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BIBLE GEOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION
The Bible is believed to be the divine revelation of God Himself to a particular time of history,
people, culture and place. Therefore, Bible is a divine revelation of God in the human history.
The fact that the divine revelation took place in the course of human history provides the
significance and the necessity to study the geography of Bible. The study of the geography of the
Bible is mainly intended for the beginners of Bible student. It will introduce to the peoples,
places, lands and its features, historical events & its significance in the Bible.

The aims and objectives of the study of the Bible Geography are stated below;-
1. To help to come to know the important places, persons, events and other important
features of the land in the Bible.
2. To help to become familiar with the Bible historical events and names of the person,
place, or things etc.
3. To help to be able to see the Bible as the revelation of God in the process of the historical
sequence
4. To help to come to know the revealed history of the people of God and also the historical
setting background of both the authors and the recipients as well.
5. To help the students to know that the Bible is not simply a myths but a record of the
historical facts of God’s intervention with His people in the history of the humankind.

The methodology of the study simply follows according to the historical development process of
God’s revelation in the Bible. In doing that, the study will mainly focus on the places, people,
land & its features, special historical events, and its significance in the Bible as God revealed
Himself to human beings in human history.

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CHAPTER-I
THE BEGINNINGS
The first book of the bible can be rightly called the account of the beginning of everything. It
starts with the account of creation and continues with the formation of God’s people. The first
five books in the Pentateuch reveals several account of the important peoples, places and other
historical events that take place in the history of the Human kind.

1. Lands and Features


a. Garden of Eden
There are not many people and places revealed in the account of the Garden of the Eden.
However, the historical events recorded here are very important and significant in the revelation
of God in human history.

There are not many places mention here. In fact, the four rivers and later, Mount Ararat are the
few places that was mentioned. The name of the four rivers is the river of Pison in the land of
Havilah, river of Gihon in the land of Ethiopia, river of Tigris (Hiddekel) in the land of Assyria
and the fourth river is Euphrates (Gen. 2:8 – 14).

The land was beautiful and fruitful. Human had been given every authority to rule over the
creation, but was soon replaced by wickedness and evil of the human heart that led to God to
destroy the human kind by sending the flood.

The Garden of Eden was beautifully decorated and surrounded by four rivers and garden the
water. The four rivers are Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, and Euphrates. In the centre of the garden was
also found the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life. The location of the
Garden of Eden is found today in Asia. Iraq is seen as the place where the early beginnings of
everything, take place with her surroundings

b. Land of Nod
This was the land where Cain was sent away after murdering his own brother Able. The land
allotted and founded by murderer Cain. It was in the east of the Garden of Eden. Cain also
started to build city of Enoch, named after his first born son.

2. The People
The first human ever mentioned or created first was Adam and Eve. This was followed by the
names of their sons, Able, Cain and Seth. The sons that were born to Cain and Seth are given
below.

a. Adam & Eve


Able (murdered by Cain his brother) – Cain (Was cursed and send to Nod) – Seth

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b. Cain (Gen. 4: 16 – 24)
Enoch
Irad
Mehujael
Methushael
Lamech: Two wives – Adah and Zillah

Adah: Jabal (He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock’s)
Jubal (The father of all those who [lay the harp and flute)
Zillah: Tubal-Cain (An Instructor of every craftsman I Bronze and Iron)
Namah (Tubal-Cain’s Sister)

c. Seth (Gen. 5:1 – 32)


Enosh (The men began to call on the name of the Lord)
Cainan
Mahalaleel
Jared
Enoch
Methuselah
Lamech
Noah
Japheth
Ham
Shem

Noah means the one who will comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands because of
the ground which the Lord has cursed (Gen. 5:29).

3. The Important Events


a. The account of human creation (Gen. 1 – 2)
Above all creation account given in the Bible, human creation stands unique. The whole creation
was created for human to subdue and rule over them. It was basically to reflect God’s image over
the creation. This is why, God created human in the image and likeness of God.

b. The fall of humankind (Gen. 3)


Adam was deceived through Eve. The Serpent in the Garden of Eden craftily manipulated Eve
by telling the truth-lie.

c. The consequences of human fall (Gen.3)


The spiritual separation immediately took place and finally the physical death appears.
i. The fall brought curse upon the earth

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#. The ground was cursed
#. The Serpent was cursed
#. The woman was cursed
#. The man was cursed
ii. Sin enter into the world
iii. Sufferings and problems became rampant
iv. Human hearts became Evil and wicked
v. Human race became fallen race
vi. Human became totally hopeless
vii. Human became totally lost in sin
viii. Human became enslaved to sinful nature
ix. The earth technically began to rule by Satan
x. Human became spiritually blind

d. God’s Provision and Promise (Gen. 3)


i. God was seeking Adam and Eve
ii. God found them and covered their nakedness with skin
iii. The seed of woman will crush and bruised the head of the serpent

e. The beginning of the City (Gen. 4)


Cain built the first ever city in the human history after the name of his first born son Enoch. It
was a human built city in the ways and wisdom of human. No wonder why city live is often
pictured as opposed to God, It traced back to the origin of the city that was built by a murderer in
the beginning to protect him. The city lives pretends to have the promise of providing every
worldly pleasures and satisfactions of human desires. It appears so appealing that many falls into
trap and has lost their lives

Conclusion
The Garden of Eden is very significance in the Bible. In fact, the Garden of Eden is the place of
where every beginning of both good and evil took place. The origin of both good and evil traced
back to the Garden of Eden. The other four rivers later became the popular river and even today
continue to exist, like Tigris and Euphrates is seen in the country of Iraq.

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CHAPTER - II
THE NOAHIC TO PATRIACHAL ERA
The patriarchal period actually begins from the time of Abraham. However, in this chapter, we
will begin from the beginning and spreading of one family to many nations, languages, cultures,
etc. Therefore, this chapter will present from the time of Noah to the time of Abraham to Jacob
in Egypt.

1. The Land and Features


The evil and wickedness of human continually increase and God was regretted that He had made
Human beings. Finally, God sends a judgment of flood and destroyed every human being except
Noah and his family. Thus, later, the sons of Noah scattered to different land and place and filled
the earth. The first activity of human being after the flood account appears in the land of Shinar
and from there so on to other land and places.

a. Mount Ararat (Gen. 8: 4)


The first mountain that appears in the Bible after the flood was Mount Ararat. For the first time
after many days floating above the water of the flood, the boat finally touch the ground on the
Mount Ararat. This is seen nearby Iraq today.

b. Shinar: Mesopotamia (Gen. 10-11)


The land of Shinar is important in the Bible. In the old days, it is known as the Mesopotamia.
There was several historical events took place in the land of Shinar. Possibly, one of the earliest
places mentioned in the Bible, where human began to settle and spread from there to the whole
world. The Tower of Babel took place here. This was the place where the human being, under
the leadership of Nimrod attempted to build a tower for their self glory and fame. However, the
Angel of the Lord came down and destroyed the tower and confused the language. From this
place, the people scattered to different nations, languages, and cultures.

The people of Shinar were the descendants of Cush, the son of Ham. Nimrod is the son of Cush
(Gen.10:6-10). The important cities were the city of Babylon & Nineveh. The origin and the
centre place where the human race began to spread all over the world. At present, the land of
Shinar is seen and settled by the Iraqis and Iranist.

c. Ur-The Native Home of Abraham (Gen. 11: 27 – 32)


Ur is the home town of Abraham. His father and brothers were born here. Nahor, the brother of
Abraham died here. Terah, the father of Abraham, took him and Haran to Haran and settled there
for a while. Ur is seen nearby Nineveh and also known as Aram Pathan, the place of Laban, the
brother of Rebekah and son of Betheul, of Nahor.

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d. Haran (Gen. 11: 31-12: 5)
Abraham came out from Ur to Haran with his father Terah. He stayed here for a while and Haran
his father died and buried here. God call him while he was in Haran. God promised Abraham to
give a Land of Canaan, Make his name great among other nations, and all the nations will be
blessed through him (Gen.12: 1-5).
Askenash
Rephath
2. The people Togarmah
a. Noah and his three sons (Gen.10: 1 – 32)
Shem Ham Japheth
Elam Cush Gomer
Asshur Uz Mizraim Magog
Arphaxad Hul Put Madai
Lud Gether Canaan Javan
Meshech Elishah
Aram Tubal
Tarshish
Kittim Meshech
Rodanim Tiras
b. Arphaxad son of Shem
Shelah
Eber
Cush
Peleg Seba
Joktan Sons of Joktan Havilah
Mizraim Sidon
Almodad Hitites Sabtah
Ludites
Sheleph Jebusites Raamah
Anamites
Uzal Amonites Sabticah
Lehabites
Deklah Girgashites Nimrod
Naphtuhites
Obal Hivites Sheba Gen.10
Pathrusites
Abimael Arkites Dedan
Casluhites Sinites
Sheba
Caphtorites Arvadites
Ophir
(Philistine came Zemarites
Havilah
from Casluhites) Hamathites
Jobab
(They live from Mesha toward Sephar in the Eastern hill country- Gen.10: 30).

c. Peleg son of Eber

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Meaning of Peleg = “because in his time the earth was divided (Gen. 10: 25)
Shem
Arphaxad
Shelah
Eber
Nahor Peleg Lot (S)
Uz
Reu Milcah (d)
Buz Iscah (d)
Serug
Kemuel
Kesed Nahor
Hazo (Gen.22: 20 – 24) Terah
Piddash Abram
Jedlaph Betheul Nahor
Bethuel Laban (s)
Haran
Rebeka (d)
.(

d. Abram – son of Terah (Gen.


Sarai Hagar Keturah (Gen.25: 1 – 11)
Isaac – Rebekah (Wife)
- Issau Ismael (Gen.25: 12 – 18) Zimran
- Jacob 1. Nebaioth Jokshan
2. Kedar Medan
3. Adbeel Midian
4. Mibsan Ishbale
5. Mishma Shuah
6. Dumah Ephah Sheba
7. Massa Epher Dedan
8. Hadad Hanoch Asshurites
9. Tana Abida Letushites
10. Jetur Eldaah Leummites
11. Naphish They were sent to the East
12. Kedunah (Gen.28:5)

The Ishmaelite lived and settled from Havilah to Shur near the border of Egypt. They lived in
hostility with their brothers (Gen.25:18).

3. The Important Events


a. The Flood (Gen.6 – 9)
The flood account was given here as God’s judgment upon the human kind because of their
wickedness. The Bible declares that, “the Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had
become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time” (Gen.6:
5). God send rains for 40days and 40nights and the whole land was flooded for many days. God
punishes all the wicked human being, destroyed them by flood and save the righteous man Noah
& his family (Gen.6: 9 – 7:3). Noah had three sons; they are Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Noah and

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his sons and their wives were the only survivors of the Flood. The human generation spreads and
scattered later all over the different parts of the world through this Noah sons.

b. God’s Covenant With Noah (Gen.9: 1-17)


God made covenant with Noah that he will never destroyed the human kind again by flood. God
gave a sign of Rainbow to remember the covenant He made with Noah.

c. The Tower of Babel (Gen.10: 1-9)


After the flood, the population number increases and they had only one language. They come
together to build a tower to reach heaven, to make their name, and for their glory. Nimrod, the
son of Cush, son of Ham was the leader in the project of the Tower of Babel. God came down
and saw what was happening. He confused the language that people could not understand one
another anymore and destroyed the tower. From this time onwards, the people scattered to the
different places. The word “Babel” means “confuse” because on this day the Lord confused their
language. Therefore, it is also called the “Tower of Babel” (Gen.11: 9).

d. The Call of Abraham


The call of God comes to Abraham while he was in Haran. The call involves four areas to
sacrifice (Gen. 12: 1). They are;
Leave your country
Leave your people
Leave your father’s household
To go to the Land the God will show him
The Call involved a promised of blessings to Abraham if he obeyed and does what the Lord said
(Gen.12: 2 – 3). The promised blessings are;
I’ll make you into a great nation and I will bless you
I’ll make your nation name great and you will be a blessing
All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Conclusion
The destruction of human by flood was because of the increase of their evil and wickedness. This
was also an example for us today to learn that God do not tolerate any wickedness and evil
works. He brings to judgment because He is the God of Justice. The tower of Babel also
witnesses that how human often attempted to seek for their own name, fame, and glory. God
revealed His anti-attitude to such kind of thoughts and brings down the work of human to
nothingness. The chapter finally closed with the call of Abraham as the beginning of God in
formulating his own people and nation to witness God’s deed and glory to the other nations.

CHAPTER-III

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ABRAHAM’S JOURNEY: THE FORMATION OF GOD’S PEOPLE

Abraham’s Family
The genealogy of Shem (11:10–26) serves to introduce the figure of Abraham, a native of the
Mesopotamian city of Ur. God’s redemptive plan now focuses on the family and descendants of
one individual. Abraham’s role in Scripture is foundational to the rest of Scripture: all of God’s
subsequent redemptive dealings with humanity are related to the covenant God made with
Abraham.

NOTES: (unless otherwise noted, all biblical references are from the Book of Genesis)

Abraham lived in the city of Ur (capital of the ancient kingdom of Sumer). Sometime around
2,000 BC. God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a new land that God would show
Him. The Bible traces Abraham's steps from Ur to Haran (north of Canaan), through the land of
Canaan, into Egypt, and back into Canaan (which later became Israel).

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1. Land and Features
a. Bethel (Gen.12: 8).
Abraham came out from Haran to Bethel. He built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of
the Lord.

b. Negev (Gen.12: 9)
He settles there but we don’t know exactly how long he stayed. However, we know for sure that
there was a famine in the land. He finally move towards down to the Egypt to escape from the
famine.

c. Egypt (Gen.12: 10 – 20)


Abraham and Sarai went down to the Egypt. Sarah was made to pretend to be the sister of
Abraham. The Pharaoh attempted to marry with Sarah but the Lord warned him and prevented
him from touching her. They come back again to Negev from Egypt and from Negev to Bethel,
the first place where he had built alter and call unto His name.

d. Sodom and Gomorrah


Lot, son of Haran, a brother of Abraham was also with Abraham when he moves out to the land
that God had promised to give. Lot chooses the plain side of Sodom and Gomorrah to settle there
and parted away from Abraham. Sodom and Gomorrah also appear in the Bible as a wicket city.
It was destroyed by fire as God’s punishment for their wickedness. Only Lot and his two
daughters were save from the destruction. Lot’s wife was warned not to look back when God
began to destroy by fire. But she looked back and become the salt pillar.

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e. Mamre at Hebron (Gen.13: 18)
Abraham went to Mamre after Lot separated from him towards Sodom and Gomorrah.

f. Mount Moriah
Abraham was asked by God to take his son Isaac to sacrifice at Mount Moriah (Please read the
detail story from the Bible Gen. 22: 1-19).

2. The People
a. Isaac
Esau (His wives are Adah, Oholibamah and Basemath.
Jacob (His wives are Leah and Rachel- both daughters of Laban)

b. Esau (Gen 36: 1 – 5 & 10 – 19)


Adah (1st wife) – Oholibamah (2nd wife) – Basemath (3rd wife)
Elephaz Jeush Reul
Teman Nahath Jolam
Omar Zerah Korah
Zepho Shammah
Gatan Mizzah
Kenaz
Elephaz had a son called Amalek, born to him by his concubine Timna

c. Jacob (Gen. 29 & 30 and 35: 16 – 18; see also Gen. 35: 23 – 26)
Leah – Zilpah (Maidservant) and Rachel – Bilhah (Maidservant)
1. Reuben 5. Dan – Bilhah
2. Simeon 6. Naphtali - Bilhah
3. Levi 11. Joseph – Rachel
4. Judah 12. Benjamin - Rachel
7. Gad - Zilpah
8. Asher - Zilpah
9. Issachar
Joseph – Asenath (wife)
10. Zebulun
Ephraim
* Dinah (daughter) Manasseh

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Notes:

 Jacob's twelve sons are first mentioned in the order of their births, in Genesis 29:31–
30:24 & 35:16-20.

d. Judah (Gen. 38: 1 – 27)


Er (Married to Tamar)
Onan
Shelah

Judah Got child through Tamar (Gen. 38: 27 – 30)


Perez – Hezron & Hamul
Zerah

3. The Important Events


a. Abraham’s Journey to Canaan (Gen.12: 1 - 9)
b. Abraham and the Pharaoh of Egypt (Gen.12:10 – 20)
c. Abraham and Lots Separation (Gen.13: 1 – 18)

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d. The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen.
e. The birth of Ishmael (Gen. 16: 1-15)
f. The Birth of Isaac (Gen.21: 1 – 7).
g. God Test Abraham (Gen. 22: 1 – 19)
h. Isaac’s Marriage with Rebecca (Gen.24)
i. The Birth of Esau and Jacob (Gen.25: 19 – 34)
j. Isaac and Abimelech (Gen.26: 1 – 35)
k. Isaac and Jacob (Gen.27 – 28)
l. Jacob and Laban’s Daughter Leah and Rachel (Gen.29 – 30-)
m. The Story of Joseph (Gen. 37 – 50)
- Asenath (wife of Joseph) the daughter of Egyptian Priest
- Joseph and His dreams
- Joseph in the house of Potiphar
- Joseph and the Egypt
- Joseph and His Brothers in the land of Goshen in Egypt

Conclusion
The formation of the people of God begins with the call of Abraham. God began the formation of
His people through an individual person Abraham. It was through this single or individual person
that developed a family and finally spread to twelve tribes. These twelve tribes of Israel went
down to the Egypt and settled in the land of Goshen of Egypt. They were altogether 70 in
numbers when they came down to Egypt. These 70 numbers were increase to great numbers that
almost out-numbered the Egyptian population. This chapter disclosed the fulfillment of God’s
prophecy and also a mystery of God’s plan. However, at the same time God was mysteriously
working among the Israelites and so Israel was growing numerously in their population. This
was in fact, the time where God mysteriously working to bring out His people in full flat Nation
of God’s people.

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CHAPTER – IV
THE DELIVERANCE OF ISRAEL: GOD’S PEOPLE

1. Land and Features


a. Israelites in Egypt (Ex.1-2)
The book of Exodus tells us about the story of the slavery life of Israel under the rule of
Egyptian. This was exactly what God said to Abraham, “… Know for certain that your
descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be strangers in a country
not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. …” (Gen. 15: 13).
This had been anticipated long before it happened. God send Joseph to Egypt to save his people
from the famine. It was altogether 70only by the time when Jacob and his sons settled down in
the land of Egypt at Goshen.

Israel grew in great numbers and began to prosper. However, The Egyptian began to fear that
they may rebel against them. So, they made them slaves of Egypt and suffer in the hands of
foreign ruler in the stranger land. Moses was born during the most crucial time of Israelites in the
land of Egypt. Moses means, “drawing out of water”. Read the story of Moses from the given
reference Exodus chapter 1 & 2. Moses was raised in the palace by the sister of Pharaoh.
However, when Moses came to learn that he is born of an Israelite. He gave up the palace life
and flees to land of Midian and stay there until he receive God’s calling (Ex. 2: 11 - 25).

b. Midian
The Sinai Peninsula lies between Egypt and the land of Midian. The Midians are in fact, shared a
close relationship with the people of Israel. They are also the sons of Abraham but of the mother
Keturah, whom Abraham married after the dead of his wife Sarah.
Moses and Family (Ex. 2: 11 – 25). Moses flees from Egypt to this land. He married a midianite
called Zipporah, the daughter of Reul also called Zethro was a Priest. Gershom was Moses first
son.

c. Mount Horeb: The Mountain of God


God revealed here His name, “I am who I am”

Moses and Burning Bush (Gen. 3: 1 – 22)


Moses saw a burning bush and he draw closer God spoke to him. Moses received here his calling
to go back to Egypt and deliver the people of Israel from the hands of Pharaoh of Egypt. Moses
was commanded to bring them out to worship God in this mountain.

God’s Promise to Moses (Gen. 4: 1 – 31)


God promise him that He will be with him and perform many great wonders and miracles in the
presence of his people and Pharaoh.

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d. The Exodus Journey (Ex. 12: 31ff…) to Promise Land
- Rameses to Succoth Ex. 12: 37
- Succoth to Etham
On the edge of the desert
- Etham to PiHahiroth
Between Migdol and the sea (opposite to Baal Zephon)
- Pi Hahiroth to Red Sea
- Red Sea to Desert of Shur
- Desert of Shur to Marah
Bitter water that’s why they called it Marah – Ex. 15: 22 - 27)
- Marah to Ellim
- Elim to Desert of Sin
Between Elim and Sinai (Ex. 16:1ff…)
- Desert to Rephidim – Amalekites attacked the Israelites
There was not any water to drink. However, God provided the drinking water out of rock – They
called that place Massah and Merribah because the Lord provided the drinking water out of Rock
(Ex. 17: 1ff…)).
- Rephidim to Mount Sinai (Ex. 19: 1ff …)
Moses Covenant Established
Received 10 Commandments
Received other Laws and Regulations
The Tabernacle was built.
It was built by Bezalel and Oholiab and everthing that was inside the Tabernacle,
The ark of Covenant, Lamp stand, Cherubim’s etc (Ex. 31: 1- 28 and 35: 30 – 35)
The Golden Calf (Ex. 32)
- Mount Sinai to the Desert of Paran (Ex. 10: 11 – 36)
- Taberah (Num. 11: 1 – 3)
The Lord consumed the people who murmured against their hardship. It angered God and
consumed them with fire. That’s why, “Taberah” means because fire from the Lord had
burned them (Num. 11: 3)
- Kirbroth Hattaavah (Num. 11: 4 – 35)
People complain for the food and asked for meat. The Lord provided with Quail.
However, the people become again greedy for the food. The lord becomes angry and
struck plague upon the food and many were killed. Kirbroth Hattaavah means because
they buried the people who craved other food (Num. 11: 34).
- Kirbroth Hattaavah to Hazeroth (Num. 11: 35)
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his Cushites wife. God punishes them
and left them with Leprosy (Read Num. 12: 1 – 16).
- Desert of Paran
Twelve Spies to Explore Canaan (Num. 13: 1 – 33)
Ten Spies provides negative reports

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Two Spies provides positive reports (the two spies are Joshua and Caleb)
- Desert of Zin (Num.20: 1)
Kadesh: Miriam wife of Aaron died here (Num.20: 1)
Israel asked permission from the King Edom of Kadesh to pass the land. But they
were not permitted. So Israel turned away from them. (Num. 20: 14 – 21)
Waters of Merribah (Num. 20: 1 – 13)
People of Israel complain again to Aaron and Moses because there was no water
to drink. Moses and Aaron called the people and struck the rock twice with the
staff and the water flushed out from the rock. However, the Lord said to Moses
and Aaron that they will not enter into the promise land because they have not
trusted God enough.
- Kadesh to Mount Hor (Num. 20: 22 – 29)
God told Moses and Aaron here that they will not enter to the Promise Land. Aaron also
died here.
- Negev: The land of Canaanite (Num. 21: 1 – 3)
- Atharim also called Hormah (Num. 21: 1 – 3)
The Canaanite attacked Israel and killed many. Some of the Israelites were also taken as
captives. Israelites made a vow to destroy the Cannanite city completely. They
completely destroy them and their towns; so the place was name Hormah.
- Mount Hor to Red Sea (Num. 21: 1ff…)
The Bronze Snake (Num. 21: 1 - 9)
The Lord sent venomous snake when the people of Israel complain to Moses.
Many were bitten and died. Moses interceded on behalf of them. The Lord
answered his prayer by asking him to make “bronze snake” and whoever looked
up will be saved.
- Oboth to Iye Abarim (Num. 21: 10 – 11)
It is nearby Moab. It faces the face in the sunrise towards Moab.
- Iye Abarim to Zered Valley (Num. 21: 12)
- Zered Valley to Arnon the boarder of Moab and Amorites (Num. 21: 13)
- Arnon to Beer (Num. 21: 16)
The Lord provide water here and they sing to the Lord
- Beer to Matannah (Num. 21: 18 – 20)
- Matannah to Nahaliel (Num. 21: 18 – 20)
- Nahaliel to Bamoth (Num. 21: 18 – 20)
- Bamoth to the valley of Moab where the top Pisgah over looks the wasteland
- Heshbon: the city of King Sihon the Amorites ((Num. 21: 21 – 26)
- The Plain of Moab along the Jordan River and Jericho (Num. 22, 23, 24, & 25)
Balaam the Prophet and Barak the Moabite King (Num. 22 – 24)
Balaam’s Trick to seduce Israelites (Num. 25)
- Canaan: Boundaries (Num. 34: 1 – 12)
Southern = Include some of the Desert of Zin along the border of Edom

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East of southern start from the end of the Salt sea cross south so Scorpions
passage, continue on to Zin and go south of Kadesh – Barnea. Then it will go to
Hazar Addar and over to Azmon , turn and join with Wadi of Egypt and end at
the sea.
Western = Coast of the Great Sea – boundary on the west
Northern = Great Sea to Mount Hor and from Mount Hor to Lebo Hamath,
then Ziphron and end at Hazar Enan.
Eastern = Hazar Enan to Shepham. From Shepham to Riblah on the east
side of Ain and continue along slopes east of the sea of Kinnereth. Then will go
down to the Jordan and end at the salt sea.
- Mount Nebo (Deut. 34: 1 - 12)
Moses climbed Mount Nebo on the top of Mount Pisgah (Deut. 34: 1) and look over the
promise Land. Then Moses died here and was buried but nobody knows until today
where he was buried.

Route of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt 

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This map shows the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land under the
leadership of Moses. The Nile Delta was a triangular area of marshland about 150 miles from
north to south, from Memphis to the Mediterranean, and about 150 - 200 miles wide.
Upper Egypt was a bit further south from Lower Egypt, starting at Memphis (bottom of the Nile
Delta Triangle) and extended for about 600 miles down the Nile River Valley to Elephantine.
2. The People
a. The Descendants of Moses and Aaron
Levi
Gershon Aaron
Kohath Moses
Merari Miriam (daughter) Nadab (Lv.10)
Jochebed (daughter) Abihu
Libni Amram Eleazar
Shimei Izhar Phinehas Ithamar
Hebron
Uzziel

Moses: Zipporah (Wife)


Gershom
Eliezer

b. The Other People Group


There were many other people group in the land of Cannan and Midian. They were Amorites,
Amalakites, Hitites, Jephusites, Philistine, Canaanites, Midianites, Moabites and many more.
However, the Moabites, Midianites, Philistine and Canaanites are the dominant people group
that Israel encounter again and again in their Exodus journey and also when they settled in the
Promise Land, specially, The Canaanites and Philistines.

3. The Important events


a. The Birth of Moses (Ex. 2)
b. Moses and the Burning Bush (Ex. 3)
c. The Ten Plagues
The plague of Flood (Ex. 7: 14 – 25)
The plague of Frogs (Ex. 8: 1 – 15)
The plague of Gnats (Ex. 8: 16 – 19)
The plague of Flies (Ex. 8: 20 – 32)
The plague on Livestock (Ex. 9: 1 – 7)
The plague of Boils (Ex. 9: 8 – 12)
The plague of Hail (Ex. 9: 13 – 35)
The plague of Locusts (Ex. 10: 1 – 20)

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The plague of Darkness (Ex. 10: 21 – 29)
The plague on the Firstborn (Ex. 11: 1 – 10 & 12: 1 – 29).

d. The Exodus Journey (Ex. 12: 31 – Deut. 34)


e. The Crossing of Red Sea (Ex12 – 13)
f. Manna and Quail (Ex. 16)
g. The Ten Commandments (Read from Ex. 20)
h. The Offerings (Lev. 1 – 7)
i. The Burnt Offering (Lev. 1)
ii. The Grain Offering (Lev. 2)
iii. The Guilt Offering (5: 14 – 19)
iv. The Sin Offering (6: 24 – 30)
v. The Fellowship Offering (7: 11 – 38)

i. The Festivals (Lev. 23)


i. The Sabbath
ii. The Passover (Refer Ex. 12)
iii. The Unleavened Bread
iv. The Feast of the First Fruits
v. The Feast of the Weeks
vi. The Feast of Trumpets
vii. The Feast of the Day of the Atonement
viii. The Feast of Tabernacles
ix. The Feast of Purim (Esther)

Conclusion
The deliverance of Israelites from the bondage of Egypt was also a fulfillment of what God had
promised earlier to Abraham. It is still yet to fulfill completely. For God said He will punish the
nation (Gen.15: 14). However, during the time of Judah’s exile, Jeremiah the Prophet insisted the
people of Israel not to go down to Egypt. Yet the people went down to Egypt and fulfilled what
God had already said it will happen after Four generation passed. The deliverance of Israelites
from the bondage of slavery became the historical mark of the people of Israel towards the
formation of God’s chosen nation, Israel. The historical journey of Exodus from the land of
Goshen through Sinai Peninsula to the Promise Land, became the foundational text for the
people of Israel to remember the great and mighty act of God and a constitution in which the
people of Israel ought to live their lives as God’s chosen people.

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CHAPTER-V

ISRAEL: GOD’S NATION


A. Geography of Canaan
The first mentioning of the name Canaan is found from Gen 10:6. In Num 13:29 the Canaanites
are described as dwelling "by the sea, and along by the side of the Jordan," i.e. in the lowlands of
Palestine. The name was confined to the country West of the Jordan (Num 33:51; Josh 22:9), and
was especially applied to Phoenicia (Isa 23:11; compare Matt 15:22). As in the Tell el-Amarna
Letters, so in the Old Testament, Canaan is used in an extended sense to denote the whole of
Palestine West of the Jordan (Gen 12:5; 23:2,19; 28:1; 31:18; 35:6; 36:2; 37:1; 48:7; Ex 15:15;
Num 13:2; Josh 14:1; 21:2; Ps 135:11). Thus, Jerusalem which had Amorite and Hittite founders
is stated to be of "the land of the Canaanite" (Ezek 16:3), and (Isa 19:18) terms Hebrew, which
was shared by the Israelites with the Phoenicians and, apparently, also the Amorites, "the
language of Canaan."

The People of Canaan


[KANE un ites]-an ancient tribe that lived in the land of Palestine before they were displaced by
the nation of Israel. The Canaanites along with the Amorites, settled the land well before 2000
B.C.

(From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Although both Canaanites and Amorites were established in Canaan before 2000 B.C., the
Canaanites established their civilization as dominant from 2100 to 1550 B.C. Their society had
several classes, ranging from the ruling nobility to the peasants. The Canaanites used a particular
CUNEIFORM language, featuring a wedge-shaped alphabet.

Amorite, Moabites, Hittite, Philistines, Jebusites, Canaanites etc. were stayed in the Land of
Canaan before Israel came to the Land. The land of Canaan belonged to the Lord, and He had
given it to His people (Josh 24:11-13). They were His tenants (Lev 25:23). After the conquest of
the land under Joshua, the whole country was divided among the individual tribes and families
(Josh 13-22). Boundary stones were not to be removed (Deut 19:14). Naboth's refusal to sell
family land even to the king (1 Kings 21) illustrates the ideal that land should become a
permanent family heritage. Although land could be sold in difficult times, a near relative had the
right to buy this land back so it did not pass permanently from a family's hands. Land was
eventually supposed to revert to the original family at the Year of the JUBILEE, every 50th year
(Lev 25:23-28). Inheritance laws also sought to ensure that property remained within the family
or the tribe (Num 27:7-11). (From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic
Database Copyright (c) 1996 by Bible soft)

The Opposing Forces


The Canaanites, fortified within walled cities, were well trained in war, were well armed, well
supplied with large store of foot and they greatly outnumbered Israel. The Israelites, not well

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trained in warfare and not well armed, having no stores of food, few in numbers, were situated
on the east of Jordan which was then over-flowing its banks. Only the supernatural help of God
can explain the conquest of Canaan, in view of the inferior strength of Israel.

The spying of the land was for the purpose of seeing how the land could be captured. The
previous spying of the land was for the purpose of seeing whether the land could be captured.
Joshua and Caleb were the two great military leaders in Israel after Moses. The account of
Joshua’s long is found in the records of Greece (Herodotus the Greek historian, report that priests
in Egypt showed him the record), Egypt Mexico, Palestine, and the Hawaiian Islands.

The Threefold Preparation (Joshua 1-5)


a. The practice of circumcision (during wilderness journey it was discontinued)
b. Depending on the food in Canaan
c. Israel needed a great captain

The Typical Significance of the Conquest


Canaan was not a type of heaven, but of the Christian’s life on earth. The book of Joshua and the
Epistle to the Ephesians are closely connected in significance the one typically and the other
actually telling of God’s provision or His people. The crossing of the Jordan River was a type of
the believer’s entrance into the Canaan life through identification with Christ in His death, burial,
and resurrection (Romans 6).

The Division of the Land


Joshua divided the land to each tribes of Israel. The tribes of Gad, Ruben and one-half of
Manasseh chose the land on the east of the Jordan. There are four features can be brought out
during the period of Canaan life of Israelites: Sin, Chastisement, Repentance and Deliverance.
These periods can be seen from the book of Judges and Ruth. Samuel was the last Judge in
Israel. Soul was Israel’s first king, whereas David was the first king in the dynasty from which
the Lord Jesus came.

1. The Land and Features


a. The Land According to the Tribes of Israel
i. Simeon
ii. Judah b. CITY OF REFUGES
iii. Reuben i. Kedesh in Galilee (Naphtali)
iv. Dan ii. Shechem in Mount Ephraim
iii. Kirjatharba in Hebron (Judah)
v. Gad
iv. Bezer in Reuben
vi. Issachar v. Ramoth in Gilead (Gad)
vii. Zebulun vi. Golan in Bashan (Manasseh)
viii. Naphtali Reference: Joshua 20: 1 – 27
ix. Asher
x. Benjamin Note: Six cities of refuges were
built for the safety of those who
killed people by accident or
unintentionally
21 to take refuge
from the avenger.
xi. Ephraim
xii. Manasseh

b. Jordan River (Jos. 3 – 4)


c. Gilgal (Jos.5: 10)
d. Jericho (Jos. 6)
e. Ai or Bethel (Jos. 7 – 8)
f. Gibeon: they are Hivites (Jos. 9: 1 – 27 & 10 chapters)

2. The People
a. Lebanon,
The Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, these
are the people groups living over the Jordan River side (Jos. 9).

b. The Theocracy Kingdom


Othneil Jud. 3: 7 – 11)
Oppressed by Cheshan – Rishathaim
Deliverance by Othneil
Ehud (Jud. 3: 12 – 30)
Oppression by Moab
Deliverance by Ehud
Shamgar (Jud. 3: 31)
Deborah (Barak – Assistant to Deborah) Judges 4: 1 – 5: 31
Oppression by Canaanites
Deliverance by Deborah & Barak
Gideon (Jud. 6: 1 – 9: 5 – 7)
Oppression by Midian
Deliverance by Gideon
Tola (Jud. 10: 1 – 2)
Jair (Jud. 10: 3 – 5)

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Jephthah (Jud. 10: 6 – 12: 7)
Oppression by Philistine and Amorites
Deliverance by Jephthah
Ibjan (Jud. 12: 8 – 10) David’s Wives
Elon (Jud. 12: 11 – 12) i. Abigaill
ii. Ahinoam
Abdon (Jud. 12: 13)
iii. Michal
Samson (Jud. 13: 1 – 16: 31) iv. Maacah
v. Haggith
c. The Monarchial Kingdom vi. Abital
Kish (1sam. 9: 1 – 2) Jesse vii. Eglah David
i. Saul (Benjamite) ii. David viii. Bathsheba iii. Solomon
Jonathan Ammon
Ishbhoshet Chileab
Merab (daughter) Absalom = Tamar (Sister)
Michal (daughter) Adonijah
Shephatiah
Mephibosheth = Son of Ithream = Eglah (Mother)
Jonathan (2Sam. 4: 4) Solomon = Bathsheba (Mother)

David’s wives and Sons born in Jerusalem (2Sam. 5: 13 – 16)


Shammuah
Shobab
Nathan  David Reign over
Solomon Judah in Hebron for 7
Ishar yrs & 6 Months.
Elishra  In Jerusalem 33 yrs
reign over all Israel
Nepheg
and Judah.
Japhia 2Sam. 5: 5
Elishama
Eliada
Eliphalet

d. The Prophets
Samuel (1Sam and 2nd Sam.) Isaiah (2Kg. 19)
Gad (2Sam. 24: 11) Jeremiah
Shemaiah (1Kg. 12: 22) Ezakiel
Jehu – son of Hanani (1Kg.16: 1) Daniel
Ahijah (1Kg. 14: 18) Hosea
Elijah (1Kg. 15: 1) Joel
Elisha (1Kg. 19: 16) Amos
Meacuah (1Kg. 22: 8) Obadiah

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Jonah Habakkuk
Micah Zephaniah
Haggai
Nahum Zechariah
Malach
e. Divided Kingdoms
Southern Kingdom: Judah Northern Kingdom: Israel
Kings Name Reign Evil/Good Kings Name Reign E/Good
1 Rehoboam 17yrs G&E 1 Jeroboam 22yrs Evil
2 Abijam 3yrs Evil 2 Nadab – son 2yrs Evil
3 Asa 41yrs Good 3 Basha- Ahijah 24yrs Evil
4 Jehoshaphat 25yrs Good 4 Elah – Basha 2yrs Evil
5 Jehoram/ Joram 5 Zimiri - Captain 4days Evil
6 Ahaziah 1yrs 6 Omri – Captain 12yrs Evil
7 Joash/ Jehoash 7 Ahab – son 22yrs Evil
8 Amaziah 29yrs Good 8 Ahaziah – son 2yrs Evil
9 Azariah 52yrs 9 Jehoram – son 12yrs Evil
10 Jotham 16yrs 10 Jehu – 28yrs Good/E
11 Ahaz 16yrs Evil 11 Jehoahaz – son 17yrs Evil
12 Hezekiah 29yrs Good 12 Jehoash – son 16yrs Evil
13 Manasseh 55yrs Evil 13 Jeroboam – son 41yrs Evil
14 Ammon 2yrs Evil 14 Zechariah – son 6mths Evil
15 Josiah 31yrs Good 15 Shalum - Jabesh 1mth Evil
16 Jehoahaz 3mths Evil 16 Menahem -Gadi 10yrs Evil
17 Jehoiakin 11yrs Evil 17 Pekahaiah – s 2yrs Evil
18 Jehoiachin 3mnths Evil 18 Pekah - Remaliah 20yrs Evil
19 Zedekiah-Mattanniah 19 Hoshea – Elah 9yrs Evil

f. Sons of Judah
Er, Onan, &
Er = Tamar
Shelah all died Jerahmeel
Onan Ram
Shelah Chelubai
Pharez Born to Tamar

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Zerah

Zimri Hezron
Ethan Haneel Aminadab
Heman Nashon
Calcol Salma
Boaz
Dara
Obede
Jesse
g. Sons of Jesse David
Eliab
Ahinadab
Shimma
Nathaneel
Rodai
Ozem
David

3. The Important Events


a. The Crossing of the Jordan River (Jos. 3 – 4)
b. The Twelve stones at Gilgal Camp (Jos. 4: 20 - 24)
c. The Destruction of Jericho City (Jos. 6)
d. The Sin of Achan (Jos. 7 – 8)
e. The Hevites: Gibeons (Jos. 9: 1 – 27 & 10 chapters)
f. The Life of Deborah (Judges 4: 1 – 5: 31)
g. The life of Jephthah (Jud. 10: 6 – 12: 7)
h. The Life of Samson (Jud. 13: 1 – 16: 31)
i. The Birth of Samuel (1Sam. 1 – 2)
k. The Anointing of Saul: The First King of Israel (1Sam. 10)
l. King Saul Disobey Samuel (1Sam. 13: 8 – 23)
m. King Disobey God (1Sam. 15)
n. The Anointing of David: The Second King of Israel (1Sam. 16: 13 – 23)
o. David Killed Goliath (1Sam. 17)
p. The Friendship of Jonathan and David (1Sam. 18 & 20)
q. Saul the King at Endor Seeking Shaman Woman (1Sam. 28: 7 – 25)
r. Ishbosheth: The Second King of Israel (2Sam. 2: 8 – 17)
s. King David Commit Adultery (2Sam. 11: 1 – 12: 23)
t. The Anointing of King Solomon (1Kg. 1: 32 – 2: 9)
u. Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (1Kg. 3: 5 – 15)
v. King Solomon Built The Lord’s Temple ( 1Kg. 7 – 8)
w. God’s Covenant with Solomon (1Kg. 9)
God’s covenant with David was renewed again with King Solomon.

25
x. Queen Sheba Visits Solomon (1Kg. 10)
y. Solomon’s Wives and Concubine (1Kg. 11: 1 – 3)
z. Elijah with Raven and Widow at Zarephat of Zidon (1kg. 17: 1 – 24)
a. a. Elijah Taken up to Heaven (2Kg. 2: 11)
b.b. Elisha and the Widow’s Oil (2Kg. 4: 1 – 33)
c.c. Elisha Healed Namaans Leprosy (2Kg. 5: 1 – 27)
d.d. Hezekiah’s Life Lengthened (2Kg. 20: 1 – 13)

B. The Division of the Empire of David & Solomon

The Growth of the Empire


David, Saul’s successor, came to the throne when it represented 6,000 square miles of territory.
He left to Solomon an empire of 60,000sq. Miles. The Empire at that time was the largest and
most powerful in the world. David was a powerful king in the history of Israel. David’s foreign
conquests were confined to the land, which Israel already owned in a land given to Abraham by
God. God fulfill His promise to Abraham to give a territory ‘from the Nile River on the
Southwest, up the Mediterranean seacoast to the upper reaches of the Euphrates, on the
Euphrates River to the Persian Gulf, and west to the Nile River’ (Gen.15:18). This is the land
Israel was taken from Syria, Egypt, Edom and Moab.

The Division of the Empire


Solomon’s sin of idolatry was the cause of God’s judgment and the division of the Empire (2
Sam. 11:11-12). As a result of this sin, the kingdom of Israel was split and the Empire fell apart
(Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom). The conquered nations took this opportunity to
gain their lost territory. Because of God’s promise to David that eternal dynasty of kings would
regain in Jerusalem. Solomon’s son Rehoboam, succeeded on the throne of the southern
kingdom (2 Sam. 7:16).

The Southern kingdom was called Judah, with its capital at Jerusalem. The Northern kingdom
was called Israel, with its capital at Samaria. The first king of Southern kingdom was Rehoboam
and the last king was Zedekiah. The first king of Northern kingdom was Jeroboam and last king
was Hosea. The Davidic dynasty continued to rule on the Southern throne, and a succession of
dynasties on the northern kingdom.The Southern kingdom is called the kingdom of Judah; it is
the eternal Davidic kingdom which God promised to David. Jesus Christ came through the tribe
of Judah which is Davidic dynasty. Therefore, God gave Southern kingdom to Solomon’s son.

The Captivities
Because of the sins of the Southern and Northern kingdoms they were taken to captivities in
various countries. The Northern kingdom was taken captivity in Assyria in 722 B.C. The
Southern kingdom was taken to Babylonian captivity in 605 B.C. Now *God’s chosen people
Israel, the channel through which He would bring salvation to the earth, were captives far from

26
their land, among the Gentiles. To see Geography of this map read 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and
1&2 Chronicles for the details.

Conclusion
God established the Kingdom of Israel. The Kingdom of Israel can be classified into two types of
kingdom. The Theocratic Kingdom was ruled by God Himself. However, the Judges played the
mediatory role between God and the people of God. The other kingdom that established later
with the desire and demands of the people was a Monarchial kingdom. They demanded earthly
King to lead them and rule them. The first 120 years of Israel Monarchial kingdom was a seen as
United Kingdom rule by Saul, David and Solomon of 40 years each. However, the Kingdom of
Israel was divided into two, the Southern Kingdom or Judah constitutes of only two tribes, and
the Northern Kingdom or Israel consists of ten tribes.

Finally, the Israel Kingdom becomes weaker and weaker and ultimately led to the downfall of
Israel to Assyrian Kingdom and Judah to Babylonian Kingdom. As a result, the Israelites were
taken captives and destroyed their lands and lay waste.

CHAPTER – VI

THE EXILIC PERIOD TO INTER-TESTAMENTAL

1. The Powerful Kingdoms and Their Capital Cities

27
a. Nineveh (Read 2Kings 16 - 25)
- Assyrian Capital

b. Babylon (Read 2Kings 16 – 25 and Daniel)


- Babylonian Capital

c. Citadel of Susa (Read Esther, Nehemiah and Ezra)


Medo- Persians - capital city

2. The Kings and Other Important Persons


a. Shalmanesar King of Assyria (2Kg. 17: 3)
Hoshea was the King of Israel at that time

b. Senacherib King of Assyria (2Kg. 18 - 20)


Hezekiah was the King of Judah at this time of invasion.

c. Mero-dach Baladan son of Baladan King of Babylon visit Judah


Hezekiah was the King during his visit to Judah (2Kg. 20: 12 – 21)

d. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (2Kg. 24 – 25)


Jehoiachin was the king of Judah when Nebuchadnezzar captured Judah.
Nebuchadnezzar made Mattanniah, the uncle of Jehoiachin to be the king of Judah and
his name was changed to Zedekiah.

e. King Cyrus (Ezra), Xerxes (Esther) or Artaxerxers (Nehemiah)


They are all Assyrian King. Xerxers and Artaxerxers refer to the same person but Cyrus
seemed to appeared different from Xerxers or Artexerxersing. However, they are the
King of Persia Empire that permitted the people of Israel to go back to their homeland
and rebuilt the Temple and the City wall.

3. The Important Events


a. The invasion of Assyrians and Babylonians (2Kg. 16 – 25)
b. The Destruction of Israel and Judah (2Kg. 16 – 25)
c. The Captivity of Israel and Judah (2Kg. 16 – 25)
d. The Exile life of Israel and Judah (2Kg. 16 – 25)
e. Daniel and his three friends in the land of Babylon (Daniel)
f. Esther became the Queen of Persia Kingdom (Esther)
g. Ezra rebuilt the Temple of God (Ezra)
h. Nehemiah Rebuild the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah)
i. Inter-Testamental Period

28
It is called 400 Silent Years because; from the time of Malachi to till the coming of the
fullness time (Gal. 4: 4) was believed to be the period where God remain silent with his
people. God do not revealed or communicate any divine message to any of his people for
almost 400 years. That’s why it is also called 400 Silent years.

Conclusion
From the Exilic period to Inter-Testamental period is usually known as a period of shamed in the
history of Israel. It is marked with God’s rejection and abandoning his people Israel because of
her disobedience. In the history of Israel, this period was also known as the period of God’s
judgment and punishment. God used the enemy nations of Israel to punish the people of Israel
for their disobedient. However, this period is also known to be the turning point of God’s self
revelatory action towards not only one nation but to all nations and all people groups.

CHAPTER- VII
FROM BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY TO THE CRUCIFIXION

Psalm 137 describes the beginning of the period of captivity, while Psalm 126 describes the end
of this period. Israel was cured of the sin of idolatry while in the city of idolatry. Two
eyewitnesses write of this era. One was a prime minister, Daniel, the other a priest, Ezra. There
were three distinct deportations to Babylonian captivity and the siege of Jerusalem:

1. In 605 B.C. during this time Daniel and other individuals of noble family were carried
into Babylonian captivity (Daniel 1:3, 4; 2 Chron. 36:6, 7).
2. In 597 B.C. during this time both King Johoiachin and Ezekiel, along with many others,
were taken into Babylon (2 Kings 24:10-16).
3. In 586 B.C. at this final time Judah’s last king, Zedekiah, was carried away, the walls of
Jerusalem were destroyed, and both Temple and city were burned (2 King 25:1-7).*
[From Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 211].

The book that cover the seventy years of captivity and the restoration of Judah and Benjamin are
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. There were
approximately 400 years between Malachi and the birth of Christ. This period is often called the
‘Silent Years’ or ‘Dark Age’ because no God-inspired prophet arose in Judah during that time.

Under the Medo-Persian Empire, the Southern Kingdom, which went into captivity in Babylonia,
was allowed to return home (Judah). The Temple and City of Jerusalem were rebuilt by
Zerubbabel on their return. (For details of the return to Palestine read the books of Ezra and
Nehemiah). Greece, and then Rome, gained world control after Medo-Persia. During the time of
Roman’s rule, the Lord Jesus came from heaven, born in the dynasty of David, presented himself

29
to Israel as its Messiah and King, and offered to restore the earthly kingdom to Israel indicating,
however, that this kingdom would be righteous one.

Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified; as a result of their sin Israel was dispersed among the
nations and the Temple was destroyed by Titus in A.D. 70. From 4 B.C. to A.D. 41, Palestine
was ruled over by a group of four men. The word “tetrarch” means a ruler of four.

1. Archelaus was tetrarch of Judea and Samaria.


2. Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea (he was called in the New Testament Herod the
Tetrarch).
3. Philip ruled the province of the east of the Sea of Galilee.
4. Lyianeas was tetrarch of Abilene and Philippi (Luke 3:1).

In A.D. 6, Archelaus was dethroned, and Judea and Samaria was captured direct to the Raman
Empire. There were six procurators, of whom Pontius Pilat was the sixth who governed these
districts, during his time our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified (all four Gospels gives detail of
this).

CHAPTER - VIII
JESUS: THE NEW TESTAMENT TIMES

1. Land and Important Features


a. Galilee
Nazareth
Cana
Capernaum
Bethsaida
b. Samaria
Caesarea
21. Salmon/ Salma
Arimathea 22. Boaz
c. Judea 23. Obede
Jerusalem 24. Jesse
Bethlehem 25. David 41. Josiah
Bethany 26. Solomon 42. Jechoniah/ Jehoahaz
27. Rehoboam 43. Salathiel
Jericho
28. Abia/ Abijam 44. Zerubabel
Gaza 45. Abiud
29. Asa
30. Jehoshaphat 46. Eliakim
31. Joram/ Jehoram 47. Azor
2. The People 32. Ozeas/ Ahaziah 48. Sadoc
a. Jesus Geneology 33. Joash/ Jehoash 49. Achin
1. Adam 34. Amaziah 50. Eliud
35. Azariah 51. Eleazar
36. Jotham 52. Mathan
37. Achaz/ Ahaz 53. Jacob
38. Ezekiah/ Hezekiah
30 54. Joseph
39. Manasseh 55. Jesus
40. Ammon
2. Seth
3. Noah
4. Shem
5. Arphaxad
6. Shelah
7. Eber
8. Peleg
9. Reu
10. Serug
11. Nahor
12. Terah
13. Abraham
14. Isaac
15. Jacob
16. Judah
17. Phares/ Perez
18. Esrom/ Hezrom
19. Aminadab
20. Nashon

b. The Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ


1. Simon the Peter
2. Andrew
3. James son of Zebedee
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Mathew
9. James son of Alpheaus
10. Thaddeaus
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Judas Iscariot
Reference: Mathew 10: 1 – 4

c. Jesus Close Associate People/ persons


1. Mary Magdalene
2. Martha
3. Lazarus
4. Zacheaus
5. John the Baptist

31
6. Elizabeth
7. Zechariah
8. Joseph (Father)
9. Mary (Mother)

3. The Important Events


i. The Birth of Jesus (Mt.1: 18 – 25)
ii. The Visit of Wise men (Mt. 2: 1 – 12)
iii. The Baptism of Jesus (Mt. 3: 1 – 17)
iv. The Temptation of Jesus (Mt. 4: 1 – 17)
v. The Calling of Disciples (Mt. 4: 18 – 25)
vi. The Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5 – 7)
vii. Jesus sends out Twelve (Mt. 10)
viii. Jesus Feed Five Thousands (Mt. 14: 13 – 34)
ix. Jesus Walk on the Water (Mt. 14: 22 – 35)
x. Jesus Feed Four Thousands (Mt. 15: 29 – 39)
xi. Peters Confession of Christ (Mt. 16: 13 – 20)
xii. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Mt. 17: 1 – 13)
xiii. The Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem (Mt. 21: 1 – 17)
xiv. The Greatest Commandment (Mt. 22: 37 – 40)
xv. The Lord Supper (Mt. 26: 17 – 30)
xvi. Jesus in the Gethsamane (Mt. 26: 36 – 56)
xvii. Judas Hanged Himself (Mt. 27: 1 – 10)
xviii. The Crucifixion, Death, Burial of Jesus (Mt. 27: 32 – 61)
xix. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Mt. 27: 62 – 28: 15)
xx. The Commission, His Ascension, and Promised to come back (Mt. 28: 16 – 20 also
Acts 1: 1 – 11)

Conclusion
The time of Jesus mostly moves around in three areas of Palestine. They are Galilee, Samaria
and Judea. He was born miraculously and performs wonders and miracles by healing the blind
man to see; mute to speak, cripple to walk and also many sick people were healed. The things
that Jesus did like raising the dead, casting out the demons, controlling over the nature and many
other are the signs that Jesus is the son of God and the savior of Mankind. The life of Jesus
proved that he was completely human who undergoes every temptations, trials, pains and
sufferings, yet he also proves that he is also God that dead could not with-hold him but by the
power of his father God raised him from the Death. He is evermore alive again.

Chapter - IX

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND THE EARLY CHURCH

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MISSIONARY JOURNEYS OF PAUL AND HIS VOYAGE TO ROME
As a result of the rejection of Christ by Israel, God also rejected them for a short period of 70
years of captivity in Babylon. This situation made necessary the creation of a new channel/agent
through which God could work. This new agent was the Church of Jesus Christ, which was
formed on the Day of Pentecost. The mission of the Church was to preach the gospel of Christ to
the end of the earth. The early history of the founding of the Church is found from Acts 1 – 15.
Apostle Paul was the most important instrument of God in founding the Churches in the Roman
Empire.

Paul the Apostle of Christ


The earliest and most influential interpreter of Christ's message and teaching; an early Christian
missionary; correspondent with several early Christian churches.

The Life of Paul Paul was born at Tarsus, the chief city of Cilicia (southeast Asia Minor). He
was a citizen of Tarsus, "no mean city," as he called it (Acts 21:39). He was also born a Roman
citizen (Acts 22:28), a privilege which worked to his advantage on several occasions during his
apostolic ministry. Since Paul was born a Roman citizen, his father must have been a Roman
citizen before him. Paul was part of his Roman name. In addition to his Roman name, he was
given a Jewish name, Saul, perhaps in memory of Israel's first king, a member of the tribe of
Benjamin, to which Paul's family belonged. (From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary,
Copyright (c) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

1. Land and Features


a. Jerusalem (See Map)
b. Antioch (See Map)
c. Paul’s Missionary Journey
i. 1st Missionary Journey (See Map)
ii. 2nd Missionary Journey (See Map)
iii. 3rd Missionary Journey (See Map)
iv. Paul’s Journey to Rome (See Map)

His first Journey (Acts 13:1-14:28)

Cyprus:-
Barnabas and Paul were released by the church of Antioch to pursue a missionary
campaign which took them first through Barnabas' native island of Cyprus, the first city
evangelized in Barnabas’s native land. John Mark deserted them and returned to Jerusalem.

Pisidia (Turkey, Asia Minor (modern Turkey), through the province of Galatia.) - the next they
evangelized Paul’s native land. They preached the gospel and there they preached the gospel and
planted churches in the cities of Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. The Galatians
Churches were located in these cities of Roman Province. The missionaries then returned to

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Antioch in Syria. They were persecuted everywhere, but some believed. They returned to
Antioch of Syria and reported to the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 14:24 - 28).

His Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)


Paul and Barnabas separated, but the work continued. Paul took Silas on the second journey. The
Churches started on the first journey were revisited (this should be our example to nurture new
converts). In a vision, Paul was guided to enter Europe; Lydia was the first convert in Europe.
They witnessed in the great Greek cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus.
They returned to Antioch of Syria and informed the Church there.

His Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-22:30)


In this third journey Paul revisited the Churches which he had been founded. Paul taught in
Ephesus for three years and displayed flexibility in staying at a location when opportunity of
need arose. He revisited the various Greek cities as well as Jerusalem.

His Voyage to Rome (Acts 27 - 28)


According to Philemon v. 22; Phi. 1:19-24; Titus 1:5; 3:12; and 2 Tim. 4, Paul was released from
his first Roman imprisonment and spent some years in missionary work before he was again
arrested, taken to Rome and put to death.
It is traditionally believed that Paul's condemnation and execution occurred during the
persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor NERO. The probable site of his execution
may still be seen at Tre Fontane on the Ostain Road. There is no reason to doubt the place of his
burial marked near the Basilica of St. Paul. There, beneath the high altar, is a stone inscription
going back to at least the fourth century: "To Paul, Apostle and Martyr."
(From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c) 1986).

2. The People
a. The Twelve Apostles
1. Simon the Peter
2. Andrew
3. James son of Zebedee
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Mathew
9. James son of Alpheaus
10. Judas son of James/ Thaddeaus
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Matthaias

Reference: Acts 1: 12 – 14 & 26

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b. Seven Men full of Spirit and Wisdom chosen to Serve the Church

i. Stephen
ii. Phillip
iii. Procuros
iv. Nicanor
v. Timon
vi. Parmenas
vii. Nicolas
Reference: Acts 6: 1 – 7)

c. People Who Associated with Paul the Apostle’s Ministery


i. Ananias (Acts 9)
ii. Cornelius (A Centurian of Italian Regiment) – (Acts 10:1)
iii. Barnabas (Acts 13: 1 – 3)
iv. John Mark (Acts 13: 13 – 14)
v. Silas (Acts 15: 40 – 41)
vi. Timothy (Acts 16: 1 – 3)
vii. Aquilla and Priscilla (Acts 18: 18)
viii. Lydia of Ephesus (Acts 16: 11 – 15)
ix. Epaphroditus (Phi. 4: 18)
x. Philemon (Philemon)
xi. Luke the Physician (Acts)
xii. Eutychus (Acts 20: 7 – 12)

3. The Important Events


i. The Coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of the Pentecost (Acts 2: 1 - 13)
ii. First Speech of Peter with about 3,000 added to believers (Acts 2: 14 – 41)
iii. The Fellowship of Early Believers (Acts 2: 42 – 47)
iv. Peter heals the Cripple Beggar (Acts 3: 1 – 10)
v. Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5: 1 – 16)
vi. The Marttrye of Stephen (Acts 6: 8 – 7: 60)
vii. Phillip and Ethiopian (Acts 8: 26 – 40)
viii. Saul also called Paul’s Conversion (Acts 9)
ix. Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10)
x. Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison (Acts 12)
xi. Eutychus Felt from the Sleep (Acts 20: 7 – 12)
xii. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13 – 15)
xiii. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16 -19 )
xiv. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 19 – 21)
xv. Paul’s Journey to Rome (Acts 21 – 28)

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xvi. Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2 – 3)
Church in Ephesus (Rev. 2: 1 – 7)
Church in Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8 – 11)
Church in Pergamum (Rev. 2: 12 – 17)
Church in Thyatira (Rev. 2: 18 – 29)
Church in Sardis (Rev. 3: 1 – 6)
Church in Philadelphia (Rev. 3: 7 – 13)
Church in Laodicea (Rev. 3: 14 – 22)

Conclusion
The coming of the Holy Spirit thus fulfilled the prophecy of the Prophet Joel. The disciple
becomes not just a disciple but now they have become the Apostles of Jesus Christ. The life and
the Acts of the Apostles were filled courage and boldness that springs out from their conviction
of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul disclosed the mystery that have been hidden from ages that
Jews and Gentiles are not two but one. They are united together in Christ. Paul preaches to the
Gentiles when his own people rejected him. Many Gentiles accepted Jesus and become the
believer of Jesus Christ.

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