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Old Testament Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Dict & Terms OLD TESTAMENT GENESIS 1 SAMUEL ESTHER LAMENTATIONS EXODUS 2 SAMUEL JOB EZEKIEL LEVITICUS 1 KINGS PSALMS DANIEL NUMBERS 2 KINGS PROVERBS HOSEA DEUTERONOMY 1 CHRONICLES ECCLESIASTES JOEL JOSHUA 2 CHRONICLES SONG OF SOLOMON AMOS JUDGES EZRA ISAIAH OBADIAH RUTH NEHEMIAH JEREMIAH JONAH MICAH NAHUM HABAKKUK ZEPHANIAH HAGGAI ZECHARIAH MALACHI COLLABORATIVE Genesis Genesis (meaning "beginning") was written by Moses and records the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, tracing the story of human history from the beginning of time to about 1700 B.C., the probable time of Joseph. It is impossible, given our present knowledge, to assign definite dates to the events prior to Abraham, but many Bible scholars think Abraham's date is approximately 2000 to 1900 B.C., a time when the great pyramids of Egypt were already hundreds of years old. The book of Genesis provides indispensable information for understanding the meaning of human life and history. Its most valuable insights are: 1) The entire universe owes its existence to a wise and powerful Creator; 2) Human evil stems from the refusal of the first humans to obey the rules of the Creator; 3) God preserves knowledge of truth and rightness by separating one man and his descendants from the rest of corrupted humanity. Outline: The universe, the earth and man 1:1–2:25 Man's fall and its consequences 3:1–5:32 Noah's family spared in judgment 6:1–9:29 Distribution of the human race 10:1–11:32 The life of Abraham 12:1–25:18 Isaac and his family 25:19–26:35 Jacob and his sons 27:1–37:1 The life of Joseph 37:2–50:26 Exodus, The Second book of Moses During the interval of hundreds of years between Genesis and Exodus the circumstances of the Israelites in Egypt changed drastically. From being favorably treated by Joseph, they were made slaves by a king who did not know about Joseph. The book of Exodus begins then with the story of the birth of Moses and how God prepared him to bring the Israelites out of slavery. An excellent education in Pharaoh's court and the discipline of desert living prepared Moses to lead Israel through the wilderness. Exodus records the dramatic confrontation of Moses and Pharaoh, the crossing of the Red Sea, the journey to Mount Sinai and the two major events at Sinai - the giving of the law and the construction of the tabernacle. The book shows how God took an organized group of slaves and welded them together as a theocratic nation, i.e., a nation ruled by God. Outline: Moses the deliverer 1:1–4:31 The contest with Pharaoh 5:1–13:19 From Egypt to Mount Sinai 13:20–19:2 The covenant established 19:3–24:8 The tabernacle for worship 24:9–40:38 Leviticus, The Third book of Moses The name of this book gives a clue to its contents: Leviticus means "things pertaining to Levi." Levi was the fourth son of Jacob, and at Mount Sinai his descendants (through Aaron, Exodus 28:1) were appointed priests to be in charge of the tabernacle and the religious life of Israel. The book of Leviticus, accordingly, is a manual for priests, detailing the religious rules and procedures which the priests had to observe and enforce for the covenant nation of Israel. Its historical setting is the two years Israel spent encamped at Mount Sinai; it contains no further account of Israel's journeys from Egypt to Canaan. The fact that Moses, the author of Leviticus, devoted an entire book to priestly matters shows the importance that religious observance were to have ever afterwards for the Israelites. Christians, under the terms ao Christ's new covenant, do not regard the Levitical regulations as binding, but they do obey the same God, not in the letter of the law but the spirit of Christ. Outline: The laws and instructions for sacrifices 1:1–7:38 The Aaronic priesthood 8:1–10:20 Regulations for holy living 11:1–15:33 Practical holiness 17:1–22:33 Convocations, feasts, and seasons 23:1–25:55 Conditions for God's blessings 26:1–27:34 Numbers, The Fourth book of Moses This unusual name comes from counting (census) of the Israelites, once at Mount Sinai, and a second time after the forty-years' travel in the wilderness. The book of Number is a travel diary written by Moses, telling the story of the Israelites' departure from Mount Sinai after the two-year encampment. It records their adventures until finally they arrive at the eastern side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land of Canaan. The book demonstrates how difficult it was for God's covenant people to retain faith and trust in God in the face of continuing troubles and disappointments. But it also demonstrates the greater faithfulness of God in accomplishing his purpose with Israel. God never permitted Israel's failure to destroy his own intention of forming a people for himself. Christians may have the same confidence in God in spite of repeated faithlessness in the church. Outline: Instructions for encampment and march 1:1–10:10 From Sinai to the Moab Plains 10:11–21:35 Balaam, Balak, and Israel 22:1–25:18 Instructions for conquest and occupation 26:1–36:13 Deuteronomy, The fifth book of Moses In this book the Israelites were camped just east of the Jordan River making preparations for crossing into Cannan. These Israelites were a new generation, most of whom were not alive at the time of the exodus and the encampment at Sinai. So Moses, by means of the speeches recorded here (in Deuteronomy), provided them with a comprehensive review of everything that happened during the forty years in the wilderness. Moses stressed two things: Israel's unfaithfulness and God's faithfulness. He strongly urged the new generation of Israelites not to repeat the mistakes and sins of the past and to keep diligently all the laws of God. It is fairly common for modern scholars to insist that the book of Deuteronomy (which means "second law") was written much later than the time of Moses. But aside from the account of Moses' death at the end, there is no compelling reason why Moses himself could not have written it. Outline: ​ Israel's lesson from history 1:1–4:43 The essence of the law 4:44–11:32 Righteous in practice 12:1–26:19 Warnings and predictions 27:1–30:20 Perspective for new leadership 31:1–34:12 Joshua The book of Joshua records the efforts of the Israelites to force their way into the land of Canaan and to find places to settle down among the people who were already living there. Joshua, the Israelite general who succeeded Moses as leader of Israel, was the director of these campaigns. He led them in battle against kings who opposed their entry into Canaan, and he supervised the allocation of territory in which to settle. At the end of the book, he led the assembled tribes in a solemn ratification of God's covenant. Israel's military conquest of Canaan symbolizes the spiritual warfare of Christians against godlessness, and their settlement among the remaining Canaanite people symbolizes the hazards that Christians face in the midst of a hostile world. Outline: Preparation for occupation of Canaan 1:1–5:15 The conquest of Canaan 6:1–12:24 The tribal allocation 13:1–21:45 Farewell and death of Joshua 22:1–24:33 Judges Covering a period of some hundreds of years –from the settlement in Canaan to the establishment of the monarchy under Saul –the book of Judges describes a recurrent pattern among the various Israelite tribes. At first the people were faithful to the Lord, but they gradually fell into idolatry; then God punished them through harsh enemies until they repented and called again on the Lord for rescue; and then God raised up some person with authority and charisma (called a judge) to resist and overcome their enemies. The twelve judges described in this book served one or more tribes of Israel in this capacity. Some of them may have served at the same time. Among these judges were such persons as Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson. The pattern of the book of Judges –falling away, punishment, deliverance –is very useful in understanding God's way. Christians can observe similar patterns recurring in the history of the Christian church. Outline: Conditions during the era of the judges 1:1–3:6 Oppressing nations and ruling judges 3:7–16:31 Idolatry and civil war 17:1–21:35 Ruth This is a short story recording an incident during the period of the Judges. An Israelite family moved from Judah to the land of Moab during a famine. The husband died, the two sons married foreign women, both sons died, the mother (Naomi) returned to her home town of Bethlehem. One of her daughters-in-law (Ruth) accompanied Naomi, adopting Israelite faith as her own. Ruth married again, this time to Boaz, a wealthy Israelite, and became the great-grandmother of King David. Besides showing intimate details of life in those times, the book of Ruth demonstrates how a foreigner was absorbed into Israelite life and history, thus prefiguring the Christian gospel by which Gentiles are absorbed into God's church. Ruth is a Gentile (Moabitess) in the ancestry of Jesus. Outline: Naomi's migration and return 1:1-22 Ruth's favorable reception 2:1–3:18 Boaz and Ruth 4:1-22 1 & 2 Samuel (otherwise called the 1st and 2nd books of the Kings) 1 and 2 Samuel are mostly concerned with the reigns of King Saul and King David. The date of David's accession to the throne is approximately 1000 B.C., so that books 1 and 2 of Samuel cover the period of time from about 1050 B.C. to 960 B.C., Saul and David each reigning for forty years. Taken in conjunction, these two books demonstrate the contrast between Saul and David. Saul began well and piously, and in some respects was an able ruler, keeping the enemy Philistines at bay for most of his reign. But he ended poorly, having forsaken the path of strict obedience to God's commands, and he ended his life in suicide. David, always a man of battle, and sometimes lapsing temporarily from obedience to God, nonetheless repented of his sins and began, with God's blessing, a golden age of Israelite glory. God selected David's dynasty to continue on the throne of Israel forever, culminating eventually in the reign of Jesus Christ. Outline 1 Samuel: Eli serving as priest and judge 1:1–4:22 Samuel as leader of Israel 5:1–8:22 Saul the first king of Israel 9:1–31:13 Outline 2 Samuel: David as king of Judah 1:1–4:12 David establishes unity 5:1–24:25 1 & 2 Kings (otherwise called the 3rd & 4th books of the Kings) Taken together, 1 and 2 Kings tell the story of all the kings of Israel, beginning with Solomon and covering the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel until the monarchy was ended by Babylonian captivity. They cover approximately 375 years, from the time of Solomon (961 B.C.) to the fall of Judah (586 B.C.). The final author, who is unknown, had access to various records previously written, and must have lived some time after the last events described. The author evaluates each of the kings of Israel and Judah, not merely from the point of view of his administrative ability, but especially from the perspective of his faithfulness to God's covenant. None of the kings of Israel (northern kingdom) pass the test, since all of them perpetuated the idolatry begun by Jeroboam. About half of the kings of Judah pass the test; Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah are noteworthy. Even among the kings of Judah there was a gradual deterioration so that the vigorous reformation of Josiah could not remove the wickedness that brought God's retribution in the form of captivity. Christians may learn from these books: 1) not to trust the political process for establishing godliness; 2) to look instead to the power of Christ and his Spirit in the struggle for a more righteous social order; and 3) to understand that a deteriorating moral climate can end in nothing but divine punishment. Outline 1 Kings: The reign of Solomon 1:1–11:43 Rehoboam and Jeroboam 12:1–14:31 The divided kingdom 15:1–22:53 Outline 2 Kings: ​ Alliance between Israel and Judah 1:1–9:37 Israel's prosperity and fall 10:1–17:41 Judah survives Assyrian domination 18:1–23:30 Judah absorbed by Babylonia 23:31–25:30 1 & 2 Chronicles 1 and 2 Chronicles concentrate exclusively on the dynasty of David. After extensive genealogies, 1 Chronicles records the events of David's reign; 2 Chronicles describes describes the reign of Solomon, the revolt of the ten tribes, the history of the kings of Judah, the Babylonian captivity, and concludes with Cyrus' edict permitting the Jews to return to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the temple. The perspective of Chronicles is theocratic; that is, it analyzes the affairs of Judah in terms of whether or not the reigning king faithfully led the nation in the ways of the Lord. It demonstrates clearly that the Lord blessed the nation when the people served him, and that he punished the nation when they foresook him. Doubtless these books served as a powerful incentive to the Jews who returned from exile to walk in the ways of the covenant of Sinai. And to Christians these books also serve as a reminder that no people will prosper unless, collectively, they walk in the ways of righteousness. Outline 1 Chronicles: Genealogy 1:1–9:44 The reign of David 10:1–29:30 Outline 2 Chronicles: ​ The reign of Solomon 1:1–9:31 The kings of Judah 10:1–36:23 Ezra Perhaps a hundred years, more or less, after the Jews returned from Exile the man whose name this book bears, also traveled to Jerusalem. Ezra, by profession a scribe, had secured a commission from the King of Persia – Jews were still under Persian control – to teach and enforce the Jewish law. In this book Ezra recorded the history of the people after they returned from exile, particularly the rebuilding of the temple and the opposition of local authorities. Ezra described his consternation upon finding that the Jews were intermarrying with local non-Jewish people and were compromising their integrity in serving the Lord. Ezra put an end to this intermarriage, and then led the people in a solemn reaffirmation of the Covenant. The lasting significance of the book of Ezra is in its emphasis on separation. In Christ, of course, the barriers of nationality are broken down, but the spiritual separation of Christians from the spirit of the world must not be compromised. Outline: First return to the land 1:1–2:70 The temple rebuilt 3:1–6:22 Ezra's return and ministry 7:1–10:44 Nehemiah About a century after the return from exile, a high official of the King of Persia, Nehemiah, heard distressing news from Jerusalem. The struggling community of returned Jews was being harassed by local enemies. Nehemiah secured permission from the King of Persia to do what he could to establish this community more firmly. Armed with this Royal authority, Nehemiah persuaded the Jews to put up a wall around Jerusalem, clear away the ancient rubble, and designate families to live there. This being done, Nehemiah then called a solemn assembly at which the scribe Ezra read the book of the law and the people vowed to obey the Covenant faithfully. Nehemiah then enforced the Sabbath rules and broke up mixed marriages. The highlight of the book of Nehemiah is a reading of the law by Ezra. Christians as well should show a continuing willingness to be instructed from the sacred Scripture. Outline: Nehemiah rebuilds the walls 1:1–6:19 Reformation under Ezra 7:1–10:39 Nehemiah's policy and program 11:1–13:31 Esther This is a short story recording an event involving a Jewish girl, Esther, in the court of the king of Persia, about fifty years after some of the Jews returned to Jerusalem from exile. In a beauty contest, Esther was selected as a new queen for the Persian king. Esther risked her life to protect the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them. Probably written by Mordecai, Esther's uncle and guardian, the Book of Esther presupposes the continuing providential care of God (though God is never mentioned!) for his Covenant people. In comparable ways Christians may see the providence of God at work in the preservation of the church, particularly in the many persons who have risked their lives for the gospel. Outline: Jews in the Persian court 1:1–2:23 Jewish people threatened 3:1–5:14 The Jews triumphant 6:1–10:3 Job Job was a tribal chieftain, like Abraham, who " feared God, and eschewed evil". He suddenly incurred total disaster – his wealth suddenly lost, his children dead, and his health ruined. The Book of Job analyzes the question of how a righteous person like Joe can encounter such enormous troubles. Friends who came to visit Job insisted that there must be some grievous sin hidden in Job's life for which God was now punishing him. Job insisted equally strongly that there were no such hidden sins. God then proposed to Job numerous questions, the answers to which Job could not possibly know. God was saying that Job could not expect to know why he, as a righteous person, must suffer. Job had to be content to leave that knowledge to God and simply to endure his suffering patiently in faith. Christians continue to have the same questions, and they continue to receive the same answers. Nonetheless, they do see in Job the vague foreshadowing of the sufferings of Jesus, the perfectly righteous man who suffered for the sake of sinners. Outline: Historical setting and background 1:1–3:26 Job's dialogue with his three friends 4:1–31:40 How is God related to Job's suffering? 4:1–14:22 Do wicked people always suffer? 15:1–21:34 Is Job guilty of secret sins? 22:1–31:40 Elihu asserts God's justice 32:1–37:24 Speeches of the Almighty 38:1–41:34 Job's restoration 42:1-17 Psalms The Psalms consist of one hundred fifty poems of Israel written at different times by different authors, though mainly by David, around 1,000 B.C. There are psalms bemoaning distress, psalms calling for help from God, psalms acknowledging sin and guilt, psalms begging divine vengeance on enemies, some rejoicing in God's deliverance from trouble. There are psalms rehearsing events in Jewish history, psalms for worship, psalms in praise of God, psalms which anticipate the Messiah. In all of them there is a connection made between human emotions and divine providence, so that the book of Psalms is a constant reminder that people need to understand their own feelings and experiences always in connection with God. Because of the vast range of human feelings expressed in the psalms, this book remains one of the best loved and most used books in the Bible. Outline: Psalms 1-41 Psalms 42-72 Psalms 73-89 Psalms 90-106 Psalms 107-150 Proverbs Generally regarded to be mostly from the pen of Solomon, the book of Proverbs is a collection of disconnected sayings which express some practical truth in short, pithy sentences. The most common theme is wisdom, so that this collection of proverbs describes in a variety of applications how a truly wise person lives. The truly wise person is one whose first allegiance is to God and who then conducts his daily affairs in obedience to God. This type of writing is often called "wisdom literature." Christians find in this book of Proverbs a reminder that faith in God needs to be displayed in common ordinary ventures of human living, that religion cannot be separated from life, and that a wise person is the person who conforms his practical affairs to God's will. Outline: Instructions on wisdom and folly 1:1–9:18 Maxims contrasting right and wrong 10:1–22:16 The words of the wise 22:17–24:34 Proverbs added by Hezekiah's committee 25:1–29:27 Sayings of Agur and Lemuel 30:1–31:31 Ecclesiastes or, the Preacher The word "ecclesiastes" is a Greek word which in English becomes "preacher." The author may have been Solomon or some other king in Jerusalem who was reflecting philosophically on his experiences in life. He had been a student of wisdom, he had sought pleasure, he had undertaken vast building projects, he had become wealthy. But after considering the value of all these experiences he concluded, "all is vanity." Sooner or later he would die, he knew, so of what value was anything he did in life? The book of Ecclesiastes may be compared to the book of Job. Job could find no meaning in his sufferings, the Preacher could find no meaning in his accomplishments and joys. Job left his intellectual problem to God, and so did the Preacher. Job continued to trust God, and the Preacher said, "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Outline: The transitoriness of life 1:1-11 The limitation of wisdom 1:12–2:26 A season for everything 3:1-22 Disappointments and contentment 4:1–5:20 Satisfaction in this life is limited 6:1–8:17 Life should be tempered by wisdom 9:1–10:20 True wisdom –fear God 11:1–12:14 Song of Solomon Two lovers, Solomon and a Shulamite girl, express their feelings for one another, with occasional comments made by their friends. The book has no narrative sections, being composed entirely of speeches to each other. The Song of Solomon is a celebration of marital love, unabashedly physical and earthy (though not shrewd). While the Song is a straightforward love song, not an allegory, Christians do know that behind the bliss of marital love stands the eternal love of God which sanctifies the love of men and women. Husbands and wives can love each other with physical delight because they know the spirit of Christ purifies all human relationships. Outline: The royal court and the Shulamite 1:1–2:7 Reflection on her country lover 2:8–3:5 The king's appeal 3:6–4:7 The Shepherd lover 4:8–6:3 The royal lover 6:4–7:9 The Shulamite and her lover 7:10–8:14 Isaiah Isaiah was a prophet of the southern kingdom of Judah, from the year that king Uzzah died (740 B.C.), through the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, into the evil reign of Manasseh. He was one of the first writing prophets. Isaiah's ministry in Judah covered the same period of time during which the northern Kingdom of Israel was attacked and destroyed by the Assyrians (722 B.C.). He was therefore concerned about proclaiming the sovereignty of God over other gods, in the interest of maintaining Judah's faithfulness and of avoiding a fate like their northern brethren. In many of his writings Christians are able to discover deeper significance as Messianic prophecies. Outline: Judgment and restoration hopes 1:1–6 Hopes in Assyria or God 7:1–12 Oracles concerning nation 13:1–23 Israel's judgment and regathering 24:1–27 Futility of alliance –Zion to be restored 28:1–35 Hezekiah withstands Assyria 36:1–39 Divine deliverance assured 40:1–56:8 The final kingdom established 56:9–66:24 Jeremiah, The book of the Prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah's ministry covered the period just before and after the fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. For many years Jeremiah warned the Jews that God would send the Babylonian armies to punish Jerusalem's ungodliness. His continuing emphasis on approaching doom made him very unpopular, hated by kings, princes, prophets and citizens in general. During the final siege of the 587 fall of Jerusalem, he was imprisoned as a traitor for advising Jerusalem not to resist the Babylonian soldiers. After the fall of Jerusalem Jeremiah accompanied some fleeing Jews to Egypt, where he continued his faithful proclamation of God's Word until he died in obscurity. Jeremiah's example inspires Christians to persevere in proclaiming the gospel even when it is being ridiculed, as well as to trust that even when disaster strikes, God has long-range plans for the restoration of his people. Outline: Jeremiah's call to be a prophet 1:1-19 The sinful condition of Judah 2:1–6 The temple, the law and the covenant 7:1–12 The certainty of captivity 13:1–18 Jeremiah confronts the leaders 19:1–29 The promise of restoration 30:1–33 Disintegration of the kingdom 34:1–39 Migration to Egypt 40:1–45 Foreign nations in prophecy 46:1–51 Historical appendix 52:1–34 Lamentations The author of this book, possibly Jeremiah, was lamenting the tragic destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian armies. In a variety of ways he explained the Jerusalem's fall was God's punishment for sin. He prayed that God would still show mercy to his people and their ruined city. The author used the acrostic technique extensively –sentences beginning with the 22 successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Christians read the book of Lamentations not only as an expression of the horror of ancient people, but also as the assurance that horrible disasters in life do not cancel out the promise of God to redeem his people. Outline: Jerusalem's devastation and desolation 1:1-22 God's wrath – search for comfort 2:1-22 Suffering analyzed –hope in God 3:1-66 Ancient glory of Jerusalem –present misery 4:1-22 A prayer for God's mercy 5:1-22 Ezekiel, The book of the Prophet Ezekiel Ezekiel was a prophet of the Jews in Babylonian captivity. In forceful, dramatic, and often symbolic language, Ezekiel summoned the exiled Jews to repent of their sins, assured them that God would in due time punish their captors also, and promised that God would ultimately restore Israel and the temple in Jerusalem. Along with Jeremiah, the book of Ezekiel served as an instructive guidepost for the bewildered Jews exiled from their ancestral lands. The book of Ezekiel is in some respects the Old Testament counterpart of the New Testament book of Revelation; particularly the numerous visions and symbolic language. We can see in the prophecies of this book not only the historical setting of the Jews in captivity, but also predictive references to Christ, and visions of the final destruction of evil in God's eternal kingdom. Outline: Ezekiel's call and commission 1-3 Jerusalem's sinful condition and doom 4-7 God abandons Jerusalem 8-11 Leaders and people are guilty 12-19 The last full measure 20-24 Foreign nations in prophecy 25-32 Hopes for restoration 33-39 Israel restored to Palestine 40-48 Daniel Not technically a prophet himself, but a government official, Daniel described in the first half of his book certain experiences of himself and his three friends, stressing always how the Lord blessed them in critical situations. Then in the last half of the book Daniel reproduced several visions which the Lord sent him. One of Daniel's major concerns was to explain the process of history. Using insights gained from Jeremiah, he placed Jewish history in the setting of the sequence of the world empires and showed how the Lord was working out his will amidst the affairs of world history. Daniel wanted to encourage the exiled Jews to believe they still had a future in God's sovereign purposes. Christians are able to see in these prophecies that this future is fulfilled in the coming of Christ. Outline: Events during Nebuchadnezzar's reign 1:1–4:37 On the eve of Babylon's fall 5:1-30 Daniel on trial 5:31–6:28 Visions during Belshazzer's reign 7:1–8:27 Daniel's prayer and the seventy weeks 9:1-27 Daniel's final revelation 10:1–12:13 Hosea One of the early writing prophets, Hosea used his own marital experience as a symbolic representation of God and Israel: God the husband, Israel the wife. Hosea's wife left him to go with other men: Israel left the Lord to go with other gods. Hosea searched for his wife, found her and brought her back; God would not abandon Israel but brought them back even though they had forsaken him. The book of Hosea was a severe warning to the northern kingdom against the growth of idolatry being practiced there; It was a dramatic call to repentance. Christians extend the analogy of Hosea to the church and Christ, since the church is the bride of Christ; they see in this book a comparable call to the church not to forsake the Lord Jesus. Outline: Hosea's experience in family life 1:1–3:5 The sinfulness of the nation Israel 4:1–6:3 Punishment for Israel 6:4–10:15 God's judgment and mercy 11:1–14:9 Joel The book of Joel (which has not dated) is a prophecy stimulated by a ruinous invasion of locusts in the farmlands of Israel. Joel warned the people that this catastrophe was but a harbinger of worse things to come from the Lord if people did not repent of their sins. Nonetheless, even though the Lord might punish them severely, he would afterwards restore them and pour out his Spirit on all people. Peter claimed this prophecy on the day of Pentecost, and we can see the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy in the spread of the gospel to all nations. Outline: The locust plague 1:1-12 Joel's admonition 1:13-20 Warnings and God's promise 2:1-32 God's final judgment and rule 3:1-21 Amos Amos was an ordinary farmer living in Judah, whose work occasionally brought him into surrounding countries. Having observed at firsthand the moral evils being practiced everywhere –greed, slavery, violence, oppression of the poor, idolatry and similar social injustices –Amos pronounced God's judgment on those nations, including both Israel and Judah. His condemnation of the northern kingdom of Israel was particularly severe as he used various similes to describe its condition: locusts, fire, plumb line, ripe fruit. The book of Amos is a stirring call for godliness in daily work, a necessary reminder that faith in Christ must be displayed in the honesty and integrity of routine daily activity. Outline: Nations denounced 1:1–2:16 Israel's guilt 3:1–6:14 A series of five visions 7:1–9:10 Prospects of restoration 9:11-15 Obadiah In this short book Obadiah pronounced the Judgment of God against Edom, the nation descended from Jacob's twin brother Esau. In spite of their ancestral relationship, the Edomites were almost always enemies of the Israelites, and now Obadiah predicted the final annihilation of Edom because of that opposition to God's chosen Nation. Christians apply this prophecy by understanding that the enemies of Christ also stand under condemnation and will someday be destroyed. Outline: The doom of Edom 1-9 Edom's attitude toward Jerusalem 10-14 Edom in the day of the Lord 15-21 Jonah Jonah was reluctant to leave the land of Canaan to bring God's message to Nineveh, the capital of Israel's hated enemies, the Assyrians. The Lord, however, did not allow him to escape his calling. Having finally performed his duty, Jonah became angry when the Ninevites repented and God relented and therefore postponed the announced devastation of Nineveh. The Book of Jonah shows that God's mercy is not limited to the chosen people of Israel; but it also highlights the insensitivity that the chosen people themselves have for this concern of God's. In the New Testament Jesus referred to the sign of Jonah, by which he meant his own death and Resurrection. just as the word of God was brought to Nineveh after Jonah was swallowed and regurgitated by the great fish, so too the gospel was brought to the Gentile Nations after Jesus died and rose again. Outline: Jonah's attempt to evade God's commission 1:1-17 His repentance and deliverance 2:1-10 His mission to Nineveh 3:1-10 His disappointment in God's mercy 4:1-11 Micah Another of the earliest writing prophets, Micah had words of condemnation for both Israel and Judah. In contrast to the wicked lifestyle of both countries, Micah described the beauty and righteousness which should- and someday would- exist in God's holy nation. Coming, as David did, from Bethlehem, a ruler would someday appear, instituting God's reign of peace. The coming of Christ was the beginning of the fulfillment of Micah's prophecy, and his second coming will be its final fulfillment. Outline: Samaria and Jerusalem indicted 1:1-16 Leaders guilty of oppression 2:1–3:12 Divine restoration 4:1–5:15 Judgment and mercy 6:1–7:20 Nahum Nahum's prophecy was, like that of Jonah, against Nineveh. God's judgment against the Assyrians was postponed because they repented at Jonah's preaching, but now the destruction of Nineveh was imminent. Nahum asserted the inevitable vengeance of God on his opponents, described vividly the defeat of Nineveh, and affirmed that Nineveh's gross wickedness made its destruction necessary. Nineveh was in fact destroyed by the Babylonians in 612 BC. From the book of Nahum Christians learned that, though God may postpone destruction of the wicked, their doom is nonetheless inevitable. Outline: God's majesty prevails 1:1-15 Nineveh's fall 2:1-13 Why did Nineveh fall? 3:1-19 Habakkuk Habakkuk is written as a conversation between the prophet and God. Habakkuk asks God questions, and God answers him. Writing only a few years before the fall of Jerusalem (which occurred in 587 B.C.), Habakkuk could not understand why God used wicked Babylon to punish Judah. God replied that Babylon would eventually get what it deserved also. Habakkuk concluded with a prayer confessing his continuing trust in the rightness of God's dealing with the nations. Christians are often as puzzled, as was Habakkuk, about the church's sufferings from non-Christian opposition. But they also see the combination of God's wrath and mercy in the cross of Christ, so that they pray with Habakkuk, "In wrath remember mercy". Outline: Why does God allow injustice? 1:1-4 Chaldreans will punish the wicked 1:5-11 The Chaldreans are worse than the Jews 1:12–2:1 Faith in God is essential 2:2-4 Chaldreans will be punished 2:5-20 A prayer of thankfulness 3:1-19 Zephaniah Zephaniah prophesied in the early years of King Josiah's reign in Jerusalem, while the atrocious behavior of Jews still outraged the Lord. Perhaps these prophecies of impending judgment helped stimulate the God-fearing King Josiah to institute his thorough purge of Judah's idolatry. But God's day of wrath would descend upon Judah as inexorably as it would upon the surrounding nations. The day of the Lord has come in Christ, who suffered God's wrath against sin, and at the same time provided assurance of God's deliverance. Christians look forward to that great day when God will finally judge all wickedness and will provide eternal deliverance for all who are afflicted and poor. Outline: God's judgment announced 1:1–2:3 The scope of divine judgment 2:4–3:7 The final kingdom 3:8-20 Haggai Haggai was a prophet among the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonians, writing these prophecies in the year 520 BC he urged the returned exiles to make the rebuilding of the temple their highest priority. The work was interrupted by the opposition of hostile neighbors, so Haggai prodded them to continue the work until the temple was completed. The book of Haggai may serve as an example for Christians to work diligently at the building of the church, even though that work may encounter temporary setbacks from hostile people. Nothing is more important than proclaiming the Gospel by which Christ builds his church. Outline: The people stirred to action 1:1-15 Hopes for the new temple 2:1-9 Promised blessings 2:10-19 God's final triumph 2:20-23 Zechariah Zechariah joined Haggai in urging the returned exiles to expedite the rebuilding of the temple, which had been delayed by opposition from enemies. But Zechariah had a more long-range vision than Haggai. He picture not only the completion of the Temple, but also a time to come when the kingdom would be restored. Though the re-establishment of the Jewish Kingdom has not yet happened literally, Zechariah's prophecies are fulfilled in a profound and permanent manner in Jesus Christ: " thy King cometh unto thee". Outline: The call to obedience 1:1-6 The vision and coronation 1:7–6:15 Obedience versus legalism 7:1–8:23 The King rejected 9:1–13:9 The King enthroned 14:1-21 Malachi Probably living at approximately the same time as Ezra and Nehemiah, (about 450 BC), Malachi was the last of the writing prophets. He rebuked the sinfulness which infected even the people who returned from exile, particularly the errors tolerated by the priests. He turned the eyes of the people not only to the past, but also to the future, speaking of a coming messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord to come to his Temple. Christians understand this messenger to be John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. And, like Malachi, Christians will want to learn the lessons of God's grace in past history, while they work faithfully in the present and await God's future. Outline: God's love for Israel 1:1-5 Israel offends God 1:6–2:17 God's requirements 3:1-15 The righteous and the wicked 3:16–4:6 NEW TESTAMENT DICTIONARY AND TERMINOLOGY

About Integrity Christian Collective Collaborative committed to creating an outline & overview of the entire Christian Bible! Discover the Bible The Old and New Testament Welcome to Integrity Christian Collective, your outline and resource for all your Bible learning needs. We specialize in providing a guide to the Bible (NIV) for both the Old and New Testament. Our Bible experts are dedicated to helping you understand the Bible's teachings, history, and significance. We can offer personalized materials, and access to our online community. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Integrity Christian Collective is here to help you on your journey to discovering the Bible! ​ As soon as we cover the basics, a new chapter can unfold! Till then, please feel free to request anything that can help you; and topics for the blog and podcast that's currently also in process. ​ Some of the Books don't have summaries online yet, but if you request one, they'll be extra effort to get it available. Read Our Blog FAVORITE PROVERBS: Chpt. 15 1-33 A SOFT ANS WER TURNS AWAY WRATH (NKJV) 1 A soft answer turns away wrath, b ut a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perversenes s in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the w ise disperse knowledge, bu t the heart of the fool does not do so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, b ut the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, b ut He loves him who follows righteousness. 10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die. 11 Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, n or will he go to the wise. 13 A merr y heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness . 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wic ked pours forth evil. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light o f the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy. 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. 32 He who disdain s instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility. FAVORITE CHAPTER: 1 Corinthians 13 1-13 THE GREATEST GIFT (NKJV and NIV) 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding bras s or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. ​ 4 Love suffers long (is patient) and is kind; l ove does not envy; love does not parade (boast) itself, is not arrogant (proud or puffed up); 5 do es not behave rudely, does not seek its own (self-seeking), is not easily angered (provoked), thi nks no evil (and keeps no re cord of wrongs); 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ​ 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. ​ 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a ch ild, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away c hildish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. ​ 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

As a human, we can often feel helpless and feel extreme sorrow in times of loss. In those times, many of us ask why me and if me, is there a God? Why does bad things happen to good people? The answer to this is that bad things happen to ALL people, even a person that's blameless and upright that fears God and shuns evil as was the case with Job. After tremendous loss and affliction he continued to trust in God although he could have felt like he had nothing left. He said that he accepted the good from God and would therefore accept the bad! What we should remember is that the good only comes from God and is our only way of acquiring the happiness we desire; God will restore and soothe those who overcome always. Jesus Christ also endured hardship and similarly, we have an account of the tempting of Jesus in Mat 4:1-11: Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Starting with the 1st temptation, the devil tried to take away Jesus' trust in his Father. Reading this account, we have the gift of hindsight and surely angels were coming. Further, if stones were allowed to be turned to be bread, there would have been no need to send the Israelites manna. Jesus utilized the moment and made it known that we need spiritual food. Additionally, the devil shouldn't command Jesus to do anything! Jesus' response to the 2nd temptation seems as if it's a direct response but it generally makes clear that this type of temptation is an act against God. Man can be tested to see if they'll turn away from God in certain circumstances and the devil isn't beyond trickery! We're commanded not to murder and that includes ourself so we must be careful. After putting God to the test for a 2nd time while tempting Jesus, he t old the devil what was written. The devil tried to quote scripture to trick Jesus but was ingeniously outwitted! Jesus' response to the 3rd temptation is genius as well! Clearly not talking to a fool, the devil makes a grand offer which could have been a response to any of the three temptations. In the first two, the devil tries to tell Jesus rather than ask saying "tell these stones to become bread" and "throw yourself down." Jesus doesn't serve the devil and there's no kingdom on this earth worth giving up heaven! Jesus makes it clear that his request is another act against God and a condemnation against himself! Through the devil's tempting of Jesus, we were taught important lessons about the devil such as the devil will attack when you're at your lowest; he'll use lies and trickery; and could even promise you the world (although he'd never deliver); And it's all in an effort to convince you to condemn yourself. In Jesus' life, he was able to see all the splendor of the world but wasn't deceived into thinking that's the way to save God's children. Everyday we see that looks can be deceiving and while it may be very tempting to covet/envy, it can all be gone tomorrow; it many times wasn't really there at all as what we think is there doesn't always exist like the happy couple in pictures we come to find out were always miserable! I believe that we can all think of a person that one day was on top and then suddenly not only are they not on top anymore but were never happy! The Word of God helps us to overcome all obstacles and teaches everyone how to be happy. There isn't any way to find happiness except Jesus as the things on this earth are all fleeting; In sorrow, that is the lesson to be learned. We start to ask ourself what is important? And not everyone finds the answer and that could be why some people never make it out of despair. Some people feel as if they had it all so they don't know where to start again. To everyone I would say let Jesus be your starting point. Once you make Jesus' priorities your priorities, your purpose begins to reveal itself. Jesus gave us a guide for how to live and it shouldn't shock anyone that it's how to live happily! Wishing you continued blessings and please feel free to share or ask any questions.

John 13:34 New International Version (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Matthew 19:19 (NIV) "honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:37-40 The Greatest Commandment (NIV) Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mark 12:29-31 The Greatest Commandment (NIV) “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Galatians 5:14 (NIV) For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:8-10 Love Fulfills the Law (NIV) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 1 John 3:23 (NIV) And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 2 John 1:5-6 (NIV) And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. Although it wasn't considered a commandment yet, this is a law found in Leviticus 19:18 (NIV): “ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. It's really amazing how the Bible comes together as this further confirms that we had no life in us before the coming of Jesus Christ. And as soon as we had life, the first Commandment of loving God is extended to loving God that resides within us and therefore loving each other. The commandment to "love your neighbor"may be unclear if Jesus Christ didn't give us the parable of the Good Samaritan. The neighbor as described there is the person with the love of God within them that acted with mercy, not just someone within a certain area. This parable can be found in Luke 10:29-37 and within it we also learn that a christian is expected to have mercy. We should ask ourselves, how would we want to be treated in this situation? What can I actually do given my time restraints? With those questions, we can become like the good samaritan. In clarifying the 11th commandment, this is a good opportunity to clarify some of the other commandments. The commandment not to murder or kill (depending on the translation) is one that many have a hard time with. Although typically translated as kill, the hebrew word ratzah can mean either but considering that even in the Torah there is an exception for wartime, this is best translated as murder. There's some people that consider hunting evil and try to use this commandment as evidence but they've misinterpreted the meaning and many times create a religion out of their diet. The commandment not commit adultery is another one that is confusing for some for different reasons. There are those that see the commitment starting at engagement and others that think it's alright if you receive permission. There are other justifications but let's address these two. At engagement, there's the asking and accepting being married so the fidelity should start at that time. If you want permission, that would have to come from God and you'd still want to discuss it first. Remember in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 that God advises to stay unmarried unless burning with passion so consider carefully before entering this commitment. The commandment to honor your Father and Mother is like a mystery. You might think this one is simple enough and means obey your parents, don't disrespect your parents, as well as make your parents proud by achieving something. I don't think I should answer this one for you but I'll give you something to consider: Jesus says in Matthew 23:9 "And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." It's also noted that this is the first commandment with a promise as found in Deuteronomy 5:16: " Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. I hope that you do live long and that things go well with you so although you may have a father on earth and the things he wants are important, those things are gifts once you're not a child anymore. They are based on him being a good dad and not a commandment. These commandments seemed so simple to us as children and you might not see the need to review them again but take a closer look, and you're likely to come up with some questions. If you can share some here, even better as this is a collaborative! I hope I've been a good neighbor and wishing you continued blessings

You may have asked yourself as a kid, where did all the people of the world come from as it couldn't be from only 2 could it? The modern answer to that question is 8 as christians know Noah and his family are the only people that survived the flood but was the answer 8 at the beginning? From the Bible we know of one person that lived in the Garden, the king of Tyre. We know that cherubim were placed at the gate but probably hadn't thought about them living inside and that they could also be corrupted! In Ezekiel 28:12-14 God tells Ezekiel that the king of Tyre was anointed as a guardian cherub and was in the Garden! This was until he allowed his beauty to corrupt him as it says in verse 17 and he was thrown to the earth. And with that, there's another person on the earth! It additionally says that he was made a spectacle before kings. Therefore, we can believe that others fell before him even if it were 3 kings. The prophecy against Tyre begins in Ezekiel 26 and you might gather more insight by reading the 3 chapters. After reading that there was a person in Eden, I revisted Gen 4:17 where Cain made love to wife, but we never learned where it was that she come from? Is it supposed to be as obvious as where does any person come from that's on earth? That's a deeper christian understanding but the short answer is yes. In catholicism, it's referred to as original sin but that's an entire discussion. Currently the question is does the Bible say anything more about the people of Eden and that answer is also yes. In 2 Kings 19:12 as well as Isaiah 37:12, it says the people of Eden were in Tel Assar. Considering that we're aware that 8 can turn into 8 billion, maybe we can agree on 8 as a good starting number of those in the garden. Please let me know if you agree! Praying that you continue to be blessed and connect so we can grow together!