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DAY CLASS � Meets ��� to ����� AM

CHRISTIAN LIFE STUDY

For Adults In The

OLD TESTAMENT

JOB� RUTH� HOSEA� JONAH � PSALMS

"GOD'S COVENANT LOVE." INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION Page Table of Contents a Introduction to Life Bible Study b Adult personal Study Guide c Map of Canaan $ Tribes of Israel d A Representation of Solomon&s Temple e DAY CLASS

Schedule & Events

Class Meets: 9:30 to 11:30 AM Thursdays * Group Luncheons

Date Lesson No'

JOB ౼ OT �� ��� BC �

RIGHTEOUS JOB PERSERVERES IN SUFFERING (James *+,,-

x Job&s Faith Tested by Satan (,+, to 0+,1- JOB23,

x Job Seeks Answers for His Suffering (1+, to 7+0,- JOB230

x Bildad and Zophar Accuse Job of Sin (9+, to ,:+00- JOB231

x Job&s Friends Accuse Him of Sin (,*+, to 0,+1:- JOB23:

x Job Remains Steadfast in Fearing God (00+, to 09+09- JOB23*

x Elihu Confronts Job (0<+, to 17+0:- JOB23=

x God Appears and Restores Job (19+, to :0+,7- JOB237

a2,

RUTH ─ OT �� ����� BC �

GOD WORKS FOR GOOD THROUGH TRAGEDY Date Lesson No> x Naomi&s Suffering and Ruth&s Love (,+,200- RUTH23, x God&s Care For Ruth and Naomi (0+,201- RUTH230 x Boaz Redeems Ruth (1+, to :+00- RUTH231

HOSEA � OT �� �� to �� BC �

Prophet to the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

UNSURPASSED LOVE x Love&s Commitment (,+, to 1+*- HOSEA23, x Love&s Rebuke (:+, to *+,*- HOSEA230 x Love&s Invitation (=+, to 7+,=- HOSEA231 x Love&s Discipline (9+, to ,3+,*- HOSEA23: x Love&s Persistence (,,+,2,,- HOSEA23* x Love&s Rejection (,,+,0 to ,0+,:- HOSEA23= x Love&s Call to Repentance (,1+, to ,:+<- HOSEA237

JONAH ─ OT �� ��� BC �

GOD#S LOVE FOR THE GENTILES x Jonah&s Disobedience and Punishment (,+, to 0+,3- JONAH23, x God&s Steadfast Love (1+, to :+,,- JONAH230

PSALMS ─ OT � ���� to ���� BC �

PSALMS OF FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD x Blessed Are Those Who walk With the Lord (Psalms ,+,,<+,2,=- PSALMS23, x The LORD Is My Shepherd (Psalms 01D 07D ,0,- PSALMS230 x The Mighty God> My Creator and Savior (Psalms 0<D ,1<- PSALMS231 PSALMS OF PRAISE AND CELEBRATION x Praise the LORD of Creation and Life (Psalm 9D ,33D ,:9- PSALMS23: x Praise the LORD> O My Soul (Psalms =9D ,31- PSALMS23* x All Creation Praising the LORD (Psalm ,<D <*D ,*3- PSALMS23=

(E Scripture passage dates are approximate-

a20

LIFE BIBLE STUDY JOB�S FAITH TESTED BY SATAN

Lesson 3, Job ,+, to 0+,1

�The New International Version Bible Translation was used to prepare this lesson� INTRODUCTION+ Study in JOB Job lived in the land of Uz that was located in an area to the southeast of the Dead Sea' This also was referred to as Edom (Lamentations :+0,-' It is not certain who wrote the Book of Job> or when it was written' Conjectures as to the author or authors include Job> Elihu> Moses> Solomon> Isaiah> Hezekiah> and Baruch' Certain expressions in the book lead scholars to believe that the author originally wrote the book in Arabic and later translated it into Hebrew' The main character of the book> Job> was an historical person' The Lord God spoke of Job along with Noah and Daniel in the Book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel ,:+,:> 03-' James> the New Testament writer> used Job as an example of faithfulness in suffering' He told the scattered and persecuted first2century saints> “As you know� we consider blessed those who have persevered� You have heard of Job�s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about” (James *+,,-' According to the Ryrie Study Bible published by Moody Press> the events in Job may have taken place in the second millennium B'C' around the time of Abraham' To support this position four facts were cited' First> Job lived more than ,:3 years (Job :0+,=-> a common life2span found during this period of history (Genesis 0*+729-' Second> economic wealth in that period was measured in terms of livestock and servants (Job ,+1D Genesis 0=+,02,:-' Third> Job was the priest of his family> as were Abraham> Isaac and Jacob (Job ,+*D Genesis 1*+,:2,*-' And finally there was no reference in the Book of Job to the nation of Israel or the Mosaic law' Scholars also have based their analysis of Job on the writing style> type of literature> and subsequent mention of Job in other passages of Scripture' The authority of the Book of Job> or its right to a place among the inspired Scripture> was determined by the same principles as the other books of the Old Testament' The arguments for its divine authority were supported by the fact that the Book of Job was found in the Jewish Scripture that Jesus Christ sanctioned as inspired (John ,3+1*21=D Luke 0:+::-' It also was quoted in the New Testament> which indicates its divine authority' The Book of Job was translated and included in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament- 077 years before the coming of Christ' Several Jewish historians referred to the Book of Job> and it was included in the catalogue of the Jewish canon of Scripture near the end of the second century' It was inserted after the Song of Songs> on the supposition that it was written by Solomon' Jerome introduced it into the Latin Vulgate> and almost all the fathers of the church have quoted it' In the Talmud> which was the body of oral Jewish laws not contained in the Pentateuch> Job was placed after the Book of Psalms' Jews and Christians equally acknowledge Job as belonging in the canon of Scripture' (Information taken from Barnes Notes on the Old and New Testaments- The Book of Job belongs to the group of Old Testament writings called> “Wisdom Literature>”

along with the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes' Wisdom Literature falls into the category of

writings that are universal in nature> pleading for anyone who reads it to hear God> fear Him> and

live righteously' Generally absent in Wisdom Literature is the mention of+ the patriarchs ─

Abraham> Isaac> and JacobD the exodus from EgyptD the Law of GodD and the kingdoms of Israel

and Judah' Wisdom Literature stresses individual responsibility before God> the freedom one has

to please Him> and the futility of those who choose to follow the wisdom of the world' Job is a

book of reflective wisdom> and it inquires about the deep mysteries of God concerning human life'

JOB 3,2,

The Book of Job also asks perplexing questions about suffering> sin> and rewards' One of the distinctive elements of Job and other Wisdom Literature is the success syndrome that runs throughout their narratives' People of Old Testament times believed that a wise man not only achieved personal success> but also could teach others how to succeed' Before Job&s trials befell him> he too had been numbered among the successful wise men of his day (Job ,+,21D :+1-' He later regained that status when the Lord God restored to him twice as much as he had lost' As we study Job> we will consider the age2old question+ “IF GOD IS A GOD OF LOVE AND MERCY, WHY

DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER-” Job seeks to explore> not solve> the problem of suffering> especially as it relates to righteous persons' The book grapples with the questions of how or when sin relates to suffering> and why a just God permits evil to exist' Job also conveys the message that people will never fully comprehend the mystery of suffering' The key seems to lie in trusting God to sustain righteous persons> rather than in understanding why they must suffer' In the study of Job> we also will observe some characteristics and evil works of Satan> the sovereignty of God> and man&s need to acknowledge God&s sovereignty' We should receive comfort from the fact that the living God rules and directs our lives and has a plan for us' His plan will ultimately lead those who believe on the Lord Jesus as their Savior to become more Christ2like (Romans 9+0<-' The first two chapters and the last part of chapter forty2two were written in prose> whereas the remainder of the book was written in poetry' The two chapters for this lesson introduce the debate that occurs between Job and his three friends' They insisted that Job was suffering as punishment for his sins' Job defended himself by insisting he had done nothing seriously wrong' The three friends were residents of the same area where Job lived> and they also may have been wealthy leaders' These friends came to “� � � sympathize with him and comfort him� When they saw him from a distance� they could hardly recognize him% they began to weep aloud� and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads” (Job 0+,,2,0-' They were expressing their sorrow and grief for Job because of his terrible circumstances and the trials he was facing' Job believed that God is too great and wonderful for us to understand' He responded to the events in his life with humility and worship of Almighty God (Job ,+03-' You may be suffering painful trials now> and you do not understand all that is happening to you' You may be walking through a long night that can be described as “THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF

DEATH�” This study in Job can bring comfort to saints in their hour of suffering' In the end> God spoke directly to Job and restored him' Believers in Christ have God residing in them to comfort them' Since suffering is usually a companion of God&s children (I Peter *+,3-> you should have the same attitude that godly Job had so you will honor God in all your trials' MEMORY VERSE+ “He replied ‘You are talking like a foolish woman� Shall we accept good from God and not trouble�’ In all this Job did not sin in what he said” (Job 0+,3-' PERSONAL STUDY QUESTIONS+ (EDenotes personal application questions- Show the verse where you find your answer' A' JOB&S LIFESTYLE (Job ,+,2*- ,' Describe Job&s relationship with God> and explain whether Job was without sin (Job ,:+,=2,7-'

JOB 3,20

NOTE� In the Old Testament� to “fear God” was to trust and revere Him� In Proverbs

!�"#� Solomon said� “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom � � �” Under the law of God� men were called on to fear the LORD �Deuteronomy ,�"-. "#�"/. -"�"/�� since every person has sinned and falls short of God0s glory �Psalm 2-�-. Romans -�/-��

0' List the wealth that Job had> and tell about his family and reputation' 1' Describe the priestly duties that Job performed for his family (verse *-' NOTE� Before the Law was given to Moses� the father served as priest of the family� As

the family priest� Job shed the blood of innocent animals for the cleansing of his children0s sin� just as the patriarchs had done �Genesis "/�8. /,�/2. -2�"� "9:"2��

B' SATAN&S REQUEST OF GOD (Job ,+=2,0- :' Where was Satan before he joined the angels who came to present themselves before the LordK Was Satan&s access to heaven limited to this instance (Luke 00+1,D Revelation ,0+,3-K *' Contrast God&s description of Job with Satan&s accusation of him (Job ,+92,,-' NOTE� Satan is subservient to God and cannot touch God0s children without permission

from Him� In the Garden of Eden� Satan spoke with disrespect about God to Eve �Genesis -�":2�� In the Book of Job� Satan was disrespectful of man before God �Job "�!:""�� Satan was in effect saying that Job0s fear of God rested on the goodness of God in Job0s life� The devil was assaulting the character of God� in essence saying that God was bribing Job to act religious� “The opportunity given to Job by his trial� therefore� is not so much to vindicate himself as to justify God � � �” �The Wycliffe Bible Commentary� page 9,/��

=' What can we discern about Satan and his character from these versesK

a' Job ,+<2,,

JOB 3,21

b' I Peter *+9

NOTE� Consistently throughout Scripture� Satan is referred to as both a real person and a

spirit being� His name means “adversary” or “accuser�” characterizing his basic nature� He opposes God� God0s plan and His people� We also learn that God has allowed Satan access to all the earth� to roam in it� and to go back and forth �Job "�?b. Ephesians /�":/�� This access to the earth will continue until the end of this age� Revelation /#�/ said that God “� � � seized the dragon� that ancient serpent� who is the devil� or Satan� and bound him for a thousand years�” After that� Satan will be released for a time� but ultimately he will be cast into the lake of fire forever �Matthew /2�9"��

7' What inherent truth is found in Job ,+,0K

C' JOB&S STRIFE (Job ,+,1200-

9' Describe the four events that were reported to Job concerning his losses inflicted by

Satan'

a' The Sabeans (verse ,*-

b' The fire of God (verse ,=-

c' The Chaldeans (verse ,7-

d' A mighty wind (verse ,<-

<' What was Job&s first response to these calamities (verse 03-K

,3' Tell what Job acknowledged about his family and possessions'

JOB 3,2:

NOTE� By his words and attitude� Job showed that God meant more to him than anything

else� Although he grieved over the loss of his servants and his children� he steadfastly clung to the one who brought him into the world and gave him everything� Our personal response to devastating trials will tell the world who or what we are trusting in� God� things� self or others� Jesus Christ tells us plainly� “No one can serve two masters� Either he will hate the one and love the other� or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other� You cannot serve both God and money” �Matthew ,�/9��

E,,' Read verse 0,> and think about circumstances and trials you may have faced recently'

How did you react to themK Will you share your response to suffering in order to encourage and

help the members of your classK

,0' Satan&s first attack was against Job&s possessions> and it was designed to expose what

Satan believed were Job&s true motives for serving God' How did Job respond to his great

lossesK

C' SATAN&S SECOND ATTACK (Job 0+,2,1-

,1' Job&s faithfulness and character were described again by God' What additional attribute of

Job was revealed by GodK

,:' Describe Satan&s second accusation against Job'

NOTE� Again in the presence of God� “� � � the accuser of our brothers” �Revelation

"/�"#b� accused Job� Apparently the Apostle Peter was also accused by Satan who stood before God� Satan asked the Lord to sift Peter as wheat� and the evil one was given permission to do so �Luke //�-":-/�� The influence of Satan is no small thing for the saints of God� Satan stood in God0s presence and even accused Israel �Zechariah -�":2�� In this instance� the Lord rebuked Satan� The greatest lesson we can learn from these events as believers in Christ is that God limits Satan0s attacks against us� We are kept from spiritual destruction because Jesus Christ has prayed for us �Luke //�-/. John "?�"2�� and God protects us for eternal life �II Peter "�-:9��

,*' Satan was allowed by God to test Job in a different way' Summarize what Satan was instructed to do and what happened to Job'

JOB 3,2*

,=' Describe the reaction of Job&s wife to his suffering> and tell how Job responded to her

words to him (verse ,3-'

NOTE� We know little about Job0s wife� because she makes only this brief appearance in

the Book of Job� The student of the Bible generally is dismayed by the attitude of Job0s wife� Indeed� Job rebuked her for being foolish� Although she erred in her advice to Job� one should take into account some possible mitigating circumstances in their lives� First� it is doubtful ─ although possible ─ that Job could have been more righteous than anyone else on earth without the support of a good wife �"�8. /�-�� Second� she was under great stress over the loss of her ten children� and now her husband had been brought down to misery� Third� although we cannot be sure� it was probably this same wife who gave birth to Job0s ten children after he went through his time of testing �Job 9/�"-:"2��

,7' What was the purpose of the visit by Job&s three friends (Job 0+,,-K

NOTE� In a footnote to this passage� Ryrie0s Study Bible states that Eliphaz was a

resident of the city of Teman in Uz �Edom�� Bildad lived in the area nearby� inhabited by the descendants of Shuah� one of Abraham0s sons by Keturah �Genesis /2�":/�� Zophar also lived nearby in the area of Naamath� These men were probably wealthy friends of Job� who was looked upon as “� � � the greatest man among all the people of the East” �Job "�-��

,9' Job&s three friends saw Job from a distance> and they could hardly recognize him (Job 0+,0a-' a' How did they react to Job&s physical appearanceK b' Did they really accomplish the purpose of their visitK Please explain' E,<' Have you had an opportunity to minister to others in their sufferingK If so> will you share how that experience spiritually affected youK

JOB 3,2=

APPLICATION+ In times of grief> our friends and neighbors may only need our silent compassion and deep concern' After Job&s three friends arrived to comfort him> they sat on the ground and did not talk for seven days (Job 0+,1-' This way of showing grief was a general practice in that society' When Jacob was buried near the Jordan> “Joseph observed a seven&day period of

mourning for his father” (Genesis *3+,3b-' Joshua “� � � tore his clothes and fell facedown to

the ground before the ark of the Lord” (Joshua 7+=-' As we minister to our friends during a crisis in their lives> sometimes it is important just to be near' In our continuing study of Job> we should seek to apply to our own lives the things that Job learned about God' Job&s wife believed that God was unfair in His treatment of Job' “His wife said to him� ‘Are you

still holding on to your integrity) Curse God and die,’” She did not understand the character of God as revealed in His word handed down to those in her generation' God loved His children in the days of old just as He loves the world today' Years later Jeremiah the prophet said> “The

LORD appeared to us in the past� saying/ �I have loved you with an everlasting love/ I have

drawn you with loving kindness��” (Jeremiah 1,+11� Job called his distressed wife a foolish woman and asked her> “� � � Shall we accept good from God� and not trouble)” (Job ,+,3a-' Job suffered greatly (verse ,1-> however “� � � in all this� Job did not sin in what he said” (verse ,3b-' One reaction we have when we suffer is to blame God' We often fail to acknowledge that all we possess comes from God' “The Lord brings death and makes alive/ He brings down to the

grave and raises up� The LORD sends poverty and wealth/ He humbles and He exalts” (I Samuel 0+=27-' Yet> would you not want to be in the hands of the loving Creator> the LORD who gave His Son over to death that we might have eternal life (John 1+,=-K Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ who suffered for you� Will you surrender the control of your life to Him now�

© LBS

End of Job L 3,

JOB 3,27

LIFE BIBLE STUDY

NAOMI�S SUFFERING AND RUTH�S LOVE

Lesson 3, Ruth ,+,200 �The New International Version Bible Translation was used to prepare this lesson��

INTRODUCTION+ Studies in RUTH The Book of Ruth was named after its Gentile heroine> a Moabitess' After the death of her Israelite husband> Ruth went to Bethlehem in Judah with her widowed mother2in2law> Naomi' Ruth has an important place in the history of Israel> as she became an ancestress of King David (Ruth :+0,200-' Ruth and Rahab> the prostitute> were the only Gentile women included in the genealogy of God&s Savior> the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew ,+*2=-' It was unusual for wives to be listed in a Jewish genealogy> much less this Gentile woman' In addition to Ruth> two Jewish women were listed' Matthew ,+1a states> 4Judah the father of Perez and Zerah� whose mother

was Tamar�4 Judah unwittingly became the father of Perez> because his other son> Onan> failed to act as kinsman2redeemer for his deceased brother Er> who had married Tamar' Genesis 19 reveals how the LORD used brothers> or male relatives> of a deceased married man who died childless in order to keep the lineage of the deceased man from dying out in Israel' The male who acted on behalf of a deceased relative to keep the late man&s lineage from being snuffed out was called a 4kinsman&redeemer�4 The Book of Ruth reveals the importance of such a person in Jesus& lineage' Ruth and Esther are the only two books in the Bible named for women' The authorship of the Book of Ruth is uncertain' According to Jewish tradition> Samuel was the writer' If so> the book would have been written just before the time when David was anointed king of Israel> or during the time of his kingship' One purpose of the book> if it was written before David was anointed king> may have been to affirm the rights of David to Israel&s throne' The story of Ruth> one of the Old Testament&s most beautiful stories> is often remembered for its message of love' Yet> Ruth is much more than a story of love and devotion' It is a story filled with contrasts and ironies as we see the suffering of God&s people' We will see Naomi grow from a widow in despair to a woman of happiness' We will rejoice over God&s grace and love in Ruth&s life> as she turns away from the false gods of her land and is redeemed' We will see Boaz of Bethlehem display godly kindness as he helps these two widows' This book gives us insight into the redemptive love of God and His promised blessings to His children who suffer' The story begins with the migration of Elimelech&s family from Bethlehem to Moab> thirty miles away> after a famine had afflicted Israel' Elimelech> Naomi&s husband> died in the land of Moab' Then Naomi&s two sons married Moabite women> one of whom was Ruth' Finally> Naomi&s two sons died> leaving three bereaved women to fend for themselvesD a very difficult task in that day' The only support Naomi could hope to find would be among her own people and kinsmen' The time of Ruth and Naomi was during the period of Israel&s judges (Ruth ,+,a-' The Book of Ruth presented a picture of daily life of the Israelites during this time of moral and religious degradation> wars> disunity and foreign oppression' There were a few years of peace presented in this story of Naomi and Ruth' We will be reminded as we study Ruth that although His people do not escape suffering> God always preserves a remnant of His people to love Him and serve Him'

RUTH 3,2,

Perhaps you> like Naomi and Ruth> are overwhelmed because of the death of your spouse> or the death of a precious child' Combined with that> dear saint> you may have lost all the world&s goods you possessed' If you are bereaved and feel that life has deserted you> the study of this book will help you find hope' Open your heart to receive the unwritten message of Naomi&s and Ruth&s hopeD it began by their returning to God and to His people' What better place is there for the hurting Christian than among God&s people who also have sufferedK That is what Naomi did by returning to Israel to be among those who loved God' If you are not a follower of the LORD and are hurting like Ruth> then trust in God like she did' He will guide you out of the wilderness of despair and give you hope' Will you place your trust in God and live among His peopleK

MEMORY VERSE+ “But Ruth replied ‘Don&t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you� Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay� Your people will be my people and your God my God’” (Ruth ,+,=-' PERSONAL STUDY QUESTIONS+ (E Denotes personal application- Show the verse where you find your answer' A' ELIMELECH LEADS HIS FAMILY FROM ISRAEL TO MOAB (Ruth ,+,20- ,' Please read verses ,20' According to Judges 0+,32,1 and Deuteronomy 10+0120:> why was there a famine in the land of IsraelK 0' State the promises God has given His people about His care in times of famine (Psalms 11+,92,<D 17+0*-' B' SORROW AND MISFORTUNE (Ruth ,+12*- 1' Misfortune seemed to follow this family and affected Naomi uniquely' Elimelech died and their two sons married Moabite women' Who were the Moabite people (Genesis ,<+1=217-K :' Ruth ,+,* states that Naomi&s daughters2in2law worshiped other gods' What had God instructed the Israelites about marrying idol worshipers (Deuteronomy 7+,2:D Judges 1+*2=-K NOTE� God forbade Israel from driving out the Moabites� because He gave the

descendants of Lot the Land of Ar as their possession �Deuteronomy /�!�� Ezra !�":/� "#:"/ speaks of a time after Israel0s exile when intermarriage with the idol:worshiping Moabites caused Israel to become unfaithful� �Also Nehemiah "-�/-:/?� Although it was wrong for Naomi0s sons to have married idol:worshipers� God glorified His name through Ruth�

RUTH #":/

After living in Moab for about ten years� Naomi0s two sons died� This first chapter shows

Naomi reacting normally to the recent deaths of her sons� She is overwhelmed with sadness� anger� frustration and questions of “why�” Remember that God created us� understands and allows us these feelings �Psalm -9�"2��

C' NAOMI&S GRIEF AND DECISION TO RETURN TO ISRAEL (Ruth ,+=2,9- *' In the midst of grief over being left without her husband and two sons> what other feeling does God quietly allow Naomi to have in verse =K E=' Has there been a time in your life that God has quietly shown you that He still loves you and is still in control of the world> even though your world seems to have endedK Please write it down and share it in your small group so others can be strengthened' 7' As other examples of God&s people suffering> describe the trauma and grief of King David and the severe trials of the Apostle Paul' a' King David (Psalm 00+,20- b' The Apostle Paul (II Corinthians ,+92<- 9' Upon hearing that God had again blessed Judah with food> Naomi has a ray of hope for the future and leaves Moab with her two daughters2in2law' As they approach the border> Naomi urges the two young women to return to their childhood homes' What is Naomi&s prayer for each womanK (Ruth ,+92<- <' In Deuteronomy 0*+*2=> God&s instructions for providing young widows with husbands are given' Why is this impossible for these two young women (Ruth ,+,,2,1-K ,3' Ruth and Orpah now face life as widows' After Naomi encourages them to return to their homes> what does each woman decide to doK

RUTH 3,21

NOTE� The picture we have of Naomi is one of a sad and broken woman who had lost all

her immediate family� It may seem strange that Ruth would choose to spend the rest of her life with Naomi� Ruth has no hope for a future marriage and faces almost certain poverty� She chooses not only Naomi� but she chooses Naomi0s God as well� Ruth displays a love for Naomi� her God� and her people that was not learned overnight� Remember that Ruth was part of Naomi0s family for several years� From this passage� it is evident that Naomi and her family had loved and served God while living in Moab� Ruth must have learned about the God of Israel from this family�

,,' Christians are a lot like Naomi' In the midst of suffering we often ask> “Does God really careK” What truths are contained in these passages that help us understand our sufferingK a' James ,+021 b' II Timothy 1+,32,0 c' Job ,<+0*207 ,0' How does Ruth show that she has given up her ancestry> the idol worship of the Moabites> and will embrace the religion of the Israelites (Ruth ,+,=2,7-K E,1' Read again Ruth&s affirmation of faith in God and covenant to Naomi (verses ,=2,7-' In light of Naomi&s godly influence on Ruth> tell what you have learned from Naomi about living an active faith around your family members and neighbors' D' NAOMI RETURNS TO BETHLEHEM WITH RUTH (Ruth ,+,<200- ,:' Ruth and Naomi traveled to Bethlehem (verse ,<-' Give the time of the year they arrived> and tell what was symbolic of their arriving at this time of the year (verse 00-'

RUTH 3,2:

,*' How did the people of Bethlehem react to Naomi&s return> and why do you think they responded as they didK

,=' In what ways did Naomi reveal her anguish of soul and suffering to the townspeopleK

E,7' Are you experiencing the pain of trials that seem unending and overwhelmingK In the

winter of your troubles> are you praying for the spring of new life and hopeK Discover some

precious promises from these passages to help you> and share your burdens with those in your

small group who will pray for you (Hebrews ,1+*2=D Isaiah :1+0-'

APPLICATION+ In the first chapter of Ruth> Naomi was struggling and unable to see God&s hand of love and blessing in her life' However> before tragedy struck Naomi&s life> she had served God and exemplified His love in her family that was living in a land filled with idol worshipers' Her influence was felt strongly by Ruth> as she learned of God' Ruth declared the God Most High as her God and became an ancestor of Jesus Christ' God uses these events and these people to teach us about loving> serving and witnessing in times of our suffering' We never know who we may influence in our daily lives' Naomi&s daily witness gave Ruth an opportunity to learn of God' Naomi was not judgmental> but loving and gentle as she taught Ruth' Think this week about what kind of influence you can have on your family and friends' Pray that God will use you in a loving> gentle way' Remember> in times of tragedy and personal or family turmoil> God continues to work out His plan in each of our lives' In Hebrews ,1+*b2=> the LORD God has promised us> “� � � ‘Never will I leave you% never will I forsake you�’ So we

say with confidence� ‘The LORD is my helper% I will not be afraid� What can man do to me)’”

© LBS

End of Ruth L 3, RUTH 3,2*

LIFE BIBLE STUDY

LOVE�S COMMITMENT

Lesson 3,237 Hosea ,+, to 1+* �The New International Version Bible Translation was used to prepare this lesson��

INTRODUCTION+ Study in HOSEA The Book of Hosea stands first in the list of the Minor Prophets> according to the Hebrew Old

Testament' The Hebrews even believed that Hosea was the first of the writing prophets> but a

generally accepted view is that Hosea followed Amos as a prophet in Israel' Amos was a prophet

with a message about sin> law and judgmentD but Hosea&s message was about God&s forgiveness

and unconditional love' Hosea&s call to prophetic ministry came as he approached the age for

marriage' The LORD commanded him to take “� � � an adulterous wife and children of

unfaithfulness” (Hosea ,+0-' Because of Hosea&s circumstances> his heart was tortured beyond

description' Yet> out of his terrible situation> he wrote with rare insight about the pain that God

experienced because of His love for His faithless people'

It is believed that Hosea was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during her decline and

fall' A number of Bible scholars say that he prophesied between 7:0 and 713 B'C'> until the

beginning of the reign of the last king of Israel> Hoshea (II Kings ,7+,-' In recent years a new

theory has arisen> which states that the prophet Hosea preached until Israel was destroyed in

700 B'C' King Hoshea reigned nine years before Assyria conquered Israel and deported the

Israelites to Assyria (II Kings ,7+12=-'

The name Hosea means “Salvation” and it is identical in form with that of the successor of

Moses (Joshua-> and with the last king of Israel (Hoshea-' According to Hosea ,+,> the prophet

Hosea was the son of Beeri' It is thought that he lived in the Northern Kingdom> while Amos

lived in the Southern Kingdom but prophesied in the Northern Kingdom' Jerusalem was never

mentioned in the book> although Hosea prophesied at a time in Judah&s national life when the

Southern Kingdom was in spiritual decline' Unlike Amos> Hosea mentioned nothing definite about

his occupation' It has been suggested that he was a baker because of the reference to the oven

in Hosea 7+=29' He probably was a man of the country rather than the city> as he was familiar

with wild beasts and knew the practices and methods of agriculture' The imagery he used

reflected the life of the country' The social conditions seemed to have deteriorated greatly in the

days of Hosea' Every class of people opposed each otherD and their furious passions> whether

revolutionary or immoral> consumed those about them' In these circumstances> Israel hardly

needed a prophet to tell them that the end of their nation was near' However> Israel would hear a

word of unconditional love and forgiveness from Hosea'

The prophets Jeremiah> Ezekiel> and Zechariah may have been greatly influenced by Hosea'

Hosea&s standing metaphor of Israel as the bride of Jehovah became a common component of

Hebrew literature' Hosea was quoted by New Testament writers more than any other Minor

Prophet' Thirty or more direct or indirect quotes from Hosea are found in the New Testament'

Several examples are Hosea =+=> which is found in Matthew <+,1D and Hosea ,3+9b> which is

found in Luke 01+13'

HOSEA 3,2,

The Old Testament> which includes writings both in poetic form and prose> spoke of relationships ─ the relationships found in marriage> among family members> and between nations' The Old Testament was a record of real places> people and eventsD and the Book of Hosea used real relationships to illustrate God&s love for sinful Israel' The Book of Hosea can be divided into two sections' The first section contains Chapters , through 1> which paralleled Hosea and Gomer&s marriage with the covenant relationship between God and Israel' Hosea&s wife> Gomer> was an adulteress who symbolized the spiritual adultery of Israel' Instead of responding in thankfulness and love to God for all their blessings> the Israelites used their crops as offerings to idols' The injustice and mistreatment of others reflected their lack of love for the God of Israel> as well as for their fellow citizens' The second section> Chapters : through ,:> did not speak of Hosea&s wife or family but they described God&s relationship with His people in highly poetic language' These last chapters were a record of Hosea&s messages (prophetic utterances- during the closing days of Israel&s history' However> sprinkled throughout his words was a message of redemption and hope' This section revealed deep emotions that indicated the prophet was interpreting Israel&s condition in light of his own experience' Consequently> this section is very difficult to outline' A' B' Davidson said> “Hosea�s speech is little else than a succession of sobs and one does not sob logically�” The prophet Hosea deeply loved his adulterous wife> just as God loved adulterous Israel' Hosea would have been justified morally and spiritually for divorcing his wife' Yet> his love for her was a picture of God&s love for His people who strayed into sin' As a believer in Christ> open your heart to the Holy Spirit&s probing search of sin against the One who loves you' Although you do not deserve God&s forgiveness for your spiritual adultery against Him> He offers it to you because of His unconditional love' Will you confess your sins> and let His love restore you into His presenceK

MEMORY VERSE+ “� � � I will say to those called ‘Not My people’ ‘You are My people’, and they will say ‘You are my God’” (Hosea 0+01b-'

PERSONAL STUDY QUESTIONS+ (EDenotes personal application- Show the verse where you find your answer' A' HOSEA&S MARRIAGE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR ISRAEL (Hosea ,+, to 0+,- ,' For a better understanding of the conditions in Israel before and during the reign of King Jeroboam II (son of Jehoash-> read II Kings ,:+0120<' a' How is Jeroboam II described in verse 0:K b' Describe Israel&s condition in the beginning of the reign of Jeroboam II (verse 0=-' c' Tell why and how Almighty God worked through sinful Jeroboam II to sustain Israel

(verses 07209-'

HOSEA 3,20

0' The word of the LORD came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reign of Jeroboam II (verse ,-' State the strange command God gave to Hosea> and tell why He did so (verse 0-' 1' What was the name of Hosea and Gomer&s first sonK Tell what his name meant (verses :2*-' NOTE� The house of Jehu became another evil dynasty in the history of Israel� Jehu was

appointed by Elisha to destroy the house of Ahab� and their greatest slaughter took place at Jezreel �II Kings "#�""�� He obeyed Elisha completely� However� after destroying the house of Ahab� the priests of Baal� and the temple of Baal �II Kings "#�/2:/8�� Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam� son of Nebat� He worshiped the golden calf and did not keep the Law of the Lord� Jehu0s descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation �II Kings "#�/!:-"�� The LORD�S word to Jehu through Hosea was carried out on the fourth king� Zechariah� who descended from Jehu �II Kings "2�8:"/��

:' State the name of Hosea&s daughter who was born of Gomer> and explain the meaning of her name (Hosea ,+=-' *' Read II Kings ,7+=> 00201' How was the truth of God> exemplified in the naming of Hosea&s daughter> carried outK =' What was the significance of the birth and name of a second son to Gomer (Hosea ,+<-K Do you believe Hosea was the father of this sonK Please comment (Hosea 0+:-' 7' According to Hosea ,+,3 to 0+,> there is a future reversal of the names described above' a' What will that reversal mean to the nation of Israel (Isaiah =*+,> 92<-K b' God has promised that His people will be immeasurable like sand (Hosea ,+,3-' Read

John ,+,02,1 and Romans <+0:20=> and explain the meaning of Hosea&s statement'

HOSEA 3,21

B' ISRAEL&S UNFAITHFULNESS TO GOD (Hosea 0+02,1- 9' The children of Hosea&s adulterous wife were called on to rebuke their mother for her harlotry (verse 0-' How would God treat unfaithful IsraelK <' The sins of unfaithfulness and adultery often are the result of excessive materialism' Describe the results of these sins> according to the following verses'

Verses

Where Found Results of Unfaithfulness

Hosea 0+=

729

<

,3

,,

,0

,1

C' GOD WINS ISRAEL BACK (Hosea 0+,:201- ,3' These verses are in poetic form and present a beautiful metaphor of God&s love for His unfaithful people' What does God say He will do for His people in verse ,:K ,,' God will speak to Israel as a loving husband might speak to his wife (verse ,:-' What are His words of restoration and hope to unfaithful IsraelK a' Verse ,* b' Verse ,= c' Verse ,7 NOTE� Verse "8 tells of a day when Almighty God will make a covenant for Israel with all living

creatures� There will be no war� and every person will live in complete safety� Two other prophets of Israel� Isaiah and Micah� speak of this unique time in the last days �Isaiah /�":2. ""�":"#. ,2�8:"#. Micah 9�":8�� This unusual peace is defined differently by several other Scriptures� Some scholars believe that these Old Testament prophecies of this time of peace refer to the l### year period mentioned in Revelation /#�":,�

HOSEA 3,2:

,0' There will be a new betrothal as recorded in verses ,<203' Complete these statements+

The Nature of God�s Betrothal to Israel Verse

Its duration is ' ' '

Its character

leads to ' ' '

Its basis is ' ' '

Its result is ' ' '

,1' According to verses 0,201> what will happen because of this betrothalK

NOTE� According to Ezekiel /8�/2:/,� God has promised Israel that He will gather them

back in their land� He will restore their land and protect them� They will live in safety� and God will judge the nations who maligned them� They will know that the LORD is their God�

D' HOSEA WINS GOMER BACK (Hosea 1+,2*- NOTE� The Bible student will not find five more heartfelt� compassionate or loving verses

than Hosea -�":2� They represent the mercy and unconditional love of God� which are manifested through His grace�

,:' Why did Hosea reclaim Gomer> and what did his act of reclamation portrayK

,*' Concerning the reclamation of Gomer and Israel+

a' What did Hosea have to pay to reclaim and restore GomerK

b' How much did it cost God to restore Israel and all the world (John 1+,=-K

,=' Compare Hosea 1+1 with 1+: and state their meaning'

HOSEA 3,2*

NOTE� The Prophet Hosea responded obediently to the LORD�S command to buy his disobedient wife back� so he purchased Gomer for one:half the price paid for a dead slave gored by a bull �Exodus /"�-/�� Gomer had become worthless to her children and to Hosea� but he purchased her because of his love for her� Israel had become worthless to God� but God would redeem them�

The circumstances surrounding Gomer0s purchase are not clear� It is not known If Hosea

had legally divorced her� She may have become a temple prostitute� or someone else could have employed Gomer as a prostitute� After Hosea acquired possession of Gomer again� he told her that her adulterous lifestyle was finished� She would remain with him� isolated from her lovers� Gomer0s period of isolation symbolized Israel0s exile�

After Israel0s time of isolation� she will repent and seek the Lord rather than false gods�

The ultimate purpose of the Lord0s judgment on His people was to restore them as a righteous people� The pattern of Hosea0s prophecies spoken to the Israelites was to expose their rebellion so that they would repent of their sins and return to Almighty God�

,7' From Hosea ,+021 and 1+,20> describe the prophet&s relationship to God and to Gomer'

E,9' If you were in Hosea&s place> would you have taken Gomer back and forgiven her for her adulteryK Gomer may not have asked Hosea to forgive her> so his response was in obedience to God' Is there someone you have been unwilling to forgive> because you do not think they deserve forgiveness> or they have not asked for your forgivenessK Please comment'

APPLICATION+ Because of God&s mercy and unconditional love> He extends His redemption to all who repent' However> our unfaithfulness against God is a terrible sin> and He will finally punish unrepentant people with severity' Romans ,,+00 describes God&s kindness and mercy as related to Christians' Sometimes a believer in Christ holds God&s kindness in contempt' God forbidL Can you think of attitudes and habits in your life that betray God&s kindnessK How do you reveal God&s kindness> mercy and faithfulness in your thoughts> lifestyle> service and worshipK Gloria Gaither has written a beautiful song that applies to our lesson' The words are+

“God sent His son, they called him Jesus. He came to love, heal, and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior

lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone,

because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.”

© LBS

HOSEA 3,2=

End of Hosea L 3,

LIFE BIBLE STUDY

JONAH�S DISOBEDIENCE AND PUNISHMENT

Lesson 3, Jonah ,+, to 0+,3 �The New International Version Bible Translation was used to prepare this lesson��

INTRODUCTION+ Study in JONAH The Book of Jonah has been an enigma to Bible scholars and others alike' Because of this> the book has been the subject of a long and difficult debate' They askD “Can the book be taken literally> or is it only intended to teach moral and spiritual truthsK Was it written just to teach us that God was interested in all men> even the people of Nineveh who were Israel&s greatest enemyK” Some Bible students interpret the book as a parable' Some believe it is a story that illustrates a pointD much like when Nathan confronted David in II Samuel ,0> and as Jesus did with the man that asked who was his neighbor (Luke ,3+0<-' However> many scholars have no difficulty with the historical miracles described in the book and with the literal historical record' For our study> we accept the literal and historical narrative of the Book of Jonah' There are great spiritual truths to be discovered from the text' The authorship of the Book of Jonah is uncertain' Some scholars say that Jonah was not the writer> since he was always referred to in the third person' This is not conclusive> because at times Isaiah (Isaiah 17+0,- and Daniel (Daniel *+,1M,:- wrote of themselves in the third person' The traditional view is that Jonah wrote the book' The book did not record the date when it was written' Many scholars assume that Jonah was written about 79*27:* B' C' Some believe it was written about :33 B' C'> during the times and reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah' If we take the earlier date> this means that Jonah was a contemporary and colleague of both Amos and Hosea' It probably was the earlier date> because of the prosperity of Nineveh (Jonah :+,,-> and the seeming popularity of the prophet' Nineveh was overthrown in =,0 B'C'> by the Babylonians' As stated above> Jonah must have been a very popular and successful prophet of his day' Not much is known about Jonah except what we learn from a reference in II Kings ,:+0*' The passage in Kings reveals that Jonah was a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II' This is why the early date is preferred' He probably lived in the village of Gath2Hepher about three miles northeast of Nazareth> and his father&s name was Amittai' There is one more important addendum to this background> that is the nature of Israel&s most feared enemy N Nineveh' Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire> which would later emerge to destroy Israel completely' Because of the prophecies of Amos and Hosea> Jonah probably knew that Nineveh would become the power that would overthrow Israel' If so> this would explain Jonah&s reluctance to take God&s message of repentance to Nineveh' These Ninevites> or Assyrians> were barbaric in the worst sense of the word' According to history> they were cruel> brutal and extremely oppressive' They had a habit of conquering a nation> impaling their leaders upon tall sticks> and parading them about Nineveh> as they slowly struggled themselves to death' They were unbelievably cruel toward their captives' The strategy of the Assyrians with a captured nation was to carry off most of the inhabitants and populate the land with their own people (II Kings ,7+0020:-' Thus> the Assyrians intermarried with the inhabitants who were left> which led to a complete domination by Assyria of the captured people' This resulted in the introduction of the gods of Assyria> and the influence of the Assyrian culture in Israel' From this commingling> the despised Samaritans of Jesus& day emerged' One can understand why the Jews hated Jesus> who made Samaritans the hero of some of His stories (Luke ,3+0<217D ,7+,,2,<-' They even accused Jesus of being a Samaritan (John 9+:92*,-'

JONAH 3,2,

If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and have chosen to disobey God&s call> these lessons will confront and challenge you to be obedient' It was God&s will for Jonah to go and preach to Nineveh that wicked city' He refused> and God dramatically and miraculously intervened in Jonah&s life' It is also God&s will for you to be His witness (Acts ,+9-' If you refuse to obey Him who loves you> “� � � you will be sinning against the LORD� and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 10+01-' Will you make yourself available to God and learn to share Christ&s hope and love with the multitudes around youK MEMORY VERSE+ “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere keeping watch on the wicked and good” (Proverbs ,*+1-' PERSONAL STUDY QUESTIONS+ (E Denotes personal application- Show the verse where you find your answer' A' JONAH&S CALL AND FLIGHT FROM GOD (Jonah ,+,21- NOTE� Verse / states that Nineveh was a great city� Archaeologists tell us that Nineveh

was a city of magnificent temples and palaces� Her people performed phenomenal engineering feats to build water supply projects� The city was one of the oldest and greatest of the ancient world� It possessed the massive library of Ashurbanipal� consisting of tens of thousands of clay tablets� The Assyrian rulers maintained royal residences at Nineveh� although it was not officially made the capital of the empire until sixty to eighty years after Jonah0s time�

,' State the command of God given to Jonah concerning the city of Nineveh' What was the

Ninevites& problemK

0' What was unusual about the reaction of the prophet Jonah to his LORD’S commandK

NOTE� Jonah0s destination to get away from the LORD was Tarshish� an old:world sea

trade center believed to have been located in Southern Spain� It was probably a seaport town that Solomon0s ships sailed to for trade �II Chronicles !�/". Psalm ?/�"#�� The western end of Europe �Spain today� and the African continent were the end of the known world in Jonah0s day� So� Jonah was willing to go to the end of the earth to run away from the LORD� who had called him�

1' In this passage> we see a glimpse of God&s attitude toward the wicked' Here God calls

His prophet to preach against sin> and offer the people repentance' Considering Jonah ,+,21>

read Ezekiel 11+,,> ,:2,=> and describe God&s message about the people&s sin'

JONAH 3,20

:' Do people perish without Christ because Christians reject His call to take the gospel to a

certain group of people (Ezekiel 1+,,> ,72,9D Acts ,+9-K Please comment'

B' THE STORM (Jonah ,+:2,3-

*' Explain what it meant for Jonah that God was behind the storm (verse :-> which

threatened the lives of the passengers and crew'

a' Job 1:+0,200

b' Deuteronomy 9+*2=

=' What was ironic about the captain&s request of the prophet in Jonah ,+=K

7' Read verses 72,3 and explain the following+

a' The crew&s conclusion

b' Jonah&s confession

NOTE� It was evident that there was no peace in the hearts of these pagan sailors� They

were afraid and cried out to their gods� There was no relief from the storm� so they threw

the cargo into the sea �verse 2�� After Jonah0s confession� they knew they were

encountering the real God who made the heavens� the sea and the land �verse !�. and

now they were terrified� However� the Prophet Jonah acted calmly� although he had

sinned against God� He was able to sleep during the storm �verse 2b�� and he freely

confessed his faith in Almighty God�

JONAH 3,21

C' THE REACTION BY THE SHIP&S CREW (Jonah ,+,,2,=-

9' The sailors were now relying on Jonah for answers (verse ,,-'

a' Relate Jonah&s solution to the problem'

b' Tell why you think Jonah reached this conclusion'

NOTE� We are not certain why Jonah reached the decision recorded in verse "/� He may

have been deeply concerned about the lives of the men on board the ship� On the other hand� he may have desired death at the hands of God more than living and preaching to a people he despised� However� Jonah0s conclusion gave a powerful witness to these sailors about the Sovereign LORD� who reigns over the earth� God would be exalted in the lives of these sailors because of Jonah0s witness�

<' Christians have opportunities to exalt Christ in all kinds of situations' According to

I Peter 1+,12,*> what are God&s expectations of youK

,3' Describe the progression of the crew&s reactions to Jonah&s request (Jonah ,+,12,*-'

,,' Comment on the results of this crisis in the lives of these pagan sailors'

D' JONAH&S UNUSUAL ORDEAL (Jonah ,+,7 to 0+,3-

,0' How do the words recorded in Matthew ,0+192:,D ,=+,2: validate Jonah ,+,7K

,1' Read Jonah 0+,2<' Contrast Jonah&s attitude at the beginning of his prayer> with what he

expressed at its conclusion'

JONAH 3,2:

,:' Although the sailors had thrown Jonah into the sea> he understood that God was in control' How did Jonah express his faith in God&s deliverance (verse :-K ,*' Briefly describe Jonah&s life2threatening situation inside the fish (verses *2=a-' ,=' Jonah believed that God would deliver him> and he would worship God again with songs of thanksgiving (verse <a-' Does God always rescue us from desperate situationsK Please explain' (Also Hebrews ,0+*27D I Corinthians ,,+0<213- ,7' List the miracles contained in Chapters , and 0 of Jonah' E,9' Apparently Jonah realized that his destiny was in God&s hands> because he would praise God in thanksgiving and proclaim the LORD’S salvation (verse <-' When you are in the pit like Jonah (verses =b27-> how does your attitude toward God affect those around youK APPLICATION+ It has been said of some Christians> “They are a Jonah'” By this statement> it may mean> “One who is called by God> but has rebelled against God&s call to serve in a specific place or to a particular people'” In view of the events experienced by Jonah in his flight from God+

$Will you pray about your reluctance to share God#s message with

someone you either dislike5 or with someone to whom you are hesitant to

witness6 $Will you ask the Holy Spirit to help you follow God#s clear call5 in

spite of personal prejudices and negative feelings toward others6

These words of the Lord Jesus can encourage you to follow Him wherever He leads you+

“� � � IF ANYONE LOVES ME�

HE WILL OBEY MY TEACHING�

MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM�

AND WE WILL COME TO HIM

AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM” (John ,:+01-'

JONAH 3,2*

© LBS

End of Jonah L 3,

LIFE BIBLE STUDY

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WALK WITH THE LORD

Lesson 3,23= (Short Series- Psalms ,+,2=D ,,<+,2,=

�The New International Version Bible Translation was used to prepare this lesson��

INTRODUCTION+ Study in PSALMS The Book of Psalms contains varied writings that express praise> assurance> prayer> thanksgiving> sorrow> joy and wisdom' The inspired human authors speak of God> or speak to God out of the depths of their experiences and feelings' The hearts of the sons of Israel are open for all the world to see in the Psalms> which are a collection of spiritual experiences from men walking in different circumstances of life' Every child of God will discover at least one Psalm that expresses what they feel at a particular time' Of the ,*3 Psalms> seventy2three were designated as “A Psalm of David�” Not all of these seventy2three were voiced or written by David> but they were Psalms referring to David' There were twelve Psalms headed with the name “Asaph” (Psalms *3> 71291-' Under David&s reign in Israel> the Levites designated Asaph&s family ─ who also were Levites ─ as singers in the temple' They were appointed “ � � � to sing joyful songs� accompanied by musical instruments/ lyres�

harps and cymbals” (I Chronicles ,*+,=2,7-' After the Jews returned from their captivity in Babylon> ,09 descendants of Asaph returned with them (Ezra 0+:,-' “When the builders laid

the foundation of the temple of the LORD� the priests in their vestments and with trumpets�

and the Levites ;the sons of Asaph1 with cymbals� took their places to praise the LORD� as

prescribed by David king of Israel� With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD/ `He

is good� His love to Israel endures forever�” (Ezra 1+,32,,a-' Another twelve Psalms were attributed to the sons of Korah (Psalms :02:< and 9:299-' Korah was a Levite who led a revolt against Moses in the wilderness journey (Numbers ,=-' God> in His anger against Korah> had the earth open and swallow all the men of Korah (Numbers ,=+10-' Apparently> the male children survived> and David appointed this family as musicians in the temple (I Chronicles =+1,211a> 17-' Two of the Psalms were attributed to Solomon (Psalms 70> ,07-D one to Moses (Psalm <3-D and one to Ethan> another Levite and musician (I Chronicles ,*+,=2,7-' Thirty2four of the Psalms bear no titles or names> and the Jews refer to these as “orphan Psalms'” According to Jewish scholars> the titles ascribed to the Psalms were not in the original writings but were assigned later from tradition handed down by the Jews' These titles help us understand the Psalms> as we consider the purpose of the Psalm in the life of the person who first spoke or wrote it' For example> we can understand the much2loved Psalm 01 better> because we know that David wrote it out of his own experiences as a shepherd boy' We will consider the outline of the Book of Psalms> as divided into five sections' Psalm , is an introduction to the Book of Psalms> or of all five sections' Each section ends with praises to God' Jewish scholars say that each of the five sections parallel the five Books of the Law (The Pentateuch-' The section divisions are+ I' Genesis ─ Psalms 0 to :, IV' Numbers ─ Psalms <3 to ,3= II' Exodus ─ Psalms :0 to 70 X' Deuteronomy ─ Psalms ,37 to ,*3 III' Leviticus ─ Psalms 71 to 9<

PSALMS 3,2,

Wisdom> as defined in Webster&s dictionary> is the quality of being wise> enlightened> learned> knowledgeable> and having the capacity to make good judgment' The world&s standard of wisdom> though> is quite different from God&s' In fact> the wisdom of the world is but foolishness to God' The Apostle Paul said> “Where is the wise man) Where is the scholar) Where is the

philosopher of this age) Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world)” (I Corinthians ,+03-' Then what is true wisdomK True wisdom can only be found in Christ' True wisdom is knowing God and understanding His purposes> and having the mind of Christ' “My purpose is

that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love� so that they may have the full

riches of complete understanding� in order that they may know the mystery of God� namely�

Christ� in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 0+021-' Psalm , contrasts the two ways of life' One way> which is purity and devotion to God> is the way of wisdom' The other way> which is wickedness> is the way of foolishness' The psalmist sets before us our choicesD the way of good and evil> the way of life and death> and the way of blessings and curses' Which way will you chooseK Psalm ,,< is an Orphan Psalm> which bears no author&s name' It contains the personal testimony and prayer of its writer(s-> to live faithfully by the word of God' Essentially> it was written to exalt the word of God' Although the Psalm is repetitious> each of its twenty2one divisions contain a different theme> and the titles are an acrostic (poem or other composition- using the twenty2two letters of the Jewish alphabet' Each division> or stanza> has been divided into eight verses' As you study portions of this great book> may the words of the psalmists ─ inspired by the Holy Spirit ─ lead you to commit your life wholly to the LORD' May the word of God find lodging in your heart> so that you can walk faithfully with the Lord Jesus Christ' MEMORY VERSE+ “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm ,,<+,,-' PERSONAL STUDY QUESTIONS+ (E Denotes personal application- Show the verse where you find your answer' A' CONTRAST OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED (Psalm ,- ,' This Psalm begins with “Blessed” just as the beatitudes begin with the word> “blessed” in Matthew *+12,,' Using a dictionary> define blessed' 0' Restate in your own words the one who is blessed (happy-> according to verse ,' 1' The one who is blessed is the one who delights in the law of the LORD (verse 0-' How are we commanded to show our delight in the law of the LORD (Joshua ,+9-K

PSALMS 3,20

:' What are the results when we delight in the law of the LORD (verse 1D Psalm <0+,:D Jeremiah ,7+729-K *' The wicked are compared to chaff that is blown away (Psalm ,+:-' How do the following verses add to your understanding of this verseK a' Matthew 1+,0 b' Isaiah *+0: NOTE� Chaff is the husks of grains and grasses that are separated from the seed by

threshing or winnowing� Chaff is worthless and light� In winnowing� the farmer tosses the grain into the air with a broad shovel or wooden fork with bent prongs� The mass of chaff� straw� and grain are thrown against the wind so that the chaff and all that is light and worthless are blown away� The chaff stubble that remains is burned� Finally� the grain is sifted �Amos !�!� so only that which is good remains �Information taken from Unger0s Bible Dictionary� pages /!:-#��

=' Tell why it is better to live righteously than to be wicked' a' Psalm ,+*2= b' Matthew ,1+:32:1 B' WALKING IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD&S WORD (Psalm ,,<+,29- 7' These eight verses> which are completed sentences> speak of the blessings of obedience' Review these verses and list all the ways the psalmist refers to the word of God> the Torah' 9' Who is blessed and whyK

PSALMS 3,21

<' The psalmist said that the blessed are those who walk in the ways of the LORD' From the

following passages> explain what it means for Christians today to “walk in His ways” (verse 1-'

John

,3+027

John

,:+01

Luke

<+0120=

Matthew

09+,9203

,3' What is the saint to understand about the word of God (Psalm ,,<+:D I John *+021-K

,,' In spite of the psalmist&s understanding about the word of God (Psalm ,,<+:-> describe

what he understood about human limitations (Psalms ,,<+*2=-'

,0' Even after knowing that he would fail to obey God&s word at times> what did the psalmist

understand and doK

C' LIVING A CLEAN AND PURE LIFE (Psalm ,,<+<2,=-

,1' These second eight verses are titled> “Beth” which is the name of the second letter of the

Jewish alphabet' “How can a young man keep his way pure#” indeed any of us at any ageK

,:' Tell how the psalmist found the LORD and learned to walk with Him (verses ,32,,-'

PSALMS 3,2:

NOTE� As you study Psalms you will note that the psalmists often speak of God0s word� sometimes using other titles to describe “word�” In the Old and New Testaments� “word” referred to the revealed will of God� God0s “word” found its ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ� as written in John "�":"8� Jesus is the eternal “Word” and He is God �verse "�� The “Word” �Logos� is the Creator� who spoke and brought everything into existence �verse -�� All life is sustained by the “Word�” and He is the light of the world �verse 9�� The “Word” came into the world �verses "#� "9 ─ the incarnation�� and all who receive Him and believe in His Name� are born of God �verses "/:"-�� Jesus� the “Word�” brought us grace �God0s undeserved favor� and truth �verses ",:"?��

The Psalms contain numerous prophecies that were fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ�

King David� to whom many of the Psalms are ascribed� called the Word “my LORD” �Psalm ""#�". Acts /�-9:-2�� As you study the Psalms� remember that Jesus Christ alone� God0s revealed $Word�$ cleanses us of all sin �I John "�?��

,*' What leads children of God to desire to keep their way pure (I John 1+021-K ,=' How was the psalmist able to internalize the word of God (Psalm ,,<+,02,1-K ,7' Explain what motivated the psalmist to meditate on the LORD�S precepts and consider His ways' NOTE� The psalmist loved the word of God� because he loved God with all his heart�

When one seeks the LORD with all His heart through the study of the Bible� the Holy Spirit will lead them to discover the !Word�$ Jesus Christ� who “ � � � became flesh and made

His dwelling among us � � �” �John "�"9��

E,9' We have learned that children of God can be blessed in their walk of faith> if they delight in the word of God> hide it in their hearts> and fully obey it' Compare your love for the word of God> your inner motivation> your attitude> and surrender to the will of God with the psalmist' What do you findK APPLICATION+ Are you among those in the family of God who feel that you are not “Blessed�” and you cannot praise the LORD in joyK If so> will you ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and understanding to the truth that “Blessings crown the head of the righteous” (Proverbs ,3+=-' Under the new covenant of grace> you have been abundantly blessed in Jesus Christ> the “Word�” Let the Apostle Paul> who suffered persecution and martyrdom for Christ> be your example' He reflects the joy that every saint should have in these words+ “Praise be to the God

and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ� who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every

spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians ,+1-' Paul was like that tree planted by the streams of waterD he was immovable in Christ> even though he was in prison when he wrote the above words' Paul and the psalmist found their joy in yielding fruit in season' Their leaves never withered> and God prospered both of them in the spiritual realm'

PSALMS 3,2*

Perhaps you have not yet understood that God has called you to produce fruit in season' The same word which reveals that our salvation in Christ is wholly a gift of God> and not anything we earn (Ephesians 0+92<-> also says to us+ “For we are God�s workmanship� created in Christ

Jesus to do good works� which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 0+,3-' Now is the time to obey God&s word> and let Him take care of the promises' It is time to praise God with an upright heart> as you learn His word and put it into practice' It is time to be pure in His sight> by living according to His word' It is time to make the main thing the main thing' “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches” (Psalm ,,<+,:-' The greatest riches that one can have is being a child of God'

ARE YOU RICH�

ARE YOU BLESSED�

© LBS

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