tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35283718712485664482012-01-29T11:02:57.109-07:00Journal of experiences in the Word of God -- and lesser booksCheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424250123263178207noreply@blogger.comBlogger4421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3528371871248566448.post-64402670134374055902012-01-11T07:14:00.001-07:002012-01-11T07:16:28.588-07:00

The Word of Life1-2 What this letter declares: What we have heard; What we have seen, looked at and touched concerning the word of life; Eternal life. Why does John use the plural “we” here? He must be talking on behalf of all the apostles. Who else had all those experiences? According to Acts 1:21-22, when the apostles needed to replace Judas, a candidate had to have been an eyewitness of

Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424250123263178207noreply@blogger.com0Imperial, NE, USA40.51797538806251 -101.5905765468750140.34271038806251 -101.81973154687502 40.69324038806251 -101.36142154687501tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3528371871248566448.post-10711481549205926472012-01-03T07:20:00.004-07:002012-01-11T06:35:24.426-07:00

From AbideinChrist.comAUTHORMerrill Tenney observes: "If the criteria of vocabulary and style are ever adequate for pronouncing judgment on authorship, these three short letters must be attributed to one author who is also the author of the Fourth Gospel. All four of these writings were probably produced about the same time and at the same place." Although none of these three short letters

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Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples1-3 Peter decides to go fishing. Thomas, Nathanael, James and John, and two others go with him, but they catch nothing all night. 4-8 Just after daybreak, a man appears on the beach, telling them to cast the net on the other side. When they do so, they net too many fish for the net to handle. The disciple whom Jesus loves recognizes the man as “the Lord”; Peter

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The Resurrection of Jesus1-2 Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb early in the morning and, seeing the stone removed, runs to tell Peter and John, the beloved disciple. (See notes on 19:26.)3-10 Peter and John run to the tomb, go inside, and see the empty burial clothes, still not understanding about the resurrection. Then they return home. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene11-13 Mary stays, weeping.

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Jesus Sentenced to Death (cont’d)1-5 Pilate has Jesus flogged; the soldiers dress him in a purple robe and crown of thorns and mock him. Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd with “Behold the man!” while telling them he has no case against Jesus. 6-7 After the chief priests and police shout “Crucify him!” again, Pilate tells them to do it themselves, but they insist he has broken their law by

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Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus1-3 Jesus and his disciples go to a garden in the Kidron valley, to where Judas – knowing they might be there – brings soldiers and police from chief priests and Pharisees, carrying torches and weapons. In John’s account, Jesus identifies himself; Judas is standing with the soldiers. In Luke’s account, Judas approaches Jesus to kiss him; in Matthew’s and Mark’s

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Jesus Prays for His Disciples1-5 After speaking to his disciples, Jesus speaks to his Father, asking that the Father glorify him, acknowledging the Son’s power to offer eternal life, which is to know the Father and the Christ. The Son asks for the glory He had before the world was. 6-10 He has taught those God gave to him, and they have kept the word; they know that Jesus has come from God. He

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The World’s Hatred (cont’d)1-4 I’m telling you these things so when you are persecuted by those who think by doing so they worship God, you will not fall. They don’t know the Father or me. Religious fervor can be very destructive. Misguided passions – whether you call them crusades or jihads – may make devotees feel virtuous, but Jesus didn’t teach either by example or instruction that our

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Jesus the True Vine 1-8 I am the vine, my Father is the vine grower, you are the branches. You have been cleansed by my word; now you need to bear fruit, which you can do only if you abide in me. Not all of them were clean, according to 13:11. If you bear fruit, He will prune you so that you’ll bear more fruit. If you do not abide in me, you will wither, die and be thrown into the

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Jesus the Way to the Father 1-14 Jesus: Don’t be troubled; I am going to prepare a dwelling place for you. I’ll come to take you there; you know the way. Thomas: We don’t even know where you’re going! Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If you know me, you’ll know the way and you’ll know my Father. Philip: Lord, show us the Father. Jesus: If you have seen me, you have seen the

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Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet 1 Before the Passover, Jesus knows his hour has come, and that he has loved his own unto the end. Never before had I thought of what leaving his disciples meant to Jesus. Though it was more than 20 years ago, I remember how heart-wrenching it was for us to leave those we loved in South Africa to come back “home.” But at least they understood what was going to

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Mary Anoints Jesus 1-3 Six days before Passover, Jesus is a dinner guest at Lazarus’s home, when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a pound of nard, wiping his feet with her hair, filling the house with fragrance. According to Coffman, Spikenard was a perfume highly prized by the ancients, and was produced from Nardostachys jatamansi, a small plant (which is) a native of the Himalaya Mountains.

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The Death of Lazarus 1-3 Jesus receives a plea from Martha and Mary (who had wiped his feet with her hair – John 12:3) to come to Bethany because their brother Lazarus (“whom you love”) is ill. 4-6 Jesus replies that the illness won’t end in death but is for God’s glory, and even though he loves them, he stays in Perea for two more days. Coffman points out something I had never thought of

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Jesus the Good Shepherd 1-5 Jesus: Only the shepherd enters a sheep hold by the gate; anyone who enters another way is a thief. The sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd and follow him. 6 His listeners don’t understand this figure of speech. 7-10 Jesus: I am the gate. The sheep didn’t listen to those who came before me, because they were thieves. They steal and kill, while those who enter

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A Man Born Blind Receives Sight 1 As he walks along, he sees a man blind from birth. In context, Jesus has just left the temple. Even after the confrontation he’s just had with the Pharisees, he notices this man who needs his help. 2-5 Disciples: Did this man sin, or his parents? I wonder how they knew he was born blind. Jesus: Neither, but that God’s works would be revealed. We must do His

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The Woman Caught in Adultery 1-11 Early in the morning Jesus is teaching people at the temple Scribes and Pharisees:[As a test, bringing in a woman caught in the act of adultery]: Should she be stoned according to the law? Jesus [After bending down to write on the ground and standing back up.] Let him without sin throw the first stone. Jesus bends down again. When he stands again, they are

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Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers 1 After this [about six months after the end of John 6], Jesus stays in Galilee, avoiding Judea because of the threats of the Jews. 3-9 With the feast of tabernacles [Leviticus 23:33-36] approaching, Jesus’ unbelieving brothers want him to go to Jerusalem to prove himself, but Jesus declines to go with them because it’s not a good time to go; unlike them, he is hated

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Feeding the Five Thousand Parallel accounts: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17 1-4 Just before Passover of the next year, Jesus and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee and go up into a mountain, followed by crowds who have seen his healing. 5-9 Testing Philip, Jesus asks Philip how they’re going to provide food for the crowd, to which Philip answers, “Even six months’

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Jesus Heals on the Sabbath 1-9 Jesus goes to Jerusalem for a festival, where on the Sabbath he sees a man, lame for 38 years, waiting for someone to put him into a healing pool called Bethsaida. Jesus tells him to stand, take up his mat, and walk, and immediately he is well. Jesus first asks the man if he wants to get well, which seems like a curious questions. Gill explains that Jesus asked him

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Jesus and the Woman of Samaria 1-6 When the Pharisees hear the rumor that Jesus is baptizing more than John (though only his disciples baptize), he leaves for Galilee, traveling through Samaria, through Sychar, where at noon, he rests at Jacob’s Well as his disciples go into town for food. 7-10 He asks for a drink from a Samaritan woman, who has come to draw water, and she is surprised,

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Nicodemus Visits Jesus 1-9 Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader, comes to Jesus by night, acknowledging him as a teacher sent from God. He is puzzled by Jesus’ statement about being born from above. Jesus tells him of a birth of water and Spirit, the difference between flesh and spirit, comparing the Spirit to the invisible wind. In Acts 19:1-6, Paul encounters disciples of John the Baptist

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The Wedding at Cana 2-8 On the third day, at a wedding in Cana that Jesus, his mother, and his disciples were attending, Jesus’ mother persuades him, though his “hour has not yet come,” to help when they run out of wine. He asks for six 20-30 gallon stone jars full of water, then tells the servants to take them to the chief steward. 9-11 When the steward tastes it, he tells the bridegroom how

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The Word Became Flesh 1-5 The Word was in the beginning with God, was God, was instrumental in the creation of life and a light more powerful than darkness. 6-9 A man named John came to testify that the light was coming into the world. 10-13 Through he created the world, it did not know him; his own people rejected him. To those who believed in him he gave power to be children of God, born of

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The Great Day of the LORD 1-3 The day is coming when the wicked will be burned up, but you who revere My name will be blessed, treading down the wicked. 4 Remember the laws of My servant Moses. 5-6 Before that day happens, I will send you the prophet Elijah, who will turn the hearts of parents to their children and children to their parents, and prevent My cursing the land. Interesting that he

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The Coming Messenger 1-4 I am sending the messenger you have expected, but who can stand before him? He will purify and refine the priesthood like a refiner’s fire. 5-7 Then I will judge sorcerers, adulterers, liars, those who oppress employees, widows, orphans and aliens. You should have perished before now, because for generations you have disobeyed Me. But if you return to me, I will return

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Corruption of the Priesthood (continued) 1-3 Warning to priests: If you do not glorify My name, I will curse you, rebuke your offspring, and “spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and I will put you out of my presence.” 4-9 My covenant with Levi was of life and well-being; he walked with integrity, and turned many from sin, was a messenger of the LORD of hosts. But you have

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1 An oracle of the Lord to Israel by Malachi Israel Preferred to Edom 2-5 Israel can see how God has loved them by comparing themselves with Esau, whom He did not bless, with whom He is angry forever. Corruption of the Priesthood 6-8 As my sons and servants, you priests show disrespect for me by offering polluted food on my altar: blind and lame animals. Your governor would not accept such

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The Author The book is ascribed to Malachi, whose name means “my messenger.” Since the term occurs in 3:1, and since both prophets and priests were called messengers of the Lord (see 2:7; Haggai 1:13), some have thought “Malachi” to be only a title that tradition has given the author. The view has been supported by appeal to the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT (the Septuagint), which

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Foreigners Separated from Israel 1-3 After reading from “the book of Moses” that Ammonites and Moabites were never to be part of their assembly because of how they treated the Israelites, they “separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.” In Deuteronomy 23:3-6, this is stated as a law. This also seems to be evidence that Moses wrote Deuteronomy. The Reforms of Nehemiah 4-5 Eliashib the

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List of Priests and Levites 1-7 Priests who came with Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: 22 in number. 8-11 Levites, beginning with Jeshua, whose lineage is named and ending with Mattaniah who with his associates was in charge of thanksgiving. Also, Bakbukiah and Unno who stood opposite them. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown have this comment about what this means: that is, according to

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Population of the City Increased 1-2 The leaders and rest cast lots to determine which tenth of the people would settle in Jerusalem. They were blessed by the other nine-tenths for being willing to do so. 3-6 Most of the people lived on their own properties in the towns of Judah, while Judahites (named descendants of Perez), 468 valiant warriors, lived in Jerusalem. 7-9 Benjamites who lived in

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Those Who Signed the Document 1-27 Lists of those who signed the sealed document, beginning with Nehemiah the governor, then the priests, the Levites and their associates, and the leaders of the people. Summary of the Covenant 28-31 All the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all “who have separated themselves from the peoples of the land” promise to follow the law

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National Confession 1-2 On the 24th day of the month, the Israelites, fasting and dressed in sackcloth, separate themselves from foreigners and confess their sins. 3-5 For the 4th part of the day (3 hours) they read the law, for another 4th, they confess and worship, then several men and Levites in turn stand on the stairs of the Levites and offer praise to God. 6-8 Ezra, in prayer, praises

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Ezra Summons the People to Obey the Law 1-5 In the 7th month, 1st day, the people gather in the square in front of the Water Gate, and Ezra the scribe, standing on a wooden platform, opens up the book of the law. As he opens it, all the people stand. I appreciate this show of respect for God’s word. 6-8 Ezra blesses the LORD, the people say “Amen, Amen” and worship, prostate on the ground. As

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The Wall Completed (Cont’d) 1-4 After completion of the wall, Nehemiah gives charge of Jerusalem to his brother Hanani and Hananiah, commander of the citadel. They are to appoint gatekeepers, who are to close and bar the gates at night, for the city is large, but inhabitants are few. Lists of the Returned Exiles 5 “My God put it into my mind” to assemble nobles and officials and include their

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Intrigues of Enemies Foiled 1-4 When Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem hear the gaps in the wall are filled (except for the gates), they send four different messages to Nehemiah, asking him to meet with him, intending to hurt him, but he tells them he is too busy with the wall. 5-9 In a fifth message from Sanballat, he threatens to tell the king that Nehemiah is setting himself up to be king, but

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Nehemiah Deals with Oppression 1-5 Jewish officials are oppressing their own brethren, some of whom don’t have enough to eat. Others are having to use their houses as collateral in order to get grain, others have to borrow money to pay taxes, forcing their children into slavery. 6-9 Nehemiah charges the nobles and the officials of taking interest from the people, selling them to slavery, just

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Hostile Plots Thwarted 1-2 Insults from Sanballat, who is enraged at the building: They are feeble, they’ll never finish it, they’ll never sacrifice. 3-5 Insults from Tobiah the Ammonite: A fox would break down the wall, they despise us, they taunt us, they are sinning. Typical attack from an unrighteous man: The righteous are weak and destructive. Reminds me of accusations against believers

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Organization of the Work 1-32 Starting the the Sheep Gate, they organized and divided the work along the wall. Some worked on the parts of the wall that were opposite their houses. According to John Gill, some may not have done the work themselves, but employed others to do it for them. Eliashib and his fellow priests Men of Jericho Zaccur son of Imri Sons of Hassenaah – the Fish

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Nehemiah Sent to Judah 1-4 In the same year, month of Nisan, Nehemiah serves the king, appearing sad for the first time. The king asks about his sadness, and Nehemiah explains his sadness over the state of the “place of my ancestors’ graves.” 5-8 When the king asks him what he wants, Nehemiah first prays then asks the king to send him back to Judah for a certain period of time, for letters of

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Nehemiah Prays for His People 1-3 Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah, who is in the Persian capital of Susa in the 20th year [of the reign of Artaxerxes], receives a visit from his brother Hanani, who tells him that the exiles in Jerusalem live in shame, with no city walls nor gates. This is estimated to be in 445 B.C. Artaxerxes the son of Xerxes, AKA Ahasuerus, Esther’s husband, reigned from 465-424

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The Book of Nehemiah is a continuation of the history recorded in the Book of Ezra. Nehemiah grew up in Persia among the Jews who had been exiles in Babylon before Cyrus restored their freedom. Nehemiah had the honored position of cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, the son of Xerxes, known as Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther. His position was one of great trust and responsibility (I Kings 10:5; II

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The People’s Response 1 As Ezra prays and weeps, a crowd of people gathers around him, also weeping. 2-4 Shecaniah tells Ezra they will promise God they will send away their foreign wives and children. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown point out that according to verse 26, Shecaniah’s father and uncles were among those who had married foreign wives, but not Shecaniah himself. 5 Ezra stands up and

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Revelation of Mixed Marriages 1-2 After Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem and the delivery of precious metals to the temple, officials come to Ezra and inform him that those who have returned from exile are intermarrying with pagans who live in the area. 3-4 Ezra is “appalled,” tears his clothes, pulls out his hair, and sits all day in his distress, surrounded by others who “trembled at the words of

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1-14 Heads of Families Who Returned with Ezra 1-14 List of family heads and the number of male descendants who came out of Babylon with Ezra during the reign of King Artaxerxes. 15-20 Servants for the Temple 15-17 They camp by a river for 3 days, and Ezra notices there are no Levites among them, so he sends for Eliezer and others who are leaders, and two others who are “wise’ and sends them to

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1-10 The Coming and Work of Ezra 1-6 During the reign of Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra, a priest and scribe, direct descendant of Aaron, comes to Jerusalem from Babylon, with the blessings of the king and the hand of God upon him. It’s not clear which Persian king this is; one commentary says all the Persian kings were called Artaxerxes, much like the Egyptian kings were called Pharaoh. I would

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1-2 The account of Ahasuerus, how he taxed the land and islands, and the high honors given to Mordecai are recorded in the history of the Medes and Persians. 3 Mordecai, next in rank to the king, was popular with his “many kindred, for he sought the good of his people and interceded for the welfare of all his descendants." In all our praise of Esther, we must remember that it was Mordecai who

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1-17 Destruction of the Enemies of the Jews 1-4 In Adar, the 12th month, 13th day, Jews gather and take vengeance on their enemies, helped by provincial officials, who fear Mordecai and his expanding influence. 5-10 Jews strike down all their enemies, including 500 in Susa and the 10 sons of Haman, but they “did not touch the plunder.” 11-13 After reporting this to Esther, the king asks her

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1-17 Esther Saves the Jews 1-2 The king gives Haman’s house to Esther, and after Esther tells him Mordecai is her cousin, he gives the signet ring that Haman had worn (3:10) to Mordecai. Esther sets Mordecai over Haman’s house. 3-6 Esther appears before the king, pleading for the lives of her people, asking for a letter that revokes Haman’s orders to kill them. 7-8 The king gives Mordecai and

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1-10 Haman’s Downfall; Mordecai’s Advancement 1-3 On the second day of Esther’s feast, the king asks Esther for her petition, repeating his promise to fulfill it. 4 Esther tells him that her people are not to be enslaved – that would be okay – but to be annihilated. If I’m not mistaken, before this, the king was unaware that she was a Jew; obviously Haman was, too. He could not have foreseen

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1-13 The King Honors Mordecai 1-3 That night the king can’t sleep, so he reads the book of records and discovers that Mordecai foiled a plot to kill him (2:19-23). 2-5 After he asks, his servants tell him the Mordecai has not been honored for this, so he asks who is in the court. It’s Haman; he’s come to ask the king to hang Mordecai. 6-9 The king asks Haman what should be done to honor a man.

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1-8 Esther’s Banquet 1-4 On the 3rd day, Esther, dressed in her royal robes, goes to the king; he grants her entrance and tells her he will grant her anything, even to half of his kingdom. Even though he had not called her, he obviously still holds her in great favor. 5-8 She asks only that he and Haman come that day to a banquet, and again the king tells her he will grant her even to half of

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1-17 Esther Agrees to Help the Jews 1-3 When Mordecai learns of the edict, he dresses in sackcloth and ashes and goes through the city and up to the king’s gate, wailing, as do the other Jews, with fasting and weeping. 4 Esther hears of it and sends clothes to Mordecai, which he refuses. 5-8 Then she sends Hathach, a eunuch, to Mordecai, who tells Hathach of Haman’s bribe, gives him a copy of

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1-15 Haman Undertakes to Destroy the Jews 1-2 After Ahasuerus promotes Haman the Agagite to a position above the other officials, at the king’s command, all the king’s servants, except Mordecai, bowed down to Haman. The Jews consider Haman a descendant of Agag the Amalekite, whom Saul spared but Samuel killed (1 Samuel 15:8-11). Agag may have been the title of the kings of Amalek, so Haman could

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1-18 Esther Becomes Queen 1-4 After the king’s anger abates, and he remembers what he’s done to Vashti, the king’s servants decide to find him a new queen by gathering all the beautiful young virgins into the harem and giving them cosmetic treatments, under the charge of Hegia, the king’s eunuch. Apparently, the king is sorry for banishing Vashti, but since under the Persian constitution the

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1-21 King Ahasuerus Deposes Queen Vashti 1-4 Ahasuerus, who rules over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia from his throne in Susa, gives a 180-day banquet in the 3rd year of his reign, inviting all his officials and ministers – army officials, nobles and governors of the provinces – and displaying all his wealth and grandeur. 5-8 After 180 days, he gives a 7-day banquet for all the people in

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Background The events of Esther took place under the reign of Xerxes 1 (Ahasuerus being a title, like Pharaoh), who reigned from 486 to about 465 BC.The story of Esther took place over about a ten year span (483 to 473 BC), and would fit historically between Ezra 6 and 7. This would mean that Esther could have lived far into the reign of Artaxerxes, her step-son, under whom Nehemiah rebuilt the

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1-21 Future Warfare and Final Victory 1-2 Nations will gather against Jerusalem, taking and looting the city, raping the women, sending half the city into exile, but the rest will not be cut off. This seems to be talking about the final destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. See Luke 21:20-28. 3-5 Then the LORD will fight against those nations, standing on the Mount of Olives, splitting it into so

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Mourning for the Pierced One (cont’d from Chapter 12) 1 On that day a fountain will cleanse the house of David. 2-9 Idolatry Cut Off 2-3 The LORD will cut off the false prophets; even their parents will “pierce them through” if they dare to prophesy again. 4-6 They will admit they’re not prophets, and when asked about their wounds, they will identify them as the wounds they received in “the

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1-9 Jerusalem’s Victory: An Oracle 1-4a All the nations will gather against Judah, but the LORD will blind and panic their horses and make their riders insane. 4b-5 But he will watch over the house of Judah, so the inhabitants will recognize their strength comes from God, the LORD of hosts. 6 He will make Judah like a blazing pot that devours all the peoples to the right and to the left. 7-9

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Restoration of Judah and Israel (cont’d from Chapter 10) 1-3 Open your doors, Lebanon; Wail, oh cypress and oaks of Bashan, for you will be destroyed. Listen to the wail of the shepherds [Jewish leaders/elders] and the roar of the lions [princes of Judah] over the loss of their glory and the destruction of the thickets of the Jordan. Though the New Revised Standard Version sub-titles this the “

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1-12 Restoration of Judah and Israel 1-2 Ask the LORD for rain, because the household gods, diviners and dreamers utter nonsense, see lies, tell false dreams and give empty consolations, causing the people to wander like sheep without a shepherd. 3-5 The LORD is angry with the shepherds, and will raise up a strong army from his flock, the house of Judah. 6-7 He will strengthen and save Judah

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1-8 Judgment on Israel’s Enemies: An Oracle 1-4 The word of the Lord is against Hadrach (probably a Syrian region), Damascus, the capital of Aram (could be translated “the eye of Adam”), Israel, Hamatha (also in Syria) and even Tyre and Sidon, though they are wise, and Tyre is wealthy and protected. The NASV translation of verse 1 is easier to understand: The burden of the word of the LORD

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1-17 God’s Promises to Zion 1-8 The LORD through Zechariah declares his jealousy for Zion, and makes these promises: Jerusalem will once again be faithful and holy; Old men and women will once again sit in the streets while the children play there; Though it seems impossible, God will save his remnant from the east and west countries; He will be their God and they will be His

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1-7 Hypocritical Fasting Condemned 1 God’s word comes to Zechariah in the 4th year of King Darius, 9th month, 4th day. 2-3 Bethel residents send messengers to temple priests to ask whether or not they should continue to fast in the 5th month. 4-7 God replies that they always fasted for themselves, anyway, and they eat and drink for themselves as well, not for God. Reminiscent of God’s

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1-8 Eighth Vision: Four Chariots 1-3 Zechariah looks up and see four chariots coming out of two bronze mountains, led by red, black, white and dappled gray horses. 4-6 The angel tells Zechariah they are the four winds of heaven, black to the north, white to the west, dappled to the south. 7-9 The angel permits the anxious horses to patrol the earth and tells Zechariah that the horses that go

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1-4 Sixth Vision: The Flying Scroll Zechariah looks up and sees a 20-cubit by 10-cubit flying scroll. The angel tells him this is a curse that goes out over the earth and cuts off all those who steal and lie, who swear falsely by God’s name. 5-11 Seventh Vision: The Woman in a Basket 5-8 Zechariah again looks up and sees a lead-covered basket. When the cover is removed, he sees a woman, whom

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1-14 Fifth Vision: The Lampstand and Olive Trees 1-3 Zechariah sees a golden lampstand with seven lamps, each with seven lips,covered by a bowl, flanked by two olive trees. (Depiction of lampstand from http://ldolphin.org/zechwagner/.) 4-7 The angel tells Zechariah that this is God’s word to Zerubbabel: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit.” The mountain shall become a plain: God

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1-10 Fourth Vision: Joshua and Satan 1-2 Joshua, the high priest, stands before an angel of the LORD with Satan accusing him, and the LORD rebuking Satan, because Joshua is a “brand plucked from the fire.” This Joshua is mentioned in both Haggai 1:1 as one of the recipients of Haggai’s message and Ezra 10:18, as one of the priests who had married a foreign wife. In this case, he represents

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1-5 Third Vision: The Man with a Measuring Line 1-2 Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line, who says he is measuring Jerusalem. 3-5 Then he sees one angel tell another that Jerusalem will be filled with people and animals, and God will be a wall of fire around them. 6-13 Interlude: An Appeal to the Exiles 6-9 Zechariah tells the exiles to escape to Jerusalem, for God is going to make

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1-6 Israel Urged to Repent 1 The word comes to Zechariah, son of Berechia, son of Iddo, in the 2nd year, 8th month of Darius. 2-6 Regarding their ancestors and their history of disobedience: When you return to me, I will return to you. Though God’s love is unconditional, his blessings are not. Do not be like your ancestors who would not listen to me. My word goes on long after the

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Like Jeremiah (1:1) and Ezekiel (1:3), Zechariah was not only a prophet (1:1) but also a member of a priestly family. He was born in Babylonia and was among those who returned to Judah in 538/537 BC under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua. (His grandfather Iddo is named among the returnees in Nehemiah 12:4). At a later time, when Joiakim was high priest, Zechariah apparently succeeded

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Introduction (from Study Materials published by West Palm Beach Church of Christ) The book of Obadiah has generally been given two probable dates for its writing: 845 BC or 586 BC. The choice of dates depends largely on identifying the attack on Jerusalem mentioned in verse 12 of the book. If Obadiah is referring to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, the later date would be

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1-9 The Future Glory of the Temple 1-3 In the 2nd year of Darius, 7th month, 21st day, God through Haggai asks Zerubbabel and Joshua, Who is left who has seen the temple as it was? It is still nothing in comparison. 4-9 God tells them to take courage, that he is with them, that he will soon shake the world and fill the house with splendor, with silver and gold, exceeding the former glory. 10-

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1-15 Command to Build the Temple 1-4 In the 2nd year of Darius, 6th month, 1st day, Haggai comes to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, speaking for God: Though the people say it is not yet time to rebuild the temple, God says it’s not right for them to live in good houses while the house is in ruins. 5-6 That is why they don’t prosper;

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1-12 The Decree of Darius 1-5 By Darius's order, the decree is found in Ecbatana, the Mede capital, confirming what the Jews had said, even giving the dimensions of the temple and stating it is to be funded from the royal treasury. 6-12 Darius orders Tattenai to allow the building and to give them whatever they need "that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven, and pray for

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1-17 Restoration of the Temple Resumed 1-2 Prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesy in Judah, and Zerubbabel and Jeshua begin rebuilding with their help. 3-5 Tattenai, governor of Beyond the River province, and Shethar-bozenai challenge the builders, asking for names, but God watches over them until a letter is sent to Darius and he replies. From Jamieson, Fausset and Brown: The Persian empire

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1-5 Resistance to Building the Temple 1-3 Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin come to Zerubbabel and offer to help build, saying they also worship God, but Zerubbabel and other leaders refuse their help. 4-5 So the people of the land discourage and intimidate the people of Judah, while also bribing officials in Persia during the reigns of Cyrus and Darius. 6-24 Rebuilding of Jerusalem Opposed 6

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1-7 Worship Restored at Jerusalem 1-3 In the seventh month, Jeshua and Zerubbabel and family build the altar for burnt offerings, setting it on its foundation “because they were in dread of the neighboring peoples” and offer burnt offerings. Commentaries say the phrase in quotes indicates they did this quickly so enemies would not hinder them from seeking help from God. 4-5 They observe the

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1-70 List of the Returned Exiles 1-2 Introducing the list of those who return from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah with the leaders of the group: Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. Jeshua is AKA Joshua the high priest; Nehemiah could be the cupbearer, author of the book; Gill says Mordecai could be Esther’s cousin, Matthew Henry

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1-11 End of the Babylonian Captivity 1-2 King Cyrus of Persia, in the first year of his reign, sends an edict throughout his kingdom that God has charged him to build Him a house in Jerusalem 3-4 All God’s people are permitted to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple; their neighbors must assist them with silver, gold, goods, animals and freewill offerings for the house of God. 5-6

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1-4 End of Speech – Resurrection of the Dead 1 Continuation of Speech by “one in human form”: Michael shall arise, there will be a period of anguish, and those whose names are written in the book will be delivered. 2-3 Many will rise to everlasting life, and some to shame and contempt. 4 But Daniel must keep the words secret and the book sealed until the end. 5-13 Daniel’s Final Vision 5-7

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Conflict of Nations and Heavenly Powers (cont’d) 1-4 More from the one in human form [Gabriel?]: Three more Persian kings will rise up, the fourth richer than all the others, who will go against Greece. According to Jamieson, Faussett and Brown, these are Cambyses, Pseudo-Smerdis, and Darius Hystaspes, AKA Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes, and Darius, as named in Ezra 4:6, 7, 24. Gill and Matthew Henry say

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1-21 Conflict of Nations and Heavenly Powers 1 Daniel receives “a word” in the 3rd year of King Cyrus of Persia concerning a great conflict. 2-6 Daniel, who has been sad for 3 weeks, is standing on the bank of the Tigris River when he sees a man in linen with a belt of gold, a body like beryl, face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches, limbs like bronze, whose voice is like a multitude’s

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1-19 Daniel’s Prayer for the People 1-2 In Darius’s first year, Daniel looks at Jeremiah’s prophecy and determines they would be in Babylon for 70 years. From Jamieson, Fausset and Brown: Cyaxares II, in whose name Cyrus, his nephew, son-in-law, and successor, took Babylon, 538 B.C. The date of this chapter is therefore 537 B.C., a year before Cyrus permitted the Jews to return from exile,

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1-14 Vision of a Ram and a Goat 1-4 In the 3rd year of Belshazzar, Daniel sees a vision in which he is in Susa, the capital, and sees a ram standing by the river Ulai, with two long horns, one longer than the other. The ram charges west, north, and south, and no beast can withstand it. 5-8 A male goat with one horn between its eyes comes out of the west, and strikes the ram, breaking its horns

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1-8 Visions of the Four Beasts 1-3 In the first year of Belshazzar, Daniel has a dream about four beasts coming up out of the sea. 4 1st beast – like a lion with eagles’ wings, whose wings are plucked off, then it stands like a human, with a human mind. 5 2nd beast – like a bear, with 3 tusks, told to devour many bodies. 6 3rd beast – like a leopard, with 4 wings and 4 heads, given dominion

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1-9 The Plot against Daniel 1-3 Darius appoints 120 satraps throughout the kingdom and 3 presidents, including Daniel. True to form, Daniel distinguishes himself above the others, and Darius plans to elevate his position. 4-5 Envious, the others try to find something in his character that will bring him down, but they can’t, so they determine any complaints will have to be in connection with

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Note: From what I have gathered, Nebuchadnezzar’s son Evil-Merodach (Jeremiah 52:31) succeeded him as king. The last king of Babylon was Evil-Merodach’s son, Nabonidus, with whom his son, Belshazzar, co-reigned, but as a subordinate to his father. At the time of this incident, his father is out of the country. [See Gill’s Exposition.] 1-4 BeImage via Wikipedialshazzar’s Feast 1-2 King

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1-18 Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream 1-3 Nebuchadnezzar blesses the nations of the earth and praises God for his signs and wonders, calling his kingdom “an everlasting kingdom.” 4-7 He recounts the story of his first dream and how Belteshazzar (Daniel) interpreted it and asks Daniel to interpret his second dream. 8-12 He sees a tree whose top reaches to heaven, with beautiful foliage, abundant

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1-18 The Golden Image 1-7 King Nebuchadnezzar makes a golden statue, 60 cubits (about 90 feet) high and 6 cubits (about 9 feet) wide. He invites all his government officials to the dedication, where he declares that everyone must fall down and worship the statue whenever they hear music played. If they don’t, they will be thrown into a fire. Is this not typical? He has a prophetic dream about

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1-16 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream 1-12 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar has some very troubling dreams. He asks his wise men to interpret the dreams and to tell him what they were, upon threat of death. Since they – nor anyone else, in their minds – can identify the dreams, he calls for the execution of all wise men. 13-16 When the king’s men come to Daniel and his companions to carry

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1-21 Four Young Israelites in the Babylonian Court 1-2 In King Jehoiakim of Judah’s 3rd year, Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem, takes Jehoiakim’s authority as well as temple vessels, which he brings to Shinar and places in his own treasury. The beginning of Daniel (3rd year of Jehoiakim, c. 605 B.C.) takes place before the beginning of Ezekiel (5th year of Jehoiachin, aka Jeconiah, Jehoiakim’s

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The following is the first paragraph of an Introduction to Daniel written in 2006 by Michael Maloney. (At least I think he wrote it. I discovered his name in tiny letters at the bottom of the home page).For the rest of the introduction, which goes into Daniel as literature, as a “moral paradigm,” and as prophecy, go to http://home.earthlink.net/~ironmen/intro.htm. The introduction is very

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1-35 The Tribal Portions 1-7 Portions allotted to Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben and Judah 8-14 Allotment for the priests, sanctuary and Levites 15-20 Allotment for the city, its dwellings and open places 21-22 Allotment for the prince, between Judah’s and Benjamin’s territories 23-29 Portions allotted to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun and Gad 30-34 Names of the 12

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1-12 Water Flowing from the Temple 1-2 The man brings Ezekiel to the front threshold where he can see water flowing from the front toward the east, from the south end toward the south. 3-6 As the man measures the water flowing toward the east, every thousand cubits, it increases from ankle-deep to knee-deep, to waist-deep, until he would have to swim to get across. And the man asks him, “Have

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1-24 Miscellaneous Regulations 1-8 Activity at the gate of inner court facing east: Opened only on the sabbath, remains open all day Entrance and exit for the prince to offer his sabbath sacrifices: 6 lambs, ram, grain, oil, same on new moon The people bow down at that gate on sabbaths and new moons 9-10 If people enter by north gate, they must exit at south gate and vice versa, and

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1-9 The Holy District 1-5 An area of 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide is to be set aside for a holy district, with a plot of 500 by 500 cubits for the sanctuary. Half the district (25,000 by 10,000) will be for the sanctuary and the priests and their houses, and the other half for the Levites who minister at the temple. 6 Beside this area will be another portion of 25,000 cubits by

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Continuation of the Vision of the Temple 1-3 The Closed Gate 1 The man brings Ezekiel to the outer gate that faces east, which is shut. 2-3 It shall remain shut, because it is the LORD’s entrance, although the prince may sit in the gate to eat, entering and exiting through the vestibule. 4-14 Admission to the Temple 4 He brings Ezekiel to the north gate, and Ezekiel sees that the glory of

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1-12 The Divine Glory Return to the Temple 1-5 The man brings Ezekiel to the gate facing the east, where he sees “the glory of the God of Israel” coming with power, a vision like he had seen by the river Chebar. It lifted Ezekiel up and took him into the inner court of the temple. 6-9 While the man stood beside Ezekiel, he heard a voice coming out of the temple: Mortal, this is my throne.

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