THE HISTORICAL BOOKS

THE BOOK OF I SAMUEL–A BRIEF OUTLINE

Art Davison THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 0 Comment
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

Art Davison THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 0 Comment
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.

THE BOOK OF II CHRONICLES–A BRIEF OUTLINE

Art Davison THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 0 Comment
THE BOOK OF II CHRONICLES

Introduction:

“This book continues the history begun in First Chronicles. It falls into eighteen divisions, by reigns, from Solomon to the captivities; records the division of the kingdom of David under Jeroboam and Rehoboam, and is marked by an ever growing apostasy, broken temporarily by reformations under Asa, 14-16.; Jehoshaphat, 17.1-19; Joash, 24.; Hezekiah, 29-32.; and Josiah, 34-35. But the religious state of the people, even at the best, is described in Isaiah 1-5.” — Scofield.

“The events recorded in Second Chronicles cover a period of 427 years.” —Ussher.

Distinctive Features:

The Spiritual Element in the History is more emphasized in Chronicles than in Kings.

1) See below “The Five Periods of Reformation.”

2) Other illustrations of references found only in II Chronicles,

a. Abijah’s devout address, 2 Chronicles 13:5-12.

b. Asa’s neglect of God, 2 Chronicles 16:12.

c. Jehoshaphat’s foolish alliances, 2 Chronicles 20:35.

d. Cause of Uzziah’s leprosy, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21.

e. Manasseh’s captivity and restoration, 2 Chronicles 33:11-13.

Five Periods of Reformation are described:

1) Under King Asa, 2 Chronicles 15:1.

2) Under King Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:6-10.

3) Under the priest, Jehoiada, and King Joash, 2 Chronicles 23:16-19.

4) Under King Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 29:1–31:21.

5) Under King Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:1–35:27.

A Brief Summary of the Book:

Part 1

The Reign of Solomon:

1) Solomon’s sacrifices at Gibeon, and his wise choice, 2 Chronicles 1.

2) The building of the temple, 2 Chronicles 2:1–4:22.

3) The glory of the Lord fills the house, 2 Chronicles 5.

4) Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple, 2 Chronicles 6.

5) Jehovah appears to Solomon again at night, 2 Chronicles 7.

6) The prosperity and fame of Solomon, 2 Chronicles 8.

7) The visit of the Queen of Sheba, and the death of Solomon, 2 Chronicles 9.

Part 2

The Folly of Rehoboam lead to the Division of the Kingdom, 2 Chronicles 10.

Part 3

The History of various reigns from Rehoboam to Zedekiah:

1) Abijah, 2 Chronicles 13.

2) Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14.

3) Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:1–20:37.

4) Jehoram, 2 Chronicles 21.

5) Ahaziah, 2 Chronicles 22:1-9.

6) Athaliah (queen), 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:15.

7) Joash, 2 Chronicles 24.

8) Amaziah, 2 Chronicles 25.

9) Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:1.

10) Jotham, 2 Chronicles 27.

11) Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28.

12) Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 29:1–32:33.

13) Manasseh, 2 Chronicles 33:1-20.

14) Amon, 2 Chronicles 33:21-25.

15) Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27.

16) Jehoahaz, 2 Chronicles 36:1-3.

17) Jehoiakim, 2 Chronicles 36:4-8.

18) Jehoiachin, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10.

19) Zedekiah, 2 Chronicles 36:11-13.

Spiritual Message: The Power of Prayer to give success and victory, 2 Chronicles 11:16; 13:13-18; 14:11; 15:12; 17:4; 20:3; 26:5; 27:6; 30:18-20; 2 Chronicles 31:21; 32:20; 34:3.

Spiritual Lessons:

1) The Preeminence of wisdom, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

2) The Glory of the Lord fills the prepared temple, 2 Chronicles 5:13-14.

3) The Spirit of Praise renders God’s people invincible, 2 Chronicles 20:20-25.

THE BOOK OF I CHRONICLES–A BRIEF OUTLINE

Art Davison THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 0 Comment
THE BOOK OF I CHRONICLES

Introduction:

These books of Chronicles are in a great measure repetition; so are much of the second and third of the four evangelists: and yet there are no tautologies either here or there no vain repetitions. We may be ready to think that of all the books of holy scripture we could best spare these two books of Chronicles. Perhaps we might, and yet we could ill spare them: for there are many most excellent useful things in them, which we find not elsewhere.” — Matthew Henry.

Authorship: Uncertain, thought to have been edited by Ezra. First and Second Chronicles are one book in the Jewish Bible.

Time: Probably written during, or shortly after, the captivity and may be regarded as a Supplement to the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings.

Some of the historical descriptions are almost identical with those of the preceding books.

Distinctive Features: The books of Samuel and Kings refer to events in both kingdoms, —whereas Chronicles deals almost exclusively with the history of Judah.

Central Thought: The Sovereignty of God, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; 5:20; 11:14; 12:18; 14:2,10,14,15.

Central Character: David.

Analysis of the Book:

PART 1

1) Genealogies, 1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44.

2) Overthrow and death of Saul, 1 Chronicles 10.

PART 2: The Reign of David.

1) His accession to the throne.

2) The capture of Jerusalem.

3) His mighty men and armies, 1 Chronicles 11:1–12:40.

4) His mistake in attempting to transport the Ark on a “new cart,” 1 Chronicles 13.

5) His victory over the Philistines, 1 Chronicles 14.

6) The Ark brought to Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles 15.

7) The great festival of rejoicing, 1 Chronicles 16.

8) The King’s desire to build a temple for Jehovah denied, 1 Chronicles 17.

9) Great military victories, 1 Chronicles 18:1-20:8.

10) The sinful census, 1 Chronicles 21; Note 1 Chronicles 21:23-24, “And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all. 24- And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.”

11) The preparation of materials for the building of the temple, and a charge to Solomon, 1 Chronicles 22.

12) The further organization of the affairs of the kingdom, 1 Chronicles 23:1–27:34.

13) David’s last charge to the people and to his son, Solomon, 1 Chronicles 28:1–29:28.

a. Solomon is made king.

b. The death of David.

Choice Selections:

1) Jabez’s Prayer, 1 Chronicles 4:10.

2) David pours out the water from the well of Bethlehem, 1 Chronicles 11:17-19.

3) David’s Psalm, 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.

4) Description of David’s Chorus Choir and Orchestra, 1 Chronicles 25.

5) David’s last blessing and prayer, 1 Chronicles 29:10-19.