The Basic Outline And Content Of The Bible

Life, and everything that exists arose from a supernatural, divine being. This creator and author of life is a glorious Spirit (John 4:24). He, as one being exists in three separate persons. These three divine persons are in absolute unity together, totally equal and each are the complete fulness of the creator (Colossians 2:9). They are: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God, the wonderful creator has no beginning or end to His existence and has always existed eternally. He is all powerful, with His Spirit in everyplace, as well as being all wisdom, knowledge and love. As absolute perfection, He created mankind to relate, to rule with and to carry His glory onto the earth. Man is made in God’s “image” with emotions; personality; a spirit; intelligence and creativity. God's ultimate in creation, mankind in His image was originally clothed with a covering of God's glorious light as God is also light (1 John 1:5). Everything on the earth at its beginning was perfect, including man. In Genesis 1:28 God gave word to the first man to be fruitful; multiply; replenish the earth; subdue and have dominion. In the midst of a garden in Eden was a tree of life and a tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God commanded the man that he could freely eat from every tree apart from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God had now given man a choice, to honor or be against Him.

God had also created celestial beings, a hierarchy of angels of which the Cherubim rank highly. Ezekiel 28:13-19 mentions one whose heart was “lifted up” on account of his beauty. He foolishly rebelled against God and was cast from heaven, God's dwelling place, to earth. Isaiah 14 shows his arrogant boast where he said in his heart that he would, (or rather try to) ascend into heaven and exalt his throne to be like the most High. This Cherubim, Lucifer had fallen and Revelation 12 mentions him leading a third of the angelic beings down with him. They were judged by God, became demons and very ugly, the opposite state to beauty. A place of punishment called hell was created as their final destination but before which they are on the earth in different forms as invisible or visible spirits. Lucifer, the devil/Satan, hates God and therefore mankind as we are in God's image. Satan desires to destroy God’s creation and build his own kingdom in rebellion to God, while deceiving people into worshiping him. Satan however is not an all powerful creator like God. As God is always ahead of the devil, He can use the devil's works to bring about, in some way, His purposes on the earth. The devil on earth is restricted by God of what he is allowed to do (Job 1:12). In the garden of Eden he tempted the first created woman to disobey God by making her doubt God's word, doubt God's integrity and he lied to the woman causing her to eat the fruit of the tree that she knew she shouldn't (Genesis 3). This woman ate the fruit as did her husband. They had placed themselves under the fallen beings words, their wisdom against God's, and rebelled against Him.

Their rebellion changed everything they knew. They received, as did their offspring a fallen nature that possess characteristics that are against God's ways. Because their covering of light had been removed as a result of this fall, they felt naked causing them to hide themselves from God. Their spirit that had related to God had also fallen (becoming dead) and they had become exposed. God judged the man, woman and devil and curses on the earth arose, as well as natural death for mankind. The relationship that man had with God was also lost, as their new fallen nature grieves God and its ways have to be judged by Him. Their new nature and thoughts naturally became against God and His ways. A way out, to reverse and restore this major event was already known by God. He announced in Genesis 3:15 that He would send someone to break the serpents head, which is the devil's power and authority, that he had taken from man (Luke 4:6). This was a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, who would at a specific period of history reverse this event. Mankind had fallen and missed the mark of God's perfection by breaking His commandments and sinning. God is a perfect and a loving-righteous judge that judges all sin, distributing appropriate justice for the benefits of all mankind. At some point, the devil received a new nature where mankind feels obnoxious to him.

The first man and woman (Adam and Eve) as they were not perfect, covered their shame and nakedness by their own wisdom and self-righteous way. This was with an apron of leaves that created a temporary, insufficient covering. This act has actually been continually repeated throughout mankind. People prefer their own wisdom, listen to the loud voice of self in them and try to cover their imperfection, their self-righteous ways. All mankind because of this fall, now receives this new nature. Whilst hiding, or away from God, people naturally try to cover their fallen state. This is often by good works or religious rituals which are their supposed ways to get to God, being made right with Him. Also, when the message of Jesus is proclaimed, people mock, scorn and become willingly ignorant, because they become accountable to God and hide. Man's self-righteous way, to supposedly be approved by God is foolishly embraced, as fallen people naturally want to be a god of their own life (Genesis 3:5). People do not want their creator as lord, which is the actual, correct and perfect way of life. People wrongly think their good works puts them into right standing with God.

The account in Genesis explains that God had a proper (although temporary) way to cover man's shame. His way also foreshadowed and pointed to the permanent and ultimate way of redemption which is God's Son, Jesus. God's way was to cover his first two people with the skins of an animal, that would have to of been killed. This was only a temporary covering.

It had to be continued until Jesus came, to finally finish and put an end to these temporary coverings and the work they involved. The animal had to be killed, as without the shedding of blood their is no remission, or passing over of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Blood is the life of the animal and something else had to die and be punished as a substitute (Genesis 9:4-6; Deuteronomy 12:23) to pay the price for their sin. Blood is an atonement (cover; cancel; appease; cleanse; forgive; reconcile) for man to God (Leviticus 17:10-14).

Adam passed knowledge of the way of these animal sacrifices to his sons Cain and Abel. Abel submitted to God's way and presented a sacrifice of a lamb to God (Genesis 4:4). Cain however, rather than the blood sacrifice chose his own way and took a harvest offering of fruit to the Lord. This caused him to become unaccepted by God. This echos the first peoples aprons of leaves that were also unacceptable.

God's Spirit is in everyplace. But as God is holy and full of brilliance and glory, mankind being in the fulness of such a presence, in his fallen way, would result in curse and death. On the earth now, God's glorious, shinning presence has been removed. God is perfect and in order for man to be near God again, perfection is needed. This can never be achieved by man's own works and ways.

Mankind multiplied on the earth and needed to know God's plan to restore humanity. People also needed to realise His truths shinning forth to them, with demonstrations of what God would do in the future. Instead of God constantly singling people out on the earth to bring forth His truths and to prepare the way for Jesus, God’s way was to create a whole nation submitted to Him. This nation on the earth consisted of people following Him, growing larger (although small to demonstrate God's power) for more influence. God chose a righteous man that proved faithful: Abraham, and his son Isaac, as well as Isaac's son Jacob. God changed Jacob's name to Israel, meaning: “he will rule (or have power) as/with God.” This nation was to mediate between God and man by serving God and the people, which in essence is the calling of a priest. They were purposed to be a holy (set apart) kingdom and nation of these mediators. Everyone was to be a priest, but fear held the people back and a chosen tribe was chosen for this role called the Levites.

There were many types and symbols that God used within this nation that, like the animal covering continually and progressively pointed to their fulfillment later on, which is Christ. Jacob had twelve sons that became the twelve tribes of Israel. The nation of Israel was held as slaves in Egypt with God later calling them out of that land so they could fulfill their purposes to Him. This also is a type and shadow of God (after Jesus had come to the earth), calling out people from the ungodly, secular world where they are held slaves to sin. The twelve tribes also symbolised Jesus' twelve disciples.

God desired to dwell among His people, with His glorious Spirit present. As a holy nation had arisen, time had come for His presence to descend into Israel. God gave instructions of how to build a “tabernacle.” This was basically a large, moveable-wooden building and tent, in which God’s majestic presence could actually descend to. This was because the animal sacrifices and rituals that the priests carried out, temporarily covered over peoples imperfections, allowing God to descend without death to them. The Tabernacle had a multitude of priestly workings there, that also shadowed forth Jesus and pointed to the spiritual duties of called out people, who came/come to Jesus for salvation. For example, The Tabernacle had incense burning, that actually pointed to worship and prayer etc. It also had a seven branched lamp stand that ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who is The perfect (seven) light of the world. In God's chosen nation of people (Israel) the truth of Jesus, as a type, was presented and shone forth. This tabernacle had specific sections to it and God's presence shone in the final section called the Holy of Holies. This visually displayed to mankind the proper way to approach God and heaven without falling into judgement.

The nation still had a sinful nature so divine laws were presented to them. These laws and God's ten commandments also foreshadowed and found completion in Jesus. They presented the fact that only Jesus could fulfill them perfectly. The law kept the nation under strict control from fear of punishment which was never ideal. Jesus, however, creates perfect freedom as He addresses and changes the root of man's problem, which is the heart. The law, often just covers the root of the problem by stopping mankind from doing wrong by this fear of punishment. Perfect freedom comes by a heart desire of love towards each other. Freedom also comes when man turns to God's ways that are perfect. In Christ, the law through a changed heart is fulfilled as a by product of loving God, rather than fear (Galatians 3). The law is like a mirror. It shows the fallen creation God's standard, and that man needs to find a permanent solution, rather than trying to impossibly achieve a right standing with God through works and law. The ten commandments, written by God on two stone tablets were placed in a large golden box. This was in the most holy place of The Tabernacle with a “mercy seat” above it. Blood was sprinkled onto this mercy seat, shadowing forth the point that Jesus' blood covers over the law of God that mankind is born into. The seat is where the presence of God descended to, and became as God’s throne upon the earth. As the nation required God's constant forgiveness and they had become a large body of people, The Tabernacle had an organised and systematic way of animal sacrifices and other rituals. These constantly pointed to their fulfillment. Hebrews 7:27: “who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” Jesus is actually, The high priest as in Hebrews 6:20.

Progressive revelation of God's truths came to Israel, leading to The most important event in history, God's Son who came to earth. Israel had specific people leading and commanding them and they were called the judges. Jesus is The commander and leader of the armies of the living God. After a period of time, the Israelites beheld that other nations had kings and desired a king and royal dynasty. God was actually their king but gave them their desire, using a royal line to demonstrate that their Messiah was a king and The King of Kings. Certain people chosen of God were sent to speak to the nation of Israel, especially when they had sinned and fallen away from their God. These prophets warned and advised Israel and other nations, speaking the divine words that they had received. Other nations including the nation of Babylon, God used to judge and discipline Israel.

Words from God had been written down and recorded by certain individuals. These were divinely compiled together, so all mankind through God's chosen nation could know His truths. God's written word to man is contained in a book called the Bible. Everything written in the scriptures is God's inspired words (2 Timothy 3:16) and He used man's writings, that He wanted in His book. Men were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21) for these divinely inspired writings. The Bible explains who God is, why we are here and what we are supposed to do. It contains truths from God along a frame work of world history, covering the beginning to the end of time. The Bible is written in two original languages, Hebrew and Greek in a compilation of 66 books, with different writers in differing backgrounds and time periods. More than history, it contains poetry, songs, science and prophecy to mention a few. The revelation that can be obtained from the truths in the Bible is never ending, always with something new to be discovered. This is one of the reasons that the Holy Spirit of God illuminates His word to people. The Bible should be read, balanced between reading the word and the Holy Spirit of God bringing forth other truths. Everything in the Bible, no matter how small has relevance and none of the words are used promiscuously. Anyone can read God's word and receive truths from Him, but it must be remembered that there are biblical principles of interpretation that are very useful.

The Bible has two main parts, the Old and New Testament. The Old Testament deals with the natural way, like the foreshadowing as mentioned. The New Testament deals with the spiritual realm and the fulfillment of everything in the Old Testament. 1 Corinthians 15:46: “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.” The Bible specifically explains its purpose in 2 Timothy 3:16, for that of doctrine; reproof; correction and instruction in righteousness. Opinions in life and teaching must not contradict the clear words of the Bible. Newly born again believers of Jesus, start off spiritually as babies in the kingdom and need to grow to maturity by learning and applying the scriptures personally to their lives.

The New Testament starts with four books called the gospels that record the good news about Jesus' life on earth and His teachings. They were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They were four of Jesus' twelve disciples and wrote their accounts of His life, when He had come to earth. They show that Jesus came to earth and gave man the opportunity to reverse the horrific event where mankind fell.

God became a man through Christ, to be a perfect substitute for us. He was born from a chosen woman in the nation of Israel, from the seed of the Holy Spirit that God planted inside her. This gave Jesus a nature that was without sin and was thus like Adam before the fall. Jesus fulfilled the law and its requirements. He became man 100% and is God 100%, being the perfect substitute for us. He ignored the devil's temptations when He was tempted by him and was crucified on a tree (cross) as a sacrifice. He wore a crown of thorns, showing that the curses from the fall would be removed through Him. He took the sin of the world onto Him, with His own blood permanently covering the sin of man, even taking it away. Jesus died for mankind following the parallels of the old, insufficient way. He was examined, as were the Old Testament priesthood sacrifices and found not guilty. The lamb sacrifices had to also be perfect. He was killed publicly on a high place and cross, as was the sacrifice on the altar a high place. Jesus was also betrayed for the same price of the lamb. He put an end to all those works that were necessary for man to be acceptable before God, and that, if mankind accepts this sacrifice, a reversal to the state of before the fall can occur in people. Damnation, debts and curses in every person can be removed. The way man fell is the opposite way to how man rises, (to become accepted once again). Thus: everyone needs to stop doubting God, choosing to turn to Him and emerge from hiding. Mankind is to desire God to be authority in their lives and not self. When eyes start to become opened to Him, man is to put on Jesus (Romans 13:14). He is The only way of salvation through faith, not works, and mankind needs to personally ask for Jesus' forgiveness of sin. Jesus is our great high priest we need to ask forgiveness for. There is an eternal price that each person must pay, for their own sins (debt) and Jesus paid this for everyone. However, mankind needs to personally receive this. When man puts faith in Christ, his dead spirit becomes alive and one is born again (John 3:5) as new creations. Able to live forever in paradise rather than judgement, with authority over the devil on the earth. The Holy Spirit takes His place inside the believer. The law the individual was under, is then abolished, as the believer spiritually dies to self and is reborn spiritually under grace. Being born again and knowing and loving God will produce a by product of fulfilling His laws due to love. Love is the fulfillment of the law.

A thick veil in the most holiest place in The Tabernacle was torn supernaturally by God. This was a sign showing Israel and the priesthood, that Jesus had fulfilled its purpose and need, making it redundant. Man, once cleansed by Jesus could embrace God and heaven without a veil between them. Jesus had arrived, sacrificed Himself and fulfilled and abolished those types. He ascended to heaven, waiting for the nation to become newly born, spiritual people. They were to turn to Him as a whole nation of followers of the truth of Jesus, reaching and growing this body into the world. Instead the nation largely rejected Him and carried on with the types, shadows and bondage's of the law, rather than the freedom of Jesus. This caused them to miss out on their salvation and such promises. Galatians 3:29 with Matthew 3:9: “if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” The born again person of any nation comes spiritually into God's kingdom, that is like a spiritual Israel, the fulfillment of the natural nation. This spiritual nation is made from every land and person who turns to Jesus (The high priest). Every individual of this nation, is to be a priest, mediating between man and God in the spiritual realm (Revelation 1:6). Not one person is excluded from this honour. Believers came into the kingdom from every nation and the kingdom of God grew rapidly. The Jews are still waiting for their Messiah that has already come and God still has promises and plans to the natural and original nation of Israel.

Jesus, killed on the cross abolished the Old Testament inferior rituals and established the better and perfect/permanent way. If the Old Testament rituals are carried out in this age, that found their fulfillment in Jesus, they-are-blasphemy! They deny what Jesus has done, and that He came. When God's natural nation was destroyed and scattered by the Romans in A.D. 70, a remnant of the Jews were kept. Jesus proclaimed in the New Testament gospels that the Jewish remnant will return to their land, becoming a sign that the last stage of history is on the doorstep. When the specific number (of the fulness) of the people return, the end of all ages will be extremely close.

After the four gospels, a book called The Acts of the Apostles is presented. This shows the birth of spiritual Israel, the New Testament church. This book demonstrates what God's called out people (from the world) did after Jesus ascended to heaven. The word church comes from a root word meaning to be called out. Generally speaking the books in the Bible after Acts explain doctrine and consist of letters written to combat the problems that came into the church. They also expose faulty teaching and explain the transition to God's new way through Jesus. The people who become born again are to offer spiritual sacrifices and to expand this spiritual, godly nation under Jesus, to bear His light into the world.

The disciples of Jesus are to mediate, serve and carry God’s glory to the entire world and to each other. Believers are the body of Christ on earth, with the Holy Spirit helping carry out this task. Believers have Him (God's Spirit) inside them, and are to have His presence around them. Christians/disciples are the living stones of the church. In the books of the New Testament, Christians met together in each others houses and any other building big enough to house them as the church. Each person is a part of the body and brings different gifts to it. Everyone no matter who they are has a different role to play and Jesus is the head of the body (the authority, the mind and the direction). He is The foundation and capstone. In a natural body it's seen that every part has a different role with no part being more important. All are necessary in a healthy body (1 Corinthians 12), and the purpose of a body is actually to reproduce. Disciples are to reproduce other disciples and churches are to reproduce other churches that are to bring the perfection of heaven to earth. Some members of the body develop specific ministry areas to help equip the whole body to do the work in that area (Ephesians 4:12). These also stir those areas that have become cold. There are also elders (bishops), which are like fathers in a family. These have roles of leadership. To serve the body by overseeing the gatherings; checking the teachings; create order in meetings and watching out for the spiritual wolves that may come along. A job of creating a safe, loving environment to release the people into freedom of everything they are called to be. However, due to bad teaching and insecurity, many leaders became controllers over the people and used them just to enhance themselves.

God's kingdom on earth consists of: whatever is on heaven is to be on earth, and this is a prayer Christ taught His disciples to pray for.

The book of Revelation at the end of the Bible summarises history, including that of the church. This book gives a description of what will happen at the end of the age when Jesus returns. Jesus came to earth the first time as saviour of the world. The second time, He will come as the judge of the world. The believers of Christ will not be judged according to their sin, as that has been cleansed by Jesus. They will be judged by how well they stewarded their gifts and talents for His kingdom, with little or many rewards in heaven given accordingly. The unbelievers will be judged on their sin, found guilty and taken to a eternal prison to pay off their debts that sin brings.

Man's own created religions generally seek to gain power and control people with rules, rituals and false authority, often trying to get right with God their own way. This is like bringing to God, spiritual fruit offerings while wearing spiritual aprons of leaves. True and false churches can often have a mixture of the old and new way, or even pervert both ways. Some never grow to maturity and even have, and keep many worldly influences inside of them. For salvation, one is to (figuratively speaking) “put on the lamb,” speaking of, spiritually putting on Christ for salvation. This is while realising that fruit offerings (good works) have no part to play for redemption but should occur as a result of salvation. After someone is born again, they are to encourage others to “put on the lamb.”

In relation to this symbolism of the fruit and lamb offering, below is what some churches, or people who are in error look like to God, (referring here to salvation only/reaching out to others with its message).

Many church gatherings have highly organised ways of bringing fruits to God for salvation. People are even told to revere the fruit they bring. Some churches bring fruit offerings to God while thinking they have put on the lamb also. Some play with fruit and occasionally think about the lamb. Some will look at the lamb, knowing it exists and hope it is enough to get them right with God. Many will say: “the lambs way isn't correct.” Some see a lamb but can't see the point in putting it on. Some groups meet socially just to hear information about the fruit and lamb. Some rightly put on the lamb and then ignore it. Some individuals have come into the presence of a lamb, thinking they have put it on. They then create large farms, breeding more lambs for people to stand near to, thinking they also have put on the lamb. Many have created large fruit factories. Some people think they are the lamb! Some say to people: “worship the fruit tree” while some may say: “lets follow the lamb” but not put it on. Many believe that a 50/50% mixture between putting on the lamb and presenting fruits is necessary, while others will try to get people to hate the lamb. Some say the lamb is related to the fruit somehow and that both live on a planet in outer space somewhere. Many do not care for the fruit or lamb. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourself, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.” People personally need to examine themselves to see whether they have truly made a commitment to Jesus, through repentance and faith (mentioned in Acts 20:21).

BASIC BIBLE OUTLINE

Genesis

1-2) God created everything, including first man, (Adam) and first woman, (Eve).

3) Man submitted to the devil rather than God. God punished man, woman and the devil and the earth was cursed.

4) Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel and became cursed by God. Cain and his wife gave birth to Enoch. Adam and Eve then gave birth to Seth.

5) Noah is born and gives birth to Shem, Ham and Japheth.

6-7) Wickedness covers the earth and the righteous man, Noah is commissioned to build an ark to rescue life from the waters of global judgement.

8) The waters recede.

9-10) Noah's family leave the ark after the flood had finished. Ham became the father of Canaan. Ham sins against Noah, and is told Canaan will be a servant of Shem. Shem is told he would be blessed.

11) The world had one language and came together against God. God gave all different languages to stop the work by confusing the people. A man called Abram married a woman called Sarai. She was barren. Abram with father and wife left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. He dwelt in Haran.

12) God told Abram to get out of his country/family to a land He would show him. God promised if he would do this he would become a great nation and be blessed. Also all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. Abram went from Haran at 75 years old with his brothers son Lot, Sarai and many other people with all their possessions. They came to Canaan and passed through to Shechem. God said He would give that land, Canaan to Abram's descendants. He moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel and Ai on the east. Abram journeys south still. Abram goes to Egypt due to famine and becomes blessed due to his wife.

13) Abram becomes blessed, goes back to where he came from before the famine. Lot separated from him and went to Jordan.

14) Lot is plundered in war and taken away, Abram rescues him.

15)  God promises Abram an heir/son when this promise seems impossible. God confirms His promise to Abram. Abram asks for a conformation of the promise. He sees a smoking oven and a burning torch.

16) Abram tries to force the promise of God by having an heir through Sarai's maid. The maid, Hagar has a son Ishmael. Abram is now 86.

17) Abram is now 99. God appears to him to confirm the promise. God changes his name to Abraham, (father of many nations). Abraham is told to keep God's covenant, a physical mark of circumsision as a sign of the promise. Also all the male children in his generations are told to have the mark. Sarai's name becomes Sarah. God promises the fact Sarah will have a son, gives Abraham the specific name and is given a specific time when the child will be born.

18) God looked upon the places Sodom and Gomorrah and decided judgment was to come upon them because of their wickedness.

19) God rains fire as judgment. Lot escapes before judgment with his two daughters. The daughters of Lot lay with him to preserve the lineage of their father.

20) Abraham moves between Kadesh and Shur and stays in Gerar.

21) At the set time God had said Sarah concieved. Ishmael scoffs Sarah and she asks Abraham to cast him out. Hagar departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Ishmael dwells in the wilderness of Paran and becomes an archer. He gets a wife from Egypt.

22) God tests Abraham by asking him to kill Isaac. At the last moment Abraham is told not to as he proved he feared God and would give God everything. God then confirms all the promises to Abraham because he obeyed. Abraham goes back to Beersheba.

23)  Sarah died in Hebron. Abraham is seen as a prince and buried her in the best place (cave of Machpelah).

24) Abraham makes his servant swear that Isaac wont marry someone from Canaan but Abraham's  country and fathers house and family, (although Isaac wasn't to go there). Rebekah appears in Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. Her brother was Laban.  Isaac marries her.

25) Abraham takes Keturah as his next wife. She bears him six children. Abraham dies at 175. Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the cave of Machpelah. Isaac dwells in Beer Lahai Roi. Ishmael has twelve sons/princes and nations. He dies at 137. Isaac was 40 when he married Rebekah. She was barren until Isaac prayed for her. The two sons in her womb struggled together, God said that two nations/peoples were in her womb and would be separated from her. One would be stronger. Isaac was 60 years old when they were born, Jacob and  Esau. Esau was a skilful hunter, Jacob was a mild man. Isaac loved Esau, Rebekah loved Jacob. Jacob buys Esau's birthright from him that Esau despised.

26)         There was a famine and Isaac went to the king of the Philistines in Gerar. God told him not to go to Egypt but to dwell in the land as God would perform the oath He swore to Abraham. Isaac dwelt in Gerar. Isaac began to prosper until very prosperous. The Philistines envied him. Isaac dug the wells that the Philistines had blocked, causing arguments with the local people. God confirmed the covenant. When Esau was 40 he took two wives that were grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

27)         Rebekah and Jacob conspire to take Esau's blessings from Isaac to Jacob. There was a blessing left where Esau when restless would break the yoke from his neck. Esau in revenge conspires to kill Jacob, Jacob flees to Laban in Haran in Padan Aram.

28)         Isaac tells Jacob not to take a wife from Cannaan but from the daughters of Laban. Isaac blesses him with Abraham's blessing. Esau marries a daughter of Ishmael. On the way to Haran Jacob dreams of angels ascending and descending to heaven on a ladder. God confirms the promise. Jacob pours oil on the rock he used as a pillow. He calls the name of the place Bethel. The stone would be God's house.

29)         Jacob journeys on and meets Laban's daughter after an event with a large stone over a well. Jacob worked for Laban in return for Rachel, but Laban decieved him. Laban after 7 years gave him Leah who Jacob didn't want. Jacob serves another 7 years for Rachel. Rachel was barren, Leah wasn't. Leah bore Reuben, Levi and Judah.

30)         Rachel envied Leah due to barreness so she gave him her maid Bilhah to have children with. Bilhah gives birth to Dan and Naphtali. Leah saw she stopped having children so she gave her maid Zilphah to Jacob for a wife and she bore Gad and Asher. Leah then gives birth to Issachar, Zebulun and Dinah. God opens Rachel's womb and she gives birth to Joseph. Jacob's cunning manages to get much livestock from Laban.

31)         Jacob was with Laban for 20 years, serving him for 14 years. Jacob leaves to go back to his family with everything. Rachel steals the idols from her father and they leave secretly. Laban pursued and caught them. Laban and Jacob make agreement not to pass past a boundary.

32)         Jacob sends messengers ahead to find out about Esau. A man, (God) wrestled with him all night. Jacob wouldn't let him go until he was blessed. Jacob's hip was pushed out of joint. Jacob was given a  promise of a name change after the struggle was over.

33)         Esau when he saw Jacob embraced him. Jacob journeys to Succoth and the city of Shechem.

34)         Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite prince of the country took Dinah and lay with her. He wanted her for a wife. He was allowed on condition of circumcision. Simeon and Levi killed all the males in that place as well as Hamor and Shechem. They plundered the city due to what happened to Dinah. Jacob worries about retaliation.

35-36) God spoke to Jacob about getting rid of the foreign gods and going to Bethel in Canaan to dwell. He built an altar/pillar there as that was where God had appeared to him when he had fled. He poured a   drink offering on it as well as oil. God said to Jacob that his name was now changed to Israel. God     confirms the covenant. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. She was buried in Bethlehem. Jacob came to Mamre, Hebron where Isaac was and Isaac died at 180.

37) Jacob dwelt in Canaan. Joseph at 17 was favoured by him causing him brothers to hate him. Joseph reports of his dream where he will reign over his brothers. His brothers hate him more and conspire to kill him. Reuben gets his brothers to spare him and to cast him into a pit in the wilderness. Judah mentions selling him into slavery. He was sold to the Ishmaelites as they were on their way to Egypt for 20 shekels. He was sold to Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Jacob thought he had been killed.

38)  Judah lays with a veiled prostitute not realising its his daughter in law trying to raise an heir. She asks him for a deposit for payment. He gave his signet, cord and staff. These items show him later who it was. Twins were in her womb and changed places as they were being delivered.

39) God was with Joseph and he became successful. Joseph found favour and became overseer with great authority in the masters house. The Egyptian house was blessed due to him. The masters wife wanted him. He fled from her and her continual advances. She claims that Joseph made an advance to her. He goes to the dungeon. Joseph gets God's favour in prison. He had charge in prison.

40)   The butler and baker were put into prison also by the king of Egypt. Joseph interprets their dreams. The chief butler let Joseph down when he was released from prison as he forgot him.

41)         After 2 years Pharaoh dreams and the butler remembers Joseph. Joseph interprets the dream involving 7 years of plenty and then 7 years of famine. Joseph instructs food to be stored from the years of plenty ready for the famine. Joseph says there needs to be a wise and discerning man selected. Pharaoh decides on Joseph and makes him Lord of his house and ruler throughout Egypt. A name change was given to him to Zaphnath-Paaneah. A wife was also given to him called Asenath. Joseph was 30. He bore Manasseh and Ephraim.

42)         Joseph's brothers came to buy food, bowed to him but didn't recognise him. He recognised them but acted as though he didn't. Joseph gets them to bring Benjamin that they left behind. The brothers go back leaving Simeon as a deposit.

43)         -

44)         -

45)         When Joseph is with his brothers again he reveals himself. He said he had been put where he was by God to preserve a remnant and to save lives by a great deliverance. Joseph gets his brothers to dwell in Goshen. Pharaoh said his brothers could live in the best of Egypt. Pharaoh and Joseph bless the brothers. Jacob gets told of all what happened.

46)    As Jacob goes to Egypt, God says to him that He would make of him a great nation. All the family arrive.

47)         They were given the best of the land. Jacob blesses Pharaoh. Jacob lived there 17 years and died at 147.

48)         Joseph visits his father when he is unwell. Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, although Joseph was displeased about which of his sons the blessings were going to.

49)         Jacob gathers his sons and speaks over and blesses them. He desires to be buried with his fathers.

50)         Joseph's brothers thought that Joseph would hate them after Jacob died so they became as servants before Joseph but he told them the things they meant for evil God had turned for good. Joseph lived until 110.   

Exodus

1)            The children of Israel were fruitful, increased greatly and became mighty. A new king arose that didn't know Joseph. He was worried about their power so burdens, bitter lives and bondages were put in place to afflict them. They built supply cities but the more they were afflicted the more they grew. The midwives were instructed to kill the newly born males. However the midwives feared God and wouldn't do so. Pharaoh got his people to throw newly born male children into the river.

2)            A man from Levi took a wife also from Levi. The child they had was hidden for 3 months. After she could no longer hide him she placed him in a ark in the river. Pharaoh's daughter found the child and kept him. When the child, Moses was grown he saw the burdens of his people including one of them being beating. He killed the Egyptian who was beating him. The next day he saw two of his people beating each other and tried to resolve their case. They said, “who made you a prince and judge over us?” These people also knew about the death of the Egyptian so Moses fled to Midian as Pharaoh also knew. Moses delivers the 7 daughters of the priest of Midian from the shepherds. Moses then lives with him and was given Zipporah his daughter. They bear Gershom.

3)            Moses becomes a shepherd and God appears to him in the mountain of Horeb in a burning bush. God says He wants to deliver His people from their burdens. God says that He would send Moses to deliver them. Moses doubts himself and also wants to know God's name in case the Israelites ask him. God gives His name. Moses is told to gather the elders of Israel to go to the king of Egypt to ask for release for Israel to go 3 days journey to the wilderness to sacrifice to God.

4)            Moses doubts people will believe him so God shows him that he will perform signs to prove He is with him. Moses then thinks he cant do the task as he is not eloquent and is slow of speech and tongue. Moses wants another helper for the task as he doubts. Aaron the Levite, Moses brother was chosen as his spokesman. Moses gets released from Midian to go to Egypt. Moses is told to say to Pharaoh if he doesn't release God's firstborn God will kill Egypt's firstborn. God tries to kill Moses and his child becomes circumcised.

5)            The two go to Pharaoh to ask for the release of the Israelites so they can feast and sacrifice to God but he wouldn't release them. Pharaoh doesn't want them to rest from their labour and claims the people are idle and lays more work on them. Officers of Israel go to Pharaoh to complain, Pharaoh calls them idle. The officers then hate Moses because of the increased work load. Moses is annoyed as God hasn't delivered them and wonders why he is chosen for the task.

6)            God says that he didn't reveal His name to the fathers like now. Moses tries to raise faith in the people again but due to anguish of spirit and cruel bondage they did not listen. Moses is told to go to Pharaoh again but Moses doubts he will listen as Moses is uncircumcised.

7)            God said He would multiply the signs and wonders. Moses was 80 at this time. God gets the brothers to show a miracle to Pharaoh. Pharaoh's magicians matched the miracle but Aaron's rod swallowed theirs. Moses is told to do a greater miracle to strike the water with the rod to turn it to blood. The magicians seemed to match the miracle. Pharaoh still grew hard.

8)            Moses goes to Pharaoh with the same plea but this time the curse would be frogs. The magicians seemed to match the miracle. Pharaoh says if they are taken away he would release the people. When the frogs died Pharaoh changed his mind. The next plague was lice which the magicians couldn't bring forth so told Pharaoh this was the work of God, still no response from Pharaoh. The next plague was flies. Pharaoh says the people can sacrifice to God in the land. Being in Egypt  sacrificing there was no good. Moses wanted to go to the wilderness. Pharaoh said they could go to the wilderness if they would not go very far. The flies were taken but Pharaoh's heart was still hard.

9)            The next plague was death to the livestock but still no change of heart. Moses took handfuls of ashes that became fine dust that caused the next plague of boils that broke out on man and beast. The magicians couldn't stand and Pharaoh was still hard. God says He raised Pharaoh up to show His power and name. The next plague was hail after Moses stretched out his rod. Thunder, rain and hail came down. Pharaoh said the people could go then changed his mind.

10)         Pharaoh said the people could go and serve their Lord as the next plague was locusts. Moses mentions the feast. Pharaoh says there is evil ahead of the people. The locusts came and destroyed. Pharaoh calls for the brothers in haste. Pharaoh seems repentant. The locusts go but his heart was still hard. The next plague was darkness for 3 days. Pharaoh says that the people can serve the Lord but flocks and herds had to stay. Pharaoh's heart was still hard.

11)         God says that one last plague will make Pharaoh drive the people away. Moses, who was now very great in Egypt and the people asks the Israelites to recieve silver and gold. He mentions that there will be death of all the firstborn in Egypt. Pharaoh's heart remains hard.  

12)         Instructions for the Lord's passover are given. God says He will severely judge Egypt and how the Israelites should avoid the judgement and passover them. The feast of unleavened bread was given. The feasts mentioned were to be a memorial of what God had done. God strikes Egypt's firstborn, Pharaoh calls for Moses and Aaron and asks them to do as they please and to leave the land. The people plundered Egypt and journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about 600,000 people.

13)         God did not lead the people by the way of the Philistines, although nearer just in case the people went back to Egypt. God led them in orderly ranks by the way of the wilderness. From Succoth they camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. God led them with a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire at night.

14)         They camped before Pi Hahiroth at the sea. Pharaoh regrets letting them go. The angel of the Lord and the pillar went from the front of the people to behind them. The pillar was a cloud of darkness to Egyptians but light to the Israelites. The waters divide through a miracle and the Israelites went through. The waters then swallow the Egyptians.

15)         The people rejoice and sing. Miriam, Aaron's sister the prophetess gets a timbrel. The people are led to the wilderness of Shur. They Isralites were 3 days in the wilderness with no water. They came to Marah where the waters were bitter. The people complain against Moses. A tree thrown into the waters made them sweet. The Israelites came to Elim where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees. They camped there.

16)         The people went to the wilderness of Sin. They complained about having no food. God rained bread from heaven. They were specifically commanded how to collect it. They had this Manna food for 40 years. This Manna was to be put in a pot as a memorial to what God had done.

17)         Israel went to Rephidim on God's command. There was no water there so they complained against Moses. He had to strike the rock so water would come out. Amalek came and fought with Israel. Moses got Joshua to choose people to fight with them. When Moses lifted his rod on top of the hill Israel prevailed but when Moses hands were heavy and he dropped them Amalek prevailed. Moses was given a stone to sit on with Aaron and Hur holding up his arms. The Israelites won the battle.

18)         Jethro, Moses father in law comes to meet Moses and shows him that he cannot judge the people alone. Commanders are appointed.

19)              The 3^rd month they came to the wilderness of Sinai. God tells the Israelites that they are to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. The people had to prepare for the Lord's coming. Thunder, lightning, thick cloud and fire came. People trembled.

20)         God gives the 10 commandments. The people stood afar off due to fear and then asked Moses to be their spokesman.

21)         God gives out ordinances.

22)          

23)          

24)         Moses is told to come with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu with 70 elders and worship from afar. Moses could come closer. Moses wrote down what God had told him, built an altar and 12 pillars. They had offerings and the book of the covenant was sprinkled with blood. God gives Moses tablets of stone with the law on. Moses was there 40 days and nights.

25)         God asks for an offering for a sanctuary where He can dwell with His people. The instructions follow.

26)          

27)          

28)         Aaron has special garments made to minister to God as priest.

29)          

30)          

31)         God finished speaking to Moses and gave him 2 tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone written with the finger of God.

32)         As Moses was a long time up the mountain, the people didn't know what had happened to him and they forgot him they thought they would make their own gods to lead them. Aaron made a golden calf and said that it brought them out of Egypt. The people rose up and danced. God saw the people as  stiff necked people. God wanted to destroy them but Moses interceeds for the people and brought God to remembrance of His covenant. Moses smashed the tablets and burned the calf. Moses asked the people that whoever was on the Lord's side should come to him. The sons of Levi came to him. They then killed about 3,000 people.

33)         Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp. This became the tabernacle of meeting. A pillar of cloud came down and the Lord spoke to Moses there. God then revealed Himself.

34)         Moses went up mount Sinai with 2 tablets of stone for God to re write them. God warns Moses that He is driving out the people from before the Israelites and they should be careful not to make any covenants with the inhabitants of the land because they would be a hindrance to the people. They were warned to destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars and cut down their wooden images. Moses was up the mountain 40 days and 40 nights with no food or water. He received instructions from God about what to do in the promised land. Moses face shone and people were afraid of him. Moses puts a veil on his face to speak to the people and then he took it off when he talked to God.

35)         Moses gathered all the people to take an offering for the tabernacle.

36)         The offerings were to many and people were asked to stop giving. Work on the tabernacle started.

37)         The work on the tabernacle.

38)          

39)         Garments for ministry were made.

40)         God instructed Moses on when and how to set up the tabernacle. When all was done the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. The cloud was above the tabernacle at day and was fire at night. If the cloud went the people were to move on.

Leviticus

1)            God spoke to Moses instructing him on how to give offerings to God.

2)             

3)             

4)            God gives rules concerning sin offerings.

5)            Laws given.

6)             

7)             

8)            Moses took Aaron and his sons, the garments, the anointing oil, a bull for a sin offering, 2 rams and a basket of unleavened bread and gathered all the congregation together at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Moses washed Aaron with water. Moses put on Aaron's priestly garments. Moses anointed the tabernacle and the contents. Moses also dressed Aaron's sons who were consecrated.

9)            Aaron offers a bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering. The Israelites were to offer a kid of the goats as a sin offering with a calf and a lamb as a burnt offering. They offered a bull and a ram as peace offerings and a grain offering mixed with oil. Aaron lifted his hand towards the people and blessed them. Fire came out and consumed the offerings.

10)         Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron offered profane fire before the Lord which God had not commanded. God devoured them with fire. God said that He must be regarded as holy and before all the people He must be glorified.

11)          

12)          

13)          

14)          

15)          

16)         God instructs Aaron on when to enter the holy place in the tabernacle inside the veil in case he would die, as God would appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. God gives instructions about the scape goat.

17)          

18)          

19)          

20)          

21)          

22)          

23)         The feasts are declared.

24)          

25)          

26)          

27)          

Numbers

1)            God instructs Moses to get a census of the people. The people able to go to war were numbered in the wilderness. The Levites were not numbered as they were in charge of carrying and attending to the tabernacle. They were also in charge of taking down and setting up the tabernacle when on the move. The Israelites pitched their tents everyone by their own camp with standard/emblem according to their armies. The Levites camped around the tabernacle.

2)            On the East side of the camp the tribe Judah with armies camped led by Nahshon. Next to them were Issachar led by Nethanel then Zebulun with Eliab leading. These were to break camp first. On the South side Reuben lead by Elizur, next to them were Simeon with Shelumiel leading. Gad came next with Eliasaph leading. These were to break camp secondly. The levites were in the middle of the camp with the tabernacle. On the West side were Ephraim led by Elishama, next to them were Manasseh tribe with Gamaliel leading. Next to them were Benjamin with Abidan leading, these broke camp thirdly. The tribe of Dan was on the North side with Ahiezer leading, next to them was Asher with Pagiel leading, then came Naphtali with Ahira leading. They all camped by their banners and broke camp each one by family.

3)            Moses is asked to number the Levites. Details are given for the different families within the Levite tribe for the work in the tabernacle.

4)            God gives instructions for moving the tabernacle, ark and furnishings.

5)             

6)             

7)             

8)             

9)            The people by now had been in the wilderness after being released from Egypt for 2 years. The cloud was lifted from the tabernacle and moved. The people would follow the cloud and pitch their tents where the cloud rested. This could be a day, month or year time scale.

10)         2 silver trumpets were made for calling the people and directing the movements of the camp. They were also for raising the alarm against their enemies. The cloud went from the wilderness of Sinai to the wilderness of Paran, 3 days journey and the people moved in the manner they were taught for the first time. The Lord said He would give them the land they were about to move into.

11)         The people complained and some of the people on the outskirts of the camp were killed. They become fed up with the Manna and Moses becomes discouraged. God gives him 70 people to help lead the people. God sent Quail to the people. The Israelites move to Hazeroth.  

12)         Aaron and Miriam speak against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman he married and think God should use them to speak through. Moses was the most humble person on the earth and very faithful. Miriam is judged. The Israelites camp in the wilderness of Paran.

13)         Moses is instructed to get 12 men to spy out Canaan from each tribe. They took a report of the land and returned after 40 days. They brought fruit of the land back with them and report how great the land was however they said that the people were strong with fortified cities etc. Caleb had a different spirit and said the people of the land will be easily defeated with God. The spies gave a bad report to the people saying they would be devoured in the land.

14)         The people become discouraged and complained about Moses and Aaron. They wished to return to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb who also had spied said the people could take the land. The people wanted to stone them. God wanted to disown the people, Moses interceeds for them. God says the people have tested Him 10 times even after all the miracles so wont go into the promised land. Caleb who followed God fully was allowed into the land with his descendants. God said all the people who complained in the wilderness 20 years old and above would die in the wilderness just as they thought they would. The young people were allowed to go in. 40 years would go by when all the people had died. The people mourn and try to take the land but God was not with them and the enemy drove them back to Hormah.

15)         God gives instructions for offerings in the promised land.

16)         Korah, Dathan, Abiram and On took 250 leaders of the people and rose up against Moses and Aaron saying they had exalted themselves and became a prince over the people. The earth swallowed up the leaders proving that Moses had been chosen. A fire devoured the 250 who had censors and these  were used for the altar. The people complain against Moses and Aaron about this. God's presence came and wrath starts destroying them. Moses and Aaron try to stop the plague. Aaron quickly ran between the dead and the living making atonement and stopped the plague. 14,700 people died. 

17)         Moses took a rod from the 12 leaders and wrote each man's name on the rod with Aaron's name on the rod of Levi. They were placed in the tabernacle and the rod of the man who God chose blossomed to stop people complaining, it was kept as a sign.

18)          

19)         Laws of purification.

20)         The Israelites came to the wilderness of Zin. There was no water so the people gathered against Moses and Aaron. Moses took the rod before the gathered people. He had to speak to the rock for it to bring forth water. He struck the rock twice with the rod and water came out. Because Moses didn't believe God he couldn't bring the assembly into the promised land. Israelites bordered Edom and wanted to go through but were driven away. They came to Mount Hor still bordering Edom. Aaron not allowed into the promised land and his garments were stripped and put on Eleazar.

21)         The king of Arad the Canaanite in the South heard Israel was coming and fought against Israel and took prisoners. The Lord delivered His people from the Canaanites and they destroyed their cities from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea around Edom, they became discouraged on the way. People spoke against God and Moses about food and water. God sent fiery serpents which bit the people and they died. Moses interceeded and put a bronze serpent on a pole and the people who looked upon it could live. The camp went to Oboth to Ije Abarim in the wilderness to the valley of Zered to Arnon border of Moab to Beer to Mattanah to Nahaliel to Bamoth to Pisgah. Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites asking to pass through the land. But they were not allowed so fought them. Israel defeated them and took possession of the land as far as the border of Ammon because it was fortified. Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites. Moses sent to spy out Jazer and they took its villages and drove out the Amorites. They turned and then went up by the way to Bashan and the king went out against them. They defeated him with no survivors. They took possession of the land.

22)         Israelites camp in the plains of Moab, a dry sunken desert region on the other side of the Jordan across from Jericho. Moab was dreading the Israelites so they sent messengers to Balaam to get him to curse them. Balaam refused.

23)         Balak persisted with no result as Balaam had heard from God.

24)         They went their own ways.

25)         Israel remained in Acacia grove and they began to commit harlotry with the people of Moab. Moses said to the judges of Israel to kill the offenders. 2 were killed with a spear by Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron and the plague stopped. God rewarded him with an everlasting priesthood and a covenant of peace. 24,000 were killed. God told to attack the Midianites as they seduced Israel. 

26)         Moses and Eleazar were instructed to take a census of the people able to go to war in Israel. The promised land would be divided as inheritance according to the number of people.

27)         Moses went on command of God up to Mount Abarim to see the land which was given to Israel. Moses asks for a man to be set over the congregation who may lead the people. Joshua was selected.

28)          

29)          

30)          

31)         1000 people from each tribe of Israel was sent to war with Midian. They were armed for war and went with Phinehas. All the males were killed as well as the kings. Balaam also killed. Plundered the place and then set it on fire. Plunder taken to the camp in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.

32)         Tribes of Reuben and Gad had great livestock and seeing that the land of Jazer and Gilead was great for livestock. They wanted the land for an inheritance and not to go over the Jordan into the promised land. Moses said, “shall your brothers go to war while you sit here, why will you discourage the heart of Israel...” They thought their inheritance should be on the other side. Moses said they could do so if they still fought for the promised land.

33)         Aaron died at 123 years old at Mount Hor. The king of Arad the Canaanite who was in the South of the promised land heard about Israel's coming and Israel camped at Zalmonah. A LIST FOLLOWS OF THE WILDERNESS WANDERINGS. Moses is told to drive out the inhabitants of the promised land and their false gods. If this was not to be done they would be a constant problem.    

34)         Eleazer and Joshua were to divide the land with 1 leader of every tribe.

35)         Instructions given for the lands of the Levites. Cities of refuge mentioned and rules for them.

36)         Instructions for the children of Gilead given.

Deuteronomy

1)            Moses reviews the wanderings.

2)             

3)             

4)            Laws given for living in the promised land.

5)                  -    26)

27)         The people instructed to set up large stones, whitewashed with lime for when they had crossed the Jordan. The law had to be put on these as well as the law in the book.

28)          

29)          

30)          

31)         Moses commissioned Joshua to lead the people into the land.

32)          

33)         Moses blesses each tribe.

34)          

Joshua

1)            God encourages Joshua about leading the people into the promised land. “Every place that the sole of your feet will tread upon I have given you... no man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life.” Joshua got the officers of the people to prepare provisions because in 3 days they would cross over the Jordan to posses the land. God tells him to enjoy the land.

2)            Joshua sent 2 spies to spy the land, especially Jericho. They stayed with a harlot. This was discovered and the harlot hid the spies. Jericho's people had melted hearts with no courage. The harlot struck a deal to have kindness because of the act of which she had done. She would be spared when Israel came to capture Jericho. She would be spared by placing a scarlet cord in the window. The spies brought a good report of the land back with them.

3)            Israel lodged at the Jordan. When the ark was seen they had to set out and go after it. The priests who carried the ark had to stand in the river Jordan. God cut off the waters so the people could walk through.

4)            One man from every tribe was selected to gather a stone from the Jordan. 12 stones were set up as a memorial. 40,000 people prepared for war and crossed over.

5)            The enemies heart melted. The new generation were circumcised. The manna ceased and the food of the promised land was eaten. A man with a drawn sword stood next to Joshua and proclaimed that He was the commander of the army of the Lord.

6)                  Jericho was securely shut up because of Israel approach but God had given them the land. Israel was told to march around the city, the men of war. This had to be done once for 6 days. 7 priests with 7 trumpets before the ark. On the 7^th day they had to march around 7 times blowing the trumpets. When a long blast was made the people had to shout loudly and the wall of the city fell straight down flat. Israel took the city. The people were utterly destroyed and the city was burned with fire.

7)            Spies told Joshua that they needed about 2-3000 people to attack Ai. The people of Ai killed about 36 men. Joshua and the elders wondered why God had not delivered the enemy, the Amorites into Israel's hands. Joshua is discouraged and wished that they had stayed on the other side of the Jordan. God said, “get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?” The setback was due to sin. The culprit was destroyed and God turned from His anger.

8)            Israel set an ambush for Ai with 3,000 mighty men of valour. They lead the people out of the city, then when the city was open Joshua stretched out his spear toward the city. They entered the city and burned it. The people of Ai were then struck and Israel killed 12,000. Joshua didn't draw his hand back which was stretched out with his spear until they had utterly destroyed the inhabitants of Ai. All Israel with the elders, officers and judges stood on either side of the ark before the Levites. Half were in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them were in front of Mount Ebal. All the words of the law with the blessings and cursings were read out.

9)            The kings of the enemies of Israel gathered together in one accord. Gibeon worked craftily and pretended to be ambassadors. Israel did not seek council of the Lord and Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them to let them live. Israel didn't attack the 4 cities they came to because of this agreement. Joshua then realises this deception. The people however were used to serve Israel.

10)         The king of Jerusalem got together with other kings to attack Gibeon as they had an peace agreement with Israel. God gave Israel the victory over those enemies. More enemies were killed by God's giant hailstones than by the sword. The sun stood still, the kings fled and hid in a cave. Joshua stopped the cave shut and pursued the enemies. The kings were killed. Joshua passed from Makkedah to Libnah. fought against them and won, then to Lachish, fought and won. The king of Gezer came to help Lachish but Joshua killed all his people and him. Then onto Eglon, fought them and utterly destroyed them. Then to Hebron fought against them and utterly destroyed them. Then to Debir and utterly destroyed them and all their cities. They conquered all the land, the mountain country, the south, lowland, wilderness and all the kings. Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.

11)         Kings of the North, East and West went out with their armies. They gathered together to fight against Israel. God helped Israel defeat them and they chased them leaving none remaining.

12)         List of defeated kings.

13)         God says that much land is still remaining.

14)         The land was divided. Caleb was given Hebron as a inheritance as he followed God wholly.

15)          

16)          

17)         The tribe of Joseph wanted more land. Joshua told them to clear a place in the forest country in the land of the Perizites. They thought that the mountain country was not enough as there were Canaanites who dwelt there with chariots of iron who were strong.

18)         Israel set up the tabernacle of meeting in Shiloh. There remained 7 tribes that had not received their inheritance. Joshua said, “how long will you neglect to go and posses the land...” He got them to pick out 3 men from each tribe to survey their inheritance. The survey was written in a book.

19)         The children of Dan fought against Leshem and took them. When they made an end of dividing the land Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua, the city of Timnath in Ephraim.

20)         Cities of refuge.

21)         God gave them rest all around and not a man of all their enemies stood against them. The Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing that the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel, all came to pass.

22)         Joshua says for people to return to their tents with much riches, livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron and much clothing. Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh went to their land.

23)         Joshua talks to the people and says that one man of you shall chase a thousand for the Lord your God is He who fights for you as He promised you.

24)         Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and called for the elders of Israel for their heads, judges and officers. The people say that they will chose to follow Joshua and serve God. Joshua made a covenant with the people that day and wrote the words in the book of the law of God. He took a large stone and set it up under a Oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. Joshua then died at 110.

Judges

1)            Israel wondered who would go to fight the Canaanites. God said that He had delivered them into Judah's hand. Simeon went with them. Judah defeated the Canaanites and Perizzites and killed 10,000 men. Adoni-Bezek fled, they pursued him and cut off his thumbs and big toes. Judah took Jerusalem and set it on fire. They went against the Canaanites in Hebron and the people in Debir. The Canaanites of Zephath were defeated and they also took Gaza. The people couldn't drive out the inhabitants of the lowland as they had chariots of iron. Benjamin didn't drive out the Jebusites in Jerusalem so they dwelt together. Joseph went against Bethel after sending out spies to find the entrance of the city. Manasseh didn't drive out the inhabitants of the land neither did ephraim, Zebulun, Asher and Naphtali.

2)            The enemies that were not defeated were a thorn in their side. Israel forsook God, served other gods and they were delivered to the enemy. Calamity and great distress follow. However, God raised judges who delivered them. Israel wouldn't listen to their judges. As soon as the judge died they reverted to their bad old ways and behaved badly.

3)            God was angry with Israel and they became sold to Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia where they served for 8 years. When the people cried out for a deliverer, Caleb's younger brother was chosen and Israel had rest for 40 years until they did evil again and were defeated. They served Moab 18 years with Eglon the king. they cried out for a deliverer. Ehud, a left handed man killed the king and delivered Israel killing 10,000. They had rest for 80 years. After him was Shamgar who killed 600 men and delivered Israel.

4)            When Ehud died Israel did evil and God sold them to Jabin, king of Canaan with Sisera the commmander of his army. Israel cried out to God as for 20 years they were harshly oppressed. Deborah became judge and people came to her for judgement. Israel fight an enemy that had 900 chariots of iron with 10,000 men and defeated them. Jael with a tent peg and hammer killed Sisera through his head.

5)            The celebration song that followed started with, “when leaders lead in Israel... when the people willingly offer themselves... bless the Lord...” The land had rest for 40 years.

6)            Israel did evil and God delivered them into the hand of Midian for 7 years forcing them to make dens and move to caves. As soon as Israel had sown on the land the enemy would destroy the produce leaving no sustenance. They became impoverished and cried out to God. An angel of the Lord came to Gideon calling him a mighty man of valour. The angel says that he will save Israel. Gideon said, “my clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my fathers house.” The angel showed him a sign that he was chosen. Gideon is told to tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the wooden image which he did.

7)            God said that the people who are with Gideon to go against the Midianites were too many because with this amount Israel would claim glory for itself saying, “my own hand has saved me.” God sifts the people. 22,000 of the people returned, 10,000 remained. Then after another sifting there were only 300 people, the rest went home. The enemy was as numerous as locusts. The 300 people were put into 3 groups and all blew trumpets and shouted. 2 enemy princes were captured and beheaded.

8)            Gideon gets a severe reprimand for not allowing Ephraim to fight. 120,000 men had been killed. Gideon is ridiculed, he pursues the 2 kings of Midian and routed the whole army. Gideon proves the leaders of Succoth are wrong and disciplines them. Gideon tears down the tower and kills the men in the city. Israel asked Gideon to rule over them as he had delivered them. Gideon said, “no” as God  rules over them. The plunder that Gideon collected was made into an ephod and became a snare to Gideon. The country was quiet for 40 years. Gideon dies and Israel starts to rebel again.

9)            One of Gideon's sons called Abimelech hired useless workers who followed him. He killed 70 people with a stone apart from Jothan who hid. Abimelech was made king and reigned for 3 years. A spirit of ill will came from God between Abimelech and the people and they dealt badly with him. Abimelech starts warfare. A woman killed him with a millstone on his skull.

10)         Tola arises to save Israel. He judged 23 years. Then Jair, 22 years until he died and Israel went back to bad ways. God sold Israel to the hands of the Philistines and Ammon. They became oppressed and turned back to God.

11)         Jephthah was asked to be a commander. He subdued Israel's enemy.

12)         The men of Gilead attack Ephraim. 42,000 die. Jephthah judged for 6 years then Ibzan for 7 years. Then Elon 10 years then Abdon.

 13)         Israel then did evil and were delivered to the Philistines for 40 years. A word came to Manoah's wife saying that his son would deliver Israel and he was to be a Nazarite. The angel of the Lord interestingly ascended in the flame of the altar.

14)         Sampson wanted a Philistine wife to move in against the enemy as they had dominion over Israel. A lion came roaring against him and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him and he tore the lion apart. The carcass was filled with honey and a swarm of bees. Sampson asks for riddles to be solved then when the Spirit came upon him mightily he killed 30 men.

15)         Sampson caught 300 foxes and put a torch between their tails. Sampson burned areas of the Philistines. 3000 men of Judah came to bind Sampson. When the Spirit of the Lord came on him mightily his ropes gave way and he killed 1000 people with a donkeys jawbone. God split a hollow place, water came out, Sampson's spirit returned and he was revived. He judged Israel 20 years.

16)         Sampson  took hold of the doors of the city and carried them to the top of the hill. He loved a woman called Delilah. The Philistines asked her to entice Sampson to find out where his strength was from. She tried to try and destroy him 3 times but he lied to her. She pestered him daily with her words and pressed him so his soul was vexed to death. He gave in and she lulled him to sleep. He was attacked. With his 2 eyes plucked out he destroyed the enemies temple and killed more than in all his lifetime.

17)         Israel had no king and did what was right in their own eyes. A Levite became a priest and lives with Micah.

18)         The tribe of Dan spy out land to take their inheritance. They meet the Levite. They bring back a good report and 600 men armed struck Laish with the edge of the sword and burned their city.

19)         Story about a harlot.

20)         Israel tries to cast out a wicked sin from its nation that was in Benjamin. Israel has war with Benjamin. 40,000 Israelites are killed, 50,000 people from Benjamin are killed with cities set fire to.

21)         The tribe of Benjamin is cut off.

1 Samuel

1)            Hannah was one of two wives married to an Ephraimite. Hannah was barren and severely provoked by the other wife. She vowed to God that if she had a child she would give it to God. She gave birth to Samuel.

2)            Samuel ministered before the Lord in a linen ephod. The other priests were evil. Hannah gave birth to another 3 sons and 2 daughters. A man of God came to Eli to announce judgement, as Eli did not restrain his sons. “If one man sins against another God will judge him, but if a man sins against the Lord who will interceed for them.” “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. I will build him a sure house and he shall walk before my anointed forever.”

3)            The word of the Lord was rare is those days and Eli was lying down almost blind with the lamp in the tabernacle almost out. God called for Samuel. Samuel opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Israel knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord.

4)            Israel was defeated by the Philistines 4000 died. The ark of the covenant was brought out by the Israelites to save them from their enemies. The Philistines fought, defeating Israel. 30,000 soldiers died and the ark was captured. Eli who judged Israel for 40 years died as well as his 2 sons.

5)            The Philistines took the ark and put it into the house of Dagon but it fell on its face to the earth before the ark. Dagon was set up again but it fell again. The head and the hands were broken off. The people who had the ark were struck by God with tumors. The enemy wanted to get rid of the ark. It was taken to Ekron where people were scared and many died.

6)            Philistines call for advise on the ark and are told to return it with a trespass offering of 5 golden tumors and 5 golden rats. They are told to carry it on a new cart pulled with 2 milk cows. The cows headed straight not going left or right. The people of Beth Shemesh rejoiced when they saw the ark. The Levites took it and because the people had looked into the ark of the Lord 50,000 men were killed by God.

7)            Men of Kirjath Jearim came and took the ark and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark. 20 years the ark was in Kirjath Jearim. Samuel says to the people of Israel that if they return to the Lord they will be rescued from the Philistines. God thundered such a loud thunder that this enemy became confused and Israel drove them back. Israel took back its cities. Samuel judged Israel all his life.

8)            Samuel made his sons judges over Israel. Samuel's sons were corrupt and Israel call Samuel to have a king to judge them like all the other nations. He hated this idea. God said that it was a rejection of Himself. Samuel warned the people how bad their king would be but still the people want to be like the other nations to have a king to go before them in battle.

9)            A Benjamite, a mighty man of power had a choice, most handsome son called Saul who was taller than all the other people. Saul's father lost his donkeys and Saul went to look for them. God said that He was going to send Saul to meet Samuel and that he was to anoint him commander over Israel. God said to Samuel that Saul is the man who shall reign over God's people. Samuel says to Saul, “on whom is all the desire of Israel, is it not on you and on all your fathers house?” Saul said, “am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin, why then do you speak to me like this?”

10)         Samuel poured a flask of oil on his head saying that the Lord had anointed him commander over His inheritance. Samuel said that Saul will find a group of prophets and the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him and he will be turned into another man and that he will prophesy. Samuel calls Israel. The tribe of Benjamin was chosen in his address. When Saul was chosen he couldn't be found. He was hiding among the equipment. People collected him and as he stood taller than the people they shouted, “long live the king.”

11)         The people think about making a covenant with Nahash the Ammonite who wanted to put out their right eyes and bring reproach to Israel. Saul makes the people fight, 300,000 people of Israel and 30,000 of Judah. The people are put into 3 companies and defeat the Ammonites. The people go to Gilgal to renew the kingdom and make Saul king. A great rejoicing.

12)         Samuel addresses the people and prays. God sent thunder and rain to show that it was an evil thing to ask for a king.

13)         After Saul had reigned for a few years he chose 3,000 men. Jonathan attacks the Philistines. Saul offers offerings to God and because of this Samuel says that Saul's kingdom will not continue. He also says that God had found someone after His own heart to be a commander over His people because Saul has not kept what the Lord commanded him. The Philistines ban the blacksmiths so there are no swords or spears to be made for Israel to attack with.

14)         Saul son Jonathan and his armour bearer kill 20 men. Saul assembles people for battle but there is a great confusion. The battle grows and Saul says people cant eat any food, however Jonathan eats honey. Saul established his sovereignty over Israel and fought against all his enemies on every side. The commander of his army was called Abner.

15)         On Samuel's command Saul gathers the people to attack their enemy. 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. Saul attacks then enemy but contrary to instruction didn't destroy everything. God is not pleased with him as he turned his back on him. Saul also set up a monument for himself. Saul saved sheep and oxen to sacrifice to God but should have killed them. Samuel rebukes him and says, “behold to obey is better than sacrifice.” God then rejected Saul as his king. Saul said that he broke God's commandment because he feared the people and obeyed their voice. Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal.

16)         Samuel is told to fill his horn with oil and go to see Jesse the Bethlehemite because God had provided Himself a king among His sons. The elders of the town trembled at Samuels coming. Jesse and his sons were at the sacrifice and he looked at Eliab and said, “surely the Lord's anointed.” God said, “do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart.” Abinadab was then seen but he wasn't the one, then Shammah but not the one. All 7 sons pass. The youngest son wasn't there and was keeping the sheep. He was anointed and a distressing spirit comes upon Saul. David who was skilful in playing, mighty man of valor, man of war, prudent in speech and handsome was asked to go to Saul to help him. Saul loved him and he became his armour bearer.

17)         The Philistines gather armies to battle. They stood on a mountain on one side and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side with a valley between them. Goliath a champion from Gath went out against Israel saying, “why have you come out to line up for battle, am I not a Philistine and you the servants of Saul. Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.” If he would win Israel would be servants. He said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day.” People were discouraged and greatly afraid. The Philistine presented himself for 40 days. David said, “who is he that he should defy the armies of the living God.” David was called proud and insulent for wanting to fight the giant. Saul also said that he was but a youth. David mentions his past victories. David was clothed in Saul's armour so couldn't walk so he took them off. David defeats Goliath with his sling and the people defeat the Philistines.

18)         Jonathan became a soul mate of David and they made a covenant. Saul set David over the men of war. Saul became angry that the people admired David more than him as he had killed more people. Saul gave his daughter Michal to David to be a snare to him. David said that he hmself is a poor and lightly esteemed man. Saul tried to get David killed by the Philistines. David behaved wisely and became very esteemed.

19)         Jonathan told David that Saul wanted to kill him. David escaped through a window with help from Michal. David fled to Samuel at Ramah. Saul comes after David after sending messengers and starts prophesying laying naked all day and night.

20)         Saul says that Jonathan would not be established and his kingdom as long as David was alive. Jonathan says to Saul, “what has David done that he should be killed” and Saul tries to kill him. Arrows are shot as a sign to David.

21)         David takes holy bread to eat but Doeg was detained there. David needs a weapon and the priest gave him Goliath's sword that was wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. David then went to Achish the king of Gath. David is scared and pretends to be mad.

22)         David escaped to the cave Adullam. David's brothers joined him and he became captain over 400 people that were distressed, in debt and discontented. David then went to the king of Moab. On a prophetic word David then goes to the forest of Hereth. Saul tries to kill the priests who helped David but Saul's servants would not do it. Doeg did however and killed 85 men who wore a linen ephod. Saul also struck the city of the priests.

23)         David seeks the Lord and God says to attack the Philistines. David saves the inhabitanats of Keilah. Saul and his men pursue David. The people of Keilah would have delivered David to Saul so they escape with his 600 men. The Ziphites tell Saul where David is.

24)         The Philistines start to attack so Saul stops chasing David and he escapes. David and his men were hiding in a cave and Saul came into the cave. David secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe but didn't kill him. David proves to Saul that He didn't want to kill him, as the people had been saying, “David seeks your harm.” Saul weeps and asks forgiveness.

25)         Samuel dies. David sends messengers to an evil man called Nabal for favor and provision but he wouldn't give anything. David and his servants get ready to attack them. Abigail, Nabal's wife brings provision to David and advises him not to avenge himself and destroy Nabal's house. Nabal was struck by God. David takes Abigail for a wife as well as Ahinoam. Saul had given Michal to Palti.

26)         The Ziphites came to Saul telling him where David was hiding. Again David has a chance to have Saul destroyed but says, “who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless.” Saul says to David that he had behaved badly.

27)         David flees from Saul with 600 men to Achish king of Gath. Saul sought him no more. David attacked the people of the land.

28)         Acash makes David his chief guardian. Saul who had got rid of the mediums and spiritualists looks for a medium. He wants Samuels advise and the woman he sought brings up Samuel who was annoyed at him doing so. Saul wanted advise about the Philistines. Samuel confirms what he had spoke to Saul about in the past and says that he will be defeated.

29)          

30)         David's 2 wives are taken captive and people spoke of stoning him. He strengthened himself in the Lord. David rescues his 2 wives and recovers all what the Amalekites had taken. David sends spoil to the people.

31)         The Philistines attack Israel and kill Jonathan. Saul was hit with a arrow and kills himself with a sword.

2 Samuel

1)            A man came to David reporting what had happened to Saul thinking he would receive a reward for it. He brought Saul's crown and his blacelet. David asks the person why he wasn't afraid to kill the Lord's anointed. David and others mourn for Saul. David has this person killed.

2)            David and his 2 wives on enquiry of God went to Hebron. Men of Judah came and anointed David king over the house of Judah. However Abner, Saul's commander took Ishboshesh the son of Saul and he made him king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin and over all Israel. Only the house of Judah followed David. 12 followers of Ishbosheth and 12 servants of David killed each other. David's servants had killed 360 men.

3)            The war between the houses of Saul and David continued with David's becoming stronger while Saul's grew weaker. In Hebron David has 6 children. David sends messengers to Ishbosheth to get his wife Michal. Abner, at a feast with David said that he would gather all Israel to his lord the king and that they would make a covenant with him and that David could reign over all that his heart desired. Joab said that Abner had come to deceive David and to spy on him. Joab brought him back without David knowing and then killed him as revenge for the killing of his brother. David gets people to mourn for Abner. 

4)            Ishbosheth is stabbed and his head is taken to David but he has the people executed for the act.

5)            All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron saying that they were his. Covenant is made with the elders of Israel and David is anointed king over Israel. He was 30 and reigned for 33 years with the 7 years in Hebron over Judah. David then went against the Jebusites in Jerusalem. He took the stronghold of Zion, called it the city of David and dwelt there. The king of Tyre built David a house and David knew that his kingdom was exalted for the sake of God's people Israel. David has more wives and children. The Philistines come to search for David but he goes to the stronghold. David defeats the Philistines as God broke through like a breakthrough of water. They come again and David is told by God to circle around behind them and advance when the sound of marching is heard in the Mulberry trees. David then drives back the Philistines.

6)            David gathered all the choice men of Israel, 30,000. David went to bring up the ark of God. They set the ark on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab. Ahio went before the ark. David and all the house of Israel played music before the Lord. When the oxen stumbled Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of it. God struck him. David was angry and afraid of God that day and would not move the ark further into the city of David. It was taken to Obed-Edom for 3 months with God  blessing that household. David fetched the ark with gladness, sacrificing to God every 6 paces, dancing, leaping and whirling making himself undignified. There was shouting and trumpets and done by David with all his might, wearing a linen ephod. Michal despised him in her heart for this and was barren from then. They brought the ark into the tabernacle.

7)            David said to Nathan the prophet, “I dwell in a house of Cedar while the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” Nathan said to David to go and do all that was in his heart, for the Lord was with him. God said to Nathan to say that He had moved about in a tent and a tabernacle and had never asked, “why have you not built me a house of cedar... I will appoint a place for My people Israel that they may dwell in a place of their own and not move any more... when you die I will set up your seed after you and I will establish his kingdom and he shall build a house for My name. I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” David said, “who am I that this should happen to me... Israel is the one nation on earth where you wanted to make yourself a name... let your name be magnified forever.”

8)            David defeated the Philistines and Moab. He measured off with measuring lines who to kill and who to keep. He also defeated a king and went to recover his territory. Killed 22,000 Syrians. David took the shields of gold and bronze. Joram gave David silver, bronze and gold. David put garrisons all over Edom and God preserved David wherever he went giving judgement and justice. Joab was over the army. There were also priests, scribes and chief ministers.

9)            David blesses Mephibosheth and makes him to eat at his table daily. He was Jonathan's son who was lame on his feet.

10)         David wanted to send kindness to the son of Nahash as his father had given kindness to him. People got the wrong idea that they had come to search, spy and overthrow the land. So they shaved half of their beards and cut their garments in the middle. David got the men to return when their beards had grown. Armies gather against Israel. David kills charioteers, 40,000 horsemen striking the commander. The kings knew they were defeated so made peace with Israel, serving them.

11)         Joab, servants and all Israel destroy the people of Ammon and besiege Rabbah. David remained at Jerusalem. He beheld the woman Bathsheba. He lay with her and she conceived. David gets her father killed. His wife bore him a son. This made God displeased.

12)         God sent Nathan to David and he gave him a parable that concerned him. David wants the man in the story punished but Nathan says that David is the man. God says that the sword shall never depart from David's house, adversity would come and that his wives would be taken because he despised God. The act also caused the enemies of God great occasion to blaspheme. God said David's child would die also. David's pleaded God for his child not to die. However the child died. David then worshipped God. David and Bathsheba then give birth to a child called Solomon. Joab fought and took the royal city. David and the people went to Rabbah and took it. David then had the kings crown.

13)         David's son Absalom had a sister who was loved by Amnon, David's son. Jonadab craftily helped Amnon by telling him to pretend to be ill. Tamar the sister cooked before Amnon as he lay in bed and he forced Tamar to lie with him, she didn't want to. He then wanted to send her away but she said that was even worse. She was a virgin so wore a robe of many colours. Absalom's servants killed Amnon and Absalom fled.

14)         Absalom is brought back. He was praised for his looks and there was no blemish in him whatsoever. The king didn't want to see his face. Absalom's servants set Joab's field on fire.

15)         Absalom won the hearts of Israel. He sent spies throughout Israel saying that Absalom reigns in Hebron. 200 men went along with them that didn't know of the conspiracy. The number then grew. David and his servants then fled due to fear of this. Zadok the priest and Abiathar carried the ark back to Jerusalem. David went up the Mount of Olives weeping as he went with his head covered and barefoot as did the people.

16)         Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was waiting at the top of the mountain with provision. Shimei curses and throws stones at David.

17)         A woman spread a covering over a wells mouth and then spread grain on it as David's helpers were hiding in the well from Absalom's servants. The people from the well took word to David. God purposed to defeat the good advise of Ahithophel so as to bring disaster on Absalon.

18)         David commissions the people who are with him into 3 groups and gives them orders not to harm Absalom. They battle against Israel in the woods of Ephraim. 20,000 die. Joab kills Absalom with 3 spears through his heart. David wished he had died in the place of Absalom and was deeply moved.

19)         Joab rebukes the king for this as Absalom was the enemy. All the people go over the Jordan including the king. All the people of Judah escorted the king and half the people of Israel. The men of Israel said that they had 10 shares in the king so had more right to David than Judah.

20)         There was a rebel that said, “we have no share or inheritance in David get back to your tents O Israel...” All the men deserted David and followed this Sheba. The men of Judah, from Jordan as far as Jerusalem stayed loyal to the king. David arranges men to pursue Sheba. There was a killing on the way and a woman with her wisdom went to the people and they cut off the head of Sheba and threw it to Joab.

21)         There was a famine for 3 years and God said to David that it was due to the killing of many Gibeonites in Saul's zeal for Israel and Judah. The Gibeonites asked for 7 people from Saul's house  to be hung to make up for the killing. 7 people were selected and killed. David then grew faint at a battle with the Philistines. A giant defied Israel and David's brother killed him.

22)          

23)          

24)         God is angry with Israel, David numbers the people and then regrets it. Gad, David's seer said that God gave David a choice of 3 bad things to choose from. 70,000 people end up dying. David built an altar and the plague was stopped.     

1 Kings

1)            David was old and couldn't get warm so a young girl was brought to him to keep him warm and to serve him. Abishag. Adonijah exalted himself saying that he would be king. He then conferred with Joab and Abiathar the priest and they followed and helped him. The mighty men who followed David didn't follow him though. Nathan tells Bathsheba that her son the brother of Solomon had made himself a king without her knowing contrary to it being Solomon who was the promised king. David then makes Solomon king and was pleased that he witnessed him as king in his lifetime where he could see it.

2)            David gives Solomon advise before his death, then dies. Adonijah requested Abishag to be given to him. So then Solomon has him killed. Joab is also killed. The commander of Judah, Amasa in order to get peace in David's house for the blood that they shed is killed with Shimei.

3)            Solomon made a treaty with Pharaoh, king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the city of David until he has finished building his own house, the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. God says to Solomon to ask for something. Solomon says he is but a small child that doesn't know how to go out or come in. He asked for an understanding heart to judge the people to discern between good and evil. As this was asked God also gave him riches and honour.

4)            Solomon had 12 governors over all Israel. Judah and Israel were very numerous and ate, drank and rejoiced. His fame went throughout all the surrounding nations. People came from all nations and from all the kings of the earth to hear his wisdom.

5)                  Solomon sent a message to Hiram, king of Tyre who loved David, saying that Solomon's father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord God because of the wars which were fought against him, all the wars that were on every side. When the Lord put the foes under the soles of his feet it could be built. This time was then and the Lord had given rest to Solomon. He proposed to build a house for the name of the Lord. The servants would be together building the house. Hiram rejoiced greatly. They made a treaty together and a team was put together. It was the 4^th year of Solomon's reign that the building began.

6)            It also took 7 years to build.

7)            Solomon finished his house as well.

8)          Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, heads of tribes, chief fathers and children of Israel that they may bring up the ark from the city of David in Zion. The priests brought up the ark, the tabernacle of meeting and all the holy furnishings that were in the tabernacle. Solomon and all Israel who were with him sacrificed before the ark and it was placed in the holy place. The cloud then filled the house of the Lord and the priests could not continue ministering due to the glory. Solomon said that he had built a place for God to dwell forever. Solomon prays with hands lifted and on his knees in the presence of the people. He blesses Israel and they dedicate the house of the Lord. There was a feast in all Israel for 7 days. The people went to their tents on the 8^th day joyful and glad.

9)            Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in Galilee. Solomon also had storage cities. He also built a fleet of ships.

10)         The queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, concerning the name of the Lord and came to test Solomon with hard questions. She was amazed at everything she saw and heard. She gave him much provision. Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. All the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom.

11)         But... Solomon loved many foreign women. 700 wives, princesses, 300 concubines and they turned away his heart from being loyal to God. He built high places for foreign gods. God said that He would tear the kingdom away from him. But for the sake of David, God tore the kingdom from Solomon's son, Rehoboam. 1 tribe of the kingdom would be left for the sake of David and Jerusalem. A adversary was raised up against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. Rezon was also raised up as an adversary. The prophet Ahijah met Jeroboam who was Solomon's servant and took hold of his coat and tore it into 12 pieces. He told Jeroboam to take 10 pieces and said, “I will tear the kingdom from Solomon and give 10 tribes to you.” 1 tribe would remain. Because of this Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam but he fled to Egypt until Solomon was dead. Solomon had reigned 40 years and Rehoboam his son then reigned in his place.

12)         One tribe was left so that David may of always had a lamp before God in Jerusalem. Rehoboam went to Shechem as all Israel had gone there to make him king, Jeroboam also went. Rehoboam rejects advise of the elders and takes advise from the young men that grew up with him. The elders of Israel tell him to serve the people, but the other men tell him to make their burdens greater. The people then kill Rehoboam's revenue man then Rehoboam flees to Jerusalem. The people then make Jeroboam king. Only the tribe of Judah follow the house of David under Rehoboam. Rehoboam assembles Judah and Benjamin to fight against Israel to restore the kingdom. God's word stops this from happening. Jeroboam asks advise on how to keep peoples hearts on the house of David and Jeroboam not Rehoboam. This was because if people went to Jerusalem their hearts might turn to Rehoboam. He made 2 golden calves as gods so people didn't have to go to Jerusalem. He said, “it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem.” He also did incorrect priestly things.   

13)         A man of God cried against these altars and said that God had said that a child Josiah will be born to the house of David and he shall sacrifice on him. Jeroboam tries to have him arrested. The altar split apart as a sign and his hand withered. Another prophet lies to the prophet and brings him to his house contrary to what God had said to him. The disobedient prophet was destroyed by a lion. Jeroboam didn't turn from his ways.

14)         Abijah the son of Jeroboam became sick. Jeroboam got his wife to disguise herself and go to the prophet Ahijah to find out about her son. He says that Jeroboam didn't follow God as David did with all his heart and done evil. God would bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. He would cut off every male in Israel and take away the remnant of Jeroboam. The child would also die. God said He would uproot Israel and scatter them. God would raise up a king over Israel who would cut off Jeroboam. God would strike and give up Israel. Jeroboam died and Nadab his son then reigned, Nadab did evil in God's sight. Judah then went into idolotory and Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. He took away the treasures. Rehoboam died and Abijam his son then reigned in his place.

15)         Abijam continued his fathers sins. There were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam and Abijam and Jeroboam. Abijam died and Asa his son reigned in his place. Asa was good, banished the perverted persons and removed the idols but the high places were not removed. There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. Baasha was the son of Ahijah and took power from king Nadab and killed him. He began his reign by killing everyone in Jeroboam's house. Baasha built Ramah that he might let none go out or come in to Asa. Asa took all the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the Lord and the kings house and gave them to his servants and Ben-Hadad king of Syria. He asked for a treaty between them and he wanted the treaty that was with Baasha to be broken so Baasha would withdraw from him. This was done and armies were sent against Israel. Asa died then Jehoshaphat reigned in his place.

16)         Word comes to Jehu against Baasha that his house would be destroyed, he then dies and his son Elah reigns. His servant Zimri conspired against him, killed him and reigned. He killed all Baasha's household. Israel made Omri the commander of the army king over Israel. Tirzah was then besieged with them. Zimri burns the house of the king and dies. The people of Israel were divided, half followed Tibni to make him king and the other half followed Omri. Tibni died and Omni reigned. Omri was evil and died. Ahab his son reigned in his place. He was evil, he took Jezebel the daughter of the king of the Sidonians and he went and served Baal setting up an altar and temple for him.   

17)         Elijah said to Ahab that only by his word would there be rain or dew. God commanded the ravens to bring him food. God then gave him provision through an widow. The provision of the woman also supernaturally lasted when Elijah was there. The son of the woman became sick and almost died. She thought it was due to Elijah's visit. He stretched himself out on the child 3 times and the child recovered.

18)         Elijah was called by God to go to Ahab. Obadiah his servant feared the Lord. Jezebel had massacred the prophets of the Lord. Obadiah had hidden 100 prophets, 50 to a cave. Elijah gets him to gather all Israel to him on Mount Carmel with 450 prophets of Baal and the 450 prophets of Asherah. Elijah asks the people, “how long will you falter between 2 opinions.” Elijah proved who was the true God as there was no reply with the false god. God answered with fire from heaven on the restored altar. Elijah killed Baal's prophets. The rain then came. The spirit came on Elijah and he ran faster than Ahab's chariot.

19)         Elijah flees from Jezebel as he was in danger. God gave him supernatural provision. Elijah hears God, this time not by mighty things in the natural but through the still small voice. God gets him to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. Elijah finds Elisha and threw his mantle to him. Elisha became his servant.

20)         Ben-Hadad with 32 kings beseiged Samaria and wanted everything desirable of Ahab's. A prophet came to Ahab. Israel pursued the Syrians. Ben-Hadad made a treaty with Ahab.

21)         Naboth had a vineyard next to Ahab and Ahab wanted it. Jezebel his wife wrote letters in his name saying to get Naboth killed. Elijah prophesies over Ahab saying that God will bring calamity on him and cut off from Ahab every male in Israel. Because Ahab humbled himself the days of the calamity were to be given to his son.

22)         The king of Israel visits the king of Judah. The king hated a certain prophet as he just prophesied bad things about the king. A prophet saw in a vision a spirit that would be a lying spirit to go into the mouth of all Ahab's prophets to persuade Ahab. The king of Israel is killed by a bow. Ahaziah his son reigned in his place. Jehoshaphat died and Jehoram his son reigned in his place.

2 Kings

1)            Ahaziah injured himself and sends messengers to Baal-Zebub the god of Ekron. Elijah talks to them and says that Ahaziah will die. Elijah called down fire to consume the men. This happened 3 times. Because Ahaziah had no son, Jehoram became king of Israel when Ahaziah died. This was a different Jehoram to the Jehoram king of Judah that was also related to this Jehoram.

2)            Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan when he struck it with his mantle and it divided. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah and Elijah said that he could have it if he looked at him as he ascended rather than the wonders that were happening above. A chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire and Elijah went to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha struck the Jordan and crossed on dry ground. Elisha then healed bad water. Youths mock him for his baldness and so he cursed and killed 42 of them.

3)            Jehoram the son of Ahab became king of Israel. Elisha is sought by kings and the Moabites are attacked. Israel defeates Moab.

4)            Elisha gets a woman to collect empty vessels. She had a jar of oil. All the vessels were filled supernaturally. The oil ceased when the vessels ceased. The woman could then sell the oil and pay off her debt. A Shunammite woman made Elisha a small upper room and Elisha wanted to bless her. He said that her barreness would go and she would have a son. She thought he was lying to her. The child she has dies and Elisha gives Gehazi his staff to lay on the face of the child but nothing happened. Elisha lay on the child warming him up. He then walked up and down in the house then stretched again then the child sneezed 7 times then arose.

5)            Naaman commander of the army of the king of Syria was a leper. Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan 7 times for healing but Naaman was furious because he thought that his healing should come a different way. He preferred to wash in other rivers than the waters of Israel. He went away in a rage. On advise Naaman is then healed in the Jordan and he realises who the true God is. He wants to give a gift to Elisha but he refused. Gehazi Elisha's servant goes after Naaman and gets things from him. He then lies to Elisha about this. He then is cursed with leprosy.

6)            An axe head fell into the water. The king of Syria came to attack Israel but the king is warned. The king of Syria wants to find who told the king of Israel and when Elisha wakens there was an army surrounding the city coming for Elisha. Elisha prays so the one with him would have his eyes opened to see the fact that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire protecting Elisha. Elisha prays for the enemy armies to be blind. Elisha then falsely leads the army somewhere else as they were blind. 

7)            Lepers in a famine went to the Syrian camp. The Syrians were gone so the lepers plundered the tents on the outside of the camp. They told the people and they plundered the tents.

8)            Elisha prophesies a famine for 7 years. The king asks to Gehazi what great things had Elisha done. The woman who Elisha helped was also there. Hazael the future king of Syria is told by Elisha that Ben-Hadad will recover from his sickness. However God had showed Elisha that actually he would die. Hazael killed Ben-Hadad and reigned.

9)            Ahaziah, (different from the other Ahaziah) reigned in Judah. He went with Joram the son of Ahab to war against Hazael. Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat was anointed by Elisha as king of Israel. He was told to strike down the house of Ahab. Jehu conspired against Joram, or (Jehoram the king of Israel). Jehu killed Jehoram and Ahaziah. Jezebel was at a window and Jehu told eunuchs to throw her out of the window, he trampled her underfoot.  

10)              Ahab had 70 sons, Jehu killed them and their heads were put into baskets and sent to Jezreel. They were laid in 2 heaps in the entrance of the gate. Jehu killed 42 of the brothers of Ahaziah and more of Ahab's house. Jehu deceptively destroyed the worshippers of Baal. He still walked in the sins of Jeroboam. God began to cut off parts of Israel and Hazael conquered them in all the territory of Israel. God said to Jehu he would reward him and his sons would be throned to the 4^th generation but Jehu still walked in sin. Jehu died and Jehoahaz reigned.

11)         Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah after his death killed all the royal heirs. Joash, Ahaziah's son was hidden with his nurse in his bedroom. He was hidden for 6 years while Athaliah reigned. Joash was protected and surrounded then brought out, crowned and made king. Athaliah shouted, “treason” she was then killed. The people then destroyed the things of Baal. Joash, (Jehoash) was made king at 7.

12)         To repair the temple Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid and set it beside the altar on the right side and money was placed into it. Joash took the sacred things of the house of the Lord and gave them to the king of Syria. Through a conspiracy Joash was killed. His son Amaziah reigned

13)         Jehoahaz did evil in God's sight. God was angry with Israel and they were delivered into the hand of Hazael the king of Syria. The Lord gave Israel a deliverer but they kept on sinning. Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel. He was evil. He died. Jeroboam sat on his throne. Elisha became sick. An incident happened where the king opened a window and shot an arrow of the Lord's deliverance under Elisha's guidance. He struck the ground 3 times. Elisha was angry with him because he didn't strike the ground 5-6 times. A man who touched the bones of Elisha was revived and stood on his feet.

14)         Amaziah king of Judah executed his servants who had murdered his father the king. He also killed 10,000 Edomites. Judah was defeated by Israel. People form a conspiracy against Amaziah and he was killed. Judah took Azariah, (Amaziah's son) and made him king. Jeroboam king of Israel was evil . He died and his son Zechariah reigned.

15)         Azariah did what was right but did not remove the high places. God struck him with leprosy until he died. Jotham his son then reigned. Zechariah, king of Israel did evil in God's sight. Shallum killed him and reigned in his place. Menahem killed Shallum and reigned over Israel. He was evil and gave Israel's money to Assyria. Pekahiah his son reigned after he died. Pekah his officer killed him and reigned in his place. Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria carried many areas captive. Hoshea killed Pekah and reigned in his place.

16)         Ahaz reigned after Jotham. Rezin king of Syria and Pekah king of Israel came to Jerusalem to make war. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him. Ahaz tried to get help from the king of Assyria. He sent a present from the treasures of the house of the Lord. Ahaz saw an altar and sent the design of it to be built. He changed the carts and took down the sea from the bronze oxen. He died and Hezekiah reigned in his place.

17)         Hoshea the king of Israel was evil. The king of Assyria besieged Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria. Israel was torn from the house of David. The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon and other places. God brought lions to the land which killed some of these people. A priest was sent for, (who had been carried away) to teach the people the rituals and how the people should live in the land.

18)         Hezekiah reigned and removed the high places. He smashed the bronze serpent that Moses made as Israel had burned incense to it. The king of Assyria made Hezekiah give him silver and gold. Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord. The king of Assyria sent a great army against Jerusalem and Hezekiah. Messengers from the king of Assyria said, “do not let Hezekiah deceive you for he can't deliver you. Make peace with me! Pay me and you will have your own cistern, fig and vine. You can live in a better land. Do not listen to Hezekiah.”

19)         Isaiah says that God had said that a rumour will go around and they will fall by the sword. 185,000 Assyrians fell by a angel.

20)         God says to Isaiah that Hezekiah will die but then he prayed and Isaiah has to tell him that he will live for 15 more years. A sign of this word was that the shadow went back 10 degrees. Isaiah says that Babylon shall carry away everything that has been acumilated including sons. Hezekiah had made a pool and a tunnel carrying water into the city.

21)         Hezekiah died and his son Manasseh took over. He was 12 when he took over and was evil. Because of all these evil acts God said that He would wipe Jerusalem like a dish, turning it upside down. He died and his son Amon took over. The people decided to make Josiah king instead.

22)         Josiah did what was right. He started to rebuild the temple. The high priest found the book of the law. A prophetess said that calamity will come as people had forsaken God. Because the king was good he would die in peace and not see the calamity.

23)         The priests were ordered to bring out all the articles of Baal and Asherah from the temple of the Lord and burn them. The king had a huge reform of the idolitary mess. Because of the innocent blood killed by Manasseh God said He would remove Judah and cast off Jerusalem. Pharaoh killed Josiah at Megiddo. His son Jehoahaz became king. He was evil. Pharaoh put him in prison so he wouldn't reign and put tax on the land. Pharaoh made Eliakim, Josiah's son king and changed his name to Jehoiakim who was evil. Jehoahaz died in Egypt.

24)         Jehoiakim died and his son Jehoiachin reigned. He was evil. Babylon came and besieged Jerusalem. The Babylonians took the king captive in Babylon and carried out the treasure of the house of the Lord. They held Jerusalem captive and took thousands of people. He made Jehoiachin's uncle Mattaniah king and changed his name to Zedekiah. He was evil.

25)         The city wall was broken, the bronze pillars were broken up of the house of the Lord, the bronze sea and the carts. They took the bronze to Babylon. Judah was carried away captive from its own land.

Ezra

1)            A decree was issued so restoration could happen. All the people who were moved in their heart to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem left Babylon. Articles were also taken from Nebuchadnezzer and taken from the temple of his gods. Zerubbabel and others that were carried away into captivity into Babylon came with him.

2)            The assembly that came was 42,360 with 7,337 servants and 200 singers.

3)            The altar was built. When the temples foundation was laid there was praising of the Lord and shouting. Many old people wept because they had seen the first temple, some rejoiced.

4)            Enemies came to Zerubbabel and tried to discourage the people in building. Councillors were hired to frustrate the restoration. Accusations were made and letters were sent to stop the work. Forcefully the enemy stopped the work.

5)            Haggai and Zechariah prophesy to the Jews. Zerubbabel and Jeshua rise up and begin to build the house of God with the prophets helping them.

6)            Darius issues a decree for the rebuilding of the temple. The Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah. The temple was finished dedicated and celebrated. Sacrifices were made. Priests were assigned to their division.

7)            Ezra was a skilled scribe in Moses' law and he taught statutes and ordinances in Israel.

8)            Levites were found. A fast was proclaimed at the river of Ahava. Silver and gold was brought in.

9)            The leaders said that the Levites hadn't separated themselves from the people of the lands with the people and they had intermarried with pagans. Ezra prays intensely.

10)         A covenant is made to put away the intermarriage.

Nehemiah

1)            Nehemiah in the kings palace hears that the Jews are in distress with the wall of Jerusalem destroyed.

2)            Asks king to go back to Judah to rebuild. Asks for letters to be sent for governors so he can move freely around the country. Wanted letter to be sent to person for wood for wall and house. Sanballat and Tobiah heard of this and were deeply disturbed that someone came to seek the well being of the children of Israel. Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem. Viewed the destruction to the city all done in secret. He told officials and he said “come let us rise and build.” But when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem heard, they laughed and despised. Tried to cast doubts and say he was rebelling against the king. He says God will prosper them and they will arise and build and rebukes them.

3)            They rose up and built and repaired and made foundations.

4)            Sanballat hears about the rebuilding, was furious very indignant and mocked the Jews. He spoke before the people and an army calling the Jews feeble and that they would never be able to complete the work. When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, they became very angry. They all conspired to attack Jerusalem and bring confusion. Because of this, prayer and a watch against them was done. The strength of the laborers started to fail and rubbish was beginning to slow the work. Their enemies wanted to kill them. They built with swords, spears and bows. They were told to think of God and not to be afraid. Half the servants constructed and half held spears, bows and wore armour. One hand constructed and one hand held a weapon. People guarded the work.

5)            The workers were hungry and an outcry arose about tax, slavery and property going to others.

6)            Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and all the other enemies heard that the wall was rebuilt and tried to drag him away to do him harm. But he sent messengers to them saying, “I am doing a great work so I cannot come down, why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you.” A rumor occurred that they were rebelling and that the rebuilding was to change kings. This was done to make them afraid. A secret informer told Nehemiah and announced that people came to kill him. But this person was working for Tobiah and Sanballat. Tobiah sent letters to frighten Nehemiah.

7)            God got Nehemiah to gather nobles, rulers and people to register them.

8)            Ezra brings book of law when all people had assembled. He read this on a platform of wood with others standing next to him. The assembly bowed and worshipped God. Some helped people understand the law. People made booths as written in the law.

9)            The Jews fasted and confessed their sins, and read from the law. God was praised. The people made a sure covenant who were repentant of rebelling against God, getting into captivity.

10)         Seal on a document of covenant entered to walk into God's ways and follow God and not neglect house of God.

11)         Lots were cast and people offered themselves to live in Jerusalem.

12)         Dedication of the wall of Jerusalem celebrated with dedication and gladness.

13)         Eliashib the priest with authority over the storeroom of the house of God was allied with Tobiah and prepared a room for him in the courts of the house of God. People started profaning the Sabbath so the gates were shut. The Jews had married women of Ashdod Ammon and Moab and children spoke those languages. Nehemiah contended with them, cursed them, struck them and pulled put their hair.

Esther

1)            King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of the kingdom in Shushan. Held a feast for half a year to show of the greatness of his kingdom. Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace. He wanted Queen Vashti to parade before the people. The queen refused. They thought the queens behaviour would make people hate their husbands. Her royal position was altered to be given to another.

2)            Beautiful young girls were sought for the king. Officers to the king were appointed to gather these women for beauty preparation to be given them. The young women who pleased the king would be the new queen. In the citadel, a Jew called Mordecai had raised a young girl called Hadassah (Esther), his uncles daughter, an orphan. She was lovely and beautiful. Mordecai adopted her. Esther brought into the palace. She obtained favour from Hegai, the custodian of the women. She had extra beauty preparations and seven choice maid servants, Esther moved to the best place in the house of the women. Esther's origins were not known. There were 12 months of beauty preparations and then women stood before King Ahasuerus. 6 months of oil and Myrrh and 6 months of perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. The king would call the one who he delighted in and called in by name. Esther obtained favour in the sight of all who saw her. King loved Esther more than all the other women and obtained grace and favour in his sight and she had the royal crown placed on her head. A great feast was made by the king. A holiday was proclaimed. Esther had not revealed her family. Two of the kings eunuchs Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers became furious and sought to lay hands on king Ahasuerus. Mordecai found this out and told the king. They were then killed.

3)            Haman was promoted and advanced with his seat above all the princes who were with him. Haman saw Mordecai didn't bow to him and was filled with wrath. Haman, knew Mordecai was a Jew and then sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom. Hamman told the king that the Jews were different with different laws so not good to let them remain. He paid money and wanted the king to decree to destroy them. The king granted it. The command was hastened and decree proclaimed.

4)            Esther who was a Jew asked Mordecai to gather the Jews to fast for her and she risked her life going to the king.

5)            Esther asked the king for Hamman to come to a feast. Hamman kept boasting about his position, children, riches. Hamman thought the banquet was for him but Esther was exposing him there. Hamman had a gallows made for Mordecai to be hung on.

6)            The king discovered that Mordecai had saved him and that no honour had been given to him. The king asked Hamman (who had come to request Mordecai be hung on the gallows) what honour should be done for the person the king delights to honour. Hamman thought that he was referring to him and lists points. The king then gets him to give these great things to Mordecai.

7)            The king at the banquet asks what Esther wants. Esther says her life and people are in the hands of the adversary and the king wanted to know who that was. Esther says it is Hamman. Hamman pleaded Esther for his life. He was hung on the gallows prepared for Mordecai.

8)            Esther also revealed that she was a Jew and related to Mordecai. Esther appointed Mordecai over his house. Esther implored the king with tears to save the Jews. Mordecai is given the kings authority to protect their lives. The people had a holiday and many became Jews because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

9)            Jews overpowered their oppressor. Officials helped Jews because fear of Mordecai fell on them. Purim established. Mordecai was second only to king Ahasuerus and sought good for his people.

Acts

1)            Jesus' disciples went to an upper room and prayed. Cast lots for another disciple to replace Judas.

2)            Pentecost came and a mighty rushing wind came in, tongues of fire came upon them and they spoke in tongues of other languages. Peter stood up and explained what was going on. Peter preaches the gospel and get them to repent. 3000 are saved and they continued in apostles doctrine etc. Signs and wonders were done. Daily people were saved.

3)            Peter and John from Jesus' power do a miracle. Peter proclaimed after this what had happened and that people should repent from their sins.

4)            Sadducee's were greatly disturbed that Jesus was preached and they were put into custody but 5,000 believed. People tried to stop the message spreading.

5)            Two people die from lying to God. Many signs and wonders were done by apostles. Multitudes came into the church, many healing occurred. Apostles were put in prison. Angel released them. They were commanded not to preach in Jesus' name. Jesus Christ was taught everywhere and in every house.

6)            Apostles selected men so they didn't have to neglect the word of God and could stay in prayer and ministry. The word spread in Jerusalem as did the disciples. People disputed and secretly induced men to stir rumours.

7)            Stephen a disciple addresses the council and calls them stiff-necked and resistant to God, and they stoned and killed him.

8)            Saul was consenting to his death. Persecution came to Jerusalem and scattered them. Saul made havoc and the disciples went everywhere preaching the word with great signs and healing occurring. Philip preaches to an Ethiopian Eunuch.

9)            Saul persecutes the church. He became converted to Jesus. He had 3 days without sight and God told Ananias to pray for Saul to receive his sight. He preached Christ and the Jews plotted to kill him. He escaped, he preached with boldness to the Hellenists but they tried to kill him. Peter is positioned to raise someone from the dead and many believed.

10)         Cornelius had an angel come to him and sent men to go with Peter who had a vision. Peter went with them to his house and the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles.

11)         Peter came to Jerusalem and contentions arose because he ate with the uncircumcised and he explain why. The Gentiles were preached to. Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. He brought him to Antioch. Disciples sent relief to the brethren in Judea.

12)         Herod the king harassed the church. He killed James that pleased the Jews, so they wanted to kill Peter. Peter was in prison and an angel delivered him. Herod put the guards to death. The people of Tyre and Sidon asked for peace from Herod and people called him a god. Because he gave not the glory to God he was struck and died. The word of God grew. Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem.

13)         At the church in Antioch the Holy Spirit called for Barnabas and Saul to be separated for tasks. They moved on ending in Cyprus. In Salamis they preached God's word in Jewish synagogues with John. In Pathos they found a false prophet, he opposed them. Saul said to him he was full of deceit and fraud, son of the devil, enemy of righteousness and perverting the ways of the Lord. He became blind and many believed. John went back to Jerusalem. Paul preached Jesus and forgiveness of sins in the synagogue. People begged for words to be preached. Many Jews followed Paul and Barnabas. Almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. The Jews saw this and were filled with envy, contradicted and blasphemed. The word spread throughout the region. Jews stirred devout and prominent women and chief men of the city. Raised persecution and were expelled. They came to Iconium.

14)         Jews and Greeks believed, unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles. The city was divided, people tried to stone them. They fled to Lystra and Derby and preached there. A miracle occurs and people think they are gods. Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned and dragged him out of the city. He departed with Barnabas to Derby, making many disciples. They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, encouraging the disciples and appointing elders. They went through Pisidia and then to Pamphylia. Preached in Perga and went to Atalia. They went to Atalia then Antioch.

15)         A dispute arises from Jerusalem so Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to sort it out. Judas and Silas sent to help Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas went back everywhere to see how churches were doing. They argue about whether to take Mark and parted with each other because of this.

16)         Paul picks up Timothy and delivers decrees to churches determined by apostles and elders at Jerusalem. They came to Troas and then Macedonia. A possessed girl spoke truth about Paul and followed him. Paul rebuked the spirit. Paul and Silas were brought before the magistrate, whipped and jailed. An earthquake delivers them from prison and they are released.

17)         Paul reasons in in Thessalonica, a great multitude join Paul and Silas. Jews set all the city in an uproar and attacked Jason's house. Taken to rulers of city saying another king Jesus is proclaimed, other than Caesar. They went to Berea and many believed. Jews from Thessalonica stirred the crowds. Paul was sent to the sea and Silas and Timothy remained. Paul preaches the word in Athens.

18)         From Athens Paul goes to Corinth and worked in a trade with a Jew as they were both tent makers. Paul reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath persuading the Jews and Greeks. The Jews opposed him and blasphemed and said he would then go to the Gentiles. Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptised. Paul stayed 1.5 years there preaching the word. The Jews stir trouble against Paul. He came to Ephesus and reasoned with the Jews. Went to Caesarea and Antioch, Galatia, Phrygia strengthening the disciples.

19)         Paul laid his hands on disciples for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Went into synagogues for 3 months persuading and disputing the things of God. Disputed daily. This went on for 2 years until all in Asia heard the word. The word grew mightily and people started burning their evil books.