Old Testament – Student Guide
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NOTES to the SEPTUAGINT EZEKIEL 6 Thematically Chapter 6
NOTES TO THE SEPTUAGINT EZEKIEL 6 Thematically chapter 6 continues chapters 4–5 with its threatening predictions. From a dramatized condemnation of Jerusalem the prophet turns now to address the mountains of the surrounding land of Israel, the sites of the high places with their idolatric worship. The Septuagint (LXX) is shorter than the Masoretic Text (MT). LXX lacks the conflations of MT and of its maximizing text into which vari- ants have been incorporated. On the other hand, the trimmer text of LXX sometimes suggests it has been contracted1. Whereas in MT verses 8-9 seem to ring a hopeful note, in LXX they further develop the threatening message of the forgoing verses. The Double Name Twice in a role in verse 3, and once in v. 11, the critical editions of LXX have single kúriov where MT reads the double Name evei inda. In earlier contributions we already dealt with this phenomenon2. Here it may suffice to briefly summarise the data, adding remarks on the treatment of the topic in some newer commen- taries, and on L.J. McGregor's evaluation of the Greek evidence. In MT the double Name evei inda occurs 301 times3. It is typical for the book of Ezekiel were it is attested 217 times. In these instances, the critical editions of the Hebrew text, BHK and BHS, characterise inîda∏ as a secondary intrusion, either by commanding the reader to delete (dl) it, or by saying that it is an addition (add). The basis for this correction is the Greek text, and the suggestion that inîda∏ was inserted into the text as a help for the reader, to remind him of the fact that the “tetragram” could not be pronounced and was to be replaced by Adonay. -
Ezekiel Chapter 9
Ezekiel Chapter 9 Ezekiel 9:1 "He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man [with] his destroying weapon in his hand." In the last lesson, God had gone into detail with Ezekiel, to make him fully understand why He judged Jerusalem and Judah. He gave over-abundant proof that they were guilty of the worst kind of sin. This cry is against Israel, and specifically, Judah and Jerusalem. A slaughter weapon suggests the massive destruction of human life that was impending. It appears, these that have charge over the city are superhuman beings under the direct orders of God. These angelic executioners came equipped with weapons of destruction (see Daniel 4:13, 17 and 23 for a comparison, a watcher, a holy one who did God’s bidding). These could be angels that God had stationed to protect His holy city. Now, they are set to destroy. These are similar to the angels in Revelation, which bring woe upon the sinful earth at the direction of God. Ezekiel 9:2 "And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them [was] clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar." There are many symbols in this verse. The number 6 is the number of man, or mankind. This judgment then is against man. -
Partners with God
Partners with God Theological and Critical Readings of the Bible in Honor of Marvin A. Sweeney Shelley L. Birdsong & Serge Frolov Editors CLAREMONT STUDIES IN HEBREW BIBLE AND SEPTUAGINT 2 Partners with God Table of Contents Theological and Critical Readings of the Bible in Honor of Marvin A. Sweeney Abbreviations ix ©2017 Claremont Press Preface xv 1325 N. College Ave Selected Bibliography of Marvin A. Sweeney’s Writings xvii Claremont, CA 91711 Introduction 1 ISBN 978-1-946230-13-3 Pentateuch Is Form Criticism Compatible with Diachronic Exegesis? 13 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Rethinking Genesis 1–2 after Knierim and Sweeney Serge Frolov Partners with God: Theological and Critical Readings of the Bible in Exploring Narrative Forms and Trajectories 27 Honor of Marvin A. Sweeney / edited by Shelley L. Birdsong Form Criticism and the Noahic Covenant & Serge Frolov Peter Benjamin Boeckel xxi + 473 pp. 22 x 15 cm. –(Claremont Studies in Hebrew Bible Natural Law Recorded in Divine Revelation 41 and Septuagint 2) A Critical and Theological Reflection on Genesis 9:1-7 Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-946230-13-3 Timothy D. Finlay 1. Bible—Criticism, Narrative 2. Bible—Criticism, Form. The Holiness Redaction of the Abrahamic Covenant 51 BS 1192.5 .P37 2017 (Genesis 17) Bill T. Arnold Former Prophets Miscellaneous Observations on the Samson Saga 63 Cover: The Prophet Jeremiah by Barthélemy d’Eyck with an Excursus on Bees in Greek and Roman Buogonia Traditions John T. Fitzgerald The Sword of Solomon 73 The Subversive Underbelly of Solomon’s Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Craig Evan Anderson Two Mothers and Two Sons 83 Reading 1 Kings 3:16–28 as a Parody on Solomon’s Coup (1 Kings 1–2) Hyun Chul Paul Kim Y Heavenly Porkies 101 The Psalm in Habakkuk 3 263 Prophecy and Divine Deception in 1 Kings 13 and 22 Steven S. -
A Reexamination of "Eternity" in Ecclesiastes 3:11
BiBLiOTHECA SACRA 165 (January-March 2008): 39-57 A REEXAMINATION OF "ETERNITY" IN ECCLESIASTES 3:11 Brian P. Gault HE PHRASE "GOD HAS PLACED ETERNITY IN THE HUMAN HEART" (Eccles. 3I11)1 has become cliché in contemporary missiology Tand a repeated refrain from many Christian pulpits today. In his popular work, Eternity in Their Hearts, missiologist Don Richardson reports on stories that reveal a belief in the one true God in many cultures around the world. Based on Qoheleth's words Richardson proposes that God has prepared the world for the gos pel of Jesus Christ.2 In support of his thesis Richardson appeals to the words of the late scholar Gleason Archer, "Humankind has a God-given ability to grasp the concept of eternity."3 While com monly accepted by scholars and laypersons alike, this notion is cu riously absent from the writings of the early church fathers4 as well as the major theological treatise of William Carey, the founder of the modern missionary movement.5 In fact modern scholars have suggested almost a dozen different interpretations for this verse. In Brian P. Gault is a Ph.D. student in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East at Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, Ohio. 1 Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture quotations are those of the present writer. 2 Don Richardson, Eternity in Their Hearts (Ventura, CA: Regal, 1981), 28. 3 Personal interview cited by Don Richardson, "Redemptive Analogy," in Perspec tives on the World Christian Movement, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2000), 400. -
Ezekiel Introduction
Ezekiel Introduction The name Ezekiel means “God strengthen,” or “God is strong.” His ministry as a prophet began in 590 BCE and ended in 570 BCE. His writing was done while he was in captivity in Babylon, writing to the Jews in Jerusalem, in which he described some of the events reported to him during the time of warfare and the fall of Jerusalem. He was a priest and the son of a priest named Buzi. With the Babylonian Captivity he was carried away as a young man, being taken captive along with King Jehoiachin in 598 BCE, a number of years before the destruction of Jerusalem. He lived in Tel-Abib (hill of the storm god) where a Jewish community tried to eke out a living. Tel-Abib was located along the banks of the Chebar. The Chebar is described as a river but actually it was a canal which diverted water toward the north of the Euphrates River. Ezekiel was married but his wife died suddenly just as the siege of Israel began. In the year 593 BCE he experienced a vision somewhere in Mesopotamia during a thunderstorm in which he experienced a call to be a prophet of God. The first portion of the book of Ezekiel deals with his seeking to establish hope on the part of the exiles that they might deal with their captivity in a foreign land. News of the fall of Jerusalem (which took place August 15, 586 BCE) reached Ezekiel on January 8, 585 BCE. After this his message became one that sought to reassure the people that Jerusalem and the temple would again be restored and worship, and living on their part, would return to be as it had been in the past. -
Hard Questions, Harder Answers
Session 9 Hard Questions, Harder Answers No judgment from a holy God against that which is unholy is pleasant, but it produces the fruit of righteousness in the covenant ones who live by faith. HABAKKUK 1:1-6,12-13; 2:1-4 1 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received.2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.4 Therefore the © 2015Date LifeWay of My Bible Study:_________ 87 law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. 5 “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. [ … ] 12 Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. 13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? [ … ] 2:1 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me,and what answer I am to give to this complaint. -
THE BOOK of HABAKKUK “God's Answer to Man's Problems
THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK actually clay tablets. In this manner the vision would be made plain, public, and preserved. “God’s Answer to Man’s Problems” The original prophetic word would be conserved (cf. Deut. 27:8). The plural “tablets” Habakkuk 2:1-4 may refer to the five woes of the vision (vv. 6-20). Review c. “Run.” It is patent that the one who would “read” the prophecy (vision) is to run 1. The Assyrian political ascendency over Babylon and Egypt had taken place. The times with it. Hence, the prophet reserved the message, provided it for the people, and they then of the Gentiles were about to begin (Luke 21:24). became the guardians of the message to make others know. Here then is a stimulus to spread the Truth (missionary!!!). 2. As a nation, Israel was: a. unresponsive to God (1:2), b. unrelenting in sin (1:3), and c. uncontrollable in society (1:4). Consequently, God allowed the Assyrians (Chaldeans) to 3. The EXPECTATION for the vision V. 3 overpower Israel. The Chaldeans attributed their successes to their gods (1:11). a. It is appointed. The vision relates to a period of time fixed by God for its ultimate 3. Habakkuk found these circumstances hard to believe in view of his understanding of realization. In Habakkuk’s time it was “yet,” but the direction of it was clear. Israel as God’s people, character of God Himself, and the character of the Chaldeans (1:5 - 11). Nonetheless, he did come to an evaluation of who God is (1:12), how God sees (1:13) b. -
The Second Book of Samuel
A PATRISTIC COMMENTARY THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL FR. TADROS Y. MALATY 2004 Initial edition Translated by: DR. GEORGE BOTROS Revised by SAMEH SHAFIK Coptic Orthodox Christian Center 491 N. Hewes St. Orange, California 92869-2914 INTRODUCTION As this book in the Hebrew origin, is a complementary to the first book of Samuel, we urge the reader to refer back to the introduction of that book. According to the Jewish tradition, the authors of this book were the prophets Nathan and Gad, beside some of those who were raised in the school of the prophets, founded by the prophet Samuel. In the Septuagint version, it is called “The second Kingdoms book.” WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN? It was written after the division of the kingdom, and before the captivity. It embraces a complete record of the reign of King David (2 Samuel 5: 5); and mentions the kings of ‘Judah,’ as distinct from those of ‘Israel’ (1 Samuel 27: 6). ITS FEATURES 1- Its topic was a survey of King David’s life, following his strife with king Saul, who was killed by the enemies at the end of the previous book; a narration of king David’s ascension to the throne, his wars, and the moving up of the Tabernacle of God to Jerusalem. It also gave a record of David’s fall in certain sins, with all the incessant troubles and grieves they entailed. In other words, this book represents the history of the people during the 40 years of king David’s reign. Its study is considered to be of special importance to everyone intending to comprehend David’s psalms. -
Ezekiel 1 9/7/14 Ezekiel 1
1 Ted Kirnbauer Ezekiel 1 9/7/14 Ezekiel 1 We are living in times that are declining, but we are not the first to find ourselves in this condition. Almost six hundred years before Christ, Ezekiel lived in times that were remarkable for their declension on just about every level. 2 Chronicles 36:11-16 states the condition of the nation of Israel at the time: 11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. 12 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the LORD. 13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God's name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the LORD, the God of Israel. 14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem. 15 The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. Ezekiel and Jeremiah were contemporaries. Ezekiel was of the priestly line of Levi, but before he could serve as a priest, he along with King Jehoiachin, the upper classes, and many of the leading priests and craftsmen was taken into exile into Babylon, seven hundred miles north of Israel. -
The Second Book of Samuel
The Second Book Of Samuel The Argument This book and the former bear the title of Samuel, because they contain the conception nativity and the whole course of his life, and also the lives and acts of two Kings, to wit, of Saul and David, whom he anointed and consecrated Kings by the ordinance of God. And as the first book containeth those things, which God brought to pass among this people under the government of Samuel and Saul so this second book declareth the noble acts of David, after the death of Saul, when he began to reign, unto the end of his kingdom: and hew the same by him was wonderfully augmented: also his great troubles and dangers, which he sustained both within his house and without what horrible and dangerous insurrections, uproars, and treasons were brought against him, partly by false counselors, feigned friends and flatterers and partly by some of his own children and people: and how by God’s assistance he overcame all difficulties, and enjoyed his kingdoms in rest and peace. In the person of David the Scripture setteth forth Christ Jesus the chief King who came of David according to the flesh, and was persecuted on every side with outward and inward enemies as well in his own person, as in his members, but at length he overcometh all his enemies, and giveth his Church victory against all power both spiritual and temporal: and so reigneth with them, King for evermore. 2 Samuel 1 ............................................................................................................................. 3 2 Samuel 2 ............................................................................................................................. 5 2 Samuel 3 ............................................................................................................................. 8 2 Samuel 4 .......................................................................................................................... -
Outline of the Book of Habakkuk
Outline of the Book of Habakkuk The Prophet and Date of Letter The name Habakkuk means “embrace or embracer” (ISBE v. 2, pp. 583). There is absolutely no information about the background or person of Habakkuk recorded. A general date may be determined by readings such as Habakkuk 1:5-11. Jehovah would raise the Babylonians (Chaldeans) to great power. The language appears as though Babylon had already been involved in great warfare, conquering nations, and dreaded as Assyria once was. Nineveh, the great city of Assyria, was conquered by Babylon during the year 612 BC. Babylon’s “rise” to power began at this point. Judah would not feel the actual brunt of Babylon until 605 BC (the year the Egyptians were defeated at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar / cf. Jer. 46:2) (cf. Dan. 1:1ff; II Chron. 36:6ff). Though the Lord had pronounced the end of Judah during the days of Manasseh (i.e., 695 – 645 BC) it would not take place for another 40 years. An exact date is impossible to conclude from the facts that are given. The Date of Habakkuk is likely between the fall of Nineveh (i.e., 612 BC) and first attack on Judah (605 BC). Josiah would have been at the end of his good reign as king of Judah (640 to 609 BC.). Judah experienced great peace and achieved many religious reforms under Josiah by the year 621 BC (cf. II Kings 22:1-23:25). Nebuchadnezzar’s determination to put Egypt in subjugation eventually meant taking Judah. Habakkuk, thereby, appears to be a contemporary with Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and possibly Nahum. -
Ezekiel Week 1 Introduction and Background
Ezekiel Week 1 Introduction and Background Outline of Ezekiel The Book virtually divides itself into three major sections: (1) call and oracles of judgment on Israel (chs 1–24); (2) oracles of judgment on foreign nations, or Gentile oracles (chs 25– 32); and (3) oracles and visions of restoration (chs 33–48). (Sometimes chs 40–48 are considered a separate, fourth section.) I. Ezekiel’s Call and Oracles of Judgment on Israel (chs 1–24) A. Ezekiel’s Inaugural Vision and Commissioning (chs 1–3) 1. Ezekiel’s inaugural vision (ch 1) 2. The prophetic commissioning of Ezekiel: part 1 (ch 2) 3. The prophetic commissioning of Ezekiel: part 2 (ch 3) B. Prophecies of Judgment against Israel (chs 4–24) 1. The first action prophecies of Jerusalem’s siege and exile (ch 4) 2. More action prophecies and the first judgment oracle (ch 5) 3. Judgment for idolatry on the mountains (ch 6) 4. “The end has come” (ch 7) 5. The glory of God versus four abominations in the temple (ch 8) 6. Those without the mark are slain (ch 9) 7. The glory mounts the throne over the cherubim and wheels (ch 10) 8. After promising “one heart” and “a new spirit,” the glory departs the temple (ch 11) 9. An action prophecy of the prince’s exile and two false proverbs about true prophecy (ch 12) 10. False prophets and prophetesses (ch 13) 11. Cases of casuistry (ch 14) 12. Jerusalem is a useless vine (ch 15) 13. Jerusalem the whore (ch 16) 14. The allegory of the cedar sprig and the Messiah planted by Yahweh (ch 17) 15.