Women of the
WORD An Inductive Bible Study
Sunergos Bible Studies Jan Wells
Copyright 2000, 2003 by Jan Wells Women of the Word – An Inductive Bible Study by Jan Wells Printed in the United States of America Library of Congress Control Number: 2003102360 ISBN 1-591606-32-2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners. Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated or if marked (NASB) scripture quotations are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, NASB® Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture marked (ISV) are taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version®, ISV® Copyright © 1996-2003 by The ISV Foundation of Yorba Linda, CA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN-AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, KING JAMES ®VERSION. KJV is public domain and permissions for use are not necessary. Word studies are taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as well as other reference sources. The Greek words given in the left column of the word study are the lexical form of the word, followed by actual word found in the Bible. When sources other than the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are used in the center column of the word study they are in italic print. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography. Cover picture of Ruth and Naomi, is from Young People’s Illustrated Bible History, by Bill Publishers, Norwich, Conn. 1871. p. 132a. Scanned by Rich Wells Pictures throughout the study are from Women in Sacred History, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, J. B. Ford & Co, 1873. They were scanned by Rich Wells.
[email protected] Woodcut illustration by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld were originally printed in “Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden.” They were scanned by Publications for Latin America, WELS.
[email protected]
Sunergos Bible Studies 2485 Morse Road Sebastopol, CA 95472 707 829 2956 To order additional copies, www.SunergosBible.org
1/15/2008
Table of Contents Page Lesson 1 – Introduction and Eve ...........................................................................................5 Lesson 2 – Sarah (Sarai), Hagar, Lot’s Wife, and Lot’s Daughters ......................................19 Lesson 3 – Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel................................................................................35 Lesson 4 – Dinah, Tamar, Leah, Rachel, The wives of Potiphar and Joseph ........................47 Lesson 5 – Jochebed, Pharaoh’s Daughter, Zipporah, and Miriam .......................................57 Lesson 6 – Rahab, Deborah, and Jael ..................................................................................69 Lesson 7 – Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah ....................................................................................81 Lesson 8 – Hannah, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba ...........................................................95 Lesson 9 – Rizpah ............................................................................................................. 107 Lesson 10 – Old Testament Review, Elizabeth, Mary, Anna, the Samaritan Woman and the Adulterous Woman ........................................................................................................... 117 Lesson 11 – Martha and Mary, Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Tabitha ................................ 129 Lesson 12 – The Believer’s Relationship with Christ and Review ..................................... 143 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 151 Inductive Study Methodology ........................................................................................... 153 Map of Israel..................................................................................................................... 159 Map of Bible Lands........................................................................................................... 161 Word Study Index ............................................................................................................. 163 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... 165 Sunergos Bible Studies...................................................................................................... 167 Book Summary ................................................................................................................. 168 Author Profile ................................................................................................................... 168
I have written this Bible study that it might strengthen and encourage believers who are fellow workers, translated from the word sunergos in the New Testament Greek. We are to glorify God in all that we do, and diligent study of His word will equip us to carry out God’s plan in our life and in His church so that we might truly enjoy Him forever. Join with me that we might be fellow workers, allowing God’s word to equip us as members of His body. In His Love,
Jan Jan Wells, M.A. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707.829.2956 707.829.7376 email:
[email protected] website: www.sunergosbible.org And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker (sunergo), in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:2
I have found that there are some prayers that I can voice that God will always answer. One is asking God to increase my desire to spend time with Him, asking Him that my spirit would long to commune with Him in the pages of His word. If you surrender your feeling of “you have to” study God’s word, and instead ask God to help “you want to” spend time with Him, you will be delighted and amazed at the difference in your attitude toward the spiritual discipline of Bible study. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
Lesson 1
Lesson 1 – Introduction and Eve Introduction and Day 1 Herbert Lockyer said, “Nations never arise above the quality of their women.” In this inductive study, you will examine what has been recorded about some biblical women who followed after God. The lessons will study narrative accounts in the Bible that reveal events that will help you understand the nature of God and His plan for mankind. While the women you will study lived centuries ago, these women can have special significance today, as the lessons will be reflecting on the relevance of the word of God in your life. While studying biblical narratives you will look at how women in the Bible might become role models for your own life. It is also true that many of the characters in biblical narrative provide examples of behavior you are NOT to follow. This study will also include elements of biblical interpretation or hermeneutics to add to your understanding of the Bible. Each lesson will include a study of a specific woman from the Bible and include the following: The historical, cultural, and geographical setting of her life, The woman’s character and her relationships with others, God’s character and the woman’s relationship with Him, Other biblical references to the woman or her family. Some individuals enjoy the study of history and seek to understand other cultures, while there are some who decided that history was their least favorite class in school, and are not interested in studying the history of another culture! Please pray and ask God to help you allow the history revealed in the Bible to become a help to you in your walk with the Lord, and not a hindrance to spending time in His precious word. One goal of this study will be to strengthen your faith and your understanding of the continuity and unity of Scripture. At the end of each day’s lesson, the study will offer a time of reflection on the day’s lesson so that you might make personal application of the Scripture that was studied. You will be asked to allow Scripture to lead you in a time of worship to draw you closer to your Lord God Almighty, that you might see His plan and purpose for your own life. I have found that there are some prayers that I can voice that God will always answer. One is asking God to increase my desire to spend time with Him, asking Him that my spirit would long to commune with Him in the pages of His word. When you surrender your feeling of Bible study being something you “have to do,” and instead ask God to help “you want to” spend time with Him, you will be delighted and amazed at the difference in your attitude toward the spiritual discipline of Bible study. M. Robert Mulholland wrote a very simple definition of spiritual formation as someone “being in the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Would you make a commitment to being in the process of becoming conformed to the image of Christ? Would you be willing to learn more about your role as a believer in the body of Christ? Would you be willing to consider these as two of your goals for this study of women in God’s word? Pray and ask God what He would want your goals to be for this study. Please write your goals here. 5
Lesson 1 Effective inductive Bible study will make Scripture passages come to life. You will begin each day of study with observation of the text, which will lead to careful interpretation, seeking to find eternal principles in the word that will lead you to the application of biblical truths in your own life. How important it is to “be diligent” and “handle accurately the words of truth?” You will be asked to think about what meaning God’s word has for your own life. It is important that you believe that “all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,” as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16. The lessons of this study will seek to help you gain God’s eternal perspective from His word. Inductive study involves using the text of the Bible as the main source for study. Try to stay away from biblical commentaries until you have studied the passage for yourself. This study could actually be offered to you in the form of a book. I could have taken all the Scriptures included in the lessons and instead of asking questions for you to contemplate, the material could be presented so that you would read through the chapters yourself. However, many believe that with the help of the Holy Spirit as you search Scripture and meditate on God’s truth, you will be brought to a place of “awe” at discovering God’s truth. Commentaries can provide historical and cultural information relating to the passage you are studying, but there is much to be gained by searching the Scriptures yourself, before turning to what someone else says about the passage. All who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have the same Holy Spirit to guide them into God’s truth, and careful study can lead you into an understanding of what God would have you know that you might be more obedient to Him. If you were studying the women in the Bible on your own, you would first look for everyplace the woman is mentioned in the Bible. Using an “exhaustive” concordance to look up the name of the individual, and the possessive form of the name, her name followed by an apostrophe “s.” The person might also be mentioned in a paragraph with a pronoun substituted for her name. The woman might also be mentioned without being named as the mother or the daughter of someone. Many Old Testament characters are discussed in the New Testament as well, for a number of different reasons. Perhaps the individual was used as a role model for the early church, or perhaps there was significant doctrinal truth associated with the person. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” In John 14:17 you are promised that the Holy Spirit will help you understand the word of God. Each believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit as a guide in God’s truth. When you feel frustrated or hear a voice telling you, “You cannot do this lesson,” recognize that that thought is not coming from your Father God. Recognize the difference in the voice of your Father God and the voice of the one who came to rob, kill and destroy those who follow after Christ Jesus. Do not allow your own flesh to defeat you as Satan will continually try to keep you from studying God’s word just as the Holy Spirit will continually help you as you open the Bible and ask for help with your study. God has given you everything you need to fight the battle that is before you.
Stand firm, persevere, and ask for God’s help. You will be blessed as you press on! 6
Lesson 1 As you move through the week, you will also be challenged to memorize some of the Scripture you will be studying. Trust that God will use His word to minister to your spirit, and to equip you to share your faith with others. In Psalm 119:11, Israel’s King David said that he had hid God’s word in his heart that he might not sin against Him. Please do not neglect this effort because it is possible for you to treasure God’s word in your heart in this way. You can find a verse each week to focus your effort upon, and write it out on a card and carry the verse around with you. Memorizing takes work but it is always a blessing to trust God and His word in every circumstance of your life. 1. Today’s introduction is unusual because it is very long. The introduction was written to encourage you with what is ahead in this study! Now before you approach God’s word, pray for His help with the lesson, and then read Genesis 1. As you read jot down the specific phrases that reveal what God said and what He did so long ago. What God said:
What happened? Or what did God do?
7
Lesson 1 2. After reading Genesis 1 and observing what God said and what God did, how would you summarize this chapter and describe God?
3. Please close by reading a portion of Psalm 139. In this sacred song, David lifted praises to God and acknowledged God’s role in his own creation. Read Psalm 139:13-16 and make these verses personal by agreeing with the words of the Psalmist as you read them. What do these verses say about you and about your relationship with God?
You might close your time today by singing the song below as an act of worship unto God, making these words the prayer of your heart. “Holy, Holy, Holy” Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy, Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy- there is none beside Thee perfect in pow’r, in love and purity. By Reginald Heber and John B. Dykes
Day 2 – Genesis 1 - 4:2 1. Whenever you begin a lesson, develop the pattern of opening each time in the word by praying, asking for the Lord’s help with the reading and the questions that are included in the lesson. The first part of every lesson will be to focus on the observation questions that will observe the verses to be covered in the day’s lesson. There are two ways to approach working on these lessons, one way would be to answer these observation questions that are introduced with a bold dot in Question 1, and then precede to the last question of the day, the contemplative question in a rectangular box that has a bold line around it. The other approach to these lessons would be to complete all the questions asked! If the lesson contains word studies these would be in the second question. The questions that follow the observation questions and word studies, but come before the contemplative questions at the end of the lesson will seek to add to the study other Scriptures that relate to the theme of the portion of Scripture being studied. These Scriptures could be in either the Old Testament or the New Testament, depending on the context of the passage. Begin now with the following observation questions. • Please read Genesis 1:25 and notice the expression at the end of the verse. Now read Genesis 1:31, and note the phrase that ends the first sentence in the verse. What was different about God’s declaration in these two verses? First please read these verses in context, looking for what came before and what was recorded after these verses. Why was God’s response different in these verses? Genesis 1:25 Genesis 1:31 8
Lesson 1 •
One part of inductive Bible study is to observe by asking the “5 Ws and an H” questions. The basic way to use this device is to ask “who, what, where, when, why and/or how” in relationship to the theme or the person being studied. This is explained in the Inductive Bible Study Methodology, located in the Appendix. Please read Genesis 1:24 through 4:2 and as you read, record what is shared about Eve in these chapters.
2. Introduction to Word Studies: Most lessons will study some of the actual words used in the Scripture to add meaning to the passage as well as deepen and clarify your understanding of the context of the words used by the author. For these word studies, a chart that follows will be used to help with this. Many books are available to help with word studies, but the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is an excellent resource for looking at both the Old Testament Hebrew words and the New Testament Greek words, and the first definition will be taken from this resource. The definition column might also give the word as it is translated in other versions as well as phrases taken from other references that are differentiated with italic print, and often with a footnote. The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible gives the lexical, or basic form of the word, which is not always the exact spelling of the word in the verse. Included in the word studies will be some cross-references that will show you how the word is used in another passage of Scripture in a similar way. Many of the words used in the Bible have more than one meaning, and they can be defined by looking at the context of their usage. After reading the cross reference given you might briefly summarize what you have learned about the word from the cross-reference(s) given. The Appendix includes an index of the words that will be studied in the lessons. 9
Lesson 1 Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson. Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
120 Hebrew adam Genesis 2:19
Adam, a human being, (an individual or the species, mankind etc.) another, hypocrite, common sort, low, man, (mean, of low degree), person. Male and female. Eve, from chavah, which means to live; to declare or show. The first woman; Eve’s name means life-giver. Image, illusion, resemblance, hence a representative figure, especially an idol. Likeness, similarity, made after the pattern.1
Genesis 5:1-5
2332 Hebrew chavvah Genesis 3:20 6754 Hebrew tselem Genesis 1:26
Genesis 4:1 Genesis 5:3, 9:6
3. What was meant in Genesis 1:26 about being created in the image of God? One way to understand this phrase is to look at other places in Scripture where this same word and/or idea was used, and these passages could then be considered as “commentary” for the passage in question. Most places the word image was used in the Old Testament, it was a different Hebrew word than the word used in Genesis 1:26, but rather the word used to describe graven images. Please read these verses and see how these Scriptures can help you understand the idea of being created in the image of God. a. Romans 8:28,29 b. 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 c. 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4 (better to read the verses in between these two verses also)
d. Colossians 3:10 4. Yesterday you ended the lesson with a look at God the Creator, who not only created the world but according to Psalm 139, knows of each human’s development within their mother’s womb. There is another important dimension involved in the creation of the world. Remember how God made reference to Himself in Genesis 1:26? He did not say, “I will make man in my image according to my likeness.” Write out the actual words that were recorded in Genesis 1:26a.
1
The Woman’s Study Bible, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995, p. 6. 10
Lesson 1 5. Now please read these two passages from the New Testament, and reflect on these truths in relationship to Genesis 1:26. Please consider how these verses confirm and expand upon Genesis 1:26. a. Colossians 1:13-17 b. Hebrews 1:1,2 6. Dr. Allen Ross, an Old Testament professor wrote that mankind being created in God’s image is a “figurative expression,” because God does not have human form. Ross also wrote that humans share “though imperfectly and finitely, in God’s nature, that is in His communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice) and so have the capacity for spiritual fellowship with Him.”2 Please stop for a minute and reflect on this statement. God has communicated His attributes to mankind through His holy word, but what does it mean to have the “capacity for spiritual fellowship?” Looking at the list Dr. Ross placed within parentheses, which of these qualities have you demonstrated to others in the last week, and which of these have you not demonstrated? When you do not extend God’s attribute of love to someone else, how does that affect your spiritual fellowship with God? Please read Psalm 8 aloud as an act of assigning worth to your Father God. Close in prayer or by singing a song that Psalm 8 brings to your mind, acknowledging God’s role in your life.
Day 3 – Genesis 1, 2, and 3 1. Today’s lesson will focus on God’s plan for marriage as revealed in Genesis 2 and 3. In the next weeks, many of the lessons will look at this topic of marriage, so this lesson will not begin to cover the theme of marriage thoroughly, but you will learn from other men and women in future lessons. Please open in prayer asking for God’s wisdom and His blessing upon your time alone with Him today. Now please begin with these observation questions. • What was God’s design for marriage according to Genesis 2:18 and 24?
•
2
What was God’s plan for Adam and Eve according to Genesis 1:28?
Allen P. Ross, “Genesis,” John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, editors, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton, Victor Books, 1985, p. 29. 11
Lesson 1 •
2.
Please read Christ’s teaching about marriage in Matthew 19:3-6 and Mark 10:2-9. Why did Jesus quote Genesis 2:24? Did Jesus’ teaching change God’s original design for marriage?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5828 Hebrew ezer Genesis 2:18 2776 kephale kephale Ephesians 5:23
Helpmate, helper, aid
Psalm 70:5
Head, probably from kapto, that means “in the sense of seizing.” (The literal meaning) the head, (as the part most readily taken hold of).
1 Corinthians 11:3
3. When you look at one of the other two places where Eve is mentioned in the Bible, you see that God’s order for the world has caused questions, misunderstanding, and frustration in many cultures. Please read these three New Testament verses within the paragraph where they appear, and record what you learn about God’s plan and the impact this has on society. God’s plan for men and women: 1 Corinthians 11:3
The impact of God’s plan on men:
The impact of God’s plan on women:
Galatians 3:28
1 Peter 3:7
4. Please allow some time to meditate on these New Testament verses as they relate to the first three chapters in Genesis. How would you explain to someone God’s attitude toward women?
12
Lesson 1 5. God said that wives were to be a helpmate to their husband. What does that mean in a practical sense? If you are married and you seek to honor God with your life, how can you be a helper or an aid to your husband? I believe that this takes the wisdom of God to live out in daily life. No one knows your husband like the Lord God who created him, and so a prayer wives might offer before the Lord, is to ask God to help you be a helpmate to your husband. Look at these verses from Psalms to see who God is and what he will do for you. a. Psalm 33:20,21 b. Psalm 37:39,40 c. Psalm 46:1 Will you ask God to help you with the role He has entrusted to you? If you know Isaac Watts’ classic hymn, you might close by singing these two verses, or by reading the words, to let these words be your prayer before the Lord, acknowledging Him for who He is and His faithfulness to you. “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home! Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same. By Isaac Watts, taken from Moses’ Psalm 90.
Days 4 and 5 – Genesis 2 and 3 1. Sometimes there will be two lessons with the same theme that will be combined as a lesson to be done in two days. On the first day, you can work through part of the lesson and then end in prayer. The next day you might review what you have already done and then proceed to the end of the “double” lesson. In the next two days, you will continue to look at Eve, focusing on the theme of temptation, the “fall” of mankind, and the provision of God. Temptation will always be a part of your life, and God’s word will help you with this struggle, so open by praying for God’s help with the lesson, and begin now with the following observation questions. • What were the instructions and commandments God gave to Adam in Genesis 2:1625?
•
What warning did God give to Adam in Genesis 2:17?
13
Lesson 1 •
Please look at the temptation of Eve recorded in Genesis 3:1-13, and answer these questions.
How was the tempter described?
•
What was the temptation?
What was Eve’s response?
Please read Genesis 3:14-19 and think about the consequences for the sin of Satan, Adam, and Eve. How have these consequences affected all of God’s creation?
The consequence of sin: Satan
How have these consequences affected people?
Eve
Adam
14
•
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that “no temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it,” 1 Corinthians 10:13. What was the way of escape for Eve? What was the way of escape for Adam?
•
Eve’s name appears two times in the New Testament. One is in 2 Corinthians 11:3. Please read this and note what the concern the apostle Paul had and why he used Eve as an example.
Lesson 1 2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5377 Hebrew nasha Genesis 3:13 2403 Hebrew chattath Genesis 4:7 5546 Hebrew sallach Psalm 86:5
Deceived, beguiled, to lead astray, (mentally) delude, or (morally) seduce
A rare word in the Old Testament.
Sin, an offense (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or explanation Forgive, ready to forgive, forgiving, gracious, merciful, placable
Genesis 18:20 This word is used once in the Old Testament. This might be a GOOD verse to memorize today.
3. Eve was deceived by the serpent, and this tempted her to sin. How are we counseled in God’s word to deal with temptation? God’s message to believers: Matthew 6:8-13
Your responsibility:
Matthew 26:41
4. Look at how Jesus responded to Satan’s temptation and read Luke 4:1-13. (Notice that the following three questions are the same as the observation questions asked about Eve.) How was the tempter described?
What was the temptation?
What was Jesus’ response?
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Lesson 1 5. There are always consequences to sin. Rebellion and disobedience will lead to pain, sorrow, and anxiousness. Sin causes wounds, and scars remain where the wound was deep. Only God ’s grace can heal the wounds caused by sin. How can we have peace while living with the consequences of our sin? Please complete the following chart: Who is Christ? What has He done for you? How does this Scriptural truth affect your life and the choices you make? Romans 8:1-2
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Hebrews 11:6
6. Another reference to Eve in the New Testament is found in 1 Timothy 2:13 in the midst of a very controversial passage. Read this verse in its paragraph and then meditate on why Paul used Adam and Eve as an example.
7. In closing today, please read James 4:7-8. Think of a time recently when you were tempted and did not give in to the temptation. What was it that helped you? List some of the ways God has helped you in the past.
Was there a time recently when you gave in to a temptation you faced? Have you confessed that sin to God? If someone else was involved, do you need to go to the person to apologize and ask for forgiveness?
Continued on the next page. 16
Lesson 1 What has the Lord taught you about Eve and temptation? What can you do to keep from being deceived and tempted to sin against God?
Spend some time reflecting on God’s forgiving nature and what that truth means to you. Is there a song you could sing that would help you focus on this attribute of God? Close by praising God and expressing your gratitude for His love and grace expressed through His forgiveness. For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in covenant love to all who call upon Thee, Psalm 86:5. I have found a book of poetry focusing on women of the Old Testament and will include some of these in the Women of the Word study. A MATTER OF FIDELITY To be faithful to the first spectacular and inclusive chronicle of creation, observe and cherish that the Poet of the Universe chose to compose people with sufficient similarity and resemblance and affinity to their Maker that male and female is definitively descriptive and the word image metaphorically appropriate.3 Adam and Eve Leaving4
3 4
Thomas John Carlisle, Eve and After, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984, p. 7. Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, “Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden.” 17
Lesson 2
Lesson 2 – Sarah (Sarai), Hagar, Lot’s Wife, and Lot’s Daughters Introduction This week’s lesson will look at the life of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who was mentioned more than any other woman in the Bible, in 13 chapters in the Old Testament, as well as in four chapters in the New Testament. What can you learn about Sarah’s life, and how can the life of Sarah help you understand yourself better? What can you learn from these Scripture passages that will help you understand God? In addition to Sarah, you will examine the lives of Hagar, Lot’s wife, and his daughters. There are lessons to be learned as you observe mankind’s sin as well as people’s obedience. In focusing on the women in this week’s lesson, these portions of Genesis will also reveal God as He made Himself known, as God spoke to individuals and sent messengers throughout these narrative passages. Ask God how these truths can affect your relationship with Him.
Day 1 - Genesis 11:27 – Genesis 12 1. Sarai was first introduced in Genesis 11:29, her name was changed to Sarah in Genesis 17:15, and her death was recorded in Genesis 23:1. The best way to study Sarah would be to read through these chapters and look for every place where Sarah is mentioned. Part of studying the Bible inductively is to “read with a purpose,” to help you focus, in case your mind wanders when you read! Each day this week there will be a suggested reading, but if you cannot read each passage because of time, then the questions asked will help you through the chapters so that the lesson does not miss the details of Sarah and Hagar’s lives. Open in prayer asking that God’s word would be living and active for you, that you might see what God would have you see this week. Begin with these observation questions. • Please draw a simple diagram of the family of Terah from the information in Genesis 11:27-31 and Genesis 20:11-13. Underline the women’s names with one color and Terah’s grandchildren’s names in another color.
•
To help you understand the lifestyle that Abraham provided for Sarah, please record the places where Sarah lived according to these verses in Genesis.
11:27-31
12:5
12:8
12:9
12:10
13:1
13:3
13:12
13:18
16:3
20:1
23:2
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Lesson 2
2.
•
What were God’s promises to Abram in Genesis 12:2,3?
•
How would you briefly summarize Sarai’s conduct in Genesis 12:10-20?
•
How was Sarai described in Genesis 12:11 and Genesis 12:14?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
87 Hebrew abram Genesis 11:26 8297 Hebrew saray Genesis 11:29 1288 Hebrew barak Genesis 12:2 2617 Hebrew heced Psalm 136
Abram, high father, exalted father, the original name of Abraham
Genesis 17:5
Sarai, dominative, the wife of Abraham
Genesis 11:31
Bless, to kneel, by implication, to bless God as an act of adoration and to bless man (as a benefit), praise, salute, thank Covenant love, lovingkindness, mercy, compassion. In the midst of our sin God looks at His children with compassion.
Psalm 145:1
3.
Psalm 145:8
How did Abram honor God in Genesis 12?
4. What actions did Abram take in Genesis 12 that did not bring honor to God? How did Abram justify his plan?
5.
20
How did Sarai respond to Abram’s plan in Egypt?
Lesson 2 6.
What was at the root of Abram’s plan while they were in Egypt?
7.
How did God remind Abram of the promises He had made to him in Genesis 12:1-3?
8. The apostle Paul taught concerning marriage to the early church in Ephesus. Please read Ephesians 5:21-30 and write out the instructions concerning marriage that were given to husbands and wives who followed after God in the first century. Wives: Husbands:
9. When Christ’s apostles were told to stop teaching the gospel after Christ’s ascension, they simply said, “We must obey God rather than men,” in Acts 5:29. Should this teaching impact a wife’s submission to her husband when his requests go against God’s moral will?
10.
What was revealed about the nature of Almighty God in Genesis 12:1-3,17?
11. Can you remember a time you suffered the consequences of someone else’s lack of good judgment or someone else’s sin? How have you dealt with the emotions that came from that situation?
How can you cope with your emotions when you have been wronged, and not sin yourself?
Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 2 Maybe thinking about “this situation” from your past has caused you to realize that you never resolved this issue. When you have not forgiven someone who has wronged you, unforgiveness in your spirit will come between you and your Father God. Would you pray David’s prayer of Psalm 139:23,24 asking God to search your heart to see if there is any unclean thing in you? Praise the Lord that He has provided a way for His children to be cleansed of sin. The apostle John wrote in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Please close in prayer, perhaps allowing this song to express the desire of your heart before your loving Father. “I Surrender All” All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. By Judson W. Van de Venter and Winfield S. Weeden
Day 2 – Genesis 13 - 16 1. Today’s lesson will cover Genesis 13-16. Open in prayer asking God for His Holy Spirit to kindle afresh the desire to know God more through His word, and then consider these observation questions. • Read Genesis 13 and summarize what God promised to Abram in this chapter.
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•
What was Abram called in Genesis 14:13? This is the first time this name was used in the Old Testament.
•
What was the covenant or promise God made with Abram in Genesis 15:17-21?
•
The legal custom of Ur provided for a barren woman to give her husband her handmaiden to give birth to an heir if the husband accepted the child. In the culture of the ancient near east slaves were included as a member of the community, but slaves had very few personal rights. For Sarai and Abram to follow this legal custom made sense, but according to Genesis 16, what problems came about because of their plan?
Lesson 2 •
2.
God’s promise to Hagar involved His protection, but in order for Hagar to be protected, she needed to submit herself to God’s authority through Sarai and Abram. Read Genesis 16:7-13 to see God’s attitude toward Hagar. What was promised to Hagar and what do you learn from her?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3372 Hebrew yare Genesis 15:1 539 Hebrew aman Genesis 15:6
Fear, to revere, (causative) to frighten, affright, be or (make) afraid, dread (ful), (put in) fear… Believed, to build up or support, to foster as a parent or nurse, to render firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet Covenant, a compact (made by passing between pieces of flesh), confederacy, league Submit, to depress or abase oneself, to afflict self, humble oneself, or to submit self Sees, sight, whether abstract (vision) or concrete (a spectacle), gazingstock, look to Ishmael, God will hear, the name of Abraham’s oldest son
Psalm 56:4
1285 Hebrew beriyth Genesis 15:18 6031 Hebrew anab Genesis 16:9 7210 Hebrew roiy Genesis 16:13 3458 Hebrew yishmael Genesis 16:11
Quoted in Galatians 3:6 Exodus 4:31 Genesis 15:9-17 This word is used once in the Old Testament. This word is used six times in the Old Testament. Genesis 17:26
3. Now please read Genesis 14 and do not let the unusual names of the cities and kings keep you from reading this account of Abram’s life. If you have a map of Israel, look to see how far Abram traveled to help Lot and his family. Who was Melchizedek and what did he say to Abram?
4.
How would you describe Abram’s encounter with the king of Sodom in Genesis 14?
5.
How did God communicate with Abram in Genesis 15?
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Lesson 2 6. To make a covenant with someone was to “cut a covenant” with the person, and that required the death of an animal. After the animal was cut in two and laid open on the ground, those making the covenant would walk between the pieces. Covenants were made between friends (Jonathan and David), between the rulers of nations, and even a wedding ceremony would require the bride and groom to walk between the pieces of a dead animal. What was the focus of the covenant God made with Abram in Genesis 15?
7. The apostle Peter wrote about the role and attitude of a servant in 1 Peter 2:18-20. While it is true this was written many years after Sarai and Abram lived, what was commanded of servants who sought to honor God in the early church?
8. Genesis 16:3 said that Sarai and Abram had left their homeland ten years before and yet God’s promise of descendants had not come about. What were the consequences of Sarai and Abram’s impatience?
9. As you have read Genesis 13-16, you’ve seen people struggling with many different issues. Is submission an issue in your life? It has been said that the opposite of submission is rebellion. Has God revealed a rebellious attitude in yourself toward someone in authority over you? Do you have a rebellious attitude toward God? If this is the case, what should you do about this? It is possible to be submissive in your actions, but not be submissive in your spirit with a root of bitterness growing within you. Are you willing to lay yourself aside and obey God? Will you ask Him to help you if this is an issue in your life? Please stop to think about how God was revealed to you in the chapters you read today. Now would you read again Genesis 15:1? What did God promise to Abram in this verse? How did God describe Himself here? What is the practical application of God having that role in your own life today?
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Lesson 2 God spoke to Isaiah in Isaiah 41:10 and said, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” You might close by praying to God and thanking Him that He is with you and will strengthen, help, and uphold you.
Day 3 – Genesis 17 - 18 1. In the chapters you will look at today, God chose a variety of ways to communicate with Abraham and Sarah. Ask God to illuminate His word as you read, and thank Him for the help He has promised to give when we humbly approach Him. Open by reading Genesis 17 to answer these observation questions. • What did God promise to Abram in His covenant with him?
•
In the ancient near east, establishing a covenant agreement always required the cutting of flesh, and the people involved would then walk between the pieces of the animal’s flesh. The cutting of a man’s flesh was to be the sign of God’s covenant with His people. Who was God asking Abraham to circumcise?
•
What was God’s promise concerning Sarai?
•
What response did Abraham and Sarah have to God’s promise? Abraham (Genesis 17:17) Sarah (Genesis 18:12-15)
•
What did God proclaim about Abraham’s two sons? Ishmael: Isaac:
•
What was unusual about the birth of Abraham and Sarah’s child and what does this tell you about God?
•
Now please read Genesis 18:1-15 to answer these observation questions: Most theologians believe that when Abraham addressed one of his visitors as Lord, this was a theophany of Jesus Christ. Theophany is the word used to describe an appearance of God to man. How were the visitors identified in Genesis 18, and what were Abraham and Sarah’s attitudes toward these visitors?
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Lesson 2 • 2.
How did Abraham define God’s role in Genesis 18:25? Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
85 Hebrew abraham Genesis 17:5 8283 Hebrew sarah Genesis 17:15 3327 Hebrew yitschaq Genesis 17:19
Abraham, father of a multitude. The name God gave to Abram.
Genesis 17:9
Sarah, a princess, Abraham’s wife. The name God gave to Sarai.
Genesis 17:17
136 Hebrew adonay Genesis 18:3 113 Hebrew adown or adon Genesis 18:12 (master in NIV)
Isaac, laughter (or mockery), son of Genesis 21:3 Abraham. Hebrew names beginning with the letter “y” are translated with an “i” in English. Lord, an emphatic form of 113 (see Genesis 15:2 below), the Lord (used as a proper name of God only): (my) Lord Lord, sovereign, to rule, a controller Ruth 2:13 (human or divine), a lord or master, or an owner, a term of respect
3. The sign of God’s covenant with Israel was circumcision, and in the Old Testament, these two words cannot be separated. The first Scriptural references to circumcision and covenant are in Genesis 17. Please read the following Scriptures, answering the “5 Ws and an H” questions relating to these two words. a. Genesis 17:1-27
b. Jeremiah 31:31-33
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Lesson 2 c. Hebrews 13:20
4. There are several references to circumcision in the New Testament. In Acts 15:1-31 the Jerusalem Council for the early church addressed the misunderstanding concerning circumcision. What did these leaders say concerning circumcision for those who believe in Jesus Christ?
5. Please look at Paul’s teaching on circumcision to Gentile believers who were not of the nation Israel. a. Romans 2:28,29 b. Colossians 2:9-11 6. Now let’s consider Abraham and Sarah’s visitors in Genesis 18 in the context of Genesis. What was the main event of Genesis 17, and what had just taken place at the end of Genesis 17? 7. Now look ahead to the end of Genesis 18 and Genesis 19:1-29. What were the two visitors sent to do after their visit with Abraham and Sarah?
8. The theophany recorded in Genesis 18 was very significant. Look at these Scripture references to see other times when God appeared to His people and note the form that He took. a. Exodus 13:21,22 b. Exodus 19:16,18 c. Exodus 40:34,35 d. 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 e. John 1:14,18
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Lesson 2 9. 1 Peter 3:6 refers to Sarah’s response to her husband in Genesis 18:12. What did Peter record about Sarah, and what was the challenge for women in 1 Peter 3:1-6? Teaching about Sarah:
The challenge for women in 1 Peter 3:1-6:
10. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted something and even felt that it was God’s will, but you started to feel that this desire would never come about? Sarah struggled with God’s promise for Abraham and herself. Do you remember a time when your faith was so shaky that it seemed you had NO FAITH? What should you do when you sense your faith is growing weaker? How is the body of Christ to have a role in this?
You might also sing the chorus “Change My Heart, Oh God.” God is working in each of His children, and as the potter He can be trusted. I know someone who signs her letters, “In the Potter’s hands,” as an expression of trusting God and placing herself as clay in His hands. God has promised to never leave us, or forsake us, and it is possible to change because of His infinite power and love. Take some time to reaffirm your faith in the Lord. When you praise Almighty God and tell Him that you trust Him in the midst of your uncertainty, He will help you.
Day 4 - Lot’s Wife and Lot’s Daughters – Genesis 19 1. When someone mentions Lot’s wife, what comes to your mind? Before you get to the “transforming” event in Lot’s wife’s life found in Genesis 19, you will look into the setting of this chapter. Open in prayer asking that the lessons of the three women you will be studying today will be applicable in your own life. Now open with these observation questions. • To study Lot’s wife, you need to know where else she was mentioned besides Genesis 19. Part of inductive Bible study is to read the text of Scripture “with a purpose;” that is to read looking for information relating to a theme, or in this case a specific character. Look back at Genesis 11:27 through Genesis 12:5, and then Genesis 13:1-13, recording information about Lot.
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Lesson 2
2.
•
Now read Genesis 14:10-16, noting who Abram rescued in this account.
•
Now read Genesis 19:17-29 and record the events of this passage, using the “5 Ws and an H” questions.
•
According to Genesis 19:30-32, what was the motivation that caused Lot’s daughters to sin?
•
What resulted from Lot’s daughters’ sin?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
251 Hebrew ach Genesis 13:8
Brothers, used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphor affinity, or resemblance; another, kindred Wicked, bad, evil, adversity, affliction, calamity
Genesis 19:7 (friend NIV)
Sinners, a criminal, or one accounted guilty, offender, sinful, as a habitual sinner
Used 18 times in the Old Testament. Psalm 1:1
7451 Hebrew ra’ Genesis 13:13 2400 Hebrew hattah Genesis 13:13
Deuteronomy 13:11
3. Sodom is mentioned in Genesis 18:16. Why was Abraham pleading before the Lord in Genesis 18?
4. After Abraham’s conversation with God, what was the “bottom line” condition necessary for God to save the city of Sodom? 5.
What was Lot’s attitude toward his daughters in Genesis 19:1-9?
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Lesson 2 6. Do you think that Lot’s attitude toward his daughters contributed to their sin that was recorded at the end of the chapter?
7. How would you describe to someone the circumstances of Lot’s wife that contributed to her situation in Genesis 19?
8.
Why were Lot and his family saved according to Genesis 19:16?
Please read 2 Peter 2:6-9 and think about what the story of Lot and his family says to you about God and the way He deals with people.
Lot’s wife has been called “the salt of the earth” and “a pillar in her community.” What would you say about Lot’s wife aside from these jokes? Josephus, the first century Hebrew historian recorded that there was a crystalline formation in the area where Sodom was thought to have been. Archeologists have not found evidence of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah near the Dead Sea as they were totally destroyed. Please read Jesus’ comments on Lot’s wife in Luke 17:28-33. What did Jesus say His disciples were to do? What would God want you to do with this information? Has God ever asked you to leave behind a sinful desire and yet it was hard to walk away from that desire? The lure of sin will pull you back again and again. Do you need to fall before your Father God and ask for His help with a sinful desire that has been an issue in your life? God is always ready to listen to the confessions of His children. Do not let the enemy cause you to forget God’s covenant love, also translated in the Old Testament as God’s mercy or lovingkindness. He looks at His children in the midst of their sin with compassion, waiting for you to call out to Him, that you can become whole and in a right relationship with Him again.
Close by praying to your Father God who has made it possible for you to walk in righteousness and to be forgiven of all of your sins, through His precious and holy Son, Jesus Christ. Do you long for righteousness? Do you long for holiness? Ask God to give you these desires today and spend some time with Him in prayer concerning what you have learned from His holy word. 30
Lesson 2
Day 5 – Genesis 20 – Genesis 23:1 1. In today’s lesson you will finish your study of Sarah and Hagar, from Genesis and then several passages in the New Testament. Did you work on memorizing a verse this week? Pray to the Almighty God asking for His grace and His provision as you proceed, and then complete these observation questions. • You will probably find the next incident in Sarah’s life frustrating. Please read Genesis 20 and jot down what was revealed here about Abraham and Sarah’s character and God’s attitude toward them. Abraham: Sarah: God’s response toward them:
2.
•
Look at the amount of time that had passed between Genesis 12:4 and Genesis 21:5 and then record the significant events of Genesis 21:2-5.
•
Looking at Genesis 21:6-8, what attitude did Abraham and Sarah have toward their son?
•
How did God provide for Hagar and Ishmael according to Genesis 21:12-21?
•
Record the biographical information about Sarah in Genesis 23:1,2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5030 Hebrew nabi Genesis 20:7 5769 Hebrew olam Genesis 21:33 3070 Hebrew jireh Genesis 22:14
Prophet, or inspired man, prophecy, that prophesy
Exodus 7:1
Everlasting, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point, time out of mind, eternity, always, eternal (NIV) (The LORD) will provide, (YHVH) will see to it
Psalm 41:13 For the nation of Israel, this became a symbolic name for Mt. Moriah.
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Lesson 2 3. Genesis 22 holds a very important truth for each of us. While there is no mention of Sarah in the chapter, it is so significant we need to see what we learn about God in Genesis 22:1-16. You could approach this passage of Scripture by answering the “5 Ws and an H” questions, such as: Why did God allow Abraham to go through this experience? Where was this to take place? What did God ask of Abraham? 4. The place where Abraham took Isaac in Genesis 22 was very important to the nation of Israel. Look at these passages below to see what took place later on this same spot. Please spend some time looking at the themes of these passages and compare these Scriptures given below. You could consider any of the “5 Ws and an H questions,” such as who was involved, what happened, where this took place, when did this take place, why did this happen, who was this for, and how? When you finish, please read the passage in Romans to make application to your own life. Israel’s temple 2 Chronicles 3
5.
The Altar of God Hebrews 10:19,20
Your Altar Romans 12:1,2
What did Abraham declare about God in Genesis 22:14?
Jehovah Jireh is actually a messianic proclamation. As God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice on Mt. Moriah, years later God would extend a similar gift on behalf of all mankind. How did the name of the city of Jerusalem come to be? The first syllable comes from the Hebrew word Jireh. The word salem is from the Hebrew word shalom, which means peace. Please read these two verses in the gospel of John and then describe how you would explain the meaning of the word Jerusalem. John 1:29 John 14:27
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Lesson 2 6. Please look at the apostle Paul’s teaching on Sarah and Hagar to the early church. Keeping in mind what you have studied in Genesis, read Galatians 4:21-31 and Romans 9:7,8 to answer these questions: Women:
Abraham had two sons by:
Children born according to:
Covenants:
Representing what nation?
Sarah
Hagar
7. Please look at the apostle James’ message about Abraham in James 2:14-26. How did the early church look at Abraham?
8. Is it the desire of your heart to be stronger in your faith? What can you do to become stronger in your faith? What have you learned from these women of Genesis that will help you? Sarah: Hagar: Lot’s wife: Lot’s daughters:
You might close by singing the song, “It is Well with My Soul,” coming before the throne of God as one broken in spirit, surrendering your own will to your loving heavenly Father. Praise God that it is possible to do this through Jesus Christ who took away your sin and cleansed you by His own sacrifice. “It is Well with My Soul” When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll – Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Chorus: It is well, (it is well), with my soul, (with my soul), it is well, it is well with my soul. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll: The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, “Even so” – it is well with my soul. Chorus: It is well, (it is well), with my soul, (with my soul), it is well, it is well with my soul. By Horatio Spafford and Philip P. Bliss
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Lesson 2
FIRST WOMAN Sarah was the first to have her picture painted and her acts recorded in detail and her indispensability made clear to the stupendous program God proposed.5
Sarah6
Hagar and Ishmael7
5
Carlisle, Ibid., p. 18. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Women in Sacred History, New York, J. B. Ford & Co, 1873, p. 272a, artist: Charles Brochart. 7 Stowe, Ibid., p. 240a, Christian Koehler, artist. 34 6
Lesson 3
Lesson 3 – Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel Introduction The lesson this week will continue in the book of Genesis, examining the life of Rebekah who married Sarah’s beloved son Isaac. You will then look at Leah and Rachel, the two women who married Rebekah’s son Jacob. One aspect of studying biblical narrative is to read the whole context of the narrative, not just looking at the event by itself, but looking at what took place before, as well as what followed. In this study of biblical women if you only read the exact verses that mention the woman’s name, you will miss the circumstances of her life that contributed to her behavior and attitude. So then, please do not grow weary with the task of studying to develop the habit of asking God to help you every time you approach your time in the word. You will be strengthened as He instructs you, He will certainly equip you for whatever is ahead. Do not let the repetition of some biblical narrative passages frustrate you. This repetition had a purpose, and sometimes it was simply to help the “hearer” of the word remember what the Holy Spirit directed the human author to record. Please set aside time to meditate on God’s word after you work on the lesson. When I take a walk or silently ride in the car God helps me understand the messages He has for me.
Day 1 – Genesis 24 - Rebekah 1. Genesis 22 introduced Rebekah and a record of her genealogy. After praying for God’s strength, wisdom and assurance, open with these observation questions for today’s lesson. • Trying to understand Hebrew genealogy is seldom an easy task, so many of the names used in the ancient near east are unfamiliar to us today, and it is hard to tell which names are men’s and which names are women’s! Please read Genesis 11:2729, 22:20-24, and 25:20 then draw a simple diagram of Isaac and Rebekah’s “family tree.”
•
Now as you read Genesis 24 answer these observation questions. What did Abraham plan for Isaac’s marriage and what did this reveal about Abraham?
•
What did Abraham’s servant’s prayer in Genesis 24:12 demonstrate?
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Lesson 3 •
2.
Jot down the actions or words from Genesis 24 that would describe Rebekah and her attitude.
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5650 Hebrew ‘ebed Genesis 24:2
Servant, bondage, bondman, bond servant
Genesis 26:24
3. Look back at Genesis 15:2 to review what was shared about Abraham’s servant. What did this tell you about this man and his relationship with Abraham?
4. How can you tell that Eliezer told Rebekah’s family about God’s covenant with Abraham?
5. In the culture of the ancient near east, a woman’s brother was often the one who “arranged” her marriage. Among people of this era, a daughter was considered a man’s salvation, because through her alliances, wealth could be obtained that would benefit the entire family. What was given to Rebekah and what was given to her family as part of the marriage agreement?
6. Think back to what you read in Genesis 24 and recall how Rebekah’s family treated her. What does this tell you about Rebekah?
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Lesson 3 7. After the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah was agreed upon, Rebekah, her maids, Eliezer, and his men set off on the 450 mile journey to Canaan. Rebekah had consented to leave her Chaldean homeland to marry a Hebrew man who lived in the midst of the powerful Hittite nation. Imagine how she felt traveling all that distance betrothed to someone she had never met. This account of Rebekah and Isaac’s marriage gives specific evidence of the differences in their culture and the culture of the 21st century. At the time Rebekah lived, a marriage agreement was established between the families of the bride and groom, but there was no wedding ceremony following the agreement. The marriage was consummated as Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage was consummated in Genesis 24:67. What does this verse tell you about Rebekah’s role in Isaac’s life as they began their marriage?
Please end in a time of prayer before the Lord God Almighty.
Day 2 – Genesis 25 and 26 1. Genesis 24 ended with Isaac taking Rebekah as his bride. Now you will study Rebekah as the mother of twin sons. Please pray and ask God to give you His infinite wisdom with today’s lesson, trusting Him with His word. Now begin with reading Genesis 25:19-34 and completing these observation questions. •
What did Rebekah have in common with Sarah according to Genesis 25, and how did that situation change?
•
Something very significant happened in Genesis 25:23. What did this mean to Rebekah?
•
What was said about Rebekah and Isaac’s twin sons in Genesis 25:25-28? Esau: Jacob:
•
At the end of Genesis 25 you learn about Esau’s willingness to sacrifice something of value. What was this, and why did he act in this way?
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Lesson 3 •
2.
In Genesis 26:7-11 records an incident with another King Abimelech of the Philistines in Gerar. What did this incident bring to your mind from two separate chapters you studied earlier and what was behind Isaac’s motivation?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1471 Hebrew goy Genesis 25:23
Nations, (often used as) a foreign nation, hence a Gentile, heathen, people. Sometimes used for the nation of Israel. Peoples, a community, nation
Exodus 33:13
Genesis 27:29 (nations in NASB)
Serve, enslave, keep in bondage
Genesis 27:29
3816 Hebrew leom Genesis 25:23 5647 Hebrew ‘abad Genesis 25:23 3290 Hebrew ya’aqob Genesis 25:26 8535 Hebrew tam Genesis 25:27 1062 Hebrew bekorah Genesis 25:31
Jacob, heel catcher (i.e. supplanter), the Genesis 32:28 Israelite patriarch Peaceful, complete, (usually moral), pious, specifically gentle, dear, perfect, undefiled, upright, quiet
Used 13 times in the Old Testament. Job 1:1 (blameless in NASB)
Birthright, the firstling of man or beast, abstract, primogeniture. The sovereign of the family, who was the political successor.8
Genesis 25:34, 27:36
3. The apostle Paul wrote about Rebekah’s twins in Romans 9:10-13. Why did Paul make reference to this? Briefly record some of the facts to help you understand the contrast that was made. The twins: Esau: Jacob:
What did Paul teach about God in the verses following Romans 9:13?
8
George Matheson, The Representative Women of the Bible, New York, Hodder and Stoughton, 1907, p. 85. 38
Lesson 3 A Closer Look at Isaac, Esau, and Jacob a. You might read Malachi 1:1-5 for additional teaching on the twin sons. God’s judgment upon Esau: Jacob:
b. Now please read Genesis 26:1-16. Even Abimilech knew the seriousness of Isaac’s sin, for the punishment for adultery was death. God wanted to preserve marriage, and especially the line of the Messiah. What did God say to Isaac when He appeared to him in Genesis 26:24?
4. The family birthright was highly valued in the ancient near east, and provided a spiritual and political blessing to the recipient. Genesis 25 demonstrated God’s sovereignty over mankind and His plan for Israel. God chose Jacob even though the established custom of birthright would have gone to Esau. God’s provision for His people did not prevent Israel from having enemies. The descendants of Ishmael are striving with Israel to this day. Esau formed the nation of Edom, south east of the Dead Sea, and remained a rival of the nation Israel for centuries. Can we really understand this? The prophet Isaiah declared in Isaiah 55:8,9,11 that God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts, and he reminded us that God’s word that goes forth from God’s mouth will not return to Him empty, without accomplishing what He desires. Please read Genesis 26:34,35. What was Isaac and Rebekah’s response to Esau’s decision and why? Now please turn to Hebrews 12:15-17 for a New Testament passage that provides a commentary of today’s reading. What was taught about Rebekah’s son Esau and why was he considered an example for the nation of Israel?
Please close in prayer asking God what He would have you do with the truths you studied in today’s lesson. 39
Lesson 3
Day 3 – Genesis 27 and 28 1. Yesterday’s lesson looked at Rebekah’s twin sons and the family birthright. The focus of today’s lesson will be further strife between the two brothers. In studying biblical narrative one must first read the passage of Scripture and then observe the text by asking the “5 Ws and an H” questions. I have found that for me to go any further I must spend time ruminating through the lesson God has revealed to me, as I cannot rush through a lesson and expect to really know what God is saying and what I am to do with His truth. Some of what we have studied is confusing, but I know I will never understand every incident that has been recorded, and I must accept that fact. So please open by praying that your eyes would be opened to God’s truth and begin with several review questions. • How was Rebekah’s character portrayed in these earlier passages? Genesis 24:15-28 Genesis 24:54-60 Genesis 24:64-67 Genesis 25:21-28 Genesis 26:6-11
•
•
•
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What was the prophecy God revealed to Rebekah about her children in Genesis 25:23?
Now read Genesis 27 and 28 and answer these observation questions. In the early Hebrew culture, the first born obtained the “birthright” at the moment of his birth. When the son was older, he would receive his father’s blessing as the head of the family and would pass along the mantle of his responsibility to his oldest son. Please review the two important elements of his family history that Isaac was ignoring when he called Esau to himself in Genesis 27:1-4? Genesis 25:23 Genesis 25:29-34
Please compare “Isaac’s blessing” with God’s prophecy to Rebekah and God’s covenant with Isaac. What do these have in common? Genesis 25:23 Genesis 26:2,4,5,24 Genesis 27:27-29
Lesson 3 A Closer Look at Jacob What was Jacob’s vow in Genesis 28:20-22, and how was this different from the covenant God made with him?
2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7045 Hebrew qelalah Genesis 27:12 1293 Hebrew berakah Genesis 27:35
Curse, vilification, accurse, accursed, cursing, a reviling, a reproach. The opposite of blessing. Blessing, benediction, by implication prosperity, a liberal blessing. The one who received the blessing took on the role of the “priest” in the family.9 Curse, to execrate, bitterly curse. There are six words that mean “to curse,” this has the meaning of binding with a “spell,” and hemming in with obstacles.10 Word, a matter (as spoken of), or a thing; chronicle, commandment, tiding.
Deuteronomy 30:1
779 Hebrew arar Genesis 27:29 (The same word was used twice.) 1697 Hebrew dabar Genesis 27:34
Genesis 33:11 (present in NIV)
Genesis 3:14,17
Exodus 20:1
3. Jacob’s comment to his mother in Genesis 27:12 showed his concern that he would be cursed rather than blessed by his father. Read again Genesis 25:23 to see Rebekah’s motivation behind her plan. The truth is that the account in Genesis 27 showed that every member of Isaac’s family sinned against God. Briefly describe each member’s disobedience. Isaac’s sin: Rebekah’s sin: Esau’s sin: Jacob’s sin:
4. One aspect of the Hebrew culture that is critical to understanding Rebekah’s life is the importance associated with giving one’s word. The Hebrew word for word (dabar) was very important. When someone made a promise, or gave their word concerning something, it was a concrete declaration that could not be taken away or undone, and was taken seriously by everyone who was involved. The Old Testament prophets introduced God’s proclamations with “the word of the Lord came to…” The Ten Commandments are actually ten declarations, ten statements, and in fact, ten words (the plural form of dabar). Read Genesis 27:33,34 and meditate on what took place in this incident. 9
Matheson, Ibid., p. 85. Spiros Zodhiates, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1990, p. 1713.
10
41
Lesson 3 5. When someone married they set up their own home near the home of their parents. Even today, while traveling in the middle-east you can see Bedouin communities in the desert with a separate tent for each of the man’s wives, as well as a separate tent for each of his adult son’s if they have chosen to follow the family’s lifestyle. When Genesis 27:30 recorded that Esau came in from his hunting and made savory food for his father, he was most likely occupying his own dwelling, as Genesis 26:34 recorded his marriages. It is interesting that Jacob cooked lentil soup and that tempted Esau in Genesis 25:29. Then in Genesis 27:31 Esau himself cooked food in order to please his father, and to obtain his father’s blessing. Think about the two situations and what circumstances were different in these two that changed Esau’s attitude and his behavior.
I find it VERY interesting that food played such an important and unique role in the life of Rebekah and her family. For some people Esau’s desire for food would never be a personal issue, but some could empathize with Esau’s response in Genesis 25:29-34. Esau gave up the spiritual blessing of his birthright to satisfy his immediate physical longing. Is there a physical longing that has tempted you to sacrifice your spiritual blessing or your relationship with your Father God? What can get in the way of your relationship with God?
What have you learned from Rebekah? What qualities of Rebekah can you model yourself after? What qualities of Rebekah do you need to avoid? Please close by bowing before God and seeking His wisdom concerning your life and what is important to you.
Days 4 and 5 – Leah and Rachel – Genesis 29 – Genesis 33 1. The New Testament used the word patriarch to describe Abraham’s position. The culture of the Old Testament was regarded as a patriarchal society, although this word was not actually found in the Old Testament. A dictionary defines a patriarch as the father and ruler of a family or tribe. As you proceed with this study, you will see the impact the patriarchal society had upon Hebrew women. In the next two days you will study Leah and Rachel and the role God entrusted to each of them. Begin by praying for God’s help and open with these observation questions. • What do you learn about Leah and Rachel in Genesis 29:1-17? Leah: Rachel:
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Lesson 3 •
After reading all of Genesis 29, what do you learn about Laban’s actions and his character, especially in regard to his daughters and Jacob?
•
Look in Genesis 29:31 through Genesis 30:24, and Genesis 35:16-18 for the record of the children born to Jacob. What was the response that was recorded at their births? Names of Jacob’s children: Mother of child: The mother’s response:
•
Jacob made plans to leave his wives’ homeland and return to Canaan in Genesis 31:113. After reading Genesis 31:14-16, think about what Leah and Rachel’s response to Jacob’s plan tells you about the character of these two sisters.
•
What does the incident shared about Rachel in Genesis 31:32-35 add to what you know about this woman?
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Lesson 3 2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1736 Hebrew duwday Genesis 30:14-16
Mandrakes, boiler or basket, also an aphrodisiac. A poisonous herb, used in ancient times as medicine, also an aid to conceiving a child.11
This word is used once in the Old Testament: Song of Solomon 7:13
3478 Hebrew yisra’el Genesis 32:28
Israel, he will rule as God, a symbolic name for Jacob, also of Jacob’s posterity
Genesis 33:20 Genesis 35:10
3. A custom in Mesopotamia made provision for an heir coming through a woman’s servant. When the baby was being born, the servant was to sit upon the lap of her mistress, who would sit upon a birthing stool. Read Genesis 30:2-5 to see how Rachel’s plan made mention of this ancient near east custom. A Closer Look at Jacob a. Briefly summarize Jacob’s plan for success, according to Genesis 30:25-40?
b. What was recorded in Genesis 30:41-43, that showed the results of Jacob’s plan?
c. Why did Jacob plan to leave Laban’s home land and move back to Canaan according to Genesis 31:1-3?
11
World Book Dictionary, Chicago, World Book, Inc., 1985, p. 1264. 44
Lesson 3 4. Now please read Genesis 31:30-35 to see the reference to household idols. This type of idol was kept by families who believed that the idols offered protection and the idols were worshipped at a family altar. For those who believed in Almighty God, owning household idols was considered to be idolatry, as it was religious “polygamy.” What does this incident in Genesis 30 tell you about Jacob’s family?
5. What was the agreement between Jacob and Laban in Genesis 31:43-55 and how did this affect Leah and Rachel?
6. Next week’s lesson will finish the study of Leah and Rachel, as well as move ahead to other women to complete the book of Genesis. I know this lesson has asked you to read a great deal of Scripture, but the lesson for this week is drawing to a close! Please take the time to read Genesis 32 and 33, and jot down notes about the evidence shown here as to the power and faithfulness of God. Look also at what you learn about Jacob as well as what these chapters reveal about Jacob’s wives, Leah and Rachel. God: Jacob: Leah and Rachel:
Proverbs 31:30 says, “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” To say someone “fears the Lord” in the Hebrew culture was a euphemism, or “a saying” that meant someone “kept God’s law” and followed after God’s righteousness. Can you think of a hymn or chorus that you might sing as a tribute to God, acknowledging Him for the power He gives His children to follow Him and be obedient to His will.
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Lesson 3 LOST IN THE LORE Leah gets lost or at least sidetracked in the lore of her people though it was not Rachel alone but Rachel and Leah together along with Bilhah and Zilpah who built up the house of Israel. Never underestimate the stamina of the tender mother of seven whose line has gone out through all the earth.12
Leah and Rachel13
Rebekah14
12
Carlisle, Ibid., p. 28. Stowe, Ibid., p. 256a, Jean Francois Portaels, artist. 14 Stowe, Ibid., p. 32a, Charles Landelle, artist. 46 13
Lesson 4
Lesson 4 – Dinah, Tamar, Leah, Rachel, The wives of Potiphar and Joseph Introduction This week’s lesson will study more women in the book of Genesis and the last day will review what you have been learning from the lives of the women in the first book of the Bible. When the Bible goes into detail about an incident, it is to help you understand who God is, as the text discloses the nature of mankind. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16,17 that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Please open your spirit to the Lord God and allow His word to be what He has designed it to be. Will you consider the challenge of Scripture memorization as a spiritual discipline worth incorporating into your life?
Day 1 – Dinah – Genesis 34 1. Open by praying for God’s blessing in today’s time in the word and complete these observation questions while you read Genesis 34. • Please start by looking back at Genesis 30:20,21. Every time Leah had a son her words of rejoicing were recorded. By contrast, what was said about the birth of Leah’s daughter? •
Where were Jacob and his family according to Genesis 33:18-20 and how did Jacob commemorate this event? (Note the name Jacob assigned this place was El (God), Elohe (singular form of Elohim, the plural form of God), Israel (he will rule as God). It might seem confusing at first that the place had the same name as the prince’s son! What was recorded about this place and its owners?
•
After reading Genesis 34 you might sit in judgment against Dinah and her behavior. A woman in her culture would not have gone “outside of her tent” except as her grandmother Rebekah or Aunt Rachel had gone to the well, to carry water for the household or for their animals. God’s provision for women was that they would be protected by the men in their family. Dinah went outside of that realm of protection when she left her “home” to visit the daughters of the land. How would you briefly describe the situation in Genesis 34:1-24 and what was the consequence of Dinah going “out to visit the daughters of the land?”
•
What agreement did the men of the city make with Jacob’s sons in Genesis 34:14-24?
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Lesson 4
2.
•
You can look on a map of Canaan to see where the incident of Genesis 34 took place. The Hivite people settled in several cities in Canaan, the main city being Gibeon. These people were the descendants of Ham, one of Noah’s sons. You can understand how the actions of Jacob’s sons contributed to the Hivites becoming enemies of the Israelites. According to Genesis 34:25-29, what did Dinah’s brothers do to the people of Schechem? To the men: To their belongings: To their children: To their wives:
•
What was Jacob’s response to his son’s actions in Shechem, and what did this tell you about Jacob?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
6031 Hebrew ‘anab Genesis 34:2 2930 Hebrew tame’ Genesis 34:5
By force, to depress literally or figuratively, abase self, afflict (self), deal hardly with, defile… Defiled, to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense, contaminated, to make or pronounce unclean Longs, to cling, i.e. join, figuratively, to love, delight in, have a delight or desire
Genesis 15:13 (afflict KJV)
2836 Hebrew chashaq Genesis 34:8 2181 Hebrew zanah Genesis 34:31
Harlot, to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment), to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah).
Isaiah 64:6
Used 12 times in the Old Testament. Psalm 91:14 (loved NASB) Genesis 34:31 was the first time this word was used in the Old Testament. Joshua 2:1
3. The information about Shechem and his attitude toward Dinah is puzzling. What does this say that Shechem did in Genesis 34:2,3 and what were his plans for Dinah according to Genesis 34:4,8?
4. Look again at Jacob’s sons statement to Jacob in Genesis 34:31 and the definition of the word harlot in today’s word studies. This was the first time the word harlot was used in the Old Testament, but the practice of harlotry was well known in the ancient near east. A 48
Lesson 4 (woman) harlot was an unchaste woman, whether she was married or unmarried. Israel also had a spiritual perspective of this behavior, because in a figurative sense Israel was called a harlot whenever “she” would leave Jehovah and give her affection and worship to other gods. One type of harlot or prostitute was associated with the worship of pagan gods in their temple. Years later, Herodotus, the Greek writer said that one of the customs of the pagan cultures surrounding Israel was that every female was compelled “to attend the temple of Venus once in her life, and to prostitute herself in honor of the goddess.”15 Read Deuteronomy 23:17,18 and list the commandments God gave to His people. What was God’s admonition concerning harlotry?
A Closer Look at Jacob and Esau a. Why did Jacob leave the Shechem area and what did his household leave behind according to Genesis 35:1-4?
b. What was God’s blessing for Jacob that was recorded in Genesis 35:10-12? c. What was recorded about Isaac at the end of Genesis 35?
d. Genesis 36 provided a record of Esau’s life. According to Genesis 36:6-8 where did he live and why?
5. The last reference to Dinah was in Genesis 46:15. Record what was said about Dinah and what was said about Jacob. 6. Dinah became a symbol to Israel of the consequences of associating with people outside of Israel. Please close by reading 1 John 2:16 and note how this verse described Dinah and Shechem’s sin. Genesis 34:8 revealed Shechem’s emotional response to Dinah, but he did not honor God with his behavior. Marriages in the ancient near east were arranged by one’s family, before the couple had a sexual relationship, otherwise the relationship was viewed as Jacob’s sons declared in Genesis 34:31. Continued on the next page.
15
McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia, Electronic Database, Biblesoft, 2000. 49
Lesson 4 Where do you turn for fulfillment, or satisfaction?
Please close by reading Psalm 42, asking God to make your heart thirst for Him.
Day 2 – Tamar – Genesis 38 1. Open by praying for God’s blessing and wisdom as you study the life of Tamar. The Old Testament records the life of two different women named Tamar. You will look at the first Tamar, in Genesis 38. After today’s lesson you will meet the two Egyptian women who held important roles in Joseph’s life. Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37, which will be covered in tomorrow’s lesson. Today you will move ahead to Genesis 38. Please start your time today with these observation questions while you read Genesis 38. • Briefly record the information given about Judah’s family in Genesis 38:1-5.
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•
What was shared about Tamar’s relationship to Judah’s sons in Genesis 38:6-11? Er: Onan: Shelah:
•
According to Genesis 38:12-19, what was Tamar’s plan for conceiving a child and why?
•
What was Judah’s response to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy in Genesis 38:24?
•
What was Judah’s response when he realized that he was responsible for Tamar’s pregnancy?
•
Remember the significance of the first born receiving the birthright? This is true with the birth of twins as well. Modern day geneticists would say that “twins run in families” and that this phenomenon usually skips a generation. What were the names of the twins recorded earlier in Genesis, and how were they related to Tamar’s twins?
Lesson 4 2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2368 Hebrew chotham Genesis 34:18
Exodus 39:14 (signet NASB)
6948 Hebrew qedeshah Genesis 34:21
Seal, a signature ring, signet ring. Usually worn on a cord around the neck. When someone gave their word to someone their seal would be imprinted into moist clay. Prostitute, a female devotee (to licentious idolatry), harlot, whore. A temple prostitute.
6663 Hebrew tsadaq Genesis 38:26
Righteous, to be right (in a moral or forensic sense), cleanse, to clear oneself, to be or do just
Job 13:18 (vindicated in NASB)
Used five times in the Old Testament, three times in Genesis 38. Hosea 4:14 (temple prostitute NASB)
3. The custom of the land made provision for a woman who became a widow before giving birth to a child, to conceive through her husband’s brother. This law became known as the levirate law, from the Latin word levir that means “husband’s brother.” This was the custom Judah asked his second son Onan to honor. Why did Onan not honor the levirate law, and what was God’s response to this custom?
A Closer Look at Judah a. Remember the response of Jacob’s sons when Shechem raped their sister? Read Genesis 34:31 for a reminder of this. What is the discrepancy about Judah’s attitude in Genesis 34:31 and Judah’s attitude and behavior toward Tamar in Genesis 38:15-24?
b. One Old Testament lexicon (a study based on the Hebrew words used in the text) said that Judah used the word righteous to mean that Tamar had a “just cause”16 for her behavior. What had Judah NOT done that contributed to Tamar’s response?
c. Please look ahead to see Israel’s (Jacob’s) prophecy concerning his sons in Genesis 49. How was Judah to be honored according to Genesis 49:8-12? (Note: Shiloh was used as an epithet for the Messiah.)
16
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1767. 51
Lesson 4 4. Tamar held an important place in Israel’s history. Read 1 Chronicles 2:1-6 for another record of Judah’s family, noting Tamar’s name. Now turn to Ruth 4:18-22 to see the importance of Tamar’s first born son. One last record of Tamar appears in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew 1:1-16. While these verses are basically a list of names, what message did the Holy Spirit convey to readers through this list that includes Tamar’s name?
What does Genesis 38 tell you about Tamar? What does Genesis 38 tell you about God? God longs for us to spend time with Him and get to know Him. Please take the time to stop and meditate on today’s Scripture. How would you summarize the nature of God based on what you have studied in Genesis?
Will you close by bowing before God and worshiping Him? Maybe there’s a song you might sing that agrees with your summary about who God is and would help you praise His name.
Day 3 – Rachel, Joseph, and Potiphar’s Wife – Genesis 35, 37, and 38 1. In Lesson 3 you read about Jacob and Rachel’s meeting, and their love for one another. You also read of Rachel’s father’s trickery in the marriage of his daughters. All of this contributed to the dynamics of Jacob’s family. In the next two days you will look at Jacob’s son Joseph and the women the Lord appointed him to meet in Egypt. Open in prayer asking God to soften your spirit and reveal His truth to you that you might be changed by today’s reading. Now begin with these observation questions. • First, please go back to Genesis 35:16-20,24 to see the record of the birth of Jacob’s son Benjamin and Rachel’s death.
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•
The genealogy of Jacob’s brother Esau was recorded in Genesis 36, and then Genesis 37 recorded information about Jacob’s family. What contributed to Joseph’s brother’s attitude toward him, according to Genesis 37:1-11?
•
As Joseph’s brothers plotted against him, which two brothers were specifically mentioned, and what was their contribution to the plan in Genesis 37:18-32?
•
Based on Genesis 39:1-6, why did Joseph find favor in Potiphar’s sight?
Lesson 4
2.
•
What were the reasons Joseph gave for refusing Potiphar’s wife’s advances, according to Genesis 39:8,9?
•
According to the information given in Genesis 39:7-19, how would you describe Potiphar’s wife?
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7451 Hebrew ra’ Genesis 39:9 2398 Hebrew chata’ Genesis 39:9
Evil, bad, adversity, affliction, Genesis 41:3,19 (ugly in NASB) calamity, displeasure, distress, wretchedness Genesis 40:1 (offended in NASB) Sin, to miss the way, to fail, to forfeit, to endanger. Took the meaning of being off the target, this is the most important word for sin in the Old Testament.17
3. When confronted by Potiphar’s wife, what was Joseph’s response and his attitude? Can you think of Scriptural instructions or commands that have been written that would reflect Joseph’s response and his attitude to help you when you face temptation?
A Closer Look at Judah and Joseph a. In yesterday’s lesson you studied Genesis 38. Consider how the events of Genesis 37 might have contributed to Judah leaving his family and settling a distance away. God had great plans for Judah and his descendants. Read Genesis 38:1,2 and meditate on what was revealed about Judah and how God was working in his life. b. Based on Genesis 39:19-23, what was the evidence of God’s care in Joseph’s stay in the Egyptian jail? c. Joseph’s brothers called him “the dreamer” in Genesis 37:19. Genesis 37:5-10 recorded Joseph’s dreams that he shared with his family. In Egypt another dimension occurred when Joseph interpreted the dreams of two of his fellow prisoners (Genesis 40:523). Eventually Genesis 41:1-32 recorded how Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh’s dreams. When Joseph used his gift of interpreting dreams, what impact did this have upon Egypt, based on Genesis 41:33-49?
17
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1724. 53
Lesson 4 4. When Joseph was tempted, he fled from evil. The temptation from Potiphar’s wife had gone on day after day, but Joseph made a decision not to sin. In Lesson l you looked at Eve and Adam’s temptation and their sin. In that same lesson you read Jesus’ response when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. The Bible provides God’s help for those times when a believer is confronted by sin. It would seem that each of us have our own area where we are susceptible to sin. For some sexual sin might not seem to be a temptation. However, to not be on guard against all types of sin is to be prideful and creates a vulnerability to areas where our enemy, Satan, roars about seeking to devour. Please stop and meditate upon where you have fallen into sin in the past, and pray about that area where you might be the most vulnerable. Ask God what He would have you do about your area or areas of vulnerability. You might close by singing the second verse of the hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour.” “I Need Thee Every Hour” I need Thee every hour, stay Thou near by, temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh. I need Thee, O I need Thee, every hour I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior – I come to Thee! By Annie Hawks and Robert Lowry.
Day 4 – Joseph’s Wife – Genesis 41 1. Today’s lesson will examine the information given in Genesis about Joseph’s wife and his family from Genesis. Please open in prayer, perhaps asking God to encourage your heart with His word. You might be struggling with what you are learning about people in Genesis. Give your frustration over to God. He can handle all of your emotions, and He will reveal Himself to you when you ask. Begin by reading Genesis 41:45-52 and Genesis 46:20, and then answer these observation questions. • In the ancient near east a man’s father generally arranged this marriage. Who took this role in Joseph’s life? •
What was recorded about Joseph’s wife?
•
What was recorded about Joseph’s family?
2. At the end of Genesis, Jacob spoke a prophecy concerning his sons. Included in Genesis 49 is the record of several of the women you have just studied. Please summarize the information about the following women from Genesis 49:28-32. a. Sarah b. Rebekah c. Leah 54
Lesson 4 3. The religion of the Egyptians involved the worship of numerous deities, centering on the worship of the sun and the River Nile. Each region within the country also had its own unique deity that it chose to honor. The Egyptian culture included ethical and religious truths concerning one’s behavior as well as the issue of one’s immortality.18 It is interesting that the woman the Pharaoh picked for Joseph to marry was the daughter of an Egyptian priest. The narrative record in the book of Genesis was handed down from generation to generation orally and then recorded by Moses through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Those who believed in God shared the promises He had made as well as the works He had performed. Imagine that you overheard Joseph talking to his wife about his God and the God of his ancestors. Please take the time to meditate on what Joseph might have shared about God and what examples would he have given as evidence to the existence of God. As you do this think about your own life, what you know about God and how God has made His existence a reality. How was God described in Genesis? How did God demonstrate this quality in Genesis? (How did Joseph specifically describe God in Genesis 50:19-21?)
How has God made His existence a reality in your life?
You might pray through each of these qualities and truths about God and praise Him for who He is. Please express to Him what each of these means to you.
Day 5 – Review of the Women in Genesis 1. When most people hear the word review they tend to associate this with displeasure and boredom. Educators recognize the value of review as a means of learning. Years ago the three R’s “Reading, ‘R’iting, and ‘R’ithmatic” were considered to provide the framework for schools. Another generation of educators added the three R’s of “Read, Recite and Review” that provide the simple formula for remembering what one has learned. So, today you will be asked to go back over the first three lessons you have completed and review what Scripture has taught about the women you studied in Genesis. Open in prayer that your time
18
Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Nashville, Royal Publishers, Inc., 1973, p. 205. 55
Lesson 4 today would be valuable, and that today’s review would help you with your goal of learning about as well as learning from women in the word of God. a. What is an important lesson you learned from this woman?
b. What quality in this woman do you want to emulate or stay away from in your own life?
c. Application Question: How will you make this truth or this challenge real in your own life?
Eve Sarah Hagar Lot’s Wife Lot’s Daughters Rebekah Leah Rachel Dinah Tamar Potiphar’s Wife Joseph’s Wife
2. I have prayed that this review would help you remember God’s truth. Please close by meditating on the application God would have you make from what you have studied. You might write out a prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for His word and that He will help you become conformed to the image of Christ, for His glory and for His church. 56
Lesson 5
Lesson 5 – Jochebed, Pharaoh’s Daughter, Zipporah, and Miriam Introduction Moses, the highly respected leader of the Israelites, “knew the LORD face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel,” Deuteronomy 34:10-12. This summary statement from Deuteronomy proclaimed Moses’ greatness. This week you will look at several of the women in Moses’ life including Jochebed, Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Zipporah.
Day 1 - Jochebed 1. When a woman becomes pregnant there’s always an uncertainty about the child’s future. That would certainly have been the case for Moses’ mother Jochebed. Open today’s lesson by praying that your heart would be open to a deeper understanding of God’s nature. Now begin with these observation questions. • How were the Israelites described in Exodus 1:7-10? •
According to Exodus 1, what was the Egyptian king’s plan and why?
•
What role did the Israelite midwives have at the time of Exodus 1?
•
Moses’ mother was mentioned three places in Scripture. A good way to study Jochebed’s life is to consider the “5 Ws and an H” questions based on the verses that talk about her. Look at the following Scripture and then answer these questions. Scripture references: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 6:20, and Numbers 26:59 Who was Jochebed and what was said about her family?
What did Jochebed do as a result of the Pharaoh’s edict?
Where did these events take place? When did these events take place? How did Jochebed’s actions reflect her belief in God?
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Lesson 5 2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4872 Hebrew mosheh Genesis 2:10 3115 Hebrew yowkebed Exodus 6:20
Moses, drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued, the Israelite lawgiver
Numbers 12:3
Jochebed, Jehovah glorified. Derived from two words, Jehovah (God) and kabed which means weighty, in the sense of glory.
Numbers 26:59
3. Look at these two New Testament verses for what was shared about Moses’ early upbringing. a. Hebrews 11:23 b. Acts 7:20 4.
What character quality or qualities did Jochebed demonstrate in her life?
5. In thinking about Jochebed and her situation in Egypt, I thought about another national leader who tried to rid his part of the world of Jewish people. During World War 2, a Dutch woman named Corrie ten Boom went against the Nazi leaders who were in control of her country. Miss ten Boom protected Jewish people by sheltering them in her home so that they could later escape to safety. Miss ten Boom and her sister were taken captive and held in a “concentration camp,” where they both suffered injustice and humiliation. Miss ten Boom’s sister died in the camp and God continually sustained Miss ten Boom through the ordeal. Sharing later with people Miss ten Boom said, “I’ve learned to hold everything loosely in my hands, that way it does not hurt if God takes it from me.” How would you explain Jochebed’s theology (her understanding of God) to someone else based on what was recorded about her in the Bible?
What would be necessary for you to have Jochebed’s faith in God? If you are unsure of how you would answer that question, would you go to someone who is mature in their faith and ask them for advice on how you might grow stronger? Spend some time with the Lord acknowledging His Sovereignty and that He is worthy of your trust. What Bible verse could you claim that would help you with this? Author Keith Miller said that we are not to speculate on the negative thoughts that come to our minds, as that would be like strapping a bundle on a conveyor belt, and watching that negative thought reappear again and again. When you set the unwanted, defeating thought on the conveyor belt, it will come back to you. What is required is to surrender your burden to the Lord allowing Him to break the pattern that has been established, and not let the enemy destroy you with the problem. Continued on the next page. 58
Lesson 5 Think of a problem that you are struggling with, and set it before God and declare to Him the sincerity of your surrender. Are you willing to let go of this issue? Will you trust Him with the bundle that you have carried? Close in prayer declaring to God your praise for who He is.
Day 2 – Pharaoh’s Daughter 1. Today’s lesson will look at another woman from outside the nation Israel who contributed to the history of the Hebrew people. Please open in prayer, seeking God’s blessing as you spend time with Him in His holy word, knowing that He will help you with your goals for this study. Begin with these observation questions. • Please read Exodus 2:1-10, Acts 7:20-22, and Hebrews 11:23-25 and list what you learn about Pharaoh’s daughter and her role Israel’s history.
•
What was revealed about the Pharaoh of Egypt and his daughter? What did you learn about their character from reading about their actions in Exodus 1 and 2? The Pharaoh: Pharaoh’s Daughter, The Princess:
2. Exodus 2:6 used the word pity to describe the Pharaoh’s daughter’s feelings toward the baby Moses. Many people say they do not want to be pitied, but God will use the emotion of pity in people’s spirits to accomplish His good. There are other examples in the Bible of pity moving someone toward showing love. One example was in a parable the Jesus shared in Luke 10:30-37. Jesus shared this parable to answer a question, “And who is my neighbor?” What did it cost the Samaritan to offer help to this man in need?
3. What was the circumstance where God used the emotion of pity in your own life to spur you on to expressing “love in action?”
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Lesson 5 A Closer Look at Moses a. According to Exodus 2, what was the circumstance that led Moses away form Egypt? b. What contributed to Moses becoming a part of the family of the priest of Midian? c. How did the situation in Egypt change during Moses’ lifetime and what was said about God at the end of Exodus 2?
4. Fred H. Wight’s book, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, described the education of the Egyptian schools based on archaeological expeditions in Egypt. Being a part of the Pharaoh’s household would have provided Moses with a high level of education. Moses was most likely educated at the Temple of the Sun in Heliopolis. Included in his schooling were reading, writing, and mathematics (from decimal notations, geometry and trigonometry). Moses would also have studied music, architecture, medical science and dentistry. In his education, Moses would have studied the metallurgy of gold and copper, as well as the use of iron and bronze in manufacturing. The Egyptians persecuted the enslaved Israelites, and yet in the midst of the persecution, God not only protected Moses, but also allowed him to be trained within the Egyptian educational system. Moses’ education prepared him with valuable information and skills for leading the Hebrew people out of Egypt and through the wilderness It would be easy to imagine the longing Jochebed had for a closer relationship with her son Moses during his childhood. Do you see how God allowed that separation to prepare Moses for his important role as a leader in the nation of Israel? Even when you accept God’s sovereignty, difficult circumstances in your life can cause you to struggle. The apostle Paul learned the lesson of allowing God to be sovereign in his life. Read Philippians 4:11-13 and note what he learned and how this was learned.
Can you thank God when He sends a month of rainy days, as well as when He allows a season of drought? What does God want you to remember in times of discomfort, when His love is not as obvious to you?
Please close by reading Psalm 103:17-19 as a prayer of surrender before the Lord God.
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Lesson 5
Day 3 - Zipporah 1. Today’s lesson will focus on Moses’ wife, Zipporah. As you have gone through the lessons in these last weeks, you might have questions that you have not had answered about some of the women you have studied. You might be the type of individual who learns by asking questions, and when one question is answered you generally have another. Ask God to help you carefully observe what has been recorded that you might understand God’s truth, and then begin with these observation questions. • Look at the following Scriptures to see what was written about Zipporah and her ancestors. Scripture references: Exodus 2:15-22, Exodus 3:1, Genesis 25:1,2, Exodus 4:20, and Exodus 18:2-7 What was shared about Zipporah’s family and her heritage?
2.
•
What was shared about Zipporah’s father?
•
What was shared about Zipporah’s relationship with Moses?
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3068 Hebrew YHVH Exodus 3:14
God, YHVH, derived from the verb that is translated as “to be.” All the Scriptural names for God come from what He does, except this word, which states His essence. YHVH is the everliving One, the self-existent One, self sufficient. 19
This name for God was translated as Jehovah, centuries after the time of the Old Testament. Exodus 6:3 (LORD NASB, Jehovah KJV)
19
Jack R. Taylor, The Hallelujah Factor, Nashville, Broadman Press, 1983. 61
Lesson 5 A Closer Look at Moses a. Please read Exodus 3 and 4:1-20 to see God’s call of Moses and Moses’ response. Please summarize what God asked of Moses and Moses’ response? God’s Command Moses’ Response
b. Based on the above verses, what do you see of Moses’ character? c. Since this week’s lesson studies the women in Moses’ life, you might read the chapters in between today’s study and those that will be looked at tomorrow. The record of Moses and Aaron’s interaction with Egypt’s Pharaoh is in Exodus 5 through Exodus 12. If you have the time to read these chapters, look for the evidence of God’s provision for His people and the power He demonstrated to all of Egypt. The Hebrew people had lived in Egypt for 430 years surrounded by people who worshiped many gods and goddesses. Some of the plagues reflected God’s judgment upon their pagan religion as well as the people. 3. Exodus 4:18-26 told about an issue that came between Moses and Zipporah. In Genesis 17 God explained His covenant with His people to Abraham and said that the sign of the covenant would be the circumcision of all males. Probably everyone who reads this paragraph would appreciate more information, but it is not given. Based on these few verses, please answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions concerning the Exodus 4 passage.
4. The next mention of Zipporah was not until Exodus 18, and there is actually more information about Moses’ father-in-law Jethro than has been recorded about Moses’ wife, Zipporah. Please read Exodus 18 looking for information about Zipporah and her father Jethro, and especially how this father and daughter related to Moses. Zipporah Jethro
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Lesson 5 5. There’s an uncertainty about Moses and his wife because of two statements recorded in Scripture. First, Numbers 12:1 said “Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman).” Habakkuk 3:7 reads “I saw the tents of Cushan under distress, the tent curtains of the land of Midian were trembling,” as if Cushan (also called Cush, land of the Cushites) was the same as Midian. This verse in Habakkuk was written hundreds of years later, so we cannot say for certain that during the time of Moses, Cush and Midian were the same. Most Bible dictionaries refer to Cush as present day Ethiopia, on the northern end of the African continent. Another verse, Judges 4:11 mentioned Moses’ father in law, Hobab. The Hebrew word used for father-in-law could also be translated for any in-law relationship. Hobab could have taken his father’s role as the head of his family and would then have had a fatherin-law role in Moses’ life. Numbers 10:29 said that Hobab was Moses’ brother-in-law, the son of Reuel, (the other name used for Jethro). The question then narrows down to whether or not Moses took a second wife, or was the wife referred to in Numbers 12:1 Zipporah? There is no way of knowing for certain, and trying to answer the question leads to speculation. 6. In the first lesson, you studied the creation of man and woman. In Genesis 2:18 the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” The marriage of a man and a woman was to reflect God’s plan. Think about what you read about Zipporah and her relationship with her husband, Moses. Was Zipporah Moses’ helper? Does the Bible indicate that Zipporah was suitable for Moses? When Zipporah helped Moses:
When Zipporah did not help Moses:
How did Zipporah communicate with Moses in Exodus 4:24-26?
How does God’s word speak to you concerning Zipporah? In John 16:8, Jesus said that one role of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, and righteousness and the coming judgment. Has the Holy Spirit brought to your mind conviction as you studied Zipporah? What would God have you learn about this woman that you might grow stronger in your faith?
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Lesson 5
Days 4 and 5 – Miriam and the Women Who Worked on the Tabernacle 1. This week’s lesson will end with a look at Miriam, Aaron and Moses’ sister. In this lesson you will also read about those who helped create the tabernacle in the wilderness. Please open in prayer asking God for the desire to be with Him in His holy word as well as the strength to persevere, so that you will not miss His blessing that comes through diligence. Begin with these observation questions. • You already read Exodus 2 this week. Glance back there to refresh your memory concerning Miriam. How would you describe Miriam’s actions in Exodus 2?
2.
•
What was shared about Miriam in Exodus 15:20,21?
•
Now read ahead to Numbers 12:1-15 and as you read look for Miriam’s sin and God’s response. Miriam’s sin God’s response
•
In the Ten Commandments God set apart the Sabbath as a day of rest for those who followed after Him. In the last chapters of Exodus, God very carefully dictated the building of the tabernacle that would provide a place for the Israelites to worship Him. God asked His people to contribute to the building of the tabernacle, and men as well as women participated in this. Look at Exodus 35:4-9 and 20-35 to see how women contributed to this.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4813 Hebrew miryam Exodus 15:20 5031 Hebrew nebiy’ah Genesis 15:20
Miriam, rebelliously, from meriy (4805), rebellious, bitter
Numbers 26:59
Prophetess, an inspired woman, by implication a poetess, by association a prophet’s wife
Judges 4:4
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Lesson 5 3. I’m not sure why parents would give their daughter a name that meant “rebellious.” How did that quality help Miriam with the role God gave to her as a child?
A Closer Look at Jochebed’s Children a. How did Moses describe God in his song that was recorded in Exodus 15?
b. What provision did God make for Israel according to Exodus 15:22 through Exodus 16?
c. What instructions did God give to Moses and what was Moses to do about these instructions?
d. What did God say about Moses in Numbers 12?
e. Through the forty years in the wilderness, the nation of Israel struggled with God. While God faithfully took care of His people, they grumbled, and let their faith waiver. Numbers 20 recorded Miriam’s death. The event that followed testified to Israel’s attitude toward God as well as to those God had chosen to lead them to the promised land. Read Numbers 20 to see the record of Miriam and Aaron’s death. f. Read Deuteronomy 34 to see the record of Moses’ death and summarize what was declared about Moses at the end of the chapter.
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Lesson 5 4. Miriam was called a prophetess in Exodus 15:20. Four women in the Old Testament were identified as a prophetess. In a later lesson you will study Deborah, another prophetess called by the Lord to serve His people. The word prophetess was a form of the word for prophet, used to describe a man who was a speaker of oracles, recognized as an authorized spokesman for God. The test of a prophet was that the words he spoke came true. Look at the other three women in Scripture who were introduced as prophetesses to see what was said about each of them and what role they had in Israel. a. 2 Kings 22:14
b. Isaiah 8:3 c. Nehemiah 6:14
5. The prophet Micah recorded a passage recalling the role of Jochebed’s three children. What was said about these three in Micah 6:1-4?
6. Another way Miriam was remembered was in Deuteronomy 24:8,9. What was the admonition recorded here for Israel?
7. Exodus 15:20 shared that Miriam “took the timbrel in her hand and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing.” The timbrel is a musical percussion instrument similar to our tambourine. What does Exodus 15:20,21 tell you about Miriam and how she was gifted? God has given a spiritual gift, (or gifts) to each who follow Him, that He would be glorified, and the body of Christ edified. God also gives natural skills and abilities to each person that He has created. The Westminster catechism says that the chief end of man is “to glorify God with your life and to enjoy Him forever.” Part of glorifying God is to make Him known to others with your life. How has God equipped you to serve Him? Is there something of value that you need to surrender to God? Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 5 This week you read about Jochebed’s faith and her daughter’s courage, her musical ability and leadership among her people. You also read of the sacrifice of women who contributed to the supplies necessary to build the tabernacle, as well as some of the women who served by spinning yarn and weaving cloth for the tabernacle. How has God gifted you and asked you to serve Him?
Exodus 35:21 said that “everyone whose heart stirred him” contributed to the work of the tabernacle. Is your heart stirred to contribute to God’s plan? How can you assign worth to God with your life?
Close by meditating on God’s faithfulness to you, worshiping Him for His goodness. BLUE, PURPLE, AND SCARLET The wise-hearted women used their creativity to beautify the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, the holy place of Godthe blue, the purple, and the scarlet. Color and texture-all to God’s glory. They brought their brooches and their earrings, resplendent pendants, ornaments of gold. No offering too good for Yahweh’s House. But best of all (even as with the men) the giving of their hands and of their hearts. Each used her special skill whatever it might beand this is still our scarlet blue and purple opportunity.20 .
Miriam and Moses21 .
20 21
Carlisle, Ibid., p. 37. Stowe, Ibid., p. 96a, Paul Delaroche, artist. 67
Lesson 6
Lesson 6 – Rahab, Deborah, and Jael Introduction This week’s lesson will look at three courageous women, whose stories were recorded in Joshua and Judges. It is my prayer that by studying what was recorded about the life of Rahab, Deborah, and Jael, you will become stronger in your faith and in your relationship with the Lord. Moses saw God as Jehovah Nissi in Exodus 17, and you will see why that name for God is appropriate in our study this week, and why it would be important for all believers to know God is this way.
Day 1 – Rahab 1. The story of Rahab was recorded in the book of Joshua, but because of her importance, Rahab was also mentioned in three New Testament books. As you begin today, pray asking God to take away any hindrance to your time with Him in His precious word. Now open with these observation questions. • Using the “5 Ws and an H” questions record what is shared about Rahab in Joshua 2:1-16 and Joshua 6:17,20-27.
•
2.
What did Rahab know about God and the nation of Israel?
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7343 Hebrew Rahab Joshua 2:1
Rahab, proud, a Canaanite woman. From 7342 roomy, in any or every direction, broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide
Joshua 6:25
A Closer Look at Joshua Read Joshua 1 which explains the circumstances at the time of Rahab’s life, and then read Joshua 6 to see the victory God gave to the Israelites over Jericho. This is not a “fairy tale” or a myth, this really happened! How would you describe this story to a child? Do you know a child you might share this story with? Do not forget the perspective of what this says about God!
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Lesson 6 3. Now please read Matthew 1:1-17 to see the first New Testament mention of Rahab. Stop and think about what this means. Draw a simple sketch to show her son, grandson, great grandson, and great-great grandson.
4. Now please look to see how Rahab was identified in the book of James. The context of a verse is ALWAYS very important. Please read James 2:14-26 to see why the apostle James used Rahab as an example and who else was mentioned in the same paragraph. What did these two have in common? How was Rahab identified and what was the result of her actions?
5. I find the life of Rahab to be an amazing story. A Canaanite harlot believed in God, chose to follow after Him, was saved from the destruction of Jericho, AND was in the line of Christ according to Matthew 1:5! What does this say about God? Please close by reading Hebrews 11:30,31. When someone has faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ, their actions (of service) come out of their faith. How could you make your faith known to others? Is there an area in your life where you struggle with trusting God? Please close by meditating on God’s goodness and praying for a plan to grow in your faith, despite that area where you struggle. You might know God but need to step out in faith and act on what you know about Him. FAITH AND WORKS Rahab’s faith and works combine and conspire to make her one of the progenitors of those who trust God’s vision and at risk obey the daily assignments which contribute to the reign of God beyond our present seeing but not beyond the reach of our believing.22 Escape from Rahab’s House23 22
Carlisle, Ibid., p. 39. Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden. Undated. 70 23
Lesson 6
Day 2 – The Time of the Judges 1. Today’s lesson will look at the time when God appointed judges to rule in the nation of Israel. The judges provided the means that God established “by which law and order was maintained… A rather simple, direct method of combining legislative, executive, and judicial decisions.”24 Open in prayer that your study will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord, and not just be a history lesson from the Bible. Open with these observation questions to set the background for this time of Israel’s past. • To introduce the study of Deborah and Jael, please read Judges 2:8-22 and answer the following questions. When did this take place?
•
2.
How was the nation of Israel described?
What was God’s response to His people?
Why were the What was Israel’s judges response to the appointed? judges?
The worship of Baal was a serious offense against God by the Israelites. Baal was known as a fertility god, and was believed to hold power over the weather being considered “a sun god.” Baal was also known as a powerful war god. Later in Israel’s history 2 Kings 17:16,17 states what the Israelite’s were involved with when their nation fell. List the sins the people practiced to see what was associated with worshiping Baal.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
8199 Hebrew shaphat Judges 2:16
Judge, to decide, to pronounce sentence (for or against). To vindicate or punish, to govern, to litigate. Term used of those who delivered their people from the oppression of neighboring nations.
Judges 4:4
24
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1789. 71
Lesson 6 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1167 Hebrew ba’al Judges 2:11
Baal, a Phoenician deity, in the plural Baalim. The main idea of the word is “owner,” master, lord. God always judged Israel when they worshipped Baal.25 Ashtaroth, the name of a Sidonian female deity, and also a place east of the Jordan. Also called Astaroth, or Asarte. Known as the mother goddess of the ancient near east. It was an honor to serve this goddess.
Numbers 22:41
6252 Hebrew ‘ashtaroth Judges 2:13
3.
Judges 10:6
Now please proceed to Judges 3 and answer these questions.
Why did God allow the foreign nations to remain?
What were the consequences for Israel according to Judges 3:6-8?
4. As you read Judges 3, you see a pattern developing in regard to the response of the Lord God, the nation of Israel and their enemies. Look for this pattern as you answer these questions. What was Israel’s attitude? Judges 3:7
Who were the Israel’s response: enemies and/or why? Judges 3:8 Judges 3:9
God’s answer and/or judgment: Judges 3:9,10
Judges 3:12
Judges 3:12
Judges 3:15
Judges 3:15
Judges 3:28-30
Judges 3:31
25
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1716. 72
Judges 3:31
Lesson 6 5. Judges 3:15 shared that “the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, and God raised up a deliverer for them.” The people recognized they needed help, and they cried out to the only real help they had. When was the last time you cried out for help? What does it take for you to assume that attitude before the Lord? Do you allow yourself time alone with the Lord so that you can examine yourself and seek God’s perspective and wisdom for your life? Could you do that now by spending some time with the Lord? It is always wise to you join with the psalmist David who asked God to search his heart to see if there was any wicked way in him. The attitude of crying to the Lord must please Him, because He longs for us to be right with Him. What is the scheme the enemy of your soul is working even now in your life? Write out a prayer to the Lord for who He is to you and what that means to you today. Praise the Lord that Jesus our Savior won the victory over our enemy as He took our sins upon Himself that day He willingly died on the cross of Calvary.
Day 3 - Deborah 1. Now the stage has been set for the study of Deborah! The name chosen for Deborah was the word for bee. A bee is an insect known for its systematic instincts. Keep this in mind while you study, and open by praying that you would be encouraged by this look into Deborah’s life and then begin with these observation questions for Deborah from Judges 4:1-5. • What was the circumstance in Israel that led to Deborah serving the people?
•
Who was Deborah and what was her role?
•
Where was Deborah?
•
How did God use Deborah in Barak’s life according to Judges 4:6,7?
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Lesson 6 •
2.
Barak answered Deborah (and God) in Judges 4:8. How did the military and political situation shared in Judges 4:3 impact Barak’s response?
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5031 Hebrew nebiy’ah Genesis 15:20
Prophetess, an inspired woman, by implication a poetess, by association a prophet’s wife
Judges 4:4
3. Look at the brief description of Israel’s enemy at the time Deborah served from Judges 4:2,3. The king and The commander where he was from: of the army:
How was their The time they strength described? oppressed Israel:
4. Another series of facts that influenced Barak’s decision of Judges 4:8 was the way that God had used the Judges who preceded Deborah. Let’s turn back and briefly record the role of the first three powerful Israelite leaders in Judges 2 and 3, who served prior to Deborah becoming the fourth ruling judge of the land. The judge’s name: Judges 3:9
What this judge did for Israel: Judges 3:10
Judges 3:15
Judges 3:20,21
Judges 3:31
Judges 3:31
5. The book of Acts recorded that on the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached a sermon to the crowd who gathered and he quoted from prophecy found in the sacred writings of the Hebrew Scriptures. Prophecy was often two-fold, so that the people living at the time would actually see God’s spoken truth come about, and prophecy also told of events to take place in the distant future. Please read a portion of Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:15-21), to see the role of the prophet and prophetess taken from the book of Joel. How was God going to use these individuals who would be serving Him?
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Lesson 6 6. What is the personal application of this part of the lesson? Deborah was serving God as judge and prophetess and she called on Barak to serve God as He directed. Barak struggled with his orders. Can you think of a time when you knew God was asking you to do something, but instead you let circumstances and events from the past make it hard for you to do the right thing? Has God asked you to do something and you have not been obedient to His leading? Two questions to consider could be, “Why have you not been completely obedient to God’s will in your life?” and perhaps, “What gets in the way of you doing God’s will?” How can you deal with that issue in your life so that NOTHING will keep you from doing what God has asked you to do? Sometimes we overlook the sins of omission, those times when we do not do what we should. God in His faithfulness has provided a way for us to be right with Him as recorded in 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness to you.
Days 4 and 5 – Deborah and Jael 1. In the next two days, the lesson will continue to look at Deborah and also Jael. Open in prayer asking that God would open the eyes of your heart and your mind to His truth and His godly counsel. Begin with these questions based on Judges 4. • Who made up the Israelite army and who led these men?
•
What consequence did God allow to come upon Israel, according to Judges 4:2, and who were the people involved?
•
In Judges 4:4 Deborah was called a prophetess. One aspect of being a prophetess or prophet was that the words spoken would come true. Read through Judges 4 and look for the confirmation of the calling upon Deborah as a prophetess.
What Deborah prophesied: Judges 4:9
Proof that Deborah’s prophesy came true:
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Lesson 6 What Deborah prophesied: Judges 4:14
2.
Proof that Deborah’s prophesy came true:
•
Who claimed the final victory on behalf of Israel? What was recorded about this incident from Judges 4:17-22 and Judges 5:24-27?
•
Now read Deborah and Barak’s song in Judges 5 and answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions concerning this chapter. It might help you if you read this out loud while looking for truths to help you observe the text.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2000 Hebrew hamam Judges 4:15
Rout, to put in commotion, by implication to disturb, drive, confuse, destroy, trouble, vex, or rout. To give attention to in a negative sense, to harass.
This word occurs thirteen times in the Old Testament. Ten of the times it was with the Lord Himself striking panic in the enemies of Israel.26
4428 Hebrew melekh Judges 5:19
King, royal, a ruler, a prince. It also meant god, and idol-king. This word was shared by many Oriental and middle eastern cultures. Jehovah is my banner, Jehovah Nissi, a symbolic name of an altar in the desert. The word Nissi was taken from (5251) nec, a flag, a signal, banner, sign, or standard.
Melekh was a very common term for virtually any magistrate within common law, or civil society.
3071 Hebrew Jehovah Nissi Exodus 17:15
26
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1721. 76
This name for God only appears in Exodus 17:15.
Lesson 6 3. As you read of the war in Judges 4, look at exactly what happened to the enemy of the Israelites, and then meditate about what you learn concerning God from this chapter. Who was involved in the victory? Judges 4:14,15
Who was defeated or killed?
How this speaks to you concerning God:
Judges 4:16 Judges 4:21 Judges 4:23,24 4. Please complete a brief review of the Kenites mentioned in Judges looking at these references: Judges 1:16 and 1 Samuel 15:6. Where were these people from?
Who was well known from among them?
How did they interact with the nation of Israel?
A Closer Look at Barak a. What was said about Barak in Judges 4 and 5 and what do his words in Judges 4:8 reveal about him and about his feelings toward Deborah?
b. Barak’s name was listed in Hebrews 11:32-34. After reading these verses, which of the events in these verses could be attributed to him?
5. Now the lesson will turn to Judges 5. As you answer these questions keep in mind the Israelites recent victory after being severely oppressed for twenty years. The response of Deborah: Judges 5:2-5
The way God is addressed or acknowledged:
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Lesson 6 6. What do you learn about the circumstances of the Israelite’s oppression by the Canaanites in Judges 5? Circumstances and/or living conditions Judges 5:6-9
How was Deborah described?
7. When Deborah and Barak sang their song they were also calling Israel to join them. Now look at the next section of their hymn. What is the command Deborah was sharing? Judges 5:10,11
Who was involved?
Why?
8. The next portion of the song shows a contrast between the tribes of Israel and their contribution to the battle. Look briefly at what was expressed in Deborah and Barak’s hymn. Who entered into the battle as warriors and is commended? Judges 5:13-18
What is said of those who did not enter into the battle?
9. In Judges 5:20,21 Deborah shared an unusual event that contributed to Israel’s battle. This is one of those passages where you finish reading and you might want to know more than what was given. A cross reference to this reference in Judges 4 and 5 is given as Joshua 10:12-14. Read both of these passages and think about what was said. What was recorded in Judges? Judges 4:15, Judges 5:20,21
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What do we learn from Joshua? Joshua 10:12-14
Lesson 6 What do these two passages (Judges 5:20,21 and Joshua 10:12-14) say about God?
10. Part of Deborah’s role included speaking God’s truth to His people. Even if she knew the people would not be comfortable with God’s perspective, Deborah served God as His spokesperson. God asks all of His children to speak the truth in love with one another, and sometimes that involves exhorting another to walk in obedience, surrendering their own will to God’s moral and sovereign will. Perhaps God is asking you to lovingly share His truth with someone, as Deborah did with Barak. What qualities would be necessary for the person who would be giving God’s truth, and what qualities would be necessary for the one who would be receiving this exhortation?
11. Please read about the incident recorded in Exodus 17:8-16 which contains several important truths. What was Joshua’s role in this narrative? What role did Aaron and Hur play in this incident? Why did Moses name God, Jehovah Nissi? You looked at three passages this week that showed how Israel faced a real enemy and how God aided them in their battle. Sometimes you might not even recognize when you are being oppressed. What are you to do when you are sensing oppression by the enemy?
God might have allowed an individual to be a part of your life that you would consider to be an enemy. All believers have a common enemy, and that is Satan. One of his schemes is that he deceives believers, sometimes so that we do not realize that we are being deceived. The great deceiver will distort the truth in our thinking so that our faith can become shaky. Is there an area in your life where you have allowed the enemy to rob you of living with a stronger faith? Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 6 Christ said in John 10:10 that the thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy; but that He came that we might have life, and might have it abundantly. How can you take a stand against the enemy and his schemes?
In 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 a significant command came from God through the apostle Paul, to strengthen all believers. In this passage Paul used a military term, as Paul recognized the importance of believers facing Satan as a real enemy. How would this passage help you to be stronger in your faith?
Take some time to thank the Lord for this truth. These verses in 2 Corinthians would be a wonderful passage to commit to memory. Read the verses over and over again so that you really learn these powerful truths, that they will become for you “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17.
Deborah27
27
Stowe, Ibid., p. 144a, Charles Landelle, artist. 80
Lesson 7
Lesson 7 – Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah Introduction This week you will be looking at one of two books in the Bible named for a woman. Why was the book of Ruth included in Scripture? The study will peer into the lives of Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah, as well as focus on the Lord God, El Shaddai. Why was this attribute for God used in the book of Ruth, and what can you learn concerning this aspect of God’s nature? As you move through the lesson, see if there might be a verse God would want you to memorize. Scripture memorization is an important spiritual discipline that will strengthen your walk with the Lord.
Day 1 1. You will begin the week by looking at a means whereby you might draw unto God and seek communion with Him. Samuel spoke to God in 1 Samuel 3:10, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” How can the believer develop this attitude toward the Lord God? It is written in Psalm 1:1,2, “Happy are those whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law they meditate day and night.” One method of communing with God was called “Lectio Divina,” and was taught by a monk named Benedict who lived many centuries ago as he himself sought communion with God throughout his life. Many through the centuries have looked for a means to draw unto the Lord. While the six headings for the system Benedict used were written in Latin, most of the words can be transliterated into English with the addition of the letter “n” at the end of the word.28 1.
2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
28 29
Spiritual Reading – Lectio Divina Silencio – Silencing yourself before God: Posturing yourself with the text. Relinquishing your own agenda Be willing to receive from God whatever He has for you Stilling yourself in God’s presence Lectio – Reading that is reflective, with a gentle pace: Reading in a listening mode, as if God was addressing you personally Reading as if the Word is a love letter to you Meditatio – Meditation that involves an active mind, not like the Eastern model: Ruminating on the word, like a cow chewing its cud, to make its food digestible Asking questions Engaging your own being, perhaps by role playing, putting yourself into the study Oratio – Speaking forth what you have “learned, seen, or heard” from the Lord: Using prayer as an honest cry of our heart in response to God’s word Responding to God, His conviction, His promises, and His blessing Comtemplatio – Contemplation of the time you have spent in the word: Letting God have His way in you Simply resting in the Lord, as a weaned child at his mother’s breast Incarnatio – The ultimate meaning of Scripture as incarnational Whatever “light” or truth you receive, practice it immediately From this process, recognize that something needs to be done29
Marjorie J. Thompson, Soul Feast, Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press, 1995, p. 22. Diana Ullrich, Unpublished Notes. 81
Lesson 7 •
Keeping the above six points in mind, please read through the four chapters of the book of Ruth. Ask God to reveal Himself to you, that His Word might become alive in you. Pray that this account would not simply be a love story about Naomi and Ruth, and Ruth and Boaz, but that you would sense God’s presence in the words that have been recorded through the leading of the Holy Spirit. (There might be some verses in the book that you do not understand, however do not let those portions of the text that you do not understand get in the way of the blessing God has for you in the reading of His holy word.)
2. Please close today by jotting down some notes concerning what God has said to you as you read through the book of Ruth.
Spend a time before the Lord listening to Him, seeking His wisdom for your own life today. Thank the Father for the provision He made for you to be redeemed through His precious Son, Jesus Christ.
Day 2 1. Ask God to encourage your spirit as you spend time with Him today, and open by considering these observation questions. • Please consider the three (named) women in the book of Ruth, describing who they were, and what their relationship was to God. Give the Scripture references for your answers. Information given to describe the women: Naomi (whose name meant pleasant)
Ruth (whose name meant friend)
Orpah (the feminine name for the back of the neck or mane)
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The women’s relationship to God:
Lesson 7
2.
•
What was the setting of the book of Ruth? When and where did the events of the book take place?
•
The Hebrew prefix El denotes might or power, and it simply meant, God. El Shaddai is often translated as God Almighty often when God was shown as the God of judgment. Write out Naomi’s reason for calling God, the Almighty, from Ruth 1:20.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7706 Hebrew shadday Ruth 1:20
Almighty, the Powerful One, or the Mighty One. The all-sufficient One. Sometimes this word was used as an epithet of Jehovah.30 Mara, bitter, a symbolic name for Naomi; the feminine form of the word for discontented and heavy
Job 5:17
4755 Hebrew mara’ Ruth 1:20
This word was used once in the Old Testament.
3. Now please look at information concerning Ruth’s homeland. From reading the Scriptures below, answer the following questions to help you understand Ruth’s people. How was the nation founded? How did this country interact with Israel? What was God’s treatment of these people? Scripture references: Genesis 19:30-38, Numbers 25:1-11, Joshua 24:5-11, and Hosea 9:10
4. Now please look at Boaz’ heritage. Read the following Scriptures looking for information about Boaz’ parents, his family, his mother’s life and his mother’s faith. Scripture references: Matthew 1:5 and Joshua 6:22,23,25
30
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1783. 83
Lesson 7 5. The first time the word El Shaddai appeared in Scripture was when God spoke to Abram (Abraham), in Genesis 17:1, and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.” The word was used more in the book of Job than in any other Old Testament book. Read these references using the word Almighty and briefly describe what was taught about God in these verses. a. Job 34:10
b. Job 34:12
c. Psalm 91:1
6. No matter a person’s background or heritage, all can come to God Almighty and dwell in His shelter. Will you come to the Lord God Almighty, the El Shaddai, every day and place your trust in Him? Will you stop rebelling against His plan for your life, and trust in His very nature for your needs to be met in Him? You’ve seen a contrast in the lives of Naomi and Ruth in relationship to God Almighty, El Shaddai. “Perhaps Naomi could not see God’s plan and purpose because they were hidden in her grief and despair.”31 How will you have peace with this aspect of God? Where could you find help in this area of accepting God’s ways and surrendering yourself to Him?
Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 26:3, “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”
Days 3 and 4 1. In the next two days the lesson will study an emotional condition affecting many people in the world today. In addition to the Scripture references, I have gathered resources from a variety of sources to provide information on the topic of depression. Open by 31
Dawn Gould, Unpublished Notes. 84
Lesson 7 praying for God’s discernment and ask for the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon your spirit as you study. • Naomi expressed her feelings openly as did Job. Please read Job 23:8-17 to see what this passage teaches about Job’s depression, and look at Job’s response to God to see what Job declared about God in the midst of his struggle. Job’s condition:
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Job’s response to God:
•
Another person who was depressed in the Old Testament was the prophet Jonah who struggled in the difficult assignment God asked of him. Jonah 4:8 says that Jonah “became faint and begged with all his soul to die, saying ‘Death is better to me than life.’” When Jonah asked to die, God pointed out his anger. It is not uncommon to see the pattern of Naomi and Jonah’s lives in people living in our society today. When anger is not faced and dealt with, it can lead to bitterness. Unresolved bitterness can lead to depression and perhaps even thoughts of suicide, or violence against others. Often mixed into this is having an unforgiving spirit toward someone who was involved in an offense either against us or against someone we care about. An unforgiving spirit, and allowing that sin to stay within you, will always lead to bitterness. Drs. Frank Minirth and Paul Meier claim that depression is a painful, emotional condition caused by a loss, where the individual allows their anger to “turn inward.”32 While the loss directly affects you, it might be someone else’s sin that has affected you, whether because of an on-going circumstance or problem, or from a trauma that occurred at one specific point in time. When someone silently “stuffs” their emotions, instead of facing their loss and working through their grief, the person often becomes depressed. Please read Hebrews 12:12-15 to examine what you as a believer are to do concerning your attitude, listing the important points below.
•
Sometimes people fall into a pit of despair and do not even realize that they are depressed. Depression affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually, as it is a devastating illness. According to the Minirth and Meier book, Happiness is a Choice, others can sometimes help someone who is depressed and does not realize it. You
Frank B. Minirth, and Paul D. Meier, Happiness is a Choice, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1988. 85
Lesson 7 can help by recognizing that the symptoms of depression are usually divided into these five areas:33 1. Sad affect or moodiness 2. Painful thinking: introspective and often with a negative self-concept 3. Physical symptoms: affecting sleep, appetite, weight loss or gain, gastrointestinal disturbances, slow body movements, rapid heartbeat 4. Anxiety or agitation 5. Delusional thinking, or being out of touch with reality 2. Naomi’s announcement in Ruth 1:19-21 was very revealing. How does this relate to Job’s testimony in Job 3:25,5:17,18,6:4,13:15,23:10? Their losses: Naomi in Ruth 1:1-5
Their attitude toward God:
Job in Job 1:13-22
3. Dan Allender in his book The Wounded Heart says that depression is the middle ground between a pressured energy to change and a total abandonment of hope. In depression there is a feeling of powerlessness and helplessness as the pain the individual is experiencing is very real and often seems to overwhelm their feelings. Professional counselors teach that there are specific stages to grieving a loss of any kind, and while not everyone goes through the stages in the same order, these stages will affect everyone who has experienced a loss. All grief requires time for healing, and no two individuals go through the process in exactly the same way. • • • • •
A period of shock, often accompanied by thoughts of denial. The reality stage, with times of deep depression and despair. The reaction stage, accompanied by anger and/or guilt. The recovery stage, making adjustments necessary to cope with the loss. Acceptance of the loss
4. Here are some examples from the Bible of individuals who seemed to be struggling with depression. These individuals acknowledged their emotions, and stated the remedy for their depression. While completing this chart, think about ways that these examples would help you or someone you know that is struggling with depression, and then somehow 33
Minirth and Meier, Ibid., p. 27. 86
Lesson 7 highlight the suggestions that you could share with them. Do you see in these passages where these Bible characters are in the stages of the grieving process? Cause of depression: a. Psalm 42:11
Remedy for depression:
b. Psalm 56:1-13
c. 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
5. When the circumstances in someone’s life bring them down emotionally, there is some definite thinking that MUST be held onto, claiming the truth of God’s word, even when one’s feelings go counter to Scripture. Satan wants to destroy all believers, and he often deceives with speculation and lies about the circumstances of one’s life, and believers can also be deceived as to the very nature of God. • • • • •
Recognize the lie that you have accepted, and choose to live by the TRUTH. Do not live by your emotions, but rather stand on God’s TRUTH. Even when you do not feel like reading Scripture, read SCRIPTURE. Even when you do not feel like praising the Lord, PRAISE the LORD. Even when you do not feel like singing songs of worship, sing songs of WORSHIP.
A key to remaining emotionally healthy would be to ask God for His wisdom concerning the circumstances in your life, so that you might clearly see how they are affecting you. Life is often one spiritual battle after another, and Christians must stand firm against all that can discourage. Believers are not to ignore the events of life that bring grief, but rather to acknowledge them and turn them over to the Lord. Accepting God’s sovereignty is an important aspect of your faith. You must allow yourself to grieve the losses in your life, and face each hurt so that healing can take place. Will you make a commitment to seeking to know who God is, so that when you are faced with times of discouragement and despair, you can cling to God Almighty?
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Lesson 7 Truths About God Who is He? Genesis 18:25
What does He do or what will He do?
Deuteronomy 32:4
Romans 9:14-33
Psalm 139
6. Recorded below are some practical remedies that someone suggested when you have an awareness of a level of depression in your life, so that we do not fall into a deeper cycle of depression. After the brain has been depleted of certain chemicals, it needs medication to be restored. However, if the depression has been less than two months, these remedies beginning with the acronym NEWSTART will help you remember these positive suggestions. N E W S T A R T
Nutrition: Are you eating wisely? Exercise: On a regular basis, whether you feel like it or not Water: 8 glasses a day is recommended Sunshine: Get outside in the sunlight for a while every day Temperance: Practice moderation in all things Air: Practice deep breathing to increase the oxygen flow to your brain Rest: An adequate amount, not too much, not too little Trust in God for your every need
7. An important key to emotional and spiritual health is to check your attitude on a regular basis. Sometimes you can have a bad attitude and not even recognize that. David asked God to search his heart to see if there was any wicked or evil way in him. Maybe you need a friend to help you with this evaluation. I have several friends that I have asked to hold 88
Lesson 7 me accountable so that when I am unaware of a problem with my attitude, they have promised to gently tell me. This is true friendship! Please read this quotation from Chuck Swindoll. “Attitude” The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.
8. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are about as happy as they choose to be.” God described what it means to be glad in the Lord. Read these passages of Scripture and state what your responsibility is regarding your own emotional condition. a. Job 22:19-30
b. Psalm 9:1-3
c. Psalm 64:9,10
How can you show support to someone who needs encouragement?
What can you learn from the way Ruth and Naomi handled their loss and the way they handled the blessing God gave to them? The last time you suffered a loss, did you allow yourself time to grieve? Did you have a trusted friend you could talk with, to help you work your way through the loss? Were you open with the Lord concerning your emotions, or did you close yourself off from Him? Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 7 Barbara Johnson, a Christian author who has lived through many traumatic heartaches, said that until she surrendered her own will and wanted only God’s will, she struggled with the many tragedies in her life. It was when she uttered the phrase, “Whatever, Lord,” that she began to know His peace. Please write out a prayer to the Lord concerning how you deal with loss and disappointment, and then write out the Scriptures you will claim to help you.
29 Secrets to HAPPINESS Admit it when you make a mistake. Return everything you borrow. Donate blood. Stop blaming other people. Live beneath your means and within your seams. Give all the clothes you haven’t worn in three years to charity. Every day do something nice and try not to get caught. Listen more; talk less. Every day take a 30 minute walk around your neighborhood. Skip two meals a week and give the money to the homeless. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Be on time. Do not make excuses. Do not argue. Get organized. Be kind to kind people. Be even kinder to unkind people. Refuse to be robbed of joy. Let someone cut ahead of you in line. Take time to be alone. Reread a favorite book. Cultivate good manners. Be humble. Understand and accept that life isn’t always fair. Know when to say something. Know when to keep your mouth shut. Do not criticize anyone for 24 hours. Learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present. Do not sweat the small stuff. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Proverbs 17:22 Taken from a class at Biola University, La Mirada, California, 1995. 90
Lesson 7
Day 5 1. On this final day of studying the lives of Naomi and Ruth, the goal of the lesson will be to clarify some of the questions that you might have concerning some customs of Israel. Open by praying that you will be in communion with the Lord God as you read His word, and that His strength would sustain you. Now begin with these observation questions. • Naomi returned to Bethlehem, without any means of livelihood. Because of a law God had established for His people, Ruth went to glean or gather grain belonging to someone else. Read Leviticus 19:9,10 and write out the provision and why God directed His people to live in this way.
34
•
Ruth 2 recorded Boaz’ response to Ruth. How did Boaz’ actions go beyond the letter of the law?
•
In Lesson 4 you studied Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah. Remember Tamar was a widow but Judah and his family did not fulfill the levirate law on behalf of Tamar. The law made provision for a woman to conceive through her husband’s brother if she had become a widow before giving birth to a child. This law became known as the levirate law, from the Latin word levir that means “husband’s brother.” In the story of Ruth the closest relative would not take this role, but Boaz did as the next closest kin. The role of the kinsman carried the responsibility of redeemer. In the book of Ruth, the words kinsman and redeem are in fact the same Hebrew word, and that word was used 20 times throughout the book. Please look at the word study in Question 2 for the definition of this word and read Isaiah 43:1-4 to see how God described His role as Israel’s Redeemer.
•
The law made provision for the redemption of land by a kinsman as well as a levirate marriage. However, these could involve two different individuals.34 How did Boaz fulfill the law regarding his relative Elimelech?
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1717. 91
Lesson 7 2.
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1350 Hebrew ga’al Ruth 2:1 Ruth 4:4
Kinsman, Ruth 2:1, or redeem, Ruth 4:4, (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e. to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative’s property, marry his widow, etc.) avenger, purchase, to ransom, release, or deliver
Job 19:25 (in the sense of delivering one from affliction that was not due to one’s sin)
3. Several customs were practiced in the time of the Judges that concerned the removable of one’s shoe or shoes. One cultural practice involved the removable of one’s shoe as a sign of a transaction being concluded when one was making a commitment toward assuming the role of redeemer on behalf of another.35 Another custom regarding shoes concerned people in mourning who would remove their shoes so that others would know they were grieving a loss. Another custom concerning shoes was that when someone uncovered another’s feet as they were sleeping, the person was proposing marriage. A woman’s father or brother generally made the arrangements for the marriages of family members. Who prompted Ruth to go to Boaz? 4. The levirate law was in effect in the time of the patriarchs in Genesis, and then God clearly spoke of this to the Israelites as they were about to enter the promised land. Please read the legal basis for the redemption that was recorded in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. You might answer the “5 Ws and an H question” concerning this passage. (Look for Boaz’ attitude toward this law as you read this passage.)
5. Redemption was a key doctrine in the New Testament. Please read these Scriptures listed below to see how God ordained redemption for those who believe in Him. What you have in Christ: Colossians 1:13,14 Hebrews 9:12,15
Romans 3:23-26
35
Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Ibid., p. 759. 92
How is this possible?
Lesson 7 6. God saw the brokenness of Naomi, and He had an incredible blessing for her as she returned to her homeland of Bethlehem. Ruth was also blessed by God, as you see when you read the genealogy that came through Ruth, recorded in Matthew 1:5. Please close today by reading Ephesians 1:5-7 to see how you have been redeemed. Ruth, the Moabite was redeemed by _________ who was from the town of ____________. According to the book of Ruth, how did Ruth’s kinsman redeem her? You have been redeemed by _____________________who was born in the town of ___________________! According to the New Testament Scripture you just read, how did your Redeemer pay the price of your redemption?
Job wrote, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” in Job 19:25. Job referred to God as His Redeemer. Years later God sent His Son Jesus to be our Redeemer. Please end by reading Hebrews 7:25, to see the role your Redeemer has today. Thank the Lord for the provision He has made for you. You might sing this hymn as an act of worship before your Redeemer. “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love to me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free. (Chorus) Sing, O sing of my Redeemer, with His blood He purchased me; on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free. By Philip P. Bliss and James McGranahan
Ruth36
36
Stowe, Ibid., p. 80a, Louis Devedeux, artist. 93
Lesson 8
Lesson 8 – Hannah, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba Introduction This week you will be studying the several women from 1 and 2 Samuel. The lesson will begin with Hannah, and then focus on three of King David’s wives, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba. As you move through the lesson, keep looking at how God revealed Himself to these women and ask God what He would want you to learn from their lives. Remember to pick a Scripture to memorize during the week, that you might continue to grow stronger in your faith as you study.
Day 1 - Hannah 1. Open by praying for God’s blessing as you spend time with Him in His word. Ask that you would be open to what He would have you learn today, and quiet your heart before you begin with these observation questions. • To learn about Hannah, please read 1 Samuel 1 and 2:1-22. As you read ask yourself some of the “5 Ws and an H” questions, to investigate as a reporter would! Who were the main characters in this portion of Scripture and what relationship did these individuals have with Hannah?
Where did these events take place? What was the moral condition during this time? •
Hannah’s relationship with the Lord was recorded in 1 Samuel 1 and 2, and you will learn more of Hannah’s faith from her prayer, in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Note the comparisons she made, and do not miss the significance of the last two phrases in Hannah’s prayer.
Hannah’s faith:
What was declared about God’s nature? How did Hannah describe God? What did Hannah say God would do?
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Lesson 8 2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7592 Hebrew sha’al 1 Samuel 1:28 4899 Hebrew mashiyach This term underlies the Hebrew word Messiah.
Dedicated, to request, or a request for something, to lend, let
1 Samuel 2:20
Anointed, a consecrated person. A Hebrew adjective that was often used as a noun. Patriarchs, priests, and kings were anointed.
Psalm 2 Psalm 45:6,7
3. How would you explain Hannah’s emotional condition from what was written in 1 Samuel 1 and 2?
4. Hannah made a vow to the LORD of hosts, which included the promise that she would give the son of her petition to the LORD all the days of his life. Please look at other Scriptures to see this vow and what this meant. Elements involved in taking this vow: Numbers 6:1-6,21
Who else took this vow?
Judges 13:5-7
5. During this time in the Old Testament, when someone who made a vow to the Lord, they kept their pledge. There are many verses in the Psalms that talk about making vows and honoring God with one’s word. Look at the two verses below to see the commitment of the Psalmist, and determine what your responsibility is to be. a. Psalm 50:14
b. Psalm 76:11
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Lesson 8 6. How does the church today use the word dedicate when it has a baby dedication service? If you are a parent, did you have a “baby dedication service” for your child or children? What did that mean to you, and what was the commitment made and to whom?
Is there a reason you never participated in a “formal” dedication service for your children? A friend of mine said we should not hesitate to give to God, what He has given. How does that idea fit here? Hannah made an incredible commitment to the Lord. Hannah was faithful to keep her commitment. Do you sometimes make commitments that you have a hard time keeping? How can you honor the commitments that you have made and stay true to your promises? A number of years ago the “Promise Keeper” ministry was established calling men to live a life of integrity and accountability.37 They have asked men to make seven promises based on fundamental biblical principles. As you read these, ask yourself what would keep you from fulfilling these promises? In the space underneath each promise, you might jot down what you would need to do to keep this promise in your life. 1. I will honor Jesus Christ through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. 2. I will pursue vital relationships with a few other men (women), understanding that I need brothers (sisters) to help me keep my promises. 3. I will practice spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity. 4. I will build a strong marriage and family through love, protection, and biblical values. 5. I will support the mission of my church by honoring and praying for my pastor and by actively giving my time and resources. 6. I will reach beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity. 7. I will help influence my world, being obedient to the Great Commandment (Mark 12:3031) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Please close in prayer by asking God to help you to be faithful to Him.
37
Gregg Lewis, The Power of a Promise Kept, Colorado Springs, Focus on the Family Publishers, p. 2. 97
Lesson 8
Day 2 - Michal 1. Today’s lesson will move further into the book of 1 Samuel, examining the life of Michal. Open by praying for a renewed hunger and thirst for God and His righteousness that you might continue to grow in your faith. The lesson will look at every reference where Michal’s name was mentioned in the Bible. Now please open with these observation questions based on the Scriptures given. Information about Michal and/or her family: 1 Samuel 14:49-51
The circumstances regarding her marriage(s):
1 Samuel 18:19-30
1 Samuel 19:10-18 1 Samuel 25:42-44 2 Samuel 3:12-16 2 Samuel 6:14-23 1 Chronicles 15:29
2.
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
8655 Hebrew teraphiym 1 Samuel 19:13
Household idols, a family idol (idolatry), images, and idols. An object that was worshiped, drawing one’s allegiance away from God.
1 Samuel 19:16
3. What were the circumstances that led to Michal’s marriage to David according to 1 Samuel 17:25?
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Lesson 8 4. How was Michal’s husband, David, known in the land of Israel prior to their marriage? a. 1 Samuel 16:12,13 b. 1 Samuel 17:49,50 c. 1 Samuel 18:5-8
A Closer Look at Michal’s Brother, Jonathan How would you describe Michal’s brother’s relationship with David according to the following Scriptures? a. 1 Samuel 18:1,3,4 b. 1 Samuel 19:1-7 c. 1 Samuel 20:16,17,42
A Closer Look at Michal’s Father, King Saul An incident in King Saul’s life was revealed in a passage in 1 Samuel 15:22-26. What does this say about Michal’s father’s character?
5. When you consider what you have learned about Michal, what was the predicament she was in regarding her marriage to David? How did Michal deal with her dilemma?
6. In 1 Samuel 19:13 Michal was holding onto the household idol, and in 2 Samuel 6:16 she was critical of her husband’s behavior as he rejoiced with the Ark of the Covenant being brought into Jerusalem. In Psalm 33:3, David wrote that we are to “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Psalm 149:3 declares that we are to “Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.” Continued on the next page. 99
Lesson 8 Is there something in your life that you hold as an idol? Is this something that keeps you from worshiping the Lord God with freedom and sincerity? David wrote a prayer to God asking that God search his heart to see if there was any wicked way in him, that he might allow God to lead him in the way everlasting. When you quiet yourself before God, do you ask Him this same question that David did? Will you close in prayer asking God for His wisdom and truth to illuminate you? Thank the Lord that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, and righteousness and the coming judgment. You might close by singing a song to the Lord, praising Him for who He is, worshiping His name, and asking for the strength to keep on doing what honors Him.
Day 3 - Abigail 1. Another woman was introduced in 1 Samuel 25 in yet another thought provoking passage of Scripture. Open by praying that you would be able to carefully observe today’s passage, and then begin with these observation questions. • King Saul’s jealousy and rage against David turned David into a fugitive for nearly fifteen years. During this time, David met Abigail. Read 1 Samuel 25 and as you read, observe what was said about Abigail, her character, and her response to her husband. Abigail’s description:
2.
Abigail’s response to the report of her husband’s actions:
•
What was said about Abigail’s husband, Nabal?
•
What was David’s response to Abigail?
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1101 Hebrew beliya’al 1 Samuel 25:25
Worthless, without profit, destruction, wickedness, Belial, evil, ungodly. This was a Semitic expression “in default of an appropriate adjective, for ungodly men”38
Psalm 18:4
38
Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Ibid., p. 88. 100
Lesson 8 3. Many have tried to understand the marriage relationship between Abigail and Nabal. Some have said that the word beliya’al, used by Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:25 always meant that the person did not believe in God, hence they were considered to be ungodly. Others have said it must be translated in the literal sense, as worthless. Many have praised Abigail for showing initiative in her situation, but there is another perspective that might be considered. Has God ever allowed you to be in a relationship with someone who was as frustrating to you as Nabal was to Abigail? In the culture of the ancient near east, God placed Nabal in authority over Abigail. How did Abigail respond to her husband’s decision of not extending hospitality toward David and his men? 4. What biblical principle are you to follow if you believe that someone has acted unjustly or sinned? 5. The next theme you will look at is marriage. As the people of Israel traveled and entered into battle with foreign nations, they often took on the customs of the foreign land they entered. One area where you see this is with marital polygamy. God’s desire for marriage was not always honored. Marriage was to be spiritual as well as physical, symbolizing the union and communion between God and His people. In marriage the couple were to make a covenant together with God, publicly witnessing their commitment to each other as well as together with Him. Look at the following Scriptures, to examine God’s will in regard to marriage. Scripture references: Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:24, and Deuteronomy 17:17
6. Now review these three passages of Scripture to see some of the consequences that came because of man’s choice regarding marriage. Genesis 16:1-5
Genesis 30:1-24
1 Samuel 1:1-17
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Lesson 8 7. How would you explain God’s attitude toward marriage (and polygamy) from the Scriptures you have just read?
8. Christians are told that as much as it is possible, to be at peace with all men in Romans 12:18. Did you catch the expression that Nabal’s servant said in 1 Samuel 25:17? He said, “he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him.” I know some individuals who are very frustrated because they have that kind of relationship with someone. Is there someone you need to go to in order to begin a reconciliation process? This is often very difficult, but it honors God to live at peace with others. Maybe you need to adopt a new attitude toward someone that God has put in your life. I share with you this prayer about living with difficult people, from the book 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers. You might make this prayer your own. “And I praise You that I need not fret about these people, or be envious, or mull over angry thoughts to prove I am right. Thank You that by Your power I can receive them as You receive me: just as I am, warts and wrinkles and hang ups and all…that I can choose not to judge them, but to forgive them…to cancel any debts I feel they owe me-any apologies, any obligations…that through Your grace, I can choose to wipe clean any slate of grievances I have within me and to view these people with a heart that says, “You no longer owe me a thing.” Thank You for Your Spirit who empowers me, so that I can do them good, delight in You, and commit my way to You, resting in You as You unfold Your good purposes in these relationships-in Your time.”39 Is there someone you can extend God’s love and hospitality to this week? Ask God to help you with what you have learned from Abigail.
Days 4 and 5 - Bathsheba 1. In the next two days you will be looking at the relationship between David and his eighth wife, Bathsheba. You might pray that you will be open to God’s wisdom and His will as you study Bathsheba and David. At this point in David’s life he was serving as the King of Israel. Please read 2 Samuel 11 and consider the following observation questions. 39
Ruth Myers, 31 Days of Praise, Sisters, OR, Multnomah Books, 1994, p. 89. 102
Lesson 8 •
Where did the events in 2 Samuel 11 take place?
What did David see and do?
How did David cover-up his sin with Bathsheba?
•
When a man served in Israel’s army, he took a vow of sexual abstinence during the time of a military campaign. 2 Samuel 11 provided a record of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah and in this chapter you can see his character. If you only had this chapter for proof, what would you say about the character of Bathsheba’s first husband and her second husband? David’s character: Uriah’s character:
•
Please read 2 Samuel 12:1-15 to see how God used a parable spoken by His prophet Nathan to bring conviction to David. What did David’s response to the parable say about Bathsheba’s second husband?
•
2 Samuel 11:26 said that Bathsheba mourned her husband’s death. Look at the following references to see what was recorded about the length of time someone mourned a loved one in the culture of the ancient near east. Deuteronomy 34:8 Genesis 50:2,3,10
•
Do these answers surprise you? People who have studied the grieving process say that it takes three years to grieve the loss of a loved one with whom you were close. Some would not agree with this perspective, as some might say it takes longer, and others would say they grieved for less than three years. Part of the reason one does not pass through the grieving process quickly is because it brings up many emotions that need to be faced, and then WORKED through. Anytime you must work through a loss, you will have to put forth an effort. 103
Lesson 8 •
Please read 2 Samuel 12:16-24 to see how David and Bathsheba mourned and were comforted concerning the child that was born to them.
2. No one can rewrite history, but as someone looking at the story of David and Bathsheba through the pages of the Bible, do you see how the sin of David could have been stopped at several points along the way? Look at some specific Bible verses that relate to each of the areas where David and Bathsheba sinned against God, looking for principles you can apply to your own life. Maybe you can help someone else understand that God has provided a way for you to not give in to temptation. Record these truths and share them with someone being sensitive to God’s leading. Maybe the Lord would want you to memorize one of these verses this week. What should you do, or what should you not do? Psalm 31:18
Matthew 5:28
Matthew 6:9-13
1 Corinthians 6:18
James 4:7
1 Peter 2:9
3. Sometimes the consequences of one’s sin are short lived, and sometimes they have consequences that last for all eternity. Often other people are affected by the consequences of someone else’s sin. Read Deuteronomy 17:17 to see God’s warning to His people and 104
Lesson 8 then consider the genealogy of David from 2 Samuel 3:1-5, 2 Samuel 5:14-16, and 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 to examine the list of David’s wives and his sons. While living in: Gibeah Hebron
Jerusalem
Wife’s names: Michal Ahinoam of Jezreel Abigail of Carmel Maalah of Geshur Haggith Abital Eglah Bathsheba Unnamed wives Unnamed concubines
Son’s names: No children Amnon Chileab (Daniel) Absalom Adonijah Shephatiah Ithream Solomon, Shimea (Shammua), Shobab, Nathan Ibhar, Elishama (Elishua), Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada Unnamed sons
4. The next place in Scripture Bathsheba was mentioned was at the end of David’s life. Please read 1 Kings 1 to see the role Bathsheba held later in her life.
5. Now please read 1 Kings 2:10-27 to see Bathsheba’s position in her household. Keep in mind that because of Abishag’s role, whoever Abishag married would become the king.
6. In earlier lessons you read the genealogy of Christ Jesus in Matthew 1. As a review, please write down a brief note concerning who was named in Matthew 1:6.
The gospel of Matthew was written to Hebrew people, that they might come to know Jesus as their Christ. What significant truths are revealed about God because of the four women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ before Mary?
7. Most people are able to recount Bathsheba’s behavior in her initial relationship with King David. Some say that Bathsheba was a temptress, and others say that she was taken by David against her will, and she was powerless because of his position as king. How would you summarize Bathsheba’s character from the Scripture references you have studied in the last two days?
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Lesson 8 8. You’ve looked at some Scripture that has exposed some issues of life that would have a profound affect on anyone who lived through what these biblical characters did. So that the lesson does not end on such a negative note, please reflect on the Psalm that David wrote after Nathan confronted him with his sin. When you read David’s prayer of Psalm 51 you see a glimpse of King David’s heart. Choose five truths about God that this Psalm has expressed and spend some time praising the Lord that He can be to you what He was to David and Bathsheba so many years ago. God is…
The young man With the harp And shepherd songs Sang to her father And enamored Michal.
NOT QUITE But she was impotent In her infatuation Until her sister Merab’s marriage Meant she could be the prize To further Saul’s ambitions
Hanna and Samuel41
40
Carlisle, Ibid., p. 69. Stowe, Ibid., p. 154a, Charles Brochart, artist. 42 Stowe, Ibid., p. 384a, Charles Brochart, artist. 106 41
If only this love story might have ended there We could assume they lived Most happily ever after. Life isn’t quite like that!40
Abigail42
Lesson 9
Lesson 9 – Rizpah Introduction As you approach this lesson, you will look at a woman who had difficult circumstances in her life that came not because of her own doing, but because of her husband. When I read of Rizpah, I was troubled and grieved over her life story. Join in this study, asking God to encourage your spirit as you read, because God has a message to deliver from the life of Rizpah. As you study this week continue to ask God to help you live out His word day by day. Look to see if there is a verse that God would have you memorize this week.
Days 1 and 2 – 2 Samuel 3:6-11 and 2 Samuel 21:1-14 1. The first two days of this study will look into the passages of Scripture where the woman Rizpah was mentioned. Open in prayer asking for God’s perspective as you read 2 Samuel 3:6-11 and 2 Samuel 21:1-14 and then begin with these observation questions. • Rizpah was only mentioned two places in the Old Testament. How was Rizpah described in 2 Samuel 3:6-11? •
In the ancient near east when a man had a sexual relationship with the wife or concubine of the king, that individual was attempting to take over the throne. According to 2 Samuel 3, what was awkward about Rizpah’s situation?
•
Now please describe the situation that moved David to seek God’s presence in 2 Samuel 21.
•
According to 2 Samuel 21:1, why did God allow this hardship to take place?
•
Who was killed and who was spared in this story and why was this so? Those killed: The reason: Those spared:
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2.
•
How did David honor Saul and his family at the end of the 2 Samuel 21 passage?
•
Israel was involved with the harvesting of barley in early spring which was then followed by the harvesting of wheat in the summer months. 2 Samuel 21:9 mentioned the time of Rizpah’s tragic story as “the first days of the harvest at the beginning of the barley harvest.” In Leviticus 23, God instructed His people concerning specific feasts and holy days they were to observe. Each of the feasts that God ordained related to the coming of Christ and His life on earth. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the day after the Sabbath that followed the Jewish Passover. This day was called the Feast of First Fruits and was described in Leviticus 23:10-14. Please read these verses and briefly describe what was involved on this day for Israel at the time of Rizpah’s story.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7532 Hebrew ritspah 2 Samuel 3:7 7621 Hebrew shebuw’ah 2 Samuel 21:7
Rizpah, a hot stone, also a tessellated (tiled, as with mosaics) pavement, live coal, pavement Oath, something sworn, a curse sworn. A covenant confirmed by an oath, a solemn verbal statement or pledge which is affirmed, while a covenant is the substance of the agreement itself. Oaths were made by the Lord to show one’s absolute certainty that the promise would be kept.43 Entreaty, to burn incense in worship, intercede, (listen to prayer), make prayer
2 Samuel 21:8,10,11
6279 Hebrew ‘athar 2 Samuel 21:14
Joshua 9:20
2 Samuel 24:25
3. Exodus 21:23-25 records the ordinance given by God concerning “retaliation” for wrongs that had been suffered. Briefly record this law here.
43
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1736. 108
Lesson 9 4. The law of Exodus 21:23-25, given the Latin name lex talionis, was only to be practiced within the nation of Israel as a means of exercising justice by the judges God appointed. Individuals were not to take this action; it was only to be a judicial sanction. Read 2 Samuel 21:3-6 to see David’s role in the request made by the Gibeonite people.
5. The culture of the ancient near east provided for a woman who was barren to give her maiden to her husband and the child conceived would become her husband’s descendant. This maid was considered a concubine. You have already studied how Hagar, Abraham’s concubine was treated, however you remember how God extended his covenant love to Hagar and her son Ishmael. Look at these Scriptures to see how other concubines were treated and think about what was implied in these passages? a. Deuteronomy 21:10-14 b. 2 Samuel 16:20-22 (look back at the prophesy in 2 Samuel 12:11,12) c. 2 Samuel 20:3 6. You have looked at Deuteronomy 17:17 before, but please read this again to see God’s warning about concubines to His people. What was the context of this verse and what does this say about God’s concern for His people?
7.
How would you describe Rizpah’s character based on 2 Samuel 21?
Many Old Testament scholars believe that David wrote Psalm 65 as a response to the end of the famine (mentioned in 2 Samuel 21). What picture did David draw of God in this Psalm?
Can you praise God even in your times of famine or physical need? How does Psalm 65 show David’s response to God? Continued on the next page. 109
Lesson 9 Please write out Psalm 65:3 as your own declaration about God’s covenant love, and close by singing this song of worship before the Lord.
“Jesus Paid It All” I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small! Child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.” Chorus: Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain – He washed it white as snow. By Elvina M. Hall and John T. Grape
Days 3 and 4 – Israel’s Covenant with the Gibeonites, Joshua 9 1. Obedience is what God always desires from His children. The story of Rizpah calls the student of Scripture to look back at the instructions God gave to His people as they were about to enter the promised land, as well as an incident where Israel’s disobedience brought them many complicating circumstances. Open in prayer and begin with these observation questions. • Read Exodus 34:10-13 and record the important instructions that God gave to His people. What was God’s warning to Israel?
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•
Please read Joshua 9 to examine the relationship Israel had with the Gibeonite people. You might observe this passage by answering the “5 Ws and an H” questions concerning this event recorded in Joshua 9:1-27. These questions could include the following: Who was involved? Where did this take place? What took place? When did this happen? Why did this take place? What role did the Gibeonites have in Israel after the incident of Joshua 9?
•
What verse summarizes the reason Israel entered into the covenant of Joshua 9?
Lesson 9 •
2.
In the ancient near east, covenants were made between individuals as well as between national leaders. The Almighty God established a very significant covenant with His people. The first mention of covenant in the Hebrew Scriptures was when God made a covenant with Noah after the flood. Years later God “cut a covenant” with Abram. The characteristics of covenant in the Hebrew Scriptures were seen in Genesis 15 and Genesis 17. Start by reading the word study below to see the definitions of the Hebrew word used for covenant. Please write these out here.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1285 Hebrew beriyth 2 Samuel 21:2
Covenant, a compact (made by cutting apart an animal and passing between pieces of flesh), a confederacy, league, a promise Covenant love, lovingkindness, mercy, compassion. In the midst of our sin God looks at His children with compassion.
Genesis 15:9-18
2617 Hebrew heced Psalm 136
Psalm 145:8
3. Now please look back at Joshua 1:1-9 to see what commands God gave to Joshua concerning the land they were about to enter. What attitude did God expect Israel to have? What did God promise to His people?
4. Please read God’s words to Abram in Genesis 15:18-21 to summarize what God promised and to whom this promise was made.
5. The next passage in the Bible using the word covenant was in Genesis 17. What did God promise Abram in this passage?
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Lesson 9 6. In the ancient near east, to cut a covenant always involved the cutting of flesh. What was to be the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham? 7. One example of a covenant involved King Saul’s son Jonathan and his friend David. Jonathan would have been the next king to reign in Israel, so it was very significant that he gave David the symbol of his authority. Please read 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:14-17 to see what was involved in the covenant made between these two men. Note also the Hebrew word heced in 1 Samuel 20:14 and its use. This is translated as lovingkindness, mercy, and covenant love. 8. What was said about the new covenant God was going to make with His people according to His prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel? a. Jeremiah 31:31-34 b. Ezekiel 36:26,27 9. The concept of covenant was important for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. Briefly summarize what was said about Jesus Christ in Hebrews 13:20.
Remember the mistake that Israel made that was recorded in Joshua 9:14? God was testing the Israelites. What does God desire from His followers any time they are in difficult circumstances? Have you been involved in a commitment that does not honor God? This might have been with an individual or to a cause. Remember that in the midst of the ten commandments, God said He is a jealous God. If you have made a commitment that does not honor God, what do you need to do about that promise? What difference has God’s covenant made in your life?
Day 5 – Atonement and Grief 1. Today you will look at the theme of atonement, which was very important to the nation of Israel. You will also look at the human emotion of grief as it was demonstrated in the Bible, and the timing to the story of Rizpah. Open by praying for God’s richest blessing as you spend time with Him in His word today, and begin with these observation questions. 112
Lesson 9 •
Look at the definition of the Hebrew word for atonement in the word study of Question 2. Write out the second question David asked the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel 21:3 by placing several of the other English words that could be used for atonement in the sentence. This “paraphrasing” would make it easier for someone unfamiliar with the word atonement to understand.
•
What brought about atonement according to 2 Samuel 21:1-14?
•
2 Samuel 21 explains Rizpah’s mourning the death of her sons. Please record the sign or signs of mourning given in the following references and note the people involved, and the length of time for the mourning.
The people involved:
The sign of mourning and the length of time for mourning:
Deuteronomy 34:8 2 Samuel 1:6-12 2 Samuel 3:31-36
2.
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3722 Hebrew kaphar 2 Samuel 21:3
Atonement, to cover, (specially with bitumen, an asphalt) to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel; appease, make atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful. Figuratively, a ransom, a redemption price, satisfaction…to expiate, removing the barrier that sin creates. Reconciliation in the Old Testament, was associated with sacrificial offerings44
This word comes from the Hebrew verb kippur. Yon Kippur, the Day of Atonement is still the most holy day for the Jewish people. Isaiah 6:7 (forgiven)
44
Leviticus 4:13-21 (make atonement 4:20)
Holman Bible Dictionary, Nashville, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991, p.128. 113
Lesson 9 3.
Please look at these other Scriptures to see more examples of mourning in the ancient near east. a. Job 2:11-13
b. Jeremiah 9:17-22
c. 2 Samuel 14:2
d. Matthew 9:18,19,23-26
4. Now you will return to the theme of atonement. Please read 2 Chronicles 29:24 and Daniel 9:24 and write a summary statement that would define the doctrine of atonement.
5. What was the contrast between Israel’s understanding of atonement at the time of King David and after the offering of Jesus Christ? a. 1 John 2:2
b. 1 Peter 1:18-19
c. Hebrews 9:14,25-28
d. Romans 5:10,11
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Lesson 9 6. At the first of this lesson on Rizpah, you looked at the timing of this account, which took place at the time of Israel’s Feast of First Fruits. According to 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, how did God reveal the relationship of the Feast of First Fruits to the life of Christ?
Throughout Scripture you see people who were asked by God to live with the consequences of their sin. Sometimes the consequences of one’s sin have a serious effect on other people’s lives. As one living in the church age there is forgiveness and cleansing from sins through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. When you are willing to confess your sin and agree with God that your behavior has been sinful, what is the promise God makes to you? Please take the time to write out 1 John 1:9 for the reassurance of God’s grace and mercy for all of His children.
Rizpah lived with the consequences of other people’s sin. Whose sins impacted Rizpah’s life? How did Rizpah respond to her painful circumstances? What difference does the story of Rizpah make in your own life?
How are you to respond to hardships?
You might close by singing this song as an act of worship before the Lord, thanking Him for His free gift of salvation. “Redeemed” Redeemed – how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Redeemed thru His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. Chorus: Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; redeemed, redeemed, His child, and forever I am. By Fanny Crosby and William J. Kirkpatrick
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Lesson 10
Lesson 10 – Old Testament Review, Elizabeth, Mary, Anna, the Samaritan Woman and the Adulterous Woman Introduction This week’s lesson will begin with a review of the women you studied in lessons 5 through 8, and then move into the opening of the New Testament gospels to see the role of three important women as well as two women who had important conversations with Jesus. You will be asked to look at your own personal relationship with Christ as you study the relationships each of these women had with Jesus Christ. God faithfully extends His grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness to us, His children. How do these three gifts contribute to your understanding of who God is? You will see Christ’s love expressed through His grace, mercy, and forgiveness toward several women, and also look for ways that it is expressed toward you personally. At the end of the lesson a personal challenge will be given regarding your own personal relationship to the Lord, as you examine a definition of spiritual formation: “the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.”45 Think about that definition as you go through this week.
Day 1 – Review of the Women in Lessons 5-8 1. Today you are being asked to go back over the women you studied in Lessons 5 through 8 and review what Scripture has taught about the women you studied from the books of Exodus through 2 Samuel. Open in prayer that your time today would be valuable, and that today’s review would help you with your goal of learning about as well as learning from women in the word of God. a. What is an important lesson you learned from this woman?
b. What quality in this woman do you want to emulate or stay away from in your own life?
c. Application Question: How will you make this truth or this challenge real in your own life?
Jochebed Pharaoh’s Daughter Zipporah Miriam Rahab Deborah
45
M. Robert Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey, Downer’s Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press, 1993, p. 15. 117
Lesson 10 a. What is an important lesson you learned from this woman?
b. What quality in this woman do you want to emulate or stay away from in your own life?
c. Application Question: How will you make this truth or this challenge real in your own life?
Jael Naomi Ruth Hannah Michal Abigail Bathsheba Rizpah
2. I have prayed that this review would help you remember God’s truth. Please close by meditating on the application God would have you make from what you have studied. You might write out a prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for His word and for His promise that He will help you become conformed to the image of Christ, for His glory and for His church.
Days 2 and 3 – Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna 1. With today’s lesson you will be moving into the New Testament, looking at women who lived at the time of Jesus Christ. In earlier lessons you looked at how some women related to God. Now another dimension will be added, as you will also look at how some women related to Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Open in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to guide you into God’s truth and to encourage you in your time in the word. Please proceed to these observation questions. 118
Lesson 10
2.
•
The gospel according to Matthew was written by a Jewish man to reveal to the Jewish people God’s only Son, Jesus. Begin today by reading Matthew 1:18-25. What was said about Mary in this passage, and what was said about Jesus? Truths about Mary: Truths about Jesus:
•
Why did the angel tell Joseph that Mary’s son would be named Jesus?
•
Now please read what the physician Luke wrote in Luke 1:26-45 about Mary, Jesus, and Elizabeth. Truths about Mary: Truths about Jesus: Truths about Elizabeth:
•
Please read what was said about Anna in Luke 2:36-38. Who was she, and what role did she have in God’s kingdom? What was the evidence of her relationship with God?
•
When Jesus was on the cross, taking upon Himself the sin of the world, He spoke to His mother and His disciple John. Read the passage that described this encounter in John 19:25-27 and briefly summarize what Jesus said to His mother, and what He asked of John. Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4982 sozo sosei Matthew 1:21 4991 soteria soteria Luke 1:69 3444 Hebrew yeshuwah Psalm 68:19 3467 Hebrew yasha Isaiah 49:6
Save, to save, deliver, or protect, heal, preserve, do well, make whole
Acts 2:47
Salvation, rescue or safety, deliver, health, save, saving
Acts 4:12
Salvation, something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, help prosperity, health, welfare Saved, to be open, wide or free, to be safe…bring (having) salvation, get victory
Psalm 3:8 Isaiah 45:17
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Lesson 10 3. The sacred writings of the Hebrew Scriptures taught the Jewish people that God would deliver them from oppression and bring about their salvation. At the time Jesus was born, the Hebrew people were expecting that the Messiah would come and deliver them from the oppression of the Romans. Earlier, the people living during the time between the Old Testament record and Christ’s birth were praying that the Messiah would come and deliver them from the oppression of the Greek people. When an angel came to earth and spoke to people, it was a very significant event! Take a closer look at the events in Elizabeth and Mary’s lives, and what a mighty work God did in and through these two women. Please read these other Scriptures and record information about Mary and Elizabeth, the men they married, and their sons. You might answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions concerning these individuals. Zacharias: John: (Luke 1:5-25 and 1:57-80) Elizabeth:
Mary:
Joseph:
Jesus: Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-24
A Closer Look at John the Baptist a. Look at what was said about John the Baptist’s ministry, which began at about the age of thirty, when Jewish men were respected as an adult and given adult responsibilities and privileges. (When Jewish children turned thirteen, they were considered to be young adults.) Scripture References: Luke 3:1-22, Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11
b. John the Baptist’s death was very unique. Please look at how Herod treated John and what was recorded about his death in Matthew 14:1-12
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Lesson 10 A Closer Look at Simeon a. You already looked at Anna who was at the temple in Jerusalem, now please look at what was recorded about Simeon in Luke 2:25-35. For example, you could record who Simeon was, where this incident took place, and why his testimony was important.
b. How did Simeon describe Jesus?
4. As you read Mary’s Psalm of Praise consider what this song tells you about Mary’s character and her faith. Mary quoted from the following Scriptures: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah’s song), Psalm 34:2, Psalm 35:9, Habakkuk 3:18, Psalm 138:6, Psalm 103:17, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 118:15, Job 5:11, Psalm 107:9, Genesis 17:19, Psalm 132:11, and Genesis 17:7. Having read Mary’s Psalm in Luke 1:46-55, what do you see in this passage about Mary’s faith and her understanding of salvation? (Remember that the Hebrew Scriptures were recorded on scrolls and read to the people who gathered together to worship.)
5. The Old Testament, which was originally written in Hebrew, was translated into the Greek language sometime between the years 285 B.C. and 150 B.C. This Greek translation was named the Septuagint, sometimes designated as LXX, for the seventy Hebrew scholars who met to translate the Scriptures. Hebrew people in the first century often quoted from the Septuagint when they referred to Old Testament passages. To better understand what is meant by salvation, look at some Old Testament references that would have been known at the time of Jesus’ birth, to gain a clearer understanding of how this same word salvation was used in other Scriptures. Record the truth about salvation and its source below. Truths about salvation: The source of salvation: a. Psalm 3:2-8 (in the NASB, the word was translated as deliverance in 3:2)
b. Psalm 37:39,40 (the word saves in verse 40)
c. Psalm 68:19
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Lesson 10 6. Hebrew is a foreign language to most of the world, and yet the Hebrew word used for salvation (yeshuwah) might sound familiar to you. Pronounce the word slowly and listen to see if this word sounds familiar. This Hebrew word for salvation is the word that the Hebrew name for Jesus was taken from! Part of understanding the concept of salvation in the Old Testament is to see what the Hebrew people believed in the first century concerning their salvation. Please read about Mary’s visit from the angel in Luke 1:26-38, and then note the specific promises that the angel made in Luke 1:31-33. The promises made by the angel:
7. Please look at some New Testament passages written after Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected, to see what these teach about salvation. a. Act 4:8-12
b. 2 Timothy 3:14,15
c. Titus 2:11-14
8. Luke 1:46-55 is called Mary’s Psalm of Praise, or The Magnificat, which was the first word of the song when it was translated into Latin in the 5th century. What does Mary declare about God in these verses?
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Lesson 10 When you see truth revealed, or witness the hand of God in someone’s life, how do you acknowledge the event? Do you praise the Lord as Mary, Elizabeth, Zacharias, Simeon, and Anna did? How can you give praise, honor and glory to God throughout your day, so that you are worshiping Him everyday, and not just on Sunday?
Please close by reading the brief narrative about the disciples of Christ shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven in Acts 1:12-17. This gives a glimpse into the role of women in the body of Christ, as God’s grace reaches to each who turn to Him. End your look at women in the first century by praying a prayer of praise to God for providing your salvation that He made available through the life and sacrifice of His precious Son, Jesus Christ.
Day 4 – The Samaritan Woman 1. According to John 20:31, the apostle John wrote his gospel that “you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” John recorded that toward the beginning of Jesus’ ministry He was in Samaria, which was unique because Jewish people did not travel through Samaria. Because of the Jews rejection of the Samaritans, they always traveled around this region. Open your time in prayer by asking for God’s help and His wisdom as you focus on His holy word. Now please read John 4:1-43 looking for information to help you observe this passage. • How was the area of Sychar described?
46
•
What was said about Samaria in John 4:9,12,20?
•
When did this incident take place?
•
Why were Jesus and His disciples in Samaria initially?
•
Why did the Samaritan woman call Jesus a prophet?
The Samaritan Woman46
Stowe, Ibid., p. 64a, Emil Vernet-Lecomte, artist. 123
Lesson 10 •
Who did Jesus say that He was to the Samaritan woman?
•
What was the result of Jesus’ visit to Samaria according to John 4:39-42?
2. To better understand the Samaritan people please look back into the Old Testament to learn about this group of people who lived northwest of Jerusalem. Who lived in Samaria?
Why did they live in Samaria?
What was the religion of the Samaritans?
What was their relationship to Israel historically?
2 Kings 17:24-41
Ezra 4:1-6
3. Now please consider the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. What was Jesus offering the woman at the well? Please look also at John 7:37,38 and Isaiah 58:11.
4. When Jesus’ disciples returned with their provisions, what did Jesus tell His disciples that He would eat?
5. What was “the harvest” that Jesus was referring to in John 4:35-38? See Matthew 9:37,38 for clarification with this.
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Lesson 10 6. How did Jesus know of the woman’s husbands? What was recorded later that revealed the Lord’s nature? a. Hebrews 4:12,13 b. Acts 1:24 7. The Bible contains many references to Samarian people, who were not acceptable to the Jewish people. Look at Acts 1:1-8 and complete the following chart. What did Jesus command Where were the disciples to go? the disciples to do?
How would they be able to do this?
8. From the reading of John 4, what would you conclude was significant about the Samaritan woman’s life and her encounter with Jesus?
Is there a place like Samaria in your life where you would not go share your faith? Do you think God would want you to go to this place and be His witness? Could you trust God to help you be a good witness there? Please close today by spending some time alone with the Lord. Remember that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the throne of God and He intercedes for His followers, continually. Ask Him to help you be His ambassador. What could you share about your faith today?
Day 5 - The Adulterous Woman 1. The apostle John recorded another incident about a woman who was condemned by the Hebrew culture in John 8. At this point in time, the Jewish people were divided concerning following Jesus, and the church leaders had begun to take a stand against Him. Today you will study a woman who was brought to Jesus in the midst of a very difficult situation. Open in prayer that God would reveal to you His truth through His word, and then observe the text of John 8: 1-11 to answer these questions. • Where was Jesus? •
Who was with Him and why?
•
Who brought the woman to Jesus?
•
Why did these men make an accusation against the woman? 125
Lesson 10
2.
•
According to John 8:6, why was Jesus being asked the question of John 8:5?
•
What was the message Jesus presented in John 8:7, and what effect did this have on the woman’s accusers?
•
What was Jesus’ response to the woman and what was His command to her? Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2632 katakrino katakrino John 8:10
Condemn, to pronounce sentence against, to judge against, i.e. sentence, damn. From kata, against and krino, to divide, separate, judge.47 Grace, joy, favor, acceptance, a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude. A favor done without expectation of return; absolute freeness of the covenant love of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty of the Giver. Unearned and unmerited favor.48 Compassion, (human or divine, especially active) + tender mercy. A special and immediate regard to the misery that is the consequence of sins. Extended for the alleviation of the consequences of sin.49
Matthew 27:3
5485 charis charis James 4:6
1656 eleos eleos Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 12:9
John 1:14
Luke 1:78 Matthew 5:7
3. The Lord gave His people many commandments, laws, and instructions while the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness. What laws were the woman’s accusers referring to in John 8:5? What was the penalty for committing the sin of adultery? Leviticus 20:10
What was this law protecting?
Deuteronomy 22:22
47
Spiros Zodhiates,The Complete Word Study New Testament, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991, p. 967. Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 967. 49 Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 911. 126 48
Lesson 10 4. Don’t you want to know what Jesus wrote on the ground? Do you sense that there’s something missing in the conversation between Jesus and the woman? How can you explain that there was not more dialogue between them? (Please read Psalm 139:23,24 before proceeding.)
5. The accusers brought the woman to Jesus because she was caught in sin. Think about the men’s response to the woman they accused and do not miss the contrasts made in this passage. What the woman’s accusers wanted:
Jesus’ response:
6. The word condemnation, the noun form of the word condemn, was used in Romans 8:1. Please read the first two verses of Romans 8 and then the last two verses to see God’s heart toward those who follow after Him. What was God’s promise for What can separate you those who are in Christ? from the love of God?
How was God’s love expressed in these verses?
7. Jesus Christ extended grace to the woman caught in adultery. Someone defined the word grace with the acronym, God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Please look at how grace would be defined according to these Scriptures. God’s Riches: Ephesians 1:7
At Christ’s Expense: Isaiah 53:6-12
Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 10:10-14
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Lesson 10 8. What blessing is upon those who believe in Jesus Christ and what does God ask of those who have chosen to follow Him? God’s promise to the believer: Luke 1:50
The responsibility of the believer:
9. Max Lucado wrote this about God’s mercy: “God does not save us because of what we’ve done. Only a puny god could be bought with tithes. Only an egotistical god would be impressed with our pain. Only a temperamental god could be satisfied by sacrifices. Only a heartless god would sell salvation to the highest bidders. And only a great God does for His children what they cannot do for themselves. God’s delight is received upon surrender, not awarded upon conquest. The first step to joy is a plea for help, an acknowledgment of moral destitution, an admission of inward paucity. Those who taste God’s presence have declared spiritual bankruptcy and are aware of their spiritual crisis…Their pockets are empty. Their options are gone. They have long since stopped demanding justice; they are pleading for mercy.”50 Look back at the New Testament women you have studied this week and meditate on what you have learned about the nature of God that is revealed through their lives. Write what this means to you in your circumstances today.
Please close by praising God for what He has done for you. If you know the song “My Savior’s Love,” you might close with this song. “My Savior’s Love I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean. Chorus: How marvelous! How wonderful! And my sing shall every be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me! He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own; He bore the burden to Calv’ry and suffered and died alone. Chorus. By Charles H. Gabriel
50
Max Lucado, God’s Inspirational Promise Book, Dallas, Word Publishing, 1996, p. 23. 128
Lesson 11
Lesson 11 – Martha and Mary, Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Tabitha Introduction This week’s lesson will continue by studying the lives of women in the New Testament. First you will look at the sisters Martha and Mary and their relationship with Jesus. Then you will look at four women in the early church of the first century, who served the Lord with sincerity. All of the women in this week’s lessons provide insight into what is involved in serving the Lord, and can be a testimony to the church today. As you go through the lesson this week, please ask God what verse He would have you memorize. The Holy Spirit will help you with this spiritual discipline, that you will grow even stronger in your faith.
Days 1 and 2 – Martha and Mary 1. The gospel accounts of Jesus’ life provide testimony of those who came to know Him and they reveal how Jesus impacted people’s lives. Open by praying that through the study of Martha and Mary you would understand more fully God’s love for you. Ask the Lord to make you sensitive to Him as you read His word. Please begin with these observation questions. • Please read Luke 10:38-42 and jot down a brief description of these two sisters based on what was shared about Martha and Mary in this passage. Martha: Mary:
•
The second place Martha and Mary were mentioned in Scripture was in John 11. In John 20:30 John recorded that the reason he wrote his gospel was so that people might believe that Jesus was the Christ and that believing they might have eternal life. Keep this in mind as you read John 11:1-45 and note what was taught about Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus here. Martha: Mary: Lazarus:
•
Now please read about another mention of Martha and Mary from John 12:1-8. What does this add to your understanding of these two sisters? Martha: Mary:
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Lesson 11 2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4049 perispao periespato Luke 10:40 1247 diakonia diakonein Luke 10:40
Worrying ISV, distracted, to drag all around, to distract (with care), to cumber Work ISV, serving, to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon menially or as a host, friend, or figuratively teacher, to act as a deacon, minister unto, to work and thereby be a help to someone Glorified, to render or esteem as glorious, full of glory, honour, magnify, to give an exact estimate of something or someone Christ, anointed, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Christ
This word was used once in the New Testament.
Anointed, to oil with perfume, to rub, to cover over, pertaining to the sacred and religious
James 5:14
1392 doxazo doxasthe John 11:4 5547 christos christos John 11:27 218 aleipho aleipsen John 12:3
Matthew 25:44
John 17:1,4
Matthew 16:16
3. Based on the passage in Luke 10:38-42, what did Jesus mean by His statement to Martha in Luke 10:41,42?
4. Is it your natural tendency to be like Martha or like Mary as you relate to Jesus? Someone suggested that they are really not like either woman. Can you give an example from your life that would support your answer?
5.
Please stop and ask the Lord how this passage in Luke 10 can apply to your own life.
6. In the opening observation questions, you were asked to look for information about Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Please stop and reflect on this paragraph and write a short summary statement for this passage.
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Lesson 11 7. Rabbis who lived before the time of Christ had written that the Jewish leaders would be able to recognize the Messiah when He came because He would accomplish great works in Israel. They wrote that the Messiah would restore the sight of someone who had been born blind and that He would raise someone from the dead. Jesus accomplished both of these miracles with many witnesses. Included in these witnesses were members of the Jewish community who had come to console Martha and Mary and to mourn Lazarus’ death. Please look back at what Jesus said to His disciples when He heard of Lazarus’ illness in John 11:4, and think about the fulfillment of these words. John 11 recorded the mixed response to Jesus among the Jewish people. What impact did Jesus’ actions have on the Jewish community according to John 11:45 through 57 and why?
8. John 12:3 reveals further information about Mary. Mary used a very costly perfume called nard or spikenard, to anoint Jesus’ feet. This perfume was extracted from a plant in the same family as valerian, grown in the ancient near east, but sometimes imported from countries further east. The concentrated extract was often mixed with oil to use as an ointment, or in preparation for someone’s burial. Can you imagine what Mary did? You might take your most costly perfume or lotion and put it on your own feet. Imagine then if you had long hair that you might use to spread the perfume onto your feet. What impact would this have on your feet? What impact would this have on your hair? What impact would this have in your home? Judas’ comment of John 12:5 gives you the value of Mary’s pound of perfume, as three hundred denarii would have been the equivalent of someone’s wages for about eleven months. Those who follow Jesus Christ always want His perspective on all circumstances that come along, so please consider Jesus’ reply to Judas’ statement. 9. Turn to the end of John’s gospel and read John 20:30,31. Many of you would love to know what was left out? We cannot know what was left out. But on the other hand, why do you think the Holy Spirit directed John to include this incident of John 12:1-8 in his record of Jesus’ life?
10. In the observation questions at the beginning of the lesson, you read John 12:1-8 looking for information about Martha and Mary. Please read to the end of this passage (John 12:11) to see the impact Jesus’ miracle had upon the Jewish community.
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Lesson 11 11. Now please think about the passages you have read and write a brief summary describing the lifestyle and faith of Martha and Mary based on your reading. Martha: Mary:
A Closer Look at Jesus a. John 11:35 contains the shortest verse in the New Testament. Please read John 11:32-45 to see Jesus’ responses to Martha and Mary as well as His response to the people. Jesus’ response to Martha: Jesus’ response to Mary: Jesus’ response to the people:
b. What do the Scriptures you read in the gospels of Luke and John reveal to you about Jesus? How was Jesus portrayed and what did He say about Himself?
12. When God leads you to serve Him, what is your attitude? Do you grumble while you serve? Do you allow your spirit to be distracted so that you are not worshiping Him while you serve others? God in His sovereignty and power made it possible for His followers to have the mind of Christ every minute of their life. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that no matter what Christians do, you are to “do everything to the glory of God.” When Christians serve others with the goal of bringing God glory, those who are affected see God’s mercy and grace, through His divine provision and His miraculous enabling. Please quiet your heart this week as you serve your Lord God, asking Him what needs to happen in your spirit that you might worship Him as you serve. The very fact that you are “doing” this lesson means you are spending time in God’s precious word. Please allow God’s truth to penetrate your spirit and reveal to you what you can do to bring God glory in ALL that you do. As you spend time in God’s word, do you worship Him in spirit and in truth? Do you sit at His feet quietly listening to Him? Please close by reading Psalm 4 and meditating on this prayer that David offered before the Lord. You might write out your prayer asking God for His help with serving those He leads you to serve.
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Day 3 - Lydia 1. The book of Acts recorded how the apostle Paul was led to begin his ministry in Europe in the northern region of modern day Greece. Philip, the father of Alexander the Great founded the city of Philippi, the geographical setting for today’s focus. Please open by praying that the same Holy Spirit that led the apostle Paul into Europe would lead you into seeing the truth of God’s precious word. Open by reading Acts 16:11-15,40 to see where Lydia was introduced and then answer these observation questions. • What does Acts 16:11-14 say about Lydia? How was Lydia described?
• 2.
What was Lydia’s attitude toward God?
What evidence do you see that Lydia became a believer? Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3705 horama horama Acts 16:9,10 2376 Hebrew chezev Daniel 2:19 907 baptizo baptizo Acts 16:15
Vision, something gazed at, a spectacle, especially supernatural, sight
Acts 18:9
Vision, a sight, look, from the root chazah (2370), to gaze upon, to dream, behold, have (a dream). Baptize, to make whelmed (submerged), fully wet, used only in the New Testament of ceremonial ablution, esp. of the ordinance of Christian baptism; wash
Joel 2:28 Acts 8:36-38 (mark this for later)
3. Before looking into the life of Lydia, please read the context of Acts 16 to see who was involved and their purpose. You will see this in Acts 15:40 through Acts 16:40. Who was traveling on this team?
What was their purpose?
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Lesson 11 4.
Please look at how Paul and those accompanying him decided where they would go. a. Acts 16:6 b. Acts 16:7 c. Acts 16:9,10
5. When you are faced with options for what you are to do, you might feel uncertain about your choices. How are Christians to make decisions? How can you make wise decisions? James 1:5
How can you recognize what to do? James 3:17,18
Hebrews 4:12
Philippians 4:8
John 14:26
John 15:5-9
Augustine, a respected leader in the early Christian church was asked how someone could know the will of God. He said that if you love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, you can do whatever you want! When you first hear that quotation, it seems very shocking, but please meditate on what Augustine said. Is there a part of you that is not surrendered to God? Is there something that you have held back from loving Him? 6. Acts 16 mentioned the ordinance of baptism. Please read the following Scriptures to help you formulate a statement about baptism, in the question that follows. Who should be baptized? Matthew 28:16-20
Romans 6:3-9
Acts 8:25-39
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What does baptism symbolize or how does it demonstrate one’s relationship with Christ?
Lesson 11 If you have any “extra” time, you might continue with the theme of baptism by looking at these verses. Who should be baptized?
What does baptism symbolize or how does it demonstrate one’s relationship with Christ?
Ephesians 4:1-7
Colossians 2:9-12
7. How would you answer this question if someone asked you, “Why should a Christian be baptized?”
8.
As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, have you been baptized? If you have not been baptized, what is it that is keeping you from taking this step?
9. Do you know someone who has not taken this step? How can you come alongside of a believer who has not been baptized and encourage them to be baptized?
10. As you studied women in the Old Testament, you saw hospitality being extended to travelers. In today’s lesson you read of Lydia’s response to the needs of others. Do you open your home to people when there is a need? Many obstacles might keep you from extending hospitality to others. Is there an excuse that you use to keep you from reaching out in this way?
What would the Lord want you to do about this excuse that came to your mind? Ask the Lord for His wisdom and insight into this aspect of your life. The creator of the universe is very creative, and God delights to show His children ways that they might show His love to others.
Day 4 – Priscilla (Prisca) 1. Today you will study the life of a woman named Priscilla, also known as Prisca. My prayer for you is that the lesson this week will encourage your heart, as you see how several women served within the body of Christ. Begin by praying for the work of the Holy Spirit to be evident in your time of study today, that the Lord would use these questions to meet the 135
Lesson 11 needs of your spirit, that God’s word would feed you today. Now open with these observation questions. • Read Acts 18:1-3,11,18,19,24-28 and 1 Corinthians 16:19 and consider the “5 Ws and an H” questions concerning Priscilla and her husband Aquila. Please include where Priscilla lived and why she lived in each of these areas.
2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
4904 sunergos sunergous Romans 16:3
Co-worker, fellow worker, a co2 Corinthians 1:24 (workers) laborer, companion in labor, helper. This is the Greek word my husband and I chose for these Bible studies, acknowledging that as we study together we are fellow workers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Teaching, to teach (in the same broad Matthew 28:20 application)
1321 didasko edidasken Acts 18:25 5547 christos christon Acts 18:28
Christ, anointed, the Messiah, an epithet of Christ. In the Old Testament, the word applied to anyone who was anointed, or acted as a redeemer.
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
Matthew 16:16
3. There are other references to Priscilla in the Bible. Please look to see what else can be learned about Priscilla from Paul’s writing. a. Romans 16:3,4 b. 2 Timothy 4:19 4. The apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Ephesus that the church apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor teachers are “to perfect the saints, to do the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until all of us are united in the faith and in our knowledge about God’s Son, and until we attain mature adulthood and the full standard of development in Christ,” Ephesians 4:12,13 ISV. How did God use Priscilla and Aquila in Apollos’ life? What was Priscilla and Aquila’s approach to the teaching of Apollos? How did this bring honor to God? 136
Lesson 11 A Closer Look at Apollos a. What do you learn about Apollos before and after his encounter of Acts 18:26 according to Acts 18:24-28? b. What does 1 Corinthians 1:12,3:4-6,3:21-23,16:12 say about Apollos and his role in the Corinthian church?
5. A very interesting note can be added here. There were some theologians who believed that Apollos wrote the New Testament Epistle to the Hebrews, Martin Luther among them. Some other theologians believe that Priscilla wrote the book of Hebrews! Records of excavations in ancient Rome have discovered what is believed to be Priscilla’s family home. This finding proved that Priscilla’s family was very wealthy and that she had the privilege of being highly educated in what our society would call “home schooling.” Those that believe that Priscilla wrote Hebrews say that she did not introduce or conclude the book with her name because some in the early church would not have accepted a woman as the author. Think about Priscilla and what you have learned about her. Using only the biblical references that you have studied, write a description of this woman as if you were going to introduce her to someone. What did you learn of Priscilla’s relationship with the Lord? Please ask God what He would want you to notice about Priscilla’s character from what was recorded in Scripture.
Please thank the Lord for those who have taught you. Perhaps God has asked you to serve Him by teaching others. Read the command God gave to His people as they were about to enter the promised land in Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Reading this in its context demands that you go back to the beginning of the chapter, so please read Deuteronomy 6:19 to see what was the foundation of the teaching that God asked of His people. What was the heart attitude that is necessary for those who teach?
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Lesson 11 While my daughter Kristen was in college, her pastor was Jerry Root, who is now a Professor at Wheaton College. He suggests Christians ask themselves four questions to check their heart attitude toward God. 1. If Jesus came back at this moment, would I be disappointed? 2. Can I say “thank you” for my present set of circumstances? 3. Am I “out of sorts” with anybody? 4. Do I really love Jesus? If I answer “yes,” then I am to serve Him by serving others. (See the account of Peter’s “re-commissioning” by Jesus in John 21.) Close by asking God to search your heart as you consider your relationship with Him. Do you love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?
Day 5 – Phoebe (Phebe) and Tabitha (Dorcas) 1. Today you will look at the biblical accounts of Phoebe and Tabitha, two women who served the body of Christ in the early church. Ask God for His blessing as you read His holy word and allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of righteousness, and sin, and the coming judgment, that you might allow God to have His way in you. Please begin with these observation questions. • First read Romans 16:1,2 and describe Phoebe, also known as Phebe. What was the command given to the Roman church concerning Phoebe?
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•
Now please look at Tabitha and how she was described in Acts 9:36-39.
•
After Tabitha died, why did the disciples call for Peter according to Acts 9:32-43?
•
How did the Lord use Tabitha’s life as a testimony?
•
What were the results of Peter’s time in Joppa?
Lesson 11 2.
Please examine these word studies for some key words in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4368 prostatis prostatis Romans 16:2 1249 diakonos diakonon Romans 16:1
Assisted ISV, helper, a patroness, i.e. assistant, succorer
This word was used once in the New Testament.
Deaconess ISV, servant, an attendant, generally a waiter, (at table or in other menial duties); especially a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): deacon, minister Disciple, the feminine form of the word mathetes, a female pupil, a learner, one who closely follows their teacher.
1 Timothy 4:6 (minister)
3102 mathetes mathetria Acts 9:36 40 hagios hagion Romans 16:2
Saints, sacred, (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated), (most) holy (one, thing), set apart, sanctified, consecrated, devoted to serving God51
Philippians 1:1 (deacons) Only used in Acts 9:36. In the masculine form this word was used to refer to the disciples of John the Baptist as well as Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:1
3. The apostles Paul and Peter used the word saints in their writing to the church. This word has been misunderstood because of the way it was used centuries ago. Please look at the definition above and then how the word was used in the New Testament. Who was called saint? 1 Corinthians 1:2
What was the evidence of this?
1 Peter 3:5,6 (the words holy ones in 3:5 could also be translated as saints)
Ephesians 1:1,15
4. Considering the passages you just read, while keeping in mind Romans 16:2, how would you state in a brief summary who were saints and why were they given that name?
51
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 1797. 139
Lesson 11 5. In Romans 12:13 the apostle Paul wrote that the church was to contribute to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. In the study of the Old Testament you read about the importance of extending hospitality to people. Please look at the instruction given in the New Testament concerning this. What was the command and what could result from obedience to this? 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-8 Hebrews 13:1,2 1 Peter 4:8-11
6. Have you ever had the privilege of receiving someone that you did not know who was visiting your area, and was in need of a place to stay? Sharing with someone in the body of Christ is a blessing when you have a godly attitude. Sometimes you can miss a blessing because you let your own “agenda” get in the way. Would a pastor write the words of Romans 16:2 to describe you, or would he ask you to extend hospitality to others and trust your response?
7. Paul used the word servant to describe Phoebe. One important aspect of service involves the attitude the servant has toward others. Do you have the heart of a servant? It is also important to have the eyes of a servant to see what needs to be done, and if God does not want you to serve in this way to pray that another would be led to contribute in this way. It is also important to have the ears of a servant, listening to God as He leads you, listening to the needs of others. What do these Scriptures say about the concept of service? What is required for service? Mark 10:42-45
John 12:26
1 Timothy 3:8-10
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What is to be the result of one’s service?
Lesson 11 8. In Acts 9:36, Tabitha was described by Luke as a disciple. Please look at these other Scriptures for more information concerning the role of a disciple. What was taught about the role and responsibility of a disciple? John 2:11,12
John 13:34,35
Acts 11:26
Acts 14:19-22
9. Has the Scripture you read this week challenged your attitude toward the Lord as well as your attitude toward others in the body of Christ? How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you concerning your role as a follower of Christ?
Is there something you need to bring before the Lord and surrender to Him? The amazing truth is that when each Christian submits to God, His word will reveal to you exactly what God would want you to receive. Can you quiet your heart before the Lord and ask Him what message you are to apply to your life?
Think about how you spend your time each week. Are you distracted by the activities in your life? During the course of a week, do you spend more time with a certain television personality or radio host than you do with the Lord? Do you spend more time listening to or reading about the world’s advice than you do searching the Scriptures for God’s truth, counsel, and wisdom? You might ask God to help you surrender your time to Him, that you might honor Him in all you do.
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Lesson 11
Martha and Mary52
52
Stowe, Ibid., p. 128a, Gustave R.C. Boulanger, artist. Stowe, Ibid., p. 352a, Charles Brochart, artist. 142 53
Lydia53
Lesson 12
Lesson 12 – The Believer’s Relationship with Christ and Review Introduction As you approach this last lesson in the Women of the Word study, you have examined the lives of many women in the Bible, the majority of whom had a relationship with the Almighty God. All people have the same privilege of being in relationship with the Almighty God, the very Creator of the universe, as God has provided a way for all to be one with Him. This week you will look at Scriptures that attest to your own relationship with God, as well as looking into Titus 2:3-5, the New Testament passage that was directed to women. The lesson will begin with a review of the women from the New Testament that you have studied. Please think back to what you have learned from each of these women, and how they might each become a role model for your life. As you study this week continue to ask God how you might live out His word day by day.
Day 1 – Review of the Women in Lessons 10 and 11 1. Today you are being asked to go back over the women you studied in Lessons 10 and 11 and review what Scripture teaches about these women from the New Testament. Open in prayer that your time today would be valuable, and that today’s review would help you with your goal of learning about as well as learning from women in the word of God. a. What is an important lesson you learned from this woman?
b. What quality in this woman do you want to emulate or stay away from in your own life?
c. Application Question: How will you make this truth or this challenge real in your own life?
Mary Elizabeth Anna The Samaritan Woman The Adulterous Woman Martha Mary
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Lesson 12 a. What is an important lesson you learned from this woman?
b. What quality in this woman do you want to emulate or stay away from in your own life?
c. Application Question: How will you make this truth or this challenge real in your own life?
Lydia Priscilla Phoebe Tabitha
2. You have certainly had lots to think about! Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed with what you have learned. Stop and praise God for what He has done in your life and thank Him for what He is doing now to equip you in your walk with Him. Ask God what He would have you do today with what you have learned.
Can you sketch out a preliminary plan for this task that He has brought to your mind? If this is something He has asked of you before and it has been a struggle, what should you do?
If you know the song, “Faith Is the Victory” you might end today by singing the second verse. “Faith Is the Victory” His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God; we tread the road the saints above with shouts of triumph trod. By faith they like a whirl-wind’s breath swept on o’er ev’ry field; the faith by which they conquered death is still our shining shield. Chorus: Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory that overcomes the world. By John H. Yates and Ira S. Sankey
Days 2 and 3 1. God chose to reveal specific segments in the lives of many women in Scripture. God has shown you women of strong faith, women who failed when circumstances in their life tested them, as well as women who chose to walk apart from God. Jesus told His disciples that when He would return to His Father in heaven He would leave with them the Holy Spirit who would help them, comfort them and guide them into the 144
Lesson 12 truth, and remind them of what He had spoken to them while He was on earth. As a child of God you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit and are never alone. Please open in prayer asking that you would be encouraged in your own relationship with the Lord as you study in the next two days. Ask also that God’s holy word would equip you to share your faith with others that God has placed in your life, and begin with these observation questions. • As the apostle Paul was instructing Titus concerning his task of leading the Christian church on the island of Crete, Titus was given specific teaching to pass along to all who were members of the church. Based on Titus 2:3-5, how are older women to live?
•
What are older women to teach younger women and why?
•
Since it is most likely that you are a woman working on this lesson, please consider this question. Was there an older Christian woman in your life who encouraged you in your faith (as the Titus 2 passage instructed) when you were a “new” Christian?
•
Have you yourself had the privilege of being an older woman to a younger Christian woman? If not, what has prevented you from taking that role in a younger woman’s life?
•
When Jesus Christ came to earth, His death on the cross paid the penalty for the sin of the world. Christ made it possible for men and women to be right with God as He tore down the barrier between mankind and His holy and righteous Father. Christ’s sacrifice also removed the barriers that had been erected by the cultural standard of the near eastern society. An important passage concerning the believer’s faith in Christ is found in Galatians 3. Please read verses Galatians 3:28,29. Think back to the women you have studied and what this truth would have meant to them, and then reflect on what this truth means to you.
2. In Paul’s writing to the believers in Ephesus, he wrote about the salvation of each who is “in Christ.” Please read Ephesians 1:3-23 to answer the following questions. a. What are the blessings of being a Christian?
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Lesson 12 b. What promises are made to Christians?
c. What is your responsibility as a Christian?
3. In 1 Peter 2:5-12 the apostle Peter wrote about the inheritance of all believers which demonstrates God’s heart toward His children. Please allow this passage of Scripture to minister God’s love and grace to your spirit. Maybe one of these verses would be good for you to memorize this week. Who are you as a believer?
What are you encouraged to do?
4. In 2 Peter 1:3 Peter wrote that God’s divine power has granted to followers of Christ everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. When the apostle Paul was preparing to “pass the baton” of his ministry to Timothy, he exhorted him in 2 Timothy 1:7 by saying that God had not given him a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Do you see how those three qualities would enable you to do whatever God asks you to do? God will enable you to do whatever He asks you to do. The word used for power includes the meaning that God enables those whom He calls. Think about that statement. What does it tell you about God?
5. God has gifted all of His children that they might serve Him by helping, encouraging, teaching, or giving to others in His church. Do you trust God to provide what you need to serve Him? No matter what we do 1 Corinthians 10:31 says that we are to do all to the glory of God, so that when others see us they have a correct estimate of who God is. We are to do all to the glory of the Lord. Is that your goal day by day? Continued on the next page. 146
Lesson 12 Do you need training to serve? Or do you need to come alongside someone else who is serving and learn while “on the job?” How has the Lord used these words from Scripture to challenge you? Daisy Hepburn said, “The Christian women in America today are over challenged, but under equipped.” How can you become better equipped to serve the Lord, or help someone else be better equipped?
Please ask God what He wants you to learn from this. After answering that question, do you recognize your biggest struggle in life? Maybe it is a pattern of thinking or a habit in your life. One way to break a habit is to let your mind dwell on what you want to replace the old pattern of thinking or behavior. A method that has helped many people is as follows: Take some 3 x 5 cards and record a verse on each one that would make a difference with this struggle. Each day for a month, and preferably throughout the day, read the verse or verses. Remember the truths that the women you studied lived, and apply these in your own life. Remember when Moses declared that God was Jehovah Nissi, the Lord his Banner? When the name of God was held above all else the Israelites won a victory against the Amalekites, as recorded in Exodus 17. Do you remember the other components in that victory? Is there someone God would want you to share with regarding this struggle in your life? Is there someone who could help you when you become weary in the battle? Ask God if He would want you to be more vulnerable by sharing your concern with another person in the body of Christ. Remember God will do what He has promised to do, and friends can help along the way. Spend some time with the Lord seeking His will for your life. Please write out your prayer to the Lord, sharing what you are feeling, being open with the One who created you.
Days 4 and 5 1. For our last two days you will reflect on the women you have studied in the Bible and their relationship to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. You are going to be asked to think back to what you learned about the Lord in these lessons. Look at the list on the next pages to see the women you have studied!!! You will be blessed if you take the time to think about each of these women and the evidence of their relationship or their lack of a relationship with the Lord God. What did each of these women teach you about God, or Jesus Christ and/or the Holy Spirit? You might need to meditate, ruminate, and quietly contemplate this without any distractions. Look back at the review pages in Lesson 4 (page 56), Lesson 10 (pages 117 and 118), and Lesson 12 (pages 143 and 144) for a reminder of what you have you learned. 147
Lesson 12 The Westminster Catechism says that we are “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Pray that your time of study in the next two days will be inspirational and not a mechanical exercise. At this time the focus should be on the Lord and what He has for you. When studying the word, ask God what He would have you see, that you might learn from Him so that you can apply it to your own life. Allow this exercise to be a time of worship unto the Lord, where you quietly and joyfully acknowledge the Lord in your life. Make note of any specific verses you might quote, to help you learn the Scripture references. How was God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit revealed to you through this woman? Eve Sarah Hagar Lot’s Wife Lot’s Daughters Rebekah Leah Rachel Dinah Tamar Potiphar’s Wife Joseph’s Wife Jochebed
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What this truth means to you:
Lesson 12 How was God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit revealed to you through this woman? Pharaoh’s Daughter
What this truth means to you:
Zipporah Miriam Rahab Deborah Jael Naomi Ruth Hannah Michal Abigail Bathsheba Rizpah Mary Elizabeth
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Lesson 12 How was God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit revealed to you through this woman? Anna
What this truth means to you:
The Samaritan Woman The Adulterous Woman Martha Mary Lydia Priscilla Phoebe Tabitha
2. In the culture of the near east, when a marriage was planned, three factors had to be set in place before the wedding could actually take place. The bride’s father (or brother, if the father was not living) made an arrangement with the intended bridegroom, the bride-tobe had to consent to the marriage, and a bride price or dowry had to be paid by the bridegroom. In Christ’s teaching He referred to Himself as the Bridegroom who had come (to earth) for His church. In fact, Revelation 21:9 referred to the church as the bride, the wife of the Lamb. Each person created by the Father has been invited to become the bride of Christ under the same stipulations that were in effect in their culture. Your heavenly Father, who planned your very creation, agreed with the Bridegroom, His beloved Son that His plan was for you to join into an eternal covenant relationship when you accepted Jesus as your Christ. The last part of the marriage agreement had to do with the dowry or bride price. It was the very life of Jesus that was given on your behalf, as He paid the price for your sin by sacrificing Himself at the cross of Calvary. While it is very difficult for a man to picture himself as the bride of Christ, it is somewhat easier for a woman to think of herself in that way. Think about what this means to you. Please close by writing out a prayer to God expressing what He means to you, and choose a song to sing as an act of worship. 150
Appendix
The Widow’s Mite54
54
Stowe, Ibid., p. 288a, Edouard Dubufe, artist. 151
Appendix
Inductive Study Methodology
Inductive Study Methodology Definition: Using the Bible as the primary source of information and reading with a purpose by asking relevant questions, so that through complete observation, one can accurately interpret, determine eternal principles, and then apply Scripture to all circumstances of life. • • • •
God speaks through the prophets, recorded in Scripture God gave the word so that He might reveal Himself to us God speaks through Jesus, as He is the word who came in the flesh The Holy Spirit gives all believers the ability to understand the word of God
Four Components of the Inductive Study Methodology 1. Observation: Seeing what the text says, to gain facts and information The process of observation is foundational to inductive Bible study Asking the “5 Ws and an H” questions helps students focus on the obvious Who People
What Events
Where Place
When Time
Why Reason or purpose
How Means or method
2. Interpretation: Determining what the text means to gain understanding Looking for information and the correlation in the context of Scripture Context: Looking at the surrounding words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and book in which something exists, occurs, or is placed. The author’s use of the repetition of ideas or thoughts will also help you discover meaning within the context. 3. Principlization: Determining what eternal truths are being taught? Stating the author’s propositions, arguments, narration, and illustrations as abiding timeless truths. 4. Application: Conviction as to how the truth applies personally, leads to transformation. Component of the Methodology
Holy Spirit’s Ministry
Man’s Response
Product of Component
Observation -Focus on the obvious
Illumination
Reasoning
Facts & Information
Interpretation -Done in light of context
Teaching
Evaluation
Understanding
Principlization -Focus on Learning
Conviction
Summarization
Eternal Principles
Application -Begins with individual
Guidance
Accountability
Transformation
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Inductive Study Methodology
Step 1
Appendix
The Overview
Discovering the Context or the Big Picture Purpose: To identify the flow of thought that ties the book together and to identify the author's reason for writing A. Who is the Author: Ask Questions
B.
C.
D. E. F.
G.
• • • • •
Who is writing and what does he say about himself? What are his circumstances? Where is he and why is he there? When in his life is he writing? Why is he writing?
• • • • • •
Who is it written to? How is the recipient described? What does it say about the recipient? What is the relationship of the recipients to the author? Where is the recipient? Why is the author writing to the recipient?
• • •
Who are the other people mentioned and what does the text say about them? What do you learn about their relationship to the author or recipient? What is their relationship to the key message?
• •
Words generally repeated throughout the text When removed the text is left without meaning
• •
Teaching doctrinal truth that would inform and equip those who follow after Christ Historical narrative, sharing historical events or personal testimony
• •
A command or imperative statement, telling someone what they are to do Usually written in the second person such as you, your, or yourself; or introduced with the phrase “let us”
Who is or who are the Recipient/s: Ask Questions
Other People Mentioned: (Either specifically, or by generalization or implication)
Look for Key Words
Look for Declarative Statements Look for Instructions or Commands
Look for Exhortations •
H. I.
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• •
A personal message from the author to encourage the recipients regarding their own situation, whether personally or within their church Show the uniqueness of the situation that led to the book being written Sometimes introduced with the word “you,” calling or urging obedience
• •
Confronting the behavior of the recipient that has not honored God To advise strongly, to reprove, or to call the recipients to repentance
• •
To put on guard or to put on notice concerning possible danger, evil, or harm To describe a just recompense or a possible consequence for behavior based on God’s prophecy concerning judgment
Look for Admonitions Look for Warnings
Appendix
Step 2
Inductive Study Methodology
Comprehensive Chapter Study
Observation Chapter by Chapter Purpose:
A.
Marking Key Words 1. 2. 3. 4.
B. C. D.
E. F.
To examine the details of the chapter, to see how the chapter details relate to the book Mark so your eye can see on the page the occurrence of the word This is typically done with colored pencils God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and their pronouns are always keywords The key words become a basis for developing a list of facts
Making lists of the key words by writing phrases and sentences Reasoning through the lists of information from the key words Contrasts - Reasoning from another perspective Comparisons of ideas or bodies of truth that the author used to teach. • Point out differences in words or phrases • Most contrasts are identified by the following words: but, however, or never the less
Comparisons
Dealing with ideas or bodies of truth that are similar to make some point • Identified by the words: like, as
Terms of Expression
Time - Helps us answer when something occurred or will occur • Look for words like: now, then, or later Conclusion or Results or Purpose • Look for words like: for, for this reason, so that, that, or because Verb Usage – Will tell if something has occurred in the past, will occur in the future, or is to be part of the present time
Step 3
Word Studies
Purpose: To deepen understanding of the text To clarify understanding of the text To determine the meaning of unknown or confusing words or sections of texts
A.
Pick a Word 1. 2. 3.
B.
Look at the key words in the text Look at the words with unclear meanings Look at the verbs and nouns in the text
Look up the definition in a word study tool Exhaustive concordances contain three sections 1. Alphabetical list of all words used in the text of Scripture that are then ordered in biblical occurrence 2. Dictionary of Hebrew words arranged numerically 3. Dictionary of Greek words arranged numerically Expository Dictionaries Vine’s Dictionary of the New Testament: keyed to the KJV Spiros Zodhiates. Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament
C.
Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament Read the definition back into the text
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Inductive Study Methodology
Step 4
Appendix
Cross Referencing of Scripture
Purpose: To establish the context within the broader context of Scripture • • • •
Context always rules in all interpretations Amplify or clarify the understanding of the text Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture Scripture never contradicts Scripture
A.
How to determine Cross References: 1. Look up the word in a concordance 2. Look up the word in a topical Bible 3. Look up verses identified by marginal references
B.
Read the cross reference
C.
Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference
Step 5
Determining Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title
A.
Paragraph Analysis • Determine the paragraph theme. The editors of some translations of the Bible have each verse starting on a new line within each chapter. The NASB begins each new paragraph by printing the verse number in bold type. The NIV divided the chapters into paragraphs, as we know them, indenting at the beginning of each new paragraph. When you study the ancient languages of the Bible, there are differences in paragraph divisions from one manuscript to another. The words of Scripture were inspired, but years ago, editors added verse numbers, paragraph divisions, and the divisions made by chapter numbers.
B.
Developing each Chapter Theme and the Book Title • A collection of summary statements, one for the each chapter and one for the entire book • These can be verified from key words, instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings within the chapter 1. Use five words or less, with at least one actual word found in a chapter 2. Each chapter title should be distinctive from the other chapter titles 3. Each title should be descriptive of what is in the chapter 4. Place these themes on the Theme and Title Chart
156
How?
Why?
What?
Author Recipient(s) Other people Key words Declarative Statements Instructions Exhortations Admonitions Warnings
A. B. C. D. E.
F. G. H. I.
Identify the flow of thoughts which ties it together
•
A. B. C. D. E. F.
•
•
Marking key words Making lists of facts Reasoning the lists Contrasts Comparisons Terms of expression of time, conclusion or results
Examine the details of the chapter Examine how the chapter details relate to the book
Step 2 Comprehensive Chapter Studies
Step 1
Deepen the understanding of the text Clarify the understanding of the text
A. Pick a word B. Look up the definition in an exhaustive concordance or an expository dictionary C. Read the definition of the word back into the text
•
•
Word Studies
Step 3
Step 5
Appendix
B.
•
• •
•
A.
To determine the paragraph and chapter themes To determine the book title Summary statements for each paragraph, chapter, and the book From the key words, declarative statements instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings Use five words or less Each chapter title should be distinctive from other chapters Descriptive of what is in the chapter Place each theme on the Theme and Title Chart
Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title
Establish the context • within the broader context of Scripture Amplify or clarify the • text
A. Look up the word or phrase using: • a concordance • a topical Bible • marginal references B. Read the cross reference C. Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference
•
•
Cross Referencing Scripture
Step 4
Inductive Study Methodology: Summary of the Process
The Overview: Discovering the context or the big picture of the book • Identify the author’s reason for writing
Inductive Study Methodology
Appendix
Map of Israel
Sunergos Bible Studies 2003 Rich Wells
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Sunergos Bible Studies 2003 Rich Wells
Map of Bible Lands
Appendix
Appendix
Word Study Index Listed by English Word, Strong’s Number, and Page Number in Lesson
Hebrew Words A Abram 87 Abraham 85 Adam 120 Almighty 7706 Anointed 4899 Ashtaroth 6252 Atonement 3722
20 26 10 83 96 72 113
B Baal 1167 Believed 539 Birthright 1062 Bless 1288 Blessing 1293 Brothers 251 By force 6031
72 23 38 20 41 29 48
C Covenant 1285 Covenant love 2617 Curse 779 Curse 7045
23,111 20,111 41 41
D Deceived 5377 Dedicated 7592 Defiled 2930
15 96 48
E Entreaty 6279 Eve 2332 Everlasting 5769 Evil 7451
108 10 31 53
F Fear 3372 Forgive (ready to) 5546
23 15
G God (Jehovah) 3068
61
H Harlot 2181 Helpmate 5828 Household idols 8655
48 12 98
I Image 6754 Isaac 3327 Ishmael 3458 Israel 3478
10 26 23 44
J Jacob 3290 Jehovah, my banner 3071 Jochebed 3115 Judge 8199
38 76 58 71
K King 4428 Kinsman 1350
76 92
L Longs 2836 Lord 113 Lord 136 (The Lord) will provide 3070
48 26 26 31
M Mandrakes 1736 Mara 4755 Miriam 4813 Moses 4872
44 83 64 58
N Nations 1471
38
O Oath 7621
108
163
Appendix
Hebrew Words (continued)
Greek Words
P Peaceful 8535 Peoples 3816 Prophet 5030 Prophetess 5031 Prostitute 6948
38 38 31 64,74 51
A Anointed 218 Assisted 4368
130 139
B Baptize 907
133
R Rahab 7343 Redeemer 1350 Righteous 6663 Rizpah 7532 Rout 2000
69 92 51 108 76
S Salvation 3444 Sarah 8283 Sarai 8297 Saved 3467 Seal 2368 Sees 7210 Servant 5650 Serve 5647 Sin 2403 Sin 2398 Sinners 2400 Submit 6031
119 26 20 119 51 23 36 38 15 53 29 23
V Vision 2376
133
W Wicked 7451 Word 1697 Worthless 1101 Y YHVH 3068 (Yahveh)
164
29 41 100 61
C Christ 5547 Compassion 1656 Condemn 2632 Co-worker 4904
130,136 126 126 136
D Deaconess 1249 Disciple 3102
139 139
G Glorified 1392 Grace 5485
130 126
H Head 2776
12
S Saints 40 Salvation 4991 Save 4982 Sunergos 4904
139 119 119 136
T Teaching 1321
136
V Vision 3705
133
W Work 1247 Worrying 4049
130 130
Appendix
Bibliography Carlisle, Thomas John. Eve and After. Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984. Davis Dictionary of the Bible. Nashville, Royal Publishers, Inc., 1973. Jeansonne, Sharon Pace. The Women of Genesis. Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 1990. Lucado, Max. God’s Inspirational Promise Book. Dallas, Word Publishing, 1996. Matheson, George. The Representative Women of the Bible. New York, Hodder and Stoughton, 1907. McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia, Electronic Database, Biblesoft, 2000. Minirth, Frank B. and Paul D. Meier. Happiness is a Choice. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1988. Mulholland, M. Robert. Invitation to a Journey. Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press, 1993. Myers, Ruth. 31 Days of Praise. Sisters, OR, Multnomah Books, 1994. Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Women in Sacred History. New York, J. B. Ford & Co, 1873. Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Gordonsville, TN, Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1894. Taylor, Jack R. The Hallelujah Factor. Nashville, Broadman Press, 1983. The Woman’s Study Bible. Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995. Thompson, Marjorie J. Soul Feast, Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press, 1995. von Carolsfeld, Julius Schnoor. Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden. Undated. Woodcut illustrations were scanned by Publications for Latin America, WELS.
[email protected] . Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Wheaton, Victor Books, 1985. World Book Dictionary. Chicago, World Book, Inc., 1985. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Old Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1994. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1990.
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Sunergos Bible Studies Name of Study: Book Studies: Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith The Book of Ruth The Life of David The Book of Nehemiah The Book of Esther Jonah The Sermon on the Mount The Gospel According to Mark The Epistle to the Romans Galatians and the Fruit of the Spirit Ephesians Philippians and the Call to Biblical Fellowship Colossians Titus and the Call to Biblical Discipleship Philemon (Learn the Inductive Bible Study methodology with this short study) James Topical Studies: Old Testament Worship for Followers of Christ Prayers of the Bible Women of the Word Discipleship Series Studies:
Number of Lessons: 10 4 12 8 5 10 14 22 23 10 12 12 9 9 2 11 8 12 12
The format of the Discipleship Series is different, as each lesson is like one day’s work in the other studies.
The Call to Biblical Character – An In-depth Look at the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10-12) The Call to Bear Fruit by the Power of the Spirit – An In-depth Look at Galatians 5:22, 23 The Call to Live Victoriously by Faith – An In-depth Look at Ephesians 6:10-20 The Call to Biblical Fellowship – An In-depth Look at the “One Another” Commands A Woman’s Call to Biblical Discipleship – An In-depth Look at Titus 2:3-5
11 12 10 12 16
All of these lessons are in-depth inductive Bible studies that encourage the students to examine Scripture through observation before seeking to interpret, while looking for eternal principles in the word that can be applied to their own life. While the studies encourage critical thinking, they also provide some “commentary” from a variety of conservative sources. The studies include instruction for studying inductively, and the work for each lesson has been divided into five days. All studies have been formatted with two options for completing the lessons. The student who has less time for study can complete the opening observation questions which cover the portion of Scripture or theme for the day, and then the student can move to the last question/s which might incorporate other Scriptures and as well as several application questions. The other option is for the student to complete the entire lesson for each day and that would generally take between 30 minutes to one hour. This option includes word studies and an in-depth look at the passage or theme for the day. Leader’s Guides are available for each study to provide resources for those interested in leading a study. Check the Sunergos Bible Studies’ website www.sunergosbible.org for availability, costs, and ordering options. New studies, leader’s guides, and other resources are available from the website.
Book Summary This inductive Bible study explores the character of women in the Old and New Testaments to see the relationship these women had with God. The in-depth twelve-week study examines events that revealed the strengths and weaknesses of women in the Bible so that those living today can learn from their obedience as well as from their mistakes. Many practical application questions are considered so students are challenged to grow stronger in their faith and in their walk with the Lord. The study provides a number of options for completing the lessons. The study also offers a reflection in Scripture to provide a time of worship as a conclusion to the daily lesson. When a group is meeting weekly to discuss the lessons, each student will benefit from the review discussions suggested in the accompanying leader’s guide.
Author Profile JAN WELLS has been married forty years, is the mother of two grown children, and a grandmother. A former English and history teacher, Jan has written twenty in-depth, inductive studies reflecting her passion for the Lord and His word. Incorporated in Jan’s writing are a commitment to the importance of the ministry of discipleship within the body of Christ and a sensitivity to the differences in the way people think and learn. Jan, the creator of Sunergos Bible Studies, has taught the Bible to adults for over twenty years in an interdenominational ministry. The author has an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Simpson University (C&MA) and is pursuing an M.Div. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (SBC). Sunergos Bible Studies have been used in a number of churches throughout the country and internationally, and because of their thoroughness, they have become valuable resources for many pastors and Bible teachers.
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