The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament

Description

Whether you are a pastor, teacher, or layperson, now you can study the Bible in easy-to-read sections that emphasize personal application as well as biblical meaning. Developed from Dr. Wiersbe’s popular “Be” series of Bible study books, this commentary carefully unpacks all of God’s Word. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary Old Testament offers you: Dr. Wiersbe’s trustworthy insights on the entire Old Testaments New Biblical images, maps, and charts Introductions and outlines for each book of the Bible Clear, readable text that’s free of academic jargon Let one of the most beloved and respected Bible teachers of our time guide you verse-by-verse through the Scriptures. It’s the trusted reference you’ll love to read. Front Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Foreword Genesis Outline I. GOD CREATES THE UNIVERSE... II. ADAM AND EVE (2—5) A. The garden—2 B. The fall—3 C. The consequences of the f... III. NOAH AND HIS FAMILY (6... A. The flood—6—7 B. The new earth—8 C. The covenant—9 D. The nations—10 E. The tower of Babel—11:1–9 IV. ABRAHAM AND SARAH (11:1... The beginning of the Hebrew ... V. ISAAC AND REBEKAH (25:12—... VI. JACOB AND HIS FAMILY (29... The building of the Hebrew n... VII. JOSEPH AND HIS MINISTRY... The protecting of the Hebrew... Contents Genesis 1:1 BC: Before Creation Genesis 1 When God Speaks, Something H... Genesis 2 First Things First This Is My Father’s World—Or... Genesis 3 Perils in Paradise Genesis 4:1–24 In Center Stage—Cain Genesis 4:25—6:8 When the Outlook Is Bleak, T... Genesis 6:9—7:24 One Man’s Faith, One Man’s F... Genesis 8 The God of New Beginnings Genesis 9:1–17 To Life! To Life! Genesis 9:18—10:32 The Rest of the Story Genesis 11 Caution—God at Work Review of Genesis 1—11 Back to Basics Genesis 11:27—12:9 A New Beginning Genesis 12:10—13:18 Famines, Flocks, and Fights Genesis 14 Faith Is the Victory Genesis 15 The Dark Night of the Soul Genesis 16 Beware of Detours! Genesis 17 What’s in a Name? Genesis 18—19 So as by Fire Genesis 20; 21:22–34 Abraham the Neighbor Genesis 21:1–21; Galatians 4... “A Time to Weep, a Time to L... Genesis 22 The Greatest Test of All Genesis 24 Here Comes the Bride! Genesis 23; 25:1–11 “A Time to Die’’ Genesis 25—26 Like Father, Like Son—Almost Genesis 27—28 A Masterpiece in Pieces Genesis 29—31 Disciplines and Decisions Genesis 32—34 Catching Up with Yesterday Genesis 35—36 You Can Go Home Again Genesis 37 Enter the Hero Genesis 38 Judah and Tamar Genesis 39—41 The Lord Makes the Difference Genesis 42—43 When Dreams Come True Genesis 44—45 Truth and Consequences Genesis 46—48 Grandfather Knows Best Genesis 49 The Family with a Future Genesis 50 Three Coffins Be Authentic: A Survey and a Summary Exodus Outline I. Redemption: The Lord Del... A. The Lord calls a leader—1—4 B. The Lord declares war on ... C. The Lord wins the victory... D. The Lord provides for His... Healing —15:22–27 Meat—16:1–13 Manna—16:14–36 Water— 17:1–7 Protection—17:8–16 E. The Lord counsels His lea... II. Covenant: The Lord Clai... A. The people prepare—19 B. The Lord declares His law... C. The covenant confirmed by... III. Worship: The Lord Dwe... A. Instructions about the ta... B. Consecration of the pries... C. Disobedience of the peopl... D. Construction of the taber... E. God’s glory enters the ta... Contents Exodus 1—4 Wanted: A Deliverer Exodus 5:1—8:19 War Is Declared Exodus 8:20—10:29 “The Lord, Mighty in Battle” Exodus 11:1—13:16 One More Plague Exodus 13:17—15:21 Redeemed and Rejoicing Exodus 15:22—16:36 The School of Life Exodus 17—18 “The Lord of Hosts Is with Us” Exodus 19:1—20:21 Hear the Voice of God Exodus 20:22—24:8 The Book of the Covenant Exodus 24:9—25:40; 27:20–21;... The Place Where God Dwells—P... Exodus 26:1–37; 27:1–19; 30:... The Place Where God Dwells—P... Exodus 28—29; 30:22–33; 39 The Holy Priesthood Exodus 32—34; 40 A Broken Heart and a Shining... Leviticus Outline I. Holy Offerings (1—7) A. Laws for the worshippers—... B. Laws for the priests—6:8—... II. A Holy Priesthood (8—10;... A. Consecration—8—9 B. Admonition—10 C. Qualification—21—22 III. A Holy Nation (11—17) A. Clean and unclean food—11 B. Childbirth—12 C. Diseases and defilement—1... D. The day of Atonement—16—17 IV. A Holy Land (18—20, 23—27) A. Immorality—18 B. Idolatry—19 C. Capital offenses—20 D. Annual feasts—23 E. Blasphemy—24 F. Sabbatical Year—25 G. Blessings and cursings—26—27 Contents Getting Acquainted with Levi... The Most Important Thing in ... Leviticus 1:5—7 The Sacrifices and the Savior Leviticus 8:5—10 A Kingdom of Priests Leviticus 11:5—12 Cleanliness and Godliness Leviticus 13:5—15 The Great Physician Leviticus 16 Israel’s High and Holy Day Leviticus 17:5—20 Holiness Is a Practical Thing Leviticus 21—22 The Cost of Spiritual Leader... Leviticus 23 The Calendar that Tells the ... Leviticus 24 Holy, Holy, Holy Leviticus 25 This Land Is God’s Land Leviticus 26—27 The Big Word “If’’ A Summary Learning from Leviticus Numbers Outline I. At Sinai: Obeying the Lor... A. Numbering the soldiers—1:... B. Organizing the tribes—2:1–34 C. Assigning the duties—3—4 D. Purifying the people—5—6 E. Dedicating the tabernacle... F. Celebrating the Passover—... II. To Kadesh: Tempting the... A. The camp marches—9:15—10:36 B. The people complain—11 C. Aaron and Miriam criticiz... III. At Kadesh: Rebelling a... A. Exploring the Promised La... B. Refusing to claim the lan... C. Turning away from the lan... IV. In the Wilderness: Lea... A. About sacrifices—15:1–31 B. About authority—15:32—17:13 C. About responsibility—18 D. About purity—19 E. About humility—20:1–13 V. In Moab: A New Beginning... A. New victories—20:14–21; 2... B. A new priest—20:22–29 C. New dangers—22—25 D. A new generation—26 E. New regulations—27:1–11 F. A new leader—27:12–23 G. New commitment to the law... H. New commitment to battle—... I. New laws for the new land... Contents Numbers 1—4; 9:1–14 Order in the Camp Numbers 5—7 Dedication and Celebration—P... Numbers 8; 9:15—10:10* Dedication and Celebration—P... Numbers 10:11—12:16 Marching to Moab Numbers 13—14 Crisis at Kadesh Numbers 15—17 A Question of Authority Numbers 18—20 Another Crisis at Kadesh Numbers 21 Marching in Victory—and Defeat Numbers 22:1—23:26 Principalities and Powers—Pa... Numbers 23:27—25:18 Principalities and Powers—Pa... Numbers 26—29; 36 A New Beginning Numbers 30—35 Preparing for Conquest Summary and Review The Wilderness School Deuteronomy Outline I. Remembering God’s blessi... A. God led them 1:1—3:29 B. God came to them—4:1–43 C. God taught them—4:44—5:33 II. Responding to God’s good... A. Loving God—6 B. Obeying God—7 C. Showing gratitude to God—... D. Fearing God—10:12—11:32 III. Reviewing God’s Word (1... A. Worship and obedience—12:... B. Civil officials—16:18—17:20 C. Offerings—18:1–8; 26:1–19 D. Cities of refuge—19; 21:1–9 E. Waging war—20 F. Miscellaneous laws—21:10—... IV. Renewing God’s covenant... A. Obedience and disobedienc... B. The terms of the covenant... V. Replacing God’s servant ... A. Moses encourages his succ... B. Moses warns the nation—31... C. Moses blesses the tribes—33 D. Moses leaves the people—34 Contents Deuteronomy 1—3 Catching Up on the Past Deuteronomy 4—5 The God We Worship Deuteronomy 6—7 The Secrets of Obedience Deuteronomy 8—11 See What You Are Deuteronomy 12—13; 18:9–22 Worship Him in Truth Deuteronomy 14:1—16:17 Food and Festivals Deuteronomy 16:18—18:8; 26:1–19 Judges, Kings, Priests, and ... Deuteronomy 19:1—21:14 Manslaughter, War, and Murder Deuteronomy 21:15—25:19 Disputes and Decisions Deuteronomy 26:16—31:13 Obedience and Disobedience, ... Deuteronomy 31:14—32:47 The Song of Moses Deuteronomy 32:48—34:12 The End of an Era Review of Deuteronomy Learning to Remember—Reme... Joshua Outline I. Preparing the nation (1—5) A. Encouraging the leader—1 B. Spying out the land—2 C. Crossing the river—3 D. Affirming the covenant—5 II. Defeating the enemy (6—12) A. The Central Campaign—6—9 B. The Southern Campaign—10 C. The Northern Campaign—11 D. Summary of the victories—12 III. Claiming the inheritan... A. Territory assigned to the... B. Cities of refuge set apar... C. Cities for the Levites id... D. Border tribes sent home—22 IV. Renewing the covenant (... A. Joshua’s final message to... B. Joshua’s final message to... Contents Introduction to the Book of ... A New Beginning Joshua 1 Follow the Leader Joshua 2 A Convert in Canaan Joshua 3—4 Forward by Faith Joshua 5 Preparing for Victory Joshua 6 The Conquest Begins! Joshua 7 Defeat in the Land of Victory Joshua 8 Turning Defeat into Victory Joshua 9:1—10:28 We Have Met the Enemy and H... Joshua 10:29—12:24 Joshua 13—21 This Land Is Our Land! Joshua 22 And When the Battle’s Over Joshua 23—24 The Way of All the Earth A Great Life in Review Judges Outline I. Disobedience: Israel tur... A. Early victories—1:1–26 B. Repeated defeats—1:27–36 C. National apostasy—2:1–15 D. Divine mercy—2:16–23 II. Discipline: The Lord ch... A. Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar—3 B. Deborah and Barak—4—5 C. Gideon—6—8 D. Abimelech—9 E. Tola and Jair—10 F. Jephthah—11:1—12:7 G. Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon—12... H. Samson—13—16 III. Disorder: Israel sink... A. Religious confusion—17—18 B. Immorality—19 C. Civil war—20—21 Contents Judges 1—2 It Was the Worst of Times Judges 3 The Weapons of Our Warfare Judges 4—5 “Two Are Better than One, an... Judges 6 God’s Man in Manasseh Judges 7 Faith Is the Victory Judges 8 Win the War, Lose the Victory Judges 9 My Kingdom Come Judges 10—12 Local Reject Makes Good Judges 13—14 The Light That Flickered Judges 15—16 The Light That Failed Judges 17—18 “The Center Cannot Hold” Judges 19—21 War and Peace Drawing Some Lessons from t... Looking Back and Looking Around Ruth Outline I. Sorrow: Ruth weeping (1) A. Naomi tries to run from h... B. Naomi tries to cover up h... C. Naomi gets bitter against... II. Service: Ruth working (2) A. A new beginning—faith—2:1–3 B. A new friend—love—2:4–16 C. A new attitude—hope—2:17–23 III. Submission: Ruth waitin... A. Ruth presents herself to ... B. Ruth is accepted by Boaz—... C. Ruth waits for Boaz to ac... IV. Satisfaction: Ruth weddi... A. Boaz redeems Ruth—4:1–10 B. The people bless Ruth—4:1... C. God gives Boaz and Ruth a... Contents Ruth 1 You Can’t Run Away Ruth 2 The Greatest of These Ruth 3 The Midnight Meeting Ruth 4 Love Finds a Way Reflections on Ruth 1 Samuel Outline I. The failure of the priest... A. The birth of Samuel—1:1—2:11 B. The failure of Eli—2:12–36 C. The call of Samuel—3 D. The rescue of the ark—4—6 E. The new spiritual beginni... II. The failure of the first... A. Israel requests a king—8 B. Saul is made king—9—10 C. Saul’s first victories—11 D. The nation renews the cov... E. Saul loses the throne—13—15 III. The training of the new... A. David is anointed—16:1–13 B. David serves Saul—16:14–23 C. David kills Goliath—17 D. Saul becomes jealous of D... E. The love of David and Jon... F. David driven into exile—2... 29—30 G. Saul’s defeat and death—28; 31 Contents 1 Samuel 1—3 “The Lord of Hosts Is with Us” 1 Samuel 4—6 Israel’s Defeat—God’s Victory 1 Samuel 7—11 The Call for a King 1 Samuel 12—13 Reviewing and Rebuking 1 Samuel 14—15 A Foolish Vow and a Lame Excuse 1 Samuel 16—17 God Chooses a King 1 Samuel 18—19 A Jealous King 1 Samuel 20—22 David in Exile 1 Samuel 23—24 David the Deliverer 1 Samuel 25—26 A Wise Woman and a Foolish King 1 Samuel 27:1—28:2; 29—30 Living with the Enemy 1 Samuel 28:3–25; 31; 1 Chro... The King Is Dead! Review of 1 Samuel Four Successes and Two Failures 2 Samuel and1 Chronicles Outline I. David unites the people (... A. A new king—1:1—5:5 B. A new capital city—5:6—6:23 C. A new dynasty—7:1–29 II. David expands the border... A. He defeats Israel’s enemi... 10:1–19 B. He organizes the kingdom—... C. He honors Mephibosheth—9:... III. David disobeys the Lord... A. David’s sins—11:1—12:31 B. Amnon’s sins—13:1–22 C. Absalom’s sins—13:23—19:8 D. David’s return to Jerusal... IV. David closes his reign (... A. Showing respect for Saul—... B. Defeating the Philistines... C. Praising the Lord—22:1—23:7 D. Honoring his mighty men—2... E. Buying a site for the tem... Contents 2 Samuel 1:1—2:7 (1 Chronicles 10—2:7) David, King of Judah 2 Samuel 2:8—4:12 David Watches and Waits 2 Samuel 5—6 (1 Chronicles 3:4–8; 11:1–9; 13:5—16:3) David, King of Israel 2 Samuel 7—10 (1 Chronicles 17—19) David's Dynasty, Kindness, and Conquests 2 Samuel 11—12 David’s Disobedience, Decept... 2 Samuel 13—14 David’s Unruly Sons 2 Samuel 15:1—16:14 David’s Escape to the Wilder... 2 Samuel 16:15—18:33 David’s Bittersweet Victory 2 Samuel 19:1—40 David’s Return and Renewed P... 2 Samuel 19:41—20:22 (1 Chronicles 20:4–8) David's New Struggles 2 Samuel 22 David's Song of Victory 2 Samuel 23—24 (1 Chronicles 11:10–41; 21:1–26) David's Memories and Mistakes 1 Chronicles 22—29 David’s Legacy 1 Kings Outline I. The kingdom protected (1 ... A. The last days of David—1:... B. The first acts of Solomon... II. The kingdom enriched (1... A. God’s gift of wisdom—3:1–28 B. Organizing the government... C. Building the temple—5:1—6... 7:13–51 D. Dedicating the temple—8:1... E. Building the royal houses... F. Miscellaneous royal proje... G. Solomon’s glory—10:1–29 III. The kingdom divided (... A. Solomon’s folly—11:1–43 B. Rehoboam’s folly—12:1–24; 14:21–31 C. Jeroboam’s folly—12:25—14:20 IV. The kingdoms destroyed... A. Judah—15:1–24 B. Israel—15:25—22:53 Contents 1 Kings 1:1—2:46 (1 Chronicl... Sunset and Sunrise 1 Kings 3—4 (2 Chronicles 1) Wisdom from Above 1 Kings 5:1—6:38; 7:13–51 (... Fulfilling David’s Dream 1 Kings 8:1—9:9, 25–28 (2 C... God’s House and Solomon’s Heart 1 Kings 7:1–12; 9:10—1 (2 Chronicles 8:1—9:28) The Kingdom, Power, and Glory 1 Kings 11:1–43 (2 Chronicle... The Foolish Wise Man 1 Kings 12:1–24; 14:2 (2 Chronicles 10:1—12:16) He Would Not Listen 1 Kings 12:25—14:20 A New King, an Old Sin 1 Kings 15:1—16:28 (2 Chron... Kings on Parade 1 Kings 17—18 Let the Fire Fall! 1 Kings 19 The Cave Man 1 Kings 20:1—22:53 Ahab, the Slave of Sin Reviewing 1 Kings Reflections on Responsibility 2 Kings and2 Chronicles Outline I. The ministry of Elisha (1... II. The fall of Samaria (14—17) III. The captivity of Judah ... Contents 2 Kings 1—2 The Parting of the Ways 2 Kings 3—4 Amazing Grace! 2 Kings 5:1—6:7 Three Men—Three Miracles 2 Kings 6:8—7:20 The Battle Is the Lord’s 2 Kings 8:1—9:37 (2 Chronicles 21:1—22:9) Reaping the Harvest of Sin 2 Kings 10—11 (2 Chronicles 22:10—23:21) The Sword and the Crown 2 Kings 12—13 (2 Chronicles 24) Focusing on Faith 2 Kings 14—15 (2 Chronicles 25—27) Nine Kings—Five Assassinations 2 Kings 16—17 (2 Chronicles 28) A Tale of Two Kingdoms 2 Kings 18:1—20:11 (2 Chronicles 29:1—31:21; 32... The Making of a King—Part I 2 Kings 18:17—19:37; 20:12–21 (2 Chronicles 32:27–33; Isai... The Making of a King—Part II 2 Kings 21:1—23:30 (2 Chronicles 33:1—35:27) The End Is Near 2 Kings 23:29—25:30 (2 Chronicles 36) The End Has Come Ezra Outline I. The nation is restored (1—6) A. A remnant returns with Ze... B. The temple is rebuilt—3—6 1. The work begins—3 2. The work opposed—4 3. The work resumed—5 4. The work completed—6 II. The people are rededicat... A. A second group arrives wi... B. Confession of sin—9 C. Cleansing of sin—10 Contents Ezra 1—3 The Providence of God Ezra 4—6 The Faithfulness of God Ezra 7—8 The Good Hand of God Ezra 9—10 The Grace of God Nehemiah Outline I. Concern (1) A. Information—1:1–3 B. Intercession—1:4–9 C. Intention—1:10–11 II. Construction (2—3) A. Authority—2:1–10 B. Investigation—2:11–16 C. Challenge—2:17–20 D. Assignments—3:1–32 III. Conflict (4—6) A. Ridicule—4:1–6 B. Plots—4:7–9 C. Discouragement—4:10 D. Fear—4:11–23 E. Selfishness—5:1–19 F. Compromise—6:1–4 G. Slander—6:5–9 H. Threats—6:10–16 I. Intrigue—6:17–19 IV. Consecration (7—12) A. The people—7:1—12:26 1. Checking the genealogy—7 2. Teaching the Word—8 3. Confessing sin—9 4. Making a covenant—10:1—1... B. The walls—12:27–47 V. Cleansing—13 Contents Nehemiah 1 Does Anybody Really Care? Nehemiah 2 The Mountain Starts to Move Nehemiah 3 Wall to Wall Workers Nehemiah 4 Workers and Warriors Nehemiah 5 Stop! Thief! Nehemiah 6 We Have Heard the Enemy, and... Nehemiah 7 “V” Is for Vigilance Nehemiah 8 The People and the Book Nehemiah 9 Amazing Grace! Nehemiah 10 After We Say “Amen” Nehemiah 11—12 The Shout Heard ‘Round the W... Nehemiah 13 Standing by Our Promises Nehemiah the Leader Looking for Leaders Esther Outline I. Esther’s coronation (1—2) A. The dethroning of Vashti—1 B. The crowning of Esther—2 II. Haman’s condemnation (3—7) A. Haman’s intrigue—3 B. Mordecai’s insight—4 C. Esther’s intercession—5—7 III. Israel’s celebration (8... A. A new decree—8 B. A sure defense—9 C. A great distinction—10 Contents Esther 1 The Queen Says “No!” Esther 2 The New Queen Esther 3 An Old Enemy with a New Name Esther 4 A Day of Decision Esther 5 A Day in the Life of the Pri... Esther 6 Warning Signals Esther 7 The Mask Comes Off Esther 8 From Victims to Victors Esther 9 and 10 God Keeps His Promises Job Contents Job 1—3 THE DRAMA BEGINS Job 4—7 DISCUSSION BEGINS Job 8—10 THE DISCUSSION CONTINUES Job 11—14 AN ANGRY “YOUNGER” MAN Job 15—17 DISCUSSION TURNS INTO DISPUTE Job 18—19 WILL THE REAL ENEMY PLEASE S... Job 20—21 IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR POINT... Job 22—24 ORDER IN THE COURT! Job 25—28 HOW FAINT A WHISPER! Job 29—31 I REST MY CASE! Job 32—33 ELIHU HAS THE ANSWERS Job 34—37 ELIHU EXPLAINS AND DEFENDS GOD Job 38—42 THE FINAL EXAMINATION Psalms Contents BOOK I Psalm 1 Psalm 2 Psalm 3 Psalm 4 Psalm 5 Psalm 6 Psalm 7 Psalm 8 Psalm 9 Psalm 10 Psalm 11 Psalm 12 Psalm 13 Psalm 14 Psalm 15 Psalm 16 Psalm 17 Psalm 18 Psalm 19 Psalm 20 Psalm 21 Psalm 22 Psalm 23 Psalm 24 Psalm 25 Psalm 26 Psalm 27 Psalm 28 Psalm 29 Psalm 30 Psalm 31 Psalm 32 Psalm 33 Psalm 34 Psalm 35 Psalm 36 Psalm 37 Psalm 38 Psalm 39 Psalm 40 Psalm 41 BOOK II Psalms 42 and 43 Psalm 44 Psalm 45 Psalm 46 Psalm 47 Psalm 48 Psalm 49 Psalm 50 Psalm 51 Psalm 52 Psalm 53 Psalm 54 Psalm 55 Psalm 56 Psalm 57 Psalm 58 Psalm 59 Psalm 60 Psalm 61 Psalm 62 Psalm 63 Psalm 64 Psalm 65 Psalm 66 Psalm 67 Psalm 68 Psalm 69 Psalm 70 Psalm 71 Psalm 72 BOOK III Psalm 73 Psalm 74 Psalm 75 Psalm 76 Psalm 77 Psalm 78 Psalm 79 Psalm 80 Psalm 81 Psalm 82 Psalm 83 Psalm 84 Psalm 85 Psalm 86 Psalm 87 Psalm 88 Psalm 89 BOOK IV Psalm 90 Psalm 91 Psalm 92 Psalm 93 Psalm 94 Psalm 95 Psalm 96 Psalm 97 Psalm 98 Psalm 99 Psalm 100 Psalm 101 Psalm 102 Psalm 103 Psalm 104 Psalm 105 Psalm 106 BOOK V Psalm 107 Psalm 108 Psalm 109 Psalm 110 Psalm 111 Psalm 112 Psalm 113 Psalm 114 Psalm 115 Psalm 116 Psalm 117 Psalm 118 Psalm 119 Psalm 120 Psalm 121 Psalm 122 Psalm 123 Psalm 124 Psalm 125 Psalm 126 Psalm 127 Psalm 128 Psalm 129 Psalm 130 Psalm 131 Psalm 132 Psalm 133 Psalm 134 Psalm 135 Psalm 136 Psalm 137 Psalm 138 Psalm 139 Psalm 140 Psalm 141 Psalm 142 Psalm 143 Psalm 144 Psalm 145 Psalm 146 Psalm 147 Psalm 148 Psalm 149 Psalm 150 Proverbs Contents Introduction to the Book of ... Don’t Just Make a Living, Ma... Proverbs (1:7–33; 8—9) Is Anybody Listening? Proverbs (2—4) The Path of Wisdom and Life Proverbs (5–7) The Path of Folly and D (The Wise and the Wicked) People, Wise and Otherwise—Part I (The Simple, Scorner, and Fool) People, Wise and Otherwise—P... “Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar ... Family, Friends, and N (Human Speech) A Matter of Life or Death Make Way for the Righteous! Enjoying God’s Guidance Popular Sins (Drunkenness, D... “This God Is Our God” Ecclesiastes Outline I. THE PROBLEM DECLARED (1—2) Life is not worth living! Co... A. The monotony of life. 1:4–11 B. The vanity of wisdom. 1:1... C. The futility of wealth. 2... D. The certainty of death. 2... II. THE PROBLEM DISCUSSED (... He considers each of the abo... A. The monotony of life—3:1—5:9 1. Look up—3:1–8 2. Look within—3:9–14 3. Look ahead—3:15–22 4. Look around—4:1—5:9 Enjoy life. 2:24 B. The futility of wealth—5:... 1. Employing wealth—5:10–17 2. Enjoying wealth—5:18—6:12 C. The vanity of wisdom—7:1—... 1. We make life better—7:1–10 2. We see life clearer—7:11–18 3. We face life stronger—7:... D. The certainty of death—9... 1. Death is unavoidable—9:1–10 2. Life is unpredictable—9:... 3. Beware of folly—10:1–20 III. THE PROBLEM DECIDED (11... A. Live by faith—11:1–6 B. Enjoy life now. 11:7—12:8 C. Prepare for judgment—12:9–14 Contents Introduction to the Book of ... Ecclesiastes 1:1–3 Is Life Worth Living? Ecclesiastes 1:4–18 Living in Circles Ecclesiastes 2 Disgusted with Life? Ecclesiastes 3 Time and Toil Ecclesiastes 4 Life Just Isn’t Fair Ecclesiastes 5 Stop, Thief! Ecclesiastes 6 Is Life a Dead-end Street? Ecclesiastes 7 How to Be Better Off Ecclesiastes 8 What about the Wicked? Ecclesiastes 9 Meeting Your Last Enemy Ecclesiastes 10 A Little Folly Is Dangerous Ecclesiastes 11 What Life Is All About Song of Solomon Outline I. ANTICIPATION: THE COURTS... A. True love is like a banqu... B. True love is like an adve... C. True love brings dreams o... II. CONSUMMATION: THE WEDDI... A. Claiming the bride—3:6–11 B. Extolling her beauty—4:1–7 C. Consummating the marriage... III. CELEBRATION: THE MARRI... A. The quest for her husband... B. The beauty of her husband... C. Their meeting in the gard... D. They express their mutua... E. They pledge unending love... Isaiah Outline I. CONDEMNATION (1—39) A. Sermons against Judah and... B. Burdens of Judgment again... C. Songs about Future Glory—... D. Woes of Coming Judgment f... E. Historical Interlude—36—39 1. Hezekiah delivered from... 2. Hezekiah deceived by Bab... II. CONSOLATION (40—66) A. God’s greatness—40—48 (th... B. God’s grace—49—57 (the So... C. God’s glory—58—66 (the Sp... Contents The Lord Is Salvation Introduction to Isaiah Isaiah 1—6 Wanted: A Prophet Isaiah 7—12 God Is with Us! Isaiah 13—23 The Burdened Prophet Isaiah 24—27 A Refuge from the Storm Isaiah 28—31 Storm Clouds over Jerusalem Isaiah 32—35 Future Shock and Future Glory Isaiah 36—39 King Hezekiah Isaiah 36—39 God Save the King! Isaiah 40—66 “The Book of Consolation” Isaiah 40—48 How Great Thou Art! Isaiah 49:1—52:12 This Is God’s Servant Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Climbing Mount Everest Isaiah 54—59 Promises and Punishments Isaiah 60—66 The Kingdom and the Glory Jeremiah Outline I. Jeremiah’s call and comm... II. Jeremiah’s messages t... A. During the time of Josiah... 1. The sins of the nation—2—6 2. The temple messages—7—10 3. The broken covenant—11—13 B. The coming Babylonian inv... C. The Sabbath message—17 D. The potter’s house sermon... E. Messages to the leaders—2... F. Judah’s captivity—25—29 G. National restoration—30—33 III. Jeremiah’s ministry... A. Ministry during the siege... 1. To King Zedekiah—34, 37—38 2. To King Jehoiakim—35—36 B. Jerusalem falls—39 IV. After the fall of the c... V. Jeremiah’s messages to... A. To Egypt—46 B. To Philistia—47 C. To Moab—48 D. To Ammon, Moab, Edom, Syr... E. To Babylon—50—51 Contents Jeremiah 1 The Reluctant Prophet Jeremiah 2—6 The Prophet Preaches Jeremiah 7—10 The Voice in the Temple Jeremiah 11—13 Voting with God Jeremiah 14—17 Sermons, Supplications, and ... Jeremiah 18—20 The Prophet, the Potter, and... Jeremiah 21—24 Kings on Parade Jeremiah 25—29 Facing Truth and Fighting Lies Jeremiah 30—33 The God Who Makes Things New Jeremiah 34—39; 52 Contemporary Events and Eter... Jeremiah 40—45 Tragedy Follows Tragedy Jeremiah 46—49 God Speaks to the Nations Jeremiah 50—51 Babylon Is Fallen! Lamentations Outline I. THE NATION'S DISGRACE (1:... II. THE CITY'S DESTRUCTION (... III. THE PROPHET'S DISTRESS ... IV. THE LORD’S DISCIPLINE (4... V. THE JEWISH REMNANT’S DEC... Ezekiel Outline I. The prophet’s call (1—3) A. Seeing God’s glory—1 B. Hearing God’s Word—2 C. Becoming God’s watchman—3 II. The fall of Jerusalem (... A. The judgment predicted—4—7 B. God’s glory departs—8—11 C. Godless leaders exposed—1... D. God’s justice defended—18—21 E. The end of the city—22—24 III. The nations judged (25—32) A. Ammon—25:1–7 B. Moab—25:8–11 C. Edom—25:12–14 D. Philistia—25:15–17 E. Tyre—26:1—28:19 F. Sidon—28:20–24 G. Egypt—29—32 IV. The glorious future of I... A. The city of Jerusalem res... B. The land of Israel renewe... C. The nation of Israel resu... D. The temple and the priest... Contents Ezekiel 1—3 From Priest to Prophet Ezekiel 4—7 The Death of a Great City Ezekiel 8—11 The Glory Has Departed Ezekiel 12—14 The Truth about the False Ezekiel 15—17 Pictures of Failure Ezekiel 18—21 God Is Just! Ezekiel 22—24 See the Sinful City! Ezekiel 25—28 God Judges the Nations Ezekiel 29—32 Egypt Will Fall! Ezekiel 33—35 Warnings and Promises from t... Ezekiel 36—37 From Restoration to Reunion Ezekiel 38—39 God Protects the Nation Ezekiel 40—48 Glory in the Temple Daniel Outline I. Daniel the prisoner (1:... II. Daniel the interpreter ... A. Interpreting the image dr... B. The golden image (Daniel ... C. Interpreting the tree dre... D. Interpreting the handwrit... E. Daniel in the lions’ den—6 III. Daniel the seer (7:1—1... A. The vision of the four be... B. The vision of the ram and... C. The seventy weeks appoint... D. The vision of Israel’s fu... Contents Daniel 1 God Rules and Overrules Daniel 2 The God of Dreams and Destinies Daniel 3 Faith and the Fiery Trial Daniel 4 Learning the Hard Way Daniel 5 Numbered, Weighed, and Rejected Daniel 6 Liars, Laws, and Lions Daniel 7 “Thy Kingdom Come” Daniel 8 Beasts, Angels, and the End ... Daniel 9 The Prophetic Calendar Daniel 10 A Remarkable Experience Daniel 11:1–35 A Remarkable Prophecy—Part 1 Daniel 11:36—12:13 A Remarkable Prophecy—Part II A Review of Daniel A Resolute Man God Greatly L... Hosea Outline I. Israel’s unfaithfulness... A. God is gracious—1:1—2:1 B. God is holy—2:2–13 C. God is love—2:14—3:5 II. Israel’s sins denounced ... A. Ignorance—4:1–11 B. Idolatry—4:12—5:15 C. Insincerity—6:1—7:16 III. Israel’s judgment deter... A. The Assyrian invasion—8 B. The nation scattered—9 C. Reaping what they have so... IV. Israel’s restoration dec... A. God’s past mercies—11 B. God’s present disciplines... C. God’s future promises—14 Contents Hosea 1—3 You Married a What? Hosea 4—10 What Will I Do with You? Hosea 11—14 Love So Amazing Joel Outline I. The immediate day of the ... A. Hear! (elders, citizens)—... B. Wake up! (drunkards)—1:5–7 C. Mourn! (farmers)—1:8–12 D. Call a fast! (priests)—1:... II. The imminent day of the ... A. The invading army, like l... B. The call to repent—2:12–17 C. The promise of restoratio... III. The ultimate day of the... A. Before that day—Spirit po... B. During that day—judgment ... C. After that day—blessing p... Contents Joel 1—2:27 Watching the Day of the Lord Joel 2:28—3:21 Expecting the Day of the Lord Amos Outline I. Look around and see God’... Eight nations judged A. Six Gentile nations conde... B. Judah condemned—2:4–5 C. Israel condemned—2:6–16 II. Look within and see t... Three sermons to the people ... A. Message #1: Israel’s judg... B. Message #2: Israel’s sins... C. Message #3: Israel’s doom... III. Look ahead and see ... A. Five visions of judgment... 1. The locusts—7:1–3 2. The fire—7:4–6 3. The plumb line—7:7–9 Historical interlude: A... 4. The basket of summer fru... 5. The ruined temple—9:1–10 B. A vision of the glorious ... Contents Amos 1—2:16 The Lion Roars! Amos 3:1–15 Listen to What God Says Amos 4:1–13 Sins in Good Standing Amos 5:1–17 How to Avoid the Storm Amos 5:18—6:14 “Woe to the Sinners!” Amos 7:1—9:15 Stop—Look—Listen! Obadiah Outline I. God’s message to Edom’s n... A call to arms against their... II. God’s message to Edom (2... A. Divine judgment declared... 1. Edom’s pride brought dow... 2. Edom’s wealth plundered—5–6 3. Edom’s alliances broken—7 4. Edom’s wisdom destroyed—8 5. Edom’s army defeated—9 B. Divine judgment defended... 1. Violence against the Jew... 2. Rejoicing at the Jews’ p... 3. Assisting the enemy—13–14 4. Ignoring God’s wrath—15–16 III. God’s message to the ... A. God will deliver them—17–18 B. God will defeat their ene... C. God will establish their ... Contents Obadiah 1–21 A Tale of Two Brothers Jonah Outline I. God’s patience with Jona... A. Jonah’s disobedience—1:1–3 B. Jonah’s indifference—1:4–10 C. Jonah’s impenitence—1:11–17 II. God’s mercy toward Jona... A. He hears his prayer—2:1–2 B. He disciplines him—2:3 C. He honors his faith—2:4–7 D. He accepts his confession... E. He restores his ministry—... III. God’s power through Jo... A. The gracious Lord—3:1–2 B. The obedient servant—3:3–4 C. The repentant people—3:5–9 D. The postponed judgment—3:10 IV. God’s ministry to Jonah... A. God hears him—4:1–4 B. God comforts him—4:5–8 C. God teaches him—4:9–11 Contents Jonah 1—2 Patience and Pardon Jonah 3—4 Preaching and Pouting Micah Outline I. A warning message: judg... A. The Judge appears—1:1–5 B. The nations are judged—1... 1. Judgment on Samaria—1:6–9 2. Judgment on Judah—1:10–16 C. Why judgment is coming—2... 1. Because of covetousness—... 2. Because of false prophet... D. Hope for the remnant—2:12–13 II. A promise message: a ... A. The sins of the leaders—3... B. The future of the nation—... C. The coming of Messiah—5:1–5 D. The defeat of the enemy—5... III. A challenge message... A. In spite of the indictmen... B. In spite of the sentence—... C. Because of the Lord’s mer... Contents Micah 1—2 Judgment Is Coming! Micah 3—5 A Ruler Is Coming! Micah 6—7 “Thy Kingdom Come” Nahum Outline I. God is jealous: Nineveh... A. God declares His anger—1:1–8 B. God speaks to Nineveh—1:9... C. God encourages Judah—1:12... II. God is judge: How Nin... A. The invaders appear and a... B. The city is captured—2:5–10 C. The conquerors taunt thei... III. God is just: Why Nine... A. Her ruthless bloodshed—3:1–3 B. Her idolatry—3:4–7 C. Her pride and self-confid... Contents Nahum 1—3 The City Is No More Habakkuk Outline I. The prophet wondering a... A. God is indifferent—1:2–4 God’s reply: I am working—1... B. God is inconsistent—1:12–17 II. The prophet watching an... A. Write God’s vision—2:1–3 B. Trust God’s world—2:4–5 “The just shall live by fai... C. Declare God’s judgment—2... 1. Woe to the selfish—2:6–8 2. Woe to the covetous—2:9–11 3. Woe to the exploiters—2:... “God’s glory will fill the ... 4. Woe to the drunkards—2:1... 5. Woe to the idolaters—2:1... “God is still on His throne... III. The prophet worshippi... A. He prays to God—3:1–2 B. He ponders God’s ways—3:3–15 C. He praises God—3:16–19 Contents Habakkuk 1 The Prophet Worrying Habakkuk 2 The Prophet Watching and Wai... Habakkuk 3 The Prophet Worshipping Zephaniah Outline I. The Day of the Lord and... A. Pictures of that great day. 1. Like a flood—1:2–6 2. Like a great sacrifice—1... 3. Like a battle—1:15–18 B. Plea to seek the Lord—2:1–3 II. The Day of the Lord a... A. Philistia—2:4–7 B. Moab and Ammon—2:8–11 C. Cush—2:12 D. Assyria—2:13–15 III. The Day of the Lord... A. Jerusalem: God’s jealous ... B. The Gentiles: graciousnes... C. The remnant: bounteous bl... 1. The sinners removed—3:11–13 2. The believers rejoicing—... 3. The land restored—3:18–20 Contents Zephaniah 1—2 There’s a Great Day Coming! Zephaniah 3 The Glory of the Kingdom Haggai Outline I. First message: convictio... A. Stop making excuses—1:1–4 B. Start considering your wa... C. Begin to serve the Lord—1... II. Second message: compari... A. Discouragement—2:1–3 B. Encouragement—2:4–9 1. Be strong—2:4 2. Fear not—2:5 3. Glory will come—2:6–7 4. God will provide—2:8–9 III. Third message: contamin... A. The question of defilemen... B. The assurance of blessing... IV. Fourth message: coronati... A. The coming judgment—2:20–22 B. The promised Messiah—2:23 Contents Haggai 1 Stirring Up God’s People Haggai 2 Keeping the Work Alive Zechariah Outline I. God calls His people to r... II. God encourages His pe... A. Eight night visions 1. The horsemen: God watc... 2. The horns and smiths: ... 3. The measuring line: Je... 4. The high priest: Israel ... 5. The olive trees: God e... 6. The flying scroll: evi... 7. The ephah: evil taken ... 8. The four chariots: the... B. The crowning of Joshua: M... III. God instructs His peopl... A. About true fasting—7:1–7 B. About obedience to the Wo... C. About Jerusalem’s future—... IV. God redeems His people ... Contents Zechariah 1—2 God and His People Zechariah 3—4 God and His Leaders Zechariah 5—6 God and the Nations Zechariah 7—8 Truth, Traditions, and Promises Zechariah 9—11 Messiah, the Shepherd-King Zechariah 12—14 Redeemed, Refined, and Restored Malachi Outline I. Doubting God’s love (1:1–5) A. God’s electing grace—1:2 B. God’s blessing on Israel—... II. Dishonoring God’s name (... A. Offering defiled sacrific... B. Despising divine privileg... III. Profaning God’s covenan... A. Marrying heathen women—2:... B. Hypocritical repentance—2:13 C. Divorcing their wives—2:1... IV. Questioning God’s justic... A. Where are promised blessi... B. The first messenger—John ... C. The second messenger—Mes... V. Robbing God’s house (3:7–12) A. Robbing God—3:7–8 B. Robbing themselves—3:9–11 C. Robbing others—3:12 VI. Despising God’s service ... Two oracles A. The rejection of Messiah—... B. The return and reign of M... A. The complainers—3:13–15 B. The believers—3:16–18 C. The evildoers—4:1–3 D. The preachers—4:4–6 Contents Malachi 1—2:16 The Sins of God’s People—Part I Malachi 2:17—4:6 The Sins of God’s People—Par... Bible Versions Back Cover