Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — 1 Chronicles Book

Study 0  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: The Introduction of 1 Chronicles

The two books of Chronicles, which are really one whole were composed at a much later date than the other historical books and frequent reference is made to former writings not now possessed by us.  The date is after the carrying away to Babylon (1 Ch. 6:15) and after the decree of Cyrus ordering the return (2 Ch. 36:22, 23), which decree is found also in the first chapter of Ezra. The literary style is similar to the books of Ezra-Nehemiah, which suggests that all belong to the same period.

The books of Chronicles are placed last in the Hebrew Bible. They are separated from the other historical books, and form part of the section of the Hebrew Canon known as ‘Hagiographa’ or ‘Writings’. The Hebrew title for the books of Chronicles is ‘The Word of the Days’, and the Greek title is ‘Omissions’. The name ‘Chronicles’ comes from Jerome. The theme of the books is the need for God to be central in the life of the nation, and the frequent times in the history of the monarchy when the nation turned away from Him. With occasional times of reformation under such kings as Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. After the death of Solomon (2 Ch. 9) the story of the southern kingdom alone is told, with only occasional references to the northern kingdom. The work of the prophets as witnesses to the truth of God, when kings and even priests corrupted it, is shown again and again, as is the faithfulness of God to the people of His choice. The interest of the writer centres very largely in the Temple, its priesthood and its worship.

Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — James 5

Study 7 From the Book of James is: James 5

With this lesson, we end the book of James. We start 1 Chronicles tomorrow.
James denounces the callous rich language which recalls, that of the Old Testament prophets. Cf. 1:9-11; 2: 1-7.

1. Verses 1-12. What is the outstanding fact underlying James’ warnings to the rich and his counsel to the oppressed? Do we, rich or poor, share this eternal perspective? What particular warnings should we take from verses 1-6? What reasons (verses 7-10) are there for self-control and what grounds for joyful peace of mind?
2. Verses 13-20. In what ways are we called upon to help others? In particular, what illustrations are here given of the power of prayer, and what conditions of effective prayer are laid down?

Notes

1. Verse 3b. NEB Translates, ‘You have piled up wealth in an age that is near its close’
2. Verse 6. The reference is probably not to Christ, as some suppose (cf. Acts 7:52), so much as to prevailing social conditions.
3. Verse 9. ‘Do not grumble’: the verse recalls 4:11, 12, where open criticism is discouraged; notice the similar legal language.
4. Verse 11. ‘The purpose of the Lord’: literally ‘The end of the Lord’ (AV, RV,). i.e., what the Lord finally purposed for Job. See Jb. 42:12.
5. Verse 12. It seems that James’ readers were notoriously unable to control their tongues: cf. 1:19, 26; 2: 12; 3: 5ff; 4:11; 5:9.

3. Verse 16. ‘Confess your sins’ there must be no hushing up of sin if prayer is to prevail. Cf. Ps. 66:18; Mt. 5:23, 24.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — James 4

Study 6  From the Book of James is: James 4

1.     Verses 1-10. How does James diagnose the condition of those to whom he is writing? Can you find in verses 4:10 seven steps to spiritual recovery? What cause is there for encouragement and gratitude in this often painful business?

2.     Verse 11-17. The Christian community to which James was writing was further disfigured by evil speaking and rash confidence. What guidance does James give concerning, our attitude (a) to our fellow-Christians, and (b) to tomorrow? What difference would it make to your life if you took seriously the definition of sin in verse 17?

Notes

1.     Verse 4. ‘Unfaithful creatures’: literally ‘adulteress’. Cf. Ho. 3:1. But, the reference here is to apostasy not immorality.

2.     Verse 6. The quotation of Pr. 3:34 is introduced to demonstrate the wonder of God’s grace, which is able to overcome even the worldly spirit of James’ reader, if they will humble themselves and respond to His Spirit’s yearnings.

3.      

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Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — James 3

Study 5  From the Book of James is: James 3

In this chapter James returns to two subjects which he has already mentioned: the tongue (cf 1:19, 26 and wisdom (cf.1:5)

1.     Verses 1-2. Why does James discourage undue eagerness to take up teaching? Ponder his vivid illustrations of the power, for good or evil, of the tongue. How is the malignity of the tongue most clearly shown, and why is it so serious? How does James also show that the tongue’s inconsistency is monstrously unnatural?

2.     Verses 13-18. What are the marks and results of the two kinds of wisdom described in these verses? Consider how the qualities of heavenly wisdom, described in verses, 17, 18, were seen in the Lord Jesus. Are they evident in my life?

Notes

1.     Verse 6. NEB Translates: ‘And the tongue is in effect a fire. It represents among our members the world with all its wickedness; it pollutes our whole being; it keeps the wheel of our existence red-hot, and its flames are fed by hell’.

2.     Verse 13. ‘Meekness’: a word which today has lost much of its original nobility. For the Greeks, it denoted a strong man’s self-discipline and a wise man’s humility. Cf. 1:21.

3.     Verse 14. ‘Do not boast and be false to the truth’: to boast of wisdom when the heart is full of envy and selfish ambition is mere sham. Cf. 1:26.

4.     Verse 18 is to be contrasted with verse 16. Disorder and vileness accompany envy and rivalry; but righteousness (or justice) is the seed and crop of the peacemakers.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — James 2:14-26

Study 4 From the Book of James is: James 2:14-26

James has already warned against an empty religion which is impure (1:26-27), here he warns against an inactive faith which is impotent.

1.     Verses 14:20. Empty faith is word without action, profession without performance. Cf. 1 Jn 3:18. How profitable is my faith by the test of James’ illustration? How does my faith differ from that of the demons?

2.     Verses 21-26. James illustrates his argument by reference to two very different people. How was the principle of verse 22 demonstrated in their lives? Is the principle at work in my own life?

Notes

1.     Verse 14.  This sense is: ‘Can (that sort of) faith save him? i.e.’ from condemnation.

2.     Verse 18. The objection that some have faith and some have works is specious because without corresponding moral action faith is empty and barren, like that of the devils (verse 19).

3.     Verse 25. ‘Justified by works’: cf. Rom. 3:20, 28; Gal. 2:16. Paul and James seem to contradict one another. But, in fact, Paul says, ‘Faith can save apart from works of the law’, and James says, ‘Faith cannot save without the works of faith. ‘The two are therefore complementary.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — James 2:1-13

Study 3 From the Book of James is: James 2:1-13

1.     Verses 1-7. On what five grounds (three general and two particular) does James condemn the snobbish conduct described in Verses 2, 3? With verse 4, cf. 4:11. We, too, believe in the ‘Lord of glory’. Are we free from the preoccupation with what people have rather than what they are? Do we love and learn from ‘the rich in faith’?

2.     Verse 8:13. ‘This partiality business is just a minor matter.? How does James deal with this sterile objection? Why, in a life which may otherwise appear to be law-abiding, is one form of sin, like partiality, so serious?

Notes

1.     Verse 12. Our freedom is not freedom from the obligations and moral law; it is freedom to fulfil (verse 18) the just requirements of the law.

2.     Verse 13b. Mercy triumphs over (not justice but) judgement. The same word is translated. ‘condemnation’ in 5:12. Mercy will finally triumph because when the merciless are condemned, the merciful will be forgiven.

  

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — James 1:19-27

Study 2  From the Book of James is: James 1:19-27

It is characteristic of James to pass from one paragraph to another by repetition of a key-word. Here, having spoken of God’s word in regeneration (verse 18) he goes on to speak of the place God’s word—as expressing His will—should have in the believers’ life.

1. What are the possible hindrances and dangers which may prevent God’s word from taking root and bearing fruit in our lives?
2. ‘Meekness’ (verse 21) is not to be confused with inactivity. What lessons does James’ illustration enforce concerning our reaction to God’s word and His law? With verse 25, cf. Lk 8:15. How does your religion stands up to James practical tests (verse 26f)?

Notes

1. Verse 25. ‘Looks into’: literally ‘peers closely at’; cf. Jn. 20:5, 11; 1 Peter 1:12. ‘The law of liberty’: cf. Rom. 8:2. The Christian gospel is a ‘law of liberty’ because God’s spirit creates within the hearts of those who receive it the will and power to obey God. So, God’s law becomes an inner constraint and is no longer chiefly an internal restraint.
2. Verse 27. ‘Religion’: the world means the outward expression of faith. This is the ritualism which God loves’ says James ‘to visit orphans…’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED                      

Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — James 1:1-18

Study 1 From the Book of James is: James 1:1-18

A distinction is drawn in this passage between ‘trials’ (verse 2, 12), which may have positive effects (cf 1 Pet. 1:7), and ‘temptation’ (verses 13f.) which is the enticement to evil conceived within the human heart.

1.     Verses 2-7, 12. What is our mental attitude to trials to be. What is their purpose and goal? In trying situations wisdom (cf. 3:17) us be necessary. How in particular is this wisdom to be obtained?

2.     Verses 13-15. What is the origin of temptation, and what are the inevitable products of yielding to it? How can we avoid being deceived, and gain strength to overcome?

3.     Verses 9-11, 16-18. Contrast the impermanence of men, poor and rich alike, with the changeless consistency of God our Father. What also is God’s will for us, and what means does He use to fulfil it? How should these truths influence our attitude to life?

Notes

2.     Verse 17b. The eternal Source of light is not, like the heavenly bodies, subject to variation or eclipse.

3.     Verse 18. ‘A kind of first fruits’: the first fruits were evidence that the harvest had begun, and promise of more to follow.                             

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — Introduction of James

Study 0  From the Book of James is: The Introduction of  the Book of James

It is generally believed that this letter was written by James, the brother of our Lord. During Christ’s life on earth he was an unbeliever (Jn 7:5), but was converted when Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7). He was austere in disposition and practical in character. In the book of Acts (see 12:17; 15:13-21; 21:18 and also Gal. 2:9) he appears as leader of the church at Jerusalem. He was killed by the Jews about AD 61.

The letter addressed to the ‘twelve tribes in the dispersion’ (1:1), that is, to fellow-Jews living outside Palestine. It is terse and forceful, yet vivid and dramatic in style. It begins and end abruptly, to encourage those who were passing through a period of trial and suffering; but at the same time rebukes such failings as profession of faith without the practice of it, sins of speech, strife and envying, eagerness to take the positions of teachers, and lack of steadfast endurance. He urges his readers to the ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only’, to express their Christian faith not in outward formality and barren profession, but by seeking to obey from the heart God’s perfect law of liberty in the manifold relationships of life.

The central thought is that ‘faith apart from works is barren’ (2:20). Justification is by faith, but the faith that justifies is a living faith which, by an inherent irrepressible necessity, must produce good works, or express itself in active self-committal and obedience.

Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Malachi 3:7 – 4:6

Study 3  From the Book of Malachi is: Malachi 3:7 – 4:6

With this lesson, we end the book of Malachi and tomorrow we start with the book of James

1.     Of what are the people accused in 3:7-15? What must we make our chief concern if we wish to obtain God’s promised blessings?  Cf. Pr. 3:9, 10; Mt. 6:30-33; 16:25; Lk. 6:38. In what practical ways ought I to respond to this call?

2.     Two different classes of people are described in 3:13-16. To which do you belong? The wicked may seem to have the best of it, but God says here that, in contrast to present circumstances, He is going to make a day (3:17 and 4:3) in which the righteous and the wicked shall be openly distinguished and justly recompensed. How will this be effected? Cf. 4:1, 2 with 2 Thes. 1:7-10; 1 Jn. 2:28; 3:2; Rev. 6:15-17.

Note 3:11 ‘the devourer’ i.e., the locust.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Malachi 2: 10-3:6

Study 2  From the Book of Malachi is: Malachi 2: 10-3:6

1.     2:10-16. Although the people wept before the Lord, they found He would not regard their offerings. Why not?  What particular sin was coming between them and God, and what ‘heart condition’ underlay it? Cf. Heb. 3:12, 13.

2.     How is 3:1-6 and answer to the people’s complaint in 2:17? What similes are used to describe the day of the Lord’s coming? What must be put away? And on what must my heart be set, if I am to be ready to welcome Him at His appearing? Cf. 1 Thes. 3:12, 13; 1 Jn. 3:2, 3.

Note 2:10, 11. ‘Profaning the covenant of our fathers’: i.e., by marrying wives of other nations. Cf. Ex. 34:10-12, 15, 16. ‘ The daughter of a foreign god’ means a foreign woman of another religion.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Malachi 1:1-2:9

Study 1  From the Book of Malachi is: Malachi 1:1-2:9

1.     1:1-5. The people of Judah, lolling upon their condition and circumstances, were depressed and murmuring against God. What proof did the prophet adduce to show that God did love them as a nation? Cf. Pss. 34:15, 16; 73:26-28.

2.     Of what particular sins were the priest guilty? With what will God punish them if the remain impenitent? What was the root of their failure?

3.     What, by contrast, do we learn should be the quality and objectives of our service as messengers of the Lord of host? Cf. 2:5-7, and cf. 2 Cor.6:3; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 4:10, 11.

Notes

1.     1:2-4. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau.

2.     1:5. ‘ Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel’: the people had too small a conception of their God and this the prophet seeks to correct. Cf. verses 11, 14b

3.     1:8. Perfect, unblemished sacrifices were demanded (Lv. 1:3), and not the ‘rejects’ from the flock.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — The Introduction of the book of Malachi

Study 0 From the Book of Malachi is: The Introduction of the Book

Introduction

Malachi (the name means ‘my messenger’---see 3:1) was doubtless a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah. He attacked the evils which arose at Jerusalem after the Temple was rebuilt and its services re-established, evil of which we have historical record in the book of Nehemiah.  ‘The religious spirit of Malachi is that of the prayers of is that of the prayers of Ezra and Nehemiah’. There is an ancient tradition which regarded ‘Malachi’ as a pen name, and assigned the authorship to Ezra himself.

This book is the more significant because it closes the Old Testament revelation. As a link between the law and the gospel, it combines severe insistence on the necessity of purity and sincerity of heart with the sure promise of the coming of a Deliverer to those who fear the Lord. Finally (4:4-6), it appeals back to the law and the prophets (of whom Elijah is the chosen representative). The fuller revelation will not contradict, its preparatory stages. The people are to find in the spiritual authorities they already know (i.e., in the Old Testament) their assurance for accepting Him who should come. So, on the Mount of Transfiguration, when the Father called men to hear the So, Moses and Elijah stood by to give their assent and to provide evidence that He was the fulfilment of all their anticipation. See Mt. 17:3-5; Jn. 5:46.

Search The Scriptures —Study 9 — Zechariah 14

Study 9 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 14

Tomorrow we will start the book of Malachi

Verses 1-5 appear to be a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem in Ad 70, together with a prediction of the Lord’s return. In the Gospel (e.g., Lk. 21:20-28) these two events are also described as if they were one. Then follows an account of the blessings that will ensue.

1.     Verses 1-5 describe the breaking in of the day of the Lord. Who will at that time be gathered against Jerusalem. What will happen to the city and its inhabitants? When and in what manner will the Lord appear.

2.     In the day of the Lord what further results will come to pass as regards (A) Jerusalem (verses 6-11; cf. Rev. 22:1-5; Jn. 4:13, 14); (b) those who attacked Jerusalem (verses 12-15); and (c) the remnant of the nations that have escaped (verses 16-19)?

3.     Picture the city as described in verses 20, 21. Are you aiming to see that your life is holy in every part? Cf. 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Thes. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16.

Note. Verses 20, 21. Every aspect of the city’s life will bear the mark of holiness—business life, religious life and domestic life. Verse 20b. The pots which were used for mundane purposes shall be as holy as the bowls which held the blood of sacrifice.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 8 — Zechariah 12 and 13

Study 8 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 12 and 13

These chapters contain a prophecy of a combined attack of many peoples upon Jerusalem and of the deliverance God will give (12:1-9), together with the repentance and cleansing which will be wrought within the nation by their vision and recognition of Him whom they pierced (12:10-13:9). The ultimate fulfilment of this prophecy will take place at the end of the present age (cf. Rom. 11:25-27), but it has a present application spirituality to all who belong to Him.

1. What is the secret of Jerusalem’s survival when threatened by so many enemies gathered together against it (12:1-9; cf. 14:3)? Has the Christian similar hope of overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil? Cf. Ps. 27:1 Jn. 4:4; 5:4.
2. What four experiences of God’s people are set forth in 12:10-13:9? Do you know them in your experience? (a) With 12:10-14, cf. Jn. 16:8, 9; Acts 2:37-40. (b) With 13:7-9. 1 Pet. 1:5-7.

Notes

1. 12:11. Hadadrimmon is thought to be a city in the plain of Megiddo (or Jezreel), where King Josiah was killed, the darkest and saddest event in Jewish history (cf. 2 Ch. 35:22-25).
2. 12:12-14.  Both the intensity and the universality of Israel's repentance are here emphasized.
3. 13:2-6. The prophets, having been proved false, shall be ashamed, and will seek to disguise the fact that they prophesied. The wounds (verse 6) are either wounds self-inflicted in their prophetic frenzy (cf. 1 Ki. 18:28), are either wounds self-inflicted in their probably wounds received by them though the attacks of people upon them (cf. verse 3c).

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Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — Zechariah 11

Study 7 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 11

While plain in its main teaching, this chapter is obscure in many of its details. Its theme is grace and judgment. It opens with a vision of judgment sweeping over the land and making it desolate (verse 1-3). God shows to the prophet that the promises of the preceding chapter will not be realized without further uprisings of evil (cf. 10:2, 3a). In verses 4:17 the prophet is bidden to impersonate first a good shepherd, and when he was rejected and despised a worthless shepherd, under whom the flock will suffer many sorrow. The section is a vivid foreshadowing of the coming of Christ (verses 12, 13; cf. Mt. 26:14, 15; 27:9, 10).

1. Verse 7. The good shepherd’s ‘two staffs’ (cf. ‘rod’ and ‘staff’ in Ps. 23:4) were named ‘Grace’ and ‘Union’, indicating that He came in grace to bind the flock into one. How far is this a picture of Christ? Cf. Jn. 1:14; 17:20-22.
2. How is the lot of those who deliberately refuse the good described? Cf. Mt. 23:37, 38; 2 Thes. 2:8.

Notes

1. Verses 7, 11. ‘Traffickers in the sheep’: ‘poor of the flock’ (AV) fits the context better.
2. Verse 12. ‘Thirty shekels of silver’: the price of an injured slave (Ex. 21:32). Cf. Mt. 26:15; 27:9

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — Zechariah 9 and 10

Study 6  From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 9 and 10

1. The opening verses (9:1-8) are a prophecy of an invasion of Syria, Phoenicia and the country of the Philistines. The prophecy was historically fulfilled in the conquests of Alexander the Great. Bur, to whom is the prophet’s eye directed? How does this account, on the one hand, for the fall of Tyre, notwithstanding its wisdom, strong defences and wealth, and, on the other, for the preservation of Jerusalem? Cf. 9:15a and 2:5.
2. In 9-12 a picture is presented of Zion’s King, in which, as often in the Old Testament, His first and second advents are merged into one. What is said (a) of His character; (b) of the manner of His coming; (c) of the final extent of His rule; and (d) of the benefits He brings? Cf. Ps. 40:2-3; Joel 3:16b; Is. 61:7.
3. The remaining portion (9:13-10:12) has for its theme what God will yet do for His people Israel. Make a list of the things here promised, and reflect how they are symbols of spiritual blessings which are ours in Christ.

Notes

1. 9:1-6. Hadrach and Aram are probably Syrian town; Hamath, Tyre and Sidon are Syrian neighbours; Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron and Ashdod (verse 5, 6) are Philistine towns
2. 9:7. A prophecy of the abolition of idolatrous sacrifices, and the incorporation of the remnant of the Philistines among God’s people. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem.
3. 9:8. When Alexander invaded these parts and swept through the coastal nations, nothing could stop his armies, but he was restrained from attacking Jerusalem.
4. 9:13-17. A prophecy of victory for Israel, when the enemy shall be trodden down like sling-stones and Israel lifted up like the Jewels of a crown. In verse 15b is another figure, representing the Israelites as drinking the blood of their enemies, with which they will be as full as the bowls used in sacrifice, or like the corners of the altar that were drenched in blood.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Zechariah 8

Study 5 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 8

1. Enumerate the blessings which God here promises concerning Jerusalem, notice also the emphasis placed upon them by the number of times the phrase ‘says the Lord’ occurs. Is God less willing to fulfil to us the ‘precious and very great promises’ (2 Pet. 1:4)., which He has given us in Christ? Cf. Heb. 6:11-18
2. What, however, are the conditions for obtaining the promises of God? In the light of the evidence we have of God’s willingness to give, where does the hindrance lie, if we are not enjoying in personal experience the things promised?
3. What will ultimately happen to the fasts about which the deputation from Bethel had enquire in 7:2, 3?

Noted

1. Verses 4, 5. ‘Old men…boys and girls playing…’ these indicate and illustrate the security and peace which is promised.
2. Verse 10. Three evils are here spoken of from which the people suffered when God’s house was neglected, namely, scarcity, absence of security and disunion.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — Zechariah 7

Study 4  From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 7

See introduction. Zechariah’s answer to the delegation from Bethel consists of four parts, each beginning ‘And the word of the Lord came to me’. The first two  parts of his reply are contained in this chapter and the last two in chapter 8.

1. With what did God find fault in these fast? See verses 5, 6 and contrast 1 Cor. 10:31. In the light of this part of the prophet’s reply, is there not much in men’s worship today that is not acceptable to God?
2. With verses 9 and 10, cf. Is. 58:6, 7. Where does a man’s enmity towards his brother take its rise? Cf. Mk. 7:21, 22. What attitude of heart towards God had the Jews shown?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Zechariah 5 and 6

Study 3 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 5 and 6

1. Chapter 5 contains a vivid vision concerning those who practice wickedness, and of wickedness itself. What is to be the eventual fate of such? Cf. 2 Tim. 2:19; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; Rev. 21:1-4, 8, 27.
2. What is foreshadowed in 6:9-15 by the crowning, of the high priest, and by the prophetic declaration that ‘the man’ (verse 12) this signified shall be a priest upon his throne, and shall build the temple of the Lord? Cf. Jn. 2:19-22; Eph. 2:13, 19-22; Heb. 8:1; 10:11-13; 1 Pet. 2:5.

Notes

1. 5:1-4. A vision of God’s judgement pursuing the transgressor.
2. 5:6. ‘the ephah’: a barrel-shaped measure, having here a circular lid of lead.
3. 5:11. ‘The land of Shinar’: Babylonia.
4. 6:1-8. The vision in its details is difficult to interpret, but in general reveals the Lord ruling over the earth (verse 5), and exercising His judgment by unseen agents. Cf. 2 Ki. 6:15-17.
5. 6:10, 11. A deputation from the Jews in Babylon had come to Jerusalem. Zechariah is commanded to make ‘a crown’ from some of the silver and gold which they had brought, and to set it on the head of the high priest.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Zechariah 3 and 4

Study 2  From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 3 and 4

1. Joshua, as high priest, acts as the representative of the people. How is the people’s guilt to be removed? By whose intervention is Satan rebuked and Joshua cleansed? Cf. Rom 8:31-34; Heb. 7:25; 9:26.
2. What is the meaning of the vision of chapter 4? What is its relevance today? Cf. Ho. 1:7; 2 Cor. 10: 4, 5.

Note.  3:8, 9. ‘My servant’, ‘the Branch’, ‘the stone’ are all titles of the Messiah. Cf., e.g., Is. 28:16; 42:1; Je 23:5. The ‘seven facets’ may represent the omniscience of the Messiah. Cf. Rev. 5:6.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Zechariah 1 and 2

Study 1 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 1 and 2

1. What do we learn from Zc. 1: 1-6 about the Word of the Lord and the different consequences of obeying and rejoicing it? What is and always will be true of it, whatever men do? With verse 6, cf. Mt. 5:18.
2. In these chapters are three visions (1:7-17; 1:18-21; 2:1-13). How do these answer the following questions? (a) What is God’s real attitude towards Jerusalem? How can the nations which oppress them be subdued? (c) Can the city, now desolate, have any future?
3. Consider how much that is said here of Jerusalem is true spiritually for us in Christ. See e.g., 2:5, 8b, 10-12. Is there not the same call, to us to believe, as there was to the people of Zechariah’s day? Cf. 2Cor. 1:20.

Notes

1. 1:11. There was not sign of any stirring among the nation to fulfil God’s purposes toward Israel.
2. 1:20, 21. ‘Four smiths’ : agents appointed by God to destroy the ‘horns’ (i.e. strength) of the nations.
3. 2:4, 5 The proposed measurement of Jerusalem is cancelled for the reasons given here.
4. 2:6 ‘The land of the North’: Babylon (or Persia), where they had been exiled. See verse 7

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Search The Scriptures — Study 0 — Zechariah Introduction

Study 0 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah Introduction

Zechariah began his prophetic ministry two months after Haggai (see Zc. 1:1; Hg. 1:1). His book falls into two parts (chapters 1-8 and 9-14), and these are so different in character that many have thought that the second part must have been written by someone other than Zechariah. Such a supposition, however, is by no means necessary. The differences may be explained by the change of theme, and by the fact that the second part was written many years later than the first. A close study also reveals remarkable resemblances between the tow parts.

The first part of the book has to do mainly with the rebuilding and warning to the people and their rulers. After an opening call to repentance (1:1-6) there follows a series of eight visions, which supply an answer to doubts and questionings in the peoples’ minds. The first part closes with the prophet’s reply to an enquiry from the people of Bethel (7: 1-) about  the continuance of the fasts which the Jews had been observing in mourning for the calamities that had overtaken them.

The second part of the book consists of two oracles (a9-11 and 12-14). Both sections as David Baron says in his valuable commentary, treat of war between the heathen world and Israel, but ‘in the first judgment through which Gentile world power over Israel is finally destroyed, and Israel is finally destroyed, and Israel is endowed with strength to overcome all these enemies’, is the main theme; and in the second, the judgement through which ‘Israel itself is sifted and purged in the final great conflict between the nations, and transformed into the holy nation of the Lord, forms the leading topic.’

Zechariah’s writings foreshadow the appearance of Zion’s King both in meekness and in majesty, and declare both His rejection and His dominion over the whole earth. They are therefore frequently quoted in the New Testament with reference either to Christ first or to His second coming to the earth.

Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Haggai 2

Study 2  From the Book of  Haggai is: Haggai 2

Tomorrow we start the book of Zechariah

1. Picture the desolate scene and the despondency of the people (verse 3). But how did the prospect appear to Haggai’s eye of faith (verses 4-9)? On what grounds did he reassure them, and to what vision did he direct their eyes?
2. Verses 1-19. How does Haggai show that (a) in the sanctified life contact with unholy things must be avoided, and that (b) mere contact with holy things is not sufficient? Is it possible to deceive ourselves today, as the Jews of Haggai’s day did? Cf. 2 Tim. 2:19-22.
3. What will be the fate of all human activity and organization carried on without God, and what is the work that will stand, whose does are blessed from the day they set their hand to it? Cf. 1 Jn. 2:17. Why would Zerubbabel be safe when the Lord would shake the heavens and the earth?

Note. Verse 23. ‘Like a signet’: a symbol of honour and authority. Cf. Je. 22:24.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Haggai 1

Study 1  From the Book of Haggai is: Haggai 1

1. How did the Jews of Haggai’s day reckon their priorities? What was the consequence? And what was the Lore’s command? What lesson did God wish them to learn? Is there a present-day application? Cf. Mt. 6:33.
2. How had the people failed to live up to the purpose for which they had been allowed to return? Cf. Ezr. 1:2-4. Contrast their first beginnings with the conditions described by Haggai. Is this at all your experience? Cf. Rev. 2:4. What happened once they obeyed God’s voice?

Note. Verse 1. ‘The sixth month’ : corresponding to our August-September.
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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — Haggai

Study 0 From the Book of Haggai is: The Introduction of the Book Haggai

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah are mentioned together in Ezra 5:1 as prophesying at that time in Jerusalem. Ezra 5 and 6 should be read in order to fit the ministry and God-given messages of these prophets into their historical setting.

The exact date of Haggai’s prophesying is given in Hg. 1:1 as being the second year of Darius, king of Persia, i.e., 520 BC. (cf.Zc.1:1). In 538 BC, the first company of exiles, under Zerubbabel, had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem, and had set about the work of rebuilding the Temple. But Samaritan opposition and intrigue proved too strong, and the work ceased (see Ezr. 4: 1-5, 24). The people became occupied with their own concerns, and said with regard to the Temple, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord’ (Hg. 1:2).

The prophecies of Haggai consist of four utterances, which contain repeated promises of God’s presence and blessing, if only the people will give themselves to the work of building the Lord’s house. Haggai’s words express for our instruction the abiding truth that God gives Himself and His best to those who fully honour Him and seek first His kingdom. There is no other hope of survival in the day of trouble and judgment, when God Himself will shake all things and reveal the worthlessness of every other boasted confidence (see Hg. 2:21-23; and cf. Heb. 12:25-27). Thus did Haggai, by the light of the Spirit of God, discern the truth about life’s immediate circumstances, and foresee the similar, if greater, certainties of the final consummation in the day of the Lord.

Search The Scriptures —Study 84 — Psalm 106:34-48

Study 84 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 106:34-48

Tomorrow we will study the book of Haggai

The ending of this psalm, particularly verses 45-47, suggests that, whereas the function of Ps. 105 was to stimulate obedience, the purpose of the historical retrospect here, which dismal though it is, is crowned by a reassertion of God’s steadfast love, is to strengthen faith among an exiled people, tempted to despair.

1. A new generation entered Canaan (see Nu. 14:29-32; 26: 64, 65), but the sinning continued. What was their first failure, and to what sins of ever deeper degradation did it lead (verses 34-39)? How are Christians to avoid similar entanglement? Cf. 2 Cor.6:14-7:1; 1 Jn. 2:15-17.
2. What wonderful comfort can we take from the fact which this psalm demonstrates, that man’s rebellion did not exhaust the compassion of God? See verses 1-5, 45-47. What challenge do these verses bring?

Note. Verse 48. Probably a doxology to mark the end of Book IV of the Psalms.

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