OT historical look

“And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.” -Joshua 6:5

Joshua

The Book of Joshua begins after the death of Moses and with the crossing of the Jordan River.

   a. The invasion and conquest of Canaan, referred to as the “Period of Conquest” – which lasted 7 years.
   b. The division of the land.
   c. Death of Joshua, his farewell address, and burial.

The command given to Joshua in 1:2 was, “Since Moses is now dead – arise, go over the Jordan with all the people; unto the land given unto you.” 2 ½ tribes stayed East of the Jordan (Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh). Two spies were sent to look over Jericho, who were originally from Shittim, as we see in Joshua 2:1. Joshua was the one who sent the spies, and therefore, he had them hide in the house of the prostitute, who was called Rahab (Joshua 2:1). She was spared, because she did not know them or why they were at her house.

When the feet of the priests touched the brim of the water, the River Jordan rose up in a heap (even at the flooding time of the year), as we see in the text and in Scripture 3:3,13,16. Joshua built Two Memorials unto God to show his appreciation at the crossing of the Jordan: one was Gilgal and the other stood in the Jordan River where the priests had stood.

Campaigns

   1. The Central Campaign
       a. Jericho
       b. Ai
   2. The Southern Campaign
       a. Jerusalem
       b. Hebron
       c. Jarmuth
       d. Lachish
       e. Eglon
   3. The Northern Campaign
       a. Either Merom (Battle), or Hazor (type of “Capital”).

According to the text, The Israelites sampled a victory by God’s supernatural power, however, they were not allowed to retain any spoils. This meant that no one was allowed to keep anything from Jericho, but rather to destroy it except the Vessel for the Treasury of the Lord’s House. Well, going into Ai in their first battle, 36 men had died because of sin in the camp: Achan, a soldier in the army had kept some of the spoils from Jericho (and he was the one who caused Israel to lose their first battle). (Thankfully, for them though, after destroying Achan and his household, The Israelites conquered Ai.)

At the beginning of The Southern Campaign, The Gibeonites entered into a league with the Israelites by deception; claiming to be from a far country. Mt. Hebron was given to Caleb to conquer, which was part of his inheritance. Cities of refuge: -Caddish -Gallein -Remota (Gilead) -Beer -Hebron -Shechem.

Judges

-Othniel: When Caleb promises the hand of his daughter Achsah to him (who will conquer the land of Debir), Othniel is the one who arises to the challenge and who becomes Caleb’s son-in-law. -Ehud: Best described as a judge who was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the Moabite control. -Shamgar: A judge who once completely slaughtered 600 invaders from Philistine with just an ox goad. -Deborah: She led a successful counterattack, as the only woman judge known, against Jabin’s armies. Barak was a helper in assisting this counterattack. -Gideon: God had chosen Gideon, a man of faith he was called by the people, to free the people of Israel and condemn their idolatry. -Abimelech: He claimed his “right” to rule, because his name is interpreted as “my father is the king.” -Tola: None of his deed appear to be recorded in Scripture, but he did judge Israel for 23 years after Abimelech died. -Jair: He had thirty sons, who rode ass colts, and thirty places in Gilead were known as Havoth-Jair. -Jephthah: He led the Israelites in battle against Ammon, and then, after defeating the Ammonites, he fulfilled a foolish promise by sacrificing his daughter. -Ibzan: He judged Israel, had thirty sons and thirty daughters, and then after sending them away, he took in thirty daughters. -Elon: He was from the Tribe of Zebulun and led Israel for ten years. -Abdon: He was of the Tribe of Ephraim, and had forty sons and thirty nephews. -Samson: He was given supernatural strength from God to combat enemies, kill a lion, slay an entire army with only the jawbone of an ass, and destroying a pagan temple – but also had weaknesses including, being attracted to untrustworthy women and his hair (he was powerless without hair).

“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” -Judges 17:6

The Book of Judges is known as a book of violence and sadness. The main cause of Israel not having peace and prosperity was because of apostasy in the land. During the Book of Judges, Israel had 13 different judges to rule them and had 2 more in 1 Samuel.

Cyclic nature of man

   1. Sin (especially idolatry)
   2. Servitude (God lets other nations enslave them)
   3. Sorrow (Israel is sorry for what she’s done)
   4. Salvation (God sent a judge to save them)

The primary task of the Judges is organizing and rallying of the people to overcome their oppressors. It is accepted that Samuel wrote the Book.

The main failure of Israel while dealing with the Canaanites was to press for a complete victory when they were strong; they put the Canaanites to tribute and did not utterly drive them out. God left the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites, and Philistines to teach Israel war and prove them. Also, so they would learn to obey the commandments of the Lord. The Lord was angry and had them sold into the hand of the King of Mesopotamia; serving him for eight years.

Ruth

“Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” –Ruth 1:17

4:18-22

This section of Scripture talks about the generations from Pharez to David, to which shows much of the line of David. This seems incomplete, for a more detailed one is in Matthew Chapter 1, which shows people in between some of those listed here. It seems this is just a reference to the “important” ones that came before David. What this also doesn’t explain is how long each lived.

3:10-16

This section of Scripture shows that there is an age difference between Ruth and Boaz, to which Boaz considers himself unattractive to Ruth (and even comments on how such a virtuous woman she is). He was kind enough not to act as “goel” toward Ruth unless she desired it. Seems Ruth didn’t mind about attractiveness, for she was more into honor of Boaz. He offered to do all that she requested. Boaz was concerned after that about a relative closer than he was, so Boaz hesitated any further, but still offered to do what was needed for her at her request. Therefore, Boaz sends Ruth home with provisions, and she speaks to her mother-in-law all about what happened.

Notes from Deuteronomy 25:5-9

This explains a bit about the Scripture in Ruth 3, to which, Boaz was responsible to carry on the family name by marrying a childless widow. It seems this is referring to that law, which Boaz would have to follow in this situation.

4:3-9

In this section of Scripture, we see Boaz asking the nearer kinsman to redeem the land of Naomi and Elimelech. However, when the kinsman heard about the conditions of such bargain, he refused it. The kinsman likely refused it, because he felt a sort of dishonesty. Therefore, it appears Boaz bought all that was Elimelech’s, Chilion’s, and Mahlon’s of the hand of Naomi.

Other notes

The Book of Ruth takes place during the era of the Judges. The Author of Ruth, by Jewish tradition, is Samuel. The Book covers a period of ten years and gives the Jewish genealogy Pharez to David. Boaz redeemed Ruth in a similar manner as Christ redeemed us and made us His Bride. Ruth represents sinner-outsiders who, in themselves, are without hope. Obed was the son of Ruth, and the grandfather of David. he sons of Naomi and Elimelech were Mahlon and Chilion who married Moabite women. The daughters-in-law of Naomi were Orpah and Ruth. Orpah returns to her homeland, but Ruth insists on staying with Naomi, and they journey to Bethlehem.

By Hebrew law, a man must marry his brother’s widow. The sign of “taking off the shoes,” meant agreement. he Book of Ruth is a book of Restoration and contains no wickedness, evil, or cruelty.

1 Samuel

“David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” -1 Samuel 17:37

Hannah

1:2-3, 10-11, 17, 19, 22, 27-28... Hannah comes before the Lord, as we see in Scripture, praying and grieving for a child – to which, she promises to dedicate to the Lord, if He shall bless her with a child. If she is to bear a child, her barrenness would be broken. Hannah became pregnant, then, with Elkanah, she bears Samuel – to which, she dedicates Samuel before the Lord when he’s weaned.

2:1-10... Hannah rejoices and sees the gift, so she praises the giver (God). She contemplates her blessings and looks unto the Lord for further provision. Hannah then speaks a prophecy about the coming Kingdom of God, that is Christ’s Kingdom – to which his enemies will be eradicated.

Trouble in Israel

4:2-7, 17-18.... Israel is smitten before the Philistines, and sin was in the camp, which gave the enemies all they had wished for. They speak angrily of God, and hope to bring the ark into their camp. The Philistines grew afraid, because of “God being in the camp.”

8:1-9... Samuel’s sons were corrupt judges, and although Samuel did not take bribes, however, his sons did. His sons perverted judgment. Samuel was not pleased, and there was a plea for a king to judge, because it reflected upon God. He began praying, and then told them that they shall have a king, even though it wouldn’t bring pleasing results to the Lord.

12:24-25 explain to only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart, for He’s done great things. However, for those that do wickedly, it will consume them. In 13:11-14 shows that those who disobey the commandments of God do so foolishly for themselves, for sin is foolishness and the greatest of sinners are the greatest fools. God saw rebellion in the light of Saul, and therefore, unbelief and distrust was what the others had seen.

Chapter 18... This chapter gives the understanding of the respect that was shown to David by Saul and Jonathan, as well as the servants of Saul, all the people, and in the songs of the women. The friendship of David and Jonathan was an example of grace, I believe, and brings the subject of love up. Those who love the Lord will be willing to join Him in covenant forever. We see the power of God’s grace in David. David, with the harp in hand, aims to serve Saul. However, we see that Saul, with a javelin in hand, an attempt to slay David, but God’s grace appears to be for David, protecting him from harm. Saul tried to hurt David for so long, but we see God’s grace, in fact, is present, for David did not waver from his service to Saul. This caused Saul to begin to fear David, for it seems David was not much afraid of Saul.

Other notes

Ishbaal (or Ish-bosheth) was the second king of Israel, who would replace Saul. He was one of Saul’s sons. We see the calling for one of his sons to be the next king in 16:1, and then in 2 Samuel toward the beginning, we see who it was after all.

2 Samuel

This book gives special emphasis on spiritual walk and fellowship with God. The authors of this book were Nathan and Gad.

For the first 7 ½ years, King David reigned over only the tribe of Judah. David was known for restoring worship to Israel. David had a desire to build a temple, but God would not let him because of the blood shed in which he had been involved. David’s great sin, lusting after Bathsheba caused him to commit a greater sin when he deliberately sent her husband, Uriah to the battlefront where he died.

COVENANT: God declared that the line of David would be enduring, and that it would rule perpetually over the nation. The one condition made was that disobedience would result in chastisement, but it would not void the covenant nonetheless.

Chapter 6: We see in this chapter that David obtained the ark from Baale of Judah, so he can bring it to his own city; however, Uzzah was smitten for his error of touching the ark and died. David was displeased at this and left the ark at the house of Obededom for three months, which brought a blessing to that house. David heard of this and the joy accompanying, and decided to post offerings in its place as well as give gifts to the people. However, Michal, his wife, was displeased with some of his gestures during this occasion, and brought trouble between them and resentment from the Lord for his behavior. Therefore, Michal became barren because of this situation.

2 Samuel 4:4, “And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.”

2 Samuel 9:6, “Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!” 2 Samuel 9:10, “Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.”

2 Samuel 9:11-13, “Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.”

2 Samuel 16:1, 4, “And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.”

2 Samuel 19:24-25, 30, “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace. And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.”

2 Samuel 21:7-8, “But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.”

1 Kings

It is believed that Jeremiah was the author of 1 Kings. 1 Kings covers about 125 years of Israel’s History, from the time of Solomon to the captivity by Babylon. Israel’s greatest wealth came while Solomon was reigning as King. David reigned for 40 years before Solomon became King! Solomon had Adonijah put to death because he tried to take the kingdom away from him.

Anointing of Solomon

A. Zadok a priest B. Nathan a prophet C. Benaiah Captain of the guard

Choices Solomon was given

   A. Wisdom
   B. Long life
   C. Riches
   D. The lives of his enemies

What was good about Solomon choosing wisdom (which was probably what God wanted him to choose), was that God gave him the rest of the gifts. Of course, naturally speaking (in our understanding), wisdom makes the most sense; because with wisdom, you can obtain riches and long life, as well as know how to deal with your enemies. It was a “wise choice” for Solomon to choose wisdom!

He began building the Temple during the fourth year of his reign, and it took him seven years to complete it.

The wives of Solomon became Solomon’s downfall (especially because they were strange women), because he submitted to the heathen religions that these wives were following. He went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, as well as Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. This was the appearance of evil in the site of the Lord. He even went as far as building a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of moab, for Molech as well, who was the abomination of the children of Ammon, and lastly for all his strange wives. God threatened his reign, as Solomon had fallen into idolatry.

After the death of Solomon, Rehoboam became King, and he placed greater and higher taxes on the people.Jeroboam takes advantage of the strife in the Nation over high taxes and takes 10 of the tribes for his Kingdom and makes Israel into two Nations. The result? Rehoboam reigned over the Southern Kingdom and Jeroboam over the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam’s son, Abijam, was the next wicked ruler. He served only three years and was succeeded by Asa, a reformer. At the end of Asa’s reign, he stole from the Temple treasures for a bribe and died of diseased feet. He is remembered as one who sought the physicians and not the Lord. Ahab was known as the one who had angered God the most. Jezebel introduced Israel to much idolatry and evil, which included Baal worship. Later, Elijah, the prophet, announced that Ahab must die violently, and his wife, Jezebel, would be eaten by dogs for her part in it.

A closer look

“And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.” -1 Kings 6:13

We see in chapter 1 that there is an account of the infirmities of David, as he gets older. The preparation of his son Adonijah was made to seize the throne. Bathsheba addresses the king upon this, which was in favor of her son, Solomon, to which Nathan the prophet, seconded the notion. When Solomon was confirmed to succeed in the kingdom, Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest were commanded to anoint him, which was done with a great ceremony. The news was brought to Adonijah and his friends, which caused them to have terror in the situation, and therefore, they went away. Adonijah made a promise that he would behave well to Solomon, so he was pardoned and dismissed.

In chapter 2, we see that David gives a charge to Solomon, which was before his death, to walk in the ways of the Lord. Some instructions were also given to him concerning people that he should respect or disregard.

We see in chapter 8 the account of the introducing of the Ark into the Temple, to which the glory of the Lord would fill it. Solomon gave a speech to the people concerning the building of the Temple, as well as prayers and defining of provisions for it. He hopes the people of Israel would be blessed, so he exhorts them, and throws a feast. At the “Holy of Holies”, the priests were not able to minister due to the presence of God. In Chapter 8, when the Ark was carried into the Holy of Holies, because God’s presence was so strong, the priests could not stand to minister.

We see in 1 Kings 12 the sins that Jeroboam caused for Israel involved corrupting the worship of God by instituting golden calves as objects of divine ordination. Next, he changed the place of service from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan, so it was more convenient. After that, he appointed priests from among tribes other than Levi (which was unauthorized, because the Law did not “cover it.” Lastly, he changed the time of the Feast of Tabernacles from the seventh month, fifteenth day, to the eighth month, fifteenth day. To sum it up, Jeroboam changed the object, place, priesthood, and time of worship for Israel, which was all part of an idolatrous sin.

We see the start of the narrative of Elijah in 1 Kings 17, where there is a prophecy of Elijah that there should be want of rain for many years, and he is directed to go first to Cherith (a brook), where he should be fed by ravens. After that, he is sent to a widow, which was at Zarephath, where he, she, and her son are supported with provisions of meal and oil. The son of the woman is falling sick and dying, but then he is restored to life through Elijah.

In chapter 18, we see that Elijah has an order from the Lord to appear before Ahab, who is meeting with a servant of his named Obadiah, to which he charges him to tell his master his whereabouts, so that he can meet him. Upon meeting him, he desires that all Israel and the prophets of Baal be convened, to which he rebukes them for their idolatry, mockery, and troubling of Israel. God is the true God, as declared, on which all the prophets of Baal were slain (they killed in the name of God…how troubling that is too). Rain in great abundance was given at the prayer of Elijah.

Going forward to chapter 19, Elijah is fleeing for his life per the threats of Jezebel; however, the Lord took care of him, provided for him, and gave him strength so he could get to Horeb. The Lord appeared there and talked to him, to whom he gave instructions to anoint a king over Syria, another over Israel, and a prophet in his room. When he finds Elisha, he is to throw his mantle over Elisha, who becomes a servant.

Lastly, in chapter 21, we see Elijah meeting with Ahab in the vineyard, to which, Elijah denounced the judgments of God upon him and Jezebel for his injustice, however, Ahab humbled himself and dropped manner of evil.