Tommy L. Williams

StudentID: 25711520

BIBLE104-D30 LUO

April 17, 2013

“Summary of the Old Testament Books”

Exodus

At the beginning, the Book of Exodus appears to be a narrative but then changes to law in verse 20 of the book. The narration begins 400 years after Jacob’s family has relocated to Egypt. We (the readers) are told of the oppression of Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, through the Egyptians. The prophet Moses was born as an Israelite, but raised up as an Egyptian—thus leading God to communicate to Moses through a burning bush, telling him he was the one to deliver his people (the Israelites) out of bondage. Yet, Moses didn’t think he could convince Pharoah to consider the release of God’s people. God begin to give Moses signs to use to convince both the Israelites and Pharoah that this was God’s command. Moses confronted Pharoah with the ten plagues—the tenth began the Passover ritual. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai. At Sinai, God gave them the Ten Commandmennts which taught the Israelites to have a relationship with God and each other.

Ezra

The Book of Ezra is a historical narrative genre. It tells the story of the return of the Israelites that return to Jerusalem from the exile in Babylon. The ruler of Persia, King Cyrus, helps the exiles return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Listed within the Israelites groups or divisions are the exile who’d return. The first temple to be rebuild was the Altar of God, which was used to sacrifice burnt offerings. The rebuilding of the Temple had start, but soon come to face some opposition. Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, wrote a letter to Darius questioning the authorization of building said temple. This led Darius to have the royal archieves searched and then issued a decree saying King Cyrus had authorized the rebuilding. The Temple was finally completed and the dedication included a celebration of Passover. Ezra went back to Jerusalem from Babylon. Once back in Jerusalem, Ezra prays to God about sin, in particular, intermarriage. The Israelites confess their sins. Listed at the closing of the book are the ones guilty of intermarriage.

Zechariah

The Book of Zechariah is a prophecy and apocalyptic genre. God tells Zechariah that He is angry with Jews’ forefathers. God declares that they must return to Him. Zechariah has a vision of a man among the myrtle trees. In this vision, an angel tells Zechariah to proclaim that God was jealous for Jerusalem and Zion. But, God will return with mercy and have his house rebuilt. They again will be prosperous. Zechariah had a vision of a man with a measuring line. In this vision God tells Zechariah that He will be God will be the wall of fire around Jerusalem, and its glory within. God takes away Joshua’s, the high priest, filthy clothes. This is symbolically taking away Joshua’s sins. God promises to bless Jerusalem and care for Judah. God will judge Israel’s enemies and destroy them. Prophesied is the mourning of the Messiah, the one that is pierced. Judgment Day is described in precised detail.

Judges

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