Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

Week #7 Objective: Demonstrate the transition from the judges to the early kings and concludes with the contrast between the lives of Kings Saul and David.

This lesson peruses the Books of I & II Samuel. It shows the transition from the judges to the early kings of Israel. As was demonstrated in the last lesson, the period of the judges featured a lot of sin and corruption for the children of Israel. The Israelite priesthood, under the leadership of Eli and his two sons, who also served as judges when there were no other judges in the land, was not only evil, but brought a lot of corruption upon the Israelites. Eli’s two sons used the sacrificial system for their personal gain and also committed gross sexual sins, all the while refusing to heed their father’s warnings. As such, the Israelites did what was right in their own eyes (Jud 21:25). This brought God to judge the house of Eli and establish Samuel as a priest and prophet over Israel. Samuel was regarded as a national leader, second only to Moses.i Author and date of I & II Samuel The Books of I & II Samuel originally formed one united work in the Hebrew writings, simply known as the Book of Samuel. It is a history book of the events between the birth of Samuel and the death of King David. While Samuel’s name appears in the title, the book itself does not name an author. It is likely that the Prophet Samuel, or one of his contemporaries, wrote the book or supplied the information for compilation years later. Some biblical scholars claim that Abiathar the priest wrote this book long after the death of Samuel, while others claim the Prophets Samuel (up to the time of his death), Nathan, and Gad wrote the original information, having it compiled later. The date of the writings could have been as early as 1150 B.C., or many scholars believe it was compiled sometime between 931 B.C., after the division of Israel, and the exile of the Northern Kingdom in 722 B.C.

Samuel Samuel’s birth The Old Testament gives us a story of an important high priest and prophet of God that brought about the first king of Israel. A godly Israelite woman named Hannah was barren and sought God for a child. She made a vow to Him that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to God, giving him to the temple at Shiloh to have him raised in the “House of the Lord.” God honored Hannah’s prayer and she had a male son. She named him Samuel, which translated in Hebrew means “the name of God,” or “heard of God.”ii Upon his weaning, Hannah brought Samuel to the temple to be raised under the High Priest Eli. This was during a period when the religion of Israel was at its all-time low. High Priest Eli failed to teach his own sons to revere God. Under his jurisdiction, his sons assumed priestly responsibilities, taking advantage of the people as they came to sacrifice and worship. Samuel grew up under the care of High Priest Eli while his sons disobeyed the commands and promises of the Lord. God preserved Samuel; he was dedicated to the Lord and his heart was to serve Him only. Eli’s sons were eventually killed in battle, and the news shocked Eli terribly and he fell down and broke his neck. As one version of the scriptures say, “he fell down because he was so fat.” Samuel as priest and prophet Eventually, Samuel became Israel’s high priest and prophet unto God. While some scholars have considered Samuel to be the last and greatest judge over Israel, most scholars do not classify him as a judge. Just as Eli had done in the past, Samuel only served as judge when there were no others. He regularly committed himself to visiting several cities in his area of service; however, he served primarily as high priest and prophet of God, joining a prophetic bank or group of prophets. 1

Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

Samuel, a man of God, served the people faithfully and honestly, seeking only God’s best for them. He called the people to repentance – to forsake their idols, and turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Under Samuel’s leadership, the Israelites confessed their sins to God and put away their false idols. When they did, the Lord again delivered them from the Philistines and Israel recovered the territory it had lost earlier to them. Toward the end of his life, Samuel delegated his responsibilities to his two sons. They, however, did not have the godly traits like their father. The people of Israel became restless, murmured and complained that they were not like their surrounding nations who had ruling kings over them. Fearing external threats from the Philistines, Amalekites, and Ammonites, the Israelites cried out for a king to lead them into battle. It wasn’t God’s desire to give His people a king, for it showed their rejection of Him and a denial of their covenant relationship. That relationship included His protection over them, even in battle. The Lord, however, showed Samuel that He was angry with His children, and as such, He would give them what they wanted. God then told Samuel that He would reveal to him the person whom He wanted as Israel’s king.

Amalek

Gilgal

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Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

The rise to monarchy would mark the end of theocracy, where the leadership was under Yahweh through the prophets and the high priests. This would now place Israel under the hands of one man – the king. Would the Israelites forget about their God and place their trust in their king? That will be revealed as we continue this lesson.

Saul One day Samuel, as he was ministering as priest and prophet, as well as filled in as circuit judge, was officiating at the offering of a sacrifice. A donkey herder, who was a tall, handsome and “seemingly” humble man from the tribe of Benjamin came to Samuel the prophet, seeking the location of his father’s straying donkeys. Samuel, being earlier forewarned by God of his coming, came to know that Saul, son of Kish, was God’s choice for Israel’s first king. Saul anointed as the 1st king of Israel This Benjaminite, named Saul, was an industrious, generous, seemingly honest, and modest man who was widely accepted by the people. Extremely tall, even to the point of being considered a giant, Saul was also a successful military leader. Benjaminites lived on the border between Ephraim and Judah; thus, Saul would be appealing to both the northern and southern sections of Israel, should any enemy force come against any portion of their nation. Saul, as a strong military leader, could then pull the tribes together as a nation, as well as be a strong opponent to opposing enemy forces. In addition, Saul’s son Jonathan was also a strong military leader, so between both of them, they potentially were able to hold or win over any enemy nation.iii Samuel privately anointed Saul as king, indicating kingship was a sacred trust. He later assembled all of the leaders and people of Israel together at Gilgal (see map above). Saul was the guest of honor at this “sacrificial feast” and Samuel publicly endorsed him as king over Israel. He reminded the people that even though kingship was not God’s best for them, God has granted their request. On the basis of what God had done in the past, Samuel assured the people of national prosperity, providing the king and his citizens obey the Law – meaning the Mosaic Law.iv Saul’s reign as king lasted twenty years. In the beginning, Saul was a successful king. He was a worshiper of Yahweh, not idols, and expelled mediums and spiritists out of Israel. He was praised for his leadership. He defeated Israel’s enemies, freeing them from outside oppression. He was a warrior who led his nation in numerous military victories against the Philistines, and secured the borders by defeating Moab, Ammon, Edom and Syria.v His constant enemy, however, remained with the Philistines. First Samuel 13-14 records his effectiveness as a military leader. The failings of King Saul Saul was also a man who wanted to do things his own way. His first disobedience to Samuel’s instruction (as high priest and prophet of God), which meant disobedience to the Lord, came to him about two years after he had become king. As the Philistines, having a large army of 30,000 chariots, 6000 horses, and as many soldiers as the sands of the sea, approached to battle Israel at Gilgal, Saul’s small army came forth in fear not wanting to do battle. Samuel, operating as high priest and prophet specifically told Saul to wait on the other side of the Jordan River for seven days before going to battle. Samuel would then give a sacrifice to God for their victory. Samuel, however, did not show up by the seventh day so Saul took the initiative to set up the sacrifice to God himself. Immediately thereafter, Samuel showed up. Saul went out to greet him, but the Lord had revealed to him what Saul had done. This disobedience cost Saul’s right to pass on the kingship to his sons (I Sam 13:13-14) 1 Sam 13:13-14 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command." NIV

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Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

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The Lord, however, through the hands of Jonathan, Saul’s son, had mercy upon His people, and they were saved from the Philistines that day. Sometime later, Saul made a rash oath and tried to apply it in a foolish manner. On a day the people needed strength to fight their enemies, Saul pronounced a curse against anyone who would eat before Israel had won total victory. The people’s intense hunger led them to sin by eating meat “with blood in it,” meaning it was not “kosher,” after they had won the battle. When Saul discovered that his son Jonathan, ignorant of his father’s curse, ate some honey that day, he resolved Jonathan should die. Fortunately, the people prevented Saul from killing his son. Again, later, Saul failed to follow God’s instructions concerning the Amalekites. Through Samuel, the Lord instructed Saul to destroy every Amalekites – men, women, children, flock and cattle. This time, Saul had a large army, ready to defeat the Amalekites. Saul, however, spared the best of the flocks and herds, claiming he would sacrifice them to the Lord. He also spared the king of the Amalekites. Again, Samuel confronted Saul. Saul gave excuses, saying they were meant for sacrifices. That act cost him to be rejected as king over Israel by the Lord. Samuel, as a prophet of God gave him this stinging reply:vi 1 Sam 15:22-23 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." The death of Samuel and the sins of King Saul Each year Saul’s heart was hardened toward the things of the Lord. Toward the end of his reign, Samuel the prophet and high priest died. Saul had used Samuel for a consultant and seer as to important decisions that needed to be made. He was now faced with another problem that needed an answer; however Samuel was dead, and he was desperate for answers. Saul then did a detestable thing. In desperation to reach Samuel’s spirit, he went to a spiritualistic medium known as the witch of Endor. Saul knew the Mosiac Law, and how such things were forbidden, but he chose to disobey. The Mosaic Law forbade the Hebrew nation to engage in the detestable practices of other nations, which included witchcraft, consultation with familiar (evil) spirits, and necromancy (communication with the dead). This disobedience cost Saul his life. The Philistines killed King Saul’s three sons in battle. Tragically, Saul’s sons were affected by the judgment of God upon their father. If they had not been killed, they, especially Jonathon, would have been in line for the throne. God, however, had other plans for the throne of Israel. In opposition, Saul had one other son – Ishbosheth, whom David, the next king, would have to deal with before taking the undisputed throne of Israel. The death of King Saul The battle against the Philistines was fierce. King Saul and his men were losing as the Philistines trampled over them. Saul was severely wounded and told his armorbearer to thrust his sword into him to finish it off. His armorbearer, however, refused to do so. Therefore, Saul took his own life by falling upon his sword. The story of King Saul is one of the most pathetic accounts of God’s servants in all of the Bible. Saul’s striking appearance as he began his reign turned into pride. The initiative he began in his rule turned into rebellion toward the things of God. The bravery he once showed in his military leadership turned into recklessness and carelessness. His patriotic leadership became filled with demonic influence and the once dedicated, humble leader that God chose to rule His people ended in suicide.vii

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Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

David Backtracking a few years earlier to when Samuel was still alive: Saul had sinned against God, and through the prophet Samuel, God told him that a new king would be replacing him. To find that replacement, Samuel was told to go to the house of Jesse. Young David David, the youngest son of Jesse, great grandson of Boaz, was chosen to be the next king of Israel. His father Jesse was a respected citizen of Bethlehem, and his mother was remembered for her godliness. Being the youngest of eight sons, David’s task was to tend his father’s sheep. This young son of Jesse displayed an outstanding musical talent with the harp, and often he played it while tending sheep. After Samuel looked over all of Jesse’s sons, the anointing went on the youngest. The choosing did not come by stature, but the attitude of the heart. The anointing of David, by Samuel, came about in a private ceremony. After the anointing, David went back to doing what he had always done - tending sheep. King Saul’s depression and insanity As King Saul continued in his reign, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. As such, Saul was subject to moods of depression and even insanity. His attendants advised him to secure a harpist whose music might sooth his spirit. Young David became that harpist. As harpist for Saul, David not only soothed his king, but was exposed to governmental affairs, a task that would later prepare him for his service as king of Israel. David came in when needed to play for the king and then returned home to care for his father’s sheep. David and Goliath Sometime later, while at home in Bethlehem, the Philistines had pushed eastward from Ekron and Gath, right on the border of Israelite territory. Saul had led his troops to meet the enemy. Three of David's brothers were part of Saul’s troops, and Jesse as a concerned father, sent his youngest son David to the battle front to check up on his boys.

The Philistines The Philistines, newly arrivals, were of Indo-European descent, who settled along the coastline of Canaan – the southwest part of Palestine. They drove inland and conquered the Egyptian garrisons from the cities which commanded the military road through Canaan. The Philistines were the principal enemy of and the major political threat to Israel. They were greatly feared. The Philistines had a highly organized city-state system comprised of five towns in southwest Palestine: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Each of the city-states was ruled by a "lord" a kinglike figure...a kinglet. The Philistines were pagan worshippers. Ashtoreth (Fertility goddess) Baalzebub (lord of the flies), and Dagon appeared to have been the chief gods of the Philistines. There were temples distributed throughout their land in worship of these gods or goddesses. One of the things the Philistine warrior did before going into battle was go through a cursing ritual just prior to the confrontation of war.

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Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

While David was approaching Saul’s troops to check on his brothers, Goliath, a giant, boastful of his strength, and his army were preparing to fight Saul. For 40 days, Goliath had challenged Saul to send someone forward who was willing to fight him one-on-one. If that person could not defeat him, however, the Israelites would have to serve the Philistines. Day after day Goliath continued his challenge, and was equipped and ready to engage in close-range combat. His purpose was to scare the enemy first, and winning would easily follow right after that. Saul’s troops cowered in fear. Saul gave a promised of one of his daughters to the person who would volunteer to fight and win over Goliath. That victor would have a king’s daughter for a wife. He also promised to free the victor's family from taxation. When David heard the challenge, he came forth to volunteer to slay the giant. Everyone else cowered in fear. David's strategy was to fight him at a distance, not in close-range combat. Taking five smooth stones from a brook, David faced Goliath with only a sling and his unflinching faith in God. Goliath fell, struck by a stone in the head from David's sling. He then cut off his head as a sign of victory. The rest of the Philistine army ran in fear. David became the hero over the Philistine.

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David returned with Saul and the troops back to the palace. There were shouts of victory, but the shouts were for David and his defeat of Goliath the giant, not for Saul. This aroused jealousy and animosity within the heart of Saul. Young David was now a threat. In spite of any threat, David remained at Saul’s palace and did not return to his father’s house. He was given Saul’s daughter, Michel, as a wife, and he settled into residency at the palace. Jonathan, Saul’s son, admired David for his bravery, and soon they became good friends. In spite of the hatred that was building up in Saul over David, Jonathon and David remained close friends until death. The division of Saul toward David As David's popularity grew, Saul's fear increased until he could no longer hide his desire to kill him. David was forced to flee from Saul. On two occasions, Saul tried to kill David with a spear. David gathered a handful of fugitives as his followers and fled from Saul. He spent the next sixteen months in the territory of the Philistines with Saul on pursuit for his death. David often ran from Saul, but there were times when he hid at a close distance away. On at least two occasions, David could have killed Saul while he slept, but he refused to do so, claiming that he could not touch the anointed, meaning the king whom God put into office. He took extreme measures to prove his loyalty to King Saul. In addition, if David had killed the king, he would have entered the office of the throne through his own personal violence. Only God would put him on the throne.

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Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

When the Philistines battled Saul and his army at Gilboa, they were victorious. Saul and three of his sons died, one being Jonathon. When David heard the news, he mourned. The tribe of Judah, to whom David belonged to, then elected him as king of Judah and placed him on the throne in Hebron. In another part of Israel, the rest of the tribes of Israel set up Ishbosheth, Saul's last surviving son, as king. For the next two years civil war raged between these two factions. It ended in the assassination of Ishbosheth. David elected king On the death of Ishbosheth, David was elected king over the people of Israel. All Israel’s tribes gathered at Hebron and anointed him king over the entire nation. Still a divided nation, King David immediately began work to establish a United Kingdom. One of his first acts as king was to attack the fortified city of Jebus. Although the inhabitants of Jebus thought their city safe from capture, David and his army came in like a storm and overtook it. David then changed the name of Jebus to Jerusalem. This new capital city strategically stood on the border of the southern tribe of Judah and the other tribal territories to the north. This location would contribute greatly to the unity of his kingdom. King David took steps to secure his borders and even move beyond them. His reign marked the beginning of the Israelite Empire. He did, however, have to continue in war to protect the fortification and security of Israel. For some nations, he and his armies battled in combat, while others were forced to pay tribute to Israel, while other nations had covenant arrangements with King David. David established a worship center For the first 7 ½ years of his 40-year reign, David ruled from Hebron. He then designated Jerusalem capital of Israel and placed the tabernacle in the city. To establish it as a capital, David had the Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem to have it rest within the tabernacle. David and the House of Israel played music on all kinds of instruments. David dance before the Lord as the shouts and sounds of the trumpets ushered in the Ark of the Covenant. As the procession moved along, David’s wife, Michel, who was Saul’s daughter, saw her husband and despised him as he leaped, shouted, and danced to the Lord in his ephod. As such, God made her barren. When the Ark of the Covenant came to rest in the midst of the tabernacle, David then offered burnt and peace offerings before the Lord. He then blessed the people in the name of the Lord. David then proceeded to re-establish and strengthen the worship of God at the tabernacle. He began plans to build a temple in the new capital city, however, God brought a halt to his plans, telling him that there was too much blood on his hands, meaning in order to maintain peace for the land of Israel meant continuous war with his neighboring nations. The building of the Temple would be entrusted to his successor. God then covenanted with David. The Davidic Covenant God spoke to King David through Nathan the prophet. This unconditional covenant made between God and David promised him and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from his lineage and the tribe of Judah. He would establish a kingdom that would endure forever. God did not place conditions of obedience upon his covenant - it rested solely on God’s faithfulness and did not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience. The Covenant centered on several promises made to David: 1) God reaffirmed the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel, meaning the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants. God reconfirmed in His promise that Israel was the place for His people and they did not need to move any more. 2) The descendants (or seed) of David would succeed him as king of Israel and the throne of David would be established forever. This is in reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

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Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

HIST100

The Davidic Covenant (Unconditional) 2 Sam 7:8-14 "Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. "'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. NIV The Abrahamic Covenant (Unconditional)

The Mosaic Covenant (Conditional)

Gen 13:14-17 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." NIV

Taken from Exodus 19-24. This covenant centered around God’s divine Law,s as given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The people agreed to the covenant when they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” This covenant was to serve and set the nation of Israel apart from all other nations as God’s chosen people. God promised to make Israel “a kingdom of priest and a holy nation.” They were to be a separate and called-out nation. The promises, however, are directly related to Israel’s obedience to the Mosaic Law. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. This covenant is a bilateral agreement, which specifies the obligations of both parties to the covenant.

David was a worshipper to the Lord. His love of worship began on the harp when he was a young man. As king, he also arranged worship services in the sanctuary, and had several musical directors under him. He composed many psalms in which we see in the Book of Psalms. David and Bathsheba David was also a righteous man and king, however, he was still subject to sin. On one occasion when his army went to battle, David stayed home. Overlooking the balcony of the palace one evening, he saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah bathing on her roof. This led to the sin of adultery and Bathsheba became pregnant. Then in an effort to cover his sin, he put Uriah on the front lines and he was killed in battle. The prophet Nathan confronted him on his wrongdoing. Faced with his sin, David repented and asked for God's forgiveness. He sought to make restitution. His heart then 8

Old Testament Survey I

Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

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turned back to the things of the Lord. There are, however, consequences to sin. The infant son born to David and Bathsheba died. Sadly, David was not a good example for a husband and father. There was continuous sibling rivalries between his sons. The results of David’s parenting will show up in the next course – Old Testament Survey II, as lesson I begins with the reign of Solomon, son of King David. David died at the age of 71, reigning for 40 years. King David As As As As

king – musician warrior/military manreligious leader -

As man -

Set the standard for all of the following kings of Israel Gave encouragement through music in the lives of his people He was resourceful and courageous Many of his devotional literature has been recorded in Scripture for all generations He had a repentant heart and loved the Lord

A Comparison – Kings Saul and David As we close this lesson, as well as this course, it is important to make a comparison between the lives of Saul and David. God judges by the heart, not by outside appearances. The following chart gives a brief comparison between Saul and David:

Saul and David – A Comparison Saul Background Physical characteristics Calling Temperament Spiritual characteristics Dynasty

David

A donkey herder whom God called out of obscurity: from the tribe of Benjamin An impressive young man without equal among the Israelites; a head taller than any of the others Chosen by God to be Israel’s king; anointed by Samuel; endowed with God’s Spirit Foolish, headstrong Disobedient; God’s Spirit replaced by an evil spirit; rebellious; arrogant Cut off by God

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A shepherd whom God called out of obscurity; from the tribe A ruddy young man with a fine appearance and handsome features. Chosen by God to be Israel’s king; anointed by Samuel; endowed with God’s Spirit Wise, cautious A man after God’s own heart; obedient; found strength in God; gave praise to God for victory. Scripture traces the genealogy of Jesus Christ back to King David. God also promised David a kingdom that would never end. Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy.

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Week #7 Samuel to Kings Saul and David

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This Lesson’s Application Throughout this course, we have seen God’s love, mercy, and grace as His people have continuously disobeyed Him. What God desires from His people is faith and obedience. The leaders and the children of Israel were not perfect; however, when they continued in the faith, obedience followed. God then extended His grace upon them. The same is true even today. God wants His children to have faith in Him. While obedience is the optimum, and ultimately impossible in its entirety, but should be strived for, God continues to extend His love, grace and mercy upon us.

End Notes i

Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament. Moody Press. Chicago. 1978. ibid iii Nelson’s Bible Dictionary. PC Bible Software. iv th Schultz, Samuel J. The Old Testament Speaks: A Complete Survey of Old Testament History and Literature. 4 ed. HarperCollins Publishers/HarperSanFrancisco. New York. 1990. v Arnold, Bill T. & Beyer, Bryan E. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. Baker Books. Grand Rapids, MI. 1998. vi ibid vii Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament. Moody Press. Chicago. 1978. ii

© Copywritten by Joyce Erickson. All rights reserved.

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