2 Corinthians 8–13 “GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER” 2 Corinthians 8. True Saints impart of their substance to the poor—Christ, out of His poverty, brought eternal riches. 2 Corinthians 9. God loves and rewards a cheerful giver—Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 10. Bring every thought into obedience—Paul glories in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 11. Maintain the simplicity that is in Christ—Satan sends forth false apostles—Paul…

2 Corinthians 1–7 “BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD” 2 Corinthians 1. God comforts and cares for His Saints—The Saints are sealed and given assurance by the Spirit in their hearts. 2 Corinthians 2. Saints should love and forgive one another—They always triumph in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3. The gospel surpasses the law of Moses—Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 4. Gospel light shines on…

1 Corinthians 14–16 “GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION, BUT OF PEACE” 1 Corinthians 14. People should desire spiritual gifts—Tongues and prophecy are compared—Prophecy is the greater gift—Paul says, You may all prophesy; covet to prophesy. 1 Corinthians 15. Christ died for our sins—He rose from the dead and was seen by many—All men will be resurrected—Paul speaks of baptism for the dead—The three degrees of glory are described—Victory…

1 Corinthians 8-13 “YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST” 1 Corinthians 8. There are many gods and many lords—To us there is one God (the Father) and one Lord, who is Christ. 1 Corinthians 9. Paul rejoices in his Christian liberty—He preaches the gospel to all without charge—He is all things to all men to gain converts. 1 Corinthians 10. Christ is the God of Israel and the spiritual Rock…

1 Corinthians 1-7 “BE PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER” 1 Corinthians 1. True Saints are perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment—Preach the gospel and save souls—The gospel is preached by the weak and the simple. 1 Corinthians 2. The gospel is preached by the power of the Spirit—The Spirit reveals all things to the Saints—The unrepentant natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God.…

Romans 7–16 “OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD” Romans 7. The law of Moses is fulfilled in Christ—Paul delights in the law of God after the inward man. Romans 8. The law of Christ brings life and peace—Those adopted as children of God become joint heirs with Christ—God’s elect are foreordained to eternal life—Christ makes intercession for man. Romans 9. Paul explains how the law of election (foreordination) operates—The people of Israel…

Romans 1–6 “THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION” Romans 1. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation through Jesus Christ—The wrath of God rests on those guilty of murder, homosexual practices, fornication, and other sins if the guilty do not repent. Romans 2. God will render to every person according to his or her deeds—Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged by gospel laws. Romans 3. Man is…

Acts 22–28 “A MINISTER AND A WITNESS” Acts 22. Paul recounts the story of his conversion and also tells of seeing Jesus in a vision—He is accorded some privileges as a Roman citizen. Acts 23. Paul is smitten at Ananias’s order—The Lord again appears to Paul—Forty Jews plot his death—He is delivered over to Felix. Acts 24. Paul is accused of sedition—He answers in defense of his life and doctrine—He…

Acts 16–21 “THE LORD HAD CALLED US FOR TO PREACH THE GOSPEL” Acts 16. Paul is directed in a vision to preach in Macedonia—He casts an evil spirit out of a woman—He and Silas are imprisoned, and they convert the jailor—They admonish all to believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved. Acts 17. Paul and Silas preach and are persecuted in Thessalonica and in Berea—Paul, in Athens, preaches from…

Acts 10–15 “THE WORD OF GOD GREW AND MULTIPLIED” Acts 10. An angel ministers to Cornelius—Peter, in a vision, is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles—The gospel is taught by witnesses—The Holy Ghost falls upon the Gentiles. Acts 11. God grants the gift of repentance to the Gentiles—The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch—The Church is guided by revelation. Acts12. Saul persecutes the Church—The martyrdom of James…

Acts 6–9 “WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO?” Acts 6. The Apostles choose seven to assist them—Stephen is tried before the council. Acts 7. Stephen recounts the history of Israel and names Moses as a prototype of Christ—He testifies of the apostasy in Israel—He sees Jesus on the right hand of God—Stephen’s testimony is rejected, and he is stoned to death. Acts 8. Saul persecutes the Church—Philip’s ministry in…

Acts 1–5 “YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME” Acts 1. Jesus ministers for forty days after His resurrection—The kingdom is to be restored to Israel at a later time—The Twelve are to bear witness in Jerusalem, Judæa, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth—Jesus ascends into heaven—Matthias is chosen to fill the vacancy in the Twelve.Acts 2. The Spirit is poured out on the day of Pentecost—Peter testifies of…

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21 “HE IS RISEN” Matthew 28. Christ the Lord is risen—He appears to many—He has all power in heaven and earth—He sends the Apostles to teach and baptize all nations. Mark 16. Christ is risen—He appears to Mary Magdalene, then to others—He sends the Apostles to preach and promises that signs will follow faith—He ascends into heaven. Luke 24. Angels announce the resurrection…

Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 “IT IS FINISHED” Matthew 27. Jesus is accused and condemned before Pilate—Barabbas is released—Jesus is mocked, crucified, and buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Mark 15. Pilate decrees the death of Jesus—Jesus is mocked and crucified between two thieves—He dies and is buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Luke 23. Jesus is taken before Pilate, then to Herod,…

Luke 22; John 18 “NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE” Luke 22. Jesus institutes the sacrament—He suffers in Gethsemane and is betrayed andarrested—Peter denies knowing Him—Jesus is smitten and mocked. John 18. Jesus is betrayed and arrested—He is examined and maltreated first before Annas, then before Caiaphas—Peter denies knowing Jesus—Jesus is arraigned before Pilate. What does the Jewish sequence of wine followed by breadteach? Analyzing Biblical symbolism and the…

John 14–17 “CONTINUE IN MY LOVE” John 14. Jesus speaks of many mansions—He says that He is the way, the truth, and thelife and that to see Him is to see the Father—He promises the first and second Comforters. John 15. Jesus is the vine; His disciples are the branches—He discourses on the perfect law of love—His servantshave been chosen and ordained by Him—The world hates and fights true religion—He…

Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13 "In Remembrance" Matthew 26. Jesus is anointed—He keeps the Passover and institutes the sacrament—He suffers in Gethsemane, is betrayed by Judas, and is taken before Caiaphas—Peter denies that he knows Jesus. Mark 15. Jesus is anointed with oil—He eats the Passover, institutes the sacrament, suffers in Gethsemane, and is betrayed by Judas—Jesus is falsely accused, and Peter denies that he knows Him. John 13.…

JS-Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21 "The Son of Man Shall Come" JS-Matthew 1. An extract from the translation of the Bible as revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1831: Matthew 23:39 and chapter 24. Matthew 24. Jesus foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple—Great calamities will precede His Second Coming—He gives the parable of the fig tree. Matthew 25. Jesus gives the…

Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18 "What Lack I Yet?" Matthew 19. Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce—Eternal life is for those who keep the commandments—The Twelve Apostles will judge the house of Israel. Matthew 20. Jesus gives the parable of the laborers in the vineyard—He foretells His crucifixion and resurrection—He came to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10. Jesus teaches the higher law of marriage—He…

Luke 12–17; John 11 "Rejoice With Me; For I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost" Luke 12. Jesus teaches, Beware of hypocrisy; lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth; prepare for the coming of the Lord; where much is given, much is required; preaching the gospel causes division. Luke 13. Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on…

John 7–10 "I Am The Good Shepherd" John 7. Jesus’ kinsmen do not believe—He teaches His Father’s doctrine and proclaims His divine sonship—Truth may be known through obedience—Jesus offers living water to all people—The people have various opinions concerning Him. John 8. The woman taken in adultery is brought before Christ—Christ is the Light of the world—He again proclaims that He is the Messiah—The true children of Abraham believe in…

Matthew 18; Luke 10 "What Shall I Do To Inherit Eternal Life?" Matthew 18. Jesus explains how we are to treat our offending brethren—The Son of Man came to save that which was lost—All of the Twelve receive the keys of the kingdom—Jesus explains why we should forgive. Luke 10. Jesus calls, empowers, and instructs the Seventy—They preach and heal—Those who receive Christ’s disciples receive Christ—The Father is revealed by…

Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9 "Art Though The Christ" Matthew 15. The scribes and Pharisees contend against Jesus—He heals the daughter of a gentile woman—He feeds the four thousand. Matthew 16. Jesus warns against the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Christ and is promised the keys of the kingdom—Jesus foretells His death and resurrection. Matthew 17. Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on…

Easter "O Grave, Where Is Thy Victory?" Matthew 21. Jesus rides in triumph into Jerusalem—He cleanses the temple, curses the fig tree, and discusses authority—He gives the parables of the two sons and the wicked husbandmen. Matthew 22. Jesus gives the parable of the marriage of the king’s son—Pay tribute to Cæsar and to God—Worldly marriages endure in this life only—The first commandment is to love the Lord—Jesus asks, What…

Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6 "Be Not Afraid" Matthew 14. John the Baptist is beheaded—Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the sea—Those who touch the hem of His garment are made whole. Mark 6. Jesus sends forth the Twelve—John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod—Our Lord feeds the five thousand, walks on the water, and heals multitudes. John 5. Jesus heals an invalid on the Sabbath—He explains…

Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13 "Who Hathe Ears To Hear, Let Him Hear" Matthew 13. Jesus explains why He teaches with parables—He gives the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, the grain of mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea—A prophet is not honored by his own people. Luke 8. Jesus gives…

Matthew 11–12; Luke 11 "I Will Give You Rest" Matthew 11 Jesus acclaims John as more than a prophet—The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are rebuked for unbelief—The Son reveals the Father—The yoke of Christ is easy, and His burden is light. Matthew 12Jesus proclaims Himself Lord of the Sabbath and heals on the Sabbath day—He is accused of casting out devils through the power of Beelzebub—He speaks of…

Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9 "These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth" Matthew 9 Jesus forgives sins, heals a paralytic, and calls Matthew—Jesus eats with sinners, heals a woman who touches His garments, and raises Jairus’s daughter to life—He opens the eyes of the blind, casts out a devil, and preaches the gospel. Matthew 10. Jesus instructs and empowers the Twelve Apostles and sends them forth to preach, minister, and heal…

Matthew 6–7 "Thy Faith Has Saved Thee" Matthew 8. Jesus heals a leper, cures the centurion’s servant and others, stills the tempest, and casts out devils—The devils enter a herd of swine. Mark 2. Jesus forgives sins, heals a paralytic, eats with tax gatherers and sinners, and announces that He is Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 3. Jesus heals on the Sabbath day—He chooses and ordains the Twelve Apostles—He asks,…

Matthew 6–7 "He Taught Them As One Having Authority" Matthew 6. Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount—He teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer—They are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matthew 7. Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount—He commands, Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father. How biblical is “giving?”…

Matthew 6; Luke 6 "Blessed Are Ye" Matthew 5. Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount—Its teachings replace and transcend some aspects of the law of Moses—All are commanded to be perfect like their Father in Heaven. Luke 6. Jesus heals on the Sabbath—He chooses the Twelve Apostles—He pronounces blessings upon the obedient and woes upon the wicked. How can I visualize the Mount of Beatitudes? It is a peaceful…

John 2–4 "Ye Must Be Born Again" John 2. Jesus turns water into wine in Cana—He attends the Passover, cleanses the temple, foretells His death and resurrection, and performs miracles. John 3. Jesus tells Nicodemus that men must be born again—God so loved the world that He sent His Only Begotten Son to save men—John the Baptist testifies that he that believes on the Son has everlasting life. John 4.…

Matthew 4; Luke 4-5 "The Spirit Of The Lord Is Upon Me" Matthew 4. Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted—He begins His ministry, calls disciples, and heals the sick. Luke 4. Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted by the devil—Jesus announces His divine sonship in Nazareth and is rejected—He casts out a devil in Capernaum, heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and preaches and heals throughout Galilee. Luke 5. Peter, the…

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord" Matthew 3. John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is baptized, and the Father acclaims Him as His Beloved Son. Mark 1. Jesus is baptized by John—He preaches the gospel, calls disciples, casts out devils, heals the sick, and cleanses a leper. Luke 3. John the Baptist preaches and baptizes—Jesus is baptized, and God acclaims Him as His…

John 1 "We Have Found The Messiah" John 1. Christ is the Word of God—He created all things and was made flesh—John baptizes Jesus and testifies that He is the Lamb of God—John, Andrew, Simon, Philip, and Nathanael believe in Christ and follow Him. How does pre-mortal life prepare us to serve in mortality? Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to…

Matthew 2; Luke 2 "We Have Come To Worship Him" Matthew 2. The wise men are directed by a star to Jesus—Joseph takes the child to Egypt—Herod slays the children in Bethlehem—Jesus is taken to Nazareth to dwell. Luke 2. Heavenly messengers herald the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—He is circumcised, and Simeon and Anna prophesy of His mission—At twelve years of age, He goes about His Father’s business. What…

Matthew 1; Luke 1 "Be It Unto Me According To Thy Word" Matthew 1. Christ is born of Mary—She conceives by the power of the Holy Ghost—Our Lord is named Jesus. Luke 1. Gabriel promises Zacharias that Elisabeth will bear a son, whom they will name John—He also tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God—Mary visits Elisabeth and utters a psalm of praise—John the…

The New Testament "We Are Responsible For Our Own Learning" The Holy Land and Jewish insights are being shared with you so that the teacher and student can “go back” to the setting in which the scriptures were given and also to better understand the general Jewish views of those scriptures. Jewish views have varied with time and dispersion. Yet understanding the Jews (basically Judah) will help Joseph in the…

Christmas "We Have Waited For Him, And He Will Save Us" Christmas, to the Latter-day Saint, is both reminiscent and prophetic—a reminder of two great and solemn events, which will yet be regarded universally as the mightiest and most wonderful happenings in the history of the human race. These events were predestined to take place upon this planet before it was created. One of these was the coming of the…

Malachi "I Have Loved You, Saith The Lord" Malachi 1. The Jews despise the Lord by offering polluted bread upon the altar and by sacrificing animals with blemishes—The Lord’s name will be great among the Gentiles. Malachi 2. The priests are reproved for not keeping their covenants and not teaching the people—The Jews are condemned for dealing treacherously with one another and with their wives. Malachi 3. The Lord’s messenger…

Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14 "Holiness Unto The Lord" Haggai 1. Haggai exhorts the people to build the temple. Haggai 2. Haggai speaks about the Messiah—The Desire of All Nations will come—The Lord will give peace in His temple. Zechariah 1. Zechariah calls upon Judah to repent—He is shown in vision that the cities of Judah and the temple will be rebuilt. Zechariah 2. In the last days, Judah will gather…

Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah "His Ways Are Everlasting" Nahum 1. Nahum speaks of the burning of the earth at the Second Coming and of the mercy and power of the Lord. Nahum 2. Nineveh will be destroyed, which is a symbol of what will be in the latter days. Nahum 3. The miserable downfall of Nineveh is foretold. Habakkuk 1. When Habakkuk learns that the Lord will raise up the Chaldeans…

Jonah; Micah "Her Delighteth In Mercy" Jonah 1. Jonah is sent to call Nineveh to repentance—He flees on a ship, is cast into the sea, and is swallowed by a great fish. Jonah 2. Jonah prays to the Lord, and the fish vomits him out on dry ground. Jonah 3. Jonah prophesies the downfall of Nineveh—The people repent, and the city is saved. Jonah 4. Jonah is displeased with the…

Amos; Obadiah "Seek The Lord, And Ye Shall Live" Amos 1. Amos shows the Lord’s judgments upon Syria, the Philistines, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon. Amos 2. The Lord will pour out judgments upon Moab, Judah, and Israel for their unrighteousness. Amos 3. The Lord reveals His secrets unto His servants the prophets—Because Israel rejects the prophets and follows evil, the nation is overwhelmed by an adversary. Amos 4. The Lord…

Hosea 1–6; 10–14; Joël "I Will Love Them Freely" Hosea 1. Hosea and his family are a sign unto Israel—In the day of gathering, the people of Israel will become the sons of the living God. Hosea 2. Worshipping false gods brings severe judgments upon Israel—In the last days, Israel will be reconciled to God and become His people. Hosea 3. Israel will seek the Lord, return to the Lord,…

Daniel 1–6 "There Is No Other God That Can Deliver" Daniel 1. Daniel and certain Hebrews are trained in the court of Nebuchadnezzar—They eat plain food and drink no wine—God gives them knowledge and wisdom beyond all others. Daniel 2. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is revealed to Daniel—The king saw a great image, a stone cut from the mountain without hands destroyed the image, and the stone grew and filled the whole…

Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47 "A New Spirit Will I Put Within You" Ezekiel 1. Ezekiel sees in vision four living creatures, four wheels, and the glory of God on His throne. Ezekiel 2. Ezekiel is called to take the word of the Lord to Israel—He sees a book in which lamentations and mourning are written. Ezekiel 3. Ezekiel is made a watchman unto the house of Israel—The blood of…

Jeremiah 30–33; 36; Lamentations 1; 3 "I Will Turn Their Mourning Into Joy" Jeremiah 30. In the last days, Judah and Israel will be gathered to their own lands—David, their king (the Messiah), will reign over them. Jeremiah 31. In the last days, Israel will be gathered—The Lord declares that Ephraim has the birthright as the firstborn—The Lord will make a new covenant with Israel, to be inscribed in the…

Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20 66 "Before I Formed Thee In The Belly I Knew Thee" Jeremiah 1. Jeremiah was foreordained to be a prophet unto the nations—He is called as a mortal to declare the word of the Lord. Jeremiah 2. The people of Judah forsook the Lord, the fountain of living waters—They worshipped idols and rejected the prophets. Jeremiah 3. Israel and Judah defiled and polluted the land…

Isaiah 58-66 "The Redeemer Shall Come To Zion" Isaiah 58. Isaiah speaks as the Messiah—He will have the tongue of the learned—He will give His back to the smiters—He will not be confounded—Compare2 Nephi 7. Isaiah 59. In the last days, the Lord will comfort Zion and gather Israel—The redeemed will come to Zion amid great joy—Compare 2 Nephi 8. Isaiah 60. In the last days, Zion will return, and…

Isaiah 50-57 "He Hath Borne Our Griefs, And Carried Our Sorrows" Isaiah 50. Isaiah speaks as the Messiah—He will have the tongue of the learned—He will give His back to the smiters—He will not be confounded—Compare2 Nephi 7. Isaiah 51. In the last days, the Lord will comfort Zion and gather Israel—The redeemed will come to Zion amid great joy—Compare 2 Nephi 8. Isaiah 52. In the last days, Zion…

Isaiah 40-49 "Comfort Ye My People" Isaiah 40. Isaiah speaks about the Messiah—Prepare ye the way of the Lord—He will feed His flock like a shepherd—Israel’s God is incomparably great. Isaiah 41. To Israel the Lord says, Ye are my servants; I will preserve you—Idols are nothing—One will bring good tidings to Jerusalem. Isaiah 42. Isaiah speaks about the Messiah—The Lord will bring His law and His justice, be a…

Isaiah 13–14; 24-30; 35 "A Marvelous Work And A Wonder" Isaiah 13. The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming—It will be a day of wrath and vengeance—Babylon (the world) will fall forever—Compare 2 Nephi 23. Isaiah 14. Israel will be gathered and enjoy millennial rest—Lucifer was cast out of heaven for rebellion—Israel will triumph over Babylon (the world)—Compare 2 Nephi 24. Isaiah 24.…

Isaiah 1–12 "God Is My Salvation" Isaiah 1. The people of Israel are apostate, rebellious, and corrupt; only a few remain faithful—The people’s sacrifices and feasts are rejected—They are called upon to repent and work righteousness—Zion will be redeemed in the day of restoration. Isaiah 2. Isaiah sees the latter-day temple, gathering of Israel, and millennial judgment and peace—The proud and wicked will be brought low at the Second Coming—Compare…

Proverbs 1-4; 15-16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1-3; 11-12 "The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Wisdom" Proverbs 1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—If sinners entice you, do not consent—Those who hearken to wisdom will dwell safely. Proverbs 2. The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—Walk in the way of good men. Proverbs 3. Write mercy and truth upon the tablet of your heart—Trust…

Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150 "Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord" Psalm 102. The psalmist offers a prayer of the afflicted—Zion will be built up when the Lord appears in His glory—Though the heaven and earth perish, the Lord who created them will endure forever. Psalm 103. David exhorts the Saints to bless the Lord for His mercy—The Lord is merciful unto those who keep His…

Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 86–86 "I Will Declare What He Has Done For My Soul" Psalm 49. Men cannot be ransomed or redeemed by wealth—God alone can redeem a soul from the grave—The glory of a rich man ceases with his death. Psalm 50. Asaph speaks of the Second Coming—The Lord accepts the sacrifices of the righteous and will deliver them—Those whose conduct is right will see the salvation…

Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46 "The Lord Is My Shepherd" Psalm 1. Blessed are the righteous—The ungodly will perish. Psalm 2. A messianic psalm—The heathen will rage against the Lord’s anointed—The Lord speaks of His Son, whom He has begotten. Psalm 8. A messianic psalm of David—He says that babes and children praise the Lord—He asks, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? Psalm 19. David testifies,…

Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42 "Yet Will I Trust In Him" Job 1. Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches—Satan obtains permission from the Lord to tempt and try Job—Job’s property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord. Job 2. Satan obtains permission from the Lord to afflict Job physically—Job is smitten with boils—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to…

Esther "Thou Art Come... For Such A Time As This" Esther 1. Ahasuerus of Persia and Media makes royal feasts—Vashti disobeys the king and is deposed as queen. Esther 2. Ahasuerus seeks a new queen—Mordecai presents Esther—Esther pleases the king and is chosen as queen—Mordecai exposes a plot against the king. Esther 3. Mordecai, the Jew, refuses to bow to Haman—Haman arranges a decree to kill all the Jews in…

Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6 "I Am Doing A Great Work" Ezra 1. King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple—Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra 3. The altar is rebuilt—Regular sacrifices are reinstituted—The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing. Ezra 4. The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work—The building…

2 Kings 17-25 "He Trusted In The Lord God Of Israel" 2 Kings 17. Hoshea reigns in Israel and is subject to the Assyrians—The Israelites forsake the Lord, worship idols, serve Baal, and reject all that the Lord has given them—The ten tribes are carried away captive by the kings of Assyria—The land of Israel (Samaria) is repopulated by other people—Many forms of false worship are found among the Samaritans.…

2 Kings 2-7 "There Is A Prophet In Israel" 2 Kings 2. Elisha and the prophets know that Elijah is to be translated—Elijah divides the waters of the Jordan and is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind—The mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha, who also divides the waters of the Jordan—Elisha heals the waters of Jericho—Youths are torn by bears for mocking Elisha. 2 Kings 3. Jehoram of Israel…

1 Kings 17-19 "If The Lord Be God, Follow Him" 1 Kings 17. Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by the ravens—At his command the barrel of flour and the jar of oil of the widow of Zarephath never become empty—He raises her son from death. 1 Kings 18. Elijah is sent to meet Ahab—Obadiah saves a hundred prophets and meets Elijah—Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call…

2 Samuel 5-7; 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11 "Thy Kingdom Shall Be Established Forever" 2 Samuel 5. All Israel anoints David king—He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord—He conquers the Philistines. 2 Samuel 6. David takes the ark to the city of David—Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies—David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal. 2 Samuel 7. David offers…

1 Samuel 8-10; 15-18 "The Battle Is The Lord's" 1 Samuel 8. Samuel’s sons take bribes and pervert judgment—The Israelites seek for a king to rule over them—Samuel rehearses the nature and evils of kingly rule—The Lord consents to give them a king. 1 Samuel 9. Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person—He is sent to seek his father’s asses—The Lord reveals to Samuel…

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-3 "My Heart Rejoiceth In The Lord" Ruth 1 Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine—His sons marry—The father and sons die—Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi—They come to Bethlehem. Ruth 2. Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi—He treats Ruth kindly. Ruth 3. By Naomi’s instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz—He…

Judges 2–4; 6-8; 13-16 "The Lord Raised Up A Deliverer" Judges 3. The children of Israel intermarry with the Canaanites, worship false gods, and are cursed—Othniel judges the Israelites—They serve Moab and are delivered by Ehud, who slays Eglon. Judges 4. Deborah, a prophetess, judges Israel—She and Barak deliver Israel from the Canaanites—Jael, a woman, slays Sisera, the Canaanite. An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord—As a pattern…

Joshua 1–8; 23-24 "Be Strong And Of Good Courage" Joshua 1. The Lord speaks to Joshua—He is commanded to be of good courage, to meditate upon the law, and to keep the commandments—He prepares Israel to enter Canaan. Joshua 2. Joshua sends spies to Jericho—They are received and concealed by Rahab—They promise to preserve Rahab and her household. Joshua 3. Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan—The Lord cuts off the…

Deuteronomy 6-8; 15; 18; 29-30; 34 "Beware Lest Thou Forget The Lord" Deuteronomy 6. Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper. Deuteronomy 7. Israel is to destroy the seven nations of Canaan—Marriages with them are…