OT
What sources did the author have available to write about the period?
As with 1-2 Samuel, the writer had access to several named sources: Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41), Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (14:29) and Israel (14:19).
48. What do we know about the author of Nehemiah?
Author: Nehemiah. He writes much of the book in first person narrative (Nehemiah 1-7; 12:31 to 13:31).
What do we know about the author of Ezra?
Authorship: the author is not named, but a consensus of evangelical scholars point to Ezra as the author. Ezra was a priest and scribe of the Law (Ezra 7:21). Ezra speaks in the first person in 7:27 to 9:15.
What is Solomon faithful to build?
Build the temple
22. What does Elijah's withholding of the rain and defeat of the prophets of Baal demonstrate about God in this period?
God shows His control over both nature and idols through Elijah (1 Kings 17-22).
What events and their dates span the books of 1-2 Chronicles?
The events of the book run from the death of saul (about 1010), to the decree of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36) to rebuild the Temple in about 530.
49. When do the events of Nehemiah take place?
The events of the book surround the third return of exiles from Babylon under the leadership of Nehemiah in 444, 14 years after Ezra's return. The book must have been written soon after the events in the book, about 430.
30. Why is so much time given to why the Northern Kingdom falls in 2 Kings 17?
The fact of their exile is recorded (17:1-6).
3. What is the key text in Esther and what does it show about God's working?
The key text of the book comes in 4:13-14, where Mordecai makes two perceptive comments to Esther. The Jews are delivered from the decree (8:1 to 9:19), turning it into a great victory against their enemies (9:5).
14. As a result, how does God treat them?
The man of God who does not obey the Lord (1 Kings 13:8-25), even when deceived by a lying prophet (cf. Galatians 1:6-9). Elijah fears Jezebel (19:2-3). God begins to prepare Elisha to replace him (19:16). The son of the prophets (20:35) who does not obey God's voice through another prophet and is killed (20:36). Elisha's servant Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27) who uses God's power for personal gain with Naaman the Syrian. Gehazi receives Naaman's leprosy.
9. What is the difference between Israel and Judah after 931 B.C.? What other names describe these two kingdoms?
The nation is strong, united, and prospering 6.31 Northern Kingdom: Israel, Ephraim, capitol- sumeria. 6.32 Southern Kingdom: Judah and Jerusalem.
44. What do the people do in response when the foundation is laid for the Temple (Ezra 3:10-11)? What happens to the work after the foundation is done?
The priests and Levites rejoice with great shout, yet the old men weep (Ezra 3:10-13). Why? This temple is nothing compared to the glory of Solomon's temple (Haggai 2:3).
52. Why does Nehemiah return to Judah with the exiles in 444 B.C.? Why do they accomplish their mission in only 52 days?
The returned exiles rebuild the walls in 52 days. Why are they successful? Because God has protected them and enabled them to work (cf. Nehemiah 2:18-20; 4:7-9; 6:9,16).
27. How does God discipline the prophets during this period?
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40. Why does the author include the decree of Cyrus at the end of 1-2 Chronicles? What is the message and what are the readers challenged to do? ************************
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56. What are the unique characteristics of Esther? What conclusion have some scholars made about the book and its Jewish characters because of these unique features?
1. There is no mention of God, the law, sacrifices, or prayer 2. Ester is never quoted in NT nor found in the dead sea scrolls, and it was slow to be accepted into the OT 3. Mordecai and Ester do not show any kind of spiritual practice 3.1 These unique features have led some OT scholars to conclude that the Jews in Esther are Jews by ethnic origin, not by active faith.
53. How do the people respond in Nehemiah 8-12, to the reading of the Law in Neh 8?
1. Weeping and mourning (Nehemiah 8:9) 2. Confessing sin 3. Signing their names to pledge to keep the covenant 4. Resettling Jerusalem
How does 1-2 Chronicles relate to and overlap 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings?
1.1 For the most part, 1-2 Chronicles covers the same historical period as 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings. 1 Chronicles 10-29 covers the same history as 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 24. 2 Chronicles 1-9 overlaps with 1 Kings 1-11. 2 Chronicles 10-36 records the history of the kings of Judah, overlapping with 1 Kings 12 to 2 Kings 24. Therefore, the Chronicler is not writing to merely provide another historical record of the period of the united and divided monarchies. He writes for another purpose, described below.
23. What appeal does God make to Israel during the "battle of the gods?" How is this same appeal shown when Ahab shows repentance for killing Naboth in 1 Kings 21?
11.21 The appeal to Israel: God is ready to forgive, even after so much sin (1 Kings 18:36-38). 11.22 God even shows mercy to Ahab when he shows the slightest signs of repentance. 11.231 Ahab does two foolish things: a treaty with Syria (20:42) and stealing Naboth's vineyard (21:1-16). 11.232 Even so, God is ready to forgive when Ahab mourns his fate (21:27-29). 11.233 The message to Israel: God is ready to forgive if they return . However, lasting repentance must come from a changed heart, laying the foundation for the promises of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
26. How did the professor compare the prophets to the role of the Bible today?
12.25 N.B. The precise role of the Bible and biblical teaching in our lives is pictured by these prophets: teaching, reproof, correction, training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), reprove, rebuke, exhort patiently (2 Timothy 4:2).
33. What king leads in great revival after Manasseh? What does he do? What discovery starts it all? As a result, how does God change the judgment coming to Judah?
13.1 Josiah's great revival delays the judgment (2 Kings 22-23). 14.21 As the Temple is repaired, Hilkiah the High Priest finds law (scholars think the law was the book of Deuteronomy) in the Temple (22:4-8). 14.22 As they read, perhaps lost for 40-50 years, they repent (22:11), leading to a renewal of the covenant and great reforms in Judah. 14.23 Yet God does not relent because of Manasseh (23:6-7), but He delays the judgment because of Josiah's reforms (22:18-20).
31. Why does Israel never come back from exile, according to Assyrian practices?
13.11 Israel was dispersed permanently by the Assyrians (17:18, 23). 13.12 Assyrian strategy was to conquer and then mix captives with other ethnic groups across their empire (2 Kings 17:24).
47. What three things are true at the end of Ezra?
2 groups of exhile have returned to Judah ( zerrubal and ezra temple is rebuilt people recommit to keep the covenant
When do the events of Ezra take place?
2.1 After the national humiliation in Babylon, God brings His people back from exile. 2.2 The Jews return to the land in three groups: 2.3 The book was probably written soon after the book's events in about 450.
34. What three things are true at the end of 1-2 Kings?
3 things are true at the end: 1. Israel spilts and declines greatly from its greatness 2. Northern kingdom is destroyed and southern kingdom is exhiled to Babylon 3. Little hope is given for Judah
51. What does Nehemiah do in response to the report on Jerusalem in Nehemiah 1?
3.1 Nehemiah does two things after hearing about the sorry state of Jerusalem (1:1-3): 1. Prays ( Nehemiah 1-11) prayer includes: worship confession, claiming promises, and request 2. He Acts (Nehemiah 2: 1-6) 3. Nehemiah goes before Artaxerxes
What two groups dominate the period of the divided kingdoms? In what way do they influence their kingdoms?
7.1 As the kings go, so goes the nation. 1. if the kings serves and obeys God, their nation prospers 2. if the king rebels, the nation suffers 3. israels kings are all iolotorious. Judah has beoth good and evil kings 7.2 The prophets, through their actions and words ddddspeak for God. cv 1.prophets warn, rebuke, encourage and instruct 2.they are gods only reliable voice during the period 3. prophets must obey god exactly or He removes them
20. What four statements summarize life in Israel in 1 Kings 15-16?
7.3 The story of the period: 1. overral Israel experinces terrible problems and turmoil 2. each king is worse than the previous one 3. power struggles for the thrown are constant with several royal families whipped out due to their sin 4. the reason is clear the sin or rehoboam
6. How do we reconcile the conditional blessing on Solomon with the unconditional promise to David?
Each son of David must follow God in order to prosper if they do not, God will put another son of David on the throne in their place
21. What two prophets are God's primary voice in Israel from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 8?
Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 8). God displays His power over the apostate northern kingdom. Through these two prophets, God is shown to be completely in control.
24. What is Elisha demonstrating about God through all of the miracles that he performs?
Elisha also demonstrates God's mercy to His needy people (2 Kings 2-7). He purifies poison water (2 Kings 2:19-22), provides victory in battle to king Jehoram (2 Kings 3), provides food for a poor woman (4:1-7), raises a dead boy (4:32-35), makes poison food edible (4:38-41), heals Naaman's leprosy (5:1-27), and recovers the lost axe head (6:1-7). With such a Great God why doesn't Israel return!
45. In Ezra 9, how does Ezra respond to the news of the exiles marrying Gentiles? Why is it such a big deal?
Ezra finds that many of the returned exiles, even the Levites, had married Gentiles, leading Ezra to enter into mourning and prayer (Ezra 9:1-5). Why (Genesis 12:1-3)? 6.2 Ezra's solution is radical! The people dissolve their marriageswith the Gentiles (Ezra 10:1-3).
19. Why does God allow Abijam's son to rule Judah, according to 1 Kings 15:6?
He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been.
29. How is Hezekiah described in 2 Kings 18-20? What does he do to serve God?
Hezekiah is the high point of the section. He is described as a good king who served God, removed the idols, and trusted God (18:1-8). Only David is regarded as a greater king (18:5). N.B. Hezekiah's story covers three full chapters (2 Kings 18-20)—far more than the others of the period—indicating his greatness.
8. How is Israel changed from 931 to 586, the dates that span this period?
In 931, before the split, the nation is strong, united, and prospering. In 722, half of the nation (Israel) is destroyed. The other half (Judah) is weak and vulnerable to its enemies. In 586, Judah is carried off to exile in Babylon for 70 years.
11. What behavior characterizes the entire history of the Northern Kingdom? How (if at all) is the Southern Kingdom different? What fate befalls both kingdoms in the end
Israel, the Northern Kingdom, completely forsakes god for the idols in every generation. They are wiped out in 722. Judah waivers from generation to generation, also going into captivity in 586. After 70 years of humiliation, Judah return from exhile, a small remnant of their former glory.
18. In light of 1 Kings 11:37-38, why are the consequences for Jeroboam so tragic? What is the "sin of Jeroboam?"
Jeroboam is warned about the idolatry (13:1-10), but he does not stop (13:33-34) and is judged by God (14:6-11)—he will be removed and his name wiped out. N.B. The "ddddd," perpetuated throughout the entire duration of the Northern Kingdom (used 19 times in 1-2 Kings). Also, coming dome to the northern kingdom is hinted (14:15-16).
17. What is Jeroboam's first act as king? Why does he do it? What are the consequences for him, and for Israel?
Jeroboam's first action: set up idol worship in the north (Dan and Bethel), to keep the northern tribes from worshiping in Jerusalem in the south (12:25-33). N.B. A great personal tragedy for Jeroboam, cf. 1 Kings 11:37-38.
32. What judgment falls on Judah because of the evil of Manasseh?
Manasseh reintroduces idolatry and pagen practices (21:1-16). God's response to Manasseh? Judah will go to exile (21:11-14).
10. Explain the literary style used in 1-2 Kings to tell the story of Israel and Judah?
Observe the literary style of interchange in 1-2 Kings, covering this period. The story jumps back and forth from the north to the south.
16. What influence do the older and younger advisors have on Rehoboam concerning taxes? What is the result for the nation?
Rehoboam receives counsel from his old and his young advisors and listens to the young advisors' words (12:4-11). The response of ten of the tribes? See ya (1 Kings 12:16). The northern tribes unite under the leadership of Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:19-20).
25. What kind of messages do the prophets deliver to the kings of Judah during this period?
Several prophets speak to these kings, to both rebuke and to reassure at times. 12.21 Shemiah warns Rehoboam not to fight Israel after the split (2 Chronicles 11:2-4). 12.22 Azariah gives Asa the options of prosperity or failure, depending on his obedience (2 Chronicles 15:17). 12.23 Hanani condemns Asa's unbelief (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). N.B. King Asa imprisons Hanani for it. 12.24 Jahaziel assures Jehosophat a victory in battle (2 Chronicles 20:14-17).
15. What two causes were identified for the split of the nation of Israel?
Solomons Idoltory, rehoboams foolish decision (tax money)
Describe the three returns from exile--dates, people, and purpose for returning.
The Jews return to the land in three groups:3.1 Zerubbabel Returns from Exile: The Temple is Built (Ezra 1-6). 3.2 Ezra Returns from Exile: The People are Renewed (Ezra 7-10).
46. What does the nation do in response to Ezra? What does the shocking action of the nation say about Judah's priorities?
The shock makes the point: even the sanctity of marriage is not as important as the nation remaining separate from their Gentile neighbors—it is their only hope of survival and blessing.
What does the section 1 Kings 1-11 explain? What is the power of Israel during this period? David and Solomon
This section explains the initial deterioration of the nation after it reaches its greatest power. The nation expands to its greatest power with Solomon, yet because of his wandering, the nation begins to decline. It is predicted that the Northern tribes will be torn from Solomon and his family (1 Kings 11:11-13).
54. What three things are true at the close of Nehemiah?
Three things are true at the close of Nehemiah: 1. Exiles have returned from Babylon 2. Judah and Jerusalem are starting to get back on their feet 3. The people commit to keep the covenant
28. How does Jehoiada the priest serve Judah (2 Kings 11-12)? How is he rewarded in death?
When Athaliah seizes the throne and kills the crown princes, Jehoiada acts righteously. He puts Joash, the rightful king, on the throne (11:4-12), sees to Athaliah's execution (11:15-16), leads the people to make a covenant with God and Joash (11:17), cleanses the Temple (11:18), and puts Joash on the throne (11:19). N.B. Jehoiada is rewarded by being buried with the kings (2 Chronicles 24:15-16).
7. Why is the end of Solomon's life tragic? What are the consequences for him and the nation?
Yet the end of Solomon's life is tragic. Solomon wanders away from the Lord to idols (1 Kings 11:1-4). The consequences for him and the nation are far-reaching. The immediate result is adversity for Solomon and the nation: Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14-22), Rezon (11:23-25), and, most significantly, Jeroboam (11:26). 5.82 The long-term result is that most of the tribes will be taken from David's dynasty. Only Judah will remain (11:9-13, 29-36). 5.83 David's line of kings is inconsistent serving God and obeying Him, over the next 400 years. Some are great kings, and the kingdom prospers. Others are rebellious, and the kingdom suffers. Yet a son of David remains as king of Judah no matter what, because of the unconditional promise to David (1 Kings 15:1-4).
Why are the first exiles allowed to return to Judah? Why does Cyrus let them go? What prophets are influencing Cyrus?
Zerubbabel returns with 50,000 exiles (Ezra 2:64). 5.2 The return is instigated by Cyrus, king of Persia, who issues a decree for the temple to be rebuilt, providing the money (Ezra 1:1-4), and returning the temple materials taken by Nebuchadnezzar (Ezra 1:7-8). 5.3 Why did Cyrus do it? Why would he have any interest in Jerusalem? Most likely it is not the result of a vision or a dream because it is never mentioned in the text. It is probably the result of prophetic activity. 5.31 When Cyrus issues the decree, Daniel is still alive is still alive (Daniel 10:1), seeking the restoration of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:1-3), and he is aware of Jeremiah 25:11-12. 5.32 Cyrus might have read Isiahs predictions from Daniel or another exile with access to Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28 to 45:7). 5.33 Cyrus, moved by prophetic activity, acts to fulfill Isaiah's words.
13. Why are the prophets God's only reliable voice in this historical period?
prophets must obey god exactly or He removes them
39. In what sense is 1-2 Chronicles an "historical polemic?" Why does the author review Israel's history? How does he use David, Solomon, and the times of the kings of Judah to argue his message?
the Chronicler writes an historical polemic ( historical argument), urging the people to devote themselves to worshiping God at the Temple because it is their only hope of survival. 1.2 he author reviews Israels history from David through Judah being exiled to Babylon. The Chronicler uses this history as the reason to persuade the returned exiles to remain devoted to God and Temple worship. How? Three ways:
4. What two things have we learned from Esther at the close of the book?
the Jews even if unbelieving and disobedient, are protected by God God can be trusted to protect his people
2. What is the purpose of Esther? What is the foundational covenant for the book? Why?
to display God's faithful preservation on the Jews . The foundation for the book is the covenant with Abraham , where God promises to bless and to protect the Jews.
What is the purpose of 1-2 Kings?
to evaluate the rise and fall of israelbecause of the disobedience of the kings. The books could be appropriately titled "The Rise, Decline, and Fall of the Hebrew Monarchy."
50. What is the purpose of Nehemiah? What two events stand out in the book?
to explain the obedient response of the people to Gods faithful restoration to God's faithful restoration of Jerusalem. 1. Jerusalem walls are rebuilt under Gods protection (Nehemiah 1-6) 2. The people respond by rededicating themselves to keep the Mosaic covenant with God (Nehemiah 7-13)
38. What is the purpose of 1-2 Chronicles?
to persuade the return nation to worship God at the temple following the priests lead
What do we know about the author of 1-2 Kings? Who might it have been?
unknown, but probably one person because of the unity of writing style throughout the books.
What do we know about the author of 1-2 Chronicles?
unknown. Jewish tradition points to Ezra the Priest, but without any substantiation from the books themselves. As with 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings, the author does use several ancient sources to write the books.
55. What do we know about the author and date of Esther?
unnamed and, therefore, unknown. The author must have been familiar with Persian customs and probably was an eyewitness to the book's events: possibly Ezra or Nehemiah. span the years of 483-473 (cf. Esther 1:3; 3:7). This means that some exiles have already returned to Judah, between Ezra 6 and Ezra 7.
