THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL -A BRIEF STUDY

THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL

NAME:

This book is the continuation of the first book of Samuel, which accounts for the fact that it is called Samuel, though it does not relate to the priest and prophet by this name. The traditional view is that Samuel wrote the first 24 chapters of First Samuel, and the remaining part of that book and the records of the second book were written by the prophets Nathan and Gad.

THEME:

This Book records the events of David’s reign and it marks the restoration of order and prosperity in Israel through the enthroning of GOD’S anointed King, chosen as God had ordained from the royal tribe of Judah. Saul who had failed and had been rejected by God was of the tribe of Benjamin. In the choice of David, GOD set up the royal family, through whom the MESSIAH should be given to the world (7:8-17) Acts (13:22-23). The book is a record of notable achievement s by the great King; of sins by both King and people; of GOD’S judgement; of repentance, forgiveness, and restorations; of triumphant faith and righteousness. Among the important events was the establishment of Israel’s political center in Jerusalem and her religious center in Zion (5:6-12)

OUTLINE:

Historically, the book may be divided into four chief sections;

1) From the death of Saul to the anointing of David as King of Judah (1:1-1:27)

2) From the setting up of David’s Reign in Hebron to his establishment as King over Israel (2:1-5:25)

3) From the establishment of the capitol at Jerusalem to the rebellion of Absalom to the purchase of the temple site (15:1-24:25)

INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL

INTRODCUTION TO THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL

NAME:

In the Hebrew Canon the two books of Samuel appear as one, commonly known as, “The First Book of Kings”. The name Samuel is ascribed to the fact that the personal history, ministrations as judge, prophet, and priest, and the work of Samuel in the transition period in which a king was set up are related in the early part of this book. Samuel was the last of judges and the associate of his predecessor Eli over a period of years.

THEME:

The book records the failure of the priesthood under Eli and of the judges in Samuel’s attempt to make the office hereditary. In his prophecies, Samuel was both faithful and conspicuous, and this phase of his work took precedence over his priesthood; hence, he is the beginning of a long line of prophets in Israel who became the spokesmen of GOD. Notable in the respect was his establishment of the schools of the prophets. Most outstanding in the events of his career, however, was the founding of the monarchy under the reign of King Saul.

PROMINENT TRUTHS:

Prominent truths of the book cover the purpose of GOD in making Israel a theocratic nation, not to be altered even in the setting up of a monarchy; the sovereignty of GOD over Israel and other nations; and “righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”

OUTLINE:

Historically the book is a continuation of Judges and Ruth:

1) Story of Samuel to the death of Eli (1:1-4:22)

2) From the death of Eli to demand for a King (5:1-8:22)

3) The reign of Saul to the anointing of young David (9:1-15:35)

4) From the call of David to the death of Saul (16:1-31:13)

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF RUTH

THE BOOK OF RUTH

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF RUTH

NAME:

This lovely story takes its name from the young Moabitish Widow, Ruth, who became the wife of Boaz, ancestors of David and of Jesus. Ruth gave up her religion and became a proselyte to the Hebrew Faith. As a result, she is honoured by being mentioned in the genealogy of her Saviour (Matt 1:5)

PERIOD:

Historically, the book belongs within the early period of judges, and it fittingly describes the domestic and pastoral life of devout Israelites of that turbulent era.

THEME:

In the characters of this narrative, Naomi, Boaz, and Ruth, the beauties of Christian virtue and faith are delineated; and the power of true religion overcoming the most adverse circumstances in life is demonstrated. As a consequence of trust in Israel’s GOD and adherence to the principles of righteousness, a heathen woman, without childhood training and true religious environment, became glorious in character and renowned in history.

OUTLINE:

Ruth is regarded as a type of the Gentile Church of Christ, and her experiences are compared to that of a Christian under the analysis:

1) Ruth Deciding

2) Ruth Serving

3) Ruth Resting

4) Ruth rewarded.

BASIC STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JUDGES

NAME AND CHARACTER OF THE BOOK:

This second of the historical books of the Old Testament takes its name from the exploits of the thirteen men raised up by GOD to deliver Israel from the oppressions of alien peoples –oppressions brought upon them as punishment for their apostasies and idolatries. Through these men, GOD continued HIS personal government of the nation. The records of the Book, however, are fragmented without chronological order, and the work of some of these leaders may have been contemporaneous, at least in part.

CONDITION OF THE NATION:

Following the death of Joshua, Israel’s national life continued over a long period without being centrally organized, and the people were falling constantly into idolatry and suffering under the iron heel of heathen nations. The Book records seven apostasies, seven periods of servitude to seven nations, and seven deliverances. It also proves explanations and interpretations of these dealings of GOD with Israel and other signifigant events.

KEYWORDS:

“The children of Israel again did evil in the eyes of the LORD”; and “The LORD sold them into the hands of the oppressor”. KEY VERSE is “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (17:6) whereas the KEY WORD is “confusion”

PERIOD COVERED:

We are told in 1 Kings 6:1 that the tine from Exodus to the building of the Temple in the fourth year of Solomon was 480 years. On the other hand the period of 40 years in the wilderness, 40 years reign of Saul, 40 years for the reign of David, 24 years covering the life of Joshua after entering Canaan, and 4 years in Solomon’s reign. A total of 148 years. If 148 is subtracted from 480, we have 332 years as the period of Judges, including Samuel’s long term of service.

OUTLINE:

The book is divided into four sections:

1) The conquest to the Judges (1:1-3:6)

2) Judges and their work (3:7-16)

3) The idolatry of Micha (17-18)

4) The Crime of Gibeah (19-21)

DEUTERONOMY

DEUTERONOMY

NAME:

The title of this fifth book of the Pentateuch written by Moses from a Greek term which signifies a second or repeated Law. The book contains the final word of Moses, delivered most probably during the last seven days of his life. This message of Moses was given to Israel in view of the impending entrance to their covenanted possession, a possession for which the nation had striven through forty years of wilderness wanderings. Although the Decalogue is repeated, and other distinct phases of the Mosaic legislation found in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers are rearrested, these addresses of Moses consist of an application of the Law, with elucidations and additional instructions.

AUTHORSHIP:

Although modern criticisms maintain that Deuteronomy is of later origin than the previous four books, the unity of the Pentateuch is generally admitted. The fact is that Moses was its author is distinctly declared (31:19) and the NEW TESTAMENT expressly states that it is the work of Moses (Matt 19:7-8, Mark 10:2-9, Act 3:22, 7:37). The style is more emotional and oratorical than the other four books, and its tone is more spiritual and ethical; but this does not argue against the Mosaic authorship. These facts are due to the circumstances, occasion and purpose of the utterances recorded. The account of the death of Moses, of course, was added by another hand, but this doesn’t discredit the Mosaic authorship of the balance of the material.

OCCASION AND PURPOSE:

The crisis facing Israel in the occupation of idolatrous and corrupted Canaan was quite certainly the occasion of these addresses of Moses. Supreme emphasis upon the inflexible and exacting nature of GOD’S Law constituted the purpose. The key to the whole series of instruction is found in Chapter 28 to 30:9

OUTLINE:

Moses’ farewell message is usually divided on the basis of three addresses, but, topically, seven divisions are better

1) Summary of Israel’s history in the wilderness (1:1-3:29)

2) A restatement of the Law with exhortations and warnings (4:1-11:32)

3) Sundry Laws and instructions with warnings and predictions (12:1-27:26)

4) Significant prophecies summarizing the history of Israel to the Second Advent of CHRIST Embracing the notable covenant (28:1-30:20)

5) Farewell counsels to Priests, Levites, and Joshua (31)

6) The song of Moses and the pronouncements of blessings on the Twelve Tribes (32-33)

7) Death of Moses (34)

OPENING INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

OPENING INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

NUMBERS

NAME:

 Fourth Book of Pentateuch, written by Moses, takes its name from the enumeration of Israel at Sinai and at Moab.

RELATION TO FORMER BOOKS:

Historically, the book takes up the story of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the border of Canaan where they deflected at Kadesh Barnea and refused to enter the Land of Promise. It then continues with their wanderings in the wilderness for thirty-eight years under the judgement of GOD, until the entire nation twenty years of and older had died, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, and a new generation grew up and was developed. While the book is a history of more than thirty-eight years, comparatively little is recorded of those weary, disciplinary wanderings; the greater portion of the record deals with the happenings of the last year. It brings Israel to Kadesh-Barnea for the second time, thence to Moab east of the Jordan.

SUBJECT:

The central idea of the book is service; associated with this thought is that of walk, involved in journeying. The whole purpose of the enumerations is that of service in the wars ahead.

THE KEY PHRASE:

The key phrase “all that are able to go forth to war” appears fourteen times in the first chapters. In the incidents recorded, emphasis is placed upon the disciplinary judgement of GOD for Israel’s lack of faith and courage and for violations of HIS Laws. It was a period when Israel learned the lessons that were calculated to have a steadying influence upon the future of the nation. The Book is superlative in value in illustrations and types that refers to CHRIST and Christian experience, and is rich in Messianic material.

OUTLINE:
Numbers may be advantageously considered under five chief divisions:

i)                    Preparations for departure from Sinai (1:1-10:10)

ii)                   Journey from Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea  (10:11-19:22)

iii)                 The sojourn at Kadesh-Barnea (13:1-19:22)

iv)                 Wilderness Wanderings (20:1-33:49)

v)                  Closing Instructions  (33:50-36:13)

PRELUDE TO THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

PRELUDE TO THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

NAME:

The nature of this third Book of Pentateuch, written by Moses, is suggested by the name; it has to do with the Levites and the Priests. The Rabbis called it “The Law of Priests” and “The Law of Offerings”; it deals with the services of the sanctuary as administered by the Levites.

CONNECTION WITH THE FORMER:

Leviticus is really a continuation of the Book of Exodus, containing the Sinitic legislation from the time of the completion of the Tabernacle; it elaborates and unfolds what had been writing in the preceding book. Based on the promise of redemption and its unfolding revelations found in Genesis, and on the Divine process of redemption given in the Book of Exodus, Leviticus gives the details for the accomplishment of these Spiritual attainments. Here, is expounded the place of sacrifice as an atonement for sin and GOD’S acceptance of a sacrifice, a type of the sacrifice of CHRIST instead of the death of the sinner.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of Leviticus is five-fold:

i)                    To show that GOD is HOLY, and man is sinful.

ii)                   To show how GOD maintains HIS Holiness and exposes the sinfulness of man

iii)                 To show how sinful man may have access to a HOLY GOD

iv)                 To provide a manual of Law

v)                  Worship for Israel; and to transform Israel into a Holy Nation.

KEYWORD:

The keyword in Leviticus is “Holiness”, which occurs 87 times in the book. In contrast with GOD’S Holiness and HIS required holiness of HIS people, words for sin and uncleanliness in various forms appear 194 ties, showing the need of atonement and cleansing. “Blood Offerings” as the basis for atonement and means of cleansing is referred to 89 times.

CENTRAL TRUTH:

Two notable passages emphasize the CENTRAL TRUTH of this Book, namely:

“so that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean. 10:10”

“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. 19:2”

OUTLINE:

In the main, Leviticus may be outlined by five divisions:

1)      The Law of Sacrifices (1:1-6:7)

2)      The Law of Priests (6:8-10:20)

3)      The Law of Purity (11-22)

4)      The Law of JEHOVAH’S Feasts (23)

5)      Special Laws, Instructions and Warnings (24-27)