“Elijah” Will Come First – Malachi 4:5-6

A Study Outline for Haggai

I. Haggai 1 – Type in HistoryII. Haggai 2 – Antitype in Christ

A Study Outline for Zechariah

I. Zechariah 1:1-6 – Zechariah’s Call to RepentanceII. Zechariah 1:7-6:8 – Zechariah’s Vision of the Night

A. The People are Restored – 1:7-17B. Protection Restored – 1:18-21C. The Temple Restored – ch. 2D. The High Priest Restored – ch. 3E. The King Restored – ch. 4F. Honesty Restored – 5:1-4G. Sins Purged – 5:5-11H. The Day of the LORD – 6:1-8

III. Zechariah 6:9-15 – The Coronation of the High PriestIV. Zechariah 7-8 – A Question about FastingV. Zechariah 9-14 – The Coming of the King and the Day of the LORD

A Study Outline for Malachi

I. Malachi 1:1-4:3 – Disputes between Yahweh and His PeopleA. Yahweh has loved His people – 1:1-5B. Yahweh’s people have despised Him – 1:6-2:9C. Yahweh’s people have broken covenants – 2:10-16D. Yahweh’s people have wearied Him – 2:17-3:7E. Yahweh’s people have robbed Him – 3:8-12F. Yahweh’s people have spoken against Him – 3:13-4:3

II. Malachi 4:4-6 – A Sign before the Day of the LORD – 4:4-6

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 15: 1st & 2nd Kings

Context

Historical Context

Compiled during the time of the exile

To show exile a result of sin; not Yahweh’s unfaithfulness

Events take place roughly between 970 BC and 560 BC

Redemptive-Historical Context

Covenant with David looms large in the background

What of the promises to Abraham, Israel, and David?

Theme

The King, the covenant representative, sometimes obeys the word of Yahweh and the people are blessed, but sometimes rebels against the word of Yahweh and brings calamity upon the people. Finally, Yahweh’s patience runs out and His people suffer the covenant consequences for their sins. Yet, through it all, Yahweh is still faithful to the promises He made to David.

David’s Charge to Solomon – 1 Kings 2:1-4

The Zenith of Redemptive-History in the OT – 1 Kings 8:56-61

But Sin Still Remains in the Kingdom – 1 Kings 11:1-14

New Vocabulary

“Judah”

“Israel”

The Northern Kingdom: Israel

“the sins of Jeroboam” – 1 Kings 14:14-16

MALACHI

Context

Late 5th century BC.

The people are drifting into secularism.

The last prophet before the Day of the LORD.

Theme

Yahweh’s people are beginning to drift away again, so Yahweh will need to come visit them soon.

Yahweh Will Not Be Despised – Malachi 1:6-2:9

Yahweh Will Not Allow Marriage Infidelity – Malachi 2:10-16

Yahweh Will Not Be Robbed – Malachi 3:8-12

ZECHARIAH

Context

Zechariah a contemporary of Haggai.

Zechariah looks forward to the coming Messiah.

Theme

Yahweh has restored the old ways to prefigure and prophesy unto new ways in the future: the grand restoration from exile by the coming Messiah.

The Coming Messianic-Priest-King – Zechariah 6:9-15

Zechariah’s Messianic Message – Zechariah 9-14

Two prophets: Elijah and Elisha – 1 Kings 17-2 Kings 13

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

The scattering – 2 Kings 17

The Southern Kingdom: Judah

“for David’s sake” – 1 Kings 15:1-5

Assyria’s attack on Jerusalem – 2 Kings 18:3-5

A godly king – 2 Kings 19:16-19

“Manasseh shed innocent blood” – 2 Kings 21:10-18

Judah will be removed as well – 2 Kings 23:25-27

All Looks Lost – 2 Kings 25:7

A Little Ray of Hope – 2 Kings 25:27-30

There Must Be Something Greater

Just Like the Fall and Exile from Eden

A Second Exodus Now Needed

A Study Outline for 1st and 2nd Kings

I. I Kings 1-11 – The Height of the KingdomII. I Kings 12-II Kings 17 – The Division of the KingdomIII. II Kings 18-25 – The Fall of the Kingdom

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 26: Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi

HAGGAI

Context

The people are preoccupied with their own interests.

The people are neglecting the reconstruction of the temple.

Temple construction resumes in 520 BC.

Theme

Yahweh is turning the hearts of His people to seek His glory and to please Him in rebuilding His temple, which serves as a type of the greater glory of the coming end-times temple.

Whose Pleasure and Whose Glory? – Haggai 1:7-8

Yahweh’s Sovereign Reign Over the Heart – Haggai 1:13-14

The Greater Glory – Haggai 2

God Will Judge

God Works Through Circumstances

God Will Save His People

Conclusion

A Study Outline for Ezra-Nehemiah

I. God Initiates, People Respond – Ezra 1:1-6II. The People Return and Rebuild Ezra 1:7 – 6:22III. The People Sin and Repent – Ezra 7 – 10IV. Nehemiah Returns, People Rebuild the Walls – Nehemiah

1 – 7V. The People Rejoice….and Relapse Nehemiah 8-13

A Study Outline for Esther

I. Esther 1-2 – Esther’s RiseII. Esther 3-5 – Haman’s PlotIII. Esther 6-7 – Mordecai’s Victory IV. Esther 8-10 – Jews’ Celebration

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 16: Isaiah

INTRODUCING OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY

Counseling Scenario

Forthtelling and Foretelling

Seven Tips for Interpretation

1. Discern the immediate context2. Discern the kind of oracle employed3. Study the balance between the historical and predictive4. Determine what kind of language is being used5. Place the text in its place in redemptive-history6. Be aware of recurring and sweeping themes7. Consider New Testament usage

INTRODUCING ISAIAH (ISAIAH 1 & 2)

Chapter 1:

Chapter 2:

Principle 1: Know the Structure

Isaiah 1-39

Isaiah 40-66

Principle 2: Be Alert for Recurring & Sweeping Themes

1) Pride (2:11; 5:21)

2) Trust (chs. 1-39)

3) God as the Holy One (ch. 6)

4) God as the Sole and Incomparable Ruler of Creation and History (chs. 40-48)

5) God as the Sole Redeemer (54:5,8)

6) The Remnant (10:20-21; 11:1-2; see chs. 56-59)

Nehemiah Returns and the People Rebuild – Nehemiah 1 – 7

The People Rejoice….and Relapse – Nehemiah 8 - 13

ESTHER

Historical Context

Events occur between 483 and 473 BC

A group of Jews remained in Persia, where enemies abound

Theme

God protects his people, even if we can’t see how he is working.

God Initiates and the People Respond – Ezra 1:5-6

The People Return and Rebuild – Ezra 1:7 – 6:22

The People Sin and Repent – Ezra 7 – 10

7) The Servant (42:1; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12)

8) The Conqueror (59:15-21; 61:1-4; 61:10-62:7; 63:1-6)

9) New Jerusalem—the Bride (62:3-5)

Principle 3: Consider the NT Authoritative Interpretation

1) Jesus Is the Promised Messiah (Rom. 15:12)

2) Jesus Is the Holy One (Jn. 12:41)

3) Jesus Is the Promised Redeemer (Lk. 3:4-6)

4) Jesus as Suffering Servant (Matt. 12:17-18)

5) Jesus as Conqueror (Rev. 22:12)

Conclusion

A Study Outline for Isaiah

I. Historical Jerusalem and the failure of the Davidic kings (chs. 1-39)a. Chapters 1-5: Prologue. Darkness gathering around

the people of Israel.b. Chapter 6: Isaiah’s call to the prophetic ministry.c. Chapter 7: Historical narrative concerning trust # 1 —

Ahazd. Chapter 8-11: Two prophecies of woe to Israel and

Judah foretelling destruction but ending with a prophecy of the coming Messiah

e. Chapter 12: Song of praise to God.f. Chapters 13-27: Three cycles of prophecy against the

nations surrounding the two kingdoms of Israel. g. Chapters 28-35: A series of six poems, each starting

with the word “Woe.” The Lord upbraids his people for looking for security in Egypt. Israel’s main problem is not political, but spiritual.

h. Chapters 36-39: Historical narrative concerning trust # 2 — Hezekiah

II. Eschatological Jerusalem and the triumph of the Servant and Conqueror (chs. 40-66)a. Chapters 40-42:17: Consolation to Israel and the

nationsb. Chapters 42:18-44:23: Israel’s Two Problems; God’s

Two Promisesc. Chapters 44:24-48: A great deliverance (Cyrus)d. Chapters 49-55: A greater deliverance (Suffering

Servant)e. Chapters 56-59:13: Ethical sermons: the needs and sins

of the Lord’s peoplef. Chapters 59:14-63:6: The coming conquererg. Chapter 63:7-66: Paradise regained—the new heavens

and earth

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 25: Ezra, Nehemiah, & Esther

EZRA-NEHEMIAH

Context

Historical Context

Events occur between 538 and ca. 433 BC

Cyrus, the Persian king, allows Jews to return and rebuild

Redemptive-Historical Context

God still committed to His plan of redemption

But the full kingdom of God is still not yet

Theme

God is renewing the covenant by restoring His people, the temple, true worship, and Jerusalem. But it’s not the same, and it doesn’t fulfill all the great prophesies. Thus His people still look to the future.

A STUDY OUTLINE FOR 1 ST AND 2 ND CHRONICLES

IV. A Genealogical Presentation of the Tribes of Israel (1 Chron. 1-9)a. Adam to Esau (1:1-54)b. The sons of Israel (2:1-2)c. The tribe of Judah (2:3-4:23)d. The tribe of Simeon (4:24-43)e. The Transjordanian tribes (5:1-26)f. The tribe of Levi (6:1-81)g. Other northern tribes (7:1-40)h. The tribe of Benjamin (8:1-40)i. The resettlement of Jerusalem (9:1-34)j. The genealogy of Saul (9:35-44)

V. The United Kingdom of David and Solomon (1 Chron. 10-2 Chron. 9)a. David’s rise to power over Israel (1 Chron. 10:1-12:40)b. David’s transfer of the ark to Jerusalem (13:1-16:43)c. The dynastic promise to David (17:1-27)d. David’s wars (18:1-20:8)e. David’s census and preparation for the temple (21:1-29:30)f. Solomon’s temple preparations (2 Chron. 1:1-2:18)g. Solomon’s building of the temple (3:1-5:1)h. The dedication of the temple (5:2-7:22)i. Solomon’s other accomplishments (8:1-16)j. Solomon’s international relations and renown (8:17-9:31)

VI. The Kingdom of Judah down to the Exile (2 Chron. 10-36)a. Rehoboam (10:1-12:16)b. Abijah (13:1-14:1)c. Asa (14:2-16:14)d. Jehoshaphat (17:1-21:1)e. Jehoram and Ahaziah (21:2-22:12)f. Joash (23:1-24:27)g. Amaziah (25:1-28)h. Uzziah (26:1-23)i. Jotham (27:1-9)j. Ahaz (28:1-27)k. Hezekiah (29:1-32:33)l. Manasseh (33:21-25)m. Amon (33:21-25)n. Josiah (34:-35:27)o. The last four kings (36:1-21)p. Restoration (36:22-23)

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 17: Hosea & Joel

Introduction to the Minor Prophets

HOSEA

Context, Outline & Theme

Hosea 1-3

Love’s Strange Story

Hosea 4-14

Love’s Challenge: Sin

Love’s Recovery: Repentance

Love’s Hope: Restoration

III. 2 CHRONICLES 10-36THE KINGS OF JUDAH: EXAMPLES OF REBELLION AND REPENTANCE FOR THE POSTEXILIC COMMUNITY

Key to understanding this section: 2 Chron. 7:13-15

A focus on repentance and forgiveness

A focus on “immediate retribution”

The danger of applying 2 Chron. 7:14 to any nation-state today

Examples of “immediate retribution:”

Examples of mercy: 2 Chron. 17:9-10, 32:25-26

Examples of judgment: 2 Chron. 12:1-2, 25:27

The end of the book: exile and release (2 Chron. 36:15-20)

CONCLUSION: THREE WAYS TO APPLY CHRONICLES

1. See how it points to Jesus

2. Learn about living in the “already, not yet”

3. Thank God for absorbing immediate retribution

II. 1 CHRONICLES 10 – 2 CHRONICLES 9THE UNITED MONARCHY: THE MESSIANIC HOPE OF THE POSTEXILIC COMMUNITY

Communicating his point by differences from Samuel & Kings:

1. Chronicles presents a vision of what the Messiah will be like by highlighting only positive aspects of David and Solomon.

2 Sam. 11:1-2 v. 1 Chron. 20:1-2What happened to Bathsheba and Uriah?

2. In Chronicles, the accounts of David and Solomon revolve around the temple of God.

1 Kings 5:7 v. 2 Chron. 2:12

Wisdom for ruling v. wisdom for building

2 Chron. 6:24-26

JOEL

Context & Theme

Joel 1:1-2:11—The Call to Lament

Joel 2:12-2:17—The Call to Repent

Joel 2:18-2:32—The Promise of Salvation

Joel 3:1-3:16—The Promise of Justice

Joel 3:17-3:21—The Call to Lament

OUTLINE OF HOSEA

VII. Hosea 1:1-3:5 – Hosea’s Adulterous Wife, Gomera. Hosea, Gomer, and Their Children 1:2-2:1b. The Lord’s Marriage to Israel 2:2-23c. Hosea’s Restored Marriage 3:1-5

VIII. Hosea 4:1-14:9 – Yahweh’s Adulterous Wife, Israela. Accusation, Judgment, and Mercy* 4:1-6:3b. Accusation, Judgment, and Mercy 6:4-11:11c. Accusation, Judgment, and Mercy 11:12-14:9

*This threefold structure becomes apparent in the text through some key words. Phrases like “bring charges,” “rebuke,” “plead with,” and “contend with” begin the accusations of sin. Phrases like “blow the horn,” and “sound the trumpet” show God’s judgment against sin. And phrases like “yet,” “afterward,” and other such transition words, “I will return,” “I will go back,” and “return O Israel” indicate God’s promises of mercy.

OUTLINE OF JOEL

I. Joel 1:1-2:17 – The Day of the LORD in Judgment A. The Call to Lament 1:1-2:11B. The Call to Repent 2:12-17

II. Joel 2:18-3:21 – The Day of the LORD in GraceA. The Promise of Salvation 2:18-32B. The Promise of Justice 3:1-16C. The Promise of Restoration 3:17-21

Notice the gospel flow of thought through the book: lamentation over sin followed by repentance from sin results in salvation and a restored relationship with God.

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 24: 1st & 2nd Chronicles

Context

Purpose of Chronicles

I. 1 CHRONICLES 1-9GENEALOGIES: THE ROOTS OF THE POSTEXILIC COMMUNITY

A focus on the line of promise

A focus on Judah

Inclusion of “all Israel”

To interpret a genealogy (or any text of Scripture), always start with the author’s main point.

The true return from exile is accomplished by Christ alone

The Future of the People of God – Daniel 10-12

A Study Outline for Daniel

I. Chapter 1-9 – God alone is sovereign; His people are afflicted by pseudo-sovereigns

A. Ch. 1 – Exile; People of God afflicted B. Ch. 2 – Four empires brought low by God’s

king (type in history)C. Ch. 3 – King sets himself up as god;

People of God afflicted D. Ch. 4 – Nebuchadnezzar brought low D′. Ch. 5 – Belshazzar brought low C′. Ch. 6 – King sets himself up as god;

People of God afflicted B′. Ch. 7 – Four empires brought low by God’s

king (eschatological) B′. Ch. 8 – Four empires brought lowA′. Ch. 9 – Return from exile; Messiah afflicted

II. Chapter 10-12 – Visions of the future

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 18: Amos & Obadiah

AMOS

Context

Theme

Yahweh is angry because His people are getting rich by oppressing their own kinsmen, and despising the righteous and His word.

I. God Judges the Nations

1:3 – Damascus1:6 – Gaza1:9 – Tyre1:11 – Edom1:13 – Ammon2:1 – Moab

II. God Judges His People (2:6ff)

Sins of Injustice

Religious Sins

III. God’s Judges with Justice and with Certainty

7:7-9

IV. God Judges with Mercy

5:14-15

9:11-15

The Kingdom of Christ – Daniel 2, 7-8

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a large statue crushed by a rock

Daniel’s dream of four beasts and the Ancient of Days

Exile and Return – Daniel 1, 9

Daniel and his friend stay faithful during the exile

Yahweh is faithful to bring His people back from exile

The Most High Rules; All Other Are Humbled – Daniel 4, 5

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a tree

Belshazzar’s vision of writing on the wall

The Persecuted People of God Are Brave – Daniel 3, 6

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace

Daniel in the lion’s den

OBADIAH

Context

Theme

Yahweh will judge those who arrogantly mistreat His people.

Obadiah 1-9. The Sentence: Coming Destruction

Obadiah 10-14: The Charge: Oppressing God’s People

Obadiah 17-21: The Result: Establishment of God’s Kingdom

A Study Outline for Amos

IX. Amos 1-2:5 – Yahweh deals with the nations X. Amos 2:6-4 – Yahweh deals with His peopleXI. Amos 5-6 – The call to repentXII. Amos 7-9 – Five visions

A Study Outline for Obadiah

I. Obadiah 1-9 – Coming destruction of Edom: serves as a type of the Day of the LORD

II. Obadiah 10-14 – Reason for the coming destruction: oppression of God’s people

III. Obadiah 15-21 – Coming destruction upon all: the antitype - the real Day of the LORD

A. Judgment vv. 15-16B. Salvation vv. 17-21

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 23: Daniel

Context

Historical Context

Book of Daniel spans the length of the entire Babylonian exile Daniel taken captive to Babylon in ca. 605 BC Daniel lives through entire exile Babylonians later conquered by the Medes & Persians Chronology of the historical narrative: ch. 1-4, 7, 8, 5, 9, 6

Redemptive-Historical Context

The people of God captured by the Gentiles The people of God persecuted and afflicted by the Gentiles Who sovereignly rules the earth?

Theme

The Most High, the God of Daniel, sovereignly rules and reigns supreme over all mankind. Therefore His people are brave in the face of persecution.

God is God over all peoples of the earth, not just the Jews.

God has humbled even the great king Nebuchadnezzar, conqueror of Judah.Outline w/ Pivotal Texts

I. Ezekiel 1-32 – Judgment/Removal: Against Judah and the rest of the nationsa. 1:1-3:15 – The call and sending of Ezekielb. 3:16-7:27 – Announcement against Jerusalem

(imminent judgment)c. Ch. 8-11 – Visions of idolatry and the flight of the glory

of Yahwehd. Ch. 12-19 – Idolatry and the Lord Yahwehe. Ch. 20-23 – Judgment coming closer and closer

(warnings intensify)f. Ch. 24 – The beginning of the siege of Jerusalemg. Ch. 25-32 – Seven oracles against seven cities/nations

II. Ezekiel 33-48 – Grace/Restoration: A vision of the futurea. Ch. 33-37 – Three symbols of restoration announced

immediately after the falli. The Good Shepherd

ii. Dry Bones Resurrectediii. Two Rods

b. Ch. 38-39 – The final battle (Gog and Magog typological; used in Revelation too)

c. Ch. 40-48 – Vision of the coming kingdom of God: the glory of Yahweh returns

New Temple, New Jerusalem, New Heavens, New Earth

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 19: Jonah & Micah

MICAH

Context

Late 8th century BC

Assyria is about to invade Israel; then does invade Israel

Israel is falling

But Yahweh provides hope for the future

Theme

God will judge all people; yet he will save a remnant through a future king.

A Note on Style“You cannot wash the corruption out of Washington; sin is nothing new in New York”

God wants wrongs to be rebuked

Micah 1:3ff

Hebrews 3:12-13

God wants his people to be restored

Example of hope after judgment: 4:6-8

Promise of a ruler: 5:1-5

God wants his character to be known

Acknowledgment of his supremacy (4:1-3)

Remembrance of his righteousness (Chapter 6)

Demonstration of his mercy (6:18-10)

What does it mean to repent?

JONAH

Context

Early to mid 8th century BC

The Assyrians have been Israel’s enemy for a long time

Not the first time Jonah has prophesied (2 Kings 14)

Theme

Salvation—of all nations—is Yahweh’s sovereign work.

A. God is faithful to his promise to judge sin

II. A Vision of God’s Coming and the Promise of Paradise (Ch. 40-48)

A. A new temple

B. Return to the land

C. Restored relationship with God

D. Foreshadowing of Christ and his work, and the reason God offers hope for a sinful people

III.A Vision of God the King (Ch. 1-3)

A. God is not like us

B. God is all-powerful and all-wise

C. God is not limited by circumstances

D. God takes the initiative

E. God communicates

IV. A Vision of God’s Departure (Ch. 8-11)

A. Prophecies against Israel because of their sin

B. Idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness

What is Jonah?

Allegory? Parable? Myth?

Jonah Chapter 1

Who is following God? Jonah? The pagan sailors?

Jonah Chapter 2

Jonah’s repentance

Jonah Chapter 3

Jonah preaches only about judgment, not about repentance.

The Ninevites repent (3:5)

The king repents (3:6)

Contrast between Jonah and the Ninevites

Jonah Chapter 4

Jonah was afraid of God’s mercy.

God’s unstoppable grace.

“Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

Conclusion

“God has always been more committed to reaching the world than his own people have been” (Promises Made)

A Study Outline for Micah

I. Micah 1-2 – Judgment is coming.II. Micah 3-5 – But the remnant will be saved

through the coming King.III. Micah 6-7 – Therefore repent and be saved.

A Study Outline for Jonah

I. Jonah 1:1-16 – Yahweh saves those ignorant of Him. II. Jonah 1:17-2:10 – Yahweh saves those disobedient to Him.III. Jonah 3 – Yahweh saves those rebellious against Him.IV. Jonah 4 – Jonah needs a lesson about the heart of mercy

that overflows in salvation.

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 22: Ezekiel

Jewish exiles go off to Babylon in 605, 597, and 586 BC. The covenant people are engaged in gross idolatry. The covenant curses have now come upon them. God promises restoration for sinful people

Theme

The old covenant has failed; not because it itself was defunct, but because the people were not able to keep it due to their sinful hearts. Therefore a new covenant is needed which will involve new hearts for the people of God.

V. Biographical Sketch and Structure of the Book

A. Exile in Babylon, written likely from ca. 593 to 571 B.C., and trained as a priest

B. Two halves

1. Chapters 1 through 24: Judgment of God’s people

2. Chapters 25 through 48: Condemnation of the nations, and restoration of God’s people

C. Three visions

LAMENTATIONS

Context

Just after Jerusalem is destroyed

Jerusalem personified

Theme

We are in mourning because God has done this, even though it’s our fault. Now we need Him to change our hearts, for He will again comfort us.

The City’s Sin and the Judge’s Wrath (Chapters 1, 2, 4)

First poem: the fall of JerusalemSecond and Fourth poems: Sin and judgment

The Compassion of God (Chapter 3)

God’s compassion (3:21-26)

God’s Kingship and Mercy (Chapter 5)

A Study Outline for Jeremiah

I. Jeremiah 1-45 – Yahweh and His PeopleA. Ch. 1-29 – The proclamation against Judah B. Ch. 30-33 – The promise of a New Covenant C. Ch. 34-45 – The final destruction of Jerusalem

II. Jeremiah 46-52 – Yahweh and the Nations

A Study Outline for Lamentations

I. Lamentations 1-2 – A Hebrew AcrosticII. Lamentations 3-4 – Acrostic at a Quicker PaceIII. Lamentations 5 – Fractionalized, Still Quicker, Acrostic

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 20: Nahum, Habakkuk, &

Zephaniah

Introduction: three books about the problem of evil

NAHUM

Context

Late 7th century BC; North has fallen, South still standing

The Assyrians are feared by the people of Judah

“Where is your God, O people of Yahweh?”

Theme

Yahweh is still jealous for His people, and ferociously protective of them, therefore they need not fear, for Yahweh is stronger than their enemies, and will strip them of their strength.

1. Yahweh’s Will Protect His People – Nahum 1:2-8

2. God’s threatened judgment

3. A vision of Nineveh’s demise

HABAKKUK

Context

Late 7th century BC; North has fallen, South still standing

Internal ethical decline in Judah

Now the Chaldeans are on Judah’s doorstep

“How can a holy God use a wicked nation for His purposes?”

Theme

Yahweh is sovereign over even the actions of the wicked. For even in their wickedness they serve Yahweh’s purpose. However, Yahweh is not indicted for evil Himself, for they will be judged for their own wickedness in due time. Thus, the people of Yahweh should patiently wait and trust in their God, and worship Him.

1. How Long This Violence? – Habakkuk 1:2-4

2. Until God Judges Through a Wicked Nation – Habakkuk 1:5-11

3. Doesn’t Yahweh Love Righteousness? – Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

II. Jeremiah the Prophet

A man of God in love with the word of God (20:9, 1:9)

God’s word earned Jeremiah enemies (chapters 26, 37)

III. The New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-37

Theological climax of the book

The solution: give the people new hearts

IV. Judgment and Destruction: Jeremiah 34-52

Judgment against Egypt, the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, and others

Judgment against Babylon (chapters 50-51)

The destruction of Jerusalem (chapter 52)

2. Repeated, Widespread Sin

God repeatedly warns them (7:13, 25:3-4)

The people listen instead to false prophets (6:14)

3. Total Depravity

Jeremiah 6:10 – The people are unable to hear…

Jeremiah 17:1, 9 – …because sin is engraved on their hearts…

Jeremiah 18:12 – …which now controls them…

Jeremiah 13:23 – …and they cannot change this.

4. Proclamation of Judgment

Disaster the people cannot escape (11:11-2)

Disaster that is horrific(5:15-17, 6:26, 8:13, 9:22, 12:11-12, 15:7-8)

5. Judgment as the Undoing of Creation(4:23-28)

4. Be Patient and Trust – Habakkuk 2:2-20

Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11f; Hebrews 10:38

5. Praise and Trust in Yahweh – Habakkuk 3

ZEPHANIAH

Context

Late 7th century BC; North has fallen, South still standing

Judah is practicing idolatry

The “day” of some great king common language

Theme

The Day of the LORD will be the most terrible “day” ever, and it is executed against all false gods. . But even in that calamity, God will create a remnant for himself.

1. The Day of the LORD Upon Judah – Zephaniah 1:2-6

2. The Day of the LORD Upon All – Zephaniah 2

3. Salvation for the Remnant – Zephaniah 3:8-20

A Study Outline for Nahum

III. Nahum 1:2-11 – Yahweh is strong and powerfulIV. Nahum 1:12-2:12 – Nineveh only appears to be strongV. Nahum 2:13-3:19 – Yahweh is against Nineveh

A Study Outline for Habakkuk

VI. Habakkuk 1:2-4 – How long this violence?VII. Habakkuk 1:5-11 – Until Yahweh judges through a wicked

nation.VIII. Habakkuk 1:12-2:1 – How so? Doesn’t Yahweh love

righteousness? IX. Habakkuk 2:2-20 – Fear not! The righteous will be saved

and the wicked will be punished in due time.X. Habakkuk 3:1-19 – Habakkuk’s response of worship and

trust.

A Study Outline for Zephaniah

V. Zephaniah 1:2-2:2 – The Day of the LORD upon JudahVI. Zephaniah 2:3-3:7 – The Day of the LORD upon all the earth VII. Zephaniah 3:8-20 – The remnant of all nations will be saved

Core Seminars—Old TestamentClass 21: Jeremiah & Lamentations

JEREMIAH

Context

Jewish exiles go off to Babylon in 605, 597, and 586 BC.

The covenant people are engaged in gross idolatry.

The covenant curses have now come upon them.

Theme

The old covenant has failed; not because it itself was defunct, but because the people were not able to keep it due to their sinful hearts. Therefore a new covenant is needed which will involve new hearts for the people of God.

I. Chapters 1-45

1. Breach of Covenant – Jeremiah 2:9-12, 3:20