Unit Three: Old Testament II

As we continue our study of the Old Testament, I thought you might be interested in this video on the accuracy of the Old Testament texts.

Former Prophets Lecture

You can find a helpful list of the kings of Israel and Judah here that might be worth printing off.

One of my favourite parts of 1 & 2 Kings is the Elijah stories. I wrote an article on Elijah for the American Journal of Biblical Theology that you can read here.

Latter Prophets Lecture

Please note that the ninth of the minor prophets is missing from your lecture notes. Please add in your notes:

9) Zephaniah = "The Lord Hides"
Date: 625 BC

"Be silent before the LORD God! For the day of the LORD is near, for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests." (Zephaniah 1:7, NASB)

Historical Time-Line

721 BC - Assyrians conquer northern kingdom of Israel
612 BC - Babylon conquers Nineveh (Assyrian Empire)
605 BC - Babylon exerts influence over Judah
597 BC - Babylon attacks Judah
586 BC - Babylon destroys Jerusalem and Temple
539 BC - Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
538 BC - Cyrus releases Jews from Babylonian Captivity
536 BC - Work begins to rebuild Temple
516 BC - Second Temple is dedicated

You can find a helpful list of biblical prophets here that you might like to print off.

You can read an article arguing for the unity of the Book of Isaiah here.

Writings Lecture

Questions for Discussion
In what way are the Former Prophets prophetic?

Was David a good king or a bad king? In what way? (Read 2 Samuel)

Compare the prophets Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17 - 2 Kings 9). How are they similar or different?

How do you think the name 'Cyrus' appeared in the Book of Isaiah a hundred years before he was born? Why?

What is your favourite Psalm? Why?

Read the Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. Do you understand why the Jewish rabbis were unsure about these books?

Why do you think that God is never mentioned in Esther?