Bible Personalities in the Old Testament

This study examines the accounts of over 41 characters found in the pages of the Old Testament. Each life is an example to us, in one way or another, and communicates a story that God wants us to know.

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Lesson 1 - Adam and Eve, Noah

Adam and Eve

In the creation account, everything in heaven and on earth was created by God out of a dark, formless, and empty space covered by water. (Genesis 1:1) On the sixth and last day of God’s creation work, He created animals and man.

Read Genesis Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
1. What major difference do you see between God’s design for animals and mankind? (1:24-27)

2. For what purpose did God create mankind? (1:26)

3. How was the first man created (3:7), and what was the name given to him? (3:20)

4. What did God proclaim over all creation? (1:31)

5. How was the first woman created, according to 2:21-22?

6. According to 2:18-23 and 3:20, why was a woman created and what was the name given to her?

7. Why did the woman decide to eat fruit from the forbidden tree? (3:1-6)

8. What was the result of original sin for each of the participants, according to 3:14-19?

a. The serpent

b. The woman

c. The man

9. What impact did eating the forbidden fruit have on mankind? See Romans 5:12-19.

10. Read Genesis Chapter 4.

a. What were the names of Adam and Eve’s first two sons?

b. What gift did Cain bring to the Lord?

c. What gift did Abel bring to the Lord?

d. What distinction do you see from the way Cain’s offering is described (verse 3) to that of Abel’s (verse 4)?

e. Whose offering did God accept?

f. What reason and warning did God give for not accepting Cain’s gift (verses 6-7)?

11. Describe how you think God’s warning to Cain may apply to you.

12. What did Cain do to his brother in Genesis 4:8?

13. According to Genesis 5:3-4, how long did Adam live?

Noah

Read Genesis Chapters 6, 7, and 9:1-19.

1. According to Genesis 6:9, what distinguished Noah?

2. From 6:11-13, what had God decided to do and why?

3 What part did Noah play in God’s plan?

4. What instructions were given to Noah and his sons in 9:1-4?

5. What limitation was given in 9:4?

6. What was God’s covenant with Noah and his sons in 9:8-17?

7. Who was the covenant with, besides Noah and his sons?

8. What were the names of Noah’s sons? (9:18)

9. Who descended from these three sons, according to 9:19?

10. Describe an example, lesson, or inspiration from Noah’s life that you see.

Lesson 2 - Abraham and Sarah

Scripture readings vary.The life of Abraham will be explored first, followed by Sarah.

Abraham (Abram)

1. Abram’s father, Terah, descended from Noah through his son Shem. What did God call Abram to do and what promise did He make to him? See Genesis 12:1-3.

2. How did Abram, and his wife Sarai, lose patience and take matters into their own hands instead of waiting on God? See Genesis 16:1-2, 15.

3. Have you ever had difficulty in your own life waiting on God’s timing? Describe the circumstances and tell whether you were able to wait or took matters into your own hands.

4. God established a covenant with Abram to affirm His promise, and changed his name to Abraham.
Read Genesis 17:1-6 and answer the following questions.

a. What did God promise to do and what was Abraham required to do?

b. What is the meaning of Abram’s new name?

5. How did God keep His promise to Abraham, according to Genesis 21:1-7??

6. How was Abraham’s faith tested, according to Genesis 22:1-18?

7. Why do you think God did this?

8. What do you think enabled Abraham to be able to respond the way he did?

9. Read Romans 4:1-15 and answer the following:

a. To what was Abraham’s righteousness attributed?

b. What part did circumcision play in Abraham’s salvation?

c. In what ways is Abraham our father?

d. How can we receive the same righteousness as Abraham?

Sarah (Sarai)

1. We first meet Sarah (named Sarai at the time) in Genesis 11, in the beginning account of Abraham’s family. What do we learn about her from the following verses?

a. Genesis 11:29-30

b. Genesis 20:11-12

c. Genesis 12:11-20

2. What was God’s word to Abraham regarding Sarah, in Genesis 17:15-16?

3. What was Sarah’s reaction when the Lord confirmed that she would give birth in a year, according to Genesis 18:9-15?

4. How did God keep His promise to Abraham and Sarah and why was it a miraculous event? See Genesis 21:1-7.

5. Are there promises from God’s word that you are struggling to maintain faith for? Describe any and take them to Him in prayer.

Lesson 3 - Isaac and Jacob

Scripture readings vary. The life of Isaac will be explored first, followed by Jacob.

Isaac

1. Why was Abraham and Sarah’s son named Isaac? See Genesis 17:19.

2. According to Genesis 25:19-20, who did Isaac marry? (Optional: See Genesis 24 for the account of finding a proper wife for Isaac.)

3. What difficulty did Isaac and Rebekah share with Abraham and Sarah? (See Genesis 25:21 and 16:1)

4. What did God reveal to Rebekah about the twins who seemed to be struggling, even in her womb? See Genesis 25:22-26.

5. What were the names given to these twins?

6. How did Rebekah and her son Jacob plot to receive Isaac’s blessing? See Genesis 27.

7. Do you think this plot thwarted God’s plan or accomplished it? Explain.

Jacob

1. What instruction did Isaac give Jacob for marriage? See Genesis 28:1-2.

2. What blessing did Isaac give Jacob in Genesis 28:3-5?

3. How did God confirm Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 28:12-15?

4. Who did Jacob fall in love with and ask to marry him? See Genesis 29:18.

5. How did Laban trick Jacob, according to Genesis 29:20-30?

6. What was God’s instruction to Jacob in Genesis 35:1?

7. What did God tell Jacob in Genesis 35:9?

8. What are the names of Jacob’s sons and the tribes of the nation he headed? See 1 Chronicles 2:1.

Lesson 4 - Joseph and Moses

Scripture readings vary. The life of Joseph will be explored first, followed by Moses.

Joseph

1. Joseph was the first son of Jacob’s wife Rachel. How did his father feel about him and what did he give him, according to Genesis 37:3?

2. What did Joseph’s brothers think of him and how did they act towards him? See Genesis 37:4.

3. Read Genesis 37:18-36. How did Joseph’s brothers plot against him?

4. How did Joseph end up in the household of Potiphar, the captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt?

5. According to Genesis 39:2-6, why did Joseph succeed and how did Potiphar respond to him?

6. According to Genesis 39:7-23, how did Joseph end up in prison?

7. What was his experience there in prison?

8. According to Genesis 41:8-14, how and why was Joseph released from prison?

9. What was the meaning of Pharaoh’s dream? See Genesis 41:22-27.

10. What happened after Joseph interpreted the king’s dreams, according to Genesis 41:37-41?

11. Before the time of famine, how did God bless Joseph’s life, according to Genesis 41:50-52?

12. The remaining chapters of Genesis tell the rest of Joseph’s story. According to chapter 45, what were God’s purposes for Joseph’s life?

13. According to Genesis 50:24-26, what was Joseph confident of and what was his request to his family?

14. Describe how Joseph’s life is an example or blessing to you.

Moses

1. The sons of Israel (Jacob) thrived under Joseph’s rule in Egypt. What happened to change that and how did it impact their lives, according to Exodus 1:1-16?

2. Read Exodus 2:1-10. How did God rescue Moses from the fate of Pharaoh’s edict regarding Hebrew baby boys?

3. As an adult, Moses was forced to flee Egypt. He fled to Midian where he married, and then tended the flocks of his father-in-law. According to Exodus 3:1-10, how did Moses encounter God and what did God tell him?

4. What was Moses response in Exodus 3:11, 4:1, 4:10, and 4:13?

5 Who did God provide to help Moses, according to Exodus 4:14?

5. Have you ever felt like saying something similar to God? What was the result?

After running out of excuses, Moses is prepared and instructed by God on what he is to do and what God would be doing to release His people from bondage in Egypt.
Because of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, God brought many plagues on the land of Egypt. He prepared the Israelites to escape His final plaques and be released from bondage by giving Moses instructions for the people to observe the Passover, which was to continue to be commemorated each year from generation to generation.

6. What announcement had God told Moses to make to Pharaoh, according to Exodus 11:4-8?

7. Read Exodus 12:3-13 and answer the following questions:

a. How were the people to prepare for the Passover?

b. What did the Passover accomplish (see verse 13)?

c. How long were they to observe this ceremony, according to Exodus 12:24?

d. What was the purpose of this annual observation, according to Exodus 13:8-11?

e. What does this imply about remembering and celebrating what God has done for us? What are some of the ways we can be intentional about doing this today?

After release from Egypt, God guided Moses and the people through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). The people rebelled against God and Moses at various times, despite their proclamations to obey all of God’s commandments.

8. According to Numbers 14, just as they reached the edge of the Promised Land, what was the act of rebellion that caused God to punish the Israelites with 40 years of wilderness wandering?

9. Why did God not allow Moses to lead the people into the Promised Land, according to Numbers 20:1-13?

Lesson 5 - Joshua (with Rahab and Achan)

Scripture readings vary. Joshua is the main character, with interactions of Rahab and Achan explored.

1. Read Numbers 27:12-23 and answer the following:

a. What was Moses’ request of God in verses 15-17?

b. Who did God choose to lead Israel after Moses, and what particular quality did he possess that God mentions in verse 18?

2. Read Joshua 1:1-9, and answer the following:

a. What promise did God make to Joshua?

b. What phrase is repeated several times as admonition to Joshua?

c. What was Joshua to obey and what means would prepare him to follow it effectively?

d. What lessons do you think these instructions have for us today?

Joshua became God’s man to lead God’s chosen people into the land that He had promised them. This group of wilderness wanderers then came up against mighty, established kingdoms whose termination God has promised to Israel.

3. What explanation does God give the Israelites, in Exodus 23:29-30, for conquering the lands over a period of time, rather than in a single year?

4. Joshua sent spies into Jericho to scout the land for their attack. According to Joshua 2:1-13, who did they first encounter and what did she do on their behalf?

5. What did Rahab know about Israel?

6. What did Rahab declare about God in Joshua 2:11b, and how is that confirmed in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25?

7. What do we learn about Rahab in Matthew 1:5?

8. What did Joshua and the Israelites do in obedience to God, according to Joshua 3:14-17?

9. What was the people’s attitude towards Joshua, according to Joshua 4:14?

10. What did Joshua do after crossing the Jordan River, according to Joshua 4:20?

11. What was the purpose of this pile of stones, according to Joshua 4:21-24?

12. In what ways have you, or could you, use this same principle of “standing stones” as a remembrance for you, and your family, of God’s work in your life?

13. What benefit do you think this principle of remembering has for us? Do you have an example?

14. Read Joshua 6:1-25. According to verses 1-5, what was God’s plan for the Israelites to overtake Jericho?

15. What additional instructions were the people given in Joshua 6:18-19, to follow before they entered Jericho?

16. How was God’s plan fulfilled, according to Joshua 6:20?

17. What happened to Rahab, according to Joshua 6:23 and 25?

18. In Joshua 7:1, we learn that a man named Achan violated the instructions given to the Israelites by stealing some of the things that were to be dedicated to God. According to Joshua 7:2-12, what happened as a result of this sin?

19. What was Achan’s punishment, according to Joshua 7:24-26?

20. What do you think this teaches us about God’s attitude towards obedience to His commands? Do you think God deals with disobedience in our lives today? Explain.

21. As the Israelites continued their march to take the lands that God had promised them, who had heard about them and what did they do, according to Joshua 9:1-2?

22. Read Joshua 9:3-26 and answer the following questions:

a. What did the people of Gibeon do to save themselves?

b. What was Joshua’s response to their story? (See verses 14-15)

c. What major mistake did Joshua make, according to verse 14?

d. What lesson can we learn from this?

23. In Joshua 24, Joshua reminded the people of the account of God’s leading throughout history and the importance of renewing and keeping their covenant with Him. What is the choice given them in verse 15 and how does that apply to us today?

Lesson 6 - Deborah, Gideon, Samson

This lesson gives us a look at three of the prominent judges from the Old Testament.

Introduction to Judges

1. Read Judges 2:6-19. At the end of Joshua’s life, what did the people do, according to verses 6-7?

2. What happened that changed the behavior of the Israelites and what did they do, according to verses 10-15?

3. What was God’s provision to help them and how did that work, according to verses 16-19?

4. How do you think remembering God’s commands, and what He has done, should impact the lives of believers today?

Deborah

Read Judges Chapter 4.

1. Who was Deborah and what did she do, according to verses 4-5?

2. What message had the Lord given her for Barak?

3. What condition did Barak put on his obedience and what was the result, according to 4:8-9?

4. What role did Jael play in the defeat of Sisera?

5. What was the result of this defeat, according to Judges 5:31b?

6. God used Deborah and Jael in powerful ways to rescue Israel. How do you think this encourages women seeking to be used of God?

Gideon

1. Read Judges Chapters 6-8. Describe the situation the Israelites were facing at this time. See 6:1-6.

2. How did the angel of the Lord first address Gideon as he was threshing in the winepress? See 6:12.

3. What was Gideon’s question at that time, in verse 6:13?

4. What caused the Lord to respond to the Israelites’ condition, according to verse 6:6?

5. Have you ever felt like asking the same question as Gideon: “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” What should our response be in these times?

6. God showed mercy and grace to Gideon on several occasions. Choose one of these examples and describe how you can relate to something similar in your life, where God has shown mercy and grace to you.

a. Responding to his request regarding the fleece, 6:36-40

b. Allowing Gideon to hear about the dream God had given to the Medianites, 7:9-15

c. Allowing long life and prosperity even after a downfall, 8:27-28, 32.

Samson

1. Read Judges 13. According to verses 2-5, what was unique about Samson’s birth announcement and purpose?

2. In this chapter, what do you think the response of Manoah and his wife tells us about their relationship with and/or view of God?

3. According to verses 24-25, what were the signs of God’s presence with Samson?

4. What is the problem with Samson’s plan, in Judges 14:1-3, to marry a Philistine woman? See Joshua 23:12-13.

5. What does Judges 14:4 suggest about the way God sometimes uses our disobedience?

6. Can you think of an example of this in your own experience? If so, describe it.

7. Read Judges 15-16. From this account, what do you notice about Samson’s character?

8. What stands out to you in Samson’s encounter with Delilah?

9. According to Judges 16:28, why did Samson want a final victory over the Philistines?

10. Although this shows a wrong and selfish motive on Samson’s part, how did it serve God’s purpose for Samson? See Judges 13:5.

11. What lessons do you see from Samson’s calling and life?

Lesson 7 - Ruth

This is a look at the wonderful account of Ruth, a foreigner who married into an Israelite family. Demonstrating God’s provision, this account takes us from the depths of tragedy, to the line of the Messiah.

Ruth

1. Read Ruth 1:1-5 and answer the following questions.

a. Who was ruling Israel at this time?

b. What catastrophic event occurred?

c. What did this lead Elimelech to do and who went with him?

d. What happened to Elimelech in Moab?

e. Who married Elimelech’s sons and what happened to them?

2. Besides the deaths of her husband and sons, what prompted Naomi to return to Judah, according to Ruth 1:6-22?

3. What did Naomi tell her daughters-in-law to do, according to verses 8-9?

4. What did the daughters-in-law decide to do?

5. What was Ruth’s commitment to Naomi in verses 16-18?

6. What do you think Naomi’s attitude was towards God, from verses 13, 20-21?

7. Describe a time you may have felt the same way. How would you counsel Naomi if you had the opportunity, even without knowing how the account in Ruth ends?

8. Read Ruth Chapter 2. What was Ruth’s request to Naomi in verse 2?

9. How was Ruth’s plan in line with God’s provision? See Leviticus 19:9-10.

10. From the account in Ruth 2, what do you notice about the character of Boaz?

11. What did Boaz do for Ruth that went beyond what God required?

12. What was the important relationship of Boaz, as noted in Ruth 2:20?

13. What is one role of a “family/kinsman redeemer” mentioned in Leviticus 25:24-28?

14. Read Ruth Chapter 3. What did Naomi want for Ruth according to verse 3:1?

15. What was God’s provision for widows, according to Deuteronomy 25:5-10?

16. What was Ruth’s reputation, according to Ruth 3:11, and why would that be important in this situation?

17. Put yourself in Ruth’s shoes. What do you think it took for her to humble herself and take this risk? Do you think you could have done the same?

18. What was Boaz determined to do and what was the complication, according to verses 3:12-13?

19. Read Ruth Chapter 4. Why did the nearest kinsman or redeemer decide not to buy the land that Boaz described to him?

20. As Boaz agreed to purchase the land, what would the long-term consequence be for Naomi’s family?

21. How does Naomi’s life turn around after the birth of her grandson? Compare this to Ruth 1:20?

22. How do you see the account of Ruth and Boaz parallel what Jesus has done for us as our redeemer? See Titus 2:14.

23. What is significant about Ruth’s son, Obed, being the grandfather of King David? See Matthew 1:5, 16.

Lesson 8, Hannah and Samuel

Here we have the account of a faithful woman and her faithful son.

Hannah

1. Read 1 Samuel Chapter 1. What was Hannah’s situation before going to the Temple?

2. Hannah had a loving husband, but what brought her deep sorrow?

3. How do you think God views it when we take for granted, or overlook, a blessing in our lives because we long for something we don’t have? Describe how you may have done this in your own life.

4. What was Hannah’s request of the Lord and what promise did she make, according to verse 11?

5. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 tells of the danger of making a vow to God. What does Jesus say about this in Matthew 5:33-37?

6. What did Eli accuse Hannah of in 1 Samuel 1:12-14?

7. What did Eli end up doing for Hannah in verse 17?

8. Why do you think Hannah was no longer downcast or sad after this encounter?

9. How did Hannah fulfill her promise to the Lord?

10. Leaving her son at the Tabernacle was undoubtedly the most difficult thing Hannah had ever done in her life. What does 1 Samuel 2:1-2 tell us about her response and the source of her strength?

11. Describe a situation where you had to do something difficult and God was the Rock you depended on.

Samuel

1. Read 1 Samuel Chapter 3. What was Samuel doing at the Tabernacle according to 3:1?

2. Verse 1 tells us that, at this time, messages from the Lord were rare. From verse 7, what accounts for Samuel not knowing who was speaking to him?

3. Do you think we sometimes miss a word from the Lord in our lives? What can we do to recognize when He is speaking to us?

4. What plan did the Lord reveal to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:11-14?

5. What confirmation was given to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:20-21?

6. Read 1 Samuel 8:1-21. What was the problem with Samuel’s sons being appointed as judges over Israel to replace him, according to verses 1-3?

7. What was the people’s request in verse 5?

8. What was the problem with this, according to verses 7-8?

9. Besides a rejection of God, what were the other factors that indicated a king would be bad for Israel?

10. What was Israel’s response in 1 Samuel 8: 19-20?

11. What do you think it was that caused Israel to reject God’s leading in this way, considering what He had always done for them throughout history? In what ways do you think we do this same thing today?

12. As Samuel had finished the task of installing Saul as king and leader over Israel, he reminds them of their past. Read 1 Samuel Chapter 12 and answer these questions:

a. According to verse 2, who had been their leader up to that time?

b. According to verses 9-11, under what circumstances did the people cry out to God and what was God’s response?

c. In verse 17, what did Samuel want the people to realize?

13. How does God show His great mercy to Israel in verses 14-15?

14. What reason is stated for God’s mercy in verse 22?

15. What was the result of Israel’s disobedience, according to Roman 11:11-12?

16. The Jews were required to be obedient to God’s law as a sign of righteousness. Read Romans 3:21-31 and 4:3. What is required of us and what do we have in common with Abraham?

17. As a believer, what role do you think the Law of Moses has in your life?

Lesson 9 - Saul and Jonathan

In this lesson we examine the life of the first king of Israel and his son.

Saul

1. Read 1 Samuel Chapter 9. What do we learn of Saul in 9:1-2?

2. What did God instruct Samuel to do in 9:15-16, and what did he do in 10:1?

3. What happened to Saul to make him fit to become King of Israel, according to 1 Samuel 10:6-10?

4. According to 1 Samuel 13:1, how long was Saul king?

5. Read 1 Samuel 13:1-14. As Saul tried to lead his army against the Philistines at Gilgal, what was his army’s reaction in 13:6-7?

6. In 13:8, what had Samuel instructed Saul to do before going to battle?

7. After becoming impatient, what did Saul do in verse 9?

8. What was the problem with Saul’s behavior? (See verse 13)

9. According to verse 14, what was the result of Saul’s disobedience?

10. Have you ever grown tired of waiting upon the Lord for something and been tempted to take action with no direction from Him? Explain.

11. Read 1 Samuel Chapter 15. What instruction did God give Saul through Samuel in verses 2-3?

12. How did Saul disobey this command? (See verses 7-9?)

13. What was Saul’s excuse in verses 20-21?

14. How did Samuel respond to this excuse?

15. Explain Samuel’s statement, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”

16. Is there an experience in your life where you wanted to “sacrifice” rather than “obey” God? Explain.

17. What is the result of Saul’s sin, according to 1 Samuel 15:28?

18. According to 1 Samuel 16:14, what was a consequence of God rejecting Saul?

19. How did Saul connect with David, and what was David able to do for him, according to 1 Samuel 16:15-23?

20. After David’s encounter with the Philistine Goliath, what did Saul do for David, according to 1 Samuel 18:5?

21. How did that situation go sour? See 1 Samuel 18:6-16.

22. How did Saul’s life end, according to 1 Samuel Chapter 21?

23. To what do you attribute Saul’s downfall? Are we subject to the same pitfalls and, if so, what can we do to avoid them in our lives?

Jonathan

1. Who was Jonathan, according to 1 Samuel 18:1-3?

2. What was the relationship between Jonathan and David?

3. Read 1 Samuel 20. What was David’s concern that he expressed to his friend Jonathan, in verse 1?

4. What was the pact that David and Jonathan made with each other?

5. How did Jonathan’s loyalty to David put his own life in danger in 20:27-33?

6. Why do you think Jonathan was more loyal to David than to his own father? Would you have done the same? Explain.

Lesson 10 - David

David is one of the most notable figures of the Bible. As a prophet, priest, and king, he is the forerunner and ancestor of the Messiah.

1. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-23. In our previous study we learned that Saul was finally rejected by God as king because he failed to obey God completely. From verse 1, where did God send Samuel and why did He send him there?

2. Why did Samuel think, in verse 6, that Eliab was the one whom God had chosen to be the next king?

3. What was God’s response to Samuel in verse 7? What is more important to God than the outward appearance of a person?

4. Can you recall a situation where you needed to remember this principal and it was helpful to you? Explain.

5. What happened in verse 13, and what implications did this have for King Saul?

6. According to verse 14, what replaced the Spirit of the Lord in Saul, and what was the result?

7. What was the solution proposed to Saul in verse 16?

8. Who was the son of Jesse identified to serve King Saul?

9. What were some of his attributes mentioned in verse 18?

10. What was Saul’s response to David?

11. Read 1 Samuel 17:12-37. David was the youngest of eight brothers. What was David’s occupation, and that of his oldest brothers? See verses 12-15.

12. Why did David’s father send him to the battlefield, according to verse 17?

13. What was the threat from the Philistine army at the Valley of Elah?

14. What offended David most about the action of the enemy, according to verse 26?

15. David recounted his experience in defending his sheep against a lion and bear with his bare hands. Do you think he was boasting about his skills? Where did he really get his confidence from?

16. In what ways do we need to do this same thing, know that our abilities come from God and put our confidence in Him? Can you describe an example from your own life in doing this?

Beginning with the account of David’s victory over Goliath, the people celebrated David and viewed him in even more favorable terms than King Saul (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Saul became very jealous and set out to assassinate David (1 Samuel 19:1). Saul’s son Jonathan became a devoted and loyal friend to David, helping him against his own father’s attacks. (1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20:42) David spent a lot of time hiding from Saul’s pursuits. In the process he had opportunities to kill Saul and refrained from doing so.

17. Read 1 Chronicles 10 and 11. What statement summarizes why Israel’s first king, Saul, was killed?

18. What did the people of Israel do after Saul’s death, according to 1 Chronicles 11:1-3?

19. What area did David conquer next, after being established in Hebron, according to 1 Chronicles 11:4-9?

20. According to 2 Samuel 6:12-19 and 1 Chronicles 16:1-3, there was great joy in returning the Ark of the Lord (or Covenant) to Jerusalem, to a special place David had prepared for it. Review Exodus 25:21-
22. What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant?

21. Understanding the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, how do you think embracing it and making it a central focus for the people would please God and bless the people.

22. What do you think could be considered an equivalent action for believers today?

23. Read 1 Chronicles 21 – 22:1. What events led to the selection of the site for the Temple and altar to be built?

24. Read 1 Chronicles 22. According to verses 7-8, what did David desire to do and what did God tell him about it?

25. Who did God designate to build the Temple and what did God assure for Israel during his reign?

26. What did David advise his son to do that would give him success?

27. What was David’s role in preparation for the building of the Temple? See also 1 Chronicles 28:9-19.

28. 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22 describe David as a man “after God’s own heart”. Thinking of all the ups and downs of David’s life (including his affair with Bathsheba, and murder of her husband in 2 Samuel 11), in what ways do you see this statement as true of David? In what ways could this be said of you?

Lesson 11 - Solomon and Kings of the Divided Kingdom

David’s son Solomon was known throughout the world of his time as probably the wisest man who ever lived. We have much to learn from his life, including his failures. He was the last king of a united Israel.

Solomon

The transition from David’s kingship to that of his son, Solomon, was not without drama.

1. What advice did David give his son as king, according to 1 Kings 2:1-4?

2. What did Solomon have in common with his father David, according to 1 Kings 3:3?

3. God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered to give him anything he asked for. What did Solomon ask for, according to 1 Kings 3:7-9?

4. How did God bless Solomon because of his request? See 1 Kings 3:10-14.

5. Why do you think this request pleased God?

6. If God made the same offer to you today, to ask Him for anything, what would your request be? Do you think it would please God?

7. According to 1 Kings 4:24-25, what was life like during Solomon’s reign?

8. What did Solomon’s attention turn to during this time of great peace, according to 1 Kings 5:3-5?

9. After completion of the Temple, what condition did God reiterate to Solomon for His blessing to Israel? See 1 Kings 9:4-9.

10. God blessed Solomon with everything anyone could possibly hope for. Despite this, what did Solomon resort to in 1 Kings 11:1-6?

11. What do you think might account for this turn in Solomon’s faithfulness?

12. How did God respond to this disobedience, according to 1 Kings 11:9-13?

Kings of The Divided kingdom (Does not include all kings)

1. Read 1 Kings 12. Who became King of Israel after Solomon? (12:1, also 14:21)

2. What question/request did the people of Israel put before him in verse 4?

3. Who did he consult and how did he respond?

4. The advice of the older counselors was exactly the opposite of what the king did. What do you think accounts for his taking the advice he did?

5. According to 12:16, what was the response of the people of Israel?

6. This action split Israel into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. According to 12:21-24, whose plan was this?

7. What mistakes did Jeroboam, the new King of Israel, begin to make immediately? (See verses 25-33)

This division of Israel into two kingdoms began a series of dynasties alternating between those who obeyed God and those who did not in Judah, and mostly apostasy in Israel. Jehoshaphat became king over Judah after his father Asa, who had followed the Lord in his early years but later relied on sources other than God for success.

8. Why did Jehoshaphat have God’s blessing, according to 2 Chronicles 17:1-6?

9. We saw Jehoshaphat make an alliance with King Ahab. To explore further who the King of Israel was, read 1 Kings 16:29-33. How long did King Ahab rule over Israel?

10. According to verse 30, what was the nature of his rule?

11. Who did he marry, and what was the result of her influence?

12. Despite their disobedience, God did not abandon Israel. He sent the prophet Elijah. What is the question and choice he put before the people in 1 Kings 18:20-21?

Lesson 12- Elijah and Elisha

This lesson covers the lives of two amazing prophets.

Elijah

The prophet Elijah remained true to God and served Him during the reign of King Ahab in Israel. His name means “My God is Yahweh”.

1. What was Elijah’s first message from God to King Ahab in 1 Kings 17:1?

2. How long did the drought last according to 1 Kings 18:1?

3. How did God preserve and care for Elijah, according to 1 Kings 17:2-24?

4. What was the reason God sent this drought on Israel, according to 1 Kings 18:18?

5. After the contest between Baal and God, what was the reaction of the people in 18:38-39?

6. God had sent Elijah on this mission telling him that rain would return. What did Elijah do in 1 Kings 18:41-45? Do you think he doubted or was discouraged as he waited for God to act?

7. How is this an example for our lives?

8. What was Elijah’s response to Jezebel’s threat, according to 1 Kings 19:1-4?

9. Does this seem reasonable after what he had just seen God do? Would you have done the same? Explain.

10. Read 1 Kings 19:9-18. As Elijah waited, standing on the mountain, what were the four occurrences he experienced?

11. Which of these was the means that God used to communicate with Elijah?

12. How do you think this might be significant? How does it impact your thoughts on how God works?

Elijah continued to be a significant man of God. Read 2 Kings 2:1-18 for the account of how Elijah was taken up to heaven by chariots of fire in a whirlwind. Malachi 4:5-6 notes that Elijah would return before the Day of the Lord arrives. In Matthew 17:10-13 and Luke 1:17, reference is made that this was fulfilled by John the Baptist.

Elisha

Elijah was a key figure in God’s plan to bring the people of Israel back to Himself rather than continuing their devotion to the false god Baal. Before Elijah was taken up to heaven, God had already prepared his replacement.

1. According to 1 Kings 19:16, who was Elijah to anoint to replace himself as prophet?

2. Read 1 Kings 19:19-21. What was Elisha doing when Elijah approached him?

3. What did Elijah do when he met Elisha?

4. What was Elisha’s response and what did he do in verse 20-21?

5. What do you think would be the symbolic meaning of Elisha’s actions?

6. As you think about your own call to follow God, are there obstacles in your own life that you need to symbolically burn so that nothing stands in your way to obey Him? Explain.

7. Read 2 Kings 2:9-15. Elisha became Elijah’s assistant. As the end of Elijah’s life approached, what was Elisha’s request from Elijah? (See verse 9)

8. How was it confirmed that Elisha had received the spirit and power of Elijah?

9. Scan 2 Kings Chapters 2-8. Describe at least one account of Elisha’s ministry. What do you think we can learn from it?

10. According to 2 Kings 13:20-21, what strange events occurred after Elisha’s death?

Beginning after the death of Elisha, Israel entered a period of greater instability with a number of kings seizing power for short periods in Israel and the Assyrians menacing both Israel and Judah in the south.

11. Describe the events that took place between Shalmaneser, the King of Assyria, and Hoshea, the King of Israel, according to 2 Kings 17:3-4.

12. How long did Assyria besiege Israel, according to 2 Kings 17:5?

13. What happened to the people of Israel, according to 2 Kings 17:6?

14. Why did this happen to Israel, according to 2 Kings 17:7-23?

15. What efforts had God made to prevent this from happening, according to 2 Kings 17:13?

Lesson 13 – Ahaz and Hezekiah

Here we look at the contrast of two kings of Judah, one who did not follow God, and the other who did.

Ahaz

1. What do we learn of Ahaz in 2 Kings 16:1-2?

2. Despite the fact that Ahaz’ father was said to have ruled according to what pleased God, whose example did Ahaz follow and what was the result, according to 2 Kings 16:3-4?

3. Who did Ahaz turn to for help, according to 2 Kings 16:7-8, and how did he make payment for the help?

4. What do you think these actions say about his relationship with God?

5. According to 2 Kings 16:10-18, Ahaz defiled the altar and mocked God’s instructions for worship. Who was it that carried out all of the king’s orders? (See verse 16)

6. How do you think Acts 5:29 might apply in this situation, and what do you think the priest should have done?

Hezekiah

Read 2 Kings Chapters 18-20.

1. According to 18:3-6, what characterized Hezekiah’s reign?

2. What was the result of his following the Lord? (See 18:7)

3. What gracious response did Hezekiah make in responding to Assyria and what mistake did he make, according to 18:13-16?

4. In 18:28-35, what threat did the representative of the Assyrian king make?

5. How did King Hezekiah react to the threats of Assyria? What was his first action?

6. According to 19:19, what is the desired end result of seeing God move mightily in man’s affairs?

7. In what ways do you act to see that God gets glory for His work in your life?

8. Hezekiah eventually became deathly ill. What reason did God give for healing him in verse 2 Kings 20:5-6?

9. Read Hezekiah’s prayer in Isaiah 38:9-20 and answer the following:

a. What were Hezekiah’s regrets?

b. Why is God’s discipline good?

c. What can the living do that the dead cannot?

10. What final mistake did Hezekiah make and what were the consequences to be? Consider the underlying condition of one who wants to flaunt their possessions. See 2 Kings 20:12-19 and 2 Chronicles 32:31.

Lesson 14 – Manasseh and Josiah

When Hezekiah died, his son Manasseh became king.

Manasseh

Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-20.

1. How old was Manasseh when he became king and how long did he reign?

2. How did his reign contrast with that of his father Hezekiah?

3. How did God respond to him, according to 2 Kings 21:10-15?

4. What event changed Manasseh and what was his response to it? (2 Chronicles 33:11-12)

5. How did God show mercy to him? 2 Chronicles 33:13.

6. Who followed his reign according to 2 Chronicles 33:20-25, and how did this new king behave?

When Amon was assassinated, his son Josiah became king.

Josiah

Read 2 Chronicles Chapters 34 and 35.

1. How old was Josiah when he became king, according to 34:1?

2. According to verse 34:2, what kind of king was he?

3. At only eight years old, what do you think would account for his behavior, especially considering his father and grandfather did what was evil?

4. While as a child Josiah probably followed advice and direction from his mother and religious leaders, what did he begin to do at 16 years old?

5. What did the priest Hilkiah find in the Temple, according to 34:14-15?

6. What was King Josiah’s reaction when he heard what was written in the Law? 34:19-21.

7. According to 34:22-15, what was the result to be because the people had not followed God’s Word?

8. According to 34:26-28, why did God delay His judgment?

9. As King Josiah led the people in celebrating the Passover, what distinguished it according to 35:18-19?

10. What mistake did King Josiah make in 35:20-24 and what was the result?

11. Who wrote the funeral songs for Josiah? (See 35:25)

12. How do you see these events as examples for us?

13. After King Josiah died, the people turned back to pagan practices. What was God’s response according to 36:15-16?

14. What finally happened according to 36:17-20?

15. What lesson can we learn from this?

Lesson 15 - Isaiah

Isaiah, a prophet, was said to have prophesied over a period of 55 years, coinciding with the reigns of the last kings of Judah, the Southern Kingdom.

Isaiah

1. From Isaiah 1:1, who reigned over Judah during the period that Isaiah prophesied?

2. From this verse, what are we told is the source of what Isaiah recorded in this book?

3. From 2 Chronicles 26:22 and 32:32, what was a basic role he served in maintaining the records of Judah’s history?

4. What message was Isaiah given about Judah in Isaiah 1:2-4?

5. From Isaiah 1:16-20, what did God want the people of Judah to do? What was the consequence to be if they did not heed His warnings?

6. How does this same advice apply to us?

7. Read Isaiah Chapter 5. What was planted and what was expected for it? (See verses 1-7)

8. What resulted instead?

9. To whom was God referring as His vineyard? See Isaiah 3:14.

10. What did Isaiah say about the duration of the people’s suffering in Isaiah 9:1?

11. How was Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled, according to Matthew 4:13-16?

12. Record the prophecies of Isaiah that were fulfilled in the New Testament times, according to the following verses:

Verse	Prophesy Fulfilled
Matthew 3:3
Matthew 4:14-16
Matthew 8:16-17
Matthew 12:15-21
Mark 7:6-8
Luke 4:16-21
John 12:37-41
Acts 8:29-35
Romans 9:27-33
Romans 15:12

13. Condemnation was the destiny of those in Israel who rejected God, as it still is today.
According to Isaiah 65:11-15, what is the reason given that some would be subject to the sword and slaughter?

14. Isaiah 65:13-15 contrast the destiny of God’s people with the destiny of those who reject Him. Fill in the blanks as described in each of these verses:

God’s Servants God’s Enemies
a.

Read Isaiah 65:17-25.

15. According to verse 17, what will God’s people do in the future?

16. As you consider the future for God’s people, what gives you comfort?

17. How do our good deeds or righteous acts compare to God’s standard, according to Isaiah 64:6?

18. What does that tell you about God’s love and mercy?

Lesson 16 - Jeremiah

God used this prophet to warn Judah of their future if they continued in their wicked ways and failed to turn back to God.

Jeremiah

Read Jeremiah Chapter 1 and answer the following:

1. Who wrote the messages in Jeremiah, what was his position and where was he from?

2. Who were the kings who ruled Judah during the period that God spoke through Jeremiah?

3. What significant event occurred at that time, mentioned at the end of verse 1:3?

4. Describe in your own words what God told Jeremiah in verse 1:5.

5. In what ways would you say these words apply to your life, if any?

6. What was Jeremiah’s response to God in verse 1:6?

7. How did God respond to that?

8. What were the objects God showed Jeremiah as object lessons, and what did they represent?

9. Why did God call the armies of the north to attack Jerusalem and Judah, according to 1:15-16?

10. What reassurance does God give Jeremiah in verse 1:19 and what does He promise in 5:18?

11. God was warning the people through Jeremiah but how did He expect they would respond according to Jeremiah 7:27?

12. When did God first warn Israel about the consequences about to befall them, according to Jeremiah 11:6-8?

13. What was God’s message for the surrounding nations, according to Jeremiah 12:14-17?

14. Why did God create Israel and Judah, according to Jeremiah 13:11?

15. As Paul speaks to the Greek high council hundreds of years later, how does he expand on God’s purpose in creation, according to Acts 17:22-31?

16. As Jeremiah prophesied, what was the response of the people? See Jeremiah 18:18.

17. What was the response of Pashhur, the Temple priest, according to Jeremiah 20:1-2?

18. What was Jeremiah’s prophecy about Pashhur in Jeremiah 20:3-6?

19. What was King Zedekiah’s request of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 21:2?

20. What was God’s response through Jeremiah in 21:3-10?

21. How long would this captivity in Babylon last and what would happen to Babylon in the end, according to Jeremiah 25:12-14?

22. Read Jeremiah 31:31-40. What did God promise the people of Israel and Judah?

23. How is the old covenant different from the new (also see Hebrews 10:1-18.)

24. What was Jeremiah’s fate, according to Jeremiah 38:4-6, and 38:28?

25. What finally happened according to Jeremiah 39:1-10, 11-14 and 40:1-6?

26. How did King Nebuchadnezzar treat Jeremiah according to Jeremiah 39?

27. What did God confirm in Jeremiah 50:1-3?

History records that Cyrus, of the Persian Empire, seized Babylon in 539 BC.

28. In reading through the book of Jeremiah, what lessons have you learned about God?

Lesson 17 – Ezekiel and Ezra

As the prophet Ezekiel was in captivity, God revealed Himself and His plans to him in powerful ways.As God had foretold through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:12), the captivity of Judah was to last 70 years. Decades later, as Ezra came to Jerusalem, the Jews were still struggling to re-establish themselves there after captivity.

Ezekiel

1. From Ezekiel 1:1-2, who wrote the book of Ezekiel and what do we learn about him?

2. From Ezekiel 2:1-7, who appeared to Ezekiel and what instructions were given?

3. Much of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 4-24), describes God’s judgment against Israel and Judah and consequently those who participated in their destruction. Read Ezekiel 7:1-13 as an example. What is God’s message, and why was He bringing this judgment against Israel?

4. God does not leave His people without hope. What is God demonstrating through this allegory of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14?

5. Through Ezekiel and other prophets, God went to great lengths to turn His people back to Himself. What does that tell you about Him? How do you see these same characteristics at play in today’s world?

Ezra

Read Ezra Chapter 1 and answer the following questions.

1. From Ezra 1:1, who had overtaken Babylon to rule over what became known as Persia?

2. What message did he proclaim and send throughout the land?

3. Whose hearts did God stir to respond and what were they to do, according to Ezra 1:5?

4. What did King Cyrus contribute to their return?

5. According to Ezra 2:64-65 and 70, how many people returned and where did they settle?

The Jews who returned met with great opposition to their efforts to rebuild the Temple of God and the city. The enemies petitioned King Artaxerxes, who came to rule after King Cyrus, and convinced him that the Jews were rebellious and it would be to his detriment if he allowed them to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes put a stop to the effort to rebuild. Years later the Jews began again to rebuild and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged them. This happened during the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia (Ezra 4:24). A letter was sent to this new king to verify their right to rebuild and this time King Cyrus’ decree was uncovered.

6. Read Ezra 6:6-15. What did King Darius decree and what resulted, according to verses 14-15?

7. According to Ezra 7:1-6, who was Ezra?

8. Why did Ezra go to Jerusalem, according to Ezra 7:10?

9. How did King Artaxerxes support the effort, according to Ezra 7:25?

10. After Ezra arrived, what was the problem the Jewish leaders told him about in Ezra 9:1-2?

11. After confessing and mourning the sins of the people, what did Ezra tell them to do, according to Ezra 10:11?

12. God had shown great mercy in bringing the people back to Jerusalem, yet they returned to their old ways. How can you relate to this in your own life and what do we learn about repentance from Ezra’s direction to the people?

Lesson 18 – Nehemiah

Nehemiah, a man of prayer, became God’s man in God’s time to do a powerful work to restore Jerusalem after the captivity of the Jews was ended.

Nehemiah

Read all of Nehemiah.

1. What was Nehemiah’s question to his brother Hanani and what was the response? (See 1:1-4)

a. What was Nehemiah’s position at the time and what did he do in response to this news?

b. Nehemiah mourned and fasted before praying. Verses 1:5-11 give some of the content of his prayer. What does he include before he asks God his specific request?

c. What example do you see for yourself in Nehemiah’s reaction to bad news and his prayer?

3. What did Nehemiah ask the king in Nehemiah 2:4-6?

4. After surveying the damage, Nehemiah devised a plan of action. What was the response of some locals, according to Nehemiah 4:1-3?

5. From Nehemiah 4:8-9, what did the locals threaten, and how did Nehemiah deal with their threats?

With significant prayer, effort, and cooperation the wall was finished in 52 days. In Nehemiah, we also continue to see the role that Ezra played in leading the people back to God.

6. After the wall was finished, many more people returned to Judah. Describe the focus of chapter 8 and the significant events, as you see them.

7. In another celebration of the revival or rebuilding of Jerusalem, the people asked Ezra to read to them from the Law of Moses. What was the reaction, according to Nehemiah 9 and 10?

8. Nehemiah had returned to serve King Artaxerxes for a time and then came back to Jerusalem. What did he find, according to Nehemiah 13:6-16, that showed disobedience to God’s Law?

9. After such profound repentance, does this turnabout surprise you? Do you think that God’s character, as described in 9:17, sometimes makes us forget that He is also a righteous judge?

10. What did Nehemiah do in response to learning of the people’s actions, according to Nehemiah 13:17-31?

11. What is Nehemiah’s final request of God at the end of verse 31?

12. How does Nehemiah’s faithfulness to God inspire you? What service to the Lord would you like Him to remember in your favor?

Lesson 19 - Daniel and Friends

It is recommended that you read Daniel, chapters 1-6, to get an overview.

Daniel

Read Daniel Chapter 1 and answer the following questions.

1. Who had overtaken Jerusalem at this time?

2. According to verse 3, what did the king order Ashpenaz to do with some of the men from Judah?

3. Who was included in the group brought to Babylon?

4. What was Daniel’s concern about the king’s plan for them? What did he request?

5. How did God bless these young men, according to verse 17?

6. What was the result, according to verses 19-20?

From Chapter 2, we read that the king had a dream that none of the wise men, magicians, astrologers or sorcerers he consulted could give him the substance or the meaning. Apparently neither Daniel, nor his friends, had been consulted. In a rage, the king ordered all his advisors and consultants to be executed.

7. According to Daniel 2:16-19, how did Daniel respond to the king’s decree and what was the result?

8. How did Daniel’s explanation to the king in 2:27-28, partially agree and partially contradict, what the king’s advisors had told him in 2:11?

9. What was the king’s response to Daniel’s revelation in 2:46-48?

10. In Daniel 4, Daniel is called upon again to interpret a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. What is Daniel’s warning to him in Daniel 4:27?

11. Read Daniel 4:28-37. How does verse 30 show a sinful attitude?

12. According to verses 33-34, how is Nebuchadnezzar’s dream fulfilled?

13. Who became King of Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar, and what did he do that displeased God according to 5:1-4?

15. When a human hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall, who stepped forward to recommend Daniel to read and interpret it, according to 5:10-12?

16. What was the message sent to King Belshazzar in 5:25-28? What happened to him in verse 30?

17. Who took control of Babylon after the death of Belshazzar, according to 5:31?

Read Daniel 6:1-24 and answer the following questions.
18. What was the trap some of the officers set for Daniel with King Darius?

19. What was the king’s attitude after realizing that he must keep his word and place Daniel in the lions’ den, according to verse 14?

20. What was the king’s hopeful cry in verse 20? What does that say about the way Daniel lived his life?

21. In verse 23, what is the reason given for Daniel’s deliverance?

22. You may be able to relate to Daniel as he faced the lions, yet placed his trust in God. Maybe you are currently facing a “lion’s den” situation in your life and need to have that trust. Take your praise and/or need to God right now. Sharing with your group is optional.

23. At the end of Daniel’s life, he received many visions about the future and these sent him into fervent prayer. We still await the fulfillment of many of these prophecies. Read Daniel 12:13 to see what final instruction Daniel was given. In what ways do you think this also instructs us?

Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego

Read Daniel 3:8-30 and answer the following questions.

1. Earlier, when Nebuchadnezzar was king, he issued a decree for worship of his gold statue. What did his advisors report to him according to 3:8-12?

2. What was the punishment for this and what offer did the king make them, according to 3:15?

3. What was their response to the king in 3:16-18?

4. How certain were they that God would rescue them? How did this impact their obedience?

5. What do you think we can learn from these men as we take our own requests and needs before God?

6. What was the amazing result after the three men were thrown into the furnace?

7. How did the king respond to this miracle in 3:28-29?

8. Can you share a time in your life when God received glory, even among non-believers, for His answer to one of your prayers?

Lesson 20 – Esther and Job

Esther and Job are presented together here as they are in the Bible. Both Esther and Job are interesting accounts that demonstrate important truths of God, however, there is no historical connection between them; in fact they lived in distinctly different periods of history.

Esther

Still today, Jews around the world stop to celebrate Purim (meaning “lots”), which is basically the story of how God saved the Jews, told in the book of Esther.

1. According to Esther 1:1-2, where do the events of Esther take place and who is king?

2. What event instigated the action to select a new queen and why did the king’s advisors determine it was a threat, according to Esther 1:10-18?

3. What did they expect discipline of the queen and her actions would accomplish, according to 1:20?

4. Who was Esther, according to 2:5-7?

5. What was the king’s reaction to Esther in 2:16-18?

6. What information about herself did Esther keep secret, according to 2:20?

Read Esther 3-4.

7. Who was Haman and how did Mordecai anger him? (See 3:1-6)

8. What was the decree Haman convinced the king to order, in 3:8-10?

9. What did Mordecai want Esther to do, according to 4:8?

10. Why was Esther hesitant to do this, according to 4:11?

11. What did Mordecai tell Esther in 4:13-14?

12. What did Esther determine to do and what was the preparation in 4:15-16?

Read Esther 5-10 to learn what happened after Esther went to the king.

13. Have you had any “such a time as this” moments in your life where perhaps God had placed you in a specific time and place, to do His bidding? Explain.

Job

The author and time of the writing of this book are not certain, but it is believed to be an early historical account, written before the nation of Israel was formed. It is in the category of poetical/wisdom literature, along with Psalms and Proverbs.

Read Job Chapter 1.

1. What personal characteristics of Job do you see mentioned in these verses?

2. Describe his family and his possessions.

3. What was Satan’s argument as to why Job was such a righteous man and what did Satan propose to God in order to test Job?

4. What was Job’s response in verses 20-22 to all that happened to him?

5. In what ways is Job’s response an example to us?

6. What did Satan propose to God this time, and what was his rationale for it, according to Job 2:1-6?

7. How did Job respond, versus his wife, according to 2:8-10?

8. What did Job’s friends do in 2:11-13?

Read Job Chapter 3.

9. Job finally speaks through his pain. Summarize his thoughts.

10. If you had a friend in Job’s situation, what would your words to them be?

11. List some of the arguments/advise Job’s friends offer in chapters 4 – 36. For example: 4:6-9; 5:17-18; 8:1-6; 11:4-6; 15:20-21 and 34:7-12.

12. God answers them all beginning in chapter 38. What is God’s final verdict in 42:7-9?

13. What happened to Job in the second half of his life, according to 42:12-17?

14. How would you summarize the message of Job?

Lesson 21 - Jonah and Habakkuk

We end the study by considering the writings of several of the Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are so called, not because their words are less important, but because their writings are usually shorter. Their writings have a common theme, which basically adheres to this outline:
* Warning of impending judgment because of sinfulness
* Description of the sin
* Description of the coming judgment
* Call for repentance
* Promise of future deliverance

Jonah

Read Jonah Chapters 1 and 2 and answer the following questions.

1. What was God’s command to Jonah?

2. How did Jonah respond to God’s command?

3. What did Jonah want to accomplish by doing this, according to 1:3?

4. Has there ever been a time in your life when you turned from what you felt God calling you to do? In what ways could this be a problem?

5. What happened after the ship set sail, according to 1:4?

6. What was the sailors’ request to Jonah in verse 1:6?

7. What was it that Jonah told the sailors would calm the storm?

8. After throwing Jonah overboard, and the storm immediately stopped, how did the sailors respond, according to 1:16?

9. Was it Jonah’s plan to bring salvation to the sailors, or God’s? Describe any experience you have had, or are aware of, where God used disobedience for His purposes.

10. What happened to Jonah after he was thrown into the sea?

Read Jonah Chapters 3 and 4 and answer the following questions.

11. God repeats His command to Jonah to go to Nineveh. What was Jonah’s response this time?

12. What was the size of Nineveh? What does Zephaniah 2:13 say about it?

13. What did Jonah do in Nineveh?

14. What were the responses of the people and the king of Nineveh, according to 3:5-9?

15. What was God’s response to their repentance, according to 3:10?

17. What was Jonah’s reaction to this, according to 4:1-3?

18. Why do you think God felt that Jonah’s anger was not appropriate?

Habakkuk

Read Habakkuk Chapters 1 and 2 and answer the following questions.

1. Who was Habakkuk and what was the source of his message, according to 1:1?

2. What was his complaint in 1:2?

3. What additional problems did Habakkuk complain about?

4. What was God’s answer to Habakkuk in 1:5-6?

5. What was Habakkuk’s next complaint in 1:12-13?

6. Why do you think God allowed Habakkuk to question Him? Describe a time you may have wanted to question God and what resulted.

7. What did God have to say about idols in 2:18-20?

8. What is the essence of Habakkuk’s prayer in 3:1-2?

9. Even in Habakkuk’s deep sorrow and fear, what was his response in 3:18-19?

10. How is Habakkuk’s response an example to us?

Lesson 22 - Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

These Minor Prophets were used by God to give messages to His people after they had returned to Judah from exile in Babylon and Persia.

Haggai

Read Haggai Chapters 1 and 2 and answer the following questions.

1. Who was king of Persia when God’s message came to Haggai?

2. Who was the message for?

3. What was God’s question to the people of Judah through Haggai in 1:3-4?

4. What were the Jews to do upon their earlier return to Jerusalem under King Cyrus, according to Ezra 1:1-3?

5. What was the result of their disobedience, according to Haggai 1:5-6?

6. What encouragement does Haggai give the people in chapter 2?

Zechariah

Zechariah joins with Haggai in proclaiming God’s message to Israel.

1. What is God’s message to His people through Zechariah, according to Zechariah 1:2-4?

2. According to Zechariah 4:8-10, what had Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, done and what was the Lord’s reaction?

3. How does knowing that the Lord rejoices in “small beginnings” give you encouragement in your own walk with Him?

Malachi

Read Malachi Chapters 1-4 and answer the following questions.

In the form of questions and answers, Malachi effectively communicates a number of messages from God.

1. Complete the table below from Malachi.

Message Number	Reference	Summary
1	Malachi 1:2
2	Malachi 1:6
3	Malachi 2:10-16
4	Malachi 2:17-3:5
5	Malachi 3:7-8
6	Malachi 3:13-15

2. What challenge does God give in regard to faithful tithing, according to 3:10-12?

3. In 4:1, we are reminded that God’s judgment is coming. What is the encouragement given believers in 4:2-3, and what comfort does that give you?

Appendix

Biblical Timeline B.C. (Approximate and not all inclusive.)

* Creation/Garden of Eden

* Noah and the Flood

* Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

* Captivity in Egypt

* Release and wilderness wandering (Moses)

* Victory and Settlement in Promised Land (Joshua)

Israel ruled by judges for approximately 400 years; then insisted that God give them a king to rule them.

King Saul 1095-1015

King David 1015-970

King Solomon 970-931

Kingdom Split: 931 Israel (Northern) and Judah (Southern)

Israel's Kings	Years	Prophets	Years	Judah's Kings	Years
Jeroboam	931-910			Rehoboam	931-913
Ahab	874-853	Elijah	870-850	Jehoshaphat	870-848
		Elisha	853-798
Jehoash	798-782	Jonah (to Nineveh)	c. 755	Uzziah	792-740
Jeroboam II	782-753
		Isaiah	c. 740
		Micah	c. 735
Hoshea	732-	Hezekiah	c. 728	Ahaz	732-716
Assyria captures Israel	725
		Habakkuk	c. 630	Hezekiah	716-687
		Jeremiah	c. 627	Manasseh	687-642
		Daniel	c. 605	Josiah	640-609
		Ezekiel	c. 593	Zedekiah	597-
				Judah's exile to Babylon	590

King Cyrus of Persia: Return of Jews to Judah                c.538
Esther: God Saves Jews    c.470
Nehemiah: Becomes Governor of Judah                       c.445
Malachi                                                                          c. 433
Jesus birth                                                                      c.4 BC

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