OldTestament

101

DailyReadingswith

studyquestions

byJodiGreen

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Copyright2016

ByJodiGreen

AllscripturequotationsarefromtheNewKingJamesversion.

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SpecialThanks

AspecialthankyoutoKarissaSherwin

whojourneyedwithmethrougheachlesson

fortwoyears,offeringcommentsandsuggestions

alongtheway.Youareagreatblessing,Karissa!

Also,specialthankstomybrother,JayPettit

Forhiswonderfuladviceandsupportthroughout

thisprojectandmyentirelife.

Iloveyou!

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How to Use This Book

Old Testament 101 is a guide to studying the Old Testament in chronological order by reading one chapter per day, five days per week. This study is suitable for all ages, from middle school through adults.

There is great benefit in studying the Bible in an orderly way, as opposed to a random passage each day or even a needs-based study (for example, helping you through a particularly difficult situation). If you learn to study the Bible in a sequential way, you will eventually find what God's Word says about every conceivable human situation.

In this study you will have five days of readings each week, reading usually one chapter per day. This leaves the weekends to catch up on anything that was missed during the week. This study is a comprehensive overview in which some books have representative chapters chosen for continuity, while others will be studied in their entirety. In other words, not every chapter of the Old Testament is included for specific study, but I would encourage you to read all of them if you can. In the cases of events repeated in different books, usually only one account is studied.

Each lesson begins with an overview of the week's readings. Sometimes there are questions to consider in the overview that will help your general understanding of the lesson for that week. You may skip the overview, but it can be very beneficial to your understanding of the chapters for the week.

The questions are very straightforward and are designed to be answered in the simplest way. The primary goal is an understanding of God’s Word rather than a specific application to your particular circumstances. Practice letting the Holy Spirit apply your day's reading as you meditate throughout the day on what His Word says.

On the "For Further Study" pages, there is a selected key verse(s) to think about, and blank lines in which you may write a prayer, other passages that stand out to you, or some other aspect of the study that you may want to remember.

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If you are confused by any of the passages that you read, there are many available resources for answering your questions. I would encourage everyone who wants to study the Bible to find a Bible-believing church and become involved. The Holy Spirit is your best resource for understanding God’s Word, but it is vital that your church leaders help you as well. There are many online helps, such as biblos.com and others listed in the “Study Helps” section in the back. Finding a mentor to help you can also be of great benefit.

May God bless you as you seek to know Him more through the study of His Word.

In Christ,

Jodi Green

“For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

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Lesson1

Overview

WhatapersonbelievesaboutGenesisformsthebasisforwhatheorshebelievesabouteverything.Forexample:doyoureallybelievetheBiblicalaccountofcreation,theentranceofsinandtheflood?DoyoureallybelieveAbraham’sfamilyisGod’schosenpeople?AsyoureadandstudyGenesis,youwillhavetheopportunitytothinkaboutwhatyoureallybelieveabouttheBible.WillyoubeamongthemajorityanddecidethatonlypartsoftheBiblearetrue?Willyoupickoutforyourselfwhichpartsaretrueandwhichpartsarenot?WillyoutrustmodernscientistsandsocialengineersoverGod’sWord?IstheBiblereallyGod’sWord?Isittrue?OrdoesscienceprovetheGenesisaccountisincorrect?

Asyouthinkaboutthesequestions,itwouldbeofgreatbenefittospendsometimeinresearchabouttheclaimsofmodernscienceconcerningtheoriginoftheuniverseandevolution.Somehelpfulplacestobeginare:www.answersingenesis.org;www.icr.org;www.creationtoday.org.

Sonow,it’stimetodigintothefirst5chapters.ThesechaptersmakeupsomuchofthebasisofwhattobelieveabouttherestoftheBiblethatitwillbehelpfultospendatleasttwoweeksreadingandstudyingthem.Getinthehabitofreadingslowlyandcarefully.ThinkthroughexactlywhatGodistellingyouineachverse.Thereissomuchcontroversy,evenamongChristians,overthesebeginnings.Answerthequestionsthoughtfully.Chapter1givesthecreationoverview,whilechapter2fillsinsomegreaterdetail.Chapter3showsthebeginningofsin.IftherearenotesinyourBible,formthehabitofcross-referencing.Forexample,Genesisdoesnotgiveustheoriginofthedevil,butEzekiel28:11-19explainsalotofwhatweknowabouthim.

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Lesson1

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis1

HowandwhendidGodcreatelight?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________WhatdidGodmakeonthesecondandthirddays?(v.6-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodmakeonthefourthandfifthdays?(v.14-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodmakeonthesixthday?(v.24-31)____________________________________________________Beginninginverse11,countthenumberoftimesthephrase,“accordingtoitskind”(ortheequivalentinyourtranslation)isrepeated:___________Whatdoesthisphrasemean?____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis2

WhatdidGoddoontheseventhday,andhowdidHedescribeit?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________Howdidmanreceivelife?(v.4-7)____________________________________________________Whereexactlywasthegarden?(v.8-14)____________________________________________________WhatrestrictionsandwarningsdidGodgive?(v.15-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodmakethefirstwomanandwhy?(v.18-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis3

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Whatweretheserpent’sfirstwordstothewoman?(v.1)____________________________________________________HowdidshechangeGod’swords?(v.2-3)____________________________________________________Whydidsheeatthefruit?(v.4-6)____________________________________________________Whydidtheyhide?(v.7-13)____________________________________________________Whatweretheresults?(v.14-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodclothethemandwhy?(v.20-24)____________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis4

Whatwasthedifferenceintheofferings?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________HowdidCainrespond?(v.6-10)____________________________________________________Whatwastheresult?(v.11-16)____________________________________________________DescribeCain’slifeandfamily.(v.17-24)____________________________________________________HowwasSeth’sfamilydifferentfromCain’s?(v.25-26)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis5

Whydoyouthinkthesebirthanddeathrecordsaresoprecise?(v.1-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwithEnochandwhy?(v.21-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastherelationshipofMethuselahandNoah?(v.25-32)____________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“InthebeginningGodcreatedtheheavensandtheearth.” Genesis1:1

(ThispageisdesignedforyoutowriteanythingelsethatstoodouttoyouinyourBiblestudyorquestionsyoumayhave.Also,writingoutmemoryworkishelpful.Youmayalsousethisspaceforsermonnotes.)

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Lesson2

Overview

ThestoryofNoahandthearkisoneofthemostpopularstoriesintheentireBible.Infact,almosteverycultureonourplanethasagreatfloodstoryinitshistory,eventheoneswhodonotknowtheBible.So,arewemeanttobelievethisstoryisreal?Thatitactuallyhappened?Isthereanythingatalltosuggestthatthestoryisaparableoranallegory?Howdoweknowifthesepeoplearerealorimaginary?AsyoureadandstudytheBible,formthehabitoflettingtheBibleexplainitselftoyou.Forexample,todeterminewhetherastoryisrealoraparable,findanexamplethatyouknowisaparable,andseehowitisintroduced.LookuptheGoodSamaritanstory(Luke10:30-37).Doesitseemtobetoldasahistoricalfactorasaparable?

ItshouldbeclearthattheBiblepresentstheaccountofthefloodasafactualpartofhistory.IfyouspendsometimeonthewebsitesmentionedinLesson1,youwillfindagreatamountofscientificevidencethatshowsthetruthofthisaccount.

Therearepartstothisstorythatholdmysteryforus.Forexample,inchapter6,whoexactlywerethesonsofGodandthedaughtersofmen?Whyweretheirchildrengiants?SomescholarsbelievethatthecontrastwasbetweenSeth’sdescendants,wholovedGod,andCain’sdescendants,whodidnotloveGod.TheBibledoesn’ttellustheanswer.ButwemustdevelopthehabitoftrustingGodtorevealtouswhatweneedtoknowtounderstandHismessageofsalvationtous.Ifthereissomethingconfusing,simplytrustHimtoshowyouwhatyouneedtoknowatthepropertime.JustbesureyouaregettingallyourfactsfromGod’sWord.

Thesechaptersarealsoagoodplacetospendacoupleofweeksreadingandrereadinginordertogainadeeperunderstanding.

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Lesson2

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis6

WhatspecificallygrievedtheLord?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificsinsarementioned?(v.7-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatshapewastheark?(v.13-17)____________________________________________________WhatdidNoahdo?(v.18-22)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis7

HowmanyofeachkindofanimaldidNoahtake?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________Describewherethefloodwaterscamefrom.(v.4-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howhighdidthefloodwatersrise?(v.12-20)____________________________________________________Howlongdiditrain(v.17),andbyverse24howlonghadtheybeenintheark?(v.21-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis8

Howlonghadtheybeeninthearkwhenthetopsofthemountainsbecamevisible?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________HowdidNoahknowthewatershadreceded?(v.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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HowdidNoahknowwhentoleavetheark?(v.12-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Compare8:14to7:11.Howlongweretheyinthearktotal?____________________________________________________WhatpromisedidGodmake?(v.20-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis9

Whatdotheseversesimplyabouttheireatinghabits?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodinstitutecapitalpunishment?(v.4-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisthesignificanceoftherainbow?(v.7-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasHamcursedwhileShemandJaphethwereblessed?(v.18-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis10

Whoisreferredtointheseversesandhowaretheydescribed?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________NameseveralfamouscitiesassociatedwithHam’sfamily.(v.6-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________AreanysonsofShemfamiliartoyou?(v.21-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ButNoahfoundgraceintheeyesoftheLord.” Genesis6:8

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Lesson3

Overview

Thisweek’sreadingbeginswiththefamousstoryofthetowerofBabel.Inchapter10wereadaboutthedescendantsofNoahandwheretheysettledinancientMesopotamia.Verses5,20and31mentionthedifferentlanguages.Chapter11goesbackandfillsindetailsabouthowthedifferentlanguagescametobe(similartoGenesis2whichfillsindetailsaboutchapter1).

Somethingtothinkabout:whowaswritingthishistoryoftheworld?ThefirstfivebooksoftheOldTestamentareknownasthePentateuchandareattributedtoMosesinseveralplacesintheBible.Ofcoursewethinkabout2Timothy3:16,“AllscriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod…”,butwealsoknowthatGodchosehumanwriterstopenthewordsHegavethem(1Peter1:19-21).Genesis5and10beginwith,“Nowthisisthegenealogyof…”andthatphraseappearstwiceinchapter11.SodidGodsupernaturallygiveMosesallthenamesanddatesinGenesis?OrdidAdamandNoahkeepcarefulrecordsthatwerepreservedforthosegenerations?DoyouthinkAdamhadawrittenlanguage?OrdoyoupictureAdamasacavemandrawingstickfiguresoncavewalls?ThoughcavemenarenotspecificallymentionedintheBible,itseemssafetoassumethatAdamandhissonswerenotcavemen.ThemostplausibleplaceforcavemenintheBibleishereinchapter11whenGodconfusedtheirlanguage,andtheywereforcedtospreadoutasGodhadalreadytoldthemtodo.

Chapter12beginstheaccountofGod’scovenantwithAbrahamandHisownchosenpeople.ConsidercarefullythepromisesmadetoAbraham,especiallyinlightoftheon-goingstrifeinthatlandtothisveryday.ThesonsofAbrahamarestillfightingoverthisallthesemanyyearslater.Wewillseethebeginningofthecontroversyaswestudythissection.

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Lesson3

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis11

Whatweretheybuildingandwhy?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.5-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowoldwasShemduringtheflood?(v.11-27)____________________________________________________WhatisinterestingaboutTerah?(v.27-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis12

WhatstandsouttoyouaboutGod’spromisestoAbram?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdoyouthinkverse3means?________________________________________________________________________________________________________WheredidAbramgo,andwhatdidGodsayaboutit?(v.4-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhereexactlydidAbrambuildthisaltar?(v.8-9–thisplacewillbeinterestinginlaterstudy)____________________________________________________WhydidAbramlie,andhowdidGodprotectSarai?(v.10-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis13

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WhatwasAbram’sfinancialsituation?(v.1-2)____________________________________________________WhydidAbramandLotseparatefromeachother?(v.3-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodpromiseAbram,andwhatdidAbramdo?(v.14-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis14

WhatdidAbramdoforLotandwhy?(v.1-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasMelchizedekandhowdidAbramrespondtohim?(v.18-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidAbramrefusegiftsfromthekingofSodom?(v.21-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis15

WhatwasAbramconcernedabout?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________WhatdidGodpromiseandwhatwasAbram'sresponse?(v.4-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAbramaskforandwhatdidGodaskhimtodo?(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describewhatyouunderstandofthisprophecy.(v.11-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndhebelievedintheLord,andHeaccountedittohimforrighteousness.” Genesis15:6

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Lesson4

Overview

Thesechaptershavesomeverydifficultsituationstoprocess.Oneoutstandingthoughtforeverybelievershouldbethatevenwhenwemakemistakes,Godisstillgraciousandstillincontrolofeverything.

KeepinmindthatAbramandSaraiweretheiroriginalnames,butGodrenamedbothofthemtothemorefamiliarAbrahamandSarah.Bothsetsofnameshadmeanings,whichwereveryimportanttothepeopleofthatday.Nameshadtodowithcharacterandpurpose,andinsomecasesevenreputation.

Spendsometimewiththemoredifficultchapterstryingtoimaginehowthepeopleofthatdaydealtwiththeirculture.Someissues,likemarryingmorethanonewife,werecommonamongpagancultures,butthatpracticewasdefinitelynotGod’swill.ItwasveryeasyevenforpeopleofGodtogetmixedupwithungodlyideasandturnfromGod’swillfortheirlives.Itwasabigtemptationforthem,anditstillisabigtemptationtoday.ThatisoneofthecompellingreasonstoreadGod’sWordcarefullyandthoughtfully.IfwestayclosetoGod’sWord,wewillbelessinclinedtogetcaughtupinthecultureofourdaythatdrawsourheartsandlivesawayfromGod.WereadinthislessonhowbothAbrahamandLotgotcaughtupinungodliness,andweseethedisastrousconsequences.

SeveraltimesduringthelifeofAbraham,GodconfirmedHiscovenantwithAbrahamandhisdescendants.Abraham’sfamilybecamethechosenpeopleofGod.ItwouldbethroughAbraham’slinethatGod’sMessiahwouldcome.YouwillseethroughtheentireOldTestamenthowGodprotectedandprovidedforthelineageofourSavior.

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Lesson4

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis16

WhydidAbrammarryHagar?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________WhywasSaraiupset?(v.4-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoHagar?(v.6-9)____________________________________________________HowdidtheAngeloftheLordencourageHagar?(v.10-16)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis17

HowwasAbraham’snamechangetiedtoGod’scovenantwithhim?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Namesomeotherpartsofthecovenant(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwascircumcisionpartofthecovenant?(v.10-14)____________________________________________________WhydidAbrahamlaugh?(v.15-17)____________________________________________________WhatwouldbecomeofIshmael?(v.18-27)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis18

WhatdidAbrahamthinkofhisguests?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________WhatdidAbrahamdoforthem?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhydidSarahlaughandwhydidshelieaboutit?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwaswrongwithSodomandGomorrah?(v.16-21)____________________________________________________WhatdidAbrahamaskforandwhy?(v.22-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis19

WhydidLotwanttheangelstostaywithhim?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatawfulthingwasLotwillingtodoandwhatwastheresult?(v.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasthemainproblemwithLot’sfamily?(v.12-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.17-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidLot’sdaughtersdothisterribledeed?(v.30-38)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis20

WhydidAbrahamlie?(v.1-2)____________________________________________________HowdidAbimelechknowthetruth?(v.3-7)____________________________________________________HowdidAbrahamjustifyhislie?(v.8-13)____________________________________________________Whatwastheresult?(v.14-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThenshecalledthenameoftheLordwhospoketoher,You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees;forshesaid,‘HaveIalsohereseenHimwhoseesme?’“ Genesis16:13

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Lesson5

Overview

ThestoryofAbrahamisnotonlythehistoryofthechosenpeopleofGod,butitisalsofulloflessonsforourownChristianlives.AbrahamandSarahwereincrediblyblessedbyGod,buttheywerebynomeansperfect.GodinHiswisdomrecordedthegoodandthebadsothatwemightseeHisgrace,mercyandsovereignty.

ThisisagoodtimetobesurethatyourbeliefsaboutthesepeopleandeventslineupwithwhattheBiblesays.Itisamazinghowmanypeopleseemoviesorbooksthatdepictsomeone’sideasaboutBiblestories,andthenhavetroublerememberingwhichfactswereactuallyintheBible.Paycarefulattentiontoyourreadingsothatyoudonotgetsomeoneelse’simaginationconfusedwiththeinspiredWordofGod.

ThesechapterstelltheremarkablestoryofthebirthofIsaactoAbrahamandSarahintheiroldage.WeseetheconflictbetweenIshmaelandIsaac,whichstillragesontothisday.AgreatlessontousisthatwemustneverviolateGod’swillinordertohelpGodaccomplishHispurpose.WearehonoredwhenGodusesustofurtherHiskingdom,butwemustalwaysfollowHiswill.AbrahamandSarahknewtheyhadapromisefromGodaboutason,buttheyweretooimpatienttowaitforGod’stiming.AndthenwhenGoddidsendthemason,theconflictbetweenGod’swaysandman’swaysprovedtoomuchforthemtolivewith.

Ishmael’sdescendantsandIsaac’sdescendantshavebeenatwaralmosteversincethisfirstaccount.WemustrememberthatthesonofGod’spromisewasIsaac,andthelandofIsraelbelongstoIsaac’sdescendants.WewillbestudyingthelandandGod’speopleformanymonthstocomeaswereadthisamazingaccountofGod’scovenantwithAbraham.

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Lesson5

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis21

WhatwasSarah’sson’sname?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________WhatdidSarahlearninherlaughter?(v.4-7)____________________________________________________WhywasSarahupsetandwhatwastheresult?(v.8-13)____________________________________________________WhathappenedtoHagarandIshmael?(v.14-21)____________________________________________________WhatwasAbraham’snameforGodatBeersheba?(v.22-34)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis22

WhatdidGodtellAbrahamtodo,andwhatwashisresponse?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________HowisAbraham’sfaithshown?(v.4-8)____________________________________________________ConsideringAbraham’sage,howisIsaac’sfaithshown?(v.9-10)____________________________________________________WhydidGodsayHewouldblessthenationsthroughAbraham?(v.11-24)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis23

DidAbrahamandtheCanaanitesconsiderthelandtobelongtoAbraham?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastherelationshipbetweenAbrahamandtheCanaanites?(v.1-9,again)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhydidAbrahamwanttopayfortheland?(v.10-16)____________________________________________________WherewasSarahburied?(v.17-20)____________________________________________________

Day4–ReadGenesis24

WhatdidAbrahamwanthisservanttodo?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________Whatwastheservant’sconcernandAbraham’sresponse?(v.5-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheservant’sprayerandtheresult?(v.10-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Doyouknowwhytheservantwassodeeplygrateful?(v.22-27)____________________________________________________Aftertheservanttoldthewholestory,whatwastheresponsefromRebekah’sbrotherandfather?(v.28-51)____________________________________________________WhatdidtheservantwanttodoandwhatwasRebekah’sresponse?(v.52-61)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidIsaacfeelaboutRebekah?(v.62-67)____________________________________________________

Day5–ReadGenesis25

WriteanythingthatstandsouttoyouaboutAbraham’sdeathandburial.(v.1-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwithEsau’sbirthright?(v.19-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndAbrahamcalledthenameoftheplace,The-Lord-Will-Provide;asitissaidtothisday,‘IntheMountoftheLorditshallbeprovided.’“ Genesis22:14

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Lesson6

Overview

WewilltakeabreakfromGenesisandspendsometimeinthebookofJob.ItwillseemlikeweareskippingovertoJob,andinasenseweare.Butit’snotwhatitseems.Wewantthisstudytobechronological,andhistoricallytheeventsofJobhappenedsometimeduringtheeventsofGenesis.ThemostlikelyplaceisaroundGenesis10-12.

IntheorderofthebooksoftheBible,Jobispositionedwiththepoetrybooksbecausemostofitiswrittenasapoem.Butagain,mostBiblescholarsputtheeventsofJobsomewhereinthetimeofGenesis.Thereasonsforthatinclude:nonationsorrulersarementionedinthebookofJob;theLeviticalsacrificialsystemhadnotyetbeenestablished;theIsraelitesarenotmentioned;anddinosaurswerenotyetextinct.Ofcoursetheword“dinosaur”isnotmentionedsinceitdidnotbecomeaworduntilthe1800s.Jobuses“leviathan”and“behemoth”forthedinosaurs.

WewillnotreadtheentirebookofJobatthistime,althoughitisdefinitelyworthreadingeverychapter.WewillreadenoughtogetthegeneralideaofJob’slifeandhisinteractionwithhis“friends”.ManypeoplemistakenlyassumethatJobisabooktohelpusunderstandthepurposeofsufferinginthislife.Butifthatwerethepurpose,thentheanswerisnotreallygiven.WeseethatGodgrantedSatanpermissiontoattackJobineveryway.SatanwasgivenpermissiontoattackJob’spossessionsandkillhischildrenfirst.ThenGodletshimattackJob’shealth.EvenJob’swifeturnedagainstGodandagainstJob.Thenhisfriendscometo“comfort”him.WeseeJob’sfriendstakingthepositionthathissufferingsarebasicallyhisownfault.Therearegreatlessonstolearnabouthowtocomfortsomeonewhoishavinghardtimesintheirlife.Nextweektherewillbegreatlessonsaboutalloflife.

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Lesson6

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJob1

HowisJobdescribed?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSatandescribeJob?(v.6-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoJobandwhy?(v.13-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJobrespond?(v.20-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJob2

HowdidGoddescribeJob?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSatandescribehim?(v.4-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenednextandwhatwasJob’sresponse?(v.6-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowlongwereJob’sfriendssilentandwhy?(v.11-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJob3

WhatdidJobwishfor?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatwashisnextthought?(v.11-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwashisfinalthoughtinthischapter?(v.20-26)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJob4

HowdidEliphazdescribeJob?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidEliphazsaywasthecauseofJob’ssuffering?(v.7-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describehisvision.(v.12-21)BasedonGod’sdescriptionofJob,wasEliphazcorrect?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJob8

WhatdidBildadclaimwasthereasonforJob’ssuffering?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidBildadaccuseJobof?(v.5-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidBildadclaimJob’sjoywouldreturn?(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________ConsideringwhatGodsaidofJobinchapters1and2,wasBildadright?________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“TherewasamaninthelandofUz,whosenamewasJob;andthatmanwasblamelessandupright,andonewhofearedGodandshunnedevil.” Job1:1

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Lesson7

Overview

ThisweekwewillreturntothepurposeofthebookofJob.Ifthepurposeweretounderstandsuffering,allwearereallyleftwithisthatsometimesGodallowssufferingforHisownreasons.AndsometimeswearenotabletounderstandGod’sreasons.Inthosecases,HewantsustotrustHispowerandpurpose.

Mostofthechaptersfromchapter4throughchapter37arelengthydiscoursesonJob’ssituationgivenbyhisso-calledfriends.ThroughoutthosechaptersJob’sfriendsofferreasonsforhispain.Thosechaptersaredefinitelyworthreading,butinthisstudywewillreadonlyafewrepresentativechapters.Job’sfriendsblamehissufferingonhisownsinfullife,whileJobcontinuestomaintainthathehadledaGodlylife.Theargumentsgoonandonwitheachfriendcontributinghisownideas.Mostoftheindividualdiscourseslastonlyoneortwochapters;thenwecometoElihu.Sinceheadmitshewastheyoungest,hestayedquietuntiltheothersseemedtohavefinished.Thenhegiveshisviewsforsixchapters!Inchapter38,GodgivesHisopinionofallthesewordsthethreefriendsofferedtoHisservantJob.

ThenweseeGodaddressingJobandcausingJobtofocusonHisomnipotenceandomniscience(twobigwordsthatmeanGodisall-powerfulandall-knowing).GodnevertellsJobwhyhehadtosuffer.GodnevermentionstoJobanythingaboutHisconversationswithSatan.HespendsfourchaptersquestioningJobabouttheuniverseingeneralandJob’sexperiencesinparticular.Again,HeneveraddressesJob’spersonalsuffering.WeknowGodcouldhavepreventedit,butHedidn’t.ThemainlessonseemstobetotrustGod’swaysashigherthanourown,nomatterwhathappens.Intheend,JoblearnstotrustGod’splanforhislife,andhisblessingsreturnwhenhepraysforhisfriends.

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Lesson7

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJob32

WhydidElihuwaittospeakandwhywasheupset?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidElihuthinkabouttheothermen?(v.6-9)____________________________________________________WhydidElihuthinkheshouldspeak?(v.10-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJob38

WhatdidGodsayaboutthesemen?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatareGod’squestionsabout?(v.4-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydoyouthinkGodquestionedJobaboutlight,snowandrain?(v.19-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatothersubjectsdoesGodmention?(v.31-41)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJob40

WhatwasJob’sfirstresponsetoGod?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodwantJobtoconsider?(v.6-14)____________________________________________________

Whatdoyouthinkabehemothis?Givesomeofthecharacteristics.Illustrateoneifyoucan.(v.15-24)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJob41

DescribeLeviathan.Haveyoueverseenanythinglikeit?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidLeviathanbreathe?Whatdoesitremindyouof?Givesomeotherremarkablecharacteristics.(v.12-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydoyouthinkGodspentsomuchtimedescribingLeviathan?(v.22-34)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJob42

HowdidJob’sattitudechange?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________HowdidJob’sfriends’attitudeschange?(v.7-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhenandhowdidtheLordrestoreJob’sblessings?(v.10-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Extra:ReadanyotherchaptersinJobandwritewhatstandsout.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndtheLordrestoredJob’slosseswhenheprayedforhisfriends.IndeedtheLordgaveJobtwiceasmuchashehadbefore.” Job42:10

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Lesson8

Overview

ThisweekwewillreturntoourGenesisstudy.RememberthatinGenesis25thedeathofAbrahamandIshmaelisrecorded,andthestorythenfocusesonIsaac.WeknowthatIsaacisthesonofpromisetoAbraham,andwerecognizetheon-goingconflictwiththedescendantsofIsaacandIshmael.ThedescendantsofIshmaelmakeupalargeportionoftheArabnationstoday,andtheycontinuetowarwiththenationofIsrael,Isaac’sdescendants.Themajorconflicttodayisovertheland,andweseeinourGenesisstudythatthelanddoesinfactbelongtoIsrael.Thereis,however,somecontroversyoverthatamongBiblescholars.

Inthisweek’sstudy,wewillreadaboutIsaacandRebekah,aswellastheirtwinsons,JacobandEsau.WhenyoureadtheBiblicalaccountoftheselives,youcanseethetroublethatcomeswhenapersonactsonhisorherownratherthanlookingtoGod.OftenwementallycriticizethesepeoplefortheirfailuretotrustandobeyGodwhenwedotheexactsamethinginourownlives.Itseemseasiertospotanotherperson’smistakesthantonoticeourown.

IsaacandRebekahcertainlyhadtheirshareoffamilyproblems.Mostoftheirproblemswerearesultofdisobedienceandselfishness.Thoseproblemswerepasseddowntotheirsons,whoalsohadalotofconflictbetweenthem.Theconflictbetweenthebrotherswasinlargeparttheresultoftheirparentseachfavoringonesonovertheother.Thiscausedalotofgrieffortheirfamily.BothIsaacandRebekahmademistakesthatmadetheirfamilysituationveryunhappy.Intheend,JacobandEsauhadtheopportunitytoreconciletheirdifferencesinspiteoftheirparents’mistakes.Again,itisimportanttonotethatGod’splanswerenothinderedbythemistakesofAbraham,IsaacandJacob.TheybecametheforefathersofthenationofIsrael,knownfortheirfaithfullives.

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Lesson8

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis26

WhatdidGodtellIsaac?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidIsaacdowrongandwhathappened?(v.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedwiththewells,andwhatcanwelearn?(v.12-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidAbimelechandhisfriendscometoIsaac,andwhatwastheresult?(v.26-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidIsaacandRebekahfeelaboutEsau’swives?(v.34-35)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis27

WhatdidIsaacwanttodo?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________WhatdidRebekahdo?(v.5-17)____________________________________________________WhatdidIsaacdo?(v.18-29)____________________________________________________WhywasEsausoupset,andwhatwastheresult?(v.30-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasRebekah’snewplanandwhy?(v.41-46)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis28

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WheredidIsaacsendJacobspecifically?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________WhatdidEsaudo?(v.6-9)____________________________________________________WhatdidGodshowJacob?(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJacob’sresponse?(v.17-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis29

DescribeJacob’sfirstrelationshipsinhisjourneytofindawife.(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidLabandotoJacob?(v.15-25)____________________________________________________HowlongdidJacobworktomarryRachel?(v.26-30)____________________________________________________HowdoLeah’ssons’namesshowhowshefelt?(v.31-35)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis30

WhatwentwronginJacob’sfamily?(v.1-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJacobwant?(v.25-26)____________________________________________________WhatdidLabanwant?(v.27-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheresult?(v.32-43)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndtheLordappearedtohimthesamenightandsaid,‘IamtheGodofyourfatherAbraham;donotfear,forIamwithyou.IwillblessyouandmultiplyyourdescendantsforMyservantAbraham’ssake.’“ Genesis26:24

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Lesson9

Overview

Whatanincrediblesectionofscriptureweareabouttodiveinto!Thesepassagescontainsomanyfamousstoriesthathavesomuchtoteachus.Alwayskeepinmindthat“theWordofGodislivingandpowerful,andsharperthananytwo-edgedsword,piercingeventothedivisionofsoulandspirit,andofjointsandmarrow,andisadiscernerofthethoughtsandintentsoftheheart.”(Hebrews4:12)Nomatterhowmanytimeswereadandstudyscripture,Godalwayshasnewandlivinglessonsforustoapplytoourthoughtprocesses.

WebeginthisweekwithJacobescapingfromhisfather-in-law,whohaddeceivedJacobintoworkingforhimformany,manyyears.JacobhasmadeLabanaverywealthyman,andGodhasblessedJacobwithwealthandmanysons.Havingmanychildreninthosedayswasagreatsignofpowerandprestige.GodinstructsJacobtoreturntohisownland,thelandofhisfatherandgrandfather.ThereistroublewithLabanandanticipatedtroublewithreturningtoCanaanwhereEsaustilllives.WouldEsautakekindlytothebrotherwhohadtrickedhimoutofhisbirthrightanddeceivedtheirfatherwiththeblessing?

Noticeaninterestingtraitthatispasseddowntoeachgenerationinthisfamousfamilyoffaithandblessing.Weseetimeandagainhowliesanddeception,fromAbraham’slyingtoPharoahinEgypttoJacob’ssonslyingtothemenofShechem.WeknowIsaacandJacobbothdealtindeceptionaswell.Thedishonestyinthisfamilycausespainandripsrelationshipsaparteverytime,buttheydonotchoosetostop.LaterGodwouldwriteintheLawthatthesinsofthefathersarepasseddowntothesonsaswell.Thatcertainlywasthecasewitheachofthesefathers.WeshouldcarefullyconsidertheimportanceoflearningtowalkinTruth;theOnewefollowisTruth.(John14:6)DowefeelanurgencytowalkinTruthbecauseofpossibleunpleasantconsequencesorsimplybecausewewanttohonorGod?

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Lesson9

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis31

WhatdidGodinstructJacobtodoandwhy?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidRachelandLeahfeelabouttheirfather?(v.4-16)____________________________________________________Whatisimportantabouttheseidols?(v.17-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowlongwasJacobunderLaban’sauthority,andwhatdidhethinkofhim?(v.36-42)____________________________________________________HowdidtherelationshipbetweenJacobandLabanend?(v.43-55)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis32

WhywasJacobafraidofEsau?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJacobdo?(v.8-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhomdidJacobwrestlewithandwhyisitimportant?(v.22-32)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis33

HowwouldLeahhavefeltaboutthisarrangement?(v.1-2)____________________________________________________

WhathappenedbetweenJacobandEsau?(v.3-17)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WheredidJacobsettleandwhatdidhecallit?(v.18-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis34

WhathappenedtoDinah?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthetwofamiliesfeelaboutthis?(v.5-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJacob’ssonswantShechemtodoandwhy?(v.13-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidShechemdoandwhy?(v.18-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidLeviandSimeondo?(v.25-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasJacobupset?(v.30-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis35

WhatdidGodtellJacobtodoandhowdidherespond?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________GiveseveralspecificpromisesGodmadetoJacob.(v.8-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwasIsaacblessedattheendofhislife?(v.16-29)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“IamtheGodofBethel,whereyouanointedthepillarandwhereyoumadeavowtoMe.Nowarise,getoutofthisland,andreturntothelandofyourfamily.” Genesis31:13

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Lesson10

Overview

ManytimeswearetemptedtoskipoverlonglistsofnamesintheBible,alsoknownasthegenealogies.Andevenskimmingthemseemslikealotoftrouble.ButGodputeverywordintheBibleforareason,soitisalwaysbeneficialtotrytoseewhatthatreasonis.Aswehavealreadymentioned,onereasonistoshowthatGodispersonallyinterestedinindividuals,notjustnationsorgroups.InEsau’sgenealogy,therearemanynotablenames.Noticealsothatveryoftenthemothersarementionedaswell.

NextwecometotheexcitingstoryofJoseph,thedreamer.ThisstoryspanstherestofthebookofGenesis,eventhoughJosephwasnotintheIsraelitelinetotheMessiah.ThatprivilegewouldcometoJoseph’sbrother,Judah,asunlikelyasthatseemsatfirst.Again,readingcarefullyandthoughtfullyisveryhelpfulinourunderstandingofGod’sWord.

ThereisanotherstorywithinthestoryconcerningJudahandhisdaughter-in-law,Tamar.Itseemslikeaverystrangestoryforourculture,butacarefullookshowsawomanwhowantedtobeapartofGod’schosenpeopleverydesperately.AndGodblessedheractions,eventhoughtheyseemterribletoustoday.SheandhersonsarementionedbynameinthegenealogiesofJesus.

So,diveintotheamazingadventuresofamannamedJoseph.Thelessonsforustodayarealmostlimitless.NoticeparticularlywhyJosephwascontinuallyblessedbyGod.ButnoticealsothatGodtookHisownsweettimeinrescuingJosepheverytime.Inhumanterms,wemightsayGodcouldhavepreventedsomanyofJoseph’smisfortunes,butHedidnotdothat.InHisdivineplan,HeusedJoseph’slifetoshowusthatHiswaystrulyarehigherthanours,and,likeJob,wemaynotalwaysunderstandwhyGoddoeswhatHedoes.Wesimplytrust.

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Lesson10

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis36

WhatisanothernameforEsau?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________NameseveralnotablesonsofEsau.(v.9-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhymightthesonsofSeirbementioned?(v.20-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Esauwasthefatherofwhatpeople-group?(v.31-43)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis37

WhydidJoseph’sbrothershatehim?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________BrieflydescribeJoseph’sdreams.(v.5-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedinDothan?(v.12-36)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis38

WhydidGodkillErandOnan?(v.1-10)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhathappenedwithJudahandTamarandwhatwastheresult?(v.11-26)

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwerethetwins’names?(v.27-30)SeealsoMatthew1:3formoreonthesesons.________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis39

DescribeJoseph’ssituationinPotiphar’shouse.(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidPotiphar’swifedo?(v.7-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeJoseph’ssituationinprison.(v.20-23)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis40

WhomdidJosephsaygivesinterpretations?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________Whatwastheinterpretationofthebutler’sdream?(v.9-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheinterpretationofthebaker’sdream?(v.16-19)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.20-23)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“TheLordwaswithJoseph,andhewasasuccessfulman;andhewasinthehouseofhismastertheEgyptian.AndhismastersawthattheLordwaswithhimandthattheLordmadeallhedidtoprosperinhishand.” Genesis39:2-3

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Lesson11

Overview

ThislessonbeginswiththespectacularstoryofhowJosephwasfinallyreleasedfromprison.Thereisadangerwithstorieswehaveheardallofourlives:wetendtomentallyskipoverthembecausewearesofamiliarwiththem.Trytoformthehabitofreadingcarefully,eventhosepartsyouareveryfamiliarwith.YoumightnotthinkofsomeoftheOldTestamenthappeningsasspectacularsimplybecauseoffamiliarity.ButthesearecertainlyamazingcircumstancesforJosephandforthenationofIsrael.

NoticethatJosephwasinprisonfortwoyearsafterhehadaskedthebutlertorememberhisstoryandtrytogethimfreed.MostofuswouldbeveryangryatGodforallowingsomuchtimetopasswhileweareinadifficultsituation.But,asJoseph’sstorypowerfullyremindsus,God’splansunfoldexactlyasHewillsthemto,inHisowntime.JosephprovedhistrustinGod’splansoverandoverinhislife,evenascircumstancesseemedtoalwayscomeagainsthim.Hekeptastrongfaithandapositiveattitudeevenwhenwrongfullyaccusedandimprisoned.

Chapter41signalstheendofmuchofJoseph’ssufferings.Butthereisstillsomethingmissingforhim.Heisstillseparatedineverywayfromhisfamily.Thisentirelessontellstheheart-meltingstoryofhowJosephwasrestoredtohisfamily.Therearesomanyspirituallessonsforusinthisstory.Asyouread,askGodtohelpyounoticethethingsHewantstoteachyou.TrytopinpointlessonssuchaswhyJacobwouldnotallowReubentotakeBenjamin,butheconsentedtoJudah.PonderwhetherJosephwashavingahardtimeforgivinghisbrothers,orifhewastryingtofindoutifhisbrothershadchanged.CouldhetrusthisbrothersnottoharmBenjaminthewayhehimselfhadbeenharmedbythem?TrytoseparatewhattheBiblereallysaysfromwhatyoumighthaveseeninacartoonorbook.

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Lesson11

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis41

Describethefirstdream.(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetheseconddream.(v.5-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasPharaoh’sproblem?(v.8)____________________________________________________Whatwasthesolution?(v.9-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJosephsayaboutinterpretationofdreams?(v.15-16)____________________________________________________Whatwastheinterpretation?(v.17-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJosephadvisePharaohtodo?(v.33-36)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidPharaohdo?(v.37-46)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowereJoseph’ssons?(v47-57)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis42

DidJosephandhisbrothersrecognizeeachother?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________WhatdidJosephrequireofthem?(v.9-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatwasJacob’sresponse?(v.25-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis43

WhoconvincedJacobtosendBenjamin?(v.1-14)____________________________________________________WhydidJosephcry?(v.15-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatsurprisedthebrothers?(v.31-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis44

HowdidJosephtestthem?(v.1-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheresultofthetest?(v.18-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis45

WhatdidJosephsaywasthereasonhewasinEgypt?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJosephwantthemtodo?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidPharaohdo?(v.16-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJacobrespond?(v.22-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

Keyverses:“AndGodsentmebeforeyoutopreserveaposterityforyouintheearth,andtosaveyourlivesbyagreatdeliverance.Sonowitwasnotyouwhosentmehere,butGod;andHehasmademeafathertoPharaoh,andlordofallhishouse,andarulerthroughoutallthelandofEgypt.” Genesis45:7-8

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Lesson12

Overview

WecomenowtotheendofGenesis,theendofthebookofbeginnings.ThemenwehavebeenstudyingsinceGenesis12areknownasthePatriarchs.Thatmeansthatthesemenwerestrongmaleleadersintheirfamilies.Itdoesnotmeanthatthewomenwerelessimportant.Infact,aswehavenoticed,thewomenaregivenveryprominentrolesthroughouttheBible.

TheimportanceofthepromisesGodmadetoAbraham,IsaacandJacobcannotbeoverstated.IfyoudonotunderstandtherelationshipthatthesemeneachhadwithGod,thenyouwillnotunderstandthesignificanceofmostoftheBible.TheirfamilywassetapartasthechosenpeopleofGodinordertoprotectandpreservethegenealogicallineoftheMessiah.SoGod’spromisesanddealingswiththeIsraelitesarecriticaltoHisultimateplanfortheentireworld.Hopefully,asyouarereadingthoroughlyandcarefully,youareunderstandingthereasonsGodgaveusthisparticularinformation.

So,asyoureadtheselastchaptersofGenesis,noticewhowenttoEgypt,whytheywent,wheretheysettledandwhy.SomanythingsintheBiblemakemoresensewhenyouunderstandthebackgroundofagivensituation.NoticeJacobtellingJosephpersonallyaboutGod’spromises.Wedon’thavearecordofGodappearingtoJosephinthesamewayHeappearedtohisfather,hisgrandfather,andhisgreat-grandfather.PartofthereasonforthatisthatthoseparticularpromiseswouldnotbefulfilledinJoseph’sline.Aswehavealreadymentioned,thePromisewouldbefulfilledthroughJudah.ReadcarefullythroughtheblessingsandpropheciesabouteachofJacob’ssons.Lateronwewillreadaboutthe12tribesofIsrael,andwewillseethesignificanceofthedoubleblessingforJosephthroughhissons.

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Lesson12

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadGenesis46

WasitGod’swillforIsraeltogotoEgyptandhowdoyouknow?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowmanytotalIsraeliteswenttoEgypt?(v.5-27)____________________________________________________WhydidJosephwanttheiroccupationemphasized?(v.28-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadGenesis47

WhatdidPharaohoffertotheIsraelites?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowweretheIsraelitestreated?(v.7-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJosephdealwiththefamineyears?(v.13-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJacobmakeJosephpromise?(v.27-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadGenesis48

WhatdidJacobsayaboutJoseph’ssons?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJacobdoing?(v.7-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhywasJosephunhappy?(v.15-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidJacobgiveEphraimagreaterblessing?(v.19-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadGenesis49

HowdidJacobdescribeReuben?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________WhatwasSimeon’sandLevi’sworstquality?(v.5-7)____________________________________________________Fromthesepropheticverses,whydoyouthinkJesusissometimescalledthe“LionofJudah”?(v.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatismostinterestingtoyouaboutthepropheciesforthese6sons?(v.13-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwereJosephandBenjaminblessedbyJacob?(v.22-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WheredidJacobwanttobeburied?(v.29-33)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadGenesis50

WhomadethetripbacktoCanaan?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________HowdidtheCanaanitesrespond?(v.10-14)____________________________________________________WhatwereJoseph’sbrothersafraidof?(v.15-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJosephsayabouthisbones?(v.22-26)____________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Josephsaidtothem,‘Donotbeafraid,foramIintheplaceofGod?Butasforyou,youmeantevilagainstme;butGodmeantitforgood,inordertobringitaboutasitisthisday,tosavemanypeoplealive.’“ Genesis50:19-20

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Lesson13

Overview

ExoduscontinuestherivetingstoryofGod’sdealingswithHispeople,theIsraelites.Theword“exodus”actuallymeans“goingout”.So,aswereadinGenesisabouthowGod’schosenpeoplecametoliveinEgypt,wewillreadinExodusabouthowGodbroughtthembacktothelandHepromisedthem.

ExodusbeginswithhowtheIsraeliteswerelivinginEgyptandwhatwashappeningtothemafterJosephwasgoneandlargelyforgottenbythecurrentPharaoh.Again,takecarenottoconfusewhattheBiblereallysayswithanymovieorvideoabouttheseevents.Mediapresentationsalwayshavesomecomponentsthatarefromtheimaginationofthewritersandproducers,sincenoteverydetailisincludedintheBiblicalaccount.BesuretoconsiderthefactsfromtheBibleabovesomeone’sopinionorimagination.

WeareintroducedtoMosesinthesecondchapter.MosesiscreditedwithwritingthefirstfivebooksoftheBible,knownasthePentateuch.SoMoses’lifeisveryprominentinscriptureanddeservesverycarefulstudy.Trytodevelopthehabitofconsideringwhothepeopleareintheseaccountsandwheretheycamefrom.Forexample,whoweretheMidianites,andwhowastheirancestor?ThesedetailscanaddmuchrichnesstoyourpersonalstudyasyouseeGod’splanunfold.Therearealsomanyapplicationstoourownlivesasweconsiderlong-termconsequencestoouractionsanddecisions.

Thislessoncoversalotofground,sotaketheextratwodaysthisweektolookbackoverwhatyouhavestudied.Thiscanhelpyoutomoreeffectively“hideGod’sWordinyourheart”(Psalm119:11).Asyouponderwhatyouarereadingandstudying,GodwillshowyouhowtoapplywhatyouarelearningtoyourownlifeofobedienceandservicetoHim.

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Lesson13

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus1

WhathappenedtotheIsraelitesinEgypt?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidthenewPharaohfear?(v.8-10)____________________________________________________WhatdidthePharaohdoandwhatwastheresult?(v.11-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasPharaoh’ssecondplanandwhatwastheresult?(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus2

Whowasthisbabyandwhathappenedtohim?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidMoses’motherultimatelygettoraisehim?(v.5-10)____________________________________________________WheredidMosesgoandwhy?(v.11-15)____________________________________________________WhowasMoses’wife,andwhatwashisfirstson’sname?(v.16-25)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus3

WhydidGodinstructMosestoremovehisshoes?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________WhatproblemandsolutiondidGodpresenttoMoses?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhattwoargumentsdidMosesmake,andwhatwereGod’sresponses?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodsaywouldhappen?(v.16-22)____________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus4

WhatwasMoses’nextargumentandGod’sresponse?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwerethetwoadditional“proofs”?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwereMoses’nexttwoobjectionsandGod’sresponses?(v.10-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwereGod’sfurtherinstructions?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethenextthreeevents.(v.24-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus5

WhatplandidMosesandAaronpresenttoPharaoh,andwhatwashisresponse?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidPharaohdototheIsraelites?(v.5-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheIsraelitesandMosesrespond?(v.15-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“SotheLordsaidtohim,‘Whohasmademan’smouth?Orwhomakesthemute,thedeaf,theseeing,ortheblind?HavenotI,theLord?Nowtherefore,go,andIwillbewithyourmouthandteachyouwhatyoushallsay.’“ Exodus4:11-12

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Lesson14

Overview

ThislessonbeginswithGodremindingMosesofhowHewilldelivertheIsraelitesfrombondageandthecovenantHehadmade.WealreadyseetheIsraelitesresistingGod’swillbecauseoftheirownweakfaith.WecanbesurethatthefirstfewgenerationsofIsraelinEgyptkepttheirfaithstrongbyrecountingGod’sprovidenceinbringingthemoutofthefamineinCanaan.GraduallythepeopleforgotGod’spower,butGodwasabouttoremindthemofexactlywhoHeisandwhatHecando.

TheweakfaithandweakobedienceoftheIsraelitesbecomesomethingofathemefortherestoftheirhistoryandeventothispresentday.God’sdealingswiththemshowHismanyattributes:Hispatience,Hisprovidence,Hisdeeploveforthemandwillingnesstoforgivetheirunbeliefanddisobedience.TheyhaveacycletotheirrelationshipwithGodthatlookslikethis:

1.Godblessesthem2.TheydisobeyGod3.Godallowsdisaster4.Theyrepent5.Godforgivesandblessesthem

Andthenthecyclerepeatsoverandover.ButGodcontinuestoshowHisgraceandmercytoHispeople.ReadingtheseaccountsandknowinghowthisallturnsoutcansometimescauseustojudgetheIsraelitesfortheirstubbornness;however,weshouldconsiderthatwedothesamethinginourownrelationshipwithGod.WeoftengetoffGod’spathforourlives,andthenturnbacktoHimonlyaftersomethingdisastroushappens.AswestudytheIsraelites,letusbemindfulofourownfaithinGod’splansforourlives,orwhetherweresistHiswill.Noticethepeople’sresponsestoGod’smiraclesandPharaoh’shardnessofheart.

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Lesson14

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus6

WhatdidGodwantMosestoremindtheIsraelites?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodpromisethem?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheIsraelitesrespond?(v.9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasMoses’argumentandGod’sresponse?(v.10-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasMoses’andAaron’sgreat-grandfather?(v.14-20)____________________________________________________WhywastheidentityofMosesandAaronemphasized?(v.21-27)____________________________________________________HowdidMosesfeel?(v.28-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus7

HowdidGoddescribetheexodus?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwithAaron’srod?(v.8-13)____________________________________________________Whathappenedwiththeriver?(v.14-25)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus8

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Describethesecondplague;noticethemagicians.(v.1-8)____________________________________________________Whatwastheresult?(v.9-15)____________________________________________________Whatwasthethirdplague,andwhataboutthemagicians?(v.16-19)____________________________________________________Whatwasthefourthplague,andwhatdidPharaohoffer?(v.20-25)____________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.26-32)____________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus9

WhatwasthedifferencebetweentheIsraelitesandtheEgyptians?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________WhatchangedaboutPharaoh’sheart?(v.8-12)____________________________________________________WhydidGodallowEgypttobecomestrong?(v.13-16)____________________________________________________What2typesofpeoplearedescribed?(v.17-21)____________________________________________________Whatwasthe7thplagueandhowdidPharaohrespond?(v.22-35)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus10

WhatwastheresponseofPharaoh’sservants?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________WhatwasPharaoh’sresponsetothe8thplague?(v.8-20)____________________________________________________WhathappenedbetweenMosesandPharaoh?(v.21-29)____________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“IwilltakeyouasMypeople,andIwillbeyourGod.ThenyoushallknowthatIamtheLordyourGodwhobringsyououtfromundertheburdensoftheEgyptians.AndIwillbringyouintothelandwhichIsworetogivetoAbraham,IsaacandJacob;andIwillgiveittoyouasaheritage:IamtheLord.” Exodus6:7-8

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Lesson15

Overview

WearestudyingthroughanextremelyrichandexcitingtimeinthehistoryofIsrael.Infact,whatwearereadingnowcontainsmuchofthebasisfortheentireJewishfaith.KeepinmindtheoverarchingthemethattheseareGod’speople,chosentobethefamilyoftheMessiah,withspecialplans,provisionsandprotectionfromourGodandFather.

WehavealreadystudiedthefirstnineplaguesthatGodbroughtontheEgyptians.HopefullyyounoticedthehardeningofPharaoh’sheartduringGod’sdealingswithhim.Youmayhavenoticedthatinthefirstfourplagues,Pharaoh’sheartgrewhardagainstGod’swill,anditspecificallysaysthathehardenedhisownheart.Theninthefifthplague,thelanguagechangestoGodhardeningPharaoh’sheart.Sothequestionbecomes:didPharaohhaveachoiceabouthisheartafterGodhardenedit?Andtheanswerisbeforeus.Asisalwaysthecase,Godoffersgraceandmercytohealoursinfulhearts.ButitisuptoustoacceptorrejectGod’sofferofsalvation.Andjustastherearephysicallaws,suchasgravity,thatgovernthephysicaluniverse,sotherearespiritualprinciplesthatcontrolourheartsandminds.Ifwe,likePharaoh,continuetorejectGod,thentherewillcomeadaywhenwewillnotbeabletosoftenourownheartstowardsGod.WeseemanyexamplesofthistypeofstubbornnessthroughouttheBible.

Sowecometothetenthplague,thedeathofthefirstborn.NoticethePassoverbloodwasappliedtothesidesandtopofthedoors,aforeshadowingofthecrossofChrist.WealsohavethemiraculouscrossingoftheRedSeainthislesson,aswellasthepillaroffireandthepillarofcloud.NoticealsothenumberofIsraelitesthatleftEgyptandthecontinuingevidencesoftheirweakfaith.Prayforstrongfaithinyourownlifeasyoustudy.

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Lesson15

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus11

HowdidtheEgyptiansfeelaboutMoses?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________WhatwasthetenthplagueandhowdiditaffecttheIsraelites?(v.4-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasPharaoh’sresponse?(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus12

WhatwereGod’sinstructions,andwherewasthebloodofthelambtobeapplied?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisthisfeastcalledandwhy?(v.11-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheIsraelitesdoandwhatdidPharaohdo?(v.21-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Giveseveralinterestingfactsabouttheexodus.(v.31-42)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwereGod’sinstructionsforfuturePassoverfeasts?(v.43-51)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus13

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HowwouldGod’sWordberemembered?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheytodowiththeirfirst-bornsonsandanimals?(v.11-16)____________________________________________________HowdidGodleadHispeople?(v.17-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus14

WhydidGodhardenPharaoh’sheart?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________WhatdidPharaohdoandwhy?(v.5-10)____________________________________________________HowdidtheIsraelitesrespond,andhowdidGodprotectthem?(v.11-20)____________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.21-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus15

WhatdidMosesandthepeoplesingabout?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________Howdidtheyexpresstheirdeliverance?(v.6-10)____________________________________________________WhataresomeofthethingstheysangaboutGodandhowpeopleshouldrespondtoGod?(v.11-19)____________________________________________________WhowasMiriamandwhatdidshedo?(v.20-21)____________________________________________________Describethewatersituation.(v.22-27)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“AndMosessaidtothepeople,‘Donotbeafraid.Standstill,andseethesalvationoftheLord,whichHewillaccomplishforyoutoday.FortheEgyptianswhomyouseetoday,youshallseeagainnomoreforever.TheLordwillfightforyou,andyoushallholdyourpeace.’“ Exodus14:13-14

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Lesson16

Overview

ThesoundsofIsrael’ssongsofpraisefortheRedSeamiraclewerestillechoingwhenthepeoplebegantocomplainagainstMosesandagainstGod.Itcanbeveryfrustrating,especiallysinceweknowthewholestory,toseehowquicklythesechosenpeopleofGodturnawayfromGod’splansforthem.WewillseethishappenoverandoverthroughoutthestudyoftheOldTestament,andindeedtheentireBible.Beforewejudgethemtooharshlythough,weneedtoexamineourownlivesandseeifwedoexactlythesamething.Weareallpronetowhinewhenthingsdon’tgoexactlyaswehopeorwhenGod’splansdon’thappenonourowntimeschedule.WeshouldallconsiderhowmuchwetrustHim,evenaswereadandstudyabouttheIsraelites’difficultiesinthatarea.

SotheLordprovidedmannaforthepeopletoeat.ItwasHisdailyprovisionforthem,miraculouslyappearingeverydayexceptontheSabbath.Anexplanationofthatisgiveninchapter16.Theyeveneventuallycomplainedaboutthemanna.ReadingaboutthemannashouldremindusofhowGodprovidesdailyforus.Oftenwecomplainthatwedon’thavewhatwewant.InPsalmsGodcallsthis“askingforthefoodoftheirfancy.”(Psalm78:18)Godhelpustobethankfulforwhatwehavebeengiven.

WecometothegivingoftheTenCommandmentsinthislessonaswell.Thisisperhapsthemostwell-knowneventintheOldTestament.Itwouldbedifficulttofindsomeonewhohasn’tatleastheardoftheTenCommandments,evenifheorshecan’tnamethem.Studythemcarefullythisweek.ItisveryeasytoimaginethatifIgotochurcheverySundayandactlikeagoodcitizenthatIambasicallyobeyingallofthecommandments.Butthosetwothingsmaynotevenaccomplishtheveryfirstcommandment.Usethisweek’sstudytoexamineyourownheart.

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Lesson16

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus16

WhatwastheircomplaintandGod’sresponse?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodprovide,andwhatwereHisinstructions?(v.6-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whydidsomeoftheleftoversspoilandsomedidnot?(v.20-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidtheycallthefood,andhowlongdidtheyeatit?(v.27-36)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus17

WhatwastheircomplaintandGod’sresponse?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheIsraelitesdefeattheAmalekites?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodinstructMosestodo?(v.14-16)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus18

WhatwasMoses’relationshipwithJethro,andwhydidJethrocometoseehim?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJethro’sresponsetoGod?(v.8-12)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhatdidJethroseeasaproblem,andwhatwashissolution?(v.13-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidMosesdo?(v.23-27)____________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus19

WhatdidGodtellthemthattheirpartofthecovenantwouldbe?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhatspecificinstructionsdidGodgivethem?(v.7-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodappear?(v.16-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatfurtherinstructionsweregiven?(v.21-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus20

Summarizethe1stthrough4thcommandments.(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Summarizethe5ththrough10thcommandments.(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheinstructionsforthealtar?(v.18-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“Nowtherefore,ifyouwillindeedobeyMyvoiceandkeepMycovenant,thenyoushallbeaspecialtreasuretoMeaboveallpeople;foralltheearthisMine.” Exodus19:5

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Lesson17

Overview

ThenexttwolessonsinExodusareGod’sextremelydetailedinstructionsandfurtherlawsforHispeople.KeepinmindthattheIsraeliteswerejustcomingfrom400yearsinEgypt,andmanyofthoseyearswerespentinslavery.TheyhadnoideahowtogovernthemselvesorhowtofollowGodapartfromEgyptianlawsandslaverystatus.GodstartedwiththebasisofthelawintheTenCommandments;thenHespelledoutanamazingamountofdetailthattheywouldalsoberesponsibleforkeeping.ItisveryimportanttokeepinmindthatthesespecificlawswerefortheIsraelitesatthattime.Theywereintendedtokeeporderamongthe2millionorsopeople;theywerealsointendedtoprotectthemandtosetthemapartfromothernationsandpeoplegroups.

SometimespeoplewhowanttodiscreditGod’swordwilltakepassagesliketheseonslaveryandclaimthattheBiblecondonesslavery.Inancienttimes,beforecreditcardsandbankruptcycourts,ifsomeonehaddebtstheycouldnotpay,theywouldbeforcedtosellthemselvestotheircreditorstoworkofftheirdebt.Thiswascommonpracticeamongmanynationsduringthattime.Itwasnotastampofapprovalonslavery;rather,itwasawayforapersontopaywhatheorsheowed.Ofcourse,asintheIsraelites’situationinEgypt,sometimesagroupofpeopleoranationwouldbemadeslavesbyastrongernationthathadconqueredthem.Thiswasanotherresultofthesinfulnessoftheworld,notanexampleofGodgivingHisapprovaltoslavery.SinceitwastheirpracticeandheritageinEgypt,Godgavethemspecificlawsgoverninghowslavesshouldbetreated.

WealsobeginlookingattheintricatedetailsconcerningtheTabernacle,aswellasthefeastdaysforIsrael.TakesometimetoconsiderthemanydetailsofobedienceGodrequired.DoesHegiveusdetailsofobedienceaswell?

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Lesson17

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus21

Whatdidthepiercingoftheearmean?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________Howwerefemaleslavesprotected?(v.7-11)____________________________________________________Nameseveraloffenseswherethepunishmentwasdeath.(v.12-22)____________________________________________________Describethistypeofretribution.(v.23-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetheresponsibilitiesofanimalowners.(v.28-36)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus22

Describethelawsabouttheftandproperty.(v.1-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whataresomeotheroffenseswheredeathisthepenalty.(v.16-24)____________________________________________________Describethelendinglawsandtheofferings.(v.25-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus23

Nameseverallawsthatareapplicabletotoday.(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DescribethelawofSabbaths.(v.10-13)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________Whatwerethethreefeasts?(v.14-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheAngelofGod.(v.20-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatspecificcommandsdidGodgiveaboutthePromisedLand?(v.24-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus24

Howdidthepeoplerespondtothecovenant?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribethevisionofthegloryofGod.(v.9-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus25

Wheredidtheseofferingscomefrom?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethearkofthecovenant.(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethemercyseat.(v.17-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethetableanditspurpose.(v.23-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethelampstandandthelamps.(v.31-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThesightofthegloryoftheLordwaslikeaconsumingfireonthetopofthemountainintheeyesofthechildrenofIsrael.” Exodus24:17

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Lesson18

Overview

WeoftenseemovieversionsofBibletimesinwhicheverythingseemsmostlytanwithshadesofbrownmixedin.Ofcoursewerecognizethatonlyroyaltyinthosedayscouldaffordthemuchmoreexpensiveandraredyedclothfortheirclothesandhomefurnishings.So,ifyouarereadingcarefullyandnotskimmingovertheseintricatedetailsofthetabernacle,thenyoumightwonderwheretheseIsraeliteslavesacquiredallthebeautifulfabric,gold,silver,preciousstones,etc.Perhapsyourememberinlesson15thatGodtoldtheIsraelitestotakeeverythingthewealthyEgyptianswouldgivethem.AndtheEgyptiansweresobeatendownwiththeplaguesthattheygavetheIsraeliteseverythingtheyaskedfor.SotheIsraeliteslefttheirslaveryinEgyptwithmuchwealth.Godwasnowinstructingthemtousethesevaluablestoconstructthetabernacleofmeeting.

IfyouhavestudiedtheNewTestamentatall,youmightrecognizealotoftheimageryofourChristianlivesisrepresentedinthepartsofOldTestamentworship.Forexample,thelampstandthatwasalwaystobekeptburningrepresentsChristastheLightoftheworldinJohn8:12.Thealtarofincenseshouldremindusthatwearetobethe“fragranceofChrist”toGod,tothechurchandtoalostanddyingworld(2Corinthians2:15).TrytopictureeachdetailofthetabernacleandwhyGodwouldinstructtheminsuchadetailedway.ItisalsousefultorememberthatourverylivesarenowthetempleofGod,God’splaceofmeetingwithus(1Corinthians6:19).

SoweseethatthedetailsofthetabernaclearenotmeanttoshowushowGodwantsustobuildourchurches,butratherhowhewantsustopayattentiontothedetailsofourlivesbeforeHim.Keepyourownlifeandworshipinyourheartandmindasyoustudythedetailsofthissection.NoticealsohowallofitcanrepresentChristandHisatonementforus.

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Lesson18

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus26

Givesomeinterestingdetailsaboutthecurtains.(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethewoodframe.(v.15-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheholyplaceandtheMostHoly.(v.31-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus27

Howwouldtheycarrythealtar?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________Howbigwouldthecourtbe?(v.9-19)____________________________________________________Whowouldattendthelampstand?(v.20-21)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus28

WhatkindsofgarmentswouldAaronandhissonswear?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetheephod.(v.5-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasremarkableaboutthebreastplate?(v.15-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmessagewouldbewornonAaron’shead?(v.31-37)____________________________________________________What2thingswouldtheirclothesrepresent?(v.38-43)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus29

HowwouldAaronandhissonsbesetapart?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatmadeupthesinoffering?(v.10-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwouldAaronandhissons’clothesbemadeholy?(v.15-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwerethewaveofferingandtheheaveoffering?(v.22-28)____________________________________________________Howlongwouldittaketosanctifythealtar?(v.29-37)____________________________________________________Whatwerethedailyofferingsandtheirpurpose?(v.38-46)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus30

Describethealtarofincense.(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasthepurposeoftheransommoney?(v.11-16)____________________________________________________Whatwasimportantaboutthebronzelaver?(v.17-21)____________________________________________________Describetheanointingoilandthepenaltyformisusingit.(v.22-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetheincense.(v.34-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“IwilldwellamongthechildrenofIsraelandwillbetheirGod.AndtheyshallknowthatIamtheLordtheirGod,whobroughtthemupoutofthelandofEgypt,thatImaydwellamongthem.IamtheLordtheirGod.” Exodus29:45-46

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Lesson19

Overview

Thisisanotheroneofthoseaction-packedlessonsthatremindsusofbothGod’ssovereigntyandman’ssinfulstatebeforeajustandholyGod.ItbeginswithMosesstillonthemountainofGod,receivingthedetailedinstructionsforHispeople.BezalelandAholiabarenotablemeninseveralplacesofthislesson.

WearefacedthisweekwiththetragicfailureofAaronandtheIsraelitesinthegoldencalfincident.Again,wecanbesoquicktojudgetheirshallowandshort-sightedfaith,butwemustexamineourownlives.Therootsofidolatryrundeepintheheartofman.AndaswelookintothestoryoftheIsraelites’idolatry,weshouldberepentingofourowntendencytoputothergodsbeforeGodinourhearts.AskHimtoshowyouasyoureadandstudyexactlywhereyouridolsare.Perhapswedidnotbuildagoldencalf,butwemighthaveputourtelevisionsandcomputersbeforeGod.Wemakeexcusesinourheartsaboutwhatwewatchandwhatweallowintoourmindsfromtheidolsofourculture.

TakenoteofthepunishmentforbreakingtheSabbathlaw.SpendsometimeinprayerthisweekabouthowcasuallyweobserveSabbathrestinourculture.Oftenthereisnodistinctionbetweentheworldandthechurchonanygivenday.OfcourseweknowthattheSabbath(seventhday)isactuallySaturday,andthattheearlychurchcelebratedtherisenSavioronthefirstdayofeachweek(Sunday).ButwhetherweregardSaturdayorSundayasadayofrestandworship,surelyweshouldconsiderhowGodwouldhaveusregardaholy(setapart)daytohonorHim.

Noticealsotheemphasisthatisgiventothe“giftedartisans”.ThisshouldcauseustorealizethatnomatterhowGodhasgiftedusinourabilities,wecandedicatethosegiftsandabilitiestoHisserviceforablessingtothebodyofChrist.

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Lesson19

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus31

WhowereBezalelandAholiab,andwhatweretheytodo?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheimportanceoftheSabbath.(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowrotethe“tabletsoftestimony”?(v.18)____________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus32

Whywerethepeopleunhappy?(v.1)____________________________________________________WhatdidAarondo?(v.2-6)____________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.7-10)____________________________________________________WhatwasMoses’response?(v.11-18)____________________________________________________WhatwasAaron’sresponse?(v.19-24)____________________________________________________WhatdidthesonsofLevido?(v.25-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidMosesshowhisdevotiontohispeople,andhowdidGodrespond?(v.29-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus33

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Whydidthepeoplemourn?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhatwasMoses’tentcalled,andwhywasitimportant?(v.7-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedbetweenMosesandGod?(v.12-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus34

WhatdidGoddoforMosesandwhatwasMoses’response?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________WhatwasGod’swarning?(v.10-16)____________________________________________________WhatotherspecificcommandsdidGodgive?(v.17-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidMoseswearaveiloverhisface?(v.29-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus35

Whichcommandmentwasgivenfirstpriority?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________Whatweretheycommandedtobring?(v.4-9)____________________________________________________Whatwerethe“giftedartisans”todo?(v.10-19)____________________________________________________Describetheirofferings.(v.20-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeBezalel’sandAholiab’sabilities.(v.30-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“AndtheLordpassedbeforehimandproclaimed,‘TheLord,theLordGod,mercifulandgracious,longsufferingandaboundingingoodnessandtruth,keepingmercyforthousands,forgivinginiquityandtransgressionsandsin,bynomeansclearingtheguilty,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenandthechildren’schildrentothethirdandfourthgeneration.’“ Exodus34:6-7

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Lesson20

Overview

Asyoubeginreadingthesenextchapters,youmightfeellikeyouhavereadthisallbefore;andyouwouldbecorrect.InpreviouschaptersGodhasgivenMosesexactdirectionsforeverydetailofthetabernacle.Nowinthesechapters,everydetailwillberepeatedasitiscarriedoutbyMosesandthebuildersandcraftsmen.TheremaybeseveralreasonsthatGodwantedtorepeatthesedetailsinHisWord.AskHimasyoureadtoshowyouwhatHewouldhaveyoulearnfromthesespecificinstructions.SometimesGodputsthingsintheBiblesothatwewillconsiderourownlivesbeforeHim;sometimesinformationisgivensothatwelearnmoreaboutthenatureandcharacterofGod.Inthesechaptersthereissomeofboth.

FirstwemightconsiderhowspecificallyGodwantedHispeopletoobeyHim.HeeventoldthemthecolorsHewantedthecurtainstobe.EachfacetofthetabernaclewasdirectedbyGod.Aswehavementionedbefore,thisisnotparticularlyapatternforourownplacesofworship.Thetabernaclewasforaspecificpeopleinaspecifictime.ItwouldbereplacedlaterbythetemplethatwouldbebuiltbyKingSolomonhundredsofyearslater.AndthenintheNewTestament,thetempleofGodisourownbodies.SoonecomparisonforourworshiptodaymaybehowmanyspecificdetailsGodgaveusforourobediencetoHimandhowcasuallywetreatthoseadmonitions.Forexample,wearetoldtobekindandtenderheartedtoeachother(Ephesians4:32),andyetwethinkofallmannerofexcuseswhenwewanttotreateachotherunkindly.Wearetoldtoloveoneanother(1John4:7-8),andweareevengivenaspecificdescriptionoflove(1Corinthians13:4-7).Howoftenarewecompletelyobedienttothatmessage?Wearegivenmanyexplicitcommandsthatwetreatverycasually.TheseExoduspassagesshouldremindustoobeyGodineverydetail.

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Lesson20

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadExodus36

Whatisremarkableabouttheoffering?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Ifacubitisabout18inches,howbigwerethesecurtains?(v.8-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whydoyouthinktheseintricatedetailsarerepeatedastheyarecarriedout?(v.19-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadExodus37

Whatwasoverlaidontheark?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________Whatwerethetableandalltheutensilsoverlaidwith?(v.10-16)____________________________________________________Whatwerethelampstandandlampsmadeof?(v.17-24)____________________________________________________Whatoverlaidthealtarofincense?(v.25-29)____________________________________________________Read1Peter1:13-21,andexplainthesignificanceofgold.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadExodus38

Whywereringsandpolesinallofthesepieces?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatweretheoutsidepiecesmadeof?(v.8-20)____________________________________________________IfyouhaveatableofweightsandmeasuresinyourBible,useittogiveanestimateofthecostofthetabernacle.IfyoudonothaveachartinyourBible,findaninternetsourcetofiguretheapproximatevalue.(v.21-31)____________________________________________________

Day4:ReadExodus39

Whataretheprominentcolorsofthepriestlygarments?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howheavywouldthebreastplatelikelybe?(v.8-21)____________________________________________________Giveanotherreasonthateachdetailismentionedsomanytimes.(v.32-43)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadExodus40

Whatspecificadditionalinstructionisgiven?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________GiveanyotherspecificinformationaboutAaronandhissons.(v.12-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howmanytimesisthephrase“astheLordhadcommanded”(ortheequivalentinyourtranslation)mentioned?(v.16-33)____________________________________________________Describethecloudandthefire.(v.34-38)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndBezalelandAholiab,andeverygiftedartisaninwhomtheLordhasputwisdomandunderstanding,toknowhowtodoallmannerofworkfortheserviceofthesanctuary,shalldoaccordingtoallthattheLordhascommanded.” Exodus36:1

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Lesson21

Overview

BiblescholarJ.VernonMcGeesaidthateveryChristianshoulddevelopanunderstandingofLeviticusinordertounderstandJesus’sacrificeforoursin.SowewilltrytounderstandLeviticusinthislesson.

LeviticusisthethirdbookofthePentateuch,whichistheJewishnameforthefirstfivebooksoftheBible.TheNewTestamentcallsthesebookstheLaw,andascribestheauthorshiptoMoses.WehavealreadyreadinExodusthatthetribeofLeviwassetaparttobethepriesthoodfortheIsraelites.Theywouldbetheonestodotheworkofthetabernacleandlaterthetemple,aswellasadministerthesacrificesbeforeGod.SothebookofLeviticusdescribesthedutiesofthepriestsaswellasthedetailsofworshipandsacrifice.

MostpeopledonottakethetimetoreadandstudyLeviticus.ThereseemstobelittlecorrelationbetweenouracceptanceofChrist’ssacrificeonthecrossandthesacrificialsystemoftheOldTestament.Hebrewshassomechaptersdevotedtothecorrelation,andacarefulstudyofLeviticusgivesusevenmoreinsightintoourworshipofourholyGod.ButalsoasinJob,itisveryhelpfulforBiblestudyandBibleunderstandingtoreadallofthechapters.Butalso,asJob,wewillreadrepresentativechaptersratherthantheentirebook.SomeofLeviticusisverytediousanddifficulttostudy,butitisdefinitelyworththeeffort.Trytotakenotesonthechaptersthatwedon’treadinthisstudy.

KeepinmindthatthedetailsofthelawwerespecificallyfortheIsraelitepeopleofthatday.ThatiswhywedonotofferbloodsacrificessinceJesus’deathonthecross.ButalsorememberthatJesussaidhedidnotcometoabolishthelaw,buttofulfillit(Matthew5:17).AskGodforparticularunderstandinginLeviticus.

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Lesson21

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadLeviticus10

Whatkeyphraseinverse1showstheseriousnessofthisoffense?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________WhydidMosestellthemnottoshowgrief?(v.4-7)____________________________________________________Whatwerethenextinstructions?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidAarondefendtheiractions?(v.14-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadLeviticus16

Whatwasthedifferencebetweenthetwogoats?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthescapegoatrepresent,andwhatwastobedonewithit?(v.11-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________SinceGodcommandedtheDayofAtonementtobeayearlysacrifice,whatiscomparableinouryearlyholydays?(v.23-34)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadLeviticus17

Whatisthetruebloodthatmakesatonementforoursouls(ofwhichthebloodofanimalsisasubstituteorsymbol)?(v.1-11)____________________________________________________Whatrepeatedphraseshowsthesignificanceoftheblood?(v.12-16)____________________________________________________

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Day4:ReadLeviticus19

Describeanothertypeofoffering.(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwouldthepoorbeprovidedfor?(v.9-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Inthislistoffurtherlaws,whatstandsouttoyou?(v.19-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadLeviticus23

Inthelistofprescribedfeasts,whathasfirstpriority?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________Describethefirstfeasttobecelebrated.(v.4-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethesecondfeast.(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheFeastoftheFirstfruits.(v.9-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheFeastofWeeks.(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheFeastofTrumpets.(v.23-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheDayofAtonement.(v.26-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheFeastofTabernacles.(v.33-44)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“Forthelifeofthefleshisintheblood,andIhavegivenittoyouuponthealtartomakeatonementforyoursouls;foritisthebloodthatmakesatonementforthesoul.” Leviticus17:11

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Lesson22

Overview

ThebookofNumbersismuchmorethantherecordbookoftheIsraelites.Itisalsoachronicleofthefortyyearsofwildernesswanderingandasoberaccountoftheblessingsofobedienceandtheconsequencesofdisobedience.

AswithJobandLeviticus,wewillreadonlyrepresentativechaptersinthisstudy.Butremember,itisveryusefultoreadandstudyallofthechapters.Takenotesinthesamewaythestudyquestionsareformulated:whatdoeseachsectionactuallysay?

NumbersbeginswithacensuscommandedbyGodandtheresults.ItcontinueswithmoreorderandorganizationfortheIsraelitepeople.WenoticeagainthespecialprovisionsfortheLevitesandforAaronandhissons.Chapter6givesustheoutlineoftheNaziritelaws,interestingprovisionsthatwillshowusthebackgroundofaccountssuchasSamsonandJohntheBaptist.

Wewillactuallypickupourstudyinchapter9.Numbershasmanythought-provokingconversationsbetweenMosesandGod.ItisagoodideatothinkthroughwhattheBiblesaysaboutGod’somniscience(all-knowing)andHisomnipotence(all-powerful).1Samuel2:3(“FortheLordistheGodofknowledge…”)andPsalm62:11(“powerbelongstoGod.”)aregoodplacestostartyourthinking.ItiseasytoapplyourownlimitedunderstandingtoindividualpassagesintheBibleandforgetthetruenatureofGodrevealedthroughoutallscripture.Forexample,whenGodasksMosesquestions,isitbecauseGodlacksknowledgeandneedsMosestoinformHim?AndwhenGodoffersMosesopportunitiestotakeadifferentpathfromtheonealreadygiven,doesGodwonderwhatMoseswilldo?Thinkontheseideasasyoustudy.

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Lesson22

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadNumbers9

WhatdidGodcommandandwhatdidtheydo?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheproblemandhowwasitresolved?(v.6-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethecloudandfireandtheirpurpose.IsthereacomparisontoGod’sleadingChristianstoday?(v.15-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadNumbers11WhywasGoddispleasedandwhathappened?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyweretheycomplaining?(v.4-10)____________________________________________________HowdidMosesrespond?(v.11-15)____________________________________________________HowdidGodrespond?(v.16-23)____________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.24-30)____________________________________________________Describethequailsituation.(v.31-35)____________________________________________________

Day3:ReadNumbers12

WhatwasdifferentaboutGod’scommunication?(v.1-4)

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WhatdidGodsayaboutMoses?(v.5-8)____________________________________________________

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Whathappenedandwhy?(v.9-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadNumbers13Whatwerethesemensupposedtodo?(v.1-16)____________________________________________________Whatweretheyspecificallytolookfor?(v.17-22)____________________________________________________Whatdidtheyfind?(v.23-29)____________________________________________________Whatwastheargumentabout?(v.30-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadNumbers14Howdidthepeoplerespond?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJoshuaandCalebsay?(v.5-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodofferMoses?(v.10-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidMosesrespond?(v.13-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodrespond?(v.20-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetheirpunishment.(v.26-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthepeopledoandwhy?(v.39-45)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AtthecommandoftheLordtheyremainedencamped,andatthecommandoftheLordtheyjourneyed;theykeptthechargeoftheLord,atthecommandoftheLordbythehandofMoses.” Numbers9:23

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Lesson23

Overview

OursecondlessoninNumberswillrevealevenmoretruthsaboutGod’spowerandknowledge,aswellasemphasizingHisholiness.AlloftheseattributesofGodaredisplayedthroughouttheBible,andNumbersprovidestremendousinsightintothenatureoftheGodweserve.RememberitisveryhelpfultoponderthemanypassagesthatdescribeGodsothatwemayhavegreaterunderstandingofthewayGodrespondstoHispeopleduringthiscriticaltimeintheirhistory.

Chapter16presentsastartlingexampleofusingourownthoughtsandideasinsteadofGod’scommands.ThesemendecidedthattheLevitesmightnotactuallybemoreholythantherest.TheysuggestedthatGodwaswrongtosingleoutonetribetoleadthepeople.Eventhoughtheirargumentsoundedveryspiritual,itwasinoppositiontoGod’salreadystatedwill.Thisisasituationthathasoccurredinreligiouscirclesthroughoutthegenerations.AnditusuallyhasatitscoreanargumentoverwhatGodactuallysaidandwhatmenwanttoreasonapartfromGod’sspokenWord.Noticetheconflictwasnotovermoralvs.immoralthoughtsoractions;rather,itwasoverareasonablesoundingargumentthatmaybemorepeoplewereworthyofleadershipthanGodhadcommanded.TheanswerofcoursewasinwhatGodhadalreadycommandedinsteadofhumanreason.

Thiskindofsituationisexactlywhyastudylikethisonecanbesohelpfultoyourspiritualgrowth.YouaretrainingyourmindtounderstandwhatGodactuallysaidratherthanwhatapersonmayhavesaid.Sometimeshumanwordssoundreallyspiritual.SoitisextremelyimportantforeverychildofGodtostudywhatGodactuallysaid.YoumaybesurprisedattimesoverwhatyouthoughttheBiblesaidandwhatitreallysays.

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Lesson23

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadNumbers16

WhatwasKorah’scomplaint?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasMoses’response?(v.4-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywouldDathanandAbiramnotparticipate?(v.12-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidMoseswantGodtodo?(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddo?(v.23-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywerethepeopleupsetandwhathappened?(v.41-50)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadNumbers17

Accordingtoverse10,whywasthebuddingofAaron’srodsignificant?(v.1-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadNumbers20

WhatwasMoses’sinandtheresult?(v.1-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwiththeEdomites?(v.14-21)____________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatstandsouttoyouaboutAaron’sdeath?(v.22-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadNumbers21

Whywerethepeoplediscouraged?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddo?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________GiveseveralnamesofgroupsdefeatedbytheIsraelites.(v.10-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadNumbers22

WhowasthekingoftheMoabites?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________WhowasBalaam,andwhatdidBalakwanthimtodo?(v.5-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodtellBalaam?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________CompareBalaam’stworesponses.(v.14-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwithBalaam’sdonkey?(v.22-30)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhodidBalakworship?(v.31-41)____________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThentheLordspoketoMosesandAaron,‘BecauseyoudidnotbelieveMe,tohallowMeintheeyesofthechildrenofIsrael,thereforeyoushallnotbringthisassemblyintothelandwhichIhavegiventhem.’” Numbers20:12

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Lesson24Overview

Thisweek’slessoncontinuestheinterestingstoryofBalak,kingofMoab,andBalaam,well-knownpsychicandfortune-teller.BalakwasafraidofthismightygroupofpeoplecalledtheIsraelites,andhewantedtohaveacurseputonthem.HesentforBalaamtodojustthat,andBalaamhearddirectlyfromGod.WhenBalaam’sgreedbegantogetthebestofhim,Godsenthimapowerfulmessagefromaveryunlikelysource.ThislessonconcludesthebookofNumbers,butasalways,thechaptersthatareskippedoverarecertainlynotlessimportant.ThisstudyisseekingtoprovideanoverviewoftheOldTestament,butitisverybeneficialtoreadeverychapterifpossible.Iftimedoesnotpermit,orifyouareeagerforageneralunderstandingoftheentireOldTestament,thencommityourselftogoingbacklaterandreadingthechaptersthatarenotcoveredinthisstudy.Afteryouhavespenttimeansweringquestionsoneachchapter,itshouldbeeasytotakenotesonchaptersonyourown.Youwillhavealreadycultivatedthehabitofnoticingimportantpointsandwritingthemout.Sometimesitcanbehelpfultosimplywritedownversesthatstandouttoyouasyouread.Insomeoftheskippedchapters,Mosesreviewstheirjourneyandtellsthemspecificallywhatthebordersforeachtribeare.HealsoexplainswhytwotribesareallowedtosettleonthewestbankoftheJordan.Areviewofthejourneymayhavebeenallnewtosomeinhisaudience.Remember,Godhadthemwanderforfortyyearssothattheirparentswouldalldieinthewildernessfortheirlackoffaith,sosomeoftheyoungeronesmaynothaveheardmanyofthestoriesbeforeMoses’review.ThisnewgenerationwouldneedmuchgreaterfaithandobediencetoaccomplishGod’swillintheirnewland.Comparetheirjourneyoffaithwithyourown.

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Lesson24DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadNumbers23WhatdidBalakwantBalaamtodo,andwhatdidBalaamdo?(v.1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasBalaam’ssecondprophecy?(v.13-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisBalakdeterminedtodo?(v.27-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day2:ReadNumbers24WhatwasBalaam’sthirdprophecy?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwereBalakandBalaam’sresponses?(v.10-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasthemainpointofBalaam’sfourthprophecy?(v.15-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day3:ReadNumbers25WhywasGodangry?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheirpunishment?(v.4-5)____________________________________________________

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WhydidPhinehaskillthesetwo?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodsayaboutPhinehas?(v.9-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day4:ReadNumbers27Whatdidthesewomenwant?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidMosesdo?(v.5-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidMosesaskfor?(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGoddescribeJoshua?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day5:ReadNumbers31WhydidtheygotowaragainsttheMidianites?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasMosesangry?(v.12-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodtellthemtodo?(v.25-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheresult?(v.32-54)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“Godisnotaman,thatHeshouldlie,norasonofman,thatHeshouldrepent.HasHesaid,andwillHenotdo?OrhasHespoken,andwillHenotmakeitgood?” Numbers23:19

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Lesson25Overview

ThislessonbeginsthestudyofthebookofDeuteronomy,thelastbookofMoses.ItconcludesthesectionoftheBibleknownasthePentateuch,thefirst5books.Thesebooksarealsoknownasthelawbooks.AttheconclusionofDeuteronomy,wewillhaveagreatfoundationfortheIsraelites’entranceintothePromisedLand.Theword“Deuteronomy”meansliterally“thesecondlaw”inGreek.TheOldTestamentwasoriginallywritteninHebrewandlatertranslatedintoGreekandLatin.Deuteronomyisactuallymorethanaretellingofthelaw;itisMoses’preachingorexplainingofthelawtothisnewgeneration.Likeus,theyhadnotwitnessedGod’smightyhandinEgypt,andpossiblymanyoftheirfaithlessparentshadnotpasseddownaccurateaccountsofGod’smiraclesandwonders.DeuteronomyshowsushowloveanddevotiontoGodfromourheartsisfarmoreimportantthanoutwardreligion.ButGodalsoshowsusthatobediencetoHisWordisthemajorwayweshowourloveanddevotion.ManypeoplehaveassumedovertheyearsthatthePromisedLandisasymbolofheaven.Buteventhough“alandflowingwithmilkandhoney”soundsveryheavenly,thereisabettercomparisonforus.InJohn10:10JesustellsusthatHecametogiveusabundantlife.OfcourseHeavenwillbetheultimateabundantlife,buttheimplicationisthatthattheabundantlifestartsassoonaswetrustHimasourSavior.PerhapsitisbettertoconsiderthePromisedLandasasymbolofourChristianlivesnow.GodwaspreparingtheIsraelitestofightinCanaan,todriveoutthewickedinhabitants.ForthattheywouldneedfaithintheGodwhowouldbringthemvictory,justasweneedforourownChristianjourney.Wewon’thaveenemiestofightinHeaven.

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Lesson25DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDeuteronomy1HowmanyyearshadpassedsincetheyfirstleftEgypt?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________Whattwothingsweretheysupposedtodo?(v.4-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthepeoplewantbeforetheyenteredtheland?(v.19-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheyreallyafraidof,andwhatwasMoses’response?(v.25-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.34-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhyweretheydefeatedbytheAmorites?(v.41-46)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day2:ReadDeuteronomy2WhyweretheIsraelitesinstructedtotreatthedescendantsofEsaurespectfully?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________WhathadtohappenbeforetheIsraelitescouldenterthePromisedLand?(v.8-15)____________________________________________________Howwouldtheyknowwhomtofightandwhomtorespect?(v.16-25)___________________________________________________

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WhydidGodgivethemKingSihon’sland?(v.26-37)____________________________________________________Day3:ReadDeuteronomy3HowtallwasKingOg?(v.1-11)____________________________________________________Howwouldtheydefeattheirenemies?(v.12-22)____________________________________________________WhywouldJoshuaandnotMosesleadthemacrosstheJordan?(v.23-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day4:ReadDeuteronomy4HowdidMosesknowhislistenerswereeagertoobey?(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyisitsoimportantnottocarveidols?(v.15-24)____________________________________________________HowisGoddescribed?(v.25-31)____________________________________________________Whatistheresultofobedience?(v.32-49)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day5:ReadDeuteronomy5Whatwasholyandspecialaboutthesecommandments?(v.1-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodmostwantfromHispeople?(v.23-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“Look,theLordyourGodhassetthelandbeforeyou;goupandpossessit,astheLordGodofyourfathershasspokentoyou;donotfearorbediscouraged.” Deuteronomy1:21

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Lesson26Overview

Deuteronomy6beginswithafamouspassageknownastheshema’,fromtheHebrewwordmeaning“hear”.Thewordsarequotedoftenandbymany,aspeoplestrivetounderstandandtoliveforGod.Ofcourseanywordscanbespokenwithnomeaning,butthesewordsshouldpenetrateourheartsasagreathymnofpraisetoourgreatandawesomeGod.Mostpeopledon’tthinkofDeuteronomyasadevotionalbook,butitisagreatplacetolearnaboutdevotiontoGod.Init,GodgiveslengthyexplanationsabouthowHewantstoblessHispeopleandthecovenantrelationshipHedesiredwiththem.HeemphasizestheobediencethatwillbringpeaceandhappinesssinceHeknowswhatisbestforHischildren.Justaslovingparentsteachachildtoobeythemforthechild’ssafety,protectionandultimatehappiness,soGodteachesustoobeyHim.HeisnotforcingHispeopletosimplydoHisbidding.Rather,HeisourlovingFatherwhoisalwaysoutforourbest.Inthislesson,MosesispreachingtothepeopleaboutwhatGodwantsforthem.HeisremindingthemofthesinsoftheirparentsandexplaininghowtheycametobethechosenpeopleofGod.HetellsthemofGod’spromisesforthelandandfortheirnation,aswellaswarningthemaboutwhatwillhappeniftheydonotobeyHim.ManypeoplewhoonlycasuallyreadtheBibleclaimthattheGodoftheOldTestamentwasaGodofanger,wrathandjudgment.ButreadingthesechaptersinDeuteronomyshowsusclearlyofGod’sloveforHispeopleandHisdesiretoprotectthemandtohaveaspecialcovenantrelationshipwithHim.ThesechaptersalsoserveasareviewofallthatwehavestudiedandlearnedabouttheIsraelitenationtothispoint.

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Lesson26DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDeuteronomy6HowdidGodcommunicatetheimportanceofkeepingHisWord?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whataresomespecificrewardsofobedience?(v.10-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyislearningandunderstandinghistoryimportant?(v.20-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day2:ReadDeuteronomy7WhatwouldhappeniftheydidnotdestroytheenemiesofGod?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomespecificreasonsGodchoseIsrael?(v.5-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howweretheytoovercometheirownfear?(v.12-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day3:ReadDeuteronomy8Whataresomeremarkablefactsabouttheir40yearsinthewilderness?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whentheywouldbecomeprosperous,whatweretheytoremembertodo?(v.5-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldbethepenaltyfordisobeyingGod’sWord?(v.11-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day4:ReadDeuteronomy9WhywasGoddrivingouttheCanaanites?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGoddescribetheIsraelites?(v.7-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidMosesbegGodtosavetheIsraelites?(v.14-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Day5:ReadDeuteronomy10WhatpointwasMosesmakingintheseverses?(v.1-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________GivespecificwordsMosesusedtodescribeandgivepraisetoGod.(v.12-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudyKeyVerses:“Hear,OIsrael:TheLordourGod,theLordisone!YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,andwithallyourstrength.AndthesewordswhichIcommandyoutodayshallbeinyourheart.” Deuteronomy6:4-6

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Lesson27

Overview

OurthirdlessoninDeuteronomycontinuesthethemeofGod’sblessingsonobedienceandcursesfordisobedience.Aswethoughtabouttheanalogyoflovingparentswarningtheiryoungchildrenofthedangersofdisobedience,weunderstandthatGod,asourlovingheavenlyFatherwantsobediencefromusinthesameway.Heknowsthatobediencebringsnotonlysafety,butalsothelovingcovenantrelationshipwithHim.Justasadisobedientchildbringspunishmentonhimselfinordertolearn,soweasGod’schildrenexperiencethesamething.SoratherthanthinkofGodasaGodofwrathandjudgment,letuslearntoseeHimintheOldTestamentaswantingthebestforHischildren.

Afterchapter13,weskipquiteanumberofchaptersinordertocontinuetheoverview.Onceagain,thesechaptersarenolessimportantthantheoneswearestudying.TheseparticularskippedchapterscontainalotofinformationaboutspecificlawsfortheIsraelites.Wemustnottaketheselawstoolightly.JesusplainlystatedthatHedidnotcometoabolishthelaw,butratherHecametofulfillit(Matthew5:17).Buthowarewe,asChristians,expectedtorelatetotheselaws?Shouldwesimplyskipovertheonesthatdon’treallysuitus,forexamplenoteatingbacon(Deut.14:8)orwearingcotton/polyesterblendclothes(Lev.19:19)?Andwhatabouttattoos(Lev.19:28)andhaircuts(Lev.19:27)?AreourviewsinourcultureontheseissuesdispleasingtoGod?Whichofthesewerecultural/healthissueslimitedtothattime,andwhichwereforustostrictlyfollowtoday?Whydoweembracesomecommandmentsandignoreothers?Clearlytherearemanydifferingopinionsonmatterssuchasthese.DifferentdenominationsthateachclaimtointerprettheBiblemorecarefullythanothersdisagreeonmanyoftheseissues.Asyoureadandstudy,askGodtohelpyouhaveunderstanding.

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Lesson27

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDeuteronomy11

WhatisatleastonereasonMoseswouldpointoutthesethings?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodpromiseinreturnfortheirobedience?(v.8-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodwarnthemagainst?(v.16-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheirtwochoicesandtheresultsofeach?(v.22-32)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadDeuteronomy12

Givesomespecificinstructionsforworship.(v.1-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WheredidGodwantthemtoworship?(v.8-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyweretheynotallowedtoeatthebloodwiththemeat?(v.15-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificfurtherwarningwasgiven?(v.29-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadDeuteronomy13

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Whatspecificsinisworthyofthedeathpenaltyhere?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Ifagroupofpeopledecidedtoserveothergods,whatwouldthepenaltybe?(v.12-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadDeuteronomy26

Whatwouldbetheirtestimonyandofferingatthealtar?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywouldtheybeexaltedaboveothernations?(v.11-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadDeuteronomy28

Whatisthereasontheywouldbeblessed?Listsomespecificblessings.(v.1-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisthereasontheywouldbecursed?Listsomespecificcurses.(v.15-45)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldcauseGodtosendaforeignnationtodestroyHispeople?(v.46-57)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisGod’shighestdesireforHispeople?(v.58-68)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“TodayyouhaveproclaimedtheLordtobeyourGod,andthatyouwillwalkinHiswaysandkeepHisstatutes,Hiscommandments,andHisjudgments,andthatyouwillobeyHisvoice.” Deuteronomy26:17

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Lesson28

Overview

AsMosesispromptingtheIsraelitestoconsidertheirdevotiontoGod,theirlevelofobedienceandtheirjourneyintothePromisedLand,letususethesechapterstoconsiderthesameforourownlives.DoesGodcallustothesamelevelofobediencethatHerequiredofHispeoplebackthen?Areweexpectedtobeobedienttothesamethingstheywere?Thisistheideathatwebeganinthelastlesson.Itisdefinitelyworthfurtherstudyandthought.

KeepingJesus’wordsinMatthew5:17inmind(“DonotthinkthatIcametodestroytheLawortheProphets.Ididnotcometodestroybuttofulfill.”),howshouldwelookattheOldTestamentlaws?ConsiderfirstthereasonGoddidnotcommandtheIsraelitestobebaptized,althoughbaptismisanimportantcomponentofNewTestamentfaith.ConsideralsothereasonGoddoesnotcommandustooffersacrificesofanimals,yetanimalsacrificewasacriticalcomponentofOldTestamentfaith.ThisisanexampleofJesusfulfillingthelaw.Ofcourse,theremustbeasacrificeforsin.BeforeJesuscametodie,thesacrificialanimalsweresymbolsofthePerfectLambofGod.AfterJesusdied,westillhaveasymbolofthatsacrificeinbeliever’sbaptism.ThewriterofHebrewsfeltcompelledbytheHolySpirittoexplainallofthisindetail.Asalways,onepartoftheBiblehelpsustounderstandanotherpart.ButthebookofHebrewsdoesnotgiveusdetailsofJesus’fulfillmentofeveryOldTestamentlaw.SomethingswemusttakebyfaithandtrusttheHolySpirittoteachus(John16:13).ThemorewestudyGod’sWord,themorewelearnandunderstandhowtopleaseHimanddeepenourfellowshipwithHim.CertainlynoneofusunderstandseverythingabouthowtoobeyGod.WemustsimplykeeptrustingHimandlookingtoHisWordforouranswers.

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Lesson28

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDeuteronomy29

WhatdidMosescontinuallyremindthem?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidMoseswarnshouldnothappen?(v.10-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldtheyknowifGodsentplaguesonthem?(v.20-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadDeuteronomy30

Howwouldtheyberestoredtoblessingiftheydisobeyed?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheirchoicesandtheirconsequences?(v.11-20)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadDeuteronomy31

WhatwasMoses’messagetoJoshua?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheytodoevery7yearsandwhy?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodpredicttoMosesandJoshua?(v.14-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day4:ReadDeuteronomy32

WhatwasonewaytheywouldlearnofGod’smightyacts?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheyangerGod?(v.10-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldcauseGodnottocompletelydestroythem?(v.19-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowouldprovidetheiratonement?(v.28-43)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddoforMoses?(v.44-52)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadDeuteronomy33-34

Which4tribeswereblessedfirst?(33:1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________NamethetwotribesthatcamefromJoseph.(33:13-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatstandsouttoyouintheseprophecies?(33:18-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowisMosesdescribed?(34:1-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Butthewordisverynearyou,inyourmouthandinyourheart,thatyoumaydoit.See,Ihavesetbeforeyoutodaylifeandgood,deathandevil,inthatIcommandyoutodaytolovetheLordyourGod,towalkinHisways,andtokeepHiscommandments,thatyoumyliveandmultiply;andtheLordyourGodwillblessyouinthelandwhichyougotopossess.” Deuteronomy30:14-16

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Lesson29

Overview

Thislessonbeginstheexcitingandfast-pacedbookofJoshua.Moseshasdied,andJoshuaisappointedasthenewleaderforIsrael.ThebookbeginswithGodgivingaspecialmessageofencouragementtoJoshua.RememberthatwhenMosessentthetwelvespiesintoCanaan,JoshuaandCalebweretheonlytwowhohadfaiththatGodwoulddowhatHehadpromised.Nowfortyyearshavepassed,andtheentirefaithlessgenerationexceptJoshuaandCalebhasdiedinthewilderness.FromthegroupthatleftEgypt,onlyJoshuaandCalebgettoenterthePromisedLand.

WecometothesecondspystoryfortheIsraelitesasJoshuasendsspiestoJerichotoseewhattheyneedtodotoprepareforbattle.WereadaboutthefaithofaprostitutenamedRahab,whoisblessedtobecomeoneoftheancestorsofJesus.HernameismentionedinJesus’lineageinMatthew,alongwithsomeotherwomenoffaith.ItishelpfultonotethatGodwaswillingtosaveaCanaanitewomanwhotrustedinHim.

Anotherwatermiraclehappensinthislesson.WereadaboutthecrossingoftheJordanRiver.YoumightnoticethatthiscrossingisalittledifferentfromtheRedSeacrossing.Foronething,theIsraelitesarenotrunningfromtheirenemies;rather,theyaretriumphantlymarchingintothelandGodpromisedthem.Interestingly,thewaterwasstoppedonlyafterthepriestssteppedintoit.Thememorialstonesintheriverandonthebankarealsointerestingtoreadabout.

Asyoustudy,noticehowoftenGodtellsthemnottobeafraid.AskGodtoshowyou,asyouread,whatyoucanlearnaboutyourownChristianlife.InthesamewaythatHepromisedtogobeforethemandgivethemvictoryintheland,Hepromisestobewithustoo(Matthew28:20,forexample).HewantsustotrustHimforvictoriesinourlivesaswell.

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Lesson29

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJoshua1

WhatspecificcommanddidGodgiveJoshuaandwhy?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasexpectedofthetribesofReuben,GadandthehalftribeofManassehandwhy?(v.10-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJoshua2

HowdidtheIsraelitespiesescapethekingofJericho?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeRahab’sknowledgeofGod.(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidRahabhavetodotobesaved?(v.14-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidthespiesreporttoJoshua?(v.22-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJoshua3

Whatspecialinstructionsweregivenforthearkofthecovenant?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJoshuasaytheywouldknowthatGodwaswiththem?

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(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedattheJordanRiver?(v.11-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJoshua4

WhatwasthereasonfortakingstonesoutoftheJordanRiver?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheIsraelitesfeelaboutJoshua?(v.9-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodshowthemthesemiracles?(v.15-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJoshua5

Whydidtheyneedtobecircumcised?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedtothemanna?(v.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeJoshua’smeeting.(v.13-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThisBookoftheLawshallnotdepartfromyourmouth,butyoushallmeditateinitdayandnight,thatyoumayobservetodoaccordingtoallthatiswritteninit.Forthenyouwillmakeyourwayprosperous,andthenyouwillhavegoodsuccess.” Joshua1:8

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Lesson30

Overview

HopefullyasyoustudythroughtheOldTestament,youaregainingagreaterappreciationforwhatGodwantstoteachusthroughthispartofHisWord.Asyoucarefullyreadandstudythesesometimesfamiliaraccounts,lookfordetailsyoumayhavemissedinpreviouslessonsorsermons.Nomatterhowmanytimeswestudyacertainpassage,GodalwayshasamessagetodeepenourrelationshipwithHim.

WebeginthislessonwiththeexcitingandunusualconquestofJericho.ThisisthefirstbattlethattheIsraelitesfacedintakingoverthePromisedLand.KeepinmindasyoureadabouttheIsraelitesinCanaanthatGodwasusingHispeopleasaninstrumentofjudgmentontheidol-worshippingCanaanites.ButeachindividualCanaanitehadtheopportunitytoknowGodandtoturntoHimtobesaved.Rahabisaperfectexampleofthis.

NoticethatthebattleofJerichowasnotfoughtinausualway.GodinstructedtheIsraelitesinveryspecificways,andtheirvictorywouldonlybeguaranteediftheyfollowedGod’sinstructionsexactly.HedidnotwantthemtoputtheirownlogicalideasintoHisplan.Thisisaverygoodlessonforus.SometimesweknowwhatGodwantsustodo,butourhumanlogiccausesustodisobey.AnexampleofthisiswhenGodtellsustoloveourenemiesandtoprayforthosewhoaremeantous(Matthew5:44).Butweoftenfailtodoeitherofthesesincetheygoagainstwhatwewanttodo.TheIsraelitedefeatatAishowshowimportantcompleteobedienceistoGod.InourNewTestamentgraceoutlook,sometimesweforgetthat.

AnotherimportantprincipleislearnedinthetreatywiththeGibeonites.Godspecificallytellsuswhatwentwrongthere,andtheiractionshadlong-rangenegativeconsequencesforthem.Maywealllearntobecompletelyobedientineveryway.

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Lesson30

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJoshua6

WhatwereGod’sspecificinstructions?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthepeopledo,andwhatwasJoshua’sadditionalinstruction?(v.6-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwarningisgiven?(v.16-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened,andwhowassaved?(v.19-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJoshua7

WhywasGodangry?(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedatAi?(v.2-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetheconsequencesandthelessonslearned.(v.10-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJoshua8

WhatwasdifferentaboutGod’sinstructionsatAiandatJericho?(v.1-2)____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________Whatwasthebattleplan?(v.3-8)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheresultsofthebattle?(v.9-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJoshuado,andhowlongdoyouthinkittook?(v.30-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJoshua9

WhatdidtheGibeonitesdoandwhy?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmistakedidtheIsraelitesmake?(v.7-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtotheGibeonites?(v.15-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJoshua10

WhatdidGodpromiseJoshua?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethetwomiracles.(v.9-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedtothe5kings?(v.16-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoweknowGodwaspleasedwiththesebattles?(v.28-43)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThenJoshuasaidtothem,‘Donotbeafraid,norbedismayed;bestrongandofgoodcourage,forthustheLordwilldotoallyourenemiesagainstwhomyoufight.’“ Joshua10:25

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Lesson31

Overview

ThislessonwillconcludetheoverviewofJoshuaandbeginthestudyofJudges.Again,theskippedchaptersarenolessimportant,andifyouhavethetimetoreadthemandtakenotes,itiswellworththeeffort.

Chapter22showsustheconflictsthattheIsraeliteswouldhavewitheachother.ThisparticularconflictisagoodexampleofhowtohandlesituationsinwhichactionsforGod’sgloryaremisunderstood.OftenwefindtheworstconflictsoverdifferentwaysofservingGod.Thisconflictshowsadiplomaticsolutionthatcanbeappliedtomisunderstandingstoday.Theresolutioncamethroughbothsidescommunicatingwitheachotherandbeingwillingtolistentotheothersideofthedisagreement.IthelpstonotethattheywereinterestedinkeepingtheothersidefromsinningagainstGodandbringingpunishmentontheirkinsmen.ThisisanexampleofhowtheseOldTestamentstoriescaneasilyapplytoourlives;whenfacedwithadisagreement,bewillingtolistentotheotherperson’sside.AndwehavethecontinualreminderthroughouttheOldTestamentthatGodrequiredabsoluteobediencetoHisWord.Herequiresourobedienceaswell.Wedonotmakeupourownformofworshipanddiscipleship;wefollowwhatGodsaid.

WehaveJoshua’sfarewelladdresstotheIsraeliteswithhisfamous“Chooseyouthisdaywhomyouwillserve”(24:15)challenge.Thatisstillourchallengetoday.

NextwecometothebookofJudges.WewillnotreadallofthechaptersofJudges,butagain,readthemifyoucan.Therearemanyexcitingandfamousstoriesandpeopleinthisbook.JudgescanbeasurprisingbooktostudybecauseofitsrawdetailsaboutIsrael’sdisobediencetoGod.ItissometimeseasytocriticizetheIsraelites’failures,butinsteadletthisstudycauseustolookdeeplyintoourownlevelofobediencetoGod.

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Lesson31

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJoshua22

WhichtribeshadlandeastoftheJordan?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywerethetribeswestoftheJordanangry?(v.10-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheirdefense?(v.19-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidPhinehasandtherestoftheIsraelitesrespond?(v.30-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJoshua23

WhatwasJoshua’swarningabouttheremainingCanaanites?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatimportantremindersdoesJoshuagivethem?(v.9-16)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJoshua24

WhathighpointsofIsrael’shistorydoesJoshuamention?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatwasJoshua’sgreatdeclarationoffaith?(v.8-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthepeopledeclare?(v.16-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatmemorialsdidtheybuild?(v.25-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJudges1

HowweretheIsraelitesdemonstratingcontinuedobedience?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdetailsoftheseconquestsstandouttoyou?(v.11-26)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatcompromisesinobediencearehighlighted?(v.27-36)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJudges2

Whatproblemhadcomeup?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.11-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatcyclewasbegunamongtheIsraelites?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“TheLordgavethemrestallaround,accordingtoallthatHehadsworntotheirfathers.Andnotamanofalltheirenemiesstoodagainstthem;theLorddeliveredalltheirenemiesintotheirhand.NotawordfailedofanygoodthingwhichtheLordhadspokentothehouseofIsrael.Allcametopass.” Joshua21:44-45

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Lesson32

Overview

JudgesshowsaclearpatterninIsrael’srelationshipwithGod.ItissomethingthatweshouldconsidercarefullyinourownrelationshiptoGod.Wewillseethispatternoften:

1. EnjoyingGod’sblessings2. TurningfromGod’sways3. ReceivingGod’sjudgment4. Repentingoftheirsins5. God’sforgivenessandblessings

Thentheywouldrepeatthecycle.ThishappenedoverandoverinthenationofIsrael.TheIsraeliteshadspecificcommandmentsofGodthattheyweretofollow.Butlikeus,theyoftenwenttheirownwaysinstead.Thiswouldbringconsequencesfortheirwrongactions.WhentheyrealizedtheywereunderGod’sjudgmentfortheirsins,theywouldrepent,andGodwouldforgivethem.Heisalwayswillingtoforgiveoursins.

ThislessonhastheinterestingstoryofDeborah,theonlyfemalejudgeofIsrael.CasualBiblereadersmaymistakenlythinkthattheBiblesomehowputswomenlowerthanmen.Butcarefulstudyshowstheopposite.WealsoreadthehumorousstoryofEglon,apparentlyaverylargeman.

WealsobeginthefamousstoryofGideon.AsyoureadGideon’sstory,trytoimaginewhytheinternationalBibledistributorscalltheirorganizationtheGideons.NoticethatinthebeginningGideonwasnoteagertotakecommandinIsrael.Also,hewasnotconfidentofhisabilitytoknowwhetherGodwasactuallycallinghimornot.ButweseeGodpatientlyencouragingGideontowardsHiswill.LookforwaysGodwouldspeaktoyourownheartasyoureadhowHespoketothemenandwomenoftheOldTestament.

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Lesson32

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJudges3

WhydidGodwantthemtolearnwar?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whydidtheybecomeservantsagain?(v.7-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisanimportantpointintheirrescueeverytime?(v.12-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJudges4

WhowasDeborah?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidBarakwant?(v.6-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheresultofthebattle?(v.11-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoSisera?(v.17-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJudges5

WhatisthemainmessageofDeborah’ssong?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whichtribeswerehighlyesteemedinthisbattle?(v.10-18)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________HowwereJael’sactionsdescribed?(v.19-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJudges6

WhatdidGoddeclareabouttheIsraelites?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGideonknowwhospokewithhim?(v.11-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGideonafraidof?(v.25-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethesignofthefleece.(v.28-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJudges7

WhydidGodsayGideonhadtoomanymen?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodreducethenumberoffightingmen?(v.3-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodencourageGideon?(v.8-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethebattle.(v.16-25)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ThenDeborahandBarakthesonofAbinoamsangonthatday,saying:‘WhenleadersleadinIsrael,whenthepeoplewillinglyofferthemselves,blesstheLord!’“ Judges5:1-2

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Lesson33

Overview

WefinishtheaccountofGideoninthislessonandbeginthestoryofSamson,perhapsthemostfamousjudgeofIsrael.ManypeopledonotthinkofSamsonasajudgebecausehewasmoreknownforhisstrengththanhispositionofauthority.Hisstoryhasmanylessonsforus.BetweenGideonandSamsonareseveralotherinterestingjudgesthatwewillnothavetimetostudy.Asalways,itisagreatideatotakesometimetoreadandstudythemaswell.

OneimportantissueinSamson’searlylifewashisdisrespectforhisparents’views.Thiscausedheartacheforhisparentsandunnecessarytroubleinhisownlife.Itiseasyforayoungpersontogohisorherownwayratherthanthenarrowerroadofobedience.Samson’slifeprovesoverandoverhowmuchbetterlifeiswhenwefollowGod’swill.

EventhoughSamsonwasweakinobedience,Godstillusedhim.SinceSamsonjudgedIsraelfortwentyyears,weknowtherearemanythingsabouthislifethattheBibledoesnotmention.Sadly,werememberhimmostforgivingintoDelilah’spleadingsandrevealingtoherthesourceofhisgreatstrength.Aswereadthatparticularaccount,wecannothelpbutwonderhowSamsoncouldhavebeensofoolish.Hehadquiteatemptationtowardswomen,andhisfailuretoresistthattemptationwashisgreatestdownfall.Weseethathehadtogivehisownlifetorightthewrongsofhisbaddecisions.

TherestofthebookofJudgeschroniclesmoreofIsrael’sstrugglestoobeyGod.TheyhadnotobeyedGodingettingridoftheCanaaniteidols,andtheypaidahighpricefortheirdisobedience.TheverylastverseofthebookofJudgesisasadsummaryofwheretheywereasanation.Eachpersondecidingwhatisrightinhisorherowneyesisadangerousplaceforanyonetolive.

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Lesson33

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJudges8

DescribetheconflictbetweenGideonandEphraim.(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheleadersofSuccothandPenueldowrong?(v.4-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwithZebahandZalmunna?(v.10-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGideondowrong?(v.22-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedafterGideon’sdeath?(v.28-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJudges13

HowdidManoah’swifeknowshehadspokenwith“aManofGod”?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhatdidManoahwant?(v.7-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheyknowtheAngeloftheLord?(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________NametwodetailsaboutSamson.(v.23-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJudges14

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WhydidSamson’sparentsdisapproveofhiswife?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedwiththelion?(v.5-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidSamson’swifedo?(v.7-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.18-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJudges15

WhydidthePhilistineskillSamson’swife?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhydidtheIsraeliteswanttogiveSamsontotheirenemies?(v.7-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSamsondefeathisenemies?(v.14-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJudges16

WhatseemstobeSamson’sweakness?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________HowdidDelilahkeepdeceivingSamson?(v.6-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidDelilahtreatSamsonsobadly?(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoSamson?(v.23-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThenSamsoncalledtotheLord,saying,‘OLordGod,rememberme,Ipray!Strengthenme,Ipray,justthisonce,OGod,thatImaywithoneblowtakevengeanceonthePhilistinesformytwoeyes!’“ Judges16:28

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Lesson34

Overview

ThebookofRuthbeginsonasadnotebutturnsintoaveryhappyandencouraginglookatGod’sprovidenceandblessing.Therearesomanylessonstoconsiderinthesefourchapters,sospendsometimeaskingGodtoshowyouwhatHewouldhaveyoulearnfromthisstudy.ThennexttimeyoustudyRuththerewillbesomethingelseforyoutoconsider.

AnoverarchingthemeofRuthistheideaofthe“kinsman-redeemer.”ThiswasoutlinedinMoses’lawandwasstrictlyadheredtobytheJews,eveninthesemostlydisobedientyearsoftheirhistory.Theideawasthat,ifanIsraelite’spropertywassoldorlostinsomeway,thattheclosestrelative(kinsman)wouldhavethefirstopportunitytobuyitback(redeemit).NaomiandherhusbandhadlefttheirlandwhentheymovedtoMoab,sotheirlandwaspresumablysoldorsimplyabandoned.WhenshemovedbackwithRuth,whowasthewidowofherson,shedidn’thavethemoneytoregainherland.Boazwouldactasthekinsman-redeemerofboththelandandofRuth.

Thepictureofthekinsman-redeemerisanotherOldTestamentpictureofwhatJesusdidforus.HebecameourKinsman-Redeemerbypurchasingoursalvationonthecross.HepaidourdebtandredeemedusbacktoHimselfwithHisownblood.

AnotherinterestingpartofRuth’sstoryishowshe,asaMoabite,becameapartofthelineofChrist.SheisthethirdwomanmentionedinthegenealogyofJesusinMatthew1,andnoneofthethreewereJewish.ThisshowsthatitwasalwaysGod’splantoincludeeveryoneinHissalvation,notjusttheJews.TheJewswouldsimplybetheinstrumentGodwouldusetobringJesusintotheworld.Wewillbeginthebookof1Samuelinthislesson,andthereismuchtolearninthisbookaswell.Samuel’smotherHannahisaninspiringwomanaswereadaboutherheartacheandhowshehandledit.

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Lesson34

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadRuth1

WhathappenedtoNaomi’shusbandandsons?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidOrpahdo?(v.6-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidRuthdo?(v.16-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidNaomiwanttochangehername?(v.19-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadRuth2

WhowasBoaz?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidhenoticeRuth,andwhatdidheofferher?(v.5-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidRuthandNaomibenefitfromthesituation?(v.13-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatadvicedidNaomigivetoRuth?(v.19-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadRuth3

WhatfurtherinstructionsdidNaomigive,andwhatwasRuth’sresponse?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidBoazrespond?(v.8-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasBoaz’sconcern,andhowdidhehandleit?(v.12-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadRuth4

Howdidthecloserrelativerespond?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheeldersandpeopleofBethlehemrespond?(v.9-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowweretheyrelatedtoKingDavid?(v.13-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel1

DescribethetensioninElkanah’sfamily.(v.1-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidHannahvow?(v.8-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidElirespond?(v.12-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidHannahdo?(v.19-28)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ButRuthsaid:‘Entreatmenottoleaveyou,ortoturnbackfromfollowingafteryou;forwhereveryougo,Iwillgo;andwhereveryoulodge,Iwilllodge;yourpeopleshallbemypeople,andyourGodmyGod.’“ Ruth1:16

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Lesson35

Overview

HopefullybythistimeinourstudyyouareseeingtheOldTestamentassomuchmorethanjustacollectionofinterestingstories.ThestudyoftheOldTestamentgivesusadeeperandricherknowledgeofthemightyandmercifulGodweserve.WithoutaclearunderstandingofGod’sdealingswithmankindintheOldTestament,wecannothopetounderstandallthatJesusistous.

InthelastlessonwewereintroducedtoElkanah’sfamilyandhiswifeHannahinparticular.ShebroughtherproblemtoGod,andHeblessedher.Thisweek’slessonbeginswithherprayerofthanksgiving.IfyouarefamiliarwiththeNewTestament,youmightrecognizepartsofHannah’sprayerassimilartoMary’sprayerinthebookofLuke.

AlmostimmediatelyweareintroducedtothepriestEli’swickedsons.Again,therearemanylessonsforusaswestudythroughtheOldTestament.ThefactthatEli’ssons“didnotknowtheLord”(1Samuel2:12)shouldcauseeachofustoconsiderwhetherourowndevotiontotheLordhasinfluenceonthoseclosesttous.DotheyreallyseeGodinus?

WealsohavetheamazingstoryofGod’scommunicationwithSamuel.YoungSamuelwasgrowinguparoundastrange(butsadlyalltoocommon)mixtureofEli’sdevotiontoGodandhisownsons’corruption.Aswitheachofus,Samuelhasachoicetomake:hearandobeyGodoryieldtoworldlyandfleshlytemptations.WewillseeSamuelmakeadifficultchoicetotellElithemessagefromGod.ThisisagoodtimetothinkaboutwhetheryoubelievetheaccountsofGod’sdealingswithmenandwomenareabsolutelytrueornot.DidGodreallycallSamuelbyname?ItisimportanttoknowthateverywordoftheBibleistrue.

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Lesson35

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Samuel2

WhatwasHannah’sprayerabout?(v.1-10)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatparticularsindidEli’ssonscommit?(v.11-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoHannah?(v.18-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwasSamueldoing?(v.22-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastheprophecyagainstEli’ssons?(v.27-36)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Samuel3

WhatwasEli’sinstructiontoSamuel?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasSamuelafraid?(v.10-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodblessSamuel?(v.16-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day3:Read1Samuel4

Whathappenedwiththeark?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoEliandhissons?(v.12-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidPhinehas’wifenamehersonIchabod?(v.19-22)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Samuel5

WhathappenedtothePhilistineidol?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidthePhilistineswanttosendthearkbacktoIsrael?(v.6-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel6

HowwouldtheyknowthatGodhadstruckthem?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodstrikethemenofBethShemesh?(v.10-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“NooneisholyliketheLord,forthereisnonebesidesYou,noristhereanyrocklikeourGod.” 1Samuel2:2

“AndthechildSamuelgrewinstature,andinfavorbothwiththeLordandmen.” 1Samuel2:26

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Lesson36

Overview

Aswestudyfurtherintothebookof1Samuel,wegetapictureofhowtheIsraeliteskeptonlyapartialdevotiontoGod.Theidols,falsegodsandhumanistgovernmentsofthepagannationsofCanaanhadastronginfluenceonthem.RememberthatGodhadinstructedthemtogetridofallofthepaganpeopleinCanaan,buttheyhadnotcompletelyobeyed.ThelessonforusshouldbethatifwefailtoobeyGodcompletely,thentherewillbenegativeconsequencesinourlives.GodasourlovingheavenlyFatherknowsexactlywhatisbestforus,andHedesiresthatforus.ButinHissovereigntyHegivesuschoices.Itisuptoustodecideourownlevelofobedienceandaccepttheconsequencesforourchoices.

GodcontinuallyshowedtheIsraeliteshowtheirobediencewasdirectlyrelatedtotheblessingsHewouldshowthem.Asweread,wewonderhowtheycouldhavepossiblymissedthatsooften.Butwemustrememberthatthesamethinghappensinourownlives.Wedisobey,havenegativeconsequences,andstillwonderhowwemissedGod’sblessings.GodiseagertoblessusasHeblessedHispeopleintheOldTestament.Butthey,likeus,oftenturnedtotheirownwaysratherthanGod’s.Wenoticethatsometimestheydidn’tevenknowwhatGodrequiredofthembecausetheyleftoffthereadingandstudyofHisWord.Theyevenhadpriests,likeEli’ssonsandsadlySamuel’ssons,whoprofanedGod’sWordtothepeople.

SointhislessonwereadabouttheIsraelites’demandforaking.ThismadeSamuelbothangryandsad.Godhadalreadygiveninstructionsforkingsinthelaw,butthepeoplerefusedtowaitforGod’stimingonthat.Asalways,theysufferedinmanywaysfortheirinsistenceontheirownwillratherthanGod’s.Asyoustudythisaccount,considerhowoftenwerefusetowaitforGod’stimingordecidetodothingsourownwayratherthanGod’sway.

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Lesson36

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Samuel7

Whatwastheattitudeofthepeople?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowexactlywerethePhilistinesdefeated?(v.7-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeSamuel’srelationshipwithGod.(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Samuel8

WhyweretheIsraelitesunhappyaboutSamuel’ssons?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponsetotheirrequest?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSamueldescribetheirlivesunderaking?(v.10-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whydidthepeoplewantaking?(v.18-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Samuel9

HowtallwasSaul?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidtheservanturgeSaultogotothe“manofGod”?(v.3-10)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowhadGodpreparedSamueltomeetSaul?(v.11-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSamuelinteractwithSaul?(v.18-27)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Samuel10

WhatwouldbethetwosignsthatGod’sSpiritwasonSaul?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidSaulnottellhisuncleeverythingSamuelhadsaid?(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSamuelpresentSaulasking?(v.17-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel11

HowdidSaulfeelaboutthethreatfromtheAmmonites?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheresultofthebattle?(v.7-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheIsraelitesfeeltowardsSaul?(v.12-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThenSamuelspoketoallthehouseofIsrael,saying,‘IfyoureturntotheLordwithallyourhearts,thenputawaytheforeigngodsandtheAshtorethsfromamongyou,andprepareyourheartsfortheLord,andserveHimonly;andHewilldeliveryoufromthehandofthePhilistines.’“ 1Samuel7:3

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Lesson37

Overview

Chapter12isSamuel’sspeechtotheIsraelitesasSauliscrownedking.SamuelremindsthepeoplethattheirdemandforakingintheirowntimingshowedthattheydidnottrustGod.ButhealsotellsthemthatGodstillwantstoblessthemandforgivethemfortheirunfaithfulness.Severallessonsareevidentforusinthisaccount.Firstweseethatitisindeedprofitableforustounderstandhistory.ForIsraelandforusitisgoodtoberemindedofhowGodhadprotectedthemandprovidedforthem.ItisofteneasiertoseeGod’shandofblessing,protectionandevenjudgmentinsomeoneelse’slifethanitistoseeHimworkinginourownlife.IsraelwasabouttolearnthehardwaythatitisbettertowaitforGod’stimingratherthandemandourown.ButSamuelalsotellsthemthatiftheywillkeepHiscommandmentsGodwillstillblessthem,eventhoughtheyhadsinned.Whatagreatremindertousthateveninourbadchoices,GodisstillwillingtoforgiveusandrestoreustocompletefellowshipwithHim.

NextweseehowsoonSaulbegantodowhathewantedtodoratherthanobeyingGod.Chapter13givestheaccountofSaul’sfirstactofdisobedience.Saultriedtodefendhisactions,butSamueltoldhimthatGodwasrejectinghimaskingafteronly2years.OfcoursewewillseethatSaulremainedkingfor38moreyears,duringwhichtimeGodwaspreparingDavidtobecomeking.ThisremindsusthatGod’stimingisoftennotourtiming,andwemustbepatienttowaitonHim.WeareintroducedtoSaul’sson,Jonathan,inthislesson,andweseeSaul’scontinuedrefusaltosubmittoGod’swillandthedisastrousresults.WeconcludethislessonwiththegreatstoryofhowDavidwasrevealedasking,andhowGod’sthoughtsarenotourthoughts.SamuelandevenDavid’sownfatherlearnedthatonlyGodknowstheheart,whilewearequicktojudgeothersbasedonoutwardappearances.

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Lesson37

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Samuel12

WhydidSamuelreviewIsrael’shistory?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywasitwrongforthemtodemandaking?(v.12-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathopedidSamueloffertotheIsraelites?(v.20-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Samuel13

WhatwasSaulsupposedtowaitfor?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasSaul’ssin?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidtheIsraeliteshavenoweapons?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Samuel14

WhatdidJonathanwanttodoandwhy?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretworesultsofthebattle?(v.7-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJonathancriticizeSaulfor?(v.24-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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HowwasJonathansavedfromSaul’soath?(v.31-46)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasAbner?(v.47-52)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Samuel15

WhatdidSamueltellSaultodo?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidSauldo?(v.4-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatliedidhetellSamuel?(v.10-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidSaulwanttoworshipGodatthispoint?(v.22-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSamuelfeeltowardsSaul?(v.31-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel16

HowdoesGodchoosemenforHisservice?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSamuelknowtoanointDavid?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDaviddoforSaul?(v.14-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“SoSamuelsaid,‘HastheLordasgreatdelightinburntofferingsandsacrifices,asinobeyingthevoiceoftheLord?Behold,toobeyisbetterthansacrifice,andtoheedthanthefatoframs.’“ 1Samuel15:22

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Lesson38

Overview

Thisweek’slessonbeginswiththefamousstoryofDavidandGoliath.Almosteveryoneisatleastfamiliarwiththisstory.Wastherereallyagiant,anddidyoungDavidreallykillhimwithaslingshot?ItisimportanttoconsiderwhetheryoureallybelievewhattheBiblehastosay.

David’sbraverycamefromhisabsolutetrustinGod.Saul’sweaknessshowswhatgoingourownwaydoestous.DoyourememberhowtallSaulwas?EvenifhisphysicalstatureshouldhavemadehimatleastamatchforGoliath,hehadnocouragewhenheneededitmost.Hisfaithinhimselfhadbroughthimtoalowpoint,andhisjealousyofDavidbroughthimevenlower.

Thislessonalsohighlightstheblessingsofatrueandquiteunlikelyfriendship.TherelationshipbetweenDavidandJonathanisremarkableonsomanylevels.Bothyoungmenweredrawntoeachotherasbrothers;theyhadacommonloveforSaulandadevotiontoGod.JonathanwouldhavebeennextinlineforthethroneifGodhadnotanointedDavid.Saul’sdisobediencetoGodnotonlycosthimpersonally,butalteredthelifeofhissonaswell.WeseenojealousyorresentmentinJonathan;rather,weseehisloyaltytohisfriendeventhoughDavidwouldtakeJonathan’splaceinthekingdom.Eachofusmustbecarefulhowweapplythisstorytoourownlives.Thelessonhereisnottoignoreparents’wisecounselinfriendships.TheaccountisclearthattheeffectsofsinandrebellionhaddestroyedSaul’sabilitytothinkclearlybythistime,andSaulwasrepeatedlyattemptingtokillDavid.JonathanwasprotectingbothDavidandhisfatherinhisactions.

WeshouldalsonotethatDavidcontinuedtobeloyaltoSaulevenwhenSaulwastryingtokillhim.DavidtrustedGod’stiming.

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Lesson38

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Samuel17

WhywereSaulandallofIsraelafraid?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidDavidrespondtothethreat?(v.12-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDavidoffertoSaul?(v.27-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidDavidsayhewouldbeatGoliath?(v.33-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDavidsaytoGoliath?(v.38-47)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatweretheresultsofDavid’sactions?(v.48-58)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Samuel18

DescribeDavid’sfriendshipwithJonathan.(v.1-5)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetherelationshipbetweenSaulandDavid.(v.6-16)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidSaulhopewouldhappentoDavid?(v.17-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whathappenedinstead?(v.28-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Samuel19

HowdidJonathantrytoreconcileSaultoDavid?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwentwrong?(v.8-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedinRamah?(v.18-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Samuel20

WhatwasDavidafraidof?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJonathan’splan?(v.5-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasSaul’sresponsetoJonathan?(v.24-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedbetweenJonathanandDavid?(v.34-42)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel21

WhydidDavidneedGoliath’ssword?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidDavidpretendinsanity?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“ThenDavidsaidtothePhilistine,‘Youcometomewithasword,withaspear,andwithajavelin.ButIcometoyouinthenameoftheLordofhosts,theGodofthearmiesofIsrael,whomyouhavedefied.’“ 1Samuel17:45

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Lesson39

Overview

TheBiblicalaccountofDavid’slifeisbothexcitingtostudyandfulloflessonsthatwecaneasilyapplytoourownwalkoffaith.WeshouldkeepinmindaswestudyDavid’slifethatGodcalledDavidamanafterHisownheart(1Samuel13:14,Acts13:22).ItisnothingbuthelpfultoourownChristianlivestostudyamanafterGod’sownheart.WeshouldalldesiretohavethatkindoffaithanddevotiontoGod.

ThislessonhighlightsthecontinuedthreatsagainstDavid’slifefromKingSaul.OneofthemanywaysDavidshowedhisabsolutefaithinGod’splanisthathecontinuallysparedSaul’slife,evenasothersurgedhimtokillSaul.CertainlytheentirekingdomwouldknowthatDavidactedinself-defense.ButDavidrefusedtotakemattersintohisownhands.HewasnotafraidtokillthosewhoweretheenemiesofGodandHispeople,aswesawintheaccountofGoliathandthePhilistines.InthesechapterswelearnaboutmanytimesthatGodusedDavidtoexecutejudgmentontheungodly.RememberthatIsraelwouldnothavebeendealingwiththesecontinuedbattleswereitnotfortheirowndisobediencewhentheyenteredthePromisedLand.SoDavidwasnotafraidtostanduptohisenemies;rather,hewassoclosetoGodthatheknewwhenitwasGod’swilltoactandwhenitwasnot.

ThisisalsoagoodtimetoconsiderthePsalmsDavidwroteduringthistimeinhislifeandthroughouthislifetime.InthoseweseeaglimpseintoDavid’sdeepfeelingsaboutallthatwashappeningtohim.HistrustinGoddidnotmeanthathedidnothaveharddaysandsometimesdifficultytrusting.Butheperseveredandbecameagreatexampleofalifededicatedtolivingforaloving,holyandwiseGod.Ifyouhaveextratimethisweek,turntoPsalmsandspendsometimelettingDavid’sdeepestfeelingssinkintoyourownheartandmind.Psalm23,9,and38aregoodplacestostart.

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Lesson39

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Samuel22

WhowaswithDavid?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidAhimelechdefendDavid?(v.6-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidSauldo?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Samuel23

WhathappenedatKeilah?(v.1-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJonathanencourageDavid?(v.14-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidtheycalltheWildernessofMaontheRockofEscape?(v.19-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Samuel24

WhywasDavidupsetovercuttingSaul’srobe?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDaviddeclaretoSaul?(v.8-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatdidSauldeclaretoDavid?(v.16-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Samuel25

HowareAbigailandNabaldescribed?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDavid’srequestandNabal’sresponse?(v.4-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDavid’sresponse?(v.12-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidNabal’sservantsdo?(v.14-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAbigaildo?(v.18-22)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAbigailsaytoDavid?(v.23-31)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.32-44)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel26

WhydidDavidspareSaul’slife?(v.1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDavidwant?(v.13-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ThenJonathan,Saul’sson,aroseandwenttoDavidinthewoodsandstrengthenedhishandinGod.Andhesaidtohim,‘Donotfear,forthehandofSaulmyfathershallnotfindyou.YoushallbekingoverIsraelandIshallbenexttoyou.EvenmyfatherSaulknowsthat.’“ 1Samuel23:16-17

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Lesson40

Overview

Sincethreeofthechaptersinthislessonareveryshort,somesuggestedPsalmsaregiventodeepenthestudy.Psalms,mostlywrittenbyDavid,isagreatbooktoreaddailysothatwecanlearntopourourheartsouttoGod.DavidtaughtustobringourdeepestanddarkestfeelingstothethroneofourlovingheavenlyFather.

Thislessonconcludesthebookof1SamuelandalsogivestheaccountoftheendofSaul’slife.Saul’slifeisatragicreminderoftheimportanceofobeyingGodcompletelyandyieldingourownwilltoHis.Saulmadedecisionsbasedonwhathewantedandwhen,ratherthanwaitingforGod’swill.JustasDavid’slifeisagreatexampleofhowweshouldwalkwithGod,Saul’slifeisagreatexampleoftheconsequencesofwalkingourownway.TheentirenationofIsrael,aswellasmanyChristianstoday,tendedtowalkinthefleshratherthaninthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

Asyoureadeachday,besuretospendtimeponderingwhatGodwouldspeaktoyourownheartabouttheOldTestamentaccounts.Theseareinterestingstories,buttheyarealsomeanttoteachusaboutGod’snature,man’snature,andwhatitmeanstolivealifepleasingtoGod.ItissometimeseasytooverlookormisinterpretthemessagethatGodhasforourownheartaswestudyHisWord.TheHolySpiritisourguide.

InthislessonwereadtheinterestingstoryofhowSaulconsultedamedium(psychic)forguidance.Godhadalreadygivenspecificcommandmentsaboutsuchpractices.AndobviouslyifSaulhadarightrelationshipwithGod,hewouldnothavefoundhimselfinsuchadismalplaceinhislife.Trytoimaginewhatthispassageisteachingaboutconsultingpsychicsfordirectioninlife.NotethereactionofthemediumtoSamuel’sappearance.

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Lesson40

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Samuel27 (Psalm34)

WhydidDavidwanttolivewiththePhilistines?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidAchishbelieveDavidwouldalwaysbeloyaltohim?(v.4-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Samuel28

WhywasSaulafraid,andwhatdidhedo?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasSamuel’smessagetoSaul?(v.8-19)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidSaulnotwanttoeat?(v.20-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Samuel29 (Psalm57)

WhywerethePhilistinemilitaryleadersupset?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidAchishmakeDavidgoback?(v.6-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Samuel30

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WhathappenedatZiklag?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’swordtoDavid?(v.7-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheEgyptianslavehelpDavid?(v.9-16)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyweresomeofthemenupset,andhowdidDavidhandleit?(v.17-25)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WheredidDavidsendsomeofthespoils?(v.26-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Samuel31 (Psalm54)

HowdidSauldie?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidthePhilistinesdo?(v.6-10)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheIsraelitesdo?(v.11-13)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“AndtheLordhasdoneforHimselfasHespokebyme.FortheLordhastornthekingdomoutofyourhandandgivenittoyourneighbor,David.BecauseyoudidnotobeythevoiceoftheLordnorexecuteHisfiercewrathuponAmalek,thereforetheLordhasdonethisthingtoyouthisday.” 1Samuel28:17-18

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Lesson41

Overview

SecondSamuelistheplacewheremanypeople’sknowledgeoftheOldTestamentbeginstogetfoggy.Themainreasonforthisisthat2SamuelistheplacewhereGodbeginstogiveusmorethanoneaccountofaneventinordertoteachusdifferentaspectsofthelessonHewantsustolearn.Forexample,everythingwehavereadsofarintheOldTestamenthasbeenchronological,exceptforthebookofJob.RememberthatJobisgroupedwiththepoetrybooks,buthistoricallytheeventshappenedduringtheGenesistimeperiod.ButotherthanJob,allofthebookswehavestudiedhavebeenintheorderoftheevents.

AfterSaul’sdeathattheendof1Samuel,therearemanythingshappeninginIsraelatthesametime.ThebooksofSamuel,KingsandChroniclesbegintooverlapinordertoshowallthatGodintendedinHisWord.Theeventsof2Samuelarerepeatedin1Chronicles,andthetwobooksofKingsarethesametimeperiodas2Chronicles.ItwillbeeasytoseeaswestudythemaineventsthatGodwasprovidingdifferentperspectivestoteachusdifferentlessons,similartothelifeofJesusinthe4gospels(Matthew,Mark,LukeandJohn).Tofurtherchallengeus,thebooksoftheprophetsfromIsaiahthroughMalachiareinterspersedchronologicallythroughout2Samuel,Kings,Chronicles,Ezra,NehemiahandEsther.Thiswillallmakesenseaswestudythroughtheselessons.

ThislessonbeginswiththeAmalekitelyingtoDavidaboutkillingSaul.WeseetherockybeginningofDavid’sreignaskingofIsrael,andwereadaboutDavid’swivesandsons.Keepinmindthatitwascustomaryinthatdayforamantohavemultiplewives,especiallymenofhighranking.ButitwasneverGod’splan,anditcausedmuchgrieftogoagainstGod’splanforfamilies.

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Lesson41

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Samuel1

WhatdidtheAmalekitesay,andwasittrue?(v.1-10;see1Samuel31:4ifyoudon’tremember)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattworesponsesdidDavidhave?(v.11-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatstandsouttoyouabouttheSongoftheBow?(v.17-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Chronicles10

WhatadditionalinformationisgivenhereaboutSaul?(v.1-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Samuel2

WhathappenednextforDavid?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidDavidblessthemenofJabeshGilead?(also,v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasIshbosheth?(v.8-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhathappenedattheFieldofSharpSwords?(v.12-17)____________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowereJoabandAbner,andwhyweretheyfighting?(v.18-32)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Samuel3

WhatwasanotableprobleminDavid’sfamily(seeoverview)?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedbetweenAbnerandIshbosheth?(v.6-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedbetweenAbnerandDavid?(v.12-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasJoabangry,andwhatdidhedo?(v.22-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDavid’sresponse?(v.28-39)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Samuel4(Psalm1)

WhowasMephibosheth?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidDavidhaveRechabandBaanahexecuted?(v.5-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“IthappenedafterthisthatDavidinquiredoftheLord,saying,‘ShallIgouptoanyofthecitiesofJudah?’AndtheLordsaidtohim,‘Goup.’Davidsaid,‘WhereshallIgoup?’AndHesaid,‘ToHebron.’“ 2Samuel2:1

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Lesson42

Overview

Aswemovedeeperinto2Samuel,wewillseemanychaptersrepeatedin1Chronicles,whilesomeeventsaregivenonlyinonebook.Sometimeswewillreadbothaccounts,andsometimeswewillsimplynotethecorrespondingchapter(s)ineither2Samuelor1Chronicles.ThebooksofSamuelareobviouslynamedfortheprophetandjudge,Samuel,whilethenameof1and2Chroniclesindicatesthechronicles(accounts)ofthekingsofIsraelandJudah.Tofurthercomplicatethings,DavidwrotemostofthebookofPsalmsduringthistimeperiod(1and2Samueland1Chronicles),sowewilloccasionallyreadornoteacorrespondingPsalm.ItisveryhelpfultotrytoreadPsalmsalongwiththisstudy.YoucouldusetheextradaysoftheweektofitinsomePsalms,oryoucouldreadoneortwochaptersofPsalmsalongwiththeSamuel/Chroniclesstudy.WewillstudyPsalmsandthepoetrybookslater.

HopefullyyouwillnoticesignificantdifferencesbetweenDavidandSaulasthefirsttwokingsofIsrael.Fromthebeginningofhisreign,DavidwascommittedtodoingexactlywhatGodwantedhimtodo.ThisdoesnotmeanthatDavidwasperfect,buthewasquicktorepentwhenhesinned.2Samuel6isthedifficultstoryofUzzah’smistake.Weseethatthepeople,includingDavid,didnotbothertofindoutexactlyhowGodwantedtheArkoftheCovenanthandled.Godhadgivenveryspecificinstructions,andHeshowedthemnottotakeHiswordslightly.ThisisagreatlessonforustodayasweseektoobeyGod’sWord:obediencebeginswithactuallyknowingwhatGodhassaidontheissuesofourlives.2Timothy2:15instructsus:“BediligenttopresentyourselfapprovedtoGod,aworkerwhodoesnotneedtobeashamed,rightlydividingthewordoftruth.”DavidandtheentirekingdomofIsraelhadtolearntheimportanceoffindingoutandfollowingexactlywhatGodsays.

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Lesson42

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Samuel5 (Compare1Chronicles11,12,14)

HowoldwasDavidwhenhebecameking,andhowlongdidhereign?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________HowdidDavidknowGodhadestablishedhimasking?(v.6-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisasignificantdifferencebetweenSaulandDavid?(v.13-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Samuel6 (Compare1Chronicles13,15)

WhywereDavidandthepeoplesohappy?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoUzzahandwhy?(v.6-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattwoemotionsdoesDavidhave?(v.8-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowasblessed,andwhy?(v.10-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDaviddonext,andhowdidhefeel?(v.12-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidMichalhavenochildren?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Chronicles15

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Whowouldcarrytheark,andwhy?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheyknowGod’sinstructions?(v.4-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidMichaldespiseDavid?(v.16-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Chronicles16 (andPsalm105)

WhatweresomeoftheresponsibilitiesoftheLevites?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomespecificwaystopraiseGod?(v.7-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthepeoplerespond?(v.25-36)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howandwhywasregularworshiprestoredandmaintained?(v.37-43)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Chronicles17 (Compare2Samuel7)

WhatwasNathan’smistake?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’smessageinstead?(v.7-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDavid’sresponse?WriteyourfavoritethoughtsfromDavid’sprayer.(v.16-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“SothepriestsandtheLevitessanctifiedthemselvestobringupthearkoftheLordGodofIsrael.AndthechildrenoftheLevitesborethearkofGodontheirshoulders,byitspoles,asMoseshadcommandedaccordingtothewordoftheLord.” 1Chronicles15:14-15

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Lesson43

Overview

Thisweek’slessonwillfocusmoreon2Samuel,andwewillnoticethat2SamuelprovidesmorepersonalinformationaboutKingDavid’slife.WewillreadthestoryofJonathan’sson,Mephibosheth,whowasfirstmentionedinLesson41,2Samuel4.Notethatthisveryspecialstoryisfoundonlyin2Samuel.

ThestoryofDavidandBathshebaisalsofoundonlyin2Samuel.Asyouread,rememberthatinthebeginningofhisreign,Davidalwayswenttobattlewithhisarmy,aswasthecustomofkings.In2Samuel11,Davidstayedhome.Noreasonisgiven,butweseethetragicmistakeDavidmadeashewaspresumablynotwhereheshouldhavebeen.ItmightalsobenotedthatBathshebawasobviouslyinthewrongplaceaswell,ifherbathwasnoticeablefromthebalconyofadifferenthouse.David’ssinledhimintofurthersinashetriedtocoveritup.Hewentfromsexualsintomurder.Wearenotsurefromthebiblicalrecordhowmuchtimepassed,butweknowDavidconfessedandrepentedwhentheprophet,Nathan,confrontedhim.Psalm51isDavid’sprayerofrepentanceandremorse.WealsohavearemarkableverseaboutDavid’sbeliefineternallife,andthesalvationofhisyoungson.

AsyoucometoenjoydiggingdeeperintoGod’sWord,trytoexpandyourstudyfromfivedaysperweektoeverysingleday.TherearegreatblessingsforusaswesoakourmindsandheartsinGod’sWord.Thekeyversesarejustsuggestions,withplentyofroomonthe“ForFurtherStudy”pagestowriteotherversesorpassagesthatmaystandouttoyou.Fortheextradaysofstudy,youmightcatchuponanyparticularlylongchapters,oryoumayturntoPsalmsand/orProverbsfordailyinspiration.Thesecanbereadaccordingtothedate;forexample,readProverbs5onthe5thdayofthemonth.WewillstudyPsalms,Proverbs,andtheotherpoetrybooksattheendofthestudy.

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Lesson43

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Samuel8 (Compare1Chronicles18)

WhatweresomespecificvictoriesforDavid,andwhatwasGod’sview?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtherulersofthesurroundingnationsviewDavid?(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeDavid’sadministration.(v.11-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Samuel9

WhatdidDavidwanttodoandwhy?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasMephibosheth’sreaction?(v.5-8)___________________________________________________WhatdidDaviddoforMephibosheth?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Samuel10 (Compare1Chronicles19)

WhatwasHanun’smistake?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDavid’sresponse?(v.5-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheresult?(v.11-19)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Samuel11

WhatwasDavid’smistake?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDavid’sresponse?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatkindofmanwasUriah?(v.9-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoUriah?(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasJoabworried?(v.18-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenednext,andhowdidGodfeel?(v.23-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Samuel12 (andPsalm51)

WhatwasthepointofNathan’sstory?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldbetheresultofDavid’ssin?(v.5-15)____________________________________________________DescribeDavid’sfeelingsabouthischild’sillnessanddeath.(v.15-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodandNathanfeeltowardSolomon?(v.24-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Beofgoodcourage,andletusbestrongforourpeopleandforthecitiesofourGod.AndmaytheLorddowhatisgoodinHissight.” 2Samuel10:12and1Chronicles19:13

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Lesson44

Overview

2Samuel13-20containsaccountsoftragedieswithinDavid’sfamily.Theseaccountsarenotmentionedatallin1Chronicles.Thereadingandstudyingoftheseaccountsaredifficultformanyreasons.ManypeopleareuncomfortablewiththeideathatamanlikeDavid,called“amanafterGod’sownheart”byGodHimself,couldhavesuchfailuresinhispersonallife.AndsinceGoddidnotspecificallymentionDavid’ssinofpolygamy(marryingmultiplewives),wewonderwhatsinsweareembracinginourculturethatwearenotevennoticing,butthataredispleasingtoGod.Wewillskipthereadingofthesechaptersforthisstudy,butasalways,theyareequallyimportantinGod’sWord.So,readthemifyoucan.WewillmoveonintheoverviewofDavid’sreign.

Hereisareminderthatthedifferentaccountsin2Samueland1Chroniclesareworthnoting.Noticealsothat2Samuel22isthesameasPsalm18.KeepinmindthatthesebooksoftheBiblearedeeplyinterconnected.Itisveryworthwhiletostudythissectionofscriptureandlearnhowitallfitstogether.Asalways,therearedeeplessonsforuswhenwedigintoGod’sWord.

ThestoryoftheGibeonitesismentionedinbothaccounts.ThisisaninterestinglessonabouttheimportanceGodputsonkeepingthepromiseswemake.TheGibeonitestrickedJoshuaintomakingatreatywiththem,andlaterSauldealtharshlywiththem.ThefaminewasGod’spunishment,allthoseyearslater,forSaul’sviolatingthetreaty.Eventhoughthetreatywasoriginallyamistake,Godstillmeantthemtokeeptheirword.Asalways,asyoureadthesestories,askGodtoshowyouwhatareasofyourlifeneedtobemadepureandrightbeforeHim.

2SamuelendswiththetragicstoryofDavid’scensus.Itremindsusthatourpersonalsinsoftenhaveconsequencesforothers.

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Lesson44

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Samuel21 (Compare1Chronicles20)

WhydidGodcauseafamine?(v.1-2;compareJoshua9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheGibeonitesaskfor?(v.3-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowassparedandwhy?(v.7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedwiththefamine?(v.8-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydoyouthinkIsraelhadsomuchtroublewiththePhilistines?(v.15-22;compareJoshua13:13andJudges3:1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Samuel22 (andPsalm18)

Writeoutyourfavoritethoughtsfromthischapter.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Samuel23

WhatisthemainpointofDavid’slastwords?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywouldDavidnotdrinkthewater?(v.8-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Althoughlistsofnamescanbedifficult,trytopickoutafew

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thatstandouttoyou.(v.18-39;expandedlistin1Chronicles11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Samuel24 (Compare1Chronicles21)

HowdidJoabfeelaboutDavid’scensus?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________NotethebordersofIsrael(stillabigissuetoday).Howmanyfightingmenwerethere?(v.5-9)____________________________________________________HowdidDavidfeelafterthecensus?(v.10)____________________________________________________WhydidDavidchoosethe3dayplague?(v.11-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodcommand?(v.15-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidDavidnotacceptAraunah’soffer?(v.20-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Chronicles22

WhatdidDavidwantSolomontodo?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhydidGodallowSolomonandnotDavidtobuildthetemple?(v.7-10)____________________________________________________WhatwasthemainfocusofDavid’sinstructionstoSolomon?(v.11-19)____________________________________________________(Interestingtonote:trytofindoutthevalueofatalentofgoldintoday’scurrency,andcalculatethematerialvalueofthetemple.)

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Andhesaid:‘TheLordismyrockandmyfortressandmydeliverer;theGodofmystrength,inwhomIwilltrust;myshieldandthehornofmysalvation;mystrongholdandmyrefuge;mySavior,Yousavemefromviolence.IwillcallupontheLord,whoisworthytobepraised;soshallIbesavedfrommyenemies.’” 2Samuel22:2-4andPsalm18:2-3

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Lesson45

Overview

ThisweekwebeginthebooksoftheKings.Noticethatjustas2Samueland1Chronicleshadsimilaraccountsofthesametimeperiod,1and2Kingsaresimilarto2Chroniclesinthattheycoverthesametimeperiod.Aswehavenoted,thisiswherethestudyoftheOldTestamentcanbeconfusingifreadcasually,butdeeperstudyandcomparisonbringouttherichnessGodprovidesinthispartofHisWord.Andalthoughwewillnotreadeverychapterinthisoverview,everychapterisimportantandisworththetimetoreadandstudy.

Wewillalsoconclude1Chroniclesthisweek,skippingthelonglistsofnamesin1Chronicles23-27.ButonethingtorememberabouttheselistsofnamesisthatGodisinterestedinindividualsaswellasnations.1ChroniclesconcludeswithDavid’sspecificinstructionstoSolomonaboutthetemple,whichweregivenpubliclyforthesakeofIsraelandforSolomon.WewillalsoreadabouttheendofDavid’sreign.1KingsbeginswiththerockystarttoSolomon’sreign,whichisnotmentionedintheChronicles.

NextwefocusonSolomon’sreign,recordedinboth2Chroniclesand1Kings.Solomon’slifehasmanyinterestingandthought-provokingcomponents.KeepinmindthatSolomonwrotethebooksofProverbs,EcclesiastesandSongofSolomon.ItwillbehelpfultoyourstudytospendsometimeinthosebookswhileyoustudySolomon’sreignoverIsrael.WewillreadthefascinatingaccountofGod’sofferingtoSolomonanythinghewanted,andSolomon’srequest.

NothingismentionedinKingsandChroniclesaboutGod’srulesforkingsfoundinDeuteronomy17:14-20,butSolomoncertainlyviolatedthose.Wenotefrom1Kings3:3thatSolomonlovedtheLord.GodwaspleasedwithSolomonaswell,andblessedhisreign.

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Lesson45

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Chronicles28

WhatmessagedidDavidhaveforIsrael?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmessagedidDavidhaveforSolomon?(v.8-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidDavidknowthespecificsofthetemplebuildingplans?(v.11-19)____________________________________________________WhatfurtherworddidDavidhaveforSolomon?(v.20-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Chronicles29

Whatwasthespecificreasonforrejoicing?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatweresomeofthethingsDavidprayedfor?(v.10-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatstandsouttoyouaboutSolomonbecomingking?(v.20-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Kings3 (Compare2Chronicles1)

HowdidSolomonfeeltowardsGod?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodoffer,andwhatwasSolomon’sresponse?(v.5-9)____________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSolomonshowwisdom?(v.16-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Chronicles2 (Compare1Kings5)

WhatdidSolomonrequestofHiramandwhy?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasHiram’sresponse?(v.11-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________(Arethereanyadditionalfactsthatstandoutin1Kings5?)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Chronicles3 (Compare1Kings6)

Whatstandsoutfirsttoyouaboutthetempleconstruction?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheMostHolyPlace.(v.10-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Noteanyotherinterestingthoughtsfrom1Kings6.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________AnyextratimethisweekcouldbespentcomparingNewTestamentpassagessuchasHebrews9and1Corinthians6:19.

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“Asforyou,myson,Solomon,knowtheGodofyourfather,andserveHimwithaloyalheartandwithawillingmind;fortheLordsearchesallheartsandunderstandsalltheintentofthethoughts.IfyouseekHim,Hewillbefoundbyyou;butifyouforsakeHim,Hewillcastyouoffforever.” 1Chronicles28:9

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Lesson46

Overview

IfyouareabletospendtimecomparingthedifferentaccountsinKingsandChronicles,itwilladdsomuchrichnesstoyourstudy.ItwillalsoaddtoyourstudytoreadsomeofSolomon’sotherwritings(Proverbs,SongofSolomonandEcclesiastes)alongwiththeaccountsofhisreignaskingofIsrael.KeepinmindthatKingSaulreignedforfortyyears;Davidreignedforfortyyears,andweseeinthislessonthatSolomonreignedforfortyyears.ThosearethefirstthreekingsofIsrael,andtheonlykingswhoreignedovertheunitedkingdomofIsrael.WewillstudythetragicdividingofIsraelinthenextlesson.

Noticethat2Chronicles5,6,and7arethesameas1Kings8.2Chronicles4and1Kings7giveusmoredetailsonthetemplefurnishings,althoughwewillnotreadthosechaptersinthisstudy.Taketimetolookoverthemifyoucan.Thedetailsofthesplendorofthetemplebuildingandfurnishingsareamazingtoimagine.Ashasbeenmentioned,itisveryinterestingtolookuptheweightofatalentofgoldorsilverandcalculatethemonetaryvalueofthebuildingmaterials.Thiswouldbethefirstofseveraltemplesthatwouldbeconstructed,plunderedbyenemies,torndownandrebuilt.LaterwewillreadhowNebuchadnezzartookallofthesetempletreasures,but70yearsafterthatCyrussentthemallbackwiththeJewswhohadbeencapturedandexiledwhentheyreturned.

Solomon’sdedicationspeechandprayerareveryinspiring.God’ssecondappearancetoSolomonisinbothaccountsaswell.

Onereasonforcomparingthetwoaccountsisthatsomeimportanttruthsarementionedinonlyoneofthebooks.Forexample,1Kings11givesustheimportantaccountofspecificallyhowSolomon’sheartwasturnedfromGod,butthosedetailsarenotfoundinChronicles.

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Lesson46

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Chronicles5 (Compare1Kings7:51-8:11)

HowwasSolomon’smovingofthearkdifferentfromDavid’s?(v.1-5;compare2Samuel6:3-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethecherubimandtheplacementoftheark.(v.6-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodshowHispresence?(v.11-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Chronicles6 (Compare1Kings8:12-53)

WhatdidSolomontestifybeforethepeople?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldbetheresultsofsininIsrael?(v.12-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidSolomon’spropheticprayersuggestwouldhappentoIsraeliftheysinnedagainstGod?(v.32-42)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Chronicles7 (Compare1Kings8:54-9:9)

Howwasthetemplededicated?(v.1-5)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howlongdidthecelebrationlast?(v.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatwasGod’ssecondmessagetoSolomon?(v.12-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Kings10 (Compare2Chronicles9)

WhydidtheQueenofSheba(moderndayYemen)visitSolomonandwhatwasherresponse?(v.1-13)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGoddescribeSolomon’swealthandwisdom?(v.14-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSolomon’swealthimpactJerusalem’seconomy?(v.24-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________(NoticethehorsesfromEgyptagain.)

Day5:Read1Kings11

HowwasSolomon’sheartturnedawayfromGod?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattroubledidSolomonhave?(v.14-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasAbijah’smessagetoJeroboam?(v.26-43)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BesuretotrytoreadsomeofSolomon’spersonalwritingsinProverbs,SongofSolomonandEcclesiastes.

190

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“IfMypeople,whoarecalledbyMynamewillhumblethemselves,andprayandseekMyface,andturnfromtheirwickedways,thenIwillhearfromheaven,andwillforgivetheirsinandhealtheirland.” 1Chronicles7:14

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Lesson47

Overview

ThislessongivesustheheartbreakingdetailsofhowthekingdomofIsraelwastornapartbyoneyoungman’sfoolishactions.TheyoungmanwasSolomon’sson,Rehoboam,whobecamekingafterSolomon.Israelwasarguablythemostrespectednationintheworldafterthe80yearsofDavid’sandSolomon’sreigns.InLesson46wereadaboutthemessageGodhadgivenJeroboamaboutthis(1Kings11:26-40).

Therearemanylessonsforourlivesintheseaccounts.Weshouldfirstconsiderwherewegetadvicewhenwehavedecisionstomake.DoweseekGodlycounselfromHisWordandfrommorematurebelievers?Ordowefindsomeonewhowillagreewithwhatwereallywanttodo?Weareremindedthatoftenourdecisionsaffectothersaswell,aswehaveseenthroughoutourOldTestamentstudy.CertainlyRehoboam’sfoolishdecisionhadfar-reachingconsequencesforhimself,hisfamily(particularlyhissons,grandsons,etc.,whoascendedthethroneafterhim),andtheentirenationofIsraelforhundredsofyears.

AnotherimportantlessonisshowninGod’spropheticmessagetoJeroboam.WeareremindedthatnothingthathappenscatchesGodoff-guard.Healreadyknowswhatwillhappenineverysituation.ThatknowledgeshouldcauseustotrustHimmoredeeply,sincewecanrestassuredthatevenwhenwemakebaddecisionsHeistherereadytorestoreuswhenweturnbacktoHim.HeofferedthathopetoIsrael,andHecontinuestoofferhopetoustoday.

ComparingtheaccountsthroughoutKingsandChroniclesgivesusaclearerpictureofhowGodworks.ItisdefinitelyworththeextraefforttolearnmoreaboutHisways.BesuretonoticethedifferencebetweenlearningthetruthspresentedintheWordandhaphazardlyapplyingscripturetosuitourselves.

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Lesson47

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Chronicles10 (Compare1Kings12:1-20)

WhatadvicedidtheeldersgivetoRehoboam?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatadvicedidtheyoungmengive?(v.8-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhichadvicedidRehoboamtake,andwhatwastheresult?(v.12-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Chronicles11 (Compare1Kings12:21-33)

WhatwasShemaiah’smessagetoRehoboam,andwhatwastheresult?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidRehoboamfortifythecities?(v.5-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJudahbecomestronger?(v.13-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhomdidRehoboamintendtobecomekingafterhimself?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Kings13 (noChroniclescorrelation)

WhydidGodsendthismantoJeroboam?(v.1-10)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________Whatmistakedidthe“manofGod”make?(v.11-19)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidtheoldprophetrespond?(v.20-34)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Kings14 (Compare2Chronicles12)

WhydidJeroboam’ssondie?(v.1-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidRehoboam’sreignturnout?(v.19-31)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Chronicles13 (Compare1Kings15:1-8)

WhatdidAbijahsaytoJeroboamandtoIsrael?(v.1-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoprevailedinthisbattle?(v.13-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Comparing1Kings15:1-8,wasAbijahreallyloyaltoGod?________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Reminder:Psalms(writtenmostlybyDavid),Proverbs,SongofSolomonandEcclesiastes(writtenbySolomon)werebeingwrittenandcompiledduringthetimeofSamuel,KingsandChronicles.Wewillstudythesebooks,knownasthepoetrybooks,attheendoftheOldTestamentstudy.

194

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“NeverthelessforDavid’ssaketheLordhisGodgavehimalampinJerusalem,bysettinguphissonafterhimandbyestablishingJerusalem;becauseDaviddidwhatwasrightintheeyesoftheLord,andhadnotturnedasidefromanythingthatHecommandedhimallthedaysofhislife,exceptinthematterofUriahtheHittite.” 1Kings15:4-5

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Lesson48

Overview

AsweprogressthroughKingsandChronicles,weshouldbeverycarefultonotehowthedevotionofthekingstoGodhadadirecteffectonthepeopletheyruled.YouwillnoticethatnotasinglekingofthenorthernkingdomofIsraelwasdevotedtoGod.Infact,mostofthemwerecomparedtoJereboamintheirwickednessformanygenerations.InthesouthernkingdomofJudahthereweresomegoodkingswhollydevotedtoGod,butthereweremostlybadkingswholedthepeopletoworshipidols.

AlsonoteworthyisthefactthattherewasalwaysfoundatleastonetrueprophetofGodineventhemosteviltimesinbothIsraelandJudah.Therewerealsofalseprophetswillingtosayjustwhatanevilkingortheungodlypeoplewantedtohearineverygeneration.Thatisaparticularlessonforus:howcanweknowthedifferencebetweenaprophetwhoistrulyrepresentingGod’sWordandonewhoisleadingpeopleawayfromGod?TheanswerforusisfoundinGod’sWorditself.WehavethebenefitandunspeakableprivilegeofhavingGod’scompleteWordavailabletoustoreadandstudy.Weevenhavethespecificcommandin2Timothy2:15tostudyGod’sWordinordernottobeashamed.ThepeopleoftheOldTestamentwerenotwithoutcounselaswell,sincethebooksofMosesalsogavetheminstructiononhowtoknowatrueprophet(Deuteronomy18:15-22).

Aswecontinuetocompareandcontrastthetwoaccountsofthisperiodofhistory,wenoticethatChroniclesbeginstogivemoredetailsaboutthesouthernkingdomofJudah,whileKingsgivesmoredetailsaboutthenorthernkingdomofIsrael.Therewillstillbesomeoverlap,butwewillbegintoseemoreaccountsgiveninonlyoneplaceortheother.AskGodforsensitivitytoseethelessonsHehasforyoupersonallyandavoidapplyingscripturehaphazardlytomodernsituations.

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Lesson48

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Chronicles14

InwhatspecificwaysdidKingAsabringJudahbacktotrueworshipofGod?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeAsa’smilitaryaccomplishments.(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________SpecificallyhowdidAsa’sarmydefeattheEthiopians?(v.9-15)____________________________________________________(ComparePsalm147:10-11andPsalm33:16-18.HowdidAsa’sprayerreflectthisprinciple?)

Day2:Read2Chronicles15 (1Kings15:9-15)

WhatencouragementdidAzariahgivetoKingAsaandJudah?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________WhydidsomepeoplemovefromIsraeltoJudah?(v.8-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwerethespecificsoftheirrenewedcommitmenttoGod?(v.11-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatotherthingsdidAsadotoprovehiscommitmenttoGod?(v.16-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Chronicles16 (1Kings15:16-34)

WhydidAsamakeatreatywithSyria?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhatwasHanani’smessagetoAsa,andwhatwasAsa’sresponse?(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidAsa’sreignend?(v.11-14)____________________________________________________WhydoyouthinkAsa’sfaithinGodfailed?________________________________________________________________________________________________________From1Kings,howwasIsraeldoingduringthistime?________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Kings16

WhatdidJehusayaboutBaasha?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeElah’s,Zimri’sandOmri’sreigns.(v.8-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatparticularlyterriblethingdidAhabdo?(v.29-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Chronicles17

InwhatspecificwaysdidJehoshaphathonorGod,andwhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJehoshaphatdowithGod’sWord?(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidtheothernationsviewJehoshaphat?(v.11-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndAsacriedouttotheLordhisGod,andsaid,‘Lord,itisnothingforYoutohelp,whetherwithmanyorwiththosewhohavenopower;helpus,OLordourGod,forwerestonYou,andinYournamewegoagainstthismultitude.OLord,YouareourGod;donotletmanprevailagainstYou!’” 2Chronicles14:11

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Lesson49

Overview

ThislessonbeginstheimmenselyvaluableaccountofthegreatprophetElijah.WeseeGodbringingElijahonthesceneofIsrael’sstageastheevilKingAhabisinpower.Ahab’sreignoverIsraelcorrespondswithKingAsaandhissonKingJehoshaphatinJudah.ThenextlessonwillpickbackupwithwhatishappeningduringthistimeinJudah.ThisweekwewillconcentrateonIsraelandElijah.Asalways,askGodtohelpyouknowwhatHewouldteachyouthroughthispowerfulstudyofagreatservantofGod.

WearestillinthehistoryportionoftheOldTestament.Thepoetrybooksandthebooksoftheprophetsfollow.Butaswehavealreadyseen,thepoetrybookswerewrittenduringthetimeperiodofthebooksofSamuel,KingsandChronicles.Wewillalsoseethatmostoftheprophetslivedduringthesetimesaswell.Wewillsoonbegintoreadtheminthechronologyofthistimeperiod.Weshouldthinkaboutthataswereadnamesofprophetsintheseaccountsandconsiderwhattheirpropheciesconcerned.Forexample,inthislessonaprophetnamedObadiahismentioned.MostBiblescholarsdonotbelievethisisthesameObadiahwhowrotetheOldTestamentbookofObadiah,althoughobviouslytheywerebothprophetsofGod.ButthebookofObadiahwaswrittentothesouthernkingdomofJudah,whilethisprophetObadiahlivedinthenorthernkingdomofIsrael.CertainlyaprophetfromIsraelcouldprophesyaboutJudah,andthatmaybethecasehere,butwecannotbecertainofthat.Forthatreason,wewillnotassumetheyarethesameperson.WewillwaittoreadthebookofObadiahuntilalittlelaterinourstudy.

TheseareexcitingchaptersasweseeGodusetheprophetElijahtoremindIsraelthattheymustservetheonlytrueGod.WealsoseethatevenapowerfulmanofGodlikeElijahexperiencedtimesofdiscouragement,butGodrestores.

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Lesson49

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read1Kings17

WhatwasElijah’smessagetoAhab?(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodprovideforElijah?(v.2-7)____________________________________________________Describethemiracleofthewidow’sflourandoil.(v.8-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethemiracleofthewidow’sson.Inverse24,whydoyouthinkshedidn’thavetruefaithinGodbefore?(v.17-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read1Kings18

WhatwasremarkableaboutObadiah?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhywasObadiahafraid?(v.7-14)____________________________________________________WhatwasElijah’smessagetoAhab?(v.15-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasElijah’smessagetothepeople?(v.20-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethealtarmiracle.(v.22-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howmanytimesdidtheservantlookforrain?(v.41-46)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read1Kings19

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WhatwasJezebel’sthreatandElijah’sresponse?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddoforElijah?(v.5-8)____________________________________________________HowdidGodrevealHimselftoElijah?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’smessagetoElijah?(v.14-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedwithElisha?(v.19-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read1Kings20

HowdidAhabdefeattheSyriansthistime?(v.1-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGoddeliverIsraelagainfromSyria?(v.23-30)____________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sresponsetoAhab’streatywithSyria?(v.31-43)____________________________________________________

Day5:Read1Kings21

WhydidNabothrefusetosellhisvineyard?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJezebelgetNaboth’svineyardforAhab?(v.4-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’smessagetoAhab?(v.17-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidAhabrespond?HowdidGodrespond?(v.27-29)____________________________________________________

202

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndElijahcametoallthepeople,andsaid,‘Howlongwillyoufalterbetweentwoopinions?IftheLordisGod,followHim;butifBaal,followhim.’Butthepeopleansweredhimnotaword.” 1Kings18:21

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Lesson50

Overview

Meanwhile,backinJudah,KingJehoshaphatisstillruling,butheallieshimselfwithIsraelthroughthemarriageofhissonJehoramtoAthaliah,daughterofAhabandJezebel.Wewillstudymoreabouttheminlaterchapters,butitshouldalreadybeclearthatthiswasnotawisedecisionforKingJehoshaphat.Nevertheless,JehoshaphatisaGodlykingwholeadsJudahintrueworshipofGod.NoticethattheaccountofMicaiah’sprophecyisgiveninboth1Kings22and2Chronicles18,eventhoughmostofwhatwearestudyingisgiveninonlyoneofthesebooks.NoticewhatMicaiahfirsttellsAhabandJehoshaphat.HowoftendowealsomissGod’swordtousbecausewejustdonotwanttohearit?ButatleastAhabrecognizedthatMicaiahhadnotgivenhimthetruewordoftheLord,andhedidaskforit.

ThenextchaptersgiveusthewonderfullessonsofKingJehoshaphat’sreign.Hefollowedtheexampleofgodlinessofhisfather,KingAsa,andJudahwasblessedforit.TherearemanygreatlessonsforourownChristianlivesaswestudythestrengthsandweaknessesofthesekings.WeseeGodblessingtheirfaithfulnessandallowingjudgmentwhentheyturnaway.Howmanyhardshipsdowefacebecauseweareunfaithful?

BeforewecontinueinChronicleswiththekingsofJudah,wewillturnback(chronologically)andcatchupwiththehappeningsinIsrael.AhabhasdiedinbattleasMicaiahhadprophesied,andhissonAhaziahrulesnext.WegettoreadtheexcitingaccountofElijah’sascensiontoHeaven.WeonlyknowoftwomenwhohavegonetoHeavenwithoutdying.Doyouremembertheotherone?AfterElijahgoestoHeaveninthefierychariot,wegorightintothelifeofElisha,servantofElijah.ThemiraclesofElishashouldalwaysstrengthenourownfaithasweseeGod’sprovisiontimeaftertime.NoticethatGodprovidesforusevenwhenwearenotexpectingit.

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Lesson50

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Chronicles18 (1Kings22)

WhywasJehoshaphatnotpleasedwiththeprophetsinIsrael?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidMicaiahprophesy?Also,whatstandsouttoyouaboutMicaiah?(v.7-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidAhabdie?(v.28-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Chronicles19

WhatdidGodsayaboutJehoshaphatthroughJehu?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmessagedidJehoshaphathaveforthejudges?(v.4-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwereJehoshaphat’sprioritiesinthegoverningofJudah?(v.8-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Chronicles20

WhywasJehoshaphatafraid?(v.1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeJahaziel’sprophecy.(v.13-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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HowwereJudah’senemiesdefeated?(v.20-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmistakesdidJehoshaphatmake?(v.31-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Kings1

WhathappenedtoAhaziah,andwhatdidhedo?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasElijah’smessagetoAhaziah?(v.3-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywasthethirdcaptainspared?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.16-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Kings2

WhydidElishanotwanttoleaveElijah?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtotheJordanRiver?(v.7-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoElijah?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthesonsoftheprophetsdo?(v.14-18)____________________________________________________Describethesemiracles.(v.19-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“‘Youwillnotneedtofightinthisbattle.Positionyourselves,standstillandseethesalvationoftheLord,whoiswithyou,OJudahandJerusalem!’Donotfearorbedismayed;tomorrowgooutagainstthem,fortheLordiswithyou.” 2Chronicles20:17

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Lesson51

Overview

ThechaptersinthislessonarearguablysomeofthemostencouragingandamazingintheentireBible.EverychapterinthislessonshowsushowabundantlyGodprovidesforHispeopleandhowsurprisingthosemiraclesofprovisioncanbe.GodusesHisservantElishatoproclaimtheseprovisions.

In2Kings3wereadaboutdiggingditchestocontainthemiraculouswatersofsurvivalandblessing.Chapter4isthefamousstoryofcollectingcontainersfortheoilofabundance.Thenamiraculoussonismiraculouslyraisedfromthedead.Inchapter5leprosyishealedinasurprisingandunpleasantway,andleprosyisgiventoadishonestservant.Chapter6givesusthefloatingaxhead;aservant’seyesareopened,andthewholeSyrianarmyisblinded.Theninchapter7adifferentSyrianarmyhearsmiraculoussoundsthatcausethemtorunfortheirlivesandprovidestheIsraeliteswithalltheyneed.Adoubteristrampledbecauseoftheexcitementofthepeopleoverthebountifulprovision.

AlloftheseaccountsshowusyetanothersetofreasonstostudythegreatstoriesoftheOldTestamentandunderstandtheircontext.AswereadaccountsofGod’sprovisionforentirearmiesandforonesimplewidow,weareremindedofthatgreattruthfoundinEphesians3:20-21:“NowtoHimwhoisabletodoexceedinglyabundantlyaboveallthatweaskorthink,accordingtothepowerthatworksinus,toHimbegloryinthechurchbyChristJesustoallgenerations,foreverandever.Amen.”Wedon’tevenknowwhatcouldbe“aboveallthatweaskorthink”ifwehaven’tevenreadtheaccountsGodhasgivenus.ThebelieversinEphesuspresumablyknewthoseaccounts,andweshouldtoo.

KeepingthekingsofIsraelandJudahstraightinourmindsishelpfulatthispoint.Wewillreviewinthenextlesson.

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Lesson51

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Kings3

WhatkindofkingwasAhab’sson,Jehoram?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheproblemforthearmies?(v.4-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJehoshaphatdo?(v.11-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasElisha’smessage,andwhatwastheoutcome?(v.14-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Kings4

Describethismiracle.(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidElishawanttoblesstheShunammitewoman,andhowdidheblessher?(v.8-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedtotheson?(v.18-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedtothestew?(v.38-41)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywastheservantupset,andwhathappened?(v.42-44)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day3:Read2Kings5

WhowasNaaman,andwhatwaswrongwithhim?(v.1)____________________________________________________Whywasthekingupset?(v.2-7)____________________________________________________WhywasNaamanangry?(v.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappened?(v.13-19)____________________________________________________WhydidGehazigetleprosy?(v.20-27)____________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Kings6

Whydidtheaxheadfloat?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________HowwasElishatroublingthekingofSyria?(v.8-12)____________________________________________________HowweretheSyrianraidersdefeated?(v.13-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodallowthisterriblesiege?(v.24-33)____________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Kings7

WhatwasElisha’sresponse?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________WhydidtheSyrianarmyflee?(v.4-7)____________________________________________________WhatwasthekingofIsraelafraidof?(v.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwasElisha’sprophecyfulfilled?(v.13-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AndElishaprayed,andsaid,‘Lord,Ipray,openhiseyesthathemaysee.’ThentheLordopenedtheeyesoftheyoungmanandhesaw.Andbehold,themountainwasfullofhorsesandchariotsoffireallaroundElisha.” 2Kings6:17

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Lesson52

Overview

Thechaptersintheselessonsareveryexcitingforthosewholovehistory,butthelessonscanbecomechallengingandevenconfusingwithoutcarefulstudy.Weshouldremindourselvesagainoftheneedtoapplyourselvestothestudyofscripture(2Timothy2:15).ThestudyofGod’sdealingwithHispeopleteachesusmanygreattruthsaboutourheavenlyFatherandalsoourselves.Thesegreattruthscanprovideuswithsoundwisdomandgreaterfaith.Justaswebecomebettercitizensofourcountrythroughthestudyofwherewehavebeenasanation,sowebecomemoreusefultoGod’skingdomthroughunderstandingmoreofthenatureofourgreatGodandKing.Itchangesourwholeperspectivetostudythelivesofpeoplewhoservedordidn’tserveGodandhowtheywentwrongorright.Withoutknowledgeweflounderinaseaofignorancewhereourenemythedevilcanattackusintheexactsamewaysheattackedourforebears.LetusnotbecomewearyinthestudyofGod’sWord.WhataprivilegetoliveinatimeandplacewherewehavetherevealedWordofGod.LetusmakethemostoftheopportunitytolearnmoreofHim.

KeepingthekingsofIsraelandJudahstraightisachallengeinitself.WithJehoshaphatallowinghissontomarrythedaughterofAhabandJezebelandmanyofthekingshavingthesameorsimilarnames,itcaneasilygetconfusing.ItisimportanttorememberthatnoneofthekingsofIsraelwereGod-fearing,whilesomeofthekingsofJudahdidturntheheartsofthepeoplebacktotrueworshipofGod.Sometimeseventhegoodkingsdidnotcompletelygetridofallidol-worship,whichbecametheultimateun-doingofbothIsraelandJudah.

Wewillbegintoreadtheprophetswhowroteduringthetimesofthekingsaswell.Sogetreadytoaddmorebookstothestudy!TounderstandhowthebooksofprophecyfitintotheOldTestamentnarrativegivesarichnesstotheirmessages.

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Lesson52

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Kings8

HowdidGodblesstheShunammitewoman’sobedience?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtothekingofSyriaandwhydoyouthinkGodincludedthisportionofSyrianhistory?(v.7-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhobecamekinginJudah,andwasheagoodking?(v.16-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasAhaziah’smotherandgrandfathers?(v.25-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Chronicles21 (2Kings9,10)

WhatnewinformationisgivenaboutJehoramofJudah?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathadElijahprophesiedaboutJehoram?(v.8-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasnoonesadwhenJehoramdied?(v.16-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Chronicles22 (2Kings11)

WhathappenedtoAhaziah?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhowasAthaliah,andwhatdidshedo?(v.10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasJoash,andhowwashesaved?(v.11-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Chronicles23 (2Kings11)

WhowasJehoiada,andwhatdidhedo?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoQueenAthaliah?(v.12-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Chronicles24 (2Kings12)

WhatremarkablefactaboutJoashisgiveninverse1?________________________________________________________________________________________________________GivespecificevidenceforthekindofmanandkingJoashwas.(v.2-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJoashdotoshowdevotiontoGod?(v.5-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedafterJehoiadadied?(v.15-22)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoJoashandwhy?(v.23-27)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“YettheLordwouldnotdestroyJudah,forthesakeofHisservantDavid,asHepromisedhimtogivealamptohimandhissonsforever.” 2Kings8:19

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Lesson53

Overview

ItistimetobegintoincorporatesomeofthebooksoftheprophetsfoundlaterintheOldTestamentintoourstudy.Aswehavementioned,thestudyofthekingsandprophetsischallenging,andmostpeoplenevertakethetimetosortitallout.ButtherewardsofstudyingcarefullythissectionoftheBibleareimmeasurable.

TherearemanydifferingopinionsamongBiblescholarsovertheexactdatesofmanyofthebooksoftheprophets.Thefirstprophetthatwewillread,Obadiah,isanexample.SomescholarsplacethewritingsofObadiahearlierandsomelater.ObadiahprophesiesaboutjudgmentonEdom,thedescendantsofEsau,whocontinuallyfoughtagainsttheIsraelites.RememberthepromiseGodmadetoAbrahaminGenesisaboutthosewhotreatHispeoplewellandthosewhocurseHispeople(Genesis12:3).God’schosenpeoplecamefromAbrahamthroughIsaacandJacob.Esau’sdescendantsdidnotfollowGodandtreatedtheIsraelitesbadly.Obadiahprophesiestheirdemise.Thedebatesoverthetimingofthewritingsareinterestingtoread,butnomatterwhenthebookswerewritten,theystillshowtheomniscience(knowledge)andomnipotence(power)ofourgreatGod.ReadingthesepropheciesandrecognizinghowpreciselytheywerefulfilledgivesevenmoredepthtoourfaithandourpraiseofGod.

ManyofthepropheciesintheOldTestamentwerefulfilledduringtheOldTestamenttimes,manymoreinNewTestamenttimes,andmanyarestilltobefulfilled.InthislessonwewillreadObadiah’sandJoel’sprophecieswhichmatchthesectionofKingsandChroniclesthatwearestudying.NoticethattheprophetswerespeakingGod’sWordtoparticularpeopleinparticularsituations.Itisimportanttounderstandwhichmessagesoftheprophetswereonlyforthosegenerations.

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Lesson53

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadObadiah

WhatwasGod’smessagetoEdom?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywouldEdombepunished?(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodpromiseIsrael?(v.17-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJoel1

HowdidJoeldescribetheland?(v.1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJoelwanttheprieststodoandwhy?(v.13-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJoel2

HowdidJoeldescribethe“dayoftheLord”?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJoelaskthepeopletodo?(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatpromisesdidGodgive?(v.18-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomeevidencesofGod’sSpiritbeingpouredout?(v.28-32)____________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJoel3

HowdidIsrael’senemiesoppressthem?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomewaysGodencouragedHispeople?(v.7-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwillGodblessHispeople?(v.18-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Kings13

WhydidGoddeliverIsraelfromSyriathistime?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________CompareandcontrastKingJoashofJudah(2Kings12)andKingJoash(Jehoashinsometranslations)ofIsrael.(v.10-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasElishaangrywithJoash?(v.14-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatremarkablemiraclehappenedatElisha’stomb,andwhatdiditshow?(v.20-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowmanytimesdidJoashdefeatSyria,andwhyisthatremarkable?(v.22-25)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

218

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“‘Nowtherefore,’saystheLord,‘TurntoMewithallyourheart,withfasting,withweeping,andwithmourning.’Sorendyourheart,andnotyourgarments;returntotheLordyourGod,forHeisgraciousandmerciful,slowtoanger,andofgreatkindness;andHerelentsfromdoingharm.” Joel2:12-13

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Lesson54

Overview

WewillcontinuetoconnectthereadingoftheprophetstotheKingsandChroniclesnarratives.Aswehavementionedbefore,thereisinterestingdebateovertheexactplacementofmanyofthebooksoftheprophets.Itisusefultostudyseveraldifferentviewsofchronologyasyoureadthesewonderfulbooks.Thisstudyisoneview;thehelpssectioninthebackhassuggestionsforotherviews.

Jonahisoneofthemorewell-knownstoriesintheOldTestament,aswellasoneofthemorecontroversialaccounts.DidJonahactuallyspendthreedaysinthebellyofafish?Thisisagoodplacetoreevaluateyourownviewofscripture.Isittrue?Isitalltrue?IsitreallyGod’sWord?Ifyouhavereadthisfar,itwouldtakeagreatamountoffaithinhumanreasoningtoconcludethattheBibleisnotindeedGod’sHolyWord.

SometimeswhenwereadBiblestorieslikeJonah’sthatarealreadyfamiliartous,itiseasytoskimornottoreadascarefully.Alwaystaketimetoreadcarefully;God’sWordis“thewayoftruth”(Psalm119:30),andHealwayshassomethingnewtoteachus(Hebrews4:12).LookcarefullyintothelessonsofJonahandyoumaybesurprisedbywhatGodshowsyouaboutyourownlevelofobedienceaswellasyourattitude.

KeepinmindthatJonahwasaprophetinIsrael,thenorthernkingdom,andAssyriawasoneoftheirworstenemies.NinevehwasthecapitalofAssyria,andwewillreadinthenextfewchaptersofKingsandChroniclesabouthowAssyriaultimatelydefeatedIsraelandcarriedthemawaycaptive.ThisinformationgivesusalittlemoreinsightintowhyJonahnotonlydidnotwanttopreachsalvationtothesepeople,butwhyhereallydidnotwantthemtobesavedatall.HewantedGodtodestroythem.AskGodtogiveyougreaterinsightintoyourownattitudeaboutprayingforyourenemies.

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Lesson54

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Chronicles25 (2Kings14)

DescribeAmaziah’srelationshiptoGod.(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidAmaziahdemonstrateadividedheart(orhypocrisyinhisloyaltytoGod)?(v.5-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAmaziahlose?(v.17-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJonah1

WhatdidGodtellJonahtodo,andwhatdidJonahdo?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedonJonah’svoyage?(v.4-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthemarinersrespondtothecalmingofthesea?(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddo?(v.17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJonah2

WhatwasJonah’sattitudeinhisprayer?Givespecificreasonsforyouranswer.(v.1-9)

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatdidGoddo?(v.10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJonah3

WhatdidJonahdonext?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastheresponseofthekingandthepeopletoJonah’smessage?(v.5-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddo?(v.10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJonah4

WhywasJonahangry?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodrespond?(v.4-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasthelessonforJonah?(v.9-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydoyouthinkGodendedtheJonahaccountlikethis?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

222

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Whenmysoulfaintedwithinme,IrememberedtheLord;andmyprayerwentuptoYou,intoYourholytemple.ThosewhoregardworthlessidolsforsaketheirownMercy.ButIwillsacrificetoYouwiththevoiceofthanksgiving;IwillpaywhatIhavevowed.SalvationisoftheLord.” Jonah2:7-9

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Lesson55

Overview

Ifyouareabletostudyoneofthemanyavailabletimelinechartsoftheprophets(seeDr.Utley’swww.freebiblecommentary.comandwww.biblegateway.comfortwogoodones),youwillnoticeagreatdealofoverlapinthetimingofthesewritings.Thechronologycanbeabitchallenging,butthemessagesoftheprophetsarebothilluminatingandinspiringforourownChristianjourney.Theprophetswearestudyingatthispointareknownasthepre-exilicprophets,showingthattheyprophesiedbeforebothIsraelandJudahweretakencaptivebytheirenemies.Wewillstudythecaptivitymoreinlaterlessons.

Youmayheartheprophecybooksbeingcategorizedas“majorprophets”and“minorprophets”.Thesetermsarenotmeanttobetakenas“lessimportant”or“moreimportant”.Thesetermssimplyrefertothelengthofthebooks.Mostoftheprophecybooksareshort(Obadiah,Joel,Jonah,etc.)whilesomearelonger(Isaiah,Jeremiah,Ezekiel).Themainissueswewillbeconcernedwithinourstudyarewhatmessagestheprophetshadforthepeopleoftheirdayandwhatmessagesthereareforus.

Isaiahgivesthetimeofhiswritingsinchapters1and6specifically.ThechallengeinIsaiahisthathemixespropheciesthatwouldbefulfilledinthedaysofhiswritingswithpropheciesthathavenotyetbeenfulfilled2,700yearslater.Buteventhoughittakescarefulstudytodistinguishthetwolayersofprophecies,IsaiahisrichwithspiritualinsightsintosomanyaspectsofourownrelationshiptoGod.Wemustalwaysbecarefulofourtendencyto“claim”certainBiblepassagesasuniversalpromisesofGodforallofus.ManypromisesofGodareapplicabletoallfollowersofGod,whilesomearespecifictoacertainpeople,placeandtime.Takecaretolearnthedifference.

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Lesson55

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Chronicles26

Whatwords/phrasesdescribeUzziah?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________InwhatwaysdidUzziahprosper?(v.6-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidUzziahfallintosin?(v.16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthepriestsdo?(v.17-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoUzziah?(v.19-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah1

WhowerethekingsofJudahduringIsaiah’sprophecies?(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhodoesGodcompareJudahto?(v.2-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatspecificthingsdoesGodwantHispeopletodo?(v.12-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HasJerusalembeencalledthe“faithfulcity”yet?(v.21-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatspecificthingsdoesGodsayaboutJerusalem?(v.21-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah2

Hasthisprophecybeenfulfilled?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesIsaiahwanttheIsraelitesforgivenfor?(v.5-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howisthe“dayoftheLord”described?(v.10-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatkindofpersonaretheytocutthemselvesofffrom?(v.19-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah3

WhatexactlyisGodjudgingthemforinthispassage?(v.1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodcondemntheleadersofIsraelfor?(v.13-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatistheirsinanditsconsequenceshere?(v.16-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadIsaiah4

WhatarethespecificwaysthatGodwillrestoreIsraelafterHisjudgmentonthem?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

226

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“‘Comenow,andletusreasontogether,’saystheLord,‘Thoughyoursinsarelikescarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow;thoughtheyareredlikecrimson,theyshallbeaswool.’“ Isaiah1:18

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Lesson56

Overview

WewillcontinuetostudytheKings/Chroniclesaccountsinterspersedwiththeprophets,particularlyIsaiah,forthenextfewlessons.Weseemoreoftheoverlapinthechronologyaswestudyfurther,andIsaiahgivesusspecifictimeperiodsforthissection.Thesereferencesareveryhelpfulinsortingoutthecorrectorderforthesewritings.

Somedayswillhavelongchapterstostudy,whilesomeofthesechaptersaremuchshorter.Usethedaysthathaveshorterchapterstoreview,compareandstudymoredeeplyonthesegreattruths.Eventhejudgmentsthatareforaparticulargroupataparticulartimehaveimportanceforourownspiritualgrowth.Thesinsthatthepeopleofthatdayandtimecommittedaredefinitelyworthourreflectionandourprayerthatwedon’tcommitthesamesinsagainstGod.Sometimesweformthehabitofthinkingthatwewouldnevercommitcertainsinssuchasidol-worship.ButitisverygoodforustoconsiderwhatweputbeforeGodinourownlives,especiallythingsthatarerepresentativeofourculturelikesocialmedia,academicorsportssuccess,orevensuccessinministry.EvenasingerforGodcancometoputmorefaithinhisorherowntalentandsuccessthaninsingingforGod’sglory.

AnotherthoughtonancientcultureandpaganworshipisthatsomeofthemostGodlykingsinJudahsometimeshadthemostungodlysonswhoascendedthethroneimmediatelyafterthem.AndsometimesaveryungodlykingproducedaveryGodlysonasthenextking.Whathappensspirituallyfromonegenerationtothenextisdefinitelyworthpondering.ItisalsogoodtokeepinmindthatJudahhadsomeGodlykingsandsomeungodlykings,whileallofthekingsofIsraelturnedagainstGod.

Asalways,studycarefullytounderstandhowtoapplythespecifictruthsofGodthatyouarelearning.

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Lesson56

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah5

Whatwasthevineyardasymbolfor,andwhatwasGod’scomplaint?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheirprimarysin?(v.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwouldbetheconsequences?(v.13-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatareafewmorespecificsinsofIsrael?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatareafewmorespecificjudgments?(v.24-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah6

WhatstandsouttoyouaboutIsaiah’sencounterwithGod?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmissiondidGodgivetoIsaiah?(v.6-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwillbeleftafterGod’sjudgment?(v.11-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:Read2Chronicles27

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WhatwasgoodandbadaboutJotham’sreigninJudah?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Chronicles28 (2Kings16)

WhatspecificsinsdidAhazcommit?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattwokingsdefeatedJudahandwhy?(v.5-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidIsraeldowiththecaptivesfromJudah?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAhaztrytobribethekingofAssyriawith?(v.16-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidAhazworshipidols,andwhathappenedasaresult?(v.22-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadIsaiah7

WhatwasGod’smessagethroughIsaiahtoAhaz?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatfutureprophecydidGodgivetoAhaz?(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmoreimmediateprophecyforAhazandJudahisgiven?(v.17-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“AlsoIheardthevoiceoftheLord,saying:‘WhomshallIsend,andwhowillgoforUs?’ThenIsaid,‘HereamI!Sendme.’“ Isaiah6:8

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Lesson57

Overview

Aswelearnedinlesson56,Isaiahisnotcompletelychronologicalinhisprophecies.Andaswehavealsomentioned,severalprophetswereprophesyinginIsraelandJudahduringthesametimeperiod.GodhadspecialmessagesforHispeoplethen,asHedoesnow,andHedeliveredthosemessagesthroughmanysources.TherewasnowayforHispeopletoclaimtheydidn’tknowaboutGod’smessageofjudgmentfordisobedienceandblessingforobedience.Thesameholdstruetoday.

SoeventhoughwecouldstudyAmos,HoseaandMicahalongwithIsaiah,forcontinuitywewilltakeeachbookbyitself.WewillstillinterspersethehistorysectionsfromKingsandChroniclestoreminduswhatwasactuallyhappeningduringtheprophecies.Keepinmindthatwhenachapterisinparenthesesbesidethechapterwearestudying,itmeansthatthechapterinparenthesishasthesameaccount.Trytoreadbothifyoucan.

Isaiahusesalotofsymbolsinhisprophecies.Forexample,inchapter8,thesymbolofthe“watersofShiloah”stoodfortheprovisionofGodforHispeople,whichtheyrefused.Asyoustudy,trytonotethesymbolsandwhattheyseemtostandfor.IsaiahalsogivesusspecificpropheciesofthecomingMessiah,asinchapter9.ItishelpfultonotethatIsaiahinterspersedpropheciesthatwouldbefulfilledintheirlifetimeaswellaspropheciesforhundredsofyearslater,andevensomethathavenotbeenfulfilledyet.

AhelpfulstudytoolforchronologicalstudysuchasthisisTheNarratedBibleinChronologicalOrder(F.LaGardSmith,HarvestHouse,1984).Aswehavementioned,thereissomedebateovertheexactdatesofmanyofthesepropheticbooks,butDr.Smith’saccountiseasytoreadandkeepthehistoryofIsraelinmind.

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Lesson57

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah8

Whatdidthepeoplerefuse,andwhatwouldbetheconsequences?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywouldtheybe“brokeninpieces”?(v.8-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatspecificinstructionsdidGodgivetoIsaiah?(v.11-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah9

WhoisthisPromisedOne,andwhatissaidaboutHim?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodsayspecificallyaboutIsrael’sattitude?(v.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatrepeatedstatementinthischaptershowsGod’sjudgmentonIsrael?(v.12-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah10

Writeanypartofthesespecificpropheciesthatcouldbeappliedtoourtimes.(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatwerethemainsinsofAssyria?(v.5-19)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhatwouldbetheresultofthesejudgmentsonIsrael?(v.20-34)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah11

Whatpartsofthisprophecyhavenotbeenfulfilledyet?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoisthe“RootofJesse”andhowwillHis“banner”affectIsrael?(v.10-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadIsaiah12

HowcanweknowthatIsraelwillultimatelyacceptJesusastheirMessiah?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Usetheextratimetodaytolookupplacenames,asinaconcordance,fordeeperunderstandingofthesepowerfulprophecies.)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ForuntousaChildisborn,untousaSonisgiven;andthegovernmentwillbeuponHisshoulder.AndHisnamewillbecalledWonderful,Counselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.” Isaiah9:6

“Behold,Godismysalvation,Iwilltrustandnotbeafraid;forYah,theLord,ismystrengthandsong;Healsohasbecomemysalvation.Thereforewithjoyyouwilldrawwaterfromthewellsofsalvation.” Isaiah12:2-3

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Lesson58

Overview

ThesechaptersweresurelyagreatencouragementtothefaithfulonesofIsaiah’sday,aswellasfaithfulbelieverstoday,thatGodwillultimatelyjudgetheenemiesofHispeople.ThejudgmentsofGodagainstHisownpeopleweremeanttodisciplinethemandteachthemtofeartheLordtheirGod.Butthejudgmentsagainsttheirenemieswouldinsuretheirenemies’destruction.Sectionsofscripturelikethisoneshouldencouragebelieversofthisdayandageaboutfutureevents.Wedonothavetobeanxiousabout“warsandrumorsofwars”,terroristattacks,shortagesofoiloranyothercalamitiesofourtimes.GodhaseverythingunderHiscontrol,andHeisnotsurprisedbyanyworldevents.

InIsaiah14wehavethefirstrealhistoryofLucifer/Satan.WewilllearnmoreabouthisfallfromgracewhenwegettoEzekiel.InthispassagethekingofBabyloniscomparedtoLucifer,whileinEzekielitisthekingofTyrebeingcompared.ItwouldseemaverysoberwarningtoakingtobecomparedtoSatan.Atthispointinhistory,Babylonisstillgainingpowerintheancientworld,althoughAssyriaisstillstronger.

Wewillreadthebriefaccountin2Kings17ofIsrael’sfalltoAssyria,whichoccurredin722B.C.Thiswasnotjustanotherdefeatinbattle.ThiswastheannihilationofIsraelasanation.Infact,Israelwouldnotberecognizedasanationagainuntil1948.AtthispointinhistorythesouthernkingdomofJudahisstillanation,eventhoughthenorthernkingdomofIsraelhasbeencompletelydestroyed.ThereasonfortheirdestructionwastheircontinuedrefusaltoworshiponlyGodratherthantheidolsoftheirculture.KeepinmindthatnoneofIsrael’skingsledthepeopleinGodliness,butsomeofJudah’skingsdidleadthepeoplewell.ThismaybewhyGodallowedIsraeltofacejudgmentsofaraheadofJudah.

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Lesson58

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah13

Howisthe“dayoftheLord”described?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Ultimatelywhowillbepunished?(v.9-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldGod’sjudgmentonBabylonlooklike?(v.17-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah14

Fromwhatyouknowofworldhistory,hasthisprophecyhappenedyet?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatfurtherdestructionsdidGodputonBabylon?(v.3-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhoisLucifer,andwhatwashissin?Also,whatisGod’sjudgmentonhim?(v.12-21)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatotherenemiesofIsraelwouldbedestroyed?(v.22-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah17

WhatwillbetheresultsofGod’sjudgments?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________GiveseveralspecificreasonsforGod’sjudgments.(v.9-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah19

WhathappenstoEgypt?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywilltheEgyptiansbeafraid?(v.11-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwilltheybeblessed?(v.18-25)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Kings17

WhathappenedtoIsrael?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatspecificreasonsdoesGodgiveforallowingHispeopletobecompletelydefeatedbytheAssyrians?(v.7-23)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodsendlions,andwhatdidthekingofAssyriadoaboutit?(v.24-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidthepeoplerespondtoGod,andwhatdidGodtellthem?(v.29-41)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ButtheLord,whobroughtyouupfromthelandofEgyptwithgreatpowerandanoutstretchedarm,Himyoushallfear,Himyoushallworship,andtoHimyoushalloffersacrifice.Andthestatutes,theordinances,thelaw,andthecommandmentwhichhewroteforyou,youshallbecarefultoobserveforever;youshallnotfearothergods.AndthecovenantthatIhavemadewithyou,youshallnotforget,norshallyoufearothergods.ButtheLordyourGodyoushallfear;andHewilldeliveryoufromthehandofallyourenemies.” 2Kings17:36-39

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Lesson59

Overview

Wewillskipchapters20-23inourstudy.Again,thisisforthesakeofoverview,andnotbecausethesechaptersarelessimportant.Trytofindtimetoreadthemifyouareable.Thosechapterscontinuethespecificjudgmentsonspecificgroupsofpeople,includingJerusalemandBabylon.Aswereadinthelastlesson,AssyriahadconqueredIsrael,andBabylonwouldsoonconquerAssyriaaswellasJudah.ActuallyoveronehundredyearswouldseparatethedestructionofIsrael(722B.C.)andthedestructionofJudah(586B.C.).Andareminder:Israelwouldnotberecognizedasasovereignnationagainuntil1948(A.D.).

KeepinmindasyoustudyIsaiahandtheprophetsthatthereasonGodallowedthemtobeconqueredwasthattheycontinuallyworshippedidolsratherthanGod.WeseeoverandoverhowGodwoulddeliverthemiftheyshowedtheslightestinclinationtowarddevotiontoHim.But,asthecyclebeganinJudges,theywouldworshipidols;GodwouldtakeHishandofblessingaway,andtheirenemieswoulddefeatthem.ThentheywouldcryouttoGodfordeliverance,andGodwoulddeliverthem.Foratime,theywouldenjoyfellowshipwiththeirlovingheavenlyFather,butsoontheywouldturnbacktotheidolsoftheirday.GodallowedtheirultimatedestructionbecausetheycontinuallyrefusedtoworshiponlyHim.ItisinterestingtonotethattheJewishpeopleneveragainworshippedidols,althoughweknowtheyhavenotyetacceptedJesusastheirMessiah.

Alsotorememberasyoustudy:Isaiahandmanyotherprophetscontainpromisesthatareapplicabletoallbelievers,butmanyofthepropheciesareforspecificpeopleandtimes.Itisimportanttobecarefulwhichscripturesyou“claim”foryourselforforparticularcircumstances,asifGod’spromisescanbeappliedhaphazardlytoanysituation.Studyprayerfullyandcarefully,andaskGodtohelpyoutolearnthedifference.

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Lesson59

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah24

WhyspecificallywillGodultimatelydestroythewholeearth?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwilltheruinedpeopledo?(v.7-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwillGoddointheend?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah25

WhataresomeoftheblessingstheIsraelitescouldlookforwardto?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatotherpreciouspromisesaregiven?(v.6-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwillbebroughtdown?(v.10-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah26

WhatconditiondoesGodrequireforperfectpeace?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwillpeoplelearnrighteousness?(v.7-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatwillGodultimatelydoforIsrael?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyshouldtheyhidethemselves?(v.16-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah27

Whatfurtherpromises/propheciesaregiventoIsrael?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodwantdestroyed?(v.7-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowillworshipandwhere?(v.10-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadIsaiah28

Whoturnedouttobethe“drunkardsofEphraim”andwhathappenedtothem?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howareweinstructedtolearn?(v.9-13)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesGoddescribetheireffortstosatisfythemselves?(v.14-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesIsaiahdescribeGod?(v.21-29)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Youwillkeephiminperfectpeace,whosemindisstayedonYou,becausehetrustsinYou.TrustintheLordforever,forinYah,theLord,iseverlastingstrength.” Isaiah26:3-4

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Lesson60

Overview

ThewritingsofIsaiaharerichwithimageryandverydeepinmeaning.HopefullyyouareabletospendtimeasyoureadtoappreciatethebeautifullanguageofIsaiah.ThissectioniswrittenspecificallyforJerusalem,butithasmanylessons/applicationsforusaswell.Forexample,inchapter30theIsraelitesarechastenedforlookingtoEgyptforhelpintheirtimesoftroubleratherthanturningtoGod.“LookingtoEgypt”forthemwastrustinginmilitarymightorcleverallianceswithpowerfulnations.Forus,“lookingtoEgypt”wouldmeananythingwetrustedinfordeliveranceotherthanGod.Wemightdecidethatsuccessforourlivesiswrappedupinaccomplishingcertainworldlygoals.Althoughhavinggoalscanbeagoodthing,wemustalwaysbesureourgoalsareinlinewithGod’swillforourlives.TherearefinelinesbetweendoingourbestforGod’sgloryanddoingourbestforourownglory.AskGodtohelpyoudiscernwhenyouaredependingonanythingexceptHimforanythinginlife.Rememberthephrase,“goingdowntoEgypt”(orwhatevertheequivalentinyourtranslation)meansseekinghelpfromanysourcebesidesGod.

WewillalsobegintheamazingstoryofHezekiah,kingofJudah.Interestingly,Hezekiah’sstoryistoldindetailinthreedifferentbooks:2Kings,2Chronicles,andIsaiah.ThereareelevenchaptersdevotedtoHezekiah’sreigninJudah.KeepinmindthatIsraelhadjustbeentakencaptivebyAssyria,andAhaz,Hezekiah’sfatherandpredecessor,wasaverywickedkinginJudahwholedthepeopleawayfromGod.HezekiahwasaGodlykingwhowantedtobringthepeoplebacktotrueworshipofGod.Someofhisstoryisfoundinallthreebooks,sorememberthechaptersinparentheseswillbethesameaccount.Since2Chroniclesgivesmorebackgroundtothebeginningofhisreign,wewillbeginthere.

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Lesson60

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah29

Whodoyouthink“Ariel”is?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________Whatcouldyoutakeasawarninghere?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatfurtherwarningisgiven?(v.14-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwillhappentotheIsraelites?(v17-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah30

WhatdidGodpronouncejudgmentonhere?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywouldanyonenotwanttohearthetruthofGod’sWord?(v.6-11)____________________________________________________WhywastheLordbringingjudgmenthere?(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whichoftheseprophecies/promisesmeanthemosttoyou?(v.18-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwouldAssyriabejudged?(v.27-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah31

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WhywasitwrongforthemtogotoEgyptforhelp,andhowdowesometimesmakethesamemistake?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisGod’sultimateplanforJerusalem?(v.4-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisGod’smaingoalforIsrael?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Chronicles29

WhatspecificthingsdidHezekiahdointhefirstyearofhisreign?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthepriestsrespond?(v.12-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisremarkableabouttheirworship?(v.20-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatadditionaldetailsaregiven?(v.31-36)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Chronicles30

WhyhadtheynotkeptthePassoverbefore?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmessagedidHezekiahsendthroughoutIsrael?(v.4-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasHezekiah’sprayerandGod’sanswer?(v.10-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ThereforetheLordwillwait,thatHemaybegracioustoyou;andthereforeHewillbeexalted,thatHemayhavemercyonyou.FortheLordisaGodofjustice;blessedareallthosewhowaitforHim.” Isaiah30:18

“Yourearsshallhearawordbehindyou,saying,‘Thisistheway,walkinit,’wheneveryouturntotherighthandorwheneveryouturntotheleft.” Isaiah30:21

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Lesson61

Overview

AswecontinueHezekiah’sstory,youshouldnoticetheoverlapinthedifferentaccounts.JustasitdeepensourunderstandingofJesus’life,ministry,andteachingtostudyalloftheaccountsinthegospels,soitdeepensthespiritualtruthsoftheOldTestamenttostudydifferentaccountsofthesameevents.Trytospendanyextratimeyouhaveinreadingalloftheaccounts.Hezekiah’slifeisparticularlyrichwithspiritualtruthsforuseventoday.Anditisinterestingtonoticehowtheaccountsfitintothenarrativesof2Kings,2ChroniclesandIsaiah.

2Kings18givesusanotherlookatthedefeatoftheNorthernKingdom,Israel.KeepinmindthatthenationofIsraelwassplitintotheNorthernKingdom(Israel)andtheSouthernKingdom(Judah)afterSolomon’ssonandsuccessor,Rehoboam,actedfoolishly.Soatthetimewearenowstudying,IsraelhadbeencapturedbyAssyria,andthenationwouldnotrecovercompletelyfor2,670years.TheywereallowedtogobacktotheirhomelandduringthetimeofthePersianEmpire(wewillstudythatalittlelater),buttheywerenotasovereignnationagainuntil1948.

ThesouthernkingdomofJudahwasstillafunctioningnationatthistime.ButtheimpactofIsrael’sdefeatcannotbeoverstated.ThatisthereasonthatHezekiahandhistopmenweresoanxiousaboutthethreatsfromtheAssyrians.Aswealldo,HezekiahandthepeopleofJudahlearnedadeeperleveloftrustastheysawGoddeliverthemfromthedanger.

StudycarefullytogleaneverylessonGodhasforyouinthelifeofHezekiah.Hisdevotiontoobedienceandfaithareinspiring.Itisworthnotingthat,whenIsaiahcametotellhimhewouldsoondie,hebeggedGodtolethimlivelonger,andduringhisextendedlifehemanagedtoproducethemostevilkingJudahhadeverknown.

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Lesson61

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:Read2Kings18 (Isaiah36)

WhatdidHezekiahdotoshowhisdevotionandfaithtoGod?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidHezekiahgivethekingofAssyriaallthegold?(v.7-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastheAssyrianking’smessagetoHezekiah?(v.17-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidtheAssyrianking’smessengerscontinuetospeakinHebrew?(v.26-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah37 (2Kings19)

WhatwasIsaiah’sresponsetoHezekiah’srequest?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasSennacherib’smessage?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatstandsouttoyouinHezekiah’sprayer?(v.14-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasIsaiah’smessage?(v.21-35)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoSennacherib?(v.36-38)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day3:ReadIsaiah38 (2Kings20)

WhywasHezekiahupset?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGoddo?(v.4-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatstandsouttoyouinthisprayer?(v.9-22)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah39 (2Kings20–again!)

WhatwasHezekiah’smistakeandtheconsequence?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Chronicles32

InthisrecapofeventsfromIsaiahand2Kings,whatfurtherdetailsdoyounotice?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatistheworstthingSennacheribdid?(v.9-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoSennacheribandtoHezekiah?(v.20-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowisHezekiahremembered?(v.27-33)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ThusHezekiahdidthroughoutallJudah,andhedidwhatwasgoodandrightandtruebeforetheLordhisGod.AndineveryworkthathebeganintheserviceofthehouseofGod,inthelawandinthecommandment,toseekhisGod,hediditwithallhisheart.Soheprospered.” 2Chronicles31:20-21

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Lesson62

Overview

Wewillhavetobacktrackabitatthispoint.Isaiahspansmanyyearsandthereignsofseveralkings,asdoAmos,MicahandHosea.InthislessonwewillgobackandpickupsomepropheciesthatappliedtothenorthernkingdomofIsraelbeforetheirdefeatandexile.WehavealreadyreadinKingsandChroniclesaboutthefallofIsraeltotheAssyrians,soagain,wearebacktrackingchronologically.ThefallofIsraeltotheAssyrianshappenedin722B.C.Amoswrotearound760B.C.–about40yearsbeforeAssyriaconqueredIsrael.

ThislessonwillbeanoverviewofthebookofAmos.Rememberthatthesebooksarereferredtoasminorprophetsbecauseofthelengthofthebooks,nottheimportanceoftheirmessages.Becauseittakesalittlemoreworktogleanthespiritualtruthsinthisportionofscripture,manypeopledonottakethetimetostudytheprophets,buttherearerichblessingsfortheoneswhoarewillingtoinvestinit.

Amoswasanordinaryman,notofthepriestlytribeoftheLevites.Hewasnotconsidereda“professional”prophet;infact,hesayshewasashepherd.HelivedinthesouthernkingdomofJudah,buthisprophecieswereforthenorthernkingdomofIsrael.HepredictstheultimatefallofIsrael,sohismessagewasnotpopular.HeletsthepeopleknowthatthejudgmentoftheLordiscomingbecauseoftheirdisobedienceandfailuretoloveandservetheonetrueGod.AndjustaspeopletodaydonotliketothinkofthejudgmentofGod,peoplebackthendidnotwanttoheariteither.Weallprefernottothinkabouttheconsequencesofourownsins.

WewillnotstudytheentireninechaptersofAmos.ThesechapterswillberepresentativeofAmos’message.Asalways,trytofindsometimetoreadallofthechapters.

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Lesson62

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadAmos1

Whatspecificgroupsarebeingjudged?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywouldthesegroupsbejudged?(v.6-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoisbeingjudgedandwhy,andwhatisthejudgment?(v.11-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadAmos3

WhatdoyoulearnaboutGod’sprophetsandprophecies?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomespecificpunishmentsforIsrael?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadAmos4

WhatdoyoulearnaboutthewomenofSamaria?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGoddoingandwhy?(v.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodultimatelywant?(v.12-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadAmos7

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WhatdidGoddoandwhatwasAmos’response?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwerethevisionsandwhatdidtheymean?(v.4-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasAmaziah’sresponsetoAmos’prophecies?(v.10-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAmossaywouldhappen?(v.14-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadAmos9

WhatdidGoddeterminetodotoIsrael?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodremindIsraelof?(v.5-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisGod’sultimatewillforIsrael(afterthejudgments)?(v.11-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Remember:Ifyouhaveanyextratimethisweek,readtheotherchaptersofAmos.Writeanythoughtsorlessonsthatyouwanttorememberhere.)

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“‘IwillbringbackthecaptivesofMypeopleIsrael;theyshallbuildthewastecitiesandinhabitthem;theyshallplantvineyardsanddrinkwinefromthem;theyshallalsomakegardensandeatfruitfromthem.Iwillplantthemintheirland,andnolongershalltheybepulledupfromthelandIhavegiventhem,’saystheLordyourGod.” Amos9:14-15

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Lesson63

Overview

Wearestillbacktrackingalittlechronologically.MicahandHoseawerealsowrittenduringthetimeofIsaiah,Amos,andthelastchaptersofKingsandChronicles.IntheNarratedBible,theindividualchaptersareputinchronologicalorder,accordingtoDr.Smith.Butratherthanputtingindividualchaptersinchronologicalorder,wewilldothatwiththebooks.Takingthatapproach,Amos,HoseaandMicahneedtobestudiedduringIsaiah’swritings.SothislessonwillfocusonmessagesfromHoseaandMicahthatwerewrittenbeforeIsraelwasovertakenbyAssyria.

Eventhoughmuchoftheseprophecywritingsarerepetitive,itisstillveryimportanttostudyallofthem.SinceGodpreservedthesewritingsandgavethemtousintheformatthatwehavenowinourBibles,weshouldgleaneveryspirituallessonwecan.ManyChristiansgotheirentireliveswithoutstudyingorevenreadingthesebooksbecausetheyaremoredifficulttounderstand.

TherepetitivenatureofthesebooksshowshowdeeplyGodwantedtoteachHispeopleabouttruerelationshipwithHimcomparedtotheidol-worshipoftheunbelievers.Hewantstoteachusthesamelessontoday.AswereadaboutIsrael’sandJudah’stemptationstowalkinthewaysofthepagannations,wemustexamineourourselvesandponderwhatpartsofourlivespreventusfrombeingholy,aswearecommanded.Ifwearetoliveholylives,wemustunderstandwhattemptsusawayfromthatcalling.FortheIsraelites,itwasadesiretoidentifywiththeircultureandworshipidols.Wemustrecognizethatwehavethepotentialtodotheexactsamething.AswestudythesinsofancientIsrael,let’saskGodtoshowusthethingswedothatbreakHisheart.WemustalwayschoosetofollowcloselyafterHisWordratherthanbetemptedawaybyadesiretoidentifywithourculture.

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Lesson63

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadMicah1

Whoisbeingjudgedandwhy?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwouldtheyshowtheirshame?(v.8-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadMicah5

WhoisGodtalkingabout,andwhatwillHedo?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesGoddescribethestrengthHewillgivetoIsrael?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomespecificsinsGodwilltakeawayfromIsrael?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadHosea1

WhodidGodtellHoseatomarryandwhy?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodtellHoseatonamehisfirstson,andwhatdidthenamemean?(v.3-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasHoseatonamehisdaughter,andwhatdiditmean?(v.6-7)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatwasHosea’ssecondson’snameanditsmeaning?(v.8-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomefuturepromisesforIsrael?(v.10-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadHosea6

WhatdoesHoseaurgethepeopletodo?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whyistheirfaithcomparedtoamorningcloudordew?(v.4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodwantfromHispeople?(v.5-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesGoddescribeHispeople?(v.7-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadHosea14

WhatdoesGodwantIsraeltodo?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdotheseimagesmeanforIsrael?(v.4-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwouldIsraelultimatelylearn?(v.8-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Hehasshownyou,Oman,whatisgood;andwhatdoestheLordrequireofyoubuttodojustly,tolovemercy,andtowalkhumblywithyourGod?” Micah6:8

“WhoisaGodlikeYou,pardoninginiquityandpassingoverthetransgressionoftheremnantofHisheritage?HedoesnotretainHisangerforever,becauseHedelightsinmercy.Hewillagainhavecompassiononus,andwillsubdueouriniquities.Youwillcastalloursinsintothedepthsofthesea.” Micah7:18-19

“AfterwardthechildrenofIsraelshallreturnandseektheLordtheirGodandDavidtheirking.TheyshallfeartheLordandHisgoodnessinthelatterdays.” Hosea3:5

“ForIdesiremercyandnotsacrifice,andtheknowledgeofGodmorethanburntofferings.” Hosea6:6

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Lesson64

Overview

InthislessonwereturntoIsaiah,recognizingthathewasprophesyingseverallayersoffuturejudgmentsandblessingsforIsrael.Webegininchapter40withversesthatarequotedintheNewTestamentaboutJohntheBaptist.AndeventhoughJohntheBaptistisnotmentionedbynameinIsaiah,hismessageandministryaredescribedperfectly700yearsbeforehewasborn.RememberalsothatIsaiahwasprophesyingGod’smessageofjudgmentthatwouldhappenintheirlifetimesaswellasthemessageoffutureredemptionthroughHisSon’sfirstandsecondcomings.

KeepinmindthatGod’schosenpeople,theIsraelites,weresetasideasthefamilyandlineageoftheMessiah,Saviorofall.WecanseethattheywerenotchosenbecausetheywereparticularlyholyorobedienttoGod.GodchosetoprotectandblessthemtobringHisonlySonintotheworldintheflesh.WereadinMatthewandLukethatbothMaryandJosephweredescendantsofAbrahamthroughDavid.GodchosetouseIsraeltoshowuswhatatruerelationshipwithHimmeans.Hewantseveryonethroughouthistorytounderstandtherichblessingsofobedienceandthesevereconsequencesofdisobedience.Andthisiswhywestudyalloftheseaccounts.ItdrivesdeepintoourheartstheurgencyofknowingGod’scommandmentsandbeingobedienttoHim.WealsorecognizethatwecanreadandstudyandstillnotobeytheheartofGod.LetusalldowhatJamessaid:“Bedoersoftheword,andnothearersonly,deceivingyourselves.”(James1:22)

Again,resistthetemptationtoapplyeverywordofthesepropheciestoyourself.Someofthepromisesareobviouslytoallbelievers;somearemeantspecificallyforIsrael.Carefulandprayerfulstudywillhelpyoutolearnthedifference.Manypeoplenevertakethetimetofindoutwhatparticularversesmean,andtheymisunderstandGod’smessagetous.

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Lesson64

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah40

WhataresomespecificpromisestoJudah?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodsayiseternal?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwouldthesewordscomfortGod’speople?(v.9-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatarethosewhodonotunderstandGod’spowertemptedtodo?(v.15-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howcananyone“renewtheirstrength”?(v.21-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah41

WhatdoesGodassureIsraelof?(v.1-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwillIsraelultimatelyunderstand,afterallthejudgmentsareaccomplished?(v.14-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisGodtryingtosaytoHispeople?(v.21-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah42

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WhoisthehopeofIsrael,andhowwilltheyacknowledgeHim?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificallywouldtheybeashamedof?(v.10-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydoesGodpouroutHisangeronHispeople?(v.21-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah43

WhatarethespecificpromisestoIsraelhere?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatpromisesdoyounoticearegivenoftenandindifferentways?(v.8-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatoffensesofIsraeldonoticearegivenoften?(v.16-28)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadIsaiah44

WhatdoesGodwanttobetoIsrael?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatistheobviousflawinidol-worship?(v.9-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatrepeatedpromiseisgiventoIsrael?(v.21-28)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

262

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Thegrasswithers,theflowerfades,butthewordofourGodstandsforever.” Isaiah40:8

“Haveyounotknown?Haveyounotheard?TheeverlastingGodtheLord,theCreatoroftheendsoftheearth,neitherfaintsnorisweary.Hisunderstandingisunsearchable.Hegivespowertotheweak,andtothosewhohavenomightHeincreasesstrength.Eventheyouthsshallfaintandbeweary,andtheyoungmenshallutterlyfall,butthosewhowaitontheLordshallrenewtheirstrength;theyshallmountupwithwingslikeeagles,theyshallrunandnotbeweary,theyshallwalkandnotfaint.” Isaiah40:28-31

“Fearnot,forIamwithyou;benotdismayed,forIamyourGod.Iwillstrengthenyou,yes,Iwillhelpyou,IwillupholdyouwithMyrighteousrighthand.” Isaiah41:10

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Lesson65

Overview

AswecontinuetheoverviewofIsaiah,trytoreadthechapterswearenotincludinginourstudy.Keepinmindthateverychapterisimportantandhasamessageforourheartsandminds.ThechapterswearestudyingarerepresentativeofIsaiah’smessagestoIsrael,toJudah,totheirenemies,andtousaswell,butreadallthechaptersifyouhavetime.Manyofthechapterswearestudyingareveryshort,sotherewillbeextratimeonsomedaystoreadmore.

Ifyouhavecrossreferences(otherversesthatmayhelpexplainacertainconcept)inthemarginsofyourBible,trytotaketimetolookupthoseextraverses.ThesecanhelpyoutoconnecttheentiremessageoftheBibletothespecificscripturesyouarestudying.Ifyoudonothavethosereferences,trytofindtimetolookupextraversesfromaconcordance,eitherarealbookoranonlineconcordance.Itisveryhelpfultoknow,forexample,thatCyrus(mentionedinchapter45)wasthekingofthePersianswhogavetheorderfortheIsraelitestoreturntotheirhomelandafterseventyyearsofcaptivity.Wewillreadmoreabouthimin2Chronicles.ThepointistobefamiliarwiththepeopleandplacesthatIsaiahmentionsinordertohavegreaterunderstandingofhismessage.RememberthatitisnotappropriatetoapplyeverypromiseofGodintheBibletoourselves.Somepromisesweremeantforallofus,butsomeweremeantforparticularpeopleatparticulartimes.AsktheLordtoshowyouthedifferenceasyoustudy.ItdeepensourfaithandourunderstandingofGodandHisdealingswithustoprayerfullyconsiderHisWordthisway.

ManyversesofthelastchaptersofIsaiaharequotedandfulfilledintheNewTestament.YouwillhavetheopportunitytolookupsomeNewTestamentpassagesthatwilldeepenyourunderstandingofthelifeofJesus.

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Lesson65

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah45

WhatisGod’smessagetoCyrus?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodsayaboutHisownpowerandknowledge?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesGodencourageIsrael?(v.14-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwarningsdoesGodgive?(v.20-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadIsaiah53

WhoexactlyisIsaiahreferringto?(v.1-5;compareJohn12:37-41)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howarewecomparedtosheep?HowisJesuscompared?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatpleasedGodandgaveHimsatisfaction?(v.9-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadIsaiah55

WhatdoesGodoffertoHispeople?(v.1-2;compareJohn6:48-51)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhatisIsrael’sfuture?(v.3-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesGodremindusofHispower(omnipotence)andHisknowledge(omniscience)?(v.6-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodsayaboutHisWord?(v.10-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadIsaiah58

Whydidthepeoplecomplain,andhowdidGodanswer?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheresultsofatruefastofGod?(v.6-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatfurtheradmonitiondoesGodgive?(v.13-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadIsaiah61

Whichofthesewordpicturesencouragesyouthemost?(v.1-3;noticeanyNewTestamentquotes)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatspecificpromisesdoesGodgivetoIsrael?(v.4-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodhate?(v.8-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatbringsjoytoIsaiah?(v10-11)____________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Remembertheformerthingsofold,forIamGod,andthereisnoother;IamGod,andthereisnonelikeMe,declaringtheendfromthebeginning,andfromancienttimesthingsthatarenotyetdone,say,“Mycounselshallstand,andIwilldoallMypleasure.” Isaiah46:9-10

“SeektheLordwhileHemaybefound,calluponHimwhileHeisnear.Letthewickedforsakehisway,andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts;lethimreturntotheLord,andHewillhavemercyonhim;andtoourGod,forHewillabundantlypardon.‘Formythoughtsarenotyourthoughts,norareyourwaysMyways,’saystheLord.‘Forastheheavensarehigherthantheearth,soareMywayshigherthanyourways,andMythoughtsthanyourthoughts.” Isaiah55:6-9

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Lesson66

Overview

InthislessonwewillconcludeourstudyofIsaiahandpressonwithwhatwashappeninginJudahin2Kingsand2Chronicles.WewillalsostudyaninterestingchapterofNahum,whowasalsoprophesyingduringthattime.

AswepickbackupinKingsandChronicles,rememberthattheyarebasicallytwoaccountsofthesameevents.Wewillanswerquestionsfromonlyoneaccount,butthecorrespondingaccountisinparentheses,anditwillbeextremelyhelpfultoyourstudytoreadboth.

TheKings/ChronicleschaptersbeginwithKingManasseh,Hezekiah’sson.WerememberHezekiahasagoodkingofJudah.WhenIsaiahcametotellhimthathewasneartheendofhislife,hebeggedformoretime.Godgavehimfifteenmoreyears,andManassehwasbornduringthattime.Sadly,Manassehbroughtmuchsin,heartacheandjudgmenttoJudah.

NextweturntoNahum.Interestingly,hisentireprophecyisaboutthedestructionthatwouldcometoNinevehforherwickedness.ThinkbacktowhatyouknowaboutNineveh.RememberJonah?JonahhadbeencommandedtogotoNinevehaboutonehundredyearsbeforeNahuminordertoofferthemanopportunitytoturntoGod.Jonahdidnotwanttoofferthemsalvation,andhewouldobviouslyhavepreferredtobeNahum,prophesyingtheirdoom.TheNinevitesofJonah’sday,includingtheirking,didturntoGod,butapparentlythenextgenerationsturnedawayfromGod.SoNahumiscommandedbyGodtoforetelltheirdestruction.AnobviouslessonforusisthatGodhasaplanandpurposeforeachofus,andweshouldberunningtowarditwithoutcomplaintorresistance,nomatterhowmuchwewouldratherdosomethingelse.

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Lesson66

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadIsaiah65

WhatspecificsinsdidGodpointout?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatcontrastsaregivenbetweenGod’sservantsandthosewhoforsakeHim?(v.8-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethenewheavensandthenewearth.(v.17-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:Read2Chronicles33 (2Kings21)

WhataresomeofthewickedthingsthatManassehdid?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoManasseh?(v.10-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatkindofkingwasAmon,andwhathappenedtohim?(v.18-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadNahum1

WhataresomethingswelearnaboutGodfromtheseverses?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenstothosewhosetthemselvesasenemiesofGod?(v.6-11)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________Whatistheirfinalend?(v.12-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Chronicles34 (2Kings22)

HowoldwasJosiahwhenhebecameking,andwhataresomeofthethingshedidduringhisteenyears?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidHilkiahfind,andwhatwasJosiah’sresponse?(v.8-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasHuldah,andwhatwashermessage?(v.22-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatelsedidJosiahdo?(v.29-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:Read2Kings23 (2Chronicles35)

HowdidJosiahrestoretrueworshiptoJudah?(v.1-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweresomespecificsinsofthepreviousleaders?(v.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattwothingsdidJosiahdonext?(v16-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowerethenexttwokings,andhowdidtheyreign?(v.26-37)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“TheLordisslowtoangerandgreatinpower,andwillnotatallacquitthewicked.TheLordhasHiswayinthewhirlwindandinthestorm,andthecloudsarethedustofHisfeet.” Nahum1:3

“TheLordisgood,astrongholdinthedayoftrouble;andHeknowsthosewhotrustinHim.” Nahum1:7

“Nowbeforehim[Josiah]therewasnokinglikehim,whoturnedtotheLordwithallhisheart,withallhissoul,andwithallhismight,accordingtoalltheLawofMoses;norafterhimdidanyariselikehim.” 2Kings23:25

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Lesson67

Overview

BothJeremiahandZephaniahwereprophetsduringthetimeofKingJosiah.ZephaniahandJosiahwererelatedbecauseZephaniahwasagreat-greatgrandsonofKingHezekiah,andJosiahwasagreatgrandson.Aswehavementioned,notmanytakethetimetostudytheseprophetsandunderstandwhatwashappeninginIsraelandJudahatthetimeofthesewritings.WeareusuallysoeagertofindhowscriptureappliestouspersonallythatwemissthedeepertruthsrevealedaboutGodinHisWord.

Zephaniahisaminorprophet,andhisbookhasonlythreechapters.ThefirstchapterisaboutjudgmentonJudah,whichhadbeenbesiegedbytheAssyrians,butnotyetcompletelydefeated.ChaptertwodescribesGod’sjudgmentsonthenationsthathadoppressedHispeople.WelearnthatevenifGodallowedHispeopletobeoppressed,therewasstillaharshpenaltyfortheoneswhodidit.ZephaniahendswithgreatwordsofhopeforthefutureforGod’speople.Wewillstudyonly2ofthechapters,butreadallthreeifyoucan.

Jeremiahisamajorprophet;rememberthatmajorprophetsandminorprophetsareonlyreferredtothatwaybecauseofthelengthofthebooks,nottheimportanceoftheirmessages.Jeremiah’spropheciesspannedthereignsofsevenkings,fromManassehtoZedekiah.ZedekiahwasthelastkingofJudahbeforetheywerecompletelydefeated.WewillstudyJeremiahinorderofthechapters,eventhoughmostBiblescholarsdonotconsiderJeremiah’spropheciestobechronological.Jeremiahshowsusalotofhisfeelingsabouttheimpendingjudgmentonhispeople,andhetellsuswhatwasgoingonforhimpersonally.MostofthepeopleofJudahdidnotwanttohearamessageofjudgmentfortheirsins;theypreferredfalseprophetswhogavethempleasantmessagesratherthanthetruthofGod.Prayerfullyconsiderourtendencytodothesamethingtoday.

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Lesson67

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadZephaniah1

HowwasZephaniahconnectedtotheroyalline?(v.1)____________________________________________________WhoexactlywillbecutofffromtheLordandwhy?(v.2-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwassignificantabouttheking’schildren?(v.7-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidZephaniahdescribethejudgmentonJerusalem?(v.9-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadZephaniah3

WhatdidGodsayaboutJerusalem?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whataboutthefaithfulfew?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatfutureblessingsdoesGodoffer?(v.14-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah1

WhatwasthetimeframeofJeremiah’sprophecies?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sfirstmessagetoJeremiah?(v.4-10)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatpicturesdidGodgivetoJeremiah,andwhatdidtheymean?(v.11-16)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodinstructJeremiah?(v.17-19)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah2

HowdidGodbeginHiscaseagainstIsrael?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatarethetwoevils,andwhataretheresults?(v.9-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGod’speoplearguethattheywereobedient?(v.20-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodsayabouttheirclaimofinnocence?(v.29-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah3

WhatdidGodcomparetoIsrael?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodwantthemtodo?(v.6-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJeremiahpersonallyrespondtoGod’spleasforIsrael?(v.14-25)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“TheLordisrighteousinhermidst,Hewilldonounrighteousness.EverymorningHebringsHisjusticetolight;Heneverfails,buttheunjustknowsnoshame.” Zephaniah3:5

“TheLordyourGodinyourmidst,theMightyOne,willsave;Hewillrejoiceoveryouwithgladness,HewillquietyouwithHislove,Hewillrejoiceoveryouwithsinging.” Zephaniah3:17

“ButtheLordsaidtome:‘Donotsay,“Iamayouth,”foryoushallgotoalltowhomIsendyou,andwhateverIcommandyou,youshallspeak.Donotbeafraidoftheirfaces,forIamwithyoutodeliveryou,’saystheLord.” Jeremiah1:7-8

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Lesson68

Overview

Jeremiahisarichbooktostudy,andthatispartlyduetohowmuchofhisheartandfeelingshereveals.Infact,heissometimesreferredtoasthe“weepingprophet”becausehiswritingscontainsomuchpersonalemotion.AndaswestudyJeremiah,wecertainlyseethatheexperiencedalotofpersecutionbecauseofhismessages.

Also,keepinmindthatreadingallofthechaptersisidealeventhoughwewillstudyrepresentativechapters.Sometimesthemessagesmayseemrepetitious,butyouwillgetthefullimpactofwhatGodwantstoteachusbystudyingallofit.Usetheextralinesin“ForFurtherStudy”tojotdownnotesaboutthechaptersnotspecificallycoveredinthisstudy.OneobviousreasonforGod’srepeatingHismessageofjudgmentsooftenistoshowthattherewasnowayforthepeoplethenorforustodaytomisunderstandGod’splanandpurposeforus.Hecontinuallyoffersblessingsforobedienceandjudgmentfordisobedience.Andthereisnowaytomissthatmessage.

OneveryimportantaspectofGod’scharacterthatweseeclearlyinJeremiahishowmuchHispeople’ssinsaffectHimpersonally.Sometimes,especiallyinmessagesofjudgmentforsin,wemightforgethowdeeplyhurtGodisbyoursin.Heknowsthatsinruinsus,andthatthemorewesin,themoredamagewedotoourownhearts.AsourCreatorGodwhodesiresarelationshipwithus,oursinshurtHimmorethanwecanunderstand.PerhapstheclosestwecancometocomprehendingHispainistoconsiderhowpainfulitisforustoseepeoplewelovemakingchoicesthatwillultimatelyhurtthem.ThedisobedienceandrebellionofthepeoplebrokeJeremiah’sheart,andGod’sheartwasbrokentoo.Jeremiah’smessagealsoservesasanexamplethatGoddidnotnecessarilymeanourlivesonearthtobeeasy;sometimeswewillneedtoberemindedthatthewayofChrististhewayofthecross.

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Lesson68

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJeremiah4

HowdoesGodofferhopetoIsraelandJudah?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidJeremiahsayGoddeceivesHispeople?(v.5-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodsaywastheworstpartoftheirpunishment?(v.11-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJeremiahexpresshisfeelingsaboutGod’sjudgment?(v.19-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJeremiah11

DoesGodrevealanynewthoughtshere?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodtellJeremiahnottoprayforthem?(v.9-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribetheconspiracyagainstJeremiah.(v.18-23)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah12

WhatbotheredJeremiah?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatwasGod’swarning?(v.3-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodcontinuetooffer?(v.7-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah13

Describethesymbolofthesash.(v.1-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdoesthewinesymbolize?(v.12-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidGodquestionthem?(v.15-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatissurprisingaboutthis?(v.24-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah15

HowdidGodemphasizeHiscomingjudgment?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJeremiahexpresshissorrow?(v.10-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodreassureJeremiah?(v.19-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ButthisiswhatIcommandedthem,saying,‘ObeyMyvoice,andIwillbeyourGod,andyoushallbeMypeople.AndwalkinallthewaysthatIhavecommandedyou,thatitmaybewellwithyou.’Yettheydidnotobeyorinclinetheirear,butfollowedthecounselsandthedictatesoftheirevilhearts,andwentbackwardandnotforward.” Jeremiah7:23-23

“ThussaystheLord:‘Letnotthewisemangloryinhiswisdom,letnotthemightymangloryinhismight,norlettherichmangloryinhisriches;butlethimwhogloriesgloryinthis,thatheunderstandsandknowsMe,thatIamtheLord,exercisinglovingkindness,judgment,andrighteousnessintheearth.ForintheseIdelight,’saystheLord. Jeremiah9:23-24

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Lesson69

Overview

OneoftheworstproblemsofJeremiah’sdaywasthatthespiritualleadersofIsraelandJudahwerenotpresentingGod’sWordtothepeople;theywerepresentingtheirowntwistedmessages.RememberthatthepeopleofthatdaydidnothavetheirownpersonalcopyofGod’sWordaswedo.TheyhadtodependonthepriestsandreligiousleaderstotellthemGod’sWord.AndthoseleadersweresteeringthepeopleawayfromGod.ButnoticethatGodalwaysprovidesawayforHispeopletoknowandunderstandHismessageoftruthandmercy.Duringthistime,God’smessagewasbeinggiventhroughJeremiah.

ItisgoodforustonoticehowdifficultJeremiah’sministrywas.WedonotreallyseeanyreliefforJeremiah.HehadanunpopularmessageofjudgmentfromGodthatmadethepeopleandtheirleadersangry.ButwealsoseewordsofhopeforIsrael’sfutureblessingthatwouldfollowtheirreturntoGod.OnelessonforusisthatourservicetoGodmaynotalwaysbeenjoyable;wemayhavetodohardthings,asJeremiahdid,inordertoaccomplishGod’splanandpurposeforus.Wemustalllearn,asJeremiahdid,toobeyGodevenwhenitishard.TrueobediencecomeswhenweareputtingGod’swillaboveourowndesires.AtruefollowerofGodhasdeniedhisorherownwill.Thephrase“takeuphiscross”(Matthew16:24)meansputtingtodeathourownselfishways.

WeseethroughoutIsrael’shistoryhowtheyresistedGod’splanforthem.FromrefusingtoenterthePromisedLand,todemandingakingliketheothernations,toworshippingpaganidols,theycontinuallywenttheirownway.Butbeforewejudgethemtooharshly,let’sexamineourownhearts.Ifwearehonestwithourselves,wecanseehowweoftendotheexactsamething.

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Lesson69

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJeremiah17

Compare/contrastthecursedmanandtheblessedman.(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesJeremiahdescribeourhearts?(v.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwasJeremiah’smessagereceivedbythepeople?(v.14-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisimportantabouttheSabbath?(v.19-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJeremiah18

Whatisthelessonofthepotter?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthepeoplerespond?HowdidGodrespond?(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidJeremiahrespond?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah19

Describethedetailsofthisspecialmessage.(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatwasthepointofthisobjectlesson?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah20

WhowasPashhur;whatdidhedo,andwhatwasGod’sresponse?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasJeremiahsodiscouraged?(v.7-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatcomfortedJeremiah?(v.11-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesJeremiahshowhisconfusedemotions?(v.14-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah23

WhathopedoesGodgivethepeople?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisthemessageabouttheirprophetsandpriests?(v.9-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodsayaboutHimself?(v.23-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificallywouldbringthisperpetualshametothem?(v.33-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“BlessedisthemanwhotrustsintheLord,andwhosehopeistheLord.Forheshallbelikeatreeplantedbythewaters,whichspreadsoutitsrootsbytheriver,andwillnotfearwhenheatcomes;butitsleafwillbegreenandwillnotbeanxiousintheyearofdrought,norwillceasefromyieldingfruit.” Jeremiah17:7-8

“Theheartisdeceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked;whocanknowit?I,theLord,searchtheheart,Itestthemind,eventogiveeverymanaccordingtohisways,accordingtothefruitofhisdoings.” Jeremiah17:9-10

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Lesson70

Overview

Throughoutthestudyofallofthebooksofprophecy,weseeGodpromisingblessingsforobedienceandjudgmentfordisobedience.WeseeGodallowingHisownpeopletobeplunderedanddestroyedbytheirenemies.WeseeGodusingungodlynationstopunishHispeoplewhentheyturnawayfromHim.ButwealsoseeGodpunishingthenationswhotreatedHispeoplebadly.ThinkbacktothebeginningofGenesis12wherewearefirstintroducedtotheideathatAbraham’sfamilywouldbecomeGod’schosenpeople.RememberthatGodpromisedblessingsforthepeoplewhotreatedtheIsraeliteswellandcursesforthosewhotreatedthembadly.Weseemanyofthosejudgmentsinthestudyoftheprophetsandeventhroughoutthestudyofhistory.

EventhoughGodallowedthesewickednationstocomeagainstHispeopleandtohavevictoryoverthem,thewickednationswouldbepunishedbyGodfordoingit.Godallowedthebadtreatmentbutthenpunishedtheoneswhodidit.ThatiscertainlyagoodlessonforourownChristianlives.SometimesGodallowsdifficultiesinordertoteachustoobeyHim.SometimesHeevenallowspeopletomistreatustoaccomplishHiswill.Butwedonothavetoworryaboutgettingevenwithsomeonewhohurtsus.WecanleavethattoGod,knowingthatHewilljudgeinrighteousnessallthosewhocomeagainstHispeople.

WereadaboutspecificfalseprophetswhoclaimedtospeakGod’smessage,butwhowereprophesyingliestothepeople.WealsoseeGod’spunishmentonthem.WemightnotethatGod’spunishmentforunconfessedsinisinHisowntimeandnotours.JeremiahlikelyhadtimesinwhichhewantedtoseeGod’sjudgmentcomesooner,especiallyonthefalseprophets.Heverylikelywonderedwhytheungodlyseemedtoprosperwhilehehadsomuchsuffering.Psalm73addressesthiswell.

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Lesson70

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJeremiah24

Describethetimeperiodofthismessage.(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethesymbolofthe“goodfigs”;canyounameanyonethismightapplyto?(v.2-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoarethe“badfigs”,andwhatwillhappentothem?(v.8-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJeremiah25

Describethistimeperiod.(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasthemessage?(v.2-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasthejudgment/punishment,andhowlongwoulditlast?(v.8-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeGod’sjudgmentonthenationswhowouldplunderHispeople.(v.15-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah26

SpecificallywhowasJeremiahspeakingto,andwhatdidhesay?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________Whatwastheirresponse?(v.8-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJeremiah’sfurtherwarning?(v.12-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasUrijah,andwhathappenedtohim?Also,howwasJeremiah’slifespared?(v.16-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah27

Whatdidthebondsandyokessymbolize?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwouldthepeopleknowwhothefalseprophetswere?(v.11-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwouldhappentothetempletreasures?(v.19-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah28

WhowasHananiah,andwhatwashismessage?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJeremiah’sresponse?(v.5-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoHananiah?(v.16-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ForIwillsetMyeyesonthemforgood,andIwillbringthembacktothisland;Iwillbuildthemandnotpullthemdown,andIwillplantthemandnotpluckthemup.ThenIwillgivethemahearttoknowMe,thatIamtheLord;andtheyshallbeMypeople,andIwillbetheirGod,fortheyshallreturntoMewiththeirwholeheart.” Jeremiah24:6-7

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Lesson71

Overview

Manyfamouslyquoted“coffeecup”versesarefoundinthebookofJeremiah.Theseareversesthatareoftenusedtodecoratecoffeecupsorwallhangings.WenoticewhenwelookintothecontextofsomeoftheseversesthatsometimeswehavetakensomethingtohaveadifferentmeaningthanwhatGodintended.ItisalwaysimportanttounderstandwhatGodwastrulysayinginHisWordbeforeweapplyscripturehaphazardlytoeverysituation.

JeremiahoffersdeepmessagesofhopeforthefutureofIsraelandJudah,eventhoughheishavingtodeliverthemessagesofjudgmentfortheirsin.Chapter31hasparticularlyhopefulwordsforGod’speople.AswestudythroughIsrael’sfuturehope,wenoticethatalotofthepropheciesarestillunfulfilled.Thepromisethattheywouldbeallowedtoreturntotheirlandafter70yearswascertainlyfulfilled,buttherearealsopassagesabouttheMessiahthatwerefulfilledintheNewTestament,longafterJeremiahprophesied.AndtherearepassagesforfuturehopeforIsraelthatarestilltobefulfilled.Chapter33fillsinalotofthosedetailsforus.

Wewon’tstudychapter34,butitisaninterestingpassageaboutanothersinthathasn’tbeenspecificallyaddressed.ItwasabouttheirdisobediencetoGod’slawsconcerningslaves.Slaverywasfirstallowedforthosewhogotthemselvesintodebtandcouldnotpaywhattheyowed.Theywereexpectedto“sell”themselvesforacertainamountoftimetopayofftheirdebts.Thosewerethedaysbeforecreditcards,whichstillenslavepeopletoday.ButthepeopleweredisobeyingbynotfreeingtheirslavesinthemannerGodhadcommanded.Also,itisnottherightconclusionfrompassageslikethisthisthattheBiblecondonesslavery.Aswehavestudiedidol-worshipandbreakingtheSabbath,Godisshowingusthatwemustnotpickandchooseourareasofobedience.

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Lesson71

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJeremiah29

WhattwospecificcommandsdidGodgiveHispeople?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodencouragethem?(v.10-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhoexactlyisGodpunishing,andwhatistheirpunishment?(v.15-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhoisShemaiah;whatdidhedo,andwhatwashispunishment?(v.24-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJeremiah31

WhataresomespecificwordsofhopeandencouragementforIsrael?(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidEphraimrespondtoGod’sjudgment?(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatgaveJeremiah“sweetsleep”?(v.23-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethenewcovenant.(v.31-40)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah32

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WhydidZedekiahputJeremiahinprison?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidJeremiahbuyHanamel’sfield?(v.6-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoyoulearnfromJeremiah’sprayer?(v.16-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesthispassageremindJeremiahofGod’splansforHispeople?(v.26-44)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah33

WhatisGodemphasizingtoJeremiah?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattrueKingforIsraelisGodtellingJeremiahabout?(v.10-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodcompareHiscovenantto?(v.19-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah35

HowdidtheRechabitesdemonstrateobedience?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodcomparetheobedienceoftheRechabitestotheobedienceofHispeople?(v.12-19)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

290

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ForIknowthethoughtsthatIthinktowardyou,saystheLord,thoughtsofpeaceandnotofevil,togiveyouafutureandahope.ThenyouwillcalluponMeandgoandpraytoMe,andIwilllistentoyou.AndyouwillseekMeandfindMe,whenyousearchforMewithallyourheart.” Jeremiah29:11-13

“Ah,LordGod!Behold,YouhavemadetheheavensandtheearthbyYourgreatpowerandoutstretchedarm.ThereisnothingtoohardforYou.Youshowlovingkindnesstothousands,andrepaytheiniquityofthefathersintothebosomoftheirchildrenafterthem-theGreat,themightyGod,whosenameistheLordofhosts.Youaregreatincounselandmightyinpower,forYoureyesareopentoallthewaysofthesonsofmen,togiveeveryoneaccordingtohiswaysandaccordingtothefruitofhisdoings.” Jeremiah32:17-19

“CalltoMe,andIwillansweryou,andshowyougreatandmightythings,whichyoudonotknow.” Jeremiah33:3

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Lesson72

Overview

AsJeremiah36begins,Jehoiakim,sonofJosiah,iskingofJudah.ThisisanexampleofhowJeremiah’swritingsarenotalwayschronological,eventhoughwearestudyingtheminnumericalorder.Inchapter35,Zedekiahwasking,andheactuallyreignedafterJehoiakim.Chapters36-37showuswhythathappened.

KeepinmindthatatthistimeinhistorythenorthernkingdomofIsraelhasbeenconqueredandtakenintocaptivitybytheAssyrians.TheBabylonians(alsoknownastheChaldeans)havecomeintopower,overtakingtheAssyriansandcontinuallyattackingJudah.Theseweredaysoftremendousupheavalasthestrongestarmyofthedaytookoverweakernationsandmadethemslaves.

AswehaveseeninourstudyofJeremiah,herevealsmoreofhispersonallifethanmanyoftheotherprophets.WeknowsomethingsaboutDaniel,JonahandEzekielaswell,butmostoftheprophetsdonottellusasmuchaboutthepersonalcostoftheirownprophecies.Clearlymostofthemessagesoftheprophetswereforjudgmentonthepeople’sdisobedience,andmessageslikethatareneverpopular.Sometimesthepeoplerespondedwithrepentance;othertimestheyrespondedwithanger.InJeremiah’scase,therewassomeofboth,butmainlyheexperiencednegativeresponsesfromspeakingoutforGod.Inthesechaptersweseehimputinprisonandtheninanevenworsedungeonfromwhichittook30mentopullhimout.AbiglessonforusisthatdoingGod’swilldoesnotalwaysbringgoodthingsforusinaworldlysense,butoureternalrewardsarematchless.

NoticeagainthatmanyofthepassagesmeanttobeencouragingtotheJewsofthatdaycanstillencourageustoday.Justcontinuetonoticethecontextandavoidthetemptationtoapplyscripturehaphazardly.

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Lesson72

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJeremiah36

Whatwasthemessageofthescroll,andwhydidBaruchhavetowriteitandreadit?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidtheprincesrespond?(v.11-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthekingrespond?(v.20-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodhaveJeremiahdo?(v.27-32)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJeremiah37

WhywasZedekiahking,andwhatdidJeremiahtellhim?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidZedekiahsecretlytalktoJeremiah,andwhatdidJeremiahtellhim?(v.11-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah38

WhyweretheprincesupsetwithJeremiah?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoJeremiah,andwhointervenedforhim?(v.5-13)____________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidZedekiahreallywant?(v.14-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJeremiah’smessage?(v.17-28)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah39

WhathappenedtoZedekiah,andwhy?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwereJeremiahandEbed-Melechspared?(v.11-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah40

WhowasNebuzaradan,andwhatchoicedidheofferJeremiah?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJeremiahchoose?(v.5-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtotheJewswhowereleft?(v.7-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwarningdidGedaliahreceive?(v.13-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

294

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ButJeremiahsaid,‘Theyshallnotdeliveryou.Please,obeythevoiceoftheLordwhichIspeaktoyou.Soitshallbewellwithyou,andyoursoulshalllive.” Jeremiah38:20

“‘ButIwilldeliveryouinthatday,’saystheLord,‘andyoushallnotbegivenintothehandofthemenofwhomyouareafraid.ForIwillsurelydeliveryou,andyoushallnotfallbythesword;butyourlifeshallbeasaprizetoyoubecauseyouhaveputyourtrustinMe,’saystheLord.” Jeremiah39:17-18

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Lesson73

Overview

Inthislesson,NebuchadnezzarhasmadeamannamedGedaliahgovernorofJudah.Inchapter41GedaliahismurderedbyamannamedIshmael.WemeetJohananinthesamechapter,whocomestoavengethedespicableactsofIshmael.JohananhasaveryadmirablebeginningasherescuestheJewsandvowstoleadthepeopleinobediencetoGod.HeevenseeksoutJeremiahtolearnexactlywhatGodwantsthemtodo.

ButJohanandoesexactlywhatweoftendo:whenhefoundoutwhatGodwantedthemtodo,itwasnotwhathewanted,sohedecidedtogohisownway.ItissoeasywhenwearereadingtheseaccountstothinkhowcrazyitwasforthemtodisobeyGodliketheydid.Butifourliveswerewrittenout,wewouldoftenlookexactlyliketheydid.Wedefendourdisobedienceinsomanyways:“SurelyGoddidn’tmeanthat;”or“I’llforgivethatpersonlater;”andsometimes,“I’llserveGodinthatwayatsomeothertime.”

God’swillforthemwastostayinJudahandserveNebuchadnezzarintheirownland.ButtheywantedtogotoEgyptandhopefullyescapeBabylonianrule.“GoingdowntoEgypt”hasbecomeasymbolinourstudyofdoingourownwillratherthanGod’swill,oreventryingtoaccomplishGod’spurposesinourownwayratherthanGod’s.RememberinIsaiahwhentheIsraeliteswantedtolooktotheEgyptianarmy,andGodtoldthemnotto.RememberalsoinExoduswhentheIsraeliteswantedtoreturntoEgyptandslaveryratherthanfollowingGod’swillintothePromisedLand.Letitbealessontousnotto“godowntoEgypt”tohelpourselvesinourownwaywhenGodisleadingusanotherway.WemustalwayslistentoandbeobedienttoGod’swill,evenifitmeanssacrificingordenyingourownwillinordertoobeyandfollowGod’sway-especiallyifitmeansdenyingourownwill.That’stheheartoffollowingJesus.(Matthew16:24)

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Lesson73

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadJeremiah41

ListallthesinsofIshmael.(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasJohanan,andwhatdidhedo?(v.11-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadJeremiah42

WhatdidJohananandallthepeoplepromise?(v.1-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatweretheyforbiddentodo?(v.7-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJeremiahaccusethemof?(v.18-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadJeremiah43

WhatdidJohananandtheleaderssayaboutJeremiah’smessage?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidtheydo?(v.4-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatfurthermessagedidGodgivetoJeremiah?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadJeremiah44

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WhatdidGodsayabouttheJewsinEgypt?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatexcusesdidthepeoplegive?(v.11-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwouldbetheirpunishment?(v.20-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadJeremiah45

HowdidBaruchfeelaboutallthathehadtowriteandsee?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodencouragehim?(v.4-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sincechapter45issoshort,andwewillnotstudychapters46-51,thisisagoodtimetolookoverthosechaptersandnotewhatstandsouttoyouaboutGod’sjudgmentonthenations.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

298

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“SotheysaidtoJeremiah,‘LettheLordbeatrueandfaithfulwitnessbetweenus,ifwedonotdoaccordingtoeverythingwhichtheLordyourGodsendsusbyyou.Whetheritispleasingordispleasing,wewillobeythevoiceoftheLordourGodtowhomwesendyou,thatitmaybewellwithuswhenweobeythevoiceoftheLordourGod.’“ Jeremiah42:5-6

“‘DonotbeafraidofthekingofBabylon,ofwhomyouareafraid;donotbeafraidofhim,’saystheLord,‘forIamwithyou,tosaveyouanddeliveryoufromhishand.AndIwillshowyoumercy,thathemayhavemercyonyouandcauseyoutoreturntoyourownland.’“ Jeremiah42:11-12

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Lesson74

Overview

BeforewefinishthelastchapterofJeremiah,whichreviewsthefallofJerusalem,wemuststopandstudythewonderfulwritingsofHabakkuk.HabakkukwaswritinghispropheciesduringthetimeofJeremiahbeforeJerusalemwascompletelyoverthrown.WehaveseeninJeremiahthehorrorofGod’sprophetsastheyrealizedthatGod’sjudgmentwascomingbutthepeoplestillwouldnotheedGod’sWord.HabakkukisseenquestioningGodonHisjudgment,andweseeGodpatientlyexplainingwhatHehasbeentellingHispeopleforcenturies:blessingsforobediencebutcursesandpunishmentfordisobedience.Andthepunishmentwascomingquickly.AfterrevealinghisdeepestemotionsaboutGod’spunishmentonJudah,HabakkukendswithabeautifulpictureoffaithinGod’sgoodness.

OnDay4wewillspendtimestudyingthedestructionofJerusalem.ItishelpfulonmanylevelstospendtimeonthismosthistoricmomentinJewishhistory.Theaccountisgivenindetailinthefourchapterslisted,soifGodwantedtodescribethiseventinsomanyways,weshoulddefinitelyspendextratimeconsideringallthelessonsGodhasforusinit.YoumaywanttospendtheextradaysthisweekcontemplatingthegravityofGod’sallowingtheenemiesofHispeopletodestroythetemple,whichwasthesymbolofHispresencewiththem.HealsoallowedthemtobecarriedawayfromthelandthatHehadgiventothem.RememberHehadpromisedthatDavidwouldalwayshaveasononthethroneofIsrael,butthekingdomofIsraelcomestoanendwiththisevent.ThepromiseofDavid’skingdomultimatelyhasitsfulfillmentinJesus,whowascalledtheSonofDavid.WeseetheearthlylineageofDavidtoJesusinMatthew1andLuke3.ItisinterestingtonotethatinDavid’swritingsinthePsalms,manyofthePsalmsareknownas“messianic”becausetheyareaboutJesustheMessiah.

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Lesson74

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadHabakkuk1

WhatwasHabakkuk’squestiontoGod?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sanswer?(v.5-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasHabakkuk’ssecondquestion?(v.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadHabakkuk2

WhatdidHabakkukmeanbythis?(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoarethe“just”,andhowdotheylive?(v.2-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoisbeingjudgedhere?(v.5-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificsinsarementioned?(v.15-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadHabakkuk3

WhataresomespecificreasonsforHabakkuk’spraise?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesHabakkukultimatelyacceptasheprays?(v.10-16)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________HowdidHabakkukrespondtoGod’swill?(v.17-19)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:Read2Chronicles36 (Jeremiah52,2Kings24,25)

WhathappenedtoJehoahaz?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoJehoiakim?(v.5-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedduringZedekiah’sreign?(v.9-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowlongdidJerusalemlayinwaste?(v.15-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhowasCyrus,andwhatdidheproclaim?(v.22-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadLamentations1

WhataresomeofthewaysthatJeremiahdescribesJerusalem’sdownfall?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJudahhavetoadmit?(v.8-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGod’speoplefeel?(v.15-22)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

302

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“AndtheLordGodoftheirfatherssentwarningstothembyHismessengers,risingupearlyandsendingthem,becauseHehadcompassiononHispeopleandonHisdwellingplace.ButtheymockedthemessengersofGod,despisedHiswords,andscoffedatHisprophets,untilthewrathoftheLordaroseagainstHispeople,tilltherewasnoremedy.” 2Chronicles36:15-16

“Thoughthefigtreemaynotblossom,norfruitbeonthevines;thoughthelaboroftheolivemayfail,andthefieldsyieldnofood;thoughtheflockmaybecutofffromthefold,andtherebenoherdinthestalls-yetIwillrejoiceintheLord,IwilljoyintheGodofmysalvation.TheLordGodismystrength;Hewillmakemyfeetlikethedeer’sfeet,andHewillmakemewalkonmyhighhills.” Habakkuk3:17-19

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Lesson75

Overview

AsweendedLesson74withthebeginningofLamentations,wewillbeginthislessonwiththelastchapterofLamentations.RememberweareoverviewingtheOldTestament,soreadeverychapterifyoucan,usingthetwoextradayseachweek.

RememberfromJeremiah’swritingsthathewasputinapit,keptinprison,andmanyotherterriblethingsfordoingexactlywhatGodtoldhimtodo.AgreatlessonforusisthatdoingGod’swilldoesnotalwaysmakeuscomfortableinthislife.Wearepilgrimsinaforeigncountry,destinedforafarbettereternalhome.Wemustalwaysbewillingto“denyourselves,takeupourcrossdaily,andfollowHim”(Matthew16:24).Wemustnotlookforalifeofeasehereonearth;wemustbewillingtodothehardthingsasJeremiahdid.

NextwewilldelveintothewritingsofEzekiel.Ezekielisthelastofthemajorprophets.Rememberthat“major”and“minor”referonlytothelengthsofthebooks.Again,thisisanoverview,sowewillnotstudyeverychapter,buttrytoreadtheonesweskip.Thechaptersthatweskiparenolessimportantthantheonesweread;wearejustaimingforrepresentativechapters.ItwillbeagoodideatogobackandstudyallthebooksoftheBibleinmoredetailafteryouhavelaidthefoundationofthemessageoftheentireBible.

Ezekielhasmuchmoresymbolismthanwehavestudiedsofar.GodusesmanyobjectlessonsduringthistimetoshowHispeopleexactlyhowHisjudgmentwouldcome.Ezekiel,likeJeremiah,wasaskedtodosomeveryhardthingsforGod,buthewasalsofoundobedient.Ezekiel,DanielandJeremiahalllivedduringthesametimeperiod,sotrytokeepthatinmindasyoustudy.Ezekielisconsideredtheeasiestbooktofigurethedatesbecausehementionsspecificyearsandmonths.

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Lesson75

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadLamentations3

WhataresomeofthewaysthatJeremiahdescribeshisdespairoverhissituation?(v.1-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdoesJeremiahdescribeGod’sfaithfulnessinadversity?(v.19-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowareGod’sfeelingsdescribed?(v.28-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesJeremiahencouragehimselfandthepeopletodo?(v.34-42)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidJeremiahcry?(v.43-51)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidJeremiahwantfortheenemiesofhispeople?(v.52-66)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadEzekiel1

WhataresomeofthedetailsEzekielgivesabouthimself?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesEzekielseemtobedescribing?(v.4-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day3:ReadEzekiel2

Aftertheastoundingvision,whatdidEzekielhear?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’sfirstmessagetoEzekiel?(v.5-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEzekiel3

WhydoyouthinkGodmadeEzekieleatthescroll?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidEzekielfeelaboutGod’smessage?(v.4-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatspecificresponsibilitiesdidGodgivetoEzekiel?(v.16-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatelsedidGodinstructEzekieltodo?(v.22-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEzekiel4

WhatdidGodcommandEzekieltodo,andwhatdiditsymbolize?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthebreadandwatersymbolize?(v.9-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(*Note:YoucangotomostanyhealthfoodstoreandfindEzekielbread,madeaccordingtotherecipeinEzekiel4:9,andtherearemanyinternetrecipestoo.Itisconsideredaveryhealthybreadeventoday.)

306

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ThroughtheLord’smercieswearenotconsumed,becauseHiscompassionsfailnot.Theyareneweverymorning;greatisYourfaithfulness.‘TheLordismyportion,’saysmysoul,‘thereforeIhopeinHim!’TheLordisgoodtothosewhowaitforHim,tothesoulwhoseeksHim.ItisgoodthatoneshouldhopeandwaitquietlyforthesalvationoftheLord.” Lamentations3:22-24

“ThenthehandoftheLordwasuponmethere,andHesaidtome,‘Arise,gooutintotheplain,andthereIshalltalkwithyou.’SoIaroseandwentoutintotheplain,andbehold,thegloryoftheLordstoodthere,liketheglorywhichIsawbytheRiverChebar;andIfellonmyface.” Ezekiel3:22-23

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Lesson76

Overview

Wewillskipchapters5-11,butkeepinmindtheyarenotlessimportantthantheoneswewillstudy.Trytousetheextradaystostudyandtakenotesonthechapterswedonotcoverinthisoverview.Chapters5-11arefullofmoreobjectlessonsaboutthejudgmentGodwasbringingonIsraelandJudah.ThenorthernkingdomofIsraelhadalreadybeendestroyedbytheAssyriansin722B.C.ThesouthernkingdomofJudah,whichwaswhereJerusalemandthetemplewerelocated,wasdestroyedbyBabylon(whohaddefeatedtheAssyrians)in586B.C.Ezekielwaswritingduringtheyearsfrom593B.C.to571B.C.Again,itiseasytodateEzekiel’swritingsbecausehegaveusdatesandkings.

KeepinmindthatJeremiahandDanielwerealsocontemporariesofEzekiel.Daniel’swritings,whichwewillstudynext,occurredintheyears605B.C.toabout530B.C.Itisgoodtokeepinmindthetimesofthewritingsoftheprophets;itisalsointerestingtonotethatmosthistoriansgenerallyagreewiththetimetableoftheseworldevents.

Asalways,someofthechaptersareveryshort(e.g.Ezekiel14and15),whileothersarelonger.Ifyouneedtopaceyourselfwithdividingsomeofthelongerchaptersintomorethanonedayandreadpartsofthemondayswithshorterchapters,thatwouldworkwell.

Aswestudythecolorfulanddramaticwritingsoftheseprophets,trytoimaginehowtheywerefeelingandwhattheyweregoingthrough.Theirtimesmusthaveseemeddevastating,yetGodwasrevealingHisplanstoHisprophetsandHischosenpeople.AndnoticethatGodwasalwayspreservingaremnanttocarrythefamilyofAbraham,IsaacandJacoballthewaytotheMessiah,specificallythroughthelineofDavid,asHepromised.

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Lesson76

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadEzekiel12

HowdidGodshowthatHewouldholdbackjudgmentiftheyrepented?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodhaveEzekieldoandwhy?(v.3-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodrepeatedlysaywasthereasonforHisjudgmentonHispeople?(v.8-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthefalseprophetssay,andwhatdidGodsay?(v.21-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadEzekiel14

WhoexactlyisbeforeEzekiel,andwhatdoesGodsayaboutthem?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WheredidGodsaytheiridolswere,andwhatisthereasontheywillbepunished?(v.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhomdidGodmention,andwhy?(v.12-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEzekiel15

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WhatdoesGodwantthemtoknowandwhyspecificallywouldthelandbecomedesolate?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEzekiel18

Whyistheproverbfalse?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatisthemainpointhere?(v.5-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatarethetwotypesofsons,andwhatwillhappentothem?(v.10-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwashardforthemtounderstand?(v.18-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdoesGodoffertoeverysinner?(v.25-32)____________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEzekiel20

WhatspecificphrasedoesGodusetodescribeIsrael?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________WhatwasthepurposeoftheSabbaths?(v.7-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificsinsweresharedbythefathersandthesons?(v.13-24)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwouldtheyknowthatHeistheLord?(v.25-38)____________________________________________________Whatwasthepurposeofthefire?(v.39-49)____________________________________________________

310

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ThenIwillgivethemoneheart,andIwillputanewspiritwithinthem,andtakethestonyheartoutoftheirflesh,andgivethemaheartofflesh,thattheymaywalkinMystatutesandkeepMyjudgmentsanddothem;andtheyshallbeMypeople,andIwillbetheirGod.” Ezekiel11:19-20

“IamtheLordyourGod;WalkinMystatutes,keepMyjudgments,anddothem;hallowMySabbaths,andtheywillbeasignbetweenMeandyou,thatyoumanyknowthatIamtheLordyourGod.” Ezekiel20:19-20

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Lesson77

Overview

InEzekiel,Godoftensays,“ThentheyshallknowthatIamtheLord.”Asyoustudy,noticehowoftenGodrepeatsthisthought.GodsaidthistoHisownpeopleaswellastothepagannationsthatfellunderHisjudgment.ThejudgmentsofGodaremeanttorevealtothepeoplethatGodreallyisWhoHesaysHeis.Godhadheldoutgraceandmercyforcenturies,bothtoHispeopletheIsraelitesandtothenationssuchasAssyria(rememberJonah?).ButGod’sgraceandmercyareneverseparatedfromHisTruth,whichisthatwearecreatedforfellowshipwithHim,andHedoesnothavefellowshipwithdarknessandsin.Heevenprovidestheatonementforthatsin,sothatallwehavetodoislooktoHim.Butevenwithsuchasimpletask,westilloftenwanttogoourownwayratherthanGod’sway.

SoaswestudythesinofandjudgmentontheIsraelitesandthepagannations,letuskeepinmindhowfarshortwealsofallinobediencetoGod.ButjustasobediencewouldhavepreventedGod’sjudgmentin586B.C.,obediencealsopreventsGod’sjudgmentinourlivestoday.AlltheyhadtodowastogivetheirheartstoGod,justasthatisallwehavetodotoday.AndthatmeanschoosingalifeofobediencetoHim.

Hereisanotherremindertotakenotes,ifpossible,onthechaptersthatwedonotincludeinouroverview.Itisinterestingtonotethatchapters29-32areallfullofGod’sspecificjudgmentsonEgypt.TrytothinkofallthereasonsthatGodwouldspendsomuchtimedescribingthecalamitiesandeventheruinofEgyptafterithadbeenagreatandpowerfulnationformanycenturies.AstudyofthenationofEgyptisinterestingthroughouttheirentirehistory.AlsonotethatthislessoncontainsanotherdescriptionofSatan’sfallfromheaven,andEzekiel’sfamoussermontothedrybones.

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Lesson77

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadEzekiel28

HowdidtheprinceofTyrefeelabouthimself?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodfeelabouthim?(v.6-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________TowhomisGodcomparingthekingofTyre?(v.11-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatpromiseisrepeatedtoIsrael?(v.20-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadEzekiel33

Whatwastheresponsibilityofthewatchman?(v.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whattwothingsaresaidabout“fairness”?(v.12-20)________________________________________________________________________________________________________DescribeagainthereasonforJudah’sdestruction.(v.21-33)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEzekiel34

Whoweretheshepherds?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

InwhatspecificwaysdoesGoddescribeHimselfastheirshepherd?(v.11-22)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhatfurtherpromisesdoesGodgivetoHispeople?(v.23-31)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEzekiel36

WhatdidGodsayaboutthenationsthatplunderedIsrael?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodsayabouttheland?(v.8-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodsayaboutHimself?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhataresomefurtherpromisestoIsrael?(v.24-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEzekiel37

Describethevisionofthebonesandwhatitmeant.(v.1-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethetwosticksandwhattheyrepresented.(v.15-22)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattwopurposeswouldGod’sjudgmentandrestorationofIsraelshow?(v.23-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

314

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Soyou,sonofman:IhavemadeyouawatchmanforthehouseofIsrael;thereforeyoushallhearawordfromMymouthandwarnthemforMe.” Ezekiel33:7

“IwillmakethemandtheplacesallaroundMyhillablessing;andIwillcauseshowerstocomedownintheirseason;thereshallbeshowersofblessing.” Ezekiel34:26

“‘Iwillraiseupforthemagardenofrenown,andtheyshallnolongerbeconsumedwithhungerintheland,norbeartheshameoftheGentilesanymore.ThustheyshallknowthatI,theLordtheirGod,amwiththem,andthey,thehouseofIsrael,areMypeople,’saystheLordGod.” Ezekiel34:29-30

“Iwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritwithinyou;Iwilltaketheheartofstoneoutofyourfleshandgiveyouaheartofflesh.IwillputMySpiritwithinyouandcauseyoutowalkinMystatutes,andyouwillkeepMyjudgmentsanddothem.” Ezekiel36:26-27

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Lesson78

Overview

InthislessonwewillbeginthefascinatingandinspiringaccountofDaniel.StudythelastchaptersofEzekielasyouhavetime,andtakeextranotesonthe“ForFurtherStudy”page.

ThelastchaptersofEzekieldescribeeventsthatmostscholarsbelievehavenotyetbeenfulfilled.Ifyoustudydifferentcommentariesandresearchthesechapters,youwillfindmanydifferentinterpretations.WemustkeepinmindthatatleastpartofthereasonGodgaveprophecywastowarnHispeopleofimpendingjudgment.AnotherreasonwastogivetheoneswhoweretrulytrustingHim,astheprophetswere,afuturehope.Thosetworeasonsarestillimportantforustoday.Anotheraddedbenefitoftheprophecieswehavestudiedistoseethespecificfulfillmentofsomanyofthem.ItisofgreatbenefitforustostudyalloftheWordofGod,eventhepropheciesthatmightbeveryconfusing.ButitisnothelpfultothebodyofChristtodevelopdogmaticopinionsoffutureeventsthatwillpromotedivisionratherthanunity.WehonorGodbylearningwhatHehastoldus,butkeepinmindthatatbest“weseethroughaglassdarkly”(1Corinthians13:12).Therearesomethingswewillnotunderstandcompletelyuntilwegettoheaven,andaslongasGodisfinewiththat,weneedtobefinewithittoo.

ThebookofDanielisalsofullofpropheciesthatarestilltocome.Butthebeginninghasimmenselypracticallifelessonsforallofus.EvenifyouarealreadyfamiliarwiththestoryofDaniel,youwillbeabletoseehowhislifefitsintotheOldTestamenttimeline.EventhoughDanielandhisfriendsweretakenfromtheirhomelandandforcedtoserveinNebuchadnezzar’sevilempire,theywerefaithfulwhenfacedwiththechoicetoobeyGodorlosetheirlives.Daniel,Shadrach,MeshachandAbednegoinspireustocourageouslyfaceharshcircumstancesthatchallengeourcommitmenttoChrist.

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Lesson78

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDaniel1

WhatkindofyoungmendidNebuchadnezzarwant,andwhy?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasofferedtoDanielandhisfriends,andwhydidtheyrefuse?(v.5-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDanielproposetoAshpenaz,andwhatwastheresult?(v.9-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowareDanielandhisfriendsdescribed?(v.17-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadDaniel2

WhatdidNebuchadnezzardemand?(v.1-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDanieldo?(v.14-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDanielsayaboutGod?(v.24-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthedreammean?(v.31-45)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoDanielandhisfriends?(v.46-49)____________________________________________________

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Day3:ReadDaniel3

WhatdidNebuchadnezzardecree?(v.1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastheresponseofShadrach,MeshachandAbednego?(v.8-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenedtothem?(v.19-25)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasNebuchadnezzar’sresponse?(v.26-30)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadDaniel4

DescribeNebuchadnezzar’sseconddream.(v.1-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdiditmean?(v.19-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenednext,andhowdidNebuchadnezzarrespond?(v.28-37)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadDaniel5

WhywasBelshazzarafraid?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidthe“handwritingonthewall”mean?(v.10-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Danielansweredandsaid:‘BlessedbethenameofGodforeverandever,forwisdomandmightareHis.AndHechangesthetimesandtheseasons;Heremoveskingsandraisesupkings;Hegiveswisdomtothewiseandknowledgetothosewhohaveunderstanding.Herevealsdeepandsecretthings;Heknowswhatisinthedarkness,andlightswellswithHim.’“ Daniel2:20-22

“Shadrach,Meshach,andAbednegoansweredandsaidtotheking,‘ONebuchadnezzar,wehavenoneedtoansweryouinthismatter.Ifthatisthecase,ourGodwhomweserveisabletodeliverusfromtheburningfieryfurnace,andHewilldeliverusfromyourhand,Oking.Butifnot,letitbeknowntoyou,Oking,thatwedonotserveyourgods,norwillweworshipthegoldimagewhichyouhavesetup.’“ Daniel3:16-18

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Lesson79

Overview

WealreadyrecognizeandareblessedbythefaithandperseveranceofDaniel,Shadrach,MeshachandAbednego.WecanapplygreatlessonstoourownlivesasweconsiderhowtheseyoungmenstoodstronginobediencetoGod’sWord,eveninthefaceofpersecutionanddeaththreats.TheirlivesprovethattheyweredevotedtoGod.Maywealsobeknownforwhole-hearteddevotiontoGod.

ThislessonbeginswiththefamousstoryofDanielinthelion’sden.Nebuchadnezzarisnolongerking;Belshazzar,whoisnamedasasonofNebuchadnezzar,hasbecomekinginchapter5.Theninchapter6,DariustheMedehasascendedthethrone.ItisworthnotingthattheMedesandPersianshadunitedandoverthrowntheBabylonianempire,asDaniel’sinterpretationofNebuchadnezzar’svisionhadshown.DariusalsorecognizedDaniel’sexcellentcharacterandleadershipabilitiesandpromotedhimevenhigherinthekingdom.Thispromotioncausedenvyamongtheotherofficials,soplotswereformedtogetridofDaniel.ButGodhadotherplansforhim.

Fromchapter7throughtheendofthebook(chapter12),Danielhasvisionsanddreamsoffuturetimes.AswementionedinEzekiel’sprophecies,thereismuchdisagreementamongscholarsabouttheexactinterpretationoftheseprophecies.EvenDanielwasnotgiventhemeanings.Aswestudytheseprophecies,itisgoodtorememberthatoftenGod’speoplemisunderstoodhowfutureeventswouldunfold.EvenintheNewTestamentfulfillmentofthecomingofJesustheMessiah,thedisciplesdidnotunderstandthetimedifferencebetweenJesus’firstcomingandHissecondcoming.Keepstudyingthescriptureinthisway,andyouwillseehowthesepropheciesalignwithhistory.Itisveryinterestingtostudyallthedifferentinterpretations,andGodblessesourdevotiontoHisWord.JustbecarefultolettheHolySpiritguideyourthoughts.

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Lesson79

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDaniel6

WhywasDanieldistinguishedaboveDarius’otheradministrators?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheadministratorsproposetoDarius,andwhy?(v.4-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDariusdo,andwhy?(v.10-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoDaniel?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDarius’response?(v.24-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadDaniel7

BrieflydescribeDaniel’sdream.(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatinterestingdetailsdoyounotice?(v.9-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheinterpretationofthedream?(v.15-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidthedreamandtheinterpretationmakeDanielfeel?(v.28)____________________________________________________

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Day3:ReadDaniel8

Describethisvision.(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwouldDanielunderstandthevision?(v.15-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheinterpretation?(v.19-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasDaniel’sresponse?(v.27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadDaniel9

WhatdidDanielunderstand,andwhatdidhedo?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhosesinwasDanielprayingover?(v.4-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidDanielacknowledgeaboutGod’sjudgment?(v.12-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhospoketoDaniel,andwhatisthemessage?(v.20-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadDaniel10

DescribethevisionandDaniel’sresponse.(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwascommunicatedtoDaniel?(v.10-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“AtthattimeMichaelshallstandup,thegreatprincewhostandswatchoverthesonsofyourpeople;andthereshallbeatimeoftrouble,suchasneverwassincetherewasanation,eventothattime.

“Andatthattimeyourpeopleshallbedelivered,everyonewhoisfoundwritteninthebook.Andmanyofthosewhosleepinthedustoftheearthshallawake,sometoeverlastinglife,sometoshameandeverlastingcontempt.

“Thosewhoarewiseshallshinelikethebrightnessofthefirmament,andthosewhoturnmanytorighteousnesslikethestarsforeverandever.” Daniel12:1-3

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Lesson80

Overview

ThislessonwillconcludethebookofDanielandmoveintoEzraandHaggai.Thisisatimethatitisinterestingandhelpfultokeepthechronologystraightinyourmind.TheeventsofDanielspannedtheyearsfromabout605B.C.throughatleastthe520’s.WeknowthatthefallofJerusalemwas586B.C.,andNebuchadnezzarlikelytooktheyoungmen,Danielincluded,in605B.C.SinceDariusismentionedinDaniel,weknowthattheDaniel’stimeinBabylonlasteduntilatleastthe520’ssinceDarius’reignwasfrom522-486B.C.ItishelpfultoourunderstandingofchronologythatthewritersincludedtheBabylonianandPersianrulers,sinceweknowthedatesoftheirreigns.

Ezrabeginswhereweleftoffin2ChronicleswiththedecreeofCyrus,kingofPersia.NoticethatDanieldidnotmentionCyrus’reign.ThefirstPersiankingDanielmentionsisDarius,whoiscalledaMede.WeknowthePersianempirewasalsoreferredtoastheMedo-Persianempire,sothereissomedebateoverwhetherthiswasthesameDarius.Cyrus’decreewasgivenin539B.C.,soCyruswaskingbeforeDarius(althoughsomebelievetheywerethesameperson).Danielwouldhavebeenaveryoldmanbythattime,whichmayexplainwhyhedidnotreturntoJerusalemafterCyrus’decreethattheJewscouldreturn.EzratellsthestoryofthefirstexilesreturningtoJerusalemandbeginningtherebuildingofthetemple.Ezrahimselfdidnotreturnuntil458B.C.duringthereignofArtaxerxes.SincetheeventsofEstherhappenedduringthereignofAhasuersus,orXerxes1,thattimeframewasbetween486-464B.C.SoweseethatafterDanielwemustgobacktoEzra,theninsertHaggai,Zechariah,andEstherintothatsectionofhistorytounderstandtheorderofevents.Asyoustudythissection,ponderthequestionofwhytheydidnotallgobacktotheirhomelandwhengiventheopportunity.

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Lesson80

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadDaniel12

WhendoesMichaelstandup,andwhatishismessage?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whoelseisspeaking,andwhatdotheysay?(v.5-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisthefinalmessagerecordedbyDaniel?(v.9-13)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadEzra1

WhowasCyrus,andwhatwashisdecree?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhoreturnedtoJerusalem,andwhatdidtheybringwiththem?(v.5-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEzra3

Whatdidthereturnedcaptivesdofirst?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidtheydonext?(v.4-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whyweresomehappyandsomesad?(v.8-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEzra4

Whotriedtodiscouragetherebuildingofthetemple,andwhy?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidtheyattempttostoptherebuilding?(v.6-16)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwastheking’sresponse,andwhatwastheresult?(v.17-24;noticewhatyearthischapterendswith)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadHaggai1

HowdidGoddescribetheirpriorities,andwhatdidHewantthemtodo?(v.1-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheIsraelitesdo?(v.12-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*TrytomakeacharttoshowthechronologyofthisimportanttimeinIsrael’shistory.Givethetimeperiodofeachbookwearestudying.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

326

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Andtheysangresponsively,praisingandgivingthankstotheLord:‘ForHeisgood,ForHismercyenduresforevertowardIsrael.’Thenallthepeopleshoutedwithagreatshout,whentheypraisedtheLord,becausethefoundationofthehouseoftheLordwaslaid.” Ezra3:11

“Nowtherefore,thussaystheLordofhosts:‘Consideryourways!Youhavesownmuch,andbringinlittle;youeat,butdonothaveenough;youdrink,butyouarenotfilledwithdrink;youclotheyourselves,butnooneiswarm;andhewhoearnswages,earnswagestoputintoabagwithholes.’ThussaystheLordofhosts:‘Consideryourways!’ Haggai1:5-7

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Lesson81

Overview

SortingoutthechronologyofEzraandthebooksfollowingitcanbetricky.KeepinmindthatEzrabeginswiththeyearsprecedingtherebuildingofthetemplewhenhehadnotyetcometoJerusalem.ThedecreewasgiventhattheJewscouldreturnin539B.C.Thefirstexilesreturnedandstartedrebuildingin537B.C.Theyfacedalotofopposition,andtheyactuallystoppedrebuildingforseveralyears.GodinspiredHaggaiandZechariahtoencouragethemtocontinuetherebuildingofthetemple.

ItisinterestingtonotethatCyrussentwiththeexilesallthetempletreasuresthatNebuchadnezzartook,buttheArkoftheCovenantisnotmentioned.Manyofthegoldandsilverarticlesareaccountedfor,butthereisnomentionoftheArk.ThroughthecenturiesscholarshavespeculatedaboutwhatmayhavehappenedtothesymbolofGod’smercytowardHispeople.MovieslikeRaidersoftheLostArksparkinterestinapossibledramaticarcheologicalfind,andtherearemanybooksandfilmsaboutthepossibilities.Oneofthemoreinterestingtheoriesisthatthetemplepriests,knowingthatNebuchadnezzar’sarmywasonthewaytoplunderJerusalem,senttheArkdowntoEgyptwhereitisstillheavilyguardedtothisday.SomehistoriansbelieveitmaybefoundinoneoftheundergroundtunnelsbelowJerusalem.ThereisevenspeculationthattheArkwashiddenbeneaththecity,andtheactualbloodofJesusdrippedthroughtheearthtothemercyseatoftheArk.Alloftheseareinterestingtoreadandstudy,butGoddidnotgiveusanymoreinformationaboutwhathappenedtoit.

HaggaiandZechariahgiveustheirexactdatesduringthereignofDarius.Aswithsomanyoftheseprophecies,therearemanydifferentopinionsaboutwhattheyallmean.ThevisionsofZechariahareinthiscategory.SinceZechariahhasanumberofshortchapters,wewillreadtwochaptersonsomeofthedays.

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Lesson81

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadHaggai2

HowdidGodencouragetheoneswhoweresadaboutthenewtemple?(v.1-9)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwerethepeopledispleasingtoGod?(v.10-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidGodwantthemtodo?(v.15-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadZechariah1

WhatwasZechariah’smessage,andhowdidthepeoplerespond?(v.1-6)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethevisionandwhatitmeant.(v.7-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethevisionofthehornsandwhatitmeant.(v.18-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadZechariah2-3

WhatwasGod’spromisetoJerusalem?(2:1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatfurtherpromisesaregiven?(2:6-13)____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________WhatdidGodsaytoSatan?(3:1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodencourageJoshua?(3:3-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadZechariah4and6

HowdidGodencourageZerubbabel?(4:1-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatfurtherencouragementisgiven?(4:8-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethevisionofthehorses.(6:1-8)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasGod’smessagetoJoshua?(6:9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadZechariah7

WhatdidGodsaytheydidforthemselves,andwhatshouldtheyhavedone?(v.1-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatspecificinstructionsweregiven,andwhatwastheresult?(v.8-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

330

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“‘Thegloryofthislattertempleshallbegreaterthantheformer,’saystheLordofhosts.‘AndinthisplaceIwillgivepeace,’saystheLordofhosts.” Haggai2:9

“Soheansweredandsaidtome:‘ThisisthewordoftheLordtoZerubbabel:“Notbymightnorbypower,butbyMySpirit,”saystheLordofhosts.’“ Zechariah4:6

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Lesson82

Overview

InthislessonwewillfinishZechariah,thenpickbackupchronologicallyinEzrafortwochapters.Afterthat,theeventsofEstherbegin.AfterEstherwewillreturntoEzra.Rememberthatthebookswithinformationaboutthekingsareeasiertodatethantheoneswithnohistoricalreferences.Alsokeepinmindthatthereisnotcompleteagreementamongscholarsonthechronologyofthissectionofhistory.Again,somescholarsevenbelievethatCyrusandDariusmayhavebeenthesameperson.Sodon’tgiveupifitseemstooconfusing.Themainlessonsforusarestillevident,evenifwedisagreeontheorderoftheevents.

WewillnotstudyallofthechaptersofZechariah,buttrytoreadallofthemifyoucan.Aswehavementioned,thereismuchdebateoverthemeaningsofsomeofhisvisions.BecausealloftheBibleisinspiredbyGodandgiventousforHisreasons,weshouldtryourbesttounderstandeverypartofit.Ineverygenerationthereareperilousworldsituations,andthestudyofprophecyhelpsustorememberthatGodhasallnationsandallworldeventsinHishands.Evenwhenwecannotunderstandwhythingshappenthewaytheydo,wecangainmuchpeaceinourheartsbystudyinghowGodhasalwaysworkedinthelivesofpeopleandintheeventsofthewholeworld.Chapter9ofZechariahisplainlyabouttheMessiah,soweareremindedthatmanyofthesevisionswerefulfilledintheNewTestament.

WenoticeHaggaiandZechariaharementionedinthenextchapterofEzra,andthatcertainlyhelpswithorderofevents.SobeforeweleaveEzratostudyEsther,weseethetemplecompletedafter16years.ThenafterEzra6,theeventsofEstherunfold.ItisinterestingtoconsiderhowmanyoftheJewsdidnotreturntoIsraelwhentheywereallowedtogoback.Keepthatinmindasyoustudy;itisabiblicallyunansweredquestionthatdeservesconsideration.

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Lesson82

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadZechariah8

WhatdidGodsayaboutJerusalemandthetemple?(v.1-10)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatfurtherencouragementdoesGodgivetothem?(v.11-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whattestimonydoforeignersgive?(v.18-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadZechariah14

Whatcluesaregivenaboutwhentheseeventsoccur?(v.1-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwillultimatelyhappentoJerusalem’senemies?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatpointsaremadeaboutthetimeoftheseprophecies?(v.16-21)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEzra5

HowweretheJewsencouragedtocontinuebuildingthetemple?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whotriedtostopthebuilding,andwhyweretheyunsuccessful?(v.3-5)

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhydidtheysendalettertoDarius?(v.6-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEzra6

WhatwasDarius’response?(v.1-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathappenednext?(v.13-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describethecelebrationsafterthetemplewascompleted.(v.15-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEsther1

WhywasAhasuerus(XerxesI)celebrating?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidAhasueruswantVashtitodo,andwhatdidshedo?(v.5-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidtheking’sadvisorswanthimtodoandwhy?Also,whatdidhedo?(v.13-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

334

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“‘Anditshallcometopassthatjustasyouwereacurseamongthenations,OhouseofJudahandhouseofIsrael,soIwillsaveyou,andyoushallbeablessing.Donotfear,letyourhandsbestrong.’ForthussaystheLordofhosts:‘JustasIdeterminedtopunishyouwhenyourfathersprovokedmetowrath,’saystheLordofhosts,‘AndIwouldnotrelent,soagaininthesedaysIamdeterminedtodogoodtoJerusalemandtothehouseofJudah.Donotfear.’“ Zechariah8:13-15

“RejoicegreatlyOdaughterofZion!Shout,OdaughterofJerusalem!Behold,yourKingiscomingtoyou;Heisjustandhavingsalvation,Lowlyandridingonadonkey,acolt,thefoalofadonkey.” Zechariah9:9

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Lesson83

Overview

TheeventsofEstheroccurredduringtheyearsfrom483-473B.C.WeknowthisfromthedatesofthePersianrulers,andtherulerinthebookofEstherisAhasuerus,alsoknownasXerxesI.

KeepinmindthatthePersiankingCyrushaddecreedin539B.C.thattheJewscouldreturntotheirhomeland.Hehadalsosentthetempletreasuresaswellaseverythingtheyneededfortheirjourney.Thefirstgroupreturnedandlaidthetemplefoundationin537B.C.,butthenoppositionfromtheirenemiescausedthebuildingtocease.WeknowmenlikeHaggaiandZechariahwereencouragingthebuilding,butitstilltookabout16moreyearsbeforeitwascomplete.Theapproximatetimeofcompletionwas520-516B.C.Morethan40yearslater,wemeetMordecaiandEsther.WewillfindoutwhenwereturntoEzrathatEzrahimselfreturnedtoIsraelduringthereignofAhasuerus.That’swhywearereadingEstherinthemiddleofEzra.

ItisinterestingtoconsiderwhyalltheIsraelitesdidnoteagerlyreturntotheirhomeland.Apparentlytheoneswhodidreturnlackedleadershipandperseverance.Manyoftheoneswhodidn’treturnweresurelytoooldtomakesuchalongjourney.Andmaybetheydidnotimpressontheyoungergenerationstheimportanceandprivilegeofbeingabletoreturn.WeknowthatthesinsofthenationsofIsraelandJudahcausedGodtoallowthemtobetakenintocaptivity,somaybemanyofthemwerenotspirituallymindedenoughtofeelanurgencytoreturn.DidtheyknowanythingabouttheWordofGodandHispreciseinstructionsforworshipandsacrifice?EzrahadstudiedtheLaw,soweknowitwasavailabletosome.Maybetheyweresocaughtupinthecultureoftheirtimethatitdidnotoccurtomostofthemtowanttogoback.Forwhateverreasons,MordecaiandEstherstayedinPersia,andtheirpresencetherecausedalotofproblemsfortheJewswhoremained.

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Lesson83

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadEsther2

Whatdidtheking’sservantssuggest?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdetailsaregivenaboutMordecai?(v.5-7)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdetailsaregivenaboutEsther?(v.8-18)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatplotagainstthekingdidMordecaidiscover?(v.19-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadEsther3

WhowasHaman,andwhywasheangry?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasHaman’splan?(v.6-11)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasShushanconfused?(v.12-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEsther4

WhyweretheJewsupset,andhowdidtheyshowit?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatdidMordecaiwantEsthertodo?(v.4-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasEstherafraid,andwhatwasMordecai’sresponse?(v.9-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidEstherdo?(v.15-17)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEsther5-6

WhydoyouthinkEstherputoffherrequestfortwodays?(v.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhywasHamanstillangry,andwhatdidhedo?(v.9-14)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEsther6

HowisGod’ssovereigntyshowninthissituation?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DescribeHaman’shumiliation.(v.5-12)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidZereshsay?(v.13-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerse:“Forifyouremaincompletelysilentatthistime,reliefanddeliverancewillarisefortheJewsfromanotherplace,butyouandyourfather’shousewillperish.Yetwhoknowswhetheryouhavecometothekingdomforsuchatimeasthis?” Esther4:14

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Lesson84

Overview

InthislessonwewillconcludethebookofEsther,thenreturntoEzrawhereweleftoff.RememberthattheeventsofEsthertookplacechronologicallybetweenEzra6and7.

AninterestingfeatureofthebookofEstheristhatGodisnevermentioned.WeseethesovereigntyandtheprovidenceofGodeverywhereinthestory,butwedon’tseethenameofGod.AndalthoughMordecaiispraisedattheendofEstherasamanwhowasgreatamongtheJews,onehastowonderwhetherhewasgreatbeforeGod.HewasoneoftheJewswhopresumablycouldhavereturnedtoJerusalematanytimeduringthoseyears.ButforsomereasonhechosetostayinthePersiancapitalcity.ThetextshowsusthathewassecondtothekinginpositionbytheendofEsther.ButifhehadbeenbackinJerusalem,wheretheJewsweresupposedtobe,theJewsinthekingdomofPersiawouldnothavebeeninanydanger;HamanwouldnothavegottenangryandwouldlikelyhavenotdesiredtokillMordecai’speople.Wedonotethat,evenifMordecaiandEstherwereinPersiaduetounfaithfulnesstoGod,GodstillpreservedHispeople.ItremindsusofRomans8:28:“AndweknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothosewholoveGod,tothosewhoarethecalledaccordingtoHispurpose.”TheBibleneverdirectlystatesthatMordecaiandEstherweredisobedientinnotreturningtoIsrael,butweknowthatJerusalemwastheplacewheretheJewswerecommandedtomakesacrifices,sotheywereunabletoworshipGodinthewayGodhadcommandedwhiletheywereincaptivity.

About20yearsaftertheeventsofEsther,weseeEzraleavingBabylonandgoingtoJerusalem.Whateverthereasonsforthedelay,EzraandNehemiahdidfinallygobackandhelprebuild.Apparentlytheirleadershipwasjustwhattheexileswhoreturnedneeded.Ezra’sknowledgeofGod’sWordisnoteworthyinthislesson.

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Lesson84

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadEsther7-8

WhathappenedtoHaman?(7:1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoMordecai?(8:1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatwasthenextproblemfortheJews,andwhatdidthekingpropose?(8:3-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasthesolution,andhowdidthepeoplerespond?(8:9-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadEsther9-10

Whathappened,andwhy?(9:1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhathappenedtoHaman’ssons,andwhy?(9:6-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwastheFeastofPurim?(9:15-32)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwasMordecaidescribed?(10:1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEzra7

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WhatdetailsaregivenaboutEzra?(v.1-10)________________________________________________________________________________________________________InwhatspecificwaysdidArtaxerxessupportEzra?(v.11-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidEzrarespond?(v.27-28)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEzra8

AbouthowmanymenwentwithEzratoJerusalem?(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowasmissing;whywasitimportant,andwhatdidEzrado?(v.15-20)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whydidtheyfast?(v.21-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidGodanswertheirrequest?(v.24-36)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEzra9

WhatcausedsuchgriefforEzra?(v.1-4)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidEzrapresentthesituationtoGod?(v.5-15)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

342

ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ForEzrahadpreparedhishearttoseektheLawoftheLord,andtodoit,andtoteachstatutesandordinancesinIsrael.” Ezra7:10

“ThenIproclaimedafastthereattheriverofAhava,thatwemighthumbleourselvesbeforeourGod,toseekfromHimtherightwayforusandourlittleonesandallourpossessions.ForIwasashamedtorequestofthekinganescortofsoldiersandhorsementohelpusagainsttheenemyontheroad,becausewehadspokentotheking,saying,‘ThehandofourGodisuponallthoseforgoodwhoseekHim,butHispowerandHiswrathareagainstallthosewhoforsakeHim.’SowefastedandentreatedourGodforthis,andHeansweredourprayer.” Ezra8:21-23

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Lesson85

Overview

Ezraconcludeswiththehandlingofanextremelytouchyandcontroversialsituationaboutmixedmarriages-thoseinwhichonepersonisafollowerofGodandtheotherpersonisnot.Amajorlessonforusisthatabsoluteobedienceisrequired.Itisnogoodtosay,“IloveGod,”andthenlivehoweverwechooseormakeupourownrulesforliving.Thebookof1Johnhasquitealottosaytousonthatsubject.TheseverityofthesituationinEzra10shouldhaveourattentionaswell.

ThenweturntoNehemiah.Nehemiahbeginsabout13yearsafterEzra’sreturntoJerusalem.Onceagain,whydidtheynotgobackwhentheycould?HowdidtheyjustifybeingsocomfortableinapaganculturethattheydidnotobeyGodandreturntotheirhomeland?Aswehavementioned,manyweresurelytoooldtomakethetrip;perhapstheirchildrenandgrandchildrendidnotunderstandtheimportanceofthesacrificiallaws.Somehowanurgencytoreturnwasmissinginalargenumberoftheexiles.Maybesomewantedtowaittoseeiftheking’spermissiontoreturnwasreallyofGod.

ButatleastNehemiahwasinterestedenoughinhishomelandtorequestpermissionfromthekingtoreturn.EzrahadhelpedthepeopletoreestablishtheirunderstandingoftheLawofGod.Thetemplewascomplete,butthewallsofJerusalemwerestillinruins.Itwasnotsecureforcitiesbackthennottobeprotectedbyawall.SoNehemiahfeltcompelledbyGodtogobackandrebuildthewall.InchapteroneNehemiahhumbleshimselfandasksforgivenessforthepeople’ssins,includinghisown.WenoticethatlikeMordecai,NehemiahhadanestablishedpositionofhonorinthePersiankingdom.ButheleftPersiatoreturntoJerusalemtogivemuchneededleadershiptohispeoplethere.Nehemiah’scommitmenttotherebuildingofthewallandencouraginghispeopleisagreatexampleofperseveringinservicetoGodnomatterwhattheobstacles.

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Lesson85

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadEzra10

WhatdidShechaniahpropose?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidEzrahandlethesituation?(v.5-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthemenrespond?(v.18-44)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadNehemiah1

WhywasNehemiahupset?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Consideringthatalmost100yearshadpassedsincetheJewswereallowedbacktoIsraelfromtheircaptivity,whatwasNehemiahasking?(v.5-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadNehemiah2

Whatdidthekingnotice?(v.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasNehemiah’sresponse?(v.3-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatmoredidNehemiahaskfor,andhowdidhedescribetheking’sresponse?(v.6-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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HowdidNehemiahapproachthesituationinJerusalem?(v.9-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whowasinopposition?(v.19-20)____________________________________________________

Day4:ReadNehemiah4

WhatwasSanballot’sandTobiah’sresponse?(v.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidNehemiahdo?(v.4-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidNehemiahrespondtoopposition?(v.7-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidNehemiahencouragetheJewstokeepbuilding?(v.10-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdidthepeoplehavetowork?(v.16-23)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadNehemiah5

Whatnewoppositionarose?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidNehemiahrespond?Howdidthenoblesrespond?(v.6-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidNehemiahdoasgovernorofJudah,andwhy?(v.14-19)____________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“‘OLord,Ipray,pleaseletYourearbeattentivetotheprayerofYourservant,andtotheprayerofYourservantswhodesiretofearYourname;andletYourservantprosperthisday,Ipray,andgranthimmercyinthesightofthisman.’ForIwastheking’scupbearer.” Nehemiah1:11

“AndItoldthemofthehandofmyGodwhichhadbeengooduponme,andalsooftheking’swordsthathehadspokentome.Sotheysaid,’Letusriseupandbuild.’Thentheysettheirhandstothisgoodwork.” Nehemiah2:18

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Lesson86

Overview

HaveyoueverbeensosurethatGodwasleadingyouinacertaintaskordirectionthatnothingcouldstopyou?ThatisexactlythekindofdeterminationweseeaswestudyNehemiah’smissiontorebuildthewallsofJerusalem.Nehemiah’saccountoftherebuildingofthewallshouldinspireeachofusonmultiplelevels.HopefullyyouwillnoticeasyoustudypassageslikeNehemiahthroughoutyourlifethatGodwillshowyousomethingneweverytimewhichwillapplytoyourlifeateachstage.

Oneofthefirstthingswenoticeinthisweek’slessonisNehemiah’sremarkablediscernmentofpeopleandsituations.Howdidheknowwhenpeopleweretryingtotrickhim?ThatkindofwisdomcomesonlyfromGod.Inchapter7weseethenamesofthefamiliesthatreturnedtoIsraelalongwiththenumberofmembersofeachfamily.

Inchapter8weseeEzrareadingtheLawofGodtothepeopleandtheirimmediatedesiretoobey.Mostofthepeopledidn’thaveanyideahowdisobedienttheyhadbeensincetheydidnothavecopiesofthelaw,noranyonetoteachthemwhiletheywereincaptivity.SogoingbacktoIsraelnotonlyshowedtheirdesireforobedience,itgavethemopportunitiestolearnandtopracticegreaterobedience.Thatishowitalwaysworks:themoreobedientweare,themorewewanttoobey.LetusnevertakeforgrantedtheopportunitywehavebeengiventoreadandstudyGod’sWordforourselveseverysingleday.

Chapter9givesusareviewofIsrael’shistory.Chapters10-12aremorenumbersandgenealogies.Chapter13concludesthebookasNehemiahreturnstoIsraelandhastocontendwiththespiritualleaderswhohadledthepeopleonceagainintosinagainstGod.MaywehavethesameboldnessandzealforholylivingthatNehemiahhad.

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Lesson86

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadNehemiah6

HowdidNehemiah’senemiestrytofoolhim,andhowdidherespond?(v.1-4)________________________________________________________________________________________________________InwhatotherwaysdidNehemiah’senemiestrytodistracthim,andhowdidherespond?(v.5-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howlongdidittaketobuildthewall,andwhogotthecredit?(v.15-19)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadNehemiah8

WhatdidEzrado,andhowdidthepeoplerespond?(v.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whywerethepeoplegrieving?(v.6-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________AstheyunderstoodGod’sWord,whatdidtheyrealize,andwhatdidtheydo?(v.13-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadNehemiah9

WhatactionsofthepeoplefollowedthereadingofGod’sWord?(v.1-3)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatweretheleaderscompelledtodo?(v.4-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatdidtheysayaboutAbraham?(v.7-8)____________________________________________________WhatdidtheysayaboutIsrael’scaptivityinEgypt?(v.9-15)____________________________________________________Whatwassaidabouttheirtimeinthewilderness?(v.16-21)____________________________________________________Whatabouttheircycleofdisobedience?(v.22-31)____________________________________________________Afterreviewingtheirhistory,whatdotheywanttodo?(v.32-38)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadNehemiah10

Whowasfirsttoplacehissealonthecovenant?(v.1-27)____________________________________________________Whatdidtheycommittodo?(v.28-29)________________________________________________________________________________________________________NamesomespecificwaystheyobeyedGod’sWord.(v.30-39)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadNehemiah13

Inwhat2wayshadtherulerssinned?(v.1-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasanotherareaofdisobedience?(v.15-22)____________________________________________________Howhadtheysinnedinmarriage,andwhathappened?(v.23-31)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Theyrefusedtoobey,andtheywerenotmindfulofYourwondersthatYoudidamongthem.Buttheyhardenedtheirnecks,andintheirrebelliontheyappointedaleadertoreturntotheirbondage.ButYouareGod,readytopardon,graciousandmerciful,slowtoanger,abundantinkindness,anddidnotforsakethem.” Nehemiah9:17

“Butaftertheyhadrest,theyagaindidevilbeforeYou.ThereforeYoulefttheminthehandoftheirenemies,sothattheyhaddominionoverthem;yetwhentheyreturnedandcriedouttoYou,Youheardfromheaven;andmanytimesYoudeliveredthemaccordingtoYourmercies.” Nehemiah9:28

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Lesson87

Overview

WecometothelastbookoftheOldTestament,Malachi.ItisalsothelastofthehistorybooksoftheOldTestament.Westillhavethepoetry/worshipsectiontostudy,soit’snottheendofourstudyyet.Malachiisoneofthosebooksaboutwhichhistoriansdebatetheexactchronology.Butasyoureadandstudy,youwillseethatMalachiisactuallyatimelessbookthatappliestoourrelationshipwithGodineveryage.AswehaveseenintheOldTestamentasawhole,obediencetoGodinactionandattitudeareemphasized.Asyoustudy,youwillseehowthemessageofMalachicouldfitwithanumberoftimesinthehistoryofIsrael.

WehavestudiedthenationofIsrael,God’schosenpeople,sinceGenesis.Wehaveseentheirtriumphsandtheirtragedies.Wehavewonderedhowtheycouldseeminglysoeasilygetcaughtupwiththesinsoftheirculture.Asyouhavestudied,hopefullyyouareabletoseethatthewaytheIsraeliteslivedinthePromisedLandisexactlycomparabletoourownChristianlives.AllofthestudyofthehistoryofIsraelshouldbelessonafterlessonforusabouttheexactwayweshouldfollowGod:inperfectcommunionthatgrowsdirectlyfromtherootsofobedience.Intheselessonswehaverepeatedlyseentheblessingsforobedienceandjudgementfordisobedience.Letusapplythosesameprinciplestoourownlives.

ThelastreadingforthislessonwillbeareviewofwherewehavebeenwiththenationofIsrael.ThisreviewisfoundintheJewishhymnbookweknowasthebookofPsalms.MostofthePsalmswerewrittenbyKingDavid,butsomewerewrittenbyothersthroughoutthekingdomyears.OnePsalmwaswrittenbyMosesmanycenturiesbeforethistime,andsomePsalmsweareunsurewhotheauthorwas.WewillhavetheopportunitytostudymoreofPsalmsinthenextfewlessons.

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Lesson87

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadMalachi1

WhatisGod’sfirstcontentionwithHispeople,andhowdoesHeproveHispoint?(vv.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatisGod’ssecondcontentionagainstthem,andwhatdetailsdoesHegiveaboutit?(vv.6-14)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadMalachi2

Whatisthisaddressing,andwhatisGod’swarning?(vv.1-2)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhoisLevi,andwhatdidGodsayabouthim?(vv.3-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whathadthepriestsdone?(vv.7-9)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasJudah’soffense?(vv.10-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatwasthesecondthing?(vv.13-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadMalachi3

Whatwillthemessengerdo,andismorethanonemessengerimplied?(vv.1-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatwasthemainthingtheywouldbejudgedfor?(vv.4-7)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowhadtheyrobbedGod,andhowwouldGodblessthemiftheyobeyed?(vv.8-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwouldtheyknowthedifferencebetweentherighteousandthewicked,andhowdoesthedifferencematter?(vv.13-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadMalachi4

Whatwillhappenonthecomingday?(v.1)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatispromisedtothosewhofearthenameofGod?(vv.2-3)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhattwomenofGodarementionedandwhy?(vv.4-6)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadPsalm106

WhatwastheresultoftheRedSeamiracle?(vv.1-12)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Nameseveralspecificsinsofthepeople.(vv.13-27)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Inwhatotherwaysdidtheysin,andwhatwastheresult?(vv.28-48)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“ForIamtheLord,Idonotchange;Thereforeyouarenotconsumed,OsonsofJacob.” Malachi3:6

“Thenyoushallagaindiscernbetweentherighteousandthewicked,betweenonewhoservesGodandonewhodoesnotserveHim.” Malachi3:18

“TheysoonforgotHisworks;theydidnotwaitforHiscounsel,butlustedexceedinglyinthewilderness,andtestedGodinthedesert.AndHegavethemtheirrequest,butsentleannessintotheirsoul.” Psalm106:13-15

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Lesson88

Overview

WehavefinishedthehistorysectionoftheOldTestament,andnowwewillstudythesectionknownasthepoetrybooks.TraditionallythesebooksareJob,Psalms,Proverbs,Ecclesiastes,andSongofSolomon.WehavealreadystudiedJob,locatedhistoricallyduringGenesis,sowewillconcludetheOldTestamentstudywiththeotherfourpoetrybooks.

Ratherthanstudyingchronologically,wewillfirststudyKingSolomon’swritingsinEcclesiastesandSongofSolomon.ThereasonfortakingthesebooksoutoforderisthatwewillusethestudyofPsalmsandProverbstotransitiontoadifferenttypeofstudyinwhichyouwillnotneedabooklikethistocontinueyourpersonalstudy.

SongofSolomonwasapparentlywrittenearlierinSolomon’slife,sowewillstudyitbeforeEcclesiastes.TherearemanyinterpretationsfortheSongofSolomon.SomescholarspointoutthebeautyoftheloveGodcreatedbetweenahusbandandwife.SomecompareittotherelationshipofGodandIsrael,asinHosea.SomecompareittoChristandthechurch,asinEphesians5.ThesecomparisonsmayrunintochallengesbecauseofSolomon’sungodlyviewofmarriage(1Kings11).

ThiswouldbeagoodtimetoreviewwhatyouhavestudiedaboutthelifeofSolomon,whichisfoundin2Chronicles1-9and1Kings1-11.1Kings11tellsthesadstoryofhowSolomonturnedawayfromGod,evenafterGodhadblessedhimwithwisdomandgreatwealth.EcclesiastesisSolomon’ssummationofhisungodlyquestforthemeaningoflife.ThekeyconceptinEcclesiastesisvanity,oremptiness.Solomonspendsalotoftimedescribinghownoearthlypleasurescanultimatelygivecontentment.Ofcourseheconcludeswiththegreattruththatnothingmattersexceptto“fearGodandkeepHiscommandments”(Ecclesiastes12:13).

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Lesson88

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadSongofSolomon3

(Asalways,trytoreadthechaptersthatweskipasyouhavetime.)WhydidtheShulamitewanttobringherlovertohermother’shome?(vv.1-5)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidshedescribeSolomon?(vv.6-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadSongofSolomon6

HowdoyouknowfromthispassagethattheShulamiteisnotSolomon’sonlywife?(vv.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSolomondescribeher?(vv.9-13)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadEcclesiastes1

WhatdidSolomoncallhimself,andwhatarehisinitialobservations?(vv.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidheemphasizenext?(vv.9-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatwasdiscouragingtoSolomon?(vv.12-18)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadEcclesiastes2

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WhatwasSolomonsearchingfor?(vv.1-11)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whydidhebecomemorediscouraged?(vv.12-17)________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowdidSolomonexplainearthlyaccomplishments?(vv.18-26)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadEcclesiastes3

Howcouldtheseversesbringhope?(vv.1-8)________________________________________________________________________________________________________WhatencouragedSolomon?(vv.9-15)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatdidheconcludeabouttherighteousandthewicked?(vv.16-22)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sincethesereadingswerecomparativelyshorter,spendsometimestudyingtheotherchaptersofSongofSolomonandEcclesiastes,andwriteanyfurtherlessonsyoulearn.Youmightevenspendsometimein2Chronicles1-9and1Kings1-11ponderingwhathappenedtoSolomon.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ForFurtherStudy

KeyVerses:“Setmeasasealuponyourheart,asasealuponyourarm;forloveisasstrongasdeath,jealousyascruelasthegrave;itsflamesareflamesoffire,amostvehementflame.Manywaterscannotquenchlove,norcanthefloodsdrownit.Ifamanwouldgiveforloveallthewealthofhishouse,itwouldbeutterlydespised.” SongofSolomon8:6-7

“Letusheartheconclusionofthewholematter:FearGodandkeepHiscommandments,forthisisman’sall.ForGodwillbringeveryworkintojudgment,includingeverysecretthing,whethergoodorevil.” Ecclesiastes12:13-14

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Lesson89

Overview

Aspromised,theselasttwolessonswillhelpyoutransitiontopersonalstudywithoutthisbookasaguide.WewillusePsalmsandProverbstodevelopadifferenttypeofstudyfromthispoint.

InPsalmsandProverbs,weseethepracticalapplicationofthetwogreatestcommands:“Jesussaidtohim,‘YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind.Thisisthefirstandgreatcommandment.Andthesecondislikeit:“Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.”OnthesetwocommandmentshangalltheLawandtheProphets.’“(Matthew22:37-40)

Onthisbasis,thedailystudyofPsalmsandProverbscanhelpeachofusasweseektoobeythesetwogreatestcommandsofGod.PsalmsisthecollectionofsongsandhymnsthattheJewshaveusedforallthesecenturiesinpraiseandworshipofGod.ManyofthePsalmsarethedeepestheartfeltfeelingsofthewriters(mostlyDavid)astheypouredouttheirthoughtstoGod.SomeofthemarequitestartlingastheyaskGodtobringseverepunishmentsontheirenemies.AveryimportantthingtonoticeisthatthePsalmistsbroughteverythoughtandfeelingtoGod.Attheend,theyalwaysendedupwithGod’sperspectiveofearthlysituations.Thatisacriticallessoninprayerforus:webringeverythingtoGodinprayer,andHehelpsuslearntotrustHimandwalkmorecloselywithHim.

BillyGraham,thefamousevangelist,reads5Psalmsand1chapterofProverbseachday.Withthatschedule,hereadstheentirebooksofPsalmsandProverbseverymonth.ManyothershavepatternedtheirdailyBiblestudyafterthis.Dr.Grahamreadsinorder:day1:Psalms1-5;Proverbs1;day2:Psalms6-10;Proverbs2,andsoon.Anothersuggestionistoreadaccordingtothedate.Forexample,onthe5thofthemonth,

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readPsalms5andProverbs5.Asyougetusedtoreadingthesebooks,addmorechaptersuntilyouarereading5Psalmsand1Proverbeachday.Adding30isaconvenientwaytokeeptrack:forexample,onthe5thdayofthemonth,readPsalms5,35,65,95and125.Somedaysyoumayhavetimeforone;somedaysallfive.TheimportantthingisdailytimeinGod’sWord.

Sointhislesson,beginchoosingonePsalmeachday.Thenwriteanyversethatstandsouttoyou,orotherthoughtsyoumightoffertoGodfromthatday’sreading.NextweekwewilldothesamewithProverbs.

Lesson89

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadPsalm________

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Day2:ReadPsalm________

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Day3:ReadPsalm________

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Day4:ReadPsalm_________

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Day5:ReadPsalm_________

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Day6:ReadPsalm_________

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Day7:ReadPsalm_________

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*Noticethereare7daysofreadingsnow.Sincethe5-daypatternofthepreviouslessonswastoprovidetheopportunitytohaveacoupleofdaysperweektocatchup,itisnowagoodtimetotransitiontobesureyouarespendingdailytimeinGod’sWord.Youalsowon’tnecessarilyneedapage“ForFurtherStudy”sincethesearebasedonyourownnotes/versesineverychapter.

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Lesson90

Overview

IfreadingandmeditatingonthePsalmshelpsuslearntoprayandrelatetoGodbetter,thenreadingandmeditatingontheProverbscanhelpustohavebetterrelationshipswithourfellowhumans.KeepinmindthatKingDavidwrotemostofthePsalms,andKingSolomon,David’sson,wrotemostoftheProverbs.WehavealreadystudiedSolomon’swritingsintheSongofSolomonandEcclesiastes.NowwewillturnourattentiontothecollectionofProverbsthathavebeeninspiredandpreservedbyGod.

Therearemanyfacetstothisamazingportionofscripture.OnethingtonoticeistheemphasisonGodlywisdom.Godlywisdomiscontrastedwithearthlyfoolishnessthroughoutthebook.Anotherimportantemphasisisonavoidingfools.ThisisapointthatmustbeponderedcarefullyasweconsiderthatJesussaid,“…whoeversays,‘Youfool!’shallbeindangerofhellfire.”(Matthew5:22)Andwearealsoinstructedto“Judgenot,thatyoubenotjudged.”(Matthew7:1)SoifProverbsspendsafairamountofspacedescribingfoolsandfoolishbehaviorthatwearetoavoid,howarewetoresolvethiswithJesus’words?Firstofall,youcanrecognizethatsomeoneisafoolwithoutcallingthatpersonafool.Andthewordfor“judge”fromMatthew7isbettertranslated,“condemn”.WeareinstructedinProverbstorecognizefoolsandavoidthem,andthenJesustoldusnottocondemnthemfortheirfoolishways.

Again,itisagoodpracticetotrytoreadachapterofProverbseveryday.Thelessonswelearnherearesoimportantandpracticalforoureverydaylives.Andreadingaccordingtothedate(forexample,onthe5thofthemonth,readProverbs5)isagoodwaytokeeptrack.SochoosetheProverbsyouwanttoread,andwriteanyversesorthoughtsthatstandout.NoticethatspaceisprovidedtoincludeachapterofPsalmseachdayaswell.

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Lesson90

DailyBibleStudy

Day1:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day2:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day3:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day4:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day5:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day6:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day7:ReadProverbs_________

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Psalm_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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SoWhatNow?

HopefullyyouhavereceivedmultipliedblessingsforcompletingthisentireoverviewoftheOldTestament.HopefullyyourloveofthestudyofGod’sWordhasgrown,andyourealizehowlostweareinourChristianliveswithoutit.

Thisbookwasdesignedtoshowyouawaytostudyandtakenotesformaximumunderstanding.Thequestionsweremeanttoteachyoutodrawoutaspecifictruthfromeachpassage.Theninthelasttwolessonsyouwereabletopracticedoingthatonyourown,withoutguidedquestions.Nowyouwillbeabletopracticethisprocessonyourown.ThestudyoftheBibleisunlikeanyotherbookstudy;repeatedlystudyingthesamelessonsgivesusnewinsightsaswematureinChrist.

Ifyouhaveenjoyedthisstudy,youmaywanttogetacopyofNewTestament101,alsoavailableatwww.amazon.com.IntheNewTestamentstudy,youwillreadandstudyallofthechaptersoftheNewTestamentinchronologicalorder.ItisagreatblessingtostudythroughtheentireBibleandhavethewholerevelationofGodinyourheart.Thenyoucangobackandstudyindividualbookswithgreaterunderstanding.

Thenextstepistogetablanknotebookinwhichtotakenotes.TherearemanysuccessfulwaystostudyGod’sWord,anditisagreatinvestmentoftimetofigureoutwhichwayismosteffectiveforyourpersonalgrowth.AblanknotebookwillprovidespacetotakenotesonyourfurtherreadingandstudyoftheBible.Dateyourreadingsandrecordwhatchapter(s)youread.ThentakenotesonwhatGodissayingtoyouandrecordversesthatstandout.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutaparticularpassage,besuretofindaBiblestudymentorwhocandiscussconfusingpassageswithyou.Asmentionedintheintroduction,www.biblos.comisalsoanexcellentresource.

Somepeoplefindthattheyalwayslearnmorefromaguidedstudy.Ifyoufindthataguidedstudyismorehelpfulforyou,

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therearemanygoodonesonthemarkettoday.Youcouldsearchwebsiteslikewww.christianbooks.com,www.creativebiblestudy.com,ortheBibleapponyourphoneorcomputer.JustbesurenottofallintothedestructivehabitofstudyingmoreaboutwhatcertainauthorssayabouttheBiblethantheBibleitself.BesurethefocusisalwaysonGod’sWord.

Again,NewTestament101isagoodnextstepinyourstudyfornow.GodblessyouasyoucontinuetolearnofHimthroughthestudyofHisWord.

InChrist,

JodiGreen

“FortheWordofGodislivingandpowerful,andsharperthananytwo-edgedsword,piercingeventothedivisionofsoulandspirit,andofjointsandmarrow,andisadiscernerofthethoughtsandintentsoftheheart.”(Hebrews4:12)

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StudyHelps:

TheBelieversStudyBible:NewKingJamesVersion,ThomasNelson,Inc.,1991

TheNarratedBibleinChronologicalOrder,F.LaGardSmith,HarvestHouse,1984

TheBibleKnowledgeCommentary,JohnF.WalvoordandRoyB.Zuck,VictorBooks,1988

ThruTheBiblewithJ.VernonMcGee,J.VernonMcGee,ThomasNelsonPublishers,1982

www.biblos.com

www.freebiblecommentary.com

www.creativebiblestudy.com

www.icr.org

www.answersingenesis.org

www.creationtoday.org