Author: Art Davison

THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH–A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH

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THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH
A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH
Introduction:

A series of dirges (a funeral song or tune) in the form of an acrostic (a series of lines or verses in which the first, last, or other particular letters when taken in order spell out a word, phrase, etc.), are written as if for a National Funeral, portraying the capture and destruction of Jerusalem. In the Septuagint Version the following introductory words are found, “And it came to pass after Israel was led into captivity that Jeremiah sat weeping and lamenting and lamented this lamentation over Jerusalem.” —Typical Index of the Bible.

“The touching significance of this book lies in the fact that it is the disclosure of the love and sorrow of Jehovah for the very people who He is chastening—a sorrow wrought by the Spirit in the heart of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 13:17; Matthew 23:36, 38; Romans 9:1-5).” —Scofield.

A Brief Summary of the Book:

1) The ruin of Jerusalem and misery of the exiles, because of their sins, Lamentations 1.

2) Jehovah, the ancient defender of Israel, has given up his people to their awful fate, Lamentations 2.

3) Jeremiah’s grief over the afflictions of his people, -his trust God, and his own persecution, Lamentations 3.

4) The former glory of Israel contrasted with their present misery, Lamentations 4.

5) A prayer for mercy, Lamentations 5.

Key Verse: Lamentations 1:12, “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.”

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PSALM

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OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PSALM

Introduction:

“The simplest description of the five books of Psalms is that they were the inspired prayer-and-praise book of Israel. They are revelations of truth, not abstractly, but in the terms of human experience. The truth revealed is wrought into the emotions, desires, and sufferings of the people of God by the circumstances through which they pass. But those circumstances are such as to constitute an anticipation of analogous conditions through which Christ in His incarnation, and the Jewish remnant in the tribulation (Isaiah 10.21, refs), should pass; so then many Psalms are prophetic of the sufferings, the faith, and the victory of both. Psalms 22 and 50. are examples. The former—the holy of holies of the Bible—reveals all that was in the mind of Christ when He uttered the desolate cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” The latter is an anticipation of what will be in the heart of Israel when she shall turn to Jehovah again (Deuteronomy 30:1-2). Other Psalms are directly prophetic of “the sufferings of Christ, and the glories which should follow” (Luke 24.25-27, 44). Psalms 2 is a notable instance, presenting Jehovah’s Anointed as rejected and crucified (Psalms 2:1-3; Acts 4:24-28) but afterward set as King in Zion.” — Scofield.

Authorship: The authorship of many is uncertain; it is probable that in some cases the name affixed to certain psalms may refer to the Collector, rather than the Author. The following is a conjectural list of authors taken from the various versions of the Scriptures. Attributed to David, 73; to Sons of Korah, 11; to Asaph, 12; to Heman, 1; to Ethan, 1; to Solomon, 2; to Moses, 1; to Haggai, 1; to Zechariah, 1; to Hezekiah, number doubtful; to Ezra, 1; the remainder anonymous.

Messianic Psalms: The following are some of the psalms which are regarded as containing direct, or typical, references to Christ:

1) Christ, as King, Ps 2; Ps 45; Ps 72; Ps 110; Ps 132:11.

2) The Sufferings of, Ps 22; Ps 41; Ps 55:12-14; 69:20,21.

3) The Resurrection of, Ps 16.

4) The Ascension of, Ps 68:18.

Topical Arrangement: Each Psalm is arranged under some topic which appears prominently in it.

1) Man:

a. Exaltation of, Ps 8.

b. Sinfulness of, Ps 10; Ps 14; Ps 36; Ps 55; Ps 59, and many others

2) The Worldly and the Wicked:

a. Contrasted with the godly, Ps 1; Ps 4; Ps 5.

b. The delay of the punishment of, Ps 10.

c. The prosperity of, Ps 37; Ps 73.

d. The fate of, Ps 9; Ps 11.

e. Trust in riches, Ps 49.

3) Religious Experiences:

a. Penitence, Ps 25; Ps 38; Ps 51; Ps 130.

b. Pardon, Ps 32.

c. Conversion, Ps 40.

d. Consecration, Ps 116.

e. Trust, Ps 3; Ps 16; Ps 20; Ps 23; Ps 27; Ps 31; Ps 34; Ps 42; Ps 61; Ps 62; Ps 91; Ps 121.

f. Teachableness, Ps 25.

g. Aspiration, Ps 42; Ps 63; Ps 143.

h. Prayer, Ps 55; Ps 70; Ps 77; Ps 85; Ps 86; Ps 142; Ps 143.

i. Praise, Ps 96; Ps 98; Ps 100; Ps 103; Ps 107; Ps 136; Ps 145; Ps 148; Ps 149; Ps 150.

j. Worship, Ps 43; Ps 84; Ps 100; Ps 122; Ps 132.

k. Affliction, Ps 6; Ps 13; Ps 22; Ps 69; Ps 88; Ps 102.

l. Old age, Ps 71.

m. Vanity of life, Ps 39; Ps 49; Ps 90.

n. Home, Ps 127.

o. Homesickness, typical, Ps 137.

4) The Lord’s people:

a. Safety of, Ps 46.

b. Glory of, Ps 48; Ps 87.

c. Love for, Ps 84; Ps 122.

d. Unity in, Ps 133.

5) The Word of God, Ps 19; Ps 119.

6) Missionary, Ps 67; Ps 72; Ps 96; Ps 98.

7) Duty of Rulers, Ps 82; Ps 101.

8) Divine Attributes:

a. Wisdom, Majesty, and Power, Ps 18; Ps 19; Ps 29; Ps 62; Ps 66; Ps 89; Ps 93; Ps 97; Ps 99; Ps 118; Ps 147.

b. Mercy, Ps 32; Ps 85; Ps 136.

c. Infinite Knowledge, Ps 139.

d. Creative Power, Ps 33; Ps 89; Ps 104.

9) Israel’s Experiences:

a. Unbelief, Ps 78.

b. Desolation and misery of, Ps 79; Ps 80.

c. Backsliding of, Ps 81.

d. Divine Providence, Ps 105; Ps 106; Ps 114.

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

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OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
Introduction:

“A new author, or penman rather, or pen (if you will) made use of by the Holy Ghost for making known the mind of God to us, writing as moved by the finger of God (so the Spirit of God is called), and that is Solomon; through his hand came this book of Scripture and the two that follow it, Ecclesiastes and Canticles (Song of Solomon), a sermon and a song. Some think he wrote Canticles when he was very young, Proverbs in the midst of his days, and Ecclesiastes when he was old. In the title of his song he only writes himself Solomon, perhaps because he wrote it before his accession to the throne, being filled with the Holy Ghost when he was young. In the title of his Proverbs he writes himself the son of David, king of Israel, for then he ruled over all Israel. In the title of his Ecclesiastes he writes himself the son of David, king of Jerusalem, because then perhaps his influence had grown less upon the distant tribes, and he confined himself very much in Jerusalem.” — Matthew Henry.

Author: The author of this book was King Solomon, as the “first” verse, which contains the inscription of it, shows; for he was not a collector of these proverbs, as Grotius is of opinion, but the author of them, at least of the far greater part; and not only the author, but the writer of them: the Jews say that Hezekiah and this men wrote them; it is true indeed the men of Hezekiah copied some, Proverbs 25:1, “These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out,” but even those were written by Solomon. —John Gill’s Expositor

Chief Purpose: To give Moral Instruction, especially to young People.

Key Verse: Proverbs 1:4, “To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.”

Key Thought: “The fear of the Lord,” which occurs fourteen (14) times.

A Brief Summary of the Book:

1) Fatherly counsels and warnings, with exhortations concerning the attainment of wisdom, Pr 1:1–7:27.

2) Wisdom’s call, Pr 8:1–9:18.

3) Proverbs that contrasts between Good and Evil, Wisdom and Folly, Pr 10:1–20:30.

4) Proverbial maxims and counsels, Pr 21:1–24:34.

5) Proverbs of Solomon copied by men of King Hezekiah, Pr 25:1–29:27.

6) The words of Agur, the oracle, Pr 30.

NOTE: “Who this Agur was is a matter of doubt; some of the Jewish writers, as Jarchi and Gersom, and likewise some Christian writers take him to be Solomon himself, who calls himself Agur, which is said to signify “a gatherer”; and so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, “the words of the gatherer, the son of the vomiter”; just as he calls himself Koheleth, or “the caller,” or “preacher,” Ecclesiastes 1:1, 12.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

7) The words of King Lemuel; the Jewish rabbis identified him with Solomon, Pr 31:1:

a. A mother’s advice, Pr 31:2-9.

b. The description of an Ideal wife, Pr 31:10-31.

NOTE: John Gill thinks this is “the instruction of Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba.” —John Gill’s Expositor.

Choice Selections: Wisdom:

1) The Call of, Pr 1:20-23.

2) The Source of, Pr 2:6 8:1-36.

3) The Preciousness of, Pr 3:13-26.

4) The Principal thing, Pr 4:5-13.

5) The Richest Treasure, Pr 8:11-36.

6) The Feast of, Pr 9:1-6.

Subjects Especially Discussed:

1) Anger, Pr 14:17, 29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:11.

2) Benevolence, Pr 3:9, 10; 11:24-26; 14:21; 19:17; 22:9.

3) Correction of Children, Pr 13:24; 19:18; 22:6, 15; 23:13,14.

4) Enticers, Pr 4:14; 9:13; 16:29.

5) Fear of God , Pr 1:7; 3:7; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 23:17; 24:21.

6) Fools:

a. Slanderous, Pr 10:18.

b. Short-lived, Pr 10:21.

c. Mischief-makers, Pr 10:23.

d. Self-righteous, Pr 12:15.

e. Irritable, Pr 12:16.

f. Mock at sin, Pr 14:9.

g. Talk nonsense, Pr 15:2.

h. Insensible, Pr 17:10.

i. Dangerous, Pr 17:12.

j. Visionary, Pr 17:24.

k. Meddlesome, Pr 20:3.

l. Despise Wisdom, Pr 23:9.

m. Stupid, Pr 27:22.

n. Self-confident, Pr 14:16; 28:26.

o. Babbler, Pr 29:11.

7) Friendship, Pr 17:17; 18:24; 19:4; 27:10,17.

8) Indolence, Pr 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 12:27; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4,13; 22:13; Pr 24:30-34; 26:13-16.

9) Knowledge Divine, Pr 15:11; 21:2; 24:12.

10) Oppression, Pr 14:31; 22:22; 28:16.

11) Pride, Proverbs 6:17; 11:2; 13:10; 15:25; 16:18-19; 18:12; 21:4, 24; 29:23; 30:13.

12) Prudence, Pr 12:23; 13:16; 14:8,15,18; 15:5; 16:21; 18:15; 27:12.

13) Scorners, Pr 3:34; 9:7; 14:6; 19:25; 24:9.

14) Strife, Pr 3:30; 10:12; 15:18; 16:28; 17:1,14,19; 18:6,19; 20:3; 22:10; 25:8; 30:33.

15) Temperance, Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:1-3, 20; 23:29-35; 25:16; 31:4-7.

16) The Tongue, Proverbs 4:24; 10:11-32; 12:6,18, 22; 13:3; 14:3; 15:1-7, 23; 16:13, 23, 27; 17:4; Pr 18:7, 21; 19:1; 20:19; 21:23; 26:28; 30:32.

17) Unjust Gain, Proverbs 10:2; 13:11; 21:6; 28:8.

18) Wealth, Proverbs 10:2, 15; 11:4, 28; 13:7, 11; 15:6; 16:8; 18:11; 19:4; 27:24; 28:6, 22.

19) Women, evil, Proverbs 2:16-19; 5:3-14, 20, 23; 6:24-35; 7:5-27; 9:13-18.

20) Women, good, Proverbs 5:18-19; 31:10-31.

Conclusion:

Solomon was a Guide Post rather than an example. He pointed the way to Wisdom, but in the latter part of his life he did not walk in it; hence his son, Rehoboam, followed his Example, rather than his Counsels, and became a foolish and evil ruler.

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF JOB

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OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF JOB

Introduction:

Job is in form a dramatic poem. It is probably the oldest of the Bible books, and was certainly written before the giving of the law. It would have been impossible, in a discussion covering the whole field of sin, of the providential government of God, and man’s relation to Him, to avoid all reference to the law if the law had then been known. Job was a veritable personage (Ezekiel 14.20; James 5.11), and the events are historical. The book sheds a remarkable light on the philosophic breadth and intellectual culture of the patriarchal age. The problem is, why do the godly suffer? — Scofield.

Author: Unknown

Date Subject of much discussion. Regarded by many scholars as the oldest book in the Bible; others place it as late as the exile.

Place: The Land of Uz. It appears to have been a region in Arabia Deserta, between Palestine, Idumaea, and the Euphrates, and most probably not far from the borders of Idumaea.

Main Subject: The Problem of Job’s affliction. The book is poetical and pictorial in its descriptions. It may be divided into twelve scenes:

1) Job and his family before affliction overtook them. Job appears as a godly father, unspoiled by prosperity, ministering as a priest to his large household, Job 1:5, “And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.”

2) Satan enters the divine presence.

a. He insinuates that Job serves God because of special favors, Job 1:9-11.

b. Satan is permitted to test Job by inflicting the loss of property and children- Job 1:12-20.

c. Job retains his integrity, Job 1:21-22.

3) Satan enters the divine presence the second time, Job 2:1-3.

a. Saying, if Job’s own body were afflicted, he would curse God, Job 2:4-5.

b. Satan is permitted to smite Job with a horrible disease, Job 2:7-8.

c. The blasphemous advice of his wife, and the triumphant submission of Job, Job 2:9-10.

4) The arrival of Job’s three friends, and the seven days of silent sympathy, Job 2:11-13.

5) Job’s patience being exhausted, he utters his complaint, Job 3.

6) The long and fruitless discussions between Job and his three friends concerning his afflictions, Job 4:1–31:40

a. His friends maintain that suffering is the result of personal sin.

b. Job defends himself and asserts his innocence.

7) Elihu enters into the discussion, Job 32:1–37:24.

8) The Lord answers Job out of the whirlwind, Job 38:1–39:30.

a. Words of enlightenment.

b. Words of reproof.

9) Job’s confession, Job 40:3-5.

10) The Lord speaks the second time, Job 40:7-41:34.

11) Job’s second confession, Job 42:1-6.

a. The Lord’s rebuke of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for their foolish words, Job 42:7-9

b. The Lord commanded for them to offer sacrifices.

12) Job prays for his friends, Job 42:10-17

a. His own prosperity is restored.

b. He lives to a great age.

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES

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OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES
Introduction:

“This is the book of man “under the sun,” reasoning about life; it is the best man can do, with the knowledge that there is a holy God, and that He will bring every-thing into judgment. The key phrases are “under the sun;” “I perceived”; “I said in my heart.” Inspiration sets down accurately what passes, but the conclusions and reasonings are, after all, man’s. That those conclusions are just in declaring it “vanity” in view of judgment, to devote life to earthly things, is surely true; but the “conclusion” (Ecclesiastes 12.13) is legal, the best that man apart from redemption can do, and does not anticipate the Gospel.” — Scofield.

For a more extensive and interesting introduction to this book see Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Name: Borrowed from the Septuagint. In the Hebrew Bible it is called “Koheleth.” The meaning of this word is somewhat disputed, but it is rendered in the English version Preacher, or one who addresses an assembly.

Authorship: Solomon, Ecclesiastes 1:1-2. Many of the experiences related seem to correspond to those likely to have happened in his life, judging from the bare outline of his history found in the Bible.

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Key Words: “Vanity,” and “under the sun,” —each expression occurs more than twenty-five times.

Contents:

“The general scope and design of it is to expose the vanity of all worldly enjoyments; to show that a man’s happiness does not lie in natural wisdom and knowledge; nor in worldly wealth; nor in civil honor, power, and authority; nor in the mere externals of religion; but in the fear of God, and the worship of him. It encourages men to a free use of the good things of life in a moderate way, with thankfulness to God; to submit with cheerfulness to adverse dispensations of Providence; to fear God and honor the king; to be dutiful to civil magistrates, and kind to the poor; to expect a future state, and an awful judgment; with many other useful things.” —John Gill’s Expositor.

At last he seems to emerge from his speculations and doubts, and reaches the noble conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”

A Brief Summary of the Book:

Chapters 1-2:

1) Introduction. Reflection of the monotonous round of life, Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.

2) The Search of the natural man for his satisfaction and happiness. .

a. It is NOT to be found in the acquisition of wisdom, Ecclesiastes 1:12-18.

b. It is NOT to be found in worldly pleasure, Ecclesiastes 2:1-3.

c. It is NOT to be found in art or agriculture, Ecclesiastes 2:4-6.

d. It is NOT to be found in great possessions, Ecclesiastes 2:7-11.

3) Conclusions:

a. The wise man is superior to the fool, Ecclesiastes 2:12-21.

b. There is nothing better than to eat and drink “that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour,” but not in an immoderate and voluptuous manner, like the epicure and the atheist, Ecclesiastes 2:24-26.

Chapter 3: The natural man’s view of the weary round of life.

1) There is a time for everything, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

2) The conclusion “that a man should rejoice in his own works,” Ecclesiastes 3:13-22.

Chapter 4:

1) The study of the Social Evils apart from faith, Ecclesiastes 4:1-15.

2) Conclusion, all is vanity and vexation of spirit, Ecclesiastes 4:16.

Chapter 5:

1) Some rules and directions concerning the worship of God, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

2) The vanity of riches, Ecclesiastes 5:9-17.

3) The conclusion is, —“To make use of the creatures God has given for service in a free and liberal manner, without excess, and with moderation; and not deprive a man’s self of those things he may lawfully partake of, and are necessary for him: to do this is good for himself, and for the health of his body; and is right in the sight of God, and is comely before men; it is not only lawful, but laudable.” —John Gill’s Expositor. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20.

Chapter 6: The vanity of long life, Ecclesiastes 6:3-12.

Chapter 7:

1) A series of wise sayings, Ecclesiastes 7:1-24.

2) Conclusions concerning the evil woman, Ecclesiastes 7:25-28.

Chapter 8:

1) Civil duties, Ecclesiastes 8:1-5.

2) The uncertainty of life, Ecclesiastes 8:6-8.

3) The certainty of Divine judgment and the injustices of life, Ecclesiastes 8:10-14.

4) Epicurean (a person dedicated to sensual enjoyment) conclusion, Ecclesiastes 8:15.

5) The work of God and man, Ecclesiastes 8:16-17.

Chapter 9:

1) Like things happen to the righteous and the wicked, Ecclesiastes 9:1-9.

a. Death is certain, it is the demerit of sin, the appointment of God and the time of it is fixed.

b. Man is a creature of circumstances.

2) If a man has a wife he ought to love her as his own flesh, to take delight in her company, be pleasant with her, and rejoice in her, v. 9; Proverbs 5:18-19.

3) Wisdom is preeminent though often unappreciated, Ecclesiastes 9:13-18.

Chapter 10: Various wise sayings, the contrast between wisdom and folly, &c.

Chapter 11:

1) Advices concerning benevolences, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.

2) Advice to the young, Ecclesiastes 11:9-10.

Chapter 12:

1) The troubles and inconveniences of old age, Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.

2) The closing words of the preacher and the final conclusion concerning the highest duty of man, Ecclesiastes 12:8-14.