Author: Art Davison

THE BOOK OF ESTHER–A BRIEF OUTLINE

Art Davison THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 0 Comment
THE BOOK OF ESTHER
Introduction:

The significance of the Book of Esther is that it testifies to the secret watch care of Jehovah over dispersed Israel. The name of God does not once occur, but in no other book of the Bible is His providence more conspicuous. A mere remnant returned to Jerusalem. The mass of the nation preferred the easy and lucrative life under the Persian rule. But God did not forsake them. What He here does for Judah, He is surely doing for all the covenant people. — Scofield.

Author: unknown

Canonicity: The right of the book to a place in the Scripture Canon has been greatly disputed. The name of God does not appear in it, while a heathen king is referred to over one hundred and fifty times. There is no allusion to prayer or spiritual service of any kind, with the possible exception of fasting.

Leading Topic: The deliverance of the Jews by Queen Esther.

Key Verse: Esther 4:14, “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

A Brief Summary of the Book: The main events of the history center around three feasts:

I. The Feast of King Ahasuerus, and events connected with it.

A. On the seventh day, when the king was merry with wine, Queen Vashti, being ordered to appear before the assembled princes, refuses, Esther 1:1-12.

B. The angry king decides to accept the advice of his wise men, and dethrones the queen, Esther 1:13-22.

C. After a kingdom-wide search for a new queen, Esther, the Jewess is chosen, Esther 2:1-17.

II. The Feast of Esther, preliminary events, and its final outcome.

A. Mordecai, the Jew, the queens’s foster father, saves the king’s life, Esther 2:7, 21-23.

B. The promotion of Haman and the failure of Mordecai to do him honor so enrages Haman that he decides to destroy all the Jews, Esther 3:1-15.

C. The mourning of the Jews on the discovery of Haman’s plot, Esther 4:1-4.

D. The heroic determination of Esther to appear before the king with a plan in her mind to foil the plot, Esther 4:5-17.

E. Esther’s gracious reception by the king, and her invitation to himself and Haman to attend her feast, Esther 5:1-8.

F. Haman erects a gallows upon which to hang Mordecai, Esther 5:9-14.

G. During a sleepless night the king examines the court records and discovers that Mordecai has received no reward for saving his life, Esther 6:1-3.

H. Haman’s selfish vanity results in his own humiliation and great honor for Mordecai, Esther 6:4-11.

I. Esther’s feast and Haman’s plot revealed. He is hanged upon the gallows he built for Mordecai, Esther 7.

III. The Feast of Purim

A. Preliminary Events.

1. The vengeance of the Jews against their enemies authorized by the king, Esther 8:1.

2. Vengeance executed, Esther 9:1.

B. The Feast Instituted, Esther 9:20-31.

C. The Exaltation of Mordecai, Esther 10.

THE BOOK OF II SAMUEL–A BRIEF OUTLINE

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THE BOOK OF II SAMUEL
Introduction:

“As First Samuel marks the failure of man in Eli, Saul, and even Samuel, so Second Samuel marks the restoration of order through the enthroning of God’s king, David. This book also records the establishment of Israel’s political centre in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-12), and her religious centre in Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 6:1-17). When all was thus ordered, Jehovah established the great Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-17) out of which all kingdom truth is henceforth developed. David, in his ‘last words’ (2 Samuel 23:1-7), describes the millennial kingdom yet to be.” — Scofield.

Author: Unknown; “This book, in many copies of the Hebrew Bible, is carried on without any new title put unto it; the reason of it is, because, by some, this, with the preceding, has been reckoned but one book: hence the Jews say, Samuel wrote his book, not his books;” —-John Gill’s Expositor

Main Subject: The reign of David.

First Period:

The Early Years of the Reign: During this period the king, although engaged in military campaigns common to the age, yet he manifested a spiritual mind.

1) Preliminary Events.

a. The execution of the Amalekite who slew King Saul, 2 Samuel 1:2-16.

b. David’s lamentation for Saul and Jonathan, 2 Samuel 1:17-27.

2) David Anointed King over Judah, 2 Samuel 2:4.

3) The Battle between the followers of David and the servants of Ishbosheth, 2 Samuel 2:8-32.

4) Facts which Indicate the Kings’ Godliness:

a. His seeking the divine direction, 2 Samuel 2:1.

b. His punishment of those who sought to curry favor by assassinating his rival, 2 Samuel 4:5-12.

c. His discernment, after having been exalted to be king over all Israel, in perceiving that his promotion had come from God, 2 Samuel 5:1-12.

d. His humility in attributing his military success to divine power, 2 Samuel 5:20.

e. His enthusiasm for the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 6:1-5.

f. His desire to build a temple for Jehovah and the dedication of great treasures for its erection, 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18.

g. His kindness to the son of Jonathan, 2 Samuel 9.

The Middle Period

1) The King’s great Military Successes, 2 Samuel 10.

2) His Fall and Punishment

a. Tempted while at ease, 2 Samuel11:1-2.

b. His pollution of a humble home and murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 11.

c. Divine judgments overtake him:

1. In the denunciation by Nathan, the prophet, 2 Samuel 12:1-14.

2. In the death of the babe, 2 Samuel 12:15-19.

3. In the corruption of his son Ammon, 2 Samuel 13:1-20.

4. In his son Absalom’s rebellion, 2 Samuel 15:1–18:33.

Final Period: David’s Last Years, 2 Samuel 20:1–24:25.

Choice Selections:

1) David’s generosity to Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel 9.

2) Nathan’s Parable, 2 Samuel 12:1-6.

3) David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving, 2 Samuel 22:1.

THE BOOK OF I SAMUEL–A BRIEF OUTLINE

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THE BOOK OF I SAMUEL

Introduction:

This book represents the personal history of Samuel, last of the Judges. It records the moral failure of the priesthood under Eli, and of the Judges in Samuel’s attempt to make the office hereditary (1 Samuel 8:1). In his prophetic office Samuel was faithful, and in him begins the line of writing prophets. Henceforth the prophet, not the priest, is conspicuous in Israel. In this book the theocracy, as exercised through judges, ends (1 Samuel 8:7), and the line of kings begins with Saul. — Scofield.

Author: Unknown, however the Jews say it was written by Samuel.

The history of the book centers around three characters:

1) Samuel, the last of the Judges.

2) Saul, the first King of Israel.

3) David, Israel’s Godly King, Acts 13:22, “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

The Period, One of Transition: The rule of the Judges ends; the kingdom is established.

Leading Topics and Events:

1) The Birth and Dedication of Samuel, 1 Samuel 1:1.

2) The Failure of Eli as Judge and Parent, 1 Samuel 2:12-36.

3) Samuel’s Call and remarkable Boyhood, 1 Samuel 3.

4) The Capture and Return of the Ark of the Covenant, 1 Samuel 4:1–6:21.

5) The Defeat of the Philistines through the Prayer of Samuel, 1Samuel 7.

6) The Clamor of Israel for a King, 1 Samuel 8.

7) Saul Chosen, and Anointed King, 1 Samuel 9:1-10:27.

8) Saul’s First Battle, 1 Samuel 11.

9) Samuel proclaims the Kingdom, and warns the people concerning their Presumption in demanding a King, 1 Samuel 12.

10) Saul’s Self-will, and Samuel’s Prophecy, 1 Samuel 13.

11) Jonathan’s Deliverance of Israel, 1 Samuel 14:1-16.

12) Obedience is Better than Sacrifice, 1 Samuel 15:1-23.

13) David Anointed King, 1 Samuel 16:1.

14) David Slays the giant, Goliath, 1 Samuel 17.

15) The Friendship of David and Jonathan, 1 Samuel 18.

16) The Persecution of David by Saul, 1 Samuel 18:9–27:4.

17) The Last Years of Saul’s reign, and his Suicide, 1 Samuel 26:1–31:13.

Spiritual Message: Prayer is the Dominating Element in the life of Samuel.

1) Born in answer to prayer, 1 Samuel 1:10-28.

2) His name means “Asked of God,” 1 Samuel 1:20.

3) His prayer brings deliverance at Mizpah, 1 Samuel 7:2-13.

4) His prayer, when Israel insisted on having a king, 1 Samuel 8:21.

5) His unceasing prayer for his people, 1 Samuel 12:23.

Five Deviations from the Divine Law which resulted in misery:

1) Polygamy, 1 Samuel 1:1-6.

2) Parental Indulgence, 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 8:1-5.

3) Trust in Sacred Objects, 1 Samuel 4:3.

4) Impatience, 1 Samuel 13:8-9.

5) Partial Obedience, 1 Samuel 15.

THE BOOK OF II KINGS–A SEQUEL TO I KINGS–A BRIEF OUTLINE

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THE BOOK OF II KINGS
A SEQUEL TO I KINGS
Author: Unknown

Main Subject: The History of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, from the latter of the reign of Ahaziah in Israel, and Jehoram in Judah, up to the time of the captivities. As far as the history of Israel is concerned it is a dark picture of degenerate rulers and sinful people ending in slavery. The Kingdom of Judah was also on the down grade, but judgment was not visited upon her so speedily because of the influence of a number of good kings who reigned during this period; see analysis of 2 Chronicles. The interest of the book largely centers on the record of the lives of two prophets, Elijah and Elisha.

During this period Amos and Hosea prophesied in Israel, and Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah prophesied in Judah.

Spiritual Message: The Powerful Influence of rulers upon a nation.

A Brief Summary of the Book in three parts:

PART 1: Mainly the History of the Last Days of ELIJAH.

1) He calls down fire from heaven to destroy his enemies, 2 Kings 1:9-12.

2) The Dividing of the River Jordan, 2 Kings 2:8.

3) His translation, 2 Kings 2:11.

PART 2: Mainly the History of ELISHA.

1) He asks for a double portion of grace, 2 Kings 2:9.

2) He divides the Jordan, 2 Kings 2:14.

3) He heals the waters, 2 Kings 2:19-22.

4) The cursing of the mocking children, 2 Kings 2:23-24.

5) The procuring of water for an army, 2Kings 3:15-20.

6) The increasing of the widow’s oil, 2 Kings 4:1-7.

7) The raising of the dead child to life, 2 Kings 4:18-37.

8) The healing of the deadly pottage, 2 Kings 4:38-41.

9) The feeding of the multitude, 2 Kings 4:42-44}.

10) The healing of Naaman, the leper, 2 Kings 5:5-15.

11) The smiting of Gehazi with leprosy, 2 Kings 5:20-27.

12) The causing of the iron to swim, 2 Kings 6:1-7.

13) The disclosing of the plans of the king of Syria, 2Kings 6.

14) Smites the Syrians with blindness, 2 Kings 6:18-20.

15) His prophecy of plenty for a famine-stricken city, 2 Kings 7:1-18.

16) Secures the restoration of her land to the Shunammite woman, 2 Kings 8:3-6.

17) Prophecies concerning the exaltation of Hazael, 2 Kings 8:7-15.

18) Commands the anointing of Jehu as king, 2 Kings 9:1-6.

19) Retains his prophetic power on his death-bed, 2 Kings 13:14-19.

20) The post-mortem manifestation of divine power at his sepulcher, 2 Kings 13:20-21.

The Secret of his Power: His desire for the reception of a double portion of grace enabled him to live in the spirit of continual victory.

PART 3: Other Notable Events in the history of Judah and Israel.

1) Jehu’s execution of divine judgment upon Joram, Ahaziah, Jezebel, seventy of Ahab’s children, and the worshippers of Baal, 2 Kings 9:1–10:36.

2) The good reign of Joash (Jehoash), 2 Kings 11:1-12:21.

3) The reign of evil kings in Israel, followed by the captivity of the ten tribes, 2 Kings 13:1–17:41.

4) The good reign of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:1–20:21.

5) The evil reign of Manasseh, 2 Kings 21.

6) Josiah, the last of the good kings, 2 Kings 22:1–23:37.

7) The series of evil kings in Judah lead to the captivity of the nation, and the destruction of Jerusalem, 2 Kings 25.

THE BOOK OF I KINGS–A BRIEF OUTLINE

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THE BOOK OF I KINGS

Introduction:

First Kings records the death of David, the reign of Solomon, the building of the temple, death of Solomon, division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam, and the history of the two kingdoms to the reign of Jehoram over Judah, and Ahaziah over Samaria. Includes the mighty ministry of Elijah. — Scofield.

Author: Unknown.

Title: In the Hebrew Mss., 1 and 2 Kings appear as one book, the division may have been made for the convenience of Greek readers.

A Brief Summary of the Book: The Book may be divided into Two Divisions.

Part 1: The History of the Reign of Solomon.

A. Opening Events: The death of David, and the accession of Solomon, his son, 1 Kings 1:1–2:46.

B. The Early Years of Solomon’s Reign;

1. The Golden Age of Israel;

2. Solomon Made Famous by:

a. The king’s wise choice, 1 Kings 3:5-14.

b. His discriminating judgment, 1 Kings 3:16-28.

c. His surpassing wisdom, 1 Kings 4:29-34.

d. The growth of his dominions, 1 Kings4:21.

e. The splendor of his court, and palaces, 1 Kings 4:22-28–7:1-12.

f. The building of the temple, 1 Kings 5:1–6:38.

g. Other building enterprises and great wealth, 1 Kings 9:17-23–10:14-29.

h. The visit of the Queen of Sheba, 1 Kings 10:1-13.

C. The Later Years of His Reign. The decline of his kingdom brought about by:

1. His extravagant luxury, 1 Kings 10:14-29.

2. His notorious sensuality, 1 Kings 11:1-3.

3. His apostasy from God, 1 Kings 11:4-8.

4. The enemies which the Lord stirred up against him, 1 Kings 11:14-40.

Part 2: This part shows History of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel:

— From the death of Solomon to the Accession of Jehoram, in Judah;

— From the Accession of Jeroboam to the Reign of Ahaziah, in Israel.

C. The Disruption of the Kingdom through the folly of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, 1 Kings 11:43–12:19.

D. The Ten Tribes revolt, and crown Jeroboam as king of Israel, 1 Kings 12:20.

E. The Comparative History of the Two Kingdoms.

1. The reigns in Judah of Rehoboam, Abijam, Asa and Jehoshaphat, 1 Kings 12:1–22:50.

2. The evil reigns in Israel of Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, and Ahaziah, 1 Kings 12:20–22:53.

Choice Selections:

1) Solomon’s Wise Choice, 1 Kings 3:5-14.

2) Solomon’s Prayer at the dedication of the temple, 1 Kings 8:22-53.

3) The Ministry of Elijah, 1 Kings 17:1-19:21; 21:1-29.

4) The call of Elisha, 1 Kings 19:19-21.

Heroic Character: The prophet Elijah.

1) General References to: 1 Kings 17:1,15, 23; 18:21; 19:5,19; 21:17; 2 Kings 1:3, 10; 2:11; 2 Chronicles 21:12; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:3; Luke 4:26; 9:54; James 5:17.

2) Summary of Elijah’s life

a. Three times fed with Divine Supplies:

1. By Ravens 1 Kings 17:6.

2. By miraculously increased store of the widow, 1 Kings 17:15.

3. By an angel, 1 Kings 19:5-8.

b. A fearless reformer, 1 Kings 18:17-40.

c. Rebuked kings, 1 Kings 21:20; 2 Kings 1:16.

d. Mighty in prayer, 1 Kings 17:20-22; 18:36-38; James 5:17.

e. In one instance yielded to discouragement, 1 Kings 19:3-4.

f. Not infallible in judgment, 1 Kings 19:14, 18.

g. Divinely honored, 2 Kings 2:11; Matthew 17:3.

Miracles of Elijah:

1) Drought, 1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17.

2) Meal and oil multiplied, 1 Kings 17:14.

3) Child restored to life, 1 Kings 17:22.

4) Sacrifice consumed by fire, 1 Kings 18:38.

5) Captains and men slain by fire, 2 Kings 1:10.

6) Rain brought, 1 Kings 18:41.

7) Waters of Jordan divided, 2 Kings 2:8.