inhabitants of the land, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the
land.”
Hosea 14:1, “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your
iniquity.”
Author
Hosea is the author according to Hosea 1:1-2.
1. Very little is said about Hosea. He is likely from Israel, the Northern Kingdom because the
primary interest of the prophecy concerns this kingdom. He directs his messages to Ephraim,
the largest of the northern Israeli tribes. Ephraim is mentioned 36 times in 31 verses.
2. Hosea means “He (Yahweh) saves” or “salvation.” He shares the name with Hoshea, the last
king of the Northern Kingdom. In the English Bible the king’s name has the h in the middle
to distinguish the two people.
3. Hosea was the son of Beeri (1:1), the husband of Gomer (1:3). He had a son, Jezreel, “God
sows” (1:3-4), a daughter, Lo-ruhamah, “no compassion” (1:6), and a son, Lo-ammi, “not my
people” (1:8-9).
4. Paul refers to Hosea as the writer of Hosea 2:23 (Romans 9:25) and Hosea 1:9-10 (Romans
9:26-27).
5. He was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Micah.
History
Hosea ministered about 760 -715 BC, or about 45 years. He lived during exciting times.
1. Hosea served during the reins of 11 kings of Israel and Judah, though he only mentions four
kings of Judah—Uzziah (792-739 BC), Jotham (739-731 BC), Ahaz (731-715 BC), and
Hezekiah (715-686 BC)—and one king of Israel, Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) (Hosea 1:1).
These were to him the prominent kings. Why mention more Judean kings when his ministry
was to the northern tribes? Probably because he recognized that the Judean kings were the
rightful kings in David’s line.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 151 of 212
2. Uzziah and Hezekiah are the prominent kings during this time of history.
a. Uzziah, the first king that Hosea lists (Hosea 1:1 and 2 Chronicles 26), ruled from
792 to 539 BC. He began his rule at age 16. Due to the weakness of Assyria at
this time he restored strength and fame to Judah. He followed the Lord during
much of his reign, but later he allowed pride to rule him. God punished him with
leprosy for attempting to do what God has reserved for the priests—burn incense
in the temple.
b. Hezekiah (728-686 BC, 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32) was the last king of
Judah mentioned. Hezekiah was a godly king. He threw off Assyria’s yoke when
the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians (2 Kings 19.35; 2 Chronicles
32.21). The Lord gave him a miraculous sign that he would live 15 more years—
the shadow on the staircase went back ten steps (2 Kings 20.8-11). He foolishly
showing off the temple wealth to Merodach-baladan, the king of Assyria (2 Kings
20.12-15). Hezekiah is also famous for the construction of the 1777 foot long
underground water tunnel that carried water from the Gihon springs outside the
city (which he stopped up and covered over) into Jerusalem. Along with the water
tunnel he built the Siloam reservoir to hold the water (2 Kings 20.20; 2 Chronicles
32.1-4, 32).
3. Jeroboam II (793 to 753 BC) was the one northern king (kingdom of Israel) that Hosea
mentions. He gave Israel a degree of prosperity (2 Kings 14:23-29).
a. Jeroboam reigned from 793-753 (Albright begins his reign at 786 and Thiele at
782 BC). He was the strongest of the northern kings of this period. When Hosea
began his ministry in the last years of Jeroboam’s reign (about 760 BC). At this
time Israel was in a period of temporary prosperity. Jeroboam had ended the wars
his father began. He took back territory lost earlier. He was able to increase
commerce and wealth for Israel. But on the spiritual and moral side, the northern
kingdom welcomed idolatry, empty ritualism, lawlessness, and selfishness.
b. Hosea left out the other six northern kings of this period—Zechariah (753 BC),
Shallum (752 BC), Menahem (752-742 BC), Pekah (752-732 BC), Pekahiah
(742-740 BC), and Hoshea (732-723 BC).
c. The expansion by Israel was primarily due to the fall of Damascus (Aramaea) and
the comparative inaction and weakness of Assyria.
d. Jeroboam II died in 753 BC and was followed by his son, Zechariah, who was
assassinated after ruling for six months. Four of the last six kings of Israel were
murdered.
e. The last king, Hoshea, the last king of Israel, paid a heavy tribute to Assyria and
was spared. But in about 724 BC he revolted against Assyria. Assyria, under
Sargon II (r. 721-705 BC), then defeated, uprooted, and exiled Israel, including
king Hoshea, to various parts of the Assyrian empire in 721 BC.
4. At the time of Hosea the Assyrian empire was experiencing a resurgence of power.
a. Jonah preached to Nineveh sometime during the beginning of the 8th century BC.
Nineveh was failing at that time, but possibly due to the repentance of the people
of Nineveh, around 745 BC Assyria regained strength and stature under the rule
of Tiglath-pileser III.
b. Tiglath-pileser III (745-727 BC) was the Assyrian king who began the Assyrian
recovery and restored Assyria’s glory. He is called Pul in 2 Kings 15:19. TP III
conquered Babylon, invaded Israel and deported some of the people, and also
broke up the alliance between Aramaea (Syria) and Israel.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 152 of 212
c. Shalmaneser V (727-723 BC) attacked Samaria, the capital of the northern
kingdom. King Hosea of Israel rebelled against Shalmaneser so Shalmaneser
besieged Samaria, the capital. Shalmaneser died before the completion of the war,
but Sargon II finished the job.
d. Sargon II (722-706 BC) completed the destruction of Israel and exiled the
northern kingdom in 722 BC.
e. Sennacherib (705-681 BC) conducted the famous siege of Jerusalem during
Hezekiah’s reign. Sennacherib’s army of 185,000 was destroyed by the angel of
the Lord. Hosea lived through this defeat of Israel by Assyria.
Key People
1. Hosea was the prophet and author of this book. Hosea ministered about 760 -715 BC, or
about 45 years. He lived during exciting times.
2. Gomer was the wife of Hosea. She became unfaithful to Hosea. She illustrated Israel in the
nation’s relationship to the Lord.
3. Jezreel was Hosea and Gomer’s first son. His name means “God sows” and is a sign to Israel
that God is sowing or planting the seeds for Israel’s discipline at the hand of Assyria in 722
BC.
4. Lo-ruhamah was Hosea and Gomer’s daughter. Her name means “no compassion” and is a
sign to Israel that God will stop his compassion on Israel for a time.
5. Lo-ammi was Hosea and Gomer’s second son. His name means “not my people” and tells
Israel that they are not living as his people should live and hence he will send them into exile.
Key Words and Phrases.
Below are some key words and the frequency of use by Hosea. This should give a sense of the
prophet’s emphasis.
1. Adultery, 4 times in 4 verses.
2. Destroy, 4 times in 4 verses.
3. Destruction, 3 times in 3 verses.
4. Ephraim, 36 times in 31 verses.
5. Faithful, faithfulness, 3 times in 3 verses.
6. Forgive, 1 time in 1 verse.
7. God, 29 times in 26 verses.
8. Harlot, 10 times in 10 verses.
9. Holy One, referring to God, 2 times in 2 verses.
10. Idol, 1 time in 1 verse.
11. Israel, 44 times in 41 verses.
12. Judah, 15 times in 15 verses.
13. Judgment, 3 times in 3 verses.
14. Lord, 49 times in 42 verses.
15. Love, 6 times in 5 verses.
16. Murder, 2 times in 2 verses.
17. Prophet, 5 times in 4 verses.
18. Punish, 7 times in 7 verses.
19. Rebelled, 3 times in 3 verses.
20. Rejected, reject, 4 times in 3 verses.
21. Return 11 times in 10 verses.
22. Righteous, 1 time in 1 verse.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 153 of 212
23. Righteousness, 3 times in 3 verses.
24. Sin, 6 times in 6 verses.
25. Sin, sinned, 8 times in 8 verses.
26. Wickedness, 5 times in 5 verses.
27. Word of the Lord, 2 times in 2 verses.
Overview Outline
1. The prophet, Hosea, and the prostitute wife, Gomer, Chapters 1-3.
2. Israel is unfaithful to the Lord like Gomer to Hosea, 4-13.
3. The Lord calls Israel to return to him, 14.
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1: The prophet and the prostitute
2. Chapter 2: Unfaithful Israel—judged, forgiven, restored
3. Chapter 3: Hosea redeems his prostitute wife
4. Chapter 4: Indictment—Israel is a prostitute and idolater
5. Chapter 5: Verdict—God condemns Israel
6. Chapter 6: Loyalty and knowledge, not sacrifice and burnt offerings
7. Chapter 7: Lord would heal and redeem, but Israel continues to sin
8. Chapter 8: Israel sows the wind and reaps the whirlwind
9. Chapter 9: Israel—wanderers among the nations
10. Chapter 10: False prosperity brings pride and problems
11. Chapter 11: Israel, God’s son, rebelled
12. Chapter 12: Ephraim and Judah sin, though the Lord has been their God
13. Chapter 13: Israel sins more and more
14. Hosea 14, Return to the Lord your God; he will heal and love you
Trace the Theme
1. Hosea 1, the prophet and the prostitute. Hosea received this revelation during the reigns of
several mentioned kings—798-686 BC. In verse 2 the Lord tells Hosea to marry Gomer, a
woman who will become a prostitute. The Lord’s reason is that Israel is committing spiritual
adultery and Hosea and Gomer’s marriage becomes a graphic object lesson of God’s
relationship with Israel. Hosea and Gomer had two sons and one daughter. The first son was
Jezreel. His name means “God sows” and is a sign to Israel that God is sowing or planting
the seeds for Israel’s discipline at the hand of Assyria in 722 BC. The daughter was Loruhamah. Her name means “no compassion” and is a sign to Israel that God will stop his
compassion on Israel for a time. The second son was Lo-ammi. His name means “not my
people” and tells Israel that they are not living as his people should live and hence he will
send them into exile. These hard predictions will not last forever. The Lord says in verses 10
and 11 that the nations will like the sand of the sea and will be sons of the living God. In the
distant future Israel and Judah will come together. They will have one leader. Verse 11 plays
on the word Jezreel. God will again sow his people in their land. It will be a place of victory
and blessing. Recall that Jezreel also was the place of Gideon’s victory (Judges 6:33-8:28).
2. Hosea 2, Unfaithful Israel—judged, forgiven, restored. This chapter portrays Israel’s
unfaithfulness to the Lord through Hosea’s comments to his children. As Gomer left Hosea
and became an adulteress, so Israel has left the Lord. Both Gomer and Israel will be
disciplined (2:3-6 and 9-13). Israel has gone crazy after spirituality adultery with the idols of
the ancient near east. As the crazed adulteress cannot find love, security, and happiness, so
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 154 of 212
Israel will not find that for which she seeks (2:7). In spite of the sins of Israel, the Lord will
chase her down and restore her to himself (2:14-23). Israel will call the Lord Ishi, “my man”.
He will make a covenant for Israel that will bring peace, safety, and fellowship with the Lord
(2:18-23). The Lord will call her “my people” and they will call him “my God.”
3. Hosea 3, Hosea redeems his prostitute wife. Hosea buys back Gomer from prostitution
(3:2). He then restricted her activity (3:3). God will also restrict Israel—most likely referring
to exile lasting through the times of the Gentiles. At the end of that period Israel will turn to
the Lord and to David their kings. This is a picture of the future kingdom under the messiah’s
blessing.
4. Hosea 4, Indictment—Israel is a prostitute and idolater. Israel is characterized by no
faithfulness or kindness, no knowledge of God, they have forgotten God’s law, and are
without understanding (4:1, 6, 14). They commit all kinds of sin (4:2-5, 7). Idolatry is
rampant (4:11-19). God will judge them (4:9-10, 19).
5. Hosea 5, Verdict—God condemns Israel. God proclaimed his judgment to the priest, all
Israel, and the king. In this chapter his warning goes out from Gibeah, Ramah, and Bethaven—mountainous areas in Israel (5:8). Both Israel, also called Ephraim, and Judah come
under his judgment (5:3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14). In verses 6, 14, and 15 God will withdraw
from the people, judge them, and withhold deliverance until Israel repents.
6. Hosea 6, Loyalty and knowledge, not sacrifice and burnt offerings. The message in
chapter 6 begins with the prophet speaking for the nation and calling them all to return to the
Lord (6:1-3). The Lord replies with a question of what shall he do with Ephraim (Israel) and
Judah (6:4). They are disloyal (6;4); they offer meaningless sacrifices (6:6); they transgressed
God’s will (6:7); they murder (6:8-9); and commit spiritual adultery (6:11). Even Judah will
be judged before she will be restored (6:11).
7. Hosea 7, Lord would heal and redeem, but Israel continues to sin. This message the Lord
clearly tells Israel that it is his desire to heal them (7:1) and redeem them (7:13) but the
nation continues to sin. For example, iniquity and evil deeds (1), do not consider (2),
wickedness (2 and 3), adulterers (4), hearts like and oven (6), none calls on me (7), neither
returned to nor sought the Lord (10), silly dove (11), call to Egypt and go to Assyria (11).
Israel cannot escape God’s judgment, no matter what they do or where they go (12-13). They
will not repent (14). They turn away from the Lord (14), devise evil against the Lord (15),
and they will not succeed (16).
8. Hosea 8, Israel sows the wind and reaps the whirlwind. Because Israel has rebelled,
sinned, rejected the Lord, and made idols the nation will reap the consequences (7) of
destruction and dispersion (8-14). Judah will face the same consequences (14).
9. Hosea 9, Israel—wanderers among the nations. The prophet continues to warn Israel.
Because of her sin, Israel will be exiled to Egypt and Assyria (3). Her judgment will come
quickly (7). The Lord began Israel with a good future, but she soon turned to idolatry (10).
Because of Israel’s disloyalty to the Lord, he will severely judge her (13-17). God will drive
them out and love them no more (15). He will cast them away and they will be wanderers
among the nations (17).
10. Hosea 10, False prosperity brings pride and problems. When Israel prospered she not
only forget the Lord, she turned against him. She built idols and worshipped these. Neither
her prosperity nor her idols will help her. She has sinned against God and nothing can help
her. It is time to seek the Lord (12) for he is the only hope.
11. Hosea 11, Israel, God’s son, rebelled. Israel began as the object of God’s love and care (14). Even though God rescued them from Egypt, they turned against him. He will judge Israel,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 155 of 212
but will not destroy her (8-9). Israel and Judah’s action is all the more terrible because “the
Holy One is in your midst” (9).
12. Hosea 12, Ephraim and Judah sin, though the Lord has been their God. Ephraim (Israel)
and Judah continue to sin even though they have a long history of relationship and blessing
from the Lord, the God of hosts (1-5). The Lord calls for them to return to him, to observe
kindness and justice, and to wait for God to work (6). In spite of all God’ goodness,
protection, and revelation, Israel and Judah think that they have done well for themselves.
13. Hosea 13, Israel sins more and more. Ephraim continues to worship Baal by making more
idols and sacrificing to the idols (1-2). Therefore God’s judgment will come upon Ephraim
(3). The Lord has been Israel’s God since Egypt. There is no God and no savior except him
(4). The Lord cared for them, but will now be like a lion, a leopard, a bear, and a lioness (58). In the past God even gave them a king, but the king did not help (10-11). God’s judgment
will hide his compassion (14), and his judgment will be terrible (15-16).
14. Hosea 14, Return to the Lord your God; he will heal and love. The final chapter of
Hosea’s prophecy is the Lord’s call to Israel to return to him (1-2). God asks them to come to
him for forgiveness and safety and to realize that Assyria and idols cannot help them (3).
God will heal them, love them, and turn away his anger (4). God will be the cause for
renewal of national life, blessing and protection (5-8). The final verse appeals to those who
are wise enough to know that the ways of the Lord are right (9).
Key Doctrines
1. Divine discipline and judgment on individuals and the nation
2. God’s faithfulness to his people
3. God’s love for Israel and Judah
4. Idolatry or spiritual adultery, or unfaithfulness to God
5. National restoration of Israel
6. Marriage—grace toward the unfaithful
7. Knowledge of God and his word and fellowship with him is vital to his people
Lessons For Us Today
1. How do I view God? Do I understand his holiness, or do I have a casual attitude toward sin?
God forgives sin, but he must, at times, bring discipline.
2. Idolatry is not just kissing a stone or wood image. According to Paul, idolatry includes a
number of sins among which are immorality, impurity, lust, and greediness (Ephesians 5:5
and Colossians 5:5). These sins turn our attention away from God and focus on our attention
on activities that Israel did in her idolatry.
3. God wants his people to return to him, regardless of the sins committed. Do I understand that
God is not through with his people if they sin, whether Israel or church believers?
4. Gomer’s activity is quite frequent in marriages today, including Christian marriages. Divorce
is often a quick way out. The Bible allows divorce in these situations, but Hosea’s sacrifice,
responsibility, and redemption gives us an illustration of the best way to repair a hurt
marriage.
5. Knowledge of God and his word and personally knowing God better is crucial to pleasing
and fellowshipping with God. The Jews of Hosea’s ministry did not think so. They suffered
from lack of knowledge and fellowship. What is my desire about knowing God, God’s word,
and fellowship with Him and what am I doing about it?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 156 of 212
Joel Bible Walk
Theme: Day of the Lord
Tod Kennedy
January-February, 2007
Theme
The Day of the Lord is Joel’s theme. The Lord brought an overwhelming locust invasion to get
Israel’s attention so that they might repent and return to Him. This historical Day of the Lord
then becomes the basis for Joel’s messages about the prophetic or future day of the Lord that will
overwhelm Israel, her enemies, and the world. The prophetic Day of the Lord will happen at the
time around Jesus’ return to earth.
Key Verses
Joel 1:15, Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction
from the Almighty.
Joel 2:1 Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the
inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near,
Joel 2:11 And the LORD utters His voice before His army; Surely His camp is very great, For
strong is he who carries out His word. The day of the LORD is indeed great and very awesome,
And who can endure it?
Joel 2:31 "The sun will be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the great and
awesome day of the LORD comes.
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the
valley of decision.
Author: Joel
1. The prophet Joel is the author of this book (Joel 1:1). Some suggest that he might be a priest
because he speaks to the priests in three passages (1:9, 13; 2:17), but that seems questionable.
His name, ‫ יוֹאֵל‬yoel, means “Yahweh is God.” His father’s name is Pethuel (1:1). There are
eleven other Joel’s in the Bible. Otherwise nothing is known about him.
2. He is a prophet to Judah. Notice “to the house of he Lord your God,” (1:14), “Zion” (2:1, 15,
23, 32; 3:16, 17, 21), “Jerusalem” (2:31; 3:1, 6, 16, 17, 20), “Judah” (3:1, 6, 8, 18, 19, 20),
“house of the Lord” (1:9, 14; 3:18), and “house of your God” (1:13, 16). Joel then ministered
at the same time as Elisha.
History
1. There are no date markers in Joel’s book, but content and context of the book best fits the
pre-exile ninth century BC (around 830-835 BC), early in Joash’s reign. No king is
mentioned.
2. Though no king is mentioned, exhortations are given to the priesthood. In 841 BC Jehu killed
King Ahaziah. Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab of Israel. She
was not of David’s line and so not a legal ruler. She tried to eliminate all the legal heirs to the
throne in Judah. One of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash (grandson of Athaliah), was rescued by the
priest Jehoiada, and hidden for six years in the temple. When Joash was seven years old
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 157 of 212
Jehoiada, the priest, overthrew Athaliah (835 BC). Joash became king and Jehoiada was his
tutor. Johoiada tried to remove Baal worship and restore righteousness to the kingdom. When
he died he was honored by being buried with the kings in the city of David (2 Chronicles
24:16). See 2 Kings 9-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.
3. The enemies mentioned are the Tyre and Sidon (Phoenicians), Philistines, Egyptians, and
Edomites (3:4, 19). These were the pre-exilic enemies of Israel.
4. The exilic enemies of Israel and Judah (Assyria and Babylon) are not mentioned, nor is
Persian mentioned. Furthermore, no post-exilic people or events are mentioned.
5. Joel is placed second in the Hebrew list of short prophecies known as the twelve (Minor
Prophets). This list generally follows a chronology of earliest to latest.
Overview Outline
1. The judgments of the locust day of the Lord and the prophetic day of the Lord, 1:1-2:2:17.
2. The deliverance and restoration from the locust day of the Lord and from the prophetic day
of the Lord, 2:18-3:21.
Chapter Titles
1. Joel 1, The locust invasion day of the Lord
2. Joel 2, The prophetic day of the Lord is coming
3. Joel 3, The Lord will restore the fortunes of Judah
Trace the Theme
1. Joel 1, The locust invasion day of the Lord. The Lord speaks through Joel (1:1) and calls to
the leaders of Israel (Elders) and citizens (all inhabitants of the land) in verse 2. A
horrendous locust storm has invaded and destroyed the vegetation of the land of Judah.
Nothing like this had ever happened before in the history of Israel (1:3-12). Not only have
the crops been destroyed, but the spirit of the people has been attacked (1:12). The temple
offerings cannot even be offered due to the lack of grain and wine (1:13). Joel tells the priest
to gather the elders and citizens to the house of the Lord to cry out to the Lord for help
(1:14). He then says that the day of the Lord is near and will come (1:15), then continues to
describe the present day disaster in 16-20. Note everything that has been cut off: food,
gladness and joy, seeds and grains (1:16-17). The cattle and sheep suffer because there is no
pasture food and no water (1:18-20). Apparently Joel is saying that the destruction from the
locust day of the Lord is like the future or prophetic day of the Lord.
2. Joel 2, The prophetic day of the Lord is coming. After announcing a future day of the Lord in
1:15 followed by the disasters of the present destruction, Joel in 2:1 sounds a warning about
the day of the Lord that is coming and is near. Verses 2-11 describe God’s present locust
judgment: darkness and gloom (2), desolate wilderness behind them (3), like horses (4), they
climb the wall like soldiers (7), before them the earth quakes (10), the day of the Lord is
indeed great and awesome (11). With verse 12 the Lord exhorts Israel to return to him. This
continues through verse 17. Beginning with 2:18 and going through 2:27 the Lord, through
Joel, promises Israel that he will replace the devastation with blessing. Woven within this
promise the Lord seems to extend promises about blessing to include a distant and even
better time (19, 20, 26, 27). This time is the future kingdom blessings that Messiah will
bring. Joel 2:28 builds on this transition from the locust day of the Lord and now promises a
future day of the Lord that includes the ministry of the Holy Spirit to all mankind—
including, especially, the remnant of Israel (29). During this time the Lord will show his
great power and sovereignty by miraculous changes in the sky and on earth, and these
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 158 of 212
changes lead into the prophetic day of the Lord in which the Lord will judge the earth and its
people (30-31). Anyone who accepts Messiah may call on him for physical deliverance (32).
3. Joel 3, The Lord will restore the fortunes of Judah. In this chapter the Lord promises that he
will restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem (3:1). Note “in those days” and “at that
time.” The context goes back to the last part of chapter 2, the great and awesome day of the
Lord (2:31). The Lord will gather all the nations (3:2) to the valley of Jehoshaphat (3:2) and
will judge them for their vicious treatment of Israel (3:2-6). Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia (3:4)
were nations of Joel’s time that pillaged Israel (3:4-6). This occurred in past history. In
verses 7-8 the Lord promises what he will do in the near future to Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia.
This may also stretch out into the distant future tribulation period. In 345 BC, Antiochus III
enslaved the people of Sidon. In 332 BC Alexander enslaved the people of Tyre and Gaza.
Jews may have had a part in that. The Sabeans (3:8) lived in the ranges of the Arabian
Peninsula. The Queen of Sheba came from there to see Solomon (2 Chronicles 9). Israel will
apparently sell the Sabeans to the far northwest. Joel 3:9 then instructs the nations about a
great battle that will happen in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The word “nations” is mentioned
in 3:9, 11, and 12. The Lord will bring his war upon the nations because of their treatment of
Israel. The Lord will be the victorious warrior (3:16), his people will be Israel (3:16), and his
city will be Jerusalem (3:16-17). He will protect his people, Israel, and will be her refuge and
stronghold (3:16). Verses 17 through 21 give details about the prophetic day of the Lord.
Israel will be holy (3:17). There will be economic prosperity (3:18). The historic enemies of
Israel, Egypt and Edom, will become desolate (3:19), Judah and Jerusalem will be inhabited
forever (3:20), and the Lord will dwell in Jerusalem (3:21). This restoration and blessing is
predicted many places in the Old Testament. For example, Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Isaiah
11:11-16; Jeremiah 16:15 and chapters 30-31; Ezekiel 36-39, but note 37:21-22; Daniel 12:1;
Zephaniah 3:20; Zechariah 12-14 (“in that day” is used 16 times); Malachi 4 and many other
Scriptures. The Messianic Kingdom will have come.
Key People
1. Joel, the prophet (1:1). He is only mentioned here and in Acts 2:16.
2. Key Words and Phrases
3. Day, 9 times in 7 verses. Joel 1:15; 2:1, 2, 11, 31; 3:14, 18
4. Day of the Lord. Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14
5. Those days, Joel 2:29; 3:1
6. That time, Joel 3:1
7. That day, Joel 3:18
8. Valley of Jehoshaphat, Joel 3:2, 12. This is the place where God will judge the nations. The
place is unknown, but may be the Valley of Jezreel, east of the Mt Carmel range.
Key Doctrines
1. God governs mankind, and in particular, Israel, through prophets, through nations, and
through creation such as “natural disasters.
2. God is always gracious and desires Israel to return to fellowship with him.
3. God works through creation and nations to turn his people back to reverence, obedience, and
fellowship with him.
4. When in a national crisis, leadership should rally the people and lead them to the best
solution—relationship and fellowship with God.
5. Concentration on God and prayer for God’s guidance and deliverance is the biblical approach
for a people when they find themselves in a national crisis.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 159 of 212
Lessons for us
1. God also works through what mankind may call natural disasters such as earthquakes,
storms, epidemics, plagues, and even warfare.
2. When a crisis comes the leaders should gather the people where God is present and pray for
God’s deliverance. This leadership will also rally the hopes of people. This can apply to a
nation, to a church or mission, to a family, and to any group of believers.
3. History is moving in God’s direction. God will judge nations based upon his character and
according to their response or rejection of him. He will also judge nations according to their
treatment of Israel. In the end time Israel will be restored as head of the nations.
4. God works to bring his people into right relationship with him—faith, reverence, obedience,
fellowship, service.
5. Believers are on the winning side, though right now the spiritual battle “seems” to be going
against us.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 160 of 212
Amos Bible Walk
Theme: Chosen for Blessing, Punished for Sin
Tod Kennedy
April, 2007
Theme
Chosen for Blessing, Yet Punished for Sin. Theme: God chose Israel (Amos 3:2) to be his priest
nation through whom he would redeem mankind and restore rightful authority to himself. Both
Israel and Judah departed from the Lord. Amos has a message for both, but especially to Israel.
His message is one of judgment to the surrounding nations, to Israel, and to Judah. The Lord
repeatedly calls upon Israel and Judah to seek him and live (e.g. Amos 5:4). Though the
judgment will be severe, he will in the last times restore and bless the united nation.
Key Verses
Amos 3:1-2, HEAR this word which the LORD has spoken against you, sons of Israel, against the
entire family which He brought up from the land of Egypt, 2 “You only have I chosen among all
the families of the earth; Therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities.”
Amos 5:4-5, For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live. 5 But do
not resort to Bethel….”
Author
Amos was the man to whom God revealed the messages of this book.
1. He was from a town five miles southeast of Bethlehem called Tekoa (Amos 1:1). Tekoa was
on an important road between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son
and the first ruler of the southern kingdom made Tekoa a defense city for Judah
(2 Chronicles 11:5). Rehoboam’s story is in 2 Chronicles 10-12.
2. Amos was a shepherd (Amos 1:1), herdsman (7:14), and a Sycamore fig tree farmer
(Amos 7:14). He probably commuted to the Shephelah and Jordan Valley for his Sycamore
fig tree work.
3. Amos was not a professional prophet, nor was he a member of the prophet guild. God called
him to preach and to prophecy to Israel, especially, and also to Judah (Amos 7:14-15).
4. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Jonah, Micah, and Isaiah were prophets to Israel during this century
(700s BC). Amos ministered after Joel and Jonah, and before Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah.
History
Amos served during the kingships of Uzziah of Judah (r. 790-739 BC) and Jeroboam II of Israel
(r. 793-755 BC).
1. Uzziah (2 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 26) was the ninth kind of Judah after Solomon died. He
reigned in co-regency from 792 BC until 767 and then ruled alone from 767-740 BC. God
called the prophet Isaiah the year Uzziah died. Another prophet, Zechariah—not the prophet
of the book of this name—also served during Uzziah’s time (2 Chronicles 26:5).
2. Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-29) ruled for 41 years. This was a time in Israel of prosperity and
stability, yet it was also a time of great injustice, immorality, and idolatry (Amos 1:1; 7:9, 10,
11; and specific condemnations by Amos; Hosea 1:1; and 2 Kings 13:13; 14:16, 23-29).
3. He was the fourteenth king of Israel and the son of Jehoash. He ruled Israel from about 793753 BC, 41 years.
4. He continued to lead the northern tribes into idolatry, drunkenness, commercial prosperity,
oppression, and general immorality.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 161 of 212
5. Jeroboam ended his father’s wars, and he defeated Syria to the extent that Israel was no
longer subservient to Syria.
6. He restored the earlier northern and southern boarders of Israel, and recovered the cities of
Damascus and Hamath.
7. The Lord pronounced judgment against Jeroboam and Israel for their idolatry.
Key People
1. Amos. See number 3 above.
2. Jeroboam II. See number 4 above.
Key Words and Phrases
1. “Bashan” is the area east of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee (Amos 4:1). It was
known for lush pastures and good cattle. Here Amos refers to woman as pampered woman
who care only for themselves, like well fed cattle. The women will soon be taken away like
cattle with meat hooks and fish hooks (2).
2. “Punish” is used 3 times (Amos 3:2, 14).
3. “Slay” is used 3 times (Amos 2:3; 9:1; 9:4)
4. “Transgressions” is used 10 times in chapters 1-5.
5. “For three transgressions and for four” is used 8 times (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6). A
poetic way of saying that the nation is guilty of repeated sin. This is also used elsewhere in
the Old Testament (Job 5:19; Psalm 62:11-12; Proverbs 30:15-16, 18-19, 21-23, 29-31). God
did not judge for one violation, but because of many sins for which they did not repent.
6. “Bozrah” is used in 1:12. This was the capital city in Edom (Genesis 36:33; 1 Chronicles
1:44; Isaiah 34:6; 63:1; Jeremiah 49:13; Amos 1:12).
7. “Seek” is used 4 times in 4 verses (Amos 5:4, “Seek me that you may live”; 6, “Seek the
Lord that you may live”; 14, “Seek good and not evil that you may live”; 8:12, “To seek the
word of the Lord, but they will not find it.”)
8. “Yet you have not returned to me” is used 5 times (Amos 4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11).
9. “The day of the Lord” is used 3 times (Amos 5:18 and 29).
10. “Will die” is used 5 times (Amos 2:2; 6:9; 7:11 and 17; 9:10).
Overview Outline
1. Indictments announced against nations, Israel, and Judah, 1-2
2. Messages of Amos against Israel, 3-6
3. Visions of Amos: judgments and finally blessing, 7-9
Chapter Titles
1. Amos 1, God indicts the nations
2. Amos 2, God indicts Israel and Judah
3. Amos 3, Israel, chosen and responsible
4. Amos 4, Israel, you have not returned to me
5. Amos 5, Israel, seek me that you may live
6. Amos 6, Judah and Israel will go into exile
7. Amos 7, Locusts, fire, plumb line, Jeroboam
8. Amos 8, Basket of summer fruit; famine for words of the Lord
9. Amos 9, The Lord will shake Israel and later restore Israel
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 162 of 212
Trace the Theme
1. Amos 1, God indicts the nations. Amos begins by relating the Lord’s revelation to him about
the Lord’s judgment of the nations around Israel and Judah. He announces judgment against
Damascus, Philistia. The phrase “For three transgressions and for four” is used 8 times in
Amos (1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6). It is a poetic way of saying that the nation addressed is
guilty of repeated sin. God did not judge for one violation, but because of many sins for
which they did not repent. He is simply saying that the nation addressed has come to the end
of its rope—no more letting the sin go.
2. Amos 2, God indicts Israel and Judah. Moab will also come under God’s judgment (1).
Along with judging the nations surrounding Israel and Judah he will severely judge Israel and
Judah. They have rejected the law and statutes of the Lord (4); they lie (4); they sell people
(6); they oppress the helpless (6); they commit sexual sins in the name of religious (7); they
did not return collateral taken for loans (8); they drank wine (probably to the pagan gods)
taken from others (9); they compromised the Nazirites and forbid the prophets from
proclaiming God’s word (12). They did all of this even though God had blessed them
throughout their history (9-11). God will judge them and they will not escape.
3. Amos 3, Israel, chosen and responsible. This chapter emphasizes Israel’s privilege and
blessing from the Lord. He has chosen them from all people of the earth (2). With that
special position goes more responsibility. Israel has turned her back on the Lord. She has
disobeyed him and flaunted her disobedience. In verses 3-6 the Lord expresses questions
which have obvious answers: verses 3-5 require a no answer and 6 expects a yes answer. The
Lord is saying that Israel’s failure is obvious. In 7-8 God has revealed his will and the
prophets must proclaim his will. The Lord announces his judgment for “tumults and
oppressions” and “they do not know how to do what is right” (9-10) in verses 9-15. It will be
severe: “pull down your strengths” and “citadels will be looted” (11); “shepherd snatches
from the lion’s mouth a couple of legs” and “sons of Israel…will be snatched away” (12);
and “punish Israel’s transgressions (14) and so on.
4. Amos 4, Israel, you have not returned to me. Amos condemns the indulgent women of
Bashan for their self centered luxuriant living. They will be exiled like animals (1-3). God
sarcastically told the people to go to the popular worship sites and sacrifice, tithe, and give
offerings. They love to carry out religious ritual without any meaning at all (4-5). In 6-11 the
Lord recalls his discipline that had the purpose of bringing his people back to him, but they
had not listened and had not returned (5, 8, 9, 10, and 11). They were set in their rebellious
and religious ways. Note the warnings: famine (6), drought (7-8), pests (9), disease and war
(10), and destruction of the cities (11). Because they refuse to return to the Lord their God, he
will bring them to him in judgment—“Prepare to meet your God, O Israel” (12). He is the
God who exists, created, reveals himself and his will to man, and he rules (13). Israel is
trapped.
5. Amos 5, Israel, seek me that you may live. A dirge is a mournful funeral song. Amos begins
chapter 5 with this dirge. God will judge Israel for her unbelief and rebellion against him.
And then in verse 4, 6, and 14 the Lord call them to seek him, seek the Lord, and see good
and not evil. If they do seek him, they will live. This means that the Lord will withhold the
destruction of Israel and bless the people and the nation. Some interpreters take this as only
individual deliverance. That may be so, but the house of Israel is addressed. Also, Jeremiah
18:1-10, God talks about nations turning to him and he will relent on his judgment.
Regardless, God is calling individuals and the nation to seek him. If they do, they will realize
his blessing. Israel is not to worship at Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba. Jerusalem is the center
for worship (5). Those who long for the day of the Lord (18) do not realize that that day will
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
6.
7.
8.
9.
Page 163 of 212
bring great judgment—indicating that Israel fails to apply the prophets’ messages properly.
Israel is very religious, but there is no reality in the outward ritual. The Lord rejects Israel’s
festivals, offerings, and songs and music. All are meaningless without justice and
righteousness. They are acting like the Exodus generation acted (21-26). Therefore exile is in
the future (27).
Amos 6, Judah and Israel will go into exile. Chapter six begins with a woe (a word that
expresses pain and dissatisfaction) toward the prominent leaders of both Judah and Israel,
who think that they will survive coming judgment. Samaria is the capital of the Northern
Kingdom. Samaria began with King Omri (1 Kings 16:24), who ruled Israel from 885-874
BC. Samaria was an idolatrous city. Calneh, Hamath, and Gath were city-states that had
thought themselves great, but were defeated. Israel would do no better (1-3). These lazy,
proud, and irreverent leaders will go into exile with Israel (4-9). People in hiding do not want
the Lord’s name mentioned for fear that he will attack them (10). God will bring Assyria and
Assyria will destroy Israel from Hamath in the north to the brook of the Arabah (goes into
the Dead Sea) in the south (11-14).
Amos 7, Locusts, fire, plumb line, Jeroboam. The Lord revealed three judgments to Amos.
The first was a locust-swarm that would destroy the crops (1-3). The second was fire which
would dry up the water (4-6). The third was a vision of a plumb line (7-9). A plumb line is a
test for accuracy or correctness. Israel did not measure up. In answer to Amos’ pleading, the
Lord canceled the first two judgments. Due to Israel’s idolatry the Lord will not cancel the
third judgment. He will judge the idolatry of Israel.
Amos 8, Basket of summer fruit and a famine for words of the Lord. The Lord God showed
Amos a basket of ripe fruit. Ripe fruit in a basket is fruit that has been harvested. Ripe fruit
marks the end of harvest. It will spoil if not used. Israel is like a basket of harvested ripe fruit
(1-2). The fruit season is over and in the same way Israel’s season of rebellion is over
because God will judge her. The Lord’s judgment on Israel will bring death and wailing in
the palace (3). What kind of activity brought on God’s judgment? Oppression of he needy
(4), perversion of the God designed days set apart for worship (5), and dishonest business
practices are among the reasons for God’s judgment. The Lord has had enough. He will no
longer ignore their sin (7). The judgment will be prominent like an earthquake and an eclipse
of the sun—death dealing and terrifying (9-10). The language could be real or figurative. The
effect will be the same. In the midst of this divine judgment, God will send a famine of words
from the Lord—no revelation. Because they rejected it for so long, the Lord will not speak to
them (11-12). The judgment will cover the entire land of Israel, from the Mediterranean to
the Dead Sea and from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south. Those who had allegiance
to the idols of Samaria will die (14). Rebellion against God and his word does not reap good;
it only reaps bad.
Amos 9, The Lord will shake Israel and later restore Israel. Because of Israel’s idolatry
which was centered in Bethel, he will break down the columns of the worship place and kill
the priest and people. They will not be able to escape regardless of where they try to hide.
The Lord is sovereign, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent (1-3). The Lord will even
follow them into captivity and judge them there (4). The sovereign and omnipotent Lord God
controls the entire planet—the Lord is his name (5-6). Omnipotent God relocated pagan
peoples (7), and there is no reason to think Israel can hide from him. He will judge sinful
Israel, but he will not totally destroy Israel (8-10). In the future, “In that day,” he will restore
the dynasty of David and make Israel better than the days of old (11). Israel will be the
leading nation on earth (12). Israel will have unparalleled prosperity. Agriculture will
flourish; cities will be rebuilt; food will be plentiful; and Israel will be back in her land never
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 164 of 212
again to be driven out. God has given the land to Israel and he is the Lord her God. No one
can challenge him or his plan for history of the world (13-15).
Key Doctrines
1. God holds back his judgment until no other way will accomplish his will and the best for his
people.
2. Sin, and especially continual sin after many warnings, brings God’s discipline and judgment.
3. The attributes and actions of Israel’s God are the foundation for his treatment of his people
(4:12-13, 5:8, and 9:1-6).
4. The best life is for those who seek the Lord (5:4, 9, 14).
5. To spurn God’s word dangerous. It may not be available in a time when you want it (8:11).
6. Israel’s promised future kingdom, named the millennial kingdom from Revelation 20, will
come even though Israel has repeatedly sinned. This kingdom depends upon the nature and
the promises of God. See Amos 9.
Lessons for Us Today
1. The foundational doctrine upon which all life depends is the nature and acts of God. See
Amos 4:12-13 for this truth in practice.
2. Obey the Lord. Disobedient people never reap God’s blessings and never get away with sin.
Why can we not learn this lesson? It is so clear. This lesson is so clear from all of God’s
word, and especially the prophets. Amos 3:1-2 and many others in Amos state this.
3. Learn God’s word while you have the opportunity and before you come to a crisis. God’s
word may not always be available. And a crisis may short circuit your time, learning, and
thinking for understanding and application. Amos 8:11 documents this doctrine for the life of
the Israeli people who had rejected God’s word.
4. Israel has a blessed future in God’s plan, regardless of what current history may seem to say.
Amos clearly teaches this in chapter 9. Many other prophets also clearly teach this. The
return of Messiah will bring this future into history. That means that Jesus Christ’s return to
earth to set up the promised kingdom for Israel is a pre-millennial return.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 165 of 212
Obadiah Bible Walk
Theme: God Will Judge Edom and Restore Israel
Tod Kennedy
November, 2007
Theme
God will judge Edom and restore Israel. God judges Edom because Edom treated Israel, his
brother nation, out of hate, envy, and revenge. Israel will be restored because God promised that
he would fulfill his covenants to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Key Verses
Obadiah 15-17: “For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will
be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head. 16 “Because just as you drank on My
holy mountain, All the nations will drink continually. They will drink and swallow And become
as if they had never existed. 17 “But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, And it will be
holy. And the house of Jacob will possess their possessions.”
Author
Obadiah is an unknown person. His name means “servant of the Lord.” hydb[ ‘obadyah.
There are 13 people named Obadiah in the Bible. Although there is some disagreement whether
this is his name or simply a title, it is most natural to accept Obadiah as the name of a prophet of
God. Since the other writing prophets begin their prophecies with their names, why would
Obadiah be an exception? His purpose was to communicate the Lord God’s message about
God’s judgment on Edom (Obadiah 1).
History
Edom and Israel had a long history of conflict.
1. This began with the birth of Esau and Jacob to Isaac and Rebekah as recorded in Genesis
25:21-28. Esau was born first. His skin was reddish color and he was hairy. Later on, Esau
traded his birthright to Jacob for a pot of red colored stew. Still later, Esau moved southeast
of the Dead Sea, to a place called Seir. Esau’s people defeated and drove out the Horites
(Genesis 36:8-9; Deuteronomy 2:12, 22).
2. When Israel was traveling from Egypt to Canaan, Edom refused Israel passage through their
land (Numbers 20:13-21). Do you remember Balaam’s oracle (Numbers 24:18)? Israel and
Edom were hostile to each other from then on. Saul (1 Samuel 14:47), David (2 Samuel 8:1314), and Solomon (1Kings 11:17-22) contended with Edom. Furthermore, the Edomites
urged on the Babylonians in their destruction of Jerusalem (Psalm 137:7). The animosity
between Edom and Israel continued throughout history until the time of Christ.
3. Edom was attacked and defeated many times. The Assyrians took control of Edom about 735
BC. The Arabs took control of Edom in the 400s. The Nabateans (Petra) around 300 BC
defeated the Edomites and drove them out of Edom. Some Edomites remained and became
part of the Nabatean kingdom. The Edomites who left settled in Idumea. John Hyrcanus, of
the Maccabean family, defeated the Idumeans (Edomites) around 120 BC. Herod the Great,
the brilliant but evil king of Judea, was an Idumean (Edomite). The Idumaeans joined in the
Jewish rebellion against Rome, and like the Jews were defeated in AD 70. From that time on
they passed out of history. Many Scripture references predict Edom’s judgment by God.
Examples include Jeremiah 49:10, which refers to a judgment future to Jeremiah’s time,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 166 of 212
probably by the Nabateans. Ezekiel 35 is another prophecy about a future destruction of
Edom, as does Amos 1:11 and Joel 3:19.
4. The time of the prophet Obadiah is uncertain. The two most favored dates are the time of
King Jehoram of Judah (Joram), Son of Jehoshaphat, husband of Athaliah (848-841 BC), or
soon after Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. Though neither date changes the message
of Obadiah, the earlier date seems to fit all the evidence better. During the reign of Jehoram,
Edom and Libnah revolted against and invaded Judah (2 Chronicles 21:8-20). Libnah was a
Canaanite city, located in the area that came to be Judah, which Joshua defeated. Also during
this time, the Philistine and Arabian invasions of Judah took place (2 Chronicles 21:12-20).
The city of Jerusalem was not destroyed during these raids as it was by Nebuchadnezzar.
Key People
1. Obadiah the prophet. The author of this prophecy. Nothing is known of him outside of the
Old Testament book that bears his name. Because of the subject of his prophecy, he may be a
native of Judah. He was probably a contemporary of Elijah.
Key Words and Phrases
There are many place names, people names, and technical terms in this short book. See The New
Unger’s Bible Dictionary and Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
2. Edom. Obadiah 1, 8. The land southeast of the Dead sea. Also called the land or mountain of
Seir. It was named from Edom, another name for Esau, Jacob’s brother. Esau’s descendents
settled there (Genesis 25:30; Numbers 20:14-21; Deuteronomy 23:7).
3. Esau. Obadiah 6, 8, 9, 18, 19, 21. The oldest son of Isaac and Rebekah and brother of Jacob.
His father’s favorite. He was also named Edom. Esau was a man of the desert who roamed
and objected to restraint (Genesis 25:21-30). He married two Canaanite women Adah, also
called Basemath and Oholibamah (Genesis 36:2 and 26:34). His third wife was also named
Basemath (Mahalath), the daughter of his uncle Ishmael (Genesis 28:9 and 36:3).
4. Teman. Obadiah 9. The southern part of Edom and was also called the stronghold of Edom.
5. Jacob. Obadiah 10, 17, 18. The second born of twins to Isaac and Jacob. His brother was
Esau. His mother’s favorite (Genesis 25:21-34).
6. Jerusalem. Obadiah 11, 20. The central city and holy city of Israel. Founded by Amorites and
Hittites (Ezekiel 16:3, 44-46).
7. Judah. Obadiah 12. The fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah advised that they sell Joseph
and not kill him. Jacob’s blessing made Judah the ruling line. Also the name of the Southern
Kingdom (Genesis 49:8-12).
8. Day of the Lord. Obadiah 15. The day of the Lord is a phrase used by God’s prophets in the
Old Testament to identify God’s soon (historic) or future (prophetic) overthrow of ungodly
powers and to further his kingdom. The prophetic day of the Lord embraces the Tribulation,
Second Advent of Christ, Millennial Kingdom, and the final renovation of the earth (Joel
1:15).
9. Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament. (Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson, 2002). 10:244 say regarding Obadiah 15, “The day of Jehovah” has been
explained at Joel 1:15. The expression was first formed by Obadiah, not by Joel; and Joel,
Isaiah, and the prophets that follow, adopted it from Obadiah. The primary meaning is not the
day of judgment, but the day on which Jehovah reveals His majesty and omnipotence in a
glorious manner, to overthrow all ungodly powers, and to complete His kingdom. It was this
which gave rise to the idea of the day of judgment and retribution which predominates in the
prophetic announcements, but which simply forms one side of the revelation of the glory of
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 167 of 212
God, as our passage at once shows; inasmuch as it describes Jehovah as not only judging all
nations and regarding them according to their deeds (cf. vv. 15b, and 16), but as providing
deliverance upon Zion (v. 17), and setting up His kingdom (v. 21).
10. Mount Zion. Obadiah 17, 21. Originally the ridge between the Kidron and the Tyropeoean
valleys of Jerusalem. Later on it referred to the whole western ridge of Jerusalem and then
later it designated the city.
11. House of Jacob. Obadiah 17, 18. Jacob was in the line of Abraham, Isaac, and then Jacob.
The twelve tribes of Israel came from him. In Obadiah it refers to all Israel in contrast to
Edom.
12. House of Joseph. Obadiah 18. Joseph, listed as Jacob’s eleventh son in the Genesis 49
blessing, was part of the northern ten tribes. He is mentioned here to confirm that all Israel
will participate in the future re-gathering and blessing from God for Israel (Genesis 49:2226)
13. House of Esau. Obadiah 18. This refers to the entire Edom peoples. They came from Esau
and will be completely judged. The Edomites disappeared from history after the siege of
Titus on Jerusalem in AD 70.
14. Negev. Obadiah 19, 20. The south, or southern wilderness part of Judea. It is about 4500
square miles.
15. Mountain of Esau. Obadiah 8, 9, 19, 21. This is Mount Seir which is the central mountain in
Edom. Jews will take control of all of this area in the future. Sela (Petra) is the capital. See
Ezekiel 35:15.
16. Shephelah. Obadiah 19. This is in the southern part of Canaan between south of the Dead Sea
and the Philistine Plain on the Mediterranean Sea. The cities of Lachish, Debir, Libnah, and
Seth-shemesh were in the Shephelah.
17. Philistine Plain. Obadiah 19. This plain is in the southwest area of Canaan. Philistines
probably originated in Crete and the Aegean Islands. Their culture is connected with the
Mycenae culture (southern Greece). They are probably one of the “Sea Peoples.” They
adopted the Canaanite language and culture. They lived in this area from as early as the
patriarchal age to about 1000 BC. The Judges and David fought the Philistines. The name
Philistine is the source of the name Palestine. Palestine and Palestinians have nothing to do
with Arab people or Islam.
18. Territory of Ephraim. Obadiah 19. This territory is in central Israel between the Jordon River
and the Mediterranean Sea. Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and brother of Manasseh
(Genesis 46:20). Both were born in Egypt.
19. Samaria. Obadiah 19. Samaria is in central Israel to the north of Ephraim. The city was the
capital of the Northern Kingdom. It was an idolatrous city. The area included the geography
of the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom.
20. Benjamin. Obadiah 19. This is the land that is between Ephraim and Judah. Benjamin was
the twelfth son of Jacob (Genesis 49:27).
21. Zarephath. Obadiah 20. This was the hometown of Elijah. It was owned by Sidon or was near
Sidon. Zarephath was on the Mediterranean cost north of Tyre.
22. Sepharad. Obadiah 20. Some think that this may have been in Asia Minor. We do not know.
23. Mount Zion. Obadiah 17, 21. This was the natural stronghold of the Jebusites that David
captured when he took Jerusalem.
24. Kingdom. Obadiah 21. This refers to all the territory of Israel. The Lord will reclaim it for his
people and set up his millennial kingdom.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 168 of 212
Overview Outline
1. God will judge Edom, Obadiah 1-18.
2. God will restore Israel, Obadiah 19-21.
Chapter Titles
1. Obadiah—God will judge Edom and will restore Israel.
2. Trace the Theme of Obadiah. God Will Judge Edom and Restore Israel.
3. God judges Edom because Edom treated Israel, his brother nation, out of hate, envy, and
revenge (Obadiah). God will restore Israel because he promised covenant blessings to
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and he will fulfill those covenants (Genesis 12; 13:14-18; 15:18;
17:19-21; 35:2; 50:24; Exodus 33:1; Deuteronomy 29:13; 34:4; 2 Kings 13:23 and many
others).
4. Obadiah has a vision from the Lord God (Obadiah 1). The vision is about Edom. The Lord
will bring nations against Edom and will make her small among the nations (Obadiah 2).
Edom thinks that she is unbeatable because her nation is perched in the rock city of Petra
(Obadiah 3-4). Petra was about 50 miles south of the Dead Sea. It was probably the Old
Testament city of Sela, a pagan city. Edom will not just be robbed; she will be ruined,
ransacked, betrayed, and destroyed. The whole nation, including the wise men will be
slaughtered (Obadiah 5-9).The reason for Edom’s destruction was her treatment of Jacob,
Esau’s (Edom) brother (Obadiah 10). Edom stood by while Jerusalem was invaded (Obadiah
11). Edom rejoiced at the destruction of Judah (Obadiah 11). Edom looted Jerusalem
(Obadiah 12-13). When residents of Judah were escaping, Edom imprisoned some and killed
others (Obadiah 14). The prophet goes on to say that the overwhelming prophetic day of the
Lord draws near. Yet Edom will come under God’s wrath in its own day of the Lord even
before the day comes upon all the nations that challenge the Lord (Obadiah 15). Like Edom
drank (ravaged Israel) at Zion, nations of the world will also ravage Israel, but the nations’
attacks will turn into the nations’ destruction in the future day of the Lord (Obadiah 16). At
that future time known as Jacob’s trouble, some of Israel will escape and they will then soon
possess all that God promised them (Obadiah 17). This will come about through the
Messiah’s second coming to earth. Israel (Jacob and Joseph) will be a fire and burn the few
returned Edomites (Obadiah 18). The nation of Israel will return from wherever they have
been and they will possess the land God long ago promised to them (Obadiah 19-20). The
Lord will now reign in his earthly millennial kingdom (Obadiah 21).
Key Doctrines
1. Abrahamic Covenant
2. Anti-Semitism
3. Day of the Lord
4. Messianic Kingdom
5. Rejection of God and God’s word
6. Sin has consequences
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 169 of 212
Lessons for Us
1. God honors his covenant to Abraham. Obadiah prophecies about all four parts of the
covenant: the land, nation, blessing, and cursing. God also keeps his word to us. We can
depend upon what he has revealed in the Bible.
2. Israel will, in the future, possess their God given land and blessings. The wars and rumors of
wars will continue until Jesus Christ returns to restore Israel in the land he promised to them.
Regardless of the political situation today or at any time, Israel’s future is secure within
God’s plan.
3. God will judge anti-Semitic nations. This is a warning to nations even today. Those nations
and people who want to destroy Israel are outside of God’s will, and he will judge them for
their anti-Semitism.
4. Israel will return to her land, and her kingdom will be the Lord’s kingdom. Future history has
Israel in her promised land and under the reign and protection of Messiah, Jesus.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 170 of 212
Jonah Bible Walk
Theme: Theme—God’s Compassion on Gentile nations
Tod Kennedy
March, 2008, Revised April, 2008
Theme
God’s compassion on Gentile nations. Jonah took Yahweh’s message to the Assyrians at
Nineveh. That message was that Yahweh is ruler of all peoples and wants them to turn to him in
faith. Jonah’s written message was for Israel; God was using Jonah’s experience to teach Israel
that his love, compassion, and grace are also for Gentiles, and as a reminder that Israel was a
priest or missionary nation to the world. Compare Genesis 12:3 (Israel a blessing to all) and
Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6 (Messiah the light to the nations).
Key Verse
Jonah 4:11, “Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more
than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well
as many animals?”
Author
Jonah the prophet (Jonah 1:1; Matthew 12:39-41 and 16:4; Luke 11:29-32)
1. Jonah was sent by Yahweh (LORD, 1:1) to warn Nineveh that she must repent or be judged,
and Jonah did not want God to show grace to the Assyrians. Jonah probably lived before or
during the reign of Jereboam II of Israel (793-753 BC), in view of his prophecy, recorded in
2 Kings 14:25, that Israel would expand under Jereboam II (793-753). Jonah was from GathHepher in Zebulun in northern Israel. Gath-Hepher was 3 miles northeast of Nazareth and
between Mount Carmel and the Sea of Galilee. We know nothing about Jonah after his
mission trip to Nineveh. Jesus verified Jonah and his mission to Nineveh in Matthew 12:41,
Matthew 16:4, and Luke11:32.
History
1. Jonah most likely served the Lord during reign of the Assyrian king Adad-Nirari III (810–
783 B.C.) or during the reign of Assurdan III (771–754). If during Adad-Nirari, that king
worshipped Nebo, and the worship of Nebo was more “monotheistic” than that of the
previous kings. If Jonah served during Assurdan, then three striking events might have
“softened” the people up for Jonah’s message: 765 BC, a plague in Nineveh; June 15, 763, a
total eclipse of the sun; and in 759, another plague hit the city.
2. Assyria has three distinct kingdoms or periods: These are called the Old (20th to 15th
centuries BC), the Middle (15th to 10th centuries BC), and the Neo-Assyrian (911–612 BC)
kingdoms. The Neo-Assyrian period was from Adad-Nirari II in 911 BC, to the fall of
Nineveh in 612 BC. During the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (ruled 745–727 BC) Assyria
became very strong. We might conclude that the repentance of Nineveh may have played a
part in this.
3. There was conflict between Assyria and the Northern Kingdom before Jonah’s day. King
Ahab (871-851) had joined into an alliance with twelve kings to oppose Assyria.
4. The king of Israel during Jonah’s ministry was Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-29). He ruled for
41 years, from 793-753. This was a time in Israel of prosperity and stability, yet it was also a
time of great injustice, immorality, and idolatry (Amos 1:1; 7:9, 10, 11; Hosea 1:1; and
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Page 171 of 212
2 Kings 13:13; 14:16, 23-29). Jeroboam II expanded Israel’s power. He conquered Syria,
Moab, and Ammon, and because of his increased power he came into conflict with Assyria.
He was the fourteenth king of Israel and the son of Jehoash. He ruled Israel from about 793753 BC, 41 years.
He continued to lead the northern tribes into idolatry, drunkenness, commercial prosperity,
oppression, and general immorality.
Jeroboam ended his father’s wars, and he defeated Syria to the extent that Israel was no
longer subservient to Syria.
He restored the earlier northern and southern boarders of Israel, and recovered the cities of
Damascus and Hamath.
The Lord pronounced judgment against Jeroboam and Israel for their idolatry.
Key People and Places
1. Jonah the prophet (Jonah 1:1)
2. Nineveh (Jonah 1:2) was the capital of the Assyrian Empire.
3. Nineveh was on the eastern bank of the Tigres, near what is today the city of Mosul, Iraq. It
was an ancient city that was thought to be impregnable. Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-10) founded
the city. The great Assyrian king, Sargon (2350 BC), had a palace there. Sargon II (721–705
BC) made it one of the capitals. Sennacherib (705–681 BC.) made it his capital and the main
city of Assyria (2 Kings 19:36-37; Isaiah 37:37-38). Nahum prophesied its destruction
(Nahum 1:1, 2:8-10). The city was long doubted until A.H. Layard and H. Rassam
discovered Nineveh in 1845–1854. Archaeologists have excavated the city. Most of it was
excavated a long time ago. They found the library of Ashurbanipal which contained many
creation and flood texts, along with economic, political, and other texts.
4. Nineveh was occupied as far back as before 3100 BC. Among the many great finds were
Sargon’s palace and a cuneiform library. Many smaller cities made up the Nineveh
metropolitan complex. The district was 30 to 60 miles across.
5. In Sennnacherib’s day (about 700 BC) the city wall was 40-50 feet high and ran 2 ½ miles
along the Tigris River and 8 miles around the inner city. He created parks, a garden, zoo, and
an aqueduct. The city had 15 gates. Sennacherib has a 71 room palace that has been
excavated. King Hezekiah paid tribute to Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:15).
6. In 614 BC, under Nabopolassar of Babylon and Cyaxares of Media destroyed Ashur and
Calah, and in August, 612 they destroyed Nineveh. Nineveh was left to animals for grazing
just as the prophets predicted (Nahum 2:10, 13 and Zephaniah 2:13-15).
7. References include Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, R. K. Harrison and Thomas Nelson
Publishers, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1995; and
Gleason Leonard Archer, A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, 3rd. ed.]. (Chicago:
Moody Press, 1998, c1994).
8. Tarshish (1:3) was a city in the western Mediterranean. It is thought to be in southern Spain
near Gibraltar. The Phoenicians traded with Tarshish (2 Chronicles 9:21; Psalm 72:10).
Tarshish was the great grandson of Noah (Noah, Japheth, Javan, Tarshish. Genesis 10:1-4).
9. Joppa (1:3) was a city 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It was the only seaport with a natural
harbor between Egypt and Acco. Joppa was Jerusalem’s seaport. It was important for
shipping in the Old and New Testament times. Timber for Solomon’s temple came from
Lebanon through Joppa and on to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). Peter received his sheet
vision while he was in Joppa (Acts 9:36 and 43;10:9-16). Today it is part of Tel Aviv.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 172 of 212
Key Words and Phrases
1. Lot (1:7)
2. Hebrew (1:9)
3. LORD and LORD God of heaven (1:1,3,9,10,14,16,17, and more)
4. Great Fish (1:17; 2:1, 10) 1419
5. Those who regard vain idols (2:8)
6. Believed in God (in Elohim ‫א�הים‬
֑ ִ ֽ ֵ‫( )בּ‬Jonah 3:5).
7. God relented (4:10) Relents 5162 ‫ נָחַם‬nahcam .
8. Gracious 2587 ‫ חַנּוּן‬channun (4:2), Compassionate 7349 ‫ ַרחוּם‬rachum (4:2, 11), Slow to
anger 750 and 639 ֙‫( ֶ ֤א ֶר� ַא ַ֙פּי ִם‬4:2), Lovingkindness 2617 ‫ ֶחסֶד‬, chesed (4:2); Compare
Exodus 34:6. These are well known attributes of God.
9. Overview Outline
10. Disobedience and discipline, Jonah 1-2
11. Service and compassion, Jonah 3-4
Chapter Titles
1. Jonah 1, Jonah disobeys, Yahweh disciplines
2. Jonah 2, Jonah prays, Yahweh delivers
3. Jonah 3, Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents and God does not judge
4. Jonah 4, Jonah complains, God explains his compassion
Trace the Theme of Jonah
Theme—God’s compassion on Gentile nations. Yahweh demonstrated his grace and compassion.
He told Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach. Jonah disobeyed and instead went west. Yahweh
disciplined Jonah with the storm and fish (1). During the discipline Jonah realized his sin and
confessed to God (2). Yahweh delivered Jonah from the fish and Jonah went to Nineveh and
preached God’s message. The people believed in God, so God called off his judgment (3). Jonah
became angry at this and complained to Yahweh. Yahweh explained his compassion through the
plant, worm, east wind, and sun (4).
1. Jonah 1, Jonah disobeys, Yahweh disciplines. Yahweh wanted to present himself to the
powerful and dominant power, Assyria, through the people of Nineveh, the main city in
Assyria. Yahweh chose Jonah to do his work (1:1-2). Jonah decided he did not want to go to
Nineveh and so got a ticket to Tarshish in the west. He was trying to escape God’s will (1:3).
Yahweh sent a storm that threatened the lives of all aboard, but Jonah slept—likely trying to
escape Yahweh’s nudging his conscience (1:4-5). The sailors experience God’s power (1:45) and did not want to experience his wrath (1:14). The captain told Jonah to get up and pray
to his god. At this point the captain and the sailors thought no more of Jonah’s God than of
any other god (1:6). The sailors cast lots to determine what to do. The lot identified Jonah as
the culprit (1:7). Note Proverbs 16:33 that says God directs the outcome of the lot for those
he is working with. The name Yahweh sets Jonah apart. Yaweh is Israel’s God and Israel is
his people. Yahweh is used 21 times in 26 verses. Early on the sailors ask Jonah to pray to
his God (1:6, elohim). Jonah has been the reluctant witness and the sailors learned that he
was a Hebrew and Yahweh was his God. This was Jonah’s testimony. (1:9-12). Jonah
recognized divine discipline tells them to throw him into the sea (1:13) The sailors are
honorable and try to save his life, but soon realize they cannot. They now pray to Yahweh,
which is an advancement on their understanding of God, and finally throw Jonah goes into
the sea (1:14-15). The sailors feared Yahweh greatly. Jonah was a witness to them without
wanting to. How much did Jonah tell them? We do not have all the details, but apparently he
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 173 of 212
told them enough to trust Israel’s God. In verse 17 Yahweh intervened for his will and for
Jonah’s safety and spiritual recovery. Yahweh planned ahead. He did not give up on Jonah.
He appointed the great fish. Appoint is manah (4487 ‫) ָמנָה‬in the piel stem. The word means
to count or reckon in the qal and in the piel to appoint or ordain. It was a miracle that the fish
swallowed Jonah and that he survived. There are many attempts at natural explanations, but
this was a divine miracle. Note key ideas in chapter 1: free will of Jonah, disobedience,
Yahweh, lot, Hebrew, divine discipline, fear Yahweh, Yahweh’s sovereignty over creation,
and miracles.
a. Lot (Jonah 1:7) 1486 ‫ גּ ָֹורל‬gowral. Something, usually a stone, used to make decisions. It
was dropped, fell from, or thrown. When God wanted a lot thrown he determined the
decision (Proverbs 16:33). The lot is mentioned 70 times in the Old Testament and 8
times in the New Testament. Lots served to prevent favoritism by man in determining
God’s will. Lots were used to choose the scapegoat to be sent into the wilderness
(Leviticus 16:8-10), to divide the land (Joshua 14:2 and Numbers 26:55), to choose
temple servers (1 Chronicles 24:1-5), for temple gate keepers (1 Chronicles 26:1, 12-13),
for temple musicians (1 Chronicles 25:8-9), and even by the pagan seaman to find who
was guilty (Jonah 1:7). Lots died out as God’s revelation (Bible) became for complete.
Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, served in the temple by the lot (Luke 1:9). The
soldiers divided Jesus clothes by lot when they crucified him (Matthew 27:35). Matthias
was added to the eleven apostles by lot (Acts 1:26).
b. Hebrew (Jonah 1:9) 5680 ‫` ִעב ְִרי‬briy ‫ ִעב ְִרי‬This is the name of the people beginning with
Abraham and going through Isaac and Jacob. They were the people of Yahweh. Abraham
was the first Hebrew. It was first used in Genesis 14:3. The people also became known as
Israelites after God gave the name Israel (probably means God fights) to Jacob Genesis
32:28. In Hebrew tradition it means from beyond the river (Joshua 24:2-3).
c. LORD and LORD God of heaven (Jonah 1:1,3,9,10,14,16,17, and more) 3068 ‫יהוה‬,
Yahweh and yahweh elohim shamayim. The name Yahweh sets Jonah apart. Yaweh is
Israel’s God and Israel is his people. God’s name is used 21 times in 26 verses. Early on
the sailors ask Jonah to pray to his God (1:6, elohim). Soon after the sailors pray to
Yahweh (1:14, 15). Jonah has been the reluctant witness and the sailors learned of
Yahweh (1:10).
d. Great Fish (Jonah 1:17; 2:1, 10) 1419 ‫ גָּד ֹול‬gadol, common adjective for great, large in
size, number, intensity, sound, age, power, and 1709 ‫דָּ אג‬, ‫ דָּ ג‬dag or dawg common word
for fish. It was a miracle that the fish swallowed Jonah and that he survived. There are
many attempts at natural explanations, but this was a divine miracle.
2. Jonah 2, Jonah prays, Yahweh delivers. Verses 1-2 are a summary of Chapter 2. Jonah
prayed to Yahweh out of desperation. Yahweh his God is the only way out (2:1). He
recognized that Yahweh was bringing divine discipline and that Yahweh was his only hope
(2:3-4). Just as we often resist the Lord as long as we can, Jonah did the same. Jonah is in the
digestive system of the fish along with water and weeds. He was barred from dry land (2:56). He would not admit his sin until he was on the edge of unconsciousness (2:7). At that
point he prayed. His prayer reached Yahweh. It included the recognition that those who
disobey Yahweh are centering their lives on empty (7723 ‫ שָׁ וְא‬shaweh, empty, nothingness)
idols and forsaking hesed (lovingkindness, loyalty, graciousness) that Yahweh has showered
upon them. Jonah had put things—empty idols—before Yahweh. Verse 8 was his confession
of sin (2:8). He now choses to do Yahweh’s will and knows that any deliverance is from him
(9). The chapter ends with Yahweh commanding the fish to spit Jonah out onto dry land.
Yahweh is omnipotent and sovereign. Only he could deliver Jonah from a terrible death. He
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 174 of 212
even controls fish (10). Key ideas in this chapter include divine discipline, resistance to
confession, prayer, confession of sin, the folly of disobedience, the choice of emptiness of
life or Yahweh’s lovingkindness, Yahweh’s attributes, the source of deliverance out of
trouble, and obedience to God.
3. Jonah 3, Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents and God does not judge. . Jonah gets a second
chance. This is an expression of God’s grace (3:1-2). Jonah has learned to obey Yahweh, but
he did not like it (3:3 and 4:1-3). We often are just like Jonah. What message did Jonah
preach? Yahweh gave him the message as Jonah traveled and preached (3:2). Nineveh was to
turn (3:8, 10. 7725 ‫ שׁוּב‬shub, to turn back, return. Qal imperfect jussive) from wicked ways
and violence (1:2; 3:8, 10). Jonah took three days to walk and preach at many different parts
of the city (3:3-4). The administrative district of Nineveh was from 30 to 60 miles across.
Furthermore, with a population of 120,000 infants (4:11), the adult population would be
much greater. Jonah had a large job to accomplish. What happened? The people believed in
God, called a fast, and mourned because of the coming divine judgment (3:5). Were they
saved in the eternal life sense? The text does not say. The majority of the city appear to have
believed in Israel’s God, Yahweh, and become possessors of eternal life. The narrative seems
to indicate this. If not, why did God go to the “trouble” of sending Jonah to Nineveh, unless
Yahweh was just teaching Israel about His compassion and their missionary status.
Regardless, the Ninevites did have a moral change of mind under the threat of judgment.
Whatever happened, we know that the results did not carry beyond the next generation or so.
God provided his message to these Assyrians and showed compassion to them and they
responded to his word. Apparently the Assyrians of Nineveh were ready for God’s word and
God delivered it to them. The governor (king) heard what Jonah was preaching and also
mourned the coming judgment. He even proclaimed that each person and each beast—the
entire city—should mourn and call on God (Elohim) for help to turn from their wickedness
and violence (3:6-8). What was Elohim’s response? He relented and withdrew his
punishment (3:10). Relent in verses 9 and 10 (5162 ‫ נָחַם‬nacham in the niphal imperfect plus
vav consecutive, 3 common plural) has meanings to repent, be sorry, and to console oneself.
Since the people turned from their sin, God held off the judgment. God did not change. He
continued to act according to his character. The Ninevites did what he asked. If you will look
at Scripture that says God changed his mind, it does not mean that he changes. It simply
means that when mankind changes toward God, he then does what is appropriate. Here he
did not judge Nineveh because they repented. About a generation after Jonah, Assyria
destroyed the northern kingdom (722 BC), Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem (701 BC) during
Hezekiah’s reign, and Nineveh fell to the Babylonians and Medes (612 BC). Key ideas in
chapter 3 are divine guidance in Jonah’s message, faith in God by pagan people, repentance,
and God’s graciousness in withholding judgment.
a. Believed in God in Jonah 3:5 is the Hebrew word ‫אָ ַמן‬, aman Strong’s 539, in the hiphil
imperfect with waw consecutive (narrative describing the event in the sequence). Aman
means in the Qal to support or nourish; in the niphal to be made firm, established; in the
hiphil to stand firm, and in the hiphil with the preposition beth to trust in, believe in (as
we have in Jonah 3:5). What the Ninevites believed is not defined in the text. They may
have believed in the one Elohim, the God of Israel, Yahweh. Jonah was sent by Yahweh
(1:1 and 3:1), and Yahweh was the source of his message to the people of Nineveh.
Clearly they believed God’s message that Jonah preached. They believed, trusted in God.
It would appear that Yahweh Elohim granted the Ninevites forgiveness and life. If so, the
conversion to Yahweh lasted only a generation or so. Apparently they had no teaching to
support their faith. Or, this could mean they simply believed in Elohim in the sense that
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 175 of 212
he was going to judge them and they had better change. We can go to other Scripture to
help us. The phrase “and Abraham believed in Yahweh” (Genesis 15:6) also has the
preposition beth, but the object is Yahweh. In Genesis the verb is a hiphil perfect with
waw consecutive. The object is clear in the Abraham passage, though the full content of
what Abraham believed is not specified except that he believed in Yahweh (the revealed
God who created, redeems, and keeps his word) who had promised him the land, nation,
and universal blessing in Genesis 12:1-3. Yahweh responded to Abraham’s faith by
declaring Abraham righteous. Paul quotes this in Romans 4:3 and uses it to show that
God justifies and credits righteousness through faith in him.
b. The verb amen ‫ אָמַן‬in the hiphil stem with the preposition Beth plus the object of
believed, as in Jonah 3:5, can be found in Genesis 15:6 (believed God), Exodus 14:31
(believed in Yahweh), Numbers 14:11 (believe in me=Yahweh), Jonah 3:5 (believed in
God), Exodus 19:9 (believe in you=Moses), 1 Samuel 27:12 (believed David), Jeremiah
12:6 (do not believe them), Micah 7:5 (do not trust in a neighbor).
4. Jonah 4, Jonah complains, God explains his compassion. In this chapter Jonah recognizes
Yahweh’s graciousness to pagan peoples. Yahweh wants all people throughout the world to
believe him and obey him. Israel was the vehicle to spread God’s revelation during Jonah’s
time (the dispensation of Israel). We, now in the church (dispensation of the church), are
God’s vehicle to spread God’s revelation. He is righteous and holy, yet he is also
compassionate and gracious. Yahweh’s compassion and graciousness toward the people of
Nineveh made Jonah angry (1-2). Jonah was self righteous, disobedient, and very self
centered. He went into volitional (Ephesians 4:17-20) and emotional revolt. His lack of
orientation to Yahweh became evident when he asked to die rather than live and see
Yahweh’s graciousness and compassion toward Nineveh (4:3). Jonah ignored Yahweh. He
was angry, self centered, and hoping Yahweh would judge Nineveh. His attitude was” kill
Nineveh or kill me.” He had no compassion on the city (4:4-5). In verses 6-11, Yahweh
teaches Jonah about his own sovereignty and compassion. Jonah benefited from Yahweh’s
compassion and grace when the LORD provided the shade plant. Jonah had a selfish
compassion for the vine. Why could the LORD not have compassion on a large city of many
people and animals? Jonah only thought of himself. Yahweh had compassion on people and
animals of Nineveh. Jonah only had compassion on himself. Key ideas in Chapter 4 include
the out of control believer (volitional and emotional revolt), self-centered believer, God’s
compassion and grace, and divine discipline.
Key Doctrines in Jonah
1. Human volition, Jonah 1,2,3,4 (Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Isaiah 1:16-20; Acts 17:26-27;
Romans 1:18-32)
2. Mental attitude Jonah 1,2,3,4 (Proverbs 23:7; Romans 14:14; Galatians 6:3; 2 Corinthians
10:5).
3. God’s will, Jonah 1, 3, 4 (Galatians 5:13-16; Ephesians 5:1-2; Hebrews 10:22-25).
4. Divine Guidance, Jonah 1,2,3 (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12; Acts 10:19-22, Jude 3-4;
1 Corinthians 9:16-17, Galatians 5:18, Jude 3)
5. Divine discipline, Jonah 1, 2, 4 (Revelation 3:19-20; Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 John 5:16).
6. Believer confession of sin, Jonah 1,2 (Psalm 32:1-5; 51:1-9; Jonah 2:7-9; John 13:7-12; 1
Corinthians 11:27-32; 1 John 19).
7. Ministry or service to God, Jonah 1, 3 (Isaiah 6:6; Jonah 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15;
Ephesians 4:12; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 176 of 212
8. Spiritual revolt—volitional and emotional by a believer, Jonah 1,4 (2 Corinthians 6:12;
Romans 16:18).
9. God’s attributes, Jonah 1,2,3,4 (Exodus 34:5-7; Psalm 111:4; 135:6; Isaiah 42:8; Jonah 4:2;
John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3, 12).
10. God controls all creation, 1,2,3,4 (Psalm 2; Daniel 4.25; 5.21; Acts 17.24-31; Romans 8:28;
Matthew 24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
11. Faith in the revealed biblical God, Yahweh Elohim, Jonah 3
12. Obedience and disobedience to God, Jonah 1,4
Lessons for Us Today
1. Do I think biblically or do I think worldly? The basis for my thinking determines my
relationship and fellowship with God and his will, what I do, and whether I have contentment
and happiness or discouragement, discontent, and unhappiness. Jonah thought worldly—from
his fallen nature—and we see what it got him in each chapter of this book. Biblical
worldview or kosmic worldview?
2. Do I watch for God’s guidance and do I obey that which I am sure is God’s will for me?
When I disobey God’s direct command, I am in danger of divine discipline, and the
discipline can be quite severe.
3. What do I understand and apply about God—Yahweh Elohim? He is the only God. His
character is unique. He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in
lovingkindness. He not only disciplines, he also forgives and blesses. Jonah experienced
God’s guidance, God’s discipline, God’s forgiveness and restoration, God’s anger, God’s
compassion, and God’s explanations.
4. Do I watch for what God is teaching me, not only in good times and hard times, but when I
think that I might be under divine discipline? Maybe I am missing the obvious lessons.
Sadly, Jonah seemed to miss what God was teaching him.
5. Am I careful that I do not revolt against God based on my emotion and my bad choices?
Emotion is very powerful. Emotion can provide the energy needed to serve. But emotion can
be driven by God and his word or by the world, the flesh, and Satan’s forces. Emotion
wrongly driven can have disastrous consequences.
6. Do I give up on God and myself after I fail God? He wants to bring me back into fellowship
with himself and back into his service. Jonah is a clear example. When I give up on God and
myself I am being self-centered and thinking worldly. God will let me know when he is done
with me.
7. Am I sinfully proud and do I withhold God’s grace from those whom I dislike or fear? Jonah
did not want to go and proclaim God’s message to the Assyrians because he wanted God to
judge the Assyrians.
8. Do I care about what God care’s about or what is more is important to me? God cares about
people, about his revelation to mankind—the Bible, about his will, and that we please him.
Jonah cared more about his own shade from the plant, than God blessing the residents of
Nineveh.
9. Do I to watch and observe God working in my life and ministries? God may accomplish his
mission through me in spite of my failures, weaknesses, disobedience, and unbelief. Am I
ready to pick up and continue with my service for him after I have failed? According to
Jonah, this is what God wants of us.
10. How is my attitude when I serve God? Am I happy to please him, even if I may not like what
I am doing? Am I resentful about serving him?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 177 of 212
Micah Bible Walk
Theme: Condemnation, Judgment, Future Deliverance
Tod Kennedy
September 2008
Theme
Micah proclaimed God’s plan to bless Israel and all the world through Israel, and thus to fulfill
his promises to Israel and the world. Micah’s prophecy follows three main topics: 1. God’s
indictment or condemnation of Judah and Israel, 2. God’s judgment that will come because of
their sins, and 3. God’s future ruler who, in the last days, will forgive and deliver all Israel. The
indictment was because of Israel’s deliberate apostasy, her idolatry, her social injustice, and her
corrupt people and leaders including the prophets and priests. Though Micah was weighed down
because of the sin and judgment, he watched expectantly for the LORD and waited for the God of
his salvation.
Key Verses
Micah 1:5, All this is for the rebellion of Jacob And for the sins of the house of Israel. What is
the rebellion of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? What is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem?
Micah 4:1, And it will come about in the last days that the mountain of the house of the LORD
will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, and the peoples
will stream to it.
Micah 5:2, But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from
you one will go forth for me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the
days of eternity.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to
do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of
the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in
unchanging love.
Author
Micah, (Micah 1:1, 14 and Jeremiah 26:18)
1. Micah was an unknown prophet from Moresheth. Moresheth was about 20 miles SW of
Jerusalem, probably near Gath and in foothills of Judah east of the Philistine plain. Micah
1:14 is the only mention of Moresheth. Micah was God’s prophet to Judah during the reigns
of Jotham (750-733 BC), Ahaz (735-715 BC), and Hezekiah (729-686 BC) (Micah 1:1). The
kings reigned for a total of 64 years. Whether Micah ministered for that long is unknown.
Assyria was the dominant foreign power during Micah’s ministry. Micah’s contemporary
prophets were Isaiah to Jerusalem and Hosea to Israel, the northern kingdom.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 178 of 212
History
Idolatry, Assyria, and Judah’s kings.
1. Throughout the pre-exile history of Israel, the rejection of God as Lord and the rejection of
God’s word with the resulting idolatry and spiritual, social, and finally national disintegration
characterized God’s people. The prophets proclaimed God’s anger and judgment because of
this. But along with this proclamation they also clearly announced God’s unchanging
promises and love for Israel with the result that in the future he will forgive Israel and restore
her to her land and her blessings.
2. Assyria was a power under King Tiglath-Pileser III (r. 745-727 BC), also known as Pul. At
this time God’s prophets’ ministries were under the shadow of Assyrian domination. About
740 BC Judah, Israel, and Aramaea formed a coalition to resist Assyria. This coalition failed.
In 734 BC Israel (Pekah) and Syria (Rezin) fought against Judah in order to force Judah,
ruled by Ahaz, into another coalition against Assyria. Ahaz refused. Instead, Ahaz went to
Assyria for help. This was the background for Isaiah 7-9. Assyria defeated both Israel and
Syria. Micah names three kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Along with the
specter of Assyria hanging over them, each king had to deal with rampant idolatry.
3. Jotham (r. [750] 740-731 BC) was the eleventh king of Judah and son of Uzziah (2 Kings 15;
2 Chronicles 27). He was co-regent with his father and then king. He was a good king, but
was not able to root out the idolatry of the people. Isaiah and Micah were prophets during his
time.
4. Ahaz (r. [735] 731-715 BC) was the twelfth king of Judah, and when besieged by Israel and
Syria he asked and received help from Assyria, to whom he became a vassal. Ahab openly
brought idolatry into Jerusalem (2 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 28; Isaiah7). He was an evil king.
5. Hezekiah (r. [729] 715-686 BC) was the son of Ahaz and a godly and reforming king.
Hezekiah became king of Judah in 715 BC. Though he was anti-Assyrian, he did not revolt
against Assyria until later and Judah was spared destruction. Later, when Sennacherib (r.
705-681 BC) came to power in Assyria in 705 BC, Hezekiah revolted against him.
Sennacherib invaded Judah in 701 BC (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36-37).
Hezekiah built the famous water tunnel and reservoir that preserved water for Jerusalem
when she was under siege. Soon Hezekiah became sick and God healed him and added 15
years to his life. Soon after, he foolishly showed his wealth to Babylon’s king Merodach
Baladan. (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 29-32; Isaiah 36-37).
6. Hoshea (r. 732-722 BC), the last king of the northern kingdom, Israel, is not mentioned by
Micah. He paid a heavy tribute to Assyria and was destroyed. But in about 724 BC he
revolted against Assyria. Assyria, under Sargon II (r. 721-705 BC), then defeated and exiled
Israel in 721 BC. The people were uprooted and moved to various parts of the Assyrian
empire. This massive defeat and destruction would be repeated by Babylon against Judah
about 135 years later (2 Kings 17).
Key People and Places
The people are noted in points 3 and 4 above. The cities mentioned here are those which will
come under the coming attack by the Assyrians.
1. Micah the prophet (Micah 1:1)
2. Samaria (Micah 1:1) was the capital of the northern kingdom. It was located in central
Palestine, 42 miles north of Jerusalem and 25 miles east of the Mediterranean Sea. King
Omri (r. 885-874) built Samaria and named it for Shemer who had owned the land (1 Kings
16:21-28). Omri, and evil and wicked king, was the father of King Ahab (husband of
Jezebel).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 179 of 212
3. Jerusalem (Micah 1:1). Jerusalem was an old city 14 miles west of the Dead Sea and 37
miles east of the Mediterranean. It was on a rocky plateau 2550 feet above sea level.
Jerusalem was founded by the Amorites and Hittites (Ezekiel 16:3, 45). Melchizedek, the
king priest in Abraham’s day was a king of ancient Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18). Jerusalem
was a Canaanite city at the time of Joshua’s conquest (Joshua 10:1-5). David captured the
city from the Jebusites and made it his religious and political capital of Israel (1 Chronicles
11:4 and 2 Samuel 5:7). David built his headquarters on Mount Zion where the Jebusites had
a fort. Because the city was in central Israel, its location helped to unify the people. The
geography of the city also made it easily defended. The name is in an Egyptian writing of the
1800s BC and in the Tell-el Amarna letters (1300s BC).
4. Gath (Micah 1:10) was one of the 5 royal cities of the Philistines.
5. Beth-le-aphrah (Micah 1:10) was a Philistine city.
6. Shaphir (Micah 1:11) is a city probably in Judah or Philistia.
7. Zaanan (Micah 1:11) was in the lowland plain of western Judah.
8. Bethezel (Micah 1:11) was probably a town in southern Judah.
9. Maroth (Micah 1:12) was in the Philistine plain.
10. Lachish (Micah 1:13) was a famous city 30 miles southwest of Jerusalem and 15 miles west
of Hebron. It was a royal Canaanite city. Joshua captured this city on the day he fought
against the five Amorite kings who had attacked Gibeon. It was during this battle that God
caused the sun and moon to “stand still” (Joshua 10). The Lachish Letters are notes written
about Nebuchadnezzar’s attack on Lachish and Jerusalem in 586 BC.
11. Moresheth-gath (Micah 1:14) was in the Judean lowlands probably near Gath.
12. Achzib (Micah 1:14) was the name of two towns, one in Galilee and one in Judah.
13. Mareshah (Micah 1:15) was a fortified city in the Judean lowlands.
14. Adullam (Micah 1:15) was a city in the lowland Judah. It was southwest of Jerusalem and
between Lachish and Hebron.
Key Words and Phrases
1. Lot (Micah 1:7)
2. Overview Outline
3. Condemnation and judgment, Micah 1-3
4. Coming kingdom and king, Micah 4-5
5. LORD asks and Israel answers, Micah 6-7
Chapter Titles
1. Micah 1, The Lord is coming to judge
2. Micah 2, Sins are many and varied
3. Micah 3, Condemnation of rulers, prophets, priests
4. Micah 4, The LORD will reign in the last days
5. Micah 5, Ruler from Bethlehem
6. Micah 6, The LORD’S case against Israel
7. Micah 7, Micah will watch and wait
Trace the Theme of Micah
Micah proclaimed God’s plan to bless Israel and all the world through Israel, and thus to fulfill
his promises to Israel and the world. Micah’s prophecy follows three main topics: 1. God’s
indictment or condemnation of Judah and Israel, chapter 1 (e.g. Micah 1:2; 6:2), 2. God’s
judgment that was coming because of her sins, chapters 2-3, 6 and 7 (e.g. Micah 2:1-2; 3:1, 5, 9,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 180 of 212
11; 6:10-12; 7:2-6), and 3. God’s future ruler who, in the last days, will forgive and deliver her,
chapters 4, 5, 7 (e.g. Micah 4:1-7; 5:2, 4:7-9; 7:7, 11, 18). The indictment was because of her
deliberate apostasy, her idolatry, her social injustice, and her corrupt people and leaders
including the prophets and priests. Though Micah was weighed down because of the sin and
judgment, he watched expectantly for the LORD and waited for the God of his salvation.
Key Verses that trace the theme of Micah
1. Micah 1:2, Hear, O peoples, all of you; Listen, O earth and all it contains, And let the Lord
God be a witness against you, The Lord from His holy temple.
2. Micah 1:3, For behold, the Lord is coming forth from His place. He will come down and
tread on the high places of the earth.
3. Micah 1:5, All this is for the rebellion of Jacob And for the sins of the house of Israel. What
is the rebellion of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? What is the high place of Judah? Is it not
Jerusalem?
4. Micah 2:1, Woe to those who scheme iniquity, Who work out evil on their beds! When
morning comes, they do it, For it is in the power of their hands.
5. Micah 3:2 (NASB95)
2 “You who hate good and love evil, Who tear off their skin from them And their flesh from
their bones.
6. Micah 3:5, Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; When
they have something to bite with their teeth, They cry, “Peace,” But against him who puts
nothing in their mouths They declare holy war.
7. Micah 4:1, And it will come about in the last days That the mountain of the house of the
Lord Will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills, And
the peoples will stream to it.
8. Micah 4:7, “I will make the lame a remnant And the outcasts a strong nation, And the Lord
will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on and forever.
9. Micah 5:2, “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.”
10. Micah 5:4, And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the
majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will
be great To the ends of the earth.
11. Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But
to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
12. Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act
of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights
in unchanging love.
13. Micah 7:19 He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot.
Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. 20 You will give truth to Jacob And
unchanging love to Abraham, Which You swore to our forefathers From the days of old.
Key Doctrines in Micah
1. Rejection of God and God’s word—spiritual apostasy (Micah 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
2. Spiritual and national leadership (Micah 3, 4)
3. Collapse of culture and society including family and business (Micah 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
4. The Messiah—his birth, deliverance of his people, and his rule (Micah 4, 5, 7)
5. Walk through Israel’s history ( Micah 6:4-5).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 181 of 212
6. Social sins such as violence, lying, deceit (Micah 2, 3, 6)
7. Leadership failure (Micah 3, 7)
Lessons for Us Today
1. What kind of a leader am I—at home, family, job, church, country?
2. What are my cultural values? Sanctity of life, honesty, work ethic, help my neighbor, God in
life and culture, personal freedom and responsibility, marriage and family, one’s nation or
the global nation, patriotism, national defense, producer or simply a consumer—do I add to
the society or simply take, and others?
3. Do I willingly sin and then excuse myself like the people of Micah’s time?
4. Do I listen to God speak in his word?
5. Do I pay attention to God’s communicators of his word today?
6. What is my attitude to Israel—past, present, and future?
7. Who is my God? Is he a god of my own making or is he the biblical God?
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 182 of 212
Nahum Bible Walk
Theme: God Will Judge and Destroy Nineveh
Tod Kennedy
November 2008
Theme
God Will Judge and Destroy Nineveh. This destruction will come because of Assyria’s rejection
of God and God’s word and because of Assyria’s treatment of Israel. This has always been the
pattern of history—God judges those nations that curse Israel. Kings, dictators, and nations have
relentlessly tried to defeat and control or wipe out Israel. They have never completely succeeded.
We can trace the attempts from Satan, the Canaanites, Egyptians, Philistines, Assyria, Babylon,
Persia, Greece, Rome, Islamic peoples, Nazi Germany, Russia and the Soviet Union, modern socalled Palestinians, Iraq, Iran, and …. God will not allow the complete destruction. Those who
attempt it always lose.
Key Verses
Nahum 1:1, and 3:5-7 and compare Jeremiah 50:17-18.
Nahum 1:1, The oracle of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
Nahum 3:5-7, “Behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord of hosts; “And I will lift up your
skirts over your face, And show to the nations your nakedness And to the kingdoms your
disgrace. 6 “I will throw filth on you And make you vile, And set you up as a spectacle. 7 “And it
will come about that all who see you Will shrink from you and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated! Who
will grieve for her?’ Where will I seek comforters for you?”
Author
Nahum. He is from Elkosh. The site of this village is unknown, though the most likely place is in
Galilee or Judah. Nothing else is known of Nahum. Depending on Nahum’s dates, the kings of
Judah who reigned during Nahum’s time were Manasseh (686-642 BC), Amon (642-640 BC),
and Josiah (640-609 BC).
History
1. Summary of Nineveh and Assyria. By the time of Nahum Assyria had already defeated and
exiled Israel (722) and was a continuing threat to Judah. After Jonah’s ministry to Nineveh,
Nineveh regained some of its stability and power, but Assyria failed to pass on God’s
message that Jonah delivered. She continued to harass Judah. Jeremiah said that God would
punish Babylon as he had punished Assyria because of their treatment of Israel and Judah
(Jeremiah 50:17-20). Nahum predicted that God would destroy Nineveh. This occurred in
612 BC. The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar finished off Assyria at the battle of
Carchemish in 605 BC.
2. Assyrian kings from Jonah (around 760 BC) to the fall of Nineveh.
3. Assur-dan III 773-755 BC.
4. Assur-nirari V 755-744 BC.
5. Tiglath-pileser III 744-727 BC.
6. Shalmaneser V 726-722 BC.
7. Sargon 722-705 BC.
8. Sennacherib 705-681 BC.
9. Esarhaddon 681-669 BC.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 183 of 212
10. Assurbanipal from Nineveh 69-626 or 633 BC. There was civil war in Assyria, 652-648 BC
with Assurbanipal the victor.
11. Shamash-shum-ukin from Babylon 669-?
12. Ashur-etil-elani 626-621 or 619 BC.
13. Sin-shum-lishir a few months around 619.
14. Sin-shar-ishkun 619?-612 BC.
15. Ashur-uballit reigned from Harran 612-05 BC.
16. Nineveh was founded by Nimrod, a descendent of Ham (Genesis 10:11). It was a large and
almost impregnable city. It sat on the eastern bank of the Tigris River opposite modern
Mosul. The Tigris was the west and south boundary. A wall eight miles long was the east and
north boundary. In Sennacherib’s day (r. 705-681 BC) the walls around the city were 40-50
feet high and extended for two and one half miles along the Tigris River and eight miles
around the inner city. There were 15 city gates.
17. The New Unger's Bible Dictionary says, “The remains of Nineveh are a silent witness to the
glory of Assyria under Sennacherib and his successors Esarhaddon (681–669 BC and
Ashurbanipal (669–626 BC). The Kuyunjik Mound yielded not only the vast palace of
Sennacherib but also the royal residence and famous library of Ashurbanipal in which were
housed 22,000 inscribed clay tablets. These are important for their accounts of the creation
and Flood and because they furnish scholars with invaluable background material for OT
studies.”
18. Nineveh is the location for Old Testament books Jonah and Nahum. The events are about
140 years apart. Jonah shows God’s grace to those who obey his call to repentance. Nahum
shows God’s judgment on those who turn away from God’s grace after having experienced
it.
19. Jonah went to Nineveh around 750 BC. The prophet preached God’s message to the people
of Nineveh and they believed God. About 100 years later Nahum predicted the destruction of
Nineveh because the Ninevites turned back to their sinful ways after having experience
God’s grace 100 years ago. The destruction of Nineveh predicted by Nahum about 650 BC
took place in 612 BC.
20. Assyria was a power under King Tiglath-Pileser III (r. 745-727 BC), also known as Pul. At
this time God’s prophets’ ministries were under the shadow of Assyrian domination. About
740 BC Judah, Israel, and Aramaea formed a coalition to resist Assyria. This coalition failed.
In 734 BC Israel (Pekah) and Syria (Rezin) fought against Judah in order to force Judah,
ruled by Ahaz, into another coalition against Assyria. Ahaz refused. Instead, Ahaz went to
Assyria for help. This was the background for Isaiah 7-9. Assyria defeated both Israel and
Syria. Micah names three kings of Judah (Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah) who had the specter
of Assyria hanging over them.
21. Esarhaddon ruled Assyria from 681-669 BC. When he died his two sons took the rule.
Shamash-shum-ukin ruled from Babylon and Assurbanipal ruled from Nineveh. In 652 civil
war erupted which lasted four years. Assurbanipal won, but this put an end to Assyrian
greatness. The Pax Assyrica (721-650) was broken.
22. Assurbanipal had a successful reign. He had peace and order within his empire and with
other regions—Canaan, Syria, and Phoenicia. He also had favorable relationships with
Lydia, Babylonia, and Sythia.
23. In the last part of Assurbanipal’s reign he had to fight wars to maintain his empire.
Cambridge Ancient History Vol 3, page 127, “and then suddenly, we know not how, both
king and kingdom fell on evil days. In a striking passage Ashurbanipal speaks of his last
unhappy years.” He died in 626 BC. Disorder and defeat would now plague the empire.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 184 of 212
24. By 620 BC, Nabopolassar, the new king of Babylon (r 626-605) and Cyaxares of Media
allied against Assyria.
25. In 614 BC, Cyaxares was operating in the Nineveh area. Nabopolassar soon joined him.
Then in 612 the Sythians, the Medes under Cyaxares , and the Babylonians under
Nabopolassar assaulted Nineveh. According to CAH Volume 3, page 129, “The brief words
of the Babylonian Chronicle, ‘a great havoc of the people and the nobles took place…they
carried off the booty of the city, a quantity beyond reckoning, they turned the city into ruined
mounds,’ are the counterpart of the picturesque description of Assyria’s downfall by the
Israelite prophet Nahum.”
26. From May to July there were three unsuccessful sieges, but the city finally fell in August of
612 BC.
27. A remnant escaped from Nineveh. They went 100 miles west to Harran. Ashur-uballit
assumed the throne from there.
28. In 610 the same coalition went against Harran. Ashur-uballit left the city and withdrew to the
west. Now only Egypt remained loyal to Assyria, though Egypt had broken away years
before.
29. In 609 BC the Egyptian king, Necho, proceeded to move up through Palestine to aid the
Assyrians. He brushed aside Josiah, King of Judah, and joined the Assyrians. The Egyptians
moved east to Carchemish on the Euphrates River. For the next four years Egypt attempted
to take Harran without success.
30. By 605 Nebuchadnezzar had taken over form his father Nabopolassar. He moved north along
the Euphrates and defeated the Egyptians at Carchemish. This ended both the Assyrian
empire and the Egyptian domination of Canaan.
31. The Egyptians fled southwest through Canaan with Nebuchadnezzar not far behind. While
Nebuchadnezzar was in Canaan he heard of the death of his father, Nabopolassar, so returned
to Babylon to take the crown. It was at this time that Daniel and his friends were taken to
Babylon.
Key People and Places
1. Nineveh (Nahum 1:1; 2:8), the leading city and capital of Assyria.
2. Key Words and Phrases.
3. Oracle ‫( ַמשָּׂא‬Nahum 1:1), was a threatening message from God about a person or nation.
4. Overview Outline is the same as the chapter titles.
Chapter Titles
1. Nahum 1, Sentence of Nineveh’s destruction
2. Nahum 2, Description of Nineveh’s destruction
3. Nahum 3, Explanation of Nineveh’s destruction
Trace the Theme of Nahum
God Will Judge and Destroy Nineveh. This destruction will come because of Assyria’s rejection
of God and God’s word and because of Assyria’s treatment of Israel.
1. Chapter one begins with the oracle or sentence against Nineveh. The basis for God’s
judgment is the character of God. He is holy, just, omnmipotent, sovereign, good, and
dependable. For those who trust and obey him, he is a stronghold in time of danger, but
Nineveh has become his enemy and God will destroy her (Nahum 1:1-8). Nineveh has
devised against the Lord and plotted evil against the Lord. He will prepare Nineveh’s grave
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 185 of 212
(Nahum 1:9-14). The chapter ends with a message of comfort to Judah who was struggling
under Assyrian domination (Nahum 1:15).
2. Chapter 2 describes the destruction. The Lord will bring the Medes and Babylonians against
Nineveh (Nahum 2:1). While announcing this judgment, Nahum also says that the LORD
will restore the splendor of Israel in a future time. From other Scripture we learn that this is
the time of Messiah’s reign (Nahum 2:2). In verses 3-10 the destruction is described. The
coming destroyers of Nineveh are unstoppable. The people of Nineveh flee. Their faces have
grown pale (Nahum 2:3-10). Nahum questions where has Nineveh “the den of lions” gone.
The LORD of hosts is against Nineveh (Nahum 2:11-13).
3. Chapter 3 starts with another woe to Nineveh for her treatment of other people and nations.
Pillage, prey, whips, swords, corpses, dead bodies, selling nations—all are part of the reason
for the LORD’s judgment (Nahum 3:1-4). The LORD will make a spectacle of her and
disgrace her (Nahum 3:5-7). No one will help her (Nahum 3:8-10). There is no place to hide;
the city walls will not protect her; fire will destroy Nineveh; her military will be like locusts
and grasshoppers on a stone wall in the cold—not moving (Nahum 3:11-17). Nineveh’s
leadership will fail and the people will scatter. There is no help. Everyone who hears of her
destruction will be overjoyed (Nahum 3:18-19).
Key Doctrines in Nahum
1. Nahum’s oracle begins with God’s character and attributes. God is always the basis for what
ultimately happens in history (Nahum 1:2-8).
2. God will judge nations who curse Israel (See Genesis 12:3 and Jeremiah 50:17-20). Nineveh
was a mighty oppressor of Israel and God will judge her
(Nahum 1:1-2, 9, 11, 2:2, 8-10, 13, 3:1, 5, 7, 11-19). Nations curse Israel in many ways—by
attacking her, by opposing her biblical position, by taking her land, and by persecuting her
people.
3. God is a refuge and is faithful to those who do trust him and obey him
(Nahum 1:7).
4. God has chosen Israel for his service and he will ultimately protect and bless her (Nahum
1:15-2:2).
Lessons for Us Today
1. Be very careful in our treatment of Israel.
2. God justly judges Gentile nations who “curse” Israel. Our country had better not do that.
3. God is a strong refuge—a comforter and protector of people and nations who trust him and
obey him. If we in our country want God’s protection we must trust him and obey him.
4. God gives nations time to repent or mend their ways toward him and toward Israel. The
United States must be very careful about our attitude and treatment of Israel.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 186 of 212
Habakkuk Bible Walk
Theme: God will judge Judah and Babylon
Tod Kennedy
January, 2008
Theme
God will judge Judah and Babylon
Key Verses
Habakkuk 1:6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That fierce and impetuous people Who
march throughout the earth To seize dwelling places which are not theirs.
Habakkuk 2:4, Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous
will live by his faith.
Habakkuk 3:18, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Author and Date of Writing
1. Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:1; 3:1). He identifies himself as a prophet. We know nothing else
about him except that he lived after the Chaldeans became a power (Habakkuk 1:6) and just
before Nebuchadnezzar defeated Judah.
2. Habakkuk likely wrote his prophecy after Josiah died in 609 BC and before Nebuchadnezzar
attacked Jerusalem in 605 BC.
History
Habakkuk served as God’s prophet during the last days of Judah, prior to when Babylon defeated
and destroyed Judah. Nabopolassar, the father of Nebuchadnezzar, was a Chaldean governor.
Recall that Nebuchadnezzar was the king who defeated, destroyed, and exiled Judah between
605 and 586 BC. God revealed to Habakkuk that He would bring these Babylonians upon Judah
as divine punishment for her idolatry, sin, and rebellion against Him. For the history of events
around this time see the Jeremiah notes.
Key People and Places
1. Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:1; 3:1), God’s prophet and human author of this prophecy.
2. Chaldeans (Habakkuk 1:6, 15; 83 times in the NASB) were one of the people who formed
the Babylonian empire under Nabopolassar, a Chaldean governor and the father of
Nebuchadnezzar. The Chaldean land was at the northwest end of the Persian Gulf. Over the
years Chaldea became known as Babylonia, since some of her kings were Chaldean.
Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:28).
3. Righteous 6662 ‫ צַדִּ יק‬tsaddiyq (Habakkuk 2:4), means righteous, just, upright, one living by
the righteous standard. Here it speaks of experiential or daily life righteousness, one who
follows God’s word. Note the contrast with the “proud one” whose “soul is not right within
him.”
4. Faith 530 ‫ אֱ מוּנָה‬e’munah (Habakkuk 2:4) is in this prophecy the means by which a righteous
person lives his life before God and people. In Habakkuk the reference is to daily living
during life in time, not faith for eternal salvation. The OT righteous person lived righteously
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 187 of 212
by faith in God and God’s revelation. This verse is referred to in Romans 1:17; Galatians
3:11, and Hebrews 10:38.
5. Woe 1945 ‫ ה ֹוי‬hoy (Habakkuk 2:6, 9, 12, 15, 19), is an interjection that expresses pain,
dissatisfaction, mourning, and warning.
6. LORD 3068 ‫יהוה‬, ‫ יְהוִה‬Yahweh or Jehovah. This is God’s personal name. In the English text
it is written in all capital letters.
Overview Outline
1. Habakkuk asks two questions and God answers (Habakkuk 1-2).
2. Habakkuk asks how long the LORD will allow Judah’s sin (Habakkuk 1.1-1.4).
3. The LORD answers that He is raising the Chaldeans to judge Judah (Habakkuk 1:5-11).
4. Habakkuk asks how the LORD use the more wicked Chaldeans to judge Judah (Habakkuk
1:12-2:1).
5. The LORD answers with five woes against the Chaldeans (Habakkuk 2:2-20).
6. Habakkuk praises God with a psalm (Habakkuk 3).
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1, Habakkuk’s two questions and the LORD’S first answer.
2. Chapter 2, The LORD’S second answer.
3. Chapter 3, Habakkuk’s praise psalm.
Trace the Theme
1. Chapter 1, Habakkuk’s two questions and the LORD’S first answer. Habakkuk begins by
asking the LORD how long he must cry out for justice in Judah. They are people
characterized by violence iniquity, wickedness, destruction, strife, contention, and perversion
of justice (Habakkuk 1:1-4). The LORD answered that he will bring the Chaldeans
(Babylonians) to conquer and destroy Judah (Habakkuk 1:6). The Chaldeans are fierce,
dreaded, violent, mockers of other kings and their defenses, obsessed with their own power,
and they will sweep through Judah. But the LORD will hold the Chaldeans guilty (Habakkuk
1:7-11). Habakkuk then asks the LORD why he has appointed such wicked people, the sinful
Chaldeans, to judge Judah who is more righteous than they. The Chaldeans will treat the
Judeans like fish caught in a net (Habakkuk 1:12-17).
2. Chapter 2, The LORD’S second answer. After Habakkuk finished his condemnation of
Babylon, he stationed himself and waited for the LORD’s answer (Habakkuk 2:1). When the
answer came, Habakkuk was to record it so that people can read the message and obey it—
escape the coming danger. The vision is true and will happen in God’s time (Habakkuk 2:23). The Babylonians are proud and controlled by sin, but the righteous Hebrew—he follows
God’s word—is one who will live by faith in the LORD and be faithful to the LORD
(Habakkuk 2:4). The word translated “faith,” the Hebrew word ‫ אֱ מוּנָה‬e’munah (Habakkuk
2:4), is in this prophecy the means by which a righteous person lives his life before God and
people. In Habakkuk the reference is to daily living during life in time, not faith for eternal
salvation. The Old Testament righteous person lived righteously by faith in God and God’s
revelation. This verse is referred to in Romans 1:17 where eternal salvation faith and
Christian life faith are in view, in Galatians 3:11 where eternal salvation faith is in view, and
in Hebrews 10:38 where Christian life faith is in view. In 2:5-19 the LORD gives 5 woes
against the Chaldeans (Habakkuk 2:6, 9, 12, 15, and 19). Woe 1 (Habakkuk 2:5-8), they are
proud people who charge unjust interest rates and the conquered peoples will taunt the
Chaldeans and turn against them. Woe 2 (Habakkuk 2:6-8), their evil gains in order to
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 188 of 212
maintain security will accuse them (Habakkuk 2:9-11). Woe 3 (Habakkuk 2:12-14), the
Chaldeans who build cities and towns on bloodshed and violence are simply building for a
fire to destroy what they do, and their work will come to nothing while the knowledge of the
glory of the LORD will eventually spread worldwide and last forever (Habakkuk 2:12-14).
Woe 4 (Habakkuk 2:15-17), the LORD will turn the disgrace, devastation, bloodshed, and
violence done to others by the Chaldeans back upon themselves. Woe 5 (Habakkuk 2:18-19),
their idols will not be able to help them. The Chaldean’s idols are man made; there is no life
in idols. Idols are nothing—speechless, wood, mute stone, with gold and silver but still
nothing. In contrast to the Chaldean idols the LORD lives in his holy temple—heaven. All
the earth—the creation—should be silent in reverence before him because he is alive and he
is the creator and only God.
3. Chapter 3, Habakkuk’s praise psalm. The judgment theme continues. In view of coming
judgment Habakkuk penned a praise psalm that he meant the Hebrew people to sing as
thankful praise to the LORD. The musical directions are given at the end of the psalm. He
begins with biblical history in mind. He pleads that the LORD will 1. revive his work of old
for Israel’s blessing, 2. make his work known to Israel, and 3. remember mercy even though
he will judge (Habakkuk 3:2). Habakkuk first recalls God’s activity during the Exodus.
Teman is south Edom. Mount Paran is in central Sinai. God guided and showed mercy to his
people Israel (Habakkuk 3:3). Habakkuk continued to praise God’s glory and his works that
were done during the Exodus. The LORD dominated all nations—in fact, he dominated the
entire earth. Age and time did not matter to God (Habakkuk 3:4-7). The LORD was not
angry at nature. Nature was a tool to show his power and glory (Habakkuk 3:8-12). What the
LORD did in the Exodus he did for his people Israel (Habakkuk 3:13-15). Habakkuk
continues his praise psalm as he thinks about the coming judgment brought about by Israel’s
glorious and powerful and loyal God. He knows that he must wait for the judgment, but
because of the history of God’s deliverances and God’s nature Habakkuk rests and waits
upon the LORD to judge justly and righteously (Habakkuk 3:16). Habakkuk concludes on a
very high and applicable note (Habakkuk 3:17-19). He says “though” (Habakkuk
3:17)…”yet” (Habakkuk 3:18). Though national failure which will include crop failure,
livestock failure, and business failure (Habakkuk 3:17), yet he will exult and rejoice in the
God of his salvation (Habakkuk 3:18). Habakkuk knows the Lord God is his strength and his
stability (like hinds feet and high places). Habakkuk’s knowledge of biblical history and
Israel’s God produces, in him, great faith in God and God’s plan no matter how bad the
immediate future will be (Habakkuk 3:19).
Key Doctrinal Principles Illustrated in Habakkuk
1. Divine judgment of nations.
2. Sin and evil.
3. Idolatry.
4. God’s nature and attributes.
5. The prophet’s mission.
6. Living by faith.
7. The place of psalms in spiritual life.
8. Worship.
9. Mental attitude in spite of suffering.
10. Spiritual dynamics in national failure.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 189 of 212
Lessons for Us Today
1. God’s timing. God does things according to his own timing. He chose the time and the way
to judge Judah and Babylon (Habakkuk 1:5, 6, 12) and works in our lives according to his
timing (Psalm 31:14-15).
2. God judges sin. God will not allow national sin or personal sin to continue indefinitely.
Though we may think sin wins, sin always loses. The morality of a nation does matter,
especially a nation’s treatment of Israel. This was demonstrated many time—Cain, Noah’s
day, Sodom and Gomorrah, Israel, Judah, Assyria, Babylon, and Syrians under Antiochus
(Habakkuk 2:2-20; Genesis 12:1-3). In modern times God has judged the communist empire
and Nazi Germany. The USA may be under God’s judgment now. God also judges believers
(Acts 5:1-11; Hebrews 12:4-11).
3. National sins. God judged Babylon for specific national sins. Among those sins are pride,
insatiable aggression, taking slaves, unjust economic policies, the devaluing of human life,
violence and bloodshed, looting other nations, immorality, disrespectful of others, and
idolatry. We in the USA need to guard ourselves against these sins.
4. Faithful living in crisis. What principle should God’s people live by during any historical
crisis? We are to live by the principle of faith—faithfully adhering to God and God’s word
(Habakkuk 2:4; see 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:8; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 10:38).
5. Actions to take in national crisis. What specific actions should we take in a national crisis: 1.
Recall God's revelation—Bible doctrine (Habakkuk 3:2). 2. Pray for God to revive his work
(Habakkuk 3:2). 3. Pray for mercy in the midst of God's wrath (Habakkuk 3:2). 4. Recall
God's work for us in history past (Habakkuk 3:3-16). 5. Wait in faith and faithfulness for
God's deliverance (Habakkuk 3:16). 6. Rejoice in the Lord no matter how bad things are
because he is our salvation and strength (Habakkuk 3:18-19; see Lamentations 3:19-26 and
Hebrews 10:19-25).
6. Spiritual joy. We will experience genuine spiritual and national rejoicing only in relationship
and fellowship with the Lord God (Habakkuk 3:18-19; see Psalm 70; see Philippians 3:1 and
4:4).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 190 of 212
Zephaniah Bible Walk
Theme: Judgment, Restoration, and the Day of the LORD
Tod Kennedy
January, 2009
Theme
Judgment, restoration, and the Day of the LORD. The Lord told Judah through Zephaniah that he
would soon dramatically judge the earth. This judgment would come soon upon Judah,
Jerusalem, and Gentile nations. An even greater judgment would come in the future against all
nations of the world. Following that future or prophetic great day of the LORD judgment, the
Lord will gather Israel, rule as her king, bless her, and restore her fortunes.
Key Verses
Zephaniah 1:2. “I will completely remove all things from the face of the earth,” declares the
Lord.
Zephaniah 1:14-15. Near is the great day of the Lord, near and coming very quickly; Listen, the
day of the Lord! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. 15 A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble
and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds
and thick darkness.
Zephaniah 2:3. Seek the Lord, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances;
Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger.
Zephaniah 3:20. “At that time I will bring you in, Even at the time when I gather you together;
Indeed, I will give you renown and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I restore
your fortunes before your eyes,” Says the Lord.
Author
Zephaniah. Zephaniah served as God’s prophet during the reign of Josiah (r. 640-609 BC). The
prophet traces his lineage to King Hezekiah (r. 715-686 BC). Both Hezekiah and Josiah were
godly kings of Judah, and both were reformers whose reform did not last after they died.
Zephaniah wrote his prophecy sometime during Josiah’s reign but before the destruction of
Nineveh in 612 BC. According to Zephaniah 2:13, the destruction of Nineveh was still future.
The prophet was in Judah’s line and likely had access to the court.
History
The events happened in the last days of Judah, prior to when Babylon defeated and destroyed
Judah. See the Jeremiah notes for the history of events around this time.
Key People
Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1) and the future God King of Israel, the LORD, Messiah (Zephaniah
3:15).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 191 of 212
Key Words and Phrases
Words and phrases that we read but often do not pay attention to. Only a few have been
selected.
1. Baal (Zephaniah 1:5) is the Canaanite god most mentioned in the Amarna letters found at
Ugarit. The word means lord or master. The name could be a title for a person who owned
something or any pagan god. The name came to be associated with the god of fertility and
weather. In some Canaanite writings he was known as Hadad. The name Baal also was
combined with other names such as Baal-Peor (Deuteronomy 4:3) and Baal-Zebub (2 Kings
1:2-3). Baal worship infiltrated Israel and Judah and was prevalent during Solomon’s reign.
2. Milcom was the Ammonite god Molech (2 Kings 23:13). Solomon brought Milcom worship
to Israel (1 Kings 11:5, 33). Josiah tore down his altars (2 Kings 23:13).
3. Fish gate (Zephaniah 1:10) is one of many gates into Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:14;
Nehemiah 3:3; 12:39; Zephaniah 1:10). Gates or near the gates were places for entrance and
exit, for public reading, for punishment of criminals, for buying and selling, and for gathering
news, among other things. The fish gate probably got its name because fish were brought into
the city through that gate or because a fish market was nearby. It likely was on the north wall
of the city. Nebuchadnezzar probably entered Jerusalem through this gate. Gates were normal
in cities of the ancient world.
4. The Second Quarter (Zephaniah 1:10) was a district northwest of the temple (2 Kings 22:14;
2 Chronicles. 34:22; Nehemiah. 11:9).
5. Mortar (Zephaniah 1:11) was apparently a land depression in or near Jerusalem where
business was carried out. Zephaniah prophesied that business would fail.
6. Canaan (Zephaniah 1:11). He was the grandson of Noah and fourth son of Ham. His people
spread out into several tribes and before 2000 BC moved into and populated the land that
God promised Abraham and his descendents. These people became Canaanites, a very pagan
people. They became dominant between 2100 BC and 1550 BC. The land stretched from the
Jordan to the Mediterranean and from the Sinai Peninsula to Philistia. The area was
remarkable for its farmlands and trade routes.
7. Day of the Lord is used seven times in six verses in Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:7, 8, 14, 18; 2:2,
3). The day of the Lord is a phrase used by God’s prophets in the Old Testament to identify
an immediate or close in time (historic) judgment by God or a future (prophetic) judgment by
God. The context of each Bible passage determines whether the day of the Lord is historical
or prophetic. The day of the Lord is also used in the New Testament for the future time of
judgment. For example, Acts 2:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, and 2 Peter 3:10. The tribulation
period will begin this future day of judgment.
a. Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near, For
the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests.
b. Zephaniah 1:8 “Then it will come about on the day of the Lord’s sacrifice That I
will punish the princes, the king’s sons And all who clothe themselves with
foreign garments.
c. Zephaniah 1:14 Near is the great day of the Lord, Near and coming very quickly;
Listen, the day of the Lord! In it the warrior cries out bitterly.
d. Zephaniah 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold Will be able to deliver them On
the day of the Lord’s wrath; And all the earth will be devoured In the fire of His
jealousy, For He will make a complete end, Indeed a terrifying one, Of all the
inhabitants of the earth.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 192 of 212
e. Zephaniah 2:2 Before the decree takes effect— The day passes like the chaff—
Before the burning anger of the Lord comes upon you, Before the day of the
Lord’s anger comes upon you.
f. Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out
His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In
the day of the Lord’s anger.
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1, Day of the LORD judgment, future and near.
2. Chapter 2, Seek the LORD during judgment.
3. Chapter 3, Day of the LORD judgment, near and future, then restoration.
Trace the Theme
The day of the LORD judgment is both historic, that is near to the time of the prophet, and
prophetic or in the distant future. The historic day of the LORD judgments are God’s judgment
against sinful Israel and nations of the world, and these occurred near in time to the prophet’s
message. They are small previews of the prophetic day of the LORD judgment which will begin
in the future tribulation period. The historic day of the LORD judgments have occurred in past
history.
1. Zephaniah 1. Chapter 1 introduces what is apparently a future world wide judgment, “all
from the face of the earth” (Zephaniah 1:2-3). Then the prophet explains that the judgment
will begin with the soon judgment by Babylon against Judah, Jerusalem, idols, idolatrous
priests, idol worshippers, and those who have turned away from the Lord (Zephaniah 1:4-13).
This great day of the Lord is near and terrible. It will eventually in the distant future engulf
all the inhabitants of the earth (Zephaniah 1:18). One exegetical question is whether earth in
verses 2, 3, and 18 might just refer to the known at that time middle east. The context and
wording seem to make this a world wide judgment that will occur in the future time known
as the tribulation—that time of worldwide judgment on the earth just before Jesus returns at
his second coming.
2. Zephaniah 2. Chapter 2 continues the warning about judgment against the nations all around
Judah, but begins with a call to the Hebrew people for repentance. For those who repent there
is hope that the Lord will protect them from judgment (Zephaniah 2:1-5). This soon to come
historic day of the Lord judgment against the surrounding nations include the Philistines
(Zephaniah 2:5), (Gaza verse 4, Ashdod verse 4, Ekron verse 4) to the west (Zephaniah 2:47), Moab and Ammon to the east (Zephaniah 2:8-11), Ethiopia to the south (Zephaniah 2:12),
and Assyria (Nineveh, Zephaniah 2:13) to the north (Zephaniah 2:13-15).
3. Zephaniah 3. Chapter 3 begins with a woe to Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:-7). Jerusalem is put
for the Hebrew people. They are rebellious, defiled, and tyrannical. They refuse to listen to
the Lord or trust him. The princes, judges, prophets, and priests are treacherous (Zephaniah
3:2-4). Zephaniah then pronounces the righteousness and justice of the LORD (Zephaniah
3:5). The purpose of the LORD’s judgment was to recall his people (Zephaniah 3:6), but they
were eager to corrupt (Zephaniah 3:7). Beginning with verse 8 the LORD expands his
judgment to the distant future. This points to the prophetic day of the LORD. The LORD will
gather nations, assemble kingdoms, and pour out his indignations and burning anger on all
the earth (Zephaniah 3:8). People will come to know God and therefore worship him
(Zephaniah 3:9-10). Their attitudes and purposes will have changed from rebellion to
humility and trust in the name of the LORD (Zephaniah 3:11-12). The remnant of Israel will
rejoice (Zephaniah 3:14). The LORD, the king will have ceased his judgments and will be in
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 193 of 212
their midst (Zephaniah 3:15-17). The LORD will gather Israel, protect her, bless her, and
make her famous and praised by the people of the earth. The LORD will restore Israel and
her fortunes right before her eyes (Zephaniah 3:18-20). The long awaited kingdom will have
begun. Messiah rules the earth. Israel is in her homeland and blessed.
Key Doctrines
1. God will judge the world (Zephaniah 1:2-3).
2. God will judge Judah for idolatry (Zephaniah 1:4-6), for preoccupation with wealth
(Zephaniah 1:11, 13, 18), for apathy and pride (Zephaniah 1:12; 3:11), for corrupt princes
and judges (Zephaniah 1:8; 3:3), for corrupt prophets (Zephaniah 3:4) and for corrupt priests
(Zephaniah 1:4, 9; 3:4).
3. God will judge nations for taunting arrogance against Israel (Zephaniah 2:8, 10, 15), for
oppression of Israel (Zephaniah 2:8-11), and for idolatry (Zephaniah 2:11).
4. The Lord’s superiority to idols (Zephaniah 2:11).
5. Protection and deliverance of the faithful (Zephaniah 2:3).
6. The righteous remnant (Zephaniah 3:12-13).
7. The future God King will rule Israel (Zephaniah 3:15-17).
8. Future restoration and blessing of Israel (Zephaniah 3:9-20, especially 3:20).
9. Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7, 8, 14, 18; 2:2, 3).
10. Attributes of God (Zephaniah 3:5).
Lessons for Us Today
1. Spiritual apathy ruins one’s Christian life and can have serious physical, economic, family,
and social consequences.
2. Idolatry about details in our lives can bring disaster to believers.
3. Seek the Lord in national crisis. Only he, from the Bible and from fellowship with him, has
the answers.
4. The only hope for any of us is Christ returning for the church and then returning to set up his
kingdom.
5. Beware of sin in our lives and especially complacent sin. Divine discipline is very real and
can be severe.
6. Leaders—national and spiritual—have a great responsibility for those over whom they
exercise leadership.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 194 of 212
Haggai Bible Walk
Theme: Rebuild the Temple
Tod Kennedy
February, 2009
Theme
Rebuild the temple. The Lord spoke through Haggai, in 520 BC, to Governor Zerubbabel and
high priest Joshua and through them to all the people who had returned from Babylon. The Lord
first admonished them for the 16 year lapse in the temple construction and then encouraged the
people to resume construction of the temple that the Babylonians had destroyed in 586 BC. The
Lord also reminded the people that He would bless them in the future.
1. The Hebrew prophets of the fifth and sixth centuries BC lived in a time of upheaval, threats,
and change for the Israeli people. Under God’s inspiration they spoke and wrote out the exile
background. After all they had been through many wondered if God was really sovereign,
and had He renounced the covenants He had made to them, and would He keep the promises
made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the prophets? When the people moved back to
the land they questioned many things: would God reestablish Jerusalem as His capital city;
would He reinstate a Davidic king on the throne; would He reestablish temple worship in a
new temple; what about the priesthood; and would the promises of restoration under Messiah
come soon or come at all?
2. The post-exilic prophets addressed these questions and doubts. The answer was short and
simple. Yes, God will restore and bless Israel just as the prophets had said, but first the
problem of sin—unbelief and disobedience had to be dealt with.
Key Verses
Haggai 1:4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies
desolate?”
Haggai 1:14. So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of
Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the
remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God.
Author
1. Haggai the prophet is the author (Haggai 1:1). There are many clear statements that the Lord
spoke through him (Ezra 5:1; 6:14; Haggai 1:1, 3, 12, 13; 2:1, 10, 13, 14, 20).
2. Haggai prophesied at the same time as Zechariah (Ezra 5:1 and 6:14). Zechariah 1:1 and 1:7
are both dated in the second year of Darius, the year of Haggai’s messages.
History
Haggai prophesied in 520 BC. See the Bible walk notes for Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, and
Daniel for the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon and the rebuilding of the
temple in Jerusalem many years later.
1. “Darius I Hystaspes, or Darius the Great, king of Persia [522-486 BCE]. Through his father
Hystaspes, Darius belonged to the Achaemenid family, as did Cyrus The Great and his son
Cambyses II, but to a different branch of this family. When Cambyses was in Egypt, during
the last year of his reign, a certain Gaumata usurped the throne by pretending to be Bardiya,
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 195 of 212
Cambyses' brother, who had been assassinated secretly before Cambyses started out for his
Egyptian campaign in 525 BCE. When Cambyses learned of this usurpation he immediately
set out for Persia, but on the way, while in Syria, he died in July, 522 BCE, as the result of
either an accident or suicide, leaving no heir. Darius, a distant cousin of Cambyses, at once
set out to gain the throne for himself. With some helpers he slew the Smerdis/Gaumâta or
false Bardiya in September, 522 BCE, and assumed the kingship. However, he had to fight
against a number of other pretenders and rebels. It took more than a year (522-521 BCE) of
hard fighting to put down revolts associated with Bardiya's claim to the throne. Almost every
province of the empire was involved in the conflict, including Persia and, most particularly,
Media. He finally emerged from the struggle the undisputed ruler of the Persian Empire. The
story of his successes was engraved in three scripts and languages (Persian, Babylonian, and
Elamite), accompanied by a sculptured relief, into a high rock wall of the Bisitun Mountain, a
few miles east of modern Kermanshah.” (History of Iran, Achaemenid Empire,
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/achaemenids/achaemenids.php)
2. Herodotus says that Darius was one of seven conspirators who killed Pseudo-Smerdis. Six of
the conspirators had to decide who would be the next king. They agreed that the next
morning they would ride their horses to the outskirts of the city at sunrise. The one whose
horse neighed first after sunrise would be king. Darius’ horse, with some preconditioning by
the groom during the night, neighed first and so Darius was the new kings. (Herodotus Third
Book, chapter 84-87). After he had consolidated his power, he studied law, which was
significant for what was to follow. Remember that when Tattenai of Syria interfered with the
Jew’s rebuilding project, Darius ordered the search for Cyrus’ decree. After he read the
decree, he ordered Tattenai to stay away from Jerusalem and leave the work on the temple
alone. In fact, Darius ordered Tattenai to provide the money and supplies necessary (Ezra
4:5; 4:24; 5:5, 6, 7; 6:1, 12, 13, 14, 15).
3. The following are the Gentile kings who dominated Israel from the time of Cyrus into Ezra
and Nehemiah’s time. Cyrus was the king who defeated Babylon.
4. Cyrus, 559-530 BC (Isaiah 45:1-5; Ezra 1:1-4, 7, 8; Ezra 3:7; 4:3, 5; 5:13, 14, 17; 6.3, 14).
Cyrus, King of Persia and Babylon, decreed in 538 BC that the Jews could return to Judah
from exile and rebuild the city and the temple. Cyrus allowed the conquered people to take
their gods and return to their homes. Furthermore, he decreed that the Jewish people could
return home and rebuild their temple (Ezra 1; Ezra 6:3-5; 2 Chronicles 36:21-23).
5. Cambyses, Cyrus’ son, 530-522 BC. He killed his brother Bardiya (Smerdis) in 525 and then
led an expedition against the Egyptians. While he was gone, in 522 Gaumata (an imposter of
Bardiya-Smerdis) usurped the Persian throne. When Cambyses heard of the successful plot,
returned to Persia but died on the way in Syria in 522 BC.
6. Gaumata or Pseudo Smerdis (who posed as Smerdis, the brother of Cambyses whom
Cambyses had killed in 525), ruled 6 months in 522 BC.
7. Darius I, 522-486 BC. He was a distant cousin of Cambyses. He killed Pseudo Smerdis in
September of 522 BC and took the throne. See above 4.1.
8. Xerxes, 486-465 BC, Darius’ son, and king during Esther’s life (Ezra 4.6).
9. Artaxerxes I, 465-423 BC, Xerxes’ son and the king under whom Ezra and Nehemiah
returned to Jerusalem and did their work (Ezra 4:7, 8, 11, 23; 6:14; 7:1, 7, 11, 12, 21; 8:1).
10. Xerxes II, ruled for 45 days in 424 BC and was assassinated.
11. The Jewish people returned to their land in three groups. This was similar to the three groups
Babylon exiled (606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 196 of 212
12. The first group returned to Judah in 536 BC. Zerubbabel (Sheshbazzar) led them. Cyrus was
king of Persia. They completed the temple in 515 BC, during the reign of Darius I (Haggai 12 and Ezra 1-6).
13. The second group returned in 458 BC. Ezra led them. Artaxerxes I was king of Persia (Ezra
7-10).
14. The third group returned in 444 BC. Nehemiah led them. Artaxerxes I was king of Persia
(Nehemiah 1-2).
15. Pagan religious leaders who lived during Haggai’s time included Gautama Buddha (about
550-480 BC) in India and Confucius (551-479 BC) in China.
Key People
1. Haggai the prophet (Haggai 1:1, 3, 12, 13; 2:1, 10, 13, 14, 20).
2. Zerubbabel the governor of Judah (Haggai 1:1, 12, 14; 2:2, 4. 21, 23 and many other Bible
books). He was a descendent of David. King Cyrus appointed him governor of the exiles
returning to Judah. His Aramaic name in Persia was Sheshbazzar. In 520 BC he and Joshua
the high priest resumed construction of the temple. It was completed four years later in 516
BC. Zerubbabel was successful in his job. The Lord will honor him in the future (Haggai
2:23). Zerubbabel was the official representative of David’s line and was a fore shadow of
the coming Messiah.
3. Joshua the high priest (Haggai 1:1, 12, 14: 2:2, 4). He along with Zerubbabel led the
rebuilding of the temple from 520-516 BC. God honored him (Zechariah 6:10-11).
Words and Phrases
1. Temple (1:8; 2:3, 15, 18). The tabernacle and then Solomon’s temple were central to Israel’s
life. Once the temple was completed by Solomon (1 Kings 6:1, 37, 38), it was the focus of
the national and spiritual life of the nation. The offerings and sacrifices, priests, teaching,
and praise of God centered in the temple. The temple was the symbol of Israel’s priest nation
status. God lived and guided Israel through the temple. When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the
temple Israel’s spiritual and national identity suffered. Governor Zerubbabel and high priest
Joshua led the rebuilding of the temple, called the second temple (Ezra 6:3 give initial
dimensions). Herod later enlarged this second temple. The second temple was destroyed by
Rome in the war of 66-70 AD. A new temple will be built for Christ’s millennial reign
(Ezekiel 40-48).
2. Date notations in Haggai. Here I am following Charles Dyer and Eugene Merrill of Dallas
Theological Seminary in Nelson’s Old Testament Survey.
3. Haggai 1:1, the first day, sixth month, second year of Darius is August 29, 520 BC.
4. Haggai 1:15, the twenty-fourth day, sixth month, second year of Darius is September 21, 520
BC.
5. Haggai 2:1, the twenty-first day, seventh month, second year of Darius is October 17, 520
BC.
6. Haggai 2:10, the twenty-fourth day, ninth month, second year of Darius is December 18, 520
BC.
7. Haggai 2:20, the twenty-fourth day, ninth month, second year of Darius is December 18, 520
BC, and Haggai delivered a second message on this day.
Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1, the command and work on the temple.
2. Chapter 2, the glory and blessings of the temple.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 197 of 212
Trace the Theme
1. Haggai chapter 1. The Lord delivered His message to Haggai in 520 BC. This message was
for Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, the spiritual and political leaders of the
returned exiles (1:1). The Lord admonished the people of Judah for paying more attention to
details of life for themselves than to serving the Lord by rebuilding the temple. Because of
their wrong priorities God withheld his blessings (1:2-11). Zerubbabel and Joshua obeyed the
God’s message sent by Haggai. The returned exiles also changed their thinking from selfcenteredness to fearing the Lord (1:12). They all began work on the temple 24 days later
(1:13-15). This intervening 3 weeks may have been taken up gathering lumbar for the work
before it could start (1:8). The main lesson for us from this chapter is to put the Lord and His
will first. What is most important to God’s people, fellowship and service with Him or
spending all our time obtaining and using details of life?
2. Haggai chapter 2. About 21 days later the Lord gave a second message to Haggai for
Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the returned remnant (2:1-2). The Lord asked if anyone was alive
who had seen Solomon’s temple which was destroyed 66 years before. He then asked if the
present building project seems small in comparison (2:3). Sixteen years earlier, in 536 BC,
some had wept because the foundation was smaller than Solomon’s temple (Ezra 3:7-13).
The Lord goes on and tells them to take courage because “I am with you.” By identifying
Himself as the Lord of host, God is reminding them that He is the all powerful commander of
all the earth (2:4). God long ago promised the Hebrew people that He would go with them
(Exodus 33:15) and that is still true, so they are not to fear (5). The Lord then promised them
that in the future (“a little while”) He will shake up and change the entire earth creation and
world of nations in such a way that the nations will bring offerings of their wealth to the
future temple, or we could say the temple in the distant future, the millennial temple (2:6-9).
The glory of the temple in the future will surpass the glory of Solomon’s temple. At that time
God will give peace to nations. This verse is a statement of the future millennial earth and
temple. About 3 months after the Lord’s first message in which He admonished and
instructed the Hebrew people (1:1-11) the Lord spoke to Haggai for the third time (2:10). The
message was a warning that sin in the people harms the nation, the building of the temple,
and cuts off God’s blessings. This has characterized the returned exiles since they came back
in 536 BC. Haggai 1:3-11 summarized the discipline and lack of God’s blessing between the
time they returned in 526 and the present time, 520 BC (2:11-19). Haggai concludes with
another message on the twenty-fourth day of the second month (2:20-23). The Lord promised
that in the future he will overthrow the rulers, the power, and the military of nations
worldwide. This correlates with Haggai 2:6-9. At that time Zerubbabel will be made God’s
signet ring. A signet ring is the sign of a king’s authority (Daniel 6:17), and also a sign that
one is God’s king (Jeremiah 22:24-25), honored by the Lord for his messiah like leadership
and work. Zerubbabel will be resurrected and honored in the Millennial kingdom.
Key Doctrines
1. Political and spiritual leadership were vital to the welfare of Israel.
2. Obedience brought blessing and disobedience brought discipline to Israel under the Old
Testament.
3. Sin contaminates whatever it touches, but sanctification is personal and individual and is not
passed on through physical contact or ritual.
4. God keeps his promises to Israel. Israel does have the future God has promised to her.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 198 of 212
5. The abiding or presence of the Holy Spirit was operative with the believing Hebrew remnant
in the Old Testament time. This is different from the Holy Spirit indwelling each church age
believer.
6. The Temple of the Lord—Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s temple, and the millennial
temple—were central to Hebrew daily life. The millennial temple will operate during the
millennial kingdom.
7. The day of the Lord and the millennial kingdom were future to Haggai’s time. They are still
future to the church age.
8. God is sovereign over all nations. This is evidenced by his judgment and overthrow of
nations that oppose Israel even though the other nations are stronger. His sovereignty will
ultimately be demonstrated when he returns to earth at his second coming.
Lessons for Us Today
1. What is most important to each of us? Is God, His word, His will, fellowship with Him, and
serving Him at the top of our priorities or do we, like the returned exiles, put daily details
ahead of the Lord?
2. Do we put off God’s will in order to do what we want to do? The returned exiles did and it
resulted in discipline, unhappiness, and discontent.
3. Is local church assembly important to us today? The center of a believer’s Christian life is not
the temple as it was for Israel. Local church assembly provides the environment for
believers’ spiritual growth, encouragement, and service. The local church should encourage
occupation with Christ, intake of God’s word, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and
strengthening of our faith.
4. What are the moral and cultural values for believers today in our country? What are they for
me? Are following biblical values? Biblical morality and culture brings national blessing
through the application of the biblical laws of establishment and the biblical laws of
civilization. God has not promised to prosper Gentile nations, but those nations who follow
biblical principles will experience more freedom, peace, social stability, and prosperity.
5. Do we look forward to Christ returning for the church and then returning to set up the
millennial kingdom? In that kingdom there will be godly leadership, proper spiritual life, and
social stability.
6. Is the Lord strengthening and guiding our service for Him? When we are doing His will in
His way, this is happening.
7. When we serve God are we living in fellowship with Him or are we carrying sin with us? Sin
contaminates our service and only God’s power sanctifies our service.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 199 of 212
Zechariah Bible Walk
Theme: Return to the Lord, build the temple, Messiah is coming or
Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed future
Tod Kennedy
July-September, 2009
Theme
Return to the Lord, build the temple, Messiah is coming. Zechariah urged the people to return to
the Lord. Thoroughly interwoven into these three topics is the repeated refrain that Yahweh God
truly rules history and Israel has a blessed future. As a part of their return and obedience they
were to rebuild the temple, but Zechariah’s larger theme was one of hope—God will preserve a
remnant throughout all Israel’s trouble and later the Messiah will come and restore Israel’s
kingdom to them under Messiah’s rule. The Israel nation should prepare for that coming.
Zechariah is second to Isaiah in the number of Messianic prophecies.
Key Verses
Zechariah 8:3 “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of
Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord of
hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’
Zechariah 12:10 “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the
Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and
they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him
like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.
Zechariah 14:9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only
one, and His name the only one.
Guidelines for Interpreting Prophecy
1. First, it is instructive to realize that prophecies that have already been fulfilled have been
fulfilled literally or as plain language would expect. For example, the birth of Jesus. This
guides us in interpreting unfulfilled prophecy.
2. Second, the prophet should be allowed to mean what he says. We should take the plain or
literal meaning of what the prophet says. For example, the ancient Israelites and prophets
always meant Zion when they said or wrote Zion, and they meant Canaan when they said or
wrote Canaan. They meant Israel when they said or wrote Israel.
3. The interpreter must seek, understand, and accept the author’s original and intended
meaning. The following statement guides us in all Bible interpretation, including prophecy.
“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense” (David L
Cooper). Therefore we should understand a passage as it stands unless there is something in
the text that tells us to interpret it in another way.
4. The principle of double reference (not double fulfillment which is a wrong principle)
observes that a passage may speak of two people or two events that are separated by a period
of time. Part of the Scripture passage speaks of the immediate people, time, and place and
part of the passage goes beyond the immediate people, time, and place. History helps us to
determine which is which. Zechariah 9:9 speaks of the coming of Messiah; events of the first
coming and the second coming are put together. Psalm 22 also illustrates this for us; David is
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 200 of 212
in view, but certain things in the passage go beyond David to the greater David, Messiah
Jesus.
5. Interpret Scripture by Scripture. This means to compare Scripture passages that speak of the
same individual or event. There is a caution: Bible revelation is progressive—God gives
added revelation as time progresses (e.g. the readers of Isaiah or Daniel did not have
Zechariah or Matthew or Revelation during their time). Latter generations can often more
fully understand prophecies.
6. Pay attention to the context of the Scripture passage. Read the verses surrounding the
particular segment of Scripture and take into account the argument of the book, the history of
the time of writing, and the author and reader’s viewpoint.
Author
1. Zechariah, 1:1, 7; 7:1, 8.
2. He was younger (2:4, na’ar, boy, lad, youth, servant) and a contemporary of Haggai the
prophet, Zerubbabel the governor, and Joshua the high priest. Zechariah was the son of
Berekiah, the son of Iddo.
3. Iddo, his grandfather, was one of the priests who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem
(Nehemiah 12:4). Ezra wrote that “When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the
son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God
of Israel” (Ezra 5:1).
4. Zechariah prophesied from October/November 520 BC to December 7, 518 BC.
History
See history in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai. Zechariah 1-8 has the same history as Haggai.
Zechariah 9-14 occurred a little later, possibly after the temple had been completed. Remember
that just prior Zechariah’s ministry a large number of Jews had returned from their captivity in
Babylon.
1. Darius I, 522-486 BC. He was a distant cousin of Cambyses who was Cyrus the Great’s son.
Darius killed Pseudo Smerdis/Gaumâta (the false Bardiya and usurper of the throne who
claimed to be Cambyses’ brother and therefore son of Cyrus) in September, 522 and took the
throne. See the Haggai notes.
2. Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 tell us that God raised up Zechariah and Haggai to encourage the returned
exiles to rebuild the Jerusalem temple. The returned exiles allowed the enemies to steal their
hope for blessing and peace. But Zechariah—his name means “Yahweh (LORD)
remembers”—reminded them that God remembers his promises to his people and
encouraged the returned exiles to complete the rebuilding of the temple.
3. Though the rebuilding process had begun shortly after the exiles arrived in Jerusalem (Ezra
3:8), the enemies around Jerusalem were able to slow and eventually stop the building
process (Ezra 4:1-5). The temple sat unfinished for 16 years from 536 BC until 520 BC.
4. Zechariah had three audiences: Zerubbabel, the governor, 4:6-9; Joshua, the high priest, 3:110 and 6:9-15; and all the returnees from Babylon, 7:4-7.
5. The exiles returned to their land in three groups. Zechariah ministered to the first group.
a. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel led the first group to Judah in 536 BC.. Cyrus was
king of Persia. They completed the temple in 516 BC, during the reign of Darius I
(Ezra 1-6). Zechariah was a prophet to this group.
b. Ezra led the second group. They returned in 458 BC. Artaxerxes was king of
Persia (Ezra 7-10).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 201 of 212
c. Nehemiah led the third group. They returned in 444 BC. Artaxerxes was king of
Persia (Nehemiah 1-2).
d. The prophecy came in October-November 520 BC (1:1). The first vision came
February 15, 519 BC (1:7). The last date given was December 7, 518 BC (7:1).
Key People
1. Zechariah the prophet. See above.
2. Zerubbabel the governor of Judah (Zechariah 4:6 , 7, 9, 10; Haggai 1:1, 12, 14; 2:2, 4. 21, 23
and many other Bible books). He was a descendent of David. King Cyrus appointed him
governor of the exiles returning to Judah. In 520 BC he and Joshua the high priest resumed
construction of the temple. It was completed four years later in 516 BC. Zerubbabel was
successful in his job.
3. Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3:1, 3, 6, 8, 9; 6:11). He along with Zerubbabel led the
rebuilding of the temple from 520-516 BC. God honored him (Zechariah 6:10-11). He
represents and symbolizes the coming King-Priest, Messiah (6:11-13).
Key Words and Doctrines
1. “In that day” (Hebrew phase ‫ ַבּיּ֣וֹם ה ַ֔הוּא‬bayom hahu’ ) is used 20 times in 19 verses in the
NASB95. Seventeen times in chapters 12-14, and 3 times in chapters 1-11. This refers to the
future intervention by the Lord for judgment and blessing (2:11 [Heb 2:15]; 3:10; 9:16; 12:3,
4, 6, 8, 9, 11; 13:1, 2, 4; 14:4, 6, 8, 8, 9, 13, 20, 21). Zechariah 6:10 and 11:11 have the same
Hebrew phase but in a different context.
2. “Angel” and “Angel of the Lord” are used 20 times, (1:9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19; 2:3; 3:1, 3, 5, 6;
4:1, 4, 5; 5:5, 10; 6:4, 5; 12:8). The interpreting angel delivers God’s messages. In some
passages the angel of the Lord is the Lord, (1:8, 10, 11).
3. “Apple of His eye” in 2:8, refers to Israel.
4. “Branch” tsemach (3:8; 6:12), contains reference to Messiah. Also see Isaiah 11:1;
Jeremiah 23:5; and Jeremiah 33:15.
5. “Burden,” massa from nasa, to lift up (9:1 and 12:1) points to a prophetic oracle or serious
message from the Lord that the prophet delivered.
6. “I saw,” “lift up eyes,” “he showed me,” “what do you see?” introduce visions delivered to
Zechariah (1:18; 2:1; 3:1; 4:2; 5:1, 5, 9; 6:1).
7. “Return” meaning that Israel is to return to the Lord (1.3, 4; 9:12).
8. “Jerusalem” and “Zion” are used 50 times (1:12, 14, 16, 17, 19; 2:2,4,7,10,12; 3:2; 7:7;
8:2,3,4,8,15,22; 9:9,10,13; 12:2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11; 13:1; 14:2,4,8,10,11,12,14,16,17,21). This
demonstrates the centrality of Jerusalem in the prophet’s messages.
9. “Me whom they have pierced” (12:10) refers to Messiah at his second advent at which time
individual Jews will recognize and believe in Messiah Jesus.
10. “My house” or “temple” (1:16; 3:7; 5:11; 6:12,13,14,15; 8:9; 9:8). The tabernacle and then
Solomon’s temple were central to Israel’s life. Once the temple was completed by Solomon
(1 Kings 6:1, 37, 38), it was the focus of the national and spiritual life of the nation.
Governor Zerubbabel and high priest Joshua led the rebuilding of the temple, called the
second temple.
11. “Prophet” (1:4,5, 6, 7; 7:3, 7, 12; 8:9; 13:2, 4, 5).
12. Seventy years is the length of time of the Babylonian exile, 1:12; 7:5. Also see Jeremiah
25:11-12, 29:10, and Daniel 9:2.
13. “Shepherd” is used 10 times. All but 13:7 refer to bad leaders. In 13:7 the shepherd is
Messiah who will be killed when he comes the first time.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 202 of 212
14. Stone, eben (3:9), is another prophetic title for Messiah in some passages (Psalm 118:22,
David and then Messiah; probably Isaiah 28:16, at least in its extended meaning; New
Testament Romans 9:31-33; 1 Peter 2:6-8).
15. The Lord will return to Israel on earth is 1:3, 16; 8:3.
Outline
1. Eight night visions, 1:1-6:8
2. Joshua crowned, 6:9-15
3. Questions about fasting, 7-8
4. Two burden oracles about the future, 9-14
1. Judgments associated with rejection of Messiah’s first coming, 9-11.
2. Blessings associated with Messiah’s second coming, 12-14.
Zechariah Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1. Vision 1, the rider and four horses, and vision 2, four horns and four craftsmen.
2. Chapter 2. Visions 3, Surveyor, wall of fire, and LORD returns
3. Chapter 3. Vision 4, Joshua cleansed
4. Chapter 4. Vision 5, the lampstand, olive trees and branches, and the Holy Spirit.
5. Chapter 5. Vision 6, the flying scroll and vision 7, the woman in the basket
6. Chapter 6. Vision 8, the four chariots. Joshua crowned.
7. Chapter 7. Question: ritual fasts without reality.
8. Chapter 8. Promise: the Lord will return to Jerusalem in the present and future.
9. Chapters 9. First burden oracle: Judgment on nations; deliverance of Israel.
10. Chapter 10. First burden oracle: The Lord gathers and blesses.
11. Chapter 11. First burden oracle: judgment in preparation for Messiah.
12. Chapter 12. Second burden oracle: The LORD rescues Jerusalem.
13. Chapter 13. Judgment for the false prophets and unbelieving Israel, restoration for the
remnant.
14. Chapter 14. The Lord’s second coming, King of the earth, worship at Jerusalem.
Trace the Theme
Zechariah delivers 8 night visions in chapters 1-6. The first and the last vision focus on God
intervening for his people. God will restore his people and this is pictured by the cleansing of the
high priest Joshua in chapter 3 and the ministry of the Holy Spirit restoring the temple in chapter
4. Chapters 7-8 answer the question about continued fasting in memory of the destruction of
Solomon’s temple. Chapters 9-12 contain two prophetic messages. The first is about Messiah’s
first coming and the second message is about Messiah’s second coming, victory, and deliverance
of Israel. The entire book clearly stresses that Israel must return to the Lord, build the temple,
and Messiah is coming. Thoroughly interwoven into these three topics is the repeated refrain that
Yahweh God truly rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
1. Chapter 1. Vision 1, the rider and four horses and vision 2, four horns and four craftsmen.
The visions begin in the fall of 520 BC (Marchesran, October-November). The LORD calls
the people to return to him and not be like their fathers (1-6). Three months later the Lord
gave the first vision of the rider on the red horse with a red, sorrel, and white horse behind
him. They scouted the earth. The nations were relatively peaceful (7-11), except for
Jerusalem and Judah, whom the nations had scattered. The LORD will restore Jerusalem to
peace and prosperity (12-17). The second vision shows four horns (those nations who
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Page 203 of 212
scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. The four craftsmen symbolize those who will destroy
the horn nations (18-21).
Chapter 2. Visions 3, Surveyor, wall of fire, and LORD returns. Zechariah continues with his
third vision. This depicts a surveyor measuring the size of Jerusalem. The message is that in
the future Jerusalem will be larger and without walls because the LORD will be the wall of
fire and dwell in her. The LORD further says that the Hebrew people, the apple of his eye,
are to flee the Babylonians because He will plunder Babylon. In the future the LORD will
restore Judah and Jerusalem. Then, even Gentile nations will follow the LORD.
Chapter 3. Vision 4, Joshua cleansed. In chapter 3 Satan accuses Joshua of sin but the LORD
forgives and cleanses him (1—3). Then the LORD dresses him in clean priestly clothes and
makes him high priest for the returned people. Joshua will be the spiritual leader of the
returned people. He symbolizes forgiveness, spiritual leadership of the nation, and Israel’s
priest nation status (4-7). Joshua’s friends symbolized a coming servant of the LORD, the
Branch—the Messiah (verse 8, also 6:12 and Isaiah 4:2; 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; and Jeremiah
33:15). The next symbol is the stone, another prophetic title for Messiah. This speaks of
Messiah’s second coming when He cleanses the Land (9, remove the iniquity) and brings
peace (10, sit under the vine and fig tree). See also Psalm 118:22 (David and then Messiah),
Isaiah 28:16 (at least in its extended meaning), and in the New Testament, Romans 9:31-33
and 1 Peter 2:6-8). In Daniel 2:34-35 and 45 the stone symbolizes the future Messianic
kingdom which destroy the ruling kingdoms of the times of the Gentiles and rule the earth.
Chapter 4. Vision 5, the lampstand, olive trees and branches, and the Holy Spirit. The angel
now gives Zechariah a vision of a lampstand fed oil from two olive trees (3, 11). The trees
provided oil for the lamps. They teach that the work to be done must be done by the Holy
Spirit through his man, not by human power (1-6). The Holy Spirit’s power will remove
obstacles (mountain) and complete the temple (7-11). Zechariah then asked what the olive
branches were (12). The olive branches were the two anointed leaders, Joshua the high priest
and Zerubbabel the governor (13-14). Both were instrumental in completing the temple, an
almost impossible task, only to be finished through the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 5. Vision 6, the flying scroll and vision 7, the woman in the basket. The scroll vision
(1-4) symbolized God’s righteous standards and his judgments against evildoers in the land.
The judgments are specifically directed against stealing (Exodus 20:15) and false swearing
(Exodus 20:7). The vision of the evil woman in the basket (5-11) symbolizes that God had
restrained evil in Judea at the present time. The woman is then sent to Babylon (land of
Shinar, 5:11) where she will rule in her own temple. This pictures the restoration of Babylon
in the future as the center of evil (see Revelation 17). Persian, under Cyrus the Great, had
defeated Babylon (539 BC) by this time but Babylon will not be totally destroyed until the
Tribulation period. See Isaiah 13-14, Jeremiah 50-51, and Revelation 17-18 for a few of the
many Scriptures that discuss Babylon.
Chapter 6. Vision 8, the four chariots. Joshua crowned. The eighth vision shows four chariots
pulled by four horses. Each represents a judging spirit sent from God (5). They especially
judge the nations in the north—probably Babylon. Babylon was defeated by Persia (8). In the
future Babylon will revive and be a center of evil. Babylon will subsequently fall to God’s
judgment. The four chariots conclude the eight visions. After the eight visions Zechariah was
instructed to make a crown of silver and gold and crown Joshua, the high priest (9-15).
Joshua was now the king and high priest in Judea. He foreshadows Messiah Jesus who will
be the greater branch and the final king and priest. The historical reference is to Joshua, but
some statements within this section refer to the greater branch, Messiah.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 204 of 212
7. Chapter 7. Question: ritual fasts without reality. The question posed by men of Bethel to the
priests and prophets in Jerusalem was whether they should continue to mourn in the fifth
month (Ab—August) on the ninth day in remembrance of the destruction of the temple and
in the seventh month (Tishri--October) in memory of the death of Gedaliah? The Lord’s
answer was that when they fasted and mourned the past 70 years they were doing it for
themselves instead of to honor and seek Him (4-6). A further word from the Lord to
Zechariah (8-14) reminded the people that the Lord has instructed the people to practice
justice, compassion, and kindness (9). They refused. They hardened their hearts. So, God did
the same to them as they did to Him. The people called for help and the Lord did not listen.
He exiled the people (13-14).
8. Chapter 8. Promise: the Lord will return to Jerusalem in the present and future. The theme of
return to the Lord, build the temple, Messiah is coming continues. In chapter 8 Zechariah
gives statement about what the Lord will do in the present and future. These are mixed in the
prophecy. Some will happen at that time, but the more complete fulfillment will come when
Messiah returns to earth to judge and rule and bless. The Lord says he is jealous for Zion (2).
He will return and live in Jerusalem (3). There will be peace and joy (4-5). He will bring
them back to their land (7-8). They will be His people and He will be their God ((8). They
are to build the temple ((9). Peaceful and productive farming will be the rule (10-12). The
house of Judah and Israel will be a blessing to others (13). The Lord will do good for them
(15). Peoples and mighty nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord (22). People will
want to be identified with the Jew (23). Meanwhile the Lord wants Judah to live righteously
(16-17) and their feasts should be joyful instead of mourning (18-19). These promises still
await fulfillment when Messiah comes to earth to set up His kingdom.
9. Chapter 9. First oracle: Judgment on nations; deliverance of Israel. With chapter 9 Zechariah
delivers a message of judgment brought through Alexander the Great in 333 BC upon Syria
(Hatarrika, identified with Tell Afis; Hamath), Phoenicia (Tyre and Sidon), and Philistia
(Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod). God will protect Jerusalem. All of this occurred as
predicted (1-8). Coupled with God’s protection from Alexander’s soon coming military
sweep to Egypt, the prophet calls for rejoicing because their Messiah King is coming and he
will bring the peace Israel has long been looking for (9-10). Zechariah then says that God, in
keeping with his covenant to Israel, will deliver Israel from attacks (11-17) “in that day”
(16). This may refer to the Syrian attack in the Maccabean period and a more complete
reference to the final deliverance of Israel in the Day of the Lord, when Messiah Jesus
returns.
10. Chapter 10. The Lord gathers and blesses. Judah is to ask the Lord for blessings (1), because
the teraphim (house idols), diviners (fortune tellers), and leaders are of no help (2-3). The
Lord of hosts (God himself) has visited (He will care for and prosper and bless) Judah (3).
The cornerstone, tent peg, and bow—all symbols of strength and support—will come from
Judah (4). These ultimately refer to Messiah who will come from Judah. Judah will fight the
enemies and win because the Lord will be with Judah (5). The Lord will recall Judah, Joseph,
and Ephraim and bless them (6-7). Judah is put for the southern kingdom and Joseph and
Ephraim for the northern kingdom. The Lord will strengthen (6), save (6), bring back (6),
have compassion (6), answer (6), whistle and gather (8), redeemed (8), bring back and gather
and bring (10), strengthen them in the Lord (12). All Israel rejoice (7), be numerous (8),
remember the Lord (9), will live and come back (9), pass through (11), and walk in the name
of the Lord (12). These statements can only be fulfilled miraculously by the personal
intervention of the Lord. This has not happened yet in history. It awaits completion in the
Day of the Lord, which we learn from other Scripture.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 205 of 212
11. Chapter 11. The first oracle focusing on judgment in preparation for Messiah’s return now
describes the devastation of Israel’s forests (1-3). After this the Lord has Zechariah play two
parts, a good shepherd (shepherds are leaders) who the people reject (4-14) and a foolish,
destroying, and worthless shepherd (15-17). Zechariah actually did what this chapter says
and it appears that what he did as the good shepherd and the evil shepherd portrays the
history of Israel, at least from the death of Solomon on (see Ezekiel 34:2-4). The shepherds
over Israel had simply used the people for their own gain, while the people were turned over
to judgment because of their rejection of the Lord (5-6). Zechariah took up his role as a
shepherd. He removed three shepherds (8-9). Who they are we do not know. If real men of
his time, Zechariah removed them. If beyond the history of Zechariah they may well stand
for the spiritual leadership of prophets, priests, elders or kings (Jeremiah 2:8; Matthew 16:21;
Luke 9:22). The two shepherd staffs stand for what Israel is rejecting and therefore loosing
for the time. Favor, no’am, means delightful or pleasantness and indicates the shepherds
favorable execution of his job. Union, hobelim, symbolizes the northern and southern
kingdoms. Due to Israel’s unbelief, the Lord told Zechariah to break the favor covenant (7,
10-11). Since he was finished with the job of shepherd Zechariah received a slave’s pay of 30
pieces of silver (Exodus 21:32, Matthew 26:25), an insulting wage, and threw it to the potter
in the temple. He did not want it (12-13). Though this actually occurred with Zechariah in his
part as a shepherd, this pointed to the betrayal price paid to Judas (Matthew 27:3-10).
Zechariah then broke the staff, Union, symbolizing the breakup of Israel into north and south
which occurred at Solomon’s death (15). Verses 15-17 symbolize by Zechariah’s actions a
very evil shepherd. He is described by foolish, does not care, devour, tear, and worthless.
This person will be attacked (17). In context this refers to someone who comes and
devastates the flock of Israel, a reference to the future dictator, Anti-Christ, Beast (Daniel
9:27; 11:36-39; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10; Revelation 13:1-8).
12. Chapter 12. The LORD rescues Jerusalem. The prophet now concentrates on the coming of
Messiah to rescue Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel. The LORD, creator of heavens, earth, and
mankind now miraculously intervenes in world history. The LORD will use Jerusalem—
throughout history the object of scorn, jealousy, terrorist attacks, and wars—to destroy the
anti-Israel armies which have set themselves against the ancient city of God’s people. This
predicts the future battle of Armageddon (1-3). Jerusalem will be a cup that causes reeling
(2), and a heavy stone (3). The Lord will fight for Judah and Jerusalem and destroy the
nations besieging Jerusalem. Jerusalem and Judah will know the Lord is fighting for them (19). Messiah will return to earth as warrior and ruler. Judah and Jerusalem will at that time
recognize their Messiah and mourn because they realize they had rejected Him and crucified
Him when He came the first time (10). The people will mourn individually and in groups and
also separated by gender as was the custom in the ancient world. This will be genuine
mourning, not a media event (11-14).
13. Chapter 13. Judgment for the false prophets and unbelieving Israel, restoration for the
remnant. When Messiahs returns to earth He will provide forgiveness to those who accept
Him (1); see Ezekiel 36:25. He will also judge idols, false prophets, and demons operating in
Israel; see Revelation 20:1-3, (2). Parents of false prophets will execute their false prophet
sons; see Deuteronomy 13:6-9 (3). Those false prophets who survive the immediate purge
will deny their true status (4-6). The hairy robe was warn by some prophets—Elijah in 1
Kings 1:8 and John the Baptist in Matthew 3:4. The prophets of Baal cut themselves to
induce Baal to answer their prayer (1 Kings 18:28). Verses 7-9 refer to the first and second
coming of Messiah. Verse 7 predicts His death followed by the scattering and discipline of
Israel. Sword speaks of judgment and death; My Shepherd and My Associate refer to an
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 206 of 212
equal with the Lord of Hosts, Messiah. Verses 8-9 predict judgment, deliverance, and
restoration. At Messiah’s second coming to earth He will separate and judge the unbeliever
two thirds, and deliver the believing one third (8-9). The delivered remnant will call on the
Lord—they are His people and He is their God (9). For the deliverance of the remnant of
Israel see Romans 11:26.
14. Chapter 14. Chapter 14. The Lord’s second coming, King of the earth, worship at Jerusalem.
Verses 1 and 3 are summary statements for verses 1-8. Just as the nations are attacking
Jerusalem in the final phase of the Armageddon Campaign, Messiah will come to the city and
fight for Israel (1-3). He will stand on the Mount of Olives and cause an east west valley to
be formed by splitting the mountain into a north part and south part (4). The Israelite remnant
will escape by this valley (5). Azel is probably somewhere east of and near Jerusalem.
Darkness will overwhelm the land until evening, at which time the light of the Lord’s return
will shine (6-7 and Joel 3:15-17 and Matthew 24:29-39). The Lord, Messiah, will cause
living water to flow from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean in the west and to the Dead Sea in
the east (8). This water will apparently provide lush vegetation and possibly some type of
physical or spiritual refreshment for the people who will live in the area. The Messiah will
take the rule over the entire earth (9). Psalm 2 was recited when a Davidic king was
enthroned. The full fulfillment will come when the final Davidic king, Messiah is enthroned.
As part of the new kingdom, Messiah will change the geography around Jerusalem with the
resulting prosperity (10-11). More graphic details of the defeat of Israel’s enemies by
Messiah are related in 12-15. A God sent plague of some kind, fighting each other, and Israel
fighting are used to defeat the enemies of God and Israel. After the kingdom is established,
those survivors from the nations who fought Israel will submit to Him. Every year
representatives from each former enemy nation will go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast
of Booths, commemorating God’s blessings (16). God will cause drought on the nations who
refuse the yearly worship at Jerusalem (17-19). Remember that people will have children in
the kingdom. Not all will follow Jesus Christ. The Lord will be honored throughout
Jerusalem and Judah (20-21).
Zechariah Chapter Titles and Summary Principles
1. Chapter 1. Vision 1, the rider and four horses, and vision 2, four horns and four craftsmen.
Summary: Yahweh God will restore Jerusalem and avenge her enemies. Yahweh God rules
history and Israel has a blessed future.
2. Chapter 2. Visions 3, Surveyor, wall of fire, and LORD returns. Summary: Yahweh God will
enlarge Jerusalem and make it safe, blessed, and a blessing to nations. Yahweh God rules
history and Israel has a blessed future.
3. Chapter 3. Vision 4, Joshua cleansed. Summary: Yahweh God cleanses from sin for service,
and Joshua and his friends symbolize the coming Messiah Branch Stone. Yahweh God rules
in the spiritual war. Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
4. Chapter 4. Vision 5, the lampstand, olive trees and branches, and the Holy Spirit. Summary:
the ministry of the Holy Spirit is necessary to accomplish God’s work. Yahweh God give
power to his appointed leaders. Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
5. Chapter 5. Vision 6, the flying scroll and vision 7, the woman in the basket. Summary:
Yahweh God will purge or cleanse the land and meanwhile He has restrained evil in the land,
and later will restore Babylon as the seat of evil. Watch for the rise of Babylon. Yahweh God
rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 207 of 212
6. Chapter 6. Vision 8, the four chariots. Joshua crowned. Summary: in the future God will
judge Babylon, the center of evil, but meanwhile Joshua as priest and king represents the
future Messiah Priest King. Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
7. Chapter 7. Question: ritual fasts without reality. Summary: ritual without the spiritual reality
is worthless, and hardening against Yahweh God is dangerous to our relationship or
fellowship with Him. He will discipline and judge. Communion and baptism are church
rituals with great meaning—do we observe them as reality or empty ritual? Yahweh God
rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
8. Chapter 8. Promise: the Lord will return to Jerusalem in the present and future. Summary:
Yahweh God will restore and bless His people in their land and great nations of the world
will seek blessing by association with the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Yahweh God rules
history and Israel has a blessed future.
9. Chapters 9. First burden oracle: Judgment on nations; deliverance of Israel. Summary:
Yahweh God will destroy even the most powerful nations, yet He can protect Israel when He
chooses to do so; and though nations continue to battle, Messiah King will come first on a
donkey and later He will dominate all nations and save Israel. Yahweh God rules history and
Israel has a blessed future.
10. Chapter 10. First burden oracle: The Lord gathers and blesses. Summary: Yahweh God will
give Judah and Joseph (Israel) victory in the great coming battle (Armageddon) and whistle
for His people to return from the nations (restoration). Yahweh God rules history and Israel
has a blessed future.
11. Chapter 11. First burden oracle: judgment in preparation for Messiah. Summary: in the future
there will be two shepherds, a good one who will be rejected (Messiah) and one bad who will
be judged (the one who opposes Messiah). Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed
future.
12. Chapter 12. Second burden oracle: The LORD rescues Jerusalem. Summary: Yahweh God,
Creator and Lord of all will smash the enemies of Israel when they attack Jerusalem, and the
remnant of Jerusalem will recognize Messiah and mourn because they had killed him when
he came the first time. Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
13. Chapter 13. Judgment for the false prophets and unbelieving Israel, restoration for the
remnant. Summary: in the future there will be spiritual blessing for the nation of Israel—
forgiveness of sin, removal of idols, judgment of false prophets, but before that God’s
shepherd will be killed and the Jewish people scattered, yet a remnant will be preserved and
serve Yahweh God. Yahweh God rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
14. Chapter 14. The Lord’s second coming, King of the earth, worship at Jerusalem. Summary:
Israel’s prophesied future includes an international attack against Jerusalem (Armageddon) at
which time Yahweh God will return to the Mount of Olives and will defeat the attacking
nations, change the geography, rule the world, and receive international worship. Yahweh
God rules history and Israel has a blessed future.
Lessons for Us Today
1. We should stay in fellowship with the Lord and when we wander from Him, we should
return to Him through confession of sin and renewal of spiritual growth and service.
2. God controls human history, even in the middle of terrible anti-Semitism. Let’s not give up
on God when historical events are bad.
3. Each of us is dependent upon the Holy Spirit’s power and ability to serve God the right way
and with God’s intended results. Each of us needs to walk by the Holy Spirit—to be filled
with the Holy Spirit.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 208 of 212
4. The Lord will regather Israel in her land and be her Priest-King. We can rest in the fact that
history is moving toward a time of God’s judgment followed by God’s great blessing and
righteousness. Right now it looks hopeless. If the Bible is true, and we know that it is, our
hope—our confident expectation—is in the Lord.
5. Ritual for ritual sake did not please God in the past and neither will it please God now. Why
do we observe communion? What do we think about during that ritual?
6. Messiah Jesus is coming back to earth. He will judge sin, right wrong, and be the perfect
political and spiritual leader. Let’s concentrate on what God is doing instead of becoming
overwhelmed by the failure of our non biblical political and religious leaders. Let’s tell
others of our confident expectation and how they can also have that “hope.” People want a
perfect society in a fallen and sinful world. It cannot happen. Only Yahweh God can bring in
a righteous society.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 209 of 212
Malachi Bible Walk
Theme: Rebuke, Return, Remember, Restore
Tod Kennedy
September, 2009
Theme
Rebuke, Return, Remember, Restore. The Jewish people are back in their homeland, the temple
has been completed, and the city walls have been rebuilt. They have many opportunities for
spiritual and social prosperity, but even after all God’s warnings and object lessons they have
forsaken Him and His commands. Both the priests and the people are guilty. In fact, they even
question God’s rebukes. God gives them final warnings and a promise that a messenger will
come followed by the Lord Messiah who will be like a refiner’s fire. The LORD instructs the
people to return to Him, but they refuse. A future day of judgment is coming. Those who fear
His name will be blessed. Malachi closes the Old Testament revelation with the LORD’s plea to
remember Moses’ law. Elijah will come before the great day of the Lord and restore the hearts of
the people.
Key Verses
Malachi 2:17, You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied
Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights
in them,” or, “Where is the God of justice?”
Malachi 3:1, “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the
covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts.
Malachi 3:7, “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have
not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. But you say,
‘How shall we return?’
Author
Malachi was the human author of the book that bears his name (Malachi 1.1). This is the only
place this name is used in the Bible. He was a contemporary of Nehemiah.
History
See history in Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah.
1. Cyrus the Great, in 539 BC, authorized the Jews to return to their homeland in Judah. By the
time of Malachi’s prophecy Jews had been living in Israel for many years. These people had
neglected the Lord their God and His Word. Spiritual apostasy was the hallmark of the times.
2. Malachi wrote his prophecy between 435-430 BC and therefore during the Persian period
and the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (458-430 BC). The Hebrew people were back in their
homeland after the Babylonian captivity. Zerubbabel had led the first group to Judah in 536
BC. Cyrus was then king of Persia. The Hebrew people completed the temple in 516 BC,
during the reign of Darius I (Ezra 1-6). Zechariah was a prophet to this group. Ezra had led
the second group. They returned in 458 BC. Artaxerxes was king of Persia (Ezra 7-10).
Nehemiah had led the third group. They returned in 444 BC (Nehemiah 1-2).
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 210 of 212
3. At the time of Malachi’s ministry the temple had been completed and was again in service
(1:7-10 and 3:8-10), the people were apathetic and rebellious toward the Lord and to His
Word, and they were distracted by details of life. The result was that they were reaping
divine discipline instead of divine blessing.
4. The activities in Malachi correspond to the problems that Ezra and Nehemiah faced: the postexilic temple was in service (Malachi 1.7-10; 2.11-13; 3.10); the priests failed in their
responsibilities (Malachi 1.6-14; 2.1-3, 8); the people did not support the temple with tithes
and offerings (Malachi 3.8-10; Nehemiah 13.10); inter-marriage with Gentiles and divorce
had increased (Malachi 2.10-14; Ezra 9.1-2; Nehemiah 13.1-3, 23-28); and social injustice
was prominent (Malachi 3.5; Nehemiah 5.4-5).
5. In Malachi 1.8, Malachi refers to “your governor” (pechah). This word is used in passages
about the Persian period (Nehemiah 5:14 and Haggai 1:1). Here it refers to a Persian
governor. Since the Persians did not come to prominence until 538 BC, the book was written
sometime after 538 BC.
Key People
1. Malachi the prophet (Malachi 1:1).
2. My Messenger (Malachi 3:1). This is used two times in Malachi 3:1. The term refers to both
the herald of Jesus and to Jesus Messiah.
3. Elijah (Malachi 4:5) will return as a warning to Israel of God’s soon judgment.
Key Words and Doctrines
1. LORD, Yahweh, used 46 times in Malachi including the use with LORD of Hosts. This is the
personal name of God. He is the always existent one. He clearly revealed himself to Moses in
the burning bush (Exodus 3).
2. LORD of Hosts, used 24 times. Hosts is tseba’ot. The primary meaning is army, warfare, an
organized body. Yahweh has his army, usually an angelic army to fight for him.
3. “You say” (Malachi 1:2, 6, 7, 12, 13; 2:14, 17; 3:7, 8, 13). Yahweh raises a point with the
people and they object to what He says.
4. Return (Malachi 3:7), Yahweh’s call to Israel to return to obedience to his word and he will
bless Israel.
5. Law of Moses (Malachi 4:4), the first five books of the Old Testament written by Moses.
This section laid the foundation for the existence, purpose, and directions for living.
Outline
1. God’s compassion for Israel (Malachi 1:1-5).
2. God’s complaint against the priests (Malachi 1:6-2:9).
3. God’s complaint against the people (Malachi 2:10-3:18).
4. God’s exhortation to Israel (Malachi 4).
Malachi Chapter Titles
1. Chapter 1. Yahweh’s Love, Evil People, Priests, and Sacrifices.
2. Chapter 2. Judah Acts Treacherously.
3. Chapter 3. Tithes, Arrogance, and Judgment.
4. Chapter 4. The Day of the Lord—Judgment, Healing, and Elijah.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 211 of 212
Trace the Theme of Malachi
1. Malachi 1, Evil People, Priests, and Sacrifices, The Hebrews were back in their homeland
from exile because God keeps his word and is gracious. The temple has been completed. The
city walls rebuilt. The people question God’s love because by their own disobedience they do
not experience prosperity and happiness (Malachi 1.2). God rebukes the spiritual leadership
(priests) for failure to teach God’s word and failure to properly serve in the reconstructed
temple. The priests dishonor the temple and the altar. They offer sick and injured animals for
sacrifices (Malachi 1:7, 8, 14). God rebukes the people for not following the LORD their
God.
2. Malachi 2, Judah Acts Treacherously. The priests do not listen to the Lord’s instruction
(Malachi 2:2, 8, 9). The people mistreat each other (Malachi 2:10). The priests do not teach
God’s Word to the people (Malachi 2:7-9). The people welcomed idolatry into the temple
(Malachi 2:11). Divorce was commonplace (Malachi 2:14-16). The people call evil good
(Malachi 2:17).
3. Malachi 3, Tithes, Arrogance, and Judgment. There are two messengers in Malachi 3:1-2.
The first “my messenger” refers to John the Baptist. Luke 1:17 says that John the Baptist will
come “in the spirit and power of Elijah…to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” The
second messenger is Jesus Messiah: “the Lord whom you seek,” “to his temple,” “messenger
of the covenant,” “who can endure the day of his coming?” The only permanent solution to
the people’s rejection of God will be the Lord’s Messiah messenger. The LORD’S Messiah
messenger will come and when he does he will purify the priests and make right the
sacrifices (Malachi 3:3-4). The LORD’S messenger will swiftly judge sin (Malachi 3:5). The
LORD calls the people to return to Him, yet as in their past history they will not return to
Him (Malachi 3:7). Their return should include support of the temple and priests by tithes
and offerings (Malachi 3:10). If the people return to Him and support the temple, He will
bless them (Malachi 3:10-12). Yet, the people’s arrogance stands in the way (Malachi 3:13).
A small number listened to Malachi’s rebuke and did fear the Lord (Malachi 3:16).
4. Malachi 4, The Day of the Lord—Judgment, Healing, and Elijah. The day of the Lord is
coming (Malachi 4:1). Those who fear the LORD at that time will experience God’s blessing
(4:2) and in some way participate in the judgment of the “wicked” (Malachi 4:3). Malachi
tells the people to remember and follow Moses’ law (Malachi 4:4) because it alone can keep
them from apostasy and idolatry. God will send Elijah before the great judgment and
restoration of Israel (Malachi 4:5-6). This may have been fulfilled with John the Baptist or
will be fulfilled prior to Jesus’ return to earth (possibly Revelation 11:3). When the Lord
comes, he will judge and restore the nation to right relationships with each other, including
removing the many social sins that are tolerated in Malachi’s day (Malachi 4:6). Here
compare passages such as Deuteronomy 4:39-31. God keeps his word and will restore Israel
to blessing.
Lessons for Us Today
1. The people of Malachi’s day had experienced God’s protection and blessing, yet they became
very apathetic and cynical about God, God’s word, and God’s delegated ministries. Let’s
maintain enthusiasm and loyalty to God, to God’s word, and to the ministries and
opportunities that God gives to each of us.
2. The people of Malachi’s time questioned God’s evaluation of their way of life. They were
apathetic and disobedient. God evaluated them and found them lacking. They continued to
question him as to how and why? This was simply not admitting that God was right. Let’s
accept God’s word in its evaluation of us and correct what we need to correct.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009
Bible Walk Through
Page 212 of 212
3. The Jews of Malachi’s time questioned whether God loved them. Of course he loved them.
They were his people and he keeps his promises. We may question God’s love for us when
circumstances turn against what we want or like. God’s love never changes. Let’s not
question God’s love and care for us, ever.
4. The “professional ministers” promoted bad doctrine and set bad examples. Today we are all
in the ministry. God’s word is our manual and authority. We all should do what we do for the
Lord with genuine love for him.
5. The priests and people observed the sacrifices and offerings contrary to God’s instructions
and purpose. We can allow communion and baptism degenerate into a meaningless ritual if
we are not careful. Let’s appreciate baptism and the Lord’s Table and honor God through it.
6. The nation gave up giving. God had commanded that the people were to support the
priesthood and the temple. They failed. God has given the same kind of opportunity to
church age believers. But there is not set amount such as the Old Testament tithe. In the
church age grace giving is the principle, yet under grace giving many give up giving to God’s
work. Let’s not fail in this service.
7. Marriage was under attack. The beginning of marriage was corrupted because Jews married
pagans. The end of marriage was corrupted because divorce was commonplace. This is a
social sin of our time also. Christians should not marry unbelievers. Divorce should only be a
last resort. Today, marriage among Christians is almost as bad as for unbelievers. Let’s work
on having good marriages.
8. Inconsistency in fellowship with God marked the time of Malachi. This included
inconsistency in attending the temple, inconsistency in listening to God’s word,
inconsistency in giving, inconsistency in service, and inconsistency in family and community
relationships. Today we live in a time when Christians are inconsistent and not dependable.
9. The people of Malachi’s day questioned the value of following God. They asked what was in
it for them instead of realizing that they were not following God and therefore pushing off his
blessing. Let’s not blame God for problems we bring upon ourselves by our own
disobedience and faithlessness.
©Tod M. Kennedy, 2003-2009