Joshua

1. Joshua Main Theme: Possessing the Inheritance Key Words: • Obedience • Covenant • Courage

2. The book of Joshua covers approximately 25 Years of Israel’s history Main Events: -After the death of Moses, God chooses Joshua to lead the people. -Obedience leads to the conquest of Jericho -Disobedience leads to the defeat at Ai -Repentance brings victory at Ai -Deception brings bondage with the Gibeonites -Southern Territory is conquered -Northern Territory is conquered -The land is divided and distributed to all the tribes except for the Tribe of Levi -Cities of Refuge set up -Last two “sermons of Joshua” and then his death

3. Characteristics of a Good and Godly Leader found in Joshua • Did not assume his place as leader, but let God establish him as leader • His position was established by God through overcoming a huge obstacle (crossing the Jordan and conquering Jericho) • His dependence upon God • He continually exhorted the people to be holy and unpolluted by the world • He gave thought to the positioning, strengthening, and encouragement of the troops. • He dealt with problems and did not let them slide. • He demonstrated his love and care for the people of God • He was an example to God’s people (faithfulness, obedience, fairness, willingness to listen to the people)

4. Personal Applications • God’s favor comes to those that live in obedience to Him. • A call to complete devotion to God • Steps to Holiness: Living unto God and apart from the world • There will be dire consequences if we decide to reject God and turn to worldly thinking and behavior. • God’s word must be applied to our lives. Knowing it is not enough. • There is power in making memorials in your spiritual journey. • Past successes can cause us to be less careful about sin. • We must understand that individual sin weakens the whole church. • Submission and obedience to God will lead to victory in our lives.

5. Judges Time Period: Less than 200 years from the time of Joshua’s death to the time of the rise of Samuel Author-Unknown Central Theme: Turning to false gods brought weakness and division

6. Stories are told to illustrate the sorry state of God’s people These stories show: • A constant repetitive cycle of Israel deserting God for local false gods, then they suffer at the hands of their enemies and call out to God, God sends a deliverer. • 12 judges and their faith in God although their own actions are not commended. • 6 Judges are highlighted with more detail

7. 6 Main Judges • Othniel-Caleb’s younger brother • Ehud-left-handed Benjamite-Killed King Eglon with a dagger & defeated the Moabites • Deborah/Barak-talented, dedicated prophetess, spiritual leader, judge and military commander. Barak was the head commander of army. Jael kills the fleeing Sisera with a tent stake.

8. Gideon-started out as a fearful young man hiding in a winepress. God uses him mightily. Later he resorts to false idol worship. • Jephthah-Son of a harlot. He vowed that if God would help him defeat the people of Ammon he would give God whoever came out of his house first when he got back home. • Samson-Set apart before birth to be dedicated to God with a Nazirite vow. (One man army!) -no wine or anything of the vine or fermented -no shaving or cutting of the hair -not to touch or get near a dead body

9. The minor Judges • Shamgar-killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad and delivered Israel • Tola- • Jair • Ibzan • Elon • Abdon

10. Lessons for Leaders In Judges • God uses leaders to triumph God’s purposes • People lead unrestrained and ungodly lives guided by their own opinions when there is a lack of Godly leadership • God desires to use godly leaders who obey God and do things His way. • Refuse to build monuments to your successes or victories • Leaders understand that God is sovereign over trials and obstacles

11. Remember God judges leaders not on how much they accomplish, but on whether they do things His way. John 13:1-17 Numbers 13:1:-14:45 Judges 8:22, 9:1-57

12. Ruth Author-Unknown Samuel? Time Period-Between 1050 and 500 B.C. (During the time of the Judges) Theme: God’s sovereign intervention brings universal redemption Key Words: “Sovereignty”, “The Almighty” and “Redeemer”

13. Disagreement about the Sovereignty of God • Most commentators say that this book is a strong study in the sovereignty of God • This view purposes that God caused the famine, death and loss of Naomi’s husband and sons for His glory or His purposes. • The mercy of God brings a good end to the story. • This view is made on the basis of Naomi's laments (1:13, 20, 21 etc.) • What are your thoughts?

14. Another view: • Her words would be better understood as an accurate historical record of her bewilderment and feelings towards her extreme circumstances and hardships. • The famine was the natural by-product of sin. The people brought it upon themselves through disobedience • Elimelech choose to move to Moab • The deaths were a natural result of exposure to circumstances outside the canopy of God’s divine promise.

15. In this case Naomi represents a folklore theology which is still common for people to blame God for everything bad. When all of scripture is examined it seems that bad events are brought about by: • The fruit of the general curse upon the earth as a result of man’s sin. • A product of the flesh giving place to it’s own will • Or a direct effort of the Devil, our adversary.

16. God is not man’s adversary or opponent God is man’s deliverer

17. Ruth has been called the Crown Jewel of the Old Testament • It is a literary masterpiece • It is a record of the genealogy of King David leading to the rule of the Messiah • Boaz represents the redeeming work of Jesus He is the kinsman-reedeemer

18. Boaz willing to fulfill his role Willing to pay the complete price (4:9) Ruth was unable to do anything to alter her condition Christ Willing to become flesh Willing to die a horrible death and pay the full payment for our salvation We are unable to “save” ourselves The role of Boaz and Christ

19. Application • God has always had non-Jewish people as part of his plan. Redemption is clearly for all! • The book shows the beauty of commitment, friendship and family • Redemption of every situation is always possible with God. • In spite of the sin of the nation at this time, the book of Ruth shows us that there are always those that are remaining constant in their faith.

20. I & II Samuel • Author: Unknown- probably Samuel wrote at least part of it. • Date: 1075-975 B.C. About 100 years (Other sources say 931-722 B.C.) • These: God is working in history • Three key people -Samuel -Saul -David

21. Spiritual Condition Of Israel • The Temple at Shiloh had been desecrated • Priesthood is very corrupt • Eli refuses to correct his sons

22. Samuel A child born as a result of a promise of God Dedicated to God before birth He was a bridge for Israel between the leadership of judges and kings Became Prophet, Priest and Judge Christ Born as a child that was promised in the O.T. Dedicated to God before birth. He was the bridge between the Old Covenant and the New. Serves as Prophet, Priest and King Samuel as a Type of Christ

23. Work of the Holy Spirit inI & II Kings • Compare I Sam. 10:6 to Acts 2 • Compare I Sam. 16:13 to Acts 2 • Compare I Sam. chapter 10:5 & 10- and 19:20 to Acts 2 • Compare II Sam. 12: 1-15 to John 16:8

24. Eli’s Sons I Sam 2:12-17 I Sam. 2:22-25 Samuel I Sam. 2:18-21 I Sam. 2:26 (compare to Luke 2:52) I Sam. 3:19-20 Contrast of Eli’s sons and Samuel

25. Word of Warning to Parents and all Leaders I Sam 3:13 • It is our responsibility to confront evil and sin in our own lives and in those we are responsible for. • Read I. Sam. 2:22-25 He did talk to them about their sinning. Was it too little to late? Was it not enough? What should he have done? • Failure to correct a wrong in a small child, or in a new Christian, or in our own life (when it becomes clear to us) will result in greater ungodliness.

26. Interesting note Samuel was the first prophet that drew young men together for the purpose of learning to dedicate themselves to the service of God. (the 1st Bible institute!) This happened in Ramah (Samuel’s birthplace and where he returned after Eli’s death) Music was a significant expression of their praise to God and they often wrote under the spirit of prophecy which came from the Lord.

27. Saul-How not to lead God’s People • Saul’s unlawful sacrifice (ch. 13) He demonstrated that he felt he was not under authority himself. (God was to be sovereign, not the king) • Did not look after the natural needs of his people-vowed to kill anyone that would eat anything (ch. 14) after fighting in battle. • Blames the people for his sin (ch. 15), stands in opposition to God’s commands and is overly concerned with his image. He would not take responsibility for his disobedience to God’s command to utterly destroy the people of Amalek • The result of his actions was that he made himself vulnerable to evil spirits

28. David & Samuel-How to lead God’s People (I Sam) • Received God’s appointed authority (ch 8) • David refused to speak against God-appointed leaders even when they seemed to be doing wrong. (CH 24 & 26) • Samuel prayed for those whom he led (12:23) • David did not dispise those God sent to him to help him (22:2) • David realized that those in all ministries great and small were equally valuable and needed. (ch 30:23-31)

29. David’s reign (II Sam) With the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle, David ascends to the throne and reigns for 40 years. • Took 7 ½ years to unite the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. • Brings back the ark to Jerusalem • Defeats the enemies of Israel • Sins with Bathsheba and has her husband killed • David repents when confronted by Nathan the prophet. • David had trouble with his children and Absalom rebels • At the end of his life he sins again by counting the fighting men of Israel and again repents and presents offerings to the Lord.

30. I & II Kings • Author-unknown-perhaps Jeremiah • Dates- Probably 722-587 • Theme-Lessons from the dividing of the Kingdom • Key Words: King, House, Prophet • Written to answer the question, “Why were the kingdoms of Judah and Israel taken captive to Babylon?” Ultimately it was written to cause the people to reflect on their own sinfulness and rebellion and return to the Lord.

31. I and II Kings • Selective history with a theological purpose. Events and people are selected that are morally and religiously significant. • These stories show the necessity of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. • Three main sections -I Kings 1-11-The United Kingdom under Solomon -I Kings 12 to II Kings 17- The divided Kingdom -II Kings 18-25 The surviving Kingdom of Judah.

32. The Temple Solomon Built • It was built approximately 400 years after the tabernacle was first built • It lasted about 400 years until it was destroyed in 586 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar. In 515 they rebuilt another temple about the same size, but inferior in appearance. • 30,000 Israelites and 150,000 Canaanites took 7 years to complete the temple. • It was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide and 45 feet tall. This was double that of the tabernacle.

33. Solomon’s Downfall • He greatly multiplied his armies number of horses (forbidden in Deut. 17:16) • He greatly multiplied his number of wives and concubines (forbidden in Deut. 17:17) Pagan wives led to idolatry (warning in Ex.34:16) Ashtoreth-Canaanite goddess of fertility. Included sexual rites and astrology Milcom/Molech-gods of the Moabites and Ammonites whose worship included human sacrifices (especially children)

34. Downfall of Solomon’s Kingdom • Rehoboam-son of Solomon assumes control under unwise counsel • Jeroboam-the prophet Ahijah met him in a field and gave him ten of 12 pieces of cloth to foretell that he would be king over 10 of the 12 tribes. • Kingdom is divided with the northern part called Israel (under Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom called Judah (under Rehoboam)

35. Downfall of Jeroboam • Made 2 golden calves, set up new places of worship (Bethel and Dan) and appointed priests and new festivals not of God • Warned by a man of God (unnamed) • Warned by Abijah when his son became ill that the kingdom would be taken away and all his family would die on the field and not be buried.

36. Interesting note on SamariaI Kings 16:24-33 • New capitol of Israel was made under King Omri-Named Samaria-built on a hill • Established with sinful practices • Built a temple to Baal there • Finally was overrun by the Assyrians who intermarried with the Jews who became known as Samaritans • The Samaritans were hated by the full-blooded Jews during the time of Jesus (John 4:1-10)

37. Elijah-the greatest of all prophets • God’s answer to Israel reaching an all time low under Ahab and Jezebel • Elijah pronounces drought to a nation who worshipped Baal who was believed to control the weather. • Supernaturally sustained (by the brook & with the widow) • At times was “transported” by God from one place to another. • Stood up to the 450 prophets of Baal • Believed God’s promise of rain even though there was no sign of it and he prayed 7 times before it began and then ran 25 miles. • Life threatened by Jezebel which causes him to run and hide depressed in the wilderness. God meets him and gives him new assignments and sends him on his way. • Separates the waters of the Jordan river (II Kings 2:8)

38. Lessons for leaders from I Kings • Don’t let anyone (even those you love) lead you away from full devotion to God • Be wise and only seek counsel from seasoned fuitful leaders. • What you say in ministry must agree with the Word of God no matter how unpopular • Avoid patterns of ministry that are based on worldly standards • Do not let the threat of reduced income cause you to disobey God’s direction for your life. (17:1-9). The Lord will provide for His servants.

39. II Kings- More Lessons from the ruin of Judah and Israel • This is a difficult trying time of change and upheaval from within and without • The suffering was a direct result of a persistent violation of God’s covenant with them. • The failure of Prophets, Priests and Kings points to the need for Christ to come.

40. Elisha-Performed many miracles • Separated the Jordan River with the mantle of Elisha • Healing of the “bad” spring of water • Rebuked and cursed the idolatrous, mocking youth from Bethel who were mauled by the bears • Prayed for oil for the Widow who had creditors coming • Prayed for the generous Shunammite woman to be able to have a child & later raised him from the dead. • Purifies the pot of Stew served to the sons of the prophets • Multiplies the food to feed 100 men • Heals Naaman’s leprosy • Cursed Gehazi, his servant for lying and greed with leprosy • Made the lost iron ax head float • Struck the Syrian raiders with blindness • Prayed for the city of Samaria during famine when they were besieged by Syria and God scared the Syrians away and they left all their food & goods. • Prophecied that king Jehoahaz would win over the Syrians 3 times • A dead man was dropped on top of Elisha’s bones and was raised from the dead.

41. End of I & II Kings • 597 B.C. Judah fell to the siege of Babylon -Took the royal family captive, Zedekiah had his sons killed and then his eyes put out -Plundered the temple and the palace -Took many people captive to Babylon. More were taken in repeated invasions during the next ten years -Burned Jerusalem

42. Spiritual Truths From II Kings • Do not covet the world’s reward for your ministry 5:19-27 • Get rid of anything in your life that distracts you from worshipping God 11:18 • Reject any world-mindedness in your life17:7-15 • Do not practice abortion & reject anything that has to do with the occult 21:6 • Choose to believe that God will always provide for your needs when you are doing His will 4:1-7 & 4:43-44 • Judge all teachings on the word of God 4:39-41 • Don’t criticize those God has anointed for leadership 2:23-25 • Do not settle for mediocre effectiveness in your ministry. 2:9

43. I & II Chronicles • Most of these two books is a retelling of Samuel and Kings. • Has 2 themes which are of particular interest: -true worship focused on the Temple & Levites -true kingship (family line of David) • Written to insure that God’s people would not be unfaithful to God in the same way again and thus not be punished in the same way again.

44. I Chronicles • Author is probably Ezra • Theme-Encouragement and exhortation • Key Words: King, House, David, Jerusalem, Priest • Kings is written for those in captivity-Chronicles is written to those who have returned from captivity • God is presented as the promise-keeping God worthy of our trust

45. II Chronicles • Author-probably Ezra (scribe and a priest) • Theme-Encouragement and exhortation from Judah’s past spiritual heritage • Originally called “Events of the Days” and then renamed “Things Passed Over)

46. The Temple of Solomon II Chronicles 3:1 5:11-14, 7:1-4 I Kings 8:3-11, How are they similar? How are they different? Temple of God in N.T. I Cor. 3:16, 17 & 6:19 Eph 2:19-22 What can we learn from comparing the two? Compare

47. What we can learn • Do not support or participate with those that promote unrighteousness (19:2, 28:23) • Maintain a heart that is fully devoted to God. 16:9 • Identify the sins of your area and your nation and confess them as your own. (7:14) • Guard against pride 32:25 • Believe in praise as a effective spiritual weapon. 20:22 • Rely on the Lord when you are confronting opposition or persecution. The battle is not yours 13:18, 14:11, 32:7-8, 20:15-25 • Make sure your people are thoroughly taught the word and the ways of God. 14:4, 17:9, 18:7-27

48. Ezra • Author: Probably the scribe and priest Ezra • Theme: Exiles return to Jerusalem and undertake the rebuilding of the temple • Historical event that triggered the return: King Cyrus of Persia overthrows the Babylonian Empire and reverses the edit of Nebuchadnezzar that did not allow exiles to return home or to practice their religion. • Events cover about 80 years

49. Jews Under Persian RuleCyrus Cambyses Darius I Xerxes I Artaxerxes

50. Three waves of Exiles Coming Home(about 50,000 returned) • Ezra 1-6- Zerubbabel leads the first and main group home. Temple reconstruction is started-stopped and then completed in 515 BC. • Ezra 7-10- 60-80 years later Ezra leads the 2nd group home to refurnish the temple and appoint leaders for Persia. He calls the nation to repentance. • Nehemiah- 13 years later Nehemiah leads the 3rd group to rebuild the walls and eradicate the evil of the worship of many pagan gods.