Josiah Blake Tidwell - The Bible Book by Book
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Josiah Blake Tidwell >> The Bible Book by Book
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11 THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK
A MANUAL
For the Outline Study of the Bible by Books
BY
J.B. TIDELL, A.M., D.D.
Professor of Biblical Literature
In Baylor University
Waco, Texas
1916
Baylor University Press
Waco, Texas
* * * * *
Preface to Second Edition.
In sending forth this second edition of The Bible Book by Book it has
seemed wise to make some changes in it. The descriptive matter has
been put in paragraph instead of tabular form; the analyses have been
made shorter and less complex; the lessons based on the Old Testament
books have been omitted or incorporated in the topics of study which
have been increased, It is believed that the make-up of the book is
better and more attractive.
The author feels a deep gratitude that the first edition has been so
soon sold. He indulges the hope that it has been found helpful and
sends out this edition with a prayer that it may prove more valuable
than did the former.
J.B. Tidwell
* * * * *
Preface to First Edition.
The aim of this book is to furnish students of the Bible with an
outline which will enable them to gain a certain familiarity with its
contents. While it is intended especially for students in academies,
preparatory schools and colleges, the needs of classes conducted by
Women's Societies, Young People's Organizations, Sunday School Normal
Classes, Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. and advanced classes of the
Sunday Schools have been constantly in mind. Its publication has been
encouraged not only by the hope of supplying the needs mentioned but
by expressions that have followed public lectures upon certain books,
indicating a desire on the part of Christians in general for a book
that would, in a brief compass, give them some insight into the
purpose, occasion and general setting of each of the books of the
Bible.
The work has been done with a conviction that the students of American
schools should become as well acquainted with the sources of our
religion as they are required to do with the religions of ancient
heathen nations, and all the more so, since the most of our people
regard it as the true and only religion, and still more so, since "it
is made the basis of our civilization and is implied and involved in
our whole national life." It is believed by the Author that a
knowledge of the simple facts of the history, geography and chronology
of the Bible is essential to a liberal education and that to be
familiar with the prophecies, poetry, and ethics of the scripture is
as essential to the educated man of today as was a "knowledge of Greek
history in the time of Pericles or of English history in the reign of
Henry the VIII." And, in order that such knowledge may be gained,
effort has been made to put into the book only a minimum of matter
calculated to take the student away from the Bible itself to a
discussion about it and to put into it a maximum of such matter as
will require him to study the scripture at first hand.
Having intended, first of all to meet the needs of those whose
advantages for scripture study have been limited, the information has
been put in tabular form, giving only such facts as have been
carefully gathered from reliable sources, with but little attempt to
show how the conclusions were reached. It is expected that the facts
given may be mastered and that an interest may be created which will
lead to further study upon the subjects treated. And to this end some
of the studies have been made sufficiently complicated for college
work and instruction for such work given in suggestions for teachers,
leaders and classes. Besides the studies of the books there have been
introduced some matters of general interest which have been found
helpful as drills for academy pupils, and which will be found
interesting and helpful to all classes of students.
The general plan is the outgrowth of the experience of a few years of
teaching, but the material presented lays little claim to originality.
It has been gathered from many sources and may in some cases seem
almost like plagiarism, but due acknowledgment is here made for all
suggestions coming from any source whatsoever, including Dr. George W.
Baines, who read all the material except that on the New Testament.
Let it be said also, that in preparing these studies the Author has
proceeded upon the basis of a belief in the Bible as the Word of God,
a true source of comfort for every condition of heart and a safe guide
to all faith and conduct whether of individuals or of nations. It is
hoped therefore that those who may study the topics presented will
approach the scripture with an open heart, that it may have full power
to make them feel the need of God, that they may make its provisions
real in their experience and that it may bring to them new and changed
lives.
If the pastors shall deem it valuable as a book of reference for
themselves and to their members who are desirous of pursuing Bible
study, or if it shall be found serviceable to any or all of those
mentioned in paragraph one of this Preface, the Author will be amply
rewarded for the effort made.
J. B. TIDWELL.
Waco, Texas, August, 1914.
* * * * *
Table of Contents.
Some Introductory Studies.
Chapter I. Why We Believe the Bible.
Chapter II. The Names of God.
Chapter III. The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.
Chapter IV. Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great
Covenants.
Chapter V. The Divisions of the Scriptures.
Chapter VI. The Dispensations.
Chapter VII. Ages and Periods of Biblical History.
Chapter VIII. Some General Matters and Some Biblical Characters.
The Bible Book by Book.
Chapter I. Genesis.
Chapter II. Exodus.
Chapter III. Leviticus.
Chapter IV. Numbers.
Chapter V. Deuteronomy.
Chapter VI. Joshua.
Chapter VII. Judges and Ruth.
Chapter VIII. First and Second Samuel.
Chapter IX. First and Second Kings.
Chapter X. First and Second Chronicles.
Chapter XI. Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.
Chapter XII. Job.
Chapter XIII. Psalms and Proverbs.
Chapter XIV. Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon.
Chapter XV. Isaiah.
Chapter XVI. Jeremiah and Lamentations.
Chapter XVII. Ezekiel and Daniel.
Chapter XVIII. Hosea and Joel.
Chapter XIX. Amos and Obadiah.
Chapter XX. Jonah and Micah.
Chapter XXI. Nahum and Habakkuk.
Chapter XXII. Zephaniah and Haggai.
Chapter XXIII. Malachi.
Chapter XXIV. Matthew.
Chapter XXV. Mark.
Chapter XXVI. Luke.
Chapter XXVII. John.
Chapter XXVIII. Acts.
Chapter XXIX. Romans.
Chapter XXX. First and Second Corinthians.
Chapter XXXI. Galatians and Ephesians.
Chapter XXXII. Philippians and Colossians
Chapter XXXIII. First and Second Thessalonians.
Chapter XXXIV. First and Second Timothy.
Chapter XXXV. Titus and Philemon.
Chapter XXXVI. Hebrews and James.
Chapter XXXVII. First and Second Peter.
Chapter XXXVIII. First, Second and Third John and Jude.
Chapter XXXIX. Revelation.
* * * * *
Chapter I.
Why We Believe The Bible.
There are two lines of proof of the reliability of the scriptures, the
external and the internal. These different kinds of evidences may be
put down, without separation, somewhat as follows:
1. The Formation and Unity of the Bible. There are sixty-six
books written by nearly forty men, who lived at various times, and yet
these books agree in making a perfect whole. These writers were of
different classes and occupations. They possessed different degrees of
training and lived in widely different places and ages of the world.
The perfect agreement of their writings could not, therefore, be the
result of any collusion between them. The only conclusion that can
explain such unity is that one great and infinite mind dictated the
scripture.
2. The Preservation of the Bible. That the Bible is a divine book
is proven in that it has survived the wreck of empires and kingdoms
and the destruction of costly and carefully gathered libraries and
that, too, when there was no special human effort to save it. At times
all the constituted powers of earth were arrayed against it, but it
has made its way against the tide of fierce opposition and
persecution.
3. Its Historical Accuracy. The names of towns, cities, battles,
kings, empires and great events, widely apart in time and place, are
given without a blunder. The ruins of cities of Assyria, Egypt and
Babylon have been unearthed and tablets found that prove the accuracy
of the Bible narrative. These tablets corroborate the stories of the
creation and fall of man, of the flood, the tower of Babel, the
bondage in Egypt, the captivity, and many other things. This accuracy
gives us confidence in the reality of the book.
4. Its Scientific Accuracy. At the time of the writing of the
Bible. there were all sorts of crude and superstitious stories about
the earth and all its creatures and processes. It was humanly
impossible for a book to have been written that would stand the teat
of scientific research, and yet at every point it has proven true to
the facts of nature. Its teachings areas to the creation of all animal
life is proven in science, in that not a single new species has come
into existence within the history of man and his research or
experiment. David said the sun traveled in a circuit (Ps. 19:6), and
science has proven his statement. Job said the wind had weight (Job
28:25) and science has finally verified it. That the earth is
suspended In space with no visible support is declared by Job, who
said that "God hangeth the earth upon nothing", Job 26:7.
Besides these and other specific teachings of science which correspond
to Bible utterances, the whole general teachings of the scripture is
sustained by our investigations. Many theories have been advanced that
contradicted the Bible (at one time a French Institution of Science
claimed that there were eighty hostile theories), but not a single
such theory has stood. Wherever a teaching of science contradicting
the Bible has ever been advanced, it has been proven false, while the
Bible was found to correspond to the facts.
5. Its Prophetic Accuracy. At least sixteen prophets prophesied
concerning future events. They told of the coming destruction of
cities and empires, calling them by name. They told of new kingdoms.
They told of the coming of Christ, his nativity, the place of his
birth, and the result of his life and death and made no mistake.
Christ himself showed how their old prophecies were fulfilled in Him.
He told the destruction of Jerusalem and the nature of his Kingdom and
work, all of which has been shown to be true. No other but a Divine
book could have foretold the future in detail.
6. The Richness and Universality of Its Teachings. Its contents are
fresh and new to every age and people. Its teachings furnish the
highest standards for right human government and for personal purity
of character. Its virtues are superior to all others. Every generation
finds new and wonderful treasures in it, and while hundreds of
thousands of books have been written about it, one feels that it is
still a mine, the riches of whose literary excellence, moral beauty
and lofty thought have scarcely been touched.
7. The Fairness and Candor of Its Writers. In portraying its heroes,
the Bible does not attempt any gloss. Their faults are neither
covered up nor condoned, but condemned. This is unlike all other
books.
8. Its Solution of Man's Difficulties. What is the origin of the
world? What is the origin of man? How came sin in the world? Will
there be punishment of sin that will satisfy the unfairness and
inequalities of life? Is there redemption for weak and helpless man?
Is there a future life? These are some of the questions that have
troubled man in all ages. The Bible alone answers them in a simple yet
adequate way. It alone gives us the knowledge of the way to secure
happiness. Its remedies alone furnish a certain balm for bruised human
hearts.
9. Its Miracles. The Bible, which records how God sent his son and
others on special missions, also tells how He attested their work by
signs or miracles. These miracles were performed in the presence of
creditable witnesses and should, therefore, be believed. Moreover,
they are so different from the superhuman deeds of ancient mythology
as to stamp them as divine and true and at the same time to discredit
all the false.
Bible miracles are never for mere exploitation or for personal profit
to the one who performs the miracle. They are for the good of others.
The blind and deaf and lame are healed. The sick and dead are raised.
Lepers are cured and sins forgiven. Moreover, those who perform the
miracle claim no power of their own, but attribute it all to God and
only perform the miracle that God may be exalted.
10. Its Spiritual Character. It is evident that man alone could not
have conceived the lofty ideas of the scripture. All his experience
proves that he can not produce anything so far beyond himself. These
high truths therefore, have come from a greater than man.
11. Its Fruit. No other book will do for man what the Bible does. The
spread of its truths makes man better. Wherever the Bible goes
civilization and enlightenment follow. This is so, no matter what the
former condition of the people. Where everything else fails, the Bible
succeeds in lifting men out of ignorance and shame.
12. Its Own Claims to Divine Origin. (1) It clearly claims to be the
the word of God. (a) All scripture is given by inspiration Of God. 2
Tim. 3:16. (b) God spake unto the fathers by the prophets, Heb. 1:1.
(c) Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2
Peter 1:21. (d) He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, Luke 1:70.
(e) Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake. Acts 1:16. (f)
God showed by the mouth of all his prophets. Acts 3:18. (g) By the
revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. 1:12. (h) Not as the word of men, but
as it is in truth the word of God, 1 Thes. 2:13. (2) It claims to be a
good book and to be given for man's good. Both of these claims have
been amply justified. But it could not be a good book and claim what
is not true. This it would do if it ware not the Word of God.
* * * * *
Chapter II.
The Names of God.
Several names are used for God, each having its own significance, and
every Bible reader should in some general way know the meaning of each
name. We cannot always distinguish the exact meaning, but the
following, while not all, will be of use in reading the English
translation.
1. God. This comes from one word and two of its compound or forms
and will mean accordingly: (1) The Strong one used 225 times in the
Old Testament; (2) The Strong one as an object of worship; (3) The
Strong one who is faithful and, therefore, to be trusted and obeyed.
This last is a plural term and is used 2300 times in the Old
Testament. It is the name used when God said. "Let us make man" and
"God created man in his own image," etc., Gen. 1:26-27. It was by this
name that God the Trinity covenanted for the good of man before man
was created.
2. LORD. Small capitals in the old version and translated Jehovah in
the in the revised translation. It means: (1) The self-existing one
who reveals himself; (2) God as Redeemer. It was under this name that
he sought man after the fall and clothed him with skins. Gen. 3:9-17;
(3) God who makesand keeps his covenants. It is used more than 100
times in connection with the covenants, as in Jer. 31:31-34 where he
promises a new covenant.
3. Lord. Small letters except the L and always denotes God as Master
in his relation to us as servants. There are two kinds of servants-
hired and bought servants, the latter being always superior and more
beloved. The servant is expected to obey and is guaranteed protection
and support for his service.
4. Almighty God. This means a Strong-breasted one, the Pourer or
Shredder forth of spiritual and temporal blessings. It refers to
God: (1) As a nourisher, strength-giver, satisfier and a strong one
who gives; (2) As the giver of fruitfulness which comes through
nourishment. He was to make Abraham fruitful, Gen. 17:1-8; (3) As
Giver of chastening. This he does in the way of pruning that there may
be more fruit.
5. The Most High or Most High God. This means: (1) The Possessor of
heaven and earth, who as owner distributes the earth among the
nations; (2) The one who, as possessor, has dominion and authority
over both, Dan. 4:18, 37; Ps. 91:9-13.
6. Everlasting God, This represents him as: (1) The God of the
mystery of the ages and, therefore, (2) The God of secrets; (3) The
God of everlasting existence whose understanding is past finding out,
Is. 40:28.
7. LORD (Jehovah) God, This name is used: (1) Of the relation of
Deity to man, (a) as Creator, creating and controlling his destiny,
especially of his earthly relations, (b) as having moral authority
over him, (c) as redeemer; (2) Of his relation to Israel, whose
destiny he made and controlled.
8. Lord (Jehovah) of Hosts. This refer: Usually to the host of
heaven, especially of angels; (2) To all the divine or heavenly power
available for the people of God; (3) The special name of deity used to
comfort Israel in time of division and defeat or failure, Is. 1:9,
8:11-14.
Note. Drill on the use of these names and find some scripture passage
illustrating the use of each.
* * * * *
Chapter III.
The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.
The Sacred Officers.
The following facts about the officers of the Bible should be familiar
to all Bible students.
1. The Priests. They represent the people to God. The head of the
household was the first priest. Gen. 8:20. Later the first born or
oldest son became priests of the chosen people, Ex. 28:1. They served
in the tabernacle and later in the temple where they conducted
religious services, offered sacrifices for public and private sins and
were teachers and magistrates of the law.
2. The Prophets. These speak for God to the people. They received
revelations from God and made them known to men. They were selected
according to God's own will to impart his spiritual gifts (1 Cor.
12:11) and extended down through those who wrote prophetic books to
Malachi. They were philosophers, teachers, preachers and guides to the
people's piety and worship. Abraham was the first to be called a
prophet (Gen. 20:7) and Aaron next (Ex. 7:1).
3. The Scribes. The word means a writer and Seraiah is the first one
mentioned, 2 Sam. 8;17. As writers they soon became transcribers, then
interpreters and teachers or expounders. They became known as lawyers
and were accorded high standing and dignity. In the time of the kings
they were supported by the state as a learned, organized and highly
influential body of men. In Christ's time they were among the most
influential members of the Sanhedrin.
4. The Apostles. These formed the beginning of Christ's church. They
were separate from the old order and were, therefore, under no
obligation to any caste. Nor were they tied to the old administration
of divine things. The word means a messenger or one sent. They were,
therefore, to be with him and to be sent forth to preach. Twelve were
chosen, and when Judas, one of them, betrayed him, Matthias was chosen
in his place (Acts 1:15-26). Paul was appointed in a special way
(Acts 9:1-43) and perhaps others. Barnabas was called an apostle
(Acts 14:14).
These men led the new movements (Acts 5:12-13) and devoted themselves
especially to ministerial gifts (Acts 8:14-18). They had first
authority in the church (Acts 9:27; 15:2; 1 Cor. 9:1; 12:28; 2 Cor.
10:8; 12:12; Gal. 1:17; 2:8-9).
5. Ministers or Preachers-They are: (1) Those who minister to or
aid another in service, but as free attendants, not as slaves; (2)
They became the teachers and hence our term ministers (Acts 13:2; Rom.
15:16); (3) Today they are preachers and teachers of the word and
minister to the spiritual needs of God's people and of others.
Note. Read all the scriptures here referred to and invite others to be
given by the class. Then drill on these facts until they are familiar.
The Sacred Occasions.
1. The Sabbath. For the meaning and use of the term see Lev. 25:4;
Math. 28:1; Lu. 24:1; Acts 25:7. The first mention is Gen. 2:2-3 and
the first mention of the weekly Sabbath is Ex. 16:22-30. It is
suggested in the division of weeks. Gen. 8:10-12; 29:27-28, and Israel
was directed to keep it, Ex. 20:8-11.
2. The New Moons. They were special feasts on the first day of the
month (Num. 10:10) and were celebrated by sacrifices (Num. 28:11-15).
Among the ten tribes it was regarded as a time suitable to go to the
prophets for instruction, 2 K. 4:23. 3. The Annual Feasts. There were
several of these. (1) _The Passover_, April 14 (Ex. 12:1-51),
commemorating the exodus from Egypt and the saving of the first born.
(2) _Pentecost_, June 6 (Ex. 34:22; Lev. 23:15-16; Deut. 16:9-10; Num.
28:26-31), commemorating the giving of the Law.
(3) _The Feast of Trumpets_, October 1 (Lev. 23:23-25; Num. 29:1-6),
the beginning of the civil year. (4) _The Day of Atonement_, October
10 (Lev. 16: 1-34; 23:27-32), atonement made for the sins of the
people. (5) _The Feast of Tabernacles_, October 15, lasting a week
(Lev. 23:34-43; Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Deut. 16:13-15), commemorating the
life in the wilderness. (6) _The Feast of Dedication_, December 25 (1
Kings 8:2; 1 Chron. 5:3), commemorating the dedication of the temple.
(7) _The Feast of Purim_, March 14 and 15 (Esth. 9:20-32),
commemorating the deliverance through Esther.
4. The Sabbatical Year. The land of Israel should rest every seven
years as the people rested every seven days. No seeds must be sown or
vineyards pruned. All that grew was public property and the poor could
take it at will. All debts must then be forgiven except to foreigners
(Ex. 23:10-11; Lev. 25:2-7; Deut. 15:1-11).
5. The Year of Jubilee. Every fiftieth year was known as Jubilee,
Lev. 25:8-55. It began on the tenth day of the seventh month and
during it the soil was unfilled just as on the Sabbatical year. All
alienated land went back to the original owner and the Hebrew bondmen
became free if they desired.
6. The Lord's Day. It is the first day of the week and commemorates
the resurrection of Jesus and the finished work of redemption as the
Sabbath commemorated the finished work of creation.
Note. Find other scripture references to each of these occasions and
become familiar with the name, date and import of each.
* * * * *
Chapter IV.
Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants.
The Sacred Institutions of Worship.
1. The Alter. Make a careful study finding: (1) The first mention of
it. (2) The different persons who are recorded as erecting altars,
Gen. 1-Ex. 20. (3) The materials of construction, Ex. 20:24-25. (4)
The purpose for which they were erected, including that of Joshua,
Josh. 22:10, 22-29.
2. The Tabernacle, Ex. chs. 25-29. Study: (1) The instructions to
build it, including the offerings and articles to be given. (2) Its
furniture. (3) Its erection. (4) Its purpose, Ex. 29;42-45; Heb. Chs.
9-10. (5) Its history, when first set up, how long used, etc.
3. The Temple. (1) _Solomon's Temple_. Study David's desire to build
and his preparation for it. 2 Sam. 7:1-2; 2 Chron. 28, 29; its
material, erection and dedication, 1 Kings 5-8; 2 Chron. 2:6; its
destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's general, 587 B. C. (2) _Zerubbabel
Temple_. Study the decree of Cyrus, return of the Jews, rebuilding and
dedication, Ezra Chs. 1-6; its destruction by Pompey 63 B. C. and by
Herod the Great 37 B. C. (3) _Herod's Temple_. It was begun 20 or 21 B.
C., John 2:20; Matt. 24:1-2; Matt. 13:1-2; Lu. 21:56, and destroyed
under Titus, A. D. 70.
4. The Synagogue. Greek work meaning an assemblage. There were
synagogues wherever there were faithful Jews, about 1500 in Palestine
and perhaps 480 in Jerusalem. The officers were (1) Ruler. Lu. 8:49;
13:14; Mk 5:15, etc; (2) Elders, Lu. 7:3; Mk. 5:22, etc; (3)
Minister, Lu. 4:20. The service was one of prayer and reading and
expounding the scriptures. It was through the worship at the synagogue
that the apostles everywhere had opportunity to teach Christianity.
5. The Church. The word means an assemblage and is most commonly
used of a local congregation of Christian workers. It is sometimes
called the church of Christ, Church of God, Saints, etc. Churches were
established in cities and in homes. It is not proper to call all the
Christians of a particular denomination a church. Nor can we call all
of any denomination in a given territory a church. It would be wrong
to say the Baptist church of the south. In the New Testament we can
get a rather clear idea of it as an institution by a study of a few
principal churches and leaders of the Christian movement after the
ascension of Christ.
The Seven Great Covenants.
There are two kinds of covenants. (1) Declarative or unconditional,
example, Gen. 9-11, "I will." (2) Mutual or conditional, example,
"If thou wilt." All scripture is a development of or is summed up
in seven covenants.
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