tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520607455238934712024-03-13T13:03:27.199-07:00Bible Books ExplainedStanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-44618824128350228892019-06-15T19:42:00.004-07:002022-01-26T17:11:34.653-07:00<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: clear; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" paraeid="{d955ab02-473d-4320-aae8-d87f8ff51557}{151}" paraid="738692707" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Book of Jonah, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Background</span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" paraeid="{d955ab02-473d-4320-aae8-d87f8ff51557}{151}" paraid="738692707" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP-f6mT1yz0/XQWrnGsyZSI/AAAAAAAAcRo/MwkOvU16suEpAioPZ3vwFmph9WzsT5tAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BJonah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP-f6mT1yz0/XQWrnGsyZSI/AAAAAAAAcRo/MwkOvU16suEpAioPZ3vwFmph9WzsT5tAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BJonah.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" paraeid="{d955ab02-473d-4320-aae8-d87f8ff51557}{160}" paraid="374438156" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Quick Rundown</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: clear; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0326a0dc-30e4-4b61-8259-c962c0c4fee4}{53}" paraid="1235017874" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The story of Jonah is the story of a racist, entitled, overfamiliar, and careless prophet who lost his awe of God. Disregarding God’s extraordinary assignment to deliver a warning to Nineveh, a wicked Gentile capital city of Assyria in the Middle East, Jonah set sail for the opposite direction against God’s will, compassion, and command. This rare story is more about a prophet in need of revival, just as much as it is about a nation in need of repentance.</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0326a0dc-30e4-4b61-8259-c962c0c4fee4}{53}" paraid="1235017874" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: clear; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37426099-7529-44aa-ac18-ed5b10a8df13}{182}" paraid="926292325" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Title</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: clear; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37426099-7529-44aa-ac18-ed5b10a8df13}{203}" paraid="1682640215" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Following the lead of the Hebrew Masoretic text (MT), the title of the book is derived from the principal character, Jonah (meaning “dove”), the son of </span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Amittai</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> (1:1). Both the Septuagint (LXX) and the Latin Vulgate (Vg.) </span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ascribe</span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> the same name.</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37426099-7529-44aa-ac18-ed5b10a8df13}{203}" paraid="1682640215" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: clear; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad01e903-1d37-4211-b5d3-be8afd14e02a}{2}" paraid="1559284696" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Author and Date</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: clear; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad01e903-1d37-4211-b5d3-be8afd14e02a}{60}" paraid="2031349489" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vsTEzhGWTo/XQWrneGgO0I/AAAAAAAAcRw/P2WIexI_sZUIjQHZsbS2ni9K9yb5uxEnQCLcBGAs/s1600/JonahSwallowed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vsTEzhGWTo/XQWrneGgO0I/AAAAAAAAcRw/P2WIexI_sZUIjQHZsbS2ni9K9yb5uxEnQCLcBGAs/s320/JonahSwallowed.jpg" width="212" /></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The book makes no direct claim for authorship. Throughout the book, Jonah is repeatedly referred to in the third person, causing some to search for another author. It was not an uncommon OT practice, however, to write in the third person (e.g., Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 12:11). Furthermore, the autobiographical information revealed within its pages clearly points to Jonah as the author. The firsthand accounts of such unusual events and experiences would be best recounted from the hand of Jonah himself. Nor should the introductory verse suggest otherwise, since other prophets such as Hosea, Joel, Micah, Zephaniah, Haggai, and Zechariah have similar openings.</span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad01e903-1d37-4211-b5d3-be8afd14e02a}{60}" paraid="2031349489" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">According to 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah came from Gath-</span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">hepher</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> near Nazareth. The context places him during the long and prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (ca. 793-753 B.C.), making him a prophet to the northern tribes just prior to Amos during the first half of the eighth century B.C., ca. 750 B.C. The Pharisees were wrong when they said “...No prophet arises out of Galilee” (John 5:52), because Jonah was Galilean. An unverifiable Jewish tradition says Jonah was the son of the widow of Zarephath whom Elijah raised from the dead (1 Kings 17:8-24).</span></span></div></div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d174cd1-b1c0-4234-924b-e57de173dc85}{207}" paraid="1810859999" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Background and Setting</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d174cd1-b1c0-4234-924b-e57de173dc85}{207}" paraid="1810859999" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">As a prophet to the 10 northern tribes of Israel, Jonah shares a background and setting with Amos. The nation enjoyed a time of relative peace and prosperity. Both Syria and Assyria were weak allowing Jeroboam II to enlarge the northern borders of Israel to where they had been in the days of Davi and Solomon (2 Kings 14:23-27). Spiritually, however, it was a time of poverty; religion was ritualistic and increasingly idolatrous, and justice had become perverted. Peacetime and wealth had made Israel bankrupt spiritually, morally, and ethically (cf. 2 Kings 14:24; Amos 4:1, 5:10-13). As a result, God was to punish Israel by bringing spiritual destruction and captivity from the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Nineveh's repentance may have been aided by the two plagues (765 and 759 B.C.) and a solar eclipse (763 B.C.), preparing them for Jonah’s judgment message.</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d174cd1-b1c0-4234-924b-e57de173dc85}{207}" paraid="1810859999" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d3df6993-3845-4a8a-96a1-5ef9b867b22c}{90}" paraid="1407642431" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Historical and Theological Themes</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d3df6993-3845-4a8a-96a1-5ef9b867b22c}{197}" paraid="816254917" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrcAweUWSmA/XQWroYKRcII/AAAAAAAAcR0/haYcUbPpRaIyrBqNG0lX854glLTgBjqqgCLcBGAs/s1600/JonahinFish.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrcAweUWSmA/XQWroYKRcII/AAAAAAAAcR0/haYcUbPpRaIyrBqNG0lX854glLTgBjqqgCLcBGAs/s320/JonahinFish.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah, though a prophet of Israel, is not remembered for his ministry in Israel which could explain why the Pharisees erringly claimed in Jesus’ day that no prophet had come from Galilee (see John 7:52). Rather, the book relates the account of his call to preach repentance to Nineveh and his refusal to go. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria and infamous for its cruelty, was a historical nemesis of Israel and Judah. The focus of this book is on this Gentile city, which was founded by Nimrod the great-grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:6-12). Nineveh was perhaps the largest city in the ancient world (1:2; 3:2,3; 4:11), it was nevertheless destroyed about 150 years after the repentance of the generation in the time of Jonah’s visit (612 B.C.), as Nahum prophesied (Nahum 1:1). Israel’s political distaste for Assyria, coupled with a sense of spiritual superiority as the recipient of God’s covenant blessings, produced a recalcitrant attitude in Jonah toward God’s request for missionary service. Jonah was sent to Nineveh in part to shame Israel by the fact that a pagan city repented at the preaching of a stranger, whereas Israel would not repent though preached to by many prophets. He was soon to learn that God’s love and mercy extends to all his creatures (4:2,10,11), not just His covenant people (Genesis 9:27; 12;3; Leviticus 19:33-34; 1 Samuel 2:10; Isaiah 2:2; Joel 2:28-32).</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cd4f07a8-04fd-4039-97ea-a8bc97e8de09}{254}" paraid="130491814" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The book of Jonah reveals God’s sovereign rule over man and all creation. Creation came into being through Him (1:9) and responds to His every command (1:4, 17; 2:10; 4:6-7; Mark 4:41). Jesus employed the repentance of the Ninevites to rebuke the Pharisees, thereby illustrating the hardness of the Pharisee’s hearts and their unwillingness to repent (Matthew 12:38-41; Luke 11:29-32). The heathen city of Nineveh repented at the preaching of a reluctant prophet, but the Pharisees would not repent at the preaching of the greatest of all Prophets, in spite of overwhelming evidence that He was actually their Lord and Messiah. Jonah is a picture of Israel, who was chosen and commissioned by God to be His witness (Isaiah 43:10-12; 44:8), who rebelled against His will (Exodus 32:1-4; Judges 2:11-19; Ezekiel 6:1-5; Mark 7:6-9), but who has been miraculously preserved by God through centuries of exile and dispersion to finally preach His truth (Jeremiah 30:11; 31:35-37; Hosea 3:3-5; Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-3).</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cd4f07a8-04fd-4039-97ea-a8bc97e8de09}{254}" paraid="130491814" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{41cd565e-f254-4d60-8475-c5efc798a4e2}{9}" paraid="1525522777" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Interpretive Challenges</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{41cd565e-f254-4d60-8475-c5efc798a4e2}{92}" paraid="1781214305" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UE-SnwhjBA/X7-TT305FxI/AAAAAAAAeFc/oi-90_H1WosidftjjEmdV5rMnErLi28wACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img alt="" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="620" height="222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UE-SnwhjBA/X7-TT305FxI/AAAAAAAAeFc/oi-90_H1WosidftjjEmdV5rMnErLi28wACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKzwECD6zKo/XQWrnBNv0iI/AAAAAAAAcRs/Fri-n65iVdg8OY0I-TBPlsg0R1gUJgciACLcBGAs/s1600/Jonah-Tumblr.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"></span></a><span style="color: white;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKzwECD6zKo/XQWrnBNv0iI/AAAAAAAAcRs/Fri-n65iVdg8OY0I-TBPlsg0R1gUJgciACLcBGAs/s1600/Jonah-Tumblr.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><br /></span><span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The primary challenge is whether the book is to be interpreted as historical narrative or as allegory/parable. The grand scale of the miracles, such as being kept alive 3 days and nights in a big fish, has led some skeptics and critics to deny their historical validity and substitutive spiritual lessons, either to the constituent parts (allegory) or to the book as a whole (parable). but however grandiose and miraculous the events have been, the narrative must be viewed as historical. Centered on a historically identifiable OT prophet who lived in the eighth century B.C., the account of whom has been recorded in a narrative form, there is no alternative but to understand Jonah as historical. Furthermore, Jesus did not teach the story of Jonah as a parable but as an actual account firmly rooted in history (Matthew 12:38-41; 16:4; Luke 11:29-32).</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{41cd565e-f254-4d60-8475-c5efc798a4e2}{92}" paraid="1781214305" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39cf9dc3-c74e-4d03-87b8-34f1b329d7e7}{217}" paraid="772252977" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Outline</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle5 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-roman; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 24px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eaed5fa7-70b2-49ab-933c-8d9299624d75}{4}" paraid="1717993243" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Gods’ Commission and Jonah’s Disobedience (1:1-17)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6795c1f-a3c6-488b-9725-0a2415beefc2}{36}" paraid="1446911882" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Commission of Jonah (1:1-2)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6795c1f-a3c6-488b-9725-0a2415beefc2}{159}" paraid="656399393" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Flight of Jonah (1:3)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6795c1f-a3c6-488b-9725-0a2415beefc2}{250}" paraid="1959211605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Pursuit of Jonah (1:4-16)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f00d6100-cf92-4cf8-a391-25378be379cf}{104}" paraid="2103971040" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Preservation of Jonah (1:17)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle5 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-roman; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 24px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f00d6100-cf92-4cf8-a391-25378be379cf}{225}" paraid="422458854" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Submitting to God’s Will (2:1-10)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4f180046-8d4e-473a-b471-3bec7206a996}{89}" paraid="1052767914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah’s Helplessness (2:1-3)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667085d5-870c-4cb6-83d4-38c43c99dc70}{35}" paraid="734694253" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah’s Prayer (2:4-7)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667085d5-870c-4cb6-83d4-38c43c99dc70}{124}" paraid="1245613071" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah’s Repentance (2:8-9)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667085d5-870c-4cb6-83d4-38c43c99dc70}{218}" paraid="1069115581" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah’s Deliverance (2:10)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle5 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-roman; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 24px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{275fd5da-b5e8-49a5-ab5d-b4f2c146b33f}{90}" paraid="962538363" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Fulfilling God’s Will (3:1-10)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{275fd5da-b5e8-49a5-ab5d-b4f2c146b33f}{199}" paraid="1819617109" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Commission Renewed (3:1-2)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c9a9ff83-863b-4ff1-b944-1b6cacac27a6}{44}" paraid="623208003" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah Obeys (3:3-4)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c9a9ff83-863b-4ff1-b944-1b6cacac27a6}{170}" paraid="1005846119" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Nineveh Repents (3:5-9)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e389f6c-0824-4062-bbd6-6adac73ec668}{8}" paraid="547210509" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Lord Relents (3:10)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle5 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-roman; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 24px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e389f6c-0824-4062-bbd6-6adac73ec668}{87}" paraid="253688992" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah Questions God’s Will (4:1-11)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e389f6c-0824-4062-bbd6-6adac73ec668}{242}" paraid="132069691" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah Displeased (4:1-5)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<ol class="NumberListStyle4 SCXW203646390 BCX0" role="list" start="2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; cursor: text; list-style-type: upper-alpha; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">
<li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f45adb3a-a47d-42c3-8cb6-883802b21bd4}{74}" paraid="580920690" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jonah Rebuked (4:6-11)</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></div>
</li><li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" data-aria-level="2" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Georgia" data-leveltext="%2." data-listid="1" role="listitem" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Georgia_MSFontService, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 72px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f45adb3a-a47d-42c3-8cb6-883802b21bd4}{74}" paraid="580920690" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW203646390" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW203646390 BCX0" paraeid="{d955ab02-473d-4320-aae8-d87f8ff51557}{168}" paraid="1121434638" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW203646390 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">LaHabra</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, CA.</span><span class="EOP SCXW203646390 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "georgia_msfontservice" , serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-40693499109958837942019-05-04T19:22:00.001-07:002022-01-27T09:14:53.947-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1009</o:Words>
<o:Characters>5755</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Wekelekha</o:Company>
<o:Lines>47</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>13</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>6751</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:2141532496;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1641468550 95165092 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:roman-upper;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.75in;
text-indent:-.5in;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-Hwv25Pjqg/XM5ICBhgMMI/AAAAAAAAcOg/pZc6NmChOrIw4UEoVaiHDQgWbErjH9aJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BObadiah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="590" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-Hwv25Pjqg/XM5ICBhgMMI/AAAAAAAAcOg/pZc6NmChOrIw4UEoVaiHDQgWbErjH9aJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BObadiah.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Book of Obadiah, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Quick Rundown<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
Obadiah’s prophecy – the shortest
book of the Old Testament - is captured in only 21 verses, but richly
compressed with God’s just anger toward the people of Edom. Obadiah is a
contemporary with Jeremiah and these two share the burden of delivering
Jehovah’s vision to the people of Israel and to all nations as well. The point
is God’s wrath against those who curse God’s people, Israel. God will judge all
those nations who are not only against Israel, but those who are against Him as
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Title<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
The book is named after the prophet
who received the vision (1:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obadiah
means “servant of the Lord” and occurs 20 times in the Old Testament, referring
to many other OT individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obadiah is
the shortest book in the OT and is not quoted in the New Testament.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nothing is
known for certain about the author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other Old Testament references to men of his name do not appear to be
referring to this prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His frequent
mentions of Jerusalem, Judah, and Zion suggest that he belonged to the southern
kingdom (cf. verses 10-12, 17, 21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obadiah was probably a contemporary of Elijah and Elisha.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91lkTTnSDqg/XM5Imvku37I/AAAAAAAAcOs/6ZLAQxM26RgKjYTt6F2QVcmpdeRVM5kCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Jacob%2Band%2BEsau.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="500" height="249" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91lkTTnSDqg/XM5Imvku37I/AAAAAAAAcOs/6ZLAQxM26RgKjYTt6F2QVcmpdeRVM5kCwCLcBGAs/s320/Jacob%2Band%2BEsau.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The date of
writing is equally difficult to determine, though we know it is tied to the
Edomite assault on Jerusalem described in verses 10-14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obadiah apparently wrote shortly after the
attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were significant invasions
of Jerusalem in Old Testament history: 1) by Shishak, king of Egypt, circa 925
B.C. during the reign of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rehoboam (1
Kings 14:25,26; 2 Chronicles 12); 2) by the Philistines and Arabians between
848-841 B.C. during the reign of Jehoram of Judah (2 Chronicles 21:8-20); 3) by
Johash, king of Israel, circa 790 B.C. (2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25); and 4) by
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of these 4, only the second and the fourth
are possible fits with historical data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Number two is preferable, since Obadiah’s description does not indicate
the total destruction of the city, which took place under Nebuchadnezzar’s
attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, although the Edomites were
involved in Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem (Psalm 137; Lamentations
4:21), it is significant that Obadiah does not mention the Babylonians by name
(as with all the other prophets who wrote about Jerusalem’s fall), nor is there
any reference to the destruction of the temple or the deportation of the
people; in fact, the captives appear to have been taken to the South West, not
East of Babylon (see verse 20).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background and
Setting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Edomites trace their origin to Esau, the firstborn (twin) son of Isaac and
Rebekah <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esau’s name means
“hairy,” because he was “all over like a hairy garment” (Genesis 25:25).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also called Edom, meaning “red,” owing
to the sale of his birthright in exchange for some red stew (Genesis 25:30).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed a disregard for the covenant
promises by marrying two Canaanite women (Genesis 26:34) and later the daughter
of Ishmael (Genesis 28:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved the
out-of-doors and, after having his father’s blessing stolen from him by Jacob,
was destined to remain a man of open spaces (Genesis 25:27; 27:38-40).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esau settled into a region of mostly rugged
mountains South of the Dead Sea (Genesis 33:16; 36:8,9; Deuteronomy 2:4-5)
called Edom (Greek, “Idumea”), the 40-mile wide area that stretches
approximately 100 miles South of the Gulf of Aqabah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The famed King’s Highway, an essential
caravan route linking North Africa and Europe and Asia, passes along the
eastern plateau (Numbers 20:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
struggle and birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25) from the ultimate background
to the prophecy of Genesis 25:23, “two nations are in your womb.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their respective descendants, Israel and
Edom, were perpetual enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Israel came out from Egypt, Edom denied their brother Jacob passage through
their land, located South of the Dead Sea (Numbers 20:14-21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, Israel was instructed by God to
be kind to Edom (Deuteronomy 23:7,8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obadiah, having received a vision from God, was sent to describe their
crimes and to pronounce total destruction upon Edom because of their treatment
of Israel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
(Genesis 25:24-26), who struggled with Jacob even while in the womb
(Genesis 25:22).<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Edomites
opposed Saul (circa 1043-1011 B.C.) and were subdued under David (circa
1011-971 B.C.) and Solomon (circa 971-931 B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They fought against Jehoshaphat (circa
873-848 B.C.) and successfully rebelled against Jehoram (circa 853-841
B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were again conquered by
Judah under Amaziah (circa 797-767 B.C.), but they regained their freedom
during the reign of Ahaz (circa 735-715 B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Edom was later controlled by Assyria and Babylon; and in the fifth
century B.C> the Edomites were forced by the Nabateans to leave their
territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They moved to the area of
southern Palestine and became known as Idumeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herod the Great, an Idumean, became king of
Judea under Rome in 37 B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in a sense,
the enmity between Esau and Jacob was continued in Herod’s attempt to murder
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Idumeans participated in the
rebellion of Jerusalem against Rome and were defeated along with the Jews by
Titus in A.D. 70.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically, the
Edomites applauded the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. (Psalm 137:7) but
died trying to defend it in A.D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
that time they were never heard of again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Obadiah predicted, they would be “cut off forever” (verse 10); and
there would be “no survivor of the house of Esau” (verse 18).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /><br /> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Historical and
Theological Themes</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Obadiah is
a case study of the curses/blessings in Genesis 12:1-3, with two interrelated
themes: 1) the judgment of Edom by God for cursing Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was apparently told to Judah, thereby
providing reassurance that the Lord would bring judgment upon Edom for her
pride and for her participation in Judah’s downfall; 2) Judah’s restoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would even include the territory of the
Edomites (verses 18-21; Isaiah 11:14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obadiah’s blessing for Judah includes the near fulfillment of Edom’s
demise (verses 1-14) and the far fulfillment of the nations’ judgment and
Israel’s final possession of Edom (verses 15-21).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwyAZQP7Vz3xUMdVtLdGOeViPaPHRvfECzPhmsNCXljY0-t1XsWIOyNnwB1QoLB0yiNtOAN6DzGO715rsOgcR_uFVl-ji5y_6ZZjuorikhjxlBTPDUR-30tKgDYWFjZLp0aYJ3pdveslQO-UIJsHGd8sT_nNqnwoIpNmfTdYsLQg5AxUrVHH9IvAnS=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwyAZQP7Vz3xUMdVtLdGOeViPaPHRvfECzPhmsNCXljY0-t1XsWIOyNnwB1QoLB0yiNtOAN6DzGO715rsOgcR_uFVl-ji5y_6ZZjuorikhjxlBTPDUR-30tKgDYWFjZLp0aYJ3pdveslQO-UIJsHGd8sT_nNqnwoIpNmfTdYsLQg5AxUrVHH9IvAnS=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Interpretive
Challenge<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>The striking similarity between
Obadiah 1-9 and Jeremiah 49:7-22 brings up the question: Who borrowed from
whom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assuming there was not a third
common source, it appears that Jeremiah borrowed, where appropriate, from
Obadiah, since the shared verses from one unit in Obadiah, while in Jerusalem
they are scattered among other verses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Outline<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s Judgment on Edom (1-14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Edom’s Punishment (1-9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Edom’s Crimes (10-14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s Judgment on the Nations (15,16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">III.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s Restoration of Israel (17-21)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Source:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MacArthur
Study Bible, NASB, <i>Updated Edition</i>. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas
Nelson. La Habra, CA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-55616913824032909642017-05-21T05:55:00.001-07:002017-05-21T05:58:06.974-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Book of Job, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWJwjpVbzXc/WSGHLzFPv7I/AAAAAAAAFsE/wAHJbOFGmoYEJH3J3iW3DMG8genJKHwgwCLcB/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BJob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWJwjpVbzXc/WSGHLzFPv7I/AAAAAAAAFsE/wAHJbOFGmoYEJH3J3iW3DMG8genJKHwgwCLcB/s400/Book%2Bof%2BJob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Book of Job is an account of a good man who
suffers total disaster – at the request of Satan. Job loses all his children
and property and is afflicted with a nasty disease. Then in three series of
poetic dialogues the author shows how Job’s friends and Job himself react to
these calamities. In the end, God Himself, whose dealings with the human race
have been a prominent part of the discussions, appears to Job for their own
intimate discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The friends of Job explain his suffering from traditional
religious perspective. Since the assumption is that God always rewards good and
punishes evil, the sufferings of Job can only mean that he has sinned. But for
Job this is too simple since Job has done nothing wrong on record, and thus is
not deserving of such cruel punishment. In fact, Job is an unusually good and
righteous man and even he himself cannot understand how God can let so much
evil happen to someone like himself. So, he boldly challenges God. While he
does not lose his faith, he does long to be justified before God to regain his
honor as a good man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHD5lR8Lelo/WSGMklT7ASI/AAAAAAAAFsU/HrA8pbJmZPsx6jCZIucjF-GMMTux0XQfACLcB/s1600/Job%2B1b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHD5lR8Lelo/WSGMklT7ASI/AAAAAAAAFsU/HrA8pbJmZPsx6jCZIucjF-GMMTux0XQfACLcB/s200/Job%2B1b.png" width="195" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God does not give an answer to Job’s inquiry of
vindication, but he does respond by overwhelming Job with a poetic picture of
His divine power and wisdom. Job then humbly acknowledges God as all-wise and
great, and repents of the wild and angry words he used. The conclusion is
captured by how Job has really sensed that God is greater than traditional
religion has depicted Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As with other books of the Bible, Job bears the name of
the narrative’s primary character. This name might have been derived from the
Hebrew word for “persecution,” thus meaning “persecuted one,” or from an Arabic
word meaning “repent,” thus bearing the name “repentant one.” The author
recounts an era in the life of Job, in which he was tested and the character of
God was revealed. New Testament writers directly quote Job two times (Ro 11:35;
1Co 3:19), plus Ezekiel 14:14,20 and James 5:11 show Job was a real person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiiFN07OXdk/WSGMu3qp5wI/AAAAAAAAFsY/kPk2JvC4dr00wgSbV8He7OKy9QabSHy_wCLcB/s1600/Job%2Battacked%2Bby%2BSatan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiiFN07OXdk/WSGMu3qp5wI/AAAAAAAAFsY/kPk2JvC4dr00wgSbV8He7OKy9QabSHy_wCLcB/s200/Job%2Battacked%2Bby%2BSatan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The book does not name its author. Job is an unlikely
candidate because the book’s message rests on Job’s ignorance of the events
that occurred in heaven as the related to his ordeal. One Talmudic tradition
suggests Moses as author since the land of Uz (1:1) was adjacent to Midian
where Moses lived for 40 years, and he could have obtained a record of the
story there. Solomon is also a good possibility due to the similarity of
content with parts of the book of Ecclesiastes, as well as the fact that
Solomon wrote the other Wisdom books (except Psalms, and he did author Pss 72;
127). Though he lived long after Job, Solomon could have written about events
that occurred long before his own time, in much the same manner as Moses was
inspired to write about Adam and Eve. Elihu, Isaiah, Hezekiah, Jeremiah, and
Ezra have also been suggested as possible authors, but without support.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The date of the book’s writing may be much later than the
events recorded therein. This conclusion is based on: 1) Job’s age (42:16; 2)
his life span of nearly 200 years (42:16) which fits the patriarchal period
(Abraham lived 175 years; Genesis 25:7); 3) the social unit being the
patriarchal family; 4) the Chaldeans who murdered Job’s servants (1:17) were
nomads and had not yet become city dwellers; 5) Job’s wealth being measured in
livestock rather than gold and silver (1:3; 42:12); 6) Job’s priestly functions
within his family of Moses. The events of Job’s odyssey appear to be
patriarchal. Job, on the other hand, seemed to know about Adam (31:33) and the
Noahic flood (12:15). These cultural/historical features found in the book
appear to place the events chronologically at a time probably after Babel (Ge
11:1-9) but before or contemporaneous with Abraham (Genesis 11:27…).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Settings</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This book begins with a scene in heaven that explains
everything to the reader (1:6-2:10). Job was suffering because God was
contesting with Satan. Job never knew that, nor did any of his friends, so thy
all struggled to explain suffering from the perspective of their ignorance, until
finally Job rested in nothing but faith in God’s goodness and the hope of His
redemption. That God vindicated his trust is the culminating message of the
book. When there are no rational theological explanations for disaster and
pain, trust God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5lgA8cC6Rg/WSGM61GFfyI/AAAAAAAAFsc/oFVpmTh1z-UHW3saAy-DiJznBdkZpR4RwCLcB/s1600/Job%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5lgA8cC6Rg/WSGM61GFfyI/AAAAAAAAFsc/oFVpmTh1z-UHW3saAy-DiJznBdkZpR4RwCLcB/s200/Job%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The occasion and events that follow Job’s sufferings present
significant questions for the faith of believers in all ages. Why does Job
serve God? Job is heralded for his righteousness, being compared with Noah and
Daniel (Ezekiel 14:14-20), and for his spiritual endurance (James 5:11).
Several other questions are alluded to throughout Job’s ordeal, for instance, “Why
do the righteous suffer?” Though an answer to that question may seem important,
the book does not set forth such an answer. Job never knew the reasons for his
suffering and neither did his friends. The righteous sufferer does not appear
to learn about any of the heavenly court debates between God and Satan that
precipitated his pain. In fact, when finally confronted by the Lord of the
universe, Job put his hand over his mouth and said nothing. Job’s silent
response in no way trivialized the intense pain and loss he had endured. It
merely underscored the importance of trusting God’s purposes during suffering because
suffering, like all other human experiences, is directed by perfect divine
wisdom. In the end, the lesson learned was that one may never know the specific
reason for his suffering; but one must trust in Sovereign God. That is the real
answer to suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5B8N95_RWk/WSGNXBSH1cI/AAAAAAAAFso/fEdLSYz8mEMJJiLJrAho3bg2x_kaqRFnQCLcB/s1600/Job%2BFriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5B8N95_RWk/WSGNXBSH1cI/AAAAAAAAFso/fEdLSYz8mEMJJiLJrAho3bg2x_kaqRFnQCLcB/s1600/Job%2BFriends.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book treats two major themes and many other minor
ones, both in the narrative framework of the prologue (chapter 1 and 2) and
epilogue (42:7-17), and in the poetic account of Job’s torment that lies in-between
(31-42:6). A key to understanding the first theme of the book is to notice the
debate between God and Satan in heaven and how it connects with 3 cycles of
earthly debates between Job and his friends. God wanted to prove the character
of believers to Satan and to all demons, angels, and people. The accusations
are by Satan, who indicated God’s claims of Job’s righteousness as being untested,
if not questionable. Satan’s confidence that he could turn Job against God
came, no doubt, from the fact that he had led the holy angels to rebel with
him. Satan thought he could destroy Job’s faith in God by inflicting suffering on
him, thus showing in principle that saving faith could be shattered. God
released Satan to make his point if he could, but he failed, as true faith in
God proved unbreakable. Even Job’s wife told him to curse God (2:9), but he
refused; his faith in God never failed (13:15). Satan tried to do the same to
Peter (Luke 22:31-34) and was unsuccessful in destroying Peter’s faith (John
21:15-19). When Satan has unleased all that he can to destroy saving faith, it
stands firm (Romans 8:31-39). In the end, God proved His point with Satan that
saving faith can’t be destroyed no matter how much trouble a saint suffers, or
how incomprehensible and undeserved it seems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twSwfRl_Svk/WSGNG4r4oLI/AAAAAAAAFsg/65uyJoK9-OcM0EC-axP7PlOcxE65bNVgACLcB/s1600/Job%2B28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twSwfRl_Svk/WSGNG4r4oLI/AAAAAAAAFsg/65uyJoK9-OcM0EC-axP7PlOcxE65bNVgACLcB/s320/Job%2B28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A second and related theme concerns proving the character
of God to men. Does this sort of ordeal, in which God and His opponent Satan
square off, with righteous Job as the test case, suggest that God is lacking in
compassion and mercy toward Job? Not at all. As James says, “You have heard of
the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the
Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:11). It was to prove the
very opposite (42:10-17). Job says, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and
not accept adversity?” (2:10). God’s servant does not deny that he has suffered.
He does not deny his suffering is a result of sin. Nor does he understand why
he suffers, however. Job simply commits his ordeal with a devout heart of
worship and humility (42:5,6) to a sovereign and perfectly wise Creator – and that
was what God wanted him to learn in this conflict with Satan. In the end, God
flooded Job with more blessings than he had ever known.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The major reality of the book is the inscrutable mystery
of innocent suffering. God ordains that His children walk in sorrow and pain,
sometimes because of sin (reference Numbers 12:10-12), sometimes for chastening
(reference Hebrews 12:5-12), sometimes for strengthening (reference 2
Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Peter 5:10), and sometimes to give opportunity to reveal
His comfort and grace (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). But there are times when the
compelling issue in the suffering of the saints is unknowable because it is for
a heavenly purpose that those on earth can’t discern (reference Exodus 4:11;
John 9:1-3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CymN3eDgQOU/WSGNPG56JMI/AAAAAAAAFsk/tSaasVccfmw7fMeegH1vNu8Lpu6_81TkACLcB/s1600/Job%2BBoils%2BWife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CymN3eDgQOU/WSGNPG56JMI/AAAAAAAAFsk/tSaasVccfmw7fMeegH1vNu8Lpu6_81TkACLcB/s200/Job%2BBoils%2BWife.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Job and his friends wanted to analyze the suffering and
look for causes and solutions. Using all of their sound theology and insight
into the situation, they searched for answers, but found only useless and wrong
ideas, for which God and Satan was unknown to them. They thought they knew all
the answers, but they only intensified the dilemma by their insistent
ignorance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By spreading out some of the elements of this great
theme, we can see the following truths in Job’s experience:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">1) There are
matters going on in heaven with God that believers know nothing about; yet,
they affect their lives;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">2) Even the best
effort at explaining the issues of life can be useless;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">3) God’s people
do suffer. Bad things happen all the time to good people, so one cannot judge a
person’s spirituality by his painful circumstances or successes;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">4) Even though
God seems far away, perseverance in faith is a most notable virtue since God is
good and one can safely leave his life in His hands;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">5) The believer
in the midst of suffering should not abandon God, but draw near to Him, so out
of the fellowship can come the comfort – without the explanation; and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">6) Suffering may
be intense, but it will ultimately end for the righteous and God will bless
abundantly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaD9SaKzzIE/WSGNxFTjYTI/AAAAAAAAFss/aPRo9bZyr3o4wtlZ4xUyre-OuOe1yZg2ACLcB/s1600/The-Destruction-of-Leviathan-Gustave-Dore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaD9SaKzzIE/WSGNxFTjYTI/AAAAAAAAFss/aPRo9bZyr3o4wtlZ4xUyre-OuOe1yZg2ACLcB/s200/The-Destruction-of-Leviathan-Gustave-Dore.jpg" width="159" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The most critical interpretive challenge involves the
book’s primary message. Although often thought to be the pressing issue of the
book, the question of why Job suffers is never revealed to Job, thought the reader
knows that it involves God’s proving a point to Satan – a matter which
completely transcends Job’s ability to understand. James’ commentary on Job’s
case (James 5:11) draws the conclusion that it was to show God’s compassion and
mercy, but without apology, offers no explanation for Job’s specific ordeal.
Readers find themselves, putting their proverbial hands over their mouths, with
no right to question or accuse the all-wise and all-powerful Creator, who will
do as He pleases, and in so doing both proves His points in the spiritual realm
to angels and demons while defining His compassion and mercy. Engaging in “theodicy,”
i.e. man’s attempt to defend God’s involvement in calamity and suffering, is
shown to be appropriate in these circumstances, though in the end, it is apparent
that God does not need nor want a human advocate. The book of Job poignantly
illustrates Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The nature of Job’s guilt and innocence raises perplexing
questions. God declared Job perfect, upright, fearing God, and shunning evil
(1:1). But Job’s comforters raised a critical question based on Job’s ordeal:
Had not Job sinned? On several occasions, Job readily admitted to having sinned
(7:21; 13:26). But Job questioned the extent of his sin as compared to the
severity of his suffering. God rebuked Job in the end for his demands to be
vindicated of the comforter’s accusations (38-41). But He also declared that
what Job said was correct and what the comforters said was wrong (42:7).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEHjWyCRVyY/WSGN7xmxlwI/AAAAAAAAFsw/Bnz6lXL2FN0_P8dMKn2JwgY-ea4de7qxQCLcB/s1600/Job%2B42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEHjWyCRVyY/WSGN7xmxlwI/AAAAAAAAFsw/Bnz6lXL2FN0_P8dMKn2JwgY-ea4de7qxQCLcB/s200/Job%2B42.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another challenge comes in keeping separate the
pre-understandings that Job and his comforters brought to Job’s ordeal. At the
outset, all agreed that God punishes evil, rewards obedience, and no exceptions
are possible. Job, due to his suffering innocently, was forced to conclude that
exceptions are possible in that the righteous suffer also. He also observed
that the wicked prosper. These are more than small exceptions to the rule, thus
forcing Job to rethink his simple understanding about God’s sovereign
interaction with His people. The type of wisdom Job come to embrace was not
dependent merely on the promise of reward or punishment. The long, peevish, disputes
between Job and his accusers were attempts to reconcile the perceived inequities
of God’s retribution in Job’s experiences. Such an empirical method is
dangerous. In the end, God offered no explanation to Job, but rather called all
parties to a deeper level of trust in the Creator, who rules over a
sin-confused world with power and authority directed by perfect wisdom and
mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxMZXMVzlrY/WSGOCbzj6kI/AAAAAAAAFs0/UJnZcwW4KlcnOHL-_R1SXbKl9_oUbSz7wCLcB/s1600/Job%2B42a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxMZXMVzlrY/WSGOCbzj6kI/AAAAAAAAFs0/UJnZcwW4KlcnOHL-_R1SXbKl9_oUbSz7wCLcB/s200/Job%2B42a.jpg" width="170" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Understanding this book requires 1) understanding the
nature of wisdom, particularly the difference between man’s wisdom and God’s
and 2) admitting that Job and his friends lacked the divine wisdom to interpret
Job’s circumstance accurately, though his friends kept trying while Job learned
to be content in God’s sovereignty and mercy. The turning point or resolution
for this matter is found in Job 28 where the character of divine wisdom is
explained: divine wisdom rare and priceless; man cannot hope to purchase it;
and God possesses it all. We may not know what is going on in heaven or what
God’s purposes are, but we must trust Him. Because of this, the matter of
believers suffering takes a back seat to the matter of divine wisdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.5in;">The Dilemma
(1:1-2:13)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Introduction
to Job (1:1-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Divine Debates
with Satan (1:6-2:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Arrival of
Friends (2:11-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> II. The Debates
(3:1-37:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The First
Cycle (3:-14:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s first
speech expresses despair (3:1-26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Eliphaz’s
first speech kindly protests and urges humility and repentance (4:1-5:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s reply to
Eliphaz expresses anguish and questions the trials, asking for sympathy in his
pain (6:1-7:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Bildad’s first
speech accuses Job of impugning God (8:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Bildad admits he is not perfect, but may protest what seems unfair
(9:1-10:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Zophar’s first
speech tells Job to get right with God (11:1-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Zophar tells his friends they are wrong and only God knows and will,
hopefully, speak to him (12:1-14:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Second
Cycle (15:1-21:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Eliphaz’s
second speech accuses Job of presumption and disregarding the wisdom of the
ancients (15:1-35)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Eliphaz appeals to God against his unjust accusers (16:1-17:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Bildad’s
second speech tells Job he is suffering just what he deserves (18:1-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Bildad cries out to God for pity (19:1-29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Zophar’s second
speech accuses Job of rejecting God by questioning His justice (20:1-29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Zophar says he is out of touch with reality (21:1-34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Third
Cycle (22:1-26:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Eliphaz’s
third speech denounces Job’s criticism of God’s justice (22:1-30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Eliphaz is that God knows he is without guilt, and yet in His providence and
refining purpose He permits temporary success for the wicked (23:1-24:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Bildad’s third
speech scoffs at Job’s direct appeal to God (25:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s response
to Bildad is that God is indeed perfectly wise and absolutely sovereign, but
not simplistic as they thought (26:1-14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Final
Defense of Job (27:1-31:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s first
monologue affirms his righteousness and that man can’t discover God’s wisdom
(27:1-28:28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s second
monologue remembers his past, describes his present, defends his innocence, and
asks for God to defend him (29:1-31:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Speeches
of Elihu (32:1-37:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Elihu enters
into the debate to break the impasse (32:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Elihu charges
Job with presumption in criticizing God, not recognizing that God may have a
loving purpose, even in allowing Job to suffer (33:1-33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Elihu declares
that Job has impugned God’s integrity by claiming that it does not pay to lead
a godly life (34:1-37)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Elihu urges
Job to wait patiently for the Lord (35:1-16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Elihu believes
that God is disciplining Job (36:1-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Elihu urges that
human observers can hardly expect to understand adequately God’s dealings in
administering justice and mercy (36:22-37:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> III.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The
Deliverance (38:1-42:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">God
interrogates Job (38:1-41:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">God’s first
response to Job (38:1-40:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job’s answer
to God (40:3-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">God’s second
response to Job (406-41:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job Confesses,
Worships, and is Vindicated (42:1-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Job passes
judgment upon himself (42:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">God rebukes
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar (42:7-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">God restores
Job’s family, wealth, and long life (42:10-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11.0pt;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles,
Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-27265556135742281552017-04-08T10:14:00.002-07:002017-04-19T14:15:38.831-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Book of Amos, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhuK_3oW9Lk/WOkXwd0PYpI/AAAAAAAAFrk/THOjRlR6vJs633HfrA4hFlrFI3-uHCQHQCLcB/s1600/The%2BBook%2Bof%2BAmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhuK_3oW9Lk/WOkXwd0PYpI/AAAAAAAAFrk/THOjRlR6vJs633HfrA4hFlrFI3-uHCQHQCLcB/s1600/The%2BBook%2Bof%2BAmos.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At this point, things are really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good </i>for the Kingdom of Israel. Amos prophesied during a time of
great prosperity, notable religious piety, and apparent security. But the good
times are limited only to the rich who have total disregard for the poor. They
go on living without the slightest compassion or alacrity toward God’s Word. Amos
also saw that justice and righteousness was a privilege only the wealthy
enjoyed. Furthermore, disobedience toward God was manifested by insincere
religious observance. Apparently, these compounded sins are the final straw and
the Lord has had enough of His people’s utter wickedness. So, the prophet Amos
has been personally called upon by God to warn Israel and the nations that God
is bringing total ruin upon Israel. Interestingly, though Amos is a Minor Prophet
(by book size), his is the most detailed and graphic from beginning to end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtj_jnFge0s/WOkXwYgX3jI/AAAAAAAAFrw/pTywGZEcKaQBnsbHLVulXpF-wNrYiSrsgCEw/s1600/Amos-GettyImages-90115339-56a14a255f9b58b7d0bddd7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtj_jnFge0s/WOkXwYgX3jI/AAAAAAAAFrw/pTywGZEcKaQBnsbHLVulXpF-wNrYiSrsgCEw/s320/Amos-GettyImages-90115339-56a14a255f9b58b7d0bddd7b.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As with each Minor Prophet, the title comes from the name
of the prophet to whom God gave His message (Amos 1:1). Amos’ name means “burden”
or “burden-bearer.” He is not to be confused with Amoz (“stout, strong”), the
father of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amos was from Tekoah, a small village 10 miles South of
Jerusalem. He was the only prophet to give his occupation before declaring his
divine commission. He was not of priestly or noble descent, but worked as a “sheepherder”
(Amos 1:1; ref. 2 Kings 3:4) and a “grower of sycamore figs” (Amos 7:14), and
was a contemporary of Jonah (2 Kings 14:25), Hosea (Hosea 1:1), and Isaiah
(Isaiah 1:1). The date of writing is mid-eighth century B.C., during the reigns
of Uzziah, king of Judah (ca. 790-739 B.C.) and Jeroboam II, king of Israel (ca.
793-753 B.C.), two years before a memorable earthquake (Amos 1:1; ref. Zechariah
14:5).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Settings</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yY617McWjI/WOkXwi2GYwI/AAAAAAAAFrw/lZ76kn-M1sMgN6_7ri9VU5uHIDLvxHTuACEw/s1600/thumb.php.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yY617McWjI/WOkXwi2GYwI/AAAAAAAAFrw/lZ76kn-M1sMgN6_7ri9VU5uHIDLvxHTuACEw/s320/thumb.php.png" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amos was a Judean prophet called to deliver a message
primarily to the northern tribes of Israel (7:15). Politically, it was a time
of prosperity under the long and secure reign of Jeroboam II who, following the
example of his father Joash (2 Kings 13:25), significantly “restored the border
of Israel” (2 Kings 14:25). It was also a time of peace with both Judah (Amos
5:5) and their more distant neighbors; the ever-present menace of Assyria was
subdued, possibly because of Ninevah’s repentance at the preaching of Jonah
(Johan 3:10). Spiritually, however, it was a time of rampant corruption and
moral decay (Amos 4:1; 5:10-13; 2 Kings 14:24).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amos addresses Israel’s two primary sins: 1) an absence
of true worship, and 2) a lack of justice. Amid their ritualistic performance
of worship, they were not pursuing the Lord with their hearts (Amos 4:4, 5;
5:4-6), nor following His standard of justice with their neighbors (5:10-13; 6:12).
This apostasy, evidenced by continual, willful rejection of the prophetic
message of Amos, is promised divine judgment. Because of His covenant, however,
the Lord will not abandon Israel altogether, but will bring future restoration to
the righteous remnant (Amos 9:7-15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KtoFI0Nk7Q/WOkXwXmGnII/AAAAAAAAFrw/-PwPv9Hjk5cUw2pzPXpzg1G-pr7QkG1sACEw/s1600/plumb%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KtoFI0Nk7Q/WOkXwXmGnII/AAAAAAAAFrw/-PwPv9Hjk5cUw2pzPXpzg1G-pr7QkG1sACEw/s320/plumb%2Bline.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Amos 9:11, the Lord promised that He “will raise up
the fallen booth of David.” At the Jerusalem Council, convened to discuss
whether Gentiles should be allowed into the church without requiring
circumcision, James quotes this passage (Acts 15:15,16) to support Peter’s
report of how God had taken “from among the Gentiles a people for His name”
(Acts 15:14). Some have thus concluded that the passage was fulfilled in Jesus,
the greater Son of David, through whom the dynasty of David was reestablished.
The Acts reference, however, is best seen as an illustration of Amos’ words and
not the fulfillment. The temporal allusions to a future time (“In that day,” Amos
9:11), when Israel will “possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations” (Amos
9:12), when the Lord will “plant them on their land, and they will not again be
rooted out from their land which I have given them” (Amos 9:15), all make it
clear that the prophet is speaking of Messiah’s return at the Second Advent to
sit upon the throne of David (ref Isaiah 9:7), not the establishment of the
church by the apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I.
Judgments Against the Nations (1:1-2:16)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> A.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">Introduction
(1:1,2)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Against Israel’s
Enemies (1:3-2:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Against Judah
(2:4,5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Against Israel
(2:6-16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II. Condemnations Against Israel (3:1-6:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Sin of
Irresponsibility (3:1-15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Sin of
Idolatry (4:1-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Sin of
Moral/Ethical Decay (5:1-6:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III. Visions of Judgment and Restoration (7:1-9:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Lord Will
Spare (7:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Vision of
locusts (7:1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Vision of fire
(7:4-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Lord Will
No Longer Spare (7:7-9:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Vision of the
plumb line (7:7-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical
interlude (7:10-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Vision of the
fruit basket (8:1-14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Vision of the
altar (9:1-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in 198.15pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Lord Will
Restore (9:11-15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles,
Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-83736784404917161582017-03-15T16:57:00.000-07:002017-04-19T14:15:50.083-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The Book of Joel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOW4pX_9erU/WMnUQ1CSj7I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/BxcsTprgCUcfCYhXV6HMSeIKa7x6oEMcACLcB/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BJoel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOW4pX_9erU/WMnUQ1CSj7I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/BxcsTprgCUcfCYhXV6HMSeIKa7x6oEMcACLcB/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BJoel.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This prophecy from the somewhat obscure prophet, Joel,
describes a terrible agricultural disaster and resulting economic collapse, all
alluding to a time when God will carry out total punishment to those who oppose
Him. Joel describes a terrible invasion of locusts and a devastating drought in
Palestine. In these events, he sees a sign of the coming day of the Lord, a
time when the Lord punishes, but also calls to His people to repent. With
repentance comes the promise of restoration and blessing for the people of God.
Noteworthy is the promise that God will send His Spirit upon all people, men
and women, young, and old alike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Greek Septuagint (LXX) and Latin Vulgate (Vg.)
versions follow the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT), titling this book after Joel
the prophet, the recipient of the message from God (1:1). The name means “the
Lord is God” and refers to at least a dozen men in the OT. Joel is referred to
only once in the New Testament in Acts 2:16-21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXBa4EBXrH8/WMnRlZal2wI/AAAAAAAAFqE/Jr4rogiDTCIr02e3sSzgiUfVyORgn81_QCLcB/s1600/Locusts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXBa4EBXrH8/WMnRlZal2wI/AAAAAAAAFqE/Jr4rogiDTCIr02e3sSzgiUfVyORgn81_QCLcB/s1600/Locusts.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The author identified himself only as “Joel, the son of
Pethuel” (1:1). The prophecy provides little else about the man. Even the name
of his father is not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. Although he
displayed a profound zeal for the temple sacrifices (1:9, 2:13-16), his
familiarity with pastoral and agricultural life and his separation from the
priests (1:13, 14; 2:17) suggest he is not a Levite. Extrabiblical tradition
records that he was from the tribe of Reuben, from the town of Bethom or
Beth-haram, located NE or the Dead Sea on the border of Reuben and Gad. The
context of the prophecy, however, hints that he was a Judean from the Jerusalem
vicinity, since the tone of a stranger is absent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dating the book relies solely on canonical position,
historical allusions, and linguistic elements. Because of: 1) the lack of any
mention of later world powers (Assyria, Babylon, or Persia); 2) the fact that
Joel’s style is like that of Hosea and Amos rather than of the post-Exilic
prophets; and 3) the verbal parallels with other early prophets (Joel 3:16/Amos
1:2; Joel 3:18/Amos 9:13), a late ninth century B.C. date, during the reign of
Joash (ca. 835-796 B.C.), seems most convincing. Nevertheless, while the date
of the book cannot be known with certainty, the impact on its interpretation is
minimal. The message of Joel is timeless, forming doctrine which could be
repeated and applied in any age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Settings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia had made frequent military
incursions into Israel (3:2ff.). An extended drought and massive invasion of
locusts had stripped every green thing from the Land and brought severe
economic devastation (1:7-20), leaving the southern kingdom week. This physical
disaster gives Joel the illustration for God’s judgment. As the locusts were a
judgment on sin, God’s future judgments during the Day of the Lord will far
exceed them. In that day, God will judge His enemies and bless the faithful. No
mention is made of specific sins, nor is Judah rebuked for idolatry. Yet,
possibly due to a calloused indifference, the prophet calls them to a bona fide
repentance, admonishing them to “rend your heart and not your garments” (2:13).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTlh7z3NgQA/WMnUQ4ceKgI/AAAAAAAAFqU/_ZcKH8mZ_xo0NMiqNzVwHjUSj165ya_oQCLcB/s1600/Joel_Day%2Bof%2Bthe%2BLord.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTlh7z3NgQA/WMnUQ4ceKgI/AAAAAAAAFqU/_ZcKH8mZ_xo0NMiqNzVwHjUSj165ya_oQCLcB/s320/Joel_Day%2Bof%2Bthe%2BLord.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The theme of Joel is the Day of the Lord. It permeates
all parts of Joel’s message, making it the most sustained treatment in the
entire Old Testament (1:15; 2:1; 2:11; 2:31; 3:14). The phrase is employed 19
times by 8 different Old Testament authors (Is 2:12; 13:6,9; Eze 13:5; 30:3;
Joel 1:15; 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Am 5:18 [2x], 20; Ob 15; Zeph 1:7,14 [2x]; Zec
14:1; Mal 4:5). The phrase does not have reference to a chronological time
period, but to a general period of wrath and judgment uniquely belonging to the
Lord. It is exclusively the day which unveils His character–mighty, powerful,
and holy, thus terrifying His enemies. The Day of the Lord does not always refer
to an eschatological event; on occasion it has a near historical fulfillment,
as seen in Ezekiel 13:5, where it speaks of the Babylonian conquest and
destruction of Jerusalem. As is common in prophecy, the near fulfillment is a
historic event upon which to comprehend the more distant, eschatological
fulfillment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Day of the Lord is frequently associated with seismic
disturbances (e.g., 2:1-11; 2:31; 3:16), violent weather (Eze 15:5ff.), clouds
of thick darkness (e.g., 2:2; Zep 1:7ff.), cosmic upheaval (2:3, 30), and as a “great
and very awesome” (2:11) day that would “come as destruction from the Almighty”
(1:15). The latter half of Joel depicts time immediately prior to and
subsequent to the Day of the Lord in terms of promise and hope. There will be a
pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh, accompanied by prophetic utterances,
dreams, visions (2:28,29), as well as the coming of Elijah, an epiphany
bringing restoration and hope (Mal 4:5,6). As a result of the Day of the Lord
there will be physical blessings, fruitfulness, and prosperity (2:21ff.;
3:16-21). It is a day when judgment is poured out on sinners that subsequently
leads to blessings on the penitent, and reaffirmation of God’s covenant with
His people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN259ZD6b8w/WMnRlATrsRI/AAAAAAAAFp8/u3VymvIbO68iwZSGvJno4LqbfTDX5gXzACLcB/s1600/Holy%2BSpirit%2BPoured%2BOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN259ZD6b8w/WMnRlATrsRI/AAAAAAAAFp8/u3VymvIbO68iwZSGvJno4LqbfTDX5gXzACLcB/s320/Holy%2BSpirit%2BPoured%2BOut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is preferable to view chap. 1 as describing an actual
invasion of locusts that devastated the Land. In chap. 2, a new level of
description meets the interpreter. Here the prophet is projecting something beyond
the locust plague of chapter 1, elevating the level of description to new
heights, with increased intensity that is focused on the plague and the
immediate necessity for true repentance. The prophet’s choice of similes, such
as “like the appearance of horses” (2:4) and “like mighty men” (2:7), suggests
that he is still using the actual locusts to illustrate an invasion which can
only be the massive overtaking of the final Day of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A second issue confronting the interpreter is Peter’s
quotation from Joel 2:28-32 in Acts 2:16-21. Some have viewed the phenomena of
Acts 2 and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 as the fulfillment of the
Joel passage, while others have reserved its fulfillment to the final Day of the
Lord only – but clearly Joel is referring to the final terrible Day of the Lord.
The pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was not a fulfillment, but a
preview and sample of the Spirit’s power and work to be released fully in the
Messiah’s kingdom after the Day of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following 1:1, the contents of the
book are arranged under 3 basic categories. In the first section (1:2-20) the
prophet describes the contemporary Day of the Lord. The land is suffering
massive devastation caused by a locust plague and drought. The details of the
calamity (1:2-12) are followed by a summons to communal penitence and
reformation (1:13-20).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The second section (2:1-17) provides
a transition from the historical plague of locusts described in chapter 1 to
the eschatological Day of the Lord in 2:18-3:21. Employing the contemporary
infestation of locusts as a backdrop, the prophet, with an increased level of
intensity, paints a vivid and forceful picture of the impending visitation of
the Lord (2:1-11) and, with powerful and explicit terminology, tenaciously
renews the appeal for repentance (2:12-17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geJBbuhBf-c/WMnRlI2u-ZI/AAAAAAAAFqA/3h5PGisjvnwbmUsUD2xgJ4KtEQK5YPXzgCLcB/s1600/Joel_Sound%2Bthe%2Btrumpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geJBbuhBf-c/WMnRlI2u-ZI/AAAAAAAAFqA/3h5PGisjvnwbmUsUD2xgJ4KtEQK5YPXzgCLcB/s1600/Joel_Sound%2Bthe%2Btrumpet.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the third section (2:18-3:21),
the Lord speaks directly, assuring people of His presence among them (2:27;
3:17,21). This portion of the book assumes that he repentance solicited
(2:12-17) had occurred and describes the Lord’s zealous response (2:18,19a) to
their prayer. Joel 2:18-20 forms the transition in the message from lamentation
and woe to divine assurances of God’s presence and the reversal of the
calamities, with 2:19b,20 introducing the essence and nature of that reversal.
The Lord then gives 3 promises to assure the penitents of His presence:
material restoration through the divine healing of their land (2:21-27),
spiritual restoration through the divine outpouring of His Spirit (2:28-32), and
national restoration through the divine judgment on the unrighteous (3:1-21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Day of the Lord Experienced: Historical
(1:1-20)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> A.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-indent: -0.25in;">Source of the
Message (1:1)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Command and
Contemplate the Devastation (1:2-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Completeness
of the Devastation (1:5-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Call to Repent
in Light of the Devastation (1:13-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.
Day of the Lord Illustrated: Transitional (2:1-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Alarm Sounds
(2:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Army Invades
(2:2-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Admonition to
Repent (2:12-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III.
Day of the Lord Described: Eschatological (2:18-3:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Introduction
(2:18-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Material
Restoration (2:21-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Spiritual
Restoration (2:28-32)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">National
Restoration (3:1-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11.0pt;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles,
Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-516970426819076662016-09-02T08:30:00.002-07:002017-04-19T14:15:59.017-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ho" target="_blank">The Book of Hosea</a>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qo8gctzcEbs/V8mXIwHFi-I/AAAAAAAAFjw/yzHiJQ12wk0cIgtnFliVKVqz1tOxZkr3QCLcB/s1600/hosea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qo8gctzcEbs/V8mXIwHFi-I/AAAAAAAAFjw/yzHiJQ12wk0cIgtnFliVKVqz1tOxZkr3QCLcB/s1600/hosea.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8Kom5ZsoNs/V8mXIkGmZmI/AAAAAAAAFjo/H3isnlQHZdo4YfzRi5J9DYxDaalMVCzygCLcB/s1600/HoseaandGomer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8Kom5ZsoNs/V8mXIkGmZmI/AAAAAAAAFjo/H3isnlQHZdo4YfzRi5J9DYxDaalMVCzygCLcB/s200/HoseaandGomer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The account of Hosea is a story of amazing love.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">There’s a great movie with that title and it
vividly portrays the picture of the lover, Hosea, who much like God is pursuing
a woman who does not want to remain faithful.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The unfaithful woman of course, in this series of </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">minor</i><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> prophets is a real-life analogy of Israel.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">But the brilliance of this story is that the lover never gives up and keeps looking for and wooing his bride,
until he finds her in a market, ready to be sold as a slave by cruel men.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Hosea buys her back. This dramatizes the way in which God would eventually restore Israel, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">and “Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days.” God</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> ultimately offererd salvation and fullness to the whole world and continues to do so to this very day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The title is derived from the main character of the
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meaning of his name is, “salvation,”
is the same as that of Joshua (cf. Nu 13:8,16) and Jesus (Mt 1:21). Hosea is
the first of the 12 Minor Prophets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Minor”
refers to the brevity of the prophecies, as compared to the length of the works
of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTo96KCNeAo/V8mZv9w3tkI/AAAAAAAAFkA/6cKRxHOVU5kjewx9lvWksRiiJcl7hYROgCLcB/s1600/Map_-_Jeroboam2_and_Uzziah.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTo96KCNeAo/V8mZv9w3tkI/AAAAAAAAFkA/6cKRxHOVU5kjewx9lvWksRiiJcl7hYROgCLcB/s400/Map_-_Jeroboam2_and_Uzziah.png" width="362" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book of Hosea is the sole source of information about
the author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little is known about him,
and even less about his father, Beeri (1:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hosea was probably a native of the northern kingdom of Israel, since he
shows familiarity with the history, circumstances, and topography of the north
(cf. 4:15; 5:1, 13; 6:8,9; 10:5; 12:11,12; 14:6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would make him and Jonah the only writing
prophets from the northern kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although he addressed both Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern
kingdom), he identified the king of Israel as “our king” (7:5).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosea had a lengthy period of ministry, prophesying ca.
755-710 B.C., during the reigns of Uzziah (790-739 B.C.), Jotham (750-731
B.C.), Ahaz (746-715 B.C.), and Hezekiah (715-686 B.C.) in Judah, and Jeroboam
II (793-753 B.C.) in Israel (1:1). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
long career spanned the last 6 kings of Israel from Zechariah (753-752 B.C.) to
Hoshea (732-722 B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overthrow of
Zechariah (the last o the dynasty of Jehu) in 752 B.C. is depicted as yet
future (1:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus he followed Amos’
preaching in the north, and was a contemporary of Isaiah and Micah as well,
both of whom prophesied in Judah. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second
Kings 14-20 and 2 Chronicles 26-32 record the historical period of Hosea’s
ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Settings</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRO5jCJAa-A/V8mXI0sr8_I/AAAAAAAAFjs/8SJTPMsOdQ0J-WS7YcY0ZP6YkxP3-t74QCLcB/s1600/baal-worship_Anything%2Bbut%2BYahweh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRO5jCJAa-A/V8mXI0sr8_I/AAAAAAAAFjs/8SJTPMsOdQ0J-WS7YcY0ZP6YkxP3-t74QCLcB/s320/baal-worship_Anything%2Bbut%2BYahweh.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hosea began his ministry to Israel (also called Ephraim,
after its largest tribe) during the final days of Jeroboam II, under whose
guidance Israel was enjoying both political peace and material prosperity as
well as moral corruption and spiritual bankruptcy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon Jeroboam II’s death (753 B.C.), however,
anarchy prevailed and Israel declined rapidly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Until her overthrow by Assyria 30 years later, of Israel’s 6 kings were
assassinated by their successors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prophesying during the days surrounding the fall of Samaria, Hosea
focuses on Israel’s moral waywardness (cf. the book of Amos) and her breach of
the covenantal relationship with the Lord, announcing that judgment was
imminent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Circumstances were not much better in the southern
kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usurping the priestly function,
Uzziah had been struck with leprosy (2Ch 26:16-21); Jotham condoned idolatrous
practices, opening the way for Ahaz to encourage Baal worship (2Ch 27:1-28:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hezekiah’s revival served only to slow Judah’s
acceleration toward a fate similar to that of her northern sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weak kings on both sides of the border
repeatedly sought out alliances with their heathen neighbors (7:11; cf. 2Ki
15:19; 16:7) rather than seeking the Lord’s help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyp2_i0BYdE/V8mXJ_R9W3I/AAAAAAAAFj0/pRrL-cr-S_kft0YE7yYy7aVRjLfSQ83HwCLcB/s1600/Gomer%2Bbought%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyp2_i0BYdE/V8mXJ_R9W3I/AAAAAAAAFj0/pRrL-cr-S_kft0YE7yYy7aVRjLfSQ83HwCLcB/s320/Gomer%2Bbought%2Bback.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Hosea’s
theme is God’s loyal love for His covenant people, Israel, in spite of their
idolatry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus Hosea has been called the
St. John (the apostle of love) of the OT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord’s true love for His people is unending and will tolerate no
rival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hosea’s message contains much
condemnation, both national and individual, but at the same time, he poignantly
portrays the love of God toward His people with passionate emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hosea was instructed by God to marry a
certain woman, and experience with her a domestic life which was a
dramatization of the sin and unfaithfulness of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The marital life of Hosea and his wife,
Gomer, provide the rich metaphor which clarifies the themes of the book: sin,
judgment, and forgiving love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That the faithless wife, Gomer, is symbolic of faithless
Israel is without doubt; but questions remain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First, some suggest that the marital scene in chaps. 1-3 should be taken
only as allegory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is
nothing in the narrative, presented in simple prose, which would even question
its literal occurrence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of its
impact would be lost if not literal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When non-literal elements within the book are introduced, they are
prefaced with “saw” (5:13; 9:10,13), the normal Hebraic means of introducing
non-literal scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, there
is no account of a prophet ever making himself the subject of an allegory or
parable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Second, what are the moral implications of God’s command
for Hosea to marry a prostitute?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
appears best to see Gomer as chaste at the time of marriage to Hosea, only
later having become an immoral woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The words “take yourself a wife of harlotry” are to be understood
proleptically, i.e., looking to the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An immoral woman could not serve as a picture of Israel coming out of
Egypt (2:15; 9:10), who then later wandered away from God (11:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chapter 3 describes Hosea taking back his
wife, who had been rejected because of adultery, a rejection that was unjustifiable
if Hosea had married a prostitute with full knowledge of her character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-xCECSxGtQ/V8mXIgElXkI/AAAAAAAAFjk/KHWZHBOMzyUoKtQdDWV6zIFRog0MdwCZQCLcB/s1600/Israel%2BBought%2BBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-xCECSxGtQ/V8mXIgElXkI/AAAAAAAAFjk/KHWZHBOMzyUoKtQdDWV6zIFRog0MdwCZQCLcB/s320/Israel%2BBought%2BBack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A third question arises concerning the relationship
between chap. 1 and chap. 3 and whether the woman of chap. 3 is Gomer or
another woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a number of
factors which suggest that the woman of chap. 3 is Gomer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1:2, God’s command is to “Go, take;” in
3:1, however, His command is to “Go again, love,” suggesting that Hosea’s love
was to be renewed to the same woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Furthermore, within the analogy of chap. 1, Gomer represents
Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As God renews His love toward faithless
Israel, so Hosea is to renew his love toward faithless Gomer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Hos. 3 to denote a different woman would
confuse the analogy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adulterous Wife and Faithful Husband
(1:1-3:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hosea and Gomer (1:1-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
and Israel (1:10-2:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both Parties Reconciled (3:1-5)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adulterous Israel and Faithful Lord
(4:1-14:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adulterous Israel Found Guilty (4:1-6:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adulterous Israel Put Away (6:4-10:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 198.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adulterous
Israel Restored to the Lord (11:1-14:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles,
Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span>Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-36053043129761529752016-07-22T10:12:00.003-07:002017-04-19T14:16:10.417-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Da" target="_blank">The Book of Daniel</a>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8UhSYzloeo/V5JQopuDR0I/AAAAAAAAFhM/OQHRKIJlvY4T0XPTL6UYD3sF_Mr6qX1yACLcB/s1600/The%2BBook%2Bof%2BDaniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8UhSYzloeo/V5JQopuDR0I/AAAAAAAAFhM/OQHRKIJlvY4T0XPTL6UYD3sF_Mr6qX1yACLcB/s400/The%2BBook%2Bof%2BDaniel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Daniel is an incredible & genuinely inspiring figure
writing at an extraordinary time in Israel’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Israel’s captivity, persecution, and
oppression continues under the pagan reign of Nebuchadnezzar and his
cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Utilizing epic visions and
stories and accounts such as the three in the fire pit and the writing on the
wall, Daniel encourages the people of his time with the hope that God will
bring the tyrant down and restore sovereignty to God’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last chapter (12), Daniel details the
end of times that will bring about the total rapture of God’s dead and living
followers, followed by awful horrors of the destruction of the wicked, and the
long anticipated and longed-for sovereign reign of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfBiF5zeuqQ/V5JQoheuIOI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/8aMnY7bgRcAqesFglgzaCawy394Qevl_gCLcB/s1600/MesShaAbe_Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfBiF5zeuqQ/V5JQoheuIOI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/8aMnY7bgRcAqesFglgzaCawy394Qevl_gCLcB/s320/MesShaAbe_Fire.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>According to Hebrew custom, the title is drawn from the
prophet who throughout the book received revelations from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel bridges the entire 70 years of the
Babylonian captivity (ca. 605-536 B.C.; cf. 1:1 and 9:1-3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nine of the 12 chapters relate revelation
through dreams and visions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel was
God’s mouthpiece to the Gentile and Jewish world, declaring God’s current and
future plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Revelation is to the
NT prophetically and apocalyptically, Daniel is to the OT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several verses indicate that the writer is Daniel
(8:15,27; 9:2; 10:2,7; 12:4,5), whose name means “God is my judge.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote in the autobiographical first person
from 7:2 onward, and is to be distinguished from the other 3 Daniel of the OT
(cf. 1Ch 3:1; Ezr 8:2; Ne 10:6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
teenager, possibly about 15 years old, Daniel was kidnapped from his noble
family in Judah and deported to Babylon to be brainwashed into Babylonian
culture for the task of assisting in dealing with the imported Jews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he spent the remainder of a long life
(85 years or more).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made the most of
the exile, successfully exalting God by his character and service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly rose to the role of statesman by
official and royal appointment and served as a confidante of kings as well as a
prophet in two world empires, i.e., the Babylonian (2:48) and the Medo-Persian
(6:1,2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ confirmed Daniel as the
author of this book (cf. Mt 24:15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95wQTIN1L00/V5JQoCZDRQI/AAAAAAAAFg8/7wj2LfeJsLYarNfzP8n7hc_UtSj9k4KnQCLcB/s1600/Daniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95wQTIN1L00/V5JQoCZDRQI/AAAAAAAAFg8/7wj2LfeJsLYarNfzP8n7hc_UtSj9k4KnQCLcB/s1600/Daniel.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Daniel lived beyond the time described in Daniel 10:1
(ca. 536 B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems most probable
that he wrote the book shortly after this date but before ca. 530 B.C. Daniel
2:4b-7:28, which prophetically describes the course of Gentile world history,
was originally and appropriately written in Aramaic, the contemporary language
of international business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezekiel,
Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah were Daniel’s prophetic contemporaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Setting</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book begins in 605 B.C. when Babylon conquered
Jerusalem and exiled Daniel, his 3 friends, and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It continues to the eventual demise of
Babylonian supremacy in 539 B.C., when Medo-Persian besiegers conquered Babylon
(5:30,31), and goes even beyond that to 536 B.C. (10:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Daniel was transported to Babylon, the
Babylonian victors conquered Jerusalem in two further stages (597 B.C. and 586
B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In both takeovers, they deported
more Jewish captives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel
passionately remembered his home, particularly the temple at Jerusalem, almost
70 years after having been taken away from it (6:10).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO08wl82HM/V5JQoR8pPxI/AAAAAAAAFhI/Y8wfYxA_g3sllit5P2AsFJaBvNZHgn-ugCLcB/s1600/Lions%2BDen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO08wl82HM/V5JQoR8pPxI/AAAAAAAAFhI/Y8wfYxA_g3sllit5P2AsFJaBvNZHgn-ugCLcB/s320/Lions%2BDen.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Daniel’s background is alluded to in part by Jeremiah,
who names 3 of the last 5 kings in Judah before captivity (cf. Jer 1:1-3):
Josiah (ca. 641-609 B.C.), Jehoiakim (ca. 609-597 B.C.) and Zedekiah (597-586
B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jehoahaz (ca. 609 B.C.) and Jehoiachin
(ca. 598-597 B.C.) are not mentioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daniel is also mentioned by Ezekiel (cf. 14:14, 20; 28:3) as being
righteous and wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is alluded to by
the writer of Hebrews as one of “…the prophets: who by faith…shut the mouths of
lions” (Heb 11:32,33).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The long-continued sin of the Judeans without national
repentance eventually led to God’s judgment for which Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and
Zephaniah had given fair warning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Earlier, Isaiah and other faithful prophets of God had also trumpeted
the danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Assyrian power had
ebbed by 625 B.C., the Neo-Babylonians conquered: 1) Assyria with its capital
Ninevah in 612 B.C.; 2) Egypt in the following years; and 3) Judah in 605 B.C.
when they overthrew Jerusalem in the first of 3 steps (also 597 B.C., 586
B.C.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel was one of the first
groups of deportees, and Ezekiel followed in 597 B.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0X9sVx5Vx0/V5JQoBU2mOI/AAAAAAAAFhA/b3QPrMJEBGgtt2_N40RgFbhO4-SdK9LfQCLcB/s1600/Daniel%2BDoesnt%2BStop%2BPraising%2BGod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0X9sVx5Vx0/V5JQoBU2mOI/AAAAAAAAFhA/b3QPrMJEBGgtt2_N40RgFbhO4-SdK9LfQCLcB/s320/Daniel%2BDoesnt%2BStop%2BPraising%2BGod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHURCfXKzEM/V5JQoXjCM6I/AAAAAAAAFhE/hgqMk3yfpiY6gviWl-QzIiDJJNqanBWzQCLcB/s1600/MeneTekelperes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHURCfXKzEM/V5JQoXjCM6I/AAAAAAAAFhE/hgqMk3yfpiY6gviWl-QzIiDJJNqanBWzQCLcB/s320/MeneTekelperes.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Israel of the northern kingdom had earlier fallen to
Assyria in 722 B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Judah’s
captivity, the judgment was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Babylon, Daniel received God’s word concerning successive stages of Gentile
world domination through the centuries until the greatest Conqueror, Messiah,
would put down all Gentile lordship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
then will defeat all foes and raise His covenant people to blessing in His
glorious millennial kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFkHa-jklZM/V5JRpkAU5CI/AAAAAAAAFhc/mVz4wL1bMcwObiKXnbp7yR6kh90UNkWsQCLcB/s1600/William_Blake_-_Nebuchadnezzar_-_WGA02216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Daniel was written to encourage the exiled Jews by
revealing God’s program for them, both during and after the time of Gentile
power in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prominent above
every other theme in the book is God’s sovereign control over the affairs of
all rulers and nations, and their final replacement with the True King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key verses are 2:20-22,44 (cf. 2:28,27;
4:34-46; 6:25-27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had not suffered
defeat in allowing Israel’s fall (Da 1), but was providentially working His
sure purposes toward an eventual display of His King, the exalted Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sovereignly allowed Gentiles to dominate
Israel, i.e., Babylon (605-539 B.C.), Medo-Persia (539-331 B.C.), Greece
(331-146 B.C.), Rome (146 B.C.-A.D. 476 A.D.), and all the way to the Second
Advent of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These stages in
Gentile power are set forth in the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup>
chapters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This same theme also embraces
Israel’s experience both in defeat and finally in her kingdom blessing in
chapters 8-12 (cf. 2:35,45; 7:27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A key
aspect within the over-arching theme of God’s kingly control is Messiah’s
coming to rule the world in glory over all men (2:35,45; 7:13,14,27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is like a stone in chapter two, and like a
son of man in chapter seven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition, He is the Annointed One (Messiah) in chapter 9:26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chapter 9 provides the chronological
framework for Daniel’s time to Christ’s kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFkHa-jklZM/V5JRpkAU5CI/AAAAAAAAFhc/KyXVk5JGtWs2ARsENV2uFJTYIFh4v7nPACEw/s1600/William_Blake_-_Nebuchadnezzar_-_WGA02216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFkHa-jklZM/V5JRpkAU5CI/AAAAAAAAFhc/KyXVk5JGtWs2ARsENV2uFJTYIFh4v7nPACEw/s320/William_Blake_-_Nebuchadnezzar_-_WGA02216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A second theme woven into the fabric of Daniel is the
display of God’s sovereign power through miracles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel’s era is one of 6 in the Bible with a
major focus on miracles by which God accomplished His purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other periods include: 1) the Creation and
Flood (Ge 1-11); 2) the patriarchs and Moses (Ge 12-Dt); 3) Elijah and Elisha
(1Ki 17-2Ki 13); 4) Jesus and the apostles (Gospels, Acts); and 5) the time of
the Second Advent (Revelation).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God, who
was everlasting dominion and ability to work according to His will (4:34,35),
is capable of miracles, all of which would be lesser displays of power than was
exhibited when He acted as Creator in Ge 1:1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daniel chronicles the God-enabled recounting and interpreting of dreams
which God used to reveal His will (chapters 2,4,7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other miracles included: 1) His writing on
the wall and Daniel’s interpreting it (chapter 5); 2) His protection of the 3
men in a blazing furnace (chapter 3); 3) His provision of safety for Daniel in
a lion’s den (chapter 6); and 4) supernatural prophecies (chaps. 2; 7; 8;
9:24-12:13).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZl4SspibjM/V5JQn2oj2oI/AAAAAAAAFg0/pNXj42xODs4x8A0QtSt8Ux23nPI7-vgmACLcB/s1600/Daniel-12_End%2Bof%2BDays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZl4SspibjM/V5JQn2oj2oI/AAAAAAAAFg0/pNXj42xODs4x8A0QtSt8Ux23nPI7-vgmACLcB/s200/Daniel-12_End%2Bof%2BDays.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShLmHCFzDS8/V5JQo2uyTpI/AAAAAAAAFhU/qlTIsHF9AWEZrnefXK8NZUztHmf-BkYYACLcB/s1600/The%2BRapture%2Bin%2BDaniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShLmHCFzDS8/V5JQo2uyTpI/AAAAAAAAFhU/qlTIsHF9AWEZrnefXK8NZUztHmf-BkYYACLcB/s320/The%2BRapture%2Bin%2BDaniel.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQq2bOPXPjQ/V5JQoDUZZbI/AAAAAAAAFg4/ir8wuD94Jok02ketoOi9yQso7nwxNgfdwCLcB/s1600/Daniel%2B8_Ram%2B%2526%2BGoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQq2bOPXPjQ/V5JQoDUZZbI/AAAAAAAAFg4/ir8wuD94Jok02ketoOi9yQso7nwxNgfdwCLcB/s200/Daniel%2B8_Ram%2B%2526%2BGoat.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The main challenges center on interpreting passages about
future tribulation and kingdom promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though the use of Imperial Aramaic and archaeology have confirmed the
early date of writing, some skeptical interpreters, unwilling to acknowledge
supernatural prophecies that came to pass (there are over 100 in chapter 11
alone that were fulfilled), place these details in the intertestamental
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They see these prophecies not as
miraculously foretelling the future, but as simply the observations of a later
writer, who is recording events of his own day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus, they date Daniel in the days of Antiochus IV Ephiphanes (175-164
B.C., chapter 8; 11:21-45).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to
this scheme, the expectation of the Stone and Son of Man (chapters 2,7) turned
out to be a mistaken notion that did not actually come to pass, or the writer
was being intentionally deceptive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually,
a future seven-year judgment period (cf. 7:21,22; 11:36-45; 12:1) and a literal
1,000-year kingdom (cf. Rev 20) after Christ’s second coming when He will reign
over Israelites and Gentiles (7:27) are taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will be an era before and distinct from the final, absolutely
perfect, ultimate state, i.e., the new heaven and the new earth with its
capital, the New Jerusalem (Rev 21,22).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The literal interpretation of prophecy, including Daniel, leads to the
premillennial perspective.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many other aspects of interpretation challenge readers:
e.g., interpreting numbers (1:12,20; 3:19; 9:24-27); identifying the one like a
Son of Man (7:13,14); determining whether to see Antiochus of the past or
Antichrist of the far future in 8:19-23; explaining the “seventy weeks” in
9:24-27; and deciding whether Antiochus of 11:21-35 is still meant in 11:36-45,
or whether it is the future Antichrist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Personal Background of Daniel (1:1-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Conquest
of Jerusalem (1:1,2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Conscription
of Jews for Training (1:3-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Courage of
Four Men in Trial (1:8-16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Choice of
Four Men for Royal Positions (1:17-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Prophetic Course of Gentile Dominion (2:1-7:28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dilemmas
of Nebuchadnezzar (2:1-4:37)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Debauchery
and Demise of Belshazzar (5:1-31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Deliverance
of Daniel (6:1-28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dream of
Daniel (7:1-28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Prophetic Course of Israel’s Destiny
(8:1-12:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prophecy
of the Ram and Male Goat (8:1-12:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prophecy
of the Seventy Weeks (9:1-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prophecy
of Israel’s Humiliation and Restoration (10:1-12:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles,
Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-40608056792473399332016-04-10T16:49:00.001-07:002017-04-19T14:16:20.318-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ez" target="_blank">The Book of Ezekiel</a>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQGK_K1FO1I/VwrkYZhgJ5I/AAAAAAAAFd8/WR82Bq6cMJ0kPIP3QVjN9-fNGA2d8vaLA/s1600/Ezekiel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQGK_K1FO1I/VwrkYZhgJ5I/AAAAAAAAFd8/WR82Bq6cMJ0kPIP3QVjN9-fNGA2d8vaLA/s640/Ezekiel.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Israel is no stranger to exile and bondage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following her Babylonian captivity, we once
again </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">observe the nation of Israel on trial, and God is The Judge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult to defend against the reason
God would allow His people to be taken into captivity, and His
cross-examination of His people is given in full detail as Ezekiel faithfully records
the charges in his book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezekiel’s
message is delivered to those in exile in Babylon and also those remaining in
Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig0dPJ-EsEg/VwrkY6s96qI/AAAAAAAAFeI/PWcp5l4zbikyb-hnpYLHI4qObOxeBopMA/s1600/ezekiel_overlooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig0dPJ-EsEg/VwrkY6s96qI/AAAAAAAAFeI/PWcp5l4zbikyb-hnpYLHI4qObOxeBopMA/s200/ezekiel_overlooking.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book of Ezekiel is divided into six principal
parts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) God’s call to Ezekiel to be a
prophet; 2) Warning to the people about God’s judgment on them and about the
coming fall and destruction of Jerusalem; 3) Messages from the Lord regarding
His judgment upon the various nations that oppressed and misled his people; 4) Comfort
for Israel after the fall of Jerusalem and the promise of a brighter future; 5)
The prophecy against God; and 6) Ezekiel’s picture of a restored Temple and
nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book has always been named for its author, Ezekiel
(1:3; 24:24), who is nowhere else mentioned in Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name means “strengthened by God,” which,
indeed, he was for the prophetic ministry and dramatize the message of God to
His exiled people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBMfrI0TNGg/VwrmcDm1NmI/AAAAAAAAFeY/pgr458Lyt74qeb5FOf3O0HiciEV6Ic7Gw/s1600/Ezekiel-Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If the “thirtieth year” of 1:1 refers to Ezekiel’s age,
he was 25 when taken captive and 30 when called in to ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirty was the age when priests commenced
their office, so it was a notable year for Ezekiel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His ministry began in 593/92 B.C. and
extended to at least 22 years until 571/70 B.C. (cf. 25:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a contemporary of both Jeremiah (who
was about 20 years older) and Daniel (who was the same age), whom he names in
14:14,20; 28:3 as an already well known prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Jeremiah (Jer 1:1) and Zechariah (cf.
Zec 1:1 with Ne 12:16), Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest (1:3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of his priestly background, he was
particularly interested in and familiar with the temple details; so God used
him to write much about them (8:1-11:25; 40:1-47:12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpdABAELDIE/VwrkYXLHuHI/AAAAAAAAFeE/4GzVw3MQF8IAkyK30-UzXUmOi8tHuqKKQ/s1600/Eze_ShimonBrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpdABAELDIE/VwrkYXLHuHI/AAAAAAAAFeE/4GzVw3MQF8IAkyK30-UzXUmOi8tHuqKKQ/s320/Eze_ShimonBrick.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezekiel and his wife (who is mentioned in 24:15-27) were
among 10,000 Jews taken captive to Babylon in 597 B.C. (2Ki 24:11-18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived in Tel-abib (3:15) on the bank of
the Chebar River, probably SE of Babylon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ezekiel writes of his wife’s death in exile (Eze 24:18), but the book
does not mention Ezekiel’s death, which rabbinical tradition suggests occurred
at the hands of an Israelite prince whose idolatry he rebuked around 560 B.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The author received his call to prophesy in 593 B.C.
(1:2), in Babylon (“the land of the Chaldeans”), during the fifth year of King
Jehoiachin’s captivity, which began in 597 B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frequently, Ezekiel dates his prophecies from 597 B.C. (8:1; 20:1; 24:1;
26:1; 29:1; 30:20; 31:1; 32:1, 17; 33:21; 40:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also dates the message in 40:1 as 573/72,
the 14<sup>th</sup> year after 586 B.C., i.e., Jerusalem’s final fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last dated utterance of Ezekiel was in
571/70 B.C. (29:17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prophecies in chaps. 1-28 are in chronological
order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 29:1, the prophet regresses to
a year earlier than in 26:1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But from
30:1 on (cf. 31:1; 32:1, 17), he is close to being strictly chronological.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Settings</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From the historical perspective, Israel’s united kingdom
lasted more than 110 years (ca. 1043-931 B.C.), through the reigns of Saul,
David, and Solomon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the divided
kingdom, Israel (north) and Judah (south), extended from 931 B.C. to 722/21
B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Israel fell to Assyria in 722/21
B.C. leaving Judah, the surviving kingdom for 135 years, which fell to Babylon
in 605-586 B.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the more immediate setting, several features were
strategic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Politically, Assyria’s
vaunted military might crumbled after 626 B.C., and the capital, Ninevah, was
destroyed in 612 B.C. by the Babylonians and Medes (cf. Nahum).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The neo-Babylonian empire had flexed its
muscles since Nabopolassar took the throne in 625 B.C., and Egypt, under
Pharaoh Necho II, was determined to conquer what she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babyln smashed Assyria in 612-505 B.C., and
registered a decisive victory against Egypt in 605 B.C. at Carchemish, leaving,
according to the Babylonian Chronicle, no survivors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also in 605 B.C., Babylon, led by
Nebuchadnezzar, began the conquest of Jerusalem and the deportation of
captives, among them Daniel (Da 1:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Dec., 598 B.C., he again besieged Jerusalem, and on Mar. 16, 587 B.C. took
possession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, he took captive
Jehoiachin and a group of 10,000 including Ezekiel (2Ki 24:11-18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final destruction of Jersusalem and the
conquest of Judah, including the third deportation, came in 586 B.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdrI6Qmfj_8/VwrkYTTw0JI/AAAAAAAAFeA/olgIksJesBMwu8TQCllwGnquKeYBQQfZg/s1600/ezekiel-vs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdrI6Qmfj_8/VwrkYTTw0JI/AAAAAAAAFeA/olgIksJesBMwu8TQCllwGnquKeYBQQfZg/s320/ezekiel-vs.jpg" width="218" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Religiously, King Josiah (ca. 640-609 B.C.) had
instituted reforms in Judah (cf. 2Ch 34).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tragically, despite his effort, idolatry had so dulled the Judeans that
their awakening was only “skin deep” overall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Egyptian army killed Josiah as it crossed Palestine in 609 B.C., and
the Jews plunged into sin toward judgment under Jehoahaz (609 B.C.), Jehoiakim
[Eliakim] (609-598 B.C.), Jehoiachin (598-597 B.C.), and Zedekiah (597-586
B.C.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Domestically, Ezekiel and the 10,000 lived in exile in
Babylonia (2Ki 24:14), more as colonist than captives, being permitted to farm
tracts of land under somewhat favorable conditions (Jer 29).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezekiel even had his own house (3:24; 20:1).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prophetically, false prophets deceived the exiles with
assurances of a speedy return to Judah (13:3,16; Jer 29:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From 593-585 B.C., Ezekiel warned that their
beloved Jerusalem would be destroyed and their exile prolonged, so there was no
hope of immediate return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 585 B.C.,
an escapee from Jerusalem, who had evaded the Babylonians, reached Ezekiel with
the first news that the city had fallen in 586 B.C., about 6 months earlier
(33:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That dashed false hopes of any
immediate deliverance for the exiles, so the remainder of Ezekiel’s prophecies
related to Israel’s future restoration to its homeland and the final blessings
of the messianic kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The “glory of the Lord” is central to Ezekiel, appearing
in 1:28; 3:12,23; 10:4,18; 11:23; 43:4,5; 44:4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The book includes graphic descriptions of the disobedience of Israel and
Judah, despite God’s kindness (chap. 23; cf. chap. 16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows God’s desire for Israel to bear
fruit which He can bless; however, selfish indulgence had left Judah for
judgment, like a torched vine (chap. 15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>References are plentiful to Israel’s idolatry and its consequences, such
as Pelatiah dropping dead (11:13), a symbolic illustration of overall disaster
for the people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many picturesque scenes illustrate spiritual principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among them are Ezekiel eating a scroll (chap.
2); the faces on 4 angels representing aspects of creation over which God rules
(1:10); a “barbershop” scene (5:1-4); graffiti on temple walls reminding
readers of what God really wants in His dwelling place, namely holiness and not
ugliness (8:10); and sprinkled hot coals depicting judgment (10:2,7).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chief among the theological themes are God’s holiness and
sovereignty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are conveyed by
frequent contrast of His bright glory against the despicable backdrop of Judah’s
sins (1:26-28; often in chaps. 8-11; and 43:1-7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closely related is God’s purpose of glorious
triumph so that all may “know that I am the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11.0pt;">LORD</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
divine monogram, God’s signature authenticating His acts, is mentioned more
than 60 times, usually with a judgment (6:7; 7:4), but occasionally after the
promised restoration (34:27; 36:11, 38; 39:28).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another feature involves God’s angels carrying out His
program behind the scenes (1:5-25; 10:1-22).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A further important theme is God’s holding each individual accountable
for pursuing righteousness (18:3-32).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezekiel also stresses sinfulness in Israel (2:3-7;
8:9,10) and other nations (throughout chaps. 25-32).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He deals with the necessity of God’s wrath to
deal with sin (7:1-8; 15:8); God’s frustration of man’s devices to escape from
besieged Jerusalem (12:1-13; cf. Jer 39:4-7); and God’s grace pledged in the
Abrahamic Covenant (Ge 12:1-3) being fulfilled by restoring Abraham’s people to
the land of the covenant (chaps. 34,36-48; cf. Ge 12:7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God promises to preserve a remnant of
Israelites through whom He will fulfill His restoration promises and keep His
inviolate Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7k5RjevTNA/VwrkY0pvLEI/AAAAAAAAFeM/vigBoSZMw4ACMQfTSb5VRgJKiuhsg613Q/s1600/ezekiel_s_valley_of_the_dry_bones_by_ufrugger-d5tc7n3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7k5RjevTNA/VwrkY0pvLEI/AAAAAAAAFeM/vigBoSZMw4ACMQfTSb5VRgJKiuhsg613Q/s320/ezekiel_s_valley_of_the_dry_bones_by_ufrugger-d5tc7n3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezekiel uses extensive symbolic language, as did Isaiah and
Jeremiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This raises the question as to
whether certain portions of Ezekiel’s writings are to be taken literally or
figuratively, e.g., being bound by ropes, 3:25; whether the prophet was taken
bodily to Jerusalem, 8:1-3; how individual judgment can be worked out in chap.
18 when the wicked elude death in 14:22,23 and some of the godly die in an
invasion, 21:3,4; how God would permit a faithful prophet’s wife to die
(24:15-27); when some of the judgments on other nations will occur (chaps.
25-32); whether the temple in chaps. 40-46 will be a literal one and in what
form; and how promises of Israel’s future relate to God’s program with the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book can be largely divided into sections about
condemnation/retribution and then consolation/restoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A more detailed look divides the book into 4
sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, are prophecies on the
ruin of Jerusalem (chaps. 1-24).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second,
are prophecies of retribution on nearby nations (chaps. 25-32), with a glimpse
at God’s future restoration of Israel (28:25,26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirdly, there is a transition chapter (33)
which gives instruction concerning a last call for Israel to repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, the fourth division includes rich
expectations involving God’s future restoration of Israel (chaps. 34-48).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I. Prophecies of Jerusalem’s
Ruin (1:1-24:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preparation and
Commission of Ezekiel (1:1-3:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divine
appearance to Ezekiel (1:1-28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divine
assignment to Ezekiel (2:1-3:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proclamation of
Jerusalem’s Condemnation (4:1-24:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Signs of coming judgment (4:1-5:4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Messages concerning judgment (5:5-7:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Visions concerning abomination in the city and temple (8:1-11:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Explanations of judgment (12:1-24:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prophecies of Retribution to the Nations (25:1-32:32)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Ammon (25:1-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Moab (25:8-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Edom
(25:12-14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Philistia
(25:15-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Tyre
(26:1-28:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">F.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Sidon
(28:20-24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Excursus: Restoration of Israel
(28:25,26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">G.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Egypt
(29:1-32:32)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provision for Israel’s Repentance (33:1-33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prophecies of Israel’s Restoration
(34:1-48:35)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regathering of Israel to the Land (34:1-37:28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Promise of a
True Shepherd (34:1-31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Punishment of
the nations (35:1-36:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Purposes of
restoration (36:8-38)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Pictures of
restoration – dry bones and two sticks (37:1-28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Removal of
Israel’s Enemies from the Land (38:1-39:29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Invasion of
God to plunder Israel (38:1-39:29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Intervention
of God to protect Israel (38:17-39:29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Reinstatement
of True Worship in Israel (40:1-46:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">New temple
(40:1-43:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">New worship
(43:13-46:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Redistribution
of the Land in Israel (47:13-48:35)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Position of the
river (47:1-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="380">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Portions for
the tribes (47:13-48:35)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="380">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11.0pt;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles,
Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-59695740054283940462015-12-30T17:54:00.002-07:002017-04-19T14:16:31.365-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/La" target="_blank">The Book of Lamentations</a>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tphqQJ4W6lQ/VoR7SzTsy8I/AAAAAAAAB9A/pBp6hGk7hw8/s1600/Book%2Bof%2BLamentations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tphqQJ4W6lQ/VoR7SzTsy8I/AAAAAAAAB9A/pBp6hGk7hw8/s400/Book%2Bof%2BLamentations.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Rundown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Book of Lamentations is not an easy book to read. It
can be read as Jeremiah’s recorded prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jeremiah preached to his people, “Repent or face the inevitable total
wrath of God.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His laborious account can
be read in his previous book of Jeremiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadly, the people of God – Judah – had not turned their lives from sin
and thus God removed His right hand from protecting His stiff-necked people
from His enemies. The destruction of Jerusalem was virtually a total
destruction and Lamentations, evidently written by Jeremiah, is a tome of
laments illustrating the graphic destruction of both the city and Temple of
Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lamentations” was derived from a translation of the
title found in the Latin Vulgate (Vg.) translation of the Greek OT, the
Septuagint (LXX), and conveys the idea of “loud cries.” The Hebrew exclamation <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘ekah</i> (“How,” which expresses “dismay”),
used in 1:1; 2:1; 4:1, gives the book its Hebrew title. However, the rabbis
began to all the book “loud cries” or “lamentation” (cf. Jer 7:29). No other
entire OT book contains only laments, as does this distressful dirge, marking
the funeral of the once beautiful city of Jerusalem (cf. 2:15). This book keeps
alive the memory of that fall and teaches all believers how to deal with
suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0GJm2HBl6w/VoR8awGXsoI/AAAAAAAAB9I/xcZd_pyx8B8/s1600/lam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0GJm2HBl6w/VoR8awGXsoI/AAAAAAAAB9I/xcZd_pyx8B8/s320/lam.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The author of Lamentations is not named within the book,
but there are internal and historical indications that it was Jeremiah. The LXX
introduces La 1:1, “And it came to pass, after Israel had been carried away
captive...Jeremiah sat weeping [cf. 3:48,49, etc.]...lamented...and said...”
God had told Jeremiah to have Judah lament (Jer 7:29), and Jeremiah also wrote
laments for Josiah (2Ch 35:25).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah wrote Lamentations as an eyewitness (cf.
1:13-15; 2:6,9; 4:1-12), possibly with Baruch’s sectorial help (cf. Jer 36:4;
45:1), during or soon after Jerusalem’s fall in 586 B.C. It was mid-July when
the city fell and mid-August when the temple was burned. Likely, Jeremiah saw
the destruction of walls, towers, homes, palace, and temple; he wrote while the
event remained painfully fresh in his memory, but before his forced departure
to Egypt ca. 583 B.C. (cf. Jer 43:1-7). The language used in Lamentations
closely parallels that used by Jeremiah in his much larger prophetic book (cf.
1:2 with Jer 30:14; 1:15 with Jer 8:21; 1:6 and 2:11 with Jer 9:1,18; 2:22 with
Jer 6;25; 4:21 with Jer 49:12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Setting</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The prophetic seeds of Jerusalem’s destruction were sown
through Joshua 800 years in advance (Jos 23:15,16). Now, for over 40 years,
Jeremiah had prophesied of coming judgment and been scorned by the people for
preaching doom (ca. 645-605 B.C.). When that judgment came on the disbelieving
people from Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army, Jeremiah still responded
with great sorrow and compassion toward his suffering and obstinate people.
Lamentations relates closely to the book of Jeremiah, describing anguish over
Jerusalem’s receiving God’s judgment for unrepentant sins. In the book that
bears his name, Jeremiah had predicted the calamity in chapters 1-29.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Lamentations, he concentrates in more
detail on the bitter suffering and heartbreak that was felt over Jerusalem’s
devastation (cf. Ps 46:4,5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So critical
was Jerusalem’s destruction that the facts are recorded in 4 separate OT
chapters: 2Ki 25; Jer 39:1-11; 52; and 2Ch 36:11-21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaNcq9PkqMs/VoR8ebZbYPI/AAAAAAAAB9c/gpWZOvV9zbY/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaNcq9PkqMs/VoR8ebZbYPI/AAAAAAAAB9c/gpWZOvV9zbY/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All 154 verses have been recognized by the Jews as a part
of their sacred canon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with Ruth,
Esther, Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes, Lamentations is included among the
OT books o the Megilloth, or “five scrolls,” which were read in the synagogue
on special occasions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lamentations is
read on the 9<sup>th</sup> of Ab (July/Aug.) to remember the date of
Jerusalem’s destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, this same date later marked the
destruction of Herod’s temple by the Romans in </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 10.0pt;">A.D. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">70.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The chief focus of Lamentations is on God’s judgment in
response to Judah’s sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This theme can
be traced throughout the book (1:5,8,18,20; 3:42; 4:6,13,22; 5:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second theme which surfaces is the hope
found in God’s compassion (as In 3:22-24, 31-33; cf. Ps 30:3-5). Though the
book deals with disgrace, it turns to God’s great faithfulness (3:22-25) and
closes with grace as Jeremiah moves from lamentation to consolation (5:19-22).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God’s sovereign judgment represents a third current in
the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His holiness was so offended
by Judah’s sin that He ultimately brought the destructive calamity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babylon was chosen to be His human instrument
of wrath (1:5,12,15; 2:1,17; 3:37,38; cf. Jer 50:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah mentions Babylon more than 150 times
from Jer 20:4 to 52:34, but in Lamentations he never once explicitly names
Babylon or its king, Nebuchadnezzar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only the Lord is identified as the one who dealt with Judah’s sin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGeqyR1gROU/VoRuNKZl8nI/AAAAAAAAB8w/gozo-8mcjLs/s1600/Israel%2BFall%2BComparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGeqyR1gROU/VoRuNKZl8nI/AAAAAAAAB8w/gozo-8mcjLs/s640/Israel%2BFall%2BComparison.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fourth, because the sweeping judgment seemed to be the
end of every hope of Israel’s salvation and the fulfillment of God’s promises
(cf. 3:18), much of the book appears in the mode of prayer: 1) 1:11, which
represents a wailing confession of sin (cf. v.18); 2) 3:8, with its anguish
when God “shuts out my prayer” (cf. 3:43-54; Jer 7:16); 3) 3:55-59, where
Jeremiah cries to God for relief, or 3:60-66, where he seeks for recompense to
the enemies (which Jer 30-33 assures), based on the confidence that God is
faithful (3:23).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A fifth feature relates to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiahs tears (3:48,49) compare with Jesus’
weeping over the same city of Jerusalem (Mt 23:37-39; Lk 19:41-44).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though God was the judge and executioner, it
was a grief to Him to bring this destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The statement “In all their affliction, He [God] was afflicted” (Is
63:9) was true in principle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will
one day wipe away all tears (Is 25:8; Rev 7:17; 21:4) when sin shall be no
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A sixth theme is an implied warning to all who read the
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God did not hesitate to judge
His beloved people (Dt 32:10), what will He do to the nations of the world who
reject His Word?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Certain details pose initial difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among them are: 1) imprecatory prayers for
judgment on other sinners (1:21,22; 3:64-66); 2) the reason for God shutting
out prayer (3:8); and 3) the necessity of judgment that is so severe (cf. 1:1, 14;
3:8).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">In the first 4 chapters, each verse begins in an acrostic
pattern, i.e., using the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in sequence.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Chapters 1, 2, and 4 have 22 verses
corresponding to 22 letters, while chapter 3 employs each letter for 3
consecutive verses until there are 22 trios, or 66 verses.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Chapter 5 is not written alphabetically,
although it simulates the patter in that it has 22 verses.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">An acrostic order, such as in Ps 119 (where
all 22 Hebrew letters are used in series of 8 verses each), was used to aid
memorization.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The structure of the book
ascends and descends from the great confession in 3:22-24, “Great is Your
faithfulness,” which is the literary center of the book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The First Lament: Jerusalem’s Devastation (1:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiahs’
Sorrow (1:1-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jerusalem’s
Sorrow (1:12-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Second Lament: The Lord’s Anger Explained (2:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Lord’s
Perspective (2:1-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A Human
Perspective (2:11-19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah’s
Prayer (2:20-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Third Lament: Jeremiah’s Griefs
Expressed (3:1-66)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His
Distress (3:1-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His Hope
(3:21-38)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Counsel/Prayer
(3:39-66)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">IV.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Fourth Lament: God’s Wrath Detailed (4:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
Jerusalem (4:1-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For Edom
(4:21,22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">V.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Fifth Lament: The Remnant’s Prayers (5:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To Be
Remembered by the Lord (5:1-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To Be
Restored by the Lord (5:19-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1164</o:Words>
<o:Characters>6638</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>55</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>15</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>7787</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">MacArthur Study Bible,
NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-43941217728636890892015-07-06T10:35:00.000-07:002017-04-19T14:16:43.258-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Je" target="_blank">The Book of Jeremiah</a>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Background</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Run-Down</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLwQbaXEzLM/VZq6chLH6hI/AAAAAAAABn8/d3ZVdmObGMQ/s1600/Jeremiah_Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLwQbaXEzLM/VZq6chLH6hI/AAAAAAAABn8/d3ZVdmObGMQ/s400/Jeremiah_Cove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Book of Jeremiah chronicles Jeremiah’s long ministry
of mainly warning God’s people of the catastrophe that was to fall upon Israel
because of their idolatry and sin. Jeremiah lived to see this prediction come
true with the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, the
destruction of the city and the Temple, and the exile to Babylon of Judah’s
king and many of the people. He also foretold the eventual return of the people
from exile and the restoration of the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Known as the “Weeping Prophet,” Jeremiah was a sensitive
minister who deeply loved his people, and who hated to have to pronounce
judgment on them. In many passages he spoke with deep emotion about the things
he suffered because God had called him to be a prophet. The word of the Lord
was like fire in his heart – he could not keep it back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">This
book gains its title from the human author, who begins with “the words of
Jeremiah...” (1:1). Jeremiah recounts more of his own life than any other
prophet, telling of his ministry, the reactions of his audiences, testing, and
his personal feelings. His name means, “Jehovah throws,” in the sense of laying
down a foundation, or “Jehovah establishes, appoints, or sends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Seven
other Jeremiahs appear in Scripture (2Ki 23:31; 1Ch 5:24; 12:10; 12:13; Ne
10:2; 12:1), and Jeremiah the prophet is named at least 9 times outside of his
book (cf. 2Ch 35:25; 36:12; 36:21,22; Ezr 1:1; Da 9:2; Mt 2:17; 16:14; 27:9).
The Old and New Testaments quote Jeremiah at least 7 times: 1) Da 9:2
(25:11,12; 29:10); 2) Mt 2:18 (31:15); 3) Mt 27:9 (18:2; 19:2,11; 32:6-9); 4)
1Co 1:31 (9:24); 5) 2Co 10:17 (9:24); 6) Heb 8:8-12 (31:31-34); and 7) Heb
10:16,17 (31:33,34).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PV0VTSWg1q0/VZq97SwljHI/AAAAAAAABoo/0UieCG9h_9I/s1600/Jeremiah%2B1_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PV0VTSWg1q0/VZq97SwljHI/AAAAAAAABoo/0UieCG9h_9I/s320/Jeremiah%2B1_5.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah, who served as both a priest and a prophet, was
the son of a priest named Hilkiah (not the High Priest of 2Ki 22:8 who
discovered the book of the law). He was from the small village of Anathoth
(1:1), today called Anata, about 3 mi. NE of Jerusalem in Benjamin’s tribal
inheritance. As an object lesson to Judah, Jeremiah remained unmarried
(16:1-4). He was assisted in ministry by a scribe, named Baruch, to whom
Jeremiah dictated and who copied and had custody over the writing compiled from
the prophet’s messages (36:4, 32; 45:1). Jeremiah has been known as the
“weeping prophet” (cf. 9:1; 13:17; 14:17), living a life of conflict because of
his predictions of judgment by the invading Babylonians. He was threatened,
tried for his life, put in stocks, forced to flee from Jehoiakim, publicly
humiliated by a false prophet, and thrown into a pit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremiah carried out a ministry directed mostly to his
own people Judah, but which expanded to other nations at times. He appealed to
his country men to repent and avoid God’s judgment via an invader (chaps. 7, 26).
Once invasion was certain after Judah refused to repent, he pled with them not
to resist the Babylonian conqueror in order to prevent total </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">destruction (chap.
27), and he predicted judgments from God on various nations (25:12-38; chaps.
46-51).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The dates of his ministry, which spanned 5 decades, are
from the Judean king Josiah’s 13<sup>th</sup> year, noted in 1:2 (627 B.C.), to
beyond the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 B.C. (Jer 38, 40, 52). After 586
B>C., Jeremiah was forced to go with a fleeing remnant of Judah to Egypt
(Jer 43, 44). He was possibly still ministering in 570 B.C. A rabbinic note
claims that when Babylon invaded Egypt in 568/67 B.C. Jeremiah was taken
captive in Babylon. He could have lived even to pen the book’s closing scene
ca. 561 B.C. in Babylon, when Judah’s king Jehoiachin, captive in Babylon since
597 B.C., was allowed liberties in his last days (52:31-34). Jeremiah, if still
alive at that time, was between 85 and 90 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Setting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8glcKAI0HK0/VZq6cjAm0_I/AAAAAAAABoY/JRKiO7GIUVQ/s1600/Jeremiah_Brought%2Bup%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8glcKAI0HK0/VZq6cjAm0_I/AAAAAAAABoY/JRKiO7GIUVQ/s320/Jeremiah_Brought%2Bup%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bpit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Background details of Jeremiah’s times are portrayed in
2Ki 22-25 and 2Ch 34-36. Jeremiah’s messages paint pictures of: 1) his people’s
sin; 2) the invader God would send; 3) the rigors of siege; and 4) calamities
of destruction. Jeremiah’s message of impending judgment for idolatry and other
sins was preached over a period of 40 years (ca. 627-586 B.C. and beyond). His
prophecy took place during the reigns of Judah’s final 5 kings (Josiah 640-609
B.C., Jehoahaz 609 B.C., Jehoiachin 598-597 B.C., and Zedekiah 597-586 B.C.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The spiritual condition of Judah was one of flagrant idol
worship (cf. chap. 2). King Ahaz, preceding his son Hezekiah long before
Jeremiah in Isaiah’s day, had set up a system of sacrificing children to the
god Molech in the Valley of Hinnom just outside Jerusalem (735-715 B.C.).
Hezekiah led in reforms and cleanup (Is 36:7), but his son Manasseh continued
to foster child sacrifice along with gross idolatry, which continued into
Jeremiah’s time (7:31; 19:5; 32:35). Many also worshiped the “queen of heaven”
(7:18; 44:19). Josiah’s reforms, reaching their apex in 622 B.C., forced a
repressing of the worst practices </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">outwardly, but the deadly cancer of sin was
deep and flourished quickly again after a shallow revival. Religious
insincerity, dishonesty, adultery, injustice, tyranny against the helpless, and
slander prevailed as the norm not the exception.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gikC4V18FY/VZq6eCqxi5I/AAAAAAAABoE/re91jKctv_4/s1600/Jeremiah_middle-eastern-gentiles-razing-jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gikC4V18FY/VZq6eCqxi5I/AAAAAAAABoE/re91jKctv_4/s320/Jeremiah_middle-eastern-gentiles-razing-jerusalem.jpg" width="310" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Politically momentous events occurred in Jeremiah’s day.
Assyria saw its power wane gradually; then Ashurbanipal died in 626 B.C.
Assyria grew so feeble that in 612 B.C. her seemingly invincible capital,
Ninevah, was destroyed (cf. the book of Nahum). The Neo-Babylonian empire under
Nabopolassar (625-605 B.C.) became dominant militarily with victories against
Assyria (612 B.C.), Egypt (609-605 B.C.), and Israel in 3 phases (605 B.C., as
in Da 1; 597 B.C., as in 2Ki 24:10-16; and 586 B.C., as in Jer 39, 40, 52). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While Joel and Micah had earlier prophesied of Judah’s
judgment, during Josiah’s reign, God’s leading prophets were Jeremiah,
Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Later, Jeremiah’s contemporaries, Ezekiel and Daniel,
played prominent prophetic roles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The main theme of Jeremiah is judgment upon Judah (chaps.
1-29) with restoration in the future messianic kingdom (23:3-8; 30-33). Whereas
Isaiah devoted many chapters to a future glory for Israel (Is. 40-66), Jeremiah
gave far less space to this subject. Since God’s judgment was imminent he
concentrated on current problems as he sought to turn the nation back from the
point of no return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7pPZhBateM/VZq6cibwDVI/AAAAAAAABoA/YRTxCdINDT4/s1600/Jeremiah_Temple%2BDestrution_Francesco_Hayez_017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7pPZhBateM/VZq6cibwDVI/AAAAAAAABoA/YRTxCdINDT4/s320/Jeremiah_Temple%2BDestrution_Francesco_Hayez_017.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A secondary theme is God’s willingness to spare and bless
the nation only if the people repent. Though this is a frequent emphasis, it is
most graphically portrayed at the potter’s shop (18:1-11). A further focus is
God’s plan for Jeremiah’s life, both in his proclamation of God’s message and
in his commitment to fulfill all of His will (1:5-19; 15:19-21). Other themes
include: 1) God’s longing for Israel to be tender toward Him, as in the days of
first love (2:1-3); 2) Jeremiah’s servant tears, as “the weeping prophet” (9:1;
14:17); 3) the close, intimate relationship God had with Israel and that He
yearned to keep (13:11); 4) suffering, as in Jeremiah’s trials (11:18-23;
20:1-18) and God’s sufficiency in all trouble (20:11-13); 5) the vital role
that God’s Word can play in life (15:16); 6) the place of faith in expecting
restoration from the God for whom nothing is too difficult (chap. 32,
especially vv. 17, 27); and 7) prayer for the coordination of God’s will with
God’s action in restoring Israel to its land (33:3, 6-18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A number of questions arise, such as: 1) How can one
explain God’s forbidding prayer for the Jews (7:16) and saying that even Moses’
and Samuel’s advocacy could not avert judgment (15:1)? 2) Did Jeremiah make an
actual trek of several hundred miles to the Euphrates River, or did he bury his
loin cloth nearby (13:4-7)? 3) How could he utter such severe things about the
man who announced his birth (20:14-18)? 4) Does the curse on Jeconiah’s kingly
line relate to Christ (22:30)? 5) How is one to interpret the promises of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Israel’s relation to Israel and the church (31:31-34)? The answers to these
will be included in studying the details of the passage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A frequent challenge is to understand the prophet’s
messages in their right time setting, since the book of Jeremiah is not always
chronological, but loosely arranged, moving back and forth in time for thematic
effect. Ezekiel, by contrast, usually places his material in chronological
order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5tCBAq22UE/VZq6di6NDnI/AAAAAAAABoQ/7IAeHz6Vg_4/s1600/Jeremiah_by_Repin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5tCBAq22UE/VZq6di6NDnI/AAAAAAAABoQ/7IAeHz6Vg_4/s320/Jeremiah_by_Repin.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah’s Preparation (1:1-19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Context of
Jeremiah (1:1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah’s
Choice (1:4-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Charge to
Jeremiah (1:11-19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proclamations to Judah (2:1-45:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Condemnation of
Judah (2:1-29:32)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First message (2:1-3:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second
Message (3:6-6:30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Third Message (7:1-10:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fourth Message (11:1-13:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fifth Message (14:1-17:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sixth Message (17:19-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seventh Message (18:1-20:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eighth Message (21:1-14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ninth Message (22:1-23:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tenth Message (24:1-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eleventh Message (25:1-38)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Twelfth Message (26:1-24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thirteenth Message (27:1-28:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fourteenth Message (29:1-32)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consolation to
Judah – New Covenant (20:1-33:26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
forecast of restoration (30:1-31:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
faith in restoration (32:1-44)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
forecast of restoration – Part 2 (33:1-26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calamity on
Judah (34:1-45:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before Judah’s fall (34:1-38:28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During Judah’s fall (39:1-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After Judah’s fall (40:1-45:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proclamations of Judgment on the Nation
(46:1-51:64)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introduction
(46:1; cf. 25:15-26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Egypt
(46:2-28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against
Philistia (47:1-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Moab
(48:1-47)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Ammon
(49:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Edom
(49:7-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>G.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Damascus
(49:23-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>H.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Kedar
and Hazor [Arabia] (49:28-33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Elam
(49:34-39)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>J.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against Babylon
(50:1-51:64)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Fall of Jerusalem (52:1-34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Destruction
(52:1-23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Deportation
of the Jews (52:24-30)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;">C. The Deliverance of Jehoiachin (52:31-34)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-89390084180804560352015-02-03T11:29:00.001-07:002017-04-19T14:16:53.541-07:00<div>
<b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Is" target="_blank">The Book of Isaiah</a>, </b><i>Background</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWFJ32ZVaiM/VNETj5DOJRI/AAAAAAAABkY/9-FNUNocMJY/s640/blogger-image--1023806354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWFJ32ZVaiM/VNETj5DOJRI/AAAAAAAABkY/9-FNUNocMJY/s640/blogger-image--1023806354.jpg" /></a></div>
<b></b><br />
<div>
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<b>
Title</b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The book derives its title from the author, whose name comes means "The Lord is salvation," and is similar to the names Joshua, Elisha, and Jesus. Isaiah is quoted directly in the NT over 65 times, far more than any other OT prophet, and mentioned by name over 20 times.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Author and Date</b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah, the son of Amoz, ministered in and around Jerusalem as a prophet to Judah during the reigns of 4 kings of Judah: Uzziah (called "Azariah" in 2 Kings), Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1), from ca. 739-686 B.C. He evidently came from a family of some rank, because he had easy access to the king (7:3). He was married and had two sons who bore symbolic names: "Shear-jashub" ("a remnant shall return," 7:3) and "Maher-shalal-has-baz" ("hasting to the spoil, hurrying to the prey," 8:3). When called by God to prophesy, in the year of King Uzziah's death (ca. 739 B.C.), he responded with a cheerful readiness, though he knew from the beginning that his ministry would be one of fruitless warning and exhortation (6:9-13). Having been reared in Jerusalem, he was an appropriate choice as a political and religious counselor to the nation.</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah was a contemporary of Hosea and Micah. His writing style has no rival in its versatility of <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d0IWNzeCeXw/VNETh3_KBrI/AAAAAAAABkQ/PKXlbypcl_U/s640/blogger-image-626098788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d0IWNzeCeXw/VNETh3_KBrI/AAAAAAAABkQ/PKXlbypcl_U/s640/blogger-image-626098788.jpg" /></a></div>
expression brilliance of imagery, and richness of vocabulary. The early church father Jerome likened him to Deomsthenes, the legendary Greek orator. His writing features a range of 2,186 different words, compared to 1,535 in Ezekiel, 1,653 in Jeremiah, and 2,170 in the Psalms. Second Chronicles 32:32 records that he wrote a biography of ing Hezekiah also. The prophet lived until at least 681 B.C. when he penned the account of Sennacherib's death (cf. 37:38). Tradition has it that he met his death under King Manasseh (ca. 695-642 B.C.) by being cut in two with a wooden saw (cf. Heb 11:37)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Background and Setting</b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During King Uzziah's prosperous 52 year reign (ca. 790-739 B.C.), Judah developed into a strong commercial and military state with a port of commerce on the Red Sea and the construction of walls, towers, and fortifications (2Chr 26:3-5, 8-10, 13-15). Yet the period witnessed a decline in Judah's spiritual status. Uzziah's downfall resulted from his attempt to assume the privileges of a priest and burn incense on the altar (2Ki 15:3,4; 2Chr 26:16-19). He was judged with leprosy, from which he never recovered (2Ki 15:5; 2Chr 26:20,21).</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His son Jotham (ca. 750-731 B.C.) had to take over the duties of king before his father's death. Assyria began to emerge as a new international power under Tiglath-Pilesar (ca. 745-727 B.C.) while Jotham was king (2Ki 15:19). Judah also began to incur opposition from Israel and Syria to her north during his reign (2Ki 15:37). Jotham was a builder and a fighter like his father, but spiritual corruption still existed in the Land (2Ki 15:5; 2Chr 26:20,21).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r16dfCbezDQ/VNETlbQiQMI/AAAAAAAABkg/ip4n00Yio_8/s640/blogger-image--2091988674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r16dfCbezDQ/VNETlbQiQMI/AAAAAAAABkg/ip4n00Yio_8/s640/blogger-image--2091988674.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ahaz was 25 when he began to reign in Judah and he reigned until age 41 (2Ch 28:,8: ca. 736-715 B.C.). Israel and Syria formed an alliance to combat the rising Assyrian threat from the E, but Ahaz refused to bring Judah into alliance (2Ki 16:5; Is 7:6). For this, the northern neighbors threatened to dethroned him, and war resulted (734 B.C.). In panic, Ahaz sent to the Assyrian king for help (2Ki 16:7) and the Assyrian king gladly responded, sacking Gaza, carrying all of Galilee and Gilead into captivity, and finally capturing Damascus (732 B.C.). Ahaz's alliance with Assyria led to his introduction of a heathen altar, which he set up in Solomon's temple (2Ki 16:10-116; 2Ch 28:3). During his reign (722 B.C.), Assyria captured Samaria, capital of the northern kingdom, and carried many of Israel's most capable into captivity (2Ki 17:6,24).</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hezekiah began his reign over Judah in 715 B.C. and continued for 29 years to ca. 686 B.C. (2Ki 18:1,2). Reformation was a priority when he became king (2Ki 18:4,22; 2Ch 30:1). The threat of an Assyrian invasion forced Judah to promise heavy tribute to that eastern power. In 701 B.C. Hezekiah became very ill with a life-threatening disease, but he prayed and God graciously extended his life for 15 years (2Ki 20; Is 38) until 686 B.C. The ruler of Babylon used the opportunity of his illness and recovery to send congratulations to him, probably seeking to form an alliance with Judah against Assyria at the same time (2Ki 20:12 ff.; Is 39). When Assyria became weak through internal strife, Hezekiah refused to pay any further tribute to that power (2Ki 18:7). So in 701 B.C. Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, invaded the coastal areas of Israel, marching toward Egypt on Israel's southern flank. In the process he overran many Judean towns, looting and carrying many people back to Assyria. While besieging Lachish, he sent a contingent of forces to besiege Jerusalem (2Ki 18:17-19:8; Is 36:2-27:8). The side-expedition failed, however, so in a second attempt he sent messengers to Jerusalem demanding an immediate surrender of the city (2Ki 19:9 ff.; Is 37:9ff.). With Isaiah's encouragement, Hezekiah refused to surrender, and when Sennacherib's army fell prey to a sudden disaster, he returned to Nineveh and never threatened Judah again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Historical and Theological Themes</b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah prophesied during the period of the divided kingdom, directing the major thrust of his message to the southern kingdom of Judah. He condemned the empty ritualism of his day (e.g., 1:10-15) and the idolatry into which so many of the people had fallen (e.g., 40:18-20). He foresaw the coming Babylonian captivity of Judah because of this departure from the Lord (39:6,7).</div>
<div>
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4nVrbaXbgF0/VNETeGBmAtI/AAAAAAAABkA/h3xSYKqRCrw/s640/blogger-image--1504623412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4nVrbaXbgF0/VNETeGBmAtI/AAAAAAAABkA/h3xSYKqRCrw/s640/blogger-image--1504623412.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fulfillment of some his prophecies in his own lifetime provided his credentials for the prophetic office. Sennacherib's effort to take Jerusalem failed, just as Isaiah had said it would (37:6,7,36-38). The Lord healed Hezekiah's critical illness, as Isaiah had predicted (38:5; 2Ki 20:7). Long before Cyrus, king of Persia appeared on the scene, Isaiah named him as Judah's deliverer from the Babylonian captivity. (44:28; 45:1). Fulfillment of his prophecies of Christ's first coming have given Isaiah further vindication (e.g., 7:14). The pattern of literal fulfillment of his already-fulfilled prophecies gives assurance that prophecies of Christ's second coming will also see literal fulfillment.</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah provides data on the future day of the Lord and the time following. He details numerous aspects of Israel's future kingdom on earth not found elsewhere in the OT o NT, including changes in nature, the animal world, Jerusalem's status among the nations, the Suffering Servant's leadership, and others. </div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Through a literary device called "prophetic foreshortening," Isaiah predicted future events without delineating exact sequences of the events or time intervals separating them. For example, nothing in Isaiah reveals the extended period separating the two coming of the Messiah. Also, he does not provide as clear a distinction between the future temporal kingdom and the eternal kingdom as John does in Revelation 20:1-10; 21:1-22:5. In God's program of progressive revelation, details of these relationships awaited a prophetic spokesman of a later time. </div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Also known as the "evangelical Prophet," Isaiah spoke much about the grace of God toward Israel, particularly in his last 27 chapters. The centerpiece is Isaiah's unrivaled chap. 53, portraying Christ as the slain Lamb of God.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eyOOZBfo-zg/VNETmo-NquI/AAAAAAAABko/FV_b1BoEwM4/s640/blogger-image-1371348354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eyOOZBfo-zg/VNETmo-NquI/AAAAAAAABko/FV_b1BoEwM4/s640/blogger-image-1371348354.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Interpretive Challenges</b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are numerous interpretive challenges especially in the long and significant sequences of Isaiah's book. The most critical of them focuses on whether Isaiah's prophecies will receive literal fulfillment or not, and on whether the Lord, in His program, has abandoned national Israel and permanently replaced the nation with the church, so that there is no future for national Israel.</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On the latter issue, numerous portions of Isaiah support the position that God has not replaced ethnic Israel with an alleged "new Israel." Isaiah has too much to say about God's faithfulness to Israel, that He would reject the people whom He has created and chosen (43:1). The nation is on the palms of His hands, and Jerusalem's walls are ever before His eyes (49:16). He is bound by His own Word to fulfill the promises He has made to bring them back to Himself and bless them in that future day (55:10-12).</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On the former issue, literal fulfillment of many of Isaiah's prophecies has already occurred (See "Historical and Theological Themes"). To contend that those yet unfulfilled will see non-literal fulfillment is biblically groundless. This fact disqualifies the case for proposing that the church receives some of the promises made originally to Israel. The kingdom promised to David belongs to Israel, not the church. The future exaltation of Jerusalem will be on earth, not in heaven. Christ will reign personally on this earth as we know it, as well as in the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 22:1,3).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ENS5GlCnwxc/VNETgcf_PyI/AAAAAAAABkI/VCXFfe9KPu8/s640/blogger-image-1592332988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ENS5GlCnwxc/VNETgcf_PyI/AAAAAAAABkI/VCXFfe9KPu8/s640/blogger-image-1592332988.jpg" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>Outline</b></div>
<div>
I. Judgment (1:1-35:10)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. Prophecies Concerning Judah and Jerusalem (1:1-12:6)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Judah's social sins (1:1-6:13)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Judah's political entanglements (7:1-12:6)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. Oracles of Judgment and Salvation (13:1-23:18)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Babylon and Assyria (13:1-14:27)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Philistia (14:28-32)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Moab (15:1-16:14)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4. Syria and Israel (11:1-14)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5. Ethiopia (18:1-7)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6. Egypt (19:1-20:6)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7. Babylon continued (21:1-10)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8. Edom (12:11,12)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9. Arabia (21:13-17)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>10. Jerusalem (22:1-25)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>11. Tyre (23:1-18)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Redemption of Israel through world Judgment (24:1-27:13)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. God's devastation of the earth (24:1-23)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. First song of thanksgiving and redemption (25:1-12)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Second song of thanksgiving and redemption (26:1-19)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4. Israel's chastisements and final prosperity (26:20-27:13)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D. Warnings Against Alliance with Egypt (28:1-35:10)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Woe to drunken politicians (28:1-29)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Woe to religious formalists (29:1-14)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Woe to those who hid plans from God (29:15-24)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4. Woe to pro-Egyptian party (30:1-33)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5. Woe to those trust in horses and chariots (31:1-32:20)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6. Woe to the Assyrian destroyer (33:1-24)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7. A cry for justice against the nations, particularly Edom (34:1-35:10)</div>
<div>
II. Historical Interlude (36:1-39:8)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. Sennacherib's Attempt to Capture Jerusalem (36:1-37:38)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. Hezekiah's sickness and recovery (38:1-22)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Babylonian Emissaries to Jerusalem (39:1-8)</div>
<div>
III. Salvation (40:1-66:24)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. Deliverance from Captivity (40:1-48:22)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Comfort to the Babylonian exiles (40:1-31)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. The end of Israel's misery (41:1-48:22)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. Sufferings of the Servant of the Lord (49:1-57:21)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. The Servant's mission (49:1-52:12)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Redemption by the Suffering Servant (52:13-53:12)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Results of the Suffering Servant's redemption (54:1-57:21)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Future Glory of God's People (58:1-66:24)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Two kinds of religion (58:1-14)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Plea to Israel to forsake their sins (59:1-19)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Future blessedness of Zion (59:20-61:11)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4. Nearing of Zion's deliverance (62:1-63:6)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5. Prayer for national deliverance (63:7-64:12)</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6. The Lord's answer to Israel's supplication (65:1-66:24)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-40201117830926393782015-01-05T05:38:00.001-07:002017-04-19T14:17:06.999-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UxKMNBOLrwM/VKqFq6_fVkI/AAAAAAAABjM/5H0w1w4z2-k/s640/blogger-image-1112059095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UxKMNBOLrwM/VKqFq6_fVkI/AAAAAAAABjM/5H0w1w4z2-k/s640/blogger-image-1112059095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/So" target="_blank">The Song of Solomon</a>, </b><i>Background</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Quick Run-Down</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This very intimate and inspired work is a unified series of love poems, for the most part in the form of songs addressed between a man and woman, both in love. Solomon is most likely the author, but in some Bibles this book is called the Song of Songs, following the literal translations of the first two verses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>These songs have often been interpreted by Jews as a picture of the relationship between God and His people, and by Christians as a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church. More recently, the Song of Solomon has been used by many Christians as prescriptive of a healthy courtship and marriage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Title</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Greek Septuagint (LXX) and Latin Vulgate (Vg.) versions follow the Hebrew (Masoretic Text) with literal translations of the first two words in 1:1 - "Song of Songs." Several English versions read "The Song of Solomon," thus giving the fuller sense of 1:1. The superlative, "Song of Songs" (Cf. "Holy of Holies" in Exo 26:33,34 and "King of Kings" in Rev 19:16), indicates that this song is the best among Solomon's 1,005 musical works (1Ki 4:32). The word translated "song" frequently refers to music that honors the Lord (cf. 1Chr 6:31,32; Psa 33:3; 40:3; 144:9).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Author and Date</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Solomon, who reigned over the united kingdom 40 years (971-931 B.C.), appears 7 times by name in this book (1:1,5; 3:7,9,11; 8:11,12). In view of his writing skills, musical giftedness (1Ki 4:32), and the authorial, not dedicatory, sense of 1:1, this pice of Scripture could have been penned at any time during Solomon's reign. Since cities to the N and tot he S are spoken of in Solomon's descriptions and travels, both the period depicted and the time of actual writing point to the united kingdom before it divided after Solomon's reign ended. Knowing that this portion of Scripture comprises one song by one author, it is best taken as a unified piece of poetic, Wisdom literature rather than a series of love poems without a common theme or author.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Background and Setting</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Two people dominate this true-life, dramatic love song. Solomon, whose kingship is mentioned 5 times (1:4,12; 3:9,11; 7:5), appears as "the beloved." The Shulamite maiden (6:13) remains obscure; most likely she was a resident of Shunem, 3 mi. N of Jezreel in lower Galilee. Some suggest she is Pharaoh's daughter (1Ki 3:1), although the Song provides no evidence for this conclusion. Others favor Abishag, the Shunammite who cared for King David (1Ki 1:1-4, 15). An unknown maiden from Shunem, whose family had possibly been employed by Solomon (8:11), seems most reasonable. She would have been Solomon's first wife (Ecc 9:9), before he sinned by adding 699 other wives and 300 concubines (1Ki 11:3).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Minor roles feature several different groups in this book. First, note the non-infrequent commentary by "the daughters of Jerusalem" (1:4b,8,11; 3:6-11; 5:9; 6:1,10,13a; 7:1-5; 8:5a), who might be part of Solomon's household staff (cf. 3:10). Second, the affirmations of 5:1b would most likely be God's blessing on the couple's union. Third, the Shulamite's brothers speak (8:8,9).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The setting combines both rural and urban scenes. Portions take place in the hill country N or Jerusalem, where the Shulamite lived (6:13) and where Solomon enjoyed prominence as a vine grower and shepherd (Ecc :4-7). The city section includes the wedding and time afterward at Solomon's abode in Jerusalem (3:6-7:13).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The first spring appears in 2:11-13 and the second in 7:12. Assuming a chronology without gaps, the Song of Solomon took place over a period of time at least one year in length, but probably no longer than two years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Historical and Theological Themes</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All verses in Solomon's Song have been recognized by the Jews as part of their sacred writings. Along with Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentation, it is included among the OT books of the Megilloth, or "five scrolls." The Jews read this song at Passover, calling it the "Holy of Holies." Surprisingly, God is not mentioned explicitly except possibly in 8:6. No formal theological themes emerge. The NT never quotes Solomon's Song directly (nor Esther, Obadiah, and Nahum).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In contrast to the two distorted extremes of ascetic abstinence and lustful perversion outside of marriage, Solomon's ancient song exalts the purity of marital affection and romance. It parallels and enhances other portions of Scripture which portray God's plan for marriage, including beauty and sanctity of sexual intimacy between husband and wife. The Song rightfully stands alongside other classic Scripture passages which expand on this theme, e.g., Gen 2:24; Psa 45; Pro 5:15-23; 1Cor 7:1-5; 13:1-8; Eph 5:18-33; Col 3:18,19; and 1Pet 3:1-7. Hebrews captures the heat of the song, "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9P6ddWn3b3I/VKqFpLldGRI/AAAAAAAABjE/XCzCqXQreZY/s640/blogger-image--1477647820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9P6ddWn3b3I/VKqFpLldGRI/AAAAAAAABjE/XCzCqXQreZY/s640/blogger-image--1477647820.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Interpretive Challenges</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Song has suffered strained interpretations over the centuries by those who use the "allegorical" method of interpretation, claiming that this song has no actual historical basis, but rather that it depicts God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church. The misleading idea from hymnology that Christ is the rose of Sharon and the lilly of the valleys results from this method (2:1). The "typological" variation admits the historical reality, but concludes that it ultimately pictures Christ's bridegroom love for His bride the church.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A more satisfying way to approach Solomon's Song is to take it at face value and interpret it in the normal historical sense, understanding the frequent use of poetic imagery to depict reality. To do so understands that Solomon recounts 1) his own days of courtship, 2) the early days of his first marriage, followed by, 3) the maturing of this royal couple through the good and bad days of life. The Song of Solomon expands on the ancient marriage instructions of Genesis 2:24, thus providing spiritual music for a lifetime of marital harmony. It is given by God to demonstrate His intention for the romance and loveliness of marriage, the most precious of human relations and the "grace of life." (1Pet 3:7).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Outline</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I. The Courtship: "Leaving" (1:2-3:5)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. The Lover's Remembrance (1:2-2:7)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. The Lover's Expression of Reciprocal Love (2:8-3:5)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
II. The Wedding: "Cleaving" (3:6-5:1)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. The Kingly Bridegroom (3:6-11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. The Wedding and First Night Together (4:1-5:1a)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. God's Approval (5:1b)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
III. The Marriage: "Weaving"" (5:2-8:14)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. The First Major Disagreement (5:2-6:3)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. The Restoration (6:4;8:4)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Growing in Grace (8:5-14)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-12792071484839820922014-12-13T08:59:00.001-07:002017-04-19T14:17:23.434-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ec" target="_blank"><b>The Book of Ecclesiastes</b>,</a> <i style="font-weight: bold;">Background</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DnAvuhNnyk/VIxhhTGgLFI/AAAAAAAABis/CvY4G3tKo98/s1600/book-of-ecclesiastes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DnAvuhNnyk/VIxhhTGgLFI/AAAAAAAABis/CvY4G3tKo98/s1600/book-of-ecclesiastes.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Quick Run-Down</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Not
as positive as the Book of Proverbs, the book of Ecclesiastes contains the</span></div>
thoughts of an old man, “the Philosopher” or “the Preacher.” The Preacher
reflects deeply on the meaning of life and on how short and contradictory human
life is, with its mysterious injustices and frustrations. He concludes that
“life is meaningless.” He has difficulty understanding the ways of God, who
controls human destiny. Yet in spite of this, he advised people to work hard,
and to enjoy the gifs of God as much as and as long as they could.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Many
of the Preacher’s thoughts appear negative and depressing, but this book shows
how biblical faith takes pessimism and doubt into account. Many have taken
comfort in seeing themselves in the mirror of Ecclesiastes, discovering that
the same Bible which reflects these thoughts also offers the hope in God that
gives life its greater meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDWT0mwNOW4/VIxg2eCTdGI/AAAAAAAABiI/iTJJ5QcQPeE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2013-02-02%2Bat%2B7.08.55%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDWT0mwNOW4/VIxg2eCTdGI/AAAAAAAABiI/iTJJ5QcQPeE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2013-02-02%2Bat%2B7.08.55%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Title</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The English title, Ecclesiastes, comes from the Greek and
Latin translations of Solomon’s book. The LXX used the Greek term <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ekklésiastés </i>for its title. It means
“preacher,” derived from the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ekklésia</i>,
translated “assembly” or “congregation” in the NT. Both the Greek and Latin
versions derive their titles from the Hebrew title, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Qoheleth</i>, which means “one who calls or gathers” the people. It
refers to the one who addresses the assembly; hence, the preacher (cf. 1:1,2,
12; 7:27; 12:8-10). Along with Ruth, Song of Solomon, Esther, and Lamentations,
Ecclesiastes stands with the OT books of the Megilloth, or “five scrolls.”
Later rabbis read these books in the synagogue on 5 special occasions during
the year – Ecclesiastes being read on Pentecost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Author and Date</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The autobiographical profile of the book’s writer
unmistakably points to Solomon. Evidence abounds such as: 1) the titles fit
Solomon, “son of David, king of Jerusalem” (1:1) and “king over Israel in
Jerusalem” (1:12); 2) the author’s moral odyssey chronicles Solomon’s life (1Ki
2-11); and 3) the role of one who “taught the people knowledge” and wrote “many
proverbs” (12:9) corresponds to his life. All point to Solomon, the son of
David, as the author.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once Solomon is accepted as the author, the date and
occasion become clear. Solomon was writing, probably in hi latter years (no
later than ca. 931 B.C.), primarily to warn the young people of his kingdom,
without omitting others. He warned them to avoid walking through life on the
path of human wisdom; he exhorted them to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>live by the revealed wisdom of God (12:9-14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Background and Setting</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rs1XgMYR0k0/VIxg3CjrN5I/AAAAAAAABiY/X8M8kNC47_g/s1600/real_meaning-319x237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rs1XgMYR0k0/VIxg3CjrN5I/AAAAAAAABiY/X8M8kNC47_g/s1600/real_meaning-319x237.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Solomon’s reputation for possessing extraordinary wisdom
fits the Ecclesiastes profile. David recognized his son’s wisdom (1Ki 2:6,9)
before God gave Solomon an additional measure. After he received a “wise and
discerning heart” from the Lord (1Ki 3:7-12), Solomon gained renown for being
exceedingly wise by rendering insightful decision (1Ki 3:16-28), a reputation
that attracted “all the kings of the earth” to his courts (1Ki 4:34). In
addition, he composed songs and proverbs (1Ki 4:32; cf. 12:9), activity
befitting only the ablest of sages. Solomon’s wisdom, like Job’s wealth,
surpassed the wisdom “of all sons of the east” (1Ki 4:30; Job 1:3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book is applicable to all who would listen and
benefit, no so much from Solomon’s experiences, but from the principles he drew
as a result. Its aim is to answer some of life’s most challenging questions,
particularly where they seem contrary to Solomon’s expectations. This has led
some unwisely to take the view that Ecclesiastes is a book of skepticism. But
in spite of amazingly unwise behavior and thinking, Solomon never let go of his
faith in God (12:13,14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Historical and Theological Themes</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As it is true with most biblical Wisdom literature,
little historical narrative occurs in Ecclesiastes, apart from Solomon’s own
personal pilgrimage. The kingly sage studied life with high expectation but
repeatedly bemoaned its shortcomings, which he acknowledged were due to the
curse (Ge 3:14-19). Ecclesiastes represents the painful autobiography of
Solomon who, from much of his life, squandered God’s blessing on his own
personal pleasure rather than God’s glory. He wrote to warn subsequent
generations not to make the same tragic error, in much the same manner as Paul
wrote to the Corinthians (cf. 1Co 1:18-31; 2:13-16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Hebrew word translated “vanity,” “vanities,” and
“vain life” expresses the futile attempt to be satisfied apart from God. This
word is used 38 times expressing the many things hart to understand about life.
All earthly goals and ambitions when pursued as ends in themselves produce only
emptiness. Paul was probably echoing Solomon’s dissatisfaction when he wrote,
“...the creation was subjected to futility” (Solomon’s “vanity”; Ro 8:19-21).
Solomon’s experience with the effects of the curse (see Ge 3:17-19) led him to
view life as “chasing after the wind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WlppFDM1M0/VIxg2F9LSMI/AAAAAAAABiM/KkJcv-JceJU/s1600/msg_TwoBetterThanOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WlppFDM1M0/VIxg2F9LSMI/AAAAAAAABiM/KkJcv-JceJU/s1600/msg_TwoBetterThanOne.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Solomon asked, “What advantage does a man have in all his
work...?” (1:3), a question he repeated in 2:22 and 3:9. The wise king gave a
considerable portion of the book to addressing this dilemma. The impossibility
of discovering both the inner workings of God’s creation and the personal
providence of God in Solomon’s life were also deeply troubling to the king, as
they were to Job. But the reality of judgment for all, despite many unknowns,
emerged as the great certainty. In light of this judgment by God, the only
fulfilled life is a life lived in proper recognition of God and service to Him.
Any other king of life is frustrating and pointless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A proper balance of the prominent “enjoy life” theme with
that of “divine judgment” tethers the reader to Solomon’s God with the sure
chord of faith. For a time, Solomon suffered from the imbalance of trying to
enjoy life without regard for the fear of Yahweh’s judgment holding him on the
path of obedience. In the end, he came to grasp the importance of obedience.
The tragic results of Solomon’s personal experience, coupled with the insight
of extraordinary wisdom, make Ecclesiastes a book from which all believers can be
warned and grow in their faith (cf. 2:1-26). This book shows that if one
perceives each day of existence, labor, and basic provision as a gift from God,
and accepts whatever God gives then that person lives an abundant life (cf Jn
10:10). However, one who looks to be satisfied apart from God will live with
futility regardless of their accumulations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Interpretive Challenges</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sL9mlzjJnU/VIxg2AgQYJI/AAAAAAAABiE/jsvVwVLoOZo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sL9mlzjJnU/VIxg2AgQYJI/AAAAAAAABiE/jsvVwVLoOZo/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The author’s declaration that “all is vanity” envelops
the primary message of the book (cf. 1:2; 12:8). The word translated “vanity”
is used in at least 3 ways throughout the book. In each case, it looks at the
nature of man’s activity “under the sun” as: 1) ”fleeting,” which has in view
the vapor-like (cf. Jas 4:14) or the transitory nature of life; 2) ”futile” or
“meaningless,” which focuses on the cursed condition of the universe and the
debilitating effects it has on man’s earthly experience; or 3)
”incomprehensible” or “enigmatic,” which gives consideration to life’s
unanswerable questions. Solomon draws upon all 3 meanings in Ecclesiastes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While the context in each case will determine which
meaning Solomon is focusing upon, the most recurring meaning of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vanity</i> is “incomprehensible” or
“unknowable,” referring to the mysteries of God’s purposes. Solomon’s
conclusion to “fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13,14) is more than the
book’s summary; it is the only hope of the good life and the only reasonable
response of faith and obedience to sovereign God. He precisely works out all
activities under the sun, each in its time according to His perfect plan, but
also discloses only as much as His perfect wisdom dictates and holds all men
accountable. Those who refuse to take God and His Word seriously are doomed to
lives of the severest vanity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Outline</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnj8y3yT8z8/VIxg2yzDeXI/AAAAAAAABig/pq3Dh24YqpY/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gnj8y3yT8z8/VIxg2yzDeXI/AAAAAAAABig/pq3Dh24YqpY/s1600/pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book chronicles Solomon’s investigations and
conclusions regarding man’s lifework, which combine all of his activity and its
potential outcomes including limited satisfaction. The role of wisdom in
experiencing success surfaces repeatedly, particularly when Solomon must
acknowledge that God has not revealed all of the details. This leads Solomon to
the conclusion that he primary issues of life after the Edenic fall involve
divine blessings to be enjoyed and the divine judgment for which all must
prepare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I. Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A. Title (1:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B. Poem – A Life of Activity That Appears Wearisome
(1:2-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon’s Investigation (1:12-6:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A. Introduction – The King and His Investigation
(1:12-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B. Investigation of Pleasure-Seeking (2:1-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C. Investigation of Wisdom and Folly (2:12-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D. Investigation of Labor and Rewards (2:18-6:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1. One has to leave them to another (2:18-26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2. One cannot find the right to act (3:1-4:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3. One often must work alone (4:7-16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>4. One can easily lose all he acquires
(5:1-6:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon’s Conclusion (6:10-12:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A. Introduction – The Problem of Not Knowing (6:10-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">B.
Man Cannot Always Find Out Which Route is the Most Successful for <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Him to Take Because His Wisdom is Limited
(7:1-8:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">1. On prosperity and adversity (7:1-14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">2. On justice and wickedness (7:15-24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">3. On women and folly (7:25-29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">4. On the wise man and the king (8:1-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C. Man Does Not Know What Will Come After Him (9:1-11:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1. He knows he will die (9:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2. He has no knowledge in the grave (9:5-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3. He does not his time of death (9:11,12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>4. He does not know what will happen
(9:13-10:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>5. He does not know what evil will come
(10:16-11:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>6. He does not know what good will come
(11:3-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">D.
Man Should Enjoy Life, But Not Sin, Because Judgment Will Come to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All (11:7-12:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1455</o:Words>
<o:Characters>8295</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>69</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>19</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>9731</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon’s Final Advice (12:9-14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>14</o:Words>
<o:Characters>83</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>96</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 185.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB,
Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-48015279517126084592014-08-06T04:38:00.004-07:002017-04-19T14:17:33.342-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G05ie8MZA0/U-ISYpEfcSI/AAAAAAAABek/rrs60wzV-oQ/s1600/proverbs-page-shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G05ie8MZA0/U-ISYpEfcSI/AAAAAAAABek/rrs60wzV-oQ/s1600/proverbs-page-shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Pr" target="_blank">The Book of Proverbs,</a></b> <i>Background</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Quick Run-Down</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Wisdom!
What the book of Proverbs is all about. Just like the Gospel, wisdom is vast
and we learn that in this book. The book is a collection of moral and religious
teachings in the form of sayings and proverbs. Much of it has to do with
practical, everyday concerns hinging on the reminder that “To have knowledge,
you must first have reverence for the Lord.” The sayings further deal with
matters not only of religious morality, but also of common sense and good
manners. Its many short sayings reveal the insights of ancient Israelite
teachings about what a wise person will do in certain situations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The
piths of the Proverbs are incredibly practical and readily applicable, dealing
with family relations, others, business dealings all the way to addressing
social etiquette and relationships. Self-control is of equal importance – a
remedy especially applicable in our time. Much is said about the qualities of
humility, patience, respect for the poor, and loyalty to friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Title<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The title in the Hebrew Bible is “The Proverbs of
Solomon” (1:1), as also in the Greek Septuagint (LXX). Proverbs pulls together
the most important 513 of the over 3,000 proverbs pondered by Solomon (1Ki
4:32; Ecc 12:9), along with some proverbs of others whom Solomon likely influenced.
The word “proverb” means “to be like,” thus Proverbs is a book of comparisons
between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths. Proverbs are
simple, moral statements (or illustrations) that highlight and teach
fundamental realities about life. Solomon sought God’s wisdom (2Ch 1:8-12) and
offered “pithy sayings” designed to make men contemplate 1) the fear of God and
2) living by His wisdom (1:7; 9:10). The sum of this wisdom is personified in
the Lord Jesus Christ (1Co 1:30).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLQf-AiSnoU/U-ISX2EcfFI/AAAAAAAABeU/1F6EqG8W45A/s1600/Solomon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLQf-AiSnoU/U-ISX2EcfFI/AAAAAAAABeU/1F6EqG8W45A/s1600/Solomon.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The phrase “Proverbs of Solomon” is more a title than an
absolute statement of authorship (1:1). While King Solomon, who ruled Israel
from 971-931 B.C. and was granted great wisdom by God (see 1Ki 4:29-34), is the
author of the didactic section (chaps. 1-9) and the proverbs of 10:1-22:16, he
is likely only the compiler of the “sayings of the wise” in 22:17-24:34, which
are of an uncertain date before Solomon’s reign. The collection in chaps. 25-29
was originally composed by Solomon (25:1) but copied and included later by
Judah’s king Hezekiah (ca. 715-686 B.C.). Chapter 30 reflects the words of Agur
and chap. 31 the words of Lemuel, who perhaps was Solomon. Proverbs was not
assembled in its final form until Hezekiah’s day or after. Solomon authored his
proverbs before his heart was turned away from God (1Ki 11:1-11), since the
book reveals a godly perspective and is addressed to the “naïve” and “young”
that need to learn and learn the fear of God. Solomon also wrote Psalms 72 and
127, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Background and Setting</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book reflects a 3-fold setting as: 1) general wisdom
literature; 2) insights from the royal court; and 3) instruction offered in the
tender relationship of a father and mother with their children, all designed to
produce meditation on God. Since Proverbs is Wisdom literature, by nature it is
sometimes difficult to understand (1:6). Wisdom literature is part of the whole
of the OT truth; the Priest gave the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Law</i>,
the Prophet gave a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Word</i> from the
Lord, and the Sage (or wise man) gave his wise <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Counsel</i> (Jer 18:18; Eze 7:26). In Proverbs, Solomon the Sage gives
insight into the “knotty” issues of life (1:6), which are not directly
addressed in the Law or the Prophets. Though it is practical, Proverbs is not
superficial or external because it contains moral and ethical elements
stressing upright living, which flow out of a right relationship with God. In
4:1-4, Solomon connected 3 generations as he entrusted to his son Rehoboam what
he learned at the feet of David and Bathsheba. Proverbs is both a pattern for
the tender impartation of truth from generation to generation, as well as a
vast resource for the content of the truth to be imparted. Proverbs contains
the principles and applications of Scripture, which the godly characters of the
Bible illustrate in their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Historical and Theological
Themes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Solomon came to the throne with great promise, privilege,
and opportunity. God had granted his request for understanding (1Ki 3:9-12; 2Ch
10 and 12), and his wisdom exceeded all others (1Ki 4:29-31). However, the
shocking reality is that he failed to live out the truth that he knew and even
taught his son Rehoboam (1Ki 11:1,4,6,7-11), who subsequently rejected his
father’s teaching (1Ki 12:6-11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgpXRd25f4U/U-ISXy7nI8I/AAAAAAAABeY/2g6VCQtwBJM/s1600/Picture_1.png.scaled500-300x235.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgpXRd25f4U/U-ISXy7nI8I/AAAAAAAABeY/2g6VCQtwBJM/s1600/Picture_1.png.scaled500-300x235.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Proverbs contains a gold mine of biblical theology,
reflecting themes of Scripture brought to the level of practical righteousness
(1:3), by addressing man’s ethical choices, calling into question how he
thinks, lives, and manages his daily life in light of divine truth. More specifically,
Proverbs calls man to live as the Creator intended him to live when He made man
(Ps 90:1,2,12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The recurring promise of Proverbs is that generally the
wise (the righteous obey God) live longer (9:11), prosper (2:20-22), experience
joy (3:13-18) and the goodness of God temporally (12:21), while fools suffer
shame (3:35) and death (10:21). On the other hand, it must be remembered that
this general principle is balanced by the reality that the wicked sometimes
prosper (Ps 73:3,12), though only temporarily (Ps 73:17-19). Job illustrates
that there are occasions when the godly wise are struck with disaster and
suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are a number of important themes addressed in
Proverbs, which are offered in random order and address different topics, so
that it is helpful to study the proverbs thematically as illustrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man’s
Relationship to God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Trust (Pr 22:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Humility (Pr 3:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Fear of God (Pr 1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Righteousness (Pr 10:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Sin (Pr 28:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>F. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Obedience (Pr 6:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>G.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Facing Reward (Pr 12:28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBqgcMcAD_0/U-ISYhY5bqI/AAAAAAAABeg/0OD9opUskks/s1600/keep-calm-and-marry-a-proverbs-31-woman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBqgcMcAD_0/U-ISYhY5bqI/AAAAAAAABeg/0OD9opUskks/s1600/keep-calm-and-marry-a-proverbs-31-woman.png" width="273" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>H.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Facing Tests (Pr 17:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Facing Blessing (Pr 10:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>J.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Facing Death (Pr 15:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man’s
Relationship to Himself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Character (Pr 20:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Wisdom (Pr 1:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Foolishness (Pr 26:10,11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Speech (Pr 18:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Self Control (Pr 6:9-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Kindness (Pr 3:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>G.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Wealth (Pr 11:4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>H.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Pride (Pr 27:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Anger (Pr 29:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>J.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Laziness (Pr 13:4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man’s
Relationship to Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Love (Pr 8:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Friends (Pr 17:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Enemies (Pr 16:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Truthfulness (Pr 23:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
Gossip (Pr 20:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a Father (Pr 20:7; 31:2-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>G.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a Mother (Pr 31:10-31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>H.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Children (Pr 3:1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Educating Children (Pr 4:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>J.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Disciplining Children (Pr 22:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The two major themes, interwoven and overlapping
throughout Proverbs are wisdom and folly. Wisdom, which includes knowledge,
understanding, instruction, discretion, and obedience, is built on the fear of
the Lord and the Word of God. Folly is everything opposite to wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Interpretive Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The first challenge is the generally illusive nature of
Wisdom literature itself. Like the parables, the intended truths are often
veiled from understanding if given only a cursory glance, and thus must be
pondered in the heart (1:6; 2:1-4; 4:4-9).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another challenge is the extensive use of parallelism,
which is the placing of truths side by side so that the second line expands,
completes, defines, emphasizes, or reaches the logical conclusion, the ultimate
end, or, in some cases, the contrasting point of view. Often the actual
parallel is only implied. For example, 12:13 contains an unstated, but clearly
implied parallel, in that the righteous one comes through trouble because of
his virtuous speech (cf. 28:7). In interpreting the Proverbs, one must: 1)
determine the parallelism and often complete what is assumed and not stated by
the author; 2) identify the figures of speech and rephrase the thought without
those figures; 3) summarize the lesson or principle of the proverb in a few
words; 4) describe the behavior that is taught; and 5) find examples inside
Scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Challenges are also found in the various contexts of
Proverbs, all of which affect interpretation and understanding. First, there is
the setting in which they are spoken; this is largely the context of the young
men in the royal court of the king. Second, there is the setting of the book as
a whole and how its teachings are to be understood in light of the rest of
Scripture. For example, there is much to be gained by comparing the wisdom
Solomon taught with the wisdom Christ personified. Third, there is the
historical context in which the principles and truths draw on illustrations from
their own day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zop8wqU0rik/U-ISY_XKkFI/AAAAAAAABeo/XQo3hfUzoq0/s1600/proverbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zop8wqU0rik/U-ISY_XKkFI/AAAAAAAABeo/XQo3hfUzoq0/s1600/proverbs.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A final area of challenge comes in understanding that
proverbs are divine guidelines and wise observations, i.e., teaching underlying
principles (24:3,4) which are not always inflexible laws or absolute promises.
These expressions of general truth (cf. 10:27; 22:4) generally do have
“exceptions,” due to the uncertainty of life and unpredictable behavior of
fallen men. God does not guarantee uniform outcome or application for each
proverb, but in studying them and applying them, one comes to contemplate the
mind of God, His character, His attributes, His works, and His blessings. All
of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge expressed in Proverbs are hidden in
Christ (Col 2:3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Outline</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prologue
(1:1-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Title (1:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Purpose (1:2-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Theme (1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise and
Wisdom to the Young (1:8-9:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs for
Everyone (10:1-29:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A. From Solomon (10:1-22:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Wise Men (22:17-24:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Solomon Collected by Hezekiah (25:1-29:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personal Notes
(30:1-31:31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Agur (30:1-33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1461</o:Words>
<o:Characters>8334</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>69</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>19</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>9776</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Lemuel (31:1-31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-55633045789039926702014-07-06T21:25:00.000-07:002017-04-19T14:15:19.476-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1363</o:Words>
<o:Characters>7774</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>64</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>18</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>9119</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ps" target="_blank">The Book of The Psalms</a></b>,
<i>Background<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Overview</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ZmO3-eyaI/U7ogOUrS3MI/AAAAAAAABdI/PgYjMEnu7wM/s1600/psalms_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ZmO3-eyaI/U7ogOUrS3MI/AAAAAAAABdI/PgYjMEnu7wM/s1600/psalms_2.jpg" width="320" /></a> This
is the hymn and prayer book of the Bible, composed by different authors over a
long period of time. The people of Israel collected these hymns and prayers and
used them for their worship, and eventually canonized in their Scriptures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
These
Psalms are various from hymns of praise and worship of God; prayers for help,
protection, and salvation; please for forgiveness; songs of thanksgiving for
God’s blessings; and petitions for the punishment of enemies. These prayers are
both personal and national; some portray the most intimate feelings of one
person, while others represent the needs and feelings of all the people of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Jesus
used the psalms as well as many of the New Testament writers, later becoming
the treasured book of worship of the Christian Church from its beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b>Title</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPOvSmso6L8/U7ogPI6w3GI/AAAAAAAABdU/-aLU1uglCSI/s1600/zpraise_slide21.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPOvSmso6L8/U7ogPI6w3GI/AAAAAAAABdU/-aLU1uglCSI/s1600/zpraise_slide21.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
entire collection of Psalms is entitled “Praises” in the Hebrew text. Later,
rabbis often designated it “The Book of Praises.” The Septuagint (LXX), the
Greek translation of the OT, labeled it “Psalms” (cf. The Book of Psalms” in
the NT: Lk 20:42; Ac 1:20). The Greek verb from which the noun “psalms” comes basically
denotes the “plucking or twanging of strings,” so that an association with
musical accompaniment is implied. The English title derives from the Greek term
and its background. The Psalms constituted Israel’s ancient, God-breathed (2Ti
3:16) “hymnbook,” which defined the proper spirit and content of worship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
There
are 116 psalms that have superscriptions or “titles.” The Hebrew text includes
these titles with the verses themselves. When the titles are surveyed
individually and studied as a general phenomenon, there are significant
indications that they were appended to their respective psalms shortly after
composition and that they contain reliable information (cf. Lk 20:42).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
These
titles convey various kinds of information such as authorship, dedication,
historical occasion, liturgical assignment to a worship director, liturgical
instructions (e.g., what kind of sing it is, whether it is to have a musical
accompaniment, and what tune to use), plus other technical instructions of
uncertain meaning due to their great antiquity. One very tiny, attached Hebrew
preposition shows up in the majority of the Psalm titles. It may convey
different relationship, e.g., “of,” “from,” “by,” “to,” “for,” “in reference
to,” “about.” Sometimes it occurs more than once, even in short headings,
usually supplying “of,” or “by,” person X... “to,” or “for,” person Y
information. However, this little preposition most frequently indicates the
authorship of a psalm, whether “of” David, the accomplished psalmist of Israel,
or “by” Moses, Solomon, Asaph, or the sons of Korah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b>Author and
Date</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tov7FGblTY4/U7ogNRVvypI/AAAAAAAABdA/fmVviijZTII/s1600/PSALMS1VS3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tov7FGblTY4/U7ogNRVvypI/AAAAAAAABdA/fmVviijZTII/s1600/PSALMS1VS3.jpg" width="320" /></a> From
the divine perspective, the Psalter points to God as its author. Approaching
authorship rom the human side can identify a collection of more than 7
composers. King David wrote at least 73 of the 150 psalms; the sons of Korah
accounted for 10 (Pss 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87); and Asaph contributed 12 (Pss 50,
73-83). Other penmen included Solomon (Pss 72, 127), Moses (Ps 90), Heman (Ps
88), and Ethan (Ps 89). The remaining 50 psalms remain anonymous in their
authorship, although Ezra is thought to be the author of some. The time range
of the Psalms extends from Moses, ca. 1410 B.C. (Ps 90), to the late sixth or
earthly fifth century B.C. post-Exilic period (Ps 126), which spans about 900
years of Jewish history.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b>Background
and Setting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
backdrop for the Psalms is twofold: 1) the acts of God in creation and history,
and 2) the history of Israel. Historically, the psalms range in time from the
origin of life to the post-Exilic joys of the Jews liberated from Babylon.
Thematically, the psalms cover a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from heavenly
worship to eartly war. The collected psalms comprise the largest book in the
Bible and the most frequently quoted OT book in the NT. Psalm 117 represents
the middle chapter (out of 1,189) in the Bible. Through the ages, the psalms
have retained their original primary purpose, i.e., to engender the proper
praise and worship of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b>Historical
and Theological Themes</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
basic theme of Psalms is living real life in the real world, where two
dimensions operate simultaneously: 1) a horizontal temporal reality, and 2) a
vertical or transcendent reality. Without denying the pain of the earthly
dimension, the people of God are to live joyfully and dependently on the Person
and promise standing behind the heavenly/eternal dimension. All cycles of human
troubles and triumphs provide occasions for expressing human complaints,
confidence, prayers, or praise to Israel’s sovereign Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In
view of this, Psalms presents a broad array of theology, practically couched in
day-to-day reality. The sinfulness of man is documented concretely, not only
through the behavioral patterns of the wicked, but also by the periodic
stumbling of believers. The sovereignty of God is everywhere recognized, but
not at the expense of genuine human responsibility. Life often seems to be out
of control, and yet all events and situations are understood in the light of
divine providence as being right on course according to God’s timetable.
Assuring glimpses of a future “God’s day” bolsters the call for perseverance to
the end. This book of praise manifests a very practical theology.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvGVyQOaNrk/U7ogOcTapKI/AAAAAAAABdc/W2PAPM7OD4I/s1600/psalm-136-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvGVyQOaNrk/U7ogOcTapKI/AAAAAAAABdc/W2PAPM7OD4I/s1600/psalm-136-13.png" width="320" /></a> A
commonly misunderstood phenomenon in Psalms is the association that often
develops between the “one” (the psalmist) and the “many” (the theocratic
people). Virtually all the cases of this occur in the psalms of King David.
There was an inseparable relationship between the mediatorial ruler and his
people; as life went for the king, so it went for the people. Furthermore, at
times this union accounted for the psalmist’s apparent connection with Christ
in the messianic psalms (or messianic portions of certain psalms). The
so-called imprecatory (curse pronouncing) psalms may be better understood with
this perspective. As God’s mediatorial representative on earth, David prayed
for judgment on his enemies, since these enemies were not only hurting him, but
were primarily hurting God’s people. Ultimately, they challenged the King of
Kings, the God of Israel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b>Interpretive
Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It
is helpful to recognize certain recurring genres of literary types in the
Psalter. Some of the most obvious are: 1) the wisdom type with instructions for
right living; 2) lamentation patterns which deal with the pangs of life
(usually arising form enemies without); 3) penitential psalms (mostly dealing
with the pangs of the “enemy” within, i.e., sin); 4) kingship emphases
(universal or mediatorial; theocratic and/or messianic rule); and 5)
thanksgiving psalms. A combination of style and subject matter help to identify
such types when they appear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
comprehensive literary characteristic of the psalms is that all of them are
poetry par excellence. Unlike most English poetry, which is based on rhyme, and
meter, Hebrew poetry is essential characterized by logical parellaisms are: 1)
synonymous (the though of the first line is restated with similarly concepts in
the second line, e.g., Ps 2:1); 2) antithetic (the thought of the second line
is contrasted with the fist, e.g., Ps 1:6); 3) climactic (the second and any
subsequent lines pick up a crucial word, phrase, or concept and advance it in a
stair-step fashion, e.g., Ps 29:1,2); and 4) chiastic or introverted (the
logical units are developed in an A...B...B’...A’ pattern, ,e.g. Ps 1:2).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
On
a larger scale, some psalms in their development from the first to the last
verse employ an acrostic or alphabetical arrangement. Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, 37,
111, 112, 119, and 145 are recognized as either complete or incomplete
acrostics. In the Hebrew text, the first letter of the first word of every
verse or section begins with a different Hebrew consonant, which advances in
alphabetical order until the 22 consonants are exhausted. Such a literary
vehicle undoubtedly aided in the memorization of the content and served to
indicate that its particular subject matter had been covered from “A to Z.”
Psalm 119 stands out as the most complete example of this device, since the
first letter of each of its 22, 8-verse stanzas moves completely through the
Hebrew alphabet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b>Outline<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkIqLrvo-n4/U7ogOxzS_JI/AAAAAAAABdM/odIqTVftbro/s1600/Psalm150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkIqLrvo-n4/U7ogOxzS_JI/AAAAAAAABdM/odIqTVftbro/s1600/Psalm150.jpg" width="320" /></a> The
150 canonical psalms were organized quite early into 5 “books.” Each of these
books ends with a doxology (Pss 41:13; 72:18-20; 89:52; 106:48; 150:6). Jewish
tradition appealed to the number 5 and alleged that these divisions echoed the
Pentateuch, i.e., the 5 books of Moses. It is true that there are clusters of
psalms, such as 1) those drawn together by an association with an individual or
group (e.g., “the sons of Korah,” Pss 42-49; Asaph, Pss 78-83), 2) those
dedicated to a particular function (e.g., “Songs of ascents,” Pss 120-134), or
3) those devoted explicitly to praise worship (Pss 146-150). But no one
configuration key unlocks the “mystery” as to the organizing theme of this
5-book arrangement. Thus, there is no identifiable thematic structure to the
entire collection of psalms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>14</o:Words>
<o:Characters>83</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>96</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006.
Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-24533769852655219032014-05-22T20:50:00.000-07:002017-02-11T19:24:22.557-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7gTTKKoZYs/U36-M_FChfI/AAAAAAAABaw/xN-bbyL746o/s1600/the-book-of-esther-201x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7gTTKKoZYs/U36-M_FChfI/AAAAAAAABaw/xN-bbyL746o/s1600/the-book-of-esther-201x300.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Es" target="_blank"><b>The Book of Esther</b></a>, <i>Background</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bottom Line Up Front<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Esther is another Jewish heroine in
a historically Persian world. It is important to recognize that the Old
Testament’s theme focuses on the people of Israel, who were major actors
(antagonistic and protagonist) in the progression of history. The Hebrew
people, and mainly Israel – and more specifically Jerusalem – are still very
important up to the present. Something interesting to note about the book of Esther
is that it does not mention God, or any other Biblical character. However, the
salvation of God’s chosen is indicative of God’s sovereignty and providence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Esther’s story is one of those
made-for-movie historical Biblical accounts since it involves great conflict
with a marvelous outcome. Her great courage, relatives, and devotion to her
people obviate an Israelite extermination. Also, we will are introduced to the
Jewish festival of <a href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday9.html">Purim</a>,
which is the Jewish celebration commemorating a time when the Jewish people
living in Persia were saved from extermination.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Title<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Esther” serves as the title
without variation through the ages. This book and the book of Ruth are the only
OT books named after women. Like Song of Solomon, Obadiah, and Nahum, the NT
does not quote or allude to Esther.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Hadassah” (2:7), meaning “myrtle,”
was the Hebrew name of Esther, which came either from the Persian word “star”
or possibly form the name of the Babylonian love goddess, Ishtar. As the
orphaned daughter of her father Abihail, Esther grew up in Persia with her
older cousin, Mordecai, who raised her as if she was her own daughter (2:7,15).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The author remains unknown,
although Mordecai, Ezra, and Nehemiah have been suggested. Whoever penned
Esther possessed a detailed knowledge of Persian customs, etiquette, and
history, plus particular familiarity with the palace at Shushan (1:5-7). He
also exhibited intimate knowledge of the Hebrew calendar and customs, while
additionally showing a strong sense of Jewish nationalism. Possibly a Persian
Jew, who later moved back to Israel, wrote Esther. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3yXAzPCVL4/U36-KyU4arI/AAAAAAAABaI/GPyevfzCAhk/s1600/1280px-Normand,_Ernest_-_Queen_Vashti_deposed_-_1890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3yXAzPCVL4/U36-KyU4arI/AAAAAAAABaI/GPyevfzCAhk/s1600/1280px-Normand,_Ernest_-_Queen_Vashti_deposed_-_1890.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Vashti's Insubordination (1:10-2:1)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esther
appears as the 17<sup>th</sup> book in the literary chronology of the OT and
closes the OT historical section. Only Ezra 7-10, Nehemiah, and Malachi report
later OT history than Esther The account in Esther ends in 473 B.C. before
Ahasuerus died by assassination (ca. 465 B.C.). Esther 10:2 speaks as though
Ahasuerus’ reign had completed, so the earliest possible date would be after
his reign around mid-fifth century B.C. The latest reasonable date would be
prior to 331 B.C. when Greece conquered Persia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background and
Setting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esther
occurred during the Persian period of world history, ca. 539 B.C. (Da 5:30,31)
to ca. 331 B.C. (Da 8:1-27). Ahasuerus ruled from ca. 486 to 465 B.C.; Esther
covers the 483-473 B.C. portion of his reign. The name Ahasuerus represents the
Hebrew transliteration of the Persian name “Khshayrsha,” while “Xerxes”
represents his Greek name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVnEpSOsXjo/U36-K47rTRI/AAAAAAAABaQ/JKl148MZhL4/s1600/717px-Aert_de_Gelder_-_Esther_y_Mardoqueo_escribiendo_la_primera_carta_del_Purim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVnEpSOsXjo/U36-K47rTRI/AAAAAAAABaQ/JKl148MZhL4/s1600/717px-Aert_de_Gelder_-_Esther_y_Mardoqueo_escribiendo_la_primera_carta_del_Purim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther and Mordecai (2:5-7)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The events
of Esther occurred during the wider time span between the first return of the
Jews after the 70-year captivity in Babylon (Da 9:1-19) under Zerubbabel ca.
538 B.C. (Ezr 1-6) and the second return led by Ezra ca. 458 B.C. (Ezr 7-10).
Nehemiah’s journey (the third time) from Susa to Jerusalem (Ne 1-2) occurred
later (ca. 445 B.C.).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esther and
Exodus both chronicle how vigorously foreign powers tried to eliminate the
Jewish race and how God sovereignly preserved His people in accordance with His
covenant promise to Abraham ca. 2100-2075 B.C. (Ge 12:1-3; 17:1-8). As a result
of God’s prevailing, Est 9,10 records the beginning of Purim – a new annual
festival in the 12<sup>th</sup> month (Feb-Mar) to celebrate the nation’s
survival. Purim became one of two festivals given outside of Mosaic legislation
to still be celebrated in Israel (Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is the
other, cf. Jn 10:22).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Historical and
Theological Themes</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All 167
verses of Esther have ultimately been accepted as canonical, although the
absence of God’s name anywhere has caused some to unnecessarily doubt its
authenticity. The Greek Septuagint (LXX) added an extra 107 apocryphal verses
which supposedly compensated for this lack. Along with Song of Solomon, Ruth,
Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations, Esther stands with the OT books of the
Megilloth, or “5 scrolls.” Rabbis read these books in the synagogue of 5
special occasions during the year –Esther being read at Purim (cf. 9:20-32).<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKei3WyIKNk/U36-K1W0fEI/AAAAAAAABaM/-X7BjF-MA04/s1600/Edwin_Long_Vashti_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKei3WyIKNk/U36-K1W0fEI/AAAAAAAABaM/-X7BjF-MA04/s1600/Edwin_Long_Vashti_2.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther Chosen As Queen (2:2-20)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
historical genesis for the drama played out between Mordecai (a Benjamite descendant
of Saul – 2:5) and Haman (an Agagite – 3:1,10; 8:3,5; 9:24) goes back almost
1,000 years when the Jews exited from Egypt (ca. 1445 B.C.) and were attacked
by the Amalekites (Ex 17:8-16), whose lineage began with Amalek, grandson of
Esau (Ge 36:12). God pronounced His curse on the Amalekites, which resulted in
their total elimination as a people (Ex 17:14; Dt 25:17-19). Although Saul (ca.
1030 B.C.) received orders to kill all the Amalekites, including their king
Agag (1Sa 15:2,3), he disobeyed (1Sa 15:7-9) and incurred God’s displeasure
(1Sa 15:11, 26; 28:18). Samuel finally hacked Agag into pieces (1Sa 15:32,33).
Because of his lineage from Agag, Haman carried deep hostility toward the Jews.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The time of
Esther arrived 550 years after the death of Agag, but in spite of such passage
of time, neither Haman the Agagaite nor Mordecai the Benjamite had forgotten
the tribal feud that still smoldered in their souls. This explains why Mordecai
refused to bow down to Haman (3:2,3) and why Haman so viciously attempted to exterminate
the Jewish race (3:5,6,13). As expected, God’s prophecy to extinguish the
Amalekites (Ex 17:14; Dt 25:17-19) and God’s promise to preserve the Jews (Ge
17:1-8) prevailed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because of
God’s faithfulness to save His people, the festival of Purim (named after the
Akkadian word for “lot” – 3:7; 9:26), and annual, two day holiday of feasting,
rejoicing, sending food to one another, and giving gifts tot eh poor (9:21,22),
was decreed to be celebrated in every generation, by every family, in every
province and city (9:27,28). Esther later added a new feather of fasting with
lamentation (9:31). Purim is not biblically mentioned again, although it has
been celebrated throughout the centuries in Israel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqOIcJFBOyA/U36_2uuMMdI/AAAAAAAABbY/aKZqt3aXqmM/s1600/Mordecai_in_king's_gate_BBL72-727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqOIcJFBOyA/U36_2uuMMdI/AAAAAAAABbY/aKZqt3aXqmM/s1600/Mordecai_in_king's_gate_BBL72-727.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mordecai Sat at The King's Gate (2:21-6:14)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xuX2EWkCxg/U36-LqpXDLI/AAAAAAAABaY/HDuJZErBA7I/s1600/Esther-Coronation-300x248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xuX2EWkCxg/U36-LqpXDLI/AAAAAAAABaY/HDuJZErBA7I/s1600/Esther-Coronation-300x248.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther's Coronation (2:1-18)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Esther
could be compared to a chess game. God and Satan (as invisible players) moved
real kings, queens, and nobles. When Satan put Haman into place, it was as if
he announced “Check.” God then positioned Esther and Mordecai in order to put
Satan into “Checkmate!” Ever since the fall of man (Ge 3:1-19), Satan has
attempted to spiritually sever God’s relationship with His human creation and
disrupt God’s covenant promises with Israel. For example, Christ’s line through
the tribe of Judah had been murderously reduced to Joash alone, who was rescued
and preserved (2Ch 22:10-12). Later, Herod slaughtered the infants of
Bethlehem, thinking Christ was among them (Mt 2:16). Satan tempted Christ to
denounce God and worship him (Mt 4:9). Peter, at Satan’s insistence, tried to
block Christ’s journey to Calvary (Mt 16:22). Finally, Satan entered into Judas
then betrayed Christ to the Jews and Romans (Lk 22:3-6). While God was not
mentioned in Esther, He was everywhere apparent as the One who opposed and
foiled Satan’s diabolical schemes by providential intervention.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ondx6S6VYzo/U36-L2mJtJI/AAAAAAAABag/Vd9AZMJcrhg/s1600/Esther-Haman+Plot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ondx6S6VYzo/U36-L2mJtJI/AAAAAAAABag/Vd9AZMJcrhg/s1600/Esther-Haman+Plot.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haman Detained (6:14-7:10)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Esther,
all of God’s unconditional covenant promises to Abraham (Ge 17:1-8) and to
David (2Sa 7:8-16) were jeopardized. However, God’s love for Israel is nowhere
more apparent than in this dramatic rescue of His people from pending
elimination. “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps
121:4).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Interpretive
Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The most
obvious question raised by Esther comes from the fact that God is nowhere
mentioned, as in Song of Solomon. Nor does the writer or any participant refer
to the law of God, the Levitical sacrifices, worship, or prayer. The skeptic
must ask, “Why would God never be mentioned when the Persian king receives over
175 references? Since God’s sovereignty prevailed to save the Jews, why does He
then not receive appropriate recognition?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dU1LLGEYewg/U36_2pQihDI/AAAAAAAABbU/4bYIDusfAbQ/s1600/069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dU1LLGEYewg/U36_2pQihDI/AAAAAAAABbU/4bYIDusfAbQ/s1600/069.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mordechai Does Not Bow (3:1-9) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It seems
satisfying to respond that if God desired to be mentioned, He could just so
sovereignly have moved the author to write of Him as He acted to save Israel.
This situation seems to be more of a problem at the human level than the
divine, because Esther is the classic illustration of God’s providence as He,
the unseen power, controls everything for His purposes. There are no miracles
in Esther, but the preservation of Israel through providential control of every
event and person reveals the omniscience and omnipotence of Jehovah. Whether He
is named is not an issue. He is clearly the main character in the drama. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Second,
“Why were Mordecai and Esther so secular in their lifestyles?” Esther (2:6-20)
does not seem to have the zeal for holiness like Daniel (Da 1:8-20). Mordecai
kept his and Esther’s Jewish heritage secret, unlike Daniel (Da 6:5). The law
of God was absent in contrast to Ezra (Ezr 7:10). Nehemiah had a heart for
Jerusalem that seemingly eluded the affections of Esther and Mordecai (Ne
1:1-2:5).<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYGgtpwU5qU/U36-LW3rzpI/AAAAAAAABbA/PuhqYlWc9yQ/s1600/Esther+before+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYGgtpwU5qU/U36-LW3rzpI/AAAAAAAABbA/PuhqYlWc9yQ/s1600/Esther+before+king.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther Approaches King Ahasuerus (5:1-8)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
following observations help to shed some light on these issues. First, this
short book does not record everything. Perhaps Mordecai and Esther actually
possessed a deeper faith than becomes apparent here (cf. 4:16). Second, even
godly Nehemiah did not mention his God when talking to King Artaxerxes (Ne
2:1-8). Third, the Jewish festivals which provided structure for worship had
been lost long before Esther, e.g., Passover (2Ki 23:22) and Booths (Ne 8:17).
Fourth, possibly the anti-Jewish letter written by the Samaritans to Ahasuerus
several years earlier had frightened them (ca. 486 B.C.; Ezr 4:6). Fifth, the
evil intentions of Haman did not just first surface when Mordecai refused to
bow down (3:1,2). Most likely they were long before shared by others which
would have intimidated the Jewish population. Sixth, Esther did identify with
her Jewish heritage at a most appropriate time (7:3,4). And yet, the nagging
question of why Esther and Mordecai did not seem to have the same kind of open
devotion to God as did Daniel remains. Further, Nehemiah’s prayer (Ne 1:5-11,
esp. v.7) seems to indicate a spiritual lethargy among the Jewish exiles in
Susa. So this issue must ultimately be resolved by God since He alone knows
human hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Outline</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esther Replaces
Vashti (1:1-2:18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waB33EaDjlU/U36-MzoW4iI/AAAAAAAABa4/aFqP4i5ZGSQ/s1600/PikiWiki_Israel_12251_purim_festival_in_holon_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waB33EaDjlU/U36-MzoW4iI/AAAAAAAABa4/aFqP4i5ZGSQ/s1600/PikiWiki_Israel_12251_purim_festival_in_holon_2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern-Day Celebration of Purim (9:20-32)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vashti’s Insubordination (1:1-22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esther’s Coronation (2:1-18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mordecai
Overcomes Haman (2:19-7:10)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mordecai’s Loyalty (2:19-23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haman’s Promotion and Decree </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(3:1-15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esther’s Intervention (4:1-5:14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mordecai’s Recognition (6:1-13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haman’s Fall (6:14-7:10)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Israel Survives
Haman’s Genocide Attempt </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(8:1-10:3)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Esther and Mordecai’s Advocacy </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(8:1-17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jew’s Victory (9:1-19)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purim’s Beginning (9:20-32)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D. Mordecai’s Fame (10:1-3)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-62535800528678555862014-05-04T04:44:00.001-07:002017-02-11T19:09:35.364-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ne" target="_blank">The Book of Nehemiah</a></b>, <i>Background</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyWYCz0ZNMY/U2YnEj0LW4I/AAAAAAAABYs/sHAnoWR2z1g/s1600/Nehemiah_Open.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyWYCz0ZNMY/U2YnEj0LW4I/AAAAAAAABYs/sHAnoWR2z1g/s1600/Nehemiah_Open.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Bottom Line Up Front</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p> The book of Nehemiah piggybacks from Ezra, chronicling
the second building of the famous Temple of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was one of many
Hebrews who stayed in Persia when Cyrus, king of the Persian Empire allowed the
people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. Of those many that remained in Persia,
they occupied important government positions. Nehemiah was one, serving as the
king’s cupbearer. A notable feature of Nehemiah is his deep dependence on God
and his frequent prayers to God, praying for the dramatic events around the
successful rebuilding of the temple. Nehemiah’s journal teaches us in great
detail that despite internal and outside opposition, we can rely on God to
strengthen our faith during such difficult times; and to help us carry out His
glorious purposes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mO99_pb2Tw/U2YnGjxq1yI/AAAAAAAABZY/LIF4IIondD0/s1600/nehemiah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mO99_pb2Tw/U2YnGjxq1yI/AAAAAAAABZY/LIF4IIondD0/s1600/nehemiah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mO99_pb2Tw/U2YnGjxq1yI/AAAAAAAABZY/LIF4IIondD0/s1600/nehemiah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Nehemiah, whose name means “Jehovah comforts,” is a
famous cupbearer, and does not appear in Scripture outside of this book.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>As with the books of Ezra and Esther,
named after his contemporaries, the book accounts selected events of his
leadership and was titled after him. Both the Greek Septuagint (LXX) and the
Latin Vulgate named this book “Second Ezra.” Even though the two books of Ezra
and Nehemiah are separate in most English Bibles, they may have once ben joined
together in a single unit as currently in the Hebrew texts. New Testament
writers do not quote Nehemiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though much of this book was clearly drawn from
Nehemiah’s personal diaries and written from his first person perspective
(1:1-7:5; 12:27-43; 13:4-31), both Jewish and Christian traditions recognize
Ezra as the author. This is based on external evidence that Ezra and Nehemiah
were originally one book as reflected in the LXX and Vulgate; it is also based
on internal evidence such as the recurrent “hand of the Lord” theme which
dominates both Ezra and Nehemiah and the author’s role as a priest-scribe. As a
scribe, he had access to the royal archives of Persia, which accounts for the
myriad of administrative documents found recorded in the two books, especially
in the book of Ezra. Very few people would have been allowed access to the
royal archives of the Persian Empire, but Ezra proved to be the exception (cf.
Ezr 1:2-4; 4:9-22; 5:7-17; 6:3-12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The events in Nehemiah 1 commence late in the year 446
B.C., the 20<sup>th</sup> year of the Persian king, Artaxerxes (464-423 B.C.).
The book follows chronologically from Nehemiah’s first term as governor of
Jerusalem ca. 445-433 B.C. (Ne 1-12) to his second term, possibly beginning ca.
424 B.C. (Ne 13). Nehemiah was written by Ezra sometime during after Nehemiah’s
second term, but no later than 400 B.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9OxoAppyX4/U2YnErVlUNI/AAAAAAAABYw/H2AsK4XS8sk/s1600/Nehemiah-4-Jerusalem-plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9OxoAppyX4/U2YnErVlUNI/AAAAAAAABYw/H2AsK4XS8sk/s1600/Nehemiah-4-Jerusalem-plan.jpg" width="273" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background and Setting</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cYGvJSPjB0/U2YnEoERkqI/AAAAAAAABY4/srIMaeC29mk/s1600/Nehemiah+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cYGvJSPjB0/U2YnEoERkqI/AAAAAAAABY4/srIMaeC29mk/s1600/Nehemiah+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>True to God’s promise of judgment, He brought the
Assyrians and Babylonians to deliver His chastisement upon wayward Judah and
Israel. In 722 B.C. the Assyrians deported the 10 northern tribes and scattered
them all over the then known world (2Ki 17). Several centuries later, ca.
605-586 B.C., God used the Babylonians to sack, destroy, and nearly depopulate
Jerusalem (2Ki 25) because Judah had persisted in her unfaithfulness to the
covenant. God chastened His people with 70 years of captivity in Babylon (Jer
25:11).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During the Jews’ captivity, world empire leadership
changed hands from Babylonians to the Persians (ca. 539 B.C.), after which
Daniel received most of his prophetic revelation (cf. Da 6, 9-12). The book of
Ezra begins with the decree of Cyrus, a Persian king, to return to God’s people
to Jerusalem to rebuild God’s house (ca. 539 B.C.), and chronicles the
reestablishment of Judah’s national calendar of feasts and sacrifices.
Zerubbabel and Joshua led the first return (Ezr 1-6) and rebuilt the temple.
Esther gives a glimpse of the Jews left in Persia (ca. 483-473 B.C.) when Haman
attempted to eliminate the Jewish race. Ezra 7-10 recounts the second return
led by Ezra in 485 B.C. Nehemiah chronicles the third return to rebuild the
wall around Jerusalem (ca. 445 B.C.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At that time in Judah’s history, the Persian Empire
dominated the entire North Eastern world. Its administration of Judah, although
done with a loose hand, was mindful of disruptions or any signs of rebellion
from its vassals. Rebuilding the walls of conquered cities posed the most
glaring threat to the Persian central administration. Only a close confidant of
the king himself could be trusted with such an operation. At the most critical
juncture in Judah’s revitalization, God raised up Nehemiah to exercise on of
the most trusted roles in the empire, the King’s cupbearer and confidant. Life
under the Persian king Artaxerxes (ca. 464-423 B.C.) had its advantages for
Nehemiah. Much like Joseph, Esther, and Daniel, he had attained a significant
role in the palace which then ruled the ancient world, a position from which
God could use him to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls in spite of its
implications for Persian control of that city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOcTz_4903E/U2YnFR8bqmI/AAAAAAAABZI/hWry9S_ynn8/s1600/Nehemiah_Reading+the+Scroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOcTz_4903E/U2YnFR8bqmI/AAAAAAAABZI/hWry9S_ynn8/s1600/Nehemiah_Reading+the+Scroll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several other historical notes are of interest. First,
Esther was Artaxerxes’ stepmother and could have easily influenced him to look
favorably upon the Jews, especially Nehemiah. Second, Daniel’s prophetic 70
weeks began with the decree to rebuild the city issued by Artaxerxes in 445
B.C. (cf. ch 1,2). Third, the Elephantine papyri (Egyptian documents), dated to
the late 5<sup>th</sup> century B.C., support the account of Nehemiah by
mentioning Sanballat the governor of Samaria (2:19), Jehohanan (6:18, 12:23),
and Nehemiah’s being replaced as governor of Jerusalem by Bigvai (ca. 410 B.C.;
Ne 10:16). Finally, Nehemiah and Malachi represent the last of the OT canonical
writings, both in terms of the time the events occurred (cap. 13; Mal 1-4) and
the time when they were recorded by Ezra. Thus the next messages from God for
Israel do not come until over 400 years of silence had passed, after which the
births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were announced (Mt 1; Lk 1,2).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOcTz_4903E/U2YnFR8bqmI/AAAAAAAABZI/hWry9S_ynn8/s1600/Nehemiah_Reading+the+Scroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With the full OT revelation of Israel’s history prior to
Christ’s incarnation being completed, the Jews had not yet experience d the
fullness of God’s various covenants and promises to them. While there was a
Jewish remnant, as promised to Abraham (cf. Ge 15:5), it does not appear to be
even as large as at the time of the Exodus (Nu 1:46). The Jews neither
possessed the Land (Ge 15:7) nor did they rule as a sovereign nation (Ge 12:2).
The Davidic throne was unoccupied (cf. 2Sa 7:16), although the High-Priest was
of the line of Eleazar and Phinehas (cf. Nu 25:10-13). God’s promise to
consummate the New Covenant of redemption awaited the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection
of Messiah (cf. Heb 7-10).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Historical and Theological Themes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zub-zNaD2I0/U2YnFwJ5d8I/AAAAAAAABZg/cCTnpjd4HCQ/s1600/Nehemiah_praying_C-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zub-zNaD2I0/U2YnFwJ5d8I/AAAAAAAABZg/cCTnpjd4HCQ/s1600/Nehemiah_praying_C-8.jpg" width="246" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Careful
attention to the reading of God’s Word in order to perform His will is a
constant theme. The spiritual revival came in response to Ezra’s reading of
“the book of the law of Moses” (8:1). After the reading, Ezra and some of the
priests carefully explained its meaning to the people in attendance (8:8). The
next day, Ezra met with some of the fathers of the households, the priests, and
Levites, in order to “gain insight into the words of the law” (10:34,36). So
deep was their concern to abide by God’s revealed will that they took “a curse
and an oath to walk in God’s law...” (10:29, NASB). When the marriage reforms
were cried out, they acted in accordance with that which “they read aloud from
the book of Moses” (13:1).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A
second major theme, the obedience of Nehemiah, is explicitly referred to
throughout the book due to the fact that the book is based on the memoirs or
first person accounts of Nehemiah. God worked through the obedience of
Nehemiah; hover, He also worked through wrongly-motivated, wicked hearts of His
enemies. Nehemiah’s enemies failed, not so much as a result of the success of
Nehemiah’s strategies, but because “God had frustrated their plan” (4:15). God
used the opposition of Judah’s enemies to drive His people to their knees in
the same way that He used the favor of Cyrus to return His people to the Land,
to fund their building project, and to even protect the reconstruction of
Jerusalem’s walls. Not surprisingly, Nehemiah acknowledged the true motive of
his strategy to repopulate Jerusalem: “my God put into my heart” (7:5). It was
He who accomplished it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another
theme in Nehemiah, as in Ezra, is opposition. Judah’s enemies started rumors
that God’s people had revolted against Persia. The goal was to intimidate Judah
into forestalling reconstruction of the walls. In spite of opposition from
without heartbreaking corruption and dissension from within, Judah completed
the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days (6:15), experienced revival after the
reading of the law by Ezra (8:1 fwd.), and celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles
(8:14 fwd.; ca. 445 B.C.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46dO6OLhzG4/U2YnF_5dNnI/AAAAAAAABZM/IQ7fmdKJnKE/s1600/Nehemiah_walls_of_jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The book’s detailed insight into
personal thoughts, motives, and Nehemiah’s disappointments makes it easy for
the reader to primarily identify with him, rather than “the sovereign hand of
God” theme and the primary message of His control and intervention into the
affairs of His people and their enemies. But the exemplary behavior of the famous
cupbearer is eclipsed by God, who orchestrated the reconstruction of the walls
in spite of much opposition and many setbacks; the “good hand of God” theme
carries through the book of Nehemiah (1:10; 2:8, 18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46dO6OLhzG4/U2YnF_5dNnI/AAAAAAAABZM/IQ7fmdKJnKE/s1600/Nehemiah_walls_of_jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46dO6OLhzG4/U2YnF_5dNnI/AAAAAAAABZM/IQ7fmdKJnKE/s1600/Nehemiah_walls_of_jerusalem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Interpretive Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First, since much of Nehemiah is explained in relationship
to Jerusalem’s gates (cf. Ne 2, 3, 8, 12), one needs to see the map “Jerusalem
in Nehemiah’s Day” for an orientation. Second, as you read it is important to
recognize that the time line of chapter 1-12 encompassed about one year (445
B.C.), followed by a long gap of time (over 20 years) after Ne 12 and before Ne
13 (ref <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time Line of Nehemiah</i>).
Finally, quickly recognize that Nehemiah actually served two governorships in
Jerusalem, the first from 445-433 B.C. (cf. Ne 5:14; 13:6) and the second
beginning possibly in 424 B.C. and extending to no longer than 410 B.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Time Line of Nehemiah</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reference<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Date<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Event<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1:1,4<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Nov/Dec 446 B.C. (Kislev)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nehemiah hears of problems and prays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2:1-6<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Mar/Apr 445 B.C. (Nisan)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nehemiah is dispatched to Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3:1; 6:15<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jul/Aug 445 B.C. (Ab)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nehemiah starts the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6:15<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Aug/Sep 445 B.C. (Elul)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nehemiah completes the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7:73b<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Sep/Oct 445 B.C.
(Tishri)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Day of Trumpets
celebrated (implied).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8:13-15<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sep/Oct 445 B.C. (Tishri)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Feast of Booths celebrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9:1<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Sep/Oct 445 B.C. (Tishri)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Time of confession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">12:27<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Sep/Oct 445 B.C.
(Tishri)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Wall dedicated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">13:6<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>445-433 B.C. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nehemiah’s first term as governor (1-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">13:6<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>433-424 B.C. (?)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nehemiah returns to Persia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No ref.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>433-? B.C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Malachi
prophesies in Jerusalem during <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Nehemiah’s absence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">13:1,4,7<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>427-? B.C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Nehemiah
returns and serves a second <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> term as governor (Ne 13).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Outline</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nehemiah’s First Term as Governor (1:1-12:47)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nehemiah’s
Return and Reconstruction (1:1-7:73a)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem (1:1-2:20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nehemiah
and the people rebuild the walls (3:1-7:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nehemiah recalls the first return under Zerubbabel (7:4-73a)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra’s Revival
and Renewal (7:73b-10:39)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ezra expounds the law (7:73b-8:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
people worship and repent (8:13-9:37)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ezra and the priests renew the covenant (9:38-10:39)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nehemeiah’s
Resettlement and Rejoicing (11:1-12:47)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerusalem is resettled (11:1-12:26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
people dedicate the walls (12:27-47)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1720</o:Words>
<o:Characters>9805</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>81</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>23</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>11502</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nehemiah’s second term as Governor (13:1-31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>14</o:Words>
<o:Characters>83</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>96</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, <i>Updated Edition</i>.
2006. Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson. La Habra, CA.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKsADb4x1xs/U2YnFURAlpI/AAAAAAAABY8/8LV-xO0Nkg0/s1600/Nehemiah_PrayForTheImpossible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKsADb4x1xs/U2YnFURAlpI/AAAAAAAABY8/8LV-xO0Nkg0/s1600/Nehemiah_PrayForTheImpossible.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6mO99_pb2Tw%2FU2YnGjxq1yI%2FAAAAAAAABZY%2FLIF4IIondD0%2Fs1600%2Fnehemiah.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mO99_pb2Tw/U2YnGjxq1yI/AAAAAAAABZY/LIF4IIondD0/s1600/nehemiah.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KOcTz_4903E%2FU2YnFR8bqmI%2FAAAAAAAABZI%2FhWry9S_ynn8%2Fs1600%2FNehemiah_Reading%2Bthe%2BScroll.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOcTz_4903E/U2YnFR8bqmI/AAAAAAAABZI/hWry9S_ynn8/s1600/Nehemiah_Reading+the+Scroll.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-46dO6OLhzG4%2FU2YnF_5dNnI%2FAAAAAAAABZM%2FIQ7fmdKJnKE%2Fs1600%2FNehemiah_walls_of_jerusalem.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46dO6OLhzG4/U2YnF_5dNnI/AAAAAAAABZM/IQ7fmdKJnKE/s1600/Nehemiah_walls_of_jerusalem.jpg" -->Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-73082252391271220122014-04-27T01:34:00.003-07:002017-02-11T18:15:18.314-07:00<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Book of Ezra, <i>BLUF and Background</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Bottom Line Up Front</u></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdUWhc29VOo/U1y-wnf5q4I/AAAAAAAABXY/8OuT0rhg9ao/s1600/Ezra_rebuilding_temple_C-630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdUWhc29VOo/U1y-wnf5q4I/AAAAAAAABXY/8OuT0rhg9ao/s1600/Ezra_rebuilding_temple_C-630.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzwtqxeqlXs/U2YlnBTRFtI/AAAAAAAABYg/sGMujgGn4oY/s1600/Ezra_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzwtqxeqlXs/U2YlnBTRFtI/AAAAAAAABYg/sGMujgGn4oY/s1600/Ezra_Cover.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Book of
Ezra, as a sequel to Chronicles, describes the return of some of the Jewish
exiles from Babylon and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. These
events are presented like this: (1) The first group of Jewish exiles returns
from Babylonia at the order of Cyrus, the Persian emperor; (2) The Temple is
rebuilt and dedicated, and the worship of God restored in Jerusalem; (3) Years
later another group of Jews returns to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra,
an expert in the Law of God who helps the people reorganize their religious and
social life in order to safeguard the spiritual heritage of Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 148.45pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Title<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even though
Ezra’s name does not appear enter the account of Judah’s post-Exilic return to
Jerusalem until 7:1, the book bears his name (“Jehovah helps”) as a title. This
is because both Jewish and Christian tradition attributes authorship to this
famous scribe-priest. New Testament writers do not quote the book of Ezra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Author and Date<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezra is
most likely the author of both Ezra and Nehemiah, which might have originally
been one book. Ezra 4:8-6:18 and 7:12-26 are written in Aramaic. Although Ezra
never states his authorship, internal arguments favor him strongly. After his
arrival in Jerusalem (ca. 458 B.C.), he changed from writing in the third
person to writing in the first person. In the earlier section it is likely that
he had used the third person because he was quoting his memoirs. Ezra is
believed to possibly be the author of the books of the Chronicles. It would
have been natural for the same author to continue the OT narrative by showing
how God fulfilled His promise by returning His people to the Land after 70
years of captivity. There is also a strong priestly tone in Chronicles, and
Ezra was a priestly descendant of Aaron (cf. 7:1-5). The concluding verses of
Chronicle (36:22,23) are virtually identical to the beginning verses of Ezra
(1:1-3a), affirming his authorship of both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur-UOik93IU/U1y-wsPxAII/AAAAAAAABXM/zwGey6SKXZI/s1600/building_altar_gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur-UOik93IU/U1y-wsPxAII/AAAAAAAABXM/zwGey6SKXZI/s1600/building_altar_gallery.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezra was a
scribe who had access to the myriad of administrative documents found in Ezra
and Nehemiah, especially those in the book of Ezra. Very few people would have
been allowed access to the royal archives of the Persian Empire, but Ezra
proved to be the exception (cf. Ezr 1:2-4; 4:9-22; 5:7-17; 6:3-12). His role as
a scribe of the law is spelled out in 7:10; “For Ezra had set his heart to
study the law of the Lord, and to practice <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it</i>,
and to teach <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His</i> statutes and
ordinances in Israel.” He was a strong and godly man who lived at the time of Nehemiah
(cf. Ne 8:1-9; 12:36). Tradition says he was founder of the Great Synagogue,
wehre the complete OT canon was first formally recognized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ezra led
the second return from Persia (Ca. 458 B.C.), so the completed book was written
sometime in the next several decades (Ca. 457-444 B.C.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background and
Setting</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God had
originally brought Israel out of the slave markets of Egypt in the Exodus (ca.
1445 B.C.). Hundreds of years later, before the events of Ezra, God told His
people that if they chose to break their covenant with Him, He would again
allow other nations to take them into slavery (Jer 2:14-25). In spite of God’s
repeated warnings from the mouths of His prophets, Israel and Judah chose to
reject their Lord and to participate in the worship of foreign gods, in
addition to committing the abominable practices which accompanied idolatry (cf.
2Ki 17:7-18; Jer 2:7-13). True to His promise, God brought the Assyrians and
Babylonians to issue His chastisement upon wayward Israel and Judah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIDdLSXR_F0/U1zGDS2F4OI/AAAAAAAABYE/RUHDR83wap4/s1600/PersianEmpire03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIDdLSXR_F0/U1zGDS2F4OI/AAAAAAAABYE/RUHDR83wap4/s1600/PersianEmpire03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="webkit-fake-url://1F19395B-BD83-4D51-BB00-1CF8CC3065ED/application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In 722 B.C.
the Assyrians deported the 10 northern tribes and scattered them all over their
empire (cf. 2Ki 17:24-41; Is 7:8). Several centuries later, in 605-586 B.C., God
used the Babylonians to sack and nearly depopulate Jerusalem. Because Judah
persisted in her unfaithfulness to the covenant, God chastened His people with
70 years of captivity (Jer 25:11), from which they returned to Jerusalem as
reported by Ezra and Nehemiah. Cyrus, the Persian, overthrew Babylon in 539
B.C., and the book of Ezra begins with the decree of Cyrus on year later for
the Jews to return to Jerusalem (ca. 538 B.C.), and it chronicles the
reestablishment of Judah’s national calendar of feasts and sacrifices,
including the rebuilding of the second temple (begun in 536 B.C. and completed
in 516 B.C.).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As there
had been 3 waves of deportation from Israel into Babylon (605 B.C., and 586
B.C.), so there were actually 3 returns to Jerusalem over a 9-decade span.
Zerubbabel first returned in 538 B.C. He was followed by Ezra, who led the
second return in 458 B.C. Nehemiah did likewise 13 years later, in 445 B.C.
Complete uncontested political autonomy, however, never returned. The prophets
Haggai and Zechariah preached during Zerubbabel’s time, about 520 B.C. and
following.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Historical and
Theological Themes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcWsw3WeJbM/U1y-xiqMhyI/AAAAAAAABXc/daVK2LLA7s0/s1600/nehemiah_rebuilding_jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcWsw3WeJbM/U1y-xiqMhyI/AAAAAAAABXc/daVK2LLA7s0/s1600/nehemiah_rebuilding_jerusalem.jpg" width="261" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Jew’s
return from the Babylonian captivity seemed like a second Exodus, sovereignly
patterned in some ways after Israel’s first redemption from Egyptian bondage.
The return trip from Babylon involved activities similar to those of the
original Exodus: 1) the rebuilding of the temple and the city walls; 2) the
reinstitution of the law, which made Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah
collectively seem like a second Moses; 3) the challenge of the local enemies;
and 4) the temptation to intermarry with non-Jews, resulting in idolatry. Other
parallels between the original Exodus and the return from Babylon must have
seemed to the returnees like they were given a fresh start by God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I his
account of the return, Ezra drew upon a collection of Persian administrative
documents to which he had access as a scribe. The presence of actual
administrative documents carries a powerful message when accompanied by the
resounding line “the hand of the LORD my God was upon him/me” (7:6,28). The
decrees, proclamations, letters, lists, genealogies, and memoranda, many of
them written by the Persian administration, attest to the sovereign hand of God
in Israel’s restoration. The primary message of the book is that God
orchestrated the past grim situation (captivity) and would continue to work
through a pagan king and his successors to give Judah hope for the future
(return). God’s administration overrides that of any of the kings of this
world, and thus the book of Ezra is a message of God’s continuing covenant
grace to Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
prominent theme which surfaces in Ezra is opposition from the local Samaritan
residents whose ancestors had been imported from Assyria (4:2; cf. Jn 4:4-42).
For reasons of spiritual sabotage, Israel’s enemies requested to participate in
rebuilding the temple (4:1,2). After being shunned, the enemies hired
counselors against the Jews (cf. 4:4,5). But the Lord, through the preaching of
Haggai and Zechariah, rekindled the spirit of the people and their leaders to
build, with the words “...take courage...and work; for I am with you” (Hag 2:4;
cf. Ezr 4:24-5:2). The reconstruction resumed (ca. 520 B.C.) and the temple was
soon finished, dedicated, and back in service to God (ca. 516 B.C.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Interpretive
Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sylhU1L0o_c/U1y-we1PTjI/AAAAAAAABXI/LbXUBM9ZaTM/s1600/Ezra-Chapter-3-The-Rebuilding-of-the-Temple-Is-Begun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sylhU1L0o_c/U1y-we1PTjI/AAAAAAAABXI/LbXUBM9ZaTM/s1600/Ezra-Chapter-3-The-Rebuilding-of-the-Temple-Is-Begun.jpg" width="260" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First, how
do the post-Exhilic historical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Esther relate to the post-Exhilic prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi? The
book of Esther fits in this 59-year gap between the completion of the temple
(ca. 516 B.C.) under Zerubbabel (Ezr 1-6) and the second return (ca. 458) under
Ezra (Ezr 7-10). Ezra 4:6 provides a glimpse into this period also. The two
books of Chronicles were written by Ezra as a reminder of the promised Davidic
kingship, the Aaronic priesthood, and appropriate temple worship. Haggai and
Zechariah prophesied in the period of Ezra 4-6 when temple construction was
resumed. Malachi wrote during Nehemiah’s revisit to Persia (cf. Ne 13:6).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Second,
what purpose does the book serve? Ezra historically reports the first two of </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">three post-Exihilic returns to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity. The
first return (chaps. 1-6) was under Zerubbabel (ca. 538 B.C.) and the second
(chaps. 7-10) was led by Ezra himself (ca. 458 B.C.). Spiritually, Ezra
reestablished the importance of the Aaronic priesthood by tracing his ancestry
to Eleazar, Phinehas, and Zadok (cf.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ezr
7:1-5). He reported on the rebuilding of the second temple (chaps. 3-6). How he
dealt with the gross sin of intermarriage with foreigners is presented in
chaps. 9,10. Most importantly, he reports how the sovereign hand of God moved
kings and overcame varied opposition to reestablish Israel as Abraham’s seed,
nationally and individually, in the land promised to Abraham, David, and
Jeremiah.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Third, the
temple was built during the reign of Cyrus. Mention of Ahaseurus (4:6) and
Artaxerxes (4:7-23) might lead one to conclude that the temple could have been
rebuilt during their reigns. Such a conclusion, however, violates history. Ezra
was not writing about the construction accomplishments of Ahasuerus or
Artaxerxes, but rather he continued to chronicle their oppositions after the
temple was built, which continued even to Ezra’s day. It is apparent, then,
that Ezra 4:1-5 and 4:24-5:2 deal with rebuilding the temple under Zerubabbel,
while 4:6-23 is a parenthesis recounting the history of opposition in the times
of Ezra and Nehemiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fourth, the
interpreter must decide where Esther fits in to the time of Ezra. A careful
examination indicates it took place between the events of chaps. 6 and 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fifth, how
does divorce in Ezra 10 correlate with the fact that God hates divorce (Mal
2:16)? Ezra does not establish the norm, but rather deals with a special case
in history. It seems to have been decided (Ezra 10:3) on the principle that the
lesser wrong (divorce) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QsnPspN4vU/U1zG6b6PMaI/AAAAAAAABYQ/SJzTBQvV0S8/s1600/The+Temple+Rebuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QsnPspN4vU/U1zG6b6PMaI/AAAAAAAABYQ/SJzTBQvV0S8/s1600/The+Temple+Rebuilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Temple Completed and Dedicated (Ezra 6)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
would be preferable to the greater wrong of the Jewish
race being polluted by intermarriage, so that the nation and the messianic line
of David would not be ended by the being mingled with Gentile. To solve the
problem this way magnifies the mercy of God in that the only other solution
would have been to kill all of those involved (husband, wives, and children) by
stoning, as was done during the first Exodus at Shittim (Nu 25:1-9).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ouline</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The First Return
under Zerubbabel (1:1-6:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cyrus’ Decree to Return (1:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treasurers to Rebuild the Temple (1:5-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those Who Returned (2:1-70)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Construction of the Second Temple (3:1-6:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Building begins (3:1-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opposition surfaces (4:1-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Excursus on future opposition (4:6-23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Construction renewed (4:24-5:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opposition renewed (5:3-6:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temple completed and dedicated (6:13-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Second Return
under Ezra (7:1-10:44)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra Arrives (7:1-8:36)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1604</o:Words>
<o:Characters>9149</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>76</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>21</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>10732</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra Leads Revival (9:1-10:44)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>14</o:Words>
<o:Characters>81</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>94</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">MacArthur
Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra,
CA.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-83543612303801941982013-09-09T00:26:00.000-07:002017-02-11T19:25:06.749-07:00The 1st and 2nd Books of The Chronicles<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1321</o:Words>
<o:Characters>7536</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>62</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>17</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>8840</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1Ch" target="_blank">The 1<sup>st</sup></a> and<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/2Ch" target="_blank"> 2<sup>nd</sup></a> Books of The
Chronicles, <i>Background</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Title</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nu2Z8YgWV9Y/Ui0_xP9TqZI/AAAAAAAABLg/dOLTOvV6fFs/s1600/1chronicles_IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nu2Z8YgWV9Y/Ui0_xP9TqZI/AAAAAAAABLg/dOLTOvV6fFs/s320/1chronicles_IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vp7YjPy7TCU/Ui0_xwxljSI/AAAAAAAABL0/Ktyow6rFXnU/s1600/2chronicles_IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vp7YjPy7TCU/Ui0_xwxljSI/AAAAAAAABL0/Ktyow6rFXnU/s400/2chronicles_IMG.jpg" width="400" /></a> The
original title in the Hebrew Bible read “The annals (i.e., events or happening)
of the days.” First and Second Chronicles were comprised of one book until
later divided into separate books in the Greek OT translation, the Septuagint
(LXX), ca. 200 B.C. The title also changed at that time to the inaccurate
title, “the things omitted,” i.e., reflecting material not in 1,2 Samuel and 1,
2 Kings. The English title “Chronicles” originated with Jerome’s Latin Vulgate
translation (ca. 400 A.D.), which used<br />
the fuller title “The Chronicles of the Entire<br />
Sacred History.”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neither 1
nor 2 Chronicles contains direct statements regarding the human author, though
Jewish tradition strongly favors Ezra the priests (cf. Ezr 7:1-6) as “the
chronicler.” These records were most likely recorded ca. 450-430 B.C. The
genealogical record in 1Ch 1-9 supports a date after 450 B.C. for the writing.
The NT does not directly quote either 1 or 2 Chronicles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Background and
Setting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2KZNVLDFko/Ui0_zLfWjBI/AAAAAAAABMQ/EbaLIZG9uXM/s1600/2chronicles_Walls+of+Jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2KZNVLDFko/Ui0_zLfWjBI/AAAAAAAABMQ/EbaLIZG9uXM/s320/2chronicles_Walls+of+Jerusalem.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerusalem in Nehemiah's Time <br />
(Shared Historical Background)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
immediate historical backdrop encompassed the Jews’ three-phase return to the
Promised Land from the Babylonian exile: 1) Zerubbabel in Ezr 1-6 (ca. 538
B.C.); 2) Ezra in Ezr 7-10 (ca. 458 B.C.); and 3) Nehemiah in Ne 1-13 (ca. 445
B.C.). Previous history looks back to the Babylonian deportation/Exile (ca.
605-538 B.C.) as predicted/reported by 2 Kings, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and
Habakkuk. The prophets of this restoration era were Haggai, Zechariah, and
Malachi.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jews
had returned from their 70 years of captivity (ca. 538 B.C.) to a land that was
markedly different from the one once ruled by King David (ca. 1011-971 B.C.) and
King Solomon (971-931 B.C.): 1) there was no Hebrew king, but rather a Persian
governor (Ezr 5;3; 6:6); 2) there was no security Jerusalem, so Nehemiah had to
rebuild the wall (Ne 1-7); 3) there was no temple, so Zerubbabel had to
reconstruct a pitiful semblance of the Solomonic temple’s former glory (Ezr 3);
4) the Jews no longer dominated the region, but rather were on the defensive
(Ezr 4; Ne 4)); 5) they enjoyed few divine blessings beyond the fact of their
return; 6) they possessed little of the kingdom’s former wealth; and 7) God’s
divine presence no longer resided in Jerusalem, having departed ca. 597-591
B.C. (Eze 8-11).<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFavHrcQPvQ/Ui1A--jR4cI/AAAAAAAABMo/3o5ySBYojsU/s1600/1chronicles_God's+Covenant+with+David.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFavHrcQPvQ/Ui1A--jR4cI/AAAAAAAABMo/3o5ySBYojsU/s200/1chronicles_God's+Covenant+with+David.jpg" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God's Covenant with David</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OwZzf7GhAc/Ui11nOC9gAI/AAAAAAAABNY/ytKA6iRRPPA/s1600/2chronicles_ArkinSolomonsTemple.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OwZzf7GhAc/Ui11nOC9gAI/AAAAAAAABNY/ytKA6iRRPPA/s200/2chronicles_ArkinSolomonsTemple.gif" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ark of The Covenant Transported<br />
to Solomon's Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To put it
mildly, their future looked bleak compared to their majestic past, especially
the time of David and Solomon. The return could best be described as
bittersweet, i.e., bitter because their present poverty brought hurtful
memories about what was forfeited by God’s judgment on their ancestors’ sin,
but sweet because at least they were back in the Land God had given Abraham 17
centuries earlier (Ge 12:1-3). The chronicler’s selective genealogy and history
of Israel, stretching from Adam (1Ch 1:1) to the return from Babylon (2Ch
26:23), was intended to remind the Jews of God’s promises and intentions about:
1) the Land; 2) the nation; 3) the Davidic king; 4) the Levitical priests; 5)
the temple; and 6) true worship, none of which had been abrogated because of
the Babylonian captivity. All of this was to remind them of their spiritual
heritage during the difficult times they faced, and to encourage them to be
faithful to God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Historical and
Theological Themes</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqF4mxFQDrc/Ui0_xZXMYoI/AAAAAAAABLw/VXb4AyMaLS4/s1600/1chronicles_Saul+Killed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqF4mxFQDrc/Ui0_xZXMYoI/AAAAAAAABLw/VXb4AyMaLS4/s200/1chronicles_Saul+Killed.jpg" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death and Defeat of Saul<br />
and His Sons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBGmGQAVRY8/Ui0_waPp9oI/AAAAAAAABLQ/n-MKKZ1C_R4/s1600/1chronicles_David+Anointed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBGmGQAVRY8/Ui0_waPp9oI/AAAAAAAABLQ/n-MKKZ1C_R4/s200/1chronicles_David+Anointed.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Anointed as King</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First and
Second Chronicles, as named by Jerome, recreate an OT history in miniature,
with particular emphases on the Davidic Covenant and temple worship. In terms
of literary parallel, 1 Chronicles is the partner of 2 Samuel, in that both
detail the reign of King David. Frist Chronicles opens with Adam (1:1) and
close with the death of David (29:26-30) in 971 B.C. Second Chronicles begins
with Solomon (1:1) and covers the same historical period as 1 and 2 Kings,
while focusing exclusively on the kings of the southern kingdom of Judah, thus
excluding the history of the northern 10 tribes and their rulers, because of
their complete wickedness and false worship. It ranges from the reign of
Solomon (1:1) in 971 B.C. to the return from Babylon in 538 B.C. (36:23). Over
55 percent of the material in Chronicles is unique, i.e., not found in 2Samuel
or 1 and 2 Kings. The “chronicler” tended to omit what was negative or in
opposition to the Davidic kingship; on the other hand, he tended to make unique
contributions validating temple worship and the line of David. Whereas 2Ki 25
ends dismally with the deportation of Judah to Babylon, 2Ch 36:22-23 concludes
hopefully with the Jews’ release from Persia and return to Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
These two
books were written to the repatriated Jewish exiles as the chronicle of God’s
intention of future blessing, in spite of the nation’s past moral/spiritual
failure for which the people paid dearly under God’s wrath. First and Second
Chronicles could be briefly summarized as follows:<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I. A Selected
Genealogical History of Israel (1Ch 1-9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
II. Israel’s United
Kingdom Under Saul (1Ch 10), David (1Ch 11-29), and Solomon (2Ch 1-9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
III. Judah’s Monarchy
in the Davidic Kingdom (2Ch 10-36:21)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
IV. Judah’s Release
From Their Seventy Year Captivity (2Ch 36:22,23).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mRX1gkYHTQ/Ui1Gpr1OCQI/AAAAAAAABNI/qd8DWYOc74E/s1600/1chronicles_census+of+Israel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mRX1gkYHTQ/Ui1Gpr1OCQI/AAAAAAAABNI/qd8DWYOc74E/s200/1chronicles_census+of+Israel.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Conducts Census of Israel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
historical themes are inex-tricably linked with the theological in that God’s
divine purposes for Israel have been and will be played out on the stage of
human history. These two books are designed to assure the returning Jews that,
in spite of their checkered past and present plight God will be true to his
covenant promises. God has returned them to the Land first given to Abraham as
a race of people whose ethnic identity (Jewish) was not obliterated by the
deportation and whose national identity (Israel) has been preserved (Ge 12:1-3;
15:5), although they are still under God’s judgment as prescribed by the Mosaic
legislation (Dt 28:15-68). The priestly line of Eleazar’s son Phineas aand the
Levitical line were still intact so that temple worship could continue in the
hopes that God’s presence would one day return (Nu 25:10-13; Mal 3:1). The
Davidic promise of a king was still valid, although future in its fulfillment
(2Sa 7:8-17; 1Ch 17:7-15). Their individual hope of eternal life and
restoration of God’s blessings forever rested in the New Covenant (Jer
31:31-34).<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTGJosJv0_o/Ui1GncTfItI/AAAAAAAABM8/PIFvUDHlfqA/s1600/2chronicles_king_solomons_wisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTGJosJv0_o/Ui1GncTfItI/AAAAAAAABM8/PIFvUDHlfqA/s200/2chronicles_king_solomons_wisdom.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two basic
principles enumerated in these two books prevail throughout the OT, namely, obedience
brings blessings, and disobedience brings judgment. In the Chronicles, when the
king obeyed and trusted the Lord, God blessed and protected. But when the king
disobeyed and/or put his trust in something or someone other than the Lord, God
withdrew His blessing and protection. Three basic failures by the kings of
Judah brought God’s wrath: 1) personal sin; 2) false worship/idolatry; and/or
3) trust in man rather than God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interpretive
Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iG-0J3ZgWww/Ui0_ySUMTEI/AAAAAAAABL4/uz3ctb7I6bQ/s1600/2chronicles_SolomonsTemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iG-0J3ZgWww/Ui0_ySUMTEI/AAAAAAAABL4/uz3ctb7I6bQ/s320/2chronicles_SolomonsTemple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple Constructed in Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First and
Second Chronicles present a combination of selective genealogical and
historical records and no insurmountable challenges within the two books are
encountered. A few issues arise, such as: 1) Who wrote 1 and 2 Chronicles? Does
the overlap of 2Ch 36:22-23 with Ezr 1:1-3 point to Ezra as author? 2) Does the
use of multiple sources taint the inerrancy doctrine of Scripture? 3) How does
one explain the variations in genealogies of 1Ch 1-9 from other OT genealogies?
4) Are the curses of Dt 28 still in force, even though the 70-year captivity
has concluded? 5) How does one explain the few variations in numbers when
comparing Chronicles with parallel passages in Samuel and Kings? These can be
dealt with by further in depth study in the ESV, Ryrie, or MacArthur Study
Bible notes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><b>OUTLINE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 Chronicles </b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I. Selective Genealogy (1:1-9:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A. Adam
to Before David (1:1-2:55)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">B.
David to the Captivity (3:1-24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C. Twelve
Tribes (4:1-9:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">D. Jerusalem
Dwellers (9:2-34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II.
David’s Ascent (9:35-12:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A.
Saul’s Heritage and Death (9:35-10:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">B.
David’s Anointing (11:1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C.
Jerusalem’s Conquest (11:4-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">D.
David’s Men (11:10-12:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III.
David’s Reign (13:1-29:30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A.
The Ark of the Covenant (13:1-16:43)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />B.
The Davidic Covenant (17:1-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C.
Selected Military History (18:1-21:30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">D.
Temple-Building Preparations (22:1-29:20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">E. Transition
to Solomon (29:21-30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2 Chronicles</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I.
Reign of Solomon (1:1-9:31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A.
Coronation and Beginnings (1:1-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">B.
Temple Building (2:1-7:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C.
Wealth/Achievements (8:1-9:28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">D.
Death (9:29-31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II.
The Reign of the Kings of Judah (10:1-36:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A.
Rehoboam (10:1-12:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">B. Abijah
(13:1-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C.
Asa (14:1-16:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">D.
Jehoshaphat (17:1-21:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">E.
Jehoram (21:4-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">F.
Ahaziah (22:1-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">G.
Athaliah (22:10-23:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">H.
Joash (24:1-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I.
Amaziah (25:1-28)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">J.
Uzziah (26:1-23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K.
Jotham (27:1-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L.
Ahaz (28:1-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">M.
Hezekiah (29:1-32:33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">N.
Manasseh (33:1-20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">O.
Amon (33:21-25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">P.
Josiah (34:1-35:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Q.
Jehoahaz (36:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">R.
Jehoiakim (36:5-8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">S.
Jehoiachin (36:9,10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T.
Zedekiah (36:11-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III.
The Return Proclamation of Cyrus (36:22,23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>14</o:Words>
<o:Characters>80</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>93</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition.
2006. Nelson Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra, CA.</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-25242638936720160902013-04-13T05:23:00.003-07:002017-02-11T18:12:08.851-07:00The 1st and 2nd Books of The Kings<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> Books of The Kings, <i>Background</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZeNKSy01TA/UWlOuGdiqzI/AAAAAAAABCY/bgvUpmEiQRk/s1600/1Kings.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZeNKSy01TA/UWlOuGdiqzI/AAAAAAAABCY/bgvUpmEiQRk/s320/1Kings.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Author and Title</span></b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn0XNE8jz0c/UWlOusfpIqI/AAAAAAAABCg/mlJMDgeNiPU/s1600/2Kings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn0XNE8jz0c/UWlOusfpIqI/AAAAAAAABCg/mlJMDgeNiPU/s400/2Kings.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As the titles of the books indicate, 1-2 Kings describe the period of the monarchy in ancient Israel (9700-586 B.C.), excluding most of the reigns of King Saul and King David (which are mainly described in 1-2 Samuel, with the conclusion to David’s reign appearing in 1Kings 1:1-2:11). Ancient Jewish tradition attributes this account to the prophet Jeremiah, although the books themselves do not specify the author. Internal evidence, however, does establish that the author or authors were deeply influenced by the book of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Deuteronomy and sought to provide Israel with an explanation of its past in terms of the theological program outlined in that book. This is clearly signaled, for example, in the opening section of David’s parting speech to Solomon (1Kings 2:1-4), </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where the language closely parallels the following phrases from Deuteronomy: “keep charge of the LORD your God” (Deut. 11:1); “walking in His ways” (Deut. 8:6); “keeping all His statutes and His commandments” (Deut. 6:2); “that you may prosper in all you do” (Deut. 29:9); “that He may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers” (Deut. 9:5); “with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 4:29). “Deuteronomic” language such as this appears again and again in 1-2 Kings, as first Solomon himself (1Kings 11), and then almost all the succeeding kings of Israel and Judah, are weighed in relation to the Mosaic law code and found wanting (e.g., Jeroboam, 1Kings 12:25-33; 14:1-16; Ahaz, 2Kings 16:1-4). For this reason, the authors of 1-2Kings have often been referred to in recent biblical scholarship as “Deuteronomists.” Beyond this one fact, however, nothing can be said for sure about the authorship of these books. Some have speculated that these “Deuteronomists” were Levites or priests; others, that they were prophets; and still others, that they were the wise men of the Jerusalem court. No one can really know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Date</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> In their present form, 1-2Kings could not have been written before sixth century B.C., since 2Kings 25:27-30 describes the release of King Jehoiachin from prison in Babylon in 561 and the books must therefore date from some time after that. It is possible (and some scholars certainly believe) that this late exilic or postexilic version of Kings builds on earlier editions dating form before the exile of many Judeans to Babylon in 587 B.C., or from the period of the exile itself. There is also evidence that at least some editing of the text took place in the Persian period (539-330 B.C.). Notice, for example, the intriguing references to “the kings of the west” and “the governors of the land” (1Kings 10:15). These seem best understood as representing a Persian perspective on the region west of the Euphrates, which was administered on behalf of the Persian emperor by governors (cf. Esra 8:36; Neh. 2:7,9).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Theme</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>These two books set out to provide for their readers an explanation of Israel’s later monarchic period in terms of the theological vision outlined in the book of Deuteronomy, so that these readers can move forward in their present times with a solidly grounded faith in the one God who controls both nature and history. The books maintain that it is this good and all-powerful God who oversaw the destruction of His chosen city and temple, and the exile to Babylon, in 586 B.C. because of Israel’s great sinfulness (2Kings 17:7-23; 24:1-4). Yet there remains hope because God’s chosen royal line has not come to an end (2Kings 25:27-30), and God remains ready to forgive those who are repentant (1Kings 8:22-61).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Purpose, Occasion, and Background</span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-ejFH9UxJQ/UWlNLe5pUhI/AAAAAAAABB8/brLclIjzbyE/s1600/Solomon+and+Sheba_1Kings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-ejFH9UxJQ/UWlNLe5pUhI/AAAAAAAABB8/brLclIjzbyE/s320/Solomon+and+Sheba_1Kings.jpg" width="237" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Solomon and Queen of Sheba</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the year 609 B.C. the pharaoh of Egypt, Neco II, marched north to support his allies the Assyrians in their conflict with the Babylonians and their allies the Medes. On the way, Neco was opposed by King Josiah of Judah a the city of Megiddo, who was perhaps hoping to establish his independence from an increasingly powerful Egypt or hoping to benefit from being seen to take the Babylonians’ side. Josiah was killed in the ensuing battle, and Judah’s independence was lost. The king, Jehoahaz, found himself imprisoned in Egypt while his brother Eliakim reigned in Judah as a vassal of Egypt under the name of Jehoiakim.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Around 604 B.C., however, Jehoiakim switched his allegiance to Babylon. Then, a few years later, he rebelled against the Babylonian king. Consequently, at the end of the year 598 B.C., when the Babylonian army was before the gates of Jerusalem, Egyptian forces were not on hand to help. The city surrendered to Babylon along with many other leading citizens and much plunder. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, then placed Jehoiachin’s uncle Mattaniah on the throne and gave him the new name of Zedekiah. From early in his reign Zedekiah was involved in discussions with neighboring peoples about he possibility of revolt, and eventually revolt occurred. A new siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians ensued. It was temporarily lifted when the new pharaoh, Apries, sent an army into Palestine, but resumed when the Egyptian army withdrew. After two years of siege, with all supplies of food exhausted, the city eventually fell in 587 or 586 B.C.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The fall of Jerusalem and the events that immediately followed it came as a devastating blow to the people of Judah. Jerusalem lay in ruins; both ordinary houses and the royal palace had been destroyed; the city’s defenses had been pulled down. Most seriously of all, the temple – the great symbol of Yahweh’s presence with Israel – had been dismantled. Many had been killed, and many others had been deported to Babylon to work in the fields as well as in administration. Among the deportees were the leaders of the Judean community, who joined King Jehoiachin and the others deported there earlier. The people left in Judah were only the “poorest of the land” (2Kings 25:12; see Jer. 39:10; 52:16), watched over by a garrison of troops in Jerusalem and initially by a native (non-Davidic) Judean leader named Gedaliah, who based himself in the city of Mizpah, about 7.5 miles (12 km) from the former capital. The pain and grief of the time is well expressed in Lamentations 1:1: “How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave.” What did it all mean? Was Israel’s God not in fact in control of nature and history, as Mosaic religion claimed? Were there other, more powerful gods in Babylon who had engineered the Babylonian victory over Israel? If the God of Moses did exist, and was good and all-powerful, how was it that God’s chosen city and temple had been destroyed, and how was it that God’s chosen royal line (the line of David) had all but come to its end?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The books of Kings must be understood against this background. They represent a sustained response to such questions, and are designed to provide their readers a true interpretation of what happened to Israel in 586 B.C. Israel’s God is indeed in control of nature and history; there are no other, more powerful gods anywhere. It is in fact this good and all-powerful God who has Himself overseen the destruction of His chosen city and His temple, and the exile to Babylon. The reason for these actions lies in Israel’s great sinfulness. Israel has not obeyed God or heeded His word through the prophets, from the reign of Solomon onward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Solomon turned away from the true god to worship other gods (1Kings 2:12-11:43). Jeroboam son of Nebat led northern Israel into independence from Solomon’s son Rehoboam and Judah (1Kings 12:1-24) and into institutionalized idolatry, with gods manufactured by Jeroboam (1Kings 12:25-33) or introduced from elsewhere (1Kings 16:29-2Kings 10:31), and this ultimately led to exile in Assyria for the northern tribes (2Kings 17). Although the religious situation in Judah was initially no better than that in Israel (1Kings 14:22-24; 15:3-5), Judah’s story afterward was not one of continuous apostasy. Relatively good kings did not rule in the gaps between the wicked kings (1Kings 15:9-22:50; 2Kings 12:1-15:38); and toward the end of the monarchy ruled two of the best kings ever (Hezekiah, 2Kings 18:1-20:21; Josiah, 2Kings 22:1-23:30). Sin gradually accumulated, nevertheless, resulting in exile also for the kingdom of Judah. Yet it is implied that hope remains, for God’s chosen royal line has not in fact come to an utter end (2Kings 25:27-30), and God remains god, ever ready to forgive those who repent. The fact that God is “one” thus represents both the ultimate reason for the events of 586 B.C. and the ultimate ground for Israel’s hope of restoration; for if there is only on God, nothing and no one can frustrate His purposes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Key Themes</span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIIe5OGUr6Q/UWlNZtIsWYI/AAAAAAAABCE/tPckXEXOfQ4/s1600/King+Solomon+Temple+(1)_1Kings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIIe5OGUr6Q/UWlNZtIsWYI/AAAAAAAABCE/tPckXEXOfQ4/s320/King+Solomon+Temple+(1)_1Kings.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">King Solomon's First Temple</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 1. Yahweh is the only true God. There is only one living God, and He is the Lord (1Kings 18:15; 2Kings 5:15). This Lord is not to be confused with the various so-called gods worshiped in Israel and other nations, for these are simply human creations (1Kings 12:25-30; 2Kings 17:16; 19:14-19). They are part of the created order, like the people who worship them; and they are powerless, futile entities (1Kings 16:13; 18:22-40; 2Kings 17:15; 18:33-35). The Lord, by contrast is the incomparable Creator of heaven and earth (1Kings 8:23; 2Kings 19:15). He is utterly distinct from the world that He has created (cf. 1Kings 8:9, 14-21; 27-30, where he is neither truly “in” the ark no “in” the temple; and 18:26-38, where the antics of the Baal priest apparently imply belief in the intrinsic connection between their actions and divine action, while Elijah’s behavior implies quite the reverse). At the same time, the Lord is powerfully active within His world. It is He, and no one else, who controls nature (1Kings 17-19; 2Kings 1:2-17; 4:8-37; 5:1-18; 6:1-7, 27).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Yahweh controls history. The Lord, and neither an idol god, nor king, nor prophet, controls history (1Kings 11:14, 23; 14:1-18; 22:1-38; 2Kings 5:1-18; 10:32-33; 18:17-19:37). This is perhaps illustrated most clearly in the way in which prophets function within 1-2Kings, describing the future before God brings it about (1Kings 11:29-39; 13:1-32; 16:1-4; 20:13-34; 2Kings 19:6-7, 20-34). Nothing can hinder the fulfillment of this prophetic word, although God Himself, in His freedom, can override its fulfillment for His own purposes (cf. 1Kings 21:17-29; 2Kings 3:15-27, where the ending to the story is somewhat unexpected).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3. Yahweh demands exclusive worship. As the only God there is, the Lord demands exclusive worship. He will not take His place alongside the gods, nor is He willing to be displaced by them. He refuses to be confused with any part of the created order. He alone will be worshiped, by Israelite and foreigner alike (1Kings 8:41-43, 60; 2Kings 5:15-18; 17:24-41).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4. The content and place of true worship. Much of 1-2 Kings is therefore concerned to describe what is illegitimate in terms of worship. The main interest is in the content of this worship, which must neither involve idols or images nor reflect any aspect of the fertility and other cults of “the nations” (1Kings 11:1-40; 12:25-13:34; 14:22-24; 16:29-33; 2Kings 16:1-4; 17:7-23; 21:1-9). There is a subsidiary concern about the place of worship, which is ideally the Jerusalem temple, and not the local “high places” (1Kings 3:2; 5:1-9:9; 15:14; 22:43; 2Kings 18:4; 23:1-20).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5. The consequences of false worship. The books of 1-2 Kings also describe the moral wrongs that inevitably accompany false worship. They claim that true worship of God is always bound up with obedience to the law of God, and the worship of something other than God inevitably leads to some kind of mistreatment of fellow mortals in the eyes of God; see 1Kings 21, where the kind of abandonment of God envisaged in Exodus 20 leads to wholesale breach of the other commandments described there (2Kings 16:1-4, esp. v. 3; 2Kings 21:1-16, esp. vv. 6, 16). By the same token, wholehearted obedience. It cannot be divorced from either (see 1Kings 1-11, where much can be learned about the nature of true wisdom).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6. Yahweh as just and gracious Lawgiver. As the Giver of the law, which defines true worship and right thinking and behavior generally, the Lord is also The One who executes justice on wrongdoers. The world of 1-2Kings is a moral world in which wrongdoing is punished, whether the sinner be a king (Solomon in 1Kings 11:9-13; Jeroboam in 1Kings 14:1-18), or prophet (the unnamed Judean in 1Kings 13:7-25; and the disobedient man in 1Kings 20:35-43), or ordinary Israelite (Gehazi in 2Kings 5:19-27; the Israelite officer in 2Kings 7:17-20). It is not a vending-machine world, however, in which every coin of sin that is inserted results individually packaged retribution. There is no neat correlation between sin and judgment in Kings, even though people are told that they must obey God if they are to be blessed by Him (e.g., Solomon in 1Kings 2:1-4; Jeroboam in 1Kings 11:38). This is largely because of the compassionate character of the Judge, who does not desire final judgment to fall on His creatures (2Kings 13:23; 14:27) and who often delays or mitigates such judgment (1Kings 21:25-29; 2Kings 22:15-20). God’s grace is to be found everywhere is 1-2Kings (1Kings 11:9-13; 15:1-5; 2Kings 8:19), confounding expectations that the reader might have formed on the basis of an oversimplified understanding of law. Sin can, nevertheless, accumulate to such an extent that judgment falls, not only on individuals but on whole creatures, sweeping the relatively innocent away with the guilty (2Kings 17:1-23; 23:29-25:26).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7. Yahweh as promise-giver. Israel’s God is not only a lawgiver, however, but also a promise-giver. In 1-2Kings it is a promise usually to be found at the heart of the Lord’s gracious conduct toward His people. The two most important divine promises referred to are those given to the patriarchs on the one hand, and to David on the other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The patriarchal promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – descendants and everlasting possession of the land of Canaan – clearly influences God’s treatment of His people at various points in the story (2Kings 13:23, and implicitly in 1Kings 4:20-21, 24; 18:36). That promise also lies in the forward to the possibility of forgiveness after judgment. The future-oriented aspect of the promise in this passage is interesting because it is a promisein clear tension with the story’s ending in 2Kings 25, where disobedience has led to expulsion from the land and exile in a foreign empire. It seems that the true fulfillment of the promise is thought still to be in the future, even though it has also played its part in the past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The promise given to David, that he should have an eternal dynasty, shares in the same kind of tension, and indeed appears in 1-2Kings in a curiously paradoxical form. In much of the narrative it provides an explanation for why the Davidic dynasty survives when other dynasties do not, in spite of the disobedience of David’s successors (1Kings 11:36; 15:4; 2Kings 8:19). It is viewed, in other words, as unconditional in one aspect. Judah’s fate is not to be the same as Israel’s and Jerusalem’s fate is to be different from Samaria’s, because God has promised David a “lamp,” a descendant who will always sit on his throne. So when Solomon sins, the Davidic line does not lose the throne entirely, but retains “one tribe” (1Kings 11:36) in the meantime, with the prospect of restoring its dominion at some time in the future (1Kings 11:39). When Abijam sins, likewise, his son sill retains the Judean throne (1Kings 15:4).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The background here is the promise to David recorded in 2Samuel 7, where the sins of David’s descendants are to be punished by the “rod of men” rather than by the kind of divine rejection Saul experienced (2Sam 7:14-16). This promise makes the ultimate difference between Davidic kings and those of other royal houses throughout much of the books of Kings, and makes the Judean dynasty unshakable even while the dynasties of the northern kingdom are like reeds “shaken in the water” (1Kings 14:15). This dynasty survives in spite of the disobedience of David’s successors. At other times, however, the continuance of the dynasty is made dependent on the obedience of David’s successors (1Kings 2:4; 8:25; 9:4-5). The promise is treated as conditional. As the books progress, it seems that this latter view prevails, as accumulating sin puts the promise in its unconditional aspect under great stress and in the end brings down God’s judgment on Judah just as severely as on Israel (2Kings 16:1-4; 21:1-15; 23:31-25:26).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yet Jehoiachin lives (2Kings 25:27-30). The authors of Kings did not need to record this fact. They could have allowed Jehoiachin to dwel in obscurity with Zedekiah (2Kings 24:18-25:7), who effectively ends up as the eunuch in Babylon that the prophet Isaiah had foreseen (2Kings 20:18) – a mutilated man deprived of the heirs who might later claim the throne. The significance of this postscript on Jehoiachin appears clearer in an earlier section to 2Kings. After the reign of two relatively righteous kings (Asa and Jehoshapahat), Judah found herself with two kings who share with King Ahab’s children both their names (Jehoram, Ahaziah) and their attraction to idolatry (2Kings 8:16-29). Yet God had promised David an ever-burning “lamp” in Jerusalem (2Kings 8:119; cf. 1Kings 11:36; 15:4), an everlasting dynasty. Therefore, although Ahab’s dynasty comes to an end in 2Kings 9-10, David’s dynasty does not. Although Ahaziah dies and is mother Athaliah tries to wipe out the entire royal family (2Kings 11:1), one royal prince remains to carry on the family line (2Kings 11:2). Against all the odds, Joash survives six years of his grandmother’s rule to emerge once again as king in a land purified of the worship of foreign gods (2Kings 11:3-20).</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws2ICxT4Bqs/UWlNZ4pZOsI/AAAAAAAABCI/vtmb5JbFiyg/s1600/2Kings_Elijah+Enters+Into+Heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws2ICxT4Bqs/UWlNZ4pZOsI/AAAAAAAABCI/vtmb5JbFiyg/s320/2Kings_Elijah+Enters+Into+Heaven.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Elijah is Taken Up Into Heaven</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Later, Jehoiachin reappears in the narrative of 1-2Kings in a manner strikingly reminiscent of this reappearance of Joash after that earlier destruction of “all the royal family” (2Kings 11:1). Like Joash, he unexpectedly survives in the mids of carnage; and like Joash during Athaliah’s reign; he represents the potential for the continuation of the Davidic line at a later time. All is not yet necessarily lost. The destruction of the family of the last king of Judah (Zedekiah) does not mean that no Davidic descendent is left. Second Kings 25:27-30 hints that the unconditional aspects of the Davidic promise may still, even after awful judgment has fallen, remain in force. Similarly, the prayer of Solomon in 1Kings 8:22-53 looks beyond the disaster of exile, grounding its hope for the restoration of Israel to its land in God’s gracious and unconditional election of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see also 1Kings 18:36-37; 2Kings 13:23; 14:27). Solomon’s prayer had also refused to accept that God’s words about the rejection of the people, city and temple (e.g., 2Kings 21:14; 23:27) were his final words. The words in 2Kings 25:27-30 express the hope that God may indeed be found to be, in the end as in the beginning, a God of grace and not only of commandment, and that a Son of David will one day appear to introduce His righteous rule on the earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">OUTLINE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1Kings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I. The Reign of King Solomon (1:1-11:43)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. Solomon becomes king (1:1-2:46)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. More on Solomon and wisdom (3:1-28)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Solomon’s rule over Israel (4:1-20)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D. Solomon and the nations (4:21-34)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>E. Preparations for building the temple (5:1-18)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>F. Solomon builds the temple and his palace (6:1-7:51)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>G. The ark brought to the temple (8:1-21)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>H. Solomon’s prayer (8:22-53)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I. The temple narrative ended (8:54-9:9)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J. Glory under a cloud (9:10-10:29)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>K. Solomon’s apostasy, opponents, and death (11:1-43)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">II. The Kingdom Is Divided (12:1-14:31)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. The kingdom torn away (12:1-14:31)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. The man of God from Judah (13:1-34)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. The end of Jeroboam (14:1-20)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D. The end of Rehoboam (14:21-31)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>E. Abijam and Asa (15:1-24)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">III. From Nadab and Ahab (15:25-16:34)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">IV. Elijah and Ahab (17:1-22:40)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. Elijah and the drought (17:1-24)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. Elijah and the prophets of Baal (18:1-46)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Elijah and the Lord (19:1-21)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D. Ahab’s war against Syria (20:1-43)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>E. Naboth’s vineyard (21:1-29)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>F. Ahab killed in battle (22:1-40)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">V. Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah (22:41-53)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2Kings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I. The Death of Ahaziah (1:1-18)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">II. Elisha and Israel (2:1-10:36)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A. Elijah taken to heaven and gives way to Elisha (2:1-25)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>B. Elisha and the conquest of Moab (3:1-27)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C. Elisha’s miracles (4:1-44)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D. A Syrian is healed (5:1-27)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>E. Elisha and Syria (6:1-23)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>F. The siege of Samaria (6:24-7:20)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>G. The Shunammite’s land restored (8:1-6)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>H. Hazael murders Ben-hadad (8:7-15)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I. Jehoram and Ahaziah (8:16-29)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J. The end of Ahab’s house (9:1-10:17)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>K. Jehu destroys Baal worship (10:18-36)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">III. Joash (11:1-12:21)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">IV. Jehoahaz and Hehoash (13:1-25)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">V. Amaziah, Jeroboam II, and Azariah (14:1-15:7)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">VI. Israel’s Last Days (15:8-31)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">VII. Jotham and Ahaz (15:32-16:20)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">VIII. The End of Israel (17:1-41)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">IX. Hezekiah (18:1-20:21)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">X. Manasseh and Amon (21:1-26)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">XI. Josiah (22:1-23:30)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">XII. The End of Judah (23:31-25:30)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The ESV Study Bible, ESV. 2008. Crossway. Wheaton, IL.</span>Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-55111300093251718042013-03-13T06:36:00.002-07:002017-02-11T19:34:44.671-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1879</o:Words>
<o:Characters>10714</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>89</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>25</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>12568</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urfdhOjmhS0/UUB_0gYujoI/AAAAAAAABAk/0bjmRA-BnFI/s1600/Samuel_1Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urfdhOjmhS0/UUB_0gYujoI/AAAAAAAABAk/0bjmRA-BnFI/s320/Samuel_1Sam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1Sa" target="_blank">The 1<sup>st</sup></a> and <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/2Sa" target="_blank">2<sup>nd </sup>Books of Samuel</a></b>, <i>Background</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b>Title</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tL0P1acCab8/UUB_0i_J_dI/AAAAAAAABAo/OgDB237gke4/s1600/Samuel_2Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tL0P1acCab8/UUB_0i_J_dI/AAAAAAAABAo/OgDB237gke4/s320/Samuel_2Sam.jpg" width="320" /></a> First and
Second Samuel were considered as one book in the earliest Hebrew manuscripts,
and were later divided into the two books by the translators of the Greek
version, the Septuagint (LXX), a division followed by the Latin Vulgate (vg.),
English translations, and modern Hebrew Bibles.
The earliest Hebrew manuscripts entitled the one book “Samuel” after the
man God used to establish the kingship in Israel. Later Hebrew texts and the English versions
called the divided book “1 and 2 Samuel.”
The LXX designated them “The First and Second Books of Kingdoms” and the
Vg., “First and Second Kings,” with our 1 and 2 Kings being “Third and Fourth
Kings.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jewish
tradition ascribed the writing of “Samuel” to Samuel himself or to Samuel,
Nathan, and Gad (based on 1Ch 29:29).
But Samuel cannot be the writer because his death is recorded in 1Sa
25:1, before the events associated with David’s reign even took place. Further, Nathan and Gad were prophets of the
Lord during David’s lifetime and would not have been alive when the book of
Samuel was written. Though the written
records of these 3 prophets could have been used for information in the writing
of 1 and 2 Samuel, the human author of these books is unknown. The work comes to the reader as an anonymous
writing, i.e., the human author speaks for the Lord and gives the divine
interpretation of the events narrated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJb6R08wsJA/UUB_00xxPAI/AAAAAAAABA0/6dKN0oM_oP8/s1600/Samuel_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJb6R08wsJA/UUB_00xxPAI/AAAAAAAABA0/6dKN0oM_oP8/s1600/Samuel_3.jpeg" /></a> The books
of Samuel contain no clear indication of the date of composition. That the author wrote after the division of
the kingdom between Israel and Judah in 931 B.C. is clear, due to the many
references to Israel and Judah as distinct entities (1Sa 11:8; 17:52; 18:16;
2Sa 5:5; 11:11; 12:8; 19:42-43; 24:1,9).
Also, the statement concerning Ziklag’s belonging “to the kings of Judah
to this day” in 1Sa 27:6 gives clear evidence of a post-Solomonic date of
writing. There is no such clarity
concerning how late the date of writing could be. However, 1 and 2 Samuel are included in the
Former Prophets in the Hebrew canon, along with Joshua, Judges, and 1 and 2
Kings. If the Former Prophets were
composed as a unit, then Samuel would have been written during the Babylonian
captivity (ca. 560-540 B.C.), since 2 Kings concludes during the exile (2Ki
25:27-30). However, since Samuel has a
different literary style than Kings, it was most likely penned before the Exile
during the period of the divided kingdom (ca. 931-722 B.C.) and later made an
integral part of the Former Prophets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Background and
Setting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
majority of the action recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel took place in and around the
central highlands in the land of Israel.
The nation of Israel was largely concentrated in an area that ran about
90 mi. from the hill country of Ephraim in the N (1Sa 1:1; 9:4) to the hill
country of Judah in the S (Jos 20:7; 21:11) and between 15 to 35 mi. E and
W. This central spine ranges in height
from 1,500 ft. to 3,300 ft. above sea level.
The major cities of 1 and 2 Samuel are to be found in these central
highlands: Shiloh, the residence of Eli and the tabernacle; Ramah, the hometown
of Samuel; Gibeah, the headquarters of Saul; Bethlehem, the birthplace of
David; Hebron, David’s capital when he ruled over Judah; and Jerusalem, the
ultimate “city of David.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The events
of 1 and 2 Samuel took place between the years ca. 1105 B.C., the birth of
Samuel (1Sa 1:1-28), to ca. 971 B.C., the last words of David (2Sa 23:1-7). Thus, the books span about 135 years of
history. During those years, Israel was
transformed from a loosely knit group of tribes under “judges” to a united
nation under the reign of a centralized monarchy. They look primarily at Samuel (ca. 1105-1030
B.C.), Saul who reigned ca. 1052-1011 B.C., and David who was king of the
united monarchy ca. 1011-971 B.C.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Historical and
Theological Themes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As 1 Samuel
begins, Israel was at a low point spiritually.
The priesthood was corrupt (1Sa 2:12-17, 22-26), the Ark of the Covenant
was not at the tabernacle (1Sa 4:3-7:2), idolatry was practiced (1Sa 7:3,4),
and the judges were dishonest (1Sa 8:2,3).
Through the influence of godly Samuel (1Sa 12:23) and David (1Sa 13:14),
these conditions were reversed. Second
Samuel concludes with the anger of the Lord being withdrawn from Israel (2Sa
24:25).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the
years the years narrated in 1 and 2 Samuel, the great empires of the ancient
world were in a state of weakness.
Neither Egypt nor Mesopotamian powers, Babylon and Assyria, were threats
to Israel at that time. The two nations
most hostile to the Israelites were the Philistines (1Sa 4; 7; 13; 14; 17; 23;
31; 2Sa 5) to the W and the Ammonites (1Sa 11; 2Sa 10-12) to the E. The major contingent of the Philistines had
migrated from the Aegean Islands and Asia Minor in the 12<sup>th</sup> century
B.C. After being denied access to Egypt,
they settled among other preexisting Philistines along the Mediterranean coast
of Palestine. The Philistines controlled
the use of iron, which gave them a decided military and economic advantage over
Israel (1Sa 13:19-22). The Ammonites
were descendants of Lot (Ge 19:38) who lived on the Transjordan Plateau. David conquered the Philistines (2Sa 8:1) and
the Ammonites (2Sa 12:29-31), along with other nations that surrounded Israel
(2Sa 8:2-14).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnyIN6E5KlQ/UUB_0muGRAI/AAAAAAAABAs/udIPKSENGDI/s1600/Samuel_092+-+David+and+Goliath.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnyIN6E5KlQ/UUB_0muGRAI/AAAAAAAABAs/udIPKSENGDI/s320/Samuel_092+-+David+and+Goliath.gif" width="320" /></a> There are
four predominant theological themes in 1 and 2 Samuel. The first is the Davidic Covenant. The books are literarily framed by two
references to the “anointed” king in the prayer of Hannah (1Sa 2:10) and the
song of David (2Sa 22:51). This is a
reference to the Messiah, the King who will triumph over the nations who are
opposed to God (see Ge 49:8-12; Nu 24:7-9, 17-19). According to the Lord’s promise, this Messiah
will come through the line of David and establish David’s throne forever (2Sa
7:12-16). The events of David’s life
recorded in Samuel foreshadow the actions of David’s greater Son in the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A second
theme is the sovereignty of god, clearly seen in these books. One example is the birth of Samuel in
response to Hannah’s prayer (1Sa 9:17; 16:12, 13). The power of the Holy Spirit brought forth
prophecy (1Sa 10:6) and victory in battle (1Sa 11:6).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Third, the
work of the Holy Spirit in empowering men for divinely appointed tasks is
evident. The Spirit of the Lord came
upon both Saul and David after their anointing as king (1Sa 10:10; 16:13). The power of the Holy Spirit brought forth
prophecy (1Sa 10:6) and victory in battle (1Sa 11:6).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fourth, the
books of Samuel demonstrate the personal and national effects of sin. The sins of Eli and his sons resulted in
their deaths (1Sa 2:12-17, 22-25; 3:10-14; 4:17, 18). The lack of reverence for the Ark of the
Covenant led to the death of a number of Israelites (1Sa 6:19; 2Sa 6:6,7). Saul’s disobedience resulted in the Lord’s
judgment, and he was rejected as king over Israel (1Sa 13:9, 13, 14; 15:18, 9,
20-23). Although David was forgiven for
his sin of adultery and murder after his confession (2Sa 12:13), he still
suffered the inevitable and devastating consequences of his sin (2Sa 12:14).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interpretive
Challenges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The books of
Samuel contain a number of interpretive issues that have been widely discussed:
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Which of the ancient manuscript is closest to the
original autograph? The standard Hebrew (Masoretic) text has been relatively
poorly preserved, and the LXX often differs from it. Thus, the exact reading of the original
autograph of the text is in places hard to determine (see 1Sa 13:1). The
Masoretic text will be assumed to represent the original text unless there is a
grammatical or contextual impossibility.
This accounts for many of the numerical discrepancies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Is Samuel ambivalent to the establishment of the human
kingship? It is claimed that while 1Sa 8
and 12 presents a positive view of the kingship, 1Sa 8 and 12 are strongly
anti-monarchial. It is preferable,
however, to see the book as presenting a balanced perspective of the human
kingship. While the desire of Israel for
a king was acceptable (Dt 17:15), their reason for wanting a king showed a lack
of faith in the Lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDcN6U6Fnbk/UUB_2zPPY1I/AAAAAAAABBE/57sOJji2J2Y/s1600/Samuel_KingdomsofSauDavSol.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDcN6U6Fnbk/UUB_2zPPY1I/AAAAAAAABBE/57sOJji2J2Y/s320/Samuel_KingdomsofSauDavSol.jpeg" width="228" /></a>3) How does one explain the bizarre behavior of the
prophets? It is commonly held that 1 and 2 Samuel present the prophets, as
ecstatic speaker with bizarre behavior just like the pagan prophets of the
other nations. But there is nothing in
the text, which is inconsistent with seeing the prophets as communicators of
divine revelation, at times prophesying with musical accompaniment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) How did the Holy Spirit minister before Pentecost? The ministry of the Holy Spirit in 1Sa 10:,
10; 11:6; 16:13,14; 19:20,23; 2Sa 23:2 was not describing salvation in the NT
sense, but an empowering by the Lord for His service (see also Jdg 3:10; 6:23;
11:29; 13;25; 14:6,19; 15:14).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5) What was the identity of the “distressing spirit”? Is it a personal being, i.e., a demon, or a
spirit of discontent created by God in the heart (cf. Jdg 9:23)? Traditionally, it has been viewed as a demon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6) How did Samuel appear in 1Sa 28:3-5? It seems best to under the appearance of
Samuel as the Lord allowing the dead Samuel to speak with Saul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7) What is the identity of David’s seed in 2Sa 7:12-15? It is usually taken as Solomon. However, the NT refers the words to Jesus,
God’s Son in Heb 1:5.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Outline</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1 Samuel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I. Samuel: Prophet
and Judge to Israel (1:1-7:17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. Samuel the Prophet (1:1-4:1a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The birth of Samuel (1:11-28)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The prayer of Hannah (2:1-10)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. The growth of Samuel (2:11-26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. The oracle against Eli’s house (2:27-36)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. The Word of the Lord through Samuel
(3:1-4:1a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. Samuel the Judge (4:1b-7:17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The saga of the ark (4:1b-7:1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Israel’s victory over the Philistines and the
judgeship of Samuel <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
(7:2-17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
II. Saul: First King
Over Israel (8:1-15:35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. The Rise of Saul to the Kingship (8:1-12:25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The demand for Israel for a king (8:1-22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The process of Saul becoming king (9:1-11:13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. The exhortation of Samuel to Israel
concerning the king (11:14-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
12:25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. The Decline of Saul in the Kingship
(13:1-15:35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The rebuke of Saul (13:1-15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The wars of Saul (13:16-14:52)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. The rejection of Saul (15:1-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
III. David and Saul:
Transfer of the Kingship in Israel (16:1-31:13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. The Introduction of David (16:1-17:58)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The anointing of David (16:1-13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. David in the court of Saul (16:14-23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David, the warrior of the Lord (17:1-58)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. David Driven from the Court of Saul
(18:1-20:42)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The anger and fear of Saul toward David
(18:1-30)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The defense of David by Jonathan and Michal
(19:1-20:42)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C. David’s Flight from Saul’s Pursuit
(21:1-28:2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Saul’s killing of the priests at Nob
(21:1-22:23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Saul’s life spared twice by David
(23:1-26:25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David’s despair and Philistine refuge
(27:1-28:2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D. The Death of Saul (28:3-31:13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Saul’s final night (28:3-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. David’s dismissal by the Philistines (29:1-11)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David’s destruction of the Amalekites
(30:1-31)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Saul’s final day (31:1-13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2 Samuel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I. The Reign of David
as King over Israel (1:1-20:26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. David’s Accession to Kingship over Judah
(1:1-3:5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The deaths of Saul and Jonathan (1:1-27)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. David anointed by Judah (2:1-7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David’s victories over the house of Saul
(2:8-3:1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. David’s wives/sons in Hebron (3:2-5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. David’s Accession to Kingship over Israel
(3:6-5:16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The deaths of Abner and Ish-bosheth
(3:6-4:12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. David anointed by Israel (5:1-5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David’s conquest of Jerusalem (5:6-12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. David’s wives/sons in Jerusalem (5:13-16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C. David’s Triumphal Reign (9:1-20:26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. David’s victories over the Philistines
(5:17-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. David’s spiritual victories (6:1-7:29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David’s victories over the Philistines,
Moabites, Arameans, and <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
Edomites (8:1-18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D. David’s Troubled Reign (9:1-20:26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. David’s kindness to Mephibosheth (9:1-13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. David’s sins of adultery and murder
(10:1-12:31)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. David’s family troubles (13:1-14:33)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a. The rape of Tamar (13:1-22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
b. The murder of Amnon (13:23-39)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. The recall and return of Absalom (14:1-33)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. The rebellions against David (15:1-20:26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a. The rebellion of Absalom (15:1-19:43)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
b. The rebellion of Sheba (20:1-26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
II. Epilogue
(21:1-24:25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. The Lord’s Judgment against Israel (21:1-14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. David’s Heroes (21:15-22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C. David’s Song of Praise (22:1-51)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D. David’s Last Words (23:1-7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
E. David’s Mighty Men (23:8-39) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F. The Lord’s Judgment against David (24:1-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson
Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra, CA.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-41886192839905947262013-02-10T00:50:00.001-07:002017-02-11T19:34:19.878-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPuYA3Z_UEw/URhgO44FyDI/AAAAAAAAA_s/fo87HevuZWc/s1600/Book+Of+Ruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPuYA3Z_UEw/URhgO44FyDI/AAAAAAAAA_s/fo87HevuZWc/s1600/Book+Of+Ruth.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ru" target="_blank">The Book of Ruth</a>, </b><i>Background</i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1046</o:Words>
<o:Characters>5963</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Christ Kid</o:Company>
<o:Lines>49</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>13</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>6996</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>TITLE</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Ancient versions and modern
translations consistently entitle this book after Ruth the Moabitess heroine,
who is mentioned by 12 name 12 times (1:4 to 4:13). Only two OT books receive their names from
women – Ruth and Esther. The OT does not
again refer to Ruth, while the NT mentions her just once – in the context of
Christ’s genealogy (Mt 1:5; cf. Ru 4:18-22).
“Ruth most likely comes from a Moabite and/or Hebrew name meaning
“friendship.” Ruth arrived in Bethlehem
as a foreigner (2:10), became a maidservant (2:13), married wealthy Boaz
(4:13), and was included in the physical lineage of Christ (Mt 1:5).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>AUTHOR AND DATE</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Jewish tradition credits Samuel as
the author, which is plausible since he did not die until after he had anointed
David as God’s chosen king (1Sa 16:6-13; 25:1).
However, neither internal features nor external testimony conclusively
identify the writer. This exquisite
story most likely appeared shortly before or during David’s reign in Israel
(1011-971 B.C.), since David is mentioned but not Solomon (4:17:22). Goethe reportedly labeled this piece of
anonymous but unexcelled literature as “loveliest, complete work on a small
scale.” What Venus is to statuary and
the Mona Lisa is to painting, Ruth is to literature.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>BACKGROUND AND SETTING<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgmbUw3tn8U/URdQXCcYbTI/AAAAAAAAA_E/Ua1b7FxSvl4/s1600/Ruth_Moab_map_2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgmbUw3tn8U/URdQXCcYbTI/AAAAAAAAA_E/Ua1b7FxSvl4/s400/Ruth_Moab_map_2.gif" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Aside from Bethlehem (1:1), Moab
(the perennial enemy of Israel, which was E of the Dead Sea), stands as the
only other mentioned geographic / national entity (1:1,2). This country originated when Lot fathered
Moab by an incestuous union with his oldest daughter (Ge 19:37). Centuries later the Jews encountered
opposition from Balak, king of Moab, through the prophet Balaam (Nu
22-25). For 18 years Moab oppressed
Israel during the time of the judges (3:12-30).
Saul defeated the Moabites (1Sa 14:47) while David seemed to enjoy a
peaceful relationship with them (1Sa 22:3,4).
Later, Moab again troubled Israel (2Ki 3:5-27; Ezr 9:1). Because of Moab’s idolatrous worship of Chemosh
(1Ki 11:7,33; 2Ki 23:13) and its opposition to Israel, God cursed Moab (Is
15,16; Jer 48; Eze 25:8-11; Am 2:1-3).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The story of Ruth occurred in the
days “when the judges governed” Israel (1:1), ca. 1370 to 1041 B.C. (Jdg
2:16-19), and thus bridges time from the judges to Israel’s monarchy. God used “a famine in the land” of Judah
(1:1) to set in motion this beautiful drama, although the famine does not
receive mention in Judges, which causes difficulty dating the events of
Ruth. However, by working backward in
time from the well known date of David’s reign (1011-971 B.C.), the time period
of Ruth would most likely be during the judgeship of Jair, ca. 1126-1105 B.C.
(Jdg 10:3-5).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ruth covers about 11 or 12 years according to the following
scenario: 1) 1:1-18, ten years in Moab (1:4); 2) 1:19-2:23, several months
(mid-Apr. to mid-Jun) in Boaz’s field (1:22; 2:23); 3) 3:1-18, one day in
Bethlehem and one night at the threshing floor; and 4) 4:1-22, about one year
in Bethlehem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>HISTORICAL AND
THEOLOGICAL THEMES<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Jews have accepted all 85
verses of Ruth as canonical. Along with
Song of Solomon, Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations, Ruth stands with the
OT books of the Megilloth or “five scrolls.”
Rabbis read these books in the synagogue on 5 special occasions during
the year – Ruth being read at Pentecost due to the harvest scenes of Ru 2,3.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ooyGV62MKc/URdQXGwEyUI/AAAAAAAAA_A/hKJm4ejHWNM/s1600/Ruth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ooyGV62MKc/URdQXGwEyUI/AAAAAAAAA_A/hKJm4ejHWNM/s1600/Ruth.jpeg" /></a>Genealogically, Ruth looks back
almost 900 years to events in the time of Jacob (4:11) and forward about 100 to
the coming reign of David (4:17,22).
While Joshua and Judges emphasize the legacy of the nation and their
land of promise, Ruth focuses on the lineage of David back to the patriarchal
era. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
At least 7 major theological themes
emerge in Ruth:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1) Ruth the Moabitess illustrates
that God’s redemptive plan extended beyond the Jews to Gentiles (2:12). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2) Ruth demonstrates that women are
coheirs with men of God’s salvation grace (cf. Gal 3:28).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3) Ruth portrays the virtuous woman
of Proverbs 31:10 (cf. Ru 3:11).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4) Ruth describes God’s sovereign
(1:6; 4:13) and providential care (2:3) of seemingly unimportant people at
apparently insignificant times, which later prove to be monumentally crucial to
accomplishing God’s will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
5) Ruth along with Tamar (Ge 38),
Rahab (Jos 2), and Bathsheba (2Sa 11,12) stand in the genealogy of the
messianic line (4:17,22; cf. Mat 1:5). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
6) Boaz, as a type of Christ,
becomes Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer (4:1-12).
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
7) David’s right (and thus Christ’s
right) to the throne of Israel is traced back to Judah (4:18-22; cf. Ge
49:8-12).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>INTERPRETIVE
CHALLENGES</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ruth should
be understood as a true historical account.
The reliable facts surrounding Ruth, in addition to its complete
compatibility with Judges plus 1 and 2 Samuel, confirm Ruth’s
authenticity. However, some individual
difficulties require careful attention:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) How
could Ruth worship at the tabernacle then in Shiloh (1Sa 4:4), since
Deuteronomy 23:3 expressly forbids Moabites from entering the assembly for 10
generations? Since the Jews entered the
land ca. 1405 B.C. and Ruth was not born until ca. 1150 B.C., she then
represented at least the 11<sup>th</sup> generation (probably later) if the
time limitation ended at ten generations.
If “ten generations” was an idiom meaning “forever” as Ne 13:1 implies,
then Ruth would be like the foreigner of Is 56:1-8 who joined himself to the
Lord (1:16), thus gaining entrance into the assembly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYaZL92yy3c/URdQW7akUDI/AAAAAAAAA-8/_s_eQdGj19o/s1600/Naomi+&+Ruth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYaZL92yy3c/URdQW7akUDI/AAAAAAAAA-8/_s_eQdGj19o/s1600/Naomi+&+Ruth.jpeg" /></a> 2) Are
there not immoral overtones to Boaz and Ruth spending the night together before
marriage (3:3-18)? Ruth engaged in a
common ancient Near Eastern custom by asking Boaz to take her for his wife,
symbolically pictured by throwing a garment over the intended woman (3:9), just
as Jehovah spread his garment over Israel (Eze 16:8). The text does not even hint at the slightest
moral impropriety, noting that Ruth slept at his feet (3:14). Thus, Boaz became God’s answer to his own
earlier prayer for Ruth (2:12).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) Would
not the levirate principle of Dt 25:5,6 lead to incest and/or polygamy if the
nearest relative was already married?
God would not design a good plan to involve the grossest of immoralities
punishable by death. It is to be assumed
that the implementation of Dt 25:5,6 could involve only the nearest relative
who was eligible for marriage as qualified by other stipulations of the law.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) Was not
marriage to a Moabitess strictly forbidden by the law? The nations or people to whom marriage was
prohibited were those possessing the land that Israel would enter (Ex 34:16; Dt
7:1-3; Jos 23:12) which did not include Moab (cf. Dt 7:1). Further, Boaz married Ruth, a devout
proselyte to Jehovah (1:16,17), not a pagan worshiper of Chemosh – Moab’s chief
deity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>OUTLINE</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I. Elimelech and Naomi’s Ruin in Moab
(1:1-5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
II. Naomi and
Ruth return to Bethlehem (1:6-22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
III. Boaz
receives Ruth in His field (2:1-23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
IV. Ruth’s
Romance with Boaz (3:1-18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
V. Boaz Redeems
Ruth (4:1-12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
VI. God Rewards
Boaz and Ruth with a Son (4:13-17)<o:p></o:p></div>
VII. David’s Right
to the Throne of Judah (4:18-22)<br />
<br />
MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra, CA.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-58520621468694970862012-11-28T01:29:00.000-07:002017-02-11T19:34:07.534-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz-BERHmOXA/ULXJ7fzS0PI/AAAAAAAAA88/0cPxqVB-8b0/s1600/The+Book+of+Judges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="4" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz-BERHmOXA/ULXJ7fzS0PI/AAAAAAAAA88/0cPxqVB-8b0/s320/The+Book+of+Judges.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ju" target="_blank">The Book of Judges,</a> </b><i>Background</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
TITLE<br />
The book bears the fitting name "Judges," which refers to unique leaders God gave to His people for preservation against their enemies (2:16-19). The Hebrew title means "deliverers" or "saviors," as well as judges (cf. Dt 16:18; 17:9; 19:17). Twelves such judges arose before Samuel; then eli and Samuel raised the count to 14. God Himself is the higher judge (11:27). Judges spans about 350 years from Joshua's conquest (ca. 1398 B.C.) until Eli and Samuel judged prior to the establishment of the monarchy (ca. 1043 B.C.).<br />
<br />
AUTHOR AND DATE<br />
No author is named in the book, but the Jewish Talmud identifies Samuel, a key prophet who lived at the time these events took place and could have personally summed up the era (cf. 1Sa 10:25). The time was earlier than David's capture of Jerusalem ca. 1004 B.C. (2Sa 5:6,7) since Jebusites still controlled the site (Jdg 1:21). Also, the writer deals with a time before a king ruled (17:6; 18:1; 21:25). Since Saul began his reign ca. 1043 B.C., a time shortly after his rule began is probably when Judges was written.<br />
<br />
BACKGROUND AND SETTING<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmFGf5DS4yk/ULXKkxfY-1I/AAAAAAAAA9E/t3OR2Kt5SOs/s1600/Gideon+Gives+Thanks_Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="3" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmFGf5DS4yk/ULXKkxfY-1I/AAAAAAAAA9E/t3OR2Kt5SOs/s320/Gideon+Gives+Thanks_Painting.jpg" width="87" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gideon thanks<br />
God for the miracle<br />
of the dew. <br />
Painting by Maarten van<br />
Heemskerck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Judges is a tragic sequel to Joshua. In Joshua, the people were obedient to God in conquering the Land. In Judges, they were disobedient, idolatrous, and often defeated. Judges 1:1-3:6 focuses on the closing days of the book of Joshua. Judges 2:6-9 gives a review of Joshua's death (cf. Jos 24:28-31). The account describes 7 distinct cycles of Israel's drifting away from the Lord starting even before Joshua's death, with a full departure into apostasy afterward. Five basic reasons are evident for these cycles of Israel's moral and spiritual decline: 1) disobedience in failing to drive the Canaanites out of the Land (Jdg 1:19,21,35); 2) idolatry (2:12); 3) intermarriage with wicked Canaanites (3:5,6); 4) not heeding judges (2:17); and 5) turning away from God after the death of the judges (2:19).<br />
A four-part sequence repeatedly occurred in this phase of Israel's history: 1) Israel's departure from God; 2) God's chastisement in permitting military defeat and subjugation; 3) Israel's prayer pleading for deliverance; and 4) god raising up "judges," either civil or sometimes local military champions who led in shaking off the oppressors. Fourteen judges arose, six of them military judges (Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson). Two men were of special significance for contrast in spiritual leadership: 1) Eli, judge and High-Priest (not a good example); and 2) Samuel, judge, priest, and prophet (a good example).<br />
<br />
HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL THEMES<br />
Judges is thematic rather than chronological; foremost among its themes is God's power and covenant mercy in graciously delivering the Israelites from the consequences of their failures, which were suffered for sinful compromise (cf. 2:18,19; 21:25). In 7 periods of sin to salvation, God compassionately delivered His people throughout the different geographical areas of tribal inheritances which He had earlier given through Joshua (Jos 13-22). The apostasy covered the whole land, as indicated by the fact that each area is specifically identified: southern (3:7-31); northern (4:1-5:31); central (6:1-10:5); eastern (10:6-12:15); and western (13:1-16:31). His power to faithfully rescue shines against the dark backdrop of pitiful human compromise and sometimes bizarre twists of sin, as in the final summary (Jdg 17-21). The last verse (21:25) sums up the account: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."<br />
<br />
INTERPRETIVE CHALLENGES<br />
The most stimulating challenges are: 1) how to view men's violent acts against enemies or fellow countrymen, whether with God's approval or without it; 2) God's use of leaders who at times do His will and at times follow their own sinful impulses (Gideon, Eli, Jephthah, Samson); 3) how to view Jephthah's vow and offering of his daughter (11:30-40); and 4) how to resolve God's sovereign will with His providential working in spite of human sin (cf. 14:4).<br />
The chronology of the various judges in different sectors of the Land raises questions about how much time passed and how the time totals can fit into the entire time span from the Exodus (ca. 1445 B.C.) to Solomon's fourth year, ca. 967/966 B.C., which is said to be 480 years (1Ki 6:1; see Jdg 11:26). A reasonable explanation is that the deliverances and years of rest under the judges in distinct parts of the Land included overlaps, so that some of them did not run consecutively but rather concurrently during the 480 years. Paul's estimate of "about 450 years" in Acts 13:19 is an approximation.<br />
<br />
OUTLINE<br />
I. Introduction and Summary - The Disobedience of Israel (1:1-3:6)<br />
A. Incomplete Conquest over the Canaanites (1:1-36)<br />
B. The Decline and Judgment of Israel (2:1-3:6)<br />
II. A Selected History of The Judges - The Deliverance of Israel (3:7-16:31)<br />
A. First Period: Othniel vs. Mesopatamians (3:7-11)<br />
B. Second Period: Ehud and Shamgar vs. Moabites (3:12-31)<br />
C. Third Period: Deborah vs. Canaanites (4:1-5:31)<br />
D. Fourth Period: Gideon vs. Midianites (6:1-8:32)<br />
E. Fifth Period: Tola and Jair vs. Abimelech's Effects (8:33-10:5)<br />
F. Sixth Period: Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon vs. Philistines and Ammonites (10:6-12:15)<br />
G. Seventh Period: Samson vs. Philistines (13:1-16:31)<br />
III. Epilogue - The Dereliction of Israel (17:1-21:25)<br />
A. The Idolatry of Micah and the Danites (17:1-18:31)<br />
B. The Crime at Gibeah and War Against Benjamin (19:1-21:25)<br />
<br />
MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra, CA.Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-14125373465713482982012-07-15T04:09:00.000-07:002017-02-11T19:33:57.127-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfoxJNjQgW0/UANonsi1ofI/AAAAAAAAA7w/zRXBgwSdXco/s1600/Book+of+Joshua.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfoxJNjQgW0/UANonsi1ofI/AAAAAAAAA7w/zRXBgwSdXco/s1600/Book+of+Joshua.jpeg" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Jo" target="_blank">The Book of Joshua</a></b>, <i>Background</i><br />
<br />
<b>TITLE</b><br />
This is the first of the 12 historical books, and it gained its name from Moses' understudy, Joshua. Moses prayed for and commissioned Joshua as a leader in Israel (Nu 27:12-23). "Joshua" means "Jehovah saves," or "the Lord is salvation," and corresponds to the NT name "Jesus." God delivered Israel in Joshua's day when He was personally present as the saving Commander who fought on Israel's behalf (5:14-6:2; 10:42; 23:3,5; Ac 7:45).<br />
<br />
<b>AUTHOR AND DATE</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jiHV6v3alf0/Ui2IjqtGbQI/AAAAAAAABPo/Jo8X8xqcjx0/s1600/Joshua_Jericho_foundationsforfreedom.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jiHV6v3alf0/Ui2IjqtGbQI/AAAAAAAABPo/Jo8X8xqcjx0/s320/Joshua_Jericho_foundationsforfreedom.net.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls of Jericho Fall Down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although the author is not named, the most probable candidate is Joshua, who was the key eyewitness to the events recorded (cf. 18:9; 24:26). An assistant whom Joshua groomed could have finished the book by attaching such comments as those concerning Joshua's death (24:29-33). Some have even suggested that this section was written by High-Priest Eleazar, or his son, Phiehas. Rehab was still living at the time Joshua 6:25 was penned. The book was completed before David's reign (15:63; cf. 2Sam 5:5-9). The most likely writing period is ca. 1405-1385 B.C.
Joshua was born in Egyptian slavery, trained under Moses, and by God's choice rose to his key position of leading Israel into Canaan. Distinguishing features of his life include: 1) service (Ex 17:10; 24:13; 33:11; Num 11:28); 2) soldiering (Ex 17:9-13); 3) scouting (Nu 13, 14); 4) supplication by Moses (Nu 27:15-17); 5) the sovereignty of God (Nu 27:18ff.); 6) the Spirit's presence (Nu 27:18; Dt 34:9); 7) separation by Moses (Nu 27:18-23; Dt 31:7,8,13-15); and 8) selflessness in wholly following the Lord (Nu 32:12)
<br />
<br />
<b>BACKGROUND AND SETTING</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eSO2-A13p4/Ui2IitDDzzI/AAAAAAAABPU/JJwoDt-847M/s1600/Joshua_Israel+Crosses+Jordan_Ellenwhite.info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eSO2-A13p4/Ui2IitDDzzI/AAAAAAAABPU/JJwoDt-847M/s200/Joshua_Israel+Crosses+Jordan_Ellenwhite.info.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israel Crosses The Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When Moses passes the baton of leadership on to Joshua before he died (Dt 34), Israel was at the end of its 40 year wilderness wandering period around 1405 B.C. Joshua was approaching 90 years of age when he became Israel's leader. He later dies at 110 years old (234:29), having led Israel to drive out most of the Canaanites and having divided the Land among the 12 tribes. Poised on the plains of Moab, E of the Jordan River and the Land which God had promised (Gen 12:17; 15:18-21), the Israelites awaited God's direction to conquer the Land. They encountered people on the western side of the Jordan who had become so steeped in iniquity that God would cause the Land, so to speak, to spew out these inhabitants (Lev 18:24,25). He would give Israel the Land by conquest, primarily to fulfill the covenant He had pledged to Abraham and his descendants, but also to carry out just judgment on the sinful inhabitants (cf. Gen 15:16). Long possession of different parts of the Land by various peoples Predates even Abraham's day (Gen 10:15-19; 12:6; 13:7). Its inhabitants had continued on a moral decline in the worship of many gods up to Joshua's time.<br />
<br />
<b>HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL THEMES</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9NkavdBECE/Ui2IiuplTWI/AAAAAAAABPk/2QHxqFc_9FI/s1600/Joshua_Canaan+Divided+Among+Israel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9NkavdBECE/Ui2IiuplTWI/AAAAAAAABPk/2QHxqFc_9FI/s320/Joshua_Canaan+Divided+Among+Israel.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canaan Divided Among<br />
Tribes of Israel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A keynote feature is God's faithfulness to fulfill His promise of giving the Land to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12:7; 15:18-21; 17:8). B His leading (cf. 5:14-6:2), they inhabited the territories E and W of the Jordan, and so the word "possess" appears nearly 20 times.
Related to this theme is Israel's failure to press their conquest to every part of the Land (13:1). Judges 1-2 later describes the tragic results from this sin.<br />
Key verses focus on: 1) God's promise of possession of the Land (1:3,6); 2) meditation on God's law, which was strategic for His people (1:8); and 3) Israel's actual possession of the land in part (11:23; 21:45; 22:4).
Joshua had the task of ensuring the Land was allotted in distinct portions, as recorded in chapters 13-22. The Levites were placed strategically in 48 towns so that God's spiritual services through them would be reasonably within reach of the Israelites, wherever they lived.
God wanted His people to possess the Land: 1) to keep His promise (Gen 12:7); 2) to set the stage for later developments in His kingdom plan (cf. Gen 17:8; 49:8-12), e.g., positioning Israel for events in the periods of the kings and prophets; 3) to punish peoples that were an affront to Him because of extreme sinfulness (Lev 18:25); and 4) to be a testimony to other people (Josh 2:9-11), as God's covenant heart reached out to all nations (Gen 12:1-3).<br />
<br />
<b>INTERPRETIVE CHALLENGES</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ0RJZgKQ3w/Ui2Ii2STwZI/AAAAAAAABPY/SStzefuo87U/s1600/Joshua_Farewell_graceofourlord.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ0RJZgKQ3w/Ui2Ii2STwZI/AAAAAAAABPY/SStzefuo87U/s320/Joshua_Farewell_graceofourlord.com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua's Farewell Speech</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Miracles always challenge readers either to believe that the God who created heaven and earth (Gen 1:1) can do other mighty works, too, or to explain them away. As in Moses' day, miracles in this book were a part of God's purpose, such as: 1) His holding back the Jordan's waters (Josh 3:7-17); 2) the fall of Jericho's walls (Josh 6:1-27); 3) the hailstones (Josh 10:1-11); and 4) the long day (Josh 10:12-15).
Other challenges include: 1) How did God's blessings on the harlot Rahab, who responded to Him in faith, relate to her telling a lie (Josh 2)? 2) Why were Achan's family members executed with him (Josh 7)? 3) Why was Ai, with fewer men than Israel, hard to conquer (Josh 7-8)? 4) What does God's sending "the hornet" before Israel mean (Josh 24:12)? These questions are addressed in the MacArthur Study Bible.<br />
<br />
<b>OUTLINE</b><br />
I. Entering the Promised Land (1:1-5:15)<br />
II. Conquering the Promised Land (6:1-12:24)<br />
A. The Central Campaign (6:1-8:35)<br />
B. The Southern Campaign (9:1-10:43)<br />
C. The Northern Campaign (11:1-15)<br />
D. The Summary of Conquests (11:16-12:24)<br />
III. Distributing Portions of the Promised Land (13:1-22:34)<br />
A. Summary of Instructions (13:1-33)<br />
B. West of the Jordan (14:1-19:51)<br />
C. Cities of Refuge (20:1-9)<br />
D. Cities of the Levites (21:1-45)<br />
E. East of the Jordan (22:1-34)<br />
IV. Retaining the Promised Land (23:1-24:28)<br />
A. The First Speech by Joshua (23:1-16)<br />
B. The Second Speech by Joshua (24:1-28)<br />
V. Postscript (24:29-33)<br />
MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra, CA.Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452060745523893471.post-61527598118800736182012-06-21T00:43:00.000-07:002017-02-11T19:33:42.115-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hz7mgPstOH4/T-LQWIYRFOI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/bGtFayogQYI/s1600/Deuteronomy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hz7mgPstOH4/T-LQWIYRFOI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/bGtFayogQYI/s1600/Deuteronomy2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/De" target="_blank">Deuteronomy (TheFifth Book of Moses)</a>, </b><i>Background</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Title</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The English title “Deuteronomy” comes from the Greek
Septuagint (LXX) mistranslation of “copy of this law” in 17:18 as “second law,”
which was rendered <i>Deuteronomium</i> in
the Latin version (Vulgate). The Hebrew title of the book is translated “These
are the words,” from the first tow Hebrew words of the book. The Hebrew title is a better description of
the book since it is not a “second law,” but rather the record of Moses’ words
of explanation concerning the law. Deuteronomy completes the five-part literary
unit called the Pentateuch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Author and Date</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXK9lH9bpLw/Ui2FGu293dI/AAAAAAAABO8/e57Rz-snxmQ/s1600/Deuteronomy_The_Ten_Commandments_(Bible_Card).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXK9lH9bpLw/Ui2FGu293dI/AAAAAAAABO8/e57Rz-snxmQ/s1600/Deuteronomy_The_Ten_Commandments_(Bible_Card).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 Commandments Re-Established</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Moses has been traditionally recognized as the author of
Deuteronomy, since the book itself testifies that Moses wrote it (1:1,5; 31:9,
22, 24). Both the OT (1Ki 2:3; 8:53; 2Ki 14:6; 18:12) and the NT (Ac 3:22,23;
Ro 10:19) support the claim of Mosaic authorship. While Dt 32:48-34:12 was
added after Moses’ death (probably by Joshua), the rest of the book came from
Moses’ hand just before His death in 1405 B.C.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
majority of the book is comprised of farewell speeches that the 120-year-old
Moses gave to Israel, beginning on the first day of the 11<sup>th</sup> month
of the 40<sup>th</sup> year after the Exodus from Egypt (1:3). These speeches
can be dated Jan.-Feb., 1405 B.C. In the last few weeks of Moses’ life, he
committed these speeches to writing and gave them to the priests and elder for
the coming generations in Israel (31:9, 24—26).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Background and
Setting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy does not advance historically,
but takes place entirely in one location over about one month of time (cf. Dt
1:3 and Jos 5:6-12). Israel was encamped in the central rift valley to the E of
the Jordan River (Dt 1:1). This location was referred to in Nu 36:13 as “the
plains of Moab,” an area N of the Arnon River across the Jordan River from
Jericho. It had been almost 40 years since the Israelites had exited Egypt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc9e8r_HQKw/Ui2FF_tFRCI/AAAAAAAABOo/jResbVeicac/s1600/Deuteronomy_Moses+Reviewing+the+Law+With+Israel_Idsces.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc9e8r_HQKw/Ui2FF_tFRCI/AAAAAAAABOo/jResbVeicac/s1600/Deuteronomy_Moses+Reviewing+the+Law+With+Israel_Idsces.org.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moses Imparts The Law to Israel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The book of
Deuteronomy concentrates on events that took place in the final weeks of Moses’
life. The major event was the verbal communication of divine revelation from
Moses to the people of Israel (1:1-30:20; 31:30-32:47; 33:1-29). The only other
events recorded were: 1) Moses’ recording the law in a book and his
commissioning Joshua as the new leader (31:1-29); 2) Moses’ viewing of the land
of Canaan from Mt. Nebo (32:48-52; 34:1-4); and 3) his death (34:5-12).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
original recipients of Deuteronomy, both in its verbal and written
presentations, were the second generation of the nation of Israel. All of that generation from 40 to 60 years’
age (excepts Joshua and Caleb, who were older) had been born in Egypt and had
participated as children or teen in the Exodus. Those under 40 had been born
and reared in the wilderness. Together, they comprised the generation that was
on the verge of conquering the land of Canaan under Joshua, 40 years after they
had left Egypt (1:34-39).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Historical and
Theological Themes</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy contains much legal detail, but
with an emphasis on the people rather than the priests. As Moses called the
second generation of Israel to trust the Lord and be obedient to His covenant
made at Horeb (Sinai), he illustrated his points with references to Israel’s
past history. He reminded Israel of her rebellion against the Lord at Horeb
(9:7-10:11) and at Kadesh (1:26-46), which brought devastating consequences. He
also reminded Israel of the Lord’s faithfulness in giving victory over her
enemies (2:24-3:11; 39:2,7,8). Most importantly Moses called the people to take
the land that God had promised by oath to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob (1:8; 6:10; 9:5; 29:13; 30:20; 34:4; cf. Ge 15:18-21; 26:3-5; 35:12).
Moses not only looked back, he also looked ahead and saw that Israel’s future
failure to obey God would lead to her being scattered amonthe the nations
before the fulfillment f His oath to the patriarchs would be completed
(4:25-31; 29:22-30:10; 29:22-30:10; 31:26-29).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHULP0QdJi8/Ui2FF97Oq8I/AAAAAAAABPE/tuKqm16MlRk/s1600/Deuteronomy_Feast+of+Booths.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHULP0QdJi8/Ui2FF97Oq8I/AAAAAAAABPE/tuKqm16MlRk/s320/Deuteronomy_Feast+of+Booths.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feast of Booths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The book of
Deuteronomy, along with Psalms and Isaiah, reveals much about the attributes of
God. Thus, it is directly quoted over 40 times in the NT (exceeded only by
Psalms and Isaiah) with many more allusions to its content. Deuteronomy reveals
that the Lord is the only God (4:39; 6:4), and that He is jealous (4:24),
faithful (7:9), loving (7:13), merciful (4:31), yet angered by sin (6:15). This
is the God who called Israel to Himself. Over 250 times, Moses repeated the
phrase, “the Lord your God” to Israel. Israel was called to obey (28:2), fear
(10:12), love (10:12), and serve (10:12) her God by walking in His ways and keeping
His commandments (10:12,13). By obeying Him, the people of Israel would receive
His blessings (28:1-14). Obedience and the pursuit of personal holiness are
always based upon the character of God. Because of who He is, His people are to
be holy (cf., 7:6-11; 8:6,11,18; 10:12,16,17; 11:13; 13:3,4; 14:1,2).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interpretive
Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three interpretive challenges face the reader of
Deuteronomy. First, is the book a singular record, or is it only a part of the
larger literary whole, the Pentateuch? The remainder of the Scripture always
views the Pentateuch as a unit, and the ultimate meaning of Deuteronomy cannot
be divorced from its context in the Pentateuch. The book also assumes the ready
is already familiar with the 4 books that precede it; in fact, Deuteronomy
brings into focus all that had been revealed in Genesis to Numbers, as well as
its implications for the people as they entered the Land. However, every
available Hebrew manuscript divides the Pentateuch in exactly the same way as
the present text, indicating that the book is a well-defined unit recounting
the final speeches of Moses to Israel, so it may also be viewed as a singular
record.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_U4iZGuAq4/Ui2FGaErImI/AAAAAAAABO4/3NSadEnAk84/s1600/Deuteronomy_Northrop_Moses_Appoints_Joshua_kissmymemutza.wordpress.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_U4iZGuAq4/Ui2FGaErImI/AAAAAAAABO4/3NSadEnAk84/s1600/Deuteronomy_Northrop_Moses_Appoints_Joshua_kissmymemutza.wordpress.com.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moses Commissions Joshua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Second, is
the structure of Deuteronomy based on the secular treaties of Moses’ day?
During the last 35 years, many evangelical scholars have supported the Mosaic
authorship of Deuteronomy by appealing to the similarities between the
structure of the book and the ancient Near Eastern treaty form of the
mid-second millennium B.C. (the approximate time of Moses). These secular
suzerainty treaties (i.e., a ruler dictating his will to his vassals) followed
a set pattern not used in the mid-first millennium B.C. These treaties usually
contained the following elements: 1) preamble – identifying the parties to the
covenant; 2) historical prologue – a history of the king’s dealing with his
vassals; 3) general and specific stipulations; 4) witnesses; 5) blessings and
curses; and 6) oaths and covenant ratification. Deuteronomy, it is believed,
approximates this basic structure. While there is agreement that 1:1-5 is a
preamble, 1:5-4:43 a historical prologue, and chaps. 27and 28 feature blessings
and cursings, there is no consensus as to how the rest of Deuteronomy fits this
structure. While there might have been a covenant renewal on the plains of
Moab, this is neither clearly explicit nor implicit in Deuteronomy. It is best
to take the book for what it claims to be: the explanation of the law given by
Moses for the new generation. The structure follows the speeches given by Moses.
See Outline. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Third, what
was the covenant made in the land of Moab (29:1)? The majority opinion posits
this covenant as a renewal of the Sinaitic Covenant made nearly 40 years before
with the first generation. Here, Moses supposedly updated and renewed this same
covenant with the second generation of Israel. The second view sees this
covenant as a Palestinian Covenant, which guarantees the nation of Israel’s
right to the land, both at that time and in the future. A third position is
that Moses in chaps. 29 and 30 anticipated the New Covenant, since he knew
Israel would fail to keep the Sinaitic Covenant. The third view seems best.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Outline</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I. Introduction:
The Historical Setting of Moses’ Speeches (1:1-4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
II. The First
Address by Moses: A Historical Prologue (1:5-4:43)<br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">A. A Historical Review of God’s Gracious
Acts from Horeb to Beth-peor (1:5-3:29)</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">B. An Exhortation to Obey the Law (4:1-40)</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;">C. The Setting Apart of Three Cities of
Refuge (4:41-43)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
III. The Second Address by Moses: The
Stipulations of the Sinaitic Covenant (4:44-28:68)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
A. Introduction
(4:44-49)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
B. The
Basic Elements of Israel’s Relationship with the Lord (5:1-11:32)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
1. The Ten Commandments (5:1-33)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
2. The total commitment to the Lord
(6:1-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
3. Separation from the gods of other nations
(7:1-26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
4. A warning against forgetting the Lord
(8:1-20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
5. Illustrations of Israel’s rebellion in
the past (9:1-10:11)<br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.5in;"> 6. An abomination to fear and love the
Lord and obey His will (10:12-11:32)</span><br />
C. The Specific Stipulations for Life in
the New Land (12:1-26:19)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Instructions for the life of worship
(12:1-16:17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Instructions for leadership
(16:18-18:22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Instructions for societal order
(19:1-23:14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Instructions for miscellaneous laws
(23:15-25:19)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. The firstfruits and tithes in the land
(26:1-15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. The affirmation of obedience (26:16-19)<br />
D. The Blessings and Curses of the
Covenant (27:1-28:68)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
IV. The Third
Address by Moses: Another Covenant (29:1-30:20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
V. The
Concluding Events (31:1-34:12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A. The Change of Leadership (31:1-8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B. The Future Reading of the Law (31:9-13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C. The Song of Moses (31:14-32:47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The anticipation of Israel’s failure
(31:14-29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The witness of Moses’ song
(31:30-32:43)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. The communicating of Moses’ song
(32:44-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D. The Final Events of Moses’ Life
(32:48-34:12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. The directives for Moses’ death
(32:48-52)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. The blessing of Moses (33:1-29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. The death of Moses (34:1-12)<br />
<br />
MacArthur Study Bible, NASB, Updated Edition. 2006. Nelson Bible, Thomas Nelson. LaHabra, CA.</div>
Stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08674296851882548714noreply@blogger.com