JABIN
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His oppression of Israel.
A. He was a Canaanite king who reigned in Hazor during the times of the judges (Judg 4:2).
B. Sisera was the commander of his army, which boasted of 900 iron chariots (Judg 4:3).
C. Jabin had oppressed Israel for 20 years (Judg 4:3).
II. His overthrow by Israel.
A. Jabin’s army was totally routed by an Israelite army led by Barak (Judg 4:15–16).
B. Eventually, Jabin himself was destroyed (Judg 4:24).
C. The psalmist Asaph later referred to this (Ps 83:9).
STATISTICS
First mention: Judges 4:2
Final mention: Psalm 83:9
Meaning of his name: “Intelligent”
Referred to: Seven times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (Judges, Psalms)
Occupation: Canaanite king (Judg 4:2)
Important fact about his life: He sent 900 chariots against Israel only to suffer total defeat (Judg 4:13–16).
JACOB
(See also Patriarchal)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jacob, the younger twin.
A. His birth was God’s answer to Isaac’s and Rebekah’s prayer concerning children (Gen 25:21–23).
1. God told them two nations were in Rebekah’s womb.
2. One nation would be stronger than the other.
3. The older twin would serve the younger twin.
B. Jacob was thus the secondborn of twins (Gen 25:24–26).
C. He was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel (Gen 25:26).
II. Jacob, the devising brother.
A. In contrast to Esau, who was an outdoorsman and a hunter, Jacob grew up a quiet man, staying among the tents (Gen 25:27).
B. Jacob persuaded his famished brother Esau, who was returning from a hunting trip, to sell him the firstborn birthright for some bread and lentil stew (Gen 25:29–34).
III. Jacob, the deceitful son.
A. He was persuaded by Rebekah to assume the identity of Esau so that he might deceive and obtain from his dim-eyed father the patriarchal blessing (Gen 27:5–13).
B. Rebekah dressed him in Esau’s clothes, covering his hands and the smooth part of his neck with goatskins (Gen 27:14–16).
C. Jacob successfully deceived Isaac and received the following patriarchal blessing (Gen 27:17–30):
1. He would become a prosperous man.
2. Esau’s descendants would serve his descendants.
3. Other nations would serve him.
4. God would bless those who befriended him and curse those who did not.
IV. The dreaming traveler.
A. The vision of Jacob.
1. He saw the angels of the Lord.
a. Upon realizing that Esau planned to kill Jacob, Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob away (Gen 27:41–28:5).
(1) They warned him not to marry a Canaanite woman.
(2) They advised him to find a wife in the city of Nahor, among Rebekah’s relatives.
b. God appeared to Jacob en route to Nahor.
c. In a dream he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God ascending and descending on it (Gen 28:10–12).
2. He saw the Lord of the angels (Gen 28:13–15).
God at this time reaffirmed to Jacob (as he had previously done for Isaac) the threefold features of the Abrahamic Covenant.
a. The first feature dealt with the soil; that is, God would give the land of Canaan to Jacob’s descendants.
b. The second feature dealt with the seed; that is, God would make of Jacob a great nation.
c. The third feature dealt with a Savior; that is, someday the Messiah would come and bless all nations.
B. The vow of Jacob (Gen 28:16–22).
1. Upon awakening, Jacob took the stone he had used as a pillow, poured oil upon it, and set it up as a pillar to God.
2. He then named that place Bethel, meaning “house of God.”
3. He promised that if God would protect and bless him, he would serve God and give back a tenth of all he possessed.
V. Jacob, the love-struck groom.
A. His love for Rachel.
1. Jacob arrived in Haran of Padan-aram (Gen 29:1–4).
2. He met Rachel, daughter of Laban, the brother of his mother Rebekah (Gen 29:5–13).
a. She arrived at a well to water her father’s sheep.
b. Jacob rolled a huge stone away from the entrance of the well for her.
3. Jacob then asked Laban that he be allowed to marry Rachel, agreeing to work seven years for her (Gen 29:15–21).
B. His labor for Rachel.
1. The diligence of Jacob (Gen 29:20).
2. The deception by Laban.
a. Laban deceived Jacob on the wedding night, substituting Leah, Rachel’s older sister, for Rachel (Gen 29:22–23).
b. An angry Jacob confronted Laban the following morning (Gen 29:25).
c. Laban “explained” it was not their custom to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one (Gen 29:26).
d. He then proposed the following (Gen 29:27):
(1) That Jacob fulfill Leah’s weeklong bridal celebration.
(2) That Laban would then give Rachel to Jacob.
(3) That Jacob would, however, agree to work yet another seven years for Rachel.
e. Jacob agreed and continued yet another seven years (Gen 29:28–30).
VI. Jacob, the fruitful family man.
A. Jacob fathered his first four sons through Leah.
1. Reuben (Gen 29:32).
2. Simeon (Gen 29:33).
3. Levi (Gen 29:34).
4. Judah (Gen 29:35).
B. The barren and desperate Rachel presented her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob, hoping this girl could bear children for her. Bilhah gave birth to two sons, Jacob’s fifth and sixth.
1. Dan (Gen 30:6).
2. Naphtali (Gen 30:8).
C. Leah did the same thing, giving her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob. Through her he fathered his seventh and eighth sons.
1. Gad (Gen 30:11).
2. Asher (Gen 30:13).
D. Leah then resumed childbearing and presented Jacob with sons number nine and 10, plus his only recorded daughter.
1. Issachar (Gen 30:18).
2. Zebulun (Gen 30:20).
3. Dinah (Gen 30:21).
E. At long last, Rachel gave birth to a son, Joseph (Gen 30:24).
VII. Jacob, the enterprising employee.
A. Jacob and Laban—the suggestion.
1. Jacob planned to leave for Canaan, but was persuaded by Laban to continue working for him as a flock tender (Gen 30:25–30).
2. Laban agreed to give Jacob all the speckled and spotted lambs, sheep, and goats for his personal possessions (Gen 30:31–42).
3. Jacob’s herds multiplied quickly, making him a very rich man (Gen 30:43).
B. Jacob and Laban—the separation (Gen 31:1–42).
1. The reasons for this separation.
After working for Laban 20 years, three factors prompted Jacob to return to Canaan (Gen 31:1–18):
a. A growing hostility between himself, Laban, and Laban’s sons.
b. A revelation from God, instructing Jacob to return to Canaan.
c. The support of his wives, who encouraged him to return.
2. The reunion following this separation (Gen 31:19–42).
a. The frustration of Laban.
(1) Three days after Jacob had left, Laban discovered Jacob was gone.
(2) After a seven–day chase, he caught up with his son–in–law in Gilead, that land east of the Jordan River.
(3) Laban was furious at Jacob for two reasons:
(a) First, because his son–in–law had left without telling him.
(b) Second, because he incorrectly assumed Jacob had stolen his household gods. (Actually, Rachel had taken them without Jacob’s knowledge.)
b. The revelation to Laban.
God appeared to Laban in a dream, warning him not to harm Jacob.
c. The confrontation by Laban.
(1) Jacob was rebuked for his abrupt departure and was accused of stealing Laban’s household gods.
(2) Jacob denied this and allowed Laban to search through the camp.
(3) Laban failed to find them, for Rachel had hidden them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting upon them.
d. The explanation to Laban.
Jacob said one of the key reasons he left was the fact that Laban had changed his wages 10 times during the 20 years he was employed by Laban.
C. Jacob and Laban—the symbol (Gen 31:43–55).
1. The nature of this covenant.
At Laban’s demand, he and Jacob entered into an agreement involving the following points:
a. That God would punish Jacob if he ever mistreated Laban’s daughters.
b. That neither man would cross over a designated boundary line to harm the other.
2. The symbol of this covenant.
It consisted of a heap of stones.
3. The place of the covenant.
It was called Mizpah, meaning “watchtower.”
VIII. Jacob, the determined wrestler (Gen 32:1–32).
A. His communion with God.
1. The preparation.
After being visited by the angels of God, Jacob learned that his brother Esau was riding to meet him with 400 men. He immediately did two things.
a. He divided his camp.
In great fear, Jacob divided his camp into two groups so that if Esau attacked one group, the other could escape.
b. He delivered his bribe.
Jacob instructed his servants to ride out and present the following to Esau: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys.
2. The supplication.
a. Jacob spoke to God and cried out for deliverance from Esau.
b. Jacob struggled with God.
(1) The place.
It was near the brook Jabbok, later named Peniel by Jacob, meaning “seeing God face to face.”
(2) The persistence.
Jacob refused to let go of God until he was blessed.
(3) The pronouncement.
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, meaning “he who struggles with God.”
(4) The proof.
God touched the socket of Jacob’s hip, causing him to limp. He never walked the same again after this wrestling session with the Lord.
B. His reunion with Esau.
To Jacob’s great relief, his meeting with Esau proved to be a very friendly one (Gen 33:1–16).
IX. Jacob, the obedient patriarch.
A. The required rendezvous of Jacob.
He was ordered back to Bethel by God (Gen 35:1–15).
B. The rededication of Jacob.
1. He ordered his household to give up their foreign gods, to purify themselves, and to change their clothes.
2. He built an altar at Bethel and called it El-bethel, meaning “the God of God’s house.”
C. The revelation to Jacob.
God once again confirmed the promises of the Abrahamic covenant to Jacob.
X. Jacob, the brokenhearted.
A. Over the failure of his sons and the defilement of his daughter.
1. The defilement of Dinah.
His daughter was sexually violated by a Hivite pagan named Shechem (Gen 34:1–2).
2. Murder on the part of Simeon and Levi (Gen 34:3–31).
a. These two brothers tricked the Hivites into circumcising themselves as a condition for any future marriages between them and the Israelites.
b. On the third day when the Hivites were swollen and helpless, Simeon and Levi slaughtered them like wild animals.
3. Adultery on the part of Reuben.
Reuben slept with Bilhah, one of Jacob’s wives (Gen 35:22).
4. Deceit and treachery on the part of his 10 sons.
a. The 10 sons and Joseph (Gen 37:1–36).
(1) Jacob made a brightly colored coat for his favorite son, Joseph.
(2) He later gently rebuked his favorite son, however, for relating the unlikely details of two of his dreams in which Jacob, Rachel, and his brothers would someday bow down to him.
(3) Jacob sent Joseph to check on the welfare of his 10 half brothers who were out tending their father’s sheep.
(4) After finding his half brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery by them and taken to Egypt.
(5) Jacob was then deceived by his 10 sons into believing Joseph had been killed and eaten by a wild animal.
(6) He was grief-stricken and could not be comforted.
b. The 10 sons and Benjamin (Gen 42:1–43:15).
(1) Jacob sent his 10 sons to Egypt during a famine to buy food.
(2) He refused, however, to allow his youngest son, Benjamin, to go lest he suffer harm.
(3) Upon their return, the 10 brothers told Jacob about the strange food administrator they had met in Egypt, not realizing this powerful man was Joseph.
(4) They related how he at first had accused them of being spies, that he had taken Simeon as hostage, and then demanded Benjamin be brought with them during their next trip to buy food.
(5) Jacob at first refused to listen, concluding everything had turned against him, as he had lost both Simeon and Joseph.
B. Over the funerals of his wife, his wife’s nurse, and his father.
1. Rebekah his wife (Gen 35:16–19).
a. She had died giving birth to Benjamin.
b. Jacob buried her in or near the little town of Bethlehem.
2. Deborah, the nurse of his wife (Gen 35:8).
3. Isaac, his father (Gen 35:27–29).
XI. Jacob, the overjoyed father (Gen 45:25–47:10).
A. An amazed and overjoyed Jacob learned his beloved son Joseph was not only alive, but was second in command over all the land of Egypt.
B. En route to Egypt to meet Joseph, Jacob was visited by God, who appeared to him at Beer-sheba.
C. God promised to bless Jacob in Egypt and someday bring his descendants back to Canaan.
D. Jacob arrived in Egypt with his family clan of 70 and was joyfully and tearfully reunited with Joseph.
E. Jacob met and blessed the pharaoh. At this time the old patriarch was 130.
XII. Jacob, the dying prophet.
A. The prophet and his two grandsons (Gen 48:1–20).
1. After living in Egypt for 17 years, Jacob realized his life was drawing to a close and called for Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to be brought to him so that he might bless them.
2. He then blessed them and predicted that Ephraim (the younger grandson) would become greater than Manasseh, the firstborn.
B. The prophet and his 12 sons (Gen 49:1–28).
1. Jacob’s revelation concerning them.
The old patriarch historically reviewed and prophetically previewed their lives and the tribes they would found.
a. Reuben (Gen 49:3–4).
Reuben was rebuked for his unruliness and immorality and was demoted from the position of being Jacob’s firstborn.
b. Simeon and Levi (Gen 49:5–7).
They were also rebuked for their uncontrolled anger and cruelty.
c. Judah (Gen 49:8–12).
(1) His brothers would praise him.
(2) He would destroy his enemies as a lion would.
(3) From his tribe the Messiah (Shiloh) would someday come.
d. Zebulun (Gen 49:13).
His people would dwell on the shores of the sea and offer harbors for ships.
e. Issachar (Gen 49:14–15).
His people would lovingly and diligently till the ground.
f. Dan (Gen 49:16–18).
His tribe would be known for its treachery.
g. Gad (Gen 49:19).
(1) He would be attacked by a band of raiders.
(2) He would counterattack them at their heels.
h. Asher (Gen 49:20).
His people would produce rich food, fit for kings.
i. Naphtali (Gen 49:21).
His tribe would be as a deer let loose, producing lovely fawns.
j. Joseph (Gen 49:22–26).
(1) He was like a fruitful tree beside a fountain, whose branches shade the wall, extending over it.
(2) Although he had suffered persecution, the mighty Rock of Israel would protect and abundantly bless him.
k. Benjamin (Gen 49:27).
He was as a wild wolf that prowled, devouring his enemies in the morning and dividing the spoils in the evening.
2. Jacob’s death (Gen 49:29–50:13).
a. He desired that after death his body be carried back to Canaan and buried in the cave of Machpelah alongside Abraham, Isaac, Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah.
b. At the age of 147 Jacob died (Gen 47:28).
c. His embalming process required 40 days.
d. After this came a 70–day period of national mourning.
e. He was then carried into Canaan by his 12 sons.
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Both Joshua and Samuel referred to Jacob during their final addresses to the elders of Israel.
A. Joshua (Josh 24:4).
B. Samuel (1 Sam 12:8).
II. Malachi contrasted Jacob with Esau to illustrate God’s love toward Israel (Mal 1:2–3).
III. Paul contrasted Jacob with Esau to prove God’s sovereignty (Rom 9:13).
IV. Matthew and Luke included his name in their genealogies.
A. Matthew did this as he traced the line of Christ through Solomon, the son of David (Matt 1:2).
B. Luke did this as he traced the line of Christ through Nathan, another son of David (Luke 3:34).
V. Jesus referred to Jacob on several occasions.
A. To emphasize the salvation of all believing Gentiles (Matt 8:11).
B. To emphasize the fact that all departed believers are now conscious and in God’s presence (Matt 22:29–32).
VI. The Samaritan woman asked Jesus if he was greater than Jacob (John 4:12).
VII. Stephen referred to Jacob six times during his defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:8, 12, 14–15, 32, 46).
A. The fact that he fathered 12 sons.
B. The fact that he sent those sons to Egypt for food.
C. The fact that he himself later moved to Egypt.
VIII. The book of Hebrews speaks of Jacob’s faith.
A. In living a simple life in tents while awaiting his heavenly home (Heb 11:9).
B. In blessing Joseph’s two sons and predicting their future (Heb 11:21).
STATISTICS
Father: Isaac (Gen 25:21–26)
Mother: Rebekah (Gen 25:21–26)
Spouses: Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah (Gen 29:23, 28; 30:4, 9)
Sons: From Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (Gen 29:32–35; 30:18–20); from Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin (Gen 30:22–24; 35:16–18); from Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali (Gen 30:5–8); from Zilpah: Gad and Asher (Gen 30:10–11, 13)
Daughter: Dinah (Gen 30:21)
Brother: Esau (Gen 25:25)
First mention: Genesis 25:26
Final mention: Hebrews 11:21
Meaning of his name: “Following after, supplanter”
Referred to: 252 times
Biblical books mentioning him: 16 books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1 Samuel, 2 Kings, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Hebrews)
Place of death: Egypt (Gen 49:33–50:3)
Age at death: 147 (Gen 47:28)
Important fact about his life: He fathered 12 sons, who later founded Israel’s 12 tribes (1 Chr 2–8).
JAEL
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jael and Sisera.
A. She assisted him.
1. Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite. The Kenites were one of the 10 tribal peoples living in Palestine in the time of the judges (Judg 4:17).
2. She invited Sisera, the defeated Canaanite army commander, into her tent during his flight from Barak (Judg 4:18).
3. After receiving some milk from her, he fell asleep (Judg 4:19–21).
B. She assassinated him by driving a tent peg through his temple (Judg 4:21).
II. Jael and Barak.
A. After this she invited the Jewish military commander Barak into her tent to view the dead Sisera (Judg 4:22).
B. Later both Deborah and Barak praised her for this act of bravery in their song of praise (Judg 5:24).
STATISTICS
Spouse: Heber (Judg 4:17)
First mention: Judges 4:17
Final mention: Judges 5:24
Meaning of her name: “Chamois”
Referred to: Six times
Biblical books mentioning her: One book (Judges)
Occupation: Housewife
Important fact about her life: She killed Sisera, the enemy of Israel (Judg 4:21).
JAPHETH
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Japheth and his father’s ship.
He was one of eight human beings who entered Noah’s ark and survived the universal flood (Gen 7:13).
II. Japheth and his father’s sin.
A. He helped his brother Shem cover their drunken father’s nakedness (Gen 9:23).
B. Noah later predicted that God would extend the territory of Japheth’s descendants and that he would live in the tents of Shem (Gen 9:27).
STATISTICS
Father: Noah (Gen 5:32; 1 Chr 1:4)
Brothers: Shem and Ham (Gen 5:32; 1 Chr 1:4)
First mention: Genesis 5:32
Final mention: 1 Chronicles 1:5
Meaning of his name: “Extender”
Referred to: 11 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (Genesis, 1 Chronicles)
Important fact about his life: He was Noah’s youngest son (Gen 5:32; 1 Chr 1:4).
JEDUTHUN
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His appointment.
He was one of the 288 Levitical musicians (along with his sons) appointed by King David (1 Chr 16:41–42; 25:7).
II. His assignment.
A. He was, along with another musician named Heman, responsible for sounding the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of other instruments in the Tabernacle at Gibeon (1 Chr 16:41–42).
B. He helped lead the music in the celebration following the completion of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chr 5:12).
C. He had the gift of prophecy (1 Chr 25:1), as did six of his sons, who also played the harp (1 Chr 25:3).
D. He may have composed the music for Psalms 39, 62, and 77.
STATISTICS
Son: Obed-edom (1 Chr 16:38)
First mention: 1 Chronicles 9:16
Final mention: Psalm 77 (in the introduction)
Meaning of his name: “Choir of praises”
Referred to: 15 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Nehemiah, Psalms)
Occupation: Levitical musician (1 Chr 16:41–42)
Important fact about his life: He may have written the music for Psalms 39, 62, and 77.
JEHOAHAZ (1)
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The character of the king of Israel.
A. He was the eleventh king of northern Israel.
B. He ruled for 17 years (2 Kgs 13:1).
C. He was, for the most part, an evil king (2 Kgs 13:2).
II. The compassion of the King of kings.
A. Jehoahaz did, on one occasion, turn to God for help from the terrible oppression Israel was suffering at the hands of the Syrians (2 Kgs 13:4).
B. His army had been reduced to 50 horsemen, 10 chariots, and 10,000 foot soldiers (2 Kgs 13:7).
C. God heard his cry and answered it (2 Kgs 13:23).
STATISTICS
Father: Jehu (2 Kgs 10:35)
Son: Jehoash (2 Kgs 13:10)
First mention: 2 Kings 10:35
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 25:25
Meaning of his name: “God upholds”
Referred to: 15 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Kings, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: King of northern Israel (2 Kgs 13:1)
Important fact about his life: He was Jehu’s son who, because of his and his people’s sin, saw God reduce northern Israel’s army to 50 horsemen, 10 chariots, and 10,000 foot soldiers (2 Kgs 13:7).
JEHOAHAZ (2)
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jehoahaz, the evil king.
A. He was the seventeenth king of Judah.
B. He ruled for three months (2 Kgs 23:31).
C. He was 23 when he began to reign.
D. He was also called Shallum (1 Chr 3:15; Jer 22:11).
E. He was a godless king (2 Kgs 23:32).
II. Jehoahaz, the enslaved king.
A. He was put in chains and deposed to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho (KJV: “Pharaoh-nechoh”) (2 Kgs 23:33–34).
B. Jeremiah rightly predicted Jehoahaz would never return to Judah, but die in Egypt (Jer 22:11–12).
C. Necho then made Jehoahaz’s brother Jehoiakim (also called Eliakim) king in his place (2 Kgs 23:34).
STATISTICS
Father: Josiah (2 Kgs 23:30)
Mother: Hamutal (2 Kgs 23:31)
Brothers: Johanan, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (1 Chr 3:15)
First mention: 2 Kings 23:30
Final mention: Jeremiah 22:11
Meaning of his name: “God upholds”
Referred to: Eight times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah)
Occupation: King of Judah (2 Kgs 23:31)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: Egypt (2 Kgs 23:34)
Important fact about his life: He was Josiah’s youngest son (1 Chr 3:15).
JEHOASH
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jehoash and Ben-hadad.
A. He was the twelfth king of northern Israel.
B. He ruled for 16 years (2 Kgs 13:10).
C. He was an evil king (2 Kgs 13:11).
D. He recaptured from Ben-hadad and the Syrians some towns taken in the days of his father, Jehoahaz (2 Kgs 13:25).
II. Jehoash and Amaziah.
A. His warning to Amaziah.
1. Jehoash was challenged to battle by Amaziah, the king of Judah (2 Kgs 14:8).
2. Jehoash responded by relating the parable of a thistle in Lebanon (2 Kgs 14:9–10).
a. The content of the parable.
An insignificant thistle dared suggest to a mighty cedar tree in Lebanon that its daughter be given in marriage to the thistle’s son.
b. The conclusion of the parable.
The ultimate in folly was Amaziah (the thistle) challenging Jehoash (the mighty cedar) to battle.
B. His warfare against Amaziah (2 Kgs 14:11–14).
1. Realizing his parable had gone unheeded, Jehoash attacked and utterly defeated Amaziah.
2. He captured Amaziah himself.
3. He broke down a 600–foot section of the Jerusalem wall.
4. He confiscated the gold, silver, and precious articles in the Temple.
5. He removed the treasuries of the royal palace.
6. He took hostages and returned to Samaria.
STATISTICS
Father: Jehoahaz (2 Kgs 13:10)
Son: Jeroboam II (2 Kgs 13:13)
First mention: 2 Kings 13:10
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 25:17
Meaning of his name: “God supports”
Referred to: Nine times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Kings, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: King of northern Israel (2 Kgs 13:10)
Important fact about his life: He ridiculed Judean King Amaziah, calling him a thistle king, and soundly defeated him in battle (2 Chr 25:17–24).
JEHOIACHIN
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jehoiachin and God.
A. He was the nineteenth ruler of Judah.
B. He ruled for three months (2 Kgs 24:8).
C. He began to rule when he was 18 (2 Kgs 24:8).
D. He was an evil king (2 Kgs 24:9).
E. He was also called Jeconiah and Coniah (1 Chr 3:16; Jer 22:24; Matt 1:11).
F. God said the following about this wicked king (Jer 22:24–30):
1. Even if he were a signet ring on God’s right hand, the Lord would still remove him.
2. He would be handed over to those he feared the most, the Babylonians.
3. He would be carried away along with his mother to Babylon, never to return.
4. None of his offspring would prosper or sit on the throne of David.
II. Jehoiachin and Nebuchadnezzar.
A. He was taken prisoner to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kgs 24:15).
B. His mother and wives were also taken (2 Kgs 24:15).
C. Mordecai was carried away with him at this time (Esth 2:5–6).
III. Jehoiachin and Evil-merodach.
A. After spending 37 years in a Babylonian prison, Jehoiachin was released by a new king named Evil-merodach (2 Kgs 25:27–30).
B. Evil-merodach spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and gave him a seat of honor.
C. He allowed him to eat at the king’s table.
D. He gave him a regular allowance.
IV. Jehoiachin and Ezekiel
.
It was during the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s exile that God gave Ezekiel his prophecies (Ezek 1:2–3).
STATISTICS
Father: Jehoiakim (2 Kgs 24:6)
Mother: Nehushta (2 Kgs 24:8)
Sons: Assir, Salathiel, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah (1 Chr 3:17–18)
First mention: 2 Kings 24:6
Final mention: Matthew 1:12
Meaning of his name: “God establishes”
Referred to: 23 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Seven books (2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Esther, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Matthew)
Occupation: King of Judah (2 Kgs 24:8)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: Babylon (2 Kgs 25:27–30)
Important fact about his life: He was warned by God that none of his offspring would sit upon the throne of David (Jer 22:24–30).
JEHOIADA
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jehoiada and Joash.
A. The protecting of Joash.
1. Jehoiada was the high priest during the bloody reign of Queen Athaliah (2 Chr 22:11).
2. He and his wife hid the baby Joash, the only male to survive Athaliah’s purge of the royal family (2 Chr 22:10–12).
3. Six years later, Jehoiada successfully planned the overthrow and death of the queen (2 Kgs 11:4–15).
B. The perfecting of Joash.
Jehoiada was able to keep King Joash on the right road as long as he (Jehoiada) lived (2 Kgs 12:2).
II. Jehoiada and Judah.
A. Reviving the people.
1. He led Judah in a national revival (2 Kgs 11:17–20).
2. The place of Baal was torn down.
3. The prophet of Baal was struck down.
B. Repairing the Temple.
1. He prepared a special chest with a hole bored in its lid to gather offerings for the repair of the Temple (2 Kgs 12:9–12).
2. Because of his godly service, Jehoiada was buried with the kings in Jerusalem (2 Chr 24:16).
STATISTICS
Spouse: Jehosheba (2 Kgs 11:2; 2 Chr 22:11)
Son: Zechariah (2 Chr 24:20)
First mention: 2 Kings 11:4
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 24:25
Meaning of his name: “God knows”
Referred to: 28 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Kings, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: High priest (2 Kgs 11)
Place of death: Jerusalem (2 Chr 24:15–16)
Important fact about his life: He hid the baby Joash from wicked Queen Athaliah (2 Kgs 11).
JEHOIAKIM
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The charge of Jehoiakim.
A. He was the eighteenth king of Judah.
B. He ruled for 11 years (2 Kgs 23:36).
C. He was also called Eliakim (2 Kgs 23:34; 2 Chr 36:4).
D. He was given charge over the affairs of Judah by Pharaoh Necho in place of his brother Jehoahaz, whom the Egyptian monarch had deposed (2 Kgs 23:34).
II. The conspiracy of Jehoiakim.
A. After the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had defeated the Egyptians, he invaded Judah. Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years (2 Kgs 24:1).
B. Jehoiakim then rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, but was quickly subdued and bound with bronze shackles. At first the Babylonian king planned to carry him off into captivity, but for some unknown reason did not do so (2 Chr 36:6).
III. The cruelty of Jehoiakim.
A. He dragged the prophet Urijah back from Egypt (where he had fled in fear of the wicked king) and had him murdered by the sword for denouncing Jehoiakim’s sin (Jer 26:20–23).
B. He shed innocent blood, and oppressed and cheated his people (2 Kgs 24:4).
IV. The contempt of Jehoiakim.
A. His contempt for God’s sheep.
1. He was totally materialistic (Jer 22:13–14).
a. He built a huge palace for himself with spacious upper rooms and large windows.
b. He paneled it with cedar and decorated it in red.
c. He set his heart and eyes only upon dishonest gain (Jer 22:17).
B. His contempt for God’s Scriptures.
Jehoiakim burned the scroll of Jeremiah the prophet (Jer 36:21–32).
1. Jehudi, a palace official, read Jeremiah’s scroll to the king.
2. It was winter and Jehoiakim was sitting near a fireplace.
3. After Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, Jehoiakim cut them off with a knife and threw them into the fire.
4. He did this in spite of the palace official’s request that he not do it.
5. He then ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch (Jeremiah’s scribe), but God hid them.
6. God commanded Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll and add to it, predicting Jehoiakim’s unlamented funeral and that he would have no one to sit on his throne.
V. The condemnation of Jehoiakim.
A. Jeremiah severely rebuked Jehoiakim (Jer 22:15–16).
1. The prophet reminded him that riches did not make a king.
2. He also told the wicked king he was a far cry from his godly father, Josiah.
a. Josiah had defended the poor.
b. Jehoiakim, however, had defrauded them.
B. Jeremiah then predicted that when Jehoiakim died, he would not be mourned, but rather would receive the burial of a donkey, to be dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem (Jer 22:18–19).
STATISTICS
Father: Josiah (1 Chr 3:15)
Mother: Zebudah (2 Kgs 23:36)
Son: Jehoiachin (2 Chr 36:8)
Brothers: Johanan, Zedekiah, and Jehoahaz (1 Chr 3:15)
First mention: 2 Kings 23:34
Final mention: Daniel 1:2
Meaning of his name: “God sets up”
Referred to: 41 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Five books (2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, Daniel)
Occupation: King of Judah (2 Kgs 23:36)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: Jerusalem (Jer 22:18–19)
Important fact about his life: He burned the scroll Jeremiah had dictated to Baruch (Jer 36:23, 32).
JEHORAM (1)
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jehoram and Elisha.
A. Providing.
1. Elisha provided water for the thirsty king and his people (2 Kgs 3:1–20).
a. Jehoram was the ninth king of northern Israel.
b. He reigned for 12 years.
c. He was an evil king, but not as bad as was his father Ahab.
d. He destroyed the sacred image of Baal that Ahab had made.
e. He did, however, continue worshiping other idols as Jeroboam, northern Israel’s first king, had done.
f. On one occasion he mobilized an army against Moab, who had rebelled against him, persuading both Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to join him in the attack.
g. Because of some careless marching, his army soon became stranded in the burning desert without water.
h. The prophet Elisha, who had been traveling unnoticed with the army, agreed to supernaturally provide water for all, but only for the sake of godly King Jehoshaphat.
2. Elisha provided food for the starving king and his people (2 Kgs 6:24–7:20).
a. The Syrians had surrounded the capital city of Samaria, causing a terrible famine inside.
b. Conditions soon became desperate (2 Kgs 6:25, 28–29).
(1) A donkey’s head sold for 50 dollars.
(2) A pint of dove’s dung brought three dollars.
(3) Some mothers were even eating their own children.
c. Jehoram wrongly blamed Elisha for all this and vowed to kill him that very day.
d. Ignoring the king’s threats, Elisha calmly predicted that within 24 hours there would be an abundance of food in the city.
e. In fact, he said two gallons of flour or four gallons of barley grain would bring only one dollar in the markets of Samaria.
f. All this happened just as the prophet had promised.
B. Protecting (2 Kgs 6:8–23).
1. The revelation by Elisha.
On several occasions during a war between Syria and Israel, Elisha revealed (supernaturally) to Jehoram the battle plans of his enemy, thus saving him from defeat.
2. The refusal by Elisha.
a. Upon learning the source of their problems, the Syrians attempted to arrest Elisha, but were temporarily blinded by God.
b. Elisha then led those sightless soldiers into Samaria, but refused Jehoram’s request to kill them.
II. Jehoram and Naaman (2 Kgs 5:1–8).
A. The visit by the captain.
A Syrian military commander named Naaman visited Jehoram, desiring to be healed of his leprosy, for he had been told there was someone in Israel who could help him.
B. The vexation of the king.
Upon reading a letter written to him by the king of Syria requesting healing, Jehoram tore his clothes and cried out, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me” (2 Kgs 5:7).
C. The verification from the prophet (2 Kgs 5:8).
III. Jehoram and Jehu (2 Kgs 9:14–15, 24–26).
A. Jehoram was wounded in a battle against the Syrians and had returned to Jezreel to recover from his wounds.
B. It was there that he was killed by an army officer named Jehu.
C. Jehoram’s lifeless body was then dumped on the field that had once belonged to Naboth, a godly farmer who had previously been murdered by Ahab and Jezebel (Jehoram’s father and mother) to secure his vineyard.
STATISTICS
Father: Ahab (2 Kgs 3:1)
Mother: Jezebel (2 Kgs 9:22)
Brother: Ahaziah (1 Kgs 22:51; 2 Kgs 1:2, 17)
First mention: 2 Kings 1:17
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 22:7
Meaning of his name: “God is high”
Referred to: Seven times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Kings, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: King of northern Israel (2 Kgs 3:1)
Place of death: At the city of Jezreel (2 Kgs 9:15, 25–26)
Circumstances of death: He was killed by Jehu (2 Kgs 9:24).
Important fact about his life: He was king when Naaman came to Samaria to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kgs 5:6–7).
JEHORAM (2) (See JORAM)
JEHOSHAPHAT
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The glorious aspect of his reign.
A. Jehoshaphat and the Word of God.
1. The king proclaimed it.
a. Jehoshaphat was the fourth ruler of Judah.
b. He ruled for 25 years (1 Kgs 22:42).
c. He was, for all purposes, a good king (1 Kgs 22:43).
d. He instituted a nationwide program to instruct the people in the Word of God, sending out teachers to all the towns of Judah (2 Chr 17:7–9).
2. The king proved it.
a. He was surrounded by a vast, allied enemy army, consisting of Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites (2 Chr 20:1–2).
b. The terrified king proclaimed a national fast and, standing in the Temple courtyard, offered up one of Scripture’s great prayers for deliverance (2 Chr 20:3–12).
(1) He referred to the eternal sovereignty of God.
(2) He reviewed the past faithfulness of God.
(3) He related the present need for and dependence upon God, concluding with these words: “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chr 20:12).
c. God’s Spirit suddenly fell upon Jahaziel, a Levite, with some reassuring words indeed (2 Chr 20:14–17).
d. Greatly encouraged, Jehoshaphat prepared for battle by appointing the Temple Levitical choir to lead the troops into battle, singing a song of praise to the Lord (2 Chr 20:18–21).
e. God himself, as he had promised, intervened, and the enemy soldiers were totally routed (2 Chr 20:22–24).
f. A grateful Jehoshaphat then ordered a special praise service to the Lord in a valley he named Berachah, which means “praise” (2 Chr 20:25–26).
B. Jehoshaphat and his works for God.
1. What the king did for God.
a. His religious activities.
(1) He rid the land of the male shrine prostitutes (1 Kgs 22:46).
(2) He did not consult Baal (2 Chr 17:3).
(3) He removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah (2 Chr 17:6).
b. His legal activities.
(1) He appointed judges in the land, admonishing them to judge carefully and to depend upon God for their verdict (2 Chr 19:5–10).
(2) He recognized the separation of church and state (2 Chr 19:11).
(a) By appointing Amariah, the chief priest, to preside over religious matters.
(b) By appointing Zebadiah to preside over political and legal matters.
c. His military activities.
(1) He obeyed God’s previous command that forbade northern Israel and Judah from fighting with each other (1 Kgs 22:44).
(2) He built forts and store cities in Judah (2 Chr 17:12).
(3) He maintained a fighting army of 1,160,000 men (2 Chr 17:14–19).
2. What God did for the king.
a. God established his kingdom (2 Chr 17:3–5).
(1) All Judah brought gifts to him.
(2) He enjoyed great wealth and honor.
b. Even his enemies brought him presents (2 Chr 17:10–11).
(1) The Philistines gave him silver.
(2) The Arabs gave him flocks—7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.
II. The grievous aspects of his reign.
A. His compromise with Ahab.
1. The military compromise.
a. Jehoshaphat joined up with Ahab, the wicked northern Israelite king, in an alliance against Syria (1 Kgs 22:1–33).
b. Prior to the battle, however, Jehoshaphat suggested the two kings seek counsel from the Lord.
c. The 400 false prophets on Ahab’s payroll quickly “predicted” victory against Syria.
d. Still not convinced, Jehoshaphat persuaded Ahab to allow a special prophet named Micaiah, whom the wicked king had kept in prison, to speak.
e. This true prophet predicted both the defeat of the alliance and the death of Ahab.
f. In spite of this, Jehoshaphat foolishly joined Ahab in the attack.
g. Jehoshaphat was almost killed in battle when the Syrian archers for a moment mistook him for Ahab.
h. Only the intervention of God saved him (2 Chr 18:31).
He was later soundly rebuked by the prophet Jehu for all this (2 Chr 19:1–3).
2. The matrimonial compromise.
Jehoshaphat allowed one of his sons, Joram, to marry Athaliah, the wicked daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Kgs 8:18).
B. His compromise with Ahaziah.
1. Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah, a son of Ahab, built a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir for gold. They were wrecked at Ezion-geber before they could set sail (1 Kgs 22:48).
2. The prophet Eliezer had predicted God would destroy their ships (2 Chr 20:35–37).
C. His compromise with Jehoram.
1. Jehoshaphat joined up with Jehoram, another son of Ahab, in an alliance against the Moabites (2 Kgs 3:6–7).
2. After an ill-prepared roundabout march of seven days, the alliance found itself in the desert with no water (2 Kgs 3:8–10).
3. Jehoshaphat sought out God’s counsel and discovered the great prophet Elisha had been traveling with the armies, unnoticed (2 Kgs 3:11–12).
4. Elisha agreed to help the thirsty soldiers, but only for the sake of Jehoshaphat (2 Kgs 3:13–14).
5. The prophet then provided, supernaturally, water for all to drink (2 Kgs 3:15–20).
STATISTICS
Father: Asa (1 Kgs 15:24)
Mother: Azubah (1 Kgs 22:42)
Sons: Jehoram, Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah (1 Kgs 22:50; 2 Chr 21:2)
First mention: 1 Kings 15:24
Final mention: Matthew 1:8
Meaning of his name: “God is judge”
Referred to: 77 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Five books (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Matthew)
Occupation: King of Judah (1 Kgs 22:41)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Important fact about his life: He instituted a nationwide Bible-teaching program (2 Chr 17:7–9).
JEHU (1)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Rebuking.
A. Jehu rebuked Baasha.
1. The foretelling.
He rebuked Baasha, third king of northern Israel, for his sin, and predicted those of his seed dying in the city would be eaten by the dogs, and those dying in the countryside by the birds of the air (1 Kgs 16:2–4).
2. The fulfilling.
Following Baasha’s death, his son Elah became king. After a reign of only two years, Zimri, one of his chariot commanders, killed the king and all his seed, thus fulfilling Jehu’s prophecy (1 Kgs 16:7–13).
B. Jehu rebuked Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was rebuked for his unwise military alliance with wicked Ahab, king of northern Israel (2 Chr 19:1–2).
II. Recording.
Jehu later wrote a book on the kings of Israel (2 Chr 20:34).
STATISTICS
Father: Hanani (1 Kgs 16:1)
First mention: 1 Kings 16:1
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 20:34
Meaning of his name: “God is he”
Referred to: Five times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (1 Kings, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: Prophet (1 Kgs 16:7)
Important fact about his life: He pronounced judgment upon Baasha and rebuked Jehoshaphat (1 Kgs 16:1–7; 2 Chr 19:1–3).
JEHU (2)
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jehu—his anointing.
A. The person involved.
1. Jehu was the tenth king of northern Israel.
2. He ruled 28 years (2 Kgs 10:36).
3. He was a notorious chariot driver (2 Kgs 9:20).
4. His chariot officer was Bidkar (2 Kgs 9:25).
5. God had ordered Elijah to anoint Jehu as king (1 Kgs 19:16).
6. For some reason, however, Elijah did not do this, leaving the task to his successor Elisha (2 Kgs 9:1–3).
B. The prophecy involved.
The servant of Elisha, at his master’s command, carried out the actual anointing and, by divine revelation, predicted the following (2 Kgs 9:4–10):
1. That Ahab’s house would be destroyed by Jehu.
2. That the wild dogs of Jezreel would eat the dead body of Jezebel.
II. Jehu—his assassinations.
A. Jehoram, the king of northern Israel, by an arrow (2 Kgs 9:21–24).
B. Ahaziah, the king of Judah, by an arrow (2 Kgs 9:27–29).
C. Jezebel, wife of Ahab, by ordering her to be thrown from an upper window (2 Kgs 9:30–37).
D. The 70 sons of Ahab, by ordering the citizens in their hometown of Samaria to behead them (2 Kgs 10:1–7).
E. The close relatives of Ahab, by the sword (2 Kgs 10:17).
F. The 42 relatives of Ahaziah, king of Judah, by the sword (2 Kgs 10:12–14).
G. The priests of Baal, by the sword (2 Kgs 10:18–28).
1. Jehu lured these priests into a building under the pretext of conducting a worship service for Baal.
2. At Jehu’s command, 80 of his soldiers ran in and slaughtered all these pagan ministers.
III. Jehu—his assurance.
A. For his faithfulness in ridding the land of Baal worship, God promised Jehu his descendants would sit on northern Israel’s throne to the fourth generation (2 Kgs 10:30).
B. This was fulfilled by Zachariah, Jehu’s great-grandson and northern Israel’s fourteenth king, who represented the fourth generation (2 Kgs 15:12).
IV. Jehu—his apostasy.
He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam I, namely, the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kgs 10:29, 31).
STATISTICS
Father: Nimshi (1 Kgs 19:16)
Son: Jehoahaz (2 Kgs 10:35)
First mention: 1 Kings 19:16
Final mention: Hosea 1:4
Meaning of his name: “God is here”
Referred to: 48 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Hosea)
Occupation: King of northern Israel (2 Kgs 10:36)
Important fact about his life: He had Jezebel and all the priests of Baal killed (2 Kgs 9:30–37; 10:18–28).
JEPHTHAH
(See also Judges)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His vocation.
A. The scorned.
1. He was raised in Gilead, the land east of the Jordan River (Judg 11:1).
2. His mother was a prostitute (Judg 11:1).
3. He was driven from his home by his own half brothers because of his prostitute mother (Judg 11:2).
B. The soldier.
1. He settled in the land of Tob (located in northeast Syria), where he gathered a group of mercenary troops (Judg 11:3).
2. The elders of Gilead later looked to Jephthah for help when their land was threatened by the Ammonites (Judg 11:4–5).
3. Jephthah was at first reluctant, remembering past injustices, but then, upon being promised to be made head of the Gileadites, agreed to fight the Ammonites (Judg 11:6–10).
4. His treaty with the elders was ratified during a ceremony in Mizpeh (Judg 11:11).
5. On assuming command, Jephthah attempted to come to terms with the enemy by peaceful means (Judg 11:12).
6. The Ammonites responded by claiming Joshua had stolen the land in question during his march to Canaan (Judg 11:13).
7. Jephthah attempted to show them that historically this was not the case. To the contrary, Israel had peacefully occupied the land for the past 300 years and their settlements had never been disputed (Judg 11:14–27).
8. However, the Ammonites refused to listen and Jephthah prepared to attack (Judg 11:28–29).
II. His vow.
A. The Holy Spirit now came upon Jephthah (Judg 11:29).
B. On the eve of battle, he made a rash vow promising that if God gave him the victory, upon his return to Mizpeh he would offer up the first thing that came out of his door as a burnt sacrifice (Judg 11:30–31).
III. His victory.
Jephthah defeated the enemy, devastating 20 of their towns (Judg 11:32–33).
IV. His vexation.
A. The agony.
1. Upon his return, the first person to greet him was his only daughter (Judg 11:34).
2. The heartbroken Jephthah determined to keep his vow regardless (Judg 11:35).
B. The agreement.
1. The daughter agreed, but requested two months to lament her virginity (Judg 11:36–38).
2. After this period she returned and Jephthah fulfilled his vow (Judg 11:39).
C. The annual event.
This event instigated a special yearly four–day commemoration by the young women of Israel to the memory of Jephthah’s daughter (Judg 11:39–40).
V. His vengeance.
A. Following all this, Jephthah was rebuked and threatened by the jealous men of Ephraim for not allowing them to share the glory of victory over the Ammonites (Judg 12:1).
B. Jephthah reminded them he had asked for their help but was refused (Judg 12:2–3).
C. He then attacked them and killed some 42,000 of their troops at the fords of the Jordan (Judg 12:4–6).
D. After leading Israel for six years, he died (Judg 12:7).
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY<
I. Samuel used Jephthah as an example of God’s power to deliver (1 Sam 12:11).
II. Hebrews refers to his faith (Heb 11:32).
STATISTICS
Mother: Unnamed prostitute (Judg 11:1)
Daughter: Unnamed virgin daughter (Judg 11:34, 37)
First mention: Judges 11:1
Final mention: Hebrews 11:32
Meaning of his name: “Opposer”
Referred to: 28 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Three books (Judges, 1 Samuel, Hebrews)
Occupation: Professional soldier (Judg 11:3–11)
Important fact about his life: He made a rash vow that he later bitterly regretted (Judg 11:30–40).
JEREMIAH
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The personal history of Jeremiah.
A. Jeremiah, the man.
1. The selection.
a. He was called into full-time service during the reign of Josiah (Jer 1:1–10).
b. He was to remain unmarried (Jer 16:2).
(1) Jeremiah was the son of Hilkiah, a priest living in Anathoth, some three miles northeast of Jerusalem in the land of Benjamin (Jer 1:1).
(2) He received his call to full-time service during the thirteenth year of godly King Josiah (Jer 1:2).
c. Jeremiah at first protested this call (as Moses once had; see Exod 3–4), pleading his youth as an excuse (Jer 1:4–6).
d. He was quickly, however, reassured by God (Jer 1:7–10).
(1) God’s witness would be beside him.
(2) God’s words would be within him.
2. The symbols.
As he began his ministry, God showed him three things that underlined the nature and importance of his call.
a. He was shown an almond tree rod (Jer 1:11). Because it flowers earlier than the other trees, the almond signified the near fulfillment of God’s proposed judgment.
b. He saw a pot of boiling water, tipping southward from the north. This symbolized the Babylonian invasion (Jer 1:13).
c. He then saw two baskets of figs in the Temple. One basket had fresh, well-ripened figs, but the other contained rotten ones (Jer 24:1–3). God explained that the fresh figs represented the Jewish exiles in Babylon (men such as Daniel and Ezekiel), while the rotten fruit depicted Zedekiah and his corrupt officials (Jer 24:4–8).
3. The sign.
a. Jeremiah was ordered to make a yoke and fasten it upon his neck with leather thongs (Jer 27:1–2).
b. He was then to send messages to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon through their ambassadors in Jerusalem, warning them that God had given their nations over to Babylon. Those who submitted and wore the yoke of punishment with true repentance would be spared, but those who refused would be destroyed (Jer 27:3–11).
c. After God had used Nebuchadnezzar to punish Judah and his neighbor nations, he would chastise Babylon itself (Jer 27:7). Judah was reassured that after the Babylonian captivity she would be gathered back to Jerusalem (Jer 27:22).
4. The search.
a. He was given a command reminiscent of the Greek philosopher Diogenes, who repeatedly roamed the streets of Athens with a lantern trying to find an honest man. God had once made a similar arrangement with Abraham concerning Sodom (Gen 18:23–33; Jer 5:1).
b. Jeremiah admitted this dreadful condition existed among the poor and ignorant, but felt he could find honest men within the ranks of Judah’s educated and rich rulers. But they too had utterly rejected God (Jer 5:4–5).
c. After a fruitful 31–year reign, Josiah died. A weeping prophet attended his funeral (2 Chr 34:1; 35:25). Judah’s last good king had gone, and it would be downhill spiritually from that point on.
5. The settlement.
Jeremiah visited the settlement where the Rechabite families lived.
a. These individuals belonged to a religious order founded by Jonadab, son of Rechab, during the reign of Jehu (841–814 BC). They assisted in the eradication of Baal worship from Israel. Avoiding city life, they lived as shepherds, drinking no wine.
b. Jeremiah was commanded to test them by offering them wine. They immediately refused (Jer 35:1–6).
c. Jeremiah then related this sterling example to Judah, and contrasted the obedience of the Rechabites to the disobedience of Jerusalem (Jer 35:12–19).
6. The sale.
a. Jeremiah, while in prison, was ordered by God to buy a field from his cousin Hanameel. This was to illustrate that in spite of the advancing Babylonian armies, “houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land” (Jer 32:15).
b. The background of all this: God told Jeremiah that his cousin, Hanameel, was soon to visit him and attempt to sell the prophet a farm he owned in Anathoth. Jeremiah was to buy it for 17 shekels of silver (Jer 32:6–12). Baruch was then to place the sealed deed in a pottery jar and bury it. All this was to demonstrate that someday people would once again own property in Judah, and buy and sell (Jer 32:14–15).
c. Jeremiah was comforted at this time in prison by God’s gracious promise (Jer 33:3).
d. These tremendous and thrilling “things” are listed in chapters 30–31 and 33. They include the following:
(1) In spite of the impending Babylonian captivity, the time was coming when God would heal Jerusalem’s hurt and give her prosperity and peace (Jer 33:4–6).
(2) He still loved Israel with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3).
(3) Israel would be gathered into Palestine from the earth’s farthest ends (Jer 30:3, 10–11; 31:8–9, 12).
7. The sufferings.
a. The sources of Jeremiah’s sufferings.
(1) His family.
(2) His hometown.
(3) The religious world.
(4) The political world.
b. The nature of his sufferings.
(1) His own brothers and family turned against him, plotting to kill him (Jer 12:6).
(2) The men of Anathoth attempted to kill him (Jer 11:21–23).
(3) Pashur, the chief Temple priest, had him whipped and put in stocks (Jer 20:1–3).
(4) He was almost murdered by a wild mob of priests and prophets after one of his messages (Jer 26:7–9).
(a) He preached a sermon at the Temple gate and was nearly killed by an angry mob for predicting the Temple would be destroyed (Jer 26:6–9).
(b) He was defended by some of Judah’s wise old men, who reminded the angry mob that Jeremiah’s message was like that of the prophet Micah (Jer 26:17–19; Mic 3:12).
(5) He was ridiculed by a false prophet named Hananiah (Jer 28).
(a) Jeremiah was accused of lying by a false prophet named Hananiah who had predicted the Babylonian captivity would last only for two years and that those already in exile (such as King Jehoiachin, Daniel, Ezekiel, etc.) would be returned, along with all the Temple treasury that had been taken (Jer 28:1–4).
(b) To dramatize his accusation, Hananiah broke the yoke worn by Jeremiah (Jer 28:10–11).
(6) He was threatened by King Jehoiakim (Jer 36:26).
(7) He was arrested, flogged, and accused of treason (Jer 37:11–16).
(a) Jeremiah attempted to visit the land of Benjamin on one occasion to inspect some property he had bought (Jer 37:11–12).
(b) However, a guard named Irijah arrested him at the city gate and accused him of defecting to the Babylonians (Jer 37:13).
(c) Jeremiah denied this, but was flogged and thrown into prison (Jer 37:14–16).
(d) He was secretly sent for by Zedekiah, the king (Jer 37:17). Zedekiah placed him in the palace prison instead of returning him to the dungeon he was formerly in (Jer 37:21).
(8) He was cast down into an empty but filthy prison (Jer 38:1–13).
(a) In the palace, pressure from the religious officials who despised Jeremiah eventually forced Zedekiah to return the prophet to a more crude confinement.
(b) This time he was lowered by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard, where he soon sank down into a thick layer of mire at the bottom (Jer 38:1–6).
(c) Eventually, an Ethiopian friend, Ebed-melech, persuaded Zedekiah to remove him from this filthy place. It took 30 men to haul him from the cistern. He was returned to the prison palace (Jer 38:7–13).
(d) Jeremiah again predicted the fall of Jerusalem (Jer 38:14–17; see also Jer 32:1–5). He would remain in prison until the city was taken (Jer 38:28).
(9) His original manuscript was burned by wicked King Jehoiakim (Jer 36:21–23).
(a) God ordered Jeremiah to have his scribe Baruch write down all those oral messages he had been given for the past 23 years (Jer 36:1–2).
(b) Baruch did this and read them to the people in the Temple (Jer 36:8). He then was invited to read them to the religious officials. When he finished, they were badly frightened and decided King Jehoiakim should also hear them (Jer 36:14–16).
(c) An official named Jehudi thereupon read them to Jehoiakim as the sullen king sat in front of his fireplace. As Jehudi finished reading three or four columns, Jehoiakim would take his knife, slit off the section of the roll, and throw it into the fire. Finally, the entire scroll was destroyed (Jer 36:21–23).
(d) Jeremiah was then commanded to rewrite the burned sections plus a good deal of additional material, including some fearful words about Jehoiakim (Jer 36:30–32).
(e) After Jehoiakim had burned the scroll, Baruch became despondent. It had probably taken him a year to write the material. God then both warned and encouraged him through Jeremiah (Jer 45:1–5).
(10) He experienced frustration and depression (Jer 20:7–9, 14–18).
(a) Jeremiah had become so frustrated over his inability to call Judah back to God that he wrote about it (Jer 20:9; see also 1 Kgs 19:3–4; Jon 1:1–3; 1 Cor 9:16).
(b) At this time, he uttered one of the most despondent prayers in all the Bible (Jer 20:14–18).
B. Jeremiah, the minister.
1. Rulers he ministered under.
a. Josiah.
Jeremiah was called by God during the reign of Josiah, Judah’s last good king.
b. Jehoiakim.
This wicked king burned Jeremiah’s original written prophecy scroll.
c. Jehoiachin.
This 90–day wonder was soundly condemned by Jeremiah (Jer 22:24–30).
d. Zedekiah.
The prophet suffered much under the reign of Zedekiah, Judah’s final king.
(1) Zedekiah sent word to Jeremiah asking for his prayers after Nebuchadnezzar had declared war on Judah (Jer 21:1–2).
(2) Jeremiah sent word back to the wicked king stating that prayers were useless on this subject, for God would use the Babylonians to punish Jerusalem, and Zedekiah himself was to be given over to Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 21:3–7).
(3) Jeremiah told Zedekiah that Jerusalem would be burned and he was to be captured and carried into Babylon (Jer 34:1–5).
(4) Zedekiah had proclaimed freedom for all the slaves in the city, but the owners had gone back on their word. Jeremiah rebuked those rich Jewish homeowners who had violated the Mosaic law, which demanded all Hebrew servants to be set free after serving six years (Jer 34:8–16).
(5) Pharaoh Hophra’s Egyptian armies had arrived to aid Judah in fighting Nebuchadnezzar.
Jeremiah warned Zedekiah that their political alliance would fail, for Nebuchadnezzar would defeat the Egyptians (Jer 37:5–10). Zedekiah, however, refused to take the counsel of Jeremiah (2 Chr 36:12).
e. Nebuchadnezzar.
Jeremiah was treated with respect by the great Babylonian conqueror.
(1) Zedekiah attempted to escape the doomed city but was captured near Jericho and brought back to Jerusalem. Here he was forced to witness the execution of his own sons, and then submit to the agony of having his eyes gouged out (Jer 39:4–7; 52:6–11).
(2) Nebuchadnezzar instructed his chief–of–staff, Nebuzar-adan, to treat Jeremiah with kindness (Jer 39:11–12).
(3) Jeremiah was released from prison and taken by Nebuzar-adan to Ramah. Here he was offered his choice of going on to Babylon or returning to Jerusalem. Jeremiah chose to return and was placed under the protection of the new Jewish governor of Jerusalem, a man named Gedaliah (Jer 39:14; 40:1–6).
f. Gedaliah.
He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar to govern the fallen city of Jerusalem.
(1) Gedaliah attempted to institute a moderate post-war administration over the devastated city of Jerusalem (Jer 40:7–12).
(2) This soon aroused the fury of a Jewish rebel leader named Ishmael, who plotted to assassinate Gedaliah. The governor was warned of this plot by a man named Johanan but refused to take it seriously (Jer 40:13–16).
(3) Gedaliah was murdered by Ishmael along with many other Jewish officials, pilgrims, and some Babylonian soldiers. The bodies of some of them were hurled down into an empty cistern (Jer 41:1–9).
(4) Johanan arrived upon the scene of the massacre and soon restored order (Jer 41:11–16).
g. Johanan.
He took over after the tragic assassination of Gedaliah and later forced Jeremiah to accompany a Jewish remnant to Egypt.
(1) Johanan asked Jeremiah to determine God’s will for the tiny Jewish remnant still in Jerusalem (Jer 42:1–6).
(2) After a 10–day prayer session with God, Jeremiah was told the Lord desired the remnant to remain in Jerusalem and not go to Egypt, as some were already planning to do (Jer 46:7–22).
(3) Upon hearing this unwelcome report, Johanan and other leaders accused Jeremiah of lying. They then disobeyed the clearly revealed word of God by going to Egypt. Jeremiah was forced to accompany them (Jer 43:1–7).
(4) Upon reaching Egypt, many of the Jews resorted to their old habits of idolatry. They began burning incense to the queen of heaven. This was another name for the pagan goddess Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of love and war (Jer 44:8–10, 15–19).
(5) Jeremiah pronounced the divine death penalty upon all who refused to repent and return to Jerusalem (Jer 44:7–14, 28).
(6) To dramatize this bitter truth, he buried some large rocks between the pavement stones at the entrance of Pharaoh’s palace. This signified that Nebuchadnezzar would occupy Egypt and set his throne upon those stones. Jeremiah predicted he would then kill many of the Jewish remnant who refused to return. The others would die of various plagues or be enslaved (Jer 43:9–13).
2. Groups he ministered to.
a. Jeremiah cautioned the majority. He warned the majority still in Judah about the coming Babylonian captivity.
(1) He pleaded with Judah to return to God (Jer 3:12–14; 26:1–7).
(a) God would repeatedly invite Israel back to him (Jer 2:9).
(b) He would receive Israel even after her immorality with other lovers (Jer 3:1).
(2) Jeremiah pleaded with them to plow up the hardness of their hearts, lest all be choked up by thorns and suffer the fire of God’s wrath (Jer 4:3–4).
(a) They could still escape judgment by cleansing their hearts and purifying their thoughts (Jer 4:14).
(b) To repent meant they could remain in the land (Jer 7:3). To refuse meant to be covered by thick darkness (Jer 13:16).
(3) He fearlessly pronounced coming judgment at the hands of the Babylonians. He then outlined Judah’s sins, often using metaphors and similes.
(a) Judah had forsaken the fountain of divine water (Jer 2:13).
(b) They had built broken cisterns that could not hold water (Jer 2:13).
(c) The nation had become a race of evil men, symbolized by good seed producing a degenerate plant (Jer 2:21).
(d) No amount of soap or lye could make them clean (Jer 2:22).
(e) The rulers had stained their clothes with the blood of the innocent and poor (Jer 2:34).
(f) They were as an unashamed prostitute (Jer 3:3).
(g) They worshiped false gods upon every hill and under every shade tree (Jer 3:6).
(h) They had killed their prophets as a lion would slaughter his prey (Jer 2:30).
(i) They were as insolent as brass, and hard and cruel as iron (Jer 6:28).
(j) They had set up idols right in the Temple and worshiped the pagan queen of heaven (Jer 7:18; 44:17).
(k) They had actually sacrificed their little children as burnt offerings to devil gods (Jer 7:31; 19:5).
(4) He warned them concerning the terrible results of their disobedience.
(a) Great armies would march upon Jerusalem (Jer 1:14–15).
(b) Neither Assyria nor Egypt would be able to help Judah against Babylon (Jer 2:18, 36).
(c) People would flee from Judah’s cities as one runs from a hungry lion (Jer 4:5–7).
(d) Jerusalem would be surrounded, as hunters would move in on a wild and wounded animal (Jer 4:17; 6:3–5).
(e) They would cry out as a woman in delivery (Jer 4:31; 6:24; 13:21).
(f) Jerusalem’s own trees would be cut down and used against her walls as battering rams (Jer 6:6).
(g) The Temple would be destroyed (Jer 7:14).
(h) Enemy troops would then move among the people like poisonous snakes (Jer 8:17).
(i) Many would die by the following methods: sword (Jer 15:3); disease (Jer 21:9); starvation (Jer 21:9).
(j) Some would be scattered as chaff by the fierce desert winds (Jer 13:24). Unburied corpses would litter the valleys outside Jerusalem, and become food for wild animals and birds (Jer 7:32; 9:22; 12:8–9; 15:3).
(k) Judah’s enemies would break open the sacred graves of her kings, priests, and prophets, and spread out their bones on the ground before the sun, moon, and stars (Jer 8:1–2).
(l) Thousands would be carried away into Babylon for a period of 70 years (Jer 7:15; 25:11; 29:10).
(m) The severity of Judah’s punishment would astonish the onlooking pagan Gentile nations (Jer 19:8; 22:8; 25:11).
(5) When the people ridiculed and rejected his message, the warning prophet became the weeping prophet (Jer 4:19; 8:21; 9:1–2, 10; 13:17; 14:17).
b. Jeremiah comforted the minority. Jeremiah wrote a letter of encouragement to the Jewish exiles in Babylon (Jer 29:1–32).
(1) They were to settle down for a long 70–year stay.
(2) They were to pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon, so that their own lives might be peaceful.
(3) They were to ignore the lies of those false prophets and mediums there in Babylon, lest they be punished along with them.
(a) Jeremiah pronounced God’s death sentence upon two of these prophets named Ahab and Zedekiah for their lying messages and their sin of adultery (Jer 29:20–23).
(b) He also warned the exiles concerning a man named Shemaiah, who was sending poison-pen letters from Babylon to the influential leaders in Jerusalem against Jeremiah (Jer 29:24–32).
(4) God still loved them and would someday bring them back to Jerusalem (Jer 29:11–14).
c. Jeremiah condemned the multitudes. He pronounced judgment upon nine Gentile nations (Jer 46–51).
(1) Egypt (Jer 46:1–26).
(2) Philistia (Jer 47:1–6).
(3) Moab (Jer 48:1–47).
(4) Ammon (Jer 49:1–6).
(5) Edom (Jer 49:7–22).
(6) Damascus (Jer 49:23–27).
(7) Kedar and Hazor (Jer 49:28–33).
(8) Elam (Jer 49:34–39).
(9) Babylon (Jer 50–51).
Two Babylons seem to be referred to in these verses.
(a) One is the historical Babylon, captured by Darius the Persian in October of 539 BC (Dan 5).
(b) The other is future Babylon, which will be destroyed by God himself (Rev 17–18).
(c) After the destruction of both Babylons, Israel would seek their God. This happened historically (Ezra 1); and it will occur in the future (Zech 13:9).
(d) After the final destruction of Babylon (Rev 18) the city will never be inhabited again (Jer 51:26).
(e) The ungodly nations would weep over the destruction of both Babylons (Jer 50:46; Rev 18).
(f) The Israelites were to flee from both Babylons (Jer 51:6; Rev 18:4).
(g) Both cities are depicted as golden cups filled with iniquities from which the nations have drunk and become mad (Jer 51:7; Rev 17:1–6).
(h) All heaven would rejoice over the destruction of both Babylons (Jer 51:10, 48; Rev 18:20).
II. The public prophecies of Jeremiah.
A. The group prophecies.
1. Concerning Judah’s people.
a. The fall of Jerusalem (Jer 1:14–16; 4:5–9; 5:15–17; 6:1–6; 32:2–3; 38:17–18).
b. The destruction of the Temple (Jer 7:11–15; 26:6–9).
c. The 70–year captivity of Judah into Babylon (Jer 25:11; 29:10).
NOTE: In Jeremiah 31:15–16, Jeremiah predicted that the loud wails and bitter weeping of Rachel for her children in Ramah would disappear. Ramah is an ancient reference to the [p. 941] area in and around Bethlehem. It was here that Nebuchadnezzar killed many sick and feeble exile captives who would not be able to endure the long trip to Babylon. Rachel, the historical wife of Jacob, is of course symbolic of all weeping Israelite mothers. In Matthew 2:18 this sad verse is linked to that occasion when Herod murdered the babies of Bethlehem in an attempt to kill Christ.
d. The kindly treatment of the exiles in Babylon (Jer 24:1–7).
e. The restoration after the 70 years to Jerusalem (Jer 27:19–22; 30:3, 10–11, 18–21; 31:9, 12, 38–39; 33:3–9).
(1) Israel would be gathered back from all over the world (Jer 3:14; 31:8–10; 32:37–43).
(2) God would appoint for them leaders after his own heart (Jer 3:15).
(3) Palestine would once again be filled with the glory of God, and the people of God (Jer 3:16–18). This would be a far greater and grander event than that of the original Exodus, when he brought them out of Egypt (Jer 16:14–15; 23:7).
(4) A righteous Branch (the Savior) will occupy King David’s throne, ruling with wisdom and justice (Jer 23:5–6; 30:21; 33:17).
(5) Jerusalem will be rebuilt and filled with joy and great thanksgiving (Jer 31:4, 7–9, 12–14, 23–25; 33:10–12).
(6) During the Millennium, Israel will understand the necessity for and the purpose of all their sufferings (Jer 31:18–19).
(7) The cities of Israel will be rebuilt and Jerusalem will become the praise and power center of all the earth (Jer 30:18–21; 31:38–39; 33:7–9).
2. Concerning Judah’s potentates.
a. The death of the deposed Judean King Jehoahaz in Egypt (Jer 22:10–12).
b. The ignoble and unlamented death of King Jehoiakim (Jer 36:29–30).
(1) He soundly condemned Jehoiakim for his wicked reign (Jer 22:13–19).
(a) He was constructing an extravagant palace with forced labor.
(b) He had murdered the innocent and oppressed the poor.
(c) He was filled with selfish greed and dishonesty.
(2) About this time one of Jeremiah’s fellow prophets, Urijah, was murdered by Jehoiakim for his fearless preaching (Jer 26:20–23). Therefore, Jeremiah predicted the following:
(a) The king would die unlamented.
(b) He would be buried like a dead donkey.
(c) He would be dragged out of Jerusalem.
(d) He would be thrown on the garbage dump beyond the gate.
c. The cutting off from the royal line of King Jehoiachin (Jer 22:24–30).
(1) This young son of Jehoiakim ruled only three months, but so aroused the divine wrath of heaven that, Jeremiah was told, had he been the signet ring of God’s right hand, he would still have been cast off and given to the Babylonians (Jer 22:24–25).
(2) Jeremiah predicted that this 90–day wonder would:
(a) Be given over to Nebuchadnezzar.
(b) Be cast out of the land along with his mother.
(c) Die in a foreign land.
(d) Be regarded as a discarded and broken dish.
(e) Be considered childless (even though he had offspring) as far as the throne of David was concerned (Jer 22:25–29).
d. The capture of Zedekiah (Jer 21:3–7; 34:1–5; 37:17; see 39:4–7; 52:6–11 for fulfillment).
3. Concerning Judah’s prophets.
a. The death of two false prophets (Zedekiah and Ahab) and the punishment of another (Shemaiah) who were ministering among the first Jewish captive exiles in Babylon (Jer 29:20–32).
b. The death of a false Jerusalem prophet named Hananiah (Jer 28:13–17).
Jeremiah predicted Hananiah’s death in the near future by God’s hand for his lying ministry. Within two years he was dead.
4. Concerning Judah’s persecutors.
a. The failure of the Egyptian–Judean military alliance against Babylon (Jer 37:5–10).
b. The defeat of Egypt by Babylon (Jer 46:1–26).
Jeremiah described in vivid detail the world-famous battle at Carchemish at the very moment when it was being fought. Egypt suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 46:1–12).
c. The eventual occupation of Egypt by Babylon (Jer 43:9–13).
d. The defeat of Babylon after the 70 years (Jer 25:12; 27:7).
NOTE: The punishment Babylon would receive from God as found in Jeremiah 50 and 51 evidently referred not only to the historical judgment (Dan 5), but also that future judgment (Rev 18). Jeremiah warned a man named Seraiah that he would be taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar at a later date. This literally happened some six years later (Jer 51:59). Seraiah was then given a scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies against Babylon. The prophet commanded him to read it publicly when he arrived there and then to tie a rock to the scroll and throw it into the Euphrates River. This symbolized that Babylon would sink, never to rise again (Jer 51:60–64).
B. The great prophecy—the new covenant (Jer 31:31–34).
1. The nature of the new covenant (Jer 31:31–34).
a. It would embrace the entire house of Israel.
b. It would be totally unlike the old Mosaic covenant.
c. God would inscribe his laws upon their hearts. Israel had always suffered with self-inflicted spiritual heart trouble.
(1) The divine diagnosis (Jer 17:1).
(2) The divine prognosis.
Under the new covenant the heavenly Physician would offer them perfect and guaranteed–successful heart transplants. This nation with the new hearts would [p. 942] then once again become God’s people, and he their God.
2. The time of the new covenant.
a. It will go into effect “after those days” (Jer 31:33).
b. It will follow the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7).
c. Both these terms refer to the coming Great Tribulation. Thus, the new covenant will begin to function after the time of Jacob’s trouble, at the start of the glorious Millennium.
3. The superiority of the new covenant.
a. It will be eternal as opposed to the Mosaic covenant (Exod 19:5–8; Jer 31:32). God himself assured Israel of the duration of this new covenant (Jer 31:37; see also Jer 33:20–26).
b. It will be unconditional (Jer 31:34).
c. It will be immutable (Jer 31:36–37).
4. The Mediator of the new covenant—the Son of David himself (Jer 30:9; 33:15–18).
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jeremiah’s great prophecy concerning the 70–year Babylonian captivity (Jer 29:10) is referred to by three Old Testament authors.
A. The author of 2 Chronicles mentioned it (2 Chr 36:21).
B. Ezra mentioned it (Ezra 1:1).
C. Daniel referred to it (Dan 9:2).
II. Matthew recorded the tragic fulfillment of two of Jeremiah’s prophecies.
A. Concerning the slaughter of the infants at Bethlehem (cp. Jer 31:15 with Matt 2:17–18).
>B. Concerning the purchase of a potter’s field where Judas was buried (cp. Jer 32:6–9 with Matt 27:9–10).
III. Some of the Jews in the time of Christ believed the Savior was really a return of Jeremiah (Matt 16:14).
IV. Jeremiah was the most persecuted prophet in the Old Testament, and in many ways his sufferings foreshadowed the sufferings of Christ.
A. Both were mistreated by their own families (Jer 12:6; John 7:5).
B. Both were plotted against by the citizens of their own hometowns (Jer 11:21; Luke 4:28–30).
C. Both were hated by the religious world (Jer 26:7–9; John 11:47–53).
D. Both were denounced by the two leading synagogue leaders of their day (Jer 20:1; 28:1; John 18:13, 24).
E. Both were temporarily aided by a ruler (Jer 38:16; Luke 23:4).
F. Both were described in similar fashion (Isa 53:7; Jer 11:19).
G. Both wept often over the city of Jerusalem (Jer 9:1; Matt 23:37; Luke 19:41).
H. Both predicted the destruction of the Temple in their day (Jer 7:11–15; Matt 24:1–2).
V. Jeremiah, like Job, on occasion suffered from extreme depression (Job 3; Jer 20:14–18).
VI. Like Elijah, Jeremiah once decided to resign (1 Kgs 19:4; Jer 20:9).
VII. However, he persevered, and his book became a great source of inspiration to the prophet Daniel years later (Dan 9:2).
VIII. The book of Jeremiah gives the final of three great immutable Old Testament covenants.
A. The Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1–3).
This has to do with a land (Canaan), a people (Israel), and a Savior.
B. The Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:4–16; 1 Chr 17:3–15).
This had to do with a king to rule in that land over that people.
C. The new covenant (Jer 31:31–34).
This has to do with changed hearts so that the people in the land will allow that king to rule over them.
IX. Jeremiah may have been the only biblical writer to have died in Egypt.
STATISTICS
Father: Hilkiah (Jer 1:1)
First mention: 2 Chronicles 35:25
Final mention: Matthew 27:9
Meaning of his name: “Jehovah is high”
Referred to: 134 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Five books (2 Chronicles, Ezra, Jeremiah, Daniel, Matthew)
Occupation: Prophet (Matt 27:9)
Place of birth: Anathoth, in Israel (Jer 1:1)
Place of death: Egypt
Important fact about his life: He was known as the weeping prophet and authored the longest book in the Bible (apart from the Psalms).
JEROBOAM I
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jeroboam, the supervisor.
A. He was the first king of northern Israel.
B. He ruled for 22 years (1 Kgs 14:20).
C. He was from the tribe of Ephraim and lived in the city of Zeredah (1 Kgs 11:26).
D. He had great natural organizational ability (1 Kgs 11:28).
E. Realizing this, King Solomon made him supervisor over the labor force of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (1 Kgs 11:28).
II. Jeroboam, the sovereign.
A. His rule foretold.
1. The seer involved.
Ahijah the prophet informed Jeroboam that he would soon become king over 10 of Israel’s 12 tribes (1 Kgs 11:29–39).
2. The sin involved.
Both Solomon and Israel had forsaken God and were worshiping idols. God therefore would punish his people by dividing their kingdom.
3. The sign involved.
a. Ahijah took off his new cloak, tore it into 12 pieces, and gave Jeroboam 10 pieces.
b. God then assured Jeroboam he would be blessed if he would but obey as did David.
B. His rule fulfilled.
1. The refuge.
a. Solomon learned of all this and attempted to kill Jeroboam (1 Kgs 11:40).
b. Jeroboam fled to Egypt and took refuge there until Solomon’s death (1 Kgs 11:40).
2. The revolt.
Upon his return, Jeroboam became the spokesman for the disgruntled 10 tribes that demanded tax relief from Israel’s new king, Rehoboam, the son of Solomon (1 Kgs 12:1–4).
C. When Rehoboam foolishly threatened to be even more harsh with Israel than his father had been, Jeroboam [p. 943] led a revolt and became the first ruler over the 10–tribe northern kingdom (1 Kgs 12:6–16, 20).
III. Jeroboam, the sinner.
A. His apostasy.
1. He constructed two golden calves and set up false worship centers with a calf in each center in the cities of Bethel and Dan, lest his people return to sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple (1 Kgs 12:25–29).
2. This caused northern Israel to sin greatly (1 Kgs 12:30).
3. He built shrines on high places (1 Kgs 12:31).
4. He appointed worthless men who were not Levites to function as priests (1 Kgs 12:31).
5. This resulted in the return to Jerusalem of those genuine Levites whom Jeroboam had rejected (2 Chr 11:14).
6. He replaced the regular feast days in Jerusalem with his own in Bethel and Dan (1 Kgs 12:32).
7. He even created a new feast day on the fifteenth day of the eighth month (1 Kgs 12:33).
8. Jeroboam’s sin and evil ways are mentioned some 22 times, more than the sins of any other person in the entire Bible.
B. His altar.
Jeroboam was rebuked by a prophet of God as he stood by his false altar in Bethel to offer up a sacrifice (1 Kgs 13:1–9).
1. The prophecy against Jeroboam.
a. A future godly Judean king named Josiah would someday burn the bones of Jeroboam’s false prophets on that altar.
b. As a sign that God had indeed spoken through the prophet, Jeroboam was told the altar he stood by would be split apart and its ashes poured out. This happened immediately.
2. The punishment of Jeroboam.
His hand was suddenly shriveled up as he reached out to seize the prophet.
3. The plea by Jeroboam.
a. He begged the prophet to pray that his hand be restored. This plea was granted.
b. He invited the prophet to join him at his palace for dinner. This plea was refused.
c. In spite of all this, Jeroboam continued in his evil ways (1 Kgs 13:33–34).
IV. Jeroboam, the soldier.
A. There was constant war between Jeroboam and Rehoboam (1 Kgs 14:30).
B. He also fought against Abijam, the son of Rehoboam (1 Kgs 15:7; 2 Chr 13:1–20).
1. The soldiers involved.
a. Jeroboam had 800,000 troops.
b. Abijam had 400,000 troops.
2. The speech involved.
a. While Abijam was delivering a long speech before the battle, attempting to persuade the 10 tribes back into the Judean fold, Jeroboam secretly surrounded him.
b. However, God routed Jeroboam’s army and caused him to suffer 500,000 casualties.
c. He never really recovered from this terrible defeat.
V. Jeroboam, the seeker.
A. Jeroboam’s son, Abijah, became ill (1 Kgs 14:1).
B. At the king’s command, his wife disguised herself and went to Shiloh to ask Ahijah the prophet whether their son would recover (1 Kgs 14:1–4).
C. In spite of his near blindness and her disguise, the old prophet saw through everything and told Jeroboam’s wife by divine revelation what the future held (1 Kgs 14:4–16).
1. Concerning her son, Abijah.
a. He would die upon her return home.
b. He would, however, because of his goodness, be saved spiritually.
2. Concerning her husband, Jeroboam.
a. His kingdom would not last.
b. His male descendants and relatives would die unnatural and unlamented deaths. This was fulfilled by King Baasha (1 Kgs 15:28–29).
3. Concerning her nation, Israel.
The people of northern Israel would later be uprooted and scattered beyond the Euphrates River (1 Kgs 14:15).
VI. Jeroboam, the slain.
God struck Jeroboam down, and the evil king died (2 Chr 13:20).
STATISTICS
Father: Nebat (1 Kgs 11:26)
Mother: Zeruah (1 Kgs 11:26)
Sons: Abijah and Nadab (1 Kgs 14:1; 15:25)
First mention: 1 Kings 11:26
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 13:20
Meaning of his name: “Enlarger”
Referred to: 84 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Three books (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: King of northern Israel (1 Kgs 12:19–20)
Place of birth: Zeredah (1 Kgs 11:26)
Circumstances of death: He died of a plague from God.
Important fact about his life: He was the first king of the 10–tribe confederation of northern Israel (1 Kgs 12:19–20).
JEROBOAM II
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jeroboam and the true prophets of his day.
A. He was the thirteenth king of northern Israel.
B. He ruled for 41 years (2 Kgs 14:23).
C. He was an evil king (2 Kgs 14:24).
D. He was, however, allowed by God to restore the boundaries of his kingdom, which had been previously occupied by Israel’s enemies (2 Kgs 14:25).
E. All this was foretold by Jonah the prophet (2 Kgs 14:25).
F. The reason was due to God’s grace (2 Kgs 14:26–27).
G. Hosea and Amos also prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam (Hos 1:1; Amos 1:1).
II. Jeroboam and a false prophet of his day.
A. Amaziah, false prophet of Bethel, had complained to Jeroboam concerning the prophecies of Amos (Amos 7:10–11).
B. He claimed that Amos had predicted the death of Jeroboam by the sword (this was a lie).
C. He claimed Amos predicted Israel would later be led into captivity (this was the truth).
STATISTICS
Father: Jehoash (2 Kgs 13:13; 14:16)
Son: Zechariah (2 Kgs 14:29)
First mention: 2 Kings 13:13
Final mention: Amos 7:11
Meaning of his name: “Enlarger”
Referred to: 14 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Hosea, Amos)
Occupation: King of Israel (2 Kgs 14:16)
Important fact about his life: He was the king who strengthened Israel during the prophetical ministries of Jonah, Hosea, and Amos.
JESSE
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jesse and Saul.
A. Jesse was a sheepherder who lived in Bethlehem (1 Sam 16:1).
B. He allowed his youngest son, David, to visit Saul and play the harp for the troubled king (1 Sam 16:19–23).
II. Jesse and Samuel.
A. The rejection of Jesse’s older sons (1 Sam 16:5–10).
1. Samuel visited Jesse and informed him he was there to select the future king of Israel.
2. Jesse presented his seven oldest sons, but all were rejected by Samuel.
B. The selection of Jesse’s youngest son (1 Sam 16:11–13).
1. At Samuel’s command, Jesse sent for David, who was caring for the sheep.
2. David was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel.
III. Jesse and David.
Jesse sent David with a food package to visit his brothers who were in Saul’s army (1 Sam 17:17–19).
STATISTICS
Father: Obed (Ruth 4:22)
Sons: Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem, an unidentified son, and David (1 Sam 17:12–13; 1 Chr 2:13–15)
Daughters: Zeruiah and Abigail (1 Chr 2:16)
Significant ancestors: Boaz and Ruth were his grandparents (Ruth 4:13, 21)
First mention: Ruth 4:17
Final mention: Romans 15:12
Meaning of his name: “God exists”
Referred to: 46 times
Biblical books mentioning him: 12 books (Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, Acts, Romans)
Occupation: Sheep
Important fact about his life: He was David’s father (Ruth 4:17).
JETHRO
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The father–in–law of Moses.
A. Jethro is also called Reuel (Exod 2:18).
B. He was a priest of Midian, and a sheepherder (Exod 3:1).
C. Moses married Zipporah, one of Jethro’s seven daughters (Exod 2:16, 21).
D. Jethro was a descendant of Abraham through Keturah (Gen 25:1–2).
II. The friend to Moses.
A. The journey to Egypt.
Jethro encouraged Moses to return to Egypt (Exod 4:18).
B. The judging at Sinai.
1. Jethro and Moses were reunited at Sinai following the Red Sea crossing, during the Exodus march (Exod 18:1–12).
2. He advised Moses to appoint capable men to help ease the load of the burdened lawgiver in matters of judging the people of Israel (Exod 18:13–26).
3. Jethro elected not to accompany Moses en route to the Promised Land (Exod 18:27).
STATISTICS
Son: Hobab (Num 10:29)
Daughters: Seven, one of whom was Zipporah (Exod 2:16, 21)
First mention: Exodus 3:1
Final mention: Exodus 18:12
Meaning of his name: “Preeminence”
Referred to: 11 times
Biblical books mentioning him: One book (Exodus)
Occupation: Priest of Midian (Exod 3:1)
Important fact about his life: He was Moses’ father–in–law (Exod 3:1).
JEZEBEL
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The perversions of Jezebel.
A. Her blasphemy.
1. She worshiped Baal (1 Kgs 16:31).
2. She fed and cared for 850 false prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kgs 18:19).
3. She urged Ahab her husband to do evil in the sight of God (1 Kgs 21:25).
B. Her bloodletting.
1. She murdered many of God’s prophets (1 Kgs 18:4).
2. She plotted the murder of godly Naboth so that Ahab could possess his vineyard (1 Kgs 21:4–15).
3. She vowed to kill Elijah after he executed her false prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kgs 19:1–2).
II. The prophecies against Jezebel.
A. The facts.
Elijah and Elisha both predicted dogs would eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel as her punishment for the murder of Naboth (1 Kgs 21:23; 2 Kgs 9:1–10).
B. The fulfillment.
1. Years later, Jehu, a king of northern Israel, ordered that Jezebel be thrown out of a window in the city of Jezreel (2 Kgs 9:30–33).
2. The dogs of the city then ate her smashed corpse (2 Kgs 9:35–37).
STATISTICS
Father: Ethbaal (1 Kgs 16:31)
Spouse: Ahab (1 Kgs 16:30–31)
Son: Jehoram (2 Kgs 9:22)
Daughter: Athaliah
First mention: 1 Kings 16:31
Final mention: 2 Kings 9:37
Meaning of her name: “Without cohabitation”
Referred to: 20 times
Biblical books mentioning her: Two books (1 Kings, 2 Kings)
Occupation: Queen of Israel (1 Kgs 16:29, 31)
Place of death: Jezreel (2 Kgs 9:30–37)
Circumstances of death: She was thrown from a window (2 Kgs 9:33).
Important fact about her life: She promoted Baal worship and tried to have Elijah killed (1 Kgs 19:1–2).
JOAB
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joab, under the reign of David.
A. His conquests.
1. He was the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, and thus the nephew of David (1 Chr 2:16).
2. He was commander–in–chief of David’s army (2 Sam 8:16; 20:23).
3. His armor bearer was Nahari (2 Sam 23:37).
4. He was victorious over the following:
a. The Ammonites.
He attacked and defeated them after they had spurned David’s act of kindness (2 Sam 10).
b. The Edomites (1 Kgs 11:15–16).
c. The city of Rabbah (2 Sam 12:26).
d. The city of Jerusalem.
He took the city from the Jebusites (1 Chr 11:4–6).
B. His conniving.
1. He arranged (at David’s command) to have Uriah killed in battle so that the king might marry Bath-sheba, the soldier’s wife (2 Sam 11).
2. He arranged by deception to have Absalom brought back to Jerusalem after the young rebel had been banished by his father David for murdering Amnon (2 Sam 14).
C. His cruelty.
1. He killed Abner.
a. Joab was involved in a skirmish that almost led to an all-out war with Abner, Saul’s general, who continued to be commander even after the king’s death (2 Sam 2:12–32).
b. During this incident, Abner, acting in self-defense, killed Joab’s younger brother, Asahel (2 Sam 2:22–23).
c. Soon after this, Joab murdered Abner to avenge his dead brother (2 Sam 3:24–28).
d. David was furious upon learning about this act of treachery (2 Sam 3:28–39).
2. He killed Absalom.
a. In defiance of David’s specific command, Joab killed the helpless Absalom after defeating him in battle (2 Sam 18:5, 14).
b. Joab then rebuked David for mourning over the death of his rebellious son (2 Sam 19:1–7).
3. He killed Amasa.
Amasa was the son of David’s sister Abigail and commander of Absalom’s troops. Joab murdered him so he would not be replaced by him (2 Sam 20:9–10).
4. He killed Sheba.
Joab arranged to have Sheba killed by his own townspeople of Abel for leading a rebellion against David (2 Sam 20:15–22).
5. On his deathbed, David requested that Solomon eventually punish Joab for all his crimes and bloodshed (1 Kgs 2:5).
D. His census.
Against his better judgment, Joab, at David’s command, conducted a census to determine the number of Israelite fighting men (2 Sam 24:2–9; 1 Chr 21:2–6).
II. Joab, under the reign of Solomon.
A. His plot against Solomon.
Joab joined the unsuccessful conspiracy against Solomon led by Adonijah, the oldest half brother of the king (1 Kgs 1:7).
B. His punishment by Solomon.
Realizing the plot had failed, Joab took refuge in the Tabernacle but was killed by order of Solomon (1 Kgs 2:28–34).
STATISTICS
Mother: Zeruiah (2 Sam 2:13)
Brothers: Abishai and Asahel (2 Sam 2:18)
First mention: 1 Samuel 26:6
Final mention: 1 Chronicles 27:34
Meaning of his name: “God is Father”
Referred to: 138 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles)
Occupation: General of David’s army (1 Chr 27:34)
Place of death: At the brazen altar in the Temple at Jerusalem (1 Kgs 2:28–34)
Circumstances of death: He was executed on Solomon’s order (1 Kgs 2:29).
Important fact about his life: He murdered Abner, Absalom, and Amasa (2 Sam 3:27; 18:14; 20:10).
JOASH (1)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His wrongdoing.
A. Joash was the father of Gideon, from the tribe of Manasseh, who lived in the city of Ophrah (Judg 6:11; 8:32).
B. He was a worshiper of Baal and Asherah (Judg 6:25).
II. His wisdom.
He defended Gideon from an angry mob who planned to kill his son for tearing down an altar of Baal. Joash successfully reasoned with the mob that if Baal did indeed exist, he could defend and avenge himself (Judg 6:28–32).
STATISTICS
Son: Gideon (Judg 6:11)
First mention: Judges 6:11
Final mention: Judges 8:32
Meaning of his name: “God supports”
Referred to: Nine times
Biblical books mentioning him: One book (Judges)
Important fact about his life: He was Gideon’s father (Judg 6:11).
JOASH (2)
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joash—the better years.
A. His safekeeping by God.
1. He was the eighth ruler of Judah.
2. He ruled for 40 years (2 Kgs 12:1).
3. He was also called Jehoash.
4. He began to reign when he was only seven (2 Kgs 11:21).
5. Joash alone survived a bloody purge instigated by his own grandmother, Queen Athaliah, who was determined to eliminate all the seed of David (2 Kgs 11:1).
6. He was hidden, however, by his aunt Jehosheba and her high-priest husband, Jehoiada, for the first six years of his life (2 Kgs 11:2–3).
7. When he was seven, Athaliah was executed and Joash became king (2 Kgs 11:16, 21).
8. Jehoiada chose two wives for Joash (2 Chr 24:3).
B. His service for God.
1. He was basically a good king (2 Kgs 12:2).
2. He collected a sizable amount of money for his people to repair the Jerusalem Temple (2 Kgs 12:4–8).
II. Joash—the bitter years.
A. His sins against God.
1. He did not remove the pagan high places (2 Kgs 12:3).
2. After the death of Jehoiada the high priest, Joash abandoned God (2 Chr 24:17–19).
3. Instead of looking to God for deliverance, he paid tribute to the Syrians who had attacked Jerusalem, giving them gold from the Temple and royal palace (2 Kgs 12:17–18).
4. When godly Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, cried out against the king’s sins, Joash ordered him stoned to death in the Temple courtyard (2 Chr 24:20–22).
B. His sufferings from God.
1. God allowed the Syrians to invade both Judah and Jerusalem, killing all the leaders of the people (2 Chr 24:23–24).
2. Joash himself was severely wounded (2 Chr 24:25).
3. Later, his palace officials killed him in his own bed for ordering the death of Zechariah the high priest (2 Chr 24:25).
4. Two men were involved in his execution (2 Chr 24:26).
a. Zabad, an Ammonite.
b. Jehozabad, a Moabite.
STATISTICS
Father: Ahaziah (2 Kgs 11:2)
Mother: Zibiah (2 Kgs 12:1)
Spouse: Jehoaddan (2 Kgs 14:1–2)
Son: Amaziah (2 Kgs 12:21)
First mention: 2 Kings 11:2
Final mention: 2 Chronicles 25:25
Meaning of his name: “God supports”
Referred to: 25 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Three books (2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles)
Occupation: King of Judah (2 Kgs 12:1)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: On his own bed in Jerusalem (2 Chr 24:25)
Circumstances of death: He was killed by his own officials (2 Chr 24:25).
Important fact about his life: He alone survived Queen Athaliah’s family massacre (2 Kgs 11:1–2).
JOB
(See also Patriarchal)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His terrible trials.
A. The nature of these trials.
1. His oxen and donkeys were stolen and his farm hands were killed by a Sabean raid (Job 1:14–15).
2. His sheep and herdsmen were burned up by fire (Job 1:16).
3. His camels were stolen and his servants killed by a Chaldean raid (Job 1:17).
4. His sons and daughters perished in a mighty wind (Job 1:18–19).
5. Job himself was struck with a terrible case of boils (Job 2:7).
B. The reason for these trials.
A conversation took place in the heavenlies between God and Satan concerning Job. The devil sneeringly charged that Job only worshiped God because of two selfish benefits.
1. Because God had given his servant much wealth (Job 1:10).
2. Because God had given his servant good health.
Satan argued that if he could but remove these two elements, Job would curse God to his face. Thus, to shut the devil’s mouth, God gave him permission to remove both Job’s wealth and health. Notice that Satan cannot tempt a believer apart from God’s specific permission.
C. The faith shown through these trials (Job 1:20–22).
II. His whimpering wife (Job 2:9–10).
III. His fickle friends.
A. Four friends (including Elihu, mentioned later) of Job came to comfort Job when they heard of the calamity that had befallen him. Their initial reaction was one of sympathy (Job 2:11–13).
B. Their true feelings, however, emerged in a series of speeches (Job 3–37).
1. The speeches of Eliphaz (Job 4–5, 15, 22; see Gen 36:10).
a. He claimed Job was suffering for his sins (Job 4:7–8).
b. He based his conclusions on personal experience (Job 4:8, 12–16).
c. He urged Job to repent and turn back to God (Job 22:23).
2. The speeches of Bildad (Job 8, 18, 25).
a. He claimed Job was suffering for his sins (Job 8:20).
b. He based his conclusions on tradition (Job 8:8).
c. He urged Job to repent and turn back to God (Job 8:5–6).
3. The speeches of Zophar (Job 11, 20).
a. He claimed Job was suffering for his sins (Job 20:4–5).
b. He based his conclusions on sheer dogmatism (Job 11:6; 20:4–5).
c. He urged Job to repent and turn back to God (Job 11:13–15).
4. The speeches of Elihu (Job 32–37).
IV. His defenses and dialogues.
A. The suffering patriarch responded to his accusers in nine separate speeches.
1. Job 3.
2. Job 6–7.
3. Job 9–10.
4. Job 12–14.
5. Job 16–17.
6. Job 19.
7. Job 21.
8. Job 23–24.
9. Job 26–31.
B. During these nine speeches, Job discussed 14 topics.
1. I am righteous, and therefore not suffering for my sin (Job 27:6; 31:1–40).
2. In the past I have performed many good works (Job 29:12–17; 30:25).
a. He had helped the poor and fatherless (Job 29:12).
b. He had aided the blind and lame (Job 29:15).
c. He had wept with the sorrowing (Job 30:25).
3. Oh, for those good old days when I enjoyed health, wealth, and respect (Job 29:1–11, 20–25).
4. But now I am being unfairly punished by God (Job 9:16–17, 30–33; 10:2, 7–8; 13:26–27; 19:6–11; 30:20–21).
5. My three so-called friends are miserable comforters (Job 12:2; 13:4; 16:2; 19:3).
6. If they were in my place, I would help them and not unjustly accuse them (Job 16:4–5).
7. Even my neighbors, associates, and servants have turned against me (Job 19:13–22; 30:1, 9–10).
8. I wish I could find the answers for all this (Job 28:12–28).
9. I wish I could find God (Job 23:8–9).
10. My flesh is clothed with worms (Job 7:5, 13–14; 30:17–18, 30).
11. I wish I had never been born (Job 3:3–11, 16; 10:18).
12. I wish I were dead (Job 6:8–9; 7:15–16).
13. I have no hope (Job 10:20–22).
14. In spite of all, I’ll trust God (Job 13:15; 16:19; 23:10).
V. His glorious God.
Suddenly, from out of a whirlwind came the mighty voice of God. The sullen Job was then subjected to a 60–question quiz (Job 38–41). Here are some of the questions:
A. God’s first series of questions (Job 38–39).
1. Job 38:4.
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.”
2. Job 38:18.
“Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.”
3. Job 38:19.
“Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof.”
4. Job 38:24.
“By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?”
5. Job 38:28.
“Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?”
6. Job 40:2.
“Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.”
B. Job’s reply (Job 40:4–5).
C. God’s second series of questions (Job 40:6–41:33).
1. Job 40:15.
“Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.”
2. Job 41:1.
“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?”
NOTE: These two creatures may very well refer to a land dinosaur and a sea dinosaur.
D. Job’s reply (Job 42:2–6).
VI. His bountiful blessings.
Job had been subjected to five fiery trials and had participated in five painful debates, but now he received at the hand of God a 10–fold blessing (Job 42:7–17).
A. He was allowed to see the glory of God.
B. He saw himself as God saw him. (This is always a blessing.)
C. He was vindicated by God before the eyes of his three critical friends.
D. He discovered the joy of praying for these three friends.
E. His former health was fully restored.
F. He was comforted by his brothers and sisters.
G. He was given money, showered with gifts, and ended up with double his former wealth.
H. He was given seven more sons and three more daughters.
I. He lived to enjoy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
J. He was given an additional 140 years—twice the number normally accorded a man (see Ps 90:10).
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Job lived in the land of Uz (thought to be the land of Edom) in the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or perhaps even before their time (Job 1:1).
II. We are told four facts about Job.
A. He was a godly man.
He feared the Lord and avoided evil (Job 1:1).
B. He was a family man.
Job had (at the beginning of the account) seven sons and three daughters (Job 1:2).
C. He was a wealthy man (Job 1:3).
1. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys.
2. He employed many servants.
D. He was (apparently) a healthy man.
III. God allowed Satan to tempt Job in the following areas of his life:
A. His fortune (Job 1:14–17).
1. His animals were stolen.
2. His servants were slaughtered.
B. His family (Job 1:18–19; 2:9).
1. The destruction of his children.
In one day Satan killed all 10.
2. The derision of his wife (Job 2:9).
C. His flesh (Job 2:7).
D. His friends (Job 2–37).
1. Their assumptions were wrong.
They assumed he was being divinely punished for some terrible secret sin.
2. Their advice was wrong.
They attempted to force him to confess for wrongdoings he had not done.
IV. After Job had suffered, God blessed the four areas of his life that Satan had afflicted.
A. His fortune.
The number of his herds previously owned was doubled (Job 42:12).
B. His family.
God gave him 10 additional children, seven sons and three daughters (Job 42:13–15).
C. His flesh.
Job’s former health returned, allowing him to live an additional 140 years (Job 42:16).
D. His friends.
They admitted the error of their ways and asked his forgiveness (Job 42:7–9).
V. The book of Job may be the oldest in the Bible. This is indicated by the following:
A. The many ancient historical allusions, such as the pyramids (Job 3:14), the cities of the plains (Job 15:28), and the Great Flood (Job 22:16).
B. The omission of Israel’s history.
There is no reference to the Law, the Exodus of Israel, the Red Sea crossing, or any of the kings of Israel.
C. The usage of the ancient patriarchal name for God, El Shaddai.
It is used 31 times in Job (see Job 5:17; 6:4).
VI. The theme of his book is not Job’s suffering (although this is certainly involved), but rather God’s sovereignty. This is one of the two Old Testament books giving a brief glimpse of the confrontational activities going on in heaven.
A. Job 1–2.
B. Zechariah 3.
VII. The book deals with a great misconception, namely, that suffering is always caused by personal sin.
VIII. Actually, Job was allowed to suffer to accomplish several things:
>A. That Satan might be silenced (Job 1:9–11; 2:4–5).
B. That Job might see God (Job 42:5).
C. That Job might see himself (Job 40:4; 42:6).
D. That Job might learn to pray for, rather than to lash out against, his critics (Job 42:10).
E. To show that God remains in full control at all times (Job 38:4).
IX. Job was later mentioned by both Ezekiel and James.
A. Ezekiel referred to his righteousness (Ezek 14:14, 20).
B. James referred to his patience (Jas 5:11).
X. His disease may have been leprosy complicated by elephantiasis, one of the most loathsome and painful diseases known in the world of his time.
XI. In the midst of terrible suffering, Job uttered one of the truly great testimonies found in the entire Old Testament (Job 19:25–26).
XII. Job also revealed a very precious truth, namely, that Satan cannot tempt or afflict a believer without the express permission of God himself (Job 1:12; 2:6). Furthermore, in the New Testament we are told God knows just how much we can bear, and will not let Satan go beyond that point (1 Cor 10:13).
XIII. Finally, Job may be considered as a commentary on Jesus’ words in Luke 22:31–32.
STATISTICS
Spouse: Unnamed and unhelpful wife (Job 2:9)
Sons: 14 sons (Job 1:2; 42:13)
Daughters: Six daughters, three of whom are named: Jemima, Kezia, and Keren-happuch (Job 1:2; 42:13–14)
First mention: Job 1:1
Final mention: James 5:11
Meaning of his name: “Where is the father?”
Referred to: 56 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Three books (Job, Ezekiel, James)
Occupation: Wealthy rancher (Job 1:3)
Place of birth: Land of Uz (probably Edom) (Job 1:1)
Important fact about his life: He was accused by Satan before God and allowed to suffer, but was eventually totally restored (Job 1:9–12; 2:2–6; 42:10).
JOCHEBED
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The sowing of her faith.
A. Jochebed’s problem.
After a three-month period, Jochebed realized she could no longer hide her infant son Moses from the pharaoh, who had ordered the death of all male Hebrew babies (Exod 2:1–2).
B. Jochebed’s plan.
She placed Moses in a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch, and set it afloat on the Nile River (Exod 2:3).
II. The reaping of her faith.
A. As seen in the rescue of the baby.
In the providence of God the infant Moses was rescued from drowning by the daughter of the same pharaoh who had originally imposed the death penalty (Exod 2:5–6).
B. As seen in the raising of the baby.
1. God arranged for Jochebed to be paid by the pharaoh’s daughter for nursing her own son (Exod 2:7–9).
2. Both the faith and courage of Jochebed are referred to in the New Testament (Heb 11:23).
STATISTICS
Spouse: Amram (Exod 6:20)
Sons: Aaron and Moses (Exod 6:20; Num 26:59)
Daughter: Miriam (Num 26:59)
First mention: Exodus 6:20
Final mention: Hebrews 11:23 (by inference)
Meaning of her name: “God is honor”
Referred to: Three times
Biblical books mentioning her: Three books (Exodus, Numbers, Hebrews)
Important fact about her life: She was Moses’ mother (Exod 6:20; Num 26:59).
JOEL (1)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His appointment.
A. This firstborn son of Samuel was also known as Vashni (1 Chr 6:28).
B. He was appointed by Samuel, along with his brother Abijah, to serve as a judge at Beer-sheba (1 Sam 8:2).
C. His son Heman was a musician who later served in the Tabernacle during the reign of King David (1 Chr 6:33; 15:17).
II. His apostasy.
A. Joel turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice (1 Sam 8:3).
B. Both his and his brother’s evil ways contributed to Israel’s untimely and unwise demand for a king (1 Sam 8:4–5).
STATISTICS
Father: Samuel (1 Sam 8:2)
Son: Heman (1 Chr 6:33; 15:17)
Brother: Abiah (1 Sam 8:2)
First mention: 1 Samuel 8:2
Final mention: 1 Chronicles 15:17
Meaning of his name: “God is God”
Referred to: Three times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles)
Occupation: Judge (1 Sam 8:2)
Important fact about his life: He was the older of Samuel’s two wicked sons (1 Sam 8:2).
JOEL (2)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joel reviewed present conditions in Israel. At the time of his writing, the people were suffering grievously (Joel 1).
A. The nature of their sufferings.
A terrible locust plague, unprecedented in history, had fallen upon the land.
B. The reason for their sufferings.
The plague had been sent to punish them for their sin against God.
C. The answer to their sufferings.
1. A fast was to be announced.
2. A solemn meeting was to be called.
3. The priests and people alike were to dress in sackcloth, weep, repent, and cry out to God for forgiveness.
II. Joel previewed future conditions in Israel. Using the locust plague as an illustration and object lesson, Joel described in some detail three future events that would occur in the land (Joel 2–3).
A. The Day of Pentecost.
1. Foretold by Joel in 2:28–32.
a. God’s Spirit would be poured out upon all flesh.
b. Israel’s sons and daughters would prophesy.
c. Israel’s old men would dream dreams.
d. Israel’s young men would see visions.
2. Fulfilled (in part) at Pentecost (Acts 2:16–21).
B. The Day of the Lord—the seven–year Great Tribulation.
1. The deluge of the soldiers.
Enemy troops from all nations will invade Israel like the locusts in Joel’s day (Joel 2:1–10).
2. The deliverance of the saints.
At that crucial hour, Israel as a nation will repent and return wholeheartedly to God (Joel 2:12).
3. The darkening of the skies.
The sun and moon will be darkened and the stars will withdraw their light as the LORD prepares to do battle (Joel 2:10–11).
4. The destruction of the sinners.
God will utterly consume his enemies who attempted to destroy him, his holy city, and his people (Joel 2:18–20).
C. The day of Christ—the Millennium (Joel 3:18).
1. Sweet wine will drip from the mountains.
2. The hills shall flow with milk.
3. Water will fill the dry streambeds.
4. A fountain will burst forth from the temple.
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. A unique prophet.
A. Joel was the first biblical prophet to use the phrase, “the day of the LORD,” a title used to describe the Great Tribulation (Joel 1:15).
B. He is the only prophet to pinpoint the crucial action during the battle of Armageddon at the end of the Tribulation in a place called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, believed to be an Old Testament name for the Kidron Valley (Joel 3:2, 12).
II. A unique point of view.
In describing this battle, Joel reversed the order of peace and war as described by Isaiah and Micah.
A. The action according to Isaiah and Micah (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3).
1. Nations will melt their swords into plowshares and beat their spears into pruninghooks.
2. Nations will gather for worship.
B. The action according to Joel (Joel 3:9–11).
1. Nations will melt their plowshares into swords and beat their pruninghooks into spears.
2. Nations will gather for war.
STATISTICS
Father: Pethuel (Joel 1:1)
First mention: Joel 1:1
Final mention: Acts 2:16
Meaning of his name: “Jehovah is God”
Referred to: Two times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (Joel, Acts)
Occupation: Prophet (Acts 2:16)
Important fact about his life: He used a locust plague in his day to illustrate the coming Great Tribulation (Joel 2:1–11).
JOHANAN
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His warning.
A. He was a Jewish army captain living in Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 40:7).
B. He warned Gedaliah (the Jewish governor over Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar) concerning a plot to assassinate him by a Jewish rebel named Ishmael (Jer 40:13–14).
C. He volunteered to kill Ishmael, but the governor refused this offer (Jer 40:15–16).
II. His warfare.
A. Ishmael did carry out his plot and assassinated Gedaliah (Jer 41:1–2).
B. Johanan attacked Ishmael, rescued some hostages the rebel had taken captive, and drove him out of the land (Jer 41:11–15).
III. His wrongdoing.
A. Requesting Jeremiah’s advice.
He asked Jeremiah to seek direction from God concerning where the Jewish remnant should live following the destruction of the Temple, promising to obey whatever advice was given (Jer 42:1–6).
B. Rejecting Jeremiah’s advice.
When Jeremiah reported back saying God desired the remnant to remain in Jerusalem, Johanan accused him of lying and forced the prophet to accompany him to Egypt (Jer 42:7–43:7).
STATISTICS
Father: Kareah (2 Kgs 25:23)
First mention: 2 Kings 25:23
Final mention: Jeremiah 43:5
Meaning of his name: “God is gracious”
Referred to: 13 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Kings, Jeremiah)
Occupation: Jewish army captain (Jer 43:4–5)
Important fact about his life: He forced Jeremiah to accompany him and a Jewish group to Egypt (Jer 43:5–6).
JONADAB
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jonadab and Jehu the king.
He accompanied the northern Israelite King Jehu when the ruler killed Ahab’s family in Samaria, as well as the priests of Baal (2 Kgs 10:15–27).
II. Jonadab and Jeremiah the prophet.
A. Jonadab’s righteousness.
Years after Jonadab’s death, the prophet Jeremiah referred to his testimony and legacy, as demonstrated in the life of his descendants (Jer 35:1–17).
1. His stand against drinking wine.
2. His simple, nonmaterialistic lifestyle.
3. The fact that he remained in Jerusalem.
B. Jonadab’s reward.
As a result of Jonadab’s faithfulness, God had promised to use his descendants in his service forever (Jer 35:18–19).
STATISTICS
Father: Rechab (2 Kgs 10:15)
First mention: 2 Kings 10:15
Final mention: Jeremiah 35:19
Meaning of his name: “God is liberal”
Referred to: 10 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Kings, Jeremiah)
Important fact about his life: Jeremiah pointed to his life as an example of true godliness (Jer 35:13–14).
JONAH
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The refusal: Jonah’s protest.
A demonstration of God’s patience (Jon 1)
A. The prophet’s order.
God commanded him to go to Nineveh and warn that wicked city that divine judgment would fall unless it repented.
B. The prophet’s objection.
Jonah disobeyed and set sail at Joppa for Tarshish.
C. The prophet’s ordeal.
1. God created a great storm, which threatened to sink the ship Jonah was in.
2. After praying to their gods and throwing the cargo overboard, the terrified sailors awakened Jonah and asked him what they should do.
3. He instructed them to cast him into the sea, explaining that his act of disobedience had brought about the storm in the first place.
4. He was thrown overboard, causing the raging sea to become calm immediately.
5. Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, prepared by God, whose stomach would house the prophet for three days and three nights.
II. The resolution: Jonah’s prayer—a demonstration of God’s power (Jon 2).
A. The prophet’s despair.
Inside the fish, he acknowledged his disobedience and cried out for help.
B. The prophet’s dedication.
Jonah promised to make good his former vows to God.
C. The prophet’s deliverance.
At God’s command, Jonah was vomited up by the fish onto dry ground.
III. The revival: Jonah’s proclamation—a demonstration of God’s pardon (Jon 3).
A. The warning.
He told the people of Nineveh their city would be destroyed by God at the end of 40 days unless they repented.
B. The mourning.
One of the greatest revivals in all human history then took place as a result of Jonah’s preaching.
1. A citywide fast was declared that included both people and animals.
2. The king of Nineveh led the way, taking off his royal robes, covering himself with sackcloth, and sitting down in the dust.
3. The entire city turned from its wicked ways.
C. The transforming.
Viewing all this from heaven, the compassionate God saved the people both physically and spiritually.
IV. The resentment: Jonah’s pout—a demonstration of God’s pity (Jon 4).
A. The twofold complaint of Jonah.
In great bitterness he prayed for death.
1. Concerning the sparing of the city.
This carnal prophet apparently preferred death to life if it meant seeing God’s salvation extended to the pagan Ninevites.
2. Concerning the glaring sun.
a. God had allowed a vine to grow quickly and spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head to shade him.
b. The Lord then prepared a worm that ate through the plant’s stem, causing it to die.
c. Finally, God ordered a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah, which only intensified the power of the fierce sun already beating down upon his head.
B. The manifold compassion of God.
God contrasted his great heart with the grubby one displayed by the prophet.
1. The selfish heart.
Jonah felt pity only for himself and the vine that the worm destroyed.
2. The sovereign heart.
God’s compassion embraced:
a. The adults of Nineveh.
b. Their 120,000 children. (This may be a reference to 120,000 people in Nineveh who were spiritually ignorant.)
c. The cattle of Nineveh.
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jonah was probably the only Old Testament prophet who enjoyed some degree of popularity, for he predicted a “bull market” time of prosperity for northern Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (2 Kgs 14:25).
II. He became the most famous “foreign missionary” in the Old Testament.
III. He was from the city of Gathhepher in Zebulun of Galilee, which in fact contradicted the claim of the Pharisees (2 Kgs 14:25; cp. John 7:50–52).
IV. Some believe Jonah actually died in the fish’s belly and was raised again (compare Jon 2:2, 6 with Matt 12:40).
V. Jonah may be compared to John Mark and Simon Peter in the New Testament.
A. Jonah and John Mark.
1. Jonah failed God the first time but was given a second chance and succeeded (cp. Jon 1:2–3 with 3:1–3).
2. John Mark failed God the first time but was given a second chance and succeeded (cp. Acts 13:13; 15:36–40 with 2 Tim 4:11).
B. Jonah and Simon Peter.
1. In Joppa, God called Jonah, a Hebrew prophet, to minister to some Gentiles (Jon 1).
2. In Joppa, God called Peter, a Hebrew apostle, to minister to some Gentiles (Acts 10).
VI. According to Jewish tradition, Jonah was the son of the widow of Zarephath, and was the son whom Elijah raised from the dead (1 Kgs 17:8–24).
VII. Jesus referred to the life of Jonah on two occasions when he was confronted by the Pharisees.
A. Concerning their demands (Matt 12:38–40; 16:1–4; Luke 11:29–30).
B. Concerning their disbelief (Matt 12:40; Luke 11:32).
STATISTICS
Father: Amittai (2 Kgs 14:25)
First mention: 2 Kings 14:25
Final mention: Luke 11:32
Meaning of his name: “Dove”
Referred to: 27 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (2 Kings, Jonah, Matthew, Luke)
Occupation: Prophet (2 Kgs 14:25)
Place of birth: Gathhepher (2 Kgs 14:25)
Important fact about his life: He survived being swallowed by a fish, and he preached a great revival in Nineveh (Jon 2:10–3:5).
JONATHAN (1)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Jonathan and his foes—the Philistines.
A. He bravely attacked a Philistine outpost at Geba, thus triggering an all-out Israelite and Philistine war (1 Sam 13:3–5).
B. He attacked another Philistine outpost and, aided only by his armor bearer, killed 20 enemy troops. God then sent a panic among the Philistines that routed their entire army (1 Sam 14:1–15).
II. Jonathan and his father—Saul.
A. In pursuing the enemy, Saul issued a foolish order forbidding his troops to eat any food until final victory had been won. Unaware of this command, Jonathan ate some honey (1 Sam 14:24–27).
B. Upon discovery of this, Saul ordered the death of Jonathan. However, the Israelite soldiers stepped in and refused to allow this national hero to die (1 Sam 14:43–45).
III. Jonathan and his friend—David.
A. He honored his friend.
1. Jonathan loved David (1 Sam 18:1–4; 20:16–17).
2. He warned and defended David.
a. He told David about the threat of Saul to kill him (1 Sam 19:1–3).
b. He attempted to change his father’s mind concerning David and succeeded, but only for a brief time (1 Sam 19:4–9).
c. In spite of the evidence at hand, Jonathan still found it difficult to believe Saul would actually murder David (1 Sam 20:1–2).
d. Finally, upon being convinced of Saul’s evil intentions, Jonathan warned David by a previously agreed-upon signal (1 Sam 20:10–40).
e. At this time, the beloved friends said good-bye (1 Sam 20:41–42).
f. Saul cursed Jonathan for befriending David and actually attempted to kill his own son (1 Sam 20:30–33).
3. He encouraged David.
Jonathan and David met for a final time at Horesh, during which time he encouraged David in the Lord and reassured him that he (David) would someday indeed rule over all of Israel (1 Sam 23:16–18).
B. He was honored by his friend.
1. The death of Jonathan.
a. Jonathan, along with his father and two of his brothers, was killed in a battle with the Philistines (1 Sam 31:2–6).
b. Upon hearing of this, a brokenhearted David lamented the death of his dear friend, especially referring to his courage, saying he was swifter than an eagle and stronger than a lion (2 Sam 1:17, 22–26).
c. David later secured the bones of Jonathan and buried them near Jerusalem (2 Sam 21:11–14).
2. The descendant of Jonathan.
a. Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth who was crippled as the result of an accident when he was only five years old (2 Sam 4:4).
b. David tracked down Mephibosheth and showed great kindness to him for Jonathan’s sake (2 Sam 9:1–13).
c. David later protected Mephibosheth from the Gibeonites, who demanded the blood of all Saul’s descendants for past injustices on the part of the wicked king. Remembering his covenant with Jonathan, David refused to allow Mephibosheth to be harmed (2 Sam 21:7).
STATISTICS
Father: Saul (1 Sam 14:1)
Mother: Ahinoam (1 Sam 14:49–50)
Son: Mephibosheth (2 Sam 4:4)
Brothers: Ishui, Melchi-shua, and Abinadab (1 Sam 14:49; 1 Chr 8:33)
Sisters: Merab and Michal (1 Sam 14:49)
First mention: 1 Samuel 13:2
Final mention: 1 Chronicles 10:2
Meaning of his name: “God has given”
Referred to: 91 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Three books (1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles)
Place of death: On a battlefield at Mount Gilboa (1 Sam 31:1–2)
Circumstances of death: He was killed by Philistine soldiers (1 Sam 31:2).
Important fact about his life: He was Saul’s son and David’s closest friend (1 Sam 14:1; 18:1–4).
JONATHAN (2)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. His support for King David.
A. He was the son of Abiathar, one of Israel’s two chief priests in the days of David (2 Sam 15:27).
B. He undertook a dangerous mission to warn David concerning the plans of the king’s wicked son Absalom during the revolt (2 Sam 17:17–21).
II. His sin against King Solomon.
A. Jonathan later joined in with Adonijah, eldest half brother of Solomon, in an attempt to steal the throne of Israel.
B. It fell to Jonathan to tell the plotters their scheme had failed (1 Kgs 1:42–49).
STATISTICS
Father: Abiathar (2 Sam 15:27)
First mention: 2 Samuel 15:27
Final mention: 1 Kings 1:43
Meaning of his name: “God has given”
Referred to: Six times
Biblical books mentioning him: Two books (2 Samuel, 1 Kings)
Important fact about his life: He undertook a dangerous mission to warn David (2 Sam 17:17–21).
JORAM
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joram’s debauchery.
A. The king’s wicked wife.
1. Joram (also called Jehoram) was the fifth king of Judah.
2. He ruled for eight years (2 Kgs 8:17).
3. He was 32 when he became king (2 Kgs 8:17).
4. He was a godless king (2 Kgs 8:18).
5. He married an equally evil wife named Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Kgs 8:18).
B. The king’s wicked ways.
1. He killed his brothers at the beginning of his reign (2 Chr 21:4).
2. He built high places on the hills of Judah to worship pagan gods (2 Chr 21:11).
II. Joram’s defeat.
A. Joram attacked Edom, who had rebelled against him, hoping to regain control of that land (2 Kgs 8:20–21).
B. However, he did not succeed, and finding himself surrounded, barely broke through by night and fled back home (2 Kgs 8:21).
III. Joram’s destruction.
A. The message from God.
He received a letter from Elijah the prophet (2 Chr 21:12–16).
1. Concerning what Joram had done against God.
a. He had caused Judah and Jerusalem to prostitute themselves.
b. He had murdered his own brothers, men better than he.
2. Concerning what God would do against Joram.
a. He would punish the people.
b. He would punish the king.
B. The misery from God.
1. Joram suffered from an invasion.
God himself aroused the hostility of the Philistines and Arabs against Joram, causing them to invade Judah (2 Chr 21:16–17).
a. They carried off all the goods in the royal palace.
b. They took Joram’s sons and wives; only the youngest son, Ahaziah (also called Jehoahaz), was left.
2. Joram suffered from an infirmity.
a. As Elijah had predicted, God afflicted Joram with an incurable disease of the bowels (2 Chr 21:15, 18).
b. After two years of suffering great pain, Joram died and was unlamented by the people of Judah (2 Chr 21:19–20).
STATISTICS
Father: Jehoshaphat (1 Kgs 22:50)
Spouse: Athaliah (2 Kgs 8:18)
Son: Ahaziah (2 Kgs 8:24)
Daughter: Jehosheba (2 Kgs 11:2)
First mention: 1 Kings 22:50
Final mention: Matthew 1:8
Meaning of his name: “God is high”
Referred to: 21 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Five books (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Matthew)
Occupation: King of Judah (1 Kgs 22:50)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: Jerusalem (2 Chr 21:20)
Age at death: 40 (2 Chr 21:20)
Circumstances of death: He was plagued by God with an incurable bowel disease (2 Chr 21:15).
Important fact about his life: He married Jezebel’s daughter Athaliah and killed all his brothers (2 Chr 21:1–6).
JOSEPH
(See also Patriarchal)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joseph, the favored son.
A. Loved by his father (Gen 37:3).
1. The reasons involved.
a. Because he had been born to Jacob in his old age.
b. Because he was the firstborn son of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife.
2. The reward involved.
Jacob gave him a brightly colored coat.
B. Loathed by his brothers (Gen 37:2–11).
1. The reasons involved.
a. Because he reported to his father some of their bad actions.
b. Because of his two dreams, in each of which he saw his 10 brothers bowing down before him.
2. The results involved (Gen 37:2, 12–35).
a. The trip.
Jacob sent Joseph to check up on his brothers. He finally located them near the town of Dothan. He was 17 at this time, and was a shepherd.
b. The treachery.
(1) The brothers at first planned to kill him.
(2) They stripped him of his brightly colored robe.
(3) They then decided to throw him into a dry cistern and leave him to starve to death.
c. The transaction.
Finally, seeing some Ishmaelite and Midianite merchants passing by en route to Egypt, they sold Joseph for 20 shekels of silver.
d. The trickery.
The brothers then dipped Joseph’s coat in the blood of a slaughtered goat, leading Jacob to believe his son had been killed and devoured by a wild animal.
II. Joseph, the faithful steward.
A. His service.
1. Upon reaching Egypt, Joseph was sold by the merchants as a slave to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s military officials (Gen 37:36).
2. Joseph was soon entrusted to run the entire household of Potiphar (Gen 39:1–6).
B. His self–control.
1. The request.
Joseph was repeatedly urged by Potiphar’s wife to sleep with her (Gen 39:7).
2. The refusal.
Joseph refused her sexual advances for two reasons (Gen 39:8–9):
a. He would not sin against his master.
b. He would not sin against his God.
3. The revenge.
The rejected wife falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape (Gen 39:10–19).
C. His sufferings.
Potiphar believed his wife and had Joseph thrown into prison (Gen 39:20).
III. Joseph, the forgotten slave.
A. Joseph, the prison keeper (Gen 39:21–22).
B. Joseph and the prisoners (Gen 40:1–23).
1. Who they were.
a. Among the inmates there were two political prisoners.
b. One was the royal chief cupbearer and the other was the chief baker, both of whom had angered Pharaoh for some reason.
2. What they dreamed.
Both these men experienced strange dreams and told them to Joseph, hoping he could explain their meaning (Gen 40:5–23).
a. The information in the dreams.
(1) The chief cupbearer’s dream.
(a) He saw a vine with three branches loaded down with grapes.
(b) He saw himself squeezing the grapes into Pharaoh’s cup and handing it to him.
(2) The chief baker’s dream.
(a) He saw himself carrying three baskets of bread on his head for Pharaoh.
(b) The birds, however, ate the bread.
b. The interpretation of the dreams.
(1) The chief cupbearer’s dream.
Joseph predicted that within three days the cupbearer would be restored by Pharaoh to his original office.
(2) The chief baker’s dream.
Joseph predicted within three days the baker would be hanged by Pharaoh and the birds would eat his flesh.
Within three days both prophecies were fulfilled.
IV. Joseph, the famed statesman.
A. The dreams of Pharaoh.
The king of Egypt, like the two prisoners, also experienced two dreams that bothered him. Suddenly, the cupbearer remembered Joseph’s ability to explain dreams. At Pharaoh’s command, Joseph was brought before him and interpreted the dreams (Gen 41:1–32).
1. The information in the dreams.
a. Pharaoh’s first dream.
(1) He saw 14 cows coming up out of the Nile River—seven were fat, and seven were skinny.
(2) The seven skinny cows ate up the seven fat ones.
b. Pharaoh’s second dream.
(1) He saw 14 heads of grain—there were seven healthy ones on a single stalk, and seven thin and scorched ones on another stalk.
(2) The seven thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy ones.
2. The interpretation of the dreams.
a. The 14 cows and the 14 stalks represented 14 years.
b. The first seven years would be a time of great crop growth.
c. The second seven years would be a time of terrible famine.
B. The decree of Pharaoh.
1. Joseph’s proposal.
Joseph presented a plan of action in light of Pharaoh’s dreams (Gen 41:33–36).
a. The king should appoint a food administrator.
b. The king should collect and store 20 percent of all food produced during the first seven abundant years to prepare for the following seven years of famine.
2. Joseph’s promotion.
Pharaoh appointed Joseph on the spot to this office (Gen 41:37–44).
a. He placed on Joseph’s finger the king’s own signet ring.
b. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
c. He gave him the chariot of his second–in–command.
3. Joseph’s program.
a. Joseph was now 30 years old. He married an Egyptian girl and fathered two sons through her (Gen 41:45–46, 50–52).
b. He stored up enormous quantities of food during the seven abundant years (Gen 41:47–49).
c. As he had predicted, the seven fruitful years gave way to seven years of famine (Gen 41:53–57).
(1) The Egyptians immediately came to Joseph for food.
(2) The nations eventually came to Joseph for food.
V. Joseph, the forgiving saint.
A. Joseph and his brothers.
1. The forgotten brother.
a. The first trip of the brothers to Egypt (Gen 42:6–26).
(1) Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food. He immediately recognized them, but they did not know him.
(2) They bowed at his feet, thus fulfilling the two dreams he once had experienced.
(3) To test them, he accused them of being spies and placed them in custody for three days.
(4) He finally agreed to sell them the needed food and allow them to return under two conditions:
(a) One of the brothers, Simeon, had to stay behind as a hostage.
(b) The remaining nine brothers had to promise to bring Benjamin (Joseph’s youngest brother) back with them during their next trip for food.
(5) Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and to return each man’s silver back to his sack.
(6) The nine then returned home.
b. The second trip of the brothers to Egypt (Gen 43:15–44:34).
(1) Upon their arrival in Egypt, this time with Benjamin, Joseph invited his brothers to a meal.
(2) He reassured the guilt-stricken brothers (who still did not recognize him) that he meant them no harm.
(3) At the noon meal, the brothers once again bowed down to Joseph.
(4) After their meeting and speaking to Benjamin, Joseph was so moved he was forced to leave the room for a moment to weep.
(5) Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan, but not before secretly hiding his silver cup in the sack belonging to Benjamin.
(6) Shortly after they left, his steward (at Joseph’s command) caught up with the brothers and accused them of stealing his master’s silver cup.
(7) They denied the charge, agreeing that if one had stolen it, he would become the steward’s slave.
(8) A systematic search revealed the cup in Benjamin’s sack.
(9) The shocked and grief-stricken brothers followed the steward back to Joseph’s house.
(10) Joseph confronted his brothers for a final time before revealing himself to them.
(11) The brothers continued to maintain their innocence, but requested that they all might stay with Benjamin as slaves.
(12) Joseph, however, refused, saying that only Benjamin would be allowed to stay.
(13) A distraught brother, Judah, begged Joseph to keep him in place of Benjamin, or else their aged father Jacob would die with grief.
2. The forgiving brother (Gen 45:1–15).
a. The revelation by Joseph.
(1) Unable to control himself any longer, Joseph ordered all his attendants out.
(2) He then told his astonished and terrified brothers who he was.
b. The reassurance by Joseph.
(1) He told them not to be distressed or angry with themselves, for it was God who had allowed them to sell him that he might save many lives.
(2) He requested that they return home and bring Jacob to Egypt, for the famine would continue for another five years.
(3) He promised to provide for all of them in Egypt.
B. Joseph and his father.
1. Pharaoh promised Joseph he would personally see to it that his father and brothers enjoyed the best Egypt could offer (Gen 45:16–20).
2. Joseph and his father were reunited at Goshen for the first time in 15 years (Gen 46:29).
3. Joseph formally presented his father and brothers to Pharaoh (Gen 47:1–10).
4. He then settled and provided for them in the district of Goshen (Gen 47:11–12).
5. Joseph governed wisely over Egypt during the final five years of drought, as the famine increased.
a. When the Egyptians ran out of money to buy food, he agreed to take their livestock as payment.
b. When the livestock was gone, he accepted their land.
c. When the land was given up, he provided opportunities for the people to serve for their food.
d. Even though Joseph easily could have enslaved the people, he did not, but to the contrary decreed that each farmer could keep 80 percent of what he raised, requiring only 20 percent to be given back to Pharaoh.
C. Joseph and his sons.
1. Joseph brought his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob for a final blessing (Gen 48:1).
2. Over the initial objection of Joseph, Jacob pronounced a greater blessing upon Ephraim, the second son, than he gave Manasseh, the firstborn (Gen 48:8–20).
VI. Joseph, the fruitful shade tree.
A. Joseph received his father’s blessings (Gen 49:22–26).
1. Even though Joseph was the eleventh son, Jacob gave him the rights of the firstborn son (Gen 48:21–22; 1 Chr 5:1–2).
2. Jacob predicted Joseph would continue to be as a fruitful vine near a spring, with extended branches, helping others.
3. In spite of persecution, God himself would continue to both protect and prosper him.
B. Joseph removed his father’s body.
1. The return.
a. At the age of 147 Jacob died (Gen 47:28; 49:33).
b. Joseph and his brothers carried their father’s body back to Canaan for burial (Gen 50:1–14).
2. The reassurance.
He once again reassured his concerned brothers he meant them no harm (Gen 50:19–21).
3. The request.
Just prior to his death at age 110, Joseph desired a favor and described the future (Gen 50:22–26).
a. The future described.
He predicted that God would someday lead the people of Israel out of Egypt back to Canaan.
b. The favor desired.
(1) He requested that, at that time, his bones be carried back to Canaan.
(2) Moses later took these bones with him when he left Egypt (Exod 13:19).
(3) When Joshua entered the Promised Land he buried them at Shechem (Josh 24:32).
VII. Joseph, the foreshadow of the Savior.
Joseph was the most pronounced foreshadow and type of Christ in the entire Old Testament. Notice the amazing similarities between the two:
A. Both were beloved by their fathers (Gen 37:3; Matt 3:17).
B. Both regarded themselves as shepherds (Gen 37:2; John 10:11–16).
C. Both were sent by their fathers to their brethren (Gen 37:13–14; Luke 20:13; Heb 2:12).
D. Both were unjustly hated by their brethren (Gen 37:4–5, 8; John 1:11; 7:5; 15:25).
E. Both were plotted against by their brethren (Gen 37:20; John 11:53).
F. Both were severely tempted (Gen 39:7; Matt 4:1).
G. Both were taken to Egypt (Gen 37:36; Matt 2:14–15).
H. Both were stripped of their robes (Gen 37:23; John 19:23–24).
I. Both were sold for the price of a slave (Gen 37:28; Matt 26:15).
J. Both were bound (Gen 39:20; Matt 27:2).
K. Both remained silent and offered no defense (Gen 39:20; Isa 53:7).
L. Both were falsely accused (Gen 39:16–18; Matt 26:59–60).
M. Both experienced God’s presence through everything (Gen 39:2, 21, 23; John 16:32).
N. Both were respected by their jailors (Gen 39:21; Luke 23:47).
O. Both were placed with two prisoners, one of whom was later lost, the other saved (Gen 40:2–3; Luke 23:32).
P. Both were 30 at the beginning of their ministries (Gen 41:46; Luke 3:23).
Q. Both were highly exalted after their sufferings (Gen 41:41; Phil 2:9–11).
R. Both took non-Jewish brides (Gen 41:45; Eph 3:1–12).
S. Both were lost to their brethren for a while (Gen 42:7–8; Rom 10:1–3; 11:7–8).
T. Both forgave and restored their repentant brothers (Gen 45:1–15; Zech 12:10–12).
U. Both visited and were honored by all earthly nations (Gen 41:57; Isa 2:2–3; 49:6).
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The psalmist referred to five events in Joseph’s life (Ps 105:17–22).
A. Being sold as a slave.
B. Having his feet bruised with shackles.
C. Being placed in irons.
D. Interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams.
E. Ruling over all of Egypt under Pharaoh.
II. John mentioned the fact that Jesus met the Samaritan woman near the plot of ground Jacob once gave to Joseph (John 4:5).
III. Stephen referred to Joseph during his defense before the Sanhedrin, pointing out the following (Acts 7:9–14):
A. That he was sold by his envious brothers into Egyptian slavery.
B. That God was nevertheless with him, both delivering him and giving him wisdom.
C. That he became ruler over all Egypt.
D. That he later forgave his brothers in Egypt.
IV. The book of Hebrews refers to his faith (Heb 11:22).
A. As demonstrated through his predictions concerning the Exodus.
B. As demonstrated by his request to have his bones carried back to Canaan.
STATISTICS
Father: Jacob (Gen 35:22–26)
Mother: Rachel (Gen 30:22–24)
Spouse: Asenath (Gen 41:45)
Sons: Manasseh and Ephraim (Gen 41:51–52)
Brothers: Full brother: Benjamin (Gen 35:24); half brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (Gen 35:23–26)
Sister: Half sister: Dinah (Gen 30:21)
First mention: Genesis 30:24
Final mention: Hebrews 11:22
Meaning of his name: “Increaser”
Referred to: 214 times
Biblical books mentioning him: 16 books (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Psalms, Ezekiel, Amos, Obadiah, John, Acts, Hebrews)
Occupation: Chief associate to Pharaoh (Gen 41:37–40)
Place of birth: Haran (Gen 27:43; 30:25)
Place of death: Egypt (Gen 50:26)
Age at death: 110 (Gen 50:22)
Important fact about his life: He was Jacob’s favorite son who used his position in Egypt to rescue his family from famine (Gen 37:3; 45:7–11).
JOSHUA (1)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joshua, the trip to Canaan.
A. From Egypt to Sinai.
1. Functioning as a soldier (Exod 17:8–16).
2. Functioning as a servant.
a. During the entire Exodus march, Joshua served as a faithful servant to Moses (Exod 24:13; Num 11:28).
b. In fact, his original name, Oshea, meaning “salvation,” was changed by Moses to that of Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation” (Num 13:16).
c. He was a man filled with God’s Spirit (Num 27:18; Deut 34:9).
B. At Sinai.
He accompanied Moses partway up Mount Sinai, where the great lawgiver received the Ten Commandments (Exod 24:13; 32:17).
C. From Sinai to Kadesh-barnea.
He had his request denied by Moses that two prophets named Eldad and Medad be forbidden to prophesy in the camp (Num 11:26–29).
D. At Kadesh-barnea.
1. His trip to the Promised Land.
Joshua, representing the tribe of Ephraim, was one of the 12 men sent by Moses to search out the land of Canaan (Num 13:1–3, 8, 16).
2. His testimony concerning the Promised Land.
Upon the return of the 12 men, only two, Joshua and Caleb, gave a positive report about Canaan (Num 14:6–9).
a. They said God had indeed provided a land flowing with milk and honey.
b. They said God indeed would protect them in that land (Num 14:9).
E. From Kadesh-barnea to the eastern bank of the Jordan River (Num 27:15–23).
1. The concern of the lawgiver (Num 27:15–17).
2. The command of the Lord (Num 27:18–20).
F. On the eastern bank of the Jordan River.
1. Joshua and Moses (Deut 31:7–8, 23).
2. Joshua and God.
a. God assured Joshua of victory before the death of Moses (Deut 31:14–15).
b. God reassured Joshua following the death of Moses (Josh 1:1–9).
(1) What Joshua should do (Josh 1:2, 6, 8).
(2) What God would do (Josh 1:3, 5; 3:7).
3. Joshua and the people (Josh 1:10–11; 3:5).
4. Joshua and the priests (Josh 3:6, 13).
5. Joshua and the two–and–a–half tribes (Josh 1:12–18).
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh met with Joshua concerning a previous agreement they had had with Moses.
a. The request involved.
That these two–and–a–half tribes be allowed to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
b. The requirement involved.
This request would only be granted if they agreed to cross over the Jordan and help the remaining nine–and–a–half tribes defeat the Canaanites.
6. Joshua and the two spies (Josh 2:1–23).
a. Their trip (Josh 2:1).
b. Their testimony (Josh 2:23–24).
II. Joshua, the taking of Canaan.
A. The crossing involved.
1. The path in the river (Josh 3:15–17; 4:17–18).
a. The priests advanced to the river, carrying the Ark of the Covenant.
b. When their feet touched the waters, the Jordan was rolled back.
c. After all Israel had crossed over on dry ground, the priests stepped out, causing the waters to return.
2. The pyramid of stones.
On the west bank (before the waters returned) Joshua chose 12 men, one from each tribe, for a special task (Josh 4:1–9, 20–24).
a. What they were to do.
Each man was to carry a rock from the middle of the Jordan to be used in constructing a pile of boulders on the west bank.
b. Why they were to do this.
These rocks would serve as a memorial for the following generations, reminding them of God’s faithfulness in parting the river.
c. Joshua himself built a pile of stones in the middle of the Jordan itself for a similabrr purpose.
3. The panic of the heathen (Josh 5:1).
4. The purification of the people (Josh 5:2–9).
a. The need involved.
No male in that entire generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, had been circumcised as prescribed by Abraham.
b. The name involved.
The location where the ceremony took place was called Gilgal, meaning “to roll away,” in this case, the reproach of Egypt.
5. The Passover of the lamb (Josh 5:10).
6. The provision of the land (Josh 5:11–12).
7. The presence of the Lord.
a. The warfare by Christ (Josh 5:13).
b. The worship of Christ (Josh 5:14–15).
B. The campaigns involved.
1. The central campaign.
Here the main action took place in two cities and upon two mountains.
a. The two cities.
(1) Jericho.
Joshua received instructions from God concerning the battle against Jericho (Josh 6:1–25).
(a) What Israel should do.
[1] The army was to march around the city once daily for six straight days.
[2] On the seventh day, the army was to march seven times around Jericho.
[3] During the seventh trip, the priests were to follow, blowing their trumpets.
[4] The people were then to give a loud shout.
[5] No soldier was to take any of the spoils of war for himself.
[6] Only Rahab the prostitute, her immediate family, and anyone found in her house were to be spared.
(b) What God would do.
[1] He promised to cause the walls of Jericho to fall flat.
[2] God kept his word and Jericho was taken.
(c) What Joshua then did.
He pronounced a prophetic oath over the devastated city (Josh 6:26).
NOTE: See 1 Kings 16:34 for the amazing fulfillment of this prophecy.
(2) Ai.
Joshua sent 3,000 soldiers to defeat the enemy at Ai, only to have his troops themselves utterly defeated (Josh 7:1–26).
(a) The concern over this defeat.
[1] Joshua tore his clothes, sprinkled dust on his head, and fell on his face before the Ark of God.
[2] He then complained to the Lord for allowing this defeat, suggesting it would have been better had Israel remained on the eastern bank of the Jordan.
(b) The causes leading to the defeat.
[1] God’s rebuke.
He told Joshua to stop complaining and stand on his feet.
[2] God’s revelation.
Joshua was told Israel had lost the battle because of sin. Someone had disobeyed by stealing and lying.
(c) The course of action in light of this defeat.
God told Joshua that on the following morning he would single out the particular tribe involved, then the clan within the tribe, and finally the guilty family within the clan.
(d) The culprit punished for this defeat.
The divine finger pointed to the tribe of Judah, the clan of the Zarhites, and the family of Zabdi, the immediate family of Achan.
[1] What he did.
Achan confessed to stealing a beautiful Babylonian robe, 200 shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold.
[2] How he died.
Achan and his family (who doubtless had played a part in his [p. 957] crime) were stoned to death and their bodies were burned.
(e) The conquest following this defeat.
Joshua was now reassured that Israel would be able to defeat Ai, and quickly devised a battle plan (Josh 8:1–28).
[1] He chose 30,000 of his best fighting men, who were ordered to lie in ambush behind the city of Ai.
[2] Joshua then attacked Ai with another army and pretended to retreat, so that the enemy might be drawn out from the city to counterattack.
[3] When this happened, the 30,000 men entered Ai and destroyed it.
b. The two mountains (Josh 8:30–35).
(1) Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal as Moses had previously commanded.
(2) He made it of uncut stones on which no iron tool had been used.
(3) As the people watched, he carved upon the stones the Ten Commandments.
(4) He then sacrificed burnt and peace offerings upon the altar.
(5) Finally, he ordered the priests to read out loud the entire law of Moses to the people.
(a) The blessings for obeying the law were read from the top of Mount Gerizim.
(b) The curses for disobeying the law were read from the top of Mount Ebal.
2. The southern campaign.
a. The deception of Joshua.
Joshua was deceived by a pagan group in Canaan known as the Gibeonites (Josh 9:1–27).
(1) The contents of this deception.
(a) How they deceived Joshua.
A delegation met with Joshua, pretending they had come from a far country. They carried worn-out sacks and old wine skins. They wore patched sandals and ragged clothes. Their food supply was dry and moldy (Josh 9:3–13).
(b) Why they deceived Joshua.
(2) The cause of the deception.
Why did Israel and Joshua fall for this trick? The reason is given in nine short words. We are told that Israel “asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD” (Josh 9:14).
(3) The consequences following this deception.
(a) Only after signing the treaty did Joshua learn the truth. Israel had given its word. The enemy could not be harmed.
(b) Joshua did, however, make them wood cutters and water carriers (Josh 9:27).
b. The destruction by Joshua.
Joshua waged war against Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, and his allies (Josh 10:1–27).
(1) The reason for the battle.
(a) Adoni-zedek attacked the Gibeonites for signing a peace treaty with Joshua.
(b) The city of Gibeon appealed to Joshua for help.
(2) The reassurance before the battle (Josh 10:8).
(3) The results of the battle.
(a) God hurled down large hailstones from the sky upon the enemy.
(b) Joshua then worked one of the great miracles found in the Old Testament (Josh 10:12–14).
(4) The reprisal following the battle.
(a) Following his great victory, Joshua captured and executed the five enemy kings who had declared war on him (Josh 10:26).
(b) He then conquered the eight key southern Canaanite cities (Josh 10:28–43).
3. The northern campaign.
Joshua defeated the allied northern Canaanite forces near the waters of Merom, just north of the Sea of Galilee (Josh 11:1–22).
a. He burned Hazor, the key city of the confederacy.
b. He hamstrung the enemy’s horses and burned their chariots (Josh 11:23).
III. Joshua, the time in Canaan.
A. The casting of lots.
He divided the land among the 12 tribes.
1. The parties involved.
He was aided in this by Eleazar the high priest and the leaders of Israel (Josh 19:51).
2. The place involved.
This was done at Shiloh, the location of the Tabernacle (Josh 18:1, 10).
3. The procedure involved.
The land allotment was determined by the casting of lots (Josh 18:10; 19:51).
4. The partitions involved.
a. Land east of the Jordan, as assigned to the two–and–a–half tribes (Josh 13:15–32).
b. Land west of the Jordan, as assigned to the nine–and–a–half tribes (Josh 15–19).
B. The champion of God—Caleb (Josh 14:7–14).
1. His review of the past (Josh 14:7–11).
2. His request for the future (Josh 14:12).
C. The cities of refuge.
Joshua designated the six cities of refuge (Josh 20:1–9).
1. Cities west of the Jordan River.
a. Kadesh, in the tribe of Naphtali.
b. Shechem, in the tribe of Ephraim.
c. Hebron, in the tribe of Judah.
2. Cities east of the Jordan River.
a. Bezer, in the tribe of Reuben.
b. Ramoth, in the tribe of Gad.
c. Golan, in the tribe of Manasseh.
3. Joshua then assigned 48 cities to the Levites (Josh 21:1–8).
D. The challenge of faith.
1. Given by Joshua to the two–and–a–half tribes (Josh 22:1–34).
a. The contents of the message.
(1) He commended them for their obedience to God on the west side of the river (Josh 22:2–3).
(2) He cautioned them to continue their obedience on the east side of the river (Josh 23:4–5).
b. The confusion following the message.
(1) What the two–and–a–half tribes actually did.
En route home, they built an altar on the western bank of the Jordan before crossing over to serve as a reminder of their common heritage with the remaining nine–and–a–half tribes.
(2) What the nine and a half tribes assumed they did.
They at first misinterpreted this, viewing it as an altar of rebellion. The matter was quickly clarified, however, averting a possible civil war.
2. Given by Joshua to the nine–and–a–half tribes (Josh 23:1–16).
He reviewed what God had done for them in former days.
3. Given by Joshua to the entire nation (Josh 24:1–28).
a. God’s covenant with Israel was reviewed.
Joshua summarized the faithfulness of God in the past (Josh 24:1–13).
(1) He brought Abraham from a pagan land to Canaan.
(2) He gave him many descendants through Isaac and Jacob.
(3) He called Moses and Aaron to lead Israel out of Egypt.
(4) He fought Israel’s battles in the wilderness.
(5) He brought their generation into the Promised Land.
b. God’s covenant with Israel was renewed.
(1) The consecration of the people.
They promised to fear, obey, and serve the Lord.
(2) The contract of the prophet.
Joshua drew up for them the terms of their agreement, recording it in the Book of the Law of God. He then took a large stone and set it under an oak tree near the Tabernacle to serve as a reminder of this renewed covenant. Joshua died at the age of 110 and was buried in the hill country of Ephraim (Josh 24:29–30).
THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joshua is referred to on only two occasions in the New Testament, and both are found in the book of Hebrews. His frailty is mentioned. The author showed that Joshua was inferior to Jesus, for he was unable to provide that perfect rest that only Christ can offer (Heb 4:8–9).
II. His faith is mentioned (Heb 11:30).
STATISTICS
Father: Nun (Exod 33:11)
First mention: Exodus 17:9
Final mention: Hebrews 4:8
Meaning of his name: “Jehovah saves”
Referred to: 201 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Eight books (Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Hebrews)
Occupation: Soldier and national leader (Exod 17:9; Deut 34:9)
Place of birth: Egypt
Place of death: Hill country of Ephraim (Josh 24:29–30)
Age at death: 110 (Josh 24:29)
Important fact about his life: He was Moses’ successor who led Israel into the Promised Land (Josh 1:1–3).<
JOSHUA (2)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Joshua, the cleansed.
A. He is also called Jeshua (Ezra 2:2).
B. Joshua was the first high priest of Judah after the return from the Babylonian captivity (Hag 1:1; 2:2).
C. He led the returning remnant in the building of the altar and Temple (Ezra 3:2, 8; 5:2).
D. He was a contemporary of the political leader Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2).
E. The prophet Zechariah saw a vision of Joshua, who stood in heaven being accused by Satan but defended and cleansed by the angel of the Lord (Zech 3:1–5).
II. Joshua, the challenged.
The Lord then spoke to Joshua (Zech 3:6–10).
A. Urging him to live a godly life.
B. Promising him a special place of service if he obeyed.
C. Predicting that Christ (referred to as the Branch of God) would someday remove Israel’s sin and restore his chosen people to their land.
III. Joshua, the crowned.
Joshua had a golden crown placed on his head by Zechariah to demonstrate the future work of Christ, who would accomplish two things (Zech 6:9–15):
A. He would build the millennial temple.
B. He would combine the two great Old Testament offices of priest and king.
STATISTICS
Father: Jozadak (Ezra 3:2)
Son: Joiakim (Neh 12:10)
Brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah (Ezra 10:18)
First mention: Ezra 2:2
Final mention: Zechariah 6:11
Meaning of his name: “God saves”
Referred to: 23 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Four books (Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah)
Occupation: High priest (Zech 6:11)
Important fact about his life: He was Israel’s first high priest after the return to rebuild Jerusalem (Zech 6:9–15).
JOSIAH
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Doing the work of God.
A. The prophecy involved.
1. He was the sixteenth ruler of Judah.
2. He ruled for 31 years (2 Kgs 22:1).
3. He was eight years old when he became king (2 Kgs 22:1).
4. He really began seeking God when he was only 16 (2 Chr 34:3).
5. He was the greatest king since David (2 Kgs 23:25).
6. His birth, name, and ministry were predicted nearly three centuries in advance by a prophet of God in the city of Bethel (1 Kgs 13:1–2).
B. The purge involved.
When he was 20, Josiah began his great work of reform (2 Kgs 23:4–20; 2 Chr 34:3–7).
1. He purged Judah and Jerusalem of the pagan high places.
2. He destroyed the Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images.
3. He cut down the idols of Baal.
4. He then broke them to pieces and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them, burning the bones of the priests on their altars.
5. He thus fulfilled the three–century–old prophecy concerning him (see 1 Kgs 13:1–2).
6. He did away with the pagan priests appointed by previous evil kings of Judah.
7. He tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes and executed them.
8. He desecrated Topheth, a place in the valley of Hinnom, so the people could not use it to sacrifice their sons or daughters in the fire of Molech, the devil god.
9. He removed the sacred horses from the entrance of the Temple that had been dedicated by previous evil Judean kings to the sun god.
10. He burned the sacred chariots, which were also dedicated to the sun god.
11. He smashed to pieces the pagan high places Solomon himself had once built.
12. He carried out similar reforms outside of Judah in Bethel and Samaria.
C. The Passover involved.
Josiah organized and presided over a special Passover service when he was 26 (2 Chr 35:1–19).
1. He began by ordering the Ark of the Covenant to be put back in the Holy of Holies. For some undisclosed reason it had apparently been removed. This marked the last known whereabouts of the Ark.
2. He then provided the following animals to be sacrificed for his people: 30,000 sheep and goats; 3,000 cattle.
3. His officials also contributed animals for this purpose: 7,600 lambs; 800 cattle.
4. This was said to be the greatest Passover since the days of the prophet Samuel.
II. Discovering the Word of God.
A. When he was 26, Josiah gave orders to repair the Temple of God (2 Chr 34:8).
B. During a cleaning of the Temple, a copy of the law of Moses (perhaps the only one in existence) was found. Upon hearing it read, the king went into mourning, then assembled the priests, Levites, and common people into the Temple area, where he personally read them the Law and urged all to follow it (2 Chr 34:19, 29–32).
C. He then received a special message from God through the prophetess Huldah (2 Chr 34:22–28).
1. God would soon bring down upon the people of Judah all the curses of the Law because of their sin.
2. Josiah, however, would be spared all this because of his godly behavior.
III. Disregarding the warning of God.
A. The foolish war.
Josiah refused to honor the request of Necho, king of Egypt (who had acted at God’s command), to peacefully march through the land of Judah to Carchemish to do battle with the Babylonians (2 Chr 35:20–21).
B. The fatal wound.
1. Josiah attacked Necho and was mortally wounded by the Egyptian archers at Megiddo (2 Kgs 23:29; 2 Chr 35:22–24).
2. Jeremiah the prophet composed a funeral dirge in memory of Josiah (2 Chr 35:25).
STATISTICS
Father: Amon (2 Kgs 21:24)
Mother: Jedidah (2 Kgs 22:1)
Spouses: Hamutal and Zebidah (2 Kgs 23:30–36)
Sons: Johanan, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah, and Jehoahaz (also called Shallum) (1 Chr 3:15)
First mention: 1 Kings 13:2
Final mention: Matthew 1:11
Meaning of his name: “God supports”
Referred to: 51 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Seven books (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Matthew)
Occupation: King of Judah
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: On a battlefield at Megiddo (2 Chr 35:22)
Circumstances of death: He was killed in battle by the Egyptians (2 Chr 35:20–24).
Important fact about his life: He was both the finest and final God-fearing king of Judah (2 Chr 34:1, 26–28).
JOTHAM
(See also Chaotic Kingdom)
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. The king constructing.
A. He was the 11th ruler of Judah.
B. He ruled for 16 years (2 Chr 27:1).
C. He had charge of the palace and governed the people even before his leprous father Uzziah died (2 Kgs 15:5; 2 Chr 26:21).
D. He was 25 when he began to rule as king (2 Kgs 15:33).
E. Jotham, for the most part, was a good king (2 Kgs 15:34–35).
F. Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah prophesied during his reign (Isa 1:1; Hos 1:1; Mic 1:1).
G. He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel (2 Chr 27:3).
H. He built cities in the Judean hills, and forts and towers in the wooded areas (2 Chr 27:4).
II. The king conquering.
He attacked and conquered the Ammonites, imposing a huge yearly tribute from them (2 Chr 27:5).
STATISTICS
Father: Uzziah (2 Chr 27:1–2)
Mother: Jerushah (2 Chr 27:1)
Spouse: Abi (2 Kgs 18:2)
Son: Ahaz (2 Kgs 15:38)
First mention: 2 Kings 15:5
Final mention: Matthew 1:9
Meaning of his name: “God is perfect”
Referred to: 20 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Seven books (2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, Hosea, Micah, Matthew)
Occupation: King of Judah (2 Kgs 15:32)
Place of birth: Jerusalem
Place of death: Jerusalem (2 Kgs 15:38)
Important fact about his life: He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple (2 Chr 27:3).
JUDAH
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY
I. Judah and Joseph.
A. Pleading mercy for Joseph.
1. Judah was the fourth son of Jacob by Leah (Gen 29:35; 35:23).
2. He urged his nine brothers to sell Joseph into slavery instead of killing him (Gen 37:26–27).
B. Pleading mercy from Joseph.
1. Just prior to the second trip of Jacob’s sons to buy food in Egypt, Judah promised his father he would assume personal responsibility for the life of Benjamin, whose appearance was demanded by the chief officer before he would sell the brothers more food. The officer was of course Joseph, at that time unrecognized by the brothers (Gen 43:3–10).
2. When Joseph’s silver cup (secretly placed there by Joseph) was found in Benjamin’s sack, a brokenhearted Judah begged that he be punished in place of Benjamin (Gen 44:1–34).
II. Judah and Tamar.
A. His choice.
1. He selected a wife by the name of Tamar for his son Er (Gen 38:6).
2. When Er was killed by God for his wickedness, Tamar married Onan, his brother. Soon, Onan was also slain for his evil ways (Gen 38:7–10).
3. Judah promised Tamar she could marry Shelah, his youngest son, when he was of age, but went back on his word (Gen 38:11, 14).
B. His carnality.
1. Tamar disguised herself as a roadside prostitute and enticed Judah to lie with her, asking only for his seal, bracelets, and staff as a pledge for later payment (Gen 38:13–19).
2. Later, upon learning that Tamar was pregnant, the outraged Judah ordered her to be burned to death (Gen 38:24).
C. His confession.
1. Judah’s rage, however, was quickly changed to shame when Tamar, by displaying the seal, bracelets, and staff, identified him as the father (Gen 38:25–26).
2. Tamar gave birth to twins named Pharez and Zarah (Gen 38:27–30).
III. Judah and Jacob.
A. On his deathbed Jacob predicted the following about Judah and his descendants (Gen 49:8–12):
1. His 11 brothers would honor and praise him.
2. He would defeat his enemies.
3. The Messiah would eventually come from the tribe of Judah.
B. Judah’s tribe later proved to be the strongest of the 12 (1 Chr 5:2).
STATISTICS
Father: Jacob (Gen 29:35; 35:23)
Mother: Leah (Gen 29:35; 35:23)
Spouses: Shuah (and Tamar?) (Gen 38:2–5, 27–30)
Sons: Er, Onan, Shelah, Pharez, and Zarah (Gen 38:3–5, 27–30)
Brothers: Full brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Zebulun (Gen 35:23); half brothers: Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (Gen 35:24–26)
Sister: Dinah (Gen 30:21)
Significant descendant: Christ (Gen 49:10; Heb 7:14)
First mention: Genesis 29:35
Final mention: Luke 3:33
Meaning of his name: “Praise”
Referred to: 43 times
Biblical books mentioning him: Eight books (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Ruth, 1 Chronicles, Nehemiah, Matthew, Luke)
Place of birth: Haran (Gen 29:4–35)
Important fact about his life: He was Jacob’s fourth son, from whose line Christ would eventually come (Gen 49:10; Heb 7:14).
