1

24HoursThroughtheBible**Primarilysourcedfrom‘LearntheBiblein24Hours’,byDr.ChuckMissler,ThomasNelson

Hours11-12:Post-ExileHistory:Ezra,Nehemiah,Esther TheMinorProphets:HoseathruMalachiEzra:AReturningRemnant-TheBookofEzracontainsanaccountofanimportantepochinthehistoryofthepeopleofGod.-Afterseventyyearsofcaptivity,throughthedecreeofaGentileking,areturnwasmadepossible.-Thisbookgivesusthestoryofthatreturn,andoftherebuildingoftheTemple.-InconjunctionwiththebookofNehemiahitcoversaperiodofaboutonehundredyears-Inthemidstofthisbookisagapofsixtyyears.Therearetwomaindivisionsaroundthenamesoftwomen:UnderZerubbabelandTheRebuildingoftheTemple(1-6) (....thenaftersixtyyears....)TheComingofEzraandTheWorkHeUndertook(7-10)UnderZerubbabelandTheRebuildingoftheTemple(1-6)ZerubbabelandtheReturn(1-2)-AroundZerubbabelisthereturnofaremnantofthepeopletoJerusalem,andtheirreorganization.-ThepurposesofGodmayseemtotarry;buttheyareneverabandoned.-Thescatteredchosenpeople,havinglostnationalposition,andtoalargeextentnationalconsciousness.-ThroughtheseventyyearsGodpreparedaremnant,throughsuffering-Toreturn,torebuild,andholdthefortuntilHe,thetrueSeedandServant,shouldcome.-Throughamostunlikelyinstrument,Cyrus,thewaybackwasmadeclear.ThelistofthosereturningisnotableduetothesmallnumberoftheLevitesitcontains.-NearlytentimesasmanypriestsasLeviteswentbacktotheland.ZerubbabelandReorganization(3-6)Theleadersinthisreturnwereconsciousofthemattersofrealimportanceinthelifeofthepeople.-Directlytheyweresettledintheircities,thealtarofGodwasestablishedatJerusalem.-AsfaraspossibletheyrestoredtheDivinelyappointedorderofworship-ImmediatelytheycommencedtheworkofrebuildingtheTemple.-Thefoundationswerelaid,andinthesecondyearofthereturn,theypraisedandrejoiced.ThisworkstirreduptheoppositionoftheSamaritans(4)-WasmanifestedinanattempttoinduceZerubbabeltoadmitintopartnershiptrueenemiesofthework.-Thisbeingdefinitelyrefused,theenemiessetthemselvestoharasstheworkandhinderit

2

-Atlasttheyweresuccessfulinobtaininglettersfromthereigningmonarchwhichstoppedthework.-ForalongperiodoftimetherebuildingofthehouseofGodceased-Whilethebuildingofthehousesofthepeoplewentforward,unchecked.AstudyofthepropheciesofHaggaiandZechariah-Makesitevidentthatthecessationoftheworkwasunworthyofthemenwhohadcommenced.-Judgedbyallhumanstandards,theycouldunderstandthedifficultiesofthesituation-Andthenecessityforobediencetothestoppageedictofthereigningking.JudgedbytheDivinestandard,theprophetsmadeperfectlyclear,theyhadnorighttocease.TheWorkResumes(5)-Undertheinspirationofthesepropheticmessages,ZerubbabelandJeshua,commencedtheworkagain.-Againoppositionwasraised.-Tothistheygavenoheed,andTattenaisentalettertoDariusconcerningtheedictofCyrus.-TherecanbenodoubtthatTattenaifeltthatthefindingofsuchadecreewasunlikely,ifnotimpossible.TheDecreeofDarius(6)-Thatthesearchwasathoroughoneisindicatedbythestatementofwheretherollwasfound.-ThesearchersnaturallycommencedinthehouseofthearchivesinBabylon.-Itwasnotthere,butatAchmetha,intheroyalpalace.-TheconsequenceofthistheedictofDariusnotonlygavethempermissiontocarryforwardtheirwork-ButitcompelledTattenaitohelpthemwithgreatgifts.-AtlasttheTemplewasfinished,anddedicatedtoGodwithsacrificialofferingsandthanksgivings.ThecomingofEzraandTheWorkHeUndertook(7-10) (Between6&7thereisanintervalofatleastsixtyyears,uneventfulinthehistoryinJerusalem)-FailureinthepurposesofZerubbabelisevidentfromtheworkdonebyEzraandbyNehemiah.TheReturn(7-8)-AgaintheoverrulingofGodisseenintheworkingofthemindsoftwomeninBabylon.-EzrawasstirredwithdesiretohelphispeopleinJerusalem.-Artaxerxeswasmovedwithfearlestthereshouldbe"wrathagainsttherealmofthekingandhissons."-ItisperfectlyevidentthathehadaclearconsciousnessofthepowerofGod.-Thrutwomen,togetherincooperationwitheachother,andthuswiththeLORD,Hemovedforward.-Ezragatheredtogethermembersofthepriestlyandroyalhouses-AndafurthercontingentofthepeopleatAhava-Inorderthathemightreviewthem,andprepareforthejourney.-FindingnoLevitesinthecompany,hesentanappealtoIddo,andsomeoftheirnumberjoinedhim.-ThecharacterofEzraisrevealedinhisrefusingtoseekprotectionfromanearthlyking.-ItisafineillustrationoftheindependenceanddependenceofsuchasfollowtheLord.-Theking'svoluntarygiftsweregladlyaccepted-ButtoaskforsoldierswouldhavebeenquestioningtheabilityorwillingnessofGodtoprotect.-AfteralongjourneytheyarrivedinsafetyatJerusalem,andmadetheirofferings.Reformation(9-10)-EzrafoundtheconditionsatJerusalemdeteriorated,whichwasasadrevelationofthepeople.-Therehadbeennoreturntoidolatry,buttherehadbeenaninter-yokingwiththepeopleoftheland-Ledbythechiefoffenders,theprincesandtherulers.-Hewasmovedwithrighteousindignation,andwasinastonishedsilenceuntiltheeveningoblation.

3

-ThenbeforeGodhepouredouthissoulinsincerevicariousprayer,producingimmediateresults.-Thosegatheredabouthimthroughthedaycametoaconsciousnessoftheenormityoftheirsin.-Atlastoneoftheirnumberspoketohim,acknowledgingthesin,andsuggestingaremedy.-Hebecameamanofaction,callingthemtoasacredcovenanttobreaktheevilyokingsamongthem-Thenleadingtheminthecarryingoutoftheircovenant.Focusing…._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofEzra:TheRebuildingoftheTemple-CyrusII(“theGreat,”559-530B.C.)wasthefounderoftheAchaemenidPersianEmpire.-Cyrus’father,CambysesI(600-559B.C.),waskingofAnshan,aregionineasternElam(Persia).-HismotherwasMandane,adaughterofAstyages,kingofMedia(585-550B.C.).-WhenCambysesdiedin559B.C.,CyrusinheritedthethroneofAnshanand,afterunifyingthePersian people,attackedhisfather-in-law,theweakandcorruptAstyages.-(TheMediangeneralHarpagus,whomAstyageshadpreviouslywronged,desertedthekingandbrought hisarmytothesideoftheyoungCyrus.)-AstyageswassooncapturedandthePersianstookthecapitalcityofEcbatanain550B.C.withoutabattle.(ThiswasalsotobetheresultatBabylon11yearslater.)CyrussucceededinweldingtheMedesandPersiansintoaunifiednationthatcontinuedfortwocenturiesuntilthetimeofAlexandertheGreat(331B.C.).TheConquestofBabylon-OnOctober12,539B.C.,Cyrus’generalcapturedBabylonwithoutabattle:-ThePersiansdivertedtheRiverEuphratesintoacanalupriversothatthewaterleveldropped“totheheightofthemiddleofaman’sthigh,”whichthusrenderedtheflooddefensesuselessandenabledtheinvaderstomarchthroughtheriverbedtoenterbynight.Herodotus Isaiah44:27,28Thatsaystothedeep,Bedry,andIwilldryupyourrivers:ThatsaysofCyrus,Heismyshepherd,andshallperformallmypleasure:evensayingtoJerusalem,youshallbebuilt;andtothetemple,yourfoundationshallbelaid. -“MyShepherd”:Unlikepreviousconquerors,CyruswouldprovefavorabletotheJewsIsaiah45:1,2ThussaystheLORDtohisanointed,toCyrus,whoserighthandIhaveholden,tosubduenationsbeforehim;andIwillloosetheloinsofkings,toopenbeforehimthetwoleavedgates;andthegatesshallnotbeshut;Iwillgobeforeyou,andmakethecrookedplacesstraight:Iwillbreakinpiecesthegatesofbrass,andcutinsunderthebarsofiron:-“HisAnointed”:aGentileking!?“Subduenations”:46nations,amongwhichwerethe:Medes,Babylonians,Lydians,Carians,Caunians,Lysians,Bactrians,Sacae,Parthians,Hyracanians,Chorasmians, Sogdians,AriansofHeiat,Zerangians,Arachosians,Satagydians,Gandarians,etal.-“Loosetheloinsofkings”:Dan5:6andBelshazzar-WhenIsaiahwrotethisJerusalemhadnotyetbeendestroyed.Yet,herehenotesthateventhe foundationwillberebuilt(implying,atthetimeofwriting,thatitwillbedestroyed).Isaiah45:3-5AndIwillgiveyouthetreasuresofdarkness,andhiddenrichesofsecretplaces,thatyoumayknowthatI,theLORD,whichcallyoubyyourname,amtheGodofIsrael.ForJacobmyservant’ssake,andIsraelmineelect,Ihaveevencalledyoubyyourname:Ihavesurnamedyou,thoughyouhavenotknownme.IamtheLORD,andthereisnoneelse,thereisnoGodbesideme:Igirdedyou,thoughyouhavenotknownme:

4

Cyrus’Response-Cyruswasdulyimpressed.-HefreedthecaptivesandreturnedthevesselsthathadbeenplunderedfromtheTemple70years earlier.-Heevengavethemincentivestoreturntotheirhomelandandrebuildtheirtemple(2Chr.36:22; Ezra1:1-4).-Onlyabout50,000JewsrespondedtothisroyalproclamationandreturnedtoJerusalemunderthe leadershipofZerubbabel.TheSteleofCyrusThiscylinder,discoveredbyHormuzdRassaminthe19thcentury,canpresentlybeseenintheBritishMuseuminLondon.

“...withoutanybattle,heenteredthetown,sparinganycalamity;...IreturnedtosacredcitiesontheothersideoftheTigris,thesanctuariesofwhichhavebeenruinsforalongtime...andestablishedforthempermanentsanctuaries.Ialsogatheredalltheirformerinhabitantsandreturnedtothemtheirhabitations.” BritishMuseum,London Ezra1:2-3ThussaysCyruskingofPersia,“TheLORDGodofheavenhasgivenmeallthekingdomsoftheearth;andhehaschargedmetobuildhimanhouseatJerusalem,whichisinJudah.Whoisthereamongyouofallhispeople?hisGodbewithhim,andlethimgouptoJerusalem,whichisinJudah,andbuildthehouseoftheLORDGodofIsrael,(heistheGod,)whichisinJerusalem. -ThefocusistheTemple,notthecity.-ThatwillbetheburdenofNehemiahlater...Ezraistheprobableauthorof1&2Chroniclesalso: 1&2Chronicles,Ezra,Nehemiah=1book.-Heiscreditedwithconfirmingthe“canon.”ReturnfromExile-538B.C.:49,697underZerubbabel.-515B.C.:(23yearslater);Templefinallyrebuilt(BookofEsther).-458B.C.:(57yearslater);2,000additionalunderEzra.-445B.C.:(13yearslater);NehemiahobtainsauthorityforJerusalem.TheTemple,AModelofDesign?“YouaretheTempleofGod”-FoundseventimesinScripture:1Corinthians3:9-17;1Corinthians6:19;2Corinthians6:16;Ephesians 2:20,21;Hebrews3:6;1Peter2:5;1Peter4:17.Deuteronomy6:4,5Hear,OIsrael:TheLORDourGodisoneLORD:AndyoushalllovetheLORDyourGodwithallyourheart,andwithallyoursoul,andwithallyourmight.

5

OurPersonalArchitecture?-Weareinstructedto“loveGodwithallofourheart,soul,strengthandmind.”Whatdoesthismean?Youcan’tdeterminethearchitectureofsoftwarebyexternalmeans;youneedthedesigner’smanual.[That’s whyyoucanbuyitatastore:youcanuseit,butnotinferitsinternaldesign...]Componentsofour“software”architecture: -Heart?kardia:Jer17:9;Mk7:21;Rom3:11-12;Ps51:10;Ezek.36:26-27;11:19.-Soul?psuche:Jer31:12;James1:8;4:8.-Spirit?pneuma:1Pet1:3,23;Jn3:3;1Cor.6:17-Mind?dianoya:“channel,”or“willpower.”_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Esther:GodAmidstTheShadows-EstheroccurredbetweenthecompletionoftheTempleandthemissionofEzra(betweenEzra6and7).-ThenameofGodisnotmentionedandwouldbeperfectlynaturalifthehistoricalsourcewereaPersian.-Thingsarechronicledwhicharethecustomsofagodlessnation,wouldalsobeexplainedthereby.-Allthis,however,makesthepersonsandteachingofthebookmorevaluable.-Thestoryrevealsagain,thesameprincipleoftheoverrulingofGodonbehalfofHispeople.-Here,however,itisseenoperatingontheirbehalfinaforeignland.-TheprincipalvalueofthebookisthatofHispreservationofthepeopleasawhole-Inanhourwhentheywerethreatenedwithwholesaleslaughter-ItemphasizesHiscareevenforthosewhohadnotreturnedwithZerubbabel.-ThefeastofPurim,observedeventoday,isthelivinglinktotheeventsrecorded-HistoricallyPurimsetsthesealupontheaccuracyofthestory.-Thatfeastcelebrates,notsomuchthedefeatofHaman,asthedeliveranceofHispeople.Thebookispre-eminentlydramatic,andisbestanalyzedaroundscenes:TheKing'sCourt,Ahasuerus(1-3)TheCountry,Mordecai,andtheMourningJews(4:1-3)TheKing'sCourt(4:4-ch.8)TheCountry,Purim,theRejoicingJews(9)Conclusion(10)TheKing'sCourt,Ahasuerus(1-3)-Thefirstscenepresentedtousisthatofagreatfeastinthepalaceoftheking.-Inthemidstofitthekingcommandedhisqueen,Vashti,tohispresence.-NotableintherevelationofthecourtofAhasueruswasVashti'srefusaltoobeythecommandoftheking.-Shepaidthepriceofherloyaltytoherwomanhoodinbeingdeposed.EnterQueenEsther-Esther’spresenceinthepalacewaspartoftheprocessofGodtopreserveHispeople,andfrustratefoes.Hamanisnowintroduced,amanhaughtyandpowerhungry,proudandcruel.-HismalicewasstirredagainstMordecai,andalso,therefore,againstallofhispeople-HeusedhisinfluencewiththekingtoobtainauthoritytopracticallytoexterminateallJews

6

TheCountry,Mordecai,andtheMourningJews(4:1-3)-TheintentionofHamanbecameknowntoMordecai-Whoatoncetookuphispositionoutsidetheking'sgate,andthereraisedaloudandbittercry.-TheroyalproclamationsorrowedtheJewishpeoplewhomournedwithfastingandweeping.TheKing'sCourt(4:4-ch.8)-ThenewsofthismourningreachedEstherintheroyalpalace,andshemadeinquiries.-Thusbetweentheextremeneedofherpeopleandthekingshebecameadirectlink.-Thecustomandlawofthecourtforbadeherapproachingherlordexceptathiscommand.-Theurgencyofthecaseappealedtoher,however,andwithsplendidheroismsheventuredin,uninvited.-Consciousofherneedofmoralsupport,sheaskedthatthepeoplewouldfastwithher.-Therewasanoteofsacrificeandabandonmentinherwords,"IfIperish,Iperish."EstherBeforetheKing-Herventurewascrownedwithsuccess.-Itmighthavebeenotherwise,inlightofEsther'sviolationofthelawofthepalace-AttributabletothedispositionofGodinwhosehandarethewaysofkings,whetherwillingornot.-Herrequestwasatfirstverysimple,sheinvitedthekingandHamantoabanquet.Haman’sBoast-ThegreatprideofHamanwasmanifestinhisgatheringofhisfriends-Towhomheboastedofhisriches,ofhisadvancement,andnowofthislastfavor-ThathealonewasinvitedtoaccompanythekingtothebanquetofEsther.-Upontheadviceofwifeandfriends,hecommittedthefollyoferectingagallowsforMordecai.God’sSovereignty-IntheeconomyofGodvastissuesfollowapparentlytrivialthings.-WithKingAhasuerusasleeplessnightwasthemeanswhichGodusedforthepreservationofHispeople.-Wideawake,therecordswerereadtotheking,andadeedofMordecairecalledwhich-LedtothehastyandstrangehappeningswhichfilledtheheartofHamanwithangerandterror.-Mordecaiwasliftedfromobscuritytothemostconspicuouspositioninthekingdom.-Eventsmovedrapidlyforward.-Haman’swasafierceandterriblejudgment,andyetcharacterizedbypoeticjustice:HungonhisGallowsTheCountry,Purim,theRejoicingJews(9)-TheperiloftheHebrewpeoplewasnotyet,however,averted.-ByPersianlawnoroyalproclamationcouldbereversed.-Theroyaldecreewasthatonthethirteenthdayofthetwelfthmonththeyshouldbeexterminated.-ThekinggrantedMordecaitowriteletterstohispeople,permittingthemtoarmanddefendthemselves.-ThedayarrivedandthereversalofHamanandMordecaiwasrepeatedthroughouttheprovinces.-Inmemoryofthedeliverance,TheFeastofPurimwasestablished.-ByJewishtradition"allthefeastsshallceaseinthedaysoftheMessiah,exceptthefeastofPurim."Conclusion(10)-JewishleadershavetreatedEstherasanexpositionofthemethodbywhichGod-WroughtdeliveranceforHispeopleinatimeofperil,evenwhiletheywereinexile.

7

Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofEsther-TheNameofGoddoesnotappear?Esther=“SomethingHidden”(hiddenduetotheirLo-Ammi(notmy peoplecondition)condition...Ironside,pp110ff).TheBookofEsther:“SomethingHidden”-PersiawasanawetotheancientworldandXerxesIistheAhasuerusofEsther:Khshayarsha,Greek translation:Xerxes;Hebrew:Akhashverosh;English:Ahasuerus.-XerxesdishonoredtheremainsoftheheroicSpartan,Leonidas.HecutacanalthroughtheIsthmusofAthosforhisfleetbuthisbridgeovertheHellespontwasdestroyedbyatempestjustaftercompletion.-Blindlyenraged,hecommanded300strokesofascourgetoinflictedonthesea,andapairoffettersto bethrownintoitattheHellespont;andthenhadthebuildersbeheaded.-Pythius,theLydian,offeredasumequivalentto51⁄2milliontowardsexpensesofamilitaryexpedition;Xerxessoimpressedthathereturnedthemoneyaccompaniedbyahandsomepresent.WhenrequestedthathesparejustoneofPythius’sonsfromtheexpedition(theeldest),assolesupportinhisdeclining years,Xerxesorderedthesoncutintopiecesandthearmytomarchbetweenthem.BookofEsther:HewasjustthedespottodethroneQueenVashtiforrefusingtoexposeherselfbeforehistipsyguests;hewasjusttheonetoconsigntheJewishpeopletobeexterminated;andthenswingto theoppositeextremeofsanctioningJewishvengeanceonthousandsofothersubjects.-Esther,orphanedJewishgirl,raisedbyhercousinMordecai,wasselectedasherreplacement.MordecaithwartsaplotagainstthekingMordecai-DaviddeclinedtotakevengeanceShimei(2Sam16:5-13;19:16-23).-MordecaiwasadescendantofShimei,oftheHouseofKish,thefatherofKingSaul,aproductofDavid’s grace.-HewillultimatelyconfrontHaman,theresultofSaul’sfailuretofollowGod’sinstructions.-HerefusestodoobeisancetoHaman...TheDeadlyThreat-HamansucceedsingettingthekingtoordertheexterminationofalltheJews.-MordecaiprevailsuponEsthertointercede: -“Thouartcomeforsuchatimeasthis.” -“IfIperish,Iperish.”-Sheasksforthreedaysoffastingandprayer.TheCriticalMoment-Estherenterstheinnercourt;thekingextendshisacceptingscepter.-SheinvitesthekingandHamantoabanquet.-Shedemurs:sheinvitesthemtoasubsequentbanquet...-Herdeferralsetsthestage...Haman,inhisgloating,preparesagallows(atree,actually)forMordecai-Duringthesleeplessnight,thekingreviewsthechroniclesandrealizesthatMordecai’sfoilingoftheplot againstthekingwasneverrewarded...WhataDayBrings...-AgloatingHamanpreparesagallows.-Asleeplesskingreadsthechronicles:Mordecaiwasneverrewardedforhisdeed.-HamanunknowinglyspecifiesMordecai’sreward.

8

TheSecondBanquet-Estherasksforherlifetobespared.-AnastonishedkingpondersHaman’sdeceits.-HamanfallsonEsther’scouchtoplead.-Theking,returning,misconstruesthemoveandordersHaman’sexecutionTheDenouncement-Haman’sestateescheattothecrown:-SetunderMordecai’ssupervision.-AseconddecreeauthorizestheJewstodefendthemselves: -127provinces,fromIndiatoEthiopia -Magistratesalsoassistthem...-Celebratedas‘TheFeastofPurim’TheTenSonsofHamanParshandatha CuriousSelf busy-bodyDalphon WeepingSelf self-pityAspatha AssembledSelf self-mobilized;self-sufficiencyPoratha GenerousSelf spend-thriftiness;self-indulgenceAdalia WeakSelf self-consciousness;inferiorityAridatha Strong Selfassertiveness;insistsuponone’swayParmashta PreeminentSelf ambition;desireforpreeminenceArisai BoldSelf imprudenceAridai DignifiedSelf pride;haughtiness;senseofsuperiorityVaizatha PureSelf worstofall;self-righteousnessAChainofGold(thankstoPastorJoeFocht)EdwardKimballhadaburdenforoneofhisSundayschoolstudentstoknowJesusasLordandSavior.HewenttoseehimattheshoestorewhereheworkedandledhimtoChristintheshoestore.Hisname?DwightL.Moody.Thatyoungman,DwightL.Moody,wentontobecomeanevangelistwhoseministryrockedtwocontinents.WhilepreachingintheBritishIsles,MoodyspokeinamallchapelpastoredbyFederickBrothertonMeyer.InhissermonMoodytoldanemotionallychargedstoryofaSundaySchoolteacherheknewwhopersonallywenttoeverystudentinhisclassandwonthemtoChrist.ThemessagechangedPastorMeyer’sentireministry,inspiringhimtobecomeanevangelist.Overtheyears,MeyercametoAmericaseveraltimestopreach.OnceinNorthfield,MassachusettsaconfusedyoungpreachersittinginthebackrowheardMeyersay,“IfyouarenotwillingtogiveeverythingtoGod,areyouwillingtobemadewilling?”ThatremarkledJ.WilburChapmantoacceptthecallofGodonhislife.Chapmanwentontobecomeoneofthemosteffectiveevangelistsofhistime.AvolunteerhelpedsetupChapman’scrusadesandlearnedtopreachbywatchinghim.Hisname:BillySunday.SundayeventuallytookoverChapman’sministry,becomingoneofthemosteffectiveevangelistsofthe20thcentury.Inthegreatarenasofthenation,BillySunday’spreachingturnedthousandstoChrist.Inspiredbya1924BillySundaycrusadeinCharlotte,NC,acommitteeofChristianscommittedthemselvestoreachingthatcityforChrist.TheyinviteMordecaiHamtoholdaseriesofevangelisticmeetingsin1932.Alanky16yearoldsatinthehugecrowdoneevening.Spellboundbythemessageof

9

thewhitehairedpreacherwhoseemedtobeshoutingandwavinghislongfingerdirectlyathim.NightafternighttheyouthattendedandfinallywentforwardandgavehislifetoChrist.Thatteenager’sname:BillyGraham.GrahamhasdoubtlesslycommunicatedthegospelofJesusChristtomorepeoplethananyoneelseinthehistoryoftheworld.Yet,rememberhowthissequenceofeventsstarted:anobodynameKimball,concernedforoneofhisstudentsvisitedhimathisshoestore.IndoingthatKimballchangedtheworld!Millionsuponmillionshavebeenaffectedbyhisdecisiontogotothatshoestoreandmillionsmorewillcontinuetofeeltheimpact.Cananythinglikethathappentoday?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Nehemiah:ConsolidationMorgan:ThisisthelastbookofOldTestamenthistory.-AbouttwelveyearsoccurredbetweenthereformationunderEzraandthecomingofNehemiah.-ItisthecontinuationoftheworkcommencedbyZerubbabelinthematteroftherebuildingofthewall.-Nehemiahtellshisownstory,andwithafreshnessandvigorandtransparenthonesty-BeyondthebuildingofthewallwehaveanotherreformationinwhichNehemiah-AndEzrawereunitedasleaders,andfinallyanaccountofthesettlementofthecities.Thebookmaythereforebedividedbroadlythus:TheBuildingoftheWall(1-7:73a)TheReadingoftheLaw(7:73b-ch.10)TheSettlementoftheCities(11-13)TheBuildingoftheWall(1-7:73a)-Nehemiah'spositionascupbeareratthecourtoftheGentilekingwasoneofhonor-Admittinghimintorelationshipofsomenearnessandfamiliaritywiththeking.-Buthehadnotforgottenhisrelationshiptothechosenpeople-HemadeinquiryofthosewhocametothecourtconcerningJerusalem.-Thenewstheybroughtwasfullofsadness,andgriefpossessedhisheart.-HecarriedhisburdentoGodinprayer,askingforfavorintheeyesofthekingheserved.-Evidentlyinhishearttherewasaresolutiontodomorethanpity,ifthedoorofopportunityoffered.Sadnessinhisheartcouldnotbehidden,andwhenthekingdetectedit,Nehemiahwasfilledwithfear.-Asplendidcouragemanifesteditself,andheaskedthathemightbeallowedtogoandhelphispeople.-Therequestwasgranted;hedepartedforJerusalem;havingarrived,heascertainedthestateofaffairs-Thenhecalledtheelderstoariseandbuild.-Oppositionwasatoncemanifestedonthepartofdeterminedenemies-Nehemiahmadeitclearthattherewouldnoco-operationwiththosewhowerederisiveoftheeffort.TheWall-TheplannedmethodforthebuildingofthewallshowshowsystematicwasNehemiah'sprocess.-Thedescriptiongiventakesinthecity'swholecircumferenceandnecessitatedspeedyworkOppositionIntensifies-Astheworkproceededtheoppositionofoutsidersturnedtoanger,butonlyincontempt.-"Thepeoplehadamindtowork,"inspired,wearenotsurprisedthatthewallwashalffinished.-Oppositionnowbecamemoresevere,andanattemptwasmadebyconspiracytohinderthework.-Nehemiah'smethodwasneitherfoolishindependenceofGodnorofhumanresponsibility."Wemade ourprayerand(also)setawatch."TroubleWithin-Anewdifficultyaroseamongthepeoplethemselves.-Therichhadexactedusuryfrompoorerbrethrentosuchanextentastooppressandimpoverishthem.-Nehemiahagainactedpromptly:"Iconsultedwithmyself,andcontendedwiththenobles."

10

-Settinganexampleofself-denial,inthathetooknousuryforloans-Heproducedresults,allthenoblesdidthesame:thepeoplethusrelieved,workedwithnewenthusiasm.NewOpposition-Oppositionnowmovedontoanewplane,itnowadoptedamethodofcunning.-Faintingfriendship,theenemiesofNehemiahfourtimesproposedconference,whichhedeclined.-Thiswasfollowedbyanopenlettercontainingaslander.-Hedeniedtheslander,andcarriedonhisbuilding.Thentheyattemptedtofillhimwithfear.-ThroughthewholeperiodhewasharassedbythecomplicityofcertainnobleswithTobiah.TheFinishedWall-Thewallwasfinished,thedoorssetup,andtheporters,singers,andLeviteswereinplace-ArrangementsweremadeforthesafetyofthecityinthepresenceofsurroundingenemiesTheReadingoftheLaw(7:73b-ch.10)-Ezraappearsuponthescene,andamostremarkablereligiousconventionwasheld.-Thefirstdaywitnessedtheassemblingofthepeople,andwasgiventothereadingofthelaw.-Thereading,accompaniedbyexposition,bymenespeciallyappointedtoactinconjunctionwithEzra.-Itwasadayofconviction,resultingingreatsadnessintheheartofthepeople.-Theseconddayagatheringoftherulerswasheld,whocameformoreunderstandingofthelawofGod.-AnimmediateapplicationwasmadebytheobservanceoftheFeastofTabernacles.-Followingthefeast,thepeopleseparatedthemselvesfromallthatwerenotactuallywithinthecovenant-AndgavethemselvestoconfessionandhumblingbeforeGod.PrayeroftheLevites-InallthistheywereledbytheLevites,andthegreatprayertheyofferedisgiveninfull.-AnascriptionofpraisetoJehovah'sgraceincontrastwiththerepeatedfailureofthepeopleNewCovenant-ThepeopleenteredintoanewcovenantwithGod;sealedrepresentativelybypriests,Levites,andrulers.-Generallythepeoplepromised"towalkinGod'slaw...toobserveanddoallthecommandments."-ApplicationwasimmediatelyappliedtointermarriagewiththeheathenandneglectoftheSabbath-Templemaintenance,andoftheofferingoffirst-fruitsandtithes.TheSettlementofJerusalemandtheCities(11-13)-Notmorethanfiftythousandhadreturnedfromcaptivity,notallreturnedtoJerusalem-Jerusalemwasadifficultsettlement,inthatitwasthecenterofdangerandofpossibleattack.-Itwasdetermined:Princesshoulddwellinthecityand10%ofthepeople,selectedbylot,tolivethere.DedicationoftheWall-Theceremonyofdedicationproceededinthreestages:-SingerssangpraisestoGod;secondly,thereadingofthelaw;andunyokingofthemixedmultitude.ReturnofNehemiah-Nehemiahreturnedtothecourtoftheking.TwelveyearslaterhereturnedtoJerusalem-Therewerefourabuseswhichconfrontedhim:-First:EliashibthepriesthadgivenaplacewithintheveryTempleofGodtoTobiah.-Nehemiahflungouttheoccupantandhisfurniture,andrestoredthechambertoitsproperuse.-Second,hefoundthattheLevites,hadtoearntheirliving;thepeopleneglectedthetithing.-Third,hefoundthattheSabbathwasviolated,herestoredtheDivineorder.-Fourth,thepeoplehadagainmademixedmarriages,andwithforcehedealtwiththematter.

11

Focusing..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofNehemiah:TheRebuildingoftheCityAlthoughEsthercomesafterNehemiah,itseventsantedateNehemiahbyabout30years.EsthermadepossibletheworkofNehemiah:Exceptforher,Jerusalemmightneverhavebeenrebuilt,andtheremighthavebeenaverydifferentstorytotelltoallfutureages.IftheHebrewnationhadbeenwipedout500yearsbeforeitbroughtChristintotheworld,itmighthavemadeagiganticdifferenceinthedestinyofmankind!NoMessiahforalostworld...KingsofPersiaCyrustheGreat(Mede/Persian) Ezra1,Isaiah45Cambyses AhasuerusofEzra4Gaumata ArtaxerxesofEzra4DariusI“Hystaspis” Ezra5,6XerxesI AhasuerusofEstherArtaxerxesI(“Longimanus”) Nehemiah2XerxesIIDariusII“Nothus” Nehemiah12ArtaxerxesII“Mnemon”ArtaxerxesIII“Ochus”DariusIII“Codomanus” Nehemiah12“Jews”vs.“Israelites”-AftertheBabyloniancaptivity,theterms“Jew”and“Israelite”areusedinterchangeably.-Ezracallsthereturningremnant“Jews”8times,“Israel”40times,and“allIsrael”(Ezra2:70;3:11;8:35; 10:25,etal.)-Nehemiahcallsthem“Jews”11times,“Israel”22times,and“allIsrael”asbackintheland(Neh.12:47).-Malachicallstheremnant=“thenation”(Mal1:1,etal.)-AnnaknewhertribalidentitywasofthetribeofAsher(Luke2:36).-PaulknewhewasofthetribeofBenjamin,a“Jew”andan“Israelite”(Romans11:1).-TheNewTestamentuses“Israel”75timesand“Jew”174times.AntiochusIVAftermurderinghisbrother,whohadinheritedthethroneintheSeleuciddynasty,hecametopowerin175B.C.In170B.C.PtolemyVIofEgyptsoughttorecoverterritorythenruledoverbyAntiochus.SoAntiochusinvadedEgyptanddefeatedPtolemyVIandproclaimedhimselfkinginEgypt.Thiswashis growth“inpowertothesouth.”Onhisreturnfromthisconquest,troublebrokeoutinJerusalemsohedecidedtosubdueJerusalem(“theBeautifulLand,”).Thepeopleweresubjugated,thetempledesecrated,andthetempletreasury plundered.FromthisconquestAntiochusreturnedtoEgyptin168B.C.butwasforcedbyRometoevacuateEgypt.OnhisreturnhedeterminedtomakethelandofIsraelabufferstatebetweenhimselfandEgypt.HeattackedandburnedJerusalem,killingmultitudes.TheJewswereforbiddentofollowtheMosaicLawinobservingtheSabbath,theirannualfeasts,andtraditionalsacrifices,andcircumcisionofchildren.AltarstoidolsweresetupinJerusalemandonDecember16,167B.C.theJewswereorderedtoofferuncleansacrificesandtoeatswine’sfleshorbepenalizedbydeath.HecalledhimselfEpiphanes,“theIllustriousOne.”TheJewscalledhimEpimanes,“theMadman.”HemadeTorahreadingpunishablebydeath,slaughteredasowontheAltaranderectedanidoltoZeusintheHolyofHolies=“TheAbominationofDesolation”(Mt24:15).

12

TheMaccabeanRevoltLedbyMattathias,apatrioticpriest,andhisfivesons;hediedin166buthissonJudaswasaamazingmilitarygenius.After3yearsoffighting,theythrewofftheyokeoftheSeleucidEmpire,thusestablishingtheruleoftheHasmoneanpriest-rulersforthenextcentury(untilPompey’sconquestofJudea,63B.C.).TheyrededicatedtheTemple:25thofKislev,165B.C.whichiscelebratedasChanukah(John10:22).TheRomanEmpire,PhaseI63B.C. PompeyconquersJudea.HerodAntipater,anEdomite,appointedruler.40B.C. ParthiansconquerJudea.37B.C. RomansregainJudea.HerodtheGreatsucceedsAntipater.31B.C. BattleofActium.WithOctavian’sdefeatofMarkAntonyhebecomestheundisputedmaster oftheRomanworldandadoptsthename“Augustus”...-2B.C.? RegistrationandCensusordered.7A.D. CaponiusappointedProcurator. RemovedlegalpowersofSanhedrin. “WoeuntousforthescepterhasdepartedfromJudahandtheMessiahhasnotcome!”-ThePrieststhoughttheWordofGodhadbeenbroken.However,ayoungboywasgrowingupinacarpentershopinNazareth..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13

Hosea:SpiritualAdulteryMorgan:HoseadatedhisprophesybygivingusthenamesoffourkingsofJudahandoneofIsrael.-Heprobablyexercisedhisministrybetweensixtyandseventyyears.-TheperiodcoveredwasundoubtedlythedarkestinthewholehistoryofthekingdomofIsrael.TheTimes-Politicallifewascharacterizedbyanarchyandmisrule.-Thethronebymenwhoobtainedpossessionofitbythemurderoftheirpredecessors-Thepeopleweregovernedbymilitarydespotism.-ForeignalliancesresultedinthecorruptinginfluencesofSyrianandPhoenicianidolatry.-Lifewaslivedintheextremes:luxuriousliving,robbery,oppression,falsehood,adultery,murder-Accompaniedaviolentintoleranceofanyformofcontrarytruth.Theprophecyfallsintotwodivisions-TheTrainingoftheProphet(1-3)TheTeachingsoftheProphet(4-14)TheTrainingoftheProphet(1-3)-Inthetrainingoftheprophetforhisworktherearethreedistinctlymarkedmovements-Hisdomesticlifeasanationalconscience-Hishometragedy,arevelation-HisdealingwithGomer:acommandandarevelation.Hisdomesticlifeasanationalconscience-Thestatement,"WhentheLordspokeatthefirst,"isadeclarationmadebyHosealongaftertheevent.-Lookingback,heunderstoodthathisheartagonywasalsopartoftheDivinemethodofteachinghim.-ThereisnoreasontobelievethatGomerwasoutwardlyimpureinthedayswhenHoseamarriedher.-Thedomesticlifewhichfollows,thesupremematterisitsrevelationofHosea'snationalconscience.-Therewereborntohimthreechildren;inthenamingofthemherevealedtheconditionofhispeople.-Thiswasadarktimeindeed,yetthesectionendsshowingthattheprophet'sfaithwasunshakenHishometragedyarevelation-TheunfaithfulnessofGomeriswithoutdetails,aregiven-ButthruithelearnsthenatureofthesinofhispeopleasGodknewandfeltit.-Asshehadviolatedhercovenantwithhim,sohadIsraelhadwithJehovah.-InthelatterpartofthesectiontheprophetspeaksforJehovahonly-TheDivineattitudewasthatof‘theseverityoflove’-Sternmeasureswererequiredinordertowinagainthesinningandwanderingpeople.CommandedtoLove-HoseawastaughtthetendernessoftheDivineheartbythecommandofJehovahtolove-Byfinding,buying,andrestoringhissinfulandwanderingbride.-ThusheenteredintofellowshipandtendernessofGod;preparedforthemessageswhichfollowed.TheTeachingsoftheProphet(4-14)-Theyfallintothreedistinctcycles:Pollutionanditscause(4-6:3)Pollutionanditspunishment(6:4-ch.10)TheloveofJehovah(11-14)

14

Pollutionanditscause(4-6:3)Thefirstcycleofprophesymadeageneralchargeagainstthenation.-ThechargemadewasthatoftheabsenceoftruthandmercyandknowledgeofGod-Andtheconsequentwidespreadexistenceofallkindsofevil.Theprophetnextdeclaredthecauseofthesin.-Thecausewasthatofthepollutionofthepriests.-Priestandprophetstumbled,andthepeoplewerepollutedanddestroyedforlackofknowledge.-JudahisinstructedtotakewarningbytheterribleexampleofIsrael.Pollutionanditspunishment(6:4-ch.10)Thesecondcycleofprophesywasspeciallyaddressedtopriest,people,andking.-ItaffirmedtheDivineknowledgeofIsrael’saffairs,andtheinevitablejudgmentwhichmustfollow.Athreefoldmethodofjudgmentwasindicated.-Firstthatofthemothandrottenness,whichisslowdestruction-Second,thatoftheyounglion,whichisstrongdevouringjudgment-Third,thatofwithdrawalofHispresence,whichisthemostterribleofall.-Thesectioncloseswiththeplaintivepleaandappealoftheprophet-Theappealisfullofbeauty,andhasinitMessianicvaluesfoundonlyintheChristTheprophetturnedtothepronouncementofjudgment-Thishedidfirstbythefigureofthetrumpetliftedtothemouth,utteringfiveblasts-Ineachblastthesinofthepeoplewassetforthasrevealingthereasonforjudgment.-TheFirstblastdeclaredthecomingofjudgmentunderthefigureofaneagle,becauseoftransgression-TheSecondemphasizedIsrael'ssinofrebellion,in‘settingup’kingswithouttheauthorityofJehovah.-TheThirddealtwithIsrael'sidolatry-TheFourthdenouncedIsrael'salliances,whichissuedinherdiminishing.-TheFifthdrewattentiontothealtarsofsin,andannouncedthecomingjudgment.Thissectioncloseswiththeprophet'sappeal-Thewholecaseisstatedunderthefigureofthevineanditsevilfruitanditsinevitablejudgment.-Thelastwordwasthatofanearnestandpassionateappealtoreturntoloyalty.TheloveofJehovah(11-14)ThethirdcycleoftheprophecysetsforththelovewhichJehovahhadforHissinfulpeople-HesumsupHissenseoftheawfulnessofthesin,anditsjudgment-YetthroughoutthemovementthedominantnotesarethoseofHislove-Andtheultimatevictoryofthatloveoversin,andconsequentlyoverjudgment.-Hewouldthenrestore,renew,andultimatelyreinstate.Focusing..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerHosea:ApostasyoftheNorthernKingdom-HoseawastotheNorthernKingdomasJeremiahwastotheSouthernKingdom.-FromJeroboamIItotheAssyrianinvasion:50years. –MurderofhissonendstheJehudynasty. –ShallumslaysZechariah(6mos). –ManahemslaysShallum(1mo).

15

–PekahkillsPekahiah,sonofManahem. –HosheaslaysPekah.-GoldenCalvesatBethel&Dan. –Originallysimplysymbols. –Ledtonatureworship,childsacrifices,etc.TheBookofHosea-Prologue Ch.1–3-Gomer-Children’sNames:Jezreel,Lo-RuhamahandLo-Ammi-Jezreel=“scattered/sownofGod”-Godwillscatter(Jeremiah31:10)-Godwillsow(Zechariah10:9)-Lo-Ruhamah=“Unloved”-Lo-Ammi=“Not-my-people.”NationalSin-Intolerable Ch.4–7-Shallbepunished Ch.8–14ThePrologueThereigninghouseofIsraelhadsucceededtothethronethroughthe“BloodofJezreel”;itwasthesiteofJehu’sruthlessmassacreofthehouseofAhabatJezreel(1:4;cf.2Kings9-10);andinthefutureitwouldalsobethesceneofIsrael’smilitarydemise(1:5).Jezreel:thePlainofEsdraelon:10milesinbreadth;Mediterranean(nearMt.Carmel)totheJordan;fromGalileetotheMountainsofEphraim.ThegreatbattlefieldofGideon(Jud.6:33;7);becameasymbolofnationaldisgraceanddefeatasithadbeenafterSaul’sdeath(1Sam29:1,11;31).Hosea2:23TheIwillsaytothemwhichwerenotMypeople:YouareMypeople;andtheyshallsay:YouaremyGod. Hosea’sMessage-NoothermessengergivessocompleteanoutlineofthewaysofGodwithHisearthlypeople:-GodsufferswhenHispeopleareunfaithfultoHim-Godcannotcondonesin-GodwillneverceasetoloveHisown,and,consequently-HeseekstowinbackthosewhohaveforsakenHim.TheNorthernKingdom-Theirstandingarmyhadrecoveredalloftheterritorypreviouslylost;theyenjoyedunparalleled materialprosperity...“Itwasthebestoftimes...”God’sIndictment-Theyhadexchangedtheirloyaltytotheirheritageforpaganworship.-Results:thelowestebbofimmorality:widespreadadultery,socialinjustice,violentcrime,religious hypocrisy,politicalrebellion,selfisharrogance,andspiritualingratitude.-TheirPredicament:“Itwasthebestoftimesanditwastheworstoftimes.” —CharlesDickens,ATaleofTwoCities

16

Hosea’sMessage-AlthoughalovingandcaringGodhadprovidedtheirabundanceandprosperity;theirsin,disloyaltyand abandonmentofHimwillforceHimtovindicateHisjusticewithjudgment.-Thus,GodisgoingtousetheirenemiesasHisinstrumentofjudgment.Hosea4:1HearthewordoftheLORD,youchildrenofIsrael:fortheLORDhasacontroversywiththeinhabitantsoftheland,becausethereisnolove,nortruth,norintimateknowledgeofGodintheland.TranscendingContextMatthew2:15AndwasthereuntilthedeathofHerod:thatitmightbefulfilledwhichwasspokenoftheLordbytheprophet,saying,OutofEgypthaveIcalledmyson. Hosea11:1WhenIsraelwasachild,thenIlovedhim,andcalledmysonoutofEgypt. The“TimeofJacob’sTrouble”:(Jeremiah30:7)Hosea5:15Iwillgoandreturntomyplace,tilltheyacknowledgetheiroffence,andseekmyface:intheirafflictiontheywillseekmeearnestly. Daniel12:1AndatthattimeshallMichaelstandup,thegreatprincewhichstandsforthechildrenofyourpeople:andthereshallbeatimeoftrouble,suchasneverwassincetherewasanationeventothatsametime:andatthattimeyourpeopleshallbedelivered,everyonethatshallbefoundwritteninthebook. RhetoricalDevicesHosea12:10Ihavealsospokenbytheprophets,andIhavemultipliedvisions,andusedsimilitudes,bytheministryoftheprophets. -Allegories,analogies,metaphors,similes,similitudes,metanyms,paraboles,synecdoches,anagrams, acrostics,types...andover200otherdevices!Similes-TheLionofJudah Gen49:10;Hos5:14;Rev5:5-TheGoodShepherd John10-TheLilyoftheValley Song2-TheRootoutofadryground Is.53:2-Thefruitfulbranch Is.4:2-“Withoutformnorcomeliness” Is.53:2-Yet“altogetherlovely” Song5:16_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Joel:TheDayOfTheLORDMorgan:JoelwasspecificallyaprophettoJudah.-Itisimpossibletospeakdogmaticallyconcerningthedateofhisprophesying.-TheburdenofhismessagewasTheDayoftheLord.-Aterriblelocustplaguewhichhaddevastatedtheentirecountrywastheoccasionofitsdeliverance.-Hespokeofthingswhichwereevidenttothosewhomheaddressed,thenpredictedjudgment-HefinallylookedfarontotheultimateDayoftheLord.Thus,thebookmaybedividedintotwoparts:ThingsPresent(1-2:27)ThingstoCome(2:28-ch.3)

17

ThingsPresent(1-2:27)-Inthefirstdivisiontherearetwosections.-Joelinterpretedthemeaningoftheactuallocustplague,itwasasignofimminentsevererjudgment.-Heremindedthemofthecompletenessofthedevastation,showinghowithadaffectedallclasses.-Havingthusdealtwiththeactualvisitationanditsterribledevastation-HeinterpreteditasindicatingamoreterriblejudgmentindicatedthrutwotrumpetblastsThefirstblastsoundedanoteofalarmasitannouncedtheapproachoftheDayofJehovah.Thesecondblastofthetrumpetcalledforanassemblyofthepeopleintheattitudeofrepentance.-Theprophet,havingindicatedtheimminentjudgment,calledthepeopletorepentance-Moreover,declaringthemercifulattitudeofJehovahtowardsuchrepentanceThingstoCome(2:28-ch.3)-Inthissecondsectionhedealtwhollywiththingstocome.-Thegreatwordintroducingitis:‘afterwards’.-ThesignsoftheapproachoftheDayoftheLord,wouldbe"wondersintheheavensandintheearth."-FromtheterrorsofthatDaysuchascalleduponthenameoftheLordweretobedelivered.-Finally,theprophetsawinthefardistancetheultimateDayofJehovah.-InthisHewillfirstrestoreJudahandJerusalem,andthenfindHisscatteredpeopleIsrael.-Followingthis,Hisjudgmentofthenationsistoproceed.-Thelastvisionoftheprophetisthatofthecompleterestorationoftheancientpeople-JehovahwilldwellinZion-acityholyandfullofprosperityFocusing..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofJoel-AnAlarm:InvasionbyPlague 1-2:11-AnAppeal:-“Turnyoutome” 2:12-17-“Iwillrestore” 2:18-27-TheDayofYHWH 2:28-3:21 -Endofthepresentage Revelation6–19 -Unprecedentedplagues Matthew24:21,22TheArmyofLocusts-LocustsfromNorth?(usuallyfromSouth).-Likehorsemen?Likechariots?Likemenofwar?(Whycomparedtoreal?)-“Mygreatarmy?”(Amos7:1;Rev9).Theyhavenoking(Prov.27:30)Peter’sQuoteofJoel2Acts2:15-21Forthesearenotdrunken,asyousuppose,seeingitisbutthethirdhouroftheday.ButthisisthatwhichwasspokenbytheprophetJoel;Anditshallcometopassinthelastdays,saysGod,IwillpouroutofmySpirituponallflesh:andyoursonsandyourdaughtersshallprophesy,andyouryoungmenshallseevisions,andyouroldmenshalldreamdreams:AndonmyservantsandonmyhandmaidensIwillpouroutinthosedaysofmySpirit;andtheyshallprophesy:AndIwillshewwondersinheavenabove,andsignsintheearthbeneath;blood,andfire,andvaporofsmoke:Thesunshallbeturnedintodarkness,andthemoonintoblood,beforethatgreatandnotabledayoftheLordcome:Anditshallcometopass,thatwhosoevershallcallonthenameoftheLordshallbesaved.

18

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Amos:NationalAccountabilityMorgan:HismessagesweredeliveredwhenJeroboamwaskingofIsraelandUzziahkingofJudah.-ThelatteryearsofthereignofJeroboamwerecharacterizedbygreatprosperityontheonehand-Andbytheprevalenceofinjustice,oppression,andvice.-ThismaterialprosperitywasconstruedbythepeopleasevidenceofDivinefavorandprotection-Yettheywereforgetfuloftherequirementsofthelaw.-Theburdenofhismessageisthatofnationalaccountability,andinafinalword,propheticofrestoration.Thebookfallsnaturally,therefore,intothesedivisions:Declamation(1-2)Proclamation(3-6)Revelation(7-9:10)Restoration(9:11-15)Declamation(1-2)-Thesecondverseofthefirstchaptergivesusthekeytothebook.-JehovahdeclaredHimselfinjudgmentmode.ToTheNations-BeginningatthepointfurthestfromIsrael-Theprophetdeliveredhismessagestothenationsassuch.-ThesinofSyriahadbeenthatofcruelty.-Jehovah'spatiencehadbeenmanifested.-ThesinofPhilistiahadbeenthatoftheslavetrade.-Philistiawouldbevisitedwiththedevouringflame,herinhabitantscutoff-Phoenicia'sspecialguilthadbeenthat,inspiteofthecovenantmade,shehadactedasaslaveagent.-Edomwasdoomedfordeterminedandrevengefulness-ThechildrenofAmmonwerespeciallydenouncedforcruelty-Moab'schiefwickednesshadbeenhershockingandvindictivehatred.ToJudahandIsrael-HeturnedtoJudah,anddeclaredthatshealsowastosharethedoomoftheothernations-BecauseshehaddespisedthelawofJehovah,andhadnotkeptHisstatutes.-ToIsrael,HedescribedthesinsofIsraelindetailandwithalmoststartlingdirectness.-Hedeclaredthattheirsinhadbeengreatlyaggravatedbytheprivilegeswhichtheyhadenjoyed.-TheyhadbeenbroughtupoutofEgypt,andsoknewthepowerofJehovah.-Theirsentencewasthatofoppressionfromwhichthereshouldbenopossibilityofescape.Proclamation(3-6)HisspecialmessagetoIsrael-Thiswasdoneinaseriesofthreediscourses,eachopenswiththeintroductoryphrase:"Hearthisword."-Thefirstdiscourseopenswithasimpledeclarationthattheprivilegedpeopleweretobepunished-Theirprivilegeswerenamed,andtheirpunishmentannounced.TheseconddiscourseconsistsofJehovah'ssummonstothepeople.-Itcommenceswithasevereandterribleindictmentofthewomen.-Headdressedthemas"YoukineofBashan,"whichrevealsthefactofthedegradationofwomanhoodto mereanimalism.-Theirdoomwouldbethattheywouldbetakenawaywithhooksinshameandhelplessness

19

-Heutteredthefinalsummonstothepeople.HethendescribedGod'spatienceandtheirperversity.ThethirddiscoursewasadescriptionofJehovah'sjudgment.-Hepronouncedadoublewoe:TheFirstclass,thosewhodesired"thedayoftheLord,"thatismostevidentlytheritualhypocrites.-Religionistswhokeptfeasts,observedsolemnassemblies,broughtburntmealandpeaceofferings,etc.-God'sattitudetowardsuchis:"Ihate,Idespise....Iwilltakenodelight....Iwillnotaccept...neither willIregard....Iwillnothear."-The"dayoftheLord"forthehypocriteswouldbeoneofdarknessanddestruction.TheSecondclass,weretheindifferent,those"thatareateaseinZion."-Hedescribedthemaslivinginluxuryandabandonedtoanimalism,tosuch:swiftandterriblejudgment.Revelation(7-9:10)-Inthisdivisiontheprophetisgivenvisionsofjudgment-Thefirstfourvisionsareintroducedbythewords,"TheLordGodshewedme."-ThelastvisionwasthatofJehovahHimself.-Thevisionofthelocustsdeclaredjudgmenttobethreatenedandrestrainedinanswertointercession.-ThevisionoftheplumblineisdifferentNochargewasmade-ButasAmosbeheldit,herealizedalltheirregularitiestheplumblinerevealed.-Therewasnointercession.Doomwasdetermined.Thefinalvisionwasthatofjudgmentexecuted-Firstanannouncementofjudgment,irrevocableandirresistible-Secondly,thejudgmentisreasonableanddiscriminative,thatwhichIsraelhadtrustedwasnothing.-Thesiftingprocessmustgoforward,butnograinofwheatshouldperish,onlythechaff!Restoration(9:11-15)-Thephrase"Inthatday"indicatestheclosingmessageofrestorationandallthatistoprecedeit.-Divinejudgmentisnotrevenge,itGod’swaytousherintherestoredorderHisheartisseton.Focusing..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofAmos-AmoswasarusticmanfromJudea,yetaprophettotheNorthernKingdom.-Tekoa:6miSofBethleheminthewildernessofJudea:-David’srefugefromSaul...Amoswasalayman;amanofthefields.-BethelwasthecenterofCalfWorship.Amos’Message-TheUltimateRuleofDavid-Judgmentagainst8“burdens”: Ch.1-2Gaza,Tyre,Edom,Ammon,Moab,Judah,andIsrael.-ThreeSermons Ch.3-6-FiveVisions Ch.7-9AnAstonishingCommitmentAmos3:7SurelytheLordGODwilldonothing,butHerevealsHissecretuntoHisservantstheprophets. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20

Obadiah:TheCurseofCowardice-ThereisnopersonalhistoryofObadiah;itisimpossibleaccuratelytofixthedateofhisprophecy.-TheonlygroundonwhichitmaybedoneisreferencetothecaptureofJerusalem-Thenationatthistimewasahiveofpoliticaldisturbance.-Thepeopleweredividedintofactionsandparties.-HehadavisionoftheattitudeofEdomtowardthechosenpeoplewhileintheircalamity-ItwasnotspokentoEdom,buttoIsrael,-Itisintendedasawordofcomfortforthosewho,loyaltoJehovah,weresufferingwiththewholenation.Itsmessagefallsintotwoparts:TheJudgmentofEdom(1:2-16)TheRestorationofIsrael(1:17-21)TheJudgmentofEdom(1:2-16)-Edom’sdoom,whichisJehovah’sact,andtheproudattitudeofEdomareannounced-FollowedbythecommentaryoftheprophethisaddressaboutEdom-WhichdeclaredthattheeventsandmeninwhichEdomhadtrustedwereworkingJehovah'swill.-ThenaforetellingofJehovah,thedestructionofthewisemenofEdomandthedismayofthemighty.Thereasonforthedoomwasthenstated:-Firstbroadly:EdomhaddoneviolencetohisbrotherJacob.-InthedayofJacob'sstruggleEdomstoodaloof,andsubsequentlyjoinedJacob’senemies.-ThenwarningtoEdomtheprophetindicatedbytheattitudeofEdom:-inthedayofdisaster,"Looknot"-inthedayofdestruction,"Rejoicenot"-inthedayofdistress,"Speaknotproudly"-inthedayofcalamity,"Enternotintothegate,...looknotonaffliction,...laynothandsonsubstance"-inthedayofdistress"Cutnotoff...delivernotup."-TheydeclaredexactlywhatEdomwoulddo,whichwouldbetheoppositeofthesewarnings!TheRestorationofIsrael(1:17-21)-Hesawjudgmentcoming;utteredhiscurseuponthecowardiceofEdomwhorejoicedinthecalamity-Yethesawthedayofrestoration,andspokeofitforthecomfortoftheafflictedpeople.-Thefinalwordoftheprophecyisthefinalwordofallprophecy,"ThekingdomshallbeJehovah's."Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofObadiah-FromSouthernKingdom.-DestructionofEdom.-Esau:“Red”;Mt.Seir(SofDeadSeatoGulfofAqaba):-Bozrah(Petra,Sela)Capital.-Fierce,cruel,proud,profane.-EnemyofIsrael(Num.20:14-22).ActivealliancewithIsrael’sdestroyers-Sentence:PoeticjusticePoeticJustice-Edomhadindulgedintreachery:Edomwouldperishthroughtreachery

21

-EdomhadseizedachancetorobJudah:Edomwouldberobbed-Edomhadindulgedinviolence:Edomwouldperishbyslaughter-EdomsoughttheutterdestructionofIsrael:Edomwouldbeutterlydestroyed;extinct.(Anditis.)-EdomhadsoughttodispossessJerusalem:EdomwouldbepossessedbytheremnantExtinctionoftheNabateans(Arabtribe)...-FiveyearsaftertheyhadhelpedrazeJerusalem,theyfelttheyokeofBabylon.-Thereafter,theNabateans,anArabiantribe,occupiedPetra,theircapital.-Later,in312B.C.,Anigonus,oneofthegeneralsofAlexandertheGreat,crushedthesepeopleand despoiledPetra.-Later,theremainingEdomitessustainedcrushingdefeatsfromJudasMaccabaeus;-JosephustellsusthatstilllaterAlexanderJannaeuscompletedtheirruin.-Theybecameabsorbedindeserttribes;Origen(3rdcenturyA.D.)spokeofthemasapeoplewhosename andlanguagehadperished.-Obadiah’sprophecyhadbeenfulfilled.The“NaturalMan”-Cain–Abel:Antipathytoredemption;Religionofculture.-Ishmael–Isaac:Self-lifevsSpiritual(Gal4:29).-Esau–Jacob:Redhorse,reddragon,scarletbeast(Rev6,12,17). EdomaformofAdomadomah:Flesh.Pride,defiance,ambition,hatred,violence,cruelty,self- deception.-Rom6:6-14;Gal5:17-25:TypeofallnationshostiletoGod.

Jonah:CondemnationofExclusivenessMorgan:JonahwasthesonofAmittai.-Therecanbenoreasonabledoubtastohisidentitywiththeprophetreferredtoin2Kings14:25.-Thesenames,JonahandAmittai,occurnowhereelseintheOldTestament.-ItisevidentthereforethatJonahexercisedhisministryaboutthetimeoftheaccessionofJeroboamII.-ThiswouldmakehimanearlycontemporaryofHoseaandAmos.-TheHebrewpeople’srelationshiptoforeignnationsatthisperiodwasastrangecontradiction.-Makingpoliticalallianceswithoutsidenations;yetreligiouslytheywerebitterlyexclusive.-BothattitudeswerewronginthattheymisinterpretedtheDivineattitudeandwillinbothcases.-Jonah(thebook)isintendedtoteachhispeoplethelessonoftheinclusivenessoftheDivinegovernment-Torebuketheexclusivenessoftheirattitudetowardsurroundingpeoples.Thebooknaturallyfallsintotwoparts:TheFirstCommissionPart1(1-2)TheFirstCommissionPart2(3-4)TheFirstCommissionPart1(1-2)-TherewasevidentlynodoubtinhismindthatthecommandtogotoNinevehwasfromJehovah.-BelievinginJehovahasalovingGod,theyyetthoughtofHimastheirGodexclusively.-Thechargetodeliveramessagetoacityoutsidethecovenant-Andonemoreoverwhichwasthecenterofapowerwhichhadbeenoppressiveandcruel-MusthavebeenastartlingonetoJonah.-Hisattempttoescapewasanactofwillfuldisobedience.-HisgoingoutfromthepresenceoftheLorddidnot,however,ensurehisescapefromHisgovernment.-AlltheforcesofnaturearepressedintoHisservicewhenneedrequires.

22

-Jehovahsentoutawindstorm,theincidentsofthestormarefullofinterest.-Inreadingthis,onesensesthatJonahhadlearnedthelessonwhichheintendedtoteachothers-TheGod,whosentoutthewind,presidedoverthecastingofthelots,andJonahwascastout-Hewasreceivedbythegreatpreparedfish-HethenpouredouthissoulinanguishbeforeGod.-Theprayer,aschronicled,consistsofquotationsfromthebookofPsalms.-Again,Jehovahinterfered,andtheprophetwasvomitedoutondryland.TheFirstCommissionPart2(3-4)-ImmediatelyhewasagainchargedtogotoNineveh.-Inthedeclaration,"ThewordoftheLordcameuntoJonahthesecondtime."-Jonaharoseandobeyed.-ItwasastrangeandstartlingthingforNinevehtosee-Thiscomingofamanwhohadbeencastouttothedeep:whatdidhelooklike?-Itiseasytounderstandhowtherepeatedmonotonyofhisdeclarationofdestructioninfortydays-Filltheheartsofthepeoplewithterror.-Theyheard,theybelieved,theywerefilledwithfear,andrepentedfromthegreatesttotheleast.-ThisrepentanceontheirpartwasansweredbytherepentanceofGod,judgmentwasavertedThefinalpictureofthecontroversybetweenJonahandJehovah(4)-Jonahdisplayedtheattitudeoftheancientpeoplewhichhisstorywasintendedtocorrect-TheysolittleunderstoodtheLORD’sattitudeofcarefor,andpatiencewithallsinningpeoples-Theprophetwasangrybecausemercyhadbeenexercisedtowardthoseoutsidethecovenant.-HeknewHimtobe"agraciousGod,andfullofcompassion,slowtoangerandplenteousinmercy."-Yethecouldnotcomprehendwhyapeoplesocruelandoppressiveshouldbespared.-TheanswerofJehovahisawonderfulrevelationofHispatience.-Itconsistsofaquestion:"Doyouwelltobeangry?"Withoutreplytheprophetwentoutofthecity-Indistressandresentmentsatinaboothofhisownmakingtowatchthecourseofevents.Again,theoverrulingofJehovahwasmanifestinthepreparedplantwhichgavehimshade-Alsothepreparedworm,andthepreparedsultryeastwind.-Sogreatwastheangerandanguishoftheprophetthathefainted,andaskedagainthathemightdie.-Hewhohadbeenangrythatthecitywasnotdestroyed,wasangrythatthegourdwasdestroyed-Heansweredtheinquirybyaffirming,"Idowelltobeangry,evenuntodeath."ThelastvisionofJehovahisonefullofpityandcompassionevenforacitysuchasNineveh-Willingtospareitinresponsetoherrepentance-ItwasarevelationfarinadvanceoftheageinwhichJonahexercisedhisministry.-ThepeopleasawholenevercametounderstandtheheartofGodFocusing....._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofJonah-TheStorm-Whydidheflee? Ch.1-TheFish-Didthisreallyhappen? Ch.2-TheCity-WhyNineveh? Ch.3 -TheLord-WhyChapter4? Ch.4 -JonahdidnotwantGodtospareNineveh.

23

-Jesusauthenticatedboththefish,andtherepentanceofNineveh.-SomebelieveJonahdied,androse.Psalm;“sheol.”Jonah:TheReluctantProphet-AWarningtoNineveh:LateryearsofJoash;earlieryearsofJeroboamII.Quadrangleofcities,60milescircum.;350sq.mi;walls100fthigh;1500towers200fthigh;chariots3abreast;>1millionpopulation.-Factorfiction?JesusHimselfauthenticates:-TheFish(Mat12:39;16:4).-TheRepentanceofNineveh(Mt12:41).-Jonahapatriot:DidnotwantNinevehsparedforIsrael’ssake: -Isaiah’sprophecy Isaiah7:17 -Hosea’sprophecy Hosea9:3;10:6,7;11:5 -Amos’prophecy Amos3:7Jonah’sPrayerJonah2:1-9ThenJonahprayeduntotheLORDhisGodoutofthefish’sbelly,Andsaid,IcriedbyreasonofmineafflictionuntotheLORD,andheheardme;outofthebellyofsheolcriedI,andyouheardmyvoice.Foryouhavecastmeintothedeep,inthemidstoftheseas;andthefloodscompassedmeabout:allyourbillowsandyourwavespassedoverme.ThenIsaid,Iamcastoutofyoursight;yetIwilllookagaintowardyourholytemple.Thewaterscompassedmeabout,eventothesoul:thedepthclosedmeroundabout,theweedswerewrappedaboutmyhead.Iwentdowntothebottomsofthemountains;theearthwithherbarswasaboutmeforever:yetyouhavebroughtupmylifefromcorruption,OLORDmyGod.WhenmysoulfaintedwithinmeIrememberedtheLORD:andmyprayercameinuntoyou,intoyourholytemple...ButIwillsacrificeuntoyouwiththevoiceofthanksgiving;IwillpaythatthatIhavevowed.SalvationisoftheLORD. Cf.Ps39:9;18:4-6,7,15;30:2;120:1;42:7;69:1-2Jonah&Nineveh-PaganCapitaloftheWorld-40daysfrom“groundzero!”-Jonahwasthereluctantprophet-“40daysandyougetyours!”-TheGreatestMiracleintheOT!TenMiracles1)TheStorm2)SelectionofJonahasguilty3)Suddensubsistingofthestorm4)Greatfish:(attherighttimeandplace!)5)PreservationofJonah6)Ejection—safeandsound—ondryland7)TheGourd8)TheWorm(s)9)Eastwind10)RepentanceofentirecityofNineveh!The“Sign”ofJonah?-“Seekasign”?Thestoryofthebleachedprophetprecededhim.-DeathandBurialofChrist.-JonahaprophettotheGentiles.

24

JonahForeshadowsIsrael’sHistory-Disobedienttoheavenlycommission.-Outoftheirownland.-PrecariousrefugeamongtheGentiles.-Everywhereasourceoftrouble.-YetwitnessingtothetrueGod.-CastoutbytheGentiles.-Miraculouslypreservedamidtheircalamities.-CallingonYHWHatlast(3rdday:Cf.Hosea6:1ff)._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Micah:AuthorityFalseandTrueMorgan:MicahProphesiedintheearlypartofthereignofkingHezekiah.-HewascontemporarywithIsaiah.-HismessagewastothecitiesofJudah,ascentersaffectingthenationalthoughtandaction.-Theprophecyconsistsofthreeaddresses.Thebookmaythusbedivided:MessagetotheNationsConcerningtheChosen(1-2)MessagetotheRulersConcerningtheComingOne(3-5)MessagetotheChosenConcerningtheControversy(6-7)MessagetotheNationsConcerningtheChosen(1-2)-Thisfirstmessageconsistsofasummons,aproclamationofJehovah-InthesummonstheprophethadclearlyinmindtheattitudeofJehovahtowardthewholeearth.-IsraelwasJehovah'smediumofteaching,ifnotinblessing,theninjudgment.-TheproclamationofJehovahfirstdeclaredthecauseofjudgment.-Itwas"forthetransgressionofJacob...forthesinsofthehouseofIsrael."-Thereasonofjudgmentwasdeclaredtobetheapostasyofthewholenationasevidencedinthecities.-Thesinisthedevisingofevilatnight,thepracticingofitinthemorning,andtheabuseofauthority.-Micahwasinterruptedbythefalseprophets,whoprotestedagainsthismessage-BasingtheirobjectionuponthegoodnessofGod.-Jehovah'sanswered,theirchangedrebelliousattitudeaccountedforthechangeinHisattitude towardthem.MessagetotheRulersConcerningtheComingOne(3-5)-Theprophetdescribedtheirpeculiarsin,andannouncedthecomingjudgment.-HethenforetoldthecomingoftheonetrueRuler,andtheconsequentdeliverance.-Turningtotheprophetshedeclaredthattheirsinconsistedinthefactthattheymadethepeopletoerr-Exercisingtheirsacredofficefortheirownwelfare.-Asaresultoftheirsin,judgmentmustfallonZionandJerusalem.-HeliftedhiseyesandhesawthemountainofJehovah'shouseandthepeoplesflowingintoit.-OutofZiontheLordwouldcomeforth,andtheWordoftheLordfromJerusalem.MessagetotheChosenConcerningtheControversy(6-7)-TheprophetsummonedIsraelandthemountainstohearthecontroversyofJehovahwithHispeople.

25

-Thekeywordis"Jehovah...willplead."-ImmediatelythevoiceofJehovahisheardcryingtothecityanddescribingitssins-Hethenbreaksoutintoananswerofhope,whichendswiththenecessityforjudgment.-FollowingthisthepeopleofferprayerfortheguidanceofJehovah-JehovahanswerswithapromisethatHewillguidethemasindaysofold.-ThentheprophetinfaithrepeatsthepromiseJehovahhasmade.-Thelastmovementisthatofagreatfinaldoxologyutteredbyallthepeople-whichcelebratesthepatienceofGod,andHiscertainrestorationofHispeople.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofMicah-ImminentJudgmentDeclared Ch.1-3 –AssyrianswillstrikeatEgypt; willmarchthrough Micah’sneighborhoodinJudah.-UltimateBlessingPromised Ch.4-5 -Incarnation(Mt2:5;Micah5:2). -Keytruth:Ruleryettocome...-PresentRepentancePleaded Ch.6-7-Lastdays...BirthplaceoftheMessiahMicah5:2Butyou,BethlehemEphratah,thoughyoubelittleamongthethousandsofJudah,yetoutofyoushallhecomeforthuntomethatistoberulerinIsrael;whosegoingsforthhavebeenfromofold,fromeverlasting. Micah6:8Hehasshewedyou,Oman,whatisgood;andwhatdoestheLORDrequireofyou,buttodojustly,andtolovemercy,andtowalkhumblywithyourGod? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Nahum:VindicationofVengeanceMorgan:NothingmoreisknownoftheprophetNahumthanisdeclaredinthetitle.-HewasanativeofElkosh,butthistowncannotbelocatedwithanycertainty.-ThedateoftheprophecymusthavebeenafterthefallofThebes,663B.C.(seeiii.8,whereNo-Amon referstoThebes),andbeforethefallofNineveh,606B.C.-Suggestiveisinthemeaningoftheprophet'sname,whichsignifies"fullofexceedingcomfort."Atthetimeoftheutteranceoftheprophecy,thenorthhadbeendestroyed,thetentribesdispersed.-Theprophet'smessagewastoJudah,deliveredduringthedayssucceedingHezekiah'sreign-Assyrianpowerwasatitsheight,thedescriptionsgivenofitrevealitshabitualoppressionofothers.-NahumwasnotsenttoNineveh,asJonahwas.-ItwasadeclarationofthevengeanceofGoduponNinevehItmaybedividedthus:TheVerdictofVengeance(1)TheVisionofVengeance(2)TheVindicationofVengeance(3)

26

TheVerdictofVengeance(1)-First,adeclarationofHischaracter,thenarevelationofHismajesty,andanaffirmationofHismethod.-HavingthussetforththemajestyofJehovah,theprophetproceededtoHisverdictconcerningNineveh.-AddressinghimselftoNineveh,heinquired,"WhatdoyouimagineagainsttheLord?"-ThischargeinallprobabilityreferredtotheblasphemousboastsofSennacheribchronicledinIsaiah 36:18-20and37:10-13.-ThedeepestsinofNinevehwasthatshehadsetherselfupwillfullyagainstthepowerofGod.-Nahumaddressedhimselftothechosenpeople,declaringthattheyokeofAssyriashouldbebroken.TheVisionofVengeance(2)-Havingthusannouncedtheverdicttheprophetproceededtodescribetheprocessofvengeance.-HethengaveindetailtheprocessofNineveh'sdestruction.Itfallsintothreeclearlydefinedparts.-Firsttheconflict(2:3-5);-Secondtheconquest(2:6-9)-Thirdtheconsummation(2:11-13).TheVindicationofVengeance(3)-Hereindetailviceandvengeanceareshownintheirinterrelation,-Therearefourmovementsinthisfinalmessage.-Inthefirstviceisdeclared,andvengeancealso.-TheprophetdescribedNinevehasa"bloodycity,"evilandcruel.-Inthesecondmovementhemoreparticularlydescribedboththeviceandthevengeance.-Thenationalmethodhadbeenthatofwhoredom,thatis,idolatrouspractices-andwitchcraft-Thenationalinfluencehadbeenthatofsellingnationsandfamilies.-Inthethirdmovementviceandvengeanceweredealtwithinyetgreaterdetail.-InthefourthmovementisaweirddeclarationofthedestructionofAssyria.-Nohealingorsorrowoverherfall,andbecauseoftheuniversaloppressionexercisedbyAssyriaThemessageofNahumwastoJudah,andifdeliveredintheperiodofthereformationunderManasseh-Itwassingularlyappropriateasamessageofencouragementandofsolemnwarning.Focusing....________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofNahum-AcenturyafterJonah.-DoomofNineveh;world’sgreatestcity.-Capernaum(Kaphar-Nahum):“VillageofNahum.”-“YHWHwillnotacquitthewicked”:Objectifiesforallpeoplesforalltimethegovernmentalmethodof GodwiththeGentilenations-Godwillforgivesinrepentedof;Hewillnotcondonesinpersistedin.-SameGodsuper-rulestheworldtoday.-Nineveh’sDoom:Declared,Described,andDeserved.-Decisivetestofprediction:fulfillment._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

27

Habakkuk:TheProblemsofFaithMorgan:OfHabakkuknothingmoreisknownthanhisname,andthathewasinallprobabilityaLevite.-TheTime:InternalevidencebringsitintorelationwiththeChaldeaninvasion,from605to586B.C.-Whenhedeliveredhismessage,theconditionofthingscallingforreformationstillexisted.-Theburdenoftheprophetisthatoftheproblemsofpermittedevil-ThentheusingoftheChaldeansastheinstrumenttoscourgeevildoerslesswickedthanthemselves.-Openinginmysteryandquestioning,itclosesincertaintyandaffirmation.-Thedoorofchangefromfeartocertaintyis2:4:ThejustshalllivebyhisfaithThebookfallsnaturallyintotwoparts:TheProphet'sProblems(1-2:4)TheProphet'sProclamations(2:5-ch.3)TheProphet'sProblems(1-2:4)-FirstwastheapparentindifferenceofJehovahbothtohisprayerandtotheconditionofprevailingevil.-Itissuchaproblemascouldonlyoccurtoaholymanoffaith.TakeawayGod,andthereisnoproblem.-TothisJehovahrepliedthatHewasatwork,butthattheprophetwouldnotbelievewhatheistold.-HedeclaredHismethodwasthatofraisinguptheChaldeansasHisinstrumentagainstHispeople.ThisanswerofJehovah,immediatelycreatedanewproblemfortheProphet-ExpressinghisastonishmentthatJehovahshouldusesuchaninstrument-FornotwithstandingallIsrael'ssin,shewasmorerighteousthantheChaldeans.TheProphetWaitsforanAnswer-Theprophetdeclaredhisdeterminationtowatchandwait.-Thiswastheattitudeoffaithandhonesty.-Theanswercameimmediately.Hewascommandedtowrite;tomakehiswritingplainforeasyreading.-Thevisionis:"Behold,hissoulispuffedup,itisnotuprightinhim:butthejustshalllivebyhisfaith."-Itisacontrastbetweenthe"puffedup"andthe"just."-Theformeriscondemned;thelatteractsonfaith,andlives.-Fromthispointtheprophecybecomesaproclamationofthe‘puffedup’and‘thejust’TheProphet'sProclamations(2:5-ch.3)Thesefallintotwoparts:-Thefirstisconcerningthe"puffedup,"-Thesecondconcerning“thejust”.Ofthe"puffedup,"theviewpointisthatofthesinitsconsequentjudgment.-The"puffedup"aredescribedashaughty,ambitious,conquering,againstwhomhepronouncewoes.Of“thejust”-Thefinalstatementoftheprophetfollowingthewoes,isthathehadfoundthesolution:"TheLordis inhisholytemple."-Theapparentstrengthofwickednessisfalse.Jehovahreigns.-Hismajestyisexpressedinapsalm,afearfulprayerofhisrecognitionoftheDivineinterference-HethencelebratedthegreatnessofJehovahasmanifestinHisdealingswithHisancientpeople.-Thelastsectionofthepsalmexpressedthefearandthefaithofthejust.

28

Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofHabakkuk-ABurden:Anagonyofperplexity:Theostensiblesilence,inactivity,andapparentunconcernofGod.-WhywouldGoduseapeoplefarmorewickedthanJudahthemselves?-AVision:“TheJustShallLiveByFaith”Hab.2:4-APrayer:“Restinthedayoftribulation”Hab.3:16_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Zephaniah:TheSeverityandGoodnessofJehovahMorgan:TheProphesyisclearlydatedinthereignofJosiah.-FromthegenealogyofZephaniahitisevidentthathewasaprinceoftheroyalhouse,-Inallprobability,therefore,heutteredhisprophecywhenthereformationofJosiahwasinprogress.-HemakesnoreferencetoJosiah’sreforms,speakingonlyofthesinofthepeopleandswiftjudgment-Finallyhedescribesarestoration,thedetailsofwhichhadnocounterpartintheworkofJosiah.-ThegreatburdenoftheprophecyisthatoftheDayofWrath.-Itmaybedividedintotwoparts:TheDayofWrath,WithanAppeal(1-2)TheDayofWrath,andItsIssue(3)TheDayofWrath,WithanAppeal(1-2)-Thefirstmovementisthatoftheprophet'sdeclarationofthecomingjudgmentofJehovah.-ThelocalapplicationwasthatjudgmentwoulddescenduponJudahandJerusalem-Thestrokeofthatjudgmentwouldfallfirstupontheprinces,thenupontheextortioners-Uponthemerchantmen,andfinallythosewhowerelivingontheirwealthinidlenessandindifference.HisAppeal-Afterthisheutteredhisgreatappeal,firsttothenationasawhole-callinguponittopullitselftogetherbeforetheopportunityforrepentanceshouldpass-Heturnedtotheremnant,the"meekoftheearth,"andurgedthemtorenewdevotion.-ThisappealisbasedonthefactofthecomingjudgmentuponthenationsaroundthemTheDayofWrath,andItsIssue(3)-Inthissectiontheprophetyetmoreclearlysetforththesinofthepeople-TheaddressopenedwithadeclarationofwoeagainstJerusalem-Princes,judges,prophets,andpriestsalikehadfailed,eachintheirdistinctiveoffice.-ThehopelessnessandsinofthepeoplemadeDivineactionnecessary,andthatwouldbejudgment.FromthispointontheprophecyisclearlyMessianic.-ZephaniahgavenopictureofthesufferingServant,noranyhintofHismethod.-HeonlydealtwiththeultimateresulttoIsrael.-HefirstdescribedJehovahasgatheringagainallHisdispersedones.Zephaniahthenaddressedhimselftotheremnant-Chargingthemtosingandrejoicebecausetheirenemyshouldbecastout-TheirtrueKing,Jehovah,willbeestablishedinthemidstofthem.

29

Focusing..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofZephaniah-WrathComingUponJudah Ch.1:1–2:3-WrathUponAllNations Ch.2:4–3:8 –West,East:Philistia,Moab,Ammon –South,North:Ethiopia,Assyria-AfterWrath,Healing Ch.3:9–3:10 –RestorationofCovenantPeople(Also:predictedHebrewasapurelanguage...)

Haggai:TheDutyofCourageMorgan:OfHaggai’spersonalhistorynothingisknown,butthedatingofhisprophecyisveryexact.-ItisnoticeablethatforthefirsttimeaGentiledateisgiven.-DariusreignedduringtheyearsB.C.521-486-TheconditionsinwhichheexercisedhispropheticministryareinthebookofEzra-TheleadingeventsinconnectionwiththereturnfromBabylonwillhelpusthustoplacehisprophecy:B.C.536.ReturnfromBabylonunderZerubbabel(Ezra3:1-4).-Altarbuilt.Sacrificesoffered.FeastofTabernacles.B.C.535.FoundationsoftheTemplelaid.OppositionofSamaritansandcessationofbuilding.-TheworkofrebuildingtheTemplehadceasedB.C.520-519.ProphesyingofHaggaiandZechariah.Thepeopleresumedbuilding.B.C.515.TheTemplecompleted.-Inordertostiruptheleadersandpeopletotheirduty,thesemessageswereuttered.Thebookisnaturallydividedbythefourmessages:TheFirstProphecy(1:1-2)TheSecondProphecy(2:1-9)TheThirdProphecy(2:10-19)TheFourthProphecy(2:20-23).TheFirstProphecy(1:1-2)-Itwasespeciallyaddressedtothoseinauthority.-Thepeoplewereexcusingthemselvesfrombuildingbydeclaringthatthetimehadnotcome.-Theprophetremindedthemthattheyweredwellingintheirownceiled(impliesexpensive)houses-WhilethehouseofGodwaslyingwaste.-Hecalledthemtoconsidertheirways-Remindingthemofthelong-continuedmaterialfailureinthemidstofwhichtheyhadlived.-HeurgedthemtobuildthehouseofGod,fortheirfailuresDivinepunishmentforneglectofHishouse.-Therewasimmediateresponsefirstonthepartofthegovernorandpriest,andthenbythepeople.TheirresponseFirst,recognizingJehovahwaswiththem;Second,bynewenthusiasmonthepartofthepeople.TheSecondProphecy(2:1-9)-Aboutsevenweekslater,onthetwenty-firstdayoftheseventhmonthofthesameyear-AddressedtoZerubbabelthegovernor,Joshuathepriest,andallthepeople.-Someremindedthattheformerhousewasgloriousandthismemorytendedtodisheartenthepeople-Theprophetappealedtothemtobestrongandtowork,promisingHisimmediatepresenceandhelp.-Thedisheartenedonaccountoflessermaterialglorywerecalledtolookforthespiritualglory

30

TheThirdProphecy(2:10-19)-Inthisthepeopleareaddressedthroughasummitwiththepriests.-Thisprophecyshowsthatafterthreemonthsofhardbuildingtherewerenosignsofmaterialblessings-Thepeoplewereagaindisheartenedinconsequencethereof-Becauseofpastsins,presentobediencecouldnotimmediatelyresultinmaterialprosperity.-Yetthefinalwordofthisthirdmessageisapromiseofblessing:"FromthisdaywillIblessyou."TheFourthProphecy(2:20-23)-Anenforcementandexplanationofthefinalpromise,"Iwillblessyou."Focusing..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofHaggai-MessagetoArouse Ch.1:1-15-MessagetoSupport Ch.2:1-9-MessagetoConfirm Ch.2:10-19-MessagetoAssure Ch.2:20-23ThePropheticProblem-Prophecyhadbecomeanarcotic-Givenwaytohopelessinevitability;thus,indifference.-WithoutHim,wecan’t.Withoutus,Hewon’t.ConsiderHaggai2:15Andnow,Iprayyou,considerfromthisdayandupward,frombeforeastonewaslaiduponastoneinthetempleoftheLORD... Haggai2:18..Considernowfromthisdayandupward,fromthefourandtwentiethdayoftheninthmonth,evenfromthedaythatthefoundationoftheLORD’Stemplewaslaid,considerit. -TheScriptureclearlyindicatesthatthiseraclosedon“thefourandtwentiethdayoftheninthmonth,[Kislev]evenfromthedaythatthefoundationoftheLORD’Stemplewaslaid,considerit.”(Hag2:10,15-19)whichwasin520B.C.TheDesolationsofJerusalem-AttheverytimetheBabylonianarmywassurroundingJerusalem,Ezekiel,hundredsofmilesawayin Babylon...10thdayofTebeth,589B.C.-Haggai,nailsthedatetheyended,24thdayofKislev,520B.C.-Theintervalis25,200days,70yearsof360dayseach.-70years:25,200days(70x360).(Thecalendardifferenceis25,202days:reckoningbeganthedayaftertheBabylonianarmyinvaded,andendedthedaybeforethefoundationofthe2ndtemplewaslaid.)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Zechariah:TheApocalypseoftheOldTestamentMorgan:TheAssociationofZechariahwithHaggaihasalreadybeenseen.-OftheprophethimselfweareonlysurethathewasthesonofIddo(Ezra5:1,6:14).-InthebookofNehemiahreferenceismadetoapriestnamedIddo(12:4)andhissonZechariah(12:16).-Ifthesereferencesaretothesamepersons,Zechariahwasalsoapriest.TheTime-Thefirstpartofthebookiscarefullydated,andcontainspropheciescloselyrelatedtothoseofHaggai

31

-Thelatterpartofthebookisundated,anddealswiththreedistincteventsinthehistoryofthepeople.-PriortotheEdictofCyrusthatnationwaspracticallydead,and,indeed,wasbeingburiedinitscaptivity.-Thisisclearlyevidencedbythesmallnessoftheremnantwhohadinterestinreturning(Ezra2).Thebook,therefore,naturallyfallsintotwoparts:MessagesDuringtheBuildingoftheTemple(1-8)MessagesAftertheBuildingoftheTemple(9-14)MessagesDuringtheBuildingoftheTemple(1-8)-Therearethreemessages.-Thefirstwaslocalandimmediate.-ThesecondconsistedofaseriesofvisionssettingforthGod'sultimatepurposeforHispeopleIsrael.-(Thiswasfollowedbyabriefhistoricinterlude)-ThethirdathreefoldanswerofJehovahtoaninquiryonthepartofthepeopleconcerningthefasts-Thefirstwaslocalandimmediate,utteredwhenheartsweredisheartened-Hegavethemanotherviewofthepast,intendedtowarnthem,nottowalkinthesamesins.-ThesecondconsistedofaseriesofeightvisionssettingforthGod'spurposeforHispeopleIsrael.-FirstthefigureofthemyrtletreesIsraelisdescribedas"intheshadyplace."-Itisthedayofherovershadowing,butsheisyetwatched.-ThesewordsdeclareJehovah'sdeterminationtodeliverandre-establishHispeople.-Thesecondvisionofhornsandsmiths,whileindefiniteastodetail,yetcarriesitsownexplanation.-Thefourhornsstandforthepowerswhichhavescatteredthechosenpeople.-Thesmithsarethesymbolofthatwhichdestroyspower,-ThevisionthereforeforetellstheultimateoverthrowofIsrael'senemies-Thethirdvisionofthemeasuringline,theconditionofJerusalemaftertheoverthrowofherenemies.-Theyoungmangoesforthtomeasuretherestoredcity,andispreventedfromdoingso-InfigurativelanguagedeclarestohimthatJerusalemwillbesuchthatitisimpossibletomeasure.-ThenatureprosperityisinthestatementthatthepresenceofJehovahwillmakewallsunnecessary-Theremainingfivevisionsdealwithhermoralityandspirituality.-ThefourthvisionofJoshua,clothedinfilthygarments,thencleansedandchargedbyJehovah-Showshowthenation,havingfailedthroughsin,isfunctionofaccesstoGodandmediation.-ThefifthvisionofthecandlesticksetsforthIsraelasfulfillingtheDivineintention.-ThecandlestickwasthesymbolofIsraelasthelight-beareramidthedarkness.-ThetwoolivetreesreferinthefirstplacetoZerubbabelandJoshua,-Thegovernorandthepriest,andthustheofficesofpriestandkingasfulfilledintheMessiah.-ThesixthvisionoftheflyingrollrepresentstheprincipleoflawasitwillbeadministeredbyIsrael-whenshefulfillsthetrueideal.-shewillalsoaffirmandapplytheprincipleoflawinthemidstoftheearth.-Theseventhvisionoftheephahshowswhatwillbetheresultofthisapplicationoflaw.-Theephahisthesymbolofcommerce,andthewoman,isthepersonificationofwickedness.

32

-Thus,theprincipleofwickednessistofinditsfinalvantagegroundincommerce.-Theeighthlastvision,ofthechariotsdrivenfrombetweenthemountainsofbrass-Symbolicalofthefourspiritsofheaventowalktoandfrointheearth,-Suggeststhatinthedayofrestorationtheadministrativeforcesofrighteousnesswillbespiritual.-Thiswasfollowedbyabriefhistoricinterlude-Afterthedeliveryofthissecondmessagetherefollowedagreatsymbolicact.-SkilledworkmenpreparedcrownsofsilverandofgoldwhichweresetupontheheadofJoshua.-TheprophetforetoldthecomingofOneWhoshouldfulfillthesepredictions-Hisofficewastobedual-thatofpriestandking.-Thethirdafourfoldanswertoaninquirymadebythepeopleconcerningobservingcertainfasts-Thefastofthefifthmonth,astowhetheritwasnecessarytocontinueitsobservancefasts.-Thehistoryofthesefastsiscontainedin2Kings25.-Theinferenceswere,hadtheybeenobedient,theconcernaboutfastswouldneverhavearisen.Thethirdanswerwasfullofgrace.ItdeclaredthatGodwasjealousforZion,thatHewasreturnedtoit,-ThefinalansweraboutfastsdeclaredthatJehovahwouldturnalltheirself-appointedfastsintofeasts.-TheCity,thedestructionofwhichhadcausedtheappointmentofthesefasts,shouldbeacentertoallMessagesaftertheBuildingoftheTemple(9-14)Inthisseconddivisiontherearetwomessages.Thefirstmessageischaracterizedbythreeoutstandingeventsinthefutureofhispeople.-ThethreeeventsreferredtoarethecomingofAlexanderandtheprotectionofthecity-ThevictoryofJudahundertheMaccabees;-ThefinalRomanoverthrowofthecityandthescatteringofthepeople.-TheseareallrelatedtotheMessianichope.Thesecondmessagehastodowiththingswhollyfuture.-TheKingspokenofinthepreviousburden,isnowseenascomingintoHisKingdom.-Thistheprophetdescribedintwomovements,whicharecomplementary.-Inthefirsthelookedattheopposingnationsastheywillbedealtwithinjudgment-InthesecondheviewedthesameeventsfromthestandpointoftheKing-BeginningwithHisrejectionandthendescribingHiscomingday,process,andadministration.ThefinalvictoriesoftheKingaredescribedastothenationsandastoIsrael.-Thestrengthofthenationsisdiscomfited,andperfectvictoryisassured.-ThisvictoryoverthenationswillissueintherestorationofIsraeltosupremacy-UnderthegovernmentofOneWhomtheyhadpierced.-Thiswillbebroughtaboutwhen,recognizingtheirsin,thechosenpeoplerepentwithmourning.-Inthatday,bywayofafountainopenedtothem,IsraelwillbecleansedfromalldefilementTheprophetfinallydescribedtheultimatevictoriesastotheKing-CommencingwithadescriptionofthesmitingoftheShepherdandthescatteringofthesheep.-Inthisprocessofscatteringaremnantwouldbeloyal-TheprophetthenproceededtodescribetheultimatedayoftheLord-WhichwouldbeusheredinbythecomingofJehovahinthePersonofHisKingtotheMountofOlives.-Thiswouldinitiatethesettlementoftheland,thecleansingofJerusalembyjudgment

33

-TobefollowedbytheestablishmentoftheKingdom-InwhichallnationswouldgathertoJerusalemasacenterofworship-Thoserefusingbeingpunished,whilealllifewouldbeconsecrated.Focusing....________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofZechariah-EarlyProphecies:TheTemplebeingRebuilt Ch.1-8-LaterProphecies:AfterTempleRebuilt Ch.9-14 –TheSecondComingZechariah-Visions Ch.1-8-Fourhorses;fourhorns;foursmiths.-Measuringline.-CrowningofJoshua,thepriest.-GoldenLampstand.-TheflyingScroll.-TheWomanintheEphah-FourChariots.-Acollectionofenigmaticriddlesthattieintootherpassages...Fourhorsemen(Rev6);thecrowningofapriest(!)[onlytheMessiah];thegoldenlampstand(Rev11);aflyingscroll;(the7-sealedscrollsinRev5,etc.);TheWomanintheEphah:willhelpunravelaparadoxinRev17&18...AbsurdPrediction?Zechariah12:2,3Behold,IwillmakeJerusalemacupoftremblinguntoallthepeopleroundabout...AndinthatdaywillImakeJerusalemaburdensomestoneforallpeople:allthatburdenthemselveswithitshallbetorninpieces,thoughallthepeopleoftheearthbegatheredtogetheragainstit. TheEnigmaofJerusalem“ACupofTrembling”toallnations?Thisisostensiblyabsurd,yetitistherealityoftheseverydays!TheFallacyofthe“PeaceProcess”:builtonafalsepremiseandassuresanarmedconflict—Zechariah12:10...andtheyshalllookuponme(A-T,untranslated)whomtheyhavepierced,...-Aleph&Tau=“AlphaandOmega”...TheIdolShepherdZechariah11:17Woetotheidolshepherdthatleavestheflock!theswordshallbeuponhisarm,anduponhisrighteye:hisarmshallbecleandriedup,andhisrighteyeshallbeutterlydarkened. -TheonlyphysicaldescriptionoftheAntichristintheScripture..._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Malachi:UnconsciousCorruptionMorgan:NothingmoreisknownofMalachithanthebookwhichbearshisnamereveals.-ThewordMalachimeansmessenger-ItisprobablethatMalachiwasindeedtheactualnameoftheprophet,itssignificanceismostsuggestive-ThruouttheprophecythemessageofJehovahissupreme;thepersonalityofMalachiishidden.

34

-TheconnectionofthisprophecywiththeworkunderEzraandNehemiahisevident.-Hisprotestswerenamelyapollutedpriesthood,mixedmarriages,andfailuretopaytithes-IssueswhichexistedduringthetimeofNehemiah.-Theseevilsstillexistedsidebysidewithcorrectoutwardobservances.-Theattitudeofthepeopleisrevealedinthesevenfold"Wherein"(1:2,6,7,2:17,3:7,8,13).Theprophecyfallsintothreeparts:FundamentalAffirmation(1:1-5)FormalAccusations(1:6-ch.2)FinalAnnunciations(3-4)FundamentalAffirmation(1:1-5)-ThemessagebeginsalmostabruptlywiththetenderwordofJehovahtoHispeople"Ihavelovedyou."-EverythingistobeviewedinthelightofHislove.-Theprophetthen,indicatedtheattitudeofthepeopletowardJehovah:-"Whereinhaveyoulovedus?"-Thusthepeople,responded,consciousofthedifferencebetweentheircurrentandtheirpastgreatness,-Andoftheapparentfailureoffulfillmentofthepropheticpromises-TheprophetansweredbyremindingthemofJehovah'sloveforJacob,andHishatredofEsau-ShownbyHisdestructionofEdom,andHisdeliveranceofIsrael.FormalAccusations(1:6-ch.2)-Theprophetproceededtoutterhisformalaccusations.-Thesefallintothreegroups:-Thepriests,thoseagainstthepeople,andthoseagainstthenationingeneral.-Withthepriests,hedeclaredtheircorruption,greed,‘wearinessinserviceandindicatedtheir punishment.-Theyresentedthechargesmadeagainstthem,astherecurrenceofthequestions-"Wherein?"-shows.-Evidentlythattheprophetwasprotestingagainstaformalismwhichwasdevoidofreality.-Inthemidstofthisdeclarationoccursapassagefullofbeautydescribingthetrueidealofthepriesthood.-Thepeoplehechargedwithtwosins,andineachcasepronouncedjudgmentuponthem.-Thefirstspecificsinwasthatofthemixedmarriagesofthepeople,-Whilethesecondwasthatoftheprevalenceofdivorce.-Againstthewholenation,achargeofaccommodatingdoctrinetofittheirlifestyle.-Thepeopleweredeclaringthat,notwithstandingthedoingofevil-Jehovahdelightedinthepeople,andwereinquiringcynically,"WhereistheGodofjudgment?"FinalAnnunciations(3-4)-Thelastdivisionofthebookcontainstheprophet'sannouncementofthecomingofMessiah.-ItfallsintothreesectionsdealingwiththecomingOne,thecomingDay,andutteringtheclosingwords.-HeannouncedtheadventofJehovah'sMessenger,HisPerson,Hisadministration-Hethenappealedtothenation,generallycallingthemtoreturn-Makingatwofoldchargeagainstthemofrobberyandofblasphemy.-Toeachofthesetheyrespondedwiththesameinquiry,"Wherein?"-Likethepriests,theywereobservingformalitiesofreligionwhilebeingdeficientintruespirituallife.-TherewasaremnantyetloyaltoJehovah,whichtheprophetfirstdescribed,andthenaddressed-DeclaringtothemJehovah'sknowledgeofthem,anddeterminationconcerningthem.

35

-AllthisleadstohisgreatdeclarationconcerningthecomingDay.-ThisDayhedescribedinitstwofoldeffect.-Towardthewickeditwouldbeadayofburningandofdestruction.-Towardtherighteousitwouldbeadayofhealingandofsalvation.Focusing...._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MisslerTheBookofMalachi-FinalMessagetoaDisobedientPeople.-(ThisceasingofprophecywithMalachimayaccountforsegmentingoftheinitialweekofGabriel’s prophecyofthe70Weeks.)ADarebyGodThesolutiontoeveryfinancialproblem.Malachi3:10Bringyouallthetithesintothestorehouse,thattheremaybemeatinminehouse,andprovemenowherewith,saystheLORDofhosts,ifIwillnotopenyouthewindowsofheaven,andpouryououtablessing,thatthereshallnotberoomenoughtoreceiveit. The“SilentYears”BetweentheTestaments-AntiochusEpiphanes 167B.C.-TheAbominationofDesolation-TheMaccabeanRevolt 165B.C.-TheHasmoneans-TheRomanConquest 63B.C.-AppointHerodking-400yearsofsilence-UntilanangelvisitsZechariah...-OldTestamentIncomplete-Unexplainedceremonies (sacrificialrituals)-Unachievedpurposes (thecovenants)-Unappeasedlongings (poeticalbooks)-UnfulfilledpropheciesJohn5:39Searchthescriptures;forinthemyouthinkyouhaveeternallife:andtheyaretheywhichtestifyofme._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ConclusiontotheOldTestament