Download - 1. Introduction to the Prophets; · PDF file... 1:14 let us not perish for taking this man's life (1:14) A'(1:15-16) 1:15 the sea's raging abated. (1:15) [3] Jon 2:1-11 ... Zondervan

Copyright © BibleJourney 2011 rev 2015

1. Introduction to the Prophets; Amos

1. Overview

In the Text Prophetic books

Judgment On the nations (Amos 1-2) For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath ... For three sins of Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab…

On God’s covenant people (Amos 2) For three sins of Judah, even for four… For three sins of Israel, even for four…

The “Day of the Lord” Woe to you who long for the day of the LORD! (Amos 5:18)

Facing God in court (rib)

Hope

Messiah/Messianic age

Zion (Amos 9:11-12)

God’s sovereignty (Amos 4)

Behind the Text: The historical context of the prophets (2 Kings 16-25; 2 Chronicles 28-36)

8th c. Assyrian Crisis (722/701 Sennacherib)

Amos, Hosea (N) [Jonah] Isaiah, Micah (S)

7th c. Babylonian Crisis (609 1st deportation) Zephaniah, Habakkuk [Nahum] Joel?

6th c. Babylonian Captivity (586 Nebuchadnezzar) Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, [Obadiah]

6th/ 5th c. Persian Crisis (Restoration) (536/518 BC) Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

In Front of the Text The Messianic Age (Acts 15:14-19)

Copyright © BibleJourney 2011 rev 2015 2

2. The Prophets

In the Text Pre-Classical vs Classical

The “call” (Isa 6:8-9)

“True” and “false” prophets (Jer 28:5-9)

“Professional” prophets (Amos 7:14)

“Seers” (hozeh, roeh) and “sayers” (nabi) (Amos 3:7)

Living parables (Isa 20:3-4; Ezek 4,5,12,24; Hos 1-3)

Behind the Text

Prophets and prophecy in the Ancient Near East

In Front of the Text

Being called by God

Discernment among many voices


3. Key Topics

In the Text (Amos 2:4-8)

Idolatry

Immorality

Injustice

“Insurance”

Common denominator?


Idolatry today

Immorality today

Injustice today

Insurance today

Interpretation: Interpreting prophecy


2. Assyrian Period Prophets: Jonah, Hosea, Micah, Nahum

1. Jonah

In the Text Structure

[1] Jon 1:1-3

A(1:1-2) The command of the LORD

A'(1:3) Rejection of the command

[2] Jon 1:4-16

A(1:4-5) 1:4 in the furious tempest that arose the ship was on the point of breaking up. (1:4)

B(1:6-8) 1:8 Tell us why this calamity has come upon us (1:8)

C(1:9) Words of Jonah

D(1:10a) Words of the people

E(1:10b) 1:10 They knew that he was fleeing from the LORD (1:10)

D(1:11) Words of the people

C'(1:12) Words of Jonah

B'(1:13-14) 1:14 let us not perish for taking this man's life (1:14)

A'(1:15-16) 1:15 the sea's raging abated. (1:15)

[3] Jon 2:1-11

A "2:1 the LORD sent a large fish, that swallowed Jonah (2:1)"

B 2:3 From the midst of the nether world I cried for help, and you heard my voice. (2:3)

C 2:6 you brought up my life from the Pit, O LORD my God (2:6)

B' 2:8 My prayer reached you in your holy temple. (2:8)

A' 2:11 Then the LORD commanded the fish to spew Jonah upon the shore.(2:11)

[4] Jon 3:1-10

A(3:1-4) 3:4 Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed (3:4)

B(3:5-9) 3:5 they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.

A'(3:10) 3:10 he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them (3:10)

[5] Jon 4:1-11

A Dissatisfaction of Jonah

B 4:4 Have you reason to be angry? (4:4)

C The LORD saved Jonah

A' Dissatisfaction of Jonah

B' 4:9 Have you reason to be angry over the plant? (4:9)

C' The LORD saved Nineveh

Source: http://www.valdes.titech.ac.jp/~h_murai/bible/32_Jonah_pericope_e.html

Point?

Intertextuality (Exod 32:11 & 34:6; 1Kgs 19)

http://www.valdes.titech.ac.jp/~h_murai/bible/32_Jonah_pericope_e.html


Behind the Text Tarshish

Nineveh

Jeroboam II (2 Kgs 14:25-27)

In Front of the Text The fourth chapter of Jonah and the “other” reason for ministry

2. Hosea In the Text Idolatry is religious “prostitution”

YHWH will judge … and restore

Behind the Text The Northern kingdom (prior to 722 BC)

Prostitution and idolatry

In Front of the Text Speaking and living God’s Word (Hos 1:2-3; 3:1-3; cf 6:5)

Religious “infidelity”

God’s love

Hosea in the NT (11:1 in Matt 2:13-15; 6:6 in Matt 9:12; 23 & 1:10 in Rom 9:22-26; 13:14 in 1

Cor 15:51-57)


3. Micah

In the Text Judgment and redemption

Justice and injustice

Mercy and restoration

Return/restoration

Behind the Text During reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah

In Front of the Text Justice and mercy

4. Nahum

In the Text

“Vengeance”

YHWH and the “sea”

Chariots and cavalry

Behind the Text The Assyrian empire

Nineveh (and Thebes)

Naked females and warfare

YHWH as the true King


The fall of Nineveh 2:1 – Babylonian and Medes and Scythians coalition converge to crush Nineveh 2:6,8 – flood opens the way through the city walls 2:9 – massive looting of gold and silver 2:13 – never again will you be plundered; never rebuilt 3:15 – fire (charred ruins)

Jonah and Nahum


3. Assyrian Crisis Prophets: Isaiah

In the Text

The “Holy One of Israel”

Covenants mentioned: Noah 24:5-6; 51:3; 54:9-10; Patriarchs 10:22; 41:8-10; 48:19;

49:18-21; 54:1-3; 61:7, 9; 65:9; Sinai 2:3; 4:2-6; 5:18-30; 42:24-25; 56:1-8; Davidic 9:6-7;

11:1-5, 10; 16:5; 32:1; 55:3; New 32:15; 33:24; 51:4-7; 61:8

Covenant images: Father 1:2; Vinedresser 5:1-7; 27:3-5; King 6:5; 33:22; 43:15; 44:6;

Banquet Host 25:6; Builder 28:16-17; Rock 17:10; 26:4; 44:8; Shepherd 40:11; Husband

54:5; Creator 27:11; 43:7, 15; Potter 29:16; 45:9; 64:8

God the creator

YHWH vs. the gods of the nations (Babylon in 46:1-13; other gods in chps 36-39)

The irony of idols (40:18- 31; 44:9-20; cf chp 42)

God the sovereign over all history and nations (Isa 44:24-28; 46:9ff)

The irony of political alliances (Ahaz in chp 7; Hezekiah in chps 36-39)

The irony of human “sovereigns” (Babylon in 13:11, 19; chps 14, 46-47)

The true Shepherd-King (not Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, or Cyrus 44:28; 45:1, 13)

Worship from the nations (45:23; 56:1-8; 66:18-24)

God the Judge of all nations (Isa 3:26; 10:12; 60:14)

“Justice and righteousness” (mishpat and tsedekah)

Vengeance and retribution

God’s Anointed Ruler-Servant

Davidic king (shoot/branch of Jesse in 11:1; cf. Jer. 23:5; 33:15)


Servant of the Lord (42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12) [Israel in 41:8; 44:1-2, 21; 45:4; 48:20; Individual in 49:5-6 and chp 53]

Israel’s return, restoration, and true righteousness (death and resurrection of Israel)

"Second Exodus” (Isa 43:1-2; 51:9-11)

Remnant (Isa 56:1-8; 66:18-24)

Empty ritual vs True fasting and Sabbath observance (chp 58)

The Holy Spirit

International worship in Zion

[Taken from J. H. Walton, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary (Old Testament) Volume 4

(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009) S. 161]


Behind the Text

The Assyrian threat

Isaiah’s call (640 BC; chp 6)

King Ahaz, the Syro-Ephramite war, and Tiglath Pileser III (chp 7)

King Hezekiah and Sennacherib’s invasion (701 BC; Hinge: chps 36-39)

The Babylonian threat

Persian King Cyrus (Isa 44:28; 45:1, 13)


The nature of faith and the role of pride

The reign of Messiah

Isaiah in the New Testament

The virgin birth in Matthew 1:23: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him

Immanuel" which means, "God with us.” {Isaiah 7:14}

The ministry of John the Baptizer in Matthew 3:3: This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A

voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" {Isaiah 40:3}

The prophetic ministry of Christ in:

Luke 8:10: He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I

speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'” {Isaiah

6:9}

Mark 7:6: He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people

honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’” {Isaiah 29:13}

John 12:37-41: Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe

in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has

the arm of the Lord been revealed?" {Isaiah 53:1} For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says

elsewhere: "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor

� Uzziah (Azariah) (791)–740/39

� Jotham (750)–732/731

� Ahaz (744/743)–716/715

� Hezekiah 716/715–687/686

� Manasseh (696/695)–642/641

� Amon 642/641–640/639

� Josiah 640/639–609

� Jehoahaz 609

� Jehoiakim 609–597

� Jehoiachin 597

� Zedekiah 597–586

EXILE 536

Ass

yria

B

abyl

on

Pers

ia


understand with their hearts, nor turn - and I would heal them." {Isaiah 6:10} Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus'

glory and spoke about him (cf. Isa. 6)

Christ the Isaianic “Servant” in Matthew 12:17ff: This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will

proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised

reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the

nations will put their hope." {Isaiah 42:1-4} (cf. Matt. 8:17 and Luke 4:18/Isa 61:1,2)

The mission of an Apostle in Romans 10:15-21: And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written,

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" {Isaiah 52:7} ... And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by

those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me." {Isaiah 65:1} But concerning Israel

he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people." {Isaiah 65:2} (cf. also Rom.

15:21/Isa. 52:15)

The heavenly Jerusalem in Gal 4:24-27: These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two

covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar

stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with

her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: "Be glad, O barren

woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the

children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband." {Isaiah 54:1}

The Messianic Age in 1 Cor. 2:7-9: No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that

God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they

would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind

has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." {Isaiah 64:4}

The remnant of Israel and the Gentiles in Romans 9:27-33: Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number

of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence

on earth with speed and finality." {Isaiah 10:22,23} It is just as Isaiah said previously: "Unless the Lord Almighty

had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah." {Isaiah 1:9}

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness

that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they

pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I

lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will

never be put to shame." {Isaiah 8:14; 28:16}

The future of Israel in Romans 11:25-27: I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you

may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away

from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins." {Isaiah 59:20, 21; 27:9; Jer. 31:33,34}

Immortality in 1 Corinthians 15:54: When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal

with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." {Isaiah

25:8} 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" {Hosea 13:14}


4. Babylonian period Prophets: Zephaniah, Habakkuk, [Joel]

In the Text Lesson 1: Zephaniah (Transitional period: 640-612 BC)

The “Day of the Lord” and the King of Israel (1:7-18)

The “plot” of prophetic books (cf. 2:6-10)

Lesson 2: Habakkuk (609-586 BC)

Why?!

“The just shall live by faith” (2:4)

Theophany (chp 3)

Lesson 3: Joel (date unknown)

Locusts and the Day of the Lord

Nature, history, and eschatology

The Holy Spirit (chp 2)

The Valley of Jehoshaphat

Lesson 4: Behind the Text

The decline of Assyria and rise of Babylon

Josiah’s reforms (and revolt)

Nineveh and Jonah, Nahum and Zephaniah

Babylon and Habakkuk


Lesson 5: In Front of the Text

Interpreting prophesy (distinctions):

Promises, plans, and predictions

Near, future, and “future still” fulfillments

Literal, figurative and symbolic language

The cycle of judgment and restoration/renewal/re-creation

Prophecy and apocalyptic

Interpreting prophesy (metaphors):

“This is that which was spoken by the prophets ...” (Matthew)

“The reading of prophecy seems like gazing through a telescope, which is successively drawn out in such manner as to adapt the focus to the varying vision.” (A. Edersheim)

“Most [of the psalmist’s predictions] should not be regarded as disconnected predictions, but as shoots from a common stem – the common stem being the body of connected messianic promise-history.” (W. T. Beecher)

“It is the one aim of the interpreter to find the key to the symbol, and by it unlock the mystery of the representation ... The clue is a secret clue, often so carefully hidden

that centuries of study have not found it ...” (C. A. Briggs)

“When we survey the entire OT, we find ourselves involved in a great history of movement from promise towards fulfillment. It flows like a large brook – here rushing swiftly, there apparently coming to a rest in a quiet backwater, and yet moving forward as a whole toward

a distant goal which lies beyond itself.” (W. Zimmerli)

“Like a bird, a prophecy is sensitive to changes in environment. There may be continuity if the conditions remain the same, but a bird can react quickly to changes in the environment and conditions... [T]he character and purposes of the God of the prophets can be illuminated even by dead ends and unsuccessful flights.” (P. P.

Jensen)

“Inspired performance cannot be limited by the text or tied to tradition ... The inspired ‘musicality’ of the performer has to be fostered by bringing the old score and present experience into creative interaction.” (F. Young)


5. Babylonian Period Prophets: Jeremiah, Lamentations

1. Jeremiah: The Prophet In the Text Outline: Call (1) Book 1 (2-25) “Confessions” of Jeremiah in 11-20

Biographical interlude (26-29) Book 2: “Book of Consolation” (30-31)

Biographical interlude (32-45) Book 3: Oracles vs. nations (46-51)

Fall of Jerusalem (52)

Calling: “To uproot, tear down, build and plant” (1:10; 18:7-10; 24:6; 31:28; 45:4)

Opposition:

Political

Religious

Symbolic actions:

Linen belt, wineskins (13), potter in Hinnom valley (18, 19), baskets of figs (24)

Living out the story of Israel; Living out the story of God

The “weeping prophet”

2. Jeremiah: The Message

Topics: Idolatry

Insincere worship

Leadership

A predictable end (covenant curses)

A new beginning (covenant renewal)

Images of God


[Gardener] with his first fruits (2:3) and choice vine (2:21; 12:10)

Husband (2-3) with his fickle, faithless and “forsaking” 2:13, 17, 19 wife

Potter with his marred pot (18-19)

Father with his beloved children (3:19; 31:9, 20)

Shepherd with his poorly managed flock (13:17; 23:2; etc.)

3. Jeremiah: Behind the Text

Historical setting:

Judean kings (640-586): Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah

Exiles taken: 3023 men in 597 BC; 832 taken in 586 BC; 745 taken in 582 BC

Shame

Potters, idols, cisterns, and potsherds

The queen of heaven (7:18; 44:17-19, 25) and the starry host (19:13)

Cisterns (2:13; chp 38)

Hinnom valley (chp 18-19)

Lachish letters (34:7)

Scribes and scrolls

Baruch (chps 32-45)

Words inscribed on hearts (31:33)

The allure of Egypt (Elephantine)


4. Jeremiah: In Front of the Text

Following God as treason

Things are not as they seem

Leadership

Hope

Jeremiah in the New Testament

The role of the prophet and apostle Rev 10:10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings." Gal 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man… Acts 26:15 "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19 "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. The Messiah Matt 2:18 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." {Jer. 31:15} The Messiah’s prophetic ministry Matt 21:11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. 12 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' {Isaiah 56:7} but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'" {Jer. 7:11} The “Temple Sermons” in Jer 7, 26 and Matt 23:29 - 24:2 Circumcision Rom 2:25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one


who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. 28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. {Jer 4:4} (cf Acts 7:51)

Idolatry Rom 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen. {Jer 10}

The wisdom of God 1 Cor 1:26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." {Jer. 9:24} (Cf 2 Cor 10:17) The yoke Matt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." {Jer 27,28}

The new covenant Hebrews 8:8 But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. 10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." {Jer. 31:31-34} The destruction of Babylon Rev 4:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; {Jer 50:8}... 8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. {Jer 50:32}...24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth." {Jer 51:49-50}


5. Lamentations

In the Text

1. Summary (Jerusalem) in poetic couplet/acrostic

2. Detail (3rd person) in poetic couplet/acrostic

3. Intensity (Individual Lament) triple acrostic

4. Detail (3rd person) in poetic couplet/acrostic

5. Whole People in 22 verses

Behind the Text

Mourning

City laments


Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lam 3:21-26 NIV) You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long? Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.

(Lam 5:19-22 NIV)


6. Babylonian Period Prophets: Ezekiel, Daniel

Lesson 1. Ezekiel and Jeremiah

In the Text Outline of Ezekiel Judgment on Israel: The initial call and vision (1-7)

God’s glory departs (8-11) Oracles against Jerusalem (12-24)

Judgment on Israel’s neighbors: Oracles against nations (25-32) Visions of restoration: Restoration of God’s people (33-39)

Restoration of God’s temple (40-48) Like Jeremiah (same period)

Priestly prophet vs false prophets (13) and the Word of God

Signs and parables

Signs: siege w “Jerusalem” brick/ lie on his side 390 days and 40

days/unclean food (4); shave and burn, cut, scatter thirds of hair

(5); dig through wall (12); cooking pot (24); no mourning for wife’s

death (24)

Parables: vine (15); unfaithful child/spouse (16); two eagles and a vine (17);

two adulterous sisters (23); shepherds (34).

Message Idolatry (chp 8)

Judgment

The nations (Babylon in chp 21)

God’s anger/anguish and Israel’s shame

The new covenant (11:18ff; 16:62; 36:24-30; 37:14)

Restoration of a remnant of Israel…and the nations (Sodom in 16:53; Egypt in 29:13-14; cmp to Moab in Jer. 48: 47; Ammonites in Jer. 49:6; Elam in Jer. 49:39)

Leadership … Davidic king (34, 37)


Lesson 2. Ezekiel’s distinctive message

In the Text (cont)

Prophet as watchman (33)

Retribution (18)

Divine pretenders (Tyre in 28) and apocalyptic enemies (Gog and Magog in 38-39)

Exodus traditions amplified

Glory (kavod) of God

“You will know that I am the Lord”

Holiness (36:24-28)

Sabbaths (chp 20)

Temple (chps 8-11; chp 43)

Behind the Text

Empires and their hubris

Egypt

Tyre

Babylon


God’s Word and transformational change

Power and pretense (limiting leadership)

“That they may know…” (glory of God)

Ezekiel in the New Testament

Jesus, the Shepherd King of Ezekiel 34 (John 10) Jesus, the Life-Giving Water of Ezek 47 (John 4:10-14; 7:38-39) Jesus, the Glory of the New Temple (John 1:14; Heb 1:3)

Out of 65 quotations, 48 in Revelation (especially the New Temple)


Lesson 3. Daniel

In the Text

Outlines

Bifid: Stories of conflict/challenge and faithfulness (1-6)

Accounts of dreams, visions, and prayers (7-12) Chiasm: 2. Vision of four kingdoms 3. Faithfulness and miraculous rescue (3 friends) 4. Judgment on Nebuchadnezzar 5. Judgment on Belshazzar 6. Faithfulness and miraculous rescue (Daniel)

7. Vision of four kingdoms The visions 4 kingdoms (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome) & the Kingdom of God (2, 7)

70 weeks of years: Daniel’s re-interpretation of Jeremiah (9) God’s people threatened by arrogant ruler (10-12) God’s people persevere in faith; judgment followed by eternal destiny (12) Behind the Text Kings and kingdoms

In Front of the Text Prophecy and Apocalyptic (review) Hidden truth revealed (apocalypse = revelation) Angelic mediator and spirit travel Symbolic and “mythical” imagery Cosmic-universal prophecy Call to faithfulness (rather than repentance)

God’s sovereignty over ALL things

God’s rule and human rule

Lesson 4. The grand finale

Daniel’s vision in chapter 8 in light of subsequent history The ram with two horns (Media, Persia) The goat with one horn broken off (Greece/Alexander)


Four lesser horns (4 leaders); a small one becomes powerful, attacks holy ones, throws down truth, desecrates holy place (then 2,300 days till sanctuary reconstructed – ?)

Daniel’s vision in chapter 9 in light of subsequent history Context: Return from exile both physical (Cyrus) and spiritual (Messiah) cf Isaiah

Context: Jeremiah’s prophecy: 70 years of exile (25:11-12; 29:10) 70 Sabbaths not observed over 430 years (Ezek 4:4-6; cf Lev 26:34; 2 Chr. 36:15-21)

(Background: 430 years of slavery in Egypt - Exod. 12:41) 430 years from 1016 BC (Saul) to 586 BC

Also note: 480 (12x40) years from slavery to start of Solomon’s temple (1 Kgs 6:1, 38): Finished 966 BC = 70/7s (last 7 to build) or 10 Jubilees

70 years: A. 606 BC (first exiles) to 537 BC (Cyrus’ decree to return) or

B. 586 BC (destruction of Jerusalem) to 516 BC (temple rebuilt) Daniel’s prophesy: 7 sevens: [maybe 537 BC (word of Cyrus to return) to 457 BC (Artaxerxes’ commission to Ezra)]

Better: 457 BC to 407 BC (rebuilding under Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)

62 sevens: 407 BC – AD 27 (silence) Final seven: AD 27-34 (Messiah cut off half way through; “not for himself”; “confirms a

covenant”; “end of sacrifice” by “anointed holy place” in 10th Jubilee; Temple destroyed)

Other dates of interest: Antiochus’ desecration of temple in 167; Roman siege of Jerusalem in 63 BC (49 7s after 407 BC); Jesus in temple 70 years later – Jubilee year; Jerusalem destroyed in AD 70 God’s people threatened by arrogant ruler (10-12)

The vision of chapter 11 in light of subsequent history:

Persia succeeded by Greece (v 2); mighty king with great dominion [Alexander the Great] (v3); premature death leads to kingdom division into four parts (v 4); two divisions prominent in Syria-Palestine [Seleucids and Ptolemies] (vv 5-20); untimely and non-military death of king [Antiochus III] followed by short-lived aborted succession of rightful heir [Seleucus IV] (vv 20-21) followed by the rule of contemptible, illegitimate usurper [Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 175-164 BC] with conflicts in Egypt and hostilities toward Israel (vv 21-35). The “abomination of desolation” (v 31) involves the desecration of the temple, protection of those who violate the covenant (v 32), meets resistance (vv 32-33), and persecutes the righteous (vv 33-34). This all corresponds in detail to the complete Hellenization of the temple, the murder of opposition leaders and the permanent garrison of Syrian soldiers there.

God’s people persevere in faith; judgment followed by eternal destiny (12)


7. Post-exilic/Restoration Period: Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah

Lesson 1. Overview of Diaspora Stories

(Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah; cf. Joseph, Moses, David, Job…Israel)

In the Text

The Diaspora pattern: Innocence…Opposition…Deliverance…Vindication

HONOR GRANTED>CHALLENGED>VINDICATED>ENHANCED

Divine Object Threat Descent Reversal & Prosperity Choice of Favor Lament Vindication & Order

Job 1:8; 2:3 1:2-3 1:13-19 1:20-21 38:1-41:9 42:10-17 2:7 2:8,11-13 Moses 2:1,2 2:5-10 2:11-15a 2:15b 12:29-36 (12:24-27) (Ex.) 14:19-31 Joseph 37:5-9 37:3 37:18-24 37:4 (Gen.) 39:2 39:2-6;21-2 39:7-18 David 16:12,13 16:18-23 (I Sam.) 18:2,3 18:8-11ff 22:1ff I Sam. 31- 2 Sam 7-8 2 Sam. 4 Daniel 1:9,17 1:9ff 3:12-15 3:21-23 3:24-27 3:29-30 6:3 6:6-9 6:16 6:24 6:25-28 Nehemiah 2:8,18 1:3 1:4 (2:19; 4:1-14;

6:1-14) 6:15,16 8:10-12 (chps. 10-13)

Susanna vv.2,3 v.4 vv.20,21vv.35,42-43 vv.61-62 v.64 Esther/ 2:5-7* 2:9,15-18 3:1-15 4:1-17 6:1-12; 7:10; 10:1-3 Mordecai 9:1-2ff

Copyright © 2011 rev. 2015 23

Plot #1: Guilt and Reconciliation

Plot #2: Dishonor and Vindication

(See Introduction in T. S. Laniak, Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther)

Lesson 2. Esther

In the Text

Outline

A. Greatness of Ahasuerus B. 2 banquets of Persians C. Esther identifies as Gentile D. Elevation of Haman E. Anti-Jewish edict F. Fateful exchange (Mordecai/Esther) G. 1st banquet of threesome H. Royal procession G’. 1st banquet of threesome F’. Fateful exchange (Ahasuerus/Esther) E’. Pro-Jewish edict D’. Elevation of Mordecai C’. Gentiles identify as Jews B’. 2 banquets of Jews A’. Greatness of Ahasuerus and Mordecai (J. Levenson, Esther, p. 8)

Favor Transgression Reparation

Return

Abandonment

Favor Crisis Reversal

Abandonment

New Status


A story about...Reversals, 10 banquets, deliverance by

unexpected savior, coincidence, a fool’s fate, Purim, character

transformation…God? (see appendix)

Interpretation: The “meaning” of stories

Lesson 3. Ezra-Nehemiah In the Text Ezra’s Restoration

Rebuilding the Altar/Temple

Purifying the Community

Nehemiah’s Restoration Rebuilding the walls

Renewing the covenant

Behind the Text

Time line: Exile > 2nd Temple period

People, places and events in the Persian period

Cyrus the Great (550-530 BC) Babylon taken (539) and Israel’s return initiated (538) Daniel (cf Isaiah)

Darius 1 “the Great” (522-486 BC) 2nd Temple Built: 516 Haggai, Zechariah ... Zerubbabel, Joshua

Xerxes 1 (Ahasuerus) (486-465 BC) Esther

Artaxerxes 1 (465-424 BC) Temple/City Rebuilt Ezra, Nehemiah, Malachi (?)

Heroes

Calling Character

Competence

Crisis

Community


Jewish Identity [Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah]

Life in Diaspora (dispersion) Cf. Tobit (Assyrians), Susanna (Babylon), Bel and the Dragon (Persia), Judith (Palestine) Purity vs. Assimilation (food, Sabbath, Jerusalem/temple, genealogy)

Temple State [Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles] Center of Jewish Life High Priest and Governor

Lesson 4. In Front of the Text

Character Recognizing God’s hand in… The “affairs of state”

Favor with those in authority Coincidences Loyal leaders

Echoes of biblical history Eschatology as “now and not yet”

Purity and assimilation today


Appendix: Inner-biblical Echoes in Esther

Esther and Joseph... Jew in foreign setting who takes on the formal identity of the foreign setting but through circumstances that threaten him remains loyal to his people and becomes a surprising deliverer for his people. 2:3 Let your majesty appoint commissioners to gather beautiful virgins>>

Gen 41:34-35 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners to gather grain ... 2:8-20 Esther attracts favor (hen and hesed) with foreign officials >>

Gen 39:3 Joseph gains favor (hen) with Potiphar who sees that God is with him 2:21-23 sin (ht') against king (2 courtiers) results in decapitation/impalement >>

Gen 40:1,19,22 - 2 royal servants. In both, exile's good deed goes unnoticed until king's sleepless night 3:1 Haman's promotion (gidel) above everything else >>

Gen 41:40 Only in regard to the throne will I be greater (gidel) than you 3:1-6 When they spoke to Mordecai day after day he did not heed them>> Gen 39:10 When she spoke to Joseph day after day he did not heed her In each case refusal leads to false accusation, catastrophic decree, rescue of Jews, exaltation of obstinate Jew 3:10 King gives signet ring to Haman >> Gen 41:42 Pharaoh gives signet ring to Joseph 3:15 King and Haman pass edict and sit down to eat >> Gen 37:25 brothers sit down to eat 6:1-14 Mordecai honored >> Gen 41:37-43 Joseph honored Contrast: Joseph devises plan to save king and king appoints him; Haman devises plan to honor himself and king appoints another. Joseph's plan to save others; Haman's to destroy others. Joseph maintains the king's honor and is given 2nd place; Haman presumptuously seeks king's honor but Mordecai rightly takes 2nd place. Instead of Joseph's linen garment & gold necklace Haman wants king's garment. Instead of Joseph's #2 chariot Haman wants king's. 10:1-3 Mordecai's promotion and benefit to Jews and everyone >> Gen 47:13-26

Esther and Moses ... Unrecognized Jew in the court eventually becomes threatened, savior of Jews Haman portrays Jews as threat >> Ex 1:9-10 Hebrews so numerous, they threaten Egypt Esther's hesitancy >> Moses' hesitancy (Ex 3:11; 4:10,13; 6:12,30) 4:8 E entreats king on behalf of her people >> Ex 7:1,2 Moses entreats Pharaoh on behalf of Hebrews 5:2 favor with king >> Ex 12:36 God put them in favor (hen) with Egyptians 7:4 "I and my people" >> "I and your people" in Ex 33:16 9:2,3 enemies "fear" Jews >> Ex 15:14-16 9:3/4 Mordecai very great >> Ex 11:3 (Moses) Festival etiology in Esther 9 >>

Ex 12-13 (9:28 Passover "celebrated as a memorial">>Ex 13:3) the date of the edict was on Passover (Est 3:7, 12) 9:6-10 battle report (but without mention of God) >> Exodus (14:24-25; 15:16) 9:24 purpose of lots to confound (hamam) Jews >> deadly confusion (Ex 14:24) 9:32 inscription=protocol >> Ex 17:14-16 obligation to annihilate Amalek 9:16-22 rest (nuah) >> rest is the purpose of conquest (Dt 3:20; 12:9-10, Josh 21:44)

Esther and Saul ... 2:5 Mordecai's genealogy>> Saul's in 1 Sam 9:1 ... stage set for 1 Sam 15 1 Sam 15 behind Haman's introduction as Agagite (Esther 3:1), the edict of genocide in 3:12,13 and the Jewish response in 9:10 ("did not lay a hand on the spoil") Punishment fits the crime (Haman's pole) >> 1 Sam 15:23 (you rejected God ...) 1 Sam 15:33: As your sword has made women childless... (Samuel) Saul's body hung out in 1 Sam 31:11 (like Haman's hanging) 2:4 "bestow queenship to another woman better than [Vashti]" >> 1 Sam 15:28 "the Lord has given your kingship to another more worthy than you."


8. Post-exilic/Restoration Prophets: Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Lesson 1. Obadiah

In the Text

“Because of violence against your brother Jacob” (v 10)

Behind the Text

The “mountains of Esau” (vv 8, 9, 19, 21)

Lesson 2. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Behind the Text: Historical setting

In the Text: Haggai Priority and purity of God’s house

Zerubbabel and Davidic hope

In the Text: Zechariah Eight night visions

Zion

Anointed ones (“Messiah”)

In the Text: Malachi

Six disputes (1:2-5; 1:6-2:9; 2:10-16; 2:17-3:5; 3:6-12; 3:13-4:3)

You haven’t loved us! ... I have, but YOU haven’t honored me!!

You haven’t cared about injustice! ...YOU don’t care about injustice; a Day is coming!!


Lesson 4. In Front of the Text

Personal questions

Do I care more about my house than God’s house? (Haggai 1:4)

Do I depend on “might and power” rather than God’s Spirit? (Zechariah 4:6)

Do I care more about justice and mercy than religious activity? (Zechariah 7:9-10)

What kind of shepherd am I for the flocks I serve? (Zechariah 10:1-3)

Do I give God my best or my “leftovers,” thereby “robbing” God of his portion?? (Mal. 1:6-9;

3:6-10)

Am I a “covenant keeper” in all relationships (Malachi 2:10-16)

Anticipating the New Testament

History of salvation (Heilsgeschichte) (Haggai 2:20-23; Zechariah 14; Malachi 4:2-6)

Prediction and fulfillment (Haggai 2:9; Zechariah 9:9; 11:12-13; 12:10; 13:7; Malachi 4:5)

This age and the “age to come” (Haggai 2:15-19; Zechariah 14; Malachi 4:5-6)

Old and new covenant(s) (Haggai 2:4-5, 23; Zechariah 9:11; Malachi)

Typology (Haggai 2:23; Zechariah 9:9; Malachi 4:5)

Historical & literary correspondence between…

Persons: Moses, Elijah, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jonah, etc.

Events: Exodus, wilderness wanderings, exile, etc.

Institutions: Priesthood, covenant, 12 tribes, etc.

Experiences: Testing, righteous suffering, rejection, unbelief, etc.

Images: Farmer/vine, Potter/pot, Father/son(s), Suzerain/subjects, etc.