SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH THE OLD TESTAMENT
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH THE OLD TESTAMENT March: Focus on the Prophets April: Focus on Books of Poetry May: Focus on Miriam, Queen of Sheba, Ruth, Esther As we begin our third Month of the year, we are now shifting from a study of Black Presence in the Bible and Church Tradition to a more traditional view of The Old Testament. We will not be able to do justice to our study of the Old Testament in just three months. The English version of the Old Testament is not the same as the Hebrew Bible. Our translation arrives from the second century Greek translation known as the Septuagint. The Hebrew Bible is divided into three parts; the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Traditionally, the English Bible is divided into three parts; the Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets and Minor Prophets. Our goal for March is to delve into both the Major and Minor Prophets. In April we will focus on Books of Poetry which includes- Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Songs of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. Finally, during Women’s Month- we will have guest teachers each week to focus on various aspects of the Old Testament as it relates to women. My “old” Old Testament text on the prophets is Gerhard von Rad’s Old Testament Theology. It was certainly one of the premiere books on the Old Testament…many years ago. von Rad’s time frame for the prophets is divided as pre-classical and classical periods. The pre-classical prophets are Elijah and Elisha. All the prophets the English Bible described as Major and Minor, are listed during the Classical Period of the Hebrews. Our focus is on what the Jewish tradition calls the Classical Prophets. These were counted in four books- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Book of the Twelve. While the prophetic tradition goes as far back as Moses, the words were eventually written in scrolls bearing the names of the prophets in the middle of the eighth century (760 BC) all the way to the fifth century (460 BC). These prophets play a crucial role in the unwinding story of Israel. They are deeply connected to both the Law (Torah) and the Kings. The role of the prophet includes two specific assignments: 1) Call God’s people back to their covenant roots, 2) Announce the curses and blessings assigned to being disobedient or obedient to the covenant. Exilic prophets were also given the responsibility to help the people through their loss of 1) Divine presence, and 2) The Promised Land. The role of the prophet is to call the people back into relationship with God. God does not belong to the people, the people belong to God. There is deep concern that Israel must reflect God’s character by walking in his ways, keeping covenant with him. To understand the classical prophets, it is important to also grasp essential information regarding the environment in which they lived. There was significant political, social, economic and military upheaval taking place. There was an almost routine shift in the balance of power occurring among nations. Israel was greatly influenced by other nations. By the time the classical prophets arrive, the Hebrews have already divided into two nations (the northern and southern kingdoms; Israel and Judah). The majority of the prophets address issues taking place in the southern kingdom of Judah. To read the prophets is to also have fundamental knowledge of 1&2 Kings and 1&2 Chronicles as historical “backdrops” to their messages. There is a fine line between the prophets speaking about the “near” future when God will restore the people and nation, and the “ultimate” future that will unfold at the coming of the Messiah. The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
For the month of March we will look at the prophets Isaiah (March 2), Jeremiah (March 9), Ezekiel (March 16), Daniel (March 23) and the “minor prophets (March 30). In doing so, we will cover review the following;
Background of the prophet Content of the prophet’s message Date of prophetic activity General Overview
As we study from the Old Testament, I pray that we will discover insights and biblical truths that we will be able to utilize in our contemporary setting. It is important to remember that Israel/Judah’s emerging development as a nation, was filled with intrigue regarding community, human relationships, faith in God, politics (local and national) and social structures. What was the responsibility of the prophets? In an ever changing landscape, when rulers came and went, when the nation was secure one moment and tenuous and insecure in the next moment, what role did the prophet play in sharing the Word of God with the people? Conversely, in our ever changing landscape of this 21st century, when there is so much uncertainty about our nation, so much disunity in our government, and so much fragmentation among people, what role do modern day preachers play in sharing the Word of God? One way of looking at the time frame in which the prophets shared their messages, is to “questions” the prophets and people may have been asking themselves. These following questions are taken from the text Deuteronomic History, by Terence E. Fretheim. Question of identity: Are we still the people of God, or has God abandoned us? Question of guilt: What went wrong? Is the blame to be placed upon us? Is it possible to be forgiven? Question of theodicy: Has God been fair to us? Does the punishment fit the crime? Were God’s actions justified? Questions of hope: Is there any basis for hope, or are we condemned to a life of despair? Question of divine faithfulness: Will God remain true to the ancient promises? Do God’s promises remain true? Question of divine presence: With the destruction of the temple, is God present with the people? Question of divine power: With our defeat at the hands of other nations, how do we define the power of Yahweh? Can/will God deliver us? Question of idolatry/syncretism: Has it paid to worship one God? Should we do as others and worship multiple gods? The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Question of purity: What should our relationship with other people be like? Should we become separatists? Question of continuity and change: How can we count on old truths? Will symbols of our faith remain part of what it means to be the people of God? Question of beginning again: What should be the shape of the community, when/if it emerges from exile? How can we avoid this happening again? Question of leadership: What is appropriate for our present and future leadership? The word of God is always spoken to a particular situation. We are able to gain incredible insight in reviewing it and comparing it to similar situations today. Joshua 1:1ff teaches, “God will not leave you or forsake you; he will not fail you.” These same words speak to whatever you may be going through today. The promise is the same. However, one must begin with the biblical account before applying the text to current issues and life situations. The Book of Isaiah Isaiah proclaimed his message to Judah and Jerusalem between 742 and 687 BC. During this period, the northern kingdom (Israel) was annexed to Assyria. It appears that Isaiah was a priest working in the temple before becoming a prophet. Chapters 1-39 are assigned to the time of the prophet. These chapters were written during the time of Cyrus of Persia. Isaiah 1 (chs. 1-39) can be divided in the following sections; 1. Isaiah’s Memoirs- 1.1-12.6 2. Oracles Against Domestic Enemies- 13.1-23.18 3. Isaiah Apocalypse- (24.1-27.13 4. Oracles Related to Judah’s intrigue with Egypt- 28.1-32.20 5. Post Exilic Eschatological (end of the world) Oracles- 33.1-35.10 6. Historical Appendix- 36.1-39.8 Isaiah attacks social injustice as the primary reason Yahweh is unhappy with Judah. He pleads with his hearers to place their confidence in the power of God. He reminds them they are to live public and private lives that are pleasing to God. The recurrent themes focus on justice and righteousness, assurance of divine blessings upon the faithful and punishment upon the faithless. In Isaiah we find a moving, sweeping vision of the assurance of hope of God’s people in a world that is governed by God’s hands. Our current Christian church receives the word of Isaiah through focus on the Suffering Servant and the proclamation from 60.1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come.” The breakdown of Isaiah 1.1 to 39.8: 1.” The have rebelled against me “ The beginning of Isaiah’s first vision A. Superscription- 1.1 The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
B. A book of oracles (1.2-2.5) 1. Israel’s ingratitude 1.2-3 2. Dire straits of Zion 1.4-9 3. God’s primary concern 1.10-17 4. The alternative: repent, or be destroyed 1.18-20 5. Lament over Jerusalem 1.21-23 6. The Lord’s judgment 1.24-26 7. An addendum 1.27-31 8. Turning of the peoples to Zion’s God 2.1-5 C. The day of the Lord (2.6-22) D. The doom of rulers (3.1-15) E. The proud women of Israel (3.16-4.1) F. Zion purged by judgment (4.2-6) G. A song of the Lord’s vineyard (5.1-7) H. Those who neither fear God nor regard man (5.8-24a) 11. “Bind up the testimony” (6.1-8.18) 111. “His anger is not turned away” (8.19-10.4) IV. “Be not afraid of the Assyrian” (10.5-12.6) V. “The uproar of many peoples” (13.1-23.18) VI. “Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust” 24.1-27.13) VII. “Be not scoffers lest your bonds be made strong” (28.1-32.20) VIII. “The recompense of God” (33.1-35.10) IX. “Isaiah and Hezekiah narrative” (36.1-39.8) 742-734 Isaiah begins his ministry in the year 742. It is the first year Assyria has placed Israel under siege, after the northern kingdom had experienced relative calm. This action by Assyria “paints” the early oracles of Isaiah that describe oncoming doom. This is an external pronouncement6.11-13. There are also internal pronouncements related to Jerusalem and Judah’s religious disloyalty, social injustice, depravity of the upper class- Chapters 1-5. 734-714 This is considered to be the most intense period of Isaiah’s ministry. This comes after King Ahaz refuses to consider Isaiah’s word and concedes to the Assyrian King for help against a coalition of Syro-Ephraimites. Isaiah ceases prophesying until Ahaz dies. Hezekiah takes the throne in 715. 715-705 A new day emerges with the death of Ahaz. Isaiah begins to prophesy. During this time of his ministry, he focuses on religious ceremonies (probably connected to the accession and coronation of the new king). His prophecies would continue until Judah is invaded in 701. Just before the invasion, Hezekiah reaches out to Egypt for assist and is resoundingly denounced by Isaiah for doing so. The plan faltered and he watched all 46 of his fortified cities fall at the hands of Sennacherib, King of Assyria. Chapters 40-66 belong to Deutero-Isaiah or Second Isaiah. There is also a Third Isaiah encompassing chapters 56-66. These texts are written during a different time as chapters 1-39. The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Chapters 40-55 are noted for their unmatched poetic and literary genius. The people are in Babylonian exile. The poetry is so beautiful and powerful, until its elevated and heightened theology is said thought to have taken place over an extended period. The social climate is in the middle of the sixth century, placing it at the close of the Babylonian period. Israel is no longer a kingdom and Judah is abandoned, its inhabitants exiled. One biblical historian, Berhard Duhm has divided Second Isaiah into Four Servant Songs: 1) 2) 3) 4)
42.1-4 49.1-6 50.4-9 52.13-53.12
Duhm wrote that other material in chapters 40-55 were inserted into the poems by later writers. Third Isaiah (Chapters 56-66) possesses much of the same artistic beauty as Second Isaiah. The Jewish community is resettled in Jerusalem after the exile. There are detail troubles and problems related to the restoration of the city and reconstruction of the temple. What we can take away from our study of Isaiah? We have learned at least five important lessons: 1) God calls and people respond 2) God provides a message through those he calls 3) The message never changes “God remains true to his covenant while the faithful are blessed and the unfaithful are punished” 4) Change is inevitable 5) The best is yet to come The Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah began his ministry in 627 BC and it ended after 580 in Egypt. He came from a priestly lineage from the village of Anathoth, a few miles south of Jerusalem. He received his call in the 13th year of King Josiah. But most of his active years came under Josiah’s sons, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Josiah reigned in a mostly peaceful time. However he was killed in battle as his troops fought the Egyptians under Pharaoh Neco. The stage was set for tremendous struggles between Babylon and Egypt. This would be the time Jeremiah prophesied. The kings of Judah that followed, attempted to placate either the Egyptians or the Babylonians, depending on which nation appeared to possess an advantage over the other. In 598, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah and Jerusalem and citizens in the city were taken into exile. In 568, another attack caused the total destruction of the city. Soon after, Jeremiah and Baruch escaped into Egypt. Oracles of Judgment against Judah and Jerusalem Chapters 1-25 contain the major portion of Jeremiah’s prophecy. It also represents most of the scroll that was burned by Jehoiakim and rewritten with the help of Baruch. The beginning oracles highlight the coming judgment and the reasons for it (unfaithfulness to Yahweh, The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
syncretism and idolatry). At the same time, the prophet offers appeals to Yahweh for forgiveness if the people repent of their ways. God’s Word offers hope but is rejected Chapters 26-36 includes appeals made by Jeremiah through sermons and pronouncements. However, they are rejected by the kings, courts and people. Jeremiah is arrested and placed on trial for sedition. Jeremiah’s actions and words are recorded as he prophesies against Judah’s kings and other prophets, declaring that Babylon will indeed come down and destroy the southern kingdom and the holy city. Jeremiah’s prophecy includes the vision of a restored Israel and a new covenant (Chapter 31). But that will only come after the people have been chastened by God. This section ends with King Jehoiakim burning sections of the scroll of Jeremiah as it is read to him. The Fall of Jerusalem and its Aftermath Chapters 37-45 begins with Jeremiah’s imprisonment. He was beaten by princes and placed in dungeon cells. Zedekiah places his confidence in Egypt, and produces anti-Babylonia policies. Jeremiah was later placed in the “court of guard” still under arrest. He was rescued by Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian. Jerusalem is attacked, the king is captured and is forced to watch his sons killed, before his own eyes were put out. The people are in a perilous position. Everywhere, there is the threat of more destruction and death. To remain in Judah and Jerusalem is to risk the further wrath of Babylon. To escape and go to Egypt would mean abandoning their own homes and kingdom. They go to the prophet and ask for his advice. He tells them to remain. They don’t accept his words as prophetic and instead, they go to Egypt. They take Jeremiah and Baruch with them, hoping this will help them avoid the catastrophe spoken of by the prophet. Oracles Against the Nations Chapters 46-51 outline the final oracles spoken by Jeremiah while he is in Egypt. Often called “the prophet of doom”, these last chapters outline Jeremiah’s final visions. He begins with an oracle against Egypt and accuses it of being a false hope for Judah (those who elected to escape to Egypt, after the attack from Babylon). He then takes on Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Hazor and Elam. All of them are condemned for their pride and the ill-treatment they gave Israel. The final judgment is against Babylon. Just as Jeremiah prophesied that God would use Babylon as an instrument for Judah’s downfall, he now shares that Babylon will be destroyed. God is now viewed as Divine Warrior as the prophet contends that Babylon will be destroyed even more than Judah. This picture is lifted up in John’s vision found in Revelation 18. In Jeremiah, we see that the people of God are accountable for their actions and attitudes. Isaiah expressed concern about the people’s unfaithfulness to God and their mistreatment of the most vulnerable in society. Jeremiah expresses outrage at the people’s unfaithfulness to God, their idolatry and their syncretism. While Jeremiah is remembered as the prophet who spoke curses upon the people, it is important to note that the book is also filled with hope. He speaks to a new day, a new covenant relationship with God and a new Jerusalem. For Christians, this prophecy comes to fruition through Jesus and the New Testament.
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Important scriptures in JeremiahThe Divine Commission 1.5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. The Lord speaks and Jeremiah responds. God is “over and against” Jeremiah. Theologically, this is called a divine-human encounter. The central point for Jeremiah lies in the word of the Lord which came to me saying. “In His Word, God does not deliver to me a course of lectures in dogmatic theology. He does not submit to me or interpret for me the content of a confession of faith, but He makes Himself accessible to me…An exchange takes place here which is wholly without analogy in the sphere of thinking. The sole analogy is in the encounter between human beings, the meeting of person with person.” Emil Brunner. Oracles against Idolatry 6.10 To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed, they cannot listen; behold, the world of the Lord is to them an object of scorn, they take no pleasure in it. The people are so far gone in fulfilling their own wills/desires, until they could not heed the word of God, even if it were spoken. In our complicity with evil, we turn from the word of God, but at the same time we will “piously” seek him where he cannot be found. Yahweh rejects his people 14.11 The Lord said to me: Do not pray for the welfare of this people.” This is a very tough word. The people reject the prophet 26.7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him and said, You shall die! The consequences of doing God’s will when it goes against public opinion. Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles 29.11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. The prophet of doom also pronounces a future of hope. The words of Jeremiah speak to every generation and people of God. We are called to worship and praise God. Our lifestyle, our relationships, how we treat one another, must be consistent with our understanding of God’s Word and direction for our lives. When we are obedient to God’s word, we are blessed by God. When our lifestyle is not consistent with God’s will for our lives, we are not blessed. We suffer the consequences of detachment from God. The consequences can be withering, but they are not the final equation. In the midst of our suffering, God gives us a vision of a day when our circumstances will be changed and we shall revel in the glory of divine presence, and bask in the elements of perpetual praise and blessings.
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
The Book of Ezekiel Ezekiel was carried away into Babylonian exile in the first captivity, 597 B.C. The name means, “God will strengthen him.” He is acknowledged as a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha’i Faith. He served as a religious “counselor” to the exiles who were allowed to live in a colony by themselves, near the banks of the Kebar River. He is the son of Buzzi and born into priesthood. He was married and his wife died young (when he was 34). He describes his calling as an encounter with God and four living creatures. Many have called Ezekiel “the father of Judaism.” His influence on the future development of Israel’s religion was, for centuries, greater than the other prophets. His understanding of God and God’s holiness was different from the other prophets. He believed holiness was present in both things and people. He was specific in his addressing differences between holy and secular, clean and unclean. There is specific mention regarding regular (daily) issues such as dietary laws, payment of tithes and maintaining the Sabbath. Focus on ritual within routine helped create a focus on nationalism. This would eventually lead to increased disagreement between Jews and Gentiles. Much of this information is found in Leviticus, Chapters 17-26 known as the Holiness Code. Part One- Ezekiel’s Preparation and Commission 1.1-3.9 Chapters 1-3 God commissions Ezekiel to prophesy and he immediately receives visions. His message is one of confrontation to God’s nation for the sins they have, and are, committing. “I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.” 2.3 Ezekiel speaks about the spirit, “And the spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and stood me up so I might hear him speak.” 2.2 Part Two- The Prophet’s Commission as a Watchman 3.10-21 3.17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear the words of my mouth and give warning to them.” Part Three- Ezekiel’s Second Vision of the Glory, and the result in Service 3.22-7.27 3.24 The then spirit entered into me…” 4.1ff These verses depict specific symbolic actions of Ezekiel, as he obeys God’s commands. The acts symbolize the past wickedness of Israel and God’s punishment against them because of the wickedness. Part Four- Jehovah Justified in Sending His People into Captivity 8.1-33.20 These visions focus upon the former wickedness of the nation, disrespect and disregard of the temple. Ezekiel seeks to share with the new generation born in Assyria and Babylon, the sins and errors of the previous generation. This is to prevent them from doing the same. Israel sinned so God sent them into captivity. The sins are generally viewed as nationalistic- idolatry and apostasy as a nation. In between these visions, are also assurances and promises of restoration and blessing that will occur in the future.
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Chapter 8 offers four visions where idolatry is allowed in the temple, it is allowed in the holy of holies, women institute sexual cults and nature-worship is allowed. The following visions are powerful images of God’s wrath that allows slaying in Jerusalem, fire in the city, wrath against the princes, and perhaps most importantly, a departure of the glory from the Holy City 11.22-25. He goes on to share visions of retribution against lying prophets (13), elders (14) where it is clear that there is no way Jerusalem will be spared. The last section offers a number of parables and prophecies against neighboring nations, of the Ammonites, Moabites, Tyre, Zidon, Egypt and Babylon. Chapters 18 and 33, offers ethical instructions for those who are living in exile. They are to keep their covenant with God and obey the laws. Part V- The Future Kingdom of the Son of David 33.21-36.38 This section is filled with visions regarding the restoration of the kingdom and specifically, the restoration of David’s throne. After the seventy-year exile, the prophet envisions posterity. The people will be restored. The land will be restored. And God will carry out judgment against Israel’s enemies. Much of this would come to pass (albeit under Gentile rule) until the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Part VI- Restoration of Israel; The Davidic Kingdom; Judgment upon the Nations 37.1-39.29 One of the most powerful images in the bible is found in Chapter 37, “The vision of the valley of dry bones.” The prophet has just announced the restoration of the nation. Now God gives Ezekiel a vision of just how dramatic the restoration will be. The bones are the whole House of Israel. The graves are the nations where they dwell. 1) The people will come out, 2) The people will go in, 3) The people will be converted, 4) the people will be filled with the Holy Spirit. By the end of the chapter, a potentially new relationship and purpose for Israel, is established by the prophet. Other nations will know that God has sanctified Israel. Part VII- Israel in the Land During the Kingdom Age 40.1-48.35 God gives Ezekiel a glimpse of a new temple and a new future. In the 25th year of exile, this vision begins to unfold, with great specificity. The description of the temple includes 40.1-43.18. 44.4 is an indication that the glory that was once in Jerusalem, has now been restored in the temple. The prophet comes to closure by describing how the land is to be divided and how worship will ensue with “prince and people” (46). The new temple and new city will be the fulfillment of God’s will and shall be called, “The Lord is there.” Daniel & the Minor Prophets The book of Daniel was written by a pious Jew living under the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes. He tells stories to his suffering fellow-believers that are set in the days of Babylon, before and after the Persian conquest. The stories illustrate how faithful Jews, loyally practicing their faith, were able to triumph over their enemies by the power of Yahweh. Then he offers four visions that interpret history and predicts the coming consummation when the saints will have The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
ultimate victory. The book depicts Daniel as one of the early exiles to Babylon, selected to serve as provincial administrator in Babylon and later, the Persian court. There are two dates given for the writing of Daniel. The traditional date is around 520 BC, which would have put the author in the period of the exile, about which the book is written. Later biblical scholars contend the book was actually written around 165 BC and was used as a metaphorical tool, describing Babylon but actually related to Seleucid Empire and its persecution of the Jews of Judea and Samaria. Daniel emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all nations and their rulers. He also focuses on God’s special care of those Jews who were in exile, offering a promise of complete restoration. In the “end” God will achieve a final victory over human evil. The book has two parts; chapters 1-6 and chapters 7-12. The first half contains stories about Daniel and three friends who remain totally loyal to Yahweh, while at the same time, rising to positions of prominence in the Babylonian administration. There are four specific areas highlighted: 1) 2) 3) 4)
The four Hebrews’ loyalty to God God’s miraculous deliverance of them The Gentile kings’ acknowledge the greatness of Israel’s God Daniel is the God-gifted interpreter of dreams. The dreams all emphasize God’s sovereignty over all things, including the king who destroyed Jerusalem.
Part two is a series of apocalyptic visions about the rise and fall of succeeding empires. In each case the empires are governed by a tyrannical ruler. Most scholars believe the rulers all depict Antiochus. His desolation of Jerusalem was so great and the sacrilege of the temple was so complete, until he was viewed as the first in a series of antichrists in Jewish and Christian literature. In the Hebrew Bible, Daniel is not listed with the prophets, but instead of placed in the writings. Unlike the other prophetic books which offers oracles from God, delivered through the prophet, Daniel is comprised of stories about the prophet and the Hebrew friends (at least chapters 1-6). The term apocalyptic is important to consider when studying Daniel. The book was written during a time of significant oppression. As a result, the visions and dreams, the images shared, all use fantasy as a way of describing or symbolizing reality. Chapters 2 and 7 contain similar visions of future kingdoms that end with God’s final, eternal kingdom. Chapters 3 and 6 are stories of miraculous deliverance, where opposition has been directed against God. Chapters 4 and 5 are stories about the demise of two Babylonian kings who acknowledge the greatness of Israel’s God. Chapters 1 through 6 describes the period within the Babylonian court from Nebuchadnezzar t the first of the Persian rulers of Babylon. Chapters 7 through 12 picks up with the Persian Empire, followed by the short reign of Alexander (333-323). This section also focuses on the contest between the Selecuids (Greeks) and Ptolemies (Egypt). This is of great interest to the author who has great concern about Antiochus, who seeks to destroy Jewish culture/faith by forcing the people towards Hellenism (Greek culture and tradition). Unable to seize Egypt, the story goes that he was so outraged at his loss, until he returned home by stopping at Jerusalem The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
and pouring his fury out upon the Jews. He erected a stature of Zeus in the center of the Temple. This so outraged the Jews until the famous Maccabean revolt occurred. The end of the book tells of the final overthrow of Antiochus and the coming Messiah who introduces the Kingdom of God. Christians believe this to be Jesus and the birth of the church. Chapter One- Outlines Daniel and Friends in the King’s Court. These men outshine all the other provincials because of their loyalty to the covenant (especially as it relates to food laws). Chapter Two- Outlines the King’s dream that is interpreted by Daniel. This section presents the Daniel that is to come in the latter chapters as it relates to dreams and visions. Chapter Three- The Hebrews are saved from the fiery furnace. Here there is a great need to totally reject idolatry. Antiochus is the first western ruler known to have his image placed on coins as a god. This story shows that even the greatest king on earth cannot compare to the power of Yahweh. Chapter Four- Depicts the anger of the king. Here Nebuchadnezzar concedes that God’s kingdom is forever. The arrogant king is humbled by God. Chapter Five- Belshazzar has a feast and the demise of Babylon is portrayed. The empire ends because the king refused to honor the true God. The king defies God by using sacred utensils from the Temple. David interprets the handwriting on the wall. Chapter Six- Daniel in the lion’s den. Here, the shift of power has moved from Babylon to Persia. Daniel knows the decree and the consequences of disobedience. However he chooses to continue to pray to his God. He is delivered by God and Darius (the Persian King) pays homage to “the living God.” This is a remarkably similar story to how the Babylonian King was subjected to pay homage to Yahweh in chapter four. The final chapters deal with Daniel’s visions; Chapter 7- The beasts from the sea. Chapter 8- The ram and the goat. (Medes and Persians) Chapter 9- Interpretation of Jeremiah’s prophecy. The majority of this chapter is Daniel’s prayer that explains why Israel deserves to be in exile because of their covenant unfaithfulness. Chapter 10-12.4- The angel’s revelation of the future. All the previous visions point to this one where Daniel encounters the angel. The two kingdoms are struggling over “the beautiful land.” 12:5-13- The book ends with the questions, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” “What will the outcome of all this be?”
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
March 30, 2016
For the month of March we will look at the prophets Isaiah (March 2), Jeremiah (March 9), Ezekiel (March 16), Daniel (March 23) and the “minor prophets (March 30). In doing so, we will cover review the following;
Background of the prophet Content of the prophet’s message Date of prophetic activity General Overview
As we study from the Old Testament, I pray that we will discover insights and biblical truths that we will be able to utilize in our contemporary setting. It is important to remember that Israel/Judah’s emerging development as a nation, was filled with intrigue regarding community, human relationships, faith in God, politics (local and national) and social structures. What was the responsibility of the prophets? In an ever changing landscape, when rulers came and went, when the nation was secure one moment and tenuous and insecure in the next moment, what role did the prophet play in sharing the Word of God with the people? Conversely, in our ever changing landscape of this 21st century, when there is so much uncertainty about our nation, so much disunity in our government, and so much fragmentation among people, what role do modern day preachers play in sharing the Word of God? One way of looking at the time frame in which the prophets shared their messages, is to “questions” the prophets and people may have been asking themselves. These following questions are taken from the text Deuteronomic History, by Terence E. Fretheim. Question of identity: Are we still the people of God, or has God abandoned us? Question of guilt: What went wrong? Is the blame to be placed upon us? Is it possible to be forgiven? Question of theodicy: Has God been fair to us? Does the punishment fit the crime? Were God’s actions justified? Questions of hope: Is there any basis for hope, or are we condemned to a life of despair? Question of divine faithfulness: Will God remain true to the ancient promises? Do God’s promises remain true? Question of divine presence: With the destruction of the temple, is God present with the people? Question of divine power: With our defeat at the hands of other nations, how do we define the power of Yahweh? Can/will God deliver us? Question of idolatry/syncretism: Has it paid to worship one God? Should we do as others and worship multiple gods? The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Question of purity: What should our relationship with other people be like? Should we become separatists? Question of continuity and change: How can we count on old truths? Will symbols of our faith remain part of what it means to be the people of God? Question of beginning again: What should be the shape of the community, when/if it emerges from exile? How can we avoid this happening again? Question of leadership: What is appropriate for our present and future leadership? The word of God is always spoken to a particular situation. We are able to gain incredible insight in reviewing it and comparing it to similar situations today. Joshua 1:1ff teaches, “God will not leave you or forsake you; he will not fail you.” These same words speak to whatever you may be going through today. The promise is the same. However, one must begin with the biblical account before applying the text to current issues and life situations. The Book of Isaiah Isaiah proclaimed his message to Judah and Jerusalem between 742 and 687 BC. During this period, the northern kingdom (Israel) was annexed to Assyria. It appears that Isaiah was a priest working in the temple before becoming a prophet. Chapters 1-39 are assigned to the time of the prophet. These chapters were written during the time of Cyrus of Persia. Isaiah 1 (chs. 1-39) can be divided in the following sections; 1. Isaiah’s Memoirs- 1.1-12.6 2. Oracles Against Domestic Enemies- 13.1-23.18 3. Isaiah Apocalypse- (24.1-27.13 4. Oracles Related to Judah’s intrigue with Egypt- 28.1-32.20 5. Post Exilic Eschatological (end of the world) Oracles- 33.1-35.10 6. Historical Appendix- 36.1-39.8 Isaiah attacks social injustice as the primary reason Yahweh is unhappy with Judah. He pleads with his hearers to place their confidence in the power of God. He reminds them they are to live public and private lives that are pleasing to God. The recurrent themes focus on justice and righteousness, assurance of divine blessings upon the faithful and punishment upon the faithless. In Isaiah we find a moving, sweeping vision of the assurance of hope of God’s people in a world that is governed by God’s hands. Our current Christian church receives the word of Isaiah through focus on the Suffering Servant and the proclamation from 60.1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come.” The breakdown of Isaiah 1.1 to 39.8: 1.” The have rebelled against me “ The beginning of Isaiah’s first vision A. Superscription- 1.1 The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
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B. A book of oracles (1.2-2.5) 1. Israel’s ingratitude 1.2-3 2. Dire straits of Zion 1.4-9 3. God’s primary concern 1.10-17 4. The alternative: repent, or be destroyed 1.18-20 5. Lament over Jerusalem 1.21-23 6. The Lord’s judgment 1.24-26 7. An addendum 1.27-31 8. Turning of the peoples to Zion’s God 2.1-5 C. The day of the Lord (2.6-22) D. The doom of rulers (3.1-15) E. The proud women of Israel (3.16-4.1) F. Zion purged by judgment (4.2-6) G. A song of the Lord’s vineyard (5.1-7) H. Those who neither fear God nor regard man (5.8-24a) 11. “Bind up the testimony” (6.1-8.18) 111. “His anger is not turned away” (8.19-10.4) IV. “Be not afraid of the Assyrian” (10.5-12.6) V. “The uproar of many peoples” (13.1-23.18) VI. “Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust” 24.1-27.13) VII. “Be not scoffers lest your bonds be made strong” (28.1-32.20) VIII. “The recompense of God” (33.1-35.10) IX. “Isaiah and Hezekiah narrative” (36.1-39.8) 742-734 Isaiah begins his ministry in the year 742. It is the first year Assyria has placed Israel under siege, after the northern kingdom had experienced relative calm. This action by Assyria “paints” the early oracles of Isaiah that describe oncoming doom. This is an external pronouncement6.11-13. There are also internal pronouncements related to Jerusalem and Judah’s religious disloyalty, social injustice, depravity of the upper class- Chapters 1-5. 734-714 This is considered to be the most intense period of Isaiah’s ministry. This comes after King Ahaz refuses to consider Isaiah’s word and concedes to the Assyrian King for help against a coalition of Syro-Ephraimites. Isaiah ceases prophesying until Ahaz dies. Hezekiah takes the throne in 715. 715-705 A new day emerges with the death of Ahaz. Isaiah begins to prophesy. During this time of his ministry, he focuses on religious ceremonies (probably connected to the accession and coronation of the new king). His prophecies would continue until Judah is invaded in 701. Just before the invasion, Hezekiah reaches out to Egypt for assist and is resoundingly denounced by Isaiah for doing so. The plan faltered and he watched all 46 of his fortified cities fall at the hands of Sennacherib, King of Assyria. Chapters 40-66 belong to Deutero-Isaiah or Second Isaiah. There is also a Third Isaiah encompassing chapters 56-66. These texts are written during a different time as chapters 1-39. The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Chapters 40-55 are noted for their unmatched poetic and literary genius. The people are in Babylonian exile. The poetry is so beautiful and powerful, until its elevated and heightened theology is said thought to have taken place over an extended period. The social climate is in the middle of the sixth century, placing it at the close of the Babylonian period. Israel is no longer a kingdom and Judah is abandoned, its inhabitants exiled. One biblical historian, Berhard Duhm has divided Second Isaiah into Four Servant Songs: 1) 2) 3) 4)
42.1-4 49.1-6 50.4-9 52.13-53.12
Duhm wrote that other material in chapters 40-55 were inserted into the poems by later writers. Third Isaiah (Chapters 56-66) possesses much of the same artistic beauty as Second Isaiah. The Jewish community is resettled in Jerusalem after the exile. There are detail troubles and problems related to the restoration of the city and reconstruction of the temple. What we can take away from our study of Isaiah? We have learned at least five important lessons: 1) God calls and people respond 2) God provides a message through those he calls 3) The message never changes “God remains true to his covenant while the faithful are blessed and the unfaithful are punished” 4) Change is inevitable 5) The best is yet to come The Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah began his ministry in 627 BC and it ended after 580 in Egypt. He came from a priestly lineage from the village of Anathoth, a few miles south of Jerusalem. He received his call in the 13th year of King Josiah. But most of his active years came under Josiah’s sons, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Josiah reigned in a mostly peaceful time. However he was killed in battle as his troops fought the Egyptians under Pharaoh Neco. The stage was set for tremendous struggles between Babylon and Egypt. This would be the time Jeremiah prophesied. The kings of Judah that followed, attempted to placate either the Egyptians or the Babylonians, depending on which nation appeared to possess an advantage over the other. In 598, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah and Jerusalem and citizens in the city were taken into exile. In 568, another attack caused the total destruction of the city. Soon after, Jeremiah and Baruch escaped into Egypt. Oracles of Judgment against Judah and Jerusalem Chapters 1-25 contain the major portion of Jeremiah’s prophecy. It also represents most of the scroll that was burned by Jehoiakim and rewritten with the help of Baruch. The beginning oracles highlight the coming judgment and the reasons for it (unfaithfulness to Yahweh, The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
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syncretism and idolatry). At the same time, the prophet offers appeals to Yahweh for forgiveness if the people repent of their ways. God’s Word offers hope but is rejected Chapters 26-36 includes appeals made by Jeremiah through sermons and pronouncements. However, they are rejected by the kings, courts and people. Jeremiah is arrested and placed on trial for sedition. Jeremiah’s actions and words are recorded as he prophesies against Judah’s kings and other prophets, declaring that Babylon will indeed come down and destroy the southern kingdom and the holy city. Jeremiah’s prophecy includes the vision of a restored Israel and a new covenant (Chapter 31). But that will only come after the people have been chastened by God. This section ends with King Jehoiakim burning sections of the scroll of Jeremiah as it is read to him. The Fall of Jerusalem and its Aftermath Chapters 37-45 begins with Jeremiah’s imprisonment. He was beaten by princes and placed in dungeon cells. Zedekiah places his confidence in Egypt, and produces anti-Babylonia policies. Jeremiah was later placed in the “court of guard” still under arrest. He was rescued by Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian. Jerusalem is attacked, the king is captured and is forced to watch his sons killed, before his own eyes were put out. The people are in a perilous position. Everywhere, there is the threat of more destruction and death. To remain in Judah and Jerusalem is to risk the further wrath of Babylon. To escape and go to Egypt would mean abandoning their own homes and kingdom. They go to the prophet and ask for his advice. He tells them to remain. They don’t accept his words as prophetic and instead, they go to Egypt. They take Jeremiah and Baruch with them, hoping this will help them avoid the catastrophe spoken of by the prophet. Oracles Against the Nations Chapters 46-51 outline the final oracles spoken by Jeremiah while he is in Egypt. Often called “the prophet of doom”, these last chapters outline Jeremiah’s final visions. He begins with an oracle against Egypt and accuses it of being a false hope for Judah (those who elected to escape to Egypt, after the attack from Babylon). He then takes on Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Hazor and Elam. All of them are condemned for their pride and the ill-treatment they gave Israel. The final judgment is against Babylon. Just as Jeremiah prophesied that God would use Babylon as an instrument for Judah’s downfall, he now shares that Babylon will be destroyed. God is now viewed as Divine Warrior as the prophet contends that Babylon will be destroyed even more than Judah. This picture is lifted up in John’s vision found in Revelation 18. In Jeremiah, we see that the people of God are accountable for their actions and attitudes. Isaiah expressed concern about the people’s unfaithfulness to God and their mistreatment of the most vulnerable in society. Jeremiah expresses outrage at the people’s unfaithfulness to God, their idolatry and their syncretism. While Jeremiah is remembered as the prophet who spoke curses upon the people, it is important to note that the book is also filled with hope. He speaks to a new day, a new covenant relationship with God and a new Jerusalem. For Christians, this prophecy comes to fruition through Jesus and the New Testament.
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
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Important scriptures in JeremiahThe Divine Commission 1.5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. The Lord speaks and Jeremiah responds. God is “over and against” Jeremiah. Theologically, this is called a divine-human encounter. The central point for Jeremiah lies in the word of the Lord which came to me saying. “In His Word, God does not deliver to me a course of lectures in dogmatic theology. He does not submit to me or interpret for me the content of a confession of faith, but He makes Himself accessible to me…An exchange takes place here which is wholly without analogy in the sphere of thinking. The sole analogy is in the encounter between human beings, the meeting of person with person.” Emil Brunner. Oracles against Idolatry 6.10 To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed, they cannot listen; behold, the world of the Lord is to them an object of scorn, they take no pleasure in it. The people are so far gone in fulfilling their own wills/desires, until they could not heed the word of God, even if it were spoken. In our complicity with evil, we turn from the word of God, but at the same time we will “piously” seek him where he cannot be found. Yahweh rejects his people 14.11 The Lord said to me: Do not pray for the welfare of this people.” This is a very tough word. The people reject the prophet 26.7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him and said, You shall die! The consequences of doing God’s will when it goes against public opinion. Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles 29.11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. The prophet of doom also pronounces a future of hope. The words of Jeremiah speak to every generation and people of God. We are called to worship and praise God. Our lifestyle, our relationships, how we treat one another, must be consistent with our understanding of God’s Word and direction for our lives. When we are obedient to God’s word, we are blessed by God. When our lifestyle is not consistent with God’s will for our lives, we are not blessed. We suffer the consequences of detachment from God. The consequences can be withering, but they are not the final equation. In the midst of our suffering, God gives us a vision of a day when our circumstances will be changed and we shall revel in the glory of divine presence, and bask in the elements of perpetual praise and blessings.
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March 30, 2016
The Book of Ezekiel Ezekiel was carried away into Babylonian exile in the first captivity, 597 B.C. The name means, “God will strengthen him.” He is acknowledged as a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha’i Faith. He served as a religious “counselor” to the exiles who were allowed to live in a colony by themselves, near the banks of the Kebar River. He is the son of Buzzi and born into priesthood. He was married and his wife died young (when he was 34). He describes his calling as an encounter with God and four living creatures. Many have called Ezekiel “the father of Judaism.” His influence on the future development of Israel’s religion was, for centuries, greater than the other prophets. His understanding of God and God’s holiness was different from the other prophets. He believed holiness was present in both things and people. He was specific in his addressing differences between holy and secular, clean and unclean. There is specific mention regarding regular (daily) issues such as dietary laws, payment of tithes and maintaining the Sabbath. Focus on ritual within routine helped create a focus on nationalism. This would eventually lead to increased disagreement between Jews and Gentiles. Much of this information is found in Leviticus, Chapters 17-26 known as the Holiness Code. Part One- Ezekiel’s Preparation and Commission 1.1-3.9 Chapters 1-3 God commissions Ezekiel to prophesy and he immediately receives visions. His message is one of confrontation to God’s nation for the sins they have, and are, committing. “I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.” 2.3 Ezekiel speaks about the spirit, “And the spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and stood me up so I might hear him speak.” 2.2 Part Two- The Prophet’s Commission as a Watchman 3.10-21 3.17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear the words of my mouth and give warning to them.” Part Three- Ezekiel’s Second Vision of the Glory, and the result in Service 3.22-7.27 3.24 The then spirit entered into me…” 4.1ff These verses depict specific symbolic actions of Ezekiel, as he obeys God’s commands. The acts symbolize the past wickedness of Israel and God’s punishment against them because of the wickedness. Part Four- Jehovah Justified in Sending His People into Captivity 8.1-33.20 These visions focus upon the former wickedness of the nation, disrespect and disregard of the temple. Ezekiel seeks to share with the new generation born in Assyria and Babylon, the sins and errors of the previous generation. This is to prevent them from doing the same. Israel sinned so God sent them into captivity. The sins are generally viewed as nationalistic- idolatry and apostasy as a nation. In between these visions, are also assurances and promises of restoration and blessing that will occur in the future.
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
Chapter 8 offers four visions where idolatry is allowed in the temple, it is allowed in the holy of holies, women institute sexual cults and nature-worship is allowed. The following visions are powerful images of God’s wrath that allows slaying in Jerusalem, fire in the city, wrath against the princes, and perhaps most importantly, a departure of the glory from the Holy City 11.22-25. He goes on to share visions of retribution against lying prophets (13), elders (14) where it is clear that there is no way Jerusalem will be spared. The last section offers a number of parables and prophecies against neighboring nations, of the Ammonites, Moabites, Tyre, Zidon, Egypt and Babylon. Chapters 18 and 33, offers ethical instructions for those who are living in exile. They are to keep their covenant with God and obey the laws. Part V- The Future Kingdom of the Son of David 33.21-36.38 This section is filled with visions regarding the restoration of the kingdom and specifically, the restoration of David’s throne. After the seventy-year exile, the prophet envisions posterity. The people will be restored. The land will be restored. And God will carry out judgment against Israel’s enemies. Much of this would come to pass (albeit under Gentile rule) until the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Part VI- Restoration of Israel; The Davidic Kingdom; Judgment upon the Nations 37.1-39.29 One of the most powerful images in the bible is found in Chapter 37, “The vision of the valley of dry bones.” The prophet has just announced the restoration of the nation. Now God gives Ezekiel a vision of just how dramatic the restoration will be. The bones are the whole House of Israel. The graves are the nations where they dwell. 1) The people will come out, 2) The people will go in, 3) The people will be converted, 4) the people will be filled with the Holy Spirit. By the end of the chapter, a potentially new relationship and purpose for Israel, is established by the prophet. Other nations will know that God has sanctified Israel. Part VII- Israel in the Land During the Kingdom Age 40.1-48.35 God gives Ezekiel a glimpse of a new temple and a new future. In the 25th year of exile, this vision begins to unfold, with great specificity. The description of the temple includes 40.1-43.18. 44.4 is an indication that the glory that was once in Jerusalem, has now been restored in the temple. The prophet comes to closure by describing how the land is to be divided and how worship will ensue with “prince and people” (46). The new temple and new city will be the fulfillment of God’s will and shall be called, “The Lord is there.” Daniel & the Minor Prophets The book of Daniel was written by a pious Jew living under the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes. He tells stories to his suffering fellow-believers that are set in the days of Babylon, before and after the Persian conquest. The stories illustrate how faithful Jews, loyally practicing their faith, were able to triumph over their enemies by the power of Yahweh. Then he offers four visions that interpret history and predicts the coming consummation when the saints will have The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
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ultimate victory. The book depicts Daniel as one of the early exiles to Babylon, selected to serve as provincial administrator in Babylon and later, the Persian court. There are two dates given for the writing of Daniel. The traditional date is around 520 BC, which would have put the author in the period of the exile, about which the book is written. Later biblical scholars contend the book was actually written around 165 BC and was used as a metaphorical tool, describing Babylon but actually related to Seleucid Empire and its persecution of the Jews of Judea and Samaria. Daniel emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all nations and their rulers. He also focuses on God’s special care of those Jews who were in exile, offering a promise of complete restoration. In the “end” God will achieve a final victory over human evil. The book has two parts; chapters 1-6 and chapters 7-12. The first half contains stories about Daniel and three friends who remain totally loyal to Yahweh, while at the same time, rising to positions of prominence in the Babylonian administration. There are four specific areas highlighted: 1) 2) 3) 4)
The four Hebrews’ loyalty to God God’s miraculous deliverance of them The Gentile kings’ acknowledge the greatness of Israel’s God Daniel is the God-gifted interpreter of dreams. The dreams all emphasize God’s sovereignty over all things, including the king who destroyed Jerusalem.
Part two is a series of apocalyptic visions about the rise and fall of succeeding empires. In each case the empires are governed by a tyrannical ruler. Most scholars believe the rulers all depict Antiochus. His desolation of Jerusalem was so great and the sacrilege of the temple was so complete, until he was viewed as the first in a series of antichrists in Jewish and Christian literature. In the Hebrew Bible, Daniel is not listed with the prophets, but instead of placed in the writings. Unlike the other prophetic books which offers oracles from God, delivered through the prophet, Daniel is comprised of stories about the prophet and the Hebrew friends (at least chapters 1-6). The term apocalyptic is important to consider when studying Daniel. The book was written during a time of significant oppression. As a result, the visions and dreams, the images shared, all use fantasy as a way of describing or symbolizing reality. Chapters 2 and 7 contain similar visions of future kingdoms that end with God’s final, eternal kingdom. Chapters 3 and 6 are stories of miraculous deliverance, where opposition has been directed against God. Chapters 4 and 5 are stories about the demise of two Babylonian kings who acknowledge the greatness of Israel’s God. Chapters 1 through 6 describes the period within the Babylonian court from Nebuchadnezzar t the first of the Persian rulers of Babylon. Chapters 7 through 12 picks up with the Persian Empire, followed by the short reign of Alexander (333-323). This section also focuses on the contest between the Selecuids (Greeks) and Ptolemies (Egypt). This is of great interest to the author who has great concern about Antiochus, who seeks to destroy Jewish culture/faith by forcing the people towards Hellenism (Greek culture and tradition). Unable to seize Egypt, the story goes that he was so outraged at his loss, until he returned home by stopping at Jerusalem The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
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and pouring his fury out upon the Jews. He erected a stature of Zeus in the center of the Temple. This so outraged the Jews until the famous Maccabean revolt occurred. The end of the book tells of the final overthrow of Antiochus and the coming Messiah who introduces the Kingdom of God. Christians believe this to be Jesus and the birth of the church. Chapter One- Outlines Daniel and Friends in the King’s Court. These men outshine all the other provincials because of their loyalty to the covenant (especially as it relates to food laws). Chapter Two- Outlines the King’s dream that is interpreted by Daniel. This section presents the Daniel that is to come in the latter chapters as it relates to dreams and visions. Chapter Three- The Hebrews are saved from the fiery furnace. Here there is a great need to totally reject idolatry. Antiochus is the first western ruler known to have his image placed on coins as a god. This story shows that even the greatest king on earth cannot compare to the power of Yahweh. Chapter Four- Depicts the anger of the king. Here Nebuchadnezzar concedes that God’s kingdom is forever. The arrogant king is humbled by God. Chapter Five- Belshazzar has a feast and the demise of Babylon is portrayed. The empire ends because the king refused to honor the true God. The king defies God by using sacred utensils from the Temple. David interprets the handwriting on the wall. Chapter Six- Daniel in the lion’s den. Here, the shift of power has moved from Babylon to Persia. Daniel knows the decree and the consequences of disobedience. However he chooses to continue to pray to his God. He is delivered by God and Darius (the Persian King) pays homage to “the living God.” This is a remarkably similar story to how the Babylonian King was subjected to pay homage to Yahweh in chapter four. The final chapters deal with Daniel’s visions; Chapter 7- The beasts from the sea. Chapter 8- The ram and the goat. (Medes and Persians) Chapter 9- Interpretation of Jeremiah’s prophecy. The majority of this chapter is Daniel’s prayer that explains why Israel deserves to be in exile because of their covenant unfaithfulness. Chapter 10-12.4- The angel’s revelation of the future. All the previous visions point to this one where Daniel encounters the angel. The two kingdoms are struggling over “the beautiful land.” 12:5-13- The book ends with the questions, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” “What will the outcome of all this be?”
The Old Testament Bible Study | Second Baptist Church
March 30, 2016
