Genesis
Author – Moses
Time – Creation to 1400 B.C.
Summary – “Genesis” means “beginning”. As its title implies, it is the foundation of the Bible, on which everything is built. The book tells of the Creation followed by the rebellion of our first parents. It then records the growth of wickedness in the earth followed by the flood in which the only human survivors were Noah and his family. Another rebellion against God’s commands is stopped by the introduction of different languages. The rest of the book is the early history of the Jewish nation (also called the Israelites or the children of Israel.) This mainly concerns four outstanding men – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.
Creation and Early History – Chapter 1 v 1 to 11 v 32
Passage Subject
Chapters 1 & 2 Creation
Chapter 3 Rebellion of Adam & Eve
Chapter 4 The First murder
Chapter 5 The descendents of Adam
Chapters 6 to 9 Noah and the Flood
Chapter 10 Descendants of Noah
Chapter 11 Introduction of different languages
The early history of the Jewish nation – Chapter 12 v 1 to 50 v 26
Passage Subject
Chapters 12 to 18 Abraham’s faith and wandering
Chapter 19 Destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah
Chapter 20 Abraham’s lapse in faith
Chapter 21 The Birth of Isaac
Chapter 22 Abraham’s faith confirmed
Chapter 23 The death of Sarah, Abraham’s wife
Chapter 24 Finding a wife for Isaac
Chapter 25 The Birth of Jacob and Esau
Chapter 26 Isaac and Abimelech
Ch. 27 v 1 to 28 v 4 Isaac blesses Jacob
Chapter 28 Jacob flees from Esau
Ch. 29 v 1 to 30 v 24 Jacob marries Leah and Rachel
Ch. 30 v 25 to 31 v 55 Jacob and Laban
Chapters 32 & 33 Jacob and Esau meet
Chapter 34 The Dina incident
Chapter 35 Jacob Returns to Bethel
Chapter 36 Esau’s descendents
Ch. 37 v 1 to 11 Joseph dreams of greatness
Ch. 37 v 12 to 36 Joseph sold by his brothers
Chapter 38 Judah and Tamar
Chapters 39 to 45 Joseph in Egypt
Ch. 46 v 1 to 49 v 28 Jacob and his other sons go to Egypt
Ch. 49 v 29 to 50 v 26 Death of Jacob and Joseph
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Exodus
Author – Moses
Time – 1400 B.C.
Summary – The title “Exodus” means “a going out”. It records the great numerical growth of the Israelites during their slavery in Egypt. It introduces Moses and records the plagues God brought upon Egypt to secure His people’s release from slavery. After this, the people are given the Law at Mount Sinai. The book concludes with a description of the order of worship which centres around the Law of Moses. This is the second book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Jewish Scriptures.
The Liberation of Israel – Chapter 1 v 1 to 18 v 27
Passage Subject
Ch.1 v 1 to 7 Introduction
Ch.1 v 8 to 22 Slavery in Egypt
Ch.2 v 1 to 4 v 31 Preparation of the deliverer
Ch.5 v 1 to 7 v 7 The Mission of Moses to Pharaoh
Ch. 7 v 8 to 11 v 10 God’s wonders in the land of Egypt
Chapter 12 The Passover and the departure of Israel
Ch. 13 v 1 to 18 v 27 Israel crossing the Red Sea and in the wilderness
Israel at Sinai – Chapter 19 v 1 to 40 v38
Passage Subject
Ch. 19 v 1 to 24 v 11 Establishment of the covenant at Sinai
Ch. 24 v 12 to 31 v 18 Directions for the Tabernacle and the Priesthood
Chapters 32 to 34 The covenant broken and restored
Chapters 35 to 39 Building of the Tabernacle
Chapter 40 Erection and consecration of the Tabernacle
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Leviticus
Author – Moses
Time – 1400 B.C.
Summary – The third book of the Pentateuch takes its name from one of the 12 sons of Jacob, Levi, whose family was chosen by God to act as priests and assistants in the Tabernacle. The book covers the national and personal laws given by God to the Jewish people regarding worship and religious activities. It contains laws regarding cleanliness, morality, ethics and hygiene which guided the Jews on a day–to–day basis and still does today. Animal sacrifice was introduced as a covering for the individual and national sins of the people.
Sacrifice as the basis of acceptable worship – Chapter 1 v 1 to 17 v 16
Passage Subject
Ch.1 v 1 to 6 v 7 The offerings
Ch.6 v 8 to 10 v 20 The priesthood
Chapters 11 To 16 The people
Chapter 17 The altar
Obedience as the basis of acceptable living – Chapter 18 v 1 to 27 v 34
Passage Subject
Chapters 18 to 20 Regulations for the people
Chapters 21 & 22 Regulations for the priests
Chapters 23 & 24 Regulations for the nation
Chapters 25 To 27 Regulations for the land
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Numbers
Author – Moses
Time – 1400 B.C.
Summary – Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. It is a historical book, whose name refers to the two censuses which were taken to number the people. However, it was known to the Jewish people as “In the Wilderness”, because it primarily tells of the rebellion of the Israelites in the desert where they wandered after the Exodus from their slavery in Egypt. Because of this rebellion, only 2 men of the adults leaving Egypt were to enter into the land of Canaan promised to Abraham in Genesis. The rest died in the desert. The book covers a 38 year period.
Preparation in the wilderness – Chapter 1 v 1 to 10 v 10
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 Census of warriors
Chapter 2 Order of worshippers
Chapters 3 & 4 Service of workers
Chapter 5 The camp cleansed from defilement
Chapter 6 Separated to God
Ch.7 v 1 to 88 Co–operating with God
Ch. 7 v 89 to Ch.10 God with His people
Provocation in the wilderness – Chapter 10 v 11 to 19 v 22
Passage Subject
Ch. 10 v 11 to 36 Journeying at God’s command
Chapters 11 & 12 Murmuring and discontent
Chapters 13 & 14 Lack of faith and rejection
Chapter 15 Instructions for the next generation
Chapters 16 to 19 Revolt against God’s appointments
Vindication in the wilderness – Chapter 20 v 1 to 36 v 13
Passage Subject
Ch. 20 v 1 to 21 v 3 The fortieth year: From Kadesh to Hor
Ch. 21 v 4 to 22 v 1 To Moab via Ezion–Geber
Ch. 22 v 2 to 25 v 18 Balaam’s curse turned into a blessing
Chapters 26 to 36 Preparations to enter the Land
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Deuteronomy
Author – Moses
Time – 1400 B.C.
Summary – This book is the last of the Pentateuch. Its Greek name means “second law”, which was the repetition of the law recorded in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. It was given to the nation of Israel on the plains of Moab just prior to their entrance into the Promised Land of Canaan under the command of Joshua. This was Moses’ last address to the nation as a whole prior to his death at the end of their wanderings in the desert. At this time only two men were left of the generation which escaped from Egypt. Therefore, the repetition of the law was extremely important to the welfare of the new generation.
First discourse : Israel’s faithlessness and God’s care– Chapter 1 v 1 to 4 v 43
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 Failure to go into the promised land
Chapters 2 & 3 Thirty–eight years of wandering
Ch. 4 v 1 to 40 Lessons of the past impressed upon the new generation
Ch. 4 v 41 to 43 Appointment of cities of refuge
Second Discourse : What the present generation should heed– Chapter 4 v 44 to 26 v 19
Passage Subject
Ch. 4 v 44 to 5 v33 Review of the Divine covenant
Chapters 6 to 26 What the covenant demands
Third Discourse: The nation’s solemn responsibility– Chapter 27 v 1 to 28 v 68
Passage Subject
Chapter 27 A ceremony of remembrance in the Land
Ch. 28 v 1 to 14 The blessings of the Law
Ch. 28 v 15 to 68 The curses of the Law
Fourth Discourse: Terms that would ensure Israel’s continued occupancy of the Land – Chapter 29 v 1 to 30 v 20
Passage Subject
Ch. 29 v 1 to 15 With whom the covenant was made
Ch. 29 v 16 to 29 Punishment resulting from breaking the covenant
Chapter 30 Divine mercy in spite of failure
Fifth Discourse: Moses’ final words of advice – Chapter 31 v 1 to 23
Sixth Discourse: The written law preserved as a witness – Chapter 31 v 24 to 29
Seventh Discourse: A Psalm of witness against Israel – Chapter 31 v 30 to 32 v 52
Passage Subject
Ch. 31 v 30 to 32 v 43 Repetition of Divine goodness and human folly
Ch. 32 v 44 to 52 Sequel to the Song – compare Exodus 15
Eighth Discourse: Future glory of the tribes – Chapter 33 v 1 to 29
Passage Subject
Ch. 33 v 1 to 5 Introduction
Ch. 33 v 6 to 25 The blessings
Ch. 33 v 26 to 29 The source and summary of the blessings
Ninth Section: The Death of Moses – Chapter 34 v 1 to 12
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Joshua
Author – Joshua
Time – 1400 B.C.
Summary – Joshua was selected by God to succeed Moses and lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan. The book outlines the conquest and occupation by Israel under his military leadership. God explicitly states that all the inhabitants of the land were to be utterly driven out or destroyed in order to ensure spiritual purity and complete devotion to God by the Israelites.
Entrance into the Promised Land – Chapter 1 v 1 to 5 v 12
Passage Subject
Ch. 1 v 1 to 9 God’s commission to Joshua
Ch. 1 v 10 to 18 Joshua’s mobilisation for crossing the Jordan
Chapter 2 Mission of the spies
Ch. 3 v 1 to 5 v 1 Crossing of the Jordan
Ch. 5 v 2 to 12 Renewal of circumcision and Passover observance
Conquest of the Promised Land – Chapter 5 v 13 to 12 v 24
Passage Subject
Ch. 5 v 13 to 6 v 5 Appearance of the captain of the Lord’s host
Ch. 6 v 6 to 8 v 29 The central campaign
Ch. 8 v 30 to 35 Establishment of Israel’s covenant as the law of the land
Chapters 9 & 10 The southern campaign
Ch. 11 v 1 to 15 The northern campaign
Ch. 11 v 16 to 23 Summary of the conquest
Chapter 12 Appendix: Catalogue of the defeated kings
Division of the Promised Land – Chapter 13 v 1 to 22 v 34
Passage Subject
Ch. 13 v 1 to 6 God’s command to divide the land
Ch. 13 v 7 to 33 Territory of the tribes east of the Jordan River
Chapter 14 Beginning of the division of Canaan
Chapter 15 Territory of the tribe of Judah
Chapters 16 & 17 Territory of the Joseph tribes
Chapters 18 & 19 Territories of the seven remaining tribes
Ch. 20 v 1 to 21 v 42 Cities of refuge and inheritance of Levi
Ch. 21 v 43 to 45 Summary of the conquest and apportionment
Chapter 22 Appendix: Departure of the tribes east of the Jordan River
Joshua’s final speeches – Chapter 23 v 1 to 24 v 33
Passage Subject
Chapter 23 Joshua’s farewell address to the leaders of Israel
Ch. 24 v 1 to 28 Renewal of the covenant commitment at Shechem
Ch. 24 v 29 to 33 Appendix: Death of Joshua and subsequent conduct of Israel
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Judges
Author – Samuel, Nathan and Gad
Time – 1400 – 1000 B.C.
Summary – The book of Judges, which means “Champions” or “Rescuers”, covers the period from the death of Joshua to the birth of Samuel. This was a time of great immorality as the result of the failure of the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land. There were “judges” set up by God who were to direct and judge the affairs and people of Israel. The book of Judges closes by setting the stage for the people’s desire for a human king.
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 2 v 5
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 Political background of the period of the Judges
Chapter 2 v 1 to 5 Religious background of the period of the Judges
History of the Judges – Chapter 2 v 6 to 16 v 31
Passage Subject
Chapter 2 v 6 to 3 v 6 Israel’s failure to subdue the enemy nations
Chapter 3 v 7 to 16 The oppressors and the deliverers of Israel
Lawless condition during the period of the Judges– Chapter 17 v 1 to 21 v 25
Passage Subject
Chapters 17 & 18 Appendix 1: Corruption of doctrine
Chapters 19 to 21 Appendix 2: Corruption of practice
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Ruth
Author – Samuel, Nathan and Gad
Time – 1000 B.C.
Summary – The book of Ruth is dated to the period of the Judges. It shows that in a time of national decline and immorality, God preserved a remnant who could serve as the core for a future revival. This would be accomplished in Ruth’s descendant, David, from whom the Messiah would come. It is thought that the book was written after the period of the Judges and describes customs of that time period.
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 v 1 to 22 Ruth’s noble choice
Chapter 2 v 1 to 23 Ruth’s faithful service
Chapter 3 v 1 to 18 Ruth’s virtuous appeal
Chapter 4 v 1 to 22 Ruth’s blessed reward
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1st and 2nd Samuel
Author – Samuel, Nathan and Gad
Time – 1000 B.C.
Summary – 1 Samuel is the first of two historical books which describe Israel’s transition from a loose confederation of tribes to a strong and united nation. It portrays the anointing of the first king of Israel, Saul, by a great prophet, Samuel. It recounts the degenerating reign of Saul and the succession to his throne of David, a man “after God’s own heart”. In the original Hebrew text, the books of Samuel were considered one book by the Hebrew scribes. The second book begins with the ascension of David to the throne. The rest of the book records the eventful reign of David. It concludes with the blessing of Solomon by David.
1st Samuel
The life of Samuel – Chapter 1 to1 to 7 v 17
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 v 1 to 4 v 1a The birth and childhood of Samuel
Chapter 4 v 1b to 7 v 1 The capture and return of the tabernacle ark
Chapter 7 v 2 to 17 The victory over the Philistines
The life of Saul – Chapter 8 v 1 to 14 v 52
Passage Subject
Chapter 8 Israel’s request for a king
Chapters 9 to 12 Political life of Saul
Chapters 13 & 14 War and independence
The early life of David – Chapter 15 v 1 to 31 v 13
Passage Subject
Chapter 15 Saul rejected by Samuel
Chapter 16 v 1 to 13 David anointed to be king
Chapter 16 v 14 to 19 v 17 David in the court of Saul
Chapter 19 v 18 to 31 v 13 David in exile
2nd Samuel
The life of King David – Chapter 1 v 1 to 20 v 26
Passage Subject
Chapters 1 to 4 David, King at Hebron
Chapters 5 to 8 David, king at Jerusalem
Chapters 9 to 20 David’s life as king
The last days of David – Chapter 21 v 1 to 24 v 25
Passage Subject
Chapter 21 v 1 to 14 The famine
Chapter 21 v 15 to 22 Heroic exploits
Chapter 22 David’s psalm
Chapter 23 v 1 to 7 David’s testament
Chapter 23 v 8 to 39 Heroic exploits
Chapter 24 Census and plague
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1st and 2nd Kings
Author – Uncertain
Time – 1000 – 586 B.C.
Summary – In the original Jewish texts, these books were regarded as one book. The two books contain the history of the Jewish monarchy from the death of David (around 970 B.C.) to the Babylonian exile (586 B.C.). They trace the division of the Jewish nation into the Kingdom of Judah in the south and the Kingdom of Israel in the north. 1 & 2 Kings record Israel’s history from a religious, rather than a civil, viewpoint. As such, they record the religious progress of the nation and show the various steps in the moral growth and decay of the kingdom. 1 Kings opens with Israel in its glory, and 2 Kings closes with Israel in ruins. The purpose of the Book of Kings is to record the lives and characters of the nation’s leaders as a warning and exhortation to all subsequent generations of believers.
1st Kings
The united kingdom from Solomon to Rehoboam– Chapter 1 v 1 to 11 v 43
Passage Subject
Chapters 1 & 2 Solomon’s ascension to the throne
Chapters 3 & 4 The wisdom and wealth of Solomon
Chapters 5 to 9 Solomon’s building activity
Chapter 10 The golden age of Solomon
Chapter 11 Solomon’s false religion, decline and death
The divided kingdom (Part 1) – Chapter 12 v 1 to 22 v 53
Passage Subject
Chapter 12 v 1 to 16 v 28 Early antagonism between Israel and Judah, from Jeroboam to Omri.
Chapter 16 v 29 to 22 v 53 From Ahab to the accession of Ahaziah
2nd Kings
The divided kingdom (Part 2) – Chapter 1 v 1 to 17 v 41
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 v 1 to 9 v 10 From Ahaziah to the accession of Jehu
Chapter 9 v 11 to 17 v 4 From Jehu to the destruction of Israel
The Kingdom of Judah to the final destruction of the southern kingdom – Chapter 18 v 1 to 25 v 30
Passage Subject
Chapters 18 to 20 The kingdom under Hezekiah
Chapter 21 The reigns of Manasseh and Amon
Chapter 22 v 1 to 23 v 30 Reform in Judah and Israel under Josiah
Chapter 23 v 31 to 25 v 26 The last days of Judah
Chapter 25 v 27 to 30 Epilogue : The release of Jehoiachin
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1st and 2nd Chronicles
Author – Ezra
Time – 536 B.C.
Summary – Like the Books of Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles were originally one book, according to Jewish tradition. However, the Chronicles are not simply a repeat of the history already recorded in the books of Samuel and Kings. The book of Chronicles was written to remind the nation of their entire history, and of their position among other nations, emphasising the history of priestly worship from the death of Saul to the end of the Babylonian captivity. The Chronicles contain more detail on the organization of public worship, of religious ceremonies, of Levites and singers, and of the relationship of kings to the worship of God, than does the book of Kings. The history of the northern kingdom is omitted from the Chronicles because the northern kingdom had no bearing on the development of the true worship of God in Jerusalem.
1st Chronicles
Genealogies – Chapter 1 v 1 to 9 v 44
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 Patriarchs
Chapter 2 v 1 to 4 v 23 Judah
Chapter 4 v 24 to 43 Simeon
Chapter 5 Tribes east of the Jordan
Chapter 6 Levi
Chapter 7 Six other tribes
Chapter 8 Descendants of Benjamin
Chapter 9 v 1 to 34 Jerusalem’s Inhabitants after the exile
Chapter 9 v 35 to 44 Descendants of the father of Gibeon.
The reign of David – Chapter 10 v 1 to 29 v 30
Passage Subject
10 v 1 to 14 Background: the death of Saul
11 v 1 to 20 v 8 David’s rise
21 v 1 to 29 v 30 David’s latter days
2nd Chronicles
The reign of Solomon – Chapter 1 v 1 to 9 v 31
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 Solomon’s inauguration
Chapters 2 to 7 Solomon’s temple
Chapters 8 and 9 Solomon’s kingdom
The Kingdom of Judah – Chapter 10 v 1 to 36 v 23
Passage Subject
Chapters 10 and 11 The division of the kingdom
Chapters 12 to 36 The rulers of Judah
Chapter 12 Rehoboam
Chapter 13 Abijah
Chapters 14 to 16 Asa
Chapters 17 to 20 Jehoshaphat
Chapter 21 Jehoram
Chapter 22 v 1 to 9 Ahaziah
Chapter 22 v 10 to 23 v 21 Athaliah
Chapter 24 Joash
Chapter 25 Amaziah
Chapter 26 Uzziah
Chapter 27 Jotham
Chapter 28 Ahaz
Chapter 29 to 32 Hezekiah
Chapter 33 v 1 to 20 Manasseh
Chapter 33 v 21 to 25 Amon
Chapters 34 and 35 Josiah
Chapter 36 v 1 to 16 Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah
Chapter 36 v 17 to 23 The exile
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Ezra
Author — Ezra
Time — 450 B.C.
Summary – In general, Ezra covers the events of the Jews returning from the Babylonian captivity. The decline of Babylon and its eventual overthrow by the Persians enable the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The Jews are numbered and are allowed to return to Judah to rebuild the Temple. Samaritan assistance is rejected and their opposition is a contributing factor to the slow progress of the Temple construction. Despite the delays, the Temple is completed and dedicated to God during this period.
The exiles return from Babylon Chapters 1 v 1 to 2 v 70
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 4 The Decree of Cyrus
1 v 5 to 11 Preparations for the journey
2 v 1 to 70 Those who returned
Temple building begins – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 24
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to 13 The altar and the foundation
4 v 1 to 24 Opposition to the work
The building completed – Chapter 5 v 1 to 6 to 22
Passage Subject
5 v 1 to 5 Work resumed
5 v 6 to 17 Tattenai’s letter to Darius
6 v 1 to 12 Decrees of Cyrus and Darius
6 v 13 to 22 The Temple finished
Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem – Chapter 7 v 1 to 8 v 36
Passage Subject
7 v 1 to 10 Ezra introduced
7 v 11 to 28 Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra
8 v 1 to 36 The journey to Jerusalem
The great reformation – Chapter 9 v 1 to 10 v 44
Passage Subject
9 v 1 to 15 The tragic report and Ezra’s prayer
10 v 1 to 17 The abandonment of mixed marriages
10 v 18 to 44 List of those with foreign wives
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Nehemiah
Author – Nehemiah
Time — 450 B.C.
Summary – The book of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah returning from Babylon as Governor of Jerusalem appointed by Artaxerxes king of Persia. He plans and oversees the rebuilding of the city walls despite the discouraging opposition and disunity within the Jewish population. The wall is completed and more exiles are returned and registered as Jewish citizens. Nehemiah’s dedication to God drives him to make several religious reforms. A public reading of the Law and arrangements for worship are among these reformations.
Nehemiah’s arrival in Jerusalem – Chapter 1 v 1 to 2 v 20
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 11 Tragic news from Jerusalem, and Nehemiah’s prayer
2 v 1 to 8 The granting of Nehemiah’s request
2 v 9 to 20 Nehemiah’s survey of the walls, and his report
The building of the wall – Chapter 3 v 1 to 7 v 4
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to 32 The workmen and their tasks
4 v 1 to 23 The opposition of enemies
5 v 1 to 19 Reformations of Nehemiah as Governor
6 v 1 to 7 v 4 The wall finished despite intrigues
Civil and religious reformations in Jerusalem – Chapter 7 v 5 to 10 v 39
Passage Subject
7 v 5 to 73 List of Jews who returned with Zerubbabel
8 v 1 to 18 The reading and observance of God’s Law
9 v 1 to 10 v 39 A public confession and covenant
Lists of inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem – Chapter 11 v 1 to 12 v 26
Dedication of walls and organisation of Temple service – Chapter 12 v 27 to 47
Nehemiah’s final reformations – Chapter 13 v 1 to 31
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Esther
Author – Not known for certain
Time – 450 B.C.
Summary – Esther is an historical book, written during the period of the captivity. It records the plot of Haman, the prime minister to the Persian king, to exterminate the Jewish race. This plot is foiled by Esther, the queen of Persia, who was a Jewess. This book gives us the origin of the Feast of Purim, which celebrates God’s goodness in delivering the Jews from Haman.
Passage Subject
Chapter 1 v 1 to 22 Vashti divorced
Chapter 2 v 1 to 23 Esther made queen
Chapter 3 v 1 to 15 Haman’s plot against the Jews
Chapter 4 v 1 to 17 Esther’s decision
Chapter 5 v 1 to 14 Esther’s first banquet
Chapter 6 v 1 to 14 Haman humiliated before Mordecai
Chapter 7 v 1 to 10 Esther’s second banquet
Chapter 8 v 1 to 17 Mordecai’s counter-decree
Chapter 9 v 1 to 10 v 3 The Jews victorious, and Purim instituted
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Job
Author – Unknown
Time – approx around 1600 B.C.
Summary – Job is the first poetic book of the Old Testament. The book reads like a play. It relates the anguish of the righteous man Job as he and his friends struggle to explain the affliction which has befallen him and has stripped him of his wealth, his family, and his health. The dialogue continues between Job and his friends as each presents his opinion on the reasons behind such troubles. God eventually intervenes and Job is restored to health and prosperity after he submits to God’s supremecy.
Affliction of Job – Chapter 1 v 1 to 2 v 13
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 5 Description of Job
1 v 6 to 2 v 10 Affliction of Job
2 v 11 to 13 Arrival of Job’s three friends
Debates between Job and his three friends – Chapter 3 v 1 to 31 v 40
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to 14 v 22 First Cycle of Debate
15 v 1 to 21 v 34 Second Cycle of Debate
22 v 1 to 31 v 40 Third Cycle of Debate
The Speeches of Elihu – Chapter 32 v 1 to 37 v 24
Restoration of Job – Chapter 38 v 1 to 42 v 17
Passage Subject
38 v 1 to 40 v 5 God’s first challenge to Job
40 v 6 to 41 v 34 God’s second challenge to Job
42 v 1 to 17 Job’s submission and restoration
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Psalms
Author – David and others
Time – 1450 – 700 B.C.
Summary – The Psalms are divided into five sections, each according to a specific classification. The Psalms are a form of Hebrew poetry, many of which were accompanied by music. The content of the Psalms includes prophecy of Christ, praise to God, and visions of the future Kingdom of God and its glory. David is named as author of approximately half of the Psalms. A handful of other men are responsible for about fifteen, while the remainder are unnamed.
Passage Subject
Psalms 1 to 41 Section 1 Concerns man – Gives the advice of God to man
Psalms 42 to 72 Section 2 Concerns Israel – The advice of God to Israel
Psalms 73 to 89 Section 3 Concerns the sanctuary and the Law
Psalms 90 to 106 Section 4 Concerns Israel and the nations of the earth
Psalms 107 to 150 Section 5 Concerns God and His Word
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Proverbs
Author – Solomon and others
Time – 1,000 – 700 B.C.
Summary – In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is the attitude which puts God first as man’s rightful guide and master. The book does not hesitate to link good and bad with reward and penalty. Much can be learned by testing personal conduct against the positive and negative standards and warnings as recorded in the Proverbs. Throughout the book, the view is presented that all men fall into two basic classes. Both are known by their habits, their deeds, their “fruits”, their chosen “ways” in life, and their fitting ends. They are either with God or without Him, good or evil, or wise or foolish. There is even a mutual tension between the two classes, the two ways of life, which shows up in every aspect of life.
Superiority of the way of wisdom – Chapter 1 v 1 to 9 v 18
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 7 Introduction
1 v 8 to 9 v 18 The righteous woman, Wisdom, versus the evil woman
Main collection of Solomon’s Proverbs – Chapter 10 v 1 to 22 v 16
Passage Subject
10 v 1 to 15 v 33 Contrasting Proverbs
16 v 1 to 22 v 16 Proverbs largely parallel
The Words of the Wise, Thirty Sayings – Chapter 22 v 17 to 24 v 22
The Words of the Wise, Appendix – Chapter 24 v 23 to 34
Proverbs of Solomon compiled by Hezekiah’s Men – Chapter 25 v 1 to 29 v 27
Appendices – Chapter 30 v 1 to 31 v 31
Passage Subject
30 v 1 to 33 The words of Agur
31 v 1 to 9 The words of Lemuel
31 v 10 to 31 Alphabetical poem about the Virtuous Woman
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Ecclesiastes
Author – Solomon
Time – 960 B.C.
Summary – The name Ecclesiastes comes from the root meaning “to assemble together”. As such, the book forms a collection of many wise sayings and proverbs of Solomon. The book is mainly composed of observations of life. Solomon, having lived a full life with all its pleasures, concludes that life is “vanity”. “Vanity” in Ecclesiastes, and elsewhere in Scripture, does not mean foolish pride, but the emptiness of life apart from God. It means “that which soon vanishes away”. What better man to speak about life than a man who was given all it had to offer.
Without God, life would be meaningless, and all his worldly possessions would amount to nothing. Therefore, the conclusion of his studies states that man should love and fear God and obey His commandments.
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 11 The futility of all human endeavours
1 v 12 to 2 v 26 The test of practical experience
3 v 1 to 22 Men’s opportunity limited by time
4 v 1 to 16 Human folly greatly increased by oppression
5 v 1 to 8 Folly of insincere worship
5 v 9 to 6 v 2 Vanity of riches
6 v 3 to 11 v 6 Vanity of human desires
11 v 7 to 12 v 8 Advice and warning to youth
12 v 9 to 14 Conclusion
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Song of Solomon
Author – Solomon
Time – About 960 B.C.
Summary – It consists of speeches in Hebrew poetry. It depicts the beauty and pure love between a man and a woman which develops into a mature undying relationship. Some believe that it shows the relationship between Christ and his bride, the body of believers, which will be consummated at his return. The basic message is the purity and sacredness of love. There are various interpretations, we will give just one.
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 8 Song 1: The ardent love and becoming humility of the bride
1 v 9 to 2 v 7 Song 2: Love’s communion and self–sacrificing devotion
2 v 8 to 17 Song 3: Signs of the bridegroom’s coming
3 v 1 to 5 Song 4: His sudden appearance
3 v 6 to 4 v 7 Song 5: The splendour of marriage
4 v 8 to 5 v 1 Song 6: Entering the inheritance
5 v 2 to 6 v 10 Song 7: The first advent call and espousal of the bride
6 v 11 to 13 Song 8: Anticipating his coming
7 v 1 to 9 Song 9: The flowing beauty of the bride
7 v 10 to 8 v 4 Song 10: The bride’s deep longing and ardent desire for the groom’s return
8 v 5 to 7 Song 11: The joy and communion of true marriage
8 v 8 to 14 Song 12: Love’s labour in the future
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Isaiah
Author – Isaiah
Time – 780 – 690 B.C.
Summary – Isaiah ministered during the rule of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. His primary focus was the coming judgement on the southern kingdom of Judah due to its great wickedness. Isaiah identified the root of Judah’s trouble as its idolatry and apostasy. Although he spoke of judgements on other nations as well, he urged the kings and the people to put their trust in God rather than in alliances with earthly powers. He comforted his people with the realisation that God loves those who are faithful to Him and keep His commandments. He spoke of the future Messiah who would come to redeem the nation and restore the Kingdom.
Rebuke and promise – Chapter 1 v 1 to 6 v 13
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 31 Rebellion confronted with judgement and grace
2 v 1 to 4 v 6 Punishment for sin as preparation for glory
5 v 1 to 30 Judgement and exile in store for Israel
6 v 1 to 13 The Prophet cleansed and commissioned by God
Impending invasion and future hope – Chapter 7 v 1 to 12 v 6
Passage Subject
7 v 1 to 16 Deliverer promised
7 v 17 to 8 v 22 Assyrian invasion foretold
9 v 1 to 7 Messiah, Israel’s only hope
9 v 8 to 10 v 4 Chastisement rejected – God’s outstretched hand
10 v 5 to 34 God’s judgement on Assyria
11 v 1 to 12 v 6 David’s kingdom restored
Judgement upon the nations – Chapter 13 v 1 to 23 v 18
Passage Subject
13 v 1 to 14 v 27 Fall of Babylon
14 v 28 to 32 Downfall of Philistia
15 v 1 to 16 v 14 Downfall of Moab
17 v 1 to 14 Downfall of Damascus and Samaria
18 v 1 to 7 The regathering of Israel
19 v 1 to 20 v 6 Afflictions of Egypt
21 v 1 to 10 Babylon to be conquered and her Idols destroyed
21 v 11 to 12 Defeat of Edom; victory for Israel
21 v 13 to 17 Dedan and Kedar to be routed
22 v 1 to 25 Fall of Jerusalem foreseen; Eliakim to replace Shebna
23 v 1 to 18 Downfall and enslavement of Tyre
General rebuke and promise, 1 – Chapter 24 v 1 to 27 v 3
Passage Subject
24 v 1 to 23 Universal judgement upon universal sin
25 v 1 to 12 God praised as deliverer and comforter of Zion
26 v 1 to 21 Song of joy over Judah’s conversion
27 v 1 to 13 Oppressors to be punished but God’s people preserved
Woes on the unbelievers of Israel – Chapter 28 v 1 to 33 v 24
Passage Subject
28 v 1 to 29 Judgement of Ephraimite drunkards and Jewish scoffers
29 v 1 to 24 Disaster ahead for hypocrites
30 v 1 to 33 Confidence in Egypt versus confidence in God
31 v 1 to 9 God, not Egypt, to be Jerusalem’s defence
32 v 1 to 20 Israel’s final deliverance, and her spiritual renewal
33 v 1 to 24 Punishment of the treacherous, and triumph of Christ
General rebuke and promise, 2 – Chapter 34 v 1 to 35 v 10
Passage Subject
34 v 1 to 17 Utter destruction of Gentile world powers
35 v 1 to 10 Promise of Salvation
The volume of Hezekiah – Chapter 36 v 1 to 39 v 8
Passage Subject
36 v 1 to 37 v 38 Destruction of Judah averted
38 v 1 to 39 v 8 Destruction of Judah’s king averted
The volume of comfort – Chapter 40 v 1 to 66 v 24
Passage Subject
40 v 1 to 48 v 22 The purpose of peace
49 v 1 to 57 v 21 The Prince of Peace
58 v 1 to 66 v 24 The programme of peace
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Jeremiah
Author – Jeremiah and Baruch
Time – 630 – 575 B.C.
Summary – Jeremiah warns of the impending military force of Babylon that would destroy Jerusalem and enslave the Jews. He urges Jerusalem to turn from its wicked ways, but there is no response. He further warns of the false prophets who are leading the people astray with deceptive doctrines and falsehoods. He urges the Israelites to submit to the Babylonian authority as the instrument of God’s judgement. They do not heed his warnings and the people are carried away to Babylon. He predicts that the captives will return after seventy years to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.
Introduction and the prophet’s call – Chapter 1 v 1 to 19
Prophecies against Jerusalem and Judah – Chapter 2 v 1 to 45 v 5
Passage Subject
2 v 1 to 20 v 18 In the reign of Josiah and Jehoiakim
21 v 1 to 39 v 18 Various periods until Jerusalem’s destruction
40 v 1 to 45 v 5 After the fall of Jerusalem
Prophecies against the nations – Chapter 46 v 1 to 51 v 64
Passage Subject
46 v 1 to 28 Against Egypt
47 v 1 to 7 Against Philistia
48 v 1 to 47 Against Moab
49 v 1 to 6 Against Ammon
49 v 7 to 22 Against Edom
49 v 23 to 27 Against Damascus
49 v 28 to 33 Against Arabia
49 v 34 to 39 Against Elam
50 v 1 to 51 v 64 Against Babylon
Historical appendix – Chapter 52 v 1 to 34
Passage Subject
52 v 1 to 30 Judah’s fall and captivity
52 v 31 to 34 Jehoiachin’s liberation
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Lamentations
Author – Jeremiah
Time – 580 B.C.
Summary – Lamentation means “to express suffering”. In this book, Jeremiah, who had witnessed the fall of Jerusalem and had himself been taken captive, but later released, expresses his sorrow regarding the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity of the nation at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar’s army. The book describes and explains the afflictions brought against the city of Jerusalem as well as surrounding nations who scoff at Jerusalem’s troubles. It emphasises that this is the result of divine judgement for the sins of the people. It also underlines the lessons that Jerusalem should learn from its troubles. The book also reflects the love and sorrow of God for the very people He is chastening.
The suffering, ruined city of Zion – Chapter 1 v 1 to 22
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 11 Wretched condition of devastated Jerusalem
1 v 12 to 22 Lament of the Daughter of Jerusalem
The suffering, ruined holy place of Zion – Chapter 2 v 1 to 22
Passage Subject
2 v 1 to 10 God’s judgments on the ramparts and on His sanctuary
2 v 11 to 19 Lament of the eyewitness of this judgment
2 v 20 to 22 Terrors of this day of God’s anger
The suffering representative of smitten Zion – Chapter 3 v 1 to 66
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to 18 The sorrows God sent His servant
3 v 19 to 42 The servant’s prayer of reassurance
3 v 43 to 66 The servant’s prayer for vindication
The suffering people of Zion – Chapter 4 v 1 to 22
Passage Subject
4 v 1 to 11 Horrors of the siege, and the fate of Zion’s nobility
4 v 12 to 20 Causes and climax of Zion’s catastrophe
4 v 21 to 22 A prophecy against haughty and gloating Edom
Supplications of penitent Zion – Chapter 5 v 1 to 22
Passage Subject
5 v 1 to 18 Zion’s plea to God to regard her affliction and disgrace
5 v 19 to 22 A final address to God
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Ezekiel
Author – Ezekiel
Time – 593 – 560 B.C.
Summary – Ezekiel was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon. This book records his activities during his exile in Babylon. His message was directed to his fellow countrymen who were still in Palestine, and later to his fellow captives in Babylon. He gave the good news to his fellow exiles that the nation, after being chastened, would be restored to their own land and God’s Kingdom would rise. This yet future Kingdom will last forever, and God’s people will never again be cast out.
Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem – Chapter 1 v 1 to 24 v 27
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 3 v 27 Introduction : The call of Ezekiel
4 v 1 to 7 v 27 Overthrow of city and state predicted
8 v 1 to 11 v 25 The sin and fate of Jerusalem
12 v 1 to 19 v 14 Moral necessity of the captivity
20 v 1 to 24 v 27 Israel’s coming downfall inevitable and necessary
Prophecies against foreign nations: – Chapter 25 v 1 to 32 v 32
Passage Subject
25 v 1 to 7 Ammon
25 v 8 to 11 Moab
25 v 12 to 14 Edom
25 v 15 to 17 Philistines
26 v 1 to 28 v 19 Tyre
28 v 20 to 26 Sidon
29 v 1 to 32 v 32 Egypt
Prophecies of the restitution of Israel – Chapter 33 v 1 to 39 v 29
Passage Subject
33 v 1 to 33 The prophet: His function in preparation for the new age
34 v 1 to 31 The corrupt priesthood
35 v 1 to 36 v 38 The land: Israel to be restored and made fruitful
37 v 1 to 28 The People: resurrection of the dry bones of Israel; Reunion of Judah and Israel
38 v 1 to 39 v 29 Peace: The Lord to defend Israel against Gog’s invasion
Vision of the new Temple and the new Law – Chapter 40 v 1 to 48 v 35
Passage Subject
40 v 1 to 43 v 27 Description of the new Temple
44 v 1 to 46 v 24 A new service of worship with an ideal ministry and sacrificial system
47 v 1 to 48 v 35 Israel reorganised according to tribal divisions
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Daniel
Author – Daniel
Time – 605 –535 B.C.
Summary – Daniel was of the royal line of Jewish kings, and, like Ezekiel, had been taken as a young man captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. This is why he is found in the king’s palace. The book of Daniel predicts the destiny of two opposing powers: The Kingdom of Men and The Kingdom of God, stressing that “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men”. Daniel’s prophecies generally do not deal with Israel as much as with the nations that control Israel. The book of Daniel contains prophecies that span the time from Daniel’s day until the coming Kingdom Age.
The universal sovereignty of God – As revealed through personal experience – Chapter 1 v 1 to 6 v 28
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 21 Introduction – experiences of Daniel
2 v 1 to 49 Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and interpretation
3 v 1 to 30 Nebuchadnezzar’s pride – experience of Daniel’s three friends
4 v 1 to 37 Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and interpretation –his pride shaken
5 v 1 to 31 Pride of Belshazzar and his downfall
6 v 1 to 28 Daniel’s experience in the den of lions
The universal sovereignty of God – Prophetic revelation– Chapter 7 v 1 to 12 v 13
Passage Subject
7 v 1 to 28 Vision of the four beasts
8 v 1 to 27 Vision of the ram and he goat
9 v 1 to 19 Daniel’s prayer and confession
9 v 20 to 27 Prophecy of the coming Messiah
10 v 1 to 21 Daniel’s vision of the glory of God
11 v 1 to 45 Daniel shown in vision events leading up to the return of Christ
12 v 1 to 13 The vision continues with the resurrection and the Kingdom of God
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Hosea
Author – Hosea
Time – 755 – 710 B.C.
Summary – The book of Hosea describes the patient long–suffering of God towards the rebellious and unfaithful northern kingdom of Israel. However, it is made clear to the Israelites that punishment will engulf anyone who remains wilfully rebellious. A key theme is Hosea’s marriage to the unfaithful Gomer, which is symbolic of the relationship between God and Israel.
The prophet’s married life – Chapter 1 v 1 to 3 v 5
Passage Subject
1 v 2 to 9 His marriage to Gomer
1 v 10 to 11 A message of hope
2 v 1 to 13 Judgement on faithless Israel
2 v 14 to 23 The restoration of faithless Israel
3 v 1 to 5 Hosea’s redemption of his faithless wife
Israel’s unfaithfulness and consequent judgement– Chapter 4 v 1 to 13 v 16
Passage Subject
4 v 1 to 3 The guilt of the people
4 v 4 to 8 The guilt of the priests
4 v 9 to 10 Punishment for all
4 v 11 to 19 Immoral cult practices
5 v 1 to 7 Judgement on kings and priests for leading the people astray
5 v 8 to 15 Disastrous foreign policies of Ephraim and Judah
6 v 1 to 6 Israel’s plea and God’s rejoinder
6 v 7 to 7 v 7 The crimes of Israel
7 v 8 to 8 v 3 Israel’s disastrous foreign policy
8 v 4 to 14 Israel’s idolatry and wicked alliances
9 v 1 to 9 The exile of Israel foretold
9 v 10 to 14 Israel’s ancient apostasy at Baal – peor
9 v 15 to 17 Israel’s apostasy at Gilgal
10 v 1 to 8 Destruction of the Baal cult prophesied
10 v 9 to 10 The sin at Gibeah
10 v 11 to 15 The ruin of Israel
11 v 1 to 7 God’s love; Israel’s ingratitude
11 v 8 to 11 God’s pity for his people
11 v 12 to 12 v 14 The sins of Jacob
13 v 1 to 3 The wicked bull–worship
13 v 4 to 11 The gracious God to bring destruction
13 v 12 to 16 Inescapable ruin
Israel’s conversion and renewal – Chapter 14 v 1 to 9
Passage Subject
14 v 1 to 3 The call to repentance
14 v 4 to 8 The promise of pardon
14 v 9 A parting admonition
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Joel
Author – Joel
Time – 618 – 608 B.C.
Summary – The book of Joel begins by describing a devastating swarm of locusts which cause national disaster to the agriculture of Israel. Joel calls the nation of Judah to a day of repentance due to the Divine judgement. The last portion of the book is concerned with events associated with the “Day of the Lord”. The message is that if Judah repents, God will richly bless them and forgive them.
The locust plague is the harbinger of the Day of the Lord– Chapter 1 v 2 to 2 v 17
Passage Subject
1 v 2 to 20 A threefold calamity – locusts, drought, and fires
2 v 1 to 17 The scourge as the forerunner of the Judgement day
The averting of judgement and bestowal of blessings– Chapter 2 v 18 to 3 v 21
Passage Subject
2 v 18 to 27 The blessings in the immediate future
2 v 28 to 32 The outpouring of the divine spirit
3 v 1 to 16 Judgement upon the nations
3 v 17 to 21 The blessings on God’s people
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Amos
Author – Amos
Time – 765 to 750 B.C.
Summary – The book of Amos was written during a period of national optimism in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jeroboam II was ruler, and politically and materially the northern kingdom rivalled the age of Solomon and David. Amos, a shepherd by trade, was called by God to pronounce judgement by denouncing Israel’s luxurious living, idolatry, and moral depravity. Amos urges the people to repent before the judgements of God come upon them. “Seek God and live”, was Amos’ plea to the nation. He also foretells the dispersion of the Israelites, but points to a day when God would regather them in the land of their forefathers.
Judgements against the nations – Chapter 1 v 1 to 2 v 16
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 2 Superscription and proclamation
1 v 3 to 2 v 3 Indictment of neighbouring nations
2 v 4 to 5 Indictment of Judah
2 v 6 to 16 Indictment of Israel
Three discourses against Israel – Chapter 3 v 1 to 6 v 14
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to15 A declaration of judgement
4 v 1 to 13 The depravity of Israel
5 v 1 to 6 v 14 A lamentation for Israel’s sin and doom
Five visions of Israel’s condition – Chapter 7 v 1 to 9 v 10
Passage Subject
7 v 1 to 3 The devouring locusts
7 v 4 to 6 The flaming fire
7 v 7 to 17 The plumb line
8 v 1 to 14 The basket of ripe fruit
9 v 1 to 10 The Judgement of the Lord
The promise of Israel’s restoration – Chapter 9 v 11 to 15
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Obadiah
Author – Obadiah
Time – 585 to 565 B.C.
Summary – Obadiah’s name means “servant of Yahweh” (“Yahweh” is the Hebrew name of God). Obadiah was a prophet who pronounced judgement upon the nation of Edom for its antagonism against Israel. Edom is the nation that descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, who had his name changed to Israel. Edom was to be punished for the violence against Israel they committed when invading the land.
Title and introductions – Verse 1
Judgement on Edom – Verse 2 to 14
The Day of the Lord – Verse 15 to 21
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Jonah
Author – Jonah
Time – 760 B.C.
Summary – The book is concerned with the commission of Jonah to warn the city of Nineveh (capital of Assyria) to repent and obey God’s commandments so that they might avoid destruction. Jonah is reluctant to preach this message and is therefore swallowed by a great fish. He remains in the belly of the fish for three days. Upon his release, he preaches the message to the people of Nineveh, who believe his message, repent of their sins and are spared by God.
Jonah’s flight – Chapter 1 v 1 to 17
Jonah’s prayer – Chapter 2 v 1 to 10
Jonah’s preaching – Chapter 3 v 1 to 10
Jonah’s displeasure – Chapter 4 v 1 to 11
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Micah
Author – Micah
Time – 735 to 700 B.C.
Summary – Micah, who was contemporary with Isaiah, was to the southern kingdom of Judah what Amos was previously to the northern kingdom of Israel. Both were fierce critics of the rich and powerful who exploited the poor. Though Micah’s prophecies refer especially to Judah, they concern all of Israel. Micah’s leading ideas are the regeneration of Israel’s remnant through judgement, the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the line of David, and the conversion of the nations through that Kingdom. The conclusion of his prophecy is a triumphant expression of faith, which is seen in its true quality against the background of the materialism and the corruption of the reign of Ahaz.
Superscription to the prophecy – Chapter 1 v 1
Approaching judgement of Israel and Judah because of persistent sin – Chapter 1 v 2 to 16
Passage Subject
1 v 2 The call to attention
1 v 3 to 4 Terrible coming of God announced and described
1 v 5 Sins of the capital city representative of those of the nation
1 v 6 to 7 Fearful consequences of this judgement
1 v 8 to 16 The prophet’s reaction and his vision of this judgement
Doom of corrupt oppressors and false prophets– Chapter 2 v 1 to 3 v 12
Passage Subject
2 v 1 to 5 Woe upon the land monopolisers
2 v 6 to 13 False preaching of lying prophets
3 v 1 to 7 Denunciation of the leaders of the people
3 v 8 Micah’s consciousness of power from the spirit of God
3 v 9 to 12 Gross sin and crime to bring destruction upon Jerusalem
Vision of hope from the coming one – Chapter 4 v 1 to 5 v 15
Passage Subject
4 v 1 to 5 v 1 Final triumph of Jerusalem
5 v 2 to 15 Coming mighty leader to be born in Bethlehem and to restore Israel.
The Lord’s case against Israel – Chapter 6 v 1 to 7 v 20
Passage Subject
6 v 1 to 5 First complaint of God
6 v 6 to 8 Israel’s first reply
6 v 9 to 16 Second complaint of God
7 v 1 to 10 Israel’s second reply – a confession of sin
7 v 11 to 13 Israel’s promised blessing – follow judgement
7 v 14 to 17 Final plea for Israel to be gathered from many nations
7 v 18 to 20 Doxology: The triumph of grace
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Nahum
Author – Nahum
Time – 620 B.C.
Summary – The book of Nahum was written approximately 140 years after the recorded events in the book of Jonah. During that period of time, Nineveh had turned from its repentant attitude and had taken the northern kingdom of Israel into captivity. Whereas Jonah gives a message of mercy and repentance, Nahum gives an indictment of doom upon Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. They who were once used as God’s tool against the people of Israel and Jerusalem, will now be destroyed because of their great wickedness.
Nineveh’s doom declared – Chapter 1 v 1 to 15
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 8 Character of Nineveh’s judge
1 v 9 to 11 Declaration of Nineveh’s doom
1 v 12 to 15 Comfort to Nineveh’s oppressed
Nineveh’s doom described – Chapter 2 v 1 to 13
Passage Subject
2 v 1 to 5 City besieged
2 v 6 to 10 City overwhelmed
2 v 11 to 13 City made desolate
Nineveh’s doom deserved – Chapter 3 v 1 to 19
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to 5 Cause of the overthrow
3 v 6 to 13 Lesson of the overthrow
3 v 14 to 19 Certainty of the overthrow
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Habakkuk
Author – Habakkuk
Time – 620 to 605 B.C.
Summary – The book begins with Habakkuk complaining of injustice in Judah and with his inability to understand God’s failure to judge the wicked and morally deprived nation of Babylon. Habakkuk is shown that God’s people must continue to trust in His mercy regardless of the circumstances about them. The wicked appear to prosper while the righteous are chastened. However, this prosperity of the wicked is only temporary. God will not abandon those who obey and follow His commandments – “the just shall live by faith” (Cp. Psalm 73).
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1
The prophet’s complaint of unchecked violence in Judah – Chapter 1 v 2 to 4
The Lord’s answer – The Chaldean is His Instrument of punishment – Chapter 1 v 5 to 11
A second problem – The Chaldeans are more wicked than the Judeans – Chapter 1 v 12 to 2 v 1
The Lord’s second answer – The promise is certain, and faith will be rewarded – Chapter 2 v 2 to 4
Five curses for disobedience – Chapter 2 v 5 to 20
A vision of divine judgement – Chapter 3 v 1 to 16
The triumph of faith – Chapter 3 v 17 to 19
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Zephaniah
Author – Zephaniah
Time – 635 to 615 B.C.
Summary – Zephaniah was contemporary with Jeremiah. He prophesied during King Josiah’s reign, who was responsible for a great religious reformation. This followed the wicked reigns of Kings Manasseh and Amon, who led the nation into various forms of idolatry. Zephaniah pronounces inescapable judgements against Jerusalem for their sins, and exhorts national repentance. He further speaks of the “day of the LORD”, when God will intervene to judge sin.
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1
A warning of impending judgement – Chapter 1 v 2 to 18
Passage Subject
1 v 2 to 6 The judgement announced
1 v 7 to 13 The judgement defined
1 v 14 to 18 The judgement described
An exhortation to immediate repentance – Chapter 2 v 1 to 3 v 8
Passage Subject
2 v 1 to 3 An invitation to repentance
2 v 4 to 3 v 8 A detailed warning of judgement
A promise of future blessing – Chapter 3 v 9 to 20
Passage Subject
3 v 9 to 13 The promise of conversion
3 v 14 to 20 The promise of restoration
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Haggai
Author – Haggai
Time – 520 B.C.
Summary – Haggai speaks to the few Jews who have returned to Judah from the captivity in Babylon. He exhorts them to “consider their ways” and to complete the Temple as its foundation had been laid eighteen years before. The people responded, and the Temple was completed in 516 B.C. Haggai further pronounces that pagan empires will be overthrown by God, and Judah will be elevated during the time of the Messiah.
A message to arouse – Chapter 1 v 1 to 11
A message to commend – Chapter 1 v 12 to 15
A message to encourage – Chapter 2 v 1 to 9
A message to confirm – Chapter 2 v 10 to 19
A message to assure – Chapter 2 v 20 to 23
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Zechariah
Author – Zechariah
Time – 520 to 490 B.C.
Summary – Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai. He also encouraged the people to rebuild the Temple. Like Daniel and Revelation, this book contains visions symbolising future events. It contains detailed references to the coming Messiah. The book concludes with descriptions of the enemies of Jerusalem being judged and of the future glory of God’s Kingdom.
Introduction – The call to repent – Chapter 1 v 1 to 6
The night visions of Zechariah – Chapter 1 v 7 to 6 v 8
Passage Subject
1 v 7 to 17 Vision of the horses and riders
1 v 18 to 21 Vision of the horns and artisans
2 v 1 to 13 Vision of the surveyor
3 v 1 to 10 Vision of Joshua the high priest
4 v 1 to 14 Vision of the golden lampstand
5 v 1 to 4 Vision of the flying roll
5 v 5 to 11 Vision of the woman in the ephah
6 v 1 to 8 Vision of the chariots
The crowning of Joshua – Chapter 6 v 9 to 15
Questions concerning fasting – Chapter 7 v 1 to 8 v 23
Passage Subject
7 v 1 to 3 The question
7 v 4 to 14 The lesson from history
8 v 1 to 23 God’s purpose of blessing for Israel
The future of the nations, Israel, and Messiah’s Kingdom– Chapter 9 v 1 to 14 v 21
Passage Subject
9 v 1 to 11 v 17 The first burden
12 v 1 to 14 v 21 The second burden
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Malachi
Author – Malachi
Time – 500 to 475 B.C.
Summary – Malachi’s message comes to the people in a time of great spiritual decline. It is approximately eighty years after the rebuilding of the Temple, and the promises of the coming Messiah have not yet happened. As a result, the people had become lax and had an increasingly casual attitude toward God and worship. Malachi states that their sacrifices were unacceptable to God, husbands were unfaithful, and the priests had neglected God’s covenants.
An unholy nation – Chapter 1 v 1 to 14
A faithless priesthood – Chapter 2 v 1 to 10
A treacherous people – Chapter 2 v 11 to 16
A nation of robbers – Chapter 2 v 17 to 3 v 15
A faithful remnant to be vindicated – Chapter 3 v 16 to 4 v 6
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