Cross Denominational Mission
Some
people feel that the Old Testament has in some way been superceded or
replaced by the New Testament. This is not so. The Old Testament is the
foundation upon which all else is built: what we call the O.T. is the
scripture Jesus knew and quoted. To do away with it by claiming that
later scripture is superior would devalue all that we know and much
that Jesus taught. The O.T. is the basis of scripture of all the
Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam). Our (and their) spiritual
origins are told in the Old Testament.
'Books of the Law'
Genesis
covers the very beginning, allegorically describing how the world
and everything in it came about. The name 'Genesis' means 'beginning'.
However, although the world was created good, evil begins affecting man
- sin has entered the world. The early human race is dealt with here
with suffering and 'fallen-ness'. Main characters are Adam & Eve,
Cain & Abel, Noah. In later verses of Genesis, God calls a man
called Abraham, and promises him that he will become the father of a
great nation, residing in the 'promised land' given by God. Abraham's
grandson, (Isaac's son) Jacob is given the name 'Israel'. He has 12
sons, who become the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel. One of
Jacob's sons, Joseph, becomes counsel (advisor) to the King of Egypt.
The hebrews go to live there, and so begins a period of about 450 years
of slavery. However, Genesis ends with a promise that God will continue
to be concerned for His people, and continue to lead and judge them.
Period covered: from the beginning to approx. 2000 or 1700 BC.
Exodus
the name means 'departure', and covers the end of the 450 years of
slavery in Egypt, and what happenend in the immediate aftermath. In
four sections (1) Exodus describes how Gods agencies persuaded the
Egyptians to free the hebrews. (2) Then they travelled through the
wilderness for about forty years, when God lead them to Mount Sinai.
(3) There God made a covenant (a lasting promise) to the hebrew people
which gave them moral, civil and religious laws to follow. Finally (4)
Exodus deals with the building and furnishing of a place of worship,
with ecclesial laws for priests etc and worship. Moses being the
central human character, God is at work releasing His people from their
slavery, by giving them rules to follow. The Ten Commandments are the
most famous part of this book. But perhaps more important, the special
relationship between God and His people becomes increasingly obvious in
this book. Period covered: approx 1700 to 1500BC
Leviticus Continues from Exodus, in giving the rules
and regulations for worship and religious ceremony, and for the
orders of priests who were responsible for them. Throughout, God is
Holy, and the special relationship between God and His people is being
(or needs to be) reinforced with worship and lives being lived in
accordance to the "Holy God of Israel". In this book is the term 'Love
your neighbour as yourself' which Jesus took and made the Second
Greatest Commandment. Unfortunately Leviticus can be a bit hard going
to read, as it is a sort of 'specification' of these rules and
regulations. Period covered: approx 1600 to 1400BC
Numbers
this book tells the story of the hebrews as they live a nomadic life
and journey from Mt Sinai to the Promised Land, Canaan. It is a story of
hardship and disobedience as the people rebel against God and
Moses, His appointed leader. God on the other hand is faithful and
consistant in his care for His people in the times of difficulty. The
population was quantified in two census during this period and they
were instructed in what to do when they crossed the River Jordan to
enter the promised land. Moses is in the spotlight as is his impatient,
but steadfast devotion to God, and to God's people who he leads. Period covered: approx 1600 to 1400BC
Deuteronomy
Means second rendition, and is another recollection of the previous 40
years. Moses reminds the hebrews how God has lead them through the
wilderness. He reminds them that this was because they were obedient
and loyal to God. There is a review of the Ten Commandments, with Moses
emphasising the first commandment that the people serve God alone. The
laws which will govern life in the promised land are re-iterated. Moses
reminds the hebrews of the covenant God has made with them, and calls
them to renew their commitment to it. Moses never makes it into the
promised land, and is buried near the river Jordan east of Canaan in
Moab. Joshua is commissioned as the new leader by Moses before he died.
Jesus refers this book when he quotes "Love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" Deut 6.4 -
6.6 Period covered: approx 1500 to 1250BC
'Historical Books'
Joshua Here is the story of the hebrew
invasion of Canaan, the promised land : the crossing the river Jordan,
the battle and fall of Jericho, the battle at Ai. The land is divided
up among the tribes. Much of the writings here record the division of
land and who gets what, and who lives where. The book concludes when
Joshua dies of old age at about the same time as Eleazer (son of Aaron)
dies. A new leader will be chosen in the continuing story in Judges,
next. Period covered: approx 1250 to 1150BC
Judges These were national leaders, charismatic, heroic,
like Samson and Gideon (and others), not legal judges. However, the
period between the invasion of Canaan and the establishment of the
monarchy was a period of hostility and lawlessness. In these stories,
we are reminded that survival depends on loyalty to God, and
disobedience spells disaster. Even so, when the people are disloyal and
disobedient, and disaster comes, God continues without fail to save his
people, when they repent and turn to him. Period covered: approx 1150 to 1050BC
Ruth This short
book tells of Ruth a Moabite woman who marries an Israelite. Set in the
lawless and violent times of the book Judges, Ruth tells of the
blessing that can come from turning to God in times of trouble, as Ruth
did when her husband died. Through devotion to God and her
respect to her mother-in-law, Ruth is rewarded by finding a new husband from among her
late husbands people, and in this union becomes Great-Grandmother to
David, Israels greatest King. Ruth's life went from foreigner to part
of God's faithful, through obedience and faithfulness to God. Period covered approx 1150 to 1100BC
1
Samuel Israel changes from a sort of federation of tribes to a
nation under a monarchy, and the books of Judges and Ruth, along with
both books of Samuel cover this transition. Samuel was the last of
the great charismatic leaders they called judges. 1 Samuel records how
the people had mixed opinions regarding a monarchy. Although popular,
many felt that God was their King. However, both Saul the first king,
and the people lived under the sovereignty of God and came under His
judgement. So the themes of the other historical books, that is, that
obedience and faithfulness brings success and honour, and disobedience
brings disaster and turmoil continue in 1 Samuel. Justice is shown to
prevail, though, and under the law of God, the rights of all people,
rich, poor, and the earthly king alike are maintained. Period covered:
approx 1100 to 1000BC
2 Samuel
It is obvious that 2 Samuel is a continuation for 1
Samuel. 1 Samuel covers the transition into monarchy, and 2 Samuel
continues with possibly the greatest king Israel ever had: King David.
David was king of Judah, in the south and later both nations Judah and
Israel. David had many struggles from within his own people and from
without, but he also had a struggle within his own personality. He was
a man of deep conviction and faith in God, but could also be very
ruthless and commit terrible sins to further his own desires and
ambition. The themes that God controls all people is maintained as God
sends a prophet Nathan, who confronts the earthly king with his
misdemeanors. David's faithful side wins and he readily confesses his
sins and accepts Gods punishment for them. This so impressed his people
that David became one of the most revered if not the most revered king
the hebrew people ever had. In subsequent years, in times of trouble
and suppression, they would pray that God would send them a leader like
him, a 'son of David' to rescue and save them. Period covered: approx 1000 to 950BC
1
Kings This book continues the history of the hebrew monarchy from
the books of Samuel. 1 Kings deals with three main themes: Firstly, the
succession of Solomon as king following the death of his father David.
Secondly attention is paid to Solomons reign and his obedience to God
in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the first time the
hebrew people had a permanent earthly focus for their religion. The
third section deals with the schism which saw the Israelite nation
divide into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. This third section gives
stories of the kings who ruled the kingdoms until about 900BC. In 1
Kings (and in 2 Kings which continues the stories) the ruler of each
kingdom is judged by his faithfulness. It is a clear message of success
being a reward for loyalty, and national disaster being the punishment
for idolatry. 1 Kings carries the accounts of God sending prophets
to warn the people not to disobey God, nor to turn to idols. God's
prophet Elijah challenges the priests of the (false) god Baal to a
challenge (1 Kings 18). Period covered: 950 to 800BC
2 Kings
In 1 Kings the nation has split into two kingdoms.
This book follows the story of these two kingdoms starting at about
900BC where 1 Kings leaves off and tracks the demise of the northern
kingdom at the fall of Samaria in 722BC. About 200 years after the
northern kingdom is overrun, the kingdom of Judah is captured by the
Babylonians under their king Nebuchadnezzar in 586BC. The city of
Jerusalem is all but destroyed, and many of its people are 'exiled' to
Babylonia. Judah becomes a province of Babylonia and this book has an
account from Gedaliah, governer of Judah the Babylonian province in its
final verses. These national disasters are portrayed, as in the other
historical books, as being a consequence of disobedience to God.
However, as 2 Kings closes, God can be seen to be redeeming the
situation: King Jehoiachin is released and a period of softening in
relationships starts to emerge. God instructs his people throughout
this period by his prophets. Elisha (Elijah's successor) being
promenant in this book. Period covered: 800 to 650BC
1 Chronicles
Both books of Chronicles cover the same part of the
history of Israel as the books of Samuel and Kings. However, Chronicles
come from a different perspective. 1 Chronicles tries to show that even
though disaster has fallen upon the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (by
the peoples own disobedience) God is still true to his promise, his
covenant with them. God is maintaining the people, albeit under
restriction, in order that a restoration may be made later. David and
his son Soloman's achievements are remembered. Reforms are introduced
by Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. There was also still a core of
people faithful to God. 1 Chronicles gives accounts at some length
about the worship held in the Temple, the structures of the Levites and
priests, and the rituals held there. David is painted as the true
founder of the Temple, and Soloman being the man who carried on this
vision to make it happen. Period covered: 1000 to 950BC
2 Chronicles
This book continues with the story of King
Solomans rule until his death. Most of 2 Chronicles is concerned with
the history of the southern kingdom of Judah until it was overrun at the
fall of Jerusalem in 586BC. However, parts of this book record a
revolt, a tale of division, when the northern tribes rebel against
Rehoboam, son of King Soloman, making a unified Israelite nation in the future less likely. Period covered: 950 to 590BC
Ezra
is a sequel to the Chronicles. The start of God
redeeming the situation portrayed in 2 Kings (remember Chronicles cover
the same periods as Kings and Samuel) is continued in Ezra as this book
describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The
restoration of the Temple and re-commencing of worship there are
described. The religious heritage of the hebrew people is slowly
being restored, and Ezra, an expert on religion leads a further
significant group of exiles 'home' to Jerusalem. Period covered: 590 to 400BC
Nehemiah
Nehemiah was appointed governor of Judah by the
Persian Emperor. This book tells of his return to Jerusalem to pick up
that work. The walls of Jerusalem are built up again, and the religious
activities within the city (and surrounding Judah) are boosted not
least by the fact that their governor has deep reliance on God and
prays regularly to Him. Ezra is an expert on the Law of God who gives a
solemn delivery of those Laws to the people. The later verses in the
book record some of the things Nehemiah did as governor. Period covered: 590 to 400BC
Esther
Set at one of the Persian Emperors palaces, a Jewish
woman called Esther saved many of her people from destruction by
demonstrating great courage and devotion. Esther played a political
game with King Xerxes, ruler of the Persian Empire. She became queen
and persuaded the king into writing of letters allowing the subdued
Jewish people to gather into groups for self defence. She later
persuaded the king to execute the official Haman who was trying
to destroy the Jews. Along with Moredecai a Jew who worked his
way up to be the king's second man (assistant), Esther played a lead role
in the Jews defeating their enemies. Period covered: 500 to 450BC
Books of Poetry and Wisdom
Job
Job is good, but he suffers disaster. He loses his
children, his property and is struck down by disease. Contemporary
wisdom of his day has it that as God rewards good and punishes evil,
then by implication, Job must have committed sin and offended God. Job
is not convinced. He does not let his faith in God wane in the wake of
these afflictions. Job cannot understand how God can let so many bad
things happen to him and he boldly challenges God. God responds, but
not in the way Job expected. God through poetry and symbolism shows Job
God's power and wisdom. Job is overwhelmed, acknowledges Gods wisdom
and power and is sorry for the words Job used to God. In the end Job is
restored to his position with increased wealth. Job's friends are
reprimanded by God for failing to understand how their friend
suffered. In this, Job learned that God is greater than the religion
that depicts him. Very powerful poetry and symbolism make this a
remarkable book used by those who go through enduring times. Period
covered: not precisely known, the story developed over the period 1000
to 350BC
Psalms
Psalms are songs or hymns. This book is a hymn book
and has a wide range of themes and sources. Psalms were used by
everyone, and therefore of course, Jesus. The New Testament writers
assumed a knowledge of psalms and the psalms have been used in
Christian worship from the very beginning. Period covered: not precisely known, the story developed over the period 1000 to 350BC
Proverbs
Is a book of moral, religious and social teachings.
It is mostly single sentences. Today we would refer to this as
'bite-size' chunks of common sense, wisdom and helpful advice. Much
common sense can be found here, and its timeless teachings are as
profound today as when they were first taught, even those whose imagery
is a little dated. Advice for everyone, from the poorest to the king
are found here. They give us an insight into the world of the ancient
Israelite teachers, and the world they were living in. Period covered: not precisely known, the story developed over the period 1000 to 350BC
Ecclesiastes
For some people this is the most negative of all
books of the Bible. For me that is its value. If all books of the Bible
were of a similar disposition and outlook, it would be less of a
collection than if challenges of alternative views are considered. The
writer is termed the 'Philosopher' and he reflects on the injustices,
frustrations and contradictions of the human existance. He concludes
that "life is useless". Then as if to contradict himself he advises
people to work hard, be diligent and enjoy the gifts of God. Many
readers over the years have taken comfort from reading beyond the
initial negative impressions of this book. Here mirrored, is all our
sufferring and all our doubt. If our faith can embrace this doubt, and
learn from what it says to us, then our faith will be immeasurably the
greater. Because of its obviously different approach and its refreshing
honesty, Ecclesiastes is one of my favourite Old Testament books. Period covered: not precisely known, the story developed over the period 1000 to 350BC
Song
of Songs Also called the Song of
Solomon in some translations as it is attributed to him in the hebrew.
A series of love poems, this prose has been taken by the Jews to
represent the relationship between God and his people, and by
Christians as a picture of Christs' relationship with his church. A
book with a totally different feel than the one that preceeds it. Period covered: not precisely known, the story developed over the period 1000 to 350BC
The Books of the Prophets
Isaiah
This book is in three parts and appears to come from
three distinct and seperate sources, each with a clearly individual
style. They combine to paint a picture of God at work through the
agency of the prophet Isaiah who lived in Jerusalem around 750-700BC .
The first section (up to chapter 39) tells of the time when Judah was
threatened by Asssyria its powerful neighbour. Isaiah had to convince
the people that Assyria was not their only enemy, but that their own
sin and disobedience was a very real threat to their survival. In a
graphic and vivid way Isaiah calls the whole Israelite race to live in
justice and righteousness. Failure to live this way would result in
doom. As part of this, the prophet predicted a time when a decsendant
of David would be world King and bring about a world wide peace.
Chapters 40 to 55 gives the story of the exiled people, crushed,
subdued, hopeless, far away in Babylon. God's intention to free his
people, their homecoming to Jerusalem and their restored renewed life
are promised. In addition, God's intention that the hebrew people will
be part of God's plan for every nation is developed. The term "Servant
of the Lord" originates here and is one of the best known of the
Old Testament. This second part is sometimes called 'Deutero-Isaiah'.
The remaining chapters have a different style again. Aimed mainly at
those who were already back in Jerusalem, it re-assures them of God's
promise for their nation. Righteousness, justice and observing the
religious codes, particularly about the Sabbath are re-iterated. Jesus
commenced his ministry by quoting a passage from Isaiah (Is. 61. 1 - 2). Period covered: 850 to 400BC
Jeremiah
This was another major prophet predicting doom and
destruction unless the people changed their ways and turned back to
obedience. Jeremiah had a long ministry and lived to see his
predictions come true with the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar, and
the exile. Jeremiah did predict the end of the exile and the
return to Judah. Described as sensitive, he must have disliked rebuking
the people, but felt that for everyone's good the truth must be told to
them. An emotional man, he spoke with a deep conviction, often pointing
beyond his own time and circumstances to a time when God's people would
have the laws of God 'written on their hearts' (Jer. 31. 31 - 34).
There are five strands to the book: Jeremiah's calling to be a prophet;
God addressing the nation via Jeremiah, much of God's messages being
addressed to the Kings of Judah at the time; The recollections of
Jeremiah's assistant, Baruch; God addressing Judahs neighbouring
nations; and a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem and the
commencement of exile. Period covered: 720 to 550BC
Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a prophet of deep faith with a profound
sense of imagination. Many of his teachings were delivered in vivid
symbolic actions, rather than in just the spoken word. He emphasised
the need for inner renewal, of the heart, and much of his insight came
to him as dreams and visions. Because he was of the Priestly order, as
well as being known as a prophet, he held highly the worship of the
Temple and of 'holiness'. However, in this book we have an account of a
prophet who lived away from Jerusalem, as he was in Babylon at the time
of the exile. His messages gave hope to those held in Babylonia, and he
was there among them. His prophecy also kept those still at Jerusalem
focussed on the time when the nation and the Temple would be restored.
In six parts: 1, Ezekiel's call to be a prophet; 2, warnings about the
fall of Jerusalem as a result of God's judgement on the people; 3,
warnings to the nations which oppress and mislead God's chosen
people;4, the Promise of hope for the future; 5, A vision of the nation
and Temple restored. Period covered: 560 to 500BC
Daniel
The writer of this book encourages the Jews, who are exiled, persecuted
and oppressed. Symbolic stories, accounts of dreams and visions
describe how God will restore his people, and bring down the oppressor.
The first part of Daniel tells how he and his fellow-exiles triumph
over their enemies, the Babylonians and Persians. Encouragement for the
future is given then by a series of prophetic visions, telling of
the fall of the oppressor nations and the victories to come for God's
people. Period covered: 530 to 500BC
The Minor Prophets
Hosea This prophet
worked in the northern kingdom of Israel, in the restless period
leading to the fall of Samaria in 721BC. Hosea was married to a woman
called Gomer. His marriage was troubled and his wife unfaithful. Hosea
used this to picture the idolatrous and unfaithful behaviour of the
people towards God. Hosea predicted that judgement would fall on
the people as a result. The theme that God would finally restore the
nation and would not abandon them. Period covered: 830 to 770BC
Joel
We don't know a great deal about this prophet. As he
tells us of a Palestinian drought and famine caused by locusts in a
setting of the Persian Empire. Estimates put the time as about 550 or
450BC. Joel reported that the problems were a sign that the 'Day of the
Lord' was coming, a time when God would punish those who do not follow
his will. Joel predicts the restoration of Gods people, and predicts
the restoration of every person, with God sending his spirit on all
people. Period covered: 460 to 400BC
Amos
Came from a town in the southern koingdom of Judah, but he delivered
his message to the Northern kingdom of Israel at around 760 to 720BC.
Whilst there was security, prosperity and wealth, Amos told that
this was the priviledge of the wealthy and at the expense of the poor.
There was injustice and opporession of the poor, while the wealthy
practised religious piety, and enjoyed their spoils. Amos told that
their religious observance was insincere, and the security fo the
community fragile. Amos prophesied with courage and conviction; he told
that God would punish the nation. Amos begged the people to turn to
justice and truth. He asked that "Justice flow like a stream". He goes
on "Perhaps the Lord will be merciful to the people of this nation who
are still left". Period covered: 850 to 780BC
Obadiah
Judah's long standing enemy Edom rejoiced when
Jerusalem fell in 586BC. More than that, they looted the falled city
and in so doing assisted the invader. Obadiah prophesied that Edom
would be punished and defeated, along with other nations who attack
Israel. Period covered: 530 to 500BC
Jonah
This book has a narrative, and that sets it apart
from the other prophetic books, describing the life of Jonah, who
was reluctant to follow God's commands. After being sent to Ninevah
(the capital of the Assyrian Empire), arch enemies of the Israelites;
Jonah did not want to go and deliver God's message, and convinced
himself that God would not actually destroy the city. After a series of
events, including the famous 'Jonah and the Whale' story he finally
obeyed, but sulked when God did not destroy the city after all. God's
power and command of his creation are portrayed, but mostly God's
forgiveness, even of Israels enemies is displayed. God would rather
forgive, than destroy. Period covered: sometime between 850 and 580BC, but unable to be determined precisely.
Micah
Micah was a prophet from a provincial town in Judah
at the time of Isaiah. He prophecied that Judah would face the same
consequences as Amos said the Northern Kingdom of Israel would face.
The common cause was unrighteousness and injustice. However, the book
ends with a message of warning, but also a picture of hope and
universal peace under God. Period covered: 850 to 780BC
Nahum
Jonah sulked when God did not destroy Ninevah, however
God did destroy the city, but after Jonah's lifetime at around 620BC. The
book of Nahum is a poetical narrative celebrating the fall of the
ancient enemy of Israel, and it is taken as a judgement of God upon
this cruel and oppressive enemy. Period covered: 720 to 670BC
Habakkuk
Telling of the time when the Babylonians were in
power, Habakkuk asks God why He is inactive whilst the cruel
Babylonians kill and oppress God's people. God's message to Habakkuk
and of course to all Israel, was that He would act, when He chooses.
Meanwhile they are to remain faithful and await that time. Period covered: 660 to 586BC
Zephaniah
Covers the familiar themes of judgement and
punishment, but with restoration and hope for the future. Period covered: 710 to 650BC
Haggai
The message of God came through
this prophet in 520BC. Having returned from the exile and now living in
Jerusalem, the city was being rebuilt but the Temple still had not
been. This prophecy urges the reconstruction of the Temple promising
that prosperity and peace will come about if it is. Period covered: 480 to 400BC
Zechariah
This prophet links the restoration of the Temple and
of the wider city of Jerusalem with the coming Messiah. Period covered: 490 to 400BC
Malachi
This message comes from around
440BC. The Temple has been rebuilt. Malachi challenegs the priests and
people to renew their faith in God and the covenant. There is
corruption and poor practice which needs to be addressed: not living
according to God's ways, not making right offerings or worship. Malachi
prophecies that the Lord will come to judge the people, and send a
messenger to prepare the way for that. This book concludes the Old
Testament by saying that the Day of the Lord is coming. Period covered: 480 to 400BC