Explorers LCC Specification

LCC Explorers Specification
Paul Burgess
August 16-February 18
Introduction
This is very much a work in progress with the aim of specifying the content for our Junior Church. Each lesson should be explicitly fitted into a biblical timeline
beginning with the creation through Christ to the redeemed-by-Christ new creation. The timeline will be displayed on the classroom walls. It is hoped that we
can loop round this huge story 2-3 times a year each time jumping into different parts and digging deeper into the narrative with the prayerful hope that our
children will increasingly be able to fit the stories into the bigger picture with the aim that they embrace the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore discover their own
part in the story.
It is hoped that the busy teacher will not be overwhelmed by this specification. The bottom line is that the teacher has read the given passage and understands
the desired learning outcomes and has prepared a lesson to this end. If you don’t have time skip the rest!
It would be very helpful if teachers could forward Paul Burgess links to any resources they use for each lesson for inclusion in this specification.
All constructive criticism is most welcome. We want to do this well for the children we serve.
All the learning outcomes will not all be achieved every lesson and for each child.
Bible handling skills

We want to develop our own bible handling skills in order to teach but also to nurture these skills in our children with the hope that they will hear God speaking
to them clearly in his word and will take this with them into the increasingly challenging world our young people are growing up in.
It is planned to have training in bible handling skills/biblical theology for all who have any teaching role in the church and others.
NT creation to new creation meta-narratives
Galatians 3-4
1 Corinthians 1:1-10
Romans 5-8
NT everything brought together in Christ references
Ephesians 1:10
Luke 24:25-26
Schedule and overview of lessons
Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4
Preaching Explorers Lesson
Pre- and [0] Learning to Gilgamesh
ancient history write
1 Creation Creation as 7/1/18 4/2/18 Man in God’s Day 6 revisited Bible and
YHWH’s temple Paul Burgess temple science
Genesis 1:1-2:3 Genesis 2:4-25 Psalm 74
2 Fall The Fall 14/1/18 11/2/18 Fall Fall Fall
Genesis 3:1-24 Brian House Genesis 3:1-24 Genesis 3:1-24 Genesis 3:1-24
3 Increasing sin Cain and Abel 21/1/18 18/2/18 Nephilim
Genesis 4 Fred Birkett Genesis 6:1-8
4 Flood Noah 28/1/18 25/2/18 Rainbow
Genesis 6:9- Tony Vassilli Genesis 6:9-
8:22 Paul Burgess 9:17
5 Still increasing Babel 4/2/18 4/3/18 Noah’s sin
sin Genesis 11:1-9 David Bailey Genesis 9:18-29
Abraham and 6 Abram [aka God’s covenant 11/2/18 11/3/18 Michizedek Circumcision Sarah and
his family Abraham] with Abram David Bailey Genesis 14:17- Genesis 17 Hagar
Genesis 15 24 Galatians 3:16
7 Isaac YHWH provides 18/2/18 18/3/18 Isaac and
the sacrifice Paul Burgess Rebekah
Genesis 22 Genesis 24
8 Jacob [aka Jacob and Esau 25/2/18 25/3/18 Jacob’s dream Jacob, Leah and Esau’s
Israel] Genesis 25:19- David Bailey Genesis 28:10- Rachel descendants
34;27 22
4/3/18
Neil Bartlett
9 Joseph Joseph’s 11/3/18 1/4/18 Potiphar’s wife Joseph’s rise to Family reunion
dreams David Bailey EASTER Genesis 39 fame Genesis 42-45
Genesis 37:1- 8/4/18 Genesis 40-41
11
Moses and the 10 Life in Egypt Blessing and 18/3/18 15/4/18 The young Moses and the
Israelites discrimination Brian House Moses burning bush
Exodus 1 Exodus 2
11 Exodus Plagues 25/3/18 22/4/18 Passover Exodus Crossing the
Exodus 7-11 David Bailey Exodus 12 Red Sea
12 Life in the The 10 1/4/18 29/4/18 Golden calf Tabernacle Moses’ sin at
desert commandments David Bailey Exodus 32 Kadesh
Exodus 20 EASTER
8/4/18
Fred
Judges 13 Joshua the first Crossing the David Bailey The Fall of Baal worship
judge Jordan 15/4/18 Jericho
Joshua 3:1-5:12 Joshua 6
14 Other Judges Deborah David Bailey Gideon Samson Ruth
Judges 4 and 5 22/4/18 Judges 6-8
15 Samuel the last The birth of Tony Vasssilli YHWH calls Blessings and Samuel
judge Samuel 29/4/18 Samuel curses of the subdues the
1 Samuel 1:1- 1 Samuel 3 Arc Philistines
2:11 1 Samuel 4-7 1 Samuel 7
United 16 Saul 👎 Samuel anoints David Bailey Saul’s sinful Saul’s jealousy The witch of
kingdom Saul as King 6/5/18 offering of David Endor
1 Samuel 8-10:1 1 Samuel 13:5-
23
17 David 👍 Samuel anoints David Bailey Goliath David and David’s sin with
David as King 13/5/18 1 Samuel 17 Jonathan Bathsheba
1 Samuel 16
18 Solomon Two prostitutes Paul Burgess Building the Queen of Sheba Solomon’s
and a baby 20/5/18 temple 1 Kings 10:1-13 rebellion
1 Kings 3:16-25 1 Kings 5-9 1 Kings11:1-13
Wisdom: 19 Job The heavenly council David Why do
Orthodoxy and Job 1:1-2:13 Bailey believers
orthopraxy 27/5/18 suffer?
Job
20 Psalms Psalm 1 David Psalm 22 Psalm 74
Bailey
3/6/18
21 Psalm 2 Brian Psalm 82
House
10/6/18
22 Proverbs Against gang behaviour David Listening to Against What YHWH
Proverbs 1:8-19 Bailey your father laziness hates
17/6/18 Proverbs 4:1-9 Proverbs 6:6- Proverbs
11 6:16-19
23 Ecclesiastes Life is meaningless David Life is Wisdom isn’t People and
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Bailey meaningless in everything! money in a
24/6/18 a fallen world Ecclesiastes fallen world
Ecclesiastes 2:12-3:22 Ecclesiastes
1:12-2:11; 4:1-18
Genesis 3
24 Song of Courtship Fred Dreaming of Marriage Epilogue
Solomon Song of Solomon 1:1-3:5 Birkett love Song of Song of
1/7/18 Song of Solomon 5:2- Solomon8:5-
Solomon 3:6- 8:4 14
5:1
Divided kingdom 25 Rehoboam 👎 The northern rebellion David Rehoboam Shishak raids
1 Kings 12:1-24 Bailey rules over Jerusalem
8/7/18 Judah only 1 Kings 14:25-
1 Kings 14:21- 30
31
Divided kingdom Northern kingdom / Israel / Samaria
26 • Jeroboam I Golden calves David Judgment Jehu Samaria as
👎 1 Kings 12:25-13:10 Bailey continues 1 Kings 16:1-7 northern
• Nadab 👎 15/7/18 1 Kings 14 capital
• Baasha 👎 1 Kings
16:20-28
Elijah
27 • Ahab Elijah and the widow Tony Elijah’s Jezebel Elijah taken
[and 1 Kings 17 Vassilli challenge: murders up to the sky
Jezebel] 👎 22/7/18 YHWH vs Baal Naboth to 2 Kings 2
• Ahaziah 👎 1 Kings 18:16- steal his
46 vineyard
1 Kings 21
2 Kings 9:30-
37
Elisha
28 • Joram 👎 Naaman healed of David The Floating axe Ahab’s family
• Jehu 👎 leprosy Bailey Shunamite’s head and the
• Jehoahaz 👎 2 Kings 5 29/7/18 son restored to 2 Kings 6:1-7 servants of
life Baal killed
• Jehoash 👎
2 Kings 4 2 Kings 10
29 • Jeroboam II Israel exiled by the David Return to Amos Jonah
👎 Assyrians Bailey YHWH
• Zechariah 2 Kings 17 2/9/18 Hosea 6
👎
• Shallum 👎
• Menahem
👎
• Pekahiah 👎
• Pekah 👎
• Hoshea 👎
Divided kingdom Southern kingdom / Judah / House of David
30 • Rehoboam Asa’s reforms Paul Jehoshaphat
👎 1 Kings 15:9-24 Burgess 1 Kings 15
• Abijah 👎 9/9/18 1 Kings 21-22
• Asa 👍
• Jehoshaphat
👍
• Jehoram 👎
• Ahaziah 👎
• Queen
Athaliah
[House of
Omri] 👎
31 • Jehoash 👍 Jehoash repairs the David Immanuel Judgment and
• Amaziah 👍 temple Bailey 2 Kings 16 hope
2 Kings 12 16/9/18 Isaiah 7 Joel 1-3
32 • Azariah Assyria threatens David Isaiah The satan and Micah
• Jotham Jerusalem Bailey encourages the unseen
• Ahaz 2 Kings 18:17-19:37 23/9/18 sick Hezekiah realm Isaiah
• Hezekiah 👍 Isaiah 36-37 2 Kings 20 14
• Manassah Isaiah 38-39
👎
• Amon 👎
33 • Josiah 👍 Book of the law found Brian Josiah renews Habakkuk Zephaniah
• Jehoahaz 👎 2 Kings 22 House the covenant
• Jehoiakim 30/9/18 2 Kings 23
34 👎 The fall of Jerusalem David Prophesied Ezekiel Lamentations
• Jechoiachin 2 Kings 24:18-25:25 Bailey return to the
7/10/18 land
👎
Jeremiah
• Zedekiah 👎
25:11-12
Exile 35 How could we Loving YHWH more than David The [re]new[ed] Jeremiah
sing the song of food Bailey covenant
YHWH in a Daniel 1 14/10/18 Jeremiah 31:27-
foreign land? 40
36 Psalm 137:4 Ezekiel’s third temple Fred Nebuchadnezza Obadiah
Ezekiel 47:1-12 Birkett r’s dream
21/10/18 Daniel 2
Partial return 37 Ezra, Nehemiah Destruction of the David Rebuilding of Ezra’s return Continued
to Judah and Malachi second temple foretold Bailey the temple and reforms building and
Zechariah 12-14 28/10/18 Ezra 1:1-6:22 Ezra 7:1- reform
10:44 Nehemiah
400 years of 38 Predicted by Malachi 4 David Esther Pharisees, Synagogue,
silence? Bailey Sadducees scribes and
4/11/18 Herodians, the
Zealots and Sanhedrin
Essenes
Jesus the One 39 Birth of the One Birth Tony Magoi visit Escape to Herod’s
Matthew 1:18-25 Vassilli Jesus Egypt murder of
“You search 11/11/18 Mathew 2:1-12 Matthew Jewish
the scriptures 2:13-23 babies
because you Matthew
think that you 2:16-18
have eternal 40 John the Baptist John the Baptist David Baptism Circumcision Household
life in them and baptism Matthew 3:1-12 Bailey Mathew 3:13-17 and baptism baptisms
and it is these 18/11/18
that testify 41 Temptation David Jesus’ ministry Sermon on the Mount
about me.” Matthew 4:1-11 Bailey in Galilee Matthew 5-7
John 5:39 2 Kings 18:17-19:37 25/11/18 Matthew 4:12-
Isaiah 36-37 25
42 Miracles Miracles Paul Miracles Miracles The “sent
Matthew 8:1-22 Burgess Matthew 8:23- Matthew out”
2/12/18 9:13 9:14-38 Matthew 10
Jesus the One 43 Repentance and John the Baptist and David Woe to Peter’s God will
confession Jesus Bailey unrepentant confession of have mercy
“You search Matthew 11:1-19 9/12/18 towns the One on
the scriptures Matthew 11:20- Matthew whomever
because you 24 16:13-20, he wants
think that you Matthew Matthew
have eternal 22:41-45 11:25-30
life in them 44 Disputes Sabbath dispute David Jesus and The sign of Who is Jesus’
and it is these Matthew 12:1-21 Bailey Beelzebul Jonah 12:38- family?
that testify Matthew 12:22- 42 Matthew
about me.” 37, 43-45 12:46-50
John 5:39
45 Parables Parable of the sower Brian Parable of the Short Parable of
Matthew 13:1-23 House weeds among parables the dragnet
the wheat Matthew Matthew
Matthew 13:24- 13:31-35, 44- 13:47-52
30, 36-43 46
46 Torah A right reading of the David Faith of a The greatest Beware of
torah Bailey Canaanite commandme Pharisees
Matthew 15:1-20 woman nt and
Matthew 15:21- Matthew Sadducees
28 22:34-40 Matthew
16:5-12,
23:1-36
47 Jesus humiliated Jesus predicts his death David TransfigurationTriumphal Cleansing
Matthew 16:21-28, Bailey Matthew 17 entry the temple
17:22-23, 20:17-19 Matthew Matthew
21:1-11 21:12-17
48 Treachery of the chief Fred Last Passover Gethsemane Arrest, trial
priests and elders Birkett Matthew 26:14- Matthew and betrayal
Matthew 26:1-5 35 26:36-46 Matthew
26:47-27:31
49 Death of Jesus David Burial
Matthew 27:32-56 Bailey Matthew 27:57-
66
Jesus the One 50 Jesus victorious Christos anesti! David Christos anesti! Christos Christos
Matthew 28:1-15 Bailey anesti! anesti!
51 Thy kingdom Great commission Tony Disputes in the Divorce Parable of

come! Matthew 28:16-20 Vassilli church Matthew the workers
Matthew 18:15- 19:1-12, in the
35 Matthew vineyard
22:23-33 Matthew 20
The early 52 Acts of the Holy Ascension David Persecution of Persecution Stephen
church Spirit Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6- Bailey Peter and John of the martyred
11 Acts 4:1-31 apostles Acts 6:8-8:3
Acts 5:17-42
53 Jews filled with the Holy David Ananias and Samaritans An Ethiopian
Sprit Bailey Saphira lie to filled with believes
Acts 2:1-41 the Holy Spirit the Holy Acts 8:26-40
Acts 5:1-11 Spirit!
Acts 8:1-25
54 Early church Paul Gentiles believe Peter Jerusalem
Acts 2:42-47;4:32- Burgess Acts 10:1-11:18 rescued by council
37;5:12-16 an angel Acts 15:36-
Acts 12
55 Miracles David
Acts 3:1-26 Bailey
56 Paul Conversion David Second Paul's last Paul before
Acts 9: 1-31 Bailey missionary visit to Felix 24
journey Jerusalem
Acts 15:36- 21-22
18:22
57 First missionary journey Brian Third Paul before Paul appeals
Acts 11:19-30; 13-14 House missionary the to Caesar 25-
journey Sanhedrin 23 26
Acts 18:23- Paul taken to
20:38 Rome 27:1-
28:10
Paul in Rome
28:11-31
A new cosmos 58 Who is the greatest? David Destruction of Satan bound Judgement
Matthew 18:1-19 Bailey Jerusalem Revelation of the sheep
Matthew 24 20:1-10 and goats
Matthew
25:31-46
59 The new Jerusalem David Judgement of Zechariah
Matthew 23: 37-24:4 Bailey the sheep 13-14
Revelation 21:1-8 and goats
Matthew
25:31-46
Cycle 1: Lesson 1: Creation: Creation as YHWH’s temple
Scripture
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Background for teachers
The stories of the early chapters of Genesis are extremely old almost certainly oral traditions of Palaeolithic peoples in Mesopotamia that were later written down by the
Assyrians etc and later Moses. It is difficult to imagine how people thought so long ago in a world they viewed as completely supernatural, i.e. all events were the direct
actions of various spirits and deities, but the biblical versions of these stories are God-breathed [2 Timothy 3:16] and give a unique perspective namely that it is the one true
God who is behind everything and that humans are not his slaves but rather his image-bearers and representatives to the creation.
As a literary genre these early chapters might be described as myth but true myth. Similarly a parable or proverb can be true whilst not being an historical [in the modern
sense] account. As noted above the way people told things in the deep past of pre-history is understandably different to how we narrate today but God is gracious and
accommodates himself to Moses’ hearers.
The geography of the bible is wrong in the modern scientific sense. For example Genesis 1:6-7 talks of the expanse of waters above. We now know that the sky is not a
water canopy or firmament but actually an atmosphere whose colour is given by the behaviour of visible light in its gases. This doesn’t mean that the bible is wrong but
rather as already noted that God is gracious and accommodating. We must also remember that science is something that is changing and our understanding of the world in
the future will be different to how it is now. In contrast the word of God does not change.
LCC does not have a position on whether the days are literal 24 hour periods. In my opinion the text itself does not require such a reading. However we should be careful
not to undermine the views of our children or their parents.
Adam, adam and adam. Adam means humankind. It also means dust. It is also the name given to a specific man.
Learning outcomes Notes
 The world once had no given purpose. It was “without form and void”.
 Day 1. Light doesn’t just exist. It was created by God. They have a purpose.
Children should be able to give examples, e.g. day is for work and play but
night is for sleep.
 Day 2. The sky isn’t just there. It was created by God. It has a purpose. The
sky gives us weather.
 Day 3. The land and sea isn’t just there it was created by God. The land is The sea is great fun but we must always be careful and obey our parents as we
for the production of food. were made to live on the land.
Some children have a cultural background that fears the sea because it
contains monsters or spirits. We do not fear these things as our God made the
sea. Likewise we do not fear high places or other places of superstition. These
things do not need to be mentioned except in a pastoral context.
 Day 4. The Sun and Moon aren’t just in the sky. They were created by God. The children may be able to explain the functions of the Sun and Moon, e.g.
the Sun gives us light, warmth and energy. Some may know that the Moon
causes tides.
 Day 5. Sea creatures and birds aren’t just there. They were created by God. Even the Laviathan are created by God. In Ancient Near Eastern mythology
these sea monsters represent chaos and are lurking in the sea. Not so says
Moses.
 Day 6. Animals and humans are not just there. They were created by God. Many animals surpass us in many ways: strength, speed, vison, sense of smell,
even memory. Some people are concerned about the advance of technology
 Humans are different from other animals in that we are appointed by God and “machines taking over”. Our significance is not that we are innately
to be his image-bearers and represent him to the creation. God says that superior but that we are have been designated by God to be his image-bearers
“it was very good”! and represent him to the creation.
 Day 7.God rests. We should have a weekly day off. Exodus 20:11 commands a weekly Sabbath because God rested on the seventh
day.
The whole passage has been compared by some to an ancient temple
inauguration. In this case the temple is the creation and humans are the image
of God in this cosmic temple. Day 7 has no “morning and evening” showing
that the inauguration is complete. God is now present in his temple and with
his image-bearers.
Resources
 ministry-to-children.com/creation-coloring-page-let-there-be-light/
Cycle 1: Lesson 2: The Fall
Scripture
Genesis 3:1-24
The OT does not seem to give any further direct information about this event we call “the Fall”1. However by the time period between the end of the OT and the coming of
Christ [often referred to as Second Temple Judaism] in the 2 Esdras 7:118 we read:
“O Adam, what have you done? For though it was you who sinned, the fall was not yours alone, but ours also who are your descendants.”2
However in the NT and particularly the writings of Paul the event becomes central in understanding the work of Christ: through one man sin entered the world [Romans
5:12] and all creation groans longing for redemption [Romans 8:22]. Much after Paul it was Augustine who proposed that it is from the father that original sin is transmitted
to his offspring. This view derives from incorrect biological understanding of the time. A more biblical view is to go no further than that sin has somehow permeated the
whole world and gets into all of us even before we are born [Psalm 51:5]. Sin affects our whole being so that we are not able in and of ourselves to please God [Romans 8:7-
9]. By nature we only deserve God’s anger [Ephesians 2:3b].
An understanding of sin and its effects is the only satisfactory reason for the problem of evil and our own inability to save ourselves. This should point us to the love of God
through Christ in rescuing us and the offer of salvation to the lost.
The biblical account is difficult for the modern reader as it is like the creation accounts in the literary genre of myth that is true. The serpent permeates ancient
Mesopotamia literature and was likely a chaos creature breaking in from a dark place or the deep. The story made it clear to the original hearer that contrary to what the
peoples around them were saying that YHWH is control even over evil and will judge the serpent Genesis 3:14. However no sooner did Adam and Eve sin did YHWH
immediately promise a saviour [Genesis 3:15] which ultimately could only be the Lord Jesus Christ.
1
Curiously the Chaldean Account of the Fall adds much detail: "Whatever the primitive account may have been from which the earlier part of the Book of Genesis was copied, it is evident
that the brief narration given in the Pentateuch omits a number of incidents and explanations - for instance, as to the origin of evil, the fall of the angels, the wickedness of the serpent, &c”.
Smith, George. The Chaldean Account Of Genesis (Illustrated) (Kindle Locations 209-213). Global Grey. This account is utterly pagan and attributes actions to false gods. The significance for
us is that these stories permeated the entire region in which the events occurred.
2
2 Esdras belongs to the books we designate as apocrypha. These books were not received by the Jews as Scripture with good reason. God’s presence had not returned to the rebuilt second
temple. God was silent. The writings of this period although not God-breathed show incredible insights into how thoroughly Jewish scholars had searched the Scriptures as they longed for
YHWH’s presence to return.
 The serpent lied to Eve and through her Adam The snake can be treated literally.
 Adam and Eve believed the lie that they would become like God and ate The man called Adam is a real person who God make the representative of
the fruit rather than obeying God human beings. Because Adam sinned all human beings suffered the
consequences.
 Sin came into the world and as a result everyone sins Although this is a very sad story it is also a comfort to know that there is a
reason for the sin around us and in us. Our children may have difficulties in
their home lives. Sin is the reason for this and God already indicated that he
will send the Lord Jesus Christ.
 God is always angry with sin but God promised to save those who trust in At the same time that we teach the children of sin we must tell them of the
Jesus saviour. This is how the story is presented.
Resources
?
?
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 3: Increasing sin: Cain and Abel
Scripture
Genesis 4
Happy events like the birth of children will now be tarnished by sin that gets into all of us.
Abel is attentive to YHWH’s later requirements given through Moses of animal sacrifice from the best of the flocks [Exodus 13:12, Numbers 8:17]. He shows a righteous
attitude [Proverbs 3:9]. However Cain offered only plants. Rather than repenting and seeking to be right with God Cain is angry with YHWH. God warns Cain of the danger
of sin and that he must rule over it. It is clear from his behaviour that he cannot rule over sin [none of us can] and the animal sacrifices of his brother show that blood
atonement is required. We cannot make ourselves right with God.
Lack of repentance only leads to greater sin. In this case murder. Jesus tells us that if we are angry with our brother it is the same as murdering him [Matthew 5:22]. God
curses Cain by driving him out of this proto covenant community. Adam and Eve had been punished by YHWH but lived with some knowledge and understanding of him as
evidenced by Abel’s animal sacrifices. Cain is driven out into the surrounding human communities that have no such knowledge of redemption. It is a fearful thing. YHWH is
kind and puts a sign on Cain to protect him. We do not know what this mark was. It must have been understood by the surrounding peoples.
Where did the other people come from? This is a question that need not be deliberately raised. Explanations fall into three categories:
i) Adam and Eve had lots of other children over 900 years [Genesis 5:4] and by the time Cain is driven out generations of descendants of his parents inhabit the
surrounding areas.
ii) The Genesis genealogies are not strictly chronological. This is very often the case in this era and the early hearers would not have even assumed a strict
historically linear narrative.
iii) Genesis 1 describes the designation of our species by YHWH to be his image bearers. Genesis 2 describes God’s choosing of one of these early image-bearing
humans to represent all human beings. This man was Adam. Adam was not necessarily the first human.
I would lean toward view (iii) but I don’t think this is something we can be dogmatic about.
You search the scriptures because you think that you have eternal life in them and it is these that testify about me. [John 5:39]
Jesus got this teaching about anger straight from this passage. [Matthew 5:22]
God requires the sacrifice of a perfect animal to atone for sin. Cain’s sacrifice was not of itself able to appease God’s anger. Jesus was already the lamb of God slain before
the foundation of the world. [Revelation 13:8]
Like Cain and Abel we are all sinners. Like Abel we need to offer a sacrifice sufficient to atone for our sin. The perfect sacrifice in only the Lord Jesus Christ himself [Hebrews
10:14].

 Because of the Fall human beings are now sinning.
 Abel responds to his sin by offering sacrifices that are acceptable to YHWH
 Cain’s sacrifices are not acceptable and he is angry with YHWH and his
brother.
 Cain’s anger causes him to murder his brother. This may be difficult for younger children and teachers’ must use their
 Jesus says that anger toward our brother is the same as murder. judgment. However children need to know they are sinful and assured that
 We must say sorry to God for our sins and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. they can turn to God through Jesus for forgiveness.
Resources
?
?
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 4: Flood: Noah
Scripture
Genesis 6:9-8:22
Sin is increasing and the land is filled with violence. God determines to judge the land with a flood but to save one man Noah and his family and a selection of animals: a
pair of each unclean animal and seven pairs of clean animals. Just as Abel knew of the need of animal sacrifices long before Moses so this family knew of clean and unclean
animals. Clean and unclean animals are repeatedly referred to. Ceremonial cleanness and uncleanness were the intended boundary markers for God’s people to separate
them from the peoples around them.
The land or earth here is not the planet [an unknown concept at that time] but rather the land or the known world of northern Mesopotamia and its surroundings.
Noah knows of the need of sacrifice and the concept of clean and unclean. He has faith in the things revealed and is declared righteous by God. The story of grace and
redemption continues despite these increasingly evil times. In faith and obedience Noah built an ark or, perhaps better, a huge wooden box. Noah and his family and the
animals survive the flood.
Resources
Cycle 1: Lesson 5: Still increasing sin: Babel
Scripture
Genesis 11:1-9
Genesis 11 is the end of the very ancient stories of Mesopotamia with which the Bible begins. The chapter ends with the genealogies of the descendants of Noah covering
perhaps millennia and linking to Abram and his old but more familiar world.
The earth again is not the planet but the known world of Mesopotamia and its surroundings. When Cain was driven from the presence of YHWH after killing his brother he
settled “in the land of Nod, east of Eden” [Genesis 4:16] . In v11 people are migrating from the east possibly in an attempt to return to Eden. Whatever their motivation
however their success was to be on their own terms: a name for themselves through a unified, single language state [not dissimilar to the modern nation state!]. The tower
or ziggurat was a common feature of ancient Mesopotamian temple cities. The tower was not to reach the gods but to bring the gods down to man. This tower would have
reached to the highest heavens to bring down the highest god possibly Anu the king of the gods to ensure the permanence of their proposed city and state.
Instead YHWH came down from heaven in judgment [v7] and contrary to their plans confuses the languages and disperses the people as per the original creation mandate
[Genesis 1:28] to fill the land. This mandate was renewed with Noah [Genesis 9:1].
Jesus in the only way to God not a ziggurat or other human construct. Jacob was later given a vision of a ladder that ascended to the heavens [Genesis 28:12] which Jesus
would later interpret as referring to him [John 1:51].
 Thousands of years ago men tried to bring a god down from heaven.
 This made YHWH angry and he thwarted their sinful plans.
 We cannot bring God down to us by our own efforts.
 Jesus is the only way that God visits us with his presence.
 If we think there is another way to God then his wrath remains on us [John We must be sensitive with children not to scare them. At the same time they
3:36] do need to know that God is angry with sin.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 6: God’s covenant with Abram
Scripture
Genesis 15
The godly families would have had oral traditions that were later written down by Moses. They knew of YHWH's creation of all things [Genesis 1-2] and his desire to rest in
the creation and dwell with humans who would then represent him to the cosmos. They would have known the story of the fall [Genesis 3] and YHWH's immediate promise
of a saviour [Genesis 3:15] yet sin increased in the land. They knew of Noah and their believing ancestors who YHWH preserved through a flood that brought judgement on
those who continued to increase in sin [Genesis 6-9]. Yet the generations passed. YHWH now renews his covenant with Abraham. The story picks up again with promises
now of this small godly family becoming a mighty nation and the nations being blessed through Abraham.
In Genesis 12 YHWH commands Abram to leave his home and relatives in Haran3 [in modern south-eastern Turkey close to the border with Syria]. YHWH promises to make
him into a great nation and that all the families of earth would be blessed in him. Abram and his clan leave Haran and are led to Canaan which is outside the now familiar
area of northern Mesopotamia. There is famine in Canaan and Abraham continues to Egypt. The story is expanding geographically. All the nations will be blessed in this man
Abram.
Abram means exalted father yet he did not have a son! Abram was a man of faith. He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness [Genesis 15:6]. The Apostle
Paul would quote this verse [Romans 4:3; 4:22] thousands of years later to show that justification has never been by works but always received through faith.
Abram responds to YHWH’s covenant promises by slaughtering animals and cutting the carcasses in two indicating the covenant initiated and sustained by YHWH involves
two parties: YHWH and the nations in Abram. Looking right back to Cain and Abel we saw that sacrifice required the shedding of blood accompanied by faith [Genesis 4].
From the vaguer earlier references to God sending a saviour it is now clear that it is in Abraham that the nations will be blessed. Jesus is the promised seed of Abraham
[Galatians 3:16]. The blessing will be for all the nations [Galatians 3:28; Romans 10:12]. The apostle Paul used this passage as proof that justification is through faith which
we think of as the good news of Jesus yet the story was there all along.
3
In Genesis 15:7 YHWH refers to having taken Abram from Ur. Moslem and Jewish but minority Christian scholarship identifies Ur as Urfa [or Şanlıurfa] the nearest city to Haran. Majority
Christian scholarship places Ur at Tell el-Muqayyar in southern Mesopotamia [now southern Iraq] a huge distance from Haran.
 Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness
[Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; 4:22]
 Abraham’s faith was evidenced by his unconditional obedience to YHWH.
He left everything to live in a new land.
 God is faithful and does not forget his people and is working all things out
for those who love him [Romans 8:28].
 The promised blessing of all the nations in Abraham is Jesus [Galatians
3:16; Galatians 3:28; Romans 10:12]
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 7: Isaac: YHWH provides the sacrifice
Scripture
Genesis 22
YHWH has renamed Abram [“exalted father”] as Abraham [“Father of many”] by YHWH. After 25 years he has been given a son Isaac even though he and his wife Sarah are
old. Isaac must be the seed through whom all the nations will be blessed. God now commands Abraham to sacrifice his only son4 at Moriah. Moriah is where Solomon
would build the first temple [2 Chronicles 3:1] 5! The entire cosmos was YHWH’s temple [Genesis 1] until God withdrew his presence from humans because of Adam’s sin as
our representative [Genesis 3]. The temple is going to be restored! But the restoration can only be through the atonement of sin through the shedding of blood.
The seed of Abraham must be sacrificed but it is not Isaac. God will provide the sacrifice [Genesis 22:8,13]. God has so arranged the scene that Abraham plays the role of
God who will not withhold his only son.
This passage vividly looks forward to a restored creation through the death of the seed of Abraham who is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sacrifice and the shedding of blood on the site of the future temple [2 Chronicles 3:1] are necessary for the forgiveness of sin [Hebrews 9:22] and the restoration of the
creation [Romans 8:22]. Isaac’s life cannot pay for sin. Animal lives cannot pay for sin [they are just a picture]. The only sacrifice that can pay the price of sin is the death and
resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ [Romans 4:25] whose body is that perfect temple [John 2:21]. This passage is the good news of Jesus and it occurred before Moses!
4
This passage does not endorse human sacrifice which elsewhere is clearly prohibited [Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31].
5
Moriah is where Solomon would build the first temple so in Jerusalem. Samaritan tradition stated that the events of Genesis 22 happened at Mount Gerizim. This is likely the dispute that
the Samaritan woman refers to in John 4. Although Jesus states that the issue is no longer relevant [his body was the temple] he does say that the Samaritan view is wrong [John 4:22] thus
strongly linking the events here with the future building of the temple and ultimately the place of his own death in Jerusalem.
 Abraham was a man of faith. He waited faithfully 25 years for his promised
son Isaac.
 God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. It should be emphasised to the children that God does not allow human
sacrifice. God was getting Abraham to act out the gospel story.
 At the last minute God provides a lamb for the sacrifice.
 God provides the perfect lamb as the sacrifice for all who believe. That
lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 8: Jacob [aka Israel]: Jacob and Esau
Scripture
Genesis 25:19-34;27
Cycle 1: Lesson 9: Joseph: Joseph’s dreams
Scripture
Genesis 37:1-11
The story of Joseph starts in Genesis 37 and continues to the end of the book. Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob and the firstborn of his favourite wife6 Rachel. Israel7, i.e.
Jacob, loved Joseph more than all his sons and openly showed his favouritism, e.g. making him a special coat. His brothers hated him and refused to speak to him. Yet
Jacob’s sin was ordained by God8 to advance his purposes, i.e. the rescuing of his people from the consequences of sin and repairing the entire cosmos.
Joseph’s first dream only angers his brothers as it predicts that Joseph will rule over his brothers even though he is their spoilt younger sibling. Even his father rebukes him
for the second dream. The significance may be lost to the modern reader but in the ancient world the lights in the sky represent divine authority9. The family understood
their diving calling through the covenant and promises to Abraham but will Joseph really rule over his brothers and parents!?
Would Joseph’s family one day bow down to him? Yes. In God’s certain plan [he rules over everything including sin] Joseph would rule over Egypt and his entire family
would bow before him.
We are reminded of the faithfulness of God and the covenant he made with Abraham. Jacob failed and Joseph the spoilt child becomes an arrogant and deceptive adult.
The genealogy of Matthew 1 begins with Abraham, Jacob and Joseph and ends with another Jacob who begets a Joseph who is the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus.
The whole story points to Jesus.
6
Jesus interprets [in Matthew 19:1-12] Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24 to exclude divorce except for sexual immortality and advocates faithful monogamy. Divorce was permitted by Moses
because of hardness of heart. We may safely infer that polygamy is likewise tolerated but not advocated.
7
Jacob was renamed Israel [literally “God contended”] in Genesis 32:28 after he fought for a whole night with the Angel of YHWH [almost certainly the pre-incarnate Jesus]!
8
God ordaining sin yet being himself without sin is implicit throughout the bible [God is sovereign and perfectly holy but people still sin] and emphatically maintained by Paul in Romans 9 as
he discusses God’s dealings with Israel.
9
The pagan practice of astrology lingers into modern times.
 God is faithful. He promised to bless Abraham and his descendants. Here
we see YHWH’s blessing of Abraham’s grandson Jacob and great-grandson
Joseph.
 Sin is never ok with God but even if we sin and mess up God can still work He even works out the sin of others against us for good. This could be a real
things out for good [Romans 8:28-29]. comfort to children who are suffering because of the sin of others, e.g. asylum
seekers and refugees.
 Only if we trust in Jesus do we know true forgiveness of sin. Sinners who repent are not just saved as individuals but become a part of
God’s people and his story as he restores all things through Christ.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 10: Life in Egypt: Blessing and discrimination
Scripture
Exodus 1
Exodus begins with the word “And” although this is lost in some translations. The story continues.
Modern western society often sees large families as undesirable. Concerns of overpopulation are not as clear cut as often presented. For example only 7% of the UK is built
on [j.mp/mythurbanbritain]. We do not want to naively enter into a complex debate but can be certain that as a result of the Fall the planet is not being consistently
managed wisely.
In non-western society children and land are almost universally viewed as a blessing. Israel has no land yet but YHWH is already increasing their numbers greatly.
References to eternal life don’t occur until much later in the OT [Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:1-3 and possibly Job 19:25-27] . Pharaoh certainly views population as a blessing
from a foreign competing god and instigates a population cull of the Hebrews. This is utterly wicked and will result in God’s judgment on Pharaoh and the Egyptians unless
they repent. YHWH will show to Egypt and the nations that he is the all-powerful true God.
But another story is unfolding. In Genesis 1 we saw that YHWH was to rest or dwell in the creation. Humans were to represent him to the creation as his image bearers. In
Genesis 3 a man called Adam who represented us all before God violated God’s covenant refusing to abstain from the fruit of a single tree! God removed his special
presence from the world and humans are plunged into all sorts of sinful thoughts and actions rather than extending Eden to the ends of the Earth. Yet Adam and Eve were
promised that the offspring of Eve would stamp on the offspring of the Snake [Genesis 3:15]. The promise or covenant of many children and filling the earth had been
renewed with Noah [Genesis 9] and Abraham [Genesis 12:1-3]. YHWH even told Abraham that his descendent would be numerous but would be enslaved [Genesis 15:13-
14] yet his offspring would be given land [Genesis 15:18-21] much larger than Israel would later occupy. Paul confirms that this offspring of Abraham is the Christ [Galatians
3:16].
The overarching story though is the need for the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Adam broke God’s covenant. The whole world is permeated by sin. Sin gets into
us even in our mother’s wombs. Adam was not the answer. Israel will not be the solution as they too will break the covenant repeatedly. In Exodus we will meet the
Passover lamb [Exodus 12], the rock that follows them in the desert [Exodus 17 and 1 Corinthians 10:14] and the establishment of priesthood [Exodus 28] that all point to
the need of a Redeemer who was not Adam and will turn out not to be Israel. A tent will be built where God will rest or dwell [Exodus 26]. Not the whole Earth just a tent,
then a land. The story is slowly getting back on track.
 YHWH is blessing his people the Israelites with many children. The children are a blessing to their families and us.
 The Pharaoh understands YHWH is blessing them and makes them slaves.
 The Hebrew midwives are ordered to kill all the male babies of the Israelites. The Pharaoh is a murderous dictator. Despite this the stories of Genesis [still
 The midwives fear YHWH more than Pharaoh. not written down] give the midwives hope in YHWH and his promises.
 These very frightening times for the Israelites. What should we do when we’re afraid?
 Like the midwives and other we should trust in God despite our
circumstances.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 11: Exodus: Plagues
Scripture
Exodus 7-11
YHWH continues to bless the Israelites with children in Egypt [Exodus 1]. Their numbers are so large that they are hated by Pharaoh who uses them as cheap labour. The
Israelites cry out to God [Exodus 2:23]. YHWH remembers his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob [Exodus 2:24-25] and his promise to give the Israelites a land [as part
of his plan to redeem the whole creation having driven Adam and Eve from Eden [Genesis 3]] and so now YHWH will rescue the Israelites from Egypt through Moses
[Exodus 3]. Moses and his brother Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the people leave but this only angers Pharaoh who responds only by making the Israelite work load intolerable
[Exodus 5].
Moses and Aaron return to Pharaoh [Exodus 7] performing miraculous signs but these are copied by Pharaoh’s magicians and Pharaoh’s heart remains hard.
Then follows a series of plagues announced by Moses and Aaron each time Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go. Each time Pharaoh relents but his heart is hardened
when the plague is lifted [Exodus 7-11].
1. Water into blood [Exodus 7:14–24]

2. Frogs [Exodus 7:25–8:15]
3. Lice [Exodus 8:16–19]
4. Flies or wild animals [Exodus 8:20–32]
5. Diseased livestock [Exodus 9:1–7]
6. Boils [Exodus 9:8–12]
7. Thunderstorm of hail and fire [Exodus 9:13–35]
8. Locusts [Exodus 10:1–20]
9. Darkness for three days [Exodus 10:21–29]
10. Death of firstborn [Exodus 11:1–12:36]
Many of the plagues would nowadays be called “natural disasters”10. They destroyed the means of production of an agrarian society and finally took the lives of Egyptian
children showing that the gods of Egypt [no doubt invoked by Pharaoh’s magicians] are no match for YHWH who rules over all the elements.
The text is explicit that YHWH hardens Pharaoh’s heart. The apostle Paul cites this story [Romans 9:14-18] as one of several examples of God’s sovereignty over all things
even the individual’s sin in order to bring about his plan to restore all things in Christ [Ephesians 1:10] not just for Jews [the descendent of Abraham in the flesh] but also
gentiles [Romans 9:24]. In other words the events of these chapters happened in God’s eternal plan that you might be saved.
10
The natural vs supernatural distinction would appear later in Greek thought. At this point humans would have viewed everything as directly controlled by deities and variouis spirits.
The story is getting back on track.
God brings judgment and advances his restoration of all things even through his rule over the sinful acts of humans and the satan. Joseph was sold into slavery by his
brothers [Genesis 50:20], the satan attacked Job [Job 1:12] etc. These pre-ordering of sinful events by God foreshadow what God would ultimately do to Jesus in his
crucifixion [Acts 2:23].

 YHWH is faithful. He does not forget his covenant with Abraham.
 YHWH intervenes through Moses and Aaron to bring judgment after The idea that sin deserves punishment should not be avoided but handled
judgement on Egypt for Pharaoh’s unbelief. carefully.
 All of this is in God’s plan to bring people from all over the world into a
renewed creation.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 12: Life in the desert: The 10 commandments
Scripture
Exodus 20:1-21
The law was given on Mount Sinai on two tablets of stone. Even to this day legal contracts have two copies. YHWH as one party was to honour this covenant by punishing
disobedience to the commandments to the third and fourth generation [Exodus 20:5] but blessing to thousands of generations for obedience [Exodus 20:6]. The Israelites
as the other party were to yield perfect obedience [Exodus 20:1-21].
It is very significant that the giving of the law was immediately followed by instructions for the making of an altar. The Israelites would not be able to keep the law so
sacrifices would need to be offered. The blood of animals cannot take away sin [Hebrews 10:4] so the alter and the sacrifice look forward to Calvary and the crucifixion of
Jesus.
The first four or possibly five commandments concern our duty to YHWH. The others concern our duty to our fellow humans. Exodus contains much case law as to how the
commandments were to be applied in everyday life and even extend to the treatment of animals and the environment [YHWH is redeeming the whole creation].
Circumstances do change and the Jews would later dispute as to how the law applied and which are the most important commandments [Matthew 22:34-40].
You search the scriptures because you think that you have eternal life in them and it is these that testify about me [John 5:39]
Israel would not keep the law. Jesus would keep the law. Animal sacrifice would not truly atone for sin. It was a picture of Jesus whose death would atone for our sin.
 YHWH is faithful but holy. He requires complete obedience.
 We can never keep the law. Ask the children have you ever lied, have you ever taken something that is
not yours, have you disobeyed your parents etc?
 Jesus would have to keep the law as our representative AND die to atone for
our sin.
Resources
• Judy Rogers’ The Ten Commandments Song is a great way for children [and adults] to learn the 10 commandments.
Cycle 1: Lesson 13: Judges: Crossing the Jordan
Scripture
Joshua 3:1-5:12
The book of Joshua can be best understood according to Walton11 as being in the genre of land grants of the ancient West Semitic world. All land was the property of kings
with divine authority and was granted to his subjects. Although the kings of the surrounding nations were wicked and their gods merely false or demonic it is now YHWH
who is presented as the true ruler and god over Canaan [and by extension the whole earth]. YHWH will destroy the wicked inhabitants of the land and grant it to his
covenant people. Nothing here would have sounded strange to the Israelites or Canaanites. This is how land was granted. The difference however is that YHWH as the one
true God has precedence over all other gods.
This is not a “holy war” in that in the ancient Near East there was no other time of war12. An invading king if he won would thereby demonstrate the superiority of his god
and the god’s idol would be placed in the temple of the occupied city. YHWH was going to demonstrate that he was the one true god.
The army would enter the land led by the priests carrying the arc of the covenant. This was quite normal in this time and place. The inhabitants would have seen this as a
challenge to their gods. In chapter 2 Rahab had heard of that YHWH was destroying his enemies and placed her trust in him rather than her gods. In the NT she is listed as
an ancestor of Jesus [Matthew 1:5] and as an example of a person of faith [Hebrews 11:31] and good works [James 2:25].
Israel camped for three days. Rahab had already repented and trusted in YHWH. The people of Canaan had heard of YHWH’s mighty acts and were afraid [Joshua 2:11] and
now they had time to repent. The priests led the invasion carrying the arc of the covenant. The arc contained the presence of YHWH. Other nations would only have carried
an idol. YHWH is so holy that the rest of the people have to keep a distance of almost a kilometre lest they be destroyed.
The waters of the Jordan are miraculously stopped by YHWH. This is a sign or wonder that testifies to the claims of YHWH.
Stones representing the 12 tribes are taken from the dry river bed and set up as a memorial so that future generations would not forget this mighty act of YHWH. The
Canaanites are in fear and feel helpless to defend themselves [Joshua 5:1]. Sadly this does not lead them to repentance. The will perish.
11
Keener, C. S., & Walton, J. H. (2016). NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. p361
12
ibid p356
This story sets out the gospel albeit in unfamiliar terms for us due to the time and place. However it is clear that YHWH is the one true god and saviour. The English name
Joshua [derived from the Hebrew] is the same name as Jesus [derived from the Greek]. The name means saviour. A man called Saviour represents YHWH to the peoples.
Not just the Israelites but the Canaanites have opportunity to repent. “No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all perish as well!” [Luke 13:5]
 The earth is YHWH’s, with its fullness, the world and those who live in it.
[Psalm 24:1]
 YHWH is holy. People could not go within 1km of his presence! It is probably best to explain holiness ethically. Good is so good that by his
very nature he cannot have sinful people in his presence.
 YHWH demonstrates that he is this one and only god through defeating Defeating enemies may be difficult unless we understand that this is all in
Israel’s enemies and by stopping the flow of the river. God’s grace and kindness to accommodate his revelation to the time and
place. We must not overlook the fact that God will destroy the wicked. Bad
people will not get away with it.
 Everyone is called to repent. Encourage the children to say sorry to God for their sin. We don’t want to
frighten them so must pray the Holy Spirit will work in them.
 If we repent YHWH makes us holy because of what Jesus has done. All the terrible things that YHWH’s holiness requires means that he punished
Jesus for the sins of all who believe.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 14: Judges: Deborah
Scripture
Judges 4-5
This story should be linked with last week’s lesson Crossing the Jordan to remind ourselves that the invasion of Canaan was a gospel message albeit reading somewhat
strangely to the modern reader. Joshua or Jesus which means saviour is the leader of the people and YHWH’s representative to Israel and Canaan. They camp for three days
giving the Canaanites opportunity to repent. Rahab had already professed her fear of YHWH and was saved along with her entire household. In addition YHWH provides a
powerful sign in the parting of the Jordan. Rahab married into Israel and was a descendent of Jesus. Thus the distinction between people was and remains ethical [those
who fear YHWH and are saved by him and those who despise him] rather than ethnic [Israelites and Canaanites].
After entering Canaan or the Promised Land the Israelites were ruled by a series of 12 leaders who judged the people. The first was Joshua. The fourth and the only woman
was Deborah. The people had quickly forgotten YHWH and were adopting the ways of the very people YHWH had commanded them to destroy. Jabin was the king of
Canaan. Remember that YHWH was supposed to be ruling the land. Sisera was Jabin’s military commander. Deborah however was a prophetess and feared YHWH. YHWH
remembered his covenant promises and tips off Deborah with a prophetic word for Israel’s military commander Barak. YHWH will give them victory over Sisera. Barak
seems to lack faith and doubts. He wants Deborah along with him in battle. Deborah will go with Barak but warns him that although YHWH will still give victory the honour
will go to a woman and not Barak. The word from YHWH is of course fulfilled and the woman Jael demonstrates immense bravery in slaughtering an exhausted Sisera by
driving a tent peg through his head.
Chapter 5 is a song sung by Deborah and Barak. It ends with the words “so may all your enemies perish, O Yahweh, but those who love him are like the rising sun at its
brightest” [Judges 5:31]. In the above context there should be no doubt that those who love him are those saved by YHWH and those that love YHWH through faith which is
the gift of God13 will rule the earth14.
Deborah is a prophet. Prophecy was “not primarily predictions but communicating YHWH’s presence from the heavenly council. Prophecy is usually recognized as a calling
to repentance and the promise of redemption through trust in YHWH.”15 Jesus is a prophet in the fullest sense in that he is a member of the heavenly council and issues the
final and fullest call to repentance with the promise of redemption through his atoning work. Barak although a believer does doubt. Jesus says he who doubts is not fit for
the kingdom of God [Luke 9:62]. Deborah judged the Israelites. Jesus will judge the nations.
13
“For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” [Ephesians 2:8-9]
14
In the ancient Near East lights in the sky symbolise rulers and authority. This may come from the older Mesopotamian cultures and their belief in astrology. Genesis 1:16 uses this
symbolism without apology but attributes these ruling lights to the will and creative acts of YHWH. Again strange to the modern reader.
15
See Appendix 3: Literary genres.
 Deborah was a female leader of Israel who judged the people. In this role she is a type of Christ.
 Deborah was a prophet.
 Jael was a woman of faith and acted with great courage.
 YHWH blessed those who trusted in him with victory. Killing people for most is not an easy thing. Here is was a necessity and
YHWH gives victory. Likewise the victories God gives us because we trust in
him may not be easy and may be the outcome of struggle and suffering.
We should not offer promises of quick fixes that are not from God to the
children.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 15: Judges: The birth of Samuel
Scripture
1 Samuel 1:1-2:11
Samuel as “Israel’s last judge—a figure empowered by Yahweh to temporarily protect and lead God’s people. Hannah, who is barren, prays to Yahweh for a son. God grants
her request; in gratitude, she dedicates Samuel to a lifetime of service to God.” 16
Elkanah has two wives [permitted] but favoured Hannah [not allowed] over Peninnah although YHWH had closed Hannah’s womb. YHWH had promised fertility to the
faithful [Exodus 23:26] and so this combined with the cultural expectations on women to produce children would have really burdened Hannah. Hannah was also bullied by
the rival wife. Elkanah was a faithful man and visited Shiloh17 [the temple in Jerusalem had not yet been built] twice a year with his family.
Hannah prayed at the temple so fervently that Eli the priest thought she was drunk! Hannah vowed to YHWH that if he gave her a son she would not cut his hair. In other
words is a son were born he would be Nazarite [Number 6:1-21] from birth. Hannah was promising to give her son as soon as he was born to full time service in the temple.
He would see her son just twice a year.
Hannah gave birth to a boy. Elkanah and Hannah dedicate the boy to YHWH with a sacrifice of three bulls, flour and wine.
1 Samuel 2:1-11 is a beautiful prayer of Hannah acknowledge that YHWH is sovereign and judges the wicked but blesses covenant-keepers.
King: There was no king over Israel. YHWH was king over Israel. Jesus is YHWH and is king over Israel [and by extension all the land]. The
Jewish mob would break covenant with YHWH when they cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” and Pilate said to them,
“Shall I crucify your King?” and the chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” [John 19:15]
Prophet: Samuel was a faithful prophet and ruler. Jesus is perfect prophet and ruler. In any ways that Samuel failed Jesus succeeded.
Temple: There was not temple as prescribed by YHWH but a house of God had been built at Shiloh. Later the first temple would be built in Jerusalem. The temple provided
access to the presence of God but were limited in time and space. Jesus is the perfect temple that gives access to YHWH to all who believe anywhere and at any time.
Covenant-keeper: Samuel would grow to be a godly man and leader. However he was not perfect. His lifes points forward to the only covenant-keeper Jesus.
16
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Sa 1:1–20). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
17
Shiloh is in Samaria and this may have led to the later dispute between Samaritans and Jews that “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the
place where it is necessary to worship.” [John 4:20 LEB]
 Children are a gift from YHWH. We can ask about younger siblings in the family and give thanks for them in
prayer.
 Hannah so loved YHWH that she promised to give her son as a Nazarite. Christians still dedicate their children to God.
 YHWH blesses those who keep his covenant but judges the wicked. We need to remind children that none of us can keep God’s covenant law.
Hannah and Elkanah offered sacrifices by which they were professing they
were sinners or covenant-breakers. They looked to YHWH for forgiveness.
We look to Jesus who is YHWH.
 Jesus kept the law for all who believe. Encourage the children to ask God to forgive them there sin and ask God to
look at Jesus instead of looking at them.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 16: United Kingdom: Samuel anoints Saul as King
Scripture
1 Samuel 8-10:1
Samuel was the last judge of Israel. His sons did not walk in his ways even accepting bribes and perverting justice [1 Samuel 8:3] blatantly breaking YHWH’s covenant law
[Deuteronomy 16:19]. Yet Samuel appointed them judges over Israel [1 Samuel 8:1] despite the fact that was not an inheritable office [Judges 8:23]. The elders of Israel
demanded that Samuel “appoint a king for us to judge like all the nations” [1 Samuel 8:5] to replace Samuel’s rebellious sons.
YHWH commands Samuel to appoint a king. It was not Samuel they were rejecting but YHWH [1 Samuel 8:7]. Despite all that YHWH had done for them they preferred to
have a king like the nations around them! Samuel warns them that any such king will be a hard task master and place a huge burden on them [1 Samuel 8:11-17]. The
Israelites had been slaves in Egypt and now wanted to be enslaved again. The king would even exact a 10% tax [1 Samuel 8:17]18. The people refused to listen [1 Samuel
8:19].
Saul was a handsome young man and the tallest19 in Israel. How often do we look at the external only [1 Samuel 16:7, 2 Samuel 14:25]? Saul’s father Kish sends Saul with a
servant to find a herd of female donkeys. Saul’s inability to find the donkeys reveals his incompetence as a shepherd whereas as his successor David is identified later as a
true shepherd of YHWH’s people [2 Samuel 5:2]. The servant rather than Saul demonstrates preparedness [1 Samuel 9:8] and or leadership qualities [1 Samuel 9:6-10] in
directing Saul to visit a seer.
A young woman directs Saul and his servant to a location to find the seer who turns out to be Samuel was told to be at that place by YHWH [1 Samuel 9:11-16]. As soon as
Samuel sees Saul YHWH tells him that this young man will be king [1 Samuel 9:17]. Saul does not recognise Samuel indicating his spiritual blindness [1 Samuel 9:18]. They
eat together but Samuel orders the cook to give Saul the choice portion which most commentators identify as the priest’s portion. If so Samuel who was a priest [I Samuel
1:1, I Chronicles 6:33-38] was sinning by given the food to someone who was not a priest [Leviticus 6:26]. This foreshadows the unlawful sacrifice the young king Saul would
offer for which YHWY would not allow his kingdom continue [1 Samuel 13:1-15]]
Samuel anoints Saul with oil [1 Samuel 10:1]. The era of the kings of Israel in a united kingdom begins.
18
Minor of course compared to the modern state!
19
“Other people or groups described as being tall in the Hebrew Bible generally are enemies of Israel: the Nephilim (Num 13:33); the Emim and Anakites (Deut 2:10); Goliath (1 Sam 17:4);
the four descendants of the giants from Gath, including the giant with six fingers and six toes (2 Sam 21:15–22); an Egyptian (1 Chr 11:23); the Cushites (Isa 18:1–2); the Sabeans (Isa 45:14);
and the Amorites (Amos 2:9). David’s older brother Eliab, whom God rejected as king, also is distinguished by his height (1 Sam 16:7).” Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S.,
Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Sa 9:2). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
King: A king who rebelled against YHWH could not rule over God’s people and soon Saul’s kingdom was taken from him and transferred to
David. David ruled better than Saul and was a type of Jesus with many scriptures that speak of David being fulfilled by Jesus [Psalm 22, Psalm
110 etc.]. In fact Jesus is even called the son of David [Matthew 1:1, Matthew 12:23, Matthew 15:2220, Matthew 21:9 etc]
Prophet: In chapter 10 after our passage the Spirit of YHWH comes on Saul and he prophesies [1 Samuel10: 5-7]. This was a temporary work
of the Spirit but identifies the need for men who can communicate YHWH’s presence. Jesus was the greatest prophet.
Priest: Samuel was a priest but sinned against god in appointing his sons and judges and giving Saul food that only the priests were allowed to eat. This points to the need
for a better priest to atone to YHWH for us. Jesus was that perfect and last priest.
Temple: The house of YHWH was at Shiloh and Samuel offered sacrifices. Later the temple would be built in Jerusalem. The temple would be desecrated and destroyed
more than once and finally destroyed in 70AD when Jesus had become the final temple.
Covenant-keeper: Saul was a covenant-breaker. His life negatively demonstrates the need of the only covenant-keeper Jesus to rule over YHWH’s people.
 Samuel was a priest and the last judge of Israel.
 The people rebelled against YHWH in wanting a king like the nations around
them.
 YHWH judges Israel by giving them Saul as king.
 Saul is tall and handsome but lacks wisdom and does not fear YHWH.
Resources
20
This is a particularly interesting incident as it was a Canaanite woman not an Israelite that identifies Jesus as the son of David.
Cycle 1: Lesson 18: United Kingdom: Samuel anoints David as king
Scripture
1 Samuel 16:1-14
Saul the first king of Israel made an unlawful sacrifice for which YHWY would not allow his kingdom continue [1 Samuel 13:1-15]. YHWH sends the prophet Samuel to a man
in Bethlehem called Jesse. Who else would be born in Bethlehem? YHWH has told Samuel that he will anoint one of Jesse’s sons.
The people of Bethlehem are afraid. Remember that a prophet communicated YHWH’s presence from the heavenly council. The presence of YHWH was a fearful thing as he
is perfectly holy and we are not. Jesse parades his sons before Samuel but “YHWH said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature…for God
does not see what man sees, for a man looks on the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks on the heart”” [1 Samuel 13:7]. It was the youngest son David that YHWH had
chosen thus turning any significance of primogeniture on its head!
Samuel anoints Jesse’s youngest son David as king. The Holy Spirit rushes on David and at that same moment an evil spirit from YHWH enters Saul and torments him.
Both Matthew and Luke trace Jesus ancestry through David. David himself would later be promised:
When your days are full and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you who will go out from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He
will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he will be a son for me, whom I will punish when he does
wrong, with a rod of men and with blows of the human beings. But my loyal love shall not depart from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your
house and your kingdom shall endure forever before you; your throne shall be established forever.”’” [2 Samuel 7:12-16]
The story is now so back on track. A righteous king will rule but it is the seed of David who would be born some thousand years later that David foreshadows.
King: King David foreshadows Jesus. Jesus it called the “son of David” 17 times in the New Testament.
Prophet: Samuel was a prophet who communicated YHWH’s presence from the heavenly council. David also had a prophetic role. He was
filled with the Holy Spirit as his anointing and would later write and compile the book of psalms which speaks extensively of the future
incarnate Jesus.
Priest: Samuel was a priest and king. Jesus would be the ultimate prophet, priest and king.
Temple: David would desire to build a temple although YHWH would transfer that privilege to David’s son Solomon. YHWH would again dwell amongst his people in
Jerusalem. This temple would be destroyed. The prophets would speak of a future glorious temple that fills the earth etc. This temple was Jesus.
Covenant-keeper: Although not perfect David was a covenant-keeper whose sins were atoned for by animal sacrifices but truly by the future death and resurrection of
Jesus.
 YHWH was not pleased with King Saul because he broke covenant by offering
a sacrifice contrary to YHWH’s law. Saul did not repent.
 YHWH replaces Saul with a new king called David who loves YHWH and
strives to keep his covenant.
 David points to Jesus who is called the “son of David”.
Resources
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Cycle 1: Lesson 19: Wisdom: Job: The heavenly council
Scripture
Job 1:1-2:13
Job is an interesting book in that the time of writing cannot be clearly established. It is generally received as wisdom literature so may have been added to the canon by
Solomon. The genre seems to fall somewhere between narrative and wisdom literature. The events described are to be read as historical but the style is at points highly
figurative and perhaps not to be read literally particular the opening verses of chapter 1 that we look at here.
Heaven is not so much a place but literally the sky and heavenly bodies represent authorities. YHWH is supreme but there are other divine being or “gods” [both good and
evil] that can communicate it seems directly with YHWH. Also in Psalm 82:1 we read “God stands in the divine assembly; he administers judgment in the midst of the gods.
In this case it is Satan or better the satan [the accuser] who approaches YHWH. The satan challenges YHWH himself that if faithful Job is struck by the satan then Job will
curse YHWH and deny him.
YHWH gives the accuser permission to perform a series of attacks on Job. In every case Job refused to curse YHWH.
King: YHWH is the supreme ruler over all things. He has delegated this authority to Jesus.
Prophet: The story of Job is prophetic in that it gives us insight into the heavenly council. This points to Jesus who makes the Father fully
known.
Priest: Later Job offers sacrifice to YHWH. If he had lived after Moses this would have been forbidden. Job may be much earlier and like Methuselah points to another more
perfect priesthood that is Jesus.
Covenant-keeper: The story of Job seems too good to be true in that he remains faithful to YHWH despite terrible suffering. However, YHWH criticises Job in chapters 40-41
so even Job is not the one who will perfectly keep covenant with YHWH. This looks forward to Jesus who will keep YHWH’s covenant perfectly.
 Satan is walking on the Earth. This is a difficult passage but children do need to know that evil is real and
 The devil is real and so are demons but we don’t know very much of the this goes some way to explaining why in broad terms bad things happen. The
details. children need to be assured that God is in control and if they are ever afraid
 YHWH is in control and Satan and other wicked entities can do nothing to us they should pray to him.
unless he allows them.
Resources
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Cycle 1: Lesson 20: Wisdom: Psalms: Psalm 1
Scripture
Psalm 1
The psalms are poetry written to be sung in the worship of YHWY [orthodoxy21]. Psalm 1 is very much in the wisdom literary genre presenting wisdom both positively, i.e.
how the covenant-keeping man behaves, and negatively, i.e. the behaviour of the wicked.
Hebrew poetry makes extensive use of parallelisms where the point is repeated for emphasis but with some nuances22. The overall structure of this psalm is chiastic 23
[ABA’]24 .
1. What?
Here in verse 1 the righteous man does not:
1. walk according to the advice of the wicked
2. stand in the way of sinners
3. sit in the assembly of the wicked.
The thrust is that the covenant-keeper has nothing to do with the ways of those who reject YHWH. The nuancing suggests a progression into the trap of sin [much like
Proverbs]: walking is perhaps more fleeting, then standing is the lingering and finally the sitting is the identification with an unbelieving lifestyle.
By contrast verses 2-3 show us how covenant-keeper lives:
1. delights in YHWH [Jesus25] [verse 2]
2. meditates on YHWH’s [Jesus’26] word [verse 2]
3. produces fruit [verse 3] as a “tree planted by streams of water”27
Verses 4-6 return to the wicked with another parallelism:
1. They will not survive [verse 4]
2. They will fail the test of YHWH’s judgment
21
orthodoxy means correct or proper worship
22
Paul carries this over into Greek in his letters. The gospel narratives are also recording in Greek dialogue that was spoken in Aramaic.
23
A chiastic structure starts with an idea builds up to literally the central thesis and then revisits the earlier ideas. This is actually a very natural language technique that we use in everyday
speech building up quickly to our main point and not stopping but winding down the reasoning by revisiting the lead up points.
24
A = wicked, B = righteous man, A’=wicked.
25
Jesus makes the Father known and Jesus is fully God so we should be continuously thinking about Jesus.
26
ditto
27
This is a very Near Eastern image that living in Cyprus we will recognize. In the arid landscape areas of continuous green have a supply of water.
3. They will perish
2. When?
The Psalms were written or collected by King David who reigned from c. 1010–970 BC28.
3. Why?
David had been forbidden by YHWH to build the temple. This privilege had been given to his son Solomon. David’s desire though to build a temple where the presence of
YHWH would dwell indicates a deep desire in David for the worship of YHWH. The production of this hymn book which is the book of psalms is preparation for temple
worship.
Psalm 1 prepares us for orthodoxy with orthopraxy29. For David worship and godly living are inseparable.
King: David points to king Jesus. In a number of psalms David writes things of himself that could not be actually be about him but blatantly
point to a later perfect son of David.
Prophet: Contrasted to the wisdom literature of the kings around him this and the other psalms are prophetic in that David has an insight on
life and its purpose to glorify YHWH that comes from the heavenly council. David was a prophet. Jesus is the complete revelation of YHWH.
Temple: The psalms were written before the temple was built. YHWH would soon dwell amongst his people in Jerusalem. This temple would be destroyed. The prophets
would speak of a future glorious temple that fills the earth etc. This temple is Jesus.
Covenant-keeper: Although not perfect David was a covenant-keeper like the subject of the psalm whose sins were atoned for by animal sacrifices but truly by the future
death and resurrection of Jesus.
 Those who want to please God must not behave like the wicked people The children could walk, stand and sit.
around us and in the world.
 True faith produces fruit [see also James 2].
 None of us can keep God’s law. We must ask Jesus to forgive us.
28
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David
29
correct behaviour
Cycle 1: Lesson 21: Wisdom: Psalms: Psalm 2
Scripture
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 is the most quoted Psalm in the NT [Matthew 3:13-17, Mark. 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, Acts 4:25-26, Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 5:5, Revelation 2:26-27,
Revelation 12:5 and Revelation 19:15].
1. What?
Vv1-3: The rulers of the earth take a stand against YHWH and Jesus30. They desire to be free of YHWH’s demands saying “Let us tear off their bonds,
and cast their cords from us!” [v3]
Vv4-5: YHWH’s response is laughter and wrath. This and Psalm 58:8 are the only record of YHWH laughing. In both cases it is against the rulers and nations who oppose him
and his people.
Vv6-8: YHWH seems to be addressing King David in that “You are my son; today I have begotten you” [verse 7] but taking inheritance of the nations [verse 8] speaks more
fully of Jesus the son of David. Indeed these are the words that the Father spoke of Jesus at this baptism [Matthew 3:13-17, Mark. 1:9-11 and Luke 3:21-22].
V9: The promised rule of Jesus will be irresistible to the wicked rulers. Jesus will break them like an iron rod shatters pottery.
Vv10-12: The rulers of the earth are urged to be wise [v10], to serve YHWH [v11] and kiss the son, i.e. be reconciled with Jesus, knowing that all who take refuge [from
YHWH’s wrath] in Jesus will be blessed[v12].
2. When?
The Psalms were written or collected by King David who reigned from c. 1010–970 BC31. David’s and his son’s Solomon’s reigns in the united kingdom of was the height of
Israel’s history. It was almost as if YHWH’s kingdom had been established on the earth.
3. Why?
David’s reign under YHWH’s blessing established peace in the land by subduing through war the enemy nations around them and establishing good relations with friendly
people of the region. Psalm 2 looks to an even greater extension of YHWH’s rule through his son Jesus and encourages those who believe not to lose hope as Jesus’ rule is
certain. Incredibly in Revelation the resurrected and ascended Jesus transfers this promised rule from himself to the faithful believer: “And the one who conquers and who
keeps my works until the end, I will give him authority over the nations, and “he will shepherd them with an iron rod; he will break them in pieces like jars made of clay.””
[Revelation 2:26-27]
30
Christ [Χριστός] is the Greek word for anointed or messiah.
31
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David
King: This psalm may have some reference to David but promises so much more than could be fulfilled in David’s reign and looks forward to
the rule of King Jesus. This is how the psalm is interpreted repeatedly in the NT.
Prophet: The psalm is extremely prophetic giving extensive knowledge from the heavenly counsel as to the future rule of Jesus. David was a
prophet. How much more Jesus of whom this this psalm speaks so clearly.
Priest: “Kiss the Son lest he be angry and you perish on the way” speaks of the need for atonement [being made right with YHWH] and Jesus is the final high priest.
Covenant-keeper: Those who oppose Jesus’ rule [covenant breakers] will be destroyed. There are no covenant keepers [Romans 3:23] so the psalm speaks of Jesus the only
covenant keeper.
 The rulers of this world will usually oppose Jesus.
 YHWH laughs at those who oppose him.
 We should repent and ask Jesus to forgive you your sin.

Cycle 1: Lesson 22: Wisdom: Proverbs: Against gang behaviour
Scripture
Proverbs 1:8-19
As a literary genre Proverbs is very much wisdom literature of the ancient Near East. It contains proverbs or wise sayings written or collected by Solomon. At the time of
writing similar writings existed amongst the Egyptians and other nations of the Near East. The style was very familiar. The content has many similarities with other writings
of the period with important differences. Firstly the ultimate reason to be wise is to please YHWH. Secondly wisdom is personified [not unusual] as a woman but this is not
just a literary tool [as say the idealisation of wisdom as something abstract in Greek philosophy] as the wisdom of YHWH is a person namely Jesus [1 Corinthians 1:24].
The instruction of both the father and mother is to be prized by the young man. They are to be a garland on his head or a chain around his neck, i.e. the symbols of victory
as an athlete or warrior.
It is interesting that the book opens with a warning against gang membership. How little the world has changed. By following the crowd and getting in with bad company
the young man will eventually end up stealing and killing. This lesson presents a great opportunity to encourage our children not to get into bad company or be coerced into
doing things they know are wrong. It is a slippery path that leads to serious crime.
Note that these are proverbs or generalisations. This is a warning of what gang behaviour can lead a young person into rather than an absolute statement.
Prophet: The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom and the true wisdom of YHWH is Jesus as already noted.
Covenant-keeper: Jesus led a life of perfect obedience and was wise in all he did.
 Jesus is the wisdom of God.
 To please God we must be wise. If we are not wise we must repent and ask
God to forgive us because of 1what Jesus has done.
 Be very careful not to be misled or pressured into doing things we know are
wrong.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 23: Wisdom: Ecclesiastes: Life is meaningless
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
As a literary genre Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature although it mimics the autobiographical style of rulers of the ancient Near East. The book states that it was written by
the son of David and therefore Solomon. The book was likely written by Solomon in his old age having pursued many pleasures of this world as a younger man and now
with regret looks back on his foolishness. As such it is negative wisdom showing how not to live.
Ecclesiastes has had a deep influence on Western literature. It contains several phrases that have resonated in British and American culture, such as "nothing new under
the sun," "a time to be born and a time to die," and "vanity of vanities; all is vanity."32
The first 11 verses are utterly pessimistic and exegete the meaningless of all human activity. That is life as a covenant breaker. Sin gives life meaningless and lack of
fulfilment not freedom as the satan would have us believe.
King: Solomon ended his reign as a bad king. He is not the one. He looks forward to the perfect king Jesus.
Prophet: The book of Ecclesiastes is prophetic in that it is negative wisdom that points us to the true wisdom of YHWH who is Jesus.
Covenant-keeper: Jesus led a life of perfect obedience and was wise in all he did. This is the life that Solomon points as at and therefore looks
to Jesus.
32
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiastes
 Like without God is ultimately meaningless. We can see this in the lives of the rich and famous and the ordinary people
around us.
 To please God we must repent and ask God to forgive us because of what
Jesus has done.
Resources
?
Cycle 1: Lesson 24: Wisdom: Song of Solomon: Courtship
Scripture
Song of Solomon 1:1-3:5
The book is Solomon’s passionate and sexually explicit account of his courtship and marriage to an unnamed Shulamite woman. Some have attempted to deny the
immediate meaning insisting it is an allegory of Christ and his church. It is probably best to maintain both. Paul writing about marriage can even quote Genesis 2:24 and say
it refers to Christ and his church:
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (This mystery is great, but I am speaking with
reference to Christ and the church.) Only you also, each one of you, must thus love his own wife as himself, and the wife must respect her husband. [Ephesians 5:31-33 LEB]
Similar love songs to be sung in parts are found in ancient Egyptian literature. Again we probably have something that sounded familiar to the original hearers and
therefore we should seek to understand the imagery in terms of that culture.
1. What?
Desiring to be kissed33 on the mouth [1:2] speaks of the woman’s strong desire for her lover to consummate their marriage [1:4]. The friends see the love as more
intoxicating than wine [1:4]. Dark skin [1:5-6] refers to lower class [peasants worked in the sun] [1:6]. This veiled [1:7] peasant girl is wildly in love with the king. The king
compares her to a mare amongst Pharaoh’s chariot horses [1:9]. These animals were adorned with jewellery. The woman is wearing dangly earrings and necklaces [1:10]
presumably gifts from the king who is already imagining the next pair of earrings he will lavish on her [1:11]. She remembers the effect of her perfume on the king [1:12]
and imagines the king’s head resting between her breasts [1:13-14]! He remembers her eyes are like doves [possibly because they aroused him][1:15] and she his good
looks and imagines the bed they will lay in [1:16]. Passionate imagery continues to abound [although much is lost on us] and the desire for consummation is intense. The
thoughts expressed may be on the eve of their wedding as 2:16-3:5 probably suggest. She cannot sleep [3:1].
2. When?
Solomon reigned after his father David from 970 to 931 BC34. This was the golden era of the united monarchy and it must have looked as if YHWH’s kingdom had almost
come.
3. Why?
This is wisdom literature breathed out by YHWH through Solomon. This is not a song about a man and a prostitute but about the love and incredible sex that can be
enjoyed by a couple who marry. Erotic love is a powerful emotion and to be managed wisely [8:6-7].
33
Egyptians rubbed noses. The Israelites kissed on the mouth.
34
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon
King: Solomon was the son of David and a king but not the son of David. Solomon’s power and wisdom point to Jesus. As the young woman
yearned for Solomon how much more should we desire Jesus.
Covenant-keeper: The song recognises the power of physical attraction between the lovers. Such things are godly and may be enjoyed but
within the bounds of God’s law and the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives. Where we fail in these matters YHWH looks to Jesus instead of us if
we are saved through faith.
 Love between a man and woman is a gift from God. Ask the children about their mums and dads if they are not from single
parent or broken families.
 As we grow up our friendships with the opposite sex and marriages must be Wisdom and discretion is needed here but do remember that children are
pleasing to God and not just seeking our own pleasure. being increasingly made aware of sex and may be confused so allow God’s
word to speak into these things.
 No one should ever speak to us or look at us or touch in ways that are not If you have any concerns about a specific child use your Child Protection
pleasing to God. Ask a parent or grown up if you are every unsure. training and ensure you follow all procedures.
Cycle 1: Lesson 25: Divided kingdom: Rehoboam 👎: The northern rebellion
Scripture
1 Kings 12:1-24
1. What?
Solomon has died [1 Kings11:42-43]. Rehoboam will succeed him as king [1 Kings 12:1]. At this point Shechem was the first capital of Israel but would later become a
Samaritan town. The end of Solomon’s rule had been a disaster as he had taken 700 foreign wives and concubines [1 Kings 11:3]35 against the direct command of YHWH [1
Kings 11:2] and these women guided his heart toward other gods [1 Kings 11:3]. It is clear that the wisdom Solomon so desired at the beginning of his reign [1 Kings 3:9]
was largely lost and little had been taught to his son Rehoboam. Solomon also became oppressive toward the Israelites who hope for better things under Rehoboam [1
Kings 12:4].
Rehoboam is only foolish. He rejects the wise counsel of his father’s advisors [1 Kings 11:8] and promises to mistreat the people [1 Kings 11:11] and even crudely mocks his
father [1 Kings 11:10]36. The people rebel making wicked Jeroboam their king [1 Kings 11:20]. Only Judah remains faithful to Rehoboam because he is of the house of David
to whom the promises of a future King who was Jesus were made.
Jeroboam was not without some justification in his behaviour. The prophet Ahijah had told him that YHWH would give him a separate kingdom of 10 tribes [1 Kings 11:29-
39]. When Solomon found out he was not humbled by YHWH’s impending judgment [1 Kings 11:9-13] but rather drove Jeroboam into exile in Egypt [1 Kings 11:40].
2. When?
Rehoboam reigned c.931-915BC37. He marks the end of the united kingdom.
3. Why?
These events show that YHWH cannot tolerate covenant breakers. YHWH will always deal with sin and here it was to take most of the kingdom away from the house of
David. [1 Kings 11:15]
35
Not seeking to absolve Solomon it should be understood that the taking of many wives and concubines was a normal practice for kings and the larger the harem the greater the indicator
of the king’s magnificence. Wives might be the daughters of other kings given to establish treaties. Similar practices by the Sultans of the Ottoman empire survived into the 20th century.
36
Loins are likely a euphemism for the penis. Rehoboam was saying that his little finger was bigger than his father’s penis.
37
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rehoboam
King: Solomon was the son of David and a king but not the son of David. Rehoboam is certainly not the one. This story points us to a king who
is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: As with Job and the heavenly counsel [Job 1:1-2:13] we are given a glimpse of YHWH bringing about evil in judgement against sin.
This all points to Jesus who is the ultimate prophet or complete revelation of YHWH and his purposes.
Priest: Jesus gives us more than a glimpse of YHWH bringing about evil against sin as Jesus was publically crucified and cut off from his Father [Matthew 27:46] to pay the
price for our sin.
Temple: Solomon had been given wisdom and built the temple. Rehoboam lacking wisdom more or less threw it all away. Solomon’s temple will be destroyed. The second
temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20].
Covenant-keeper: Rehoboam was a blatant covenant-breaker. He is not the one who would keep YHWH’s covenant. This all points to Jesus keeping the covenant for his
people.
 Like the younger Solomon we must seek wisdom above all else. Jesus is the wisdom of YHWH. So seeking wisdom is seeking Jesus. Seeking
Jesus is seeking YHWH.
 If we are not wise sin can take over our lives.
 Unlike Rehoboam we must trust in Jesus the wisdom of YHWH to forgive our
sin and make us wise.
Resources
The tearing of a sheet [or large sheet of paper]…
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Cycle 1: Lesson 26: Divided kingdom: Jeroboam I 👎: Golden calves
Scripture
1 Kings 12:25-13:10
Many generations earlier [ Joshua 24 ] the Israelites had entered the land that YHWH had promised them when he delivered them from Egypt. After entering the land
Joshua had called the people of Israel to Shechem. There he urged them to renew their covenant with YHWH. Joshua wrote what is now the Book of Joshua and added it
to the books of Moses and erected a large stone as a memorial of this covenant renewal. Joshua then died and was buried at Shechem as were the bones of Jacob that
they had carried out of Egypt38. Shechem had long been the default capital of the united kingdom.
David had expanded the kingdom by capturing Jerusalem and naming it the City of David [2 Samuel 5:1-16].
The kingdom is now divided. Jeroboam is ruling the northern kingdoms from Shechem and whilst Rehobaom is ruling in the south from Jerusalem.
1. What?
12:25-27: Jeroboam is afraid that if the people of the northern kingdom go to Jerusalem to worship at the temple that their loyalties will switch to Rehoboam.
12:28-33: Jeroboam makes two golden calves to represent the gods that had delivered them from Egypt. Golden calves are significant as this is how Aaron allowed the
people to rebel whilst Moses met with YHWH on Mount Sinai. Then the golden calf supposedly represented the true god YHWH. Now generations later calves
represent a supposed plurality of gods that delivered them from Egypt! Jeroboam has also appointed priests who are not of the tribe of Levi against YHWH’s express
command [Numbers 18:1-7]. But for YHWH’s restraining grace any corruption of the true faith leads to greater and greater darkness and idolatry.
13:1-10: A “man of God”, i.e. a prophet, Abijah comes from Judah [the now enemy southern kingdom] to Jeroboam at Bethel [the site of one of the golden calves]. The
prophet speaks the word of YHWH against the alter and all that Jeroboam has done. The prophet foretells the birth of Josiah in the southern kingdom who will sacrifice
the false priests of Israel [the northern kingdom] on the false alter. The prophecy was fulfilled many generations later [2 Kings 23:15]! The prophesy was attested by two
signs: the alter was torn apart and Jeroboam’s arm was paralysed and restored.
2. When?
Jeroboam ruled in the early 900’s BC39. The Josiah reigned in the early 600s BC40. Thus it took three centuries for the prophecy to be fulfilled.
3. Why?
YHWH abhors false worship and will not tolerate our turning to other gods. The first two commandments [Exodus 20:1-6] had been broken repeatedly as had by
implication the third and fourth [Exodus 20:7-11] . Even though he had seen two miracles and a healing Jeroboam refused to repent.
38
The exodus narrative always points to the complete salvation of all things in Christ. The story is used many times in the NT both explicitly and implicitly in this sense.
39
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeroboam
40
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah
King: Jeroboam was not a son of David. This points us to the southern kingdom to wait for the one a king who is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: The “man of god” spoke from the heavenly counsel knowing things that would happen centuries later. His words were
accompanied by miracles that usually emphasise key events in the metanarrative. Now there is no doubt that the northern kingdom has
been cast off.
Salvation will only come from the house of David. Although the prophesy would be fulfilled three centuries later the interim was a time of continuous judgment against
Israel by YHWH who gave them one wicked king after another before finally being exiled by the Assyrians [2 Kings 17].
Priest: YHWH will only accept priests that have been appointed by him not the will of men. Jesus is the ultimate and final priest appointed by YHWH to pay the price for
our sin.
Temple: Jeroboam was judged by YHWH for luring the Israelites away from worship at the temple in Jerusalem. YHWH manifested his presence in the temple. However
Solomon’s temple will be destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20].
Covenant-keeper: Jeroboam was a blatant covenant-breaker. He is not the one who would keep YHWH’s covenant. This all points to a king that would come from
the house of David keeping the covenant for his people. Jesus.
 Review of first four commandments [Exodus 20:1-11]
 YHWH must only be worshipped as he prescribes.
 We too break YHWH’s commandments. Jesus keeps the covenant and is

punished for the sins of all who turn to him.
Resources
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Cycle 1: Lesson 27: Divided kingdom: Ahab [and Jezebel] 👎: Elijah and the widow
Scripture
1 Kings 17 [and Luke 4:16-30]
In Cycle 1: Lesson 24 we saw how the foolishness of Solomon’s son Jeroboam led to the division of the kingdom. Jeroboam was first king of the northern kingdom.
Jeroboam had set up centres of golden calf worship claiming that these were the gods [not YHWH] that delivered the people from slavery in Egypt. Jeroboam was
succeeded by wicked Nadab followed by wicked Baasha. The wickedness of the northern kings was only increasing and now we meet Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel.
However YHWH is gracious and does not leave himself without a remnant of faithful persons in the northern kingdom [1 Kings 19:18 quoted by Paul in Romans 11:4] and
raises up prophets [Jehu, Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea and Jonah] to call the people back from false worship to serve YHWH.
The writer introduces Elijah [My God is YH] with dramatic effect. Almost as if out of nowhere Elijah appears talking directly to king Ahab [1 Kings 17:1] without any
explanation of how the prophet of YHWH would gain an audience with the false gods-worshipping Ahab . This emphasises the importance of the role of Elijah. The prophet
Malachi would speak of Elijah returning before the “day of YHWH” [i.e. the coming of Jesus] [Malachi 4:5-6] which Jesus would see fulfilled by the John the Baptist
[Matthew 11:7-10]. It would seem that we are only a step away from Jesus yet the northern kingdom continues in its rebellion.
1. What?
V1: Elijah warns Ahab that there will be neither rain nor dew. Drought was not uncommon but a drought without dew was severe. Dew was necessary to water the trees
and vineyards in the summer months. Ahab had begun to worship Baal or Hadad41 the Canaanite god of storms and fertility. Elijah’s prophetic insight was a direct challenge
to the supposed authority of this Baal.
Vv2-6: YHWH commands Elijah to hide in the Kerith Ravine near a brook that would supply water and YHWH provides bread and meet though ravens42! Elijah is in hiding.
Clearly Ahab would murder those who would challenge his or his Baal’s authority.
Vv7-16: As the drought sets in the brook dries up and YHWH directs Elijah to a widow in Zaraphath in Sidon. Through a miraculous provision of a pot of flour and a jar of oil
that do not run out YHWH provides for Elijah and the widow and her son reminding us of the words of wisdom:
I was a youth, but I am now old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25
Yahweh will not cause a righteous person43 to go hungry,
but the craving of the wicked he will thwart. Proverbs 10:3
41
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal
42
Ravens are unclean birds according to Leviticus 11. This would be striking to a Jewish reader.
43
Wisdom literature does not provide us with absolute promises but general principles.
Vv17-24: Tragedy strikes in the death of the widow’s son. YHWH through Elijah raises the son from the dead! The widow is reassured that Elijah is truly a man of God [i.e. a
prophet] and now knows that YHWH’s judgment is not on her.
2. When?
First half of 9th century BC.
3. Why?
The northern kingdom had rejected YHWH turning first to the worship of golden calves [1 Kings 12:25-13:10] and now Baal44 and no doubt a plethora of other gods and
abominations. All of the northern kings were wicked but YHWH continued to send prophets. Prophets that warned the people of YHWH’s certain judgment attested by
miracles. A minority remained faithful to YHWH. However through Israel’s rebellion YHWH is turning to others [Luke 4:16-30 and Romans 11:1-11].
Elijah was the Old Testament forerunner of Jesus playing a similar role to John the Baptist and even a Christ-like role performing miracles: flour and oil, raising the widow’s
son, fire from YHWH to humiliate the prophets of Baal [1 Kings 18:30-38], fire consuming captains and their fifties [2 Kings 1:10-12] and looking back to the Exodus [a gospel
narrative] parting the Jordan river [2 Kings 2:7- 8] and ascending into the sky [2 Kings 2:11]! Elijah became the archetypal OT prophet and some even identified Jesus with
him [Matthew 16:40].
Elijah warns of YHWH’s certain judgment and assures salvation for those who remain faithful to YHWH. He is almost the one.
King: Ahab was not a son of David. This continues to point us at the southern kingdom to wait for the one a king who is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: Elijah the “man of god” spoke from the heavenly counsel. His words were accompanied by miracles that emphasise key events in
the narrative. As a prophet Elijah is a John the Baptist or even Christ-like figure.
Priest: YHWH continues to bring judgment on the northern kingdom showing then he will only accept priests that have been appointed by YHWH not the will of men and
certainly not those who offer sacrifice to false gods. Only the priests of YHWH in the southern kingdom and ultimately Jesus are appointed by YHWH.
Temple: The cultic worship of the northern kingdom is utterly unacceptable to YHWH. Ahab has further compounded the sin of the northern kingdom by turning to Baal. All
this was to stop the Israelites worship at the temple in Jerusalem. YHWH manifested his presence in that temple. However Solomon’s temple will be destroyed. The second
temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20].
Covenant-keeper: Ahab like all the northern kings was a blatant covenant-breaker. He is not the certainly not the one who would keep YHWH’s covenant. This all points to
the sourthern kingdom to look for a king that would come from the house of David keeping the covenant for his people. Jesus.
44
Baal worship had been introduced to Ahab by his wife Jezebel [1 Kings 16:31].
 Review of first four commandments [Exodus 20:1-11] from last lesson.
 Only YHWH must be worshipped and only through Jesus.
 The widow knew that YHWH was not angry with her sin. We too can know We do not want to frighten the children but they need to know that they
we are forgiven if we trust in Jesus. must trust in Jesus and the Father will forgive their sins if they are trusting in
Jesus.
Resources
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Cycle 1: Lesson 28: Divided kingdom: Ahaziah 👎, Joram 👎, Jehu 👎, Jehoahaz 👎 and Jehoash 👎: Naaman healed of leprosy
Scripture
2 Kings 5
We continue with the troubled history of the northern kingdom. Wicked king after wicked king have set up a separate kingdom to Judah in the south. They have attempted
to deny their people access to YHWH through the temple in Jerusalem and rapidly replaced the worship of YHWH with the worship of Baal.
raises up prophets [Jehu, Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea and Jonah] to call the people back from false worship to serve YHWH.
The historical principle that covenant keepers are blessed but covenant breakers are cursed is evident in this story [Deuteronomy 28] . We are also reminded through
another glimpse into the heavenly counsel that YHWH is working things out in ways we are aware of.
4. What?
Vv1-4 Naaman was a foreigner blessed by YHWH
Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of neighbouring Aram [approximately Syria]. YHWH had even
given victory to Naaman although Aram was an enemy kingdom that attacked the Israel [the northern kingdom]! But
Naaman had a skin disease. A faithful slave girl that had been captured in Israel remembers the prophet Elisha back in
Samaria. We again get a glimpse into the heavenly counsel [see Cycle 1: Lesson 19 and Job 1:1-2:13]. YHWH brought
judgement on Israel by the raids of foreign armies and even the kidnapping of children and this was purposed to bring
blessing on Naaman and doubtlessly others. YHWH is beginning to show that Israel’s rejection of him will mean
blessing for the nations [Romans 11].
Vv 5-7 King Joram’s response: rage
The king of Israel was probably Joram the second son of wicked Ahab to take the throne. He just rips his clothes in
rage!
Vv 8-9 Elisha response: blessing
The prophet Elisha [the successor of Elijah] wants to reach out to Naaman with YHWH’s healing and blessing.
Vv 10-12 Naaman’s response: more anger
Vv 13-14 Naaman healed
Despite his bad behaviour and again through the good advice of his servants Naaman is healed. In fact his skin is
rejuvenated to that of a child! Were these servants captured Israelites and/or had the servant girl witnessed to them.
Either was it seems that there is some knowledge of YHWH and faith in him.
Vv15-19 Naaman covenants with YHWH
Elisha refuses any sort of remuneration from Naaman. Naaman covenants with YHWH to serve him as the only god. This is a startling monotheistic profession of faith in
YHWH. As gods were inextricably linked with land he must take soil from Israel back to Aram to pray to YHWH.
Naaman asks forgiveness in advance that he will have to bow the knee to Rimmon [probably Baal]. This is sinful. Naaman knows it is sinful. Elisha does not condemn
Naaman as he has understood the issue. This surely is a model of how to treat a new convert struggling with sin. Bless them!
Vv 20-27 Elisha ’s greedy servant Gehazi cursed
In contrast to Naaman, Gehazi was a disciple of Elisha and versed in the Law of Moses. His sin results in covenant cursing
5. When?
Last half of 9th century BC. Another Jehoram is king of Judah in the south. Jehoram is also a wicked king.
6. Why?
This appears a very low spot in the story except for the raising up of the prophet Elijah now followed by Elisha whose ministries were evidenced by signs and wonders and
Elijah not even dying but being taken up into the sky. Let the reader understand! Something is happening!
Elijah was the Old Testament forerunner of Jesus playing a similar role to John the Baptist and even a Christ-like role performing miracles: flour and oil, raising the widow’s
son, fire from YHWH to humiliate the prophets of Baal [1 Kings 18:30-38], fire consuming captains and their fifties [2 Kings 1:10-12] and looking back to the Exodus [a gospel
narrative] parting the Jordan river [2 Kings 2:7- 8] and ascending into the sky [2 Kings 2:11]! Elijah became the archetypal OT prophet and some even identified Jesus with
him [Matthew 16:40]. Elisha similar and greater miracles still: parting of the Jordan [2 Kings 2:14], healing of the waters [2 Kings 2:21], curse of the she bears [2 Kings 2:24],
filling of the valley with water [2 Kings 3:17], miracle of the vessels of oil [2 Kings 4:4], resurrection of the Shunammite's son [2 Kings 4:34], healing of the gourds [2 Kings
4:41], miracle of the bread [2 Kings 4:43], healing of Naaman [2 Kings 5:14], floating of the axe head [2 Kings 6:6], smiting and restoring the Syrian army with blindness [2
Kings 6:18-20] and the resurrection of a man touched by his bones [2 Kings 13:21]! Let the reader understand!
Elisha like Elijah warns of YHWH’s certain judgment and covenant curses whilst assuring salvation for those who remain faithful to YHWH. Like Elijah he is almost the one.
YHWH always keeps a faithful remnant [1 Kings 19:18, Romans 11:5, Revelation 12:17]. We are given a glimpse of the remnant amongst the enslaved and the surrounding
nations.
King: Joram was not a son of David. He does not rule as YHWH’s son. This continues to point us at the southern kingdom to wait for the one a
king who is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: Elisha like Elijah was a “man of god” who spoke from the heavenly counsel. His words were accompanied by miracles that
emphasise key events in the narrative. Elisha’s name means "my God is salvation". They point to Jesus.
Priest: YHWH continues to bring judgment on the northern kingdom showing then he will only accept priests that have been appointed by YHWH not the will of men and
certainly not those who offer sacrifice to false gods. Only the priests of YHWH in the southern kingdom and ultimately Jesus are appointed by YHWH.
Temple: The cultic worship of the northern kingdom is utterly unacceptable to YHWH. Joram has followed his father Ahab’s wickedness in preventing the Israelites
worshipping at the temple in Jerusalem. YHWH manifested his presence in that temple. However Solomon’s temple will be destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed
in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20].
Covenant-keeper: Elisha and the foreigner Naaman were covenant keepers although not perfectly. This points us to the need of one who would keep the covenant for his
people. Jesus.
 From last lesson only YHWH must be worshipped and only through Jesus.
 YHWH welcomes and blesses all who turn to him. Some of our children perhaps from migrant families may be treated as
“foreigners” in Cyprus. Some children may feel enslaved by their families’
circumstances. It is people like them YHWH is seeking out through the
turmoil of global events around us.
 YHWH is working things out to save people in ways we cannot understand. We do not want to frighten the children but they need to know that they
must trust in Jesus and the Father will forgive their sins if they are trusting in
Jesus.
Resources
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Cycle 1: Lesson 29: Divided kingdom: Jeroboam II 👎, Zechariah 👎, Shallum 👎, Menahem 👎, Pekahiah 👎, Pekah 👎 and Hoshea
👎: Israel exiled by the Assyrians
Scripture
2 Kings 17
With bad king after bad king the troubled history of the northern kingdom suddenly comes to an end. Wicked king after wicked king have set up a separate kingdom to
Judah in the south. They have attempted to deny their people access to YHWH through the temple in Jerusalem and rapidly replaced the worship of YHWH with the
worship of Baal.
raises up prophets. The prophets Jehu, Elijah and Elisha are gone but YHWH raises up Amos, Hosea and Jonah to call the people back from false worship to serve YHWH. In
Cycle 4 Lesson 29 Jonah we will meet the well-known story of Jonah who reluctantly and through a miraculous rescue preached repentance to the Assyrians. The Assyrians
were the enemies of Israel yet YHWH was drawing them to himself. Something is changing. YHWH is reaching out the nations.
The historical principle that covenant keepers are blessed but covenant breakers are cursed is evident in this story [Deuteronomy 28].
What?
Vv 1-5: Hoshea is the last king of Israel. He is worse than those who preceded him in that he became a vassal of the king of Assyria. This marked the final apostasy of the
northern kingdom. Remember that YHWH had promised the land to their ancestor Abraham. Through Moses YHWH had delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. Moses
had led the people through the wilderness and Joshua led them into the land accompanied by miracles and YHWH’s imminent presence manifest through the tabernacle.
YHWH was the ruler of the land [and by extension the whole world]. Israel was a vassal of YHWH. Now faithless Hoshea has made Israel the vassal of the wicked Assyrians.
Contemporary to Hoshea is the prophet Hosea [same name in Hebrew]. Hosea foretold the Assyrian exile
Vv 6-18: Israel as a nation is a covenant-breakers. They have blatantly ignored YHWH’s commands.
Vv 19-23: Judah in the south is not much better.
Vv 24-41: The foreigners who are now occupying Israel suffer curses as covenant-breakers as the land is still YHWH’s45. By extension all the land is YHWH’s so we will also be
cursed [or judged] if we break YHWH’s commands “for as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned under the law will be
judged by the law” [Romans 2:12]
45
In the beginning the whole creation was YHWH’s temple [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1: Creation: Creation as YHWH’s temple]. YHWH did not abandon human beings but reached out to us
through Jesus. YHWH was restoring the creation in his call of Abraham and the promise of the land. The land was to be a new start, the beginning of a new creation that would extend to the
When?
Hoshea reigned 732–c.722 BC46. “Assyrian records basically confirm the Biblical account of how he became king. Under Ahaz, Judah had rendered allegiance to Tiglath-
Pileser III of Assyria, when the Northern Kingdom under Pekah, in league with Rezin of Damascus, had attempted to coerce the Judean king into joint action against Assyria.
Hoshea placed himself at the head of the Assyrian party in Samaria and removed Pekah by assassination; Tiglath-pileser rewarded Hoshea by making him king over Israel,
or, rather, over Ephraim, then reduced to very small dimensions.”47
The prophet Hosea is contemporary with king Hoshea [same name in Hebrew]. He foretold the Assyrian captivity: “They will not remain in the land of Yahweh. But Ephraim
will return to Egypt, and in Assyria they will eat unclean food” [Hosea 9:3 ] [see Cycle 3 Lesson 29]
The 8th century BC is a period of change in the nations48.
Why?
The northern kingdom of Israel except for a remnant has apostatized but the land is YHWH’s and they must serve him. YHWH brings judgement and Israel is taken into exile.
The foreigners who are brought in to occupy the land also suffer covenant curses as the land is still YHWH’s and they must serve him. They understand this clearly. The
incredible signs and wonders that accompanied Elijah and Elisha [see Cycle 1: Lesson 27: Elijah and the widow and Cycle 1: Lesson 28: Naaman healed of leprosy]
emphasise a new phase of the story namely that YHWH is reaching out to the surrounding nations. They too are living in YHWH’s creation. They will suffer the curses of
YHWH’s covenant if they are not saved by Jesus49. This is as true for us today as it was 8th century BC.
King: Hoshea was not a son of David. He does not rule as YHWH’s son. This continues to point us at the southern kingdom to wait for the one
a king who is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: Hosea foretold the Assyrian captivity. Hosea thus communicated YHWH’s presence from the heavenly council. Jesus is the perfect
prophet and is the very presence of YHWH.
Priest: The northern kingdom can only face judgement. They have abandoned YHWH and there are no priests of YHWH to offer sacrifice for them. Only the priests of YHWH
in the southern kingdom and ultimately Jesus can make the desperately needed atonement for sin.
ends of the earth. The land had been clearly transferred over to YHWH from the false gods in the land grant which is the book of Joshua [see Cycle 1: Lesson 13: Judges: Crossing the
Jordan]. Those who lived in the land whoever they were had to obey YHWH the god of that land. The new inhabitants understood this.
46
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoshea
47
ibid
48
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8th_century_BC
49
Jesus’ name is YHWH. “God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names”. [Philippians 2:9]
Temple: Wicked kings have separated them from Judah and the temple. It would be a century later that Jeremiah would prophesy the destruction of the temple and the
exile of Judah [Jeremiah 25]. For now the remnant are still looking to Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. It will be destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed in 70AD.
Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20].
Covenant-keeper: Are there any who fear YHWH? Yes a remnant. Their longing that all Israel would return to YHWH will only be fully met in Jesus.
 Hoshea was more wicked than the kings of Israel before him because he This lesson is very negative in that Israel was suffering YHWH’s judgment but
made Israel subject to the wicked Assyrians we too sin and need to repent and trust in Jesus.
 This made YHWH angry.
 YHWH took the people into exile in Assyria and put foreigners in the land.
Cycle 1: Lesson 30: Divided kingdom: Southern kingdom: Rehoboam 👎, Abijah 👎, Asa 👍, Jehoshaphat 👍, Jehoram 👎, Ahaziah 👎
and Queen Athaliah 👎: Asa’s reforms
Scripture
1 Kings 15:9-24
We now turn to the southern kingdom or Judah. The story of Judah runs parallel to Israel in the
north although they would remain in the land longer until like Israel they too would be taken into
exile. In terms of the narrative the plot clues are that YHWH has promised to preserve the House of
David and to put the son of David permanently on the throne of the kingdom and by extension the
whole world. The Messiah will come from the house of David. Righteous kings in the line of David
point to the one.
The south fairs only slightly better than the north in that they have just two righteous kings: Asa
and his son Jehoshaphat. Otherwise the southern kings are wicked and rebellious.
What?
Vv 9-15: ”Asa did right in the eyes of Yahweh, like David his ancestor” [verse 11]. He removed the
idols and male shrine prostitutes from the land. He even removed Maacah his mother as queen
who made an abominable image of the Asherah50. His only compromise was to leave the high
places51. Asherah and Baal worship continued and would entice future kings away from YHWH.
Vv 16-22: Sadly Asa is continuously at war with Baasha the wicked king of Israel. Baasha has made
an alliance with Ben-Hadad the king of Aram who reigned in Damascus and together they were a
formidable military force. Asa takes all the silver and gold from the temple and sends it to Ben-
Hadad to break his covenant with Baasha. Ben-Hadad does and turns on Baasha bringing peace at last to Judah. Asa rebuilds his war torn land.
Vv 23-24: Asa dies and is buried in Jerusalem. He is succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat who is also a godly ruler. At this point in the story it seems that perhaps the rule of
the house of David has been restored. Would Jehoshaphat be the one?
50
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asherah
51
High places exist from the earliest evidence of religious observance [e.g. Göbekli Tepe] and had been used to offer sacrifices to YHWH by Samuel [1 Samuel 9:12-14] although this was
forbidden by Moses [Deuteronomy 12].
When?
Asa’s long reign [913-910 BC to 873-869 BC52] is contemporary with Nadab, Baasha,
Elah, Zimri, Tibni and Omri of Israel in the north.
Why?
Asa and his son Jehoshaphat are kings of the house of David to whom the anointed
one has been promised. The kingdom is divided but there is still hope in Judah. YHWH
will work things out to restore the land and by extension the whole earth to his rule.
However in the account of Asa in Chronicles we learn that a seer called Hanani was
sent to Asa to inform him “On account of your reliance upon the king of Aram, and
since you did not rely on YYWH …from now on you will have wars.” [2 Chronicles 16:7-
9]. Asa mistreats the seer and oppresses some of the people “nevertheless the heart
of Asa was fully devoted all his days” [23 Chronicles 15:17]. This apparent discrepancy does not play down sin [Asa was punished] but shows that we are righteous even
when we fail if our hearts seek after YHWH.
King: Asa and Jehoshaphat are sons of David. They rule although not perfectly as sons of YHWH’s. This shows us
that we must look to the southern kingdom to wait for the one a king who is still to come. Jesus.
Priest: Asa has preserved the Levitical priesthood in Judah. Only the priests of YHWH and ultimately Jesus can
make the desperately needed atonement for sin.
Temple: Asa has at great expense saved the Temple in Jerusalem from invasion and desecration53. Judah and the
remnant of Israel can only look to the temple as where YHWH’s presence will again be manifest before the
nations. However it will be destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple
[Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20].
Covenant-keeper: Asa and Jehoshaphat are covenant keepers. Their longing that all Israel and Judah would return to YHWH will only be fully met in Jesus.
52
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asa_of_Judah
53
Ancient land grants of the Near East always involved the god of the successful invader being placed in the temple of the subjugated people [see Cycle 1: Lesson 13]
 Asa was a righteous king of Judah. The children can be encouraged to always do what is right. They must also
know that we are all covenant-breakers by nature and like Asa can only be
 Asa loved YHWH and got rid of things in his country that did not please forgiven though Jesus.
YHWH.
 Asa repaired and the temple so that the people could learn about YHWH and
have their sins forgiven.
 Asa did leave the high places that caused future kings of Judah to turn from
YHWH.
Cycle 1: Lesson 31: Divided kingdom: Southern kingdom: J[eh]oash 👍 and Amaziah 👍: J[eh]oash repairs the temple
Scripture
2 Kings 12

Jehoash’s name is shortened to Joash at the end of the chapter. This is confusing with unfamiliar names but quite natural to the original hearers, e.g. in English shortening
David to Dave or even Willian to Bill or in Cyprus Demetris to Mitsios or Georgios to Kokos! Examples abound.
This is our second lesson in the southern kingdom or Judah. The story of Judah runs parallel to Israel in the north although they would remain in the land longer until like
Israel they too would be taken into exile.
In terms of the narrative the plot clues are that a godly king but not the one desires to repair the temple. Despite his efforts the temple cannot be fully restored but he
defends it above all else. The temple was essential as the place where the faithful hoped YHWH’s presence would again manifest and to maintain a sacrificial system so that
those who believed could know forgiveness of sin54. Jesus will be the final temple [John 2:19].
The story of a righteous king who desires purity in the temple also looks forward to king Jesus’ cleansing of the temple [Matthew 21:12–17, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45–
48 and John 2:13–16]
What?
Vv 1-2 Jehoash did right in the eyes of YHWH all his life because Jehoiada the priest instructed him [Fear of Yahweh is the
instruction of the wise, and before honor comes humility. Proverbs 15:33]. However the people continued making sacrifices
and offering incense on the high places.
Vv 3-8 Jehoash orders the priests to collect money honestly at the temple without cheating the people and repair the temple.
However the repairs are not made and the text implies that there was continuing pilfering by the priests. Very likely this had
been going on for a long time and hence the temple had fallen into disrepair.
Vv 9-16 Jehoiada the priest and king Jehoash establish financial accountability with the collection of money at the temple.
Materials are purchased and workers hired and all the dealings are conducted honestly. The restoration is not complete as
there were not sufficient funds for the silver basins, snuffers, bowls for drinking wine, trumpets, or any vessel of gold or silver.
The original items had been given by Asa to Ben-Hadad to break his covenant with Baasha [see Cycle 1: Lesson 30].
Vv 17-18 Hazael king of Aram attacks Judah. To protect Jerusalem and the temple Jehoash pays him off with any remaining
gold from the temple and his palace.
VV 19-21 Jehoash is killed in a coup. His son Amaziah succeeds him. He was also a godly ruler.
54
The blood of animals did not take away sin [1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 51:16, Hosea 6:6 and Hebrews 10.4]
When?
Joash’s reign [837-835 BC to 800-796 BC55] is contemporary with the kings Jehu and
Jehoaz and the prophet Elisha all in the north. The date of the prophet Joel in the
south is uncertain but likely in the reign of Joash.
Why?
Israel and Judah have largely rebelled and broken covenant with YHWH. Still YHWH is
faithful and calls his people but also people in the surrounding nations to repentance
and forgiveness. At this time the prophets Elisha in the north and probably Joel in the
south are speaking YHWH’s word.
Joash as a king whose heart seeks YHWH is instructed by the priests and the prophets.
He desires to restore the temple at any cost understanding its central role as the place
where people can again meet with YHWH and know atonement for sin56.
King: Joash is a son of David. He rules although not perfectly as a son of YHWH. This shows us that we must look to the
southern kingdom to wait for the one a king who is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: There are prophets in the Israel and Judah. Generations later Isaiah, Jeremiah etc. would be raised up in Judah
given the clearest insight from the heavenly counsel as to how YHWH would resolve everything through Jesus the perfect
prophet and very presence of YHWH.
Priest: Asa has preserved the Levitical priesthood in Judah. Asa was succeeded by godly Jehoshaphat. Three godless kings
Jehoram, Ahaziah and Queen Athaliah are removed by YHWH who established Joash. Joash continues to preserve the priesthood. The priests in turn have the knowledge of
the Law to instruct Joash although they seem to be largely corrupt. Only the priests of YHWH and ultimately Jesus can make the desperately needed atonement for sin.
Temple: Asa had at great expense saved the Temple in Jerusalem from invasion and desecration57. Joash has done the same protecting the temple from Hazael king of
Aram. The remnant in Judah and Israel can only look to the temple as where YHWH’s presence will again be manifest before the nations. However it will be destroyed. The
second temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [John 2:19].
Covenant-keeper: Joash and Amaziah are covenant keepers. Their longing that all Israel and Judah would return to YHWH will only be fully met in Jesus.
55
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehoash_of_Judah
56
See note 55 above.
57
 Joash was a righteous king because he learnt about YHWH from the priests
and the prophets. We too must listen carefully to what God says in the bible.
 Joash was not perfect, e.g. the high places remained, but he was zealous for
YHWH. We too are sinners [Romans 3:23].
 Joash preserved the priests and the temple at all costs. Jesus is our priest
and temple who forgives our sins.
Cycle 1: Lesson 32: Divided kingdom: Southern kingdom: Azariah, Jotham, Ahaz 👎, Hezekiah 👍, Manassah 👎 and Amon 👎: Assyria
threatens Jerusalem
Scripture
2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37
A century has passed since our last lesson [Cycle 1: Lesson 31]. YHWH has not forgotten Judah and raises up Hezekiah as king and a true son of David who even removes the
high places from Judah. His trust is in YHWH. Meanwhile prophecy in Israel in the north has finally ceased and as we learnt earlier the northern kingdom has been taken
into exile by the Assyrians [Cycle 1: Lesson 29]. Assyria is now threatening Judah but godly Hezekiah under YHWH’s blessing avoids occupation.
During the reigns of Ahaz , Hezekiah, Manassah the prophet Isaiah is active in Judah and is given the clearest insights yet from the heavenly counsel as to the one who will
save the nations not just Israel.
Resisting foreign occupation is comprehendible to the modern reader but attacking Philistines [i.e. Palestinians] within the land is not. It should be remembered [Cycle 1:
Lesson 13] that the book of Joshua is not simply narrative but in the genre of a land grant58. The land had been promised to Abraham [Genesis 15] [[Cycle 1: Lesson 6]. As
was customary in the ancient Near East a people would lay claim to a land in battle and the gods of the victors would be placed in the temple(s) of that land. YHWH
repeatedly demonstrated his power to the people of Canaan but only Rehab feared YHWH. Over the centuries YHWH continued to show mercy to people in the
surrounding nations but the worship of false gods in the land [and by extension the world] is an abomination to him. Whether a Jew or pagan covenant breakers will die if
they do not repent.
58
Keener, C. S., & Walton, J. H. (2016). NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. p361
What?
18:1-8: Hezekiah is unique [v5]. He was a king of Judah who faithfully held on to YHWH all of his life [v6]. He even removed the
high places and all idols [v4]!
18:9-12: Financial accountability is maintained in the temple along to fund its maintenance.
18:13-16: Israel is gone. Sennacherib the Assyrian king has subdued Babylon and now invades Judah. Like J[eh]oash a century
earlier Hezekiah strips the temple of its gold and silver to in an attempt to pay off the invading king. For Hezekiah like J[eh]oash
earlier the temple and its preservation are essential if YHWH’s presence is to remain in the land and the people are to have
forgiveness.
18:17-18: Sennacherib sends “the Tartan [commander-in-chief], the Rab-saris [chief eunuch] and the Rabshakeh [chief advisor]
with a great army from Lachish59 [which is already occupied] to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem” [v17]. These are the highest officers
of Assyria and although this is clearly an intended land grab and replacement of YHWH with Assyrian gods there is a sense of
diplomacy. Hezekiah sends out his three chief diplomats: Hilkiah [chief of staff], Shebnah [secretary] and Joah [the recorder].
18:19-25: Rabshakeh [chief advisor of the king of Assyrian] asserts that there is no hope for the people as Hezekiah has rebelled against Assyria. Who will Hezekiah turn to?
“Egypt that broken reed of a staff”. Sennacherib actually quotes Isaiah 33:6! He even claims that YHWH had been worshipped at the high places Hezekiah had removed thus
he argues limiting YHWH’s influence over events. Sennacherib boasts of all he has achieved without YHWH and mocks the Jews saying that YHWH spoken to him and this was
all YHWH’s will.
18:26-35: The Jewish diplomats want Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic60 rather than Hebrew so that the people in Jerusalem will not understand. Rabshakeh then addresses
the people warning them that they will “eat their own dung and to drink their own urine” [v27] unless they make peace with him [v31] and he will take them to another land
where they will be provided for [v32]. He repeatedly and explicitly warns them not to trust in YHWH [vv33-35].
18:36-37: The Jews do not answer. The Jewish diplomats return to the king Hezekiah with their clothes torn in morning.
19:1-7: King Hezekiah also tears his clothes in grief [v1] and sends for the prophet Isaiah [v2]. Notice that Hezekiah is not concerned about his own safety but rather that
YHWH has been mocked. YHWH speaks directly through Isaiah: ‘Thus says Yahweh, “You must not be afraid because the face of the words which you have heard, with which
the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. Look, I am putting in him a spirit. He will hear a rumour and return to his land. Then I will cause him to fall by the sword in
his land”’ [vv6-7].
19:8-19: The Assyrian commander-in-chief has departed for another battle but sends letters to Hezekiah to try to break his faith in YHWH. Hezekiah goes to the temple,
spreads the letters before YHWH and “prayed before the face of YHWH” [v15], i.e. in YHWH’s presence. Hezekiah has evidently taken the teachings of Isaiah to heart and can
pray “So then, O Yahweh our God, rescue us, please, from his hand, that all of the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Yahweh, you alone are God!” [v19].
59
The Lachish Ostraka are letters written with ink on clay at Lachish later in the reign of Zedekiah [the last king of Judah] and demonstrate a faith in YHWH of the writer and the recipient
without reference to other gods. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lachish_letters
60
Aramaic is a cognate of Hebrew and is the language of the Assyrians to this day. Aramaic dialects dominated much of the Near East much as Arabic would later.
19:2032-13: YHWH hears Hezekiah and sends word through Isaiah. This is a long beautiful word from YHWH assuring him of YHWH’s sovereignty and the utter impotence of
Assyria [vv21-28]. It will take three years for Jerusalem to recover [vv29-31] but even this would be a sign to Hezekiah that a remnant shall be saved [v31] because of YHWH’s
zeal [v31]. The covenant cannot be broken. YHWH is faithful and will do as he has promised.
19:35-37: That night an angel of YHWH kills the entire Assyrian army. Incredibly the Assyrian record of the event omits this detail61!
When?
Hezekiah’s reign [c. 715-686 BC62] is contemporary with the exile of the northern
kingdom.
Why?
Israel and Judah have largely rebelled and broken covenant with YHWH. Israel is
in exile. Its land is occupied by foreigners. Still YHWH is faithful. The prophets
Nahum, Micah and Isaiah are ministering to the Judah. Hezekiah and others are a
faithful remnant.
Hezekiah like Joash a century earlier has a heart that seeks YHWH is instructed by
the priests and the prophets. Again life Joash he desires to restore the temple at
any cost understanding its central role as the place where people can again meet
with YHWH and know atonement for sin63.
Hezekiah is unique in that he even removed the high places!
61
Faithlife Study Bible commenting on 2 Kings 19:36.
62
Edwin Thiele, The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings, p217
63
See note 55 above.
King: Hezekiah is a son of David. His rule is probably the most faithful as a son of YHWH in the narrative thus far. He is not
the one but points so clearly to an even better king who is still to come. Jesus.
Prophet: This is a significant period for prophecy in Judah. Isaiah is now giving the clearest insight from the heavenly
counsel as to how YHWH would resolve everything through Jesus the perfect prophet and very presence of YHWH.
Priest: Hezekiah has preserved the Levitical priesthood in Judah. The priests in turn have the knowledge of the Law to
instruct Hezekiah and other covenant-keepers. Only the priests of YHWH and ultimately Jesus can make the desperately
needed atonement for sin.
Temple: Hezekiah like Asa had at great expense saved the Temple in Jerusalem from invasion and desecration64. The remnant in Judah and Israel can only look to the
temple as where YHWH’s presence will again be manifest before the nations. However it will be destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third
temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [John 2:19].
Covenant-keeper: Hezekiah is a covenant keeper. Their longing that all Israel and Judah would return to YHWH will only be fully met in Jesus.
 Hezekiah was a righteous king because he learnt about YHWH from the
priests and the prophets. We too must listen carefully to what God says in
the bible.
 Hezekiah was concerned that YHWH was mocked. We should not misuse
God’s name [Exodus 20:7].
 Hezekiah preserved the priests and the temple at all costs. Jesus is our priest
and temple who forgives our sins.
Resources
?
?
?
64
Cycle 1: Lesson 33: Divided kingdom: Southern kingdom: Josiah 👍, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jechoiachin and Zedekiah: Book of the law
found
Scripture
2 Kings 22
About 50 years has passed since our last lesson [Cycle 1: Lesson 32]. The covenant-keeper Hezekiah has died and been succeeded by two wicked kings Manassah and
Amon. YHWH has not forgotten Judah and now raises up godly king Josiah along with the prophets Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk along with the prophetess Huldah65.
Josiah is succeeded by a series of kings who are not wholly seeking after YHWH. The mighty Assyrian empire has been destroyed by the Babylonians who after Josiah will
slowly start taking Judah into exile.
Plot clues are that Josiah is described as a descendent of David [v2]. It was a son of David who would build the temple and whose throne would be established for ever [2
Samuel 7:12–16]. Although Solomon had built a temple he only partially fulfils this prophecy as a younger man. The faithful continue to look to Judah for the one. YHWH will
judge Judah with exile and the destruction of the temple but those who set their hearts to follow YHWH will have access to him through personal repentance. Josiah means
“healed by YH”.
YHWH will appear to be defeated by the gods of the Babylonians as his land is occupied and his people taken into exile. This reminds us of the puzzling promise in Eden that
“he [the one] will strike you [the serpent] on the head and you will strike him on the heel” [Genesis 3:15] and looks forward to the ultimate humiliation of the one on the
cross.
A huge shift in the narrative is imminent.
What?
22:1-2: Josiah like Hezekiah last week [Cycle 1: Lesson 32] walked faithfully with YHWH all of his life.
22:3-7: Josiah maintains financial accountability in the temple as established by Jehoash [Cycle 1: Lesson 31] and continued by Hezekiah [Cycle 1: Lesson 32].
22:8-13: The scroll of the Torah is found!66 Their ancestors had been covenant breakers so surely YHWH’s wrath is on them [Deuteronomy 30:17-18]67. Josiah tears his clothes
in repentance and asks the priests to “inquire of YHWH” for him and the people.
65
Huldah is known in Rabbinic tradition as one of the seven prophetesses. The others being Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail and Esther. Although a woman she taught the priests
and king and authenticated the word of YHWH!
66
The Torah could not fit on a single scroll so some scholars suggest that this could refer to Deuteronomy or the “second law”. This finds support in vv13,16-17 which surely refer to the
curses for disobedience of Deuteronomy 29-30.
67
Soon Judah would be exiled and the theme of the withdrawn shekinah [presence of YHWH in rabbinic teaching] will dominate that period and the apocryphal writings of that period and is
the Judaism of Paul’s day that he addresses.
22:14-20: The priests go to a prophet, or rather the prophetess Huldah, to enquire or to have a glimpse of the heavenly counsel. YHWH confirms what he had already spoken
through the lost scroll [likely Deuteronomy 30:17-18 etc.] that he would indeed bring evil on Judah for their worship of other gods. However YHWH is gracious and will forgive
Josiah because he has repented. He will not see the disaster YHWH will bring on Judah namely exile and the destruction of the temple!
Josiah’s reign [c. 649–609 BC] is contemporary with the exile of the northern
When?
kingdom. His successors will see Judah exiled by Babylon and the temple destroyed.
The kings of Aram have long been usurped by the Assyrians. YHWH is now bringing
judgment on the Assyrians by the Babylonians [Habakkuk 2:6-17].
Why?
Israel is already in exile. The scroll of the law is found [likely Deuteronomy] in which Moses prophesies that his people will abandon his covenant and all the curses of the
scroll will come upon them [Deuteronomy 29:22-28]. This shows us the utter inability of fallen humans to keep God’s law and the inefficacy of human priests and animal
sacrifice and the temple to provide a solution to evil with which YHWH cannot dwell thus making the law ineffectual [read Romans:1-16!]. It is not that things went wrong
and YHWH changed his mind. He had revealed this would happen and now we must wait…for the one and then Paul can write “the law became our guardian [παιδαγωγός]
until Christ, in order that we could be justified by faith” [Galatians 3:24]
King: Josiah is a covenant-keeping son of David. He will die according to the word of YHWH like the one at the hands of
foreign soldiers and Judah will go into captivity.
Prophet: Huldah is a female prophet who is teaching male authority figures [priests and the king] with clear insight from
the heavenly counsel as to how YHWH would resolve everything through Jesus the perfect prophet and very presence of
YHWH. Soon there will be neither male nor female [Galatians]68.
Priest: Even covenant-keeping priests will be removed because of the sins of their ancestors. A new priesthood is
needed. Jesus is a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek [Hebrews 6:20].
Temple: The temple will soon be destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [John 2:19].
Covenant-keeper: Josiah is a covenant-keeper but only because of YHWH’s forgiveness through repentance. The narrative is now making it clearer than ever before that all
Israel and Judah and the nations need to obey the covenant will only be met in the one. Jesus.
 Joash was an honest king. We must be honest.
 The people were giving to maintain the temple. Today God’s people give to
support the work of the kingdom.
 God is very angry with sin.
 Like Joash we must repent and God will forgive us because of Jesus.
68
It is interesting how Paul’s commentary in Galatians 3 on these types of passages flows into a realization of the equality of all who are in Christ.
Cycle 1: Lesson 34: Divided kingdom: Southern kingdom: Josiah 👍, Jehoahaz 👎, Jehoiakim 👎, Jechoiachin 👎 and Zedekiah 👎: The
fall of Jerusalem
Scripture
2 Kings 24:18-25:21 [ and Daniel 1]

Israel in the north has long been exiled by the Assyrians. In the south in Judah there is an ongoing threat from the Babylonians who have subdues Assyria. Last week [Cycle
1: Lesson 33] lesson Josiah gave away the remaining silver and gold of the temple and his own house to pay off the Babylonians and preserve the temple. There then
followed four wicked kings who not seek after YHWH. Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim were controlled by Pharaoh of Egypt. YHWH sends just about every enemy of Judah against
them including Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. YHWH will not forgive their sin. Jechoiachin was not better but ruled only three months before being deported to Babylon by
Nebuchadnezzar. Wicked Zedekiah will be the last king of Judah.
Remember [Cycle 1: Lesson 33] that Josiah had been described as a descendent of David. It was a son of David who would build the temple and whose throne would be
established for ever [2 Samuel 7:12–16]. Solomon had built a temple but he only partially fulfils this prophecy as a younger man. The faithful must have continued to look to
Judah for the one. However YHWH will now judge Judah with exile and the destruction of the temple but those who set their hearts to follow YHWH will have access to him
through personal repentance.
YHWH will appear to be defeated by the gods of the Babylonians as his land is occupied and his people taken into exile. This reminds us of the puzzling promise in Eden that
“he [the one] will strike you [the serpent] on the head and you will strike him on the heel” [Genesis 3:15] and looks forward to the ultimate humiliation of the one on the
cross.
A huge shift is now happening in the story.
What?
24:18-20: Zedekiah was a wicked king. He rebelled against the Babylonian occupation69.
25:1-7: Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to city for almost a year. Zedekiah is captured, his sons killed before him, his eyes gorged out and taken in fetters to Babylon70.
25:8-12: Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed. The better off survivors are deported to Babylon. The poor are left under occupation to work the land.
69
This might seem commendable except that Jeremiah was warning that YHWH would send multiple nations against Judah and take them into exile for 70 years. The only way to possibly
avert this would have been repentance [Jonah 3:10, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 etc.]
70
A barbarity frequently practiced in ancient warfare to mark the humiliation of the captives ‘that they may be incapable of carrying a spear, but not incapable of working an oar’ [Aelian:
Various Histories II.9;]. See also Judges 1:6-7.
25:13-21: Even the destroyed temple is looted and the high priest and priests executed.
When? Zedekiah ruled c. 597–586 BC. Israel was exiled to Assyria
almost a century earlier.
Why?
Israel is already in exile. Although the scroll of the law had been found in Josiah’s day [Cycle 1: Lesson 33] subsequent kings refused to seek after YHWH. YHWH was warning
through Jeremiah [Jeremiah 25] that he would bring destruction on Judah. Judah does not repent. Finally it seems that all will be lost.
However nothing is outside of YHWH’s plan. Firstly YHWH had been turning from both rebellious Israel and Judah and seeking people in the nations around them to enter
his kingdom71. Secondly YHWH has been speaking through prophecy of a salvation accessible not through animal sacrifice or the temple but simply through faith72.
King: Zedekiah is the last king of Judah73. Human kings have almost always failed. Israel and Judah must wait for the
promised one who will rule to the ends of the earth.
Prophet: Prophecy will necessarily continue into the exile, and the young Daniel is amongst the exiles [Daniel 1], but
cease with Malachi in the 4th century BC. Jesus will be the final prophet74.
Priest: The priesthood has been destroyed. A new priesthood is needed. Jesus is a high priest according to the order of
Melchizedek [Hebrews 6:20].
Temple: The temple is destroyed. The second temple will be destroyed in 70AD. Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus [John 2:19].
Covenant-keeper: The narrative is now making it even clearer that before that all Israel and Judah and the nations’ need to obey the covenant will only be met in the Jesus.
 God is very angry with sin. Not just Zedekiah’s but mine and yours.
 We must repent and God will forgive us because of Jesus.
 Jesus has made God very accessible. We can say sorry to God right now. No
temple or priests or sacrifices needed.
71
Widow of Zarephath [1 Kings 17], Naaman [2 Kings 5] etc. We could also go right back to Moses’ father-in-law Jethro or Rahab the prostitute.
72
Hosea 6:6 [quoted by Jesus in Matthew 9:13 and 12:7], Amos 5:21-24, Isaiah 1:11-17, Micah 6:1-8, Jeremiah 7:22-23 and even as long ago as Samuel [1 Samuel 15:22] and David [Psalm
40:6 and 51:17].
73
We are excluding the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties as having any legitimate claim of being kings or Israel or Judah.
74
That is not to say that there was not prophetic ministry after the resurrection of Jesus but that it was more insights into Jesus as the final and complete revelation of YHWH.
Cycle 1: Lesson 35: Exile: Loving YHWH more than food
Scripture
Daniel 1

Israel has long been in captivity in Assyria. The Babylonians first took prominent Judeans to Babylon [including Daniel], several years later a second wave of deportations
took place [including Ezekiel] and finally, as we learnt last week [Cycle 1: Lesson 34] wicked king Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar leading to the siege and
destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Whereas when the Philistines took the arc [1 Samuel 5] and Samaria was occupied Samaria [2 Kings 17:24-41] YHWH brought
judgment on the foreigners there is now no immediate judgment. YHWH is apparently defeated by the gods of the surrounding nations.
A humiliated YHWH is a huge plot clue. The one who is YHWH incarnate will suffer to redeem not just Israel but the whole creation.
What?
vv1-2: Nebuchadnezzar has destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The utensils from the temple of YHWH are brought into the temple of his gods75.
vv3-7: Choice young men were selected from the captives of Judah and other nations to be raised with many privileges to serve the empire76. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael,
and Azariah from Judah were amongst the abductees.
vv8-16: Daniel and his companions decide that they will not defile themselves with the “fine food of the king”77. They will only drink water and eat vegetables78. The
commander of the court officials is afraid for his life. If the young men look unhealthy he will be executed. He agrees to a 10 day trial. YHWH is with covenant-keeping
Daniel and his companions. After the 10 days they look healthier than the other young men and are allowed to continue to abstain from the king’s food.
vv17-21: Daniel and his companions are given wisdom “ten times better” than all the soothsayer-priests79 and enchanters of the entire empire80!
When?
The events of this chapter occurred in 597BC [vv1-3]. Daniel is contemporary with the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah. Thales is founding Greek/Western philosophy. Cyrus
will soon found the Persian Empire. This is the beginning of an era of change.
75
No mention is made of what happened to the scrolls of the law or the arc of the covenant. The law was preserved but the arc never recovered.
76
This is almost identical to the Ottoman practice of devshirme [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devshirme]
77
Law, temple, dietary laws etc. were the boundary markers of the Jews that distinguished from the nations around them. With all else lost only their dietary laws were left to identify them
as YHWH’s people.
78
This is not an argument for veganism. See above.
79
These are μάγοι [magi]. The same would visit Jesus led by a star. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magi
80
Studying the wisdom literature of the bible we saw that it was normal practice for the kings of the ancient Near East to produce wisdom literature doubtless advised by an entourage of
soothsayers, sages and priests.
Why?
Why was this written for the exiles? What does this tell us about Jesus? What’s the application for us?
King Israel only had kings because they rejected YHWH is now clearly king of the Jews. Jesus is Jesus is our king of kings. We obey him before
YHWH as their king [1 Samuel 8:4-9]. Now in YHWH and as such is kings of kings all else.
exile they could look only to YHWH. [Revelation 19:16] and will rule the nations.
Prophet Daniel would provide apocalyptic but detailed Daniel has been given outstanding wisdom by Jesus is our final prophet. We now have the
insight into the heavenly counsel to assure the Spirit of YHWH. Along with Ezekiel he will whole bible to tell us about YHWH and his
the exiles that YHWH was in utter control be given the fullest insight this far in the story purposes for his whole creation.
despite his and their apparent humiliation into YHWH’s purposes in the heavenly
before their enemies. All was not lost. Much counsel. Revelation is progressive. Jesus will
more was to come. Things almost impossible be the fullest revelation of YHWH. He will be
to imagine or describe! YHWH incarnate who dwelt amongst us [John
1:14].
Priest Back in Jerusalem the temple is destroyed Jesus will be the final high priest according to Jesus is our priest. Jesus is YHWH who was
and the priests executed [Cycle 1: Lesson 34]. the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 10:4 quoted humiliated on the cross. Only he can take
The faithful covenant-keeping Jew must in Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:17]. away our sin. We must trust in him alone.
distinguish himself by careful obedience to
Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is
Temple the law: diet, utter trust in YHWH, praying Jesus is our temple. In Jesus we meet with
Jesus [Colossians 1:19-20] the final temple of
only to YHWH etc. Now in exile the synagogue YHWH.
YHWH.
would be established and the law taught to all
Covenant- Jewish men. There was a renewed zeal for the law Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are
keeper amongst the exiles, rabbinical Judaism and saved by YHWH’s undeserved kindness.
the originally populist Pharisee movement
You search the scriptures
would develop. But no one can keep the law.
Jesus would keep the law for us. because you think that you
have eternal life in them and it
is these that testify about me
[John 5:39]
Cycle 1: Lesson 36: Exile: Ezekiel’s third temple
Scripture
Ezekiel 47:1-12

Ezekiel prophesies in exile in Babylon. His writings are in the apocalyptic genre like much of Daniel and Revelation. His language is deeply symbolic and the meaning not
immediately obvious to the modern reader. For example in Ezekiel 40-47 we read in immense detail of a tour of a future temple and yet this temple would never be built as
Jesus himself would be this third temple [John 2:18-22, Colossians 1:19-20]. We will look at just one feature of this third temple namely the waters that flow from it for the
healing of the nations.
A river flows east from the temple, i.e. towards the Dead Sea, and this river brings life and healing and turns the wilderness into a lush orchard.
What?
vv1-2: The guide show s Ezekiel water flowing from the temple toward the east. The temple could only be envisaged in Jerusalem so eastwards is towards the wilderness
and the salty waters of the Dead Sea.
vv3-6: The guide measures the waters to show Ezekiel that they are getting deeper and deeper. Soon it is too deep to wade across.
vv7-12: This immense volume of water will flow into the Dead Sea. The lifeless sea will be healed and team with fish. Trees by the river will not cease to produce fruit.
When?
Ezekiel was born in c.622BC in Jerusalem and died c.570BC in Babylon. Ezekiel is contemporary with the prophets Daniel and Jeremiah and likely Habakkuk, Nahum,
Zechariah and Haggai whose dates are less certain.
Why?
Isaiah was given a similar vision of a desert being turned into a lush land [Isaiah 35:1-2]. Isaiah foretold the judgment of the nations [Isaiah 24–27] to show that the
deliverance of Israel [Isaiah 33] is part of Yahweh’s larger plan of judgment against the whole world. In Isaiah 34 the prophet returns to this cosmic judgment before holding
forth the incredible hope of a desert blooming which he explains to be a time of redemption and jubilation [Isaiah 35]. For those who had taken Isaiah’s word to heart
Ezekiel gives a vivid reminder and assurance that this time is coming.
King Israel only had kings because they rejected YHWH is now clearly king of the Jews. Jesus is Jesus is our king of kings. We obey him before
YHWH as their king [1 Samuel 8:4-9]. Now in YHWH and as such is kings of kings all else.
exile they could look only to YHWH. [Revelation 19:16] and will rule the nations.
Prophet Ezekiel like Daniel provides apocalyptic but Along with Daniel and Isaiah, Ezekiel has been Jesus is our final prophet. We now have the
detailed insight into the heavenly counsel to given the fullest insight thus far in the story of whole bible to tell us about YHWH and his
assure the exiles that YHWH was in utter YHWH’s purposes in the heavenly counsel. purposes for his whole creation.
control despite his and their apparent Revelation is progressive. Jesus will be the Flowing water and blooming plants
humiliation before their enemies. All was not fullest revelation of YHWH. He will be YHWH and fruitful trees should remind us
lost. Much more was to come. Things almost incarnate who dwelt amongst us [John 1:14].
of the new creation.
impossible to imagine or describe!
Priest Back in Jerusalem the temple is destroyed Jesus will be the final high priest according to Jesus is our priest. Jesus is YHWH who was
and the priests executed [Cycle 1: Lesson 34]. the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 10:4 quoted humiliated on the cross. Only he can take
in Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:17]. away our sin. We must trust in him alone.
Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is
Temple The exiles long for Jerusalem and the Temple Jesus is our temple. In Jesus we meet with
Jesus [John 2:18-22, Colossians 1:19-20] the
[Psalm 137]. Ezekiel’s vision gives them a sure YHWH.
final temple of YHWH.
and certain hope of new vast temple.
Covenant- As exemplified by Daniel the faithful There was a renewed zeal for the law Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are
keeper covenant-keeping Jew must distinguish amongst the exiles, rabbinical Judaism and saved by YHWH’s undeserved kindness.
himself by careful obedience to the law: diet, the originally populist Pharisee movement
You search the scriptures
utter trust in YHWH, praying only to YHWH would develop. But no one can keep the law.
etc. Now in exile the synagogue is established Jesus would keep the law for us. because you think that you
and the law taught to all Jewish men. have eternal life in them and it
is these that testify about me
[John 5:39]
Cycle 1: Lesson 37: Partial return to the land: Destruction of the Jerusalem and the second temple foretold
Scripture
Zechariah 14
Zechariah was born in exile. His name means “YHWH is remembered”. Under Cyrus some Jews have returned to Judah and the second temple is being built. His oracles
contain much encouragement to the returnees and remaining exiles albeit with a strange twist/plot clue we meet in this lesson. The literary genre is apocalyptic again
making it difficult to understand for the modern reader.
What?
vv1-2: The “day of YHWH” always refers to YHWH coming in judgment. YHWH will bring the nations against Jerusalem. Thinking back to Daniel’s prophecies the nations
here are almost certainly Babylon [vaticinium ex eventu81], Persia, Greece82 and Rome83. Remember that this is apocalyptic. The four kingdoms are seen as almost a
single entity bent on destroying Jerusalem and desecrating the temple.
vv3-7: YHWH will bring judgment on these nations although he is simultaneously bringing final and definitive judgment on Jerusalem. So definitive is day in the story
of redemption that there is movement of mountains, only day and no night and a change in the properties of matter. Remember this is apocalyptic not narrative!
vv8-11: As with Ezekiel the waters flow out of the temple there as here signifying the healing of the nations. YHWH will be king over all the earth. Psalm 2 etc make
it very clear that it is Jesus who will rule so “on that day Yahweh will be one and his name one” [v9]. Jesus = YHWH.
vv12-15: In the language of the first Exodus YHWH will bring plagues on these same nations “and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected— gold and
silver, and garments in great abundance” [v14] references back to the voluntary plundering of the Egyptians in the first Exodus and a future in this nex exodus where
the week will inherit the earth.
vv16-19: The survivors from any tribe on earth have access to YHWH. They will celebrate the Feast of Booths [that commemorated the Exodus], i.e. become a part of
the exodus story of YHWH saving his people but no longer implied or hidden but now offered to all. Those who do not believe receive the punishment of Egypt [just in
case we didn’t get the references to the first exodus!].
vv20-21: The horse was an unclean animal. Now it will give praise to YHWH. Everyday items will be holy to YHWH. The whole earth will be made holy, i.e. the entire
creation will be redeemed.
When?
Zechariah gives the dates of the oracles and visions he was given [1:1, 1:7, and 7:1], i.e. 520-518BC.
81
After the event. Nebuchadnezzar has already destroyed the first temple.
82
Antiochus ruled Jerusalem and set up his own image in the temple.
83
Rome destroyed the second temple in 70AD.
Why?
This oracle is almost certainly a commentary on Isaiah’s vision of a desert being turned into a lush land [Isaiah 35:1-2] and linking the judgment of the nations [Isaiah 24–27]
with the deliverance of Israel [Isaiah 33] as part of Yahweh’s larger plan of judgment against the whole world combined with the vivid vison given to Ezekiel of a river
running from a third temple to bring healing to the nations. Like the apostle Paul the prophet Zechariah holds forth this certain hope for the entire cosmos with the first
exodus.
YHWH coming in judgement, i.e. the “day of YHWH”, likely refers to the first coming of Jesus, his coming in judgement against Jerusalem in 70AD and the culmination of all
things as it were a single event.
King YHWH would be king of all the Jesus is YHWH. Jesus brings about the Like the exiles we are given a sure and certain
nations. redemption of all things through judgment. hope that YHWH will rule the nations.
Prophet The whole story is now revealed Jesus will fulfil the scriptures as the word Jesus is our final prophet. We now have the
from the heavenly council. made flesh. He will live out all that is written whole bible to tell us about YHWH and his
of him in submission and perfect obedience. purposes for his whole creation.
Priest The return of priests to Jerusalem and the Jesus will be the final high priest according to Jesus is our priest. Jesus is YHWH who was
building of the second temple was necessary but the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 10:4 quoted humiliated on the cross. Only he can take away
something much greater is going to happen and in Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:17]. our sin. We must trust in him alone.
this temple will be desecrated.
Temple Ezekiel’s third temple [Ezekiel 40:1-48:35] is Jesus is our priest. Jesus is YHWH who was
humiliated on the cross. Only he can take away
Jesus [John 2:18-22, Colossians 1:19-20] the
our sin. We must trust in him alone.
final temple of YHWH and YHWH himself.
Covenant- YHWH/Jesus will judge the nations. Covenant The only covenant-keeper is Jesus. All the Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are saved
keeper breakers will be destroyed. Covenant-keepers scriptures, the exodus, the redemption of all by YHWH’s undeserved kindness.
will be blessed. There is no distinction between things only work because of Jesus’
Jew and gentile. submission and perfect obedience. You search the scriptures
because you think that you have
eternal life in them and it is
these that testify about me
[John 5:39]
Cycle 1: Lesson 38: 400 years of silence?
Scripture
Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3-4; Matthew 3:3; Luke 1:13-17 and Mark 1:1-3

This is the last book of the OT in the Christian bible. Malachi means “my messenger” so this could be the author’s name or simply a description of the writer. The book
contains nothing new but is rather (1) a solemn reminder of the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience [1-2 but see Deuteronomy 27:26-28:68] in the form of a
series of legal arguments from YHWH against his people; (2) the promise of a messenger that will prepare the way for the sudden appearance of the Messiah [see entire
OT] in judgment [3:1-5]; and, (3) the promise of immense blessings for covenant keeping [3:6-15 but see Deuteronomy 30] for Israel and the nations; and, the messenger
[see Isaiah 40:3] is identified as Elijah [4:5].
This was the last revelation from YHWH until the coming of John the Baptist. Reading through Malachi and straight into Mark [the oldest gospel] there is no gap!
Much was written during this 400 year gap. These extra writings, usually referred to as the apocrypha, were never added to the Hebrew and Aramaic MSS84 but were added
to the Greek LXX. The Greek Orthodox Church considers the LXX to be the authoritative text and therefore includes the extra books in its canon. The Roman Catholic Church
includes fewer of these books in its bible but refers to them as deuterocanonical85. Only the Protestant churches, and we think rightly, exclude these books but they do
provide a wealth of information about the Judaism that John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul would operate within.
The intertestamental period, or Second Temple Judaism86, saw the final sordid separation of Samaria and Judea and the appearance of the sects of the Pharisees,
Sadducees, Zealots and Essenes and much more. With the temple destroyed or profaned and the land under foreign occupation how did a Jew function? How would
YHWH’s presence return to the temple? How would YHWH rule the nations?
The Pharisees developed a system of strict legalistic obedience to the Torah. The Zealots advocated armed resistance to foreign occupation. The Essenes took the vow of a
Nazarite [Numbers 6:1-21] and lived in strict ascetic communities, practicing mikveh87, in the Judean wilderness east of Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea88. The Sadducees
denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of spirits and the obligation of oral tradition emphasizing acceptance of the written Torah alone.
84
manuscripts
85
“Second canon” as opposed to the first canon status of the other books.
86
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple_Judaism#The_Samaritans
87
Ceremonial washings or baptisms [see Luke 11:38; Hebrews 9:10] by complete immersion.
88
The area where Ezekiel the waters of healing would flow [see Cycle 1: Lesson 36 and Cycle 1: Lesson 37]
What?
v3:1a: A messenger will prepare the way for the one.
vv3:1b-4: The one will come suddenly to his temple. His coming will be unbearable but for the pleasing offering that he will offer to YHWH.
v3:5: The one will judge Israel swiftly. This very likely refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD which had already been revealed [see Cycle 1: Lesson 37] and Jesus
warns of [Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2 and Luke 21:5-6].
vv3:6-15: YHWH has not changed. The covenant has always required obedience right back to Adam our first representative. They can’t defend themselves before YHWH.
vv3:16-18: Those who fear YHWH and repent will be forgiven as a son!
vv4:1-3: Judgement is certain. We think of judgment as something negative but it is YHWH making good on his promise to redeem the cosmos. Incredible blessings will
come on those who fear YHWH. We will trample down the wicked refers to the final judgment. Again we see apocalyptic literature rolling up several events in time into a
single event as regards purpose. However by making YHWH’s covenant known we are bringing down eternal judgment on those who refuse to believe89.
vv4:4-6: Two things are required: (1) remember, i.e. obey, the Torah; and, (2) wait for Elijah. In other words, the Law and the Prophets, or OT, point us to the awesome day
of YHWH, i.e. Jesus coming in judgement to “bring back the hearts of the fathers to the sons, and the hearts of the sons to their fathers”. In a very real sense there is
nothing new. This has been the story all along.
When?
Malachi does not contain a date but “nearly all scholars agree that Malachi prophesied during the Persian period, and after the reconstruction and dedication of the second
temple in 516 CE.”90 Christian bibles always place it at the end of the OT which seems correct.
Why?
The exile and the partial return to the land have achieved little but there is always a faithful remnant. Their hope is the promise of the law and the prophets that YHWH will
send the one. The coming of Jesus will be the day of YHWH, i.e. judgment, and incredible mercy and forgiveness and a solution to sin and its effects that will work because it
does not depend on man but on YHWH himself made flesh.
89
In Revelation 2:26-28 Jesus himself transfers the words of Psalm 2 that speak of him judging the nations to the Christian who perseveres.
90
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachi#Period
King YHWH will soon rule over the nations. Don’t Jesus is YHWH. His kingdom has come and is The kingdom is very different to the pictures
give up. Observe the law and the prophets. coming. that pointed to it, e.g. no Messiah ruling from
This explains the rise of the Essenes and the Jerusalem but Jesus ruling from the sky and in
Prophet Pharisees. Jesus fulfilled the scriptures as the word us, no temple but rather the body of Christ
made flesh. He lived out all that was written which is the church, no priests except Jesus as
of him in submission and perfect obedience. our high priest, no going up to Jerusalem, no
land but the whole earth etc.
Priest Jesus will be the final high priest according to You search the scriptures because you
the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 10:4 quoted
think that you have eternal life in them
in Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:17].
and it is these that testify about me
Jesus [John 2:18-22, Colossians 1:19-20] is the [John 5:39]
Temple
temple.
Covenant- YHWH/Jesus will judge the nations. Covenant- The only covenant-keeper is Jesus. All the Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are
keeper keepers will be destroyed. Covenant-keepers scriptures, the exodus, the redemption of all saved by YHWH’s undeserved kindness. We
will be blessed. There is no distinction things only work because of Jesus’ submission obey and submit because we want to, i.e.
between Jew and gentile. and perfect obedience. circumcised hearts, permanent anointing of
the Holy Spirit etc.
Cycle 1: Lesson 39: Birth of Jesus
Scripture
Matthew 1:18-25
Mark was probably the first gospel written. Skipping the birth of Christ and beginning with John the Baptist Mark’s gospel transitions smoothly from Malachi. Why then did
the church91 put Matthew at the beginning of the NT? Matthew is placed first because he makes the most extensive use of the OT in the telling of story of the life of Jesus.
Early church traditions are unanimous that Matthew is Levi one of the twelve apostles. Levi was had been a tax-collector. As such he would have been literate. Although he
had worked for the Romans he likely had been educated in the synagogue as he has extensive knowledge of the OT and rabbinical teaching. He may even have been a
scribe in which case Matthew 13:52 may be autobiographical. Whether referring to Matthew or not the scribes did play the very important role of preserving the MSS of
the OT.
The scribes were closely associated with the Pharisees so this gospel is written from the perspective of a very high view of the details of the OT and their use to
authenticate the ministry of Jesus.
What?
vv18-19: Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Her fiancé Joseph intends to divorce her secretly.
vv20-21: Joseph is a “son of David”. The Messiah would be descended from David. An angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and assures him that Mary’s child has
been conceived by the Holy Spirit and not another man. This is a radical discontinuity in the narrative. No virgin has ever conceived a child. Something huge is being
announced. The baby will be called Jesus which means “YHWH saves”92! Why? Because “because he will save his people from their sins”! Jesus = YHWH93.
vv22-25: This cosmos changing event is firmly rooted by Matthew in the prophets. The Lord had already spoken of these events through Isaiah. The virgin would become
pregnant. Her son will be called Emmanuel which means “God with us”. Again Jesus = YHWH94. The child is born and in obedience Jospeh names him Jesus.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD95. Jesus was born c. 2-3BC.
91
By church we mean the universal consensus of the early Christian believers.
92
http://www.hebrew-streams.org/frontstuff/jesus-yeshua.html
93
Understand that this was written by Matthew with a scribal background in the period of Second Temple Judaism. This is not careless grammatical slip.
94
Ditto.
95
I am subscribing to the view of Kenneth Gentry et al that Daniel 9:24-27 refers to the sealing up of prophecy, i.e. closing the canon of scripture, before the destruction of Jerusalem in
70AD. Of course with apocalyptic literature we cannot be overly dogmatic on the temporal sequence!
Why?
The coming of Jesus was be the day of YHWH, i.e. judgment, and incredible mercy and forgiveness and a solution to sin and its effects that will work because it does not
depend on man but on YHWH himself made flesh.
Why was this written for Matthew’s What does this tell us about Jesus? What’s the application for us?
readers?
King Jesus is YHWH. His kingdom has come and is coming. The kingdom is very different to the pictures
that pointed to it, e.g. no Messiah ruling from
Prophet Jesus fulfilled the scriptures as the word made flesh. He lived out all that was written of him in Jerusalem but Jesus ruling from the sky and in
submission and perfect obedience. us, no temple but rather the body of Christ
which is the church, no priests except Jesus as
Priest Jesus will be the final high priest according to the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 10:4 quoted in our high priest, no going up to Jerusalem, no
Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:17]. land but the whole earth etc.
Jesus [John 2:18-22, Colossians 1:19-20] is the temple.
Temple
Covenant- The only covenant-keeper is Jesus. All the scriptures, the exodus, the redemption of all things Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are
keeper only work because of Jesus’ submission and perfect obedience. saved by YHWH’s undeserved kindness. We
obey and submit because we want to, i.e.
circumcised hearts, permanent anointing of
You search the scriptures because you
think that you have eternal life in them
and it is these that testify about me
[John 5:39]
Cycle 1: Lesson 40: John the Baptist Essene and baptism mikveh
Scripture
Matthew 3:1-12
Early church traditions are unanimous that Matthew is Levi one of the twelve apostles. Levi had been a tax-collector. As such he would have been literate. Although he had
worked for the Romans he likely had been educated in the synagogue as he has extensive knowledge of the OT and rabbinical teaching. He may even have been a scribe in
which case Matthew 13:52 may be autobiographical. Whether referring to Matthew or not the scribes did play the very important role of preserving the MSS of the OT. The
scribes were closely associated with the Pharisees so this gospel is written
from the perspective of a very high view of the details of the OT and their
use to authenticate the ministry of Jesus.
John the Baptist would have been identified as an Essene97 [see Cycle 1:
Lesson 39]. The Essenes took the vow of a Nazarite [separated person]
[Numbers 6:1-21] and lived in strict ascetic communities, practicing
mikveh98, in the Judean wilderness east of Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea
which was the area where Ezekiel saw the waters of healing flowing [see
Cycle 1: Lesson 36 and Cycle 1: Lesson 37]. John did not drink wine or beer
[Luke 1:15], ate locusts and wild honey and wore camel hair clothing like
96
97
Modern Jewish scholarship views the Essenes as the strictest set within the Pharisees. This would explain why John and then Jesus deride the Pharisess and Saducees without mentioning
the Essenes.
98
Ceremonial washing [βάπτισμα in the LXX and NT]. See Luke 11:38 and Hebrews 9:10.
Elijah [2 Kings 1:8] [Matthew 3:4]. Indeed John would have appeared a strict Essene and was the true Essene99 in that he was separated to YHWH and filled with the Holy
Spirt, i.e. shechinah100 or παρουσία101 from before birth [Luke 1:15]!
What?
vv1-3: John is preaching in the wilderness as foretold by the Isaiah [40:3]. The Essenes saw their ministry as a fulfilment of Isaiah 40:3102. Malachi 4:5 had further identified
him as Elijah, i.e. the definitive OT prophet [see Cycle 1: Lesson 39]. The wilderness would have reminded Jewish readers of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt:
Our fathers were all under the cloud and all went through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food,
and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. But God was not pleased with the majority
of them, for they were struck down in the desert. [1 Corinthians 10:1-5]103
John’s message, with all loaded imagery, was direct and simple, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
v4: John looked and lived the part of an Essene.
vv5-6: In the period of longing for the return of YHWH, after 400 years of silence, huge crowds are going out to be baptised or to participate in the Essene practice of mikveh104.
John links baptism with its essential meaning, i.e. repentance to access the presence of YHWH, and requires participants to confess their sins. The kingdom is very close.
vv7-10: John denies baptism to the Pharisees and Sadducees as they do not show the fruits of repentance. The condemnation of these groups will be picked up by Jesus in
his public ministry. “Flee from the coming wrath” echoes Zechariah 14:5. There is no room for merely external compliance to certain aspects of the Torah. Just as in the OT
a hear that seeks after YHWH is required. It is not a matter of ethnicity to be in God’s favour. The Jew-gentile distinction is irrelevant. God can raise up “children of Abraham
[i.e. Jews in this context] from…stones!” Furthermore faithless Jews will soon be cut off! The imagery is from Malachi 4:1 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 38]. This teaching will be
maintained by Jesus [John 15] and Paul [Romans 11]. Paul understood the purpose, as in the OT narrative, is to allow the gentiles to enter the kingdom105.
99
The Essenes like the Pharisees longed for the presence of YHWH to return and each group observed different but strict rituals in an attempt to hurry the day of YHWH.
100
Presence of YHWH.
101
Physical presence or arrival.
102
From The Rule of Community of the Essenes: As it is written: “In the desert, prepare the way of YHWH, straighten in the steppe a roadway for our God.” This is the study of the law which
he commanded through the hand of Moses, in order to act in compliance with all that has been revealed from age to age, and according to what the prophets have revealed through his holy
spirit. [1QS VIII, 12–16, trans. García Martínez and Tigchelaar,1997]
103
NT Wright argues that Paul retells the Exodus story here and elsewhere. The first exodus was YHWH rescuing the Israelites from Egypt. The second exodus is God rescuing the whole
creation from sin and death or wilderness.
104
See 2 above.
105
See 6 above.
vv11-12: John reminds us of the One who is imminent. John’s baptism is just water. The water is a symbol of the “Holy Spirt and fire”. Water is often used as a symbol of
the work of Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit and fire are not two separate things. Fire is a description of the work of the Holy Spirit.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD106. John’s public ministry, followed shortly by Jesus’, begins about You search the scriptures because
AD27. you think that you have eternal life
in them and it is these that testify
Why?
about me [John 5:39]
readers?
King Jesus’ kingdom has come and is coming. The kingdom is very different to the pictures
that pointed to it, e.g. no Messiah ruling from
Prophet John was the last and greatest OT prophet. Jesus is the complete or perfect prophet. He lived Jerusalem but Jesus ruling from the sky and in
out all that was written of him in submission and perfect obedience. He is the fullest revelation us, no temple but rather the body of Christ
of God. which is the church, no priests except Jesus as
our high priest, no going up to Jerusalem, no
Priest Jesus will be the final high priest according to the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 10:4 quoted in land but the whole earth etc.
Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:17].
Temple
Covenant- John insists on covenant keeping for entrance to the imminent kingdom. The only covenant- Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are
keeper keeper is Jesus. All the scriptures, the exodus, the redemption of all things only work because saved by YHWH’s undeserved kindness. We
of Jesus’ submission and perfect obedience. obey and submit because we want to, i.e.
circumcised hearts, permanent anointing of
learning outcomes
106
Cycle 1: Lesson 41: Temptation
Scripture
Matthew 4:1-11, 2 Kings 18:17-19:37 [see also Isaiah 36-37]
the OT. The scribes were closely associated with the Pharisees so this gospel is written from the perspective of a very high view of the details of the OT and their use to
What?
v1: The Judean wilderness is that place that Ezekiel saw the waters flowing from a new temple bringing salvation to the nations. It is also the region of John the Baptist and
the Essenes. Wilderness would also have reminded Jewish readers of the Exodus narrative and Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. What’s the exodus story
here? How will God save Israel Jesus?
vv2-4: 40 days signifies an important time period. See v1. Understandably Jesus was hungry as were the Israelites in the wilderness! It was then and now that the satan
attacks tempting Isreal Jesus to break with God’s clear leading. This shows that the satan is a real and active adversary. Israel failed and fell into sin. Jesus models the
perfect response to temptation. He quotes scripture from Deuteronomy 8:3. The full quote is:
And he humbled you and let you go hungry, and then he fed you with that which you did not know nor did your ancestors know, in order to make you know that
not by bread alone but by all that goes out of the mouth of Yahweh humankind shall live.
Jesus had applied himself to learning and understanding the scriptures and living in God’s narrative. Have we?
vv5-7: The satan ups the challenge by actually quoting scripture. Israel Jesus again responds with the word of God. The satan also knows the scriptures well so we must be
careful of false teaching even if it appears to come out of the bible, e.g. so-called Jehovah’s witnesses. The remedy to error and false teaching is always scripture and a
correct understanding. No one models this to us better than Jesus.
107
vv8-10:The satan continues to tempt Israel Jesus. The satan is persistent. Israel continued to fall into sin but Jesus is persistent with his use of the word of God to resist
temptation.
v11: We are not obviously aware of angels but they do exist and one of their functions was to minister to Isreal Jesus and by implication those who are in Isreal Jesus.
When?
You search the scriptures because
108
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD . John’s public ministry, followed shortly by Jesus’, begins about you think that you have eternal life
AD27. in them and it is these that testify
108
Why?
This is significant in that Jesus was tempted before the heavens and resisted. He is therefore shown to be the perfect covenant-keeping prophet, priest and king. Where
men, even those whose hearts followed after YHWH, failed Jesus will succeed. Only he will be able to offer a perfect sacrifice, himself, to appease God’s anger with sin.
The satan offers Jesus an alternative plan of salvation. Jesus just has to worship the satan for a moment. It appears so easy but God’s will and plan of salvation is the only
solution.
readers?
King Matthew’s readers might have been Jesus is the perfect king who can rule God’s people Jesus [“YHWH saves”] is the perfect
reminded of the chief advisor of the king of perfectly even better than a Hezekiah. Hezekiah Israel [“triumphant with God”] “but it
Assyria quoting Isaiah 33:6 [see 2 Kings pointed to Jesus. is not as if the word of God had failed
18:21]to make Hezekiah doubt YHWH. for not all those who are descended
Hezekiah resisted. from Israel are truly Israel” [Romans
9:6]
Prophet Jesus is the complete or perfect prophet. He lived out all that was written of him in submission and
perfect obedience. He is the fullest revelation of God.
Priest For we do not have a high priest who is not able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who has
been tempted in all things in the same way, without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
Jesus [John 2:18-22, Colossians 1:19-20] is the temple. Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We are saved
Temple
by YHWH’s undeserved kindness. We obey and
submit because we want to, i.e. circumcised
Covenant- The only covenant-keeper is Jesus. All the scriptures, the exodus, the redemption of all things only hearts, permanent anointing of the Holy Spirit
keeper work because of Jesus’ submission and perfect obedience. etc.
learning outcomes
Cycle 1: Lesson 42: Miracles
Scripture
Matthew 8:1-22, Isaiah 53
Matthew groups the miracles together in chapters 8 and 9. This is Matthew the scribe carefully organising the material! It also shows that although the gospels are
narrative they do not have the strict linear chronology we might expect of a modern historical account.
What?
vv1-4: Jesus has just preached the sermon on the mount outlining the true nature of the kingdom of God now being made known. This leper could not have been in the
crowd but he got the message. Jesus is YHWH. The leper worships Jesus. He recognizes that only Jesus/YHWH can make him clean.
In the OT lepers etc. were unclean and could not approach YHWH. This was a picture of the filth and corruption of sin separating us from YHWH. The leper believes, his sin
has been washed away and Jesus makes him ceremonially clean.
Jesus did not come to abolish Torah and so required the leper to obey the Law of Moses as a testimony to the priests.
Jesus also has a strategy from the Father. He is to be crucified but not now. If the leper shares what he has understood Jesus may be killed prematurely.
vv5-13: Salvation isn’t just for Israel. From a ceremonially unclean leper we now see Jesus bringing salvation to a gentile dog.
Like the leper, the centurion is humble. Jesus has just preached that “blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth.” [Matthew 5:5]. They are!! The centurion
even recognizes, like the leper, Jesus’ absolute sovereignty which necessarily implies his divinity. Even Jesus is astounded that his understanding greater than anyone is
Israel! The shift, always there, is becoming seismic: the Jews will be cut off and cast into hell and the gentiles will enter the kingdom.
vv14-15: Now Jesus’ attention now goes to, the inner core, the mother-in-law of an apostle. There is no distinction. All are entering the kingdom. She too it healed.
109
vv16-17: Matthew has done our work for us and links us back to Isaiah 53 which outlines almost step by step the life Jesus would live in obedience and submission to the
father. The Isaiah passage can be misunderstood by English readers in a contemporary context. In Hebrew and Greek the concepts of healing and salvation are almost
synonymous. The thrust of this passage is not that Jesus can heal our illnesses, which he can, but, much more, that he saves us from being cast into hell.
v18: Again there is a strategy. Huge crowds are forming. The Romans may intervene. Jesus must submit to the will of the father and the preordained time of his death.
vv19-22: The kingdom is here. Salvation is available to all without distinction. But the cost following Jesus is high. Many having seen and tasted the kingdom will not enter
in.
When?
110
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD . John’s public ministry, followed shortly by Jesus’, begins about you think that you have eternal life
Why?
In Isaiah 53 YHWH promised a future time of healing and restoration through the One. It is the one forbidden chapter of the Tanakh in Judaism111. In my opinion the LEB
translation is spectacular and is quoted in its entirety…
1 Who has believed our message, the chastisement for our peace was upon him,
and to whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? and by his wounds we were healed.
2 For he went up like a shoot before him, 6 All of us have wandered about like sheep;
and like a root from dry ground. He had no form and no majesty that we should we each have turned to his own way;
see him, and Yahweh let fall on him
and no appearance that we should take pleasure in him. the iniquity of us all.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, 7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
a man of suffering, and acquainted with sickness, yet he did not open his mouth;
and like one from whom others hide their faces, he was despised, he was brought like a lamb to the slaughter,
and we did not hold him in high regard. and like a sheep is dumb before its shearers,
4 However, he was the one who lifted up our sicknesses, so he did not open his mouth.
and he carried our pain, 8 He was taken by restraint of justice,
yet we ourselves assumed him stricken, and who concerned himself with his generation?
struck down by God and afflicted. For he was cut off from the land of the living;
5 But he was pierced because of our transgressions, he received a blow because of the transgression of my people.
crushed because of our iniquities; 9 He made his grave with the wicked,
110
111
My wife learnt this from a secular Jewish friend.
and with the rich in his death, he will be satisfied.
although he had done no violence, In his knowledge, the righteous one, my servant, shall declare many righteous,
and there was no deceit in his mouth. and he is the one who will bear their iniquities.
10 Yet Yahweh was pleased to crush him; 12 Therefore, I will divide to him a portion among the many,
he made him sick. and with the strong ones he will divide bounty,
If she places his life a guilt offering, because he poured his life out to death
he will see offspring. and was counted with the transgressors;
He will prolong days, and he was the one who bore the sin of many
and the will of Yahweh will succeed in his hand. and will intercede for the transgressors.
11 From the trouble of his life he will see;
readers?
King Matthew’s readers are inextricably pointed at Isaiah 53 as an explanation or commentary before the Jesus [“YHWH saves”] is the perfect
event. Israel [“triumphant with God”] “but it
is not as if the word of God had failed
Prophet Jesus is the complete or perfect prophet. He lived out all that was written of him in submission and for not all those who are descended
perfect obedience. He is the fullest revelation of God. from Israel are truly Israel” [Romans
9:6]. Here we see the gentiles
Priest “For we do not have a high priest who is not able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who has entering ahead of the Jews.
been tempted in all things in the same way, without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
Temple Jesus keeps the covenant for us. We
are saved by YHWH’s undeserved
Covenant- The only covenant-keeper is Jesus. All the scriptures, the exodus, the redemption of all things only kindness. We obey and submit
keeper work because of Jesus’ submission and perfect obedience. because we want to, i.e. circumcised
hearts, permanent anointing of the
Holy Spirit etc.
learning outcomes
Cycle 1: Lesson 43: John the Baptist and Jesus
Scripture
Matthew 11:1-19
Matthew groups all the miracles together in chapters 8 and 9. This is Matthew the scribe carefully organising the material! It also shows that although the gospels are
narrative they do not have the strict linear chronology we might expect of a modern historical account.
What?
vv1-6: John the Baptist is now in prison [Matthew 14:3-4]. John hears of Jesus’ public ministry and sends messengers to enquire of Jesus if he really is the One. Jesus
messages him back, as it were, referring to the miracles, which Matthew has collected together in the last two chapters, and quotes or alludes to a number of scriptures
from the Isaiah:
And on that day, the deaf shall hear Then the eyes of the blind shall be The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is upon Deaf people, listen!
the words of a scroll, opened, me, And blind people, look to see!
and the eyes of the blind shall see and the ears of the deaf shall be because Yahweh has anointed me, Isaiah 42:18 LEB
out of gloom and darkness. opened. he has sent me to bring good news to
And the meek have joy after joy[a] in Then the lame shall leap like the deer, oppressed,
Yahweh, and the tongue of the dumb shall to bind up the brokenhearted,
and the needy of the people shall sing for joy, to proclaim release to the captives
rejoice in the holy one of Israel. for waters shall break forth in the and liberation to those who are
Isaiah 29:18-19 LEB wilderness bound,
and streams in the desert. Isaiah 61:1 LEB
Isaiah 35:5-6 LEB
112
vv7-15: Having authenticated himself using the scriptures, Jesus not turns to the ministry of John. v13 is a reference to all the OT speaking until now. What do these
scriptures tell us about John [the Baptist]?
Jesus paraphrases Malachi 4:5. The original reads “Look! I am going to send to you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yahweh!”
[Malachi 4:5 LEB]
vv16-19: Jesus now turns to the crowd and analyses their response to him and John. He quotes a song that children sung in the market places so show that basically with
these people you just can’t win. Fast and abstain from alcohol like John, who had taken the vow of a Nazarene from birth, or the Israelites in the wilderness as a means of
knowing YHWH [Deuteronomy 29:6], and they say you have a demon. Eat and drink, like Jesus, because YHWH has cone, and then you’re a glutton and a drunkard and a
friend of sinners!
Jesus will be vindicated because “wisdom is vindicated by her deeds” [v19]. Wisdom personified reminds us of Proverbs and particularly 30:10-31. It is that life of perfect
obedience to the Father by which the Holy Spirit convinces us that Jesus is the One.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD113. John’s public ministry, followed shortly by Jesus’, begins about
AD27. you think that you have eternal life
in them and it is these that testify
Why? about me [John 5:39]
John [the baptist] and Jesus are not self-appoointed religious leaders. Their naratives flow from the OT scriptures and from the foundation of the world.
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by The entire bible is about Jesus.
the One, a single man who is the son of God and YHWH himself!
God has a plan to save the world in
Prophet The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout, as we have tried to show in this curriculum. He us the king Jesus. This was revealed in the OT and
of kings, his kingdom will have no end, he is the perfect high priest, he is the temple and he is the only by John the Baptist.
Priest man to perf.ectly keep the covenant.
Jesus is able to save fully those who
come to him.
Temple
Covenant-
learning outcomes
keeper
113
Cycle 1: Lesson 44: Disputes: Sabbath dispute
Scripture
Matthew 12:1-21
Jesus has already been emphatic that he did not “come to destroy the law or the prophets…but to fulfil them” [Matthew 5:17].
This is, perhaps at first sight, a difficult passage in that Jesus appears to ignore the law regarding the Sabbath. The question of the law and the Christian is a huge issue that
occupies much of the NT [Romans, Galations, Ephesians, Hebrews etc.]. Here we will meet part of Jesus’ teaching on the matter: distinguishing the Law from the man-made
additions.
The events described are particularly significant to Matthew personally as after Jesus called him he ate at Matthew’s home. The Pharisees then berated Jesus for eating at
table114 with “tax collectors and sinners” [Matthew 9:9-13]
What?
vv1-2: Jesus and his disciples are walking and picking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees condemn them for this. Clearly this is contrary to the Second Temple
Judaism/Pharisaical interpretation of the law. What does the law actually say?
Remember the day of the Sabbath, to consecrate it. Six days you will work, and you will do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh your God;
you will not do any work—you or your son or your daughter, your male slave or your female slave, or your animal, or your alien who is in your gates— because in
six days Yahweh made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and on the seventh day he rested. Therefore Yahweh blessed the seventh day and
consecrated it. [Exodus 20:8-11 LEB]
114
Even in Cyprus today the extended family eats together at table, a single long table, to mark family events and feast days. This is a covenant-type meal that implies an acceptance and
bond between those who eat together. How much more was this so in first century Palestine.
vv3-8: Jesus uses OT case law, i.e. how the law was observed in different circumstances, to refute the Pharisee’s understanding of the Sabbath. Furthermore he makes the
ground-shaking statement that he is greater than the Temple! Wow!
And you shall take finely milled flour, and you shall bake with it twelve ring- Now David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest...Now then, what do you
shaped bread cakes...so that it shall be for the bread as a memorial offering, an have at hand? Give me five loaves of bread or whatever is here.” The priest
offering made by fire for YHWH...in rows before YHWH continually; they are answered David and said, “There is no ordinary bread here at hand; there is
from the Israelites as an everlasting covenant. And it shall be for Aaron and for only holy bread, but only if the young men have kept themselves from
his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place, because it is a most holy thing for women.” David answered the priest and said to him, “Indeed, women were
him from YHWH’s offerings made by fire—a lasting rule. [Leviticus 24:5-9 LEB] held back from us as it has been when I’ve gone out before. And the things of
the young men are holy when it is an ordinary journey. How much more[h]
How much more permissible for Jesus
today will the things be holy?” So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there
and his disciples to “break” the was no bread there except the bread of the Presence, which was removed
Sabbath! from before Yahweh, in order to set hot bread there on the day when it was
taken away. [1 Samuel 21:1-6 LEB]
“Have you not read the law” infers that there are many more examples. Had the Pharisees read, i.e. understood, the law correctly? “Because I desire steadfast love and not
sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings”. [Hosea 6:6 LEB]
“Then Samuel said, “Is there as much delight for Yahweh in burnt offerings and sacrifices as there is in obeying YHWH? Look! To obey is better than sacrifice; to give heed
than the fat of rams.”” [1 Samuel 15:22 LEB]
vv9-14: Jesus heals on the Sabbath!
Jesus’ words contradict the Qumran scrolls [CD-A XI , 13-14] that did not even allow for an animal to be rescued on the Sabbath. Josephus also refers to such Sabbath laws
being in force in the 1st century. The broader issue that Jesus is confronting is the halakah, i.e. the vast almost exclusively oral115 traditions of the of Second Temple
Judaism that developed during the intertestamental “400 years of silence”.
vv15-21: Jesus continues to heal on the Sabbath, albeit now secretly, and quotes Isaiah to show that he is the One!
“Behold my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not quarrel or cry out,
115
Much of this teaching was recorded as the Talmud in the second century long after the destruction of Jerusalem in order to preserve the strict teaching of the rabbis amongst an
increasingly dispersed Jewish people without a Temple.
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A crushed reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not extinguish,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
[Matthew 11:18-21 LEB quoting Isaiah 42:1-4 LEB]
Jesus living in perfect obedience and submission to the YHWH knows that his foreordained murder will occur later. He is careful not to draw to much attention to himself
leading to this premature arrest. A perfect example of human responsibility and divine sovereignty.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD116. John’s public ministry, followed shortly by Jesus’, begins about you think that you have eternal life
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by Jesus did not abolish the Law.
We are to keeps God’s law.
Prophet
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout, as we have tried to show in this curriculum. He is the king of
We should be careful not to get
kings, his kingdom will have no end, he is the perfect high priest, he is the temple and he is the only
Priest caught up in man-made laws and
man to perfectly keep the covenant.
traditions that blind us to the true
Temple meaning of scripture.
Covenant-
keeper
learning outcomes
116
Cycle 1: Lesson 45: Parable: Parable of the sower
Scripture
Matthew 13:1-23
Parables are a separate literary genre inserted within the narrative of the gospel. It is self-evident that they are not to be taken literally but rather work as extended similes.
Examples include the parables of Jesus
What?
vv1-2: Jesus and his disciples are walking and picking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees condemn them for this. Clearly this is contrary to the Second Temple
Judaism/Pharisaical interpretation of the law. What does the law actually say?
Remember the day of the Sabbath, to consecrate it. Six days you will work, and you will do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh your God;
you will not do any work—you or your son or your daughter, your male slave or your female slave, or your animal, or your alien who is in your gates— because in
six days Yahweh made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and on the seventh day he rested. Therefore Yahweh blessed the seventh day and
consecrated it. [Exodus 20:8-11 LEB]
vv3-8: Jesus uses OT case law, i.e. how the law was observed in different circumstances, to refute the Pharisee’s understanding of the Sabbath. Furthermore he makes the
ground-shaking statement that he is greater than the Temple! Wow!
And you shall take finely milled flour, and you shall bake with it twelve ring- Now David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest...Now then, what do you
shaped bread cakes...so that it shall be for the bread as a memorial offering, an have at hand? Give me five loaves of bread or whatever is here.” The priest
offering made by fire for YHWH...in rows before YHWH continually; they are answered David and said, “There is no ordinary bread here at hand; there is
from the Israelites as an everlasting covenant. And it shall be for Aaron and for only holy bread, but only if the young men have kept themselves from
his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place, because it is a most holy thing for women.” David answered the priest and said to him, “Indeed, women were
him from YHWH’s offerings made by fire—a lasting rule. [Leviticus 24:5-9 LEB] held back from us as it has been when I’ve gone out before. And the things of
the young men are holy when it is an ordinary journey. How much more[h]
How much more permissible for Jesus
today will the things be holy?” So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there
and his disciples to “break” the was no bread there except the bread of the Presence, which was removed
Sabbath! from before Yahweh, in order to set hot bread there on the day when it was
taken away. [1 Samuel 21:1-6 LEB]
“Have you not read the law” infers that there are many more examples. Had the Pharisees read, i.e. understood, the law correctly? “Because I desire steadfast love and not
sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings”. [Hosea 6:6 LEB]
“Then Samuel said, “Is there as much delight for Yahweh in burnt offerings and sacrifices as there is in obeying YHWH? Look! To obey is better than sacrifice; to give heed
than the fat of rams.”” [1 Samuel 15:22 LEB]
vv9-14: Jesus heals on the Sabbath!
Jesus’ words contradict the Qumran scrolls [CD-A XI , 13-14] that did not even allow for an animal to be rescued on the Sabbath. Josephus also refers to such Sabbath laws
being in force in the 1st century. The broader issue that Jesus is confronting is the halakah, i.e. the vast almost exclusively oral117 traditions of the of Second Temple
Judaism that developed during the intertestamental “400 years of silence”.
vv15-21: Jesus continues to heal on the Sabbath, albeit now secretly, and quotes Isaiah to show that he is the One!
“Behold my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not quarrel or cry out,
117
Much of this teaching was recorded as the Talmud in the second century long after the destruction of Jerusalem in order to preserve the strict teaching of the rabbis amongst an
increasingly dispersed Jewish people without a Temple.
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A crushed reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not extinguish,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
[Matthew 11:18-21 LEB quoting Isaiah 42:1-4 LEB]
Jesus living in perfect obedience and submission to the YHWH knows that his foreordained murder will occur later. He is careful not to draw to much attention to himself
leading to this premature arrest. A perfect example of human responsibility and divine sovereignty.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD118. John’s public ministry, followed shortly by Jesus’, begins about you think that you have eternal life
readers?
Prophet
Covenant-
keeper
learning outcomes
118
Cycle 1: Lesson 46: Torah: A right reading of the Torah
Scripture
Matthew 15:1-20
The Torah refers to the books of Moses or first five books of the bible. The Torah contains the creation accounts [Cycle 1: Lesson 1, Cycle 2: Lesson 1 and Cycle 3: Lesson 1],
the fall [Cycle 1: Lesson 2], the increase of sin and wickedness in the ancient world [Cycle 1: Lesson 3, Cycle 2: Lesson 3, Cycle 3: Lesson 3 and Cycle 4: Lesson 3], the flood
Cycle 1: Lesson 4 and Cycle 2: Lesson 4, still increasing sin [Cycle 1: Lesson 5 and Cycle 2: Lesson 5] and then the call of Abraham [Cycle 1: Lesson 6, Cycle 2: Lesson 6, Cycle
3: Lesson 6 and Cycle 4: Lesson 6], Isaac [Cycle 1: Lesson 7 and Cycle 2: Lesson 7], Jacob [Cycle 1: Lesson 8, Cycle 2: Lesson 8, Cycle 3: Lesson 8 and Cycle 4: Lesson 8],
Joseph [Cycle 1: Lesson 9, Cycle 2: Lesson 9, Cycle 3: Lesson 9 and Cycle 4: Lesson 9] and enslavement in Egypt [Cycle 1: Lesson 10, Cycle 2: Lesson 10 and Cycle 3: Lesson
10]and the incredible Exodus story [Cycle 1: Lesson 11, Cycle 2: Lesson 11, Cycle 3: Lesson 11 and Cycle 3: Lesson 11] etc. The fifth book, called Deuteronomy in our bibles,
is a sermon of Moses that overviews the Law and provides a startling insight into the future of Israel as they are about to enter the Promised Land. They would abandon
YHWH [Deuteronomy 31:16,29] and seek a king like the nations around them [Deuteronomy 17:14-15] and eventually be driven out of the land [Deuteronomy 28:64] in
judgment by YHWH. But YHWH would send a unique prophet, the One, to save his people [Deuteronomy 18:15].
In this sense the rest of the OT, and even the NT, is just a fulfilment of the Torah. In the NT Law, or Torah, can refer to just the books of Moses or the entire OT.
What?
vv 1-2: The Pharisees and the scribes, by their own admission, are judging Jesus and his disciples by the halakah, i.e. the oral traditions of the Pharisees and not the
requirements of the Torah. The issue here is the washing of hands before eating. This may look like good advice for personal hygiene but it is not. Second Temple, or
intertestamental, Judaism with a lack of access to the Temple had developed a complex set of rules to attempt to restore the presence of YHWH.
vv 3-6: Jesus’ response, as always, is full of wisdom. Rather than deal with the specific issue of hand washing, Jesus goes to an example where the additional rabbinical
teachings outright contradict the Torah. This shows that adding to the word of God produces a religion of self-righteousness in which we are actually breaking the law119.
vv 7-9: Jesus is gentle with seekers but harsh with false teachers. Jesus knows that Isaiah had prophesied that this would happen. Instead of following after false Gods the
Jews had now developed a very strict monotheistic religion. The problem now is that is we add to the Torah, or by extension all of scripture, our hearts are actually far from
YHWH.
119
Qorban was widely practiced in the first century. By dedicating land or money to the temple you could avoid any claims on that wealth as long as you lived. An ancient ossuary inscription,
found near Jerusalem, is inscribed with almost the exact same words as v5b [Joseph A. Fitzmyer: The Semitic Background to the New Testament, Volume 1, 1997].
vv 10-11: Jesus uses the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the scribes as a teaching opportunity for the ordinary people who are witnessing the dispute. It is such a simple
truth: it not what goes into our mouths but rather what comes out that makes us guilty before God.
vv 12-14: Jesus then launches a public attack on the Pharisees and their false teaching. This seems harsh but it is false religion that adds to the word of God that keeps
people from salvation. Supposed good works, let alone those made up by humans, will never save a human being.
vv 15-20: Incredibly the disciples did not understand! Jesus is not more graphic and explicit as he unpacks his previous statement. Whatever we eat just gets pooped out. It
makes no difference to who we are. Rather it is all the sinful behaviour that originates in our hearts that make us stand condemned before God. Following a few man-made
rules won’t fix anything.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD120. John’s public ministry begins about AD27.
Why?
Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, or Torah, but to fulfil it as the only perfect covenant keeper. We cannot keep the Law, and certainly should not add to it, and can
only turn to Jesus for forgiveness. If we think we can please God by making up extra laws, as if to please him or win his favour, we are deceived.
readers?
Prophet
Covenant-
keeper
learning outcomes
same as last
120
week…reinforce!
Cycle 1: Lesson 47: Jesus predicts his death
Scripture
Matthew 16:21-28, 17:22-23, 20:17-19

This section of Matthew [15:21-18:14] is the longest stretch without any direct quotes from the OT. However Matthew has earlier made it abundantly clear that Jesus is the
One of whom the entire scriptures speak. Although there are no direct quotes the entire section is saturated with allusions from the OT. This shows us that Jesus got his
theology and application from a thorough knowledge of the scriptures and not simply a separated revelation from the Father or the Spirit or even his own divine nature.
Jesus is now spelling it out to the disciples that is he is the One that we saw the OT scriptures predict and long for: the prefect priest, the temple, the covenant keeper etc.
Israel according to the flesh had failed. Jesus will triumph but fulfilment and perfect faithfulness will mean his brutal murder at the hands of sinful men.
What?
Matthew 16
v21: It was clear, although as far as we know the Jews missed it, that the Messiah must suffer. This was revealed through Isaiah 52-53, Psalm 22 and the sacrificial
system of the Law etc...
Just as many were appalled at you—
such was his appearance beyond human disfigurement,
and his form beyond the sons of mankind—
so he shall sprinkle many nations;
because of him, kings shall shut their mouths.
Isaiah 52:14-15b LEB
… which surely references the triumphant Messiah of Psalm 2:10-12…
So then, O kings, be wise.
Be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve Yahweh with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son
lest he be angry and you perish on the way,
for his anger burns quickly.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Continuing in Isaiah…
However, he was the one who lifted up our sicknesses,
and he carried our pain,
yet we ourselves assumed him stricken,
struck down by God and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
crushed because of our iniquities;
the chastisement for our peace was upon him,
and by his wounds ⌊we were healed⌋.
Isaiah 53:4-5 LEB
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he received a blow because of the transgression of my people.
Isaiah 53:8 LEB
See also Psalm 22.
The resurrection is harder to see foretold in the OT121.
v22-23: Peter who has just professed that Jesus is the Christ [v16] does not understand and strongly objects to Jesus suffering. Jesus rebukes him strongly identifying his
seemingly good intentions with the will of Satan! We must follow the will of God not people.
v24-26: Jesus is the suffering servant. He is the covenant-keeper in whom all the promises of God are yes and amen. In Christ we are the suffering servant. We must suffer
and lose our life in order to gain eternal life. Paul and Peter will pick this up later…
But to the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice and be glad.
1 Peter 4:13 LEB
…heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer together with him so that we may also be glorified together with him.
Romans 8:17 LEB
vv27: This seems to refer to the oft-named “second coming” of Jesus and final judgment. Those who are in Christ can be sure there sins are forgiven but we will be judged
for our good works.
121
Paul would quote Isaiah 55:3. Some cite Hosea 6:2.
v28: Jesus is clear. His coming will be in the near future not simply a single “second” coming in the distant future. In the OT the “day of YHWH” or “coming of YHWH” is
always a day of judgment. Here Jesus is almost certainly referring to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem by the Romans in AD70 and identifies his
kingdom with terrible judgement [in this case against the Romans]. His final judgment will bring the judgment against all the nations. Jesus is therefore YHWH.122
Matthew 17
vv22-23: Jesus predicts his death and resurrection the second time. The disciples are “distressed” even though Jesus has so strongly opposed Peter’s lack of understanding.
The disciples just don’t get it. Why would Jesus if he is the Christ suffer if the Messiah is going to rule over the nations, vindicate Israel who is now humiliated and
humbled before its enemies etc. There are two aspects to the answer…
1. The Messiah must suffer to bear the punishment of his peoples’ sin. This has been revealed through Isaiah etc. and even modelled in the life of David [see Psalm
22]. YHWH has already been humiliated in apparently abandoning his people and the land is now occupied by Romans. This humiliation will come to fulfilment
in a suffering and humiliated Messiah.
2. In the heavenly counsel that we were given a glimpse of in Job we learnt that YHWH even controls Satan. In the life of Job the purpose of YHWH permitting
Satan to persecute Job was that YHWH be glorified by faithful Job. How much more was YHWH glorified by a faithful son to be killed at the hands of sinful men
as agents of Satan.
Yet Yahweh was pleased to crush him;
he ⌊made him sick⌋.
If she places his life a guilt offering,
he will see offspring.
He will prolong days,
and the will of Yahweh will succeed in his hand.
Isaiah 53:10 LEB
Matthew 20
vv17-19: Jesus predicts his death and resurrection the second time. This time there are no objections! The disciples are beginning to understand.
When?
Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD123. John’s public ministry begins about AD27. The crucifixion was in AD30.
122
An alternative view is that Jesus’ imminent coming in glory was the Transfiguration.
123
Why?
Jesus is the One. He is the perfect king, perfect prophet, perfect priest, perfect temple and covenant keeper that we saw the OT point toward in lesson after lesson. Jesus
now makes it clear that as the perfect faithful Messiah that he must die to pay the price for the sins of his people and be extension to redeem the whole cosmos.
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by Jesus as Messiah had to be humiliated
the One, a single man who is the son of God and YHWH himself! to pay the penalty for the sin of his
Prophet people.
kings, his kingdom will have no end, he is the perfect high priest, he is the temple and he is the only Jesus would rise again as he was
Priest
man to perfectly keep the covenant. victorious over sin and death.
Temple We are to suffer because Jesus
All now becomes

suffered.
Covenant-
keeper
clear. Make sure the

children know why Jesus
died…emphasise!
Cycle 1: Lesson 48: Treachery of the chief priests and elders
Scripture
Matthew 26:1-16

The Maccabean revolt [167 to 160 BC] had been against Greek rule and the desecration of the temple with a statue of Zeus124. The temple had been repaired and
rededicated by Herod in the 1st century BC. Herod was a Judean client king of the Romans. The result was a complicated relationship between the Jewish authorities, the
chief priests and elders, and Rome. In return for their compliance Judah was granted immunity from idol worship and could follow the Torah. The Zealots did not comply
and were something like a terror network seeking to expel the Romans. In the desert the Essenes has completely withdrawn from Judean society which they saw as
apostate.
What?
vv1-5: Jesus again predicts his death by crucifixion. He is very specific. He will be handed over to be killed in two days on the Passover. Jesus was the Passover lamb slain
from the foundation of the world. No sooner has he spoken than the elders and priests assemble together to plot how to kill him. They wish to avoid the Passover
as many will be in Jerusalem at that time and the resulting uproar would mean trouble with the Romans.
Notice that it is Jesus who speaks, knowing the will of his father, and then begins the plot to kill him.
“Israelite men, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power and wonders and signs that God did through
him in your midst, just as you yourselves know — this man, delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing to a
cross through the hand of lawless men.
Acts 2:22-23 LEB
This brings us back to the heavenly council of Job 1:1-2:13 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 19]. It is a difficult concept but ultimately of great comfort to the believer that not
only the good things but bad things happen because of God …
...for the administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him in whom
also we were chosen, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
Ephesians 1:10-11 LEB
God even sends evil spirits…
And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem, and the lords of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech.
Judges 9:23 LEB
124
Taken by the rabbis as the “abomination of desolation” [Daniel 9:27, 11:31 and 12:11] although Jesus speaks of this as a future event [Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14]
Now the Spirit of Yahweh departed from Saul and an evil spirit from Yahweh tormented him. So the servants of Saul said to him, “Look please, an evil spirit
from God is tormenting you. Please, let our lord command your servants who are before you! Let them seek a man skilled in playing on the lyre. When the
evil spirit from God is upon you, he can play on it and you will feel better.”
1 Samuel 16:14-16 LEB
vv6-13: In a moment Jesus will be betrayed but there is a beautiful scene at the house of “Simon the leper”. A leper was ceremonially unclean according to the Torah yet
Jesus is sitting at table with him! At the table there is a woman who is identified by Luke as a sinful woman [Luke 7:37]! And according to Luke the host was a
Pharisee! So Jesus in the awful moment chooses to eat with unclean people and sinners! Is this not a lived out picture of the incarnation?
And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 LEB
The woman anoints Jesus with expensive ointment and whether she was fully aware of the implication Jesus tells us that this was to prepare him for his burial [v12].
Remember the strange gift from a magos to the infant Jesus?
And when they came into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. And opening their treasure boxes,
they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh125.
Matthew 2:11 LEB
The disciples again miss the significance and complain as to the waste of money. The Torah is very clear about YHWH’s concern for the poor but the events in this
narrative are unique and the woman was quite right to draw attention to them.
vv14-16: Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, goes to the chief priests to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver coins as prophesied by Zechariah [11:13] centuries earlier. Some
have argued126 that the name Iscariot identifies Judas as a Zealot in which case he may well have wanted to hasten Jesus arrest to force Jesus into destroying the
Romans and liberating Israel from foreign occupation. This does not excuse his sin…
The Son of Man is going just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if that man had
not been born.”
Matthew 26:24 LEB
Just because God is in control does not mean we are not responsible for our sin…
What therefore shall we say? Shall we continue in sin, in order that grace may increase? May it never be! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or do
you not know that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
125
The ancient Egyptians used myrrh to embalm the dead. See Fritze, Ronald H. "New worlds: The great voyages of discovery 1400-1600". Sutton Publishing Limited, 2002, p25. It would be
offered to Jesus as he died on the cross [Mark 15:23] and used in the burial of Jesus [John 19:39]. Very likely this ointment contained myrrh.
126
Bastiaan van Iersel, Mark: A Reader-Response Commentary, Continuum International (1998), p. 167; Andrew Gabriel-Yizkhak Roth bar Raphael, Aramaic English New Testament (5th
Edition; Sedro-Woolley, Wash.: Netzari Press, 2012), 278fn177.
Romans 6:1-3 LEB
When?
Why?
now makes it clear that as the perfect faithful Messiah that he must die to pay the price for the sins of his people and be extension to redeem the whole cosmos.
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by God had for Jesus to be murdered
the One, a single man who is the son of God and YHWH himself! before the foundation of the world.
Prophet
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout, as we have tried to show in this curriculum. He is the king of God loves us so much. He always
kings, his kingdom will have no end, he is the perfect high priest, he is the temple and he is the only planned to save us.
Priest
God used men’s wickedness to roll out
Temple this plan.
Covenant-
keeper
All now becomes Just because God is in control does
not mean we are not responsible for
our sin.
died…emphasise!
127
Cycle 1: Lesson 49: Death of Jesus
Scripture
Matthew 27:32-56

Little of certainty is known about Simon of Cyrene. Cyrene was a Greek colony in present-day Libya. It was a city to which c. 100 000 Jews had been exiled during the reign
of Ptolemy Soter (323–285 BC) and was an early centre of Christianity. The Cyrenian Jews had a synagogue in Jerusalem, where many went for annual feasts.128
What?
v32: Simon a Jew from Cyrene would have been visiting Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus had just eaten his last Passover meal with his disciples [Matthew
26:29]. Unwittingly he is forced by the Roman occupiers to participate in the very thing that for more than a millennium the Passover had pointed toward.
Scripture after scripture is being fulfilled.
vv33-34 Jesus is offered wine mixed with gal, as an analgesic, and foretold by David…
Answer me, O Yahweh, because your loyal love is good;

according to your abundant mercies, turn to me,
and do not hide your face from your servant.
Because I am in trouble, answer me quickly.
Draw near to my soul; redeem it.
Because of my enemies, ransom me.
You know my reproach, my shame and my disgrace.
Fully known to you are all my adversaries.
Reproach has broken my heart and I am sick.
And I hoped for sympathy, but there was none,
and for comforters, but I found none.
They also gave me gall for food,
and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Psalm 69:16-21 LEB
Jesus declines. It is the Father’s will that he suffers
“Father, if you are willing, take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42 LEB
128
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_of_Cyrene
vv35-37 Jesus was stripped and crucified. The Roman soldiers cast lots for his clothes…
They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
Psalm 22:18 LEB
The soldiers were commanded by Pilate [John 19:22] to put a plaque above him identifying his “crime” as “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews”!! The Romans
were beginning to understand something of Jesus. As his executioners they sit to watch Jesus die.
vv38-44 Jesus is executed alongside criminals. Passers-by mock Jesus: “The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are
the Son of God, come down from the cross!” [v40]. Little do they understand that although Jesus would destroy the temple in 70AD his prophecy had
referred to himself and his promised resurrection…
Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up!” Then the Jews said, “This temple has been under
construction forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
John 2:19-21 [LEB]
The chief priests, scribes and elders joined in the mocking. Although not every Jew rejected Jesus, there were after all 110 Jews gathered on the day of
Pentecost just weeks later, Matthew is showing that as a nation they had rejected YHWH and his son their Messiah129.
The leaders are heaping utter condemnation on themselves taunting Jesus, “Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him!” [v42] as
when Jesus was raised from the dead they continued in their unbelief!
vv45-47 Darkness indicates God’s judgement130. Darkness is the creation before God gave it purpose [Genesis 1:1-5]. In this place of utter despair Jesus calls out to
his Father “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) [v46]. Knowing the purposes of God and yet suffering like
the Psalmist he prays to God…
My God, my God why have you forsaken me?
Why are you far from helping me, far from the words of my groaning?
Psalm 22:1 [LEB]
What an encouragement to know that crying out to God in our suffering is not a lack of faith but modelled to us in the Psalms and by the Lord Jesus Christ
himself at his darkness moment separated from his Father and experiencing his wrath.
v48 Again Jesus is offered an analgesic. His suffering, greater by far than any man had ever suffered, is evident to the onlookers.
vv49-53 They have misheard Jesus’ prayer [v47]. Jesus dies in agony. The Temple curtain that separated the Holy of Holies, that the High Priest could enter but once
a year and even die in YHWH’s presence, was torn in two! Access to YHWH has been achieved through the death of Jesus! In case we still haven’t
understood there was an earthquake, i.e. an apocalyptic-type metaphor actually happened [!!], and saints, i.e. holy ones, who were already dead were
resurrected and appeared to many. The healing of the nations has arrived…
129
We must be careful not to be anti-Semitic. The Jews did rebel and were cast off as YHWH had said would happen but the Apostle Paul gives us the reason: “They did not stumble so that
they fell, did they? May it never be! But by their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them to jealousy. And if their trespass means riches for the world and their
loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean?” Romans 11:11-12 [LEB]
130
Deuteronomy 28:28-29, Job 5:13-14, Isaiah 5:30, Isaiah 8:22, Nahum 1:8, Joel 2:31, Matthew 25:30, Matthew 22:13, 2 Peter 2:17, Revelation 16:10-11 etc.
But he was pierced because of our transgressions,
crushed because of our iniquities;
the chastisement for our peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we were healed.
Isaiah 53:5 [LEB]
Salvation, as in salve or ointment, has arrived for both Jew and Greek, i.e. all the nations, and has been applied backwards in time. Moses and Elijah were
already resurrected and had appeared to the transfigured Jesus [Matthew 17:1-13]. This is pictured here by the resurrected saints. Salvation is flowing from
the death of Jesus backwards and forwards in time!
vv54-56 The eye witnesses of the events here described were Roman soldiers and women NOT the male Jewish leaders who had refused to believe…
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 [LEB]
When?
131
Why?
now as the perfect faithful Messiah dies to pay the price for the sins of his people and by extension to redeem the whole cosmos…
For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us. For the eagerly expecting
creation awaits eagerly the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation has been subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it, in
hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its servility to decay, into the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation
groans together and suffers agony together until now. Not only this, but we ourselves also, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves while we await eagerly our adoption, the redemption of our body. For in hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what
he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we await it eagerly with patient endurance.
Romans 8:18-25 [LEB]
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by God had ordained for Jesus to be
the One, a single man who is the son of God and YHWH himself! murdered before the foundation of
Prophet the world.
kings, his kingdom will have no end, he is the perfect high priest, he is the temple and he is the only God loves us so much. He always
Priest
man to perfectly keep the covenant. planned to save us.
Temple God saves all sorts of people including
All now becomes

little children.
Covenant-
keeper

died…emphasise!
Cycle 1: Lesson 50: Christos anesti!
Scripture
Matthew 28:1-15

Second Temple Judaism had developed a clear belief in the resurrection of the dead having notices passages such as…
Your dead shall live; their corpses shall rise.
Wake up and sing for joy, dwellers of the dust,
for your dew is celestial dew,
and the earth will give birth to dead spirits.
Isaiah 26:19 [LEB]
Thus says the Lord Yahweh to these bones: “Look! I am bringing into you breath, and you will live!
Ezekiel 37:5 [LEB]
However, no one, as far as we know, had understood that the Messiah would be YHWH himself and that he must be murdered to satisfy YHWH’s anger at this people’s sin
and to avoid the consequences of sin, namely, death [Romans 6:23]. The problem of sin was far more serious than they had understood affecting the very fabric of the
cosmos [Romans 8:19-22]. Jesus was YHWH and had been brutally murdered [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49]. But death could not hold him. The fine had been paid to appease
YHWH’s justice. Jesus had truly died but had to come back to life.
What?
v1 It is the day after the Sabbath, the first day of the week or Sunday, which would become known as Κυριακή ημέρα [Lord’s Day] [Revelation 1:10] which has survived
into modern Greek. Women NOT men come to see the tomb [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49].
v2 There is an earthquake [apocalyptic symbolism is actually happening]. This is a ground breaking event. An angel has come down from the sky and opened the tomb.
v3 His appearance is like the angel that appeared to Daniel in a vision…
And I lifted up my eyes and I saw, and there was a man…and his face was like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes were like torches of fire…
Daniel 10:5-6 [LEB]
v4 Just like Daniel and his companions the angel sucks the strength out of the Roman soldiers…
…a great trembling fell upon them and they fled in order to hide themselves…and as a result no strength was left in me and my complexion grew deathly
pale, and I did not retain any strength. And…when I heard the sound of his words I myself began falling into a trance on my face, with my face to the
ground.
Daniel 10:7-9 [LEB]
vv5-7 The terrifying angel assures the women not to be afraid that Jesus has been raised from the dead just as he had foretold! They are invited to see the empty tomb. `
The women are instructed to tell the disciples of the resurrection and that Jesus will meet them in Galilee.
v8 The women obey with fear and great joy. This sets the scene for…
v9 They are met by the risen Jesus. They grab his feet [this not a vision or spirit] and worship him. They worship the risen Jesus. The most basic tenet of Judaism was
the shema…
“Hear, Israel, Yahweh our God, Yahweh is one."
Deuteronomy 6:4
YHWH alone is to be worshipped…
I am Yahweh; that is my name,
and I do not give my glory to another,
nor my praise to the idols.
Isaiah 42:8 [LEB]
The women have understood. Jesus is YHWH. Jesus does not decline to be worshipped unlike Peter [Acts 10:25-26], an angel [Revelation 19:10] etc. Thus from the
first moments after the resurrection the church has understood the divinity of Jesus132.
v10 Jesus repeats the message of the angel indicating that it came from him whereas the message came from YHWH!
vv11-15 The soldiers report to the chief priests and the elders was has happened. The leader of Israel still refuse to believe…
But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 16:31 [LEB]
The soldiers are bribed to hide the truth. Again and again the Jews, as represented by the leaders, utterly reject YHWH. This was always God’s plan to bring
salvation to the gentiles [Romans 11:11].
When?
132
Some claim that the divinity of Christ was something that developed later and hence references to it are scant in the NT. On the contrary it was professed from the very beginning and
there is no record until Arius [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arius] in the third century that it was ever denied.
133
Why?
Jesus is the One. He is the perfect king, perfect prophet, perfect priest, perfect temple and covenant keeper that we saw the OT point toward in lesson after lesson. Jesus is
YHWH himself, as the perfect faithful Messiah died to pay the price for the sins of his people and by extension to redeem the whole cosmos [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49].
“Israelite men, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power and wonders and signs that God did through him in
your midst, just as you yourselves know— this man, delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing to a cross through the
hand of lawless men. God raised him up, having brought to an end the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says with
reference to him,
‘I saw the Lord before me continually,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken. This quotation from Psalm 16:8-11 does
For this reason my heart was glad not at a cursory glance seem to speak of
and my tongue rejoiced greatly, the resurrection but Peter had understood.
furthermore also my flesh will live in hope,
David wrote of himself but really was
because you will not abandon my soul in Hades,
nor will you permit your Holy One to experience decay. speaking of Jesus his “son”.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with gladness with your presence.’
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by God had ordained for Jesus to be
the One, a single man who is the son of God and YHWH himself! murdered before the foundation of
Prophet the world.
Priest kings, his kingdom will have no end, he is the perfect high priest, he is the temple and he is the only Jesus in God.
Jesus paid the price for the sin of all
Temple who would believe in him.
Covenant-
keeper
Make sure the If there is no sin there is no death. We
will have eternal life with Jesus in the
new creation.
died…emphasise!
Cycle 1: Lesson 51: Great commission
Scripture
Matthew 28:16-20
We continue directly on from last week’s passage [see Cycle1: Lesson 51]. Jesus has died to pay the penalty demanded by YHWH’s justice for the sins of his people both
before and after his coming. Jesus has been raised from the dead as death cannot hold him nor those who are his. We are saved from sin and its consequences.
What now?
What?
v16 Judas is now dead. He committed suicide after betraying Jesus. The 11 remaining disciples [who will later be “apostles”] go to Galilee as they had been commanded
by the angel who met the women at Jesus’ empty tomb. Why Galilee?
The transfiguration may have taken place on Mount Tabor in Galilee134. Although the angel had said just Galilee, a huge area, the disciples had understood they
were heading to a mountain. The transfiguration was a heaven-meets-earth event. So were the death and resurrection of Jesus. What is the next heaven-meets-
earth event?
v17 They meet Jesus and worship him. To repeat what was said last lesson [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49]…
The most basic tenet of Judaism was the shema…
“Hear, Israel, Yahweh our God, Yahweh is one."
Deuteronomy 6:4
YHWH alone is to be worshipped…
I am Yahweh; that is my name,
and I do not give my glory to another,
nor my praise to the idols.
Isaiah 42:8 [LEB]
The women and now the disciples have understood. Jesus is YHWH. Jesus does not decline to be worshipped unlike Peter [Acts 10:25-26], an angel [Revelation
19:10] etc. Thus, from the time of the resurrection the church has understood the divinity of Jesus135.
134
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_of_Jesus#Location_of_the_mountain
135
See footnote 132.
But some doubted136. The death and resurrection of the Messiah let alone his divinity had suddenly appeared as it were out of nowhere as far as a first century Jew
had understood things.
vv18-19 Jesus tells the eleven that all authority in the sky and on the land, i.e. the whole cosmos, had been given to him. This resonates with Psalm 2 etc…
Why are nations in tumult, today I have begotten you.

and countries plotting in vain? Ask from me and I will make the nations your heritage,
The kings of the earth establish themselves, and your possession the ends of the earth.
and the rulers conspire together You will break them with an iron rod.
against YHWH and his anointed: Like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.”
“Let us tear off their bonds, So then, O kings, be wise.
and cast their cords from us!” Be warned, O rulers of the earth.
He who sits enthroned in the heavens laughs. Serve YHWH with fear,
The Lord derides them. and rejoice with trembling.
Then he speaks to them in his wrath, Kiss the Son
and in his fury he terrifies them: lest he be angry and you perish on the way,
“But as for me, I have set my king for his anger burns quickly.
on Zion, my holy mountain.” Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
I will tell the decree;
Psalm 2 [LEB]
YHWH said to me:
“You are my son;
The Jews expected a Messiah who would rule the nations from Zion. They were correct but the means by which he would rule would be through his people. Psalm 2
is the most quoted Psalm in the NT, lest we have any doubt it speaks of Jesus, BUT Revelation 2 Jesus applies the words written of him to the Christian that
perseveres…
And the one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him authority over the nations, and “he will shepherd them with an iron rod;
he will break them in pieces like jars made of clay,” as I also have received from my Father, and I will give him the morning star. The one who has an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 2:26-29 [LEB]
How will Christians subdue the nations? How will Jesus rule over the nations be irresistible? What are our marching orders?
“Therefore…
136
The doubts of Thomas and Jesus’ later appearance leading Thomas to proclaim “My Lord and my God” are recorded by John [John 20:24-29].
Because the resurrected Christ cannot but rule the nations
go and make disciples [μαθητεύσατε] all the nations
Make all the nations into students. How!?
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
singular plurality
Circumcision had marked entry into the covenant community BUT it also distinguished the Jews from the nations around them AND it necessarily involved the
shedding blood. Now the people of God, the church, are marked out by baptism, a bloodless sign and seal. There is now Jew/gentile distinction. The distinction now
becomes in Christ/not in Christ.
The Father is YHWH. Now they have understood that Jesus is YHWH and are worshipping him. In the progressive revelation of scripture, the Holy Spirit is now
revealed as YHWH. This teaching would much later be called the doctrine of the trinity. Jesus formulates the doctrine simply and profoundly. God is one. Yes, yes,
yes. But he is not singular!
teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you
Baptised persons, families and groups are members of the visible church and it is the church’s calling to instruct them to obey all Jesus ‘commands, i.e. all the
scripture.
and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.”
Jesus will be with us by his Spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit, till the new creation [see Cycle 1: Lesson 53].
When?
About 30AD. Matthew wrote his gospel no later than about 60AD137.
Why?
There is a strong parallel here with Joshua138 Jesus leading the Israelites into the promised land.
After the death of Moses…, YHWH said to Joshua Jesus son of Nun…Get up and cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to
them...Every place that the soles of your feet will tread, I have given it to you, as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and the Lebanon, up to the great river,
the river Euphrates, all of the land of the Hittites, and up to the great sea in the west, will be your territory. No one will stand before you all the days of your life...
Only be strong and very courageous to observe diligently the whole law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it, to the right or left, so
that you may succeed wherever you go. The scroll of this law will not depart from your mouth; you will meditate on it day and night so that you may observe
137
138
In Hebrew and Greek Jesus and Joshua are the same name.
diligently all that is written in it. For then you will succeed in your ways and prosper. Did I not command you? Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or be
dismayed, for YHWH your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:1-9 [LEB]
The Great Commission is a reboot of the failed entering into the promised land, now no longer limited to a region in the Near East but extending to the very ends of the
Earth. This time success is certain as we have a new Jesus who is the One. He is the perfect king, perfect prophet, perfect priest, perfect temple and covenant keeper that
we saw the OT point toward in lesson after lesson. Jesus is YHWH himself, as the perfect faithful Messiah he died to pay the price for the sins of his people and by extension
to redeem the whole cosmos [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49]. Jesus has now risen demonstrating that death, the consequence of sin, has no hold over him and those who are his
[see Cycle 1: Lesson 50].
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by Jesus is the new Joshua.
He commands the church to teach all
Prophet
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout, as we have tried to show in this curriculum. He is the king of the world to be his disciples.
Priest The church is to baptise those who
come to Jesus.
Temple He delegates his authority over the nations to us, the church, so we become prophets, priests and
YHWH is a tri-unity. One God. Three
kings.
Covenant- persons.
keeper The church is to teach all the world to
follow his commandments, i.e. all the
bible.
People from all nations will come to
Learning outcomes Jesus.
Cycle 1: Lesson 52: The ascension
Scripture
Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11
Matthew’s gospel ends with the Great Commission. Jesus has died to pay the penalty demanded by YHWH’s justice for the sins of his people both before and after his
coming. Jesus has been raised from the dead as death cannot hold him nor those who are his. We are saved from sin and its consequences. In the Great Commission Jesus
gave the eleven instructions to rule the nations on his behalf.
We switch Luke as he is the only writer, in both his gospel and Acts, to narrate Jesus’ ascension into the sky. The miraculous ascent into the sky in the narrative indicates
another ground-shaking event. Jesus will leave them to win the nations but he will send his Holy Spirit so he can continue to be with us.
Luke’s gospel begins with the temple [Luke 1] and ends with Jesus ascending into the sky out of sight of the temple with its curtain torn in two. The beginning of the story
was the cosmic temple of Genesis 1 where YHWH would dwell [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1]. That temple was damaged by sin [see Cycle 1: Lesson 12. Jesus ascends into the sky
to restore the entire cosmos.
What?
Luke 24
vv50-53Only Luke139 has the ascension of Jesus into the sky140. The angel at the empty tomb had instructed them through the women to head to Bethany where Jesus
would meet them. What is the significance of little Bethany?
The NT references to Bethany are141…
• The raising of Lazarus from the dead [John 11:1–46]
• The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday which Jesus begins near Bethany [Mark 11:1 and Luke 19:29]
• The lodging of Jesus in Bethany during the following week [Matthew 21:17 and Mark 11:11–12]
• The dinner in the house of Simon the Leper, at which Mary anoints Jesus [Matthew 26:6–13, Mark 14:3–9 and John 12:1–8]
• The Ascension of Jesus into heaven [Luke 24:50]
139
ignoring the uncertain longer ending to Mark’s gospel
140
In the Greek there is one word, ουρανός as in modern Greek, for heaven and sky. In Hebrew there is sky and a plural, heavens, referring to ancient cosmology. In both cases the literal sky
is used as a symbol of YHWH’s authority and the place from which he rules the cosmos.
141
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_(biblical_village)#New_Testament_references_to_Bethany
According to the Temple Scroll at Qumran “three places for the care of the sick…are to be located to the east of Jerusalem…[with] a (minimum) radius of three
thousand cubits…around the city within which nothing unclean shall be seen (XLVI:13–18). Since Bethany was, according to John, fifteen stadia…from the holy
city…Bethany lay below to the southeast…which may have made its location suitable as a place for care of the sick, "out of view" of the Temple”.142
Thus Jesus likely ascended into the sky out of sight of the temple as the temple was now redundant, unseen by the religious leaders who had rejected him and close
to the sick and dying, i.e. those who knew they needed a doctor [Matthew 9:12, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:3].
Acts 1
v6 The Jewish, and now Christian, hope was never that we die and go to an ethereal place called heaven. YHWH created a cosmos that was good and purposed
humans [adam] as very good and to rule over his creation in which he would rest or dwell [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1]. The cosmos is YHWH’s temple. Adam [a specific
man who represented all humans [adam]] and his wife Eve rebelled against YHWH. The root cause is a mysterious snake or chaos creature in rebellion to YHWH
who is not identified until the NT as the satan. The details are scant but sin has infected all adam [humans] and even the cosmos itself. Earth and sky are separated.
They are rendered apart in that YHWH’s prescriptive will, as found in his word and most clearly revealed through Jesus, is not done on earth. The culmination of this
age will be a new Jerusalem descending from the sky to a renewed earth. In other words, earth and sky are no longer separated but are brought together so that
God’s kingdom is restored.
The disciples were expecting the restoration of Israel and YHWH’s rule to come about through Jesus’ rule from Jerusalem. They were correct and are now
wondering if this would happen now with the coming of the Messiah whom they’ve now grasped is YHWH.
vv7-8 Just as the Jews misunderstood the details of the Messiah’s first coming so we should be careful not to overly speculate as to his return. We can of course be sure
of the things revealed but the times and seasons are set by the Father. Just as the Jews saw the coming of the Messiah as a single event we may be lumping a
number of “comings” into a single event!
He then promises that the Holy Spirit will come upon them. The Holy Spirit has always been active and present from the time of creation. He gives life. He brings
people to faith. In the OT only prophets, priests and kings have a permanent anointing of the Holy Spirit. This carried on into the early parts of the gospel narratives.
John the Baptist as a prophet was filled with Holy Spirit from birth [Luke 1:15]. John’s parents Elizabeth and Zechariah were filled with the Spirit [Luke 1:41-42, Luke
1:65] and prophesied. The Holy Spirit came on Jesus himself at his baptism anointing him as a prophet, preach and king. John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus
would baptise in the Holy Spirit. This would happen very soon.
The great day of Yahweh draws near;

it is near and coming very swiftly.
The sound of the day of Yahweh is bitterness;
there, a warrior cries out!
That day will be a day of wrath,
142
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_(biblical_village)#Bethany_and_care_of_the_poor_and_sick
a day of trouble and distress,
a day of disaster and ruination,
a day of darkness and deep gloom,
a day of clouds and thick clouds,
a day of trumpet and trumpet blast
against the fortified cities
and against the high corner towers.
Zephaniah 1:14-16 [LEB]
v9 Jesus is taken up into the sky indicating that he rules over all things. He is YHWH indeed! Cloud indicates the presence of God and judgment.
vv10-11 Imagine you are one of the disciples staring up into the sky as Jesus disappears. What next? Two men appear, presumably angels, assuring them that Jesus will
return in the same way he departed. He will return as the ruling king of the cosmos [from the sky] and as judge [the cloud]. These metaphors may seem stretched
to us but to Jews in the period of Second Temple Judaism and the apocalyptic writings that had been produced the symbolism would have been vivid and earth
shattering. For example…
I continued watching in the visions of the night, and look, with a time of the nations it will be.
the clouds of heaven one like a son of man was coming, and he And a sword will come in Egypt,
came to the Ancient of Days, and was presented before him. And and anguish will be in Cush,
at the falling of the slain in Egypt.
to him was given dominion and glory and kingship that all the
And they will take its wealth,
peoples, the nations, and languages would serve him; his and its foundation will be demolished.
dominion is a dominion without end that will not cease, and his Ezekiel 30:3-4 [LEB]
kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14 [LEB] Look! Yahweh is riding on a swift cloud
and is coming to Egypt.
For a day is near; And the idols of Egypt will tremble in front of him,
indeed, a day is near for Yahweh. and the heart of Egypt melts in his inner parts.
A day of cloud, Isaiah 19:1 [LEB]
Which John rolls together, or perhaps interprets, in Revelation…
...from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and released us from
our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Behold, he is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see him,
even everyone who pierced him,
and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him.
Yes, amen.
Revelation 1:5-7 [LEB]
The symbolism of the one coming in the clouds had already been used by Jesus of himself…
And then they will see the Son of Man arriving in the clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels, and will gather the elect
together from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.
Mark 13:26-27 [LEB]
And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man arriving on the
clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 24:30 [LEB]
When?
143
Why?
The Great Commission is a reboot of the failed entering into the promised land, now no longer limited to a region in the Near East but extending to the very ends of the
Earth. Now Jesus is suddenly taken from them but will send the Holy Spirit.
readers?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are now hard to distinguish as they are all fulfilled by Jesus ascended into the sky showing
the One, a single man who is the son of God and YHWH himself! the he will rule over the nations.
Prophet
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout, as we have tried to show in this curriculum. He is the king of Jesus disappeared into a cloud.
Priest He will return the same way showing
he will judge the nations as YHWH.
Temple He delegates his authority over the nations to us, the church, so we become prophets, priests and
The church now rules on behalf of
kings all filled with the Holy Spirit.
Covenant- Jesus.
keeper Jesus sends his Holy Spirit so we can
be prophets, priests and kings.
Learning outcomes
Cycle 1: Lesson 53: Jews filled with the Holy Spirit
Scripture
Acts 2:1-41
Jesus was murdered [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49], raised from the dead [see Cycle 1: Lesson 50], commands that we are baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
[see Cycle 1: Lesson 51], promised the Holy Spirit at his Ascension [see Cycle 1: Lesson 52] and now the Holy Spirit comes on the Jewish believers. Very soon even gentiles
will receive the Holy Spirit [see Cycle 3: Lesson 53] which no one could have anticipated at this point although the plot clues are strong.
Pentecost [Πεντηκοστή] was the Jewish Festival of Weeks, a harvest festival, 50 days after the Passover [Exodus 23:16, Leviticus 23:16 and Deuteronomy 16:9]. The
disciples, or apostles, and the other believers are gathered together as family.
What?
vv2-3 The Holy Spirit filled the believers and was manifest as a violent wind, fire and speaking in other languages. These signs indicate a major event in the narrative.
Listen carefully. This is big.
vv5-13 “Jews and proselytes144” from “every nation under heaven”, i.e. the known world of the 1st century Jew, were in Jerusalem for the feast. The sound of the wind
drew them to where the believers were gathered. Each heard them speaking in his own language! Although now we know the world is bigger the scene here is
miraculous wind and fire and the believers speak in every language of the world. Note: something big is happening!
Some mocked and said they were drunk. This does not mean that these were disputable signs but, as with the attesting events around the death and resurrection,
many refused to believe despite everything.
vv14-16He have maintained that in Second Temple Judaism there was extreme piety and religious observance and a thorough knowledge of the scriptures through the
synagogues and the rabbis. Peter had also sat at the feet of Rabbi Jesus for three years! Jesus had promised that they should not worry as to how to defend their
faith…
But when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you should speak in your own defence or
what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what it is necessary to say.”
Luke 12:11-12 [LEB]
The Holy Spirit has filled the believers and immediately Jesus words are fulfilled. The Holy Spirit brings to mind the Prophet Joel and Peter, an “uneducated”
fisherman, who just a few weeks previously had caved in to fear and denied Jesus three times, is able to stand in front of a crowd in Jerusalem, with some mocking
and accurately exegete the scriptures…
144
Proselytes were, and are, gentiles that have converted to Judaism.
v17 The words of Joel are fulfilled. The Holy Spirit will now be poured out on all flesh [see the book of Acts]. Although we have stressed the unity and coherence of the
whole word of God there is a discontinuity here. All believers are now permanently filled with the Holy Spirit not just prophets, priests and kings. We are all, in a
very real sense, prophets now [and priests and kings].
v18 Even slaves are fully included in the kingdom anointed with the Holy Spirit. A slave is now a prophet!
vv19-21 There will be different views on these verses but Peter seems to suggest that they have been fulfilled at Pentecost. If so we are living in an era different to any
before. The difference is that believers are baptised, or permanently filled, with the Holy Spirit. This is so different that it was foretold by Joel, in apocalyptic
language, and is now attested to by signs and wonders and will continue to do so through the book of Acts and to this day in the miracle of new birth.
Anyone, who with understanding from the Holy Spirit, who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Notice that the promise is not to the Jews but anyone.
v22 Jesus was attested to by YHWH by signs and wonders. The Jews are without excuse145.
23 this man, delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by[k] nailing to a cross[l] through the hand of lawless men. 24 God
raised him[m] up, having brought to an end the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
vv23-24 It was YHWH’s unchangeable plan from before the foundation of the world to save the cosmos from sin and its effects by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Peter
now proves this from the scriptures...
vv25-28Quoting Psalm, Peter takes words David wrote of himself and says the he was speaking of Jesus. This is the method we have attempted to use throughout this
curriculum and here is apostolic warrant! Paul will later do this extensively.
For David says with reference to him,
‘I saw the Lord before me continually, I have set YHWH before me always.
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken. Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken.
For this reason my heart was glad Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoiced greatly, and my glory rejoices.
furthermore also my flesh will live in hope, Yes, my body will dwell in safety,
because you will not abandon my soul in Hades, for you will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
nor will you permit your Holy One to experience decay. you will not give your faithful one to see the grave.
You have made known to me the paths of life; You will make known to me the path of life.
you will fill me with gladness with your presence.’ In your presence is fullness of joy.
vv 25-28 [LEB] Psalm 16:8-11a [LEB]
145
This is not anti-Semitism. The leaders of the Jews, as representatives of the nation, collectively rejected Jesus and causing God to temporarily reject the Jews as part of his purposes to
save the nations [see Cycle 1: Lesson 49 and footnote 129].
YHWH was before David continually, i.e. directing his ways. This was not completely true of David but YHWH was before Jesus continually. David could rejoice in this
knowledge although he could at times cry out in despair as recorded in many of the Psalms. Jesus delighted perfectly, even in suffering and despair, to do YHWH’s
will and in his despair on the cross Jesus cries out to YHWH with the words from Psalm 22…
My God, my God why have you forsaken me?
Why are you far from helping me, far from the words of my groaning?
Psalm 22:1 [LEB]
Peter’s preaching is establishing a number of principles for us…
• We are correct in searching the scriptures to find Jesus as we are doing. Prophets, priests, kings, judges, Abraham, Israel etc all point at Jesus. Where
they failed because of sin Jesus triumphed as a covenant keeper.
• We can expect to suffer to the point of despair as Christians. David did. Even more so did David.
• God will not abandon those who are in Christ to decay. This is more than death [OT] and extends to the general brokenness of the cosmos.
• How to read the bible.
vv29-33Peter explicitly argues for the exegetical principle he, and we, have used! There are scriptures that speak of David etc. that are simply not true of David. Therefore
we look to a son of David for whom they will be fulfilled. Jesus is the One. It was Jesus not David who was victorious over death and decay, the consequence of sin,
and can therefore having received the promise of the Holy Spirit for himself can pour out the Spirit on us who are in him. This is Eden beginning to be restored.
vv34-35Again Peter, speaking by the Holy Spirit, makes his apostolic argument that whatever was spoken partially of David is spoken of fully about Jesus, the son of David.
David did not ascend into the sky like Jesus. The sky speaks of the highest authority [both in the ancient Mesopotamian creation and early history sagas of Genesis
1-11 and in the ANE context of the rest of the OT] and carries over into the NT…
‘The Lord said to my Lord, A declaration of YHWH to my lord,
“Sit at my right hand, “Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ until I make your enemies your footstool.”
vv34-35 [LEB] Psalm 110:1 [LEB]
Jesus quotes this part of the Psalm as a question to the Pharisees…
He said to them, “How then does David, by the Spirit, call him ‘Lord,’ saying,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet”’?
If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how is he his son?”
Matthew 22:43-45 [LEB]
Where did Peter learn to exegete the Scriptures!?
The writer of Hebrews also quotes this verse to prove that Jesus is not an angel as apparently some of the Jewish believers would later erroneously believe…
But to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit down at my right hand,
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
Hebrews 1:13 [LEB]
v36 YHWH has testified to the authenticity of Jesus as both Lord [God is probably how this would have been understood] and the Messiah [Christ]. This is the same that
the Jews had killed as represented by their leaders. Notice the principle of representation which does not abode well in our modern thinking BUT is our only hope.
Be represented to YHWH not by yourself but by Jesus!
v37 God is kind. As a nation the Jews have been [temporally] rejected but Jewsih people can be brought back into God’s people by crying out in the name of the Lord
who is Jesus.
God is kind. The assembled crown are pierced to the heart [the work of the Holy Spirit] and asks what they must do to be saved. The solution?
• “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins”
• “you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• “For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.”
As in the OT, and no one here would have possibly began to think otherwise, God deals with us as groups of people and the primary group is the family. There are
recorded family baptisms in the NT. This means that our children are not automatically saved but there is a sure and certain hope for them which we must respond
to faithfully in the example and teaching they receive.
Peter continues to urge them to repent and about 3000 believed. About 120 people had believed in Jesus up to this point. Now 3000 believe! What has happened!?
When?
About 30AD. Matthew wrote Acts no later than about 60AD146.
146
Why?
This is a new age. We are living in it. The age of the Holy Spirit. The church is called, in the Great Commission, to make disciple of the nations. Do it! In the power of the Holy
Spirit who fills all who are in Christ and convicts all sorts of people, even the most unlikely, you and I, of sin.
Why was this written for Luke’s readers? What does this tell us about Jesus? What’s the application for us?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. are all fulfilled by the One, a single man who is the son Jesus ascended into the sky showing
of God and YHWH himself! the he will rule over the nations.
Prophet
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout, as we have tried to show in this curriculum. This is how Jesus disappeared into a cloud.
Peter as a Spirit-filled apostle exegetes the scriptures and he learnt this from Rabbi Jesus.
Priest He will return the same way showing
He delegates his authority over the nations to us, the church, so we become prophets, priests and he will judge the nations as YHWH.
Temple kings all filled with the Holy Spirit.
The church now rules on behalf of
Covenant- Jesus.
keeper Jesus sends his Holy Spirit so we can
be prophets, priests and kings.
Learning outcomes
Cycle 1: Lesson 54: Acts of the Holy Spirit: Early church
Scripture
Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37; 5:12-16

The Holy Spirit came on the Jewish believers [see Cycle 1: Lesson 53] evidences by tongues of fire and wind and the miraculous speaking of languages they did not know.
This was a huge plot clue that indicates a discontinuity in the narrative. Believers are now permanently filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is with us by his Spirit.
Now the apostles are marked out with signs and wonders. The Spirit-filled believers live in community.
What?
Acts 2
v42 What was the teaching [διδαχῇ147] of the apostles? At this point the only written scriptures are the OT, which would have been known by the Jewish and proselyte
believers. The apostles would have exegeted the OT as Peter did at Pentecost [see Cycle 1: Lesson 53]. Plus there would have been word of mouth accounts of the
life the life of Jesus that would later be locked down canonically in the gospels.
They also devoted themselves to fellowship [κοινωνίᾳ], the breaking of bread and prayers. Κοινωνίᾳ means living in community NOT tea and coffee after the
Sunday morning service.
vv43 The apostles were performing signs and wonders. Signs indicates that the miracles were to authenticate the authority of the apostles. Pentecost was continuing in
their midst. Notice that the work of the Holy Spirit produces a godly fear.
vv44-47 We now get a description of what the church living in community looked like immediately after Pentecost…
• All in one place [v44], i.e. Jerusalem, living with everything in common. This continues the last three years that the apostles had spent with Jesus. The numbers
though are larger [>3000].
• Common purse [v44] as with Jesus and the apostles.
• Selling of property and possessions to provide for everyone [v45]
• Meeting daily in the temple courts [v46]. Where did this new boldness come from!?
• Breaking bread daily [v46]. To ask if this refers to eating together or communion is probably to ask the wrong question. Bread and wine would have been
present at meals. Why would they not have remembered the death of Jesus.
147
Although there is a non-canonical didache this, or at least the version that survived, was developed from the work of the Essenes and composed toward the end of the first century.
• Simplicity of heart [v46], i.e. like little children [Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17]. This does not mean that children are innocent [ask any Explorers teacher or parent!]
but that children usually accept the authority of their parents and the veracity of their words as we should God’s and his apostles.
• Praising God as a lifestyle [v47]. Temple worship etc is now obsolete. This would take time to be worked out not forgetting the destruction of the Temple by
coming of Jesus in 70AD]. Worship is now life for the Spirit-filled believers.
• Having favour with all people [v47]. This would not last long. Persecution was imminent.
• People converted every day! [v47] Why!?
Acts 4
Despite the first persecution [Acts 4:1-31]. The pattern of living in community continues uninterrupted…
• Unity [v32] in answer to Jesus’ prayer…
“And I do not ask on behalf of these only, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they all may be one, just as you, Father, are in
me and I am in you, that they also may be in us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 And the glory that you have given to me, I have given to
them, in order that they may be one, just as we are one”
John 17:20-22 [LEB]
• Everything in common [v32]

• Apostolic testimony to the resurrection [v33]. We tend the emphasise the death of Jesus. The Apostles emphasised the resurrection. Why!?
• Selling of property and possessions [vv34-37]
Acts 5
Despite more persecution [Acts 5:1-11] the community continues to thrive…

• Apostles continue to perform signs and wonders [v12, 15-16]].
• Continuing to meet in the temple courts [v12].
• Fear of the Lord on unbelievers [v13]
• Having favour with all people [v13]
• Conversions [v14]
In the big story, God’s story, signs and wonders mark out significant events in the narrative. Moses, Elijah etc. in the OT. The birth, public ministry, death, resurrection,
ascension of Jesus, coming of the Holy Spirit and now the Apostles. Later the Holy Spirit will mark out the entry of gentiles into the church and he conversion of Saul to be
another apostle.
When?
About 30AD. Matthew wrote Acts no later than about 60AD148.
Why?
Are we called to live in community? Yes! Does that mean a common purse etc.? Not necessarily. As the church grew and spread community a common purse throughout
the church would not have even been possible but the principle that we live to serve one another must not be lost and was evident in the early church with collections for
the poor etc.
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. were all fulfilled by the One, a single man who is the The Apostles perform signs and
son of God and YHWH himself! Jesus. wonders to authenticate their
Prophet teaching that they got from Jesus.
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout. This is how Peter as a Spirit-filled apostle exegetes the
Priest scriptures and he learnt this from Rabbi Jesus. Signs and wonders authenticate the teaching of the The church lives in community.
apostles.
We should believe like little children.
Temple Jesus delegates his authority over the nations to us, the church, so we become prophets, priests and
The Holy Spirit causes a godly fear
Covenant- that draws people to Jesus.
keeper
Learning outcomes
148
Cycle 1: Lesson 55: Acts of the Holy Spirit: Miracles
Scripture
Acts 3:1-26

The Holy Spirit came on the Jewish believers [see Cycle 1: Lesson 53] evidenced by tongues of fire and wind and the miraculous speaking of languages they did not know.
This was a huge plot clue that indicated a discontinuity in the narrative. Believers are now permanently filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is with us by his Spirit.
God marks out the apostles with signs and wonders.
What?
v1 The Temple is still in place. Peter and John and the rest of the believers are in Jerusalem. They continue to practice Judaism as any godly Jew would and as Paul
would later. However, they are now exegeting the Scriptures as rabbi Jewish taught [see Cycle 1: Lesson 53]. The Scriptures do not first and foremost speak of David
etc. but of Jesus. God’s promises were conditional on obedience. Jesus is the only covenant keeper.
v2 God has a heart for the disabled and sick…
I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.
Job 29:15 [LEB]
But Christians continue to get ill…
But you know that because of an illness of the flesh I proclaimed the gospel to you the first time. And you did not despise or disdain what was a trial for you
in my flesh, but you welcomed me like an angel of God, like Christ Jesus.
Galatians 4:13-14 [LEB]
Jesus almost certainly got ill at times…
Therefore he was obligated to be made like his brothers in all respects, in order that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in the things
relating to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 2:17 [LEB]
The miracle that follows then is a sign of the authenticity of the apostles. It is not the fix for illness or poverty although we must pray for the sick…
And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your
sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much.
James 5:15-16 [LEB]
The lame man had been sick for 40 years, was known to people visiting the temple and wold be healed in public making this an indisputable miracle
vv3-6b The man asks for alms149. Peter and John do not have any money. Luke’s narrative in unusually detailed slowing the pace to emphasise what comes next…
vv6b-10 Peter heals in the name of Jesus. Do not forget the zeal and knowledge of the scriptures of Second Temple Judaism…
See, now, that I, even I am he,
and there is not a god besides me;
I put to death and I give life;
I wound and I heal;
there is not one who delivers from my hand!
Deuteronomy 32:39 [LEB]
Only YHHW heals yet Peter heals in the name of Jesus. In other words from the resurrection onwards the deity of Jesus is presupposed and not developed later as
some have claimed.
What is the correct response to God? Praise!
The people are amazed. God is again authenticating the apostles and their message: devout Jews filled with the Holy Spirit like the prophets of old, making disciples,
baptising and proclaiming the resurrected and ascended Jesus as the son of David and in the same breath equating him with YHWH himself!
vv11-15 A crowd gathers. Peter preaches. He rebukes the Jews for their unbelief and again attributes the murder of Jesus to them. This does not ride well with the modern
mind but the leaders of the people represented the people to YHWH. When the leaders handed Jesus over to the Romans to be executed all the people sinned. We
have this in Adam. Adam sinned. All adam [human beings] sinned in Adam. The Holy and Righteous One [v14] is the one all the scriptures pointed to. YHWH was
YHWH all along [v13]. In case you still haven’t got it this Jesus is YHWH [v15].
v16 Now begins Peter’s second sermon as a spirit-filled apostle.
The name of Jesus heals! In Jewish thought, and the ANE generally, a name is almost identical to the person himself rather than a mere label. You are your name. So
the point here is not that the word Jesus can be used as a charm but that it is though faith in Jesus that the man was healed. This is not the work of the apostles but
authenticates their teaching.
v17 Peter does not excuse but recognises the ignorance of the Jewish people and their leaders.
v18 There is no excuse for this ignorance for the Jews as their prophets had foretold that the Christ would suffer. YHWH is simply making good on his word.
v19 There is only one correct response. Repent so that there will be no record of you sin! Amazing! This is what the murder of Jesus and his resurrection have made
possible. The blood of animals was never able to atone for sin. The OT sacrifices were all pictures of Jesus.
v20-21 What are the consequences of the atonement, of Jesus dealing with our sin once and forever?
149
Alms or charitable giving is part of the worship of YHWH. The Temple courts would have been a likely place to receive alms.
• Time of refreshing [ἀνάψυξις] from the presence [προσώπο=face] of the Lord [v20]. Renewal of the cosmos will come as we walk again in the presence of the
YHWH as in Eden [see Isaiah 11:1-10]…
For we know that the whole creation groans together and suffers agony together until now.
Romans 8:22 [LEB]
“Behold, the dwelling of God is with humanity,
and he will take up residence with them, The restoration has begun
and they will be his people in the sons of God but will
and God himself will be with them. extend to the entire cosmos
And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, at the end of the age.
and death will not exist any longer,
and mourning or wailing or pain will not exist any longer.
The former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:3-4
• He will send the Christ again [v20] when the cosmos is restored [v21] but meanwhile Jesus stays in the sky [v21]
vv22-25 All prophets spoke of Jesus from the beginning. Peter quotes Moses…
‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You will listen to him in everything that he says to you. And it will be that every
soul who does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed utterly from the people.’
And again…
saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed.’
Paul, who at this point is outside of Jesus, will continue this later in his letter to the Galations, a church that does not yet exist…
Now to Abraham and to his descendant the promises were spoken. It does not say, “and to descendants,” as concerning many, but as concerning one, “and
to your descendant,” who is Christ.
v26 God sent Jesus to the Jews first, in accordance with his promises from the beginning, to bless them and turn each back from his sin. Yes in Adam they had sinned. In
their leaders they had sinned. BUT is Jesus, their King and Messiah, they could repent and be forgiven.
When?
About 30AD. Luke would have written the book no earlier than the 60sAD which is where the book ends.
Why?
King The separate roles of king, prophet, priest etc. were all fulfilled by the One, a single man who is the The Apostles perform signs and
son of God and YHWH himself! Jesus. wonders to show that their message is
Prophet true.
The scriptures spoke of Jesus throughout. This is how Peter as a Spirit-filled apostle exegetes the
scriptures and he learnt this from Rabbi Jesus. Signs and wonders authenticate the teaching of the Jesus is the only covenant keeper.
Priest
apostles.
Jesus is YHWH.
Temple Jesus delegates his authority over the nations to us, the church, so we become prophets, priests and
We can only be saved through faith in
Covenant- the faithfulness of Jesus.
keeper In the end Jesus will fix the whole
cosmos.
Learning outcomes
Cycle 1: Lesson 56: Paul: Conversion
Scripture
Acts 9: 1-31
Saul [Hebrew], or Paul [Greek]150, was an extra apostle converted a few years after Pentecost. As a zealous Pharisee he had persecuted Christians and was present at the
death of the first Christian martyr Stephen. He has studied under the great Gamaliel151 in Jerusalem but had grown up in Tarsus surrounded by Greek philosophy152. A
Pharisee of the Pharisees but with a vast knowledge of the pagan Greek world and the Jewish diaspora. He was God’s choice to take the good news of Jesus to the ends of
the world. Paul, in a sense, was the first Christian theologian. Peter and others were confused and inconsistent about issues like eating with gentiles. Paul would work
through these issues and would apply the εὐαγγέλιον153 to the Greeks without burdening them with matters such as circumcision and dietary laws. He was not a pragmatist
but a man of deep conviction and passion.
What?
Acts 9
vv1-2 Saul was filled with hatred toward the disciples because he hated Jesus and was present at, and approving of, the murder of Stephen the first Christian martyr [Acts
7:54-8:2].
vv3-5 As a zealous Second Temple Jew, never mind a strict Pharisee, Saul’s only response to the epiphany, or manifest presence of YHWH, was to acknowledge this as the
Lord speaking to him. In that split-second Saul must have been in utter fear and confusion. In his misguided devotion to YHWH he was persecuting his disciples even
to death. YHWH reveals the truth that would transform Saul and billions of people in Saul’s future. Jesus is YHWH!!
Plot clue. Something huge is happening.
vv6-9 This was not a purely personal revelation. It was witnessed by the men with Saul. v7 appears to contradict Paul’s first person account of his conversion…
Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
Acts 22:9 LEB
This may be Saul’s use of the verb ακούω to mean understand or listen rather than literally hear. Saul is blinded for three days and cannot eat or drink.
vv10-19 God is preparing the way for Saul to be accepted into the Christian community. The Lord prepares Ananias and Saul through visions to meet. Ananias will actually
lay hands on Saul to heal him from the effects of the epiphany of Jesus. Ananias is understandably cautious given Saul’s record. But no God has chosen Saul to
150
As is common today. People living in a foreign culture often have two names for convenience.
151
Gamaliel was not as strict as Paul but was the most influential rabbi of his day. Studying at the feet of Gamaliel today would have been as prestigious as studying at Oxbridge or the Ivy
League today!
152
Saul of Tarsus was born into a world where eight hundred years of Hellenic culture was alive and well, and where, in particular, the philosophies of four centuries earlier were making a
considerable come-back. Paul and the Faithfulness of God, NT Wright, Kindle edition, location 6578
153
Literally good news or gospel [old English] but in the 1st century AD an accolade to Augustus Caesar!
suffer to make his name known to the gentiles. Like Jesus, Paul will be a suffering servant. This is so counterintuitive to how the Jews had thought the Messiah
would rule the nations. We have had powerful glimpses but soon the knowledge of YHWH will finally begin spread to the ends of the world.
Saul believes. He is filled with the Holy Spirit because all God’s people are unlike the OT. Saul is baptised.
vv20-22 Saul had immersed himself in the scriptures. Now filled with the Holy Spirit he understands that the scriptures speak of Jesus and immediately declares in the
synagogues of Damascus that “This one is the Son of God!”
vv23-25 Now the Jews [sic] are plotting to kill Saul. He must escape from Damascus.
vv26-30 It is not clear from Luke’s account but there is a gap of 3-17154years between leaving Damascus and going up to Jerusalem…
But when the one who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son in me in order that I would proclaim
the gospel about him among the Gentiles, immediately I did not consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles
before me, but I went away to Arabia and I returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas,
and I stayed with him fifteen days, but I did not see any others of the apostles except James, the brother of the Lord. (Now the things which I am writing to
you, behold, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) Then I came to the regions of Syria and of Cilicia, but I was unknown ⌊in person⌋ to the churches of
Judea that are in Christ, and they were only hearing, “The one formerly persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith that formerly he was attempting to
destroy,” and they were glorifying God because of me. Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along Titus also. Now I
went up there because of a revelation and laid out to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but in private to the influential people, lest
somehow I was running, or had run, in vain.
Galatians 1:15-2:2 [LEB]
Saul, or Paul, would spend time alone, or without contact with the apostles for these years. In this time Paul received direct extraordinary revelations from YHWH…
…I will proceed to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ fourteen years ago — whether
in the body I do not know, or outside the body I do not know, God knows — such a man was caught up to
the third heaven, and I know this man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God
knows — that he was caught up to paradise and heard words not to be spoken, which it is not permitted
for a person to speak. On behalf of such a person I will boast, but on behalf of myself I will not boast,
except in my weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12:1-5 [LEB]
The third heaven is from ancient Near Eastern cosmology [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1] and would be the highest place in
cosmos, the heaven of heavens. Paul’s point, and he speaks in the third person so as not to boast, is that he has
received direct revelations from YHWH, or Jesus, and this makes him an apostle like whose were taught directly by
Jesus.
154
Does Luke record the first visit three years after conversion or the later visit 14 or 17 years later depending on whether is including the first three years in his counting! Remember this
was written for us but not to us!
Paul would later travel to Jerusalem. He would have known that the apostles were in this city. As with Damascus, even though some years have passed, the
disciples are afraid to associate with him. At first sight this did look like a ploy to infiltrate the church for no reason than to kill believers.
Barnabas, the Cypriot Jew, vouches for Saul. According to Paul in Galatians, Barnabas is now his companion.
Saul teachers boldly in Jerusalem and is able to minister to the Greek-speaking Jews given his knowledge of Greek thought which was quite distinct from the ideas
and thoughts of Judeans like Peter and the other apostles steeped in generations of monotheism and the holistic worldview of the OT. As a result of this gifting, all
in God’s wonderful providence, the brothers send him back to his home city, the Greek city of Tarsus.
v31 With Saul converted persecution ends and the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace.
Acts 19
vv11-12 Paul would do extraordinary miracles such as incredible as those performed through Peter [Acts 5:12-16] and even Jesus himself.
When155?
Paul’s conversion AD 33
Paul in Arabia AD 33–35
Paul’s visit to Jerusalem AD 35
Paul in Syria and Cilicia AD 35–48
Matthew wrote Acts no later than about 60AD156.
155
Faithlife Study Bible commenting on Galatians 1:21
156
Why?
The marks of an apostle were…
1. Witness of Jesus’ life and resurrection
Therefore it is necessary for one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, beginning from
the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us—one of these men must become a witness of his resurrection together with us.”
Acts 1: 21-22 [LEB]
Jesus appeared to Paul directly and he was shown things in the heavenly counsel that men cannot utter. He was the least but, in a real sense, the greatest apostle [1
Corinthians 15:9].
2. Attested by signs and wonders
YHWH performed signs and wonders through Paul in no way inferior to Peter and the other apostles or even Jesus.
It was hinted and implied from long before but now YHWH is equipping Paul to bring the knowledge of YHWH to the ends of the earth…
For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh,
like the waters covering the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14 [LEB]
They will not injure and they will not destroy on all of my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Yahweh,
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:9 [LEB]
Even though Paul was steeped in the knowledge of the Scriptures and had a unique and unparalleled epiphany and later revelations there is at least 14 years before being
sent out by the church at Antioch on his first missionary journey [Acts 13:1-2]. He would later insist on the same caution in appointing elders…
The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to supervision, he desires a good work. Therefore the overseer must be irreproachable, the husband of one wife,
temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, not addicted to wine, not a violent person, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money,
managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity (but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he
take care of the church of God?), not newly converted, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. But he must also have a good
testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 [LEB]
Learning outcomes
• An apostle had to have known Jesus and witnessed his resurrection.
• YHWH performed miracles through the apostles as signs of their authority.
• God gives us leaders in the church.
Cycle 1: Lesson 57: Paul: First missionary journey
Scripture
Acts 11:19-30; 13-14
Last lesson [see Cycle 1: Lesson 56] we saw that Saul, or Paul to gentile world, a former enemy of the church was called by Jesus directly in an epiphany and subsequent
revelations he was not even allowed to reveal. In addition, YHWH worked miracles through him comparable to Peter or even Jesus himself. Paul, then, is marked out as an
apostle and would be sent out by the church in Antioch to take the good news to the eastern Roman Empire.
What?
Acts 11
v19 The murder of Stephan, the first Christian martyr, dispersed the
church from Jerusalem up to Phoenicia [approx. Lebanon] and
Antioch157 of Syria [now Antakya in modern Turkey]. As the Spirit-
filled believers spread they shared the message of Jesus but only to
Jews.
vv20-21 However some of the Hellenised Jewish believers from Cyprus and
Cyrene [in modern Libya] began proclaiming the good news to the
Greeks! God blessed their effort sand many Greeks believed.
vv22-25 Barnabas, the Cypriot Levite, is sent by the church in Jerusalem
[still the centre of faith in Jesus] is sent to Antioch of Syria to
investigate. Barnabas rejoices at what God is doing and encourages
the church, more are converted, before he heads up to Tarsus,
further north around the Mediterranean coast, to find Paul and
bring him back to Antioch of Syria.
v26 Paul teaches in Antioch for a year. Notice that Paul has been
converted 14, or more, years earlier [see Cycle 1:Lesson 56]
through a direct epiphany of Jesus/YHWH, he is steeped in the OT
scriptures and received additional revelations from God [again see
Cycle 1:Lesson 56]. After many years of development of his
thought he still gets a year’s experience teaching in the Antiochian
church before his calling as an apostle is confirmed by the church.
157
There is also an Antioch of Pisidia [near Yalvaç in modern Turkey], as shown on map, that will feature prominently in the story.
It is now that the believers in Jesus are now called Christians.
vv27-30 The Holy Spirit reveals through a prophet, Agabus, that there will be famine “over the whole inhabited earth”158. The church of Antioch of Syria sends aid to Judea
with Barnabas and Saul. This indicates that Judea was an impoverished province of the Roman Empire at this time. Notice also that Barnabas and Saul are now
working together being prepared for what they will later face.
Acts 13
vv1-3 The Holy Spirit reveals directly to the leaders of the church of Antioch in Syria, in a time of fasting and prayer, that Paul and Barnabas should be set apart for a
special work! After more fasting and prayer they lay hands on Paul and Barnabas and send them away on what will become known as Paul’s first missionary
journey.
vv4-6a First stop is the nearby island of Cyprus the home of Barnabas. Being sent out by the church [v3] is synonymous with being sent out by the Holy Spirit [v4]. Jesus
has gone up into the sky. As he promised he has sent his Holy They are assisted by John and travel from Salamis [just north of modern Famagusta] across the island
to Paphos. They preach, it seems, only in the synagogues. The strategy of preaching to the Jews first and then the gentiles would characterise all Paul’s ministry.
Where did he get his script from? Surely the OT scriptures as summarised by Jesus…
You worship what you do not know. We worship what we know, because salvation is from the Jews.
John 4:22 [LEB]
And later Paul himself…
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16 [LEB]
vv6b-12 At Paphos they are opposed by a Jewish false prophet, Bar-Jesus or Elymas, involved in the occult. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks covenant curses on the
wizard. Bar-Jesus is immediately blinded, showing that he was indeed blind to think he could oppose YWWH. The proconsul, very likely a gentile, believes.
Cyprus at this time was populated by Greek pagans and a large number of Jews159. What happened to the Jews? Most must have been converted and with time
merged into the converted pagan population160.
v13 Next stop is Antioch of Pisidia via Perga in Pamphylia [near modern Antalya in Turkey]. John leaves them at Perga and returns to Jerusalem no doubt with
much to report back to the church there.
vv14-15 The pattern continues. They go to the synagogue and read from the Law and the Prophets [as we have done in this curriculum for lesson after lesson]. Salvation is
from the Jews.
158
That is the known world of people of the eastern Mediterranean in the first century.
159
Even more Jews settled in Cyprus during the Jewish-Roman war of 66-70AD culminating in the destruction of Jerusale and the temple in 70AD. See The International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia, Volume 4, p284
160
The influence of Judaism on what would develop into Greek Orthodoxy is felt to this day. Churches often called ναοί [temples] with the iconostasis and curtain separating the nave from
the Ἱερόν Βῆμα [Holy of Holies] where only the priest can enter and the outer courtyard. In addition Greek Orthodox vestments draw from the OT priestly garments [see
http://modeoflife.org/the-liturgical-vestments-of-orthodox-clergy ]. The influences of Greek paganism felt perhaps more strongly.
vv16-31 Paul summarises the OT story [as we have also attempted in this curriculum!] starting with the Exodus story as YHWH’s promise of Israel’s liberation from slavery
and their inheritance in the promised land. Then the period of the judges until the time of the prophet-priest Samuel when they asked for a king and God gave them
Saul, a king like the kings of the nations around them! YHWH, however, was faithful to his promise to rescue them from slavery and raised up David to be king
saying “I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man in accordance with my heart, who will carry out all my will” [v22]. From the seed of David God had promised
Israel a saviour, Jesus. Finally, YHWH had sent John the Baptist Essene to prepare the way for Jesus [see Cycle 1: Lesson 40]. Paul appeals to his Jewish hearers
“sons of the family of Abraham and those among you who fear God—to us the message of this salvation has been sent!” [v26]
Paul then describes more events in Jerusalem. The Jews in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognise the One even though the OT scriptures that speak of Jesus
[see Cycle 1: Lessons 1-38] are read on every Sabbath. Even their rejection of Jesus was a fulfilment of the prophets [see Cycle 1: Lessons 47-49]. Jesus was crucified
but God raised him from the dead. Jesus appeared for many days to his disciples.
vv32-37 Paul then exegetes OT scripture to show how it indeed speaks of primarily of Jesus [because of the resurrection] and not David [because he died] [vv36-37]…
‘You are my Son;
today I have fathered you.’
v33 quoting Psalm 2:7 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 21]
Paul sees the resurrection as an inevitable implication of Isaiah 55:3…
‘I will give you the reliable divine decrees of David.’
v35 quoting Isaiah 55:3 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 47]
vv38-39 Simply quoting Paul…
“Therefore let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and from all the things from which you
were not able to be justified by the law of Moses, by this one everyone who believes is justified!”
Vv38-39
This is the incredibly good news. Everyone who believes is justified161.
vv40-41The good news comes with a warning…
Watch out, therefore, lest what is stated by the prophets come upon you:
‘Look, you scoffers,
and be astonished and perish!
For I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you would never believe
even if someone were to tell it to you.’
vv40-41 [quoting Habakkuk 1:5]
161
Do not forget the thrust of this entire curriculum. We are justified because of Jesus’ faithfulness in being the only covenant keeper that the law required who would die unjustly to satisfy
YHWH’s anger with out sin.
Be careful not to reject the good news. Do not dare mock. Without this you will perish.
vv42- Many believed but the leaders of the Jews were filled with jealousy [sound familiar!?]. Paul and Barnabas then declare…
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you, since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life! Behold, we are turning to the
Gentiles! 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have appointed you to be a light for the Gentiles,
that you would bring salvation to the end of the earth.’
v47 alluding162 to Isaiah 42:6,49:6
The gentile hearers rejoice “and all those who were designated for eternal life believed”. Yes, even gentiles have been chosen! Rejoice! The word of the Lord spread
through the whole region but the Jews [or more accurately their leaders] incited the upper class, devout women and the most prominent men of the city to stir up
persecution against Paul and Barnabas. They are thrown out of the district of Pisidia.
As Jesus taught, they shake the dust from their feet in judgment against the leaders…
And whoever does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you are going out of that house or that town. Truly I say to
you, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town!
Matthew 10:14-15 [LEB]
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit!
Acts 14
vv1-5 Paul and Barnabas then travel to Iconium [now the city of Konya, Turkey]. That pattern is the same. They go to the synagogue and preach and many Jews and
Greeks believe. This time YHWH attests to their authority with signs and wonders performed at their hands. Why? Probably because they are preaching to Jews and
Greeks together. It is not very obvious to us 2000 year later in another culture but the inclusion of the gentiles with the Jews is a deepening and significant plot
development. This is the good news going to the ends of the Earth.
The people, both Jews and Greeks, are divided and those who refuse to believe try to incite the leaders163 of the city to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas who…
vv6-7 “…became aware of it and fled to the Lycaonian cities—Lystra [near the modern village of Hatunsaray close to Konya] and Derbe164 and the surrounding region
and there they were continuing to proclaim the good news.” [vv6-7]
vv8-13 Just like Peter [see Cycle 1: Lesson 55], Paul [who is an apostle just like Peter] heals a lame man. The Iconians do not get the significance, not knowing as much of
the story as we do, and worship Barnabas and Paul believing them to be Zeus [ruler of the Greek gods] and Hermes [son of Zeus and messenger to the gods]. Not
162
Paul seems spell it out for his gentile hearers rather than simply quoting as he does for the Jews.
163
This is a Roman city so no rioting or the troops come in.
164
Michael Ballance considers the site of Derbe to be at a mound known as Kerti Hüyük [22kmNW of Karaman, Turkey]. See https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/archaeology_vanelderen.pdf .
surprisingly this is because there was a temple of Zeus in the city. This underlines the difficulty of bringing the good news to the Greek pagans who did not know the
OT scriptures. It is why we teach the children, and adults, the whole word of God that they might understand who Jesus is and what he has done.
vv14-20 Barnabas and Paul will not allow themselves to be worshipped. It is puzzling how by the 3rd century the use of icons of Paul and Barnabas and a plethora of saints
and even Jesus, in worship entered many churches165. In the mayhem that ensues Paul is stoned, almost to death and departs for nearly Derbe.
vv21-22 Paul and Barnabas return to the churches they have planted in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch in Pisidia to strengthen and encourage the new disciples.
Remember the Great Commission [see Cycle 1: Lesson 51]! They teach the new Christians that “Through many persecutions it is necessary for us to enter into the
kingdom of God.”
Paul has embedded himself in the narrative…
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of suffering, and acquainted with sickness,
and like one from whom others hide their faces, he was despised,
and we did not hold him in high regard.
Isaiah 53:3 [speaking of Jesus]
Therefore, Paul knows that the Christian will suffer. In fact it is through suffering that the Holy Spirit confirms to our spirit that we are truly in Jesus…
The Spirit himself confirms to our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer
together with him so that we may also be glorified together with him. For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory that is about to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:16-18 [LEB]
In fact, Jesus’ suffering is completed by us!
Now I rejoice in my sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body which is the church.
Colossians 1:24 [LEB]
It cannot be that the atonement for sin was lacking as Jesus said “It is finished” as he died [John 19:30] and this would run against all we read in all the scriptures
BUT as YHWH rolls out his plan to restore the cosmos we will need to suffer to see the sufferings of Christ applied to bring in all that the Father has given him.
Peter would write the same…
But to the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice and be glad.
1 Peter 4:13 [LEB]
vv23-24 They appoint elders in each of the churches they have just planted. This was done with prayer and fasting just as the church of Antioch in Syria had done with Paul
and Barnabas. This shows that for the apostles leadership in the church was a priority. But how could recent converts be appointed elders? Remember that they
went first to the synagogues and the Jews. Godly Jews were trained up in the OT scriptures and had now received the Holy Spirit plus the mentoring of Paul and
Barnabas. Paul would continue to support these new leaders and their congregations through visits and letter writing.
165
For opposition to the use of icons within the Byzantine church see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_Iconoclasm .
vv25-28 They travel back to Antioch in Syria via Perga and Attalia [same name today] continuing to bring the message of Jesus. On their return to Antioch in Syria they
call the church together to report what YHWH was doing amongst the gentiles.
When?
Probably 44-46AD. Matthew wrote Acts no later than about 60AD166.
Why?
YHWH had promised Abraham…
All the nations of the earth will be blessed through your offspring, because you have listened to my voice.”
Genesis 22:18 [LEB]
The offspring was not Isaac, so we waited generation after generation [see Cycle 1: Lessons 6-38] for the One. Peter identified the awaited offspring as Jesus [Acts 3:25-26]
[see Cycle 1: Lesson 55]. Paul would later write to a church he would plant in the Celtic city of Galatia…
Now to Abraham and to his descendant the promises were spoken. It does not say, “and to descendants,” as concerning many, but as concerning one, “and to your
descendant,” who is Christ.
The cosmos was created good and humans very good and in God’s image [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1]. Things went wrong and sin entered the cosmos affecting everything [see
Cycle 1: Lesson 2]. The details of why things went wrong are scant but God’s utter resolve to make things right depended on covenant obedience and the satisfaction of his
absolute righteousness to punish sin. There was no covenant keeper except Jesus. Only Jesus, as the covenant keeper, could pay the price for the sin of his people.
The plan was always to save the nations, not just Israel, and now it has come about.
Learning outcomes
• Paul and Barnabas travelled through Cyprus and Turkey to tell people about Jesus.
• They told the Jews first and them the gentiles.
• It was always God’s plan to save the Jews first and then the gentiles.
• It does not matter who we are. If we repent and turn to Christ, he will save us.
• If we suffer for Jesus the Holy Spirit will assure us we are Christians.
166
Cycle 1: Lesson 58: A [re]new[ed] cosmos: Who is the greatest?
Scripture
Matthew 18:1-9
Eschatology167 can fraught with difficulties168. However our view of the future is our Christian hope and cannot be omitted of glossed over…
Therefore, dear friends, because you are waiting for these things, make every effort to be found at peace, spotless and unblemished in him. And regard the
patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our dear brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom that was given to him, as he does also in all his letters,
speaking in them about these things, in which there are some things hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, as they
also do the rest of the scriptures.
2 Peter 3:14-16
In this curriculum we will not ignore our Christian view of the future but will start with the godly living it demands.
We saw that the cosmos was purposed by YHWH to be his temple in which adam [human beings] would be his image bearers to the creation. This purpose was lost when
the man Adam representing all adam disobeyed YHWH. Sin entered the cosmos. Not just adam but the whole creation was polluted. YHWH had planned to restore the
cosmos [entire curriculum] though the only covenant keeper, Jesus, by his death and resurrection, so that the cosmos could be remade and heaven and earth re-joined.
This passage we are learning from today refers to hell, which cannot be ignored, and contains strong metaphors that may confuse or disturb younger children. Metaphors
require abstract thinking that may elude the more concrete thought of a younger person. Teachers may wish to consider, for example, saying, very emphatically, “don’t do
that” rather than “cut your foot off”, “cut off from God and all happiness” instead of “thrown into fiery hell” etc.
What?
v1 This is the question of disciples who, sadly, have not understood what kingdom looks like. Have we understood?
vv2-3 Jesus uses an actual child for his illustration. Unless we become like children we will never enter the kingdom of heaven169! This is allegorical language, but Jesus
explains his words…
v4 Children tend to be humble in that they submit to authority more readily than adults. This is how things ought to be as required in the fourth commandment but is
also required of adults. The ultimate authority is God or heaven170. Do we submit unconditionally to God and his authority whether children or adults? If we do we
are the greatest in the kingdom. In other words, the kingdom of God that we long for and wish to see established again on the earth turns the current world upside
down.
167
The study of the “end times” or “last days”.
168
The topic and various views have been discussed at Food for Thought.
169
Heaven is often synonymous with God in Second Temple Judaism.
170
ditto
v5 We rightly find the abuse of children utterly heinous. We must welcome and accept children. Likewise we must welcome those who are in Christ.
v6 Misleading children is children is abusive. Likewise misleading Christians in our teaching or our living out of the kingdom is abusive. If we do such things it would be
better for us to be drown in the depths of the sea171. Better than what? Jesus will explain.
v7 Misleading Christians though false teaching and example will happen. YHWH knew that Adam would sin. YHWH made a covenant with Israel that required
obedience and promised blessing. He knew that they would rebel. Jesus brings the kingdom down and it now exists within us but people will rebel.
However, the end for those who cause children and Christians to sin is very grim172.
vv8-9b To avoid this terrible outcome for sin what should we do? Be radical! Remove anything from your life that causes you to sin even if that seriously diminishes your
quality of life.
v9b If we continue in sin we will go to the fires of Gehenna. This is the place where rebellious Judeans had sacrificed their own children in fire to Molech [2 Kings 23:10]
[see Cycle 2: Lesson 33]. This is not literal, within the context of the passage, but just as idol worshippers murdered their own children so if we do not enter the
kingdom we will suffer an ending worse than those children. We will be cut off from God and any purpose or meaning or goodness of kindness. This is unimaginable
and we are only given a glimpse.
We must end with a presentation of the gospel. Do not leave the children, or adults, in a place of hopelessness. If we have a conviction of sin from the Holy Spirit
we will know that we have not met the requirements of the kingdom. Only Jesus has.
When?
Why?
Genesis 1-2 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and Cycle 2: Lesson 1] give us the inauguration of the cosmos. A world without sin and adam [human beings] as YHWH’s image bearers
and representatives to the creation. In Genesis 3 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2] sin enters the world. Sin spreads and infecting everything and increases. YHWH covenanted with
Adam [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2] to fix the world and renewed his covenant with Abraham [see Cycle 1: Lesson 6], Moses [see Cycle 1: Lesson 12] etc. The entire OT [see Cycle
1: Lessons 2-38] showed the inability of men to keep God’s covenant and the failure of prophets, priests and kings to restore the creation. The problem? Sin! We saw YHWH
humiliated before the nations because of Israel’s sin [see Cycle 1: Lessons 35-37] culminating in the humiliation of YHWH/Jesus on the cross because of Israel’s sin [see
Cycle 1: Lesson 47].
No one, as far as we know, had understood in advance that the Messiah would have to die and come back to life to atone for Israel’s sin let alone the sins of the nations! No
one had understood what a new creation would look like but here Jesus gives us a glimpse of kingdom he teaches us to pray for…
171
In ANE culture and the cosmology of the OT the depths of the sea are a place of chaos and monsters.
172
God does not delight in the punishment of the wicked but requires justice.
173
At that time the disciples came up to Jesus, saying, Our Father who is in heaven,
“Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” may your name be treated as holy.
And calling a child to himself, he had him stand in their May your kingdom come,
midst and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn
around and become like young children, you will never
enter into the kingdom of heaven!
Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child, this may your will be done
person is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and on earth as it is in heaven.
whoever welcomes one child such as this in my name Give us today our daily bread,
welcomes me. and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our
debtors.
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe And do not bring us into temptation,
in me to sin, it would be better for him that ⌊a large but deliver us from the evil one.
millstone⌋ be hung on his neck and he be drowned in Matthew 6:9b-13 [LEB]
the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of
causes for stumbling, for it is a necessity that causes for
stumbling come; nevertheless, woe to the person
through whom the cause for stumbling comes. And if
your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and
throw it from you! It is better for you to enter into life
crippled or lame than, having two hands or two feet, to
be thrown into the eternal fire! And if your eye causes
you to sin, tear it out and throw it from you! It is better
for you to enter into life one-eyed than, having two
eyes, to be thrown into fiery hell!
Matthew 18:1-9
Teaching outcomes
• Think of others more highly than yourself…
Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty conceit, but in humility considering one another better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 [LEB]
• Make others feel welcome. We can start here in Explorers
• Don’t stay outside the kingdom.
• Ask Jesus to forgive your sins.
Cycle 1: Lesson 59: A [re]new[ed] cosmos: The new Jerusalem
Scripture
Matthew 23:37-24:8; Revelation 21:1-8
The medieval legacy of the Western church, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, is that when the faithful die our dismembered souls go to heaven. This view originates
more in paganism than the scriptures. The Christian hope, carried on over from the Judaism of the OT, is that YHWH will restore the land, or rather the entire cosmos, to a
place filled with the knowledge and presence of YHWH and covenant faithfulness. A world without sin!
What?
Matthew 23
vv37-39 Jesus laments over Jerusalem. Here is Jerusalem, the city of David, built on mount Zion. Here is the temple that had contained the arc and the very presence of
YHWH. Here is where the priests made atonement for the people and the son of David would rule the nations [God’s promise to Abraham [see Cycle 1: Lesson 6],
narrowed to Isaac [see Cycle 2: Lesson 7] and further narrowed to the house of David [2 Samuel 7 etc.]]. Here is where the knowledge of YHWH was to spread to
the nations [Isaiah 11:9]. Yet instead Jerusalem had killed prophets and would soon hand Jesus over to the Romans to be murdered. Jesus shows a motherly
fondness to the people. Yet Jerusalem must be left desolate. They will not know YHWH until they recognise Jesus…
‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’
v39b quoting Psalm 118:26
Notice the pattern again of YHWH who promised victory now humiliated with a rebellious Jerusalem under foreign occupation. The ultimate humiliation of YHWH
would be the betrayal of Jesus by the Jews and his murder by the Romans. That humiliation, however, would be the only way for YHWH to restore his rule over all
things and to again dwell with adam [human beings]. Complete victory through utter humiliation.
Matthew 24
vv1-2 Jesus foretells the final utter desolation of Jerusalem with the final destruction of the temple. This would happen in 70AD. For a first century Jew the destruction of
the temple and the end of the world are synonymous and hence the disciples’ question. Without the temple there is no hope of the return of the presence of
YHWH and therefore no hope for the salvation of Israel let alone the world!
vv3-4 The disciples want to know when Jesus will come, they mean in judgement, the hope that YHWH would vindicate himself against the nations, and when will be the
end of the world? They are linking this with the destruction of the temple but things would play out in ways they cannot begin to imagine. Jesus cautions them not
to be deceived. We too must not be misled by false eschatology.
We will look at the rest of Matthew 24 in a later lesson [see Cycle 2: Lesson 59]. The chapter seems to speak of events that would soon be fulfilled soon: “Truly I say
to you that this generation will never pass away until all these things take place” [v34]. Rather than get further confused at this point we will skip to the end of the
story…
Revelation 21
Most of Revelation is written in an apocalyptic style [see Appendix 3: Literary genres]. This biblical literary genre is probably most alien to the modern reader. Proceed
carefully…
v1 John is shown a [re]new[ed] sky and earth, i.e. a new cosmos. The first cosmos, where we exist now, is gone! The sea is likely a reference to that part of the present
cosmos that, in mythological language, remains in chaos and where monsters may be in the depths [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1]. Such things will not exist in the
[re]new[ed] cosmos. Everything will be under Christ’s dominion brought into a purpose and order.
v2 This new cosmos is achieved because “the holy city, new Jerusalem” comes down out of the sky from God “prepared like a bride adorned for her husband”.
Remember that the old Jerusalem was not fit for purpose and was destroyed in 70AD [see above]. Earth and sky are married, joined together. Strange language for
us….
Now: sky/heaven/God/kingdom Then: sky/heaven/God/kingdom + land/earth

…………………………………………sin
land/earth
vv3-4 In this perfectly restored cosmos, John hears a voice from YHWH/Jesus’s throne saying that Eden is restored but extended to the entire cosmos...
“Behold, the dwelling of God is with humanity,
and he will take up residence with them,
and they will be his people
and God himself will be with them.
…as it was in the beginning…
And heaven and earth and all their array were finished. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested174 on the seventh
day from all his work that he had done. And God blessed the seventh day, and he sanctified it, because on it he rested175 from all his work of creating that
there was to do.
Genesis 2:1-3 [see Cycle 2: Lesson 1].
Sin and its consequences have gone…
And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and death will not exist any longer,
and mourning or wailing or pain will not exist any longer.
The former things have passed away.”
174
Resting here refers not to inactivity but in terms of ANE temple inaugurations the god being placed in his temple. YHWH placed himself in the creation which was to be his temple.
175
ditto
vv5-7 And the one seated on the throne [Jesus] speaks in the present continuous176. This was YHWH’s story all along…
“Behold, I am making all things new!”
This is not a private revelation to John, as Paul had experienced [see Cycle 1: Lesson 57], but is to be inscripturated…
And he said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”
Jesus dying words on the cross echo through time and space…
And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
Compare with…
After this, Jesus, knowing that now at last everything was completed, in order that the scripture would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine
was standing there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a branch of hyssop and brought it to his mouth. Then when he had received the sour wine,
Jesus said, “It is completed,” and bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30 [LEB]
In Ezekiel’s vision of a third temple, that was never built, waters flowed through the Judean desert into the Dead Sea bringing healing to the nations [see Cycle 1:
Lesson 36]. Jesus offered these waters flowing from him to the Samaritan woman showing that he was the final temple [John 4:14]…
To the one who is thirsty I will give water from the spring of the water of life freely.
The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
But as we saw in the last lesson [see Cycle 1: Lesson 58], for those who reject Christ there is no hope of restoration. Terrifyingly, they cannot be part of the new
creation and dwell in YHWH’s presence…
But as for the cowards and unbelievers and detestable persons and murderers and sexually immoral people and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their
share is in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.
We must repent and turn to Jesus and trust in his faithfulness.
When?
Throughout I have subscribed to the view that the NT was completed before 70AD citing the work of David Chiltern. If this view is correct then John would have received
and recorded these revelations in the 60’sAD before the destruction of the temple in 70AD. The late view places the writing of Revelation around 95AD. Neither view would
alter our reading of Revelation 21.
Why?
The revelation to John closes the canon of scripture [Revelation 24:18-19]. The redemption of the cosmos could only be achieved through the only covenant keeper, Jesus,
and his death, punished for the sins of his people, from every tribe and language, and his resurrection. The gospel writers inscripturated the oral traditions so that we have
God-breathed certainty of the accounts we read. Jesus taught that the OT spoke of him. The apostles and other NT writers are just expounding and applying rather than
adding to the teachings of Jesus. It is done! Victory! The cosmos will be restored and will be even better. YHWH will rest in his creation with his people for all eternity.
176
The tenses in this passage are somewhat erratic!
Jesus delays in coming to judge the nations because of God’s patience not desiring that any should perish .
Our calling is radical obedience and faithfulness to bring heaven down even now till all things are restored.
The details of the are not clear, in my opinon, negatively…
1. Not even Jesus knows the times therefore we must not try to predict [2 Peter 3:14-16].
2. Jesus warns us of false teaching: using wars, earthquakes etc as supposed signs of his coming [παρουσία]…
And you are going to hear about wars and rumors of wars. See to it that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up
against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.
Matthew 24:6-8
Postively…
1. By faith, if we are in Jesus, we look forward to a restored cosmos in which we will live with Jesus and all the saints [invisible church] for all eternity.
2. This was only possible because of Jesus’ faithfulness that caused him to lay down his life for us and take the punishment our sin deserves.
However, we are not universalists. Not all will be saved. The death and resurrection of Jesus show that YHWH cannot tolerate sin. Sinners would perish in a moment in his
presence [παρουσία] or coming. If we reject Jesus/YHWH there is no hope.
Learning outcomes
1. The world is beautiful and speaks of God.
2. But there are also bad things in the world because of sin.
3. Jesus died to be punished for the sin of anyone who trusts in him.
4. God will make a new world and they will be no sin ever again.
Cycle 2: Lesson 1: Pre- and ancient history: Creation: Man in God’s temple
Genesis 2:4-25
Scripture
Genesis 2:4-25
The stories of the early chapters of Genesis are extremely old, almost certainly, oral traditions of Palaeolithic peoples in Mesopotamia that were later written down by the
Acadians, Assyrians etc and later Moses. It is difficult to imagine how people thought so long ago in a world they viewed as completely supernatural, i.e. all events were the
direct actions of various spirits and deities, but the biblical versions of these stories are God-breathed [2 Timothy 3:16] and give a unique perspective, namely that it is the
one true God who is behind everything and that humans are not his slaves but rather his image-bearers and representatives to the creation.
As a literary genre these early chapters might be described as myth but true myth. Similarly, a parable or proverb can be true whilst not being an historical [in the modern
sense] account. As noted above the way people told things in the deep past of pre-history is understandably different to how we narrate today but God is gracious and
accommodates himself to Moses’ hearers and gives them the correct accounts rather than leaving them only the corrupted myths of the ANE, e.g. the Epic of Gilgamesh, to
make sense of the cosmos.
LCC does not have a position on how these stories should be read. In my opinion the text itself does not require us to take Genesis 1-2 as historical narrative as the two
creation accounts cannot even be easily harmonised. However, we should be careful not to undermine the views of our children or their parents nor to miss the truths of
these passages that are so vital to beginning to understand our own place in the world.
Adam, adam and adam. Adam means humankind. It also means dust. It is also the name given to a specific man.
What?
v4 Now begins a second creation story in which YHWH makes the cosmos, i.e. heaven and earth, in a single day1. In the first account [Genesis 1:1-2:3] plants were
created on the third day and adam [human beings] on the sixth. In this account there are no plants when YHWH formed man.
vv5-6 It is YHWH who provides for our needs, the most basic being water, and no other spirits or deities. It is a world in which God provides into which Adam [the man but
by implication2 all human beings] is placed with a purpose.
v7 YHWH God, not other gods, makes human beings, not from nothing but, pre-existing material of the earth itself, i.e. dust. This should humble Adam, and adam
generally, that we are not God. We are creatures, created things, and distinct from God. In other ANE accounts man is formed from the blood of gods in battle and
1
Now who’s not reading the bible literally!?
2
We will have to wait for the apostle Paul to really figure this all out, or more accurately increasing revelation. Adam represents all adam. YHWH covenants with all adam in Adam. The
covenant is quickly broken by Adam [see next lesson] and in Adam all adam sin. Jesus is made as a second Adam to represent adam before God but more of than later.
created to serve those gods3. Adam becomes a living creature, distinct from other animals, because God blows into his nostrils. In Hebrew, as in Greek also, but not
English, breath and spirit are the same word. It is the spirit of YHWH, i.e. the Holy Spirit, that gives life to Adam and adam.4
vv8-9a Those seeking to harmonise the two creation accounts will note, correctly, that this refers to a “garden” and not the wider land. East may suggest that Eden was at
the edge of the known world. God places Adam [not adam] in the garden. YHWH provides water, as in vv5-6, and causes the trees to grow providing food. The story
is emphasising that is YHWH who provides and no other. People looked to spirits and deities behind everything. The modern mind imagines utterly impersonal
physics forces behind everything.
v9b “And the tree of life was in the midst of the garden, along with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” This is so different to all other ANE accounts. The story
screams out that it is making a unique claim very different from what everyone else around them is saying. The significance of the trees will erupt in the next lesson.
vv10-14 This places Eden somewhere in Mesopotamia. Some scholars believe the most likely location would be a valley somewhere in the mountains around Lake Van now
in eastern Turkey.
vv15-17 Although the word covenant is not used this in its ANE context is a covenant between a god, or rather YHWH God, and Adam as the representative of adam. The
covenant would give life and blessing for simple obedience. Adam was free to do as he wished: “you may freely eat”. The only prohibition is one the “tree of the
knowledge of good and evil”. This is a true myth [see above]. We don’t need to be distracted with questions such as what the trees were or was adam to have eaten
only fruit. That misses the point of the story.
The covenantal form is emphasised by the negative sanctions. Yes, life if you obey but death for disobedience. Adam and adam, who are in Adam, are to live as
vassals of YHWH God. They are not to be subject to other gods. YWHW will meet all their needs.
We know that Adam did not literally die when he ate the fruit [see next lesson] so we have the scriptures themselves informing us not to read this as historical
narrative.
vv18-24 Now a beautiful story to explain the purpose of female adam: “It is not good that the man is alone. I will make for him a helper as his counterpart.” It was not
God’s purpose that having made Adam the representative of all adam that he would now live a solitary life.
The story then takes an unexpected twist. Adam is to name the animals. Adam is now YHWH’s image bearer. God knows all things. Man can know and understand
the creation in a meaningful way, as God knows all things, but in a limited but true way. Other animals do not have this gifting from God. Only adam are his image
bearers. Naming the animals is the beginning of what we would now call scientific observation. It is the tool for adam to extend the garden to the ends of the earth.
Notice that in the naming, or classifying, Adam is already recognising which will be the domesticated animals. Humans were to rule the cosmos as YHWH’s
representatives, vassals but so much more, actually sons of YHWH.
Ruling the cosmos is entwined and inextricably linked with male and female in relationship…
“The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out
of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”
3
The pagan view appears to elevate man into some semi-diving being, e.g. Gilgamesh, but the endless generations of gods generates a scale of being where humans are fairly low down on
the ladder in a purposeless existence from which there is no salvation. These ideas would later be carried into Greek paganism.
4
Yes, in a sense all human beings have a measure of God’s spirit. However sinful we remain his image bearers. This is not to say people are basically good etc. but even those who reject him
have not yet been completely abandoned by him.
Matthew Henry
Adam and Eve were to separate from their fathers and mothers5 and make a new family unit. This is a covenant requirement. A man is to cling to his wife and not
his birth family and vice versa and to be intimate with his wife. This may cause giggles from the children. There was not embarrassment here “both of them, were
naked, and they were not ashamed”. Why? Sin had not entered the world.
When?
More than 10 000 years ago. Last glacial period ends 11 700 years ago. Moses writing c. 1 500 BC.
Why?
You search the scriptures because you think that you have eternal life in them
and it is these that testify about me [John 5:39]
King: Adam and Eve were to be king and queen over creation. Under YHWH
God all adam were to bring order and purpose to the cosmos. They failed and
all adam failed in Adam their representative [see Cycle 2: Lesson 2].
Thousands of years later YHWH will establish the house of David as kings
over Israel. Jesus will be the true son of David.
Prophet: YHWH God covenanted with Adam revealing his requirements of
adam. Adam should have been a prophet to his wife and other adam. He
failed. YHWH sent many prophets to renew his covenant again and again.
Jesus was the ultimate prophet and complete revelation of YHWH to adam.
Priest: In the beginning there was no need for a priest to atone for sin. Adam
was without sin.
Temple: The entire cosmos was to be YHWH’s temple [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and Cycle 2: Lesson 1]. When Adam sinned YHWH withdrew his presence [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2
and Cycle 2: Lesson 2]. Jesus will be the temple of YHWH.
Covenant keeper: Adam rebelled [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2 and Cycle 2: Lesson 2]. Jesus will be the one covenant keeper in whom YHWH will delight.
We can only understand our place in the world if we know we are YHWH’s representatives to the creation. We are to have dominion, or rule, over the world on behalf of
YHWH. This is the requirement of the covenant that YHWH made with one man called Adam who represented all humans from that point on. Marriage is not a requirement
but certainly a blessing under God’s covenant with us in Adam.
He said to them, “Moses, with reference to your hardness of heart, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not like this.
Matthew 19:8 [LEB]
5
Does the bible actually say they were the first adam?
 God provides for all our needs. We can ask the children to share and give thanks for one thing they are
grateful for.
 We are to be God’s representatives in the world. This might be used to address contemporary issues like care for the
environment.
 Women are equal with men. This again might be used to speak to contemporary issues.
 Marriage is a good thing from God. Some sensitivity is needed as some children are from broken homes or are
witnesses of abuse, but this is not how it is meant to be. God wants mummies
and daddies to love each other and their children.
 Our relationship to God is covenantal, whether we believe or not, as Adam We must respond to this positively and seek to lives that please God. We will
represents all humans to God. fail and next week we will learn why? For now we can turn to Jesus and ask
him to forgive us our sins.
Cycle 2: Lesson 2: Pre- and ancient history: The Fall
Scripture
Genesis 3:1-24
The OT does not seem to give any further direct information about this event we call “the Fall”6. However, by the time period between the end of the OT and the coming of
Christ [often referred to as Second Temple Judaism] in the 2 Esdras 7:118 we read:
“O Adam, what have you done? For though it was you who sinned, the fall was not yours alone, but ours also who are your descendants.”7
In the NT and particularly the writings of Paul the event becomes central in understanding the work of Christ: through one man sin entered the world [Romans 5:12] and all
creation groans longing for redemption [Romans 8:22]. Much after Paul it was Augustine who proposed that it is from the father that original sin is transmitted to his
offspring. This view derives from incorrect biological understanding of the time. A more biblical view is to go no further than that sin has somehow permeated the whole
world and gets into all of us even before we are born [Psalm 51:5]. Sin affects our whole being so that we are not able in and of ourselves to please God [Romans 8:7-9]. By
nature we only deserve God’s anger [Ephesians 2:3b].
An understanding of sin and its effects is the only satisfactory reason for the problem of evil and our own inability to save ourselves. This should point us to the love of God
through Christ in rescuing us and the offer of salvation to the lost.
The biblical account is difficult for the modern reader as it is like the creation accounts in the literary genre of myth that is true. The serpent permeates ancient
Mesopotamia literature and was likely a chaos creature breaking in from a dark place or the deep. The story made it clear to the original hearer that contrary to what the
peoples around them were saying that YHWH is control even over evil and will judge the serpent Genesis 3:14. However no sooner did Adam and Eve sin did YHWH
immediately promise a saviour [Genesis 3:15] which ultimately could only be the Lord Jesus Christ.
6
Curiously the Chaldean Account of the Fall adds much detail: "Whatever the primitive account may have been from which the earlier part of the Book of Genesis was copied, it is evident
that the brief narration given in the Pentateuch omits a number of incidents and explanations - for instance, as to the origin of evil, the fall of the angels, the wickedness of the serpent, &c”.
Smith, George. The Chaldean Account Of Genesis (Illustrated) (Kindle Locations 209-213). Global Grey. This account is utterly pagan and attributes actions to false gods. The significance for
us is that these stories permeated the entire region in which the events occurred.
7
2 Esdras belongs to the books we designate as apocrypha. These books were not received by the Jews as Scripture with good reason. God’s presence had not returned to the rebuilt second
temple. God was silent. The writings of this period although not God-breathed show incredible insights into how thoroughly Jewish scholars had searched the Scriptures as they longed for
YHWH’s presence to return.
What?
vv1-3 As already noted the snake is a chaos creature in ANE mythology. In contrast the garden is a place of order and adam beginning to rule over, and bring purpose to
the creation, on behalf of YHWH. Something is very wrong. The serpent, nevertheless, is a creature made by YHWH not another god8. The woman begins to yield to
the serpent’s scheming and expands on YHWH’s command with “nor shall you touch it”.
vv4-5 No sooner has the woman begun to question the command of YHWH then the satan outright denies the curse of the covenant “you shall not surely die” with a
claim that if they eat of the fruit they will “be like gods knowing good and evil”. This strikes to utterly undermine who YHWH is and the covenant he has just made
with all adam as represented by Adam. There are no gods but YHWH [this is the whole thrust of the creation accounts of Genesis 1-2] and creatures cannot know
right and wrong independently from YHWH. The other ANE abound with competing gods, humans becoming divine etc. This is all the deception of the serpent.
vv6-7 The woman is caught by the serpent hook, line and sinker and eats the fruit. The tree “was desirable to make one wise” only in the eyes of the woman because had
rebelled from YHWH’s covenant and was not attempting to see the world independently of, and in rebellion to, YHWH. Eating from the tree was, in reality, sin
leading to shame and a need for covering up whether literally or not.
vv8-13 We get one final glimpse of Eden. YHWH is resting in his temple. The presence of YHWH is in the garden. YHWH seems to be visibly manifest9 walking in the garden.
In the light of Genesis 2 “wind”or breath likely refers to the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is indeed paradise. Adam and Eve could have been perfectly happy and
worked as sons of YHWH to extend this to the ends of the earth [see Cycle 2: Lesson 1]. Instead they have sinned and broken the covenant [again see Cycle 2:
Lesson 1] and, pathetically, attempt to cover themselves. The now sinful Adam is quick to blame YHWH for his sin, as YHWH had in his kindness given him the
woman, and the woman negates her responsibility to the serpent. Note that covenant breakers, unless convicted by the Holy Spirit, do not accept responsibility for
their rebellion.
vv14-19 YHWH curses the serpent. We do not know, because God does not tell us when Satan and other angels rebelled, but here in front of Adam, representing all adam,
YHWH pronounces his final judgment on the serpent, i.e. the satan and fallen angels and any other evil unseen entities, “all the days of your life”. Crawling in the
dust is the antithesis of the glory the satan sought for himself. This is a mere glimpse of the certain fete that awaits the satan and his angels [Revelation 20:10]. In
fact, Revelation 20 gives a clear glimpse of lesser judgements on Satan, within the certain plan of God, culminating in final judgment in hell. Here they are outlined
as follows…
1. enmity between the woman’s offspring, the one who will be strike the serpent on the head, i.e. destroy his rule [v15]
2. increased pain in childbearing which likely refers to the pain of bearing children who will be sinful from their mother’s wombs into a damaged cosmos of
which the physical pain of childbirth is just a picture [v16]
8
Fallen angels seem to be referred to as fathering the Nephillim in Genesis 6:1-4 [see Cycle 2: Lesson 3], an event much expanded upon in the apocryphal book of Enoch, and the watchers
of Daniel 4:13,23. The satan is personified in 1 Chronicles 21:1, Zechariah 3:1-2, Job 1-2 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 19]. However it was not until Second Temple Judaism that the serpent is linked
to the devil. The NT has 36 references to Satan. Some Christian writers have seen references to Satan in Isaiah 14:12 and Ezekiel 28:11-19.
9
A theophany.
3. the slavish submission of [many] women to men rather than man and woman, opposite one another as the covenant offered, and males abusing females
[see Cycle 2: Lesson 1] [v16]
4. Adam, and in him all adam, are cursed as covenant breakers and even the ground cursed for eternity. Toil and futility in labour will pervade [vv17-19]
v20 Perhaps Adam recognises at some level that the woman will be the mother of the one.
v21 YHWH’s is gracious to Adam and Even despite their rebellion. He provides a cover for their shame. Ultimately he will provide the One as a cover for our sin.
vv22-23 In terms of YHWH’s covenant with Adam [see Cycle 2: Lesson1] Adam must now “die”. Adam must be driven from Edem. There is no way back. Or is there?
When?
Why?
King: Adam and Eve were to be king and queen over creation. Under YHWH
God all adam were to bring order and purpose to the cosmos. They failed and
all adam failed in Adam their representative . Thousands of years later YHWH
will establish the house of David as kings over Israel. Jesus will be the true
son of David.
Prophet: YHWH God covenanted with Adam revealing his requirements of
adam. Adam should have been a prophet to his wife and other adam. He
failed. YHWH sent many prophets to renew his covenant again and again.
Jesus was the ultimate prophet and complete revelation of YHWH to adam.
Priest: Adam has sinned and in him all adam. In v21 YHWH, in his undeserved
kindness, immediately promised a priest who will atone for Adam’s and our personal sin. That perfect priest will be Jesus.
Temple: The entire cosmos was to be YHWH’s temple [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and Cycle 2: Lesson 1]. When Adam sinned YHWH withdrew his presence [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2
and Cycle 2: Lesson 2]. Jesus will be the temple of YHWH who will bring about a [re]new[ed] cosmos.
Covenant keeper: Jesus will be the one covenant keeper in whom YHWH will delight.
Genesis 3 and its explanation of the fall of Satan, in very limited terms, and human beings and the consequent spreading of sin into the entire cosmos is utterly necessary to
understand why there is evil in the world and the sinful condition of mankind and why by nature we are driven out of the presence of YHWH. The passage is not without
hope as there is a promise of the seed of the woman, the One, who will be a second Adam and a covenant keeper and therefore able to pay the price that our sin deserves.
 The serpent lied to Eve and through her Adam The snake can be treated literally.
 Adam and Eve believed the lie that they would become like God and ate The man called Adam is a real person who God make the representative of
the fruit rather than obeying God human beings. Because Adam sinned all human beings suffered the
consequences.
 Sin came into the world and as a result everyone sins Although this is a very sad story it is also a comfort to know that there is a
reason for the sin around us and in us. Our children may have difficulties in
their home lives. Sin is the reason for this and God already indicated that he
will send the Lord Jesus Christ.
 God is always angry with sin but God promised to save those who trust in At the same time that we teach the children of sin we must tell them of the
Jesus saviour. This is how the story is presented.
Cycle 2: Lesson 3: Pre- and ancient history: Increasing sin: Nephilim
Scripture
Genesis 6:1-8
Genesis 1-11 bear a striking resemblance but radical differences to the mythology of the Ancient Near East [ANE]. As a literary genre they might be described as true myth.
This means we cannot read these chapters as simply narrative but more of an epic drama to explain a narrative. We have seen the increasing wickedness of adam after the
fall of Adam, e.g. Cain murdering Abel [see Cycle 1: Lesson 3]. Now we encounter “sons of god” copulating and reproducing with human women. The ANE abounds with
such stories, e.g. Gilgamesh the 1/3 god and 2/3 human hybrid. Giants, the hybrid offspring, appear in later stories, e.g. Numbers 13:25-14:4, that are narratives and
therefore to be read as such. What does God say about such things?
What?
v1: The human population, as damaged image bearers of YHWH, is growing.
v2: The first direct attack of the serpent, actually the satan, has caused sin to enter the world. Sin is increasing [see Cycle 1: Lesson 3]. Now “sons of God”, very likely
fallen angels or demons of some sort10, become physically manifest and take human women as wives.
v3: YHWH pronounces judgment, or covenant cursing…
“My Spirit shall not abide with humankind forever in that he is also flesh. And his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”
This is ANE story telling later recorded by Moses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There is no reason to impose a Greek dualism of body-spirit on the text.
The Spirit here is the Holy Spirit. Flesh is likely sinful human nature. This is how Paul will later use the term. If read this way we might paraphrase…
Human beings will no longer have the anointing of my Holy Spirit because they are sinful.
10
This Hebrew phrase, bene ha’elohim, and similar phrasings (bene elohim and bene elim) are used elsewhere in the OT only of heavenly beings (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Pss 89:6; 82:6; see Deut
32:8) [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 6:2]. That the heavenly council includes Satan, and here other evil beings, is evident in Job 1:1-2:13 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 19]. This view is supported by
the intertestamental writings of Second Temple Judaism [1 Enoch 6–11, Jubilees 4–5] which are even quoted in the NT [2 Pet 2:4–5, Jude 6] and remained the view of Christian writers until
at least the fourth century AD.
We are not saying that every human had the Holy Spirit but there were believers and that is the point of the genealogies tracing the faithful. But in 120 years all
human life will come to an end! There are no faithful. Humans have broken the covenant. Actually if we read vv8+ff we find out that YHWH will save the family of
Noah. God is kind. He will have a people anointed by the Holy Spirit to represent him to the creation.
v4: Why is God so angry? The demon-human unions have produced the Nephilim. These were the giants11 and mighty warriors of the mythology of the near east
including Greece. Even after the flood the Nephilim recur and are the enemies of God’s people: they are inhabiting the land promised to Israel [Numbers 13:33],
Goliath was a giant of that land [1 Samuel 17].
v5: This supports out reading of v3.
v6: YHWH is grieved in his heart. Although the language is accommodating and anthropocentric this does not mean God is not genuinely grieved by sin. It is not a grief
in that things are out of his control but a deep grief nevertheless.
v7: This again supports our reading of v3.
v8: Noah will escape God’s judgement. Why? He had faith in YHWH and was considered righteous as was Abraham and us today if we are trusting in Jesus.
When?
11
“Ancient Jewish texts and translations of the OT render the Hebrew word nephilim with terms that describe men of inordinate height. The Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of
the OT) renders the term gigantes (“giants”). The origin of the term nephilim is uncertain; it may have come from the Hebrew root naphal, which literally means “fallen ones.” “ [Faithlife
Study Bible on Nephelim.
Why?
King: The Adamic line is corrupt and about to be destroyed but there is a
righteous man Noah, justified through faith, Noah will be a king in the post-
deluge ANE. He will fail but YHWH will remember his covenant. Thousands of
years later YHWH will establish the house of David as kings over Israel. Jesus
will be the true son of David.
Prophet: Noah will be a prophet preserving and teaching a knowledge of
YHWH and his covenant in the post-deluge ANE. YHWH will send many
prophets to renew his covenant again and again. Jesus will be the ultimate
prophet and complete revelation of YHWH to adam.
Priest: YHWH will preserve Noah. Noah will perform the function of a priest
offering sacrifices to God [see Cycle 2: Lesson 4]. The only priest who will be able to offer a sacrifice to truly atone for sin will be Jesus.
Temple: The entire cosmos was to be YHWH’s temple [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and Cycle 2: Lesson 1]. YHWH is now further withdrawing his presence from the land. Jesus will
be the temple of YHWH who will bring about a [re]new[ed] cosmos.
Covenant keeper: Noah is he only man in land who is faithful. Jesus will be the one covenant keeper in whom YHWH will delight.
 People who reject God get more and more sinful Be careful! If we are deliberately naughty we will only get worse.
 God is very sad when people sin When people are unkind God is sad.
 God will bring judgement on those who sin We need to say sorry to God for our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us.
 God is always kind. Like Noah we should trust God and ask him to forgive
us.
Cycle 2: Lesson 4: Pre- and ancient history: Flood: Rainbow
Scripture
Genesis 6:9-9:17

The text does not necessarily teach a universal flood but all the land, i.e. the known world of the writer. The geological evidence for flooding in northern Mesopotamia due
to glacial melt is abundant. The fact that the Nephilim seem to have survived the flood would suggest the whole earth was not submersed. The thrust of the passage is that
human beings, or adam, have increased in sin. YHWH regrets that he as made adam [see Cycle 2: Lesson 3] and determines to destroy adam. However YHWH is gracioius
and remembers his promise to Adam and Eve and will save one family from destruction.
Elohim [God] vs YHWH. Elohim is the language of Genesis 1 [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1]. Elohim is in a covenant relationship with adam and the animals and the entire creation.
YHWH is the special name of God seemingly used for his unique covenant with adam in Adam. God shows love and kindness to all his creatures but there is a much deeper
love for adam. The fullness of YHWH’s covenant love will be fully revealed in the One, who is Jesus and YHWH himself.
What?
Genesis 6
vv9-22: “Noah was a righteous man” [v9]. In hindsight we understand that a man is righteous not because of his faithfulness but the faithfulness of the One promised to Eve
[see Cycle 1: Lesson 2 and Cycle 2: Lesson 2]. God warns Noah that he will destroy the land because of the intermarriage of the “sons of god” with the daughters of
Adam [see Cycle 2: Lesson 3]. God promises to establish his covenant with Noah [v18]. Noah is to build a large wooden box to save his family and pairs of all animals
from drowning.
Genesis 7
vv1-5: Interestingly there is already a distinction between clean animals that may be eaten and ceremonially unclean. The Law of Moses has not yet been given and yet a
knowledge of the dietary laws of Leviticus 11 seem to be known. God is already marking out his people, those of faith, from the peoples around them.
vv6-24: As God had warned flooding covers the whole ground water [v23].
Genesis 8
vv1-22: The flood subdues. Noah sacrifices clean animals to YHWH. Although the bible does not record when this was revealed to humans even in this early part of the story
God has revealed to adam the need for the shedding of blood of ceremonially clean animals for the remission of sin looking forward to the atonement that will be
made by the One. Thus, God can say…
Never again will I curse the ground for the sake of humankind, because the inclination of the heart of humankind is evil from his youth. [v21]
Atonement will be made. God’s presence will not destroy all adam.
Genesis 9
vv1-4 God re-establishes or renews his covenant, with adam [human kind] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1], with Noah…
Genesis 1 Genesis 9
28 1
And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and
fill the earth multiply, and fill the earth.
2
and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of heaven, and And fear of you and dread of you shall be upon every animal of the earth, and
over every animal that moves upon the earth.” on every bird of heaven, and on everything that moves upon the ground, and
on all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they shall be given.
29 3
And God said, “Look—I am giving to you every plant that bears seed which is Every moving thing that lives shall be for you as food. As I gave the green
on the face of the whole earth, and every kind of tree that bears fruit. They plants to you, I now give you everything. 4 Only you shall not eat raw flesh with
shall be yours as food.” 30 And to every kind of animal of the earth and to every blood in it.
bird of heaven, and to everything that moves upon the earth in which there is
life I am giving every green plant as food.” And it was so.
Humans are still to reproduce and fill the earth, subduing the earth12. They can now eat animals in addition to plants13. However raw meat and blood are not to be
consumed. The ANE, and other pagan practices, drinking the blood of an animal transfers the life force of the animal to the recipient but it is instead YHWH who is
the giver of life. The requirement to abstain from blood was even maintained by the Jerusalem Council for gentile believers in the pagan Greco-Roman world [Acts
15:28-29].
vv5-6: Humankind [adam] as God’s image-bearers must appear tenuous at this point. Adam have fallen [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2 and Cycle 2: Lesson 2]. Sin has increased,
with murder [see Cycle 1: Lesson 3] culminating in the human-demon hybrid giants and heroes of the ANE, to the point that YHWH regretted making adam and will
wipe him out from the entire land [see Cycle 2: Lesson 3].
However, YWHW is loving and gracious and faithful to his covenant. Adam remain his image bearers. This is the clearest statement of the sanctity or holiness of
human life. Our lives are special because we bear God’s image. Murder is as if we are killing God in effigy…
12
In Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and elsewhere we saw that from a cosmos with an unstated purpose it is God who assures us of his creation of all things and his purposes to use adam to bring
purpose and meaning as they managed and subdued the cosmos. YHWH set things up ready to go, as it where, in Eden, but man was to extend the garden to the ends of the earth as
YWWH’s vassal and even son. This contrasts strongly ANE, ancient Greek and other pagan cosmologies where even amongst the gods there is chaos and uncertainty.
13
“This phrase links eating meat with the command to multiply and have dominion, suggesting that the practice of eating meat is not a result of the fall, but an outgrowth of the flood event
that is consistent with the original stewardship of humanity (1:28–29; compare 4:4) [Lexham Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 9:2].
Genesis 1 Genesis 9
27 5
So God created humankind in his image, in the likeness of God he created And your lifeblood I will require; from every animal I will require it. And from
him, male and female he created them. the hand of humankind, from the hand of each man to his brother I will require
the life of humankind.
6
“As for the one shedding the blood of humankind,
by humankind his blood shall be shed,
for God made humankind in his own image.
v7: Image-bearing is also the basis for adam having dominion over, or subduing, the whole land or earth and by extension the entire cosmos…
Genesis 1 Genesis 9
26 7
And God said, “Let us make humankind in our image and according to our “And you, be fruitful and multiply, swarm on the earth and multiply in it.”
likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of
heaven, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every moving
thing that moves upon the earth.”
vv8-10: Our interpretation of YHWH’s relation with adam as being a covenant is not simply a hermeneutical convenience but how God himself, quoted in direct speech,
views his relationship with adam and even the animals.
vv11-17: Again “I am establishing my covenant with you”.
God will “never again will all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, nor will there ever be a flood that destroys the earth.” A rainbow that usually appears in the
sky after heavy downpour, in this part of the world, is a sign of the covenant with adam and the animals. This does not mean that God will not judge the earth, he
will, but rather that he will remember kindness. Just as Noah and his family were saved from drowning so YHWH will continue to seek a people to be rescued from
sin and to enjoy and love him forever.
When?
More than 10 000 years ago. Last glacial period ends, causing flooding, 11 700 years ago. Moses writing c. 1 500 BC.
Why?
“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love” [1 John
4:8 LEB]. This story demonstrates the love of God to adam, the animals and
the creation in general. God by his very nature cannot tolerate sin yet he
desires to love and redeem a people for himself from the chaos and darkness
of a fallen world. The story does not end with the Nephilim. It ends with the
One, and a people in him, and a [re]new[ed] cosmos.
King: The Adamic line is corrupt and about to be destroyed but there is a
righteous man Noah, justified through faith, Noah will be a king in the post-
deluge ANE. His grandson Kittim will build ancient Kiteon in Larnaca [Genesis
10:4]. He will fail but YHWH will remember his covenant. Thousands of years
later YHWH will establish the house of David as kings over Israel. Jesus will be
the true son of David.
Prophet: Noah is a prophet preserving and teaching a knowledge of YHWH and his covenant in the post-deluge ANE. YHWH will send many prophets to renew his covenant
again and again. Jesus will be the ultimate prophet and complete revelation of YHWH to adam.
Priest: YHWH preserves Noah. Noah will perform the function of a priest offering sacrifices to God [Genesis 8:20]. The only priest who will be able to offer a sacrifice to truly
atone for sin will be Jesus.
Temple: The entire cosmos was to be YHWH’s temple [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and Cycle 2: Lesson 1]. Noah’s priestly function begins to prepare a place again for the
presence of YHWH to dwell. Jesus will be the temple of YHWH who will bring about a [re]new[ed] cosmos.
 People who reject God get more and more sinful Be careful! If we are deliberately naughty we will only get worse.
 God is very sad when people sin When people are unkind God is sad.
 God will bring judgement on those who sin We need to say sorry to God for our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us.
 God is always kind. Like Noah we should trust God and ask him to forgive
us.
Cycle 2: Lesson 5: Pre- and ancient history: Still increasing sin: Ham’s sin
Scripture
Genesis 9:18-29

Last lesson [see Cycle 2: Lesson 4] we looked briefly at the flood and focused on the renewal of the covenant made with adam [human beings] represented by Adam in
Eden. Despite increasing sin [see Cycle 1: Lesson 3 and Cycle 2: Lesson 3] culminating in God’s deep regret, demanding his judgment, God still remembers mercy and his
covenant. God is faithful. Humans are not.
The [re]new[ed] covenant with Noah was marked by a rainbow.
This lesson looks at specific sin of Noah, drunkenness and incest, and its consequences. The genre is still true myth so is something of an epic explanation of an historical
event. We should be very careful not to infer that one group of people has the God-given right to enslave another as a literal reading of the text would conclude.
What?
vv18-19: As mentioned last lesson [see Cycle 2: Lesson 4] “whole earth” etc would apply to the known world, i.e. northern Mesopotamia. We now know the world is much
larger! There is no need to attempt to explain how all human beings descended from Shem, Ham, and Japheth although it is certainly of interest to us that Japheth
would be the father of Kittim who gave his name to ancient Kiteion [here in modern Larnaca].
v20: Noah begins to farm. Agriculture is beginning. Agriculture was utterly consistent with the Adamic covenant…
Taken together, the account of Noah’s birth (5:29), his deliverance from the flood, the repetition of the command to be fruitful and multiply (8:17), and
this description of his occupation cast Noah as a type of new Adam: Creation finds renewal after the flood, and in many ways, the relationship between God
and humanity begins anew. [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 9:20]
However, what should have been an immense blessing also becomes a source of sin. Agriculture means that Noah is not gathering wild grapes but has deliberately
and purposefully planted them and other crops. There is an abundance of grapes and wine!
v21: Noah gets drunk and crashes out, exposing himself, in his tent, i.e. the family home.
v22: It is not immediately obvious to the modern reader why “seeing the nakedness” of his father. There is no prohibition in the bible, or in the statutes of the gods of
the surrounding nations, of seeing your father naked. “Seeing the nakedness” is used elsewhere in the Law to refer to sexual relations. Either Ham sexually abused
his father or raped his mother14. He then boldly tells his brothers.
v23: The brothers, Shem and Japheth, behave righteously and cover up their father either literally or metaphorically. Something is happening. Remember “these are the
generations of heaven and earth” [Genesis 2:4] [see Cycle 2: Lesson 1].
v24: Noah awoke from his drunkenness. He knew what his youngest son had done to him. This suggests special revelation from YHWH again marking out the significance
of these events.
v25: Canaan [the son of Ham15] is cursed.
The One will not come from Canaan.
Genesis 9:25 Genesis 9:25
“Cursed be Canaan, “Because you have done this,
slave of slaves he shall be to his brothers.” you will be cursed
more than any domesticated animal
and more than any wild animal.
On your belly you shall go
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
And I will put hostility
between you and between the woman,
14
Against the idea that Ham’s offense was voyeurism, the Hebrew phrase which may be literally rendered “saw the nakedness” appears elsewhere in the OT referring to illicit sexual contact
and intercourse. To “see [ra’ah in Hebrew] the nakedness [erwah in Hebrew]” of someone is used in the Law (Lev 18; 20) to prohibit certain sexual relations. This idiom suggests that
Ham’s offense may have been of a sexual nature, perhaps homosexual rape of his father or paternal incest. However, no combination of the relevant Hebrew words—
ra’ah (“see”), galah(“uncover”), and erwah (“nakedness”)—occurs in the OT in reference to homosexuality. The Hebrew phrase for “uncovering the nakedness of [a man]” actually refers
to sexual intercourse with a man’s wife. For example, in a literal rendering of Lev 18:7, “the nakedness of your father” means “the nakedness of your mother”; in Lev 18:14, a literal
rendering of “the nakedness of your father’s brother” is clarified as “his wife” and “your aunt” (see Lev 18:8; 20:11, 20, 21). Although the usual expression in Leviticus is to “uncover
[galah in Hebrew] the nakedness,” both idioms are used in parallel in Lev 20:17. Therefore, Ham’s offense may have been maternal incest and the forcible rape of his mother. This explains
the curse of Ham’s son that follows (see Gen 9:25–27). [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 9:22-24]
15
Reading the story as narrative Adam and his wife enter the arc with three sons and their wives. Where does the son of Ham suddenly appear from?
and between your offspring and between her offspring;
he will strike you on the head,
and you will strike him on the heel.”
The words of the curse are incredibly strong. Ham’s rebellion places him, in terms of the covenant, to the status of the satan.
v26: Shem is blessed by YHWH
The One will come from Shem. Notice that Noah used the covenant name of YHWH not merely Elohim [God]. Adam [human beings] were to rule the earth as sons
of YHWH. In a fallen world this will mean Shem enslaving Canaan.
v27: Japheth is blessed by Elohim [God]
The One will not come from Japheth. However, Japheth will be blessed by Shem. Notice that Noah does not use the covenant name of YHWH but Elohim [God]. This
is god’s general kindness to his creatures and especially adam. Japheth will, with Shem, enslave Canaan.
v28: This is true myth. Did Noah live 950 years? In ANE mythology kings can live as long as 36 000 years16. Whether this is simply longevity equating to stature in the
story or that the numbers have a significance we do not understand is unclear17. The clear point is that Noah continued to be blessed abundantly by YHWH.
Modern graves in a mausoleum

in Ahlat, Turkey, i.e. northern
Mesopotamia, recording
immense longevity. Adjacent
tombs record normal life
spans.
16
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumerian_King_List
17
Many of the numbers in the Sumerian King List and the genealogy of ch. 5 show mathematical patterning, and there may be a mathematical cypher that explains the numbers. Biblical
writers may have also considered them (and other genealogical life spans in the OT) significant in a numerological sense. If all the age numbers from Adam to Moses are added, for example,
the number is 12,600—strikingly similar to 1,260, an important number in the OT.” [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 5:5]
When?
More than 10 000 years ago. Last glacial period ends, causing flooding, 11 700 years ago. Moses writing c. 1 500 BC.
Why?
All adam sinned in Adam. No sooner has Adam rebelled then YHWH is promising the One [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2 and Cycle 2: Lesson 2]. Despite the promise of the One the
early chapters of Genesis record only increasing sin [see Cycle 1: Lesson 3 and Cycle 2: Lesson 3] culminating in God’s deep regret and his judgment by a flood [see Cycle 1:
Lesson 2 and Cycle 2: Lesson 4]. Yet YHWH is faithful to his covenant and saves Noah and his family and renews the covenant with Noah. It is almost a restart. Almost Eden
restored but Noah [like Adam] as a representative of adam [human beings] sins. His son, Ham, like Cain, is unrepentant and unredeemed, for which Canaan, as yet unborn
like Enoch18, is cursed!
The story raises some questions?
1. Why does Noah whose sin causes such damaging effects through the generations have a prophet role and seems to get off “scot free”?
2. Why was Canaan cursed for his father’s sin caused by his grandfather’s sin?
Our answers may indicate to what extent we’re understood God’s story…
1. YHWH by his very nature hates sin. The wicked cannot survive in his presence. YHWH’s kindness to Noah and Shem and Japheth is his undeserved grace. This is YHWH
being faithful not adam. Noah is righteous because
2. Sin is so serious that it spreads into everything, the entire cosmos, and corrupts generations not yet born. The only hope is the One. Reject him and perish.
King: The Adamic line was corrupt and destroyed but for righteous Noah,
justified through faith, who will be a king in the post-deluge ANE. His grandson
Kittim will give his name ancient Kiteon in Larnaca [Genesis 10:4]. He will fail
but YHWH will remember his covenant. Thousands of years later YHWH will
establish the house of David as kings over Israel. Jesus will be the true son of
David.
Prophet: Noah is a prophet preserving and teaching a knowledge of YHWH
and his covenant in the post-deluge ANE. YHWH will send many prophets to
renew his covenant again and again. Jesus will be the ultimate prophet and
complete revelation of YHWH to adam.
Priest: YHWH preserves Noah. Noah performed the function of a priest offering sacrifices to God [Genesis 8:20]. The only priest who will be able to offer a sacrifice to truly
atone for sin will be Jesus.
18
There are more than one Enoch. Enoch the son of Cain [Genesis 4:17], Enoch the son of Jered and father of Methuselah [Genesis 5:19-21] and, much later, Enoch the son of Reuben
[Exodus 6:14].
Temple: The entire cosmos was to be YHWH’s temple [see Cycle 1: Lesson 1 and Cycle 2: Lesson 1]. Noah’s priestly function begins to prepare a place again for the
presence of YHWH to dwell. Jesus will be the temple of YHWH who will bring about a [re]new[ed] cosmos.
Cycle 2: Lesson 6: Abraham and his family: Abram [aka Abraham]: Michizedek
Scripture
Genesis 14:17-24, Psalm 110, Hebrews 5-7
In Cycle 1: Lesson 6 we met Abraham and learnt of YHWH renewing the covenant with him. God is now separating a people out to be his own but always with the promise
of the One who will come.
“On the way back from defeating the kings and recovering the captives, Abram is met by the king of Sodom, who is accompanied by Melchizedek, king of Salem (see note
on v. 18). Melchizedek, identified as a priest of God Most High, immediately offers a blessing to Abram, giving God the glory for his success. The introduction of Melchizedek
provides an opportunity for Abram to demonstrate that his military offensive was not motivated by personal gain. As an answer to Melchizedek’s blessing, Abram gives
Melchizedek a 10th of the spoil he had recovered (vv. 16, 20), recognizing God’s role in his victory. The king of Sodom offers Abram all the plunder taken from Sodom as a
reward for his successful venture, but Abram rejects the proposal because it implies dependence on someone or something other than God alone.19”
This story of a foreign king, is a plot clue, pointing to the One, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The genre of Genesis 12-50 is very much narrative and should be read as an accurate historical account.
What?
Genesis 14
v17: Abraham is returning from rescuing his Nephew lot from Kedorlaomer and the other kings when he meets the king of Sodom. Sodom would soon be destroyed by
God and is a symbol throughout the bible of a place of wickedness. What is going on?
v18: Suddenly a second king appears, Melchizedek [“my king is righteous”], the king of Salem [may be Jerusalem20]. Our bewilderment is compounded by this mysterious
king bringing out bread and wine! Sure, bread and wine were common elements of a Near Eastern meal, and are to this day, but in the absence of other food. Is this
the Lord’s supper a millennium before Jesus would institute the ceremony? And this strange king is a priest. He is a king and priest21 of God Most High22.
19
Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 14:17-24
20
“This location may be, though not certainly, identified with Jerusalem. The name Salem is attested once in parallel with Zion in Psa 76:2, the location of the temple.” Faithlife Study Bible
on Genesis 14:18
21
ANE cultures usually separated the roles of king and priest although this is not unique.
22
“The Hebrew text here uses the phrase el elyon; this is the first biblical occurrence of this phrase. The word el is both the generic word for “god” in Semitic languages and the name of the
god El in the Canaanite pantheon (as seen in Ugaritic texts). Elyon could refer to the “most high” deity or mean “upper” or “highest.” In Gen 14:22, the title is combined in the Hebrew text
with the name Yahweh (yhwh), so it seems that the narrator identified Yahweh with el elyon.” Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 14:18
v19: The mysterious Melchizedek blesses Abram. He blesses not in the name of YHWH but with knowledge of a “God Most High”23, i.e. above all the other gods, “maker
of heaven and earth”.
v20: Mechizedek is a king [v18] and priest [v18]. Now he has a prophetic role. Abram tithes24 to Melchizedek from the spoils of the battle.
v21: The king of Sodom offers Abram the spoils of the battle. Abram declines not wanting it to be said that the king made Abram rich. This might appear arrogant on
Abram’s part but he has already sworn to YHWH that he will not take spoils. Notice that Abram refers to God Most High by his covenant name YHWH.
When?
Probably a little before 2000 BC. Abraham’s world is the middle bronze age of Mesopotamia. Moses would write down these stories some 500 years later.
Why?
Let scripture interpret scripture…
Psalm 110
The psalm is a glorious Messianic psalm penned by David…
vv1-2: David’s “lord”, i.e. the One, will rule over the nations.
v3: The people of the future Messiah will freely serve him. Later the prophets would speak of the age of the Holy Spirit.
vv4: YWHW has sworn of the One…
“You are a priest forever according to the manner of Melchizedek.”
Melchizedek was not a Jew let alone of Levitical priest, according to the law of Moses. Jesus would be a member of this priesthood!
vv5-7: The Messiah will judge the nations with absolute certainty.
Hebrews 5-7
The writer of Hebrews says concerning Melchizedek that “we have much to say and it is difficult to explain” [5:11]. The discussion fills three chapters [5-7], arguing that
Jesus is a priest in the order of, or in the same way as, Melchizedek yet superior. “If perfection was through the Levitical priesthood…what further need is there for another
priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek” [7:11] and “a preceding commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the
law made nothing perfect)” [7:18-19], and “the introduction of a better hope through which we draw near to God” [7:19]. So that…
…a high priest such as this…who does not ⌊need every day⌋ like the former high priests to offer up sacrifices for his own sins and then for the sins of the people,
because he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
23
“The Hebrew text here uses the phrase el elyon; this is the first biblical occurrence of this phrase. The word el is both the generic word for “god” in Semitic languages and the name of the
god El in the Canaanite pantheon (as seen in Ugaritic texts). Elyon could refer to the “most high” deity or mean “upper” or “highest.” In Gen 14:22, the title is combined in the Hebrew text
with the name Yahweh (yhwh), so it seems that the narrator identified Yahweh with el elyon.” Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis on Genesis 14:18
24
“This is a one-time payment (compare Num 31:25–41) and thus there is no basis for connecting this to the regular tithe of later law. A 10th payment to a king is known from Ugarit and
later becomes the expectation of an Israelite king (1 Sam 8:15, 17).” Faithlife Bible Study on Genesis 14:20.
Hebrews 7:26-27 [LEB]
In summary, because of the mysterious Melchizedek, who even Abram tithed to, it was known all along that the Levitical priesthood, entered on the basis of birth according
to the flesh, could not solve the problem of sin as the priests themselves were
sinful. The Levitical priesthood, therefore, pointed to something far superior: a
permanent priest, the One, like Melchizedek appointed directly by God and
without sin.
King: Melchizedek was a king, prophet and priest. The narrative
Prophet: omits his lineage as if he had no father and was appointed
Priest: directly by God. Jesus would be the king, prophet and
priest without a father [according to the flesh].
Temple: The entire cosmos was to be YHWH’s temple. The knowledge of
Melchizedek outside the later Aaronic priesthood always spoke of something
greater than a tabernacle or temple at Jerusalem.
Covenant keeper: Melchizedek was not without sin. Jesus will be the one
covenant keeper in whom YHWH will delight.
Cycle 2: Lesson 7: Abraham and his family: Isaac: Isaac and Rebekah
Scripture
Genesis 24
After last week’s mysterious meeting of Abram with Melchizedek [Genesis 14] [see Cycle 2: Lesson 6], YHWH renews his covenant with Abram [Genesis 15], Sarai has given
up on God's promise of bearing a child and gives her slave Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate mother [Genesis 16]. Hagar conceived. The angel of the LORD, the pre-incarnate
Jesus, appears to Hagar promising abundant blessing on her unborn son Ishmael and his descendants [Arabs loosely speaking] [Genesis 16]. YHWH again renews his
covenant with Abram [“exalted father”] and changes his name to Abraham [“father of many”25] still promising him abundant offspring! Circumcision as a sign of the
covenant is instituted. YWHW appears to Abraham as three men [Genesis 18]! God destroys Sodom but two of the divine men/angels rescue Lot and his family. God has
continuously renewed his covenant and continues to demonstrate his faithfulness to it [Genesis 19]. Sadly, Lot
repeats the pattern of sin of Noah [see Cycle 2: Lesson 5], getting drunk and unconsciously committing incest
with his daughters [Genesis 19]! Abraham lies to Abimelech about Sarah [Genesis 20]. The child of the promise,
Isaac, is finally born leading to the breakup of the family and Hagar taking her son Ismail, and leaving, but still
enjoying YHWH's blessing and provision [Genesis 21]. This is the historical Israelite/Arab schism. One family
broken, and all blessed by YHWH, but it is from Isaac, the child of promise, that we must wait for the One. God
tests Abraham [see Cycle 1: Lesson 7], commanding him to sacrifice his only son Isaac to YHWH but God at the
last moment provides a lamb for the sacrifice. Child sacrifice was common in the ANE. The remarkable thing was
that Abraham’s God provided the sacrifice. This is in utter antithesis to the other gods that man must work to
satiate. Sarah dies and is buried in Canaan, the promised land [Genesis 23].
This lengthy chapter concludes the story of Abraham.
The literary genre is narrative, i.e. to be read as an historical account.
What?
vv1-9: Abraham is old and rich, indicators of God’s blessing in the ANE. He is living in the promised land, of
Canaan, but surrounded by other nation-families who worship other gods26. Who will Isaac marry?
Marriages were arranged by the families in the ANE, as they still are in this part of the world or were
until very recently. Abraham makes his servant swear to YHWH by putting his hand under his thigh27 not to marry Isaac to a Canaanite. The application today would
not be that we are not to marry foreigners, but that Christians should not marry those who do not know Jesus. Abraham remembers YWWH’s covenant and is
confident of his faithfulness. “His angel” is almost certainly the “angel of YHWH” or pre-incarnate Christ. Abraham is saying, even if he does not realise the full
25
A name received in faith by a man who had not children at that point.
26
For the reality of other gods see Cycle 2: Lesson 3 etc.
27
The significance of the thigh may be its proximity to, and a reference to, the genitalia. Abraham has been promised a seed. The seed was already in his genitalia according to the writer to
the Hebrews some 200 years later [Hebrews 7:10].
significance of his words: Jesus will be with you and work it all out.
vv10-21 The servant sets off with a caravan of camels laden with gifts much as a person in the middle east today arrives although perhaps not the camels any longer!
Through prayer the servant is led to Rebekah, Isaac’s cousin’s daughter28. The girl is beautiful29 and kind and a virgin.
vv22-25: Out comes the gold and the discovery that Rebekah is Isaac’s relative, i.e. a member of Abraham’s extended family that know YHWH!
vv26-27: “And the man knelt down and worshiped Yahweh” [v26]. The servant is clearly a man of faith and blesses God as he works out his purposes according to his
promises to Abraham.
vv28-33: Rebekah’s family know YHWH and recognise the blessings on Abraham.
vv34-47: The servant explains the purpose of his mission to Laban and testifies to YHWH’s blessing on the journey.
vv48-49: The servant “knelt down and worshiped Yahweh… the God of [his] master Abraham” [v48]. This unnamed servant has really got it! All the nations will be blessed
through Abraham. The servant was blessed through faith and prayer and guidance of the pre-incarnate Christ.
vv50-61: Laban is also convinced of YHWH’s leading. More gold and jewellery! After 10 final days30 with her family, Rebekah and her maidservants, leave with
Abraham’s servant. Rebekah’s family understand the significance of this marriage: “You are our sister; may you become countless thousands; and may your
offspring take possession of the gate of his enemies” [v60].
vv62-67: Isaac doesn’t get to see his wife’s face until after they marry. We assume that it was customary that a virgin was seen only by family members. A custom Laban
would exploit is marrying off his own daughters, Rachel and Leah, to Isaac’s son Jacob [see Cylce 3: Lesson 8]. Isaac loves Rebecca and is comforted after the death
of his mother.
When?
Probably a little before 2000 BC. Abraham’s world is the middle bronze age of Mesopotamia. Moses would write down these stories some 500 years later.
Why?
The overarching themes of the story are…
• YHWH’s covenant faithfulness. God has promised the seed, the One, to Abraham and blessing to the nations. God will deliver.
• The unnamed servant writes his story into the Abraham story. YHWH has promised to abundantly bless the nations through the seed of Abraham, the One we now
know to be Jesus. How much of this the servant understood at this point in the story is uncertain but by faith he trusts YHWH and the promises to his master. His life is
characterised by prayer, dependence on God and the angel of the Lord’s, i.e. Jesus’, unseen but certain leading. Likewise, by faith we believe that God will redeem the
entire cosmos through Christ. This is the story we should be writing our story into.
28
“Rebekah’s genealogy is provided to show that her grandmother was the wife of Nahor (Abraham’s brother) and not a concubine (11:29). Rebekah, as Bethuel’s daughter, is Isaac’s first
cousin once removed.” [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 24:15]
29
God’s favour on Abraham and his family was evident in wealth and beautiful women. These are not norms but very visible indicators of YHWH’s much deeper covenant love and
faithfulness at this point in the story.
30
“This may be a colloquialism for a long period of time—perhaps longer than a year. Ten days alone would not be a sufficient reason for the servant to protest the imposition.” [Faithlife
Study Bible on Genesis 24:55].
Cycle 2: Lesson 8: Abraham and his family: Jacob [aka Israel]: Jacob’s dream
Scripture
Genesis 28:10-22
Background
Last lesson a very happy Isaac married the beautiful Rebecca [Genesis 24] [see Cycle 2: Lesson 7]. In the fast forward to today’s lesson the following has transpired…
Abraham remarries. Keturah bears him another six children. Abraham dies but only Isaac is his heir, the son of
the promise31 [Genesis 25:1-18].
The story continues with “Now these are the generations of Isaac, the son of Abraham” [Genesis 25:19].
Genealogy is a detail so often missed by the modern western reader but right back in the beginning we read
“These are the generations of heaven and earth when they were created” [Genesis 2:4]. This is the story of the
cosmos and how it will be redeemed through a special family and the One who will be born to that family. Isaac
and Rebecca have twins. Esau is the first born, and therefore the heir, the son of the promise32 but sells his birth
right to his twin Jacob for a meal [Genesis 25:19-34]. The name Esau means “deceiver”.
The family is displaced by famine and, like his father before him, Isaac lies about his wife because she is beautiful
and fears he may be killed for her [Genesis 26]. Deception continues within the family and Rebekah is party to
deceiving the elderly Isaac into blessing Jacob, as the heir of the promise, rather than the faithless Esau33. The
disinherited Esau is so angry that Rebekah warns Jacob to flee [Genesis 27]. Isaac sends Jacob to uncle Laban
What?
v10: Jacob goes to Haran34. He is heading out of Canaan back to Laban and family to find a wife. How is YHWH
working things out?
vv11-12: Somewhere on the way [location revealed in v19] Jacob falls asleep with his head on a stone. He dreams
of a stairway from the earth up to the heavens. Angels of God are going up and down on the ladder. Jesus, the One, would later explain that the ladder is himself…
And he said to him, “Truly, truly I say to all of you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
John 1:51 [LEB]
31
The promise was to make Abram’s off spring as numerous as the stars [Genesis 15] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 6]. The covenant is renewed [Genesis 17] with the sign of circumcision and a
repeated emphasis on the offspring as the heir [see Cycle 3: Lesson 6]. The offspring is the One, Jesus: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds,
as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ” [Galatians 3:16].
32
ditto
33
The prophet Malachi [1:2-3] and Paul [Romans 9:1-13] uses the story to show that God has mercy on whomever he wishes. The context is that good would seem to reject the Jews, for a
time, and favour the gentiles with salvation.
34
The location of Laban’s Nahor is not known with certainly but is somewhere near Haran.
In the ANE men had built temples with ziggurats to bring their gods down to the earth. The only one that can bring YHWH down is Jesus. Jesus brings down heaven
to earth [Revelation 21:1-8] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 59]. When men built a tower at Babel to reach the heavens and create some sort of one world religion YHWH
scatters them and their evil aspirations [Genesis 11:1-9] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 5]35.
vv13-15: This is huge! YHWH is standing next to Jacob, in the dream. YHWH reminds Jacob of the promise to his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham: numerous
descendants and all the families of the earth will be blessed through Jacob.
v16: YHWH is in the, as yet, unnamed place!
vv17-22: Jacob identifies the place as the “house of God”. It was called Luz but Jacob renames it as Bethel [“house of God”]. It is pagan territory. Jacob sets up the
stone he had slept on as a pillow and anoints it. Jacob then responds in personal faith “if I return in peace to the house of my father, then Yahweh will become my
God” [v21] and promises to tithe [v22] but it is a young, and uniformed faith, dependent on God protecting Jacob on his journey v20].
When?
Probably around 19th century 2000 BC. Moses would write down these stories some 400 years later.
Why?
The overarching themes of the story are…
• YHWH’s covenant faithfulness. God has promised the seed, the One, to Abraham, and now his heir Jacob, and blessing to the nations. God will deliver.
• Jacob evidences the beginnings of personal faith or true conversion to YHWH.
• Despite lies and deception in the family history, and Jacob’s lack of personal faith at the beginning, God works out his purposes. God is faithful to his covenant and will
work generation after generation calling a people to himself.
35
Christian theology has emphasised the fall [Genesis 3] whereas the early true myth commentaries of Genesis 1-11 on the ANE have four events that corrupt the world: the fall [Genesis 3],
murder of faithful Abel [Genesis 4], the sons of the god marrying human women [Genesis 6:1-4] and the Babel attempt to pull down other gods. Restarting the creation with a flood does not
work because as the population begins to recover the Babel happens. These stories are immediately followed by the story of Abraham, YHWH’s plan to save the cosmos.
Cycle 2: Lesson 9: Abraham and his family: Joseph: Potiphar’s wife
Scripture
Genesis 39
Background
Fast-forwarding from our last lesson…
Jacob marries Laban’s daughters. First Leah through deception and then her sister the beautiful Rachel [Genesis 29:1-30]. The wives bear Jacob 12 sons, who would become
the tribes of Israel, and at least one daughter, Dinah [Genesis 29:31-30:24]. Laban oppresses Jacob. YHWH blesses
Jacob making him very rich. Finally, Jacob leaves, or rather flees, from Laban [Genesis 30:25-31:55]. Now returning
to Canaan many years later, a huge family with many servants and animals, Jacob fears his brother may view him
as a threat, but Esau has also been blessed, as God had promised, and the brothers are reconciled [Genesis 32-33].
In the midst of all this Jacob encounters God face to face as a man with whom he wrestles all night. God changes
Jacob’s name to Israel [“he struggles with God”] [Genesis 32:22-32].
Jacob’s daughter Leah is raped Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. Her brothers, Simeon and Levi, exact
revenge on Shechem killing him and his father and all the males of their city [Genesis 34]! God orders Jacob to
move on, and back, to Bethel where the covenant with Abraham is again renewed with Jacob. Rachel dies. Jacob’s
father Isaac dies [Genesis 35].
The family of Esau continues to grow becoming the nation of Edom [Genesis 36].
Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son, is given dreams by God indicating that he will rule over his family. His angry brothers
sell him into slavery, to get rid of him and he is taken down to Egypt [Genesis 37].
Jospeh’s son Judah moves away from the family and into sin. YHWH kills his evil first born, Er [Genesis 38].
What?
v1: Our story begins with the narrative switching back to Joseph and his arrival in Egypt and being purchased by Potiphar, a court official of Pharaoh
vv2-6: “YHWH was with Joseph” [v2]. “YHWH was with him” [v3]. “YHWH made him successful” [v3]. YHWH blesses Joseph and he is promoted to the highest position in
Potiphar’s home. Joseph is also well built and good looking.
vv7-10: Potiphar’s wife desires Joseph and begs him daily to sleep with her. Joseph refuses rightly seeing this as a great wickedness and a sin against God.
vv11-16: One day Potiphar’s wife seizes him, demand sex, and Joseph flees leaving his garment in her hands. As she cannot have her way with Joseph, and may herself face
the anger of Potiphar, she accuses Joseph of attempting to rape her.
vv17-20: Potiphar is, understandably, very angry and has Joseph locked up in prison.
vv21-23: “And YHWH was with Joseph” [v21]. “YHWH was with him. And whatever he did YHWH made it successful” [v23]. YHWH has not abandoned Joseph and continues
to bless him. Joseph finds favour in the eyes of the prison chief and ends up in charge of all the prisoners! YHWH gives Joseph success in all he does.
When?
Probably 18th century BC about 300 years after his great-grandfather Abraham. Moses would write down these stories some 200 years later.
Why?
The overarching theme of the story is…
1. When things look bad God is still very much in control for the blessing of those who love him. The continues references to YHWH being with Joseph emphasises this.
God used the sin of Jacob in favouring Joseph, the sin of his brothers selling him into slavery and the lust of Potiphar’s wife to more immediately rescue Jacob and the
rest of the family from starvation but also to bring about their delivery from Egypt 400 years later.
And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose, because those whom he foreknew,
he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he should be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined, these he
also called, and those whom he called, these he also justified, and those whom he justified, these he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30 LEB
2. We cannot not understand all that God is doing. Our responsibly, as exemplified by Joseph, is to do what is right [honesty, no adultery etc.] and trust in the goodness of
God.
Trust him at all times, O people;
pour out before him your heart.
God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalm 62:8 LEB
Cycle 2: Lesson 10: Moses and the Israelites: Life in Egypt: The young Moses
Scripture
Exodus 2
Background
Last week’s story ended with Joseph in prison in Egypt [Genesis 39] [see Cycle 2: Lesson 9]. YHWH gives Joseph
the interpretation of other prisoners’ dreams who had served Pharaoh [Genesis 40]. After his release one of the
servants remembers Joseph and commends him to Pharaoh. Joseph gives interpretations from God to Pharaoh.
Joseph is promoted to the highest position in Egyptian government [Genesis 41]. This is all completely unknown
to his father and brothers who assume he is long dead.
Famine leads Joseph’s family to Egypt to buy food. Joseph deceives [a sin that runs through generations of the
family] his brothers and utterly terrifies them through various deceptions. Jacob and his sons and all their
families moved to Egypt and settled in Goshen with the protection and benevolence of Pharaoh and Joseph. This
all brings about the fulfilment of Josephs’ dreams that his family would bow down to him [see Cycle 1: Lesson 9]
[Genesis 42-47:12].
Joseph, in his high position, takes advantage of the famine to utterly enslave the Egyptians economically and to
transfer all their wealth to Pharaoh. This was wrong, leading to resentment toward the Hebrews, and after that Pharaoh died there is increasing hostility toward the
Israelites leading to their enslavement for 400 years. YHWH is always faithful to his covenant and will rescue the Israelites through Moses. Our story today begins with the
very special birth of Moses.
What?
vv1-2: A Levite man marries a Levite woman “and she gave birth to a son, and she saw him, that he was a fine baby”. This is a creation reboot. The Hebrew word used here
“fine” is the common word for “good” (tov). “She saw” and the word tov—parallels God’s assessment of creation in Gen 1:3136. This link indicates that a creative act
of God is in view—the birth of this boy will lead to the exodus from Egypt and the birth of Israel as a nation. The Levites would later become the priestly tribe [cf
their future faithfulness to YHWH at Mount Sinai [Exodus 32 and Cycle 2: Lesson 12]].
vv3-10: Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, fearing how large the Israelite population had become, under YHWH’s blessing, had ordered the midwives to throw all Israelite boys into
the Nile at birth [Exodus 1:22]. To save baby Moses his mother throws him in the Nile but in a basket refencing Noah and family being saved in the arc37. There is no
mention of prayer. Regardless, YHWH is faithful. The boy is rescued by the daughter of Pharaoh himself. The baby is recognised as a Hebrew, a wet nurse is hired
who is Moses’ mother! YHWH is working things out. The boy is named Moses, by Pharaoh’s daughter, and grows up as a prince in the royal household. Moses’
parents will enter the Hebrews 11 “Hall of faith” for protecting the baby Moses [Hebrews 11:23].
vv11-12: As a young man Moses sees and Egyptian master abusing a Hebrew slave. Moses murders the Egyptian and buried the body so as not to get caught.
36
See Faithlife Study Bible on Exodus 2:2
37
“The Hebrew word used here, tevah, is the same term used for Noah’s ark (Gen. 6:14). God once again uses a water vessel to preserve life—in this case, that of the baby Moses and his
entire people.” Faithlife Study Bible on Exodus 2:2
Moses’ will enter the Hebrews 11 “Hall of faith” for refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter [Hebrews 11:24].
vv13-15: The next Moses attempts to intervene in a brawl between two Hebrews. This is Moses, no doubt dressed as Egyptian royalty. They challenge his authority and
refer to the murder. The word is out. The murder has become known. Pharaoh wants to have Moses killed. Any privileges Moses may have had are now forfeited.
He was after all not an Egyptian let alone really a member of the royal family by birth. He is now just a despised Hebrew. Moses flees to Midian38, descendants of
Abraham but not Israelites, outside Egypt and almost back in Canaan, the Promised Land39.
vv16-21: In Midian, Moses, who seems to have a strong desire to defend the oppressed, stands up for the daughters of the priest of Midian, Reuel, later called Jethro40.
Reuel gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses as a wife.
v22: Zipporah bears Moses a son, Gershom. Moses “called his name Gershom41 because he said, “I am an alien in a foreign land.”
v23: Pharaoh dies. The Israelites continue to suffer under slavery. The lack of earlier references to prayer suggests they had large forgotten YHWH’s covenant with
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. but now they cry out to God. “God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and God saw the Israelites and
God took notice”. Always it is YHWH who is faithful. Humans grow tired and forgetful.
When
Moses lived and wrote around the 13 century BC.
Why?
1. Sin has consequences. In the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob there is lying and deception. The blessing of YHWH elevates Joseph to a supreme position in Egypt but
his ruthless way of dealing with the Egyptians, to only his and Pharaoh’s benefit, soon reaps it consequences. The Israelites were culturally abhorrent to the Egyptians
from the outset due to their keeping of sheep. Joseph’s sin only compounds matters and leads to, after 400 years, the entire nation enslaved and seemingly having
almost forgotten YHWH.
2. The Exodus story of enslavement and liberation will run through the entire redemptive story and increasingly over the centuries culminating in the intertestamental
period where it will represent God’s deliverance of sinners, more generally, from enslavement to sin and its consequences. Paul will extend the Exodus story to Christ’s
liberation of the entire cosmos from the effects of sin [see Cycle 2: Lesson 11].
3. The little bit of the Exodus story we read in this lesson is the beginning but has YHWH intervening in the plight of his people because of his covenant, to which he must
be faithful. This is the liberation of an entire nation but only the beginning of a plan, that YHWH is executing, his story, to free the entire cosmos from sin. Moses is a
humble and faithful man but not without sin. Moses’ sins will have consequences and mess up the big plan, as it were. This reminds us that he is not the One first
promised to Eve and later Abraham, and soon Moses himself42, but we must continue to wait for him.
38
MIDIAN (‫מ ְדיָן‬,
ִ midyan). A region southeast of Israel settled by the descendants of Midian, son of Abraham (Gen 25:2). The inhabitants of Midian were apparently friendly to the Hebrews at
one time—Moses married a daughter of a Midianite priest (e.g., Exod 3:1). However, the Midianites later opposed Israel along with the Moabites, hiring Balaam to curse Israel (Num 22:4–7).
They also oppressed Israel during the time of the judges (Judg 6:1–2). [Lexham Bible Dictionary]
39
Genesis 12:5b-7
40
In the Hebrew Bible, Jethro (Hebrew: ‫י ְִתרֹו‬,) or Reuel was Moses' father-in-law, a Kenite shepherd and priest of Midian. In Exodus, Moses' father-in-law is initially referred to as "Reuel"
(Exodus 2:18) but then as "Jethro" (Exodus 3:1). He was the father of Hobab in the Book of Numbers 10:29. He is also revered as the spiritual founder and chief prophet in his own right in
the Druze religion,[3][4][5] and considered an ancestor of all Druze.[6][7]
41
“The name Gershom, derived from the Hebrew verb garash (meaning “to drive out”)”. [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 2:22]
42
“Yahweh your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your midst, from your countrymen, and to him you shall listen.” [Deuteronomy 18:15 LEB]
Cycle 2: Lesson 11: Moses and the Israelites: Exodus: Passover
Scripture
Exodus 12
Background
Last lesson we met the young Moses: God’s special protection as a baby and being raised in the royal household, his murder of an Egyptian oppressing a Hebrew and his
flight to Midian and marriage to Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah.
The Israelites in Egypt continue to suffer under slavery. Pharaoh has died and a new king rules Egypt. YHWH reveals himself to Moses, in a burning bush, at Horeb [or
Mount Sinai] where Moses will later receive the 10 commandments [Exodus 20]. Moses is to go to Pharaoh and ask him to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt to offer
sacrifices in the desert [Exodus 3]. Moses returns form Midian to Egypt [Exodus 4]. Moses and his brother Aaron go to Pharaoh, but Pharaoh only increases the workload of
the Israelites [Exodus 5]. God reveals him to Moses by his name YHWH43 and reminds him of the covenant he made with Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob [Exodus 6].
Time and again, Moses and Aaron return to Moses, performing miracles. Each time YHWH unleashes his judgement on Egypt, for Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go, in
a series of 10 plagues. Each time Pharaoh hardens his heart and refuses to allow the Israelites to leave [Exodus 7-11] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 11]. YHWH announces the 10th
and final plague, the death of the firstborn of all Egypt, even the animals [Exodus 11] but before carrying through YHWH suddenly gives instructions for the first Passover
meal…
What?
vv1-2: The meal is to be eaten now and annually thereafter44.
vv3-11: A male lamb or kid without defect. It was to be slaughtered, the blood put on the doorposts and lintel and cooked with fire [σούβλα]. They were to eat dressed and
ready to leave at short notice.
vv12-13: YHWH will kill all the firstborn of Egypt but will pass over the homes of the Israelites. All who respond in faith will have the blood around their doors. YHWH will
pass over these houses. The plague will not touch the Israelites.
vv14-20: Again the meal is to be eaten now and annually thereafter. Those who do not eat the Passover will be cut off, i.e. die. This would be true this night, the first
Passover, and forever.
vv21-25: Moses calls the elders of Israel to get things organised. YHWH will kill all the first born in Egypt. Only those families who have the blood on the door frames will be
passed over.
vv26-28: The people must be ready to explain to their children what the meal means, i.e. ‘It is a Passover sacrifice for YHWH, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in
Egypt when he struck Egypt; and he delivered our houses’ [v27]. The Israelites are to instruct their children about God and an individual response is implied. The
43
God says that he had previously revealed himself as El-shaddai [God almighty]. Either the name of YHWH had been neglected or was beign given a new signficacan [v13] or Moses as the
writer of the Pentateuch inserted the name in the earlier stories to emphasise that it was the same god much as we might read “Jesus” for “the angel of YHWH” today.
44
“The exodus from Egypt is of such profound importance that the Israelite calendar is reoriented to it. The first month of the year will now be the month that Israel left Egypt, and the
remaining months are numbered accordingly”. [Faithlife Study Bible on Genesis 12:2]
people knelt and worshipped. They then prepare the meal as commanded.
-----
vv29-36: YHWH strikes down all the first born in Egypt that night, from the Pharaoh to the very poorest, even the animals. There are dead in every home. Pharaoh call
Moses and Aaron in the night and tells the Israelites to leave along with their animals. He even asks to be blessed45. The Israelites request silver and gold of the
Egyptians and they comply fearing YHWH and more death46. Hence the Israelites plunder the Egyptians. They are victors in a battle they did not fight!
vv37-39: About 6000 men plus families leave plus a mixed multitude. Egyptians and others who feared YHWH and responded in faith left with the Israelites. The covenant
promise to Abraham of blessing to all the nations through the seed, the One, [Genesis 15] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 6] is beginning to be fulfilled.
vv40-42: The Israelites had been in Egypt for 430 years. Now they would leave and journey to Canaan, the land YHWH had promised to Abraham.
vv43-50: The Passover was a statute, or sign, of the covenant. It was to be eaten by the Israelites but also circumcised slaves and circumcised foreigners who had drawn
near to YHWH. Again, blessing for the nations and an emphasis on the need for personal faith and response.
When
Why?
1. The Passover story was a real deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
2. There is an increasing emphasis on personal faith and response and the inclusion of other nations into the promises of the covenant.
3. The story is an archetype of the redemptive work of Jesus who is the One, promised in the covenant, who as the seed of Abraham will bless all the nations, and the
entire cosmos. Jesus will be slaughtered, the lamb of God without blemish, at the Passover feast about 2000 years ago. Jesus will command the remembrance of his
death, by eating bread and drinking wine, at the end of his last Passover meal…
I have argued…that the entire sequence of thought from Romans 4 through to Romans 8…indicates that Paul has the complete exodus narrative in mind, from the
initial promise to Abraham in Genesis 15 (where the ‘covenant’ specified the forthcoming exodus) through the crossing of the Red Sea which liberates the slaves,
the arrival at Sinai and the giving of the law, the construction of the tabernacle, the wilderness wandering and the danger of going back to slavery, all the way to the
final inheritance, the promised land. This is how it works in Romans itself: Romans 4 tells the story of Abraham; after the wider perspective of Romans 5, where
Paul surveys the entire sweep of God’s purposes…, we resume the story in Romans 6 by coming through the water, by which the slaves are freed, arriving at Sinai in
Romans 7 and grappling with the question of Torah, constructing the tabernacle in 8.9–11 (the ‘indwelling’ spirit), continuing the journey through the wilderness in
8.12–16 and glimpsing the promised ‘inheritance’ in 8.17–30. This sequence, I suggest, cannot be accidental. It is part of the conscious and deliberate structuring
which Paul has given to this, one of his most obviously carefully composed passages. The deep meaning of telling the story this way,…is to make the point as clearly
as possible…: the Messiah and his people are the people promised to Abraham, the true-exodus people on their way to inheriting the true ‘promised land’, i.e. the
whole renewed creation. This, indeed, is what precipitates the outburst of grief at the start of chapter 9… If you have been baptized, you belong to the people thus
defined, and you must therefore draw the proper conclusions: you, too, have died and been raised. ‘You, too, must calculate yourselves as being dead to sin, and
alive to God in the Messiah, Jesus’ (6.11). You must work out the fact that you have been brought out of slavery, and stand now as free people on the way to your
inheritance. [NT Wright: Paul and faithfulness of God, Kindle edition, Location 12 126]
45
This is more a “your god is greater than mine” so put in a good word for me. There is no evidence that Pharaoh truly repented.
46
As with Pharaoh this is more “your god is greater than mine”, at least at this moment, in the polytheistic world view of the ANE.
Cycle 2: Lesson 12: Moses and the Israelites: Life in the desert: Golden calf
Scripture
Exodus 32
Background
In our last lesson [see Cycle 2: Lesson 11] the Israelites had eaten the first Passover meal. YHWH had brought judgment on Egypt buy striking down the firstborn of all humans and
animals throughout the land. Only those families who had but the blood of the Passover lamb on their door frames escaped judgment. The Israelites finally left Egypt along with a
“multitude” who feared YHWH.
The Israelites were commanded, that when they entered the promised land, to consecrate their firstborn, man and animal, to YHWH [Exodus 13]. This showed that everything came
from YHWH and deeply embedded the Exodus story into the narrative of scripture. The Israelites and the “multitude” passed through the Red Sea as YHWH miraculously parted the
waters. The Egyptian army were drowned as they pursued the Israelites only for the waters to return [Exodus 14]! As Israel was led into the desert YHWH provided water [Exodus
15:22-27, Exodus 17:1-7] and food [Exodus 16]. The first battle is with the Amalekite [Exodus 17:8-16] introducing us to Joshua. The Amalekites were giants48 [see Cycle 2: Lesson
47
3]. The Israelites have been delivered from slavery [the deepest and most extensive enslavement is sin that entered at the Fall [Genesis 3] [see Cycle 1: Lesson 2 and Cycle 2: Lesson
2]] and now they battle descendants of the Nephilim, another corrupting influence on the creation].
Moses’ father-in-law will suggest a system of government to the Moses with decentralised representation that will be revived in the synagogue system and be carried over into the
early church [Genesis 18]49.
YHWH will descend on Mount Sinai, or Horeb, surely referencing the abominable attempt of men to pull down god at the tower of Babel [see Cycle 1: Lesson 5] and meet
with Moses in a cloud. YYHWH gave the 10 Commandments to Moses [see Cycle 1: Lesson 12] with extensive case law or application [Exodus 21-23] and instructions for the worship
of YHWH in a tent, or tabernacle [Exodus 24-31].
What?
v1: “Gods” is ambiguous as the Hebrew plural elohim is used of YHWH, gods, spirits and judges. Their sin was likely the belief that they could manipulate YHWH
through the making of a “graven image”. This is now the nations around them attempted to control their elohim. Moses has been with YHWH, on Mount Saini, 40
days. The people panic and rather than trust in YHWH try to conjure up his presence. They demand of the compliant Aaron, the brother of Moses, to build them
golden calves to represent the “gods” [elohim] that brought them out of Egypt! They have given up on “this Moses” [a term of derision] to bring YHWH’s presence
to them.
vv7-8: YHWH tells Moses the people have rebelled and orders him back to the camp.
vv9-13: YHWH will destroy Israel and make Moses into a great nation! Moses appeals to YHWH’s demonstration of his might to Egypt in delivering his people, he can’t
destroy them now, and the covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
47
Interestingly Paul asserts that the rock, from which water flowed, followed them and that the rock was Christ [1 Corinthians 10:4].
48
Ancient near eastern mythology has stories of giants, or heroes, that were human-god hybrids. The most well-known is Gilgamesh. Genesis 6:1-8 seems to confirm these events and
condemns them as the reason that YHWH brought a flood on the land.
49
Rushdoony argued that the later democratic ideas of the Greeks were from Hebrew slaves. At any rate what is proposed here is far more representational of the people as a whole than
the exclusive δήμος]. Even in more recent times the Puritans are credited as having made important contributions to the development of modern parliamentary democracy [Religion and Some
Foundations of English Democracy, A.S.P. Woodhouse, The Philosophical Review, Vol. 61, No. 4 (Oct. 1952), p503]
v14: YHWH changes his mind because of Moses’ intercession. This is not the only occasion where God changes his mind [see 2 Sam 24:10–25; Jonah 3:6–10].
vv15-19: Moses returns from the mountain with the 10 commandments on two tablets of stone written by YHWH’s own finger! Joshua is also on the mountain although not
in the cloud of the presence of YHWH [see Exodus 24:13–18). Plot clue: why does the young man Joshua pop up? What will be his later significance? Moses,
learning from Joshua, what the Israelites have done throws the tablets on the ground breaking them. Israel has broken the covenant.
v20: Moses destroys the golden bull and crushes it to dust forcing the Israelites to drink it perhaps indicating that they will imbibe and suffer the consequences of their sin.
vv21-24: An angry Moses rebukes his brother Aaron. Many consider that gold magically turning into a calf is a pathetic excuse on the part of Aaron. However, given the encounter
with the Amalekite and the abominations present in Canaan, on which they are on the edge, there may be evil powers breaking in because of the rebellion.
vv25-28: The people are out of control, again indicating the possibility of evil entities. They will become a laughter stock to their enemies or in modern parlance their enemies will
“make mincemeat of them”. Moses makes an appeal to be faithful to YHWH. Only the Levites respond. Moses orders them to take up swords and go through the camp and
strike down their revelling brothers. 3000 are executed.
v29: The Levites are ordained, or set apart for YHWH’s service, for their faithfulness that day.
v30: Moses tries to atone from the people. However, those who rebelled, and not repented with the Levites, will be blotted out from YHWH’s scroll, or the “book of life”
[Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5,13:8,17:8,20:12,20:15,21:27,22:19]. YHWH will afflict them directly, reminding us of the plagues on Egypt. However, there is hope, the angel
of YHWH, Jesus, will go before the people.
When?
Why?
This is a difficult story for us moderns as YHWH is presented as an angry God destroying those who would abandon
him. This is true, but we must not miss the following…
1. YHWH is utterly good. He can only meet with Moses in a separate, or holy place, outside the camp. His very being
means he cannot tolerate wickedness. This begins to answer the question “Why does God have to judge people or
rather the world or nations?” or “Why doesn’t God do something about evil?”
2. The Israelites had broken covenant with God despite their miraculous delivery from slavery in Egypt. The people had
invited evil into the camp. This is utterly impossible for YHWH to tolerate.
3. YHWH always offer forgiveness though atonement. The Levites had responded. Many others did not and were
killed that day or afterwards. The NT message is the same. Repent or perish [Luke 13:3]. No forgiveness for those
who utterly reject God [Mark 3:28-30, Hebrews 6:4-5].
Cycle 2: Lesson 13: Judges: Joshua the first judge: The Fall of Jericho
Scripture
Joshua 6
Background
Since our last lesson, the Israelites resumed their journey through the wilderness with the “tent of assembly” set up far outside the camp. YHWH’s presence would manifest
as a column of cloud [indicating judgment]. The people would worship but only Moses could approach YHWH [Exodus 33]. YHWH instructs Moses to replace the broken
tablets of stone of the 10 commandments indicating that the covenant is renewed and promising to drive out the nations of Canaan before the Israelites [Exodus 34]. The
“tent of assembly” is replaced with the elaborate tent, or tabernacle, equipment and priestly garments, according to the detailed instructions of YHWH [Exodus 35-40].
The body of law revealed by YHWH grew to include an immense set of regulations [Exodus 20:1-Numbers 10:10 including the entire book of Leviticus50].
The Israelites then depart from Sinai with the cloud of the presence of YHWH to guide them in the day and fire at night [Numbers 10:11-36]. Soon the people are
complaining about their hardship, fondly recalling slavery in Egypt, but YHWH is gracious and provides manna and quail to eat [Numbers 11]. Even Aaron and his sister,
Miriam, complain against Moses for which Miriam is struck with leprosy51 [Numbers 12]. Spies are sent into Canaan, but they see Nephilim there [Genesis 6:1-8] [Cycle 2:
Lesson 3] and discourage the people. Only Joshua and Caleb are confident in YHWH for victory [Numbers 13]. More grumbling! YHWH forgives after Moses and Aaron plead
on behalf of the people, but that generation will not enter the land. They will all die in the wilderness [Numbers 14] except the faithful spies. More grumbling and rebellion
[Numbers 16].
At Meribah-Kadesh the people quarrelled with Moses and Aaron when there was no water. YHWH instructed Moses to strike a rock to bring forth water, which he does, but
YHWH is angry with the Moses and the Israelites. Edom will not allow Israel to pass through its territory [Numbers 20]. More grumbling and YHWH sends poisonous snakes
through the camp yet provides a way of escaping judgment, a bronze serpent on a pole52 at which the people only must look to be healed. YHWH is faithful and gives the
people victory over those who would literally oppose them, blocking their entry into the land [Numbers 21-24]. Yet more rebellion, sex with the daughters of Moab and the
judgment of YHWH as the leaders are commanded to strike down all who have indulged [Numbers 25]. Moses is given a view of the land he will never enter because of his
sin at Meribah-Kadesh [Numbers 27:12-14]. YHWH directly appoints Joshua53 to succeed Moses [Numbers 27:15-23].
Israel arrives 40 years later at the edge of Canaan [Numbers 33-34]. The entire generation that left Egypt are dead except Joshua and Caleb. In the last cycle [Cycle 1: Lesson
13] we learnt of Israel’s spectacular entry in Canaan and the faith of the Canaanite harlot Rahab [Joshua 3:1-5:12].
50
The emphasis of the Levitical laws was the distinguishing of Israel from the surrounding nations by diet, or kosher [Leviticus 11], ceremonial cleansings, or baptisms [Leviticus 12-15], the
feasts [Leviticus 23] etc. So strict were the requirements to approach YHWH that Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were destroyed by fire from YHWH for offering incense that was not
prescribed [Leviticus 10:1-7] . Leviticus emphasizes again and again the requirement of absolute holiness of the people, and the need of perfect priests to represent the people to YHWH
and atone for sin. There are blessings of obedience and punishments of for disobedience [Leviticus 26].
51
If Aaron had been struck with leprosy he could not have functioned as a priest, being ceremonially unclean, and no atonement could be made for the people.
52
The symbol of medicine used to this day was adopted by the ancient Greeks about a 1000 years later [http://americanrtl.org/Hippocratic-Oath-Serpent-Staff] . John will use the raised up
serpent as an image of Jesus [John 3:14-15].
53
Joshua had appeared out of nowhere in the battle against the Amalekite [Exodus 17:8-16] and in Exodus 32 [Cycle 2: Lesson 12] on the mountain but not in the cloud when Moses
received the Law in an obvious "watch this space" plot clue.
What?
v1: Jericho is locked down. In Joshua 3:1-5:12 [Cycle 1: Lesson 13] we learnt that the Canaanites had heard what YHWH had done to the other nations and their gods.
The inhabitants are in fear of the Israel and their god.
vv2-10: YHWH promises victory to Joshua but, remembering the promises of Exodus 34, directly from YHWH. Notice that the arc of the covenant, the presence of YHWH
was carried by the priests at the front of the people.
vv11-16: They circle the city, with the arc of the covenant, seven time, for seven days. There is much time to repent.
vv17-25: Only Rehab is spared, along with her family, because she feared YHWH [see Cycle 1: Lesson 13]. Rahab is listed in the Hebrews 11 “hall of faith” [Hebrews 11:31]
and by James as a believer whose salvation was evident by her works [James 2:25]. She is also an ancestor of Jesus [Matthew 1:5], the One, the High Priest who
would be perfectly obedient and faithful to the law [see footnote 50 above].
The city is devoted to YHWH, i.e. to utter destruction, as required of evil cities by YHWH [Deuteronomy 13:12-16]. No spoils are to be taken. This gives a glimpse of
later judgments of YHWH culminating in a final judgment.
v26: Much later Hiel will attempt to rebuild Jericho and he does so at the expense of his firstborn and youngest sons [1 Kings 16:34].
v27: Joshua is a faithful man and blessed by YHWH. Is he the One, Moses was promised would succeed him [Deuteronomy 18:17-18]? No, we must wait. In the
transfiguration Moses is present to see this prophecy fulfilled [Matthew 17:4, Mark 9:5 and Luke 9:30].
When?
Joshua lived c. 1356-1245 BC.
Why?
1. YHWH promised to save his people. He did even when they rebelled against him. God was faithful to his covenant with
Abraham, Jacob and Israel and now Moses.
2. YHWH cannot tolerate sin. He brought judgment against Egypt and now Canaan, as he said he would.
3. YHWH does not forget mercy. Even at this earlier part of the story he shows kindness to Rahab and her family and
even writes her into the story of the One, Jesus.
4. Those, unlike Rahab, or the “multitude“ who left Egypt with the Israelites, refuse to repent, sadly, can only perish.
The NT message is the same. Repent or perish [Luke 13:3]. No forgiveness for those who utterly reject God
[Mark 3:28-30, Hebrews 6:4-5].
Cycle 2: Lesson 14: Judges: Other Judges: Gideon
Scripture
Judges 6-8
Background
Last lesson [Cycle 2: Lesson 13], the Israelites had entered Canaan [Cycle 1: Lesson 13], the land promised to Abraham centuries earlier, under Joshua’s leadership. Israel did
not have a king, unlike the nations around them. In the wilderness they had been led by Moses. In Canaan they were ruled by a series of judges. Joshua was the first judge
of Israel. YHWH gave the Israelites victory over their enemies in Canaan. The city of Ai and its inhabitants was destroyed [Joshua 8:1-29]. Israel renewed their covenant with
YHWH [Joshua 8:30-35]. However, the Gibeonites deceived Israel into sparing them [Joshua 9]. YHWH would send fear into the nations of Canaan even stopping the
movement of the sun in the sky [Joshua 10:1-15]. The conquest extended to the Amorites [Joshua 10:16-28] and into the south [Joshua 10:29-42], the north [Joshua 11].
However, even when Joshua had grown old not all the land had been conquered [Joshua 13] so although the tribes of Israel occupied Canaan and the east bank of the
Jordan [Joshua 13- 19], and cities of refuge [Joshua 20] and cities for the Levitical priests [Joshua 21] throughout the land were established, still unrepentant Canaanites still
dwelt in the land. However, the sparing of people in Canaan had been forgiven by YHWH54 [Deuteronomy 20:16-18] and this sin would have devastating consequences.
Israel would be continually enticed by other gods.
After the death of Joshua Israel turned to the Baals [Judges 2:11-23], the gods of nations still in Canaan, and inter-married with the Canaanites [Judges 3:1-6]. But YWHW
was kind. He brought enemies against his people that they would return to him so that he might raise up leaders, or judges, so to succeed Joshua [Judges 3:7-11]: Othniel,
“And the spirit of Yahweh came upon him, and he judged Israel” [Judges 3:7-11]; Ehud [Judges 3:12-30]; Shamgar [Judges 3:31]; Deborah and Barak [Judges 4-5] [Cycle 1:
Lesson 14].
The Gideon story is often misinterpreted by looking at the incident with the fleece out of context. The point is not that we can demand signs from God55, but that God can
use weak, doubting people to advance his purposes [watch bit.ly/GideonPlotLine].
What?
Judges 6
vv1-6: The Israelites rebel yet again [the theme of the entire book]. YHWH hands them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Israelites are hiding in caves in fear of
oppression. This has been the pattern throughout the book judges and was integral to the covenant. Immense blessings for obedience:
And it will happen that if you indeed listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to diligently observe all his commandments that I am commanding you today,
then Yahweh your God will set you above all the nations of the earth56. [Deuteronomy 28:1 LEB]
But curses for disobedience:
54
The utter annihilation command comes in Deuteronomy 20 which gives the laws for going to war. With the exception of Canaan, the rules for war are very restrained and even protect the
environment. Even with Canaan, despite the command, there was always a sparing of those who repented and turned to YHWH.
55
The pre-incarnate Christ has appeared to Gideon. What more “proof “did he need? “Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”” [Luke 4:12 LEB]. Jesus quoting
Deuteronomy 6:16.
56
Earth here has in mind more land rather than the planet. Israel would be blessed in the land YHWH would give them.
And then if you do not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God by diligently observing all of his commandments and his statutes that I am commanding you
today, then all of these curses shall come upon you, and they shall overtake you: [Deuteronomy 28:15LEB]
Which included…
Yahweh shall cause you to be defeated before your enemies; on one road you shall go against them, but you will flee on seven roads before them, and you
shall become a thing of horror to all of the kingdoms of the earth. And your dead bodies shall be as food for all of the birds of the heaven and to the animals
of the earth, and there shall not be anyone to frighten them away. [Deuteronomy 28:25-26 LEB]
And, although the covenant was with the entire nation, it demanded personal responsibility before YHWH….
And then when he hears the words of this oath, then he will assure himself in his heart, saying, ‘Safety shall be mine even though I go in the stubbornness
of my heart,’ thereby destroying the well-watered land along with the parched. Yahweh will not be willing to forgive him, for by then the anger of Yahweh
will smoke, and his passion against that man and all the curses written in this scroll will descend on him, and Yahweh will blot out his name from under
heaven. And Yahweh will single him out for calamity out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant written in the scroll of this law.
[Deuteronomy 29:19-21 LEB]
vv7-10: The Israelites call out to YHWH in desperation. YHWH is yet again gracious and faithful to his covenant raising up a prophet, Gideon.
vv11-24: The angel of YHWH is, almost certainly, the pre-incarnate Jesus57. He is called YHWH by the author [v16] and Gideon himself calls him YHWH [v22]! Jesus, then,
directly appoints Gideon as a judge of Israel. Gideon has knowledge of YHWH’s wondrous deeds to Israel in the past but questions why YHWH has now, apparently,
abandoned his people and asks for a sign [v17]. Gideon is of the tribe of Manasseh, i.e. he is not a priest, so rather than offering a sacrifice to YHWH he gives the
meat and bread to Jesus who offers it on his behalf. Thus, we get an early glimpse of Jesus’ priestly role.
vv25-35: Gideon obeys YHWH but doubts his power to protect him so out of fear of men he destroys the Asherah58 at night. Doubting Gideon is taken over by the Holy
Spirit. Now, emboldened by YHWH, he now very publicly rallies troops to fight the Midianites and Amalekites59.
vv36-40: Despite all that Gideon had seen, a direct epiphany of the pre-incarnate Jesus and transformation by the Holy Spirit, Gideon again asks for signs! He is aware that
this is wrong, “Do not let your anger burn against me”.
Judges 7
vv1- 8: Gideon had raised an army of 22 00 men. YHWH whittle this down to just 300! It is YHWH who will give the victory over his enemies.
vv9-25: YHWH encourages Gideon. The Midianites and Amalekites are given dreams that they will be defeated by Gideon! Gideon, again emboldened by YHWH, encourages
the troops. YHWH has given them victory! As with Jericho the Isralietes are given a miraculous victory over their enemies.
57
The identity and function of the Angel of the Lord is also debated. In the Old Testament, the identity of the Angel can be difficult to distinguish from Yahweh Himself (Gen 21:17–19; Exod
3; Judg 2:1–5; 6:11–24; Hos 12:4)…Justin Martyr, Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus, and Tertullian suggested that the Angel is the pre-incarnate Christ (see Heidt, Angelology, 98; Juncker,
“Christ As Angel,” 224–250). [Lexham Bible Dictionary, edited]
58
Asherah is prominent throughout Ugaritic literature such as the Baal Cycle…the texts from Ras Shamra indicate that Asherah was considered the chief goddess of the Canaanite pantheon,
the consort of the high god El (Davies, “The Canaanite-Hebrew Goddess,” 68–69). [Lexham Bible Dictionary, edited]
59
The Amalekites were the giants of Canaan and have now appeared from the east. They may be literally the descendants of the human-demon hybrids of Genesis 6:1-8 [Cycle 2: Lesson 3]
or, perhaps, symbolise utter evil and opposition to YHWH.
Judges 8
vv1-3: Ephraim is angry that they were not included in the victory but are calmed down by Gideon.
vv4-9: Gideon crosses the Jordan, onto the east bank60 to further pursue and kill the Midianites. They ask for supplies from Succoth. They are refused. Gideon promises to
punish the men of Succoth.
vv10-12: Only 15 000 of the 120 000 Midianite troops are left. Gideon and his men slaughter them but capture the kings61.
vv13-21: As he had promised, Gideon meets out punishment on the elders and men of Succoth. Zebah and Zalmunna, commanders of Succoth, are executed as they appeared
to had killed Gideon’s brothers!
vv22-28: The people want to make Gideon judge over them. Gideon response is commendable, rather than assume power for himself and his family, he wants YHWH to rule
over the people. What happens next is shocking and shows that there was ignorance of the law of Moses. Gideon takes the gold of the plunder and makes it into an
ephod. He puts the ephod in his own town, whereas the focus of the worship of YHWH as to be at Shiloh62, in Ephraim63.
The ephod would be a cause of sin. “All Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family” but, in YHWH’s kindness, “Midian
was subdued before the Israelites, and they did not again lift up their head, and the land rested for forty
years in the days of Gideon.” Gideon was a successful, godly judge, but his faith, due to lack of knowledge
of the Law, is highly syncretistic.
vv29-35: Gideon as faithful to YHWH, although, as we have said, he was ignorant of word of God. He had many
wives and concubines, as was the norm for a ruler in Israel. When he died the people returned to
worshipping the Baals, i.e. the gods of Canaan.
When?
The period of the judges is c.1210-1051BC
Why?
• We are not to seek signs of God when he has spoken clearly to us through Jesus and we now have
his entire word, the bible.
• Gideon’s failing was from an ignorance of YHWH. We must know the word of God. If we just do
what we think is right, “follow your heart”, we end up sinning against God.
• Gideon is a huge encouragement as a man that had doubts and was not completely faithful. He was still empowered
by the Holy Spirit and greatly used by YHWH. This does not excuse sin, YHWH hates sin, but reminds us of God’s kindness and
ability to use us.
60
Now the country of Jordan
61
In the ANE kings were god-like and taking a live king indicated the subjection of that people by your god.
62
The tabernacle, or tent temple, was set up in Shiloh after they entered Canaan.
63
Likely as a result of the Ephraimites challenging him. Gideon doesn’t want power concentrated in a neighbouring tribe.
Cycle 2: Lesson 15: Judges: Samuel the last judge: YHWH calls Samuel
Scripture
1 Samuel 3
The whole book of Joshua covers the life of Israel’s first judge, Joshua [Cycle 1: Lesson 13, Cycle 2: Lesson 13, Cycle 3: Lesson 13 and Cycle 4: Lesson 13] . The book of
Judges tells the stories of the next judges Barak and Deborah [Cycle 1: Lesson 14], Gideon [last lesson, i.e. Cycle 1: Lesson 14], Abimelech, Jephthah, Samson [Cycle 3:
Lesson 14] and others who are only named. Also, in this period is the story of Ruth [Cycle 4: Lesson 14]. Samuel [1 Samuel and 2 Samuel] [Cycle 1: Lesson 15, today’s lesson
Cycle 2: Lesson 15, Cycle 3: Lesson 15 and Cycle 4: Lesson 15] is the last judge of Israel. He is also a prophet and priest and an archetype of the One judge, prophet and
priest, Jesus. In the last cycle we learnt of Samuel’s special birth [Cycle 1: Lesson 15]. Today we learn of YHWH’s special call on the life of young Samuel.
What?
vv1-9: Israel, or rather the priests, had the books of Moses, the Pentateuch [Greek] or Torah [Hebrew]. This was supplemented by visions of seers, as prophets were
known at this point in the story. However, these words from YHWH were rare, indicating God’s displeasure, and the written word was neglected. Eli’s eyes are
weak. This was YHWH’s judgment [2 Samuel 33] suggesting also his spiritual short-sightedness. The lamp of God, however, has not gone out. Is this a reference to
Eli preserving some of the truth or to the raising up of Samuel? The boy Samuel does not recognise the voice of YHWH unit Eli, the high priest, explains, indicating
some understanding and commitment to YHWH. Samuel is now prepared to listen to YHWH.
vv10-15: YHWH reveals to young Samuel that he will bring judgement on the house of, the high priest, Eli. Imagine you are Samuel at this point in the story! A young boy.
The priest who is instructing you in the ways of God will be judged! Eli’s sin is that he has allowed his sons to make a mockery of the priesthood and the sacrifices,
stealing the best of the offerings to fill their bellies and being sexually promiscuous [2 Samuel 2:22-36]. All sin is serious, but the seriousness of the priests’ sin is
that they, under YHWH’s command, provided sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. No priests. No access to forgiveness. No way back to YHWH. The whole
story since Genesis 12, beginning with Abraham, is God’s plan to restore all things.
Eli’s house will not be saved!
vv16-18: Eli is a man of God despite his sin. Eli submits to the judgment of YHWH without bitterness or complaining. Make no mistake, sin has consequences that spread
into future generations.
vv19-21: Samuel is recognised, throughout Israel, as the first prophet of Israel. He is also a priest64. He is a judge. Is he the One? YHWH would again speak to Samuel
directly. It is also evident from his life and ministry that he had immersed himself in Moses.
When?
Samuel was born c. 1064BC so these events must be around 1055BC.
64
“According to 1 Samuel 1:1, Samuel belongs to the Ephraimite lineage, not to the clan of Bethlehem as indicated by Ruth 1:2—meaning that Samuel and his family did not belong to the
Levitical genealogy” [Lexham Bible Dictionary]. If so, Samuel is a strong archetype of Jesus who also is a priest but not of the tribe of Levi [see Cycle 2: Lesson 6 and the book of Hebrews].
Why?
Remember that Genesis 3-11 are true myths [for want of a better term] describing a series of tragic
events through which humans became increasingly corrupt as sin spreads into the entire creation….
1. Fall/trying to become gods [Genesis 3] [Cycle 1: Lesson 2, Cycle 2: Lesson 2, Cycle 3:

Lesson 2 and Cycle 4: Lesson 2]
Adam and Eve disobey God believing the lies of a snake, the satan, that they can
become like God living under the same delusion as the satan himself [Isaiah 14:12-15]
[Cycle 3: Lesson 32].
2. Murder/hate [Genesis 4] [Cycle 1: Lesson 3]
Cain murders his brother Abel. Murder is an attempt to exterminate the image of
God.
3. Evil sons of god/spirits/demons [Genesis 6:1-8] [Cycle 2: Lesson 3]
Sons of gods marry daughters of men producing the Nephilim and Amalekites.
4. Lewdness/sexual immorality [Genesis 9:18-29] [Cycle 2: Lesson 5]
Ham uncovering his own father’s, Noah’s, nakedness.
5. Idolatry/magic [Genesis 11:1-9] [Cycle 1: Lesson 5]
The belief that in building a tower God can be called down and controlled by men.
Genesis 11, however ends with a genealogy of Shem [vv10-32], the son of Noah, leading to Abraham. In fact, the earlier, and
extensive genealogies keep pushing toward Noah and then Shem and now Abraham. God will not abandon his promise to Eve, and
continues to renew this covenant, to fix his image bearers and the entire cosmos through the seed of Abraham. Samuel appeared to be the One but is a powerful type of
Jesus, who is yet to come. “Amen, come Lord Jesus” [Revelation 22:20b LEB]
Cycle 2: Lesson 16: United kingdom: Saul 👎: Saul’s sinful offering
Scripture
1 Samuel 13
In our last lesson the boy Samuel was called to be a judge and priest65 over Israel [Cycle 2: Lesson 15]. YHWH led Israel, under Samuel, into battle against the Philistines, still
in the land, only to hand them over to defeat. The arc was captured by the Philistines. The high priest Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed in the battle. On
the news that the arc has been captured their father, Eli, dies [1 Samuel 4]. The presence of YHWH in a Philistine temple of the god, Dagon, causes Dagon to literally fall
before the ark, i.e before YHWH, showing that YHWH is greater than Dagon. YHWH breaks out in judgement against the Philistines with tumours. Message? The
unrighteous cannot enter the presence of YHWH [1 Samuel 5]. The Philistines return the ark to Israel to the town of Beth Shemesh. YHWH breaks out against these
Israelites killing 70 because they looked in the ark [1 Samuel 6]. Remember: "But he [YHWH] said, “You are not able to see my face, because a human will not see me and
live” Exodus 33:20 [LEB] [Cycle 3: Lesson 15]. The ark is moved to Mizpah where under Samuel’s ministry there is revival. All Israel mourns. YHWH intervenes directly
against the Philistines giving Mizpah victory. Samuel judges [or rules] throughout all Israel [1 Samuel 7] [Cycle 4: Lesson 15].
However, as Samuel grew old the people became discontent and wanted a king over them like the nations around them. YHWH tells Samuel to warn the people that a king
will enslave them, ANE kings were despots, but to no avail. YHWH comforts Samuel that it is not their judge they rejected but their God [1 Samuel 8]. YHWH leads Samuel to
the young man who will be king, Saul [1 Samuel 9]. Samuel anoints Saul as king. Saul is anointed with the Holy Spirit, i.e. is a messiah [“anointed one”], and prophecies [1
Samuel 10] [Cycle 1: Lesson 16]. YHWH gives Saul victory over the Ammonites and is made king [1 Samuel 11].
Samuel dies, but not without first reminding the people of YHWH’s covenant, with Moses and Aaron, and of their rebellion in wanting a king. However, he reminds them of
YHWH’s covenant love if only they repent of their sin [1 Samuel 12].
Our story today begins with the very first days of Saul’s reign…
What?
vv1-4: Saul and his son, Jonathan, are given military success, victory over the Philistines.
vv5-14: The Philistines amass a huge army to retaliate. Saul’s men are fearful. The Israelites are hiding in caves. Saul is following God’s leading as given through Samuel but,
when Samuel fails to appear and offer a sacrifice to YHWH, to atone for the troops before battle, Saul offers the sacrifice himself even though he was not a priest!
Samuel arrives and is dismayed at what Saul has done. YHWH would have established Saul’s kingdom forever, i.e. the One would come from his descendants.
Instead YHWH will raise another king, David [Cycle 1: Lesson 17]
vv15-18: The Philistines regroup to attack. The Philistines were a formidable enemy. Hence, the fear of the Israelites.
65
“According to 1 Samuel 1:1, Samuel belongs to the Ephraimite lineage, not to the clan of Bethlehem as indicated by Ruth 1:2—meaning that Samuel and his family did not belong to the
Levitical genealogy” [Lexham Bible Dictionary]. If so, Samuel is a strong archetype of Jesus who also is a priest but not of the tribe of Levi [see Cycle 2: Lesson 6 and the book of Hebrews].
vv19-23: The Philistines had superior metallurgy technology than the Israelites and had ensured that the Israelites had no weapons66! Remember that YHWH had ordered
the destruction of all inhabitants of Canaan. Israel had been warned.
When?
Saul lived c.1080-1012 BC putting these events somewhere in the middle of the 11th century BC.
Why?

Adam and Eve disobey God believing the lies of a snake, the satan, that they can
become like God living under the same delusion as the satan himself [Isaiah 14:12-15]
[Cycle 3: Lesson 32].
Cain murders his brother Abel. Murder is an attempt to exterminate the image of God.
Genesis 11, however ends with a genealogy of Shem [vv10-32], the son of Noah, leading to Abraham. The repeated genealogies keep pushing toward Noah and then Shem
and then Abraham. God will not abandon his promise to Eve, and continues to renew this covenant, to fix his image bearers and the entire cosmos through the seed of
Abraham.
Joshua [or “Jesus”], the first judge, and Samuel, the last judge, both appeared to be the One but are powerful types of Jesus, who is yet to come. “Amen, come Lord Jesus”
[Revelation 22:20b LEB]
66
The Philistine locations on the plain and coastlands placed them closer to the more elaborate and extensive bronze workshops, metal smelting, casting, and trade in metals. Their coastal
advantage gave them the control of exports into the interior and they obtained the new types of weapons introduced into the region. These resulted in the Philistines’ greater resources and
easier access to metallurgists and their products than their Israelite counterparts [Bloch-Smith, Israelite ethnicity in Iron I: Archaeology preserves what is remembered and what is
forgotten in Israel’s history. Journal of Biblical Literature,122(3), [2003) pp401-425.]
Cycle 2: Lesson 17: United kingdom: David 👍: Goliath
Scripture
1 Samuel 17
In our last lesson Saul offered sacrifices to YHWH for his troops before they went into battle. YHWH would have established Saul’s kingdom forever, i.e. the One would
come from his descendants. Instead YHWH will raise another king, David.
Saul goes on to make a rash oath that would have required him to kill his own son Jonathan. At the insistence of his men, Saul spares his son [1 Samuel 14]. Saul is given
victory over the Amalekites [probably descendants of the Nephilim [Genesis 6:1-8] [Cycle 2: Lesson 3] but rather than utterly destroying them, as commanded by YHWH
through Samuel, he spares their king, Agag, and takes the best of the animals as spoil67. Instead the prophet Samuel hacks Agag to death. YHWH regretted, or changed his
mind68, that he had made Saul king. Samuel, knowing the heart of God, mourns over Saul [1 Samuel 15].
David is anointed by Samuel to be king [Cycle 1: Lesson 17]. Christ means anointed. This is a plot clue as to where we should expect the One to come. YHWH sends an evil
spirit to taunt Saul. The young David is brought in to give some relief by playing the lyre69. Saul does not know that David has been anointed to succeed him [1 Samuel 16].
God will now raise up David as a warrior…
What?
vv1-7: More trouble with the Philistines who are encamped in the territory of Judah. Amongst them is a giant Goliath. Plot clue. The Amalekites whom Saul and his
predecessors failed to destroy were giants. Evil giants go back to the Nephilim incident. Here is a god-type hero of old, type of character, mocking the army of Israel.
vv8-11: This is a development, we have not seen earlier, in military conflicts. A champion from each side engage in combat and the armies are bound by the outcome. If
Goliath wins the Philistines occupy Israel. At this point Israel does not have a champion to go out against the huge Goliath.
vv12-22: The standoff with Goliath continues for 40 days70. In the providence of God, the young David ends up at the front line.
vv23-30: David hears the taunts of Goliath. The men of Israel are, quite understandably, afraid. There is a huge reward from Saul for any man that defeats Goliath. David’s
eldest brother is angry that David even there. Suspecting of just wanting to watch the battle.
vv31-36: King Saul hears that a young man is enquiring about the bounty. David must convince Saul that he is suitable for combat having fought wild animals. Notice what
God has been doing in his life preparing him to be a warrior king.
vv37-58: Notice the bravery of the anointed, by the Holy Spirit, David: “YHWH, who rescued me from the hand of the lion and from the hand of the bear, will rescue me
from the hand of this Philistine!” [v37]. David is too small to wear armour or carry a sword. The victory will be from YHWH. A boy with a sling will take on the
champion of the Philistines. Goliath mocks and curses in the names of his gods71. David has unquivering confidence is in YHWH….
67
This is similar to the destruction of Jericho. The city was dedicated to YHWH, i.e. made anathema. Every living thing was to be destroyed. To spare even one or to take animals was to
disobey and steal from YHWH himself. This does not mean there is no room for mercy if individuals were to repent. This was seen in the case of Rehab.
68
This should not be taken that God in some way got caught out because he is not in control but rather that he is personal and genuinely grieves over our sin.
69
In Greek mythology Orpheus heals through playing the lyre. Saul probably resorted to this remedy through pagan myths.
70
The Philistine strategy may well have been to avoid slaughtering the Israelites and rather to enslave them and take the best of the land.
71
These gods are real but not YHWH.
“You are coming to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I am coming to you in the name of Yahweh of hosts, the God of the battle lines
of Israel, whom you have defied! This day YHWH will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down ⌊and cut off your head⌋!g Then I will give the
corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of heaven and to the animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God who
is for Israel. And all of this assembly will know that YHWH does not rescue with sword or
with spear, for the battle belongs to YHWH, and he will give you into our hands!” [vv45-47]
David kills Goliath and cuts off the giant’s head with his own sword.
Why?

Adam and Eve disobey God believing the lies of a snake, the satan, that they can become
like God living under the same delusion as the satan himself [Isaiah 14:12-15] [Cycle 3:
Lesson 32].
Cain murders his brother Abel. Murder is an attempt to exterminate the image of
God.
Genesis 11, however ends with a genealogy of Shem [vv10-32], the son of Noah, leading to Abraham. The repeated genealogies keep
pushing toward Noah and then Shem and then Abraham. God will not abandon his promise to Eve, and continues to renew this covenant, to fix his
image bearers and the entire cosmos through the seed of Abraham.
Think back to the Exodus and entering the land [Cycle 1: Lesson 16] and, last lesson, the destruction of Jericho [Cycle 2: Lesson 16]. Every time there is a miraculous victory
from YHWH. This is God remembering his promise to Eve [Genesis 3] [Cycle 1: Lesson 2, Cycle 2: Lesson 2, Cycle 3: Lesson 2, and Cycle 4: Lesson 2]and his covenant with
Abraham [Genesis 15] [Cycle 1: Lesson 6], Isaac and Jacob. It reminds us that we do not battle with flesh and blood [Ephesians 6:12] and that any victory worth having is from
YHWH.
Cycle 2: Lesson 18: United kingdom: Solomon: Building the temple
Scripture
1 Kings 5:1-9:14
David was anointed by Samuel to be king [Cycle 1: Lesson 17]. Christ means anointed. This is a plot
clue as to where we should expect the One to come. In our last lesson [Cycle 2: Lesson 17] the young David
killed the Philistine giant Goliath showing that he would not only be an anointed king but a warrior.
David would become close friends with Saul’s son Jonathan [Cycle 3: Lesson 17]. The people increasingly see David as their champion rather than Saul. Saul gives his
daughter Michal so Saul in marriage, in an attempt, to ensure his loyalty [1 Samuel 18]. Saul is jealous of David and determined to kill him [1 Samuel 19] [Cycle 3: Lesson
16]. Jonathan supports David over his father, Saul [1 Samuel 20]. David returning from a raid, with tired and hungry men, eats the show bread, dedicated to YHWH, of the
priests of Nob [1 Samuel 21:1-9]. Jesus will later use this incident as an example of a correct understanding of the Law [Matthew 12:1-8] [Cycle 1: Lesson 44]. Saul’s
persecution of David continues forcing David to take refuge with the Philistine king Achish of Gath [1 Samuel 21:10-15]. In rage Saul murders the priest of Nob for aiding
David [1 Samuel 22]. David defeats the Philistines at Keilah [1 Samuel 23:1-5] but again must flee from Saul [1 Samuel 23]. David could have killed Saul but spares him
because Saul is the Lord’s anointed [1 Samuel 24]. Samuel dies [1 Samuel 25:1]. Abigail appeases David’s wrath when is mistreated by her husband Nabal [1 Samuel 25:2-
44]. David again spared Saul [1 Samuel 26]. David returns to the Philistine territory of Achish [1 Samuel 27:1-28:2]. Saul falls into deeper sin consulting a medium [1 Samuel
28:3-25] [Cycle 4: Lesson 16]. Achish send David away seeing a conflict in interest when the Philistines will engage the Israelites in battle [1 Samuel 29]. David takes his
family and loved ones from Philistine territory to Ziklag in Judah [1 Samuel 30].
Saul and Jonathan are killed in battle [1 Samuel 31]. David slaughters an Amalekite who falsely claimed he had killed Saul, wanting some bounty, and composes a dirge in
honour of Saul [2 Samuel 1]. The point for David is that Saul was YHWH’s anointed despite his sin. This is a good picture of our status before God. Namely, anointed with the
Holy Spirit and considered righteous because of what Jesus has done for us. David moves to Hebron and is publicly anointed as king over Judah. Men still loyal to Saul make
his son, Ish-Bosheth king over Israel, i.e. the northern tribes. This leads to war between Israel and Judah [2 Samuel 2]. David’s house gets stronger while the house of Saul
weakens [2 Samuel 3]. Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth is assassinated but David executes the killers out of respect for Saul as YHWH’s anointed [2 Samuel 4]. David is anointed king
over all Israel brining about a united kingdom and is given victory, by YHWH, over the Philistines [2 Samuel 5]! David brings the ark of God, which is now called “the name,
the name of YHWH of hosts” to Jerusalem with much celebration and dancing [2 Samuel 6]! David want to build a temple for YHWH. YHWH does not permit but renews his
covenant with David, through the prophet Nathan, promising that his son will build a temple, yet this son cannot be only Solomon. In the clearest statement yet of who the
One will be: the son of David but the son of God, punished by God and a kingdom that endures forever [2 Samuel 7]. David’s military victories continue [2 Samuel 8]. David
provides for the lame Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul [2 Samuel 9]. More conflict, this time with the Ammonites and Arameans, and again victory [2
Samuel 10].
But David falls into sin. He commits adultery with Bathsheba, making her pregnant and attempts to cover up his sin by having the husband, a righteous man, Uriah, killed [2
Samuel 11] [Cycle 4: Lesson 17]. YHWH rebukes David through the prophet Nathan. David responds with repentance, but the child born to Bathsheba dies [2 Samuel 12].
David’s son Ammon rapes his sister Tamar. His other son Absalom kills Ammon in revenge and flees [2 Samuel 13]. David and Absalom are eventually reconciled [2 Samuel
14]. However, Absalom then leads a rebellion against his father, David. David flees [2 Samuel 15]. Absalom sleeps with his father’s concubines on the roof of the palace to
humiliate his father72 [2 Samuel 16]. The rebellion continues [2 Samuel 17] resulting in the death of Absalom [ [2 Samuel 18] in battle. David weeps over Absalom. The baby
and two sons are dead and his daughter defiled but David returns from exile [2 Samuel 19] only to face another revolt, lead by Sheba, resulting in the temporary loss of
Israel, or the northern kingdoms, before the execution of Sheba by his own people [2 Samuel 20].
YHWH brings famine on the land because of Saul’s sin in killing the Gibeonites whom Joshua had covenanted not to destroy73 [Joshua 9]. David hands over descendent so
Saul to the Gibeonites for execution [2 Samuel 21]. YHWH was again angry with Israel, for their sin and rebellion, and incited David to take a census resulting in an angel
bringing a plague on the people [2 Samuel 24].
1 Kings begins with an elderly David and his son Solomon being crowned his successor [1 Kings 1]. David charges Solomon to be faithful to YHWH [1 Kings 2]. Solomon
walked with YHWH [2 Samuel 3] and given one wish, as it were, from God requests wisdom [1 Kings 3] resulting in political stability, prosperity and an increase in all sorts of
knowledge [1 Kings 4]. Now Solomon will build a temple for YHWH…
What?
1 Kings 5
1–18: The writer continues to extol Solomon’s wisdom and now focuses on his political and architectural wisdom. Solomon
obtains the basic materials for the construction of the temple from Hiram, king of Tyre, in exchange for wheat and oil.
Solomon conscripts Israelites as labourers.
1 Kings 6 enslaves  beginning of his fall
1: Gives date building began.
2-10: Description of the exterior of the temple.
11-13: YHWH gives a direct word to Solomon. YHWH will keep his covenant, i.e. raise up the One, the seed of Abraham, from the house of Solomon if Solomon is obedient
to the covenant. Notice that faithfulness and obedience is sandwiched between the two descriptions of the temple structure above [vv2-10] and below [vv14-38].
14–38: Description of the interior of the temple
While this description contains much detail, it doesn’t provide enough to reproduce the structure with certainty. The author’s knowledge of the inner sanctuary,
seems to be a given, and suggests he was a priest or involved in the temple construction. There were after all thousands of workers.
1 Kings 7
1–12: Solomon turns his attention to the palace compound. The Son of David is to be a king such as the world has never seen before.
13–40: The bronze work is described in decreasing order of size.
72
Leviticus 18:7-8; 20:11 both state that if a man lies with his father’s woman he is revealing his father’s nakedness. This was very likely the sin of Ham against his father Noah [Genesis 9:18-
29] [Cycle 2: Lesson 5]. In which case, the consequence of David’s sin is to plunge his family into murder, rape and abominations.
73
For an interesting comparison of the Gibeonites with Rahab see https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/good-news-in-the-gibeonite-deception. Both used deception to escape judgement
but in both cases this was accepted as repentance. This concurs with Calvin’s view that “the Israelites, by the divine command, exhorted all whom they attacked, to surrender, by holding out
the hope of pardon” Calvin, Commentary on Joshua, Chap. VI. 23.
41-47: A summary of Hiram’s work and a few details about his methods.
48-50: The most precious utensils were made by Solomon. It is unlikely he literally made them but is speaking much as a Cypriot would today saying that he has built a
house etc.
51: The concluding statement summarising the stages of construction echoes the days of creation74.
1 Kings 8
1–11: The installation of the ark of the covenant in the most holy place, or holy of holies, is synonymous with the presence of God, i.e. YHWH himself. YHWH is enthroned
on top of the ark. We have met the ark many times as the presence of YHWH, literally, before Israel and the nations. A detailed description of the ark is given in
Exodus 25:10–22.
12–21: Solomon’s blessing recalls the covenant God made to David concerning the temple and his descendants (2 Sam 7:1–17). Solomon portrays his reign and his
accomplishments as the fulfilment of God’s promises to David.
1 Kings 9 New creation
1–9: YHWH appears to Solomon a second time [presumably in a dream, see 3:5; 9:2; 11:9]. YHWH has put his name, i.e. himself, in the
temple forever. YHWH reiterates the covenant and its conditions [vv4–5] and reminds Israel of the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 27-28.
Why?
Jesus
Church/body of
Christ
Creation
Genesis 1-2
Ezekiel’s temple
Solomon’s
temple Herod’s temple
Second temple YHWH organised the cosmos as a place to live with adam.
1 Kings 5:1-9:14 Destroyed 70AD Sin broke the cosmos separating heaven and earth. A
Tabernacle tabernacle/temple was a restart where heaven and earth
again meet. The temple gets bigger and bigger and will one
day again encompass everything.
74
“This final summary statement concludes the narrative of the temple building and the construction of the temple furnishings. The Hebrew word kalah (meaning “to complete”) is used to
mark the completion of various stages of the project (6:9, 14, 38; 7:1, 40). It echoes God’s completion of the phases of creation (Gen 1:1–2:4).” Faithlife Study Bible on 1 Kings 7:51
Cycle 2: Lesson 19: Wisdom [orthodoxy and orthopraxy]: Job: Why do Christians suffer?
Scripture
Job 1-2:10
Having met Solomon again, last lesson [Cycle 2: Lesson 18], we return to the wisdom books [Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs]. The production of
wisdom literature was a kingly function in the ANE. Solomon’s father David wrote or collected together most of the psalms. Solomon would continue the work and have
much of his teaching, probably later, collected in the book of Proverbs by “the Teacher”. Ecclesiastes was a commentary on Proverbs making much use of negative
wisdom75. Song of Songs describes the joy of romantic love and more. Somewhere in this process the much older story76 of Job makes it was into the scrolls and the
unchallenged canon.
In the last cycle, we met the, often over-looked, divine council [Cycle 1: Lesson 19]. Briefly, the opening of Job [1:1-2:13] gives a glimpse into heaven. The satan appears
before YHWH and sons of god [bene elohim]. Another glimpse might be “Let us make humankind in our image and according to our likeness” [Genesis 1:26], although
traditionally used as a trinity proof. The clearest reference77 is:
God stands in the divine assembly;

he administers judgment in the midst of the gods.
“How long will you judge unjustly
and show favoritism to the wicked? Selah
Psalm 82:1-2 [LEB]
Psalm 82 raises the same question as the entire book of Job. If the gods, i.e. the divine counsel, are in control why are some members evil and why does YHWH and the
unfallen gods permit the righteous to suffer. Before attempting to answer this question we must be abundantly clear that YHWH is the only uncreated deity. All other
beings, good or evil, are created by him and he is sovereign over them.
Job 1:6-22
6-7: The sons of god [bene elohim] and the satan78 appear before YHWH. This is the divine counsel. The heavens. The place of all authority where gods convene. He has
been roaming the earth. His name means accuser. He has been looking for someone to condemn.
75
Negative wisdom is arguing by negative examples of what happens if a person does not pursue wise behaviour.
76
Job does not use the covenant name YHWH in addressing God. The introduction uses YHWH suggesting a retrospective comment on an older story. He also offers sacrifices to God
although he does not seem to be a descendent of Abraham, i.e. no genealogies, let alone a Levitical priest.
77
Interestingly, the in dead sea scrolls, and the LXX, Deuteronomy 32:7 reads as:
When the Most High apportioned the nations,
at his dividing up of the sons of humankind,
he fixed the boundaries of the peoples,
according to the number of the sons of God [benei elohim].
78
A Persian not a Hebrew word, again indicating that Job was not a Jew.
8: YHWH extols Job as a “blameless man and upright and God-fearing and turning away from evil”.
9-11: The satan challenges what YHWH has said! This has been his sin from the beginning and into which he has plunged all adam in Adam [Genesis 3] [Cycle 1: Lesson 2,
Cycle 2: Lesson 2, Cycle 3: Lesson 2, Cycle 4: Lesson 2]. He accuses Job of only being loyal because of YHWH’s blessing and protection of him. We may reasonably
assume that Satan, likewise, accuses us if we are in Christ, i.e. blameless and upright, but…
My little children, I am writing these things to you in order that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous one, and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have
come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 2:1-3 [LEB]
12: According the satan, if the blessings are withheld, Job will curse God to his face. YHWH permits the satan to do anything to Job except strike him directly. This
shows that the satan and the other sons of God, good or evil, have considerable power but can act only as permitted by YHWH.
13-19: The satan kills all Job’s animals and children through the agency of humans and the manipulation of nature.
20-22: Job worships YHWH [!!] millennia before Paul will write “rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” [Philippians 4:4 [LEB]] and “give thanks in everything; for
this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” [1 Thessalonians [5:18 LEB]].
Job 2:3-10
1-5: Another glimpse into the divine counsel. Again the satan has been wondering the earth. Millenia later Peter will almost quote this verse: “Be sober; be on the alert.
Your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” [1 Peter 5:8 [LEB]]. These verses mirror 1:6-12 except that the satan
increases the stakes. “Skin for skin! All that that man has he will give for his life. But stretch out your [YHWH’s] hand and touch his bones and his flesh and see
whether he will curse you to your face.”
6-8: The satan is given permission to strike Job but cannot kill him. He inflicts Job with a skin disease.
9: Job’s wife caves in and wants her husband to curse God.
10: Job rebukes his wife for behaving like a woman without wisdom. Jobs wise retort is that we should accept both good and evil from God.
Why?
To be wise we must:
• Acknowledge that there is a spiritual realm that we do not fully understand. In fact, we get only a glimpse. The world is not just material plus God.
• Understand that YHWH has total control, or veto, over the divine counsel. God is in control.
• Submit ourselves to YHWH’s will recognising that both good and evil come from him79.
• YHWH has given us the overall story and will be faithful. Our responsibility is covenant faithfulness not to answer back to YHWH. “On the contrary, O man, who are you
who answers back to God? Will what is molded say to the one who molded it, “Why did you make me like this”? ““ [Romans 9:20 [LEB]
79
Theology can qualify this by constructs such as a permissive will etc. The bottom is that that nothing happens outside of God’s secret will. “The hidden things belong to YHWH our God, but
the revealed things belong to us to know and to our children forever, in order to do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 [LEB]
Cycle 2: Lesson 20: Wisdom [orthodoxy and orthopraxy]: Psalms: Psalm 22
Scripture
Psalm 22
Having met Solomon again [Cycle 2: Lesson 18], we have returned to the books [Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs]. The production of wisdom literature
was a kingly function in the ANE. Solomon’s father David wrote or collected together most of the psalms. Solomon would continue the work and have much of his teaching,
probably later, collected in the book of Proverbs by “the Teacher”. Ecclesiastes was a commentary on Proverbs making much use of negative wisdom80. Song of Songs
describes the joy of romantic love and more.
The psalms are the hymn book of the bible. There are other songs in the OT and what seem to be hymn fragments in the NT. Nevertheless, the psalms dominated worship
in much of the OT era and into the church age.
Psalm 22 was written by David. It is a song that records David’s extreme anguish, suffering at the hands of his enemies. It is, however a Messianic psalm, fast-forwarding us
to suffering of the promised son of David, the One, on the cross. The suffering of Christ will later be foretold, in more detail, by Isaiah [52:13–53:12] with greater revelation
of its purpose, namely the healing of the nations.
What?
1-2: Jesus would quote v1 on the cross [Matt 27:46 and Mark 15:34]. Much like the other rabbis, and Paul etc after him, a verse is a reference to a larger passage. Why
had God abandoned David? More generally, why does God abandon the believer [see last lesson [Cycle 2: Lesson 19]. In the fullest sense, why is God abandoning
Jesus? Jesus is getting the script of his death from this psalm!
3-5: David recalls God’s covenant faithfulness through the generations as should we. The dying Christ is doing so too.
6-8: David was publicly humiliated as may the believer be. The wicked will likely mock the suffering of believers. Jesus was mocked. Matthew [27:39] and Mark [15:29]
both allude to v7.
Matthew [27:43] alludes to v8. In the fullest sense Jesus was, not apparently, but truly abandoned by YHWH! It doesn’t get worse than this.
9-11: David’s appeal, and ours, similarly to vv3-5, is YHWH’s faithfulness but here, not to the past generations, but in our own life. This is Jesus only hope.
12-13: David was surrounded by enemies. This may happen to the believer. In the fullest sense this happened to Jesus.
14-15: David describes is anguish largely metaphorically. A believer may suffer to this extent or more. Jesus suffered utterly to this extent both emotionally and physically:
disjointed, heart ripped apart, dying of thirst and any strength to sustain life, to take another breath, gone.
16-17: Again, David recalls being surrounded by his enemies. This may happen to the believer. In the fullest sense this happened to Jesus.
80
18: Why David wrote this was to remain a mystery until the coming of the One. Here are minute details of the treatment of Jesus by the Roman soldiers before his
crucifixion found in all four gospels [Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34 and John 19:24]. Notice in connection to v1 how the disciples got the rabbis reference
and exegeted the entire psalm in their writings!
19-21: David cries out for deliverance as should the believer as did Jesus.
22-26: David now praised God for his salvation and names YHWH to the congregation. This was Job’s response to suffering [see last lesson [Cycle 2: Lesson 19]. This should
be our response. This was Jesus response.
27-31: David new, thinking back to the Abrahamic covenant, that the purpose of God is to save all the ends of the earth. David sees his suffering as in some way, he does
really understand, being a part of God’s redemption of all things. Believers suffer to complete the suffering of Christ…
Now I rejoice in my sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body which is the church.
Colossians 1:24 [LEB]
When?
David reigned ca. 1010–970 BC.
Why?
The psalm, written by David, describes the author’s suffering whilst surrounded by enemies. His response is to recall YHWH’s covenant faithfulness through the generations
and to David and to praise God, much like Job, though at this point, Job is much earlier, more of the larger purposes of God have been revealed. This psalm instructs and
encourages the suffering believer.
Jesus cites this psalm and it describes most fully his death utterly abandoned by YHWH.
Cycle 2: Lesson 21: Wisdom [orthodoxy and orthopraxy]: Psalms: Psalm 82
Scripture
Psalm 82
Having met Solomon again [Cycle 2: Lesson 18], we have returned to the books [Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs]. The production of wisdom literature
was a kingly function in the ANE. Solomon’s father David wrote or collected together most of the psalms. Solomon would continue the work and have much of his teaching,
probably later, collected in the book of Proverbs by “the Teacher”. Ecclesiastes was a commentary on Proverbs making much use of negative wisdom81. Song of Songs
describes the joy of romantic love and more.
The psalms are the hymn book of the bible. There are other songs in the OT and what seem to be hymn fragments in the NT. Nevertheless, the psalms dominated worship
in much of the OT era and into the church age.
Psalm 82 is recited every Tuesday in liturgies of Judaism. Jesus quotes the psalm. The psalm has been largely ignored, or mistranslated, by Protestants as, like Job [see Cycle
1: Lesson 19 and Cycle 2: Lesson 19], it refers to the divine counsel or the bine elohim.
What?
1: God [singular] stands in authority over a divine assembly of lesser, created gods [plural]. It is the one uncreated God who will judge the gods82.
The divine assembly is a common ANE concept. The book of Job had reliably informed us of the divine assembly [Cycle 1: Lesson 19 and Cycle 2: Lesson 19] as does
the prophet Michaiah during the reigns of Jehoshaphat of Judah and Ahab of Israel [1 Kings 22:19-23]83.
2-3: The gods have not judged righteously on behalf of the poor etc. contrary to the law of God.
When the Most High apportioned the nations84,
at his dividing up of the number of the sons of God85,
he fixed the boundaries of the peoples,
according to the number of the sons of God86.
For Yahweh’s portion was his people,
Jacob the share of his inheritance.
81
82
“Several different entities are referred to as elohim in the OT…: Yahweh, the God of Israel (over 1000 times); the members of Yahweh’s heavenly council (Psalm 82); the gods of foreign
nations (1 Kings 11:33); demons (see…Deuteronomy 32:17); spirits of the human dead (1 Samuel 28:13); and angels (see…Gen 35:7).” Michael S. Heiser, Elohim as “Gods” in the Old
Testament, Faithlife Study Bible, Lexham Press, 2012
83
In both cases YHWH sends the satan or deceiving spirts out of the divine assembly.
84
The nations arose at Babel because of sin [Cycle 1: Lesson 5]
85
The MSS reads “the children of Israel” but the Dead Sea Scrolls “the sons of God”and the LXX “the angels of God”.
86
ditto
Deuteronomy 32:8-9 [LEB]
Paul must have had the above in mind, blended with Babel [Cycle 1: Lesson 5], Job [Cycle 1: Lesson 19 and
Cycle 2: Lesson 19] etc., to understand that with YHWH in control it’s all a part of redeeming the nations…
And he made from one man every nation of humanity to live on all the face of the earth, determining
their fixed times and the fixed boundaries of their habitation, to search for God, if perhaps indeed they
might feel around for him and find him. And indeed he is not far away from each one of us, for in him
we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said: ‘For we also are his offspring.’
Acts 17: 26-28 [LEB]
The divided nations were appointed gods and…
4: The gods are commanded to rescue the poor etc.
5: The gods are ignorant. This has shaken the “foundations of the earth”, i.e. the created order of cosmos.
6: The gods, elohim, are the sons of God, bene elohim. They are created beings intended to rule with God.
However…
7: They will die like men, i.e. be judged for their sin.
8: The psalmist calls on God to judge the earth rather than his rebellious sons. God inheriting the nations is likely a reference to Jesus.
When?
David who wrote or collected the psalms together reigned ca. 1010–970 BC.
Why?
When YHWH created the cosmos he created the heavens, populated with heavenly beings, or gods, and the earth, to
be inhabited by adam, i.e. humans. Christians often think that the satan rebelled before the creation, as in Milton’s
Paradise Lost. Rather, when God finished creating he saw that it was “very good” [Cycle 1: Lesson1]. How can a
rebellion amongst the gods have already happened!? It seems more likely, looking at the biblical evidence, that
some of the gods or sons of god, as creatures, rebelled and symbolized by the serpent, a chaos creature in ANE
mythology, successfully led Adam astray.
The gods should have led the nations. Instead they have, literally, misled them. Genesis 6:1-8 records their
unlawful sexual union with human women to produce the Nephilim [Cycle 2: Lesson 3]. Paul still sees all this as part
of the purposes of YHWH to redeem he cosmos. Read the book of Romans.
God will judge the heavenly beings just as he will judge us. There is no hint, as far as I know, in the things revealed of any redemption
of the fallen gods.
Appendix 1: “the scriptures…testify about me” [John 5:39]
King / dominion over the land

Prophet / communicates time
YHWH’s presence from
the heavenly council
Priest / atones to YHWH
Temple / YHWH’s place of J

rest E
Covenant-
S
keeper / one in U
whom YHWH S
delights etc
etc
etc
Jesus is the ultimate and final king
Adam was to rule or be a king over the garden/earth/land. He failed. Future kings always failed to some varying extents. The land was later Canaan or the
Promised Land but the prophets spoke of a dominion to the ends of the earth. Jesus does and will rule over all the nations.
Jesus is the ultimate and final prophet
Adam was a prophet in that he walked with YHWH in the garden. There had been no fall. No sin had entered the creation. Heaven and earth had not been torn
apart. Adam was participating in the heavenly council. Jesus as a member of the trinity is an integral part of the heavenly council from all eternity.
Jesus is the ultimate and final priest
Sin entering the world required atonement by a priest as prescribed by YHWH but the blood of animals could not take away sin and always looked toward a
perfect atonement. Jesus was that perfect sacrifice and the high priest that offered himself once and for all who believe.
Jesus is the ultimate and final temple
The creation was the place where YHWH rested until sin entered the world. Later YHWH would rest or make his presence known in a tent and later a temple.
God’s presence was never known in the second temple. Prophets spoke of a future temple from which blessing would flow out to the ends of the earth.
Ultimately Jesus is that temple and those who believe are his body and God’s presence is in us through the Holy Spirit and because of what Jesus has done.
Jesus is the ultimate and covenant-keeper
Even in a fallen world permeated by sin YHWH still seeks and delights in those who keep his commandments but no one can keep God’s law. Jesus obeyed it fully
and delighted to do God’s will. Jesus keeps the covenant on behalf of those who believe.
Jesus is the alpha and the omega
Etc, etc, etc. There is no end to the richness and depth of the story of Jesus through whom the universe was created and is redeemed and who sustains all
things.
Appendix 2: Kings and prophets of Israel and Judah
Appendix 3: Literary genres1
Something does not have to be literally true to be true. For example, “YHWH is my rock” does not mean that God is a rock. In reading scripture the obvious or
common sense approach will usually suffice. However our judgment will be better informed if we are conscious that…
 The bible was written to us but not for us. Getting the scriptures into their historical and cultural context will throw light on many at first sight strange and
difficult passages.
 The bible has different literary genres and these have changed with time and place. For example, Genesis 1-11 reads like the stories of Mesopotamia
whereas a letter of Paul to a church reads much like a modern letter although in closer examination his writings are deeply steeped in second temple
Judaism but with an awareness of then contemporary Roman letters.
The broad literary genres of the bible are…
 Law, e.g. second half of Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy etc.

Not an abstract list of rules but rather the way of life for those in covenant with YHWH2. The law is not a ladder to God but a demonstration of being God’s
children. Thus it is not law in the modern sense of the term. Israel was also to be literally separate from other nations thus “boundary markers” such as food
laws, no clothing of mixed fibres, no tattooing or body modification.
 Narrative, e.g. 1 and 2 Kings, gospels, Acts etc.
Biblical narratives relate facts but are selective in that they have an intended purpose. Narratives often hesitate to make moral judgments rather the reader
understands them as a recounting of YHWH’s and people’s actions in terms of the covenant blessings and curses. Biblical narrat
 Parable, e.g. Jesus’ parables, Nathan’s parable to David etc.
Parables have a “once upon a time” feel, e.g. “there once was a man”, and speak to a specific situation. Biblical parables are not abstract like an Aesop’s
Fable. Jesus’ parables were about Kingdom!
 Wisdom, e.g. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Sermon on the Mount, James
Wisdom focuses on living in God’s covenant and the blessings that will ensure. There are two types: proper wisdom and anti-wisdom. Proper wisdom speaks
of how to live before God and the blessings that come with covenant obedience. Anti-wisdom deliberately ignores God’s ways and shows the futility and
purposeless of life for covenant breakers.
 Prophecy, e.g. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel etc.
Not primarily predictions but communicating YHWH’s presence from the heavenly council. Prophecy is usually recognized as a calling to repentance and the
promise of redemption through trust in YHWH. Israel and the new Israel by extension plays a prophetic unique role in call the nations to repentance.
 Poetry/Song, e.g. Exodus 15, Psalms, Magnificat etc.
1
We are indebted to Pastor Zacharias Kail and the “How to Interpret the Bible Course” he taught in 2015 and the notes he kindly provided.
2
And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, from the house of slaves. There shall be for you no other gods
before me”. Exodus 20:1-3.
Poetry often overlaps with prophecy. It is hard to make a distinction between spoken and sung poetry as singing was closer to what we would call chanting.
Poetry can get lost in translation but indicators are metaphorical language, use in praise, acrostic, terse; parallelisms etc.
 Epistle, e.g. Romans, Hebrews, 1 Peter etc.
An epistle [just an old-fashioned word for letter] is written to instruct and exhort a particular person or group. Letters have obvious context, deal with
particular issues and God’s purposes. They appear in the OT but dominate the NT in its Greco-Roman cultural context. We communicate with phones and
computers. Paul dictated to a scribe not dissimilar to an executive and their personal assistant.
 Apocalyptic, e.g. Daniel 7-12, parts of Zechariah and Ezekiel, Mark 13, Matthew 24 and Revelation
This is perhaps the most alien genre for the modern reader. Apocalyptic writing appears in the later prophets and flourished during second temple Judaism
into the first century and beyond. It is as if the curtain is lifted and we get a glimpse into the heavenly council. Things almost too difficult for words are
expressed using powerful symbols and vivid, cosmic language. There is often a throne room scene: God, angels, strange things etc.
 “Myth”, e.g. Genesis 1-11, Psalm 74:12-17 etc.
Myth is perhaps not the best word to use and hence the inverted commas as myth is even used by Paul to refer to things that are not true. Perhaps epic
might be a better term but still loaded with the connotation of exagerratedof not true. What do we mean then by a “myth”? Perhaps “a traditional, typically
ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects
of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society”3. In this sense Genesis 1-11 is a myth but a true one. We still do not have
sufficient scientific knowledge to have the creation of the universe. Neither did the Neolithic people of ancient Mesopotamia. The bible often refers ancient
geographical and cosmological models, e.g. the earth as a suspended disc, waters under the earth, a place of death under the ground etc.
3
www.thefreedictionary.com/myth

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Bible handling skills

NT creation to new creation meta-narratives

51 Thy kingdom Great commission Tony Disputes in the Divorce Parable of

Background for teachers

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Learning outcomes Notes

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Learning outcomes Notes

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1. Water into blood [Exodus 7:14–24]

Learning outcomes Notes

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Learning outcomes Notes

 True faith produces fruit [see also James 2].

Learning outcomes Notes

 The rulers of this world will usually oppose Jesus.

 YHWH laughs at those who oppose him.

 We should repent and ask Jesus to forgive you your sin.

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Learning outcomes Notes

Learning outcomes Notes

 If we are not wise sin can take over our lives.

Learning outcomes Notes

 Review of first four commandments [Exodus 20:1-11]

 YHWH must only be worshipped as he prescribes.

 We too break YHWH’s commandments. Jesus keeps the covenant and is

 Review of first four commandments [Exodus 20:1-11] from last lesson.

 Only YHWH must be worshipped and only through Jesus.

Learning outcomes Notes

Learning outcomes Notes

 This made YHWH angry.

Background for teachers

Learning outcomes Notes

Learning outcomes Notes

 Joash was an honest king. We must be honest.

 God is very angry with sin.

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Learning outcomes Notes

 We must repent and God will forgive us because of Jesus.

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v4: John looked and lived the part of an Essene.

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All now becomes

clear. Make sure the

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Answer me, O Yahweh, because your loyal love is good;

All now becomes

clear. Make sure the

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Why are nations in tumult, today I have begotten you.

Joshua 1:1-9 [LEB]