Old Testament Final Exam - h
Jeroboam
1) Returns from Egypt and rises in popularity - a former official from Solomon's court, hears of Solomon's death and returns from Egypt. - He had received a prophetic word that he would be king over 10 of Israel's tribes. 2) Unhappy Israelites enthrone Jeroboam in the north
Omri- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
1) Seizes throne from Zimri - Zimri only reigned 7 days. - He convinced him to commit suicide, then he took the throne 2) Greatly extends Israel's territory - Renews alliances from Solomon's time. b. Restores lucrative Phoenician trade. 3) Establishes Samaria as capital - It had already been considered the capital, but he strengthens it. - He fortifies the city, building it on to the hill of Shemer. - After these fortifications it becomes very difficult to take in battle, as the Assyrians will discover. 4) Conquers Moab - Moab becomes a vassal of Israel. - Like a "servant state," required to pay tribute and support Israel.
Amos- (To Israel Northern Kingdom, Prophet)
- During Uzziah (south) and Jeroboam II (north) - Shepherd from Judah (not necessarily accepted in the north) - Spoke against idolatry and abuse of the poor 2:4-8) - Prophesied Israel's destruction and restoration
Hosea- (To Israel Northern Kingdom, Prophet)
- During Uzziah - Hezekiah (south) and Jeroboam II (north) - Called to a "living parable" - Marries an adulterous wife and remains faithful - Illustrates God's faithful love for Israel - Prophesied Israel's destruction and restoration (Hos 2:13-23)
Habakkuk- (To Judah Southern Kingdom, Prophet)
- From Judah, prophesied shortly before Babylonian invasion - Coming judgment for Babylon - Worldwide knowledge of God - Prayer for mercy - Praise in times of trial
Elisha- (rise of "prophetic opposition")
- He takes Elijah's mantle and follows his prophetic leadership - Raising Shunammite's son from the dead - Purification of poisoned stew - Multiplication of food - Cleansing Naaman from leprosy (Aramean army commander) - Axe head floats - Aramean army blinded (2 Kings 6)
Baasha- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
- His dynasty is also short-lived. - His entire family killed, dynasty ended.
Nahum- (To Nineveh, Assyria)
- Late 600's around the time of Assyrian takeover of Egypt (Josiah's reign) - Psalm of God's greatness - Prophecy of Nineveh's fall and judgment
Joel- (To Judah Southern Kingdom, Prophet)
- Lived during drought and locust plague. - Called people to repentance. - Prophesied a great revival, fulfilled at Pentecost (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18): a sign of the coming Day of the LORD.
Micah- (To Judah Southern Kingdom, Prophet)
- Prophesied during Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah - Judah's judgment and restoration - Judah's false leaders vs. the Messiah - Repentance and hope. What does God want from his people?
Isaiah- (To Judah Southern Kingdom, Prophet)
- Prophesied during Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, received prophetic call the year Uzziah died. - Prophesied judgment against Judah and the nations - Messianic prophecies - Prophesied the Messiah as the "suffering servant" - Spoke against violence, exploitation, and oppression of the poor - Prophesied Judah's return (Cyrus) and restoration
Zephaniah- (To Judah Southern Kingdom, Prophet)
- Prophesied right before the reformation of Josiah, ushering in the religious reform through a knowledge of God's Word. - The "Day of the Lord" - wrath for Judah and the nations - Promise of blessing and restoration
Elijah- (rise of "prophetic opposition")
- Widow of Zarephath - multiplies food, raises son from the dead - Confronts priests of Baal on Mt. Carmel with fire from heaven i. Sacrifices on altar, he taunts prophets of Baal. ii. He pours water on his altar so the wood was drenched and God sends fire to burn up the sacrifice, wood, stones, soil and water. - Divine encounter at Mt. Horeb i. Flees from Jezebel, thinks he's the only prophet left and wants to die. ii. God shows up not in wind, earthquake or fire, but in a gentle whisper. iii. Speaks to restore, instruct, and encourage him after he flees for his life! - Unusual "departure" in a flaming chariot i. Taken away in a "flaming chariot." ii. As far as we know, he does not die a natural death.
Josiah- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Became king at 8 years old. 2) Restored the reading of the law when the scrolls of the law were "rediscovered."
Jehu- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
1) Chosen by God to destroy the house of Ahab - Elisha, Elijah's successor, chooses him for this task. - God's will expressed through the prophetic word. 2) Assassinates King of Israel (Ahab's son) and King of Judah (Ahab's grandson) - Joram (Israel - Ahab's son) was meeting with Ahazia (Judah - Ahab's grandson by his daughter Athaliah) - Jehu arranges to meet them both at Naboth's Vineyard! - He shoots both with an arrow and kills them. 3) Assassinates Queen Jezebel - Jehu then goes to Jezrel to find Jezebel and has her thrown out of a second-story window onto the street. - Her body (all but the hands) is eaten by dogs (as had been prophesied by Elijah (1 Kgs. 21) 4. Kills all relatives and close advisors of Ahab - Also kills many Baal worshippers. - Basically, trying to eradicate Ahab's evil from Israel. - The problem is this leaves the nation of Israel without leadership and political structure. - Does not destroy the golden calves at Dan and Bethel.
Important Cities- (Southern Kingdom)
1) Jerusalem - Religious center - temple and ark - Political center - royal palace 2. Hebron - Traditional burial sight of patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) - Place where Israelites "crowned" David king after Saul's death - David ruled from here for first 7 years - We know the history represented here is important to maintaining political power - When Absalom tried to take the throne, he started his coup officially in Hebron.
Two kingdoms are formed
1) Kingdom of Israel (North) - Jeroboam 2) Kingdom of Judah (South) - Rehoboam - Only Judah in the south (where Jerusalem is) continues to support Rehoboam, son of Solomon, son of David.
Jeroboam II- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
1) Longest Israelite reign: 41 years 2) Evil king (followed the ways of Jeroboam I) 3) Great military and economic success - Expanded Israel to largest extent since Solomon. - Subjugated Damascus. - Made peace with Judah during the reign of Uzziah (Azariah). - Power vacuum: Egypt was in decline; Assyria was not yet a superpower. - Archaeologists discovered existence of great wealth (exquisite buildings and elaborate furnishings). Trade was successful. - However, there was a great divergence between rich and poor. Laws of Torah for economic justice were not being upheld (rich getting richer, poor getting poorer). 4. Amos, Hosea, Jonah prophesied during this time.
Economically challenged- (Southern Kingdom)
1) Lost access to some of the major portions of trade routes 2) Cut off from Phoenicia / sea trade by Philistines (coastal) and Israel (by land) 3) Northern Kingdom always remains stronger economically, Judah lives in Israel's shadow.
Azariah (Uzziah)- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Made king at 16 years old, reigned 52 years! (2 Kgs 12-15) 2) Grandfather was Joash. 3) Father (Amaziah), successfully avenged his father and beat the Edomites 4) Period of prosperity - Received godly instruction from prophet Zecharaiah i. "He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" ii. Zecharaiah instructed him in the fear of God - Strengthened Judah militaristically i. Took Philistine territory and control of coastal highway ii. Secured the southern border of Judah iii. Fortified Jerusalem and modernized the army 5) Period of pride - Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Our greatest challenge is not how we respond to adversity. Our greatest challenge is how we respond to prosperity. - Did not remove the high places - Attempted to take a priestly role by burning incense in the temple - Afflicted by leprosy until the day he died. i. He lived separately, while his son Jotham saw to the business of the kingdom.
Asa- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Son of Abijah, grandson of Rehoboam 2) His heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life (1 Kgs 15:14) - This does not mean that he was sinless or that he never made mistakes. - Overall, his reign promoted godliness and faithfulness even though he sinned at the end of his life. 3) Religious reformer who renewed the covenant - Even removed his own grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she sponsored the worship of the goddess Asherah. - During this reform, many Israelites from the Northern Kingdom moved back to Judah because they were attracted to the pure worship of Yahweh. - Destroyed altars and some high places (but not all) 4) Chose rebellion over repentance at the end of his life - Bribed King of Aram with temple gold/silver to break treaty with Israel. - He struck with disease in his feet and died i. Sought the help of physicians, but not the Lord. - It's possible to be committed to God and make mistakes.
Hezekiah- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Son of Ahaz 2) Best king in Judah's history (2 Kgs 18:5) - Removed high places - Destroyed the bronze serpent of Moses' day 3) Rebelled against king of Assyria by refusing to pay tribute - Reinforced Jerusalem's walls and dug "_____ tunnel" i. Walled up the Gihon spring outside Jerusalem and brought its waters into the city. ii. Workers cut with axes from both ends nearly 1/3 of a mile of solid rock. iii. Archaic Hebrew inscription tells how the men met in the middle. When they heard the voices of the other workers, they cut through the remaining rock and water flowed. iv. Flowed into the pool of Siloam (where Jesus heals the man born blind). - Sennacharib, Assyrian king, invades Judah i. They besiege Jerusalem and have every reason to win. ii. At point of ultimate disaster, he calls out to God (2 Kgs. 19:14-19) iii. He rejects the taunts and threats of Sennacherib's field commander. iv. Isaiah prophesies the defeat of Assyrian king Sennacherib v. God kills 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp while they sleep vi. Remaining Assyrians decide to leave vii. Sennacherib is then assassinated in Nineveh by his own sons. 4) Grows ill, calls out to God, and lives for another 15 years (2 Kgs 20:1-11).
Jehoshapat- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Son of Asa, "walked in the ways of his father David." 2) Strength: spiritual leadership - Sent teams throughout Judah to teach God's Word - Listened to godly counsel, made religious and judicial reform - Trusted God to win his battles (2 Chron 20) 3) Weakness: made alliances with evil Israelite kings - Made an alliance with evil King Ahab by allowing his son Jehoram to marry Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. - Made alliance with Ahab's son, King Amaziah, to participate in a trade agreement through the Gulf of Aqaba. Eliezer criticized him; his fleet of ships was wrecked (2 Chron 20:36-37). - Joined king Joram of Israel to fight Moab, but Elisha interceded for him and they were both spared from catastrophe (2 Kgs 3).
Ahaz- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Son of Jotham, who was "righteous" 2) Known for his wickedness a. Sacrificed his son in the fire 3) Made alliance with Assyrians - Syro-Ephraimite conflict i. Aram and Israel united because Assyria was pressing in. ii. They tried to convince Judah to join them, but he refused. iii. Aram and Israel united and attacked Jerusalem, laying siege to it. iv. Instead, he makes an alliance with Tiglath-Pileser for help. v. Warned by the prophet Isaiah not to do it, but he does it anyway. vi. Gave Temple silver, gold and palace treasury to king of Assyria to do it. - Took Israel from independence to foreign rule i. Judah became a vassal state to Assyria. ii. Excessive taxes drained the temple of wealth. 4) Initiated "new" sacrifices and pagan rituals in the Temple - Modeled a new divination altar at the Temple after one he saw in Damascus while meeting with Tiglath-Pileser (Assyria) - He is blending pagan worship with the worship of God in the Jerusalem temple.
Ahab- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
1) Son of Omri 2) Husband of Jezebel (princess of Tyre) - In order to seal trade agreements with the King of Tyre (in Phoenicia), he was married to the King's daughter, Jezebel - Both Jezebel and him were worshippers of Baal 3) Makes the Baal worship the state religion - At court, 450 prophets of Baal, 400 prophets of Asherah (1 Kgs. 18:19) 4) Avid builder, shows great wealth - "Ivory" palace at Samaria i. Built this palace for Jezebel ii. Ruins have been found (582' x 424' - many ivory pieces - cf. 1 Kgs. 22:39) 5) Stables at Megiddo - Enormous: once supplied 2,000 war chariots for the battle of Qarqar (Syria allied with Israel against Assyrians) - This battle is significant in that it can be precisely dated (853 B.C.) and helps to secure chronology of O.T. history 6)Volatile relationship with Syria - King of Syria was Ben-Hadad - Eventually he will die in battle against Syria 7) Forms alliance with the Kingdom of Judah - Alliance formed through marriage - Royal marriage of Athaliah (daughter of ____) and Jehoram (king of Judah) 8) Wicked and unethical - Leads the nation in idolatry - Steals Naboth's vineyard
Rehoboam- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) Son of Solomon 2) Angers people by increasing taxes 3) Set up pagan high places and Asherah poles - Idolatry angered the Lord. - "Judah did evil in the eyes of the LORD. By the sins they committed they stirred up his jealous anger more than those who were before them had done." 1 Kgs 14:22 - "There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land; the people engaged in all the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." I Kgs 14:24 4) Attacked by Shishak of Egypt - Succeeded in taking control of parts of the coastal plain and hill country (interested in the highways!) - Threatened Jerusalem but didn't destroy the city when he paid Shishak a large bribe (gold shields made by Solomon, had to replace with bronze ones).
Hoshea- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
1) The last king of Israel 2) Stops paying to Assyria, tries to make alliance with Egypt - Tries to hold off Assyrians by promising to pay tribute. - Secretly tries to make alliance with Egypt - Assyrians (Shalmaneser V) discovers the treachery and deception. - Shalmaneser captures Hoshea and marches him throughout Israel. 3. Assyrians besiege and destroy Samaria - 722 B.C. - Samaria is under siege for three years. - When Samaria finally falls, the northern kingdom falls in 722 B.C.
Athaliah- (Rulers of the Southern Kingdom)
1) The only woman to rule either kingdom 2) Daughter of Ahab (King of Israel) - Took the throne when her son Ahaziah was murdered by Jehu - Ahaziah (her son) had succeeded Jehoram (her husband) - Jehu killed both of them and wiped out all descendants of Ahab. 3) She killed her own family to preserve her power - She murdered even her own children and grandchildren. - Missed one prince, Joash (infant son of Ahaziah, her son). - Ahaziah's sister hid Joash in the Temple for six years. 4) Killed by a priest leading a national coup against her. - Joash takes throne at age 7, restored the temple. - Joash is later assassinated by his own officials (but David's line continues)
Politically stable- (Southern Kingdom)
1) The south has only one "dynasty" (unlike the north) - they remain true to the Davidic line as long as they have kings (God's promise to David). 2) Brief interruption by Athaliah (841-835 B.C.), left on the throne when Jehu (the restoration rebel in Israel) killed her son, Ahaziah (related by marriage to the house of Ahab). 3) Athaliah was daughter of Ahab married to Judah's king Jehoram.
Rehoboam (Solomon's son takes throne)
1) Unhappy Israelites demand change 2) Rejects their plea - People are tired of Solomon's heavy load and ask him to change things, "lighten our load and we will serve you." - Consults his own friends (young men) and follows bad advice. He tells the people he will be even harsher than his father. This angers the people more.
Jeroboam- (Kings of the Northern Kingdom)
1) Very wicked - Sets up golden calves at Dan and Bethel i. Institute's idolatry from the beginning ii. Often mentioned as the "standard" for wickedness against which all future kings of Israel are compared. They follow in the "ways of _____." iii. Set up the golden calves at Dan and Bethel (to replace the Ark of the Covenant still in the South at Jerusalem) iv. Immediate associations with the worship of Baal v. Also hearkens back to Aaron's actions - Syncretism: merges worship of Yahweh with worship of Baal (which, in many ways is worse that pagan idolatry) 2) Short-lived dynasty - His son Nadab is assassinated by Baasha.
Historical Interlude
1. Assyria begins to gain power over Syria, Israel's #1 enemy at the time. - At first, this seems like a good thing to get Syria off their backs. - They don't believe Assyria will also attack them, even though they were warned of this by the prophets. 2. Finally, once they completely conquer Syria, they begin taking northern parts of Israel and deporting the Israelites (Assyrian method of conquest).
Esther- (Post-Exilic Leaders, Persian Empire)
1. During the reign of Xerxes (486 - 465 B.C.). 2. Queen Vashti demoted and Esther selected. - Mordecai was a survivor who was taken into exile by the Babylonians. His younger cousin Esther (Hadassah) became an orphan, so he raised her. - Her and other virgins throughout the land were taken into the king's harem and given beauty treatments for one year. - She pleased the king the most and she became queen in Vashti's place. - She kept her Jewish identity secret at Mordecai's advice. 3. Mordecai uncovers a plot to kill the king. - While sitting at the city gate, Mordecai overheard men talking about their plot to kill the king. - He quickly told her. She told the king, the plot failed, and the men were executed. 4. Haman plots to destroy the Jews. - Royal officials were commanded to bow down to Haman, but Mordecai refused. This angered Haman. - When he found out the reason was because Mordecai was a Jew, he devised a plan to kill not just Mordecai, but all the Jews. - Haman was an Agagite, descended from the people destroyed by King Saul (1 Samuel 15). This rivalry and hatred goes back 500 years. - The king approved his edict to have all Jews in the city of Susa—men, women and children—killed on the 13th day of the 12th month of Adar. 5. Mordecai persuades Esther to help. - Read Esther 4:11-16 - She asks the Jews to fast and pray for 3 days, and then she will risk her life by entering the presence of the king unbidden. 6. Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet. - The king extends the gold scepter, spares her life, and accepts the invitation. - At the banquet, the king asks what she desires, and she invites them to another banquet the next day, where she will tell them. - Haman boasts to his wife and friends about this invitation, yet is angry to see Mordecai still alive. - They suggest he a 50-foot tall pole so that Mordecai could be impaled upon it. He erects the pole. 7. Haman rages while Mordecai is honored. - The king spends a sleepless night and asks to have the "annals of the king" brought to him for reading. - In it, he reads how Mordecai uncovered the plot to kill him, and he realizes Mordecai was never honored for this act of heroism. - Haman enters the palace to request permission from the king to impale Mordecai on the pole, but before he can get the words out of his mouth, the king asks him a question: What should I do for a man I desire to honor? - Thinking the king wants to honor him, Haman says the man should wear the king's royal robe, signet ring and on a royal horse to be led around the city with someone proclaiming, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!" - The king said, "Great! Do all this now for Mordecai." So Haman had to lead him around the city proclaiming the king's honor over him. 8. Esther pleads for her life and the lives of her people. - At the second banquet, Esther explains Haman's plot to kill the Jews and she reveals that she is a Jew. - She explains that Haman devised this plot to destroy her people. - This enrages the king. He gets up in a rage and goes out to the garden. Haman comes over to Esther and sits next to her on the couch, begging her for his life. - The king sees Haman on the couch with Esther and says, "Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?" - He orders that Haman be impaled on the stake he had erected for Mordecai. 9. Mordecai gains Haman's position and estate. 10. The king issues a new edict to save the Jews. - In Persian law, the king could not reverse a previous edict. We saw this in the story of Darius and Daniel. - So the king writes an edict giving the Jews the right to defend themselves and take plunder from their enemies. - They are victorious over all who attack them but they do not take the plunder. 11. Queen Esther institutes the holiday of Purim, still celebrated to this day.
Ezra- (Post-Exilic Leaders, Persian Empire)
1. Of the priestly line 2. Records historic return to the land (538 B.C.) - Cyrus King of Persia decreed the Jews' return in 538 B.C. - Zerubbabel oversees return (political leader). i. Grandson of Jehoiachin (favored by Persian court, Davidic line) ii. Re-instated as political leader of Palestine by the Persian King Cyrus - Rebuilding the altar and beginning the temple - Jews opposed by enemies; temple building stopped - Temple work completed 458 B.C. 3. Ezra 7 - 8 tells of his return, the people who came with him, preparations for trip and their safe arrival. - He initiates religious reform (Ezra 8-10) i. He laments intermarriage to pagan worshippers. ii. Community repentance and purification. iii. This has nothing to do with ethnic cleansing. It is not a racial issue. iv. This is about a commitment to separate themselves from the worship of foreign gods once and for all. v. Pagan worship and intermarriage is what got them in this mess in the first place and led to the exile. They do not want to make the same mistake again.
Nehemiah- (Post-Exilic Leaders, Persian Empire)
1. Governor of Judah (445 - 433 B.C.). - Surrounding enemies attacked Jerusalem (445 B.C.). - He, cupbearer to Persian King Artaxerxes, fasts and prays. - King grants him permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. i. Done at Persian king's expense ii. Sometimes God allows us to be the answer to our own "impossible" prayers by doing the unimaginable. 2. Rebuilds walls despite ongoing threats from enemies. - He had to survey the walls at night to avoid enemy scrutiny. - Sanballat and Tobiah issued military threats and hired false prophets in an attempt to frighten Nehemiah into retreating to the temple. - Wall divided into portions by families; workers armed with weapons. - Wall and gates rebuilt in 52 days! 3. Institutes economic justice - Rich charged exorbitant interest to the poor, in some cases family members were sold to pay for debts incurred for the price of food. - He provided food for the workers from his own finances. - Rebuked the rich and they agreed to return money exacted in interest, swearing never to charge interest again. 4. Zerubbabel oversees return and re-instates the worship of Yahweh. - Grandson of Jehoiachin (favored by Persian court, Davidic line) - Re-instated as political leader of Palestine by the Persian King Cyrus 5. Joins Ezra is promoting religious revival. - Public reading of the law (Ezra). - Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. - Public prayer of confession and signed covenant to God. - Census, relocation to Jerusalem to ensure 10% would live in Jerusalem. - Celebration and dedication of the walls.
Malachi- (Post-Exilic Prophets, Persian Empire)
1. Lived in post-exilic Judah (470-460 BC) probably just before Ezra's arrival. 2. God deserves honor, respect, and covenant faithfulness - He is their "Father" - He is their "Master" - He is their "King" - Apparently, the priests of the day were doing poor work and were offering sick animals as sacrifices, etc. 3. Marriage issues - No intermarriage with idolators (they lead you into idolatry!) - "I hate divorce" seems particularly directed to men divorcing the "wife of their youth" - leaving the woman without place (socially, economically, etc.) 4. God's justice - Would be kept perfectly in His time - He would remember the faithful (even if it looked like the wicked were "getting away" with their actions) 5. Tithes and Offerings - Economic justice issues - tithes feed the Levites (who received no inheritance of land) and the poor - Relational issues - tithes constantly remind God's people that ALL they have belongs to Him (and they only have it because He blessed them with it in the first place!) - Read Malachi 3:8-10 6. "Elijah" will come before God's judgment comes - John the Baptist - the prophetic link to the N.T. - Matthew 14:7-11, "For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come."
Zechariah- (Post-Exilic Prophets, Persian Empire)
1. Of priestly line (grandfather - Iddo [Neh. 12:4]) 2. Series of Visions - Restoration of Judah/Jerusalem - Judgment for oppressors - The purity of the Priesthood - priests had sinned but were now forgiven and sent to serve again. - The temple will be completed - not by human effort, but by God's Spirit (4:6) 3. God will purity all the people from their sin. - The "Branch" - God's servant (fulfilled in Christ - messianic) - Will build the temple and rule as priest - Bring peace between "king" and "priest" 4. Fasting to commemorate Jerusalem's' fall and exile - People should remember their past (to avoid repeating past sin) - People should humble themselves before God in fasting (not just feel sorry for themselves) - If it has any value at all, it should lead to righteous living (again, the heart is the issue, not just what one does on the outside) 5. The Messiah - Would come riding on a donkey (9:9-17) - Bringing eternal peace to the whole earth - Restoring God's people - Removing bad leaders (who are only interested in their personal gain, passage may refer to specific people in Zechariah's day or a future event) - God's people will embrace their new Lord (appears to refer to the future of the Jewish people in finally embracing Christ as messiah, "...they will look upon one whom they have pierced and mourn...") - The Lord will return to save his people from a great battle against Jerusalem (may refer to the end of the millennial reign as described in Revelation)
Jonah- (To Nineveh, Assyria)
1. Prophesied during Jeroboam II in the north 2. Called to Nineveh, tries to run from God - At this time, Israel is gaining wealth and Assyria is not as strong yet. - Assyrians were known for their brutality and vile pagan practices. - He did not want to go to the city of his enemies 3. Repents and turns to God in the fish's belly 4. Preaches and Assyrians in Nineveh repent 5. He complains; God teaches him compassion - Shows compassion of God for Israel's enemies. This must be understood in balance with the times enemies are destroyed.
Haggai- (Post-Exilic Prophets, Persian Empire)
1. Prophesied during the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. - Prophesied during the reign of Darius I (Persia's third king). - Prophesied after opposition caused God's people to stop rebuilding the temple (15 years earlier) 2. Call to action—finish what you started! - "How can you live in nice houses, while the house of the Lord lies in ruins?" (more concerned for their own comfort!) - The current drought was being caused by their attitude (God withholds their rain to get their attention) - The people CAN finish the restoration of the Temple in its glory because God Spirit is with them. 3. God will bless Judah - In spite of their earlier sin (they have started work on the Temple again - God will bless them!) - God shows his favor upon Zerubbabel (now the regional governor), descendant of David (Davidic line promises emphasized - messianic overtones)
Obadiah- (Post-Exilic Prophets, Persian Empire)
1. Shortest book in the OT (21 verses long) 2. Prophesied destruction to Edom 3. Prophesied the "Day of the Lord" and destruction of all God's enemies.
The Fall of the Kingdom of Judah
A. Babylon rises in power 1) Conquered the Assyrians (Nineveh falls 612 B.C.) 2) Conquered the Egyptians (Battle of Carchemish 605 B.C.) 3) Nebuchadnezzar takes portions of Judah, setting up vassal kings B. Nebuchadnezzar marches on Jerusalem (597 B.C.) 1) Takes temple treasures - Jehoiachin (598-597 B.C.) surrenders - Temple treasures stolen include sacred objects - 2 Kgs 24:13) 2) Begins the exile of Jerusalem's people (taking best workers, leaving the poor) - Takes Jehoiachin, his family and his officials to Babylon. - Jehoiachin treated well in Babylon for his lifetime - Zedekiah (Jehoiachin's uncle) made king over vassal state by Nebuchadnezzer C. Zedekiah (597-586 B.C.) rebels against Nebuchadnezzer 1) Jeremiah the prophet warns him of impending disaster. 2) Zedekiah ignores the warning. 3) Nebuchadnezzer marches again on Jerusalem for the second time. D. Southern Kingdom falls in 586 B.C. 1) Jerusalem under siege for 2 years, people are starving 2) Jerusalem falls, King Zedekiah is captured (586 B.C.). - Sons killed before his eye - They put out his eyes, bound him in bronze chains, took him to Babylon 3) Temple burned to the ground, palace and city walls destroyed. - Everything not burned was taken away. - Total exile (many flee to Egypt) 4) Fulfillment of God's warning in Deuteronomy 30:15, 17--18
Daniel- (Exilic Prophets)
A. Him and friends eat "vegan" to obey. B. He interprets the king's dreams. 1. Dream of the statue (Dan 2) made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, baked clay destroyed by rock which grows into a mountain (Christ's kingdom). Dan 2:44, Rev 11:15. 2. He not only interpreted the dream, he told the king what the dream was! (Four kingdoms, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome). 3. He becomes ruler over the province of Babylon and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego become administrators over Babylon. 4. Second dream (Dan 4) of tree cut down to its roots meant that Neb would go crazy and live like an animal. 5. This happened, he ate grass and his hair grew like eagles' feathers and his nails like claws of a bird. Finally God restored his sanity, he repented of his pride, and praised the King of Heaven. C. The fiery furnace: rejecting idolatry. 1. Nebuchadnezzar makes an "image of gold" and commands everyone to bow down and worship. 2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse and are thrown into a furnace heated to 7 times its strength, so that even the men who tied them up and threw them in died from the flames. 3. They walked around with a fourth man who looked like "a Son of God" or a "son of the gods." 4. They come out of the fire with their clothes and hair not even singed or smelling like smoke. 5. Nebuchadnezzar promotes them to even higher levels of authority and says that anyone who speaks against their God should be cut into pieces and his house turned into a pile of rubble, for "no one can save as this God saves." D. Him and the "writing on the wall." 1. King Belshazzar gave a banquet for his leaders and nobles. 2. Brought out goblets of gold and silver that Neb took from the temple in Jerusalem, and his wives and concubines drank out of them while they "praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone." 3. Fingers of a human hand appeared and literally wrote in the plaster wall near the lampstand, and he was the only one who could read it. 4. It said, "Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." 5. He was promoted at that moment, but then that very night King Darius of Persia killed King Belshazzar and took over the kingdom. E. Him in the lion's den. 1. He had such favor with the king that he was one of the top three leaders in the kingdom, and the king was going to put him in charge of everything. 2. The other leaders grew jealous and convinced the king to sign an edict saying that anyone who prayed in the next 30 days to anyone other than King Darius would be put to death. 3. He continued to pray 3 times/day, King Darius was distressed because he loved Daniel. 4. According to the laws of the Medes and the Persians, if the king signed a decree, even the king could not repeal it, so King Darius had no way to save Daniel. 5. They threw him into the lion's den, and King Darius spent the whole night without eating and without entertainment. 6. He was saved by an angel who closed the lions' mouths, false accusers were thrown in and died, and Daniel was promoted. 7. He praised God, and Daniel had favor throughout the reign of Darius and Cyrus. F. Messianic prophecies: the "Anointed One" and the "Son of Man." 1. Son of Man coming on the clouds 2. Anointed One, the ruler
Israel - A Conquered People
A. Israelites were deported to other places throughout Assyrian Empire 1) Many were deported to Assyria itself, others to other conquered lands. 2) Other people deported from other lands deported to Israel B. Pagan religions and intermarriage among those left in "Israel" C. His fall was the result of unfaithfulness to God 1) 2 Kgs 17 carefully explains this is all in the sovereign work of God because they were not faithful to the covenant relationship with God 2) They were "stiff-necked like their fathers."
Ezekiel- (Exilic Prophets)
A. Precise dating: 593 - 571 B.C. B. Theme of the book: God's presence with His people in a foreign land. 1. Ez 11:16 tells us that even though they could no longer worship at the sanctuary of the Jerusalem temple, God himself was their sanctuary in a foreign land. C. Heavenly vision of the four living creatures D. He "acted out" God's message (drama/symbolism) 1. Built models of Jerusalem in the sand 2. Ate siege rations cooked over the fuel of dried cow manure. 3. Lies on left side for 390 days, representing the years of sin of Israel, and then on his right side for 40 days, representing the years of sin of Judah. God bound him with ropes during this time and he ate the siege rations. 4. Shaves off all his hair. E. Warning of final judgments on Judah F. God's power over foreign nations G. Promised physical and spiritual restoration 1. Restoration to the land and a new heart and a new spirit 2. Dry bones, 2 sticks (restoration and reunification of the Davidic kingdom under the rule of a messianic leader 3. Protection from Israel's enemies - Final battle of Gog and Magog rising up against Israel, God's armies win. H. Vision of a new, everlasting temple 1. Some interpret this as a literal rebuilding of the third temple in Jerusalem. 2. Some see this as fulfilled in Christ, that we are the "temple of the Holy Spirit." 3. Either way, the point of the temple vision is God dwelling among His people.
Role of Prophecy
A. Proclaims God's message 1) Often to the nation/king 2. Considered authoritative 3. Not necessarily appreciated B. Forth-telling - declaring God's word 1. As distinct from "foretelling." Prophets were not fortune tellers/ 2. Often involves divine judgment and/or call to repentance (based on God's already-spoken Word) 3. Explaining God's will C. Foretelling - revealing the future D. Various Delivery Methods 1. Preaching 2. Parables 3. Songs, laments, poetry 4. Drama 5. Real-life events
Jeremiah- (Exilic Prophets)
A. Prophesied during Judah's last kings (Josiah, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) B. Compares Judah's idolatry to prostitution C. Prophesied destruction, 70-year exile and restoration 1. God tells him to buy a field during the siege to symbolize that they will return to the land; God will bring them back. 2. Becomes a significant number for other prophets (i.e. Daniel) D. Presumably wrote the book of Lamentations to describe the horrors of Jerusalem siege E. Known as the "weeping prophet." F. Consulted but not heeded, often persecuted (beaten, ridiculed, threatened with death, left sunken in mud in a pit to starve) 1. Watches the people NOT repent (knowing it was to their doom!) 2. Witnessed the fall of his beloved land (knowing it was coming - couldn't get people to listen!) 3. Finally ending up in Egypt (taken against his will by people who still try to avoid God's judgment - even while he is saying "it won't work" - after Babylonian conquest) 4. Through all, he remains faithful to his calling (God's word is "in his heart ...like a fire shut up in his bones") 5. The people rejected Jeremiah BECAUSE he WAS a true prophet (they rejected him because they rejected God!) G. Prophesied the New Covenant
