Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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.
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.
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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)
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).
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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
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.
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.
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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).
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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)
.(
The Ishmaelite lived and settled from Havilah to Shur near the border of Egypt. They lived in
hostility with their brothers (Gen.25:18).
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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.
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.
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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)
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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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
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The plague of Darkness (Ex. 10: 21 – 29)
The plague on the Firstborn (Ex. 11: 1 – 10 & 12: 1 – 29).
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
(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)
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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.
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).
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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)
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
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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)
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
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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
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a. Nineveh (Read 2Kings 16 - 25)
- Assyrian Capital
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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
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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.
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
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6. Elizabeth
7. Zechariah
8. Joseph (Father)
9. Mary (Mother)
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
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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.
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)
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).
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
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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)
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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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