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How to Study the Bible 05Introduction:
1. This lesson is the first of 2 based on "How to Study the Old Testament." 2. Studying the Old Testament may be challenging; however, it is beneficial in that: a. it helps us to develop faith in Jesus as the Son of God (John 5:39) b. it is a source of instruction and hope (Romans 15:4) c. it illustrates many valuable moral lessons (1 Corinthians 10:1-11) d. it helps us understand matters addressed in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:1) e. it provides encouragement from the lives of faithful men and women (Hebrews 12:1). Discussion: I. A BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF HISTORY IS ESSENTIAL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT A. The 39 books of the Old Testament begin with Creation and cover God's dealings with men, especially the Jewish nation, until about 400 BC. B. The gist of Old Testament history can be learned from 11 books: 1. Genesis: Creation, early civilization, Abraham and his family chosen, Jacob in Egypt 2. Exodus: Children of Israel left Egypt, the law of Moses given at Sinai 3. Numbers: Journey toward Canaan, 40-year period of wandering 4. Deuteronomy (ch.34): Moses died, Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of Israel 5. Joshua: Conquest and settlement of Canaan 6. Judges: The rule of the judges between Joshua and Saul 7. 1 Samuel: Israel's last 2 judges, the reign of Saul as Israel's first king 8. 2 Samuel: The reign of David 9. 1 Kings: The reign of Solomon, the division of Israel into 2 kingdoms 10. 2 Kings: The 2 kingdoms and their captivities 11. Ezra: 2 groups of Jews returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, the temple was rebuilt II. APPROXIMATE DATES FOR IMPORTANT OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE AND EVENTS A. Adam: the Creation B. The Flood: 2400 BC C. Abraham: 2000 BC D. Jacob: 1900 BC E. Joseph: 1800 BC F. Moses: 1400 BC G. The Exodus: 1400 BC H. Samuel: 1100 BC I. Saul: 1053 BC J. David: 1013 BC K. Solomon: 973 BC L. Division of the Kingdom: 933 BC M. Captivity of Israel: 721 BC N. Judah Conquered by Babylon: 606 BC O. Jehoiachin's Captivity: 597 BC P. Destruction of Jerusalem: 586 BC Q. Return from Captivity: 536 BC R. Temple Rebuilt: 520 BC S. Ezra Goes to Jerusalem: 457 BC T. Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall: 444 BC |