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Home , 2 Chronicles 1, 2 Chronicles 30, 2 Chronicles 35, Lachish reliefs

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction...... pg. 1 Saul...... pg. 2 ...... pg. 3 ...... pg. 6 Jeroboam & ...... pg. 8 ...... pg. 11 Abab...... pg. 14 , Jerobaom II & the Fall...... pg. 16 ...... pg. 17 ...... pg. 22 Key Dates from Judah...... pg. 23 Divided Kingdom Timeline...... pg. 24 The ...... pg. 25

Taught by Reagan McClenny July-September 2010 7.14.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Introduction

Four Keys to the Kingdoms:

1. Key “Facts” 2. Keys to the Reign 3. Key Connections 4. Key Lessons

Key Facts:

• Years/Length of Reign • Good or Bad King • Major Passages

Keys to the Reign:

• Summary • Major Events • Political and Religious Environment

Key Connections:

• Other Passages of Scripture (OT and NT) • Other Characters (prophets, kings, Jesus, etc.) • Secular History (Evidences and to help paint the events) • Archeology (Same as above)

Key Lessons:

• What can I learn from the life of this king? • Specific and Practical Application—Look at the “Why” and “Therefore” instead of just the “What” of the recorded events… • Q/A Format

4 Major Timeframes in OT:

1. Early History (Before Abraham) 2. Abraham until Promised Land (Approx. 2000-1405 BC) 3. Conquest of the Land and Judges (Approx. 1405-1050 BC) 4. Time of the Kings (United and Divided Kingdoms) 5. Captivity and Return

Please read 1 Sam. 8:4-5, 9-20; Deut. 17:14-20; 1 Sam. 10:17-19; 12:6-15

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010 Page 1 7.21.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Saul

2 Samuel 1:19, 25, 27—“How the mighty have fallen…”

Key Facts:

• 1 Samuel 9-31; • Reigned 40 years (1050-1010 BC) • Bad King/No Heart

Keys to the Reign:

• United the Kingdom • Military success and Political Stability. During his reign they Defeated Ammonites, Philistines, etc. (1 Samuel 14:47-48) • Ends in Defeat (1 Samuel 31) • Heartless service to God

Key Connections:

• The Psalms of David (see Handout: David and the Psalms) • Samuel, Jonathan, David • Amarna Letters • Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:26) • Beth Shan (1 Samuel 31:9-10)

Key Lessons:

How would you describe Saul in Chapters 9-11? How does this differ from the rest of his life?

Saul’s greatest moments of faith and character take place before he was actually made king…what is the application?

What were Saul’s Character flaws (especially when compared to contemporary characters)?

How would you describe Saul’s relationship with God? With Samuel? With David? With Jonathan?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Saul?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 2 7.28.2010

Lessons from the Kings: David

Key Facts:

• 1 Samuel 16-1 Kings 2; -29 • Reigned 40 years (1010-970 BC) • Good King/Whole Heart

Keys to the Reign:

• David’s Early Life (1 Samuel 16-30) • David becomes King (2 Samuel 1-6) • God’s Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7) • David’s Victories (2 Samuel 8-10) • David’s Sin (2 Samuel 11-12) • David’s Decline and Death (2 Samuel 13-1 Kings 2)

Key Connections:

• The Tel Stele • 73 Psalms written by David: (Psalms 3-9, 11-32, 34- 41, 51-66, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 138-145) • The Commemorative Psalms: (See Handout) • The Messianic Psalms • David and the Covenant—2 Samuel 7 • David and the Christ

Key Lessons:

What lessons can we take from the events of David’s early life (before he became king)?

In light of all the sins he committed and troubles of his later life, why was David a man after God’s Own Heart?

Examine God’s promises/covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7. How do we see these promises fulfilled throughout the ? The New Testament?

What lessons can we take from the account of David and Bathsheba?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King David?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 3 Lessons from the Kings: David and the Psalms

There are 73 psalms directly attributed to David, and it is possible he wrote even more. Here are the psalms that are commonly accepted as being authored by David: (Psalms 3-9, 11-32, 34- 41, 51-66, 68- 70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 138-145)

In addition, there are (at least) 14 psalms that were written by David to commemorate an event in his life of which we also have a biblical record:

Psalm 59 (1 Samuel 19) King Saul, in his jealousy, sent messengers to David’s house to kill him. David was able to escape with the help of his wife Michal (Saul’s daughter).

Psalm 56 (1 Samuel 21:10-15) This psalm was written by David when he went to live in the Philistine city of Gath. He pretended to be crazy so that he might be allowed into the city.

Psalm 34 (1 Samuel 21:10-15) Same occasion as Psalm 56. David praises God for His goodness despite the dire circumstances.

Psalm 142 (1 Samuel 22:1-3) After being cast out by Achish, David fled to a cave in Adullam.

Psalm 63 (1 Samuel 22:5) David fled from Saul into the Judean wilderness.

Psalm 52 (1 Samuel 22:9-19) David heard how Saul had sent Doeg the Edomite to Ahimelech’s house and killed eighty-five priests and their families. David was heartbroken over Saul’s wickedness.

Psalm 54 (1 Samuel 23:19-29) The Ziphites went to Saul and told him that David was hiding amongst them. God delivers David.

Psalm 57 (1 Samuel 24:1-22) Saul went after David again when he heard that he was hiding in the wilderness of Engedi and David has opportunity to cut off the edge of his cloak.

Psalm 7 (1 Samuel 24:9-12) David prays that the deeds of Cush the Benjaminite would return upon his own head after lying to Saul about David.

Psalm 60 (2 Samuel 8; 1 Kings 11) This was written to commemorate David’s victory over the Philistines, Moabites, and the Syrians. David praises God for his victory.

Psalm 51 (2 Samuel 12) see also Psalm 32 David’s prayer of repentance after his sins with Bathsheba and Uriah.

Psalm 3 (2 Samuel 15) David’s lament after being forced to flee by his son Absalom.

Psalm 30 () Written to commemorate the plans for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem and dedication of the site.

Reagan McClenny—July 2010 Page 4 Page 5 8.11.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Solomon

Key Facts:

• 1 Kings 1-11; -10 • Reigned 40 years (970-930 BC) • Good then Bad King/Half Heart

Keys to the Reign:

• God Gave Solomon Wisdom (; 4:29; 5:7; 10:1-13, 24) • Great Time of Wealth and Prosperity (:20-34; 10:14-29) • Makes Several Foreign Alliances Often Sealed by Marriage (Egypt, Tyre) • Great Buildings Including the Temple (2 Kings 6-9) • Causes the Division of the Kingdom by Religious Rebellion (2 Kings 11:1-13)

Key Connections:

• Foreign Alliances and Interactions • Psalms • Proverbs • Ecclesiastes • Song of Solomon • Used by Jesus and Stephen in the NT

Key Lessons:

What lessons can we take from Solomon’s request for Wisdom from God?

Consider the events, speech, and prayer of Chapter 8. What lessons can we take from this chapter, especially in light of Acts 7 and the rest of the ?

What lessons can we take from the fall of Solomon at the hands of foreign wives and idolatrous worship?

How does Ecclesiastes play into your view of Solomon? What can be learned of Solomon from this book—and how does it apply to our lives?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Solomon?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 6 Lessons from the Kings: Why We’re Like Solomon

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The King is forbidden to multiply:

1. Horses (They would cause him to trust in military might instead of God—Psalm 20:7) 2. Wives (They would turn his heart away from God) 3. Silver and Gold (It would cause him to trust in material wealth instead of God)

The King is also commanded to write a copy of the law and read it daily—this will lead him to fear the Lord and keep his heart from being lifted up with pride.

1 Kings 10-11

Solomon multiplies:

1. Silver and Gold—Solomon received 666 talents of Gold yearly; somewhere between 600-800 million (US) dollars a year when expressed in modern terms (:14ff). 2. Horses—Solomon had the greatest army in the world at the time, including the largest number of horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:26-28). 3. Wives—Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines that he “clung to…in love.” This was not a pure love or simply a political amassing of allies, but a perverted, lustful, harem (1 Kings 11:1-5).

Where is Solomon’s devotion to reading the Law (see Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, 12:13-14, 10:1)?

How We’re Like Solomon:

• Wisdom/Knowledge (1 Peter 1:10-12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-20; 23-24; Prov. 5:1-6)

• Covenant with God (Heb. 8:6)

• Blessings

• Temptations (1 Jn. 2:15-17)

1. Lust of the Flesh (wives)—a fulfillment of carnal desires which turn us away from God!

2. Lust of the Eyes (silver and gold)—a fulfillment of wants/frivolous temptations of this world (wealth, fame, etc.)

3. Pride of Life (horses)—a fulfillment of anything that reflects or promotes a pride or arrogance of self, a lack of humility toward God and others.

• Need for the Word (Heb. 8:8-12)

Reagan McClenny—August 2010 Page 7 8.18.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Rehoboam & Jeroboam

Key Facts:

• 1 Kings 11-14; -12 (Rehoboam only) • Rehoboam Reigned 17 years (930-913 BC); • Jeroboam Reigned 22 Years (930-908 BC) • Both Bad Kings (Jeroboam Worse)

Keys to the Reigns:

• Kingdom Divided and Weakened • Rehoboam follows God 3 years, rebels, and receives judgment against his kingdom. • Jeroboam rebels against God and receives judgment against his family and kingdom. • Judah—experienced more political stability and religious success • Israel—experienced more military and economic power, political and economic interaction, religious rebellion and government upheaval

Key Connections:

• Rehoboam’s fortified cities • Dan and • Shishak King of Egypt

Key Lessons:

What lessons can we take from Rehoboam’s rejection of the elder’s counsel and acceptance of the counsel of the young men?

Jeroboam set up places of worship and golden calves in Dan and Bethel causing the desertion of the from Israel and the people’s idolatrous rebellion against God. What lessons can be learned from these events?

What lessons can we take from the account of the “Man of God” in 1 Kings 13?

What can be learned from the invasion of Judah by Shishak of Egypt and King Rehoboam’s reaction to it? 2 Chron. 12

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Rehoboam and King Jeroboam?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 8 THE DIVIDED KINGDOM

Page 9 Jeroboam’s Worship Center in Dan “Therefore the King took counsel and made two calves of gold...And he set one up in Bethel and the other he put in Dan.” 1 Kings 12:28-29

Page 10 8.25.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Omri

Key Facts:

• 1 Kings 16:16-28 • Reigned 12 years (885-873) • Very Bad King

Keys to the Reigns:

• Made king by the people after Zimri commits suicide. • Establishes as new capital. • Makes alliances with Judah and the Phoenician empire. • Brought political and economic stability to Israel. • Promoted new levels of religious rebellion against God.

Key Connections:

• The Moabite Stone • Adad-nirari II • Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III • Other Assyrian Kings • Tirzah • Samaria • Micah 6:16

Key Lessons:

Much is known of Omri’s greatness as a king from history, yet relatively little is said of him in the Bible. Why?

What is Omri’s legacy? Make application to our lives.

What does the short account of Omri tell us about God’s view of wickedness?

Omri was the father of Abab and grandfather of (2 Kings 11; -23). What lessons can we take from his parenting? Can you identify any other fathers among the kings of Israel and Judah from whom we can take similar or contrasting lessons?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Omri?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 11 Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III

Depicting “Jehu of the house of Omri” Bowing and paying tribute to the great king of

Page 12 The Moabite Stone ““Omri had occupied (humbled) the land of Medeba (Northern ), and dwelt there in his time…(and) built fortresses at Ataroth & Yahez”

Page 13 9.8.2010

Lessons from the Kings:

Key Facts:

• 1 Kings 16:29-22:40 • Reigned 22 years (873-852 BC) • Very Bad King

Keys to the Reigns:

• Son of Omri; Husband of Jezebel (1 Kings 17:29-31) • Baal Worship becomes “National Religion” (1 Kings 17:30-33) • Jezebel attempts to eradicate worship of God (1 Kings 18:4, 13) • Military power continues, including the defeat of Syria (1 Kings 20) • Moral corruption continues, including the wicked murder of Naboth and theft of his vineyard (1 Kings 21). • Dies in battle (1 Kings 22; )

Key Connections:

• Samaria and the King’s Ivory Palace • Shalmaneser III • Canaanite Baal Worship and ’s Challenge • Elijah and Elisha • Fulfillment of Prophecies Concerning Ahab and Jezebel • Micah 6:16 • Revelation 2:20

Key Lessons:

How much of Ahab’s wickedness was a direct or indirect result of his marriage to Jezebel? Name examples where he “did the right thing” before she became involved. What is the application?

List the sins that were committed in 1 Kings 20. Who committed them and why? What is the application to us?

What can we learn from the account of Ahab, king of Judah, and Micaiah the prophet of the Lord in 1 Kings 22?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Ahab?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 14 Samples of the Samaritan Ivories “...the ivory house that he (Ahab) Built...” 1 Kings 22:39

Page 15 9.15.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Jehu, Jeroboam II, and the fall of Israel

Key Facts:

• 2 Kings 9-10; 2 Kings 14:23-29 • Reigned 28 years (841-814 BC) and 41 years (793-753 BC) • Both Bad Kings

Keys to the Reigns:

Jehu: Jeroboam II • Kills Kings of Israel and • Great Material Prosperity (2 Judah (2 Kings 9) Kings 14:25-28; Amos) • Eliminates the Family of Ahab • Moral Decadence and Decay (2 Kings 10:1-17) (Amos) • Destroys Baal Worshipers (2 • Continued Religious Apostasy Kings 10:18-30) (2 Kings 14:24; Amos) • Weakens the Kingdom • Confidence that God was on Politically (2 Kings 10:32-33) Their Side (Amos)

Key Connections:

• The Seal of Jeroboam’s Servant • Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III • Amos and Jeroboam II • Assyrian Kings • Hosea and the Fall

Key Lessons:

What factors to the success of the Omri/Ahab dynasty did Jehu destroy? Why did the Lord use Jehu to destroy the house of Ahab in such a bloody and complete way?

How would you describe Israel’s worship during the reign of Jeroboam II? What can we learn from the people’s belief that God was on their side during this time (see Amos 5:18-27, etc.)?

Why did Israel fall (see 2 Kings 17; Amos 2-9, please cite examples in the text)? What application can we make today?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the accounts of King Jehu and King Jeroboam II?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 16 9.22.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Hezekiah

Key Facts:

• -20; -32 • Reigned 29 years (715-686 BC) • The Best King (2 Kings 18:5)

Keys to the Reigns:

• Cleanses the Temple and Restores Temple Worship (2 Chronicles 29) • Reinstitutes the () • Forces Total Religious Restoration (; 2 Kings 18:3-6) • Rebels against Assyria (:1-23; 2 Kings 18-20) • God Extends His Life 15 Years (2 Kings 20:1-11) • Pride with Babylonian Envoys (2 Chronicles 32:31; 2 Kings 20:12-19)

Key Connections:

• Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the Siloam Inscription • Other Preparations for Assyrian Invasion • ’s Invasion of Judah (701 BC)—4 Sources of Documentation: 1. The Bible 2. Sennacherib’s Account (The Taylor Prism, Sennacherib Prism and Oriental Prism) 3. The Lachish Reliefs 4. Excavations at Lachish • Sennacherib’s Assassination • • Micah

Key Lessons:

Read 2 Kings 18:4. List some of the great kings that failed to do what Hezekiah did in this verse. Why did Hezekiah do it? What is the application to us?

Did Hezekiah have moments of weakness or doubt? If so, when? How did he handle these moments? What is the application to us?

Why did God extend Hezekiah’s life? What lessons can be learned from this account? (Isaiah 38)

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Hezekiah?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 17 Hezekiah’s Jerusalem Including Improvements for the Impending Assyrian Invasion

Page 18 533 meters

City Wall

Page 19 Siloam Inscription

Siloam Inscription Replica

Page 20 The Lachish Reliefs and Taylor Prism

(Taylor Prism) (Relief # 6 of 13—Storming the Walls of the City)

These two artifacts provide key evidence to one of the most impressive miracles, from a historical perspective, in the entire Bible. Both are from the royal annals of Sennacherib king of Assyria, date back to the early 700’s B.C., and deal with the king’s invasion of Judah.

2 Kings 18:13-14 “In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 14And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, "I have done wrong; withdraw from me. Whatever you impose on me I will bear.”

In about 701 B.C., Sennacherib invaded the land of Judah and took all its major cities except Jerusalem. Outside of Jerusalem, Lachish was the most important city in the region. In his royal palace, Sennacherib had a series of “Reliefs” (large, decorative, stone carvings) made that depicted the siege and destruction of Lachish. In addition, the king says in the Taylor Prism, Sennacherib Prism and Oriental Prism, artifacts that detail his military conquests, that he “shut up Hezekiah like a bird in a cage.” In short, he gave an ancient political “spin job.” He essentially admits that while taking the entire country, he was unable to complete the task and destroy the capital city and its king. To compensate for this failure, he makes a grand show of his impressive “victory” over the at Lachish. The question that begs to be asked, therefore, is what stopped the most powerful king in the world from conquering the capital city in a much smaller, weaker kingdom?

2 Kings 19:35-36 “And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 36 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at .”

The Bible clearly answers the question: the angel of the LORD defeated Sennacherib. While historical “scholars” scoff at this “fantastic” explanation, most admit that the evidence mandates a Hebrew victory—which would have been impossible. Yet again, the archeological proof supports the Biblical account, while failing to give a plausible “rational” explanation to amazing events.

By Reagan McClenny

Page 21 9.29.2010

Lessons from the Kings: Josiah

Key Facts:

• 2 Kings 22-23; -35 • Reigned 31 years (640-609 BC) • A Good King

Keys to the Reigns:

• Josiah made a Boy King (2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-3) • Hilkiah Finds the Book of Law (2 Kings 22:3-11; 2 Chronicles 34:8-19) • Josiah Consults the Lord’s Prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:12-20; 2 Chronicles 34:20-28) • Josiah’s Reforms and Passover (; 2 Chronicles 34:29-35:19) • God’s Judgment only Postponed (2 Kings 23:26-27) • Josiah Dies in Battle (2 Kings 23:28-30; :20-27)

Key Connections:

• The Seals of the King’s Servants • Josiah and the World Powers • • Zephaniah • Nahum and the Fall of Nineveh • Habakkuk and the Fall of Judah

Key Lessons:

It was only 58 years from Hezekiah’s death to the beginning of the reforms of Josiah. What are some examples from the text of how totally the people had abandoned God in this short time? What is the application for us?

What lessons can we take from the account of Hilkiah finding the Book of the Law and Josiah’s reaction to it? Despite his fervor, were all the people sincere in accepting Josiah’s reform? Why or why not?

What made Josiah so pleasing in the eyes of the Lord (consider 2 Kings 22:19; 23:25; 2 Chronicles 34:31-33, etc.)? How are we supposed to emulate some of these same qualities?

What are some specific, practical applications we can make from the account of King Josiah?

Timberland Drive church of Christ—Summer 2010

Page 22 Lessons from the Kings: Key Dates from the End of the Kingdom of Judah

627—Asherbanipal Dies: As the last powerful king of Assyria, Ashurbanipal’s death significantly weakens the Assyrian Kingdom. Josiah begins reforms in earnest in what marks the twelfth year of his reign (2 Chronicles 34:3).

626— Rebels: Nabopolasser (the father of Nebuchadnezzar) leads Babylon in a successful rebellion against Assyria.

612—The Fall of Nineveh: A combined force of Medes attacking from the North and Babylonians from the South conquers the proud capital city, as prophesied by Nahum. The Assyrians establish a temporary capital in Haran, but are quickly driven out by the Babylonians.

609—The Death of Josiah: In an effort to prevent the Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II from going to the aid of the Assyrians, King Josiah is killed in battle. However, he is successful in delaying Pharaoh Necho to the Battle of Haran. Josiah’s son Jehoahaz reigns for 3 months.

609—The Battle of Haran/End of Assyrian Kingdom: The Assyrian Kingdom, despite Egyptian aid, is destroyed at the hands of the Babylonians. Egypt gains control of Palestine and replaces King Jehoahaz with his brother Jehoakim who acts as a wicked vassal king of Egypt.

605—5 Key Events:

1. Battle of Carchemish: Egypt and Babylon, the two remaining world powers, face each other for control of the Fertile Crescent. Babylon gains a resounding victory and drives Egypt far south of Palestine. King Jehoakim submits to Nebuchadnezzar’s rule.

2. Beginning of the Babylonian Empire: The defeat of Egypt signals the true beginning of the Babylonian Empire.

3. Nebuchadnezzar becomes King: Before Nebuchadnezzar can begin a military campaign against the country of Egypt, he receives word that his father has died and returns to Babylon to claim the throne.

4. Beginning of (First Deportation): Daniel and his 3 friends are taken into Babylonian Captivity with a select number of Jews from the royal family.

5. Jeremiah Prophesies of 70 Years of Servitude in Babylon: Jeremiah 25:11-12, etc.

598—Second Deportation: Jehoakim rebels against Babylon and Jerusalem is taken by Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoakim dies (or is killed) before he can be taken back to Babylon, but his son Jehoachin is taken into captivity after only 3 months on the throne. Along with Jehoachin, Ezekiel and 10,000 other Jews are taken into Babylonian Captivity.

587—The Kingdom of Judah Ends: After 11 years as a puppet king, rebels against Babylon. The Temple and Jerusalem are destroyed, and all but the very poorest of the people are taken into captivity. Of those remaining, most flee to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them.

Compiled by Reagan McClenny—September 2010 Page 23 Page 24 The Cyrus Cylinder and Fulfillment of Prophesy

(The Cyrus Cylinder, housed at the , London)

You may have seen in the paper or on the news a dispute between the Iranian and British governments, specifically those in charge of the British Museum, over the Cyrus Cylinder. This ancient artifact dates back to the 500’s B.C., and is a key piece of Babylonian and Ancient Near Eastern history. The dispute is over the British Museum’s refusal to loan the artifact to the Iranian government. In an article describing the political ramifications of these actions, the cylinder itself is described in this way: The artifact is a 6th century B.C. clay tablet with an account in cuneiform of the conquest of Babylon by Persian King . It describes how Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. and restored many of the people held captive by the Babylonians to their homelands. (ALI DAREINI, AP) This is certainly an accurate description, but it fails to address, or even mention, the cylinder’s connection to the Bible. In reality, the Cyrus Cylinder is a major confirmation of the historical accuracy of the Bible, and a significant secular proof to the fulfillment of Biblical prophesies. Isaiah 44:28 “(The LORD) says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure.’ Even saying to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be built,’ And to the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’” Isaiah 45:1 “Thus says the LORD to His anointed, “To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—To subdue nations before him…” Written in the late 700’s BC, these specific prophesies were made more than 100 years before Cyrus the Great was born. He went on to be king of the Persians, conqueror of Babylon, and the king who returned the Jews to Jerusalem. The Cyrus Cylinder is the primary extra-biblical source to confirm these events. In an effort to discredit these prophesies, modern liberal-critical “scholars” suggest that there had to have been multiple authors of the book of Isaiah. They believe that Isaiah wrote Chapters 1-39, and another or multiple authors wrote Chapters 40-66, or Deutero-Isaiah. This view is in contradiction with 1) what the book claims for itself, 2) the NT, which quotes from both sections and identifies Isaiah as the author (Matt. 3:3,

Page 25 8:17, 12:18; John 1:23, 12:38-40; Rom. 10:16, 11:26), and 3) over 2000 years of common acceptance of Isaiah’s authorship. There are three main arguments that are used to suggest two or more authors for the book of Isaiah. First, the style changes from judgment to hope in Chapter 40 and following. Secondly, some words are used in Chapters 40-66 that are not used in the first part of the book. Finally, Isaiah shows knowledge of specific future events, which is “impossible.” Essentially, the arguments are this: the style changes from judgment to hope when the message changes from judgment to hope; different words are used when the message changes; and the prophetic portions are fake because prophesy is fake. Such is the circular reasoning of false teaching. The weakness of these arguments illustrate the strength of the Biblical position. Of course style changes when the message changes—that would be true of any writing or communication. You would not speak to someone in anger the same way you would speak to them in love. As for the vocabulary, you clearly wouldn’t use words like hope, peace, or love when talking about judgment, destruction, and fear. Finally, the main reason they make the argument for two or more authors is because they cannot accept the existence of real prophesy—it is this bias that drives both their rejection of Isaiah as the sole author of the book and the media’s omission of this link to the Bible when the Cyrus Cylinder is in the news.

By Reagan McClenny

Page 26