Why we need to study the Bible?

Because we are Christians.Because we are sinners and we need to know the love, forgiveness and
salvation of God through Jesus Christ as written in the Bible.Because we need to know the secrets of
having a meaningful and fruitful life.

The Bible: Book of All BooksA follower of Christ without a Bible, “the Book” of all Christian books, may
still be considered a Christian, but she/he misses a lot of what Jesus Christ had left for His followers such
as His mission, His love and His promise of a meaningful life. It is therefore of outmost import to study
the Bible.

INTRODUCTION

“No one can properly appreciate the Old Testament who does not discover the golden thread of
prophecy which assures man of the coming Messiah, identified in the New Testament as Jesus Christ,
the Savior of the world. In reading the Old Testament, it is necessary to be aware that it reflects cultures,
customs, and conditions quite different from those which current readers have experienced. It must be
recognized that the writers employ various literary forms in order to communicate the truth of God’s
revelation.” (Walter W. Stuenkel).

THE BIBLE

The word “Bible” comes from the Greek words biblion (singular) and biblia (plural) which mean “book”
and “books” respectively. Biblion is derived from the word biblos which could mean any of the following:
1) The inner pith or bark of the papyrus plant from which paper was made; 2) Any book made from the
papyrus plant; or 3) Simply a book. Then word biblos (book) is the first word in the Greek New
Testament, that is, “Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David the son of Abraham.”
(Matthew 1:1). (Miller, 6)

Thus, even though the Bible is essentially one book with one final Author, the Holy Spirit, it is also the
entire library of books with various human authors.

THE CANON

As far as can be presently determined, God’s revelation was transmitted orally before it was committed
to writing. In the course of time “holy men of God” were “moved by the Holy Ghost” to write down what
God had revealed to them, much of which they had orally imparted to the people.

The word Canon – (literally) means cane.

- (etymologically) “a rod” or “stick” used to measure things to determine if they were up to standard.

Thus, the Canonical Books of the Old Testament are those books which through the years were accepted
(as a group) by the church as the authentic and normative “Word of God.”

The Criteria of the Canonization

For a book to be canonized, it must:

1. Have indication of the divine character

2. Conform to the Torah

3. Written before 424 B.C. (Josephus’ suggestion)

4. Written in the Hebrew language.

Major Groups of the Old Testament

1. Torah (Law)

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

2. EEVREET ( History)

Pre-Monarchy

Joshua, Judges, Ruth

Monarchy

1&2 Samuel. I&II Kings, I&2 Cronicles

Post Monarchy

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

3. Kethubim, Hagiographa (Sacred Writings) Poetical Books

Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes,

4. Nebi’im (Prophets)

a. Major Prophets

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Lamentation, Daniel

b. Minor Prophets

Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Hbakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

A brief look at the books of the Old Testament in a synopsis style.

1. Genesis: The book of Genesis is the history of certain individuals which gives a foundation for the
beginning of creation. It is a recording of generations of people and it gives the Bible unity. Genesis gives
us a look at the start of all creation! It looks at the beginning of the world, man and woman, sin, the
beginnings of the different nations and civilization. It promises deliverance to the people. It shows the
fall of man and promises a redeemer to save mankind. Moses wrote it during 1450 to 1410 BC.

2. Exodus: The book of Exodus gives, as its main lesson deliverance of the people from Egypt. It is the
God's promise being fulfilled from Genesis 15. The nation of Israel is born in this book. The order of law
is established and ritualistic worship is originated in this book. God is shown as the universal control of
all things. He is redeemer and judge of all people including His enemies. He will always be there and he
will never fail. The birth and rescue of Moses are given in Exodus and Moses is called to lead the people
across the Red Sea. The story of the Ten Commandments and the manna can also found in this book.
The tabernacle of Idol worship and the Golden are spoke of in Exodus also.

3. Leviticus: The book of the Levites. This book relates to the holiness of God and God's conditions for
fellowshipping with Him. The sinful life of man is revealed in this book along with a revealing of
atonement and the provision given to man to come before God. This is a book of sacrifice, holiness,
priesthood and atonement.

4. Numbers: Here we find the walk of faith being introduced. The people of God must begin to trust in
God to fulfill His promises to them. This book shows the seriousness of staying away from a life of sin. It
also gives the census of the people.

5. Deuteronomy: This book contains the messages of Moses during the last years of his life. It shows the
power structure of Israel after her establishment. It gives a historical counting and stresses the main
provisions, curses, blessings and desires of the covenant between God and man. Jesus used quotes from
the book of Deuteronomy to oppose Satan. He also used quotes from this book to give a summary of the
Law. Many other books in the New Testament quote from this book also. The Ten Commandments are
spoken of in this book. False prophets and seers are spoken of also.

6. Joshua: This book gives a description of the conquest and division of Canaan. It is full of writings
pertaining to prostitution, sacrificing of children and the immoral structure of the religious system. The
book of Joshua also shows the faithfulness of God toward Israel. It stresses the importance of the
written law of God. "This book of law shall not depart from your mouth..." Joshua 1:8.

7. Judges: The book of Judges covers a period in the history of Israel from around 1380 to 1050 BC. This
book depicts the wars that took place as the Hebrew people attempted to occupy the land. This book
also stresses the importance of obedience to the law. It shows that obedience will bring about peace,
harmony and life, while on the other hand disobedience brings stress, oppression, and death. The life of
the people in this time is one of each person for them self. It is a selfish group of people with everyone
thinking that they are right and everyone else is wrong. But, even with this, God shows His continued
love and forgiveness to the people.

8. Ruth: Here in this book we find a people of faithfulness, godly people living a life of obedience to God
even in times of idolatry and unfaithfulness. Ruth shows that all people can believe in God. We also find
some history as to the lineage of David. The book is also a beautiful depiction of the everlasting
supremacy and love of God towards His people. It shows that He truly cares for all people.
9. 1st Samuel: This book covers the childhood of Samuel up to the start of King David's reign. Samuel
brings the people to a true time of worship to the Lord. This book revolves around the lives of Samuel,
Saul, and David. This book stresses the relationship of sin and effects upon the people and the leaders.
We also find the story of David and Goliath and Saul and the witch of Endor in this book.

10. 2nd Samuel: Saul, the first king of Israel died at the closing of 1 Samuel, and King David begins his
reign in this book. This book gives us a record of King David's life of the throne. We find him setting up
Jerusalem as the religious and political center of the nation. It is a book of victory, sinfulness, and the
covenant of God with David and his lineage.

11. 1st Kings: This book as the title denotes is a recording of the lives of the kings and also showing that
the success or failure of any leader was truly significant upon their relationship with God. The Wisdom of
Solomon is spoken of, the dedication of the temple of Solomon is found in chapter 8, the ministry of
Elijah and the visit of Queen Sheba is given.

12. 2nd Kings: This book gives us a look at the capture and fall of Israel and Judah. There is a brief telling
of the history of Judah, a telling of the reign of the evil kings of Israel and the Babylonian captivity. We
find also in this book the ministry of Elisha. A ministry fulls of miracles""the healing of Naaman, the
raising of the Shunammite's woman's son and the leper. We also read about great revivals from Josiah
and Hezekiah. We find the death of Jezebel also in this book. Many prophecies were given in Israel and
Judah.

13. 1st Chronicles: The book of affairs. The events of the days. A book of racial and religious purity. An
importance was placed upon the position of law, priesthood, and the Temple. The covenant relationship
of the people to God is stressed also. We find here also many genealogical records. We also find
references to the covenant of David, the prayers of David and reference to his reign.

14. 2nd Chronicles: King Solomon's reign is recorded here along with the reign of all the kings of Judah
from 931 to 586 BC. This book shows the disobedience to the Mosaic Law as being the reason for the
Babylonian captivity. We find here Solomon's prayer for wisdom, the dedication of his temple and a visit
from Queen Sheba.

15. Ezra: The book of Ezra gives us the records of the fulfillment of God's promise to restore Israel after
her capture. The fulfillment of this is aided by, King Cyrus, King Darius and King Artaxerxes and many
Jewish leaders. King Cyrus overthrew Babylon in 539 and issued a decree allowing people to return to
their homelands. Many of the people returned, many did not, and the foundation for the temple was
laid under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

16. Nehemiah: The book of Nehemiah completes the history of the restoration of the people from exile
in Babylon. This book also gives background information to the book of Malachi and denotes the
beginning of Daniel's seventy weeks.
17. Esther: This book speaks of the danger to God's people, the devotion of Mordecai, and the decree of
Haman and Mordecai's appeal to Esther. It also tells of the deliverance of God's people. The defeat of
Haman, the defeat of Israel's enemies and Mordecai's fame.

18. Job: This book touches upon a question that still seems to plaque mankind today""why does it seem
that even God's people suffer. Since God is a God of love and compassion, why do men and women of
God seem to suffer at times? This book tells of the necessity to acknowledge the supremacy of God and
gives us the answer to why men and women of God seem to suffer""all suffering is due to sin! Elihu
testified to suffering being a purifying the righteous of God. When we suffer and go before God asking
Him to cleanse and forgive we grow. God's purpose is shown here in this book, we, the believer must get
rid of "SELF." We must place complete trust in God. And if we have trials and tribulations, we must look
for the area of our life that needs purifying.

19. Psalms: The book of praises. This book of Psalms shows judgments and curses. All of the psalms
though are given to do one thing""show the righteousness and love of God towards His people as well as
His judgment towards those that deny Him. This book is a book given to draw the people into praise of
God.

20. Proverbs: A book of parables and sayings full of wisdom. This is a book devoted to the wisdom of
how to live a godly life. This book speaks of sin, goodness, wealth, foolishness, poverty, pride, justice,
strife, the tongue, love, lust, friends, families, life and death. This book covers practically every area of
human life. This book is for all people.

21. Ecclesiastes: The theme of this book shows us that when we look at life, although it seems to be
empty and going nowhere, full of unexplainable situations and happenings it is not hopeless. God
desires us to live our life to its fullest realizing that our life is a great gift from God. Those that are wise
will live in obedience to God. Those that are wise will recognize that God is all in all.

22. Song of Solomon: This is a book of teaching. A book that teaches God's love for His people.

23. Isaiah: The book of Isaiah is a messianic book. Isaiah speaks frequently about the coming of a
messiah. We find a great deal about Christ in this book.

24. Jeremiah: The book of the prophet. Jeremiah was ordered by God to deliver a message to the
people. The book is full of warnings against sin. The book also gives a message of hope. The book gives a
prediction of the Messiah and the Babylonian captivity. Babylon is referred to in this book quite
frequently.

25. Lamentations: This is a book of poetry written as a lament over the destruction of Jerusalem. The
word Lamentations comes from the Greek verb meaning to "cry aloud."

26. Ezekiel: This book contains prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem. Speaks of the overthrow of Gog.
Gives prophecies against foreign nations. Speaks of the restoration of Israel and the millennial kingdom.
27. Daniel: A book also of prophecies. The future of Persia, Babylon, Greece and Rome in Chapters 2 and
7. The prophecy of seventy weeks of years and the activities of the antichrist. The book speaks of angels,
resurrection, and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the
den of lions.

28. Hosea: This book gives a view of God's steadfast love for Israel. Although Israel has been unfaithful,
God still loves her. The book speaks of the sins of the people, the reality of the judgment that will come
to them and the assurance of God's unending love.

29. Joel: This is a book also of prophecy""God's intervention. God's outstretched hand to Israel, the
drought and the locusts symbolize the punishment for the sins of the people. The book speaks of
desolation and deliverance.

30. Amos: This book delivers a call to the people to come out of their evil life styles and pagan worship.
It is a call to repent. It is a call to turn away from the sinful life.

31. Obadiah: This book speaks of the downfall of Edom. It gives the reasons for the destruction of
Edom""lack of brotherly love; love of self, and for its hostile attitude.

32. Jonah: This book tells us that God cares for the entire world. The book of Jonah is full of miracles
also. The calming of the sea, the great fish that Jonah was in, Jonah being thrown upon dry land, the
preparation of the gourd, the worm, and the wind and the salvation of Ninevites.

33. Micah: This book details the destruction of Samaria and Judah. Certain passages are quoted
elsewhere in the Bible. Micah 3:12 is quoted in Jeremiah 26:18. Micah 5:2 is quoted in Matthew 2:5-6
and Micah 7:6 is quoted in Matthew 10:35-36.

34. Nahum: This book shows the majesty of God. God is described in chapter one as jealous, avenging,
wrathful, slow to anger, great in power, good and a stronghold in trouble. The judgment of God is
described also.

35. Habakkuk: Again here in this book we find that question of why did God allow troubles to happen.
And again the answer is the same""when man changes the way he is and turns from sin. God's goodness
and power is shown supreme over evil.

36. Zephaniah: Judgment seems to be the central point of this book. Zephaniah tells of the doom of the
heathen nations and gives a beautiful depiction of the Millennium. There are prophesies of blessings
also and an exhortation for the people to repent.
37. Haggai: This is a book of encouragement given to all people. This book calls for the construction of
the temple, a call to courage, a call to cleanliness and a call to confidence.

38. Zechariah: Zechariah also gave many prophecies about Christ. The only other prophet giving more
was Isaiah. Zechariah spoke of the birth of Christ and he spoke of things that would happen at the
Second Coming of Christ. This is a book of hope.

39. Malachi: Here again we have a call to repentance and to worship God in truth. Malachi speaks of
God's compassion for Israel. He speaks of God's complaint against Israel and His condemnation of the
people.

Background of the Old Testament

The term “Old Testament” is most commonly used to apply to what is known as the Hebrew Bible
consisting of 39 individual books, covering the time from the creation of the world to approximately 400
years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Authorship

While there is some debate about the authorship of some of the books, it is generally accepted that
over thirty writers over a period of approximately 1200 years contributed to the content of the Old
Testament as we know it today.

Language

Most of the Old Testament was written originally in Hebrew. A few minor portions in books like Ezra,
Daniel and Jeremiah seem to have been written in Aramaic, a near language to that of Hebrew and very
likely the language which Jesus spoke in the New Testament era.

The Old Testament was translated into Greek somewhere in the middle of the third century B.C. The
Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament is known as the Septuagint (in reference to some 70
Jewish elders who worked on the translation). This version was in common use during the time of Jesus
especially among the Jews of the dispersion.
Culture

The Old Testament comes to us out of a very different culture to that of the modern western
experience and, therefore, can only be understood fully by understanding certain elements of early
eastern culture. The culture of the Bible is a shepherding and agricultural culture. Most of the marriage
customs of the Bible times are very different to our western understanding of things.

THE WRITERS OF THE BIBLICAL TRADITION

The Biblical writers are believed to be inspired (in the spirit of) or empowers by God in writing their faith
and experiences. Recent Biblical scholarship questions the authenticity of the authorship of a lot of
Biblical writings. The whole community, however, should understand this, in the light of the fact that
traditions were owned not by single person. Hence, it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact writer. The
writings though were ascribed to some distinguished servants of God. Questions of authorship do not,
however, affect the message of writings. Instead, they should help us in many ways to interpret these
writings.

THE OLD TESTAMENT

WRITERS

1. Yahwist (J)

(from YAHWEH)

950-920 B.C. (Solomonic Era)

1) Use Yahweh as name for God.

2) Stories are vivid, concrete and full of imagery.

3) Represent God as human being (Gen.2), a human God, and accessible (Gen 18).

4) Sin is viewed as person’s desire to take the place of God (Gen. 3-11); it brings curse to human person.

5. God always forgives and renews covenant (Gen. 18).

2. Elohist (E)

(from ELOHIM)

875-800 B.C.( Jerobaom II, Northern Kingdom)

Note:In the fall of the N.K. in 721, some Israelites escaped to S.K. where Hezekiah was king and brought
with them their traditions (E). These were combined with the J (Ex. Gen. 15)
1) Use of Elohim as name for God

2) Stories are less vivid, less concrete

3) Avoid representing God as human person;

4) God reveals himself/herself through dreams and theophany’s.

5. Real worship consists in obeying God and observing the covenant.

6. True men of God are no longer the kings and priests, but the prophets.

3. Deutoronomist (D) (700 – 650 B.C.)

1) Style is emotional. It meant not only to teach, but to convince people to obey.

2) Numerous repetitions (Ex. The Lord your God)

3. Constant mixture of the second person singular and second person plural.

Some key ideas:

a. The Lord is the sole God of Israel.

b. God has chosen a people. In response, people must love God.

c. God has given a land on a condition that the people remain faithful to God.

d. it is the liturgy that people remembers and understands God word.

4. Priestly (P) 580-540 B.C. (Babylonian Exile)

Note: In exile the priest read and re-reread their traditions. Keep up the people’s faith and hope.

1) Style is dry. The writer is not a storyteller but loves figures and lists.

2) Often repeats the same thing twice: God says. . . God does. . . (Ex. Gen. 1)

3. Vocabulary is often technical and has to do with cult.

4. Genealogies appear often, which is very important for an exiled people without roots.

5) Worship and priesthood are central. Priest takes the place of the kings in the Yahwist and the
prophets in the Elohist.

6. Laws are put in narrative forms, attached to historical events. ( Ex. Law of Fertility in Gen. 9 or Law of
Passover in Ex. 12)
5. Wise People

Note : Difficult to date although many wisdom literature were written during the Persian (538-333 B.C.)
and Greek (333-63 B.C.) periods

1. Contains are of living a good life, seeking what leads to life not death.

2. Reflections on the great human questions of life, death, love, suffering, evil, etc.

3. Timeless and universal. Some were drawn from other civilizations, but put into the melting pot of
belief in one God.

6. Apocalyptist (from Apocalyoses, meaning revelation) 333-63 B.C.

1. Uses a pseudonym. Attributed this book to a holy person of the past.

2. Written in times of crisis, pessimistic about a world doomed to perdition because it is wholly in the
devil. But God creates a new world at the end.

3. Vision of God is somewhat deterministic.

4. Call forth a total faith and hope in God.

5. Project the past into the future in order to address the present.

6. Restricted to the initiated/believers; special code expressed in both words and images are used.

7. Prophetic Writers

Note: The prophets were more of speaker than writers. Their disciples collected their sayings put them
into writings, sometimes updating them.

(Ex. Is. 8:6; 30:8; Jer. 36:6) The collected writings were finally edited mostly during and after the exile.
Some later prophecies related to the work of the original prophets were added (Ex. Book of Isaiah).

1) Speak in the name of God; someone who has been made privy to God’s plans (Amos 3:7) and now
sees everything through God’s eyes.

2. Analyze society from perspective of God’s will and purpose.

3. Discover God’s word at their calling and in their life.

4. Express themselves through words (oracles declarations made in the name of God). Exhortation,
stories, prayers and actions. Prophetic actions communicate the Word, and even make history.