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Understanding Isaiah: Judgment and Restoration Messages

Isaiah


Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

  • Author
    • Isaiah 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
    • Isaiah “Yahweh Is Salvation”
    • Isaiah was martyred during the reign of Manasseh. Most believed he was cut into.
  • Date
    • 700-690 B.C.
    • Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
  • Theme
    • God’s Salvation
  • Purpose
    • To declare God’s displeasure with Judah, Israel, and surrounding nations due to their disobedience
      • Isaiah 1:2-4 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider. Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.
    • A warning to God’s people and a call to repentance
      • Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
    • A message of hope for the faithful remnant
      • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward.
        • Remnant is the people who would come back from Babylon.
  • Content
    • 2 Parts:
      • Chapters 1-39
        • God’s Judgment
      • Chapters 40-66
        • God’s Salvation and Restoration
    • Judgment and hope of restoration Isaiah 1:1-6:13
      • Isaiah 2:6 For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways; They are soothsayers like the Philistines, And they are pleased with the children of foreigners.
      • Isaiah 6:11-13 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
        • the tenth is the remnant and the one that didn’t leave.
        • they are few and heavily persecuted.
    • Trust in Assyria or God Isaiah 7:1-12:6
      • 2 Kings 16:7-8 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and sent it as a present to the king of Assyria.
    • Prophecies about nations Isaiah 13:1-23:18
      • Prophecy concerning
        • Babylon
        • Assyria
        • Philistia
        • Moab
        • Syria
        • Israel
        • Ethiopia
        • Egypt
        • Edom
        • Arabia
        • Jerusalem
        • Tyre
    • Israel’s judgment and deliverance Isaiah 24:1-27:13
      • Isaiah 24:5-6 The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, And those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, And few men are left.
      • Isaiah 27:2-6 In that day sing to her, A vineyard of red wine! the LORD, keep it, I water it every moment; Lest any hurt it, I keep it night and day. Fury is not in Me. Who would set briers and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of My strength That he may make peace with Me; And he shall make peace with Me. Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob; Israel shall blossom and bud, A fill the face of the world with fruit.
    • Warnings, judgment, and future glory Isaiah 28:1-35:10
      • Isaiah 31:1-5 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong. But who do Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster, And will not call back His words, But will arise not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD! against the house of evildoers, And against the help of those who work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit When the LORD stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together. For thus the LORD has spoken to me: “As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him. He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the LORD of hosts will come down To fight Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it. for Mount Zion and for its hill.
    • King Hezekiah and Assyria Isaiah 36:1-39:8
      • Isaiah 38:5-6 Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”
    • Promises of deliverance Isaiah 40:1-56:8
      • Isaiah 40:1-5 “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’S hand Double for all her sins.” The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together, For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
    • The future kingdom Isaiah 56:9-66:24
      • Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV) Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
      • Isaiah 60:1(AMP) Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory or the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
      • Isaiah 61:6-7 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
  • Christ in the Book of Isaiah
    • The book of Isaiah contains more prophecies about the Messiah than any other Old Testament book. Seventeen chapters contain prophetic references to Christ.
    • Christ is spoken of:
      • The Lord
      • Branch of the Lord
      • Immanuel
      • Wonderful Counselor
      • Mighty God
      • Everlasting Father
      • Prince of Peace
      • Rod of Jesse
      • Cornerstone
      • King
      • Shepherd
      • Servant of Yahweh
      • Elect One
      • The Holy One of Isreal appears 25 times
      • Lamb of God
      • Leader and Commander
      • Redeemer
      • Anointed One
    • Isaiah Chapter 53
    • Isaiah Chapter 61
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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Ezra’s Journey: Rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem


Ezra 1:5
Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

  • Author
    • Ezra (the Lord has helped) the priest who led the second of three groups
      returning from Babylon to Jerusalem
    • It is also believed that Ezra wrote 1 & 2 Chronicles, Nehemiah, (Psalm 119)
  • Date
    • 538-457 B.C.
  • Theme
    • Exiles returning to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple
      • Jeremiah 29:10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.
      • Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
      • Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
  • Purpose
    • The book of Ezra describes the efforts of the exiles returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Jeshua is the high priest and Zerubbabel is the governor. Ezra returned to teach the law to the people in Jerusalem.
      • Ezra 7:10(NKJV) For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
    • The book of Ezra shows God’s faithfulness to His word. Ezra like the book of Daniel is partly written in Aramaic
  • Content
    • The first exiles return to the land of Judah (Ezra 1:1-2:70)
      • Ezra 1:5(NKJV) Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
      • Ezra 2:1(NKJV) Now these are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his own city.
      • 3 primary groups of those returning to Jerusalem
        • 1 group around 538 B.C. under the leadership of Zerubbabel
        • 2nd group around 458 B.C. under the leadership of Ezra
        • 3rd group around 445 B.C. under the leadership of Nehemiah
      • The return to Jerusalem was on a volunteer basis. Many Jews chose to remain in Babylon.
    • The rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 3:1-6:22)
      • Ezra 3:1(NKJV) And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem.
      • Ezra 3:2(NKJV) Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.
      • Ezra 3:6(NKJV) From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid.
      • In 539 B.C. the begin rebuilding the temple. They were delayed for eighteen years by opposition from the north. In 521 B.C. after receiving a decree from Darius king of Persia they completed and dedicated the temple in 515 B.C.
        • Ezra 6:14-16(NKJV) So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the command of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. Then the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites and the rest of the descendants of the captivity, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
    • Ezra’s ministry (Ezra 7:1-10:44)
      • Ezra 7:6-10(NKJV) this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Some of the children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
      • Ezra 9:8 (NKJV) And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage.
    • Ezra 9:9(NKJV) For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to repair the house of our God, to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.
  • Christ in the Book of Ezra
    • Ezra the scribe as a type of Christ being the Word
    • Ezra the priest as type of Christ the great High Priest
    • Christ being the fulfillment of God’s Promise seed

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Lessons from the Kings of Judah found in 2 Chronicles: Obedience and Forgiveness

  • Author
    • Ezra – according to some Jewish traditions or possible a contemporary of Ezra
  • Date
    • 971-538 BC
      • Chapters 1-9
        • a 40-year period from 971 BC to 931 BC
        • This is Solomon’s Reign
      • Chapters 10-35
        • a 393-year period from 931 BC -538 BC
        • 20 different kings
      • Chapters 35-36
        • The fall of Judah
        • Coves captivity and return
          • political
        • Destruction and the temple (586 BC)
          • Religious
  • Theme
    • “Divine Editorial” on Spiritual Characteristics of the Davidic Dynasty
    • Temple: spiritual significance past to future
    • God’s ongoing offer of forgiveness
  • Purpose
    • obedience brings blessings
    • disobedience means the blessing are withdrawn
    • Key verses
      • 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
      • 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
    • Key Chapter
  • Content
    • Solomon’s Reign
      • Chapters 1-9
      • The kingdom splits into after King Solomon’s death
    • Judah’s Kings
      • Chapters 10-36
      • 8 good kings
      • part of the house of David
      • the messianic line is preserved
    • Temple Restorers
      • Asa
        • 2 Chronicles 14:2-4: And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.
      • Jehoshaphat 
        • 2 Chronicles 17:1-9: And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
      • Joash
        • 2 Chronicles 24:1-4: Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters. And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord.
      • Hezekiah
      • Josiah
  • Christ in book of Chronicles
    • Temple
      • Matthew 12:6: But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
      • John 2: 19:  Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
      • Revelations 21:22: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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The Davidic Covenant: Significance in 1st Chronicles and Beyond

  • Author
    • Ezra – according to some Jewish traditions or possible a contemporary of Ezra
  • Date
    • covers the same time period of Jewish History as 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings
  • Theme
    • written to the remnants that returned from Babylonian Captivity to encourage and remind them that they are the covenant people of God.
    • Written to remind the people of their Spiritual heritage and identity
    • It retraces the whole of Israel’s history up to the return of the remnant.
  • Purpose
    • Davidic Covenant
      • David’s eternal throne which points to the Messiah (Jesus)
  • Content
    • Royal line of David
      • Chapters 1-9
    • Reign of David
      • Chapters 10-29
    • Key chapter: chapter 17
    • Key verse: 17:11-14
      • And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.
  • Emphasis is on:
    • God’s grace and forgiveness
    • to encourage the remnant
    • temple preparation and worship
    • priestly perspective – Levites
  • Christ in book of Chronicles
    • David’s throne would be eternal leading to the Messiah
    • Judah’s genealogy is the preamble to Christ’s genealogy found in Matthew chapter 1 and Luke chapter 3
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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The Importance of 1st and 2nd Chronicles in Biblical History

Intro:

  • 1st and 2nd Chronicles
    • originally one book in the Hebrew Bible.
    • The title of the book is Words of the Days
      • Accounts or events
    • equivalent meaning today
      • The Events of the Times
  • 3rd Century
    • Became a divided book with the Greek translation (Septuagint)
    • Title: Of Things Omitted
      • refers to things omitted in Samuel and Kings
    • Some copies titled it Concerning the Kings of Judah
  • 385-405 AD
    • Translated to Latin (Latin Vulgate)
      • The Latin Vulgate is a late-fourth-century Latin translation of the Bible, produced primarily under the labor and scholarship of Jerome (circa 347–420 AD). Its name comes from the Latin word “vulgata,” meaning “common version,” reflecting its purpose to provide a uniform, accessible text for believers throughout the Roman Empire. Over time, the Vulgate became a foundational text, shaping Christian theology, liturgy, and scholarship across centuries.
    • Jerome intitles is “Chronicles”
      • meaning the Chronicles of the whole of Sacred History
      • 1st and 2nd Chronicles cover the same period of History as 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings

Why have another account?

  • A different prospective
1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd KingsChronicles
Prophetic PerspectivePriestly Perspective
Political HistoryReligious History
Wars ProminentTemple Prominent
Record of Both NationsRecord of Judah
Continuing History of NationContinuity of David
Man’s FailureGod’s Faithfulness
  • A different People
    • written to the remnant that returned from exile
      • Judah had been exiled to Babylon for 70 years
      • Temple destroyed in 586 BC
  • 1st Chronicles
    • Chapters 1-9: David’s genealogy from Adam to David
    • Chapters 10-29: 33 years of David’s rule over the United Kingdom of Israel (the whole 12 tribes)
  • 2nd Chronicles
    • Chapters 1-9: covers 40 years from 971 BC to 931 BC
    • Chapters 10-36: covers 393 years from 931-538 BC
  • Political Captivity
    • Babylon takes over as the ruling power
  • Religious Captivity
    • the temple is destroyed
  • Genealogy
    • Chronicles was last in the order Hebrew Bible
    • 1st Chronicles chapters 1-9 is the preamble to the genealogy of Christ in Matthew chapter 1 and Luke chapter 3
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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2 Kings: Lessons from the Divided Kingdom of Israel

The picture shows a map of the divided kingdom of Israel.

2 Kings

2 Kings 21:10-12(NKJV)
And the LORD Spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him. and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah. that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.
 
Author
  • The author of 1st and 2nd Kings is unknown but the writing if these two books are attributed to Jeremiah
  • Jeremiah is also called the weeping prophet.
 
Date
  • 560-538 B.C.
Theme
  • Lessons from the ruin of Israel and Judah
  • Disobedience and Rebellion bring Captivity and Bondage
Purpose
  • The apostasy of the divided kingdom brings captivity and bondage.
  • Judgment on the kingdom of Israel came through Assyria
  • Judgment on the kingdom of Judah through Babylon.
  • The kingdoms experience short periods of revival under the rule of godly kings.
Content
  • Elijah and Elisha: 2 Kings 1:1-8:15
    • 2 Kings 2:9(NKJV) And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Eljah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”
  • Kings of Israel and Judah: 2 Kings 8:16-17:6
The picture shows a chart of the Kings of Israel and Judah
  • Israel Captive to Assyria: 2 Kings 17:7-41
    • 2 Kings 17:6-9(NKJV) In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah and by the Habor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and they had feared other gods, 8 and had walked in the statutes of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. 9 Also the children of Israel secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right, and they built for themselves [a]high places in all their cities, from watchtower to fortified city.
  • Judah Survives Assyrian Rule: 2 Kings 18:1-23:37
    • 2 Kings 18:1-7(NKJV) Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea the son of Elah, king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done. He removed the [b]high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the [c]wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan.  He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses.  The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.
  • Judah Captive to Babylon: 2 Kings 24:1-25:30
    • 2 Kings 24:8-12(NKJV) Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father had done. At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.  And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, as his servants were besieging it. Then Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his princes, and his officers went out to the king of Babylon; and the king of Babylon, in the eighth year of his reign, took him prisoner.
Christ In 2nd Kings
  • Elijah the forerunner for Christ
  • Elisha as a type of Christ
John 14:12(NKJV)
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
 
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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Understanding 1 Kings: The Kingdom Split

The picture shows the divided Kingdom of Israel

1 Kings

1 Kings 18:21(NKJV)
And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.
 
Author
  • The author of 1st and 2nd Kings is unknown but the writing if these two books are attributed to Jeremiah

Date

  • 560-538 B.C.
Theme
  • Lessons from the divided kingdom
Purpose
  • The books of 1 and 2 Kings originally existed as one volume in the original Hebrew text.
  • These books cover the history of the Israelites from the death of King David to the captivity of Judah.
  • King David is presented as the good example and King Jeroboam as a bad example of godly leadership.
  • 1 Kings covers the reign of Solomon through the reign of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah.
    • Solomon’s name means peace
Content
  • The Reign of Solomon: 1 Kings 1:1-11:43
    • 1 Kings 1:37(NKJV) As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.
    • The Prayer of Solomon
      • 1 Kings 3:5-9(NKJV) At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD My God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child: I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore, give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
    • Solomon’s Wisdom: 
      • 1 Kings 4:29-30(NKJV) And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Thus, Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.
    • Solomon Builds the Temple
      • 1 Kings 6:1(NKJV) And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.
    • Solomon Turns His Heart from the Lord
      • 1 Kings 11:1-4(NKJV) But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely, they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David.
      • Deuteronomy 17:14-17(NKJV) When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, “I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, you shall not return that way again. Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.
  • Rehoboam and Jeroboam: 1 Kings 12:1-14:30
    • The Divided Kingdom
      • Rehoboam
        • Judah the Southern Kingdom
          • Judah, Benjamin, Levites
      • Jeroboam
        • Israel the Northern Kingdom
          • The other 10 Tribes
    • Kings of Israel and Judah: 1 Kings 15:1-16:34
The picture shows a chart of the Kings of Israel and Judah
  • Elijah and Ahab: 1 Kings 17:1-19:21
    • Elijha’s Mount Carmel Victory: 1 Kings 18:20-46
      • 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.
    • Elijah and Elisha
      • 1 Kings 19:19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.
  • Ahab and Jezebel 1Kings 20:1-22:53
    • 1 Kings 21:7 Then Jezebel his wife said to him, “You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
Christ in the 1st Kings
  • The Need for King Jesus
    • The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Elijah the Forerunner for Christ
    •  
    • Matthew 11:13-14:  For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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Understanding 2 Samuel: David’s Reign and Legacy

The picture shows Old Testament scrolls in a library
2nd Samuel
2 Samuel 7:12-13(NKJV)
When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
Acts 13:22(NKJV)
And When He had removed him. He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My Own heart, who will do all My will.”
 Author
  • The author of the book of 2 Samuel is uncertain. Samuel probably wrote portions of the book. It is possible that Abiathar the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Gad the seer also contributed to this book.
Date
  • Between 931 – 722 B.C.
Theme
  • King David the forerunner of the Messiah
Purpose
  • The book of 2 Samuel describes the history of the forty-year period of David’s reign over the nation of Israel.
  • The first portion of the book (chapters 1-4) describes his reign over Judah and the remaining chapters (5-24) his reign over all of Israel.
  • Chapters 1-10 show David’s triumphs and chapters 11-24 his troubles.
Content
  • David Appointed King of Judah: 2 Samuel 1:1-4:12
    • 2 Samuel 2:4(NKJV) Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah…
    • 1 Kings 2:11(NKJV) The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years.
  • David’s Kingship: 2 Samuel 5:1-24:25
    • 2 Samuel 5:3(NKJV) Therefore, all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel.
    • 2 Samuel 5:12(NKJV) So David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. David’s Reign as King
    • David’s Reign as King

David defeats the Philistines

2 Samuel 5:17-25

David brings the Ark to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 6:1-23

David’s desire to build a

temple/Covenant

2 Samuel 7:1-29

David’s conquering and kindness

2 Samuel 8:1-10:19

David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:1-27

David and Nathan the prophet

2 Samuel 12:1-25

Amnon and Tamar

2 Samuel 13:1-22

David and Absalom

2 Samuel 13:23-18:33

David’s final years as King

2 Samuel 19:1-24:25
  • Christ in the book of 2 Samuel
    • King David the forerunner for the Messiah
      • 2 Samuel 7:12-13(NKJV) When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
      • Revelation 22:16(NKJV) “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
    • David’s combining of the offices of prophet, priest, and king speak of Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King of Kings

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Exploring 1 Samuel: Key Themes and Events

The picture is of Samuel anointing David the shepherd boy to be king
1 Samuel
1 Samuel 3:19-20(NKJV)
So, Samuel grew, and the LORD Was with him and let none of his words fall to the
ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a
prophet of the LORD.
Samuel was a Judge, a Prophet, and a Priest
 
Author
  • The author of the book of 1 Samuel is uncertain. It was probably written by Samuel and Abiathar the priest.
Date
  • The book of 1 Samuel covers a period of time of about 140 years beginning with the birth of Samuel and ending with the death of Saul.
  • Written between 931-722 B.C.
Theme
  • God’s work in the history of Israel
Purpose
  • The book of 1 Samuel describes the transition from the rule of Judges to the appointment of Kings.
  • The three main characters in this book are Samuel, Saul, and David.
  • Originally 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were together as one book.
Content
  • Eli the Priest & Judge/ The Birth of Samuel: 1 Samuel 1:1-4:22
    • Hannah wept bitterly for a son and Eli spoke that God had granted her petition (1 Samuel 1:17). She dedicated Samuel to the work of the Lord.
      • 1 Samuel 1:18(NKJV) And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
    • The Corruption of Eli’s sons
      • 1 Samuel 3:12, 13(NKJV) In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile. and he did not restrain them.
    • The death of Eli and his sons and the capture of the Ark of Covenant
      • 1 Samuel 4:19(NKJV) Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her.
      • 1 Samuel 4:21(NKJV) Then she named the child lchabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
  • Samuel the Leader:1 Samuel 5:1-8:22
    • The return of the Ark
      • 1 Samuel 6:11-12(NKJV) And they set the ark of the LORD on the cart, and the chest with the gold rats and the images of their tumors. Then the cows headed straight for the road to Beth Shemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and did not turn aside to the right hand or the left. And the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.
    • Samuel’s sone walk in disobedience
      • 1 Samuel 8:1(NKJV) Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges Over Israel.
      • 1 Samuel 8:3(NKJV) But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
      • 1 Samuel 8:4, 5(NKJV) Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
  • Saul the First King: 1 Samuel 9:1-15:35
    • King after the flesh
      • 1 Samuel 9:1-2(NKJV) There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
      • 1 Samuel 15:1(NKJV) Samuel also said to Saul, “The LORD Sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the LORD.
    • Saul’s disobedience was not killing all of the Amalekites and sparing King Agag
      • 1 Samuel 15:26(NKJV) But Samuel said to Saul, will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.”
  • David the Second King and Saul: 1 Samuel 16:1-30:31
1 Samuel 16:7(NKJV)
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical
stature, because l have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man
looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:13(NKJV)
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and
the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went
to Ramah.
 
    • Major Events 
      • David kills Goliath 1 Samuel 17
    • Saul becomes jealous of David
    • David’s friendship with Jonathan (Saul’s son)
    • David flees from Saul
  •  Death of Saul: 1 Samuel 31:1-13
    • Saul’s death in the battle against the Philistines
      • 1 Samuel 31:6(NKJV) So, Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer. and all his men died together that same day.
  • Christ in the Book of 1 Samuel
    • Samuel as a type of Christ
      • Both were promised children
    • Samuel was a Judge, a Prophet, and a Priest compared to the fact that was Jesus is a Prophet, the High Priest, and the King
    • David’s kingdom of the lineage of Christ’s kingdom
    • David as a shepherd and Jesus as the Chief Shepherd
 

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Understanding the Book of Ruth: Redemption and Sovereignty

Boaz talking to Ruth in his field
Ruth 3:13(NKJV)
Stay this night, and in the morning, it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close
relative (kinsman-redeemer) for you -good; let him do it. But if he does not want to
perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the LORD lives! Lie down
until morning.”
Author
  • The author for the book of Ruth is unknown. Jewish tradition ascribes it to Samuel
Date
  • Ruth 1:1(NKJV) Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
  • The days when the judges ruled
  • Different beliefs on the date (1150-1100 B.C.) or (1050-1 000 B.C.)
Theme
  • God’s sovereign intervention brings universal redemption
  • Kinsman-redeemer
Purpose
  • The book of Ruth is written to demonstrate the sovereignty, mercy, and love of God. It begins with famine, death, and loss but ends in redemption and fruitfulness.
  • The book of Ruth was historically read during the Feast of Harvest because much of the story takes place during the harvesting of barley.
Content
  • Naomi’s Departure and Return: Ruth 1:1-22
    • Ruth 1:1(NKJV)Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two Sons.
    • Ruth 1:6(NKJV) Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people by giving them bread.
      • “Visited His People means that God came to the aid of His People
    • Ruth 1:22(NKJV) So, Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
  • Ruth the Young Moabite: Ruth 2:1-3:18
    • Ruth 2:6(NKJV) So, the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab.
  • Boaz Redeems Ruth: Ruth 4:1-22
    • Ruth 4:13(NKJV) So, Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.
  • Christ in the Book of Ruth
    • Boaz as a type of Christ functioning in the role of the kinsman-redeemer paying the full price of freedom
      • Jesus turning our mourning into dancing
        • Bitterness into Better-ness
    • Ruth a Moabite in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) Great-Grandmother of David

 

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