Big Ideas Simply Explained - The Bible Book

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 99 See also: Sodom and Gomorrah 48–49 ■ Covenants 44–47 ■ Entering the Promised Land 96–97 ■ The Nature of Faith 236–41 provides fresh water, while the city’s granaries are full to bursting with freshly harvested grain. The faith of Rahab Cursed before the Lord Archaeological finds To find out as much as he can is the one who undertakes, at Jericho about the city’s defenses, Joshua to rebuild this city, Jericho. sends two followers—Caleb and the One of the oldest continually high priest Eleazar—to spy on the Joshua 6:26 inhabited cities in the world, city. Once inside Jericho, the men ancient Jericho is a site of rest for the night in the house of a march around the city seven times. considerable archaeological woman named Rahab near the city The priests must then blow a last importance. Excavations gates. Rahab, either a prostitute or blast on the trumpets while the show that the first settlements innkeeper according to different people raise a mighty shout. appeared about 8000 bce and translations, is soon faced with a were repeatedly destroyed dilemma. The Israelites have been Joshua does what God has and rebuilt over the following spotted and the king’s guards are ordered. After the final trumpet millennia. However, while it is in pursuit. Rahab hides the spies blast and the shout, the walls of the clear that the city was invaded under stalks of flax drying on her city crumble and fall down flat. at some point in its history, roof and tells the guards that the Joshua’s soldiers storm into Jericho, most archaeologists dispute men left at dusk. slaughtering its inhabitants and the biblical account. then burning it to the ground. When the coast is clear, Rahab Rahab and her family are spared. British archaeologist helps the Israelites escape. She Kathleen Kenyon, who worked says, “The Lord your God is God in God’s triumph at Jericho in the 1950s, heaven above and on the earth The Israelite victory is complete. concluded that Jericho did not below” (Joshua 2:11). They promise God has shown the Israelites exist at the time Joshua is said that she and her family will be He is on their side and Joshua’s to have conquered it. Jericho, spared when the Israelites attack. unwavering obedience to God has Kenyon postulated, was She is told to hang a scarlet thread, allowed them to prosper under his destroyed, but it was by the or cord, out of her window as a leadership. However, the story of a Hyksos of northern Egypt in signal to keep her home safe. The city razed to the ground, its women around 1550 bce, about 150 spies report back to Joshua that, and children slaughtered, unsettles years earlier than the biblical although Jericho’s defenses are many modern readers, to whom account. Kenyon’s findings strong, its people are demoralized indiscriminate destruction is also suggest that the city by the Israelite threat. incompatible with the concept of wall, which previously had an ethical God. The explanation, been dated to the time of the While Joshua considers his best perhaps, lies in the conquest being Israelites, actually dates from strategy, a man carrying a drawn a metaphor for the power of faith the early Bronze Age, 1,000 sword appears before him. Some and obedience. The character of years before. However, the biblical scholars say this is the Rahab is key. Although she is a story of the Israelite conquest angel of the Lord, but others argue foreigner, and possibly a prostitute, may have some credence. It that it is God himself. The figure she is redeemed through her faith is possible that the Israelites tells Joshua exactly what he must and good works. ■ conquered a town that had do. He is to march his soldiers in sprung up on the ruins of an silence around Jericho once a day earlier settlement. for six days, bearing the Ark of the Covenant and preceded by the priests blowing rams’ horns. On the seventh day, the Israelites are to

100 IN BRIEF HOGTHFOASENYEOLNOUAOR?HTDEAD PASSAGE Judges 4–8 JUDGES 4:14, GIDEON AND THE JUDGES THEME Deliverance by the judges SETTING 13th century bce During the settlement of Canaan, the Promised Land. KEY FIGURES Gideon One of the 12 judges. Chosen by God to help the Israelites seize victory over the Midianites. Abimelech Gideon’s son who proclaims himself king against God’s will and sets in motion the next cycle of decline for the Israelites. The Midianites A semi- nomadic people from east of the Jordan, who fight against Israel. T he story of Gideon is typical of the events of the Book of Judges. It follows a familiar cycle of disobedience, punishment, repentance, and deliverance, as the Israelites yet again struggle to remain faithful to their God. Gideon becomes the instrument of God’s intervention, and his miraculous military victory serves to set the people back on the right path, if only temporarily. Fractious tribes The Book of Judges began as a cycle of sagas about tribal heroes. These were pulled together into a single book probably in the late 7th century bce, with additions

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 101 See also: Moses and the Burning Bush 66–69 ■ The Fall of Jericho 98–99 ■ The Exodus 74–77 ■ The Fall of Jerusalem 128–31 and revisions made after the fall Midianites” (Judges 6:1). The effect Deborah of Jerusalem in 586 bce. The book of the Midianites and their allies covers the troubled period in the Amalekites is compared to a As well as being the only Israel’s history between the arrival swarm of locusts in its devastation female judge, Deborah is the of the tribes in Canaan between (Judges 6:5). The land is ravaged only one shown exercising a the 14th to 13th century bce and the and the Israelites are forced to judicial role. She lives in the establishment of the monarchy in seek refuge in caves and valleys. hills of Ephraim by a landmark 1050 bce. Judges depicts the From a historical perspective, this palm tree, where people come Israelites as living in fractious sounds like a description of the to have their disputes settled. tribes; it is a messier but almost sufferings of settled farmers at The wife of a man called certainly more accurate picture the hands of herder overlords who Lappidoth, she is described than the preceding Book of Joshua. exact brutal harvest-time tributes. as a charismatic prophet. The desperate Israelites finally The book proposes to follow remember God and cry out to Him, In her time, Israel suffers the fortunes of 12 judge-deliverers, but His initial response is to send under the Canaanite king of perhaps to match the 12 tribes. an anonymous prophet to remind Hazor and his general Sisera. In fact, four of these receive only them of His record of saving them When God tells Deborah to minimal mention. Along with and rebuke their ingratitude (6:7–8). call up the army of the general Gideon, the major stories are those Barak, she rides with it into of Deborah and her general Barak, Following this, God (or His battle. A sudden rainstorm Jephthah, and Samson. angel) appears to a young man, helps Barak’s army defeat the Gideon, who is secretly threshing Canaanites, but Deborah The people suffer wheat inside a winepress, hoping warns that honor of the Gideon gets the fullest treatment, to escape the attention of victory will go to a woman. his story starting, in a familiar way, marauding Midianites. The This becomes true, when with Israel’s disobedience: “Again exchange that follows has parallels Sisera is killed by a woman the Israelites did evil in the eyes with the calling of Moses at the called Jael with just a tent of the Lord, and for seven years burning bush. The angel greets peg. Judges tells the story He gave them into the hands of the Gideon, perhaps ironically, as a of this victory twice, first in “mighty warrior” (6:12) and tells prose, then in poetry, in the him that God is with him. However, Song of Deborah. This is Gideon’s response is bitter, and believed to be one of the he says God appears to have oldest Bible fragments, if not abandoned the Israelites. The angel the oldest: a victory song replies: “Go in the strength you composed possibly as early have and save Israel out of Midian’s as the 12th century bce. hand. Am I not sending you?” (6:14). An alarmed Gideon, like Moses before him, protests his weakness and insignificance. The angel simply reasserts that Gideon is the one who is going to strike down the Midianites. ❯❯ Gideon’s fleece is covered in dew by God’s angel in this painting (c. 1490s) from the school of Avignon, France. This is one of several signs from God that convinces Gideon He is with him.

102 GIDEON AND THE JUDGES The Israelites use loud trumpets to shock the men in the Midianite camps in this engraving. Alarmed by the noise, and the Israelites’ faith in their God, the Midianites are forced to flee. bowlful of water out of the fleece; the ground all around is dry. Still not content, Gideon reverses the test, and when, the following morning, dew is on the ground and not on the fleece, he knows that God is truly with him. As in other Old Testament stories, tribes of Israel. As the troops begin Preparing for battle the divine promise is followed by a to rally, Gideon is nervous and Gideon now heads an army of sign: the angel touches with the tip seeks reassurance from God. 32,000 men. But this is too many of his staff some meat and bread for God, who is determined that that Gideon has prepared for Him He takes a woollen fleece and Israel should know that He, God, is and fire rises from the ground to places it on a threshing floor. The the one who saves them, not their consume the offerings. Terrified, next morning, if there is dew only own military strength. God tells Gideon realizes that he has been on the fleece and not on the ground Gideon to ask anyone trembling face to face with his true God. around it, he will know that God with fear to quit now. Many men does indeed intend to save Israel do—22,000 of them—but the Tackling idolatry by his hand. As dawn rises the fighting force is still too large in God’s first command to Gideon next morning, Gideon wrings a God’s eyes. He tells Gideon to cut is to tear down an altar to the the forces further. Canaanite god Baal that stands Role of the judges on Gideon’s father’s land. He is Gideon takes his army to the to build a new altar to God in its The 12 judges were sent by waterside. God has told him to note place and then sacrifice one of God to deliver his chosen people the men who go down on their his father’s bulls as a burnt offering. from oppression. Unlike leaders knees to drink water, and those Gideon fulfills this command by such as Moses, the judges who stay standing and lap the night, provoking a furious but were intended to provide only water up to their mouths with their ultimately futile backlash from his temporary leadership, and townspeople the following day. scholars believe that some of Deborah and her general Barak, these judges ruled in different for example, led two Israelite A more serious challenge comes regions simultaneously. tribes to a grand military victory when a huge army of Midianites in the late 13th century bce. and their allies marches across the Before Israel had kings, the Jordan and into the Valley of judges were sent by God to act The Book of Judges Jezreel. The spirit of God comes as both prophets and warriors— emphasizes a connection upon Gideon, who blows a horn to combining the spirits of both between military and spiritual summon an army from among the Moses and Joshua. The judges matters. Without a judge, the were skilled military leaders: Israelites often forgot God’s commands and slipped into sin. He consequently made their enemies strong to punish them. When Israel was led by a judge, however, the people were brought back into God’s service, and able to defeat their oppressors.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 103 hands. In the event, most go down Israel serves Israel falls on their knees; only a small number the Lord. into sin and use their hands. These few will constitute Gideon’s army—a mere idolatry. 300 men against a much larger Midianite force. The battle lines Israel is The Cycle Israel is are now set. The Midianites are delivered. of Sin enslaved. encamped in a valley near Moreh in central Israel. Gideon and his in Judges guerrillalike band are stationed on the hillside above. God raises up Israel cries out a judge. to the Lord. On the eve of battle, God gives Gideon one last reassurance. divides his men into three groups who intervenes on the part of the During the night, he tells Gideon of a hundred, issuing each of them supplicant. The benevolent Lord and his servant to creep down to with a horn or trumpet, an empty continues to protect His chosen the Midianite camp and listen to jar, and a torch. They are to creep people despite their misdeeds. what they hear. Gideon obeys. down on the Midianites from three He hears a Midianite recounting sides, and when Gideon gives God’s deliverance temporarily a dream in which a barley cake the word, they are to blow their restores peace and the grateful came rolling down the hill from trumpets and smash their jars to Israelites ask Gideon to become the Israelite camp and upset a reveal the blazing torches. At the their king. Although he declines, Midianite tent. Another Midianite same time, they will shout: “A sword he still accepts a lion’s share of the replies that this must be a sign of for the Lord and for Gideon!” (7:20) gold taken from the Midianites, and the sword of the Israelite leader uses some of this to make an ephod Gideon and that God has put their The plan works to perfection. (thought to be a vestment for fate in Gideon’s hands. The Midianites are caught by covering an idol). Judges records surprise and stampede in their how “Israel prostituted themselves Seeing the low morale of the panic, turning their swords against by worshipping it there” (8:27), and Midianites, Gideon returns to his each other. The mighty Midianite idolatrous actions begin yet again. men with renewed boldness. “The army flees in confusion and disarray. Lord has given the Midianite camp Despite this lapse, the peace into your hands” (7:15) he cries, The cycle continues lasts 40 years, until Gideon’s death. and the men prepare for battle. Behind this story lie two key It is broken when his son His tactics are psychological. He biblical themes: God’s justice and Abimelech does what his father God’s mercy. According to divine refused to do, by proclaiming The anger of the Lord justice, disobedience brings himself king. Other judge-deliverers burned against Israel … punishment. However, divine are raised up, but when the people But when they cried out mercy also ensures that the cry turn against the king, Israel spirals to [Him], He raised up of human suffering reaches God, into violence, as Abimelech turns for them a deliverer … his army against them. ■ who saved them. Judges 3:8–9

104 IN BRIEF ULOTOHPFROETDNHSEPCHIAIRMMITE PASSAGE Judges 13:1–16:31 JUDGES 14:6, SAMSON THEME Human weakness SETTING c.12th–11th century bce The low country of Judah. KEY FIGURES Samson Selected by God to free the Israelite people from the oppression of the Philistines. He is immensely strong, yet deeply flawed. Samson’s wife Woman whose Philistine blood displeases both Samson’s parents and God. Delilah Temptress with whom Samson falls in love. Working for the Philistines, she learns the secrets of Samson’s strength. Philistines Oppressors of the Israelites, and Samson’s greatest foe. They capture, blind, and enslave him. S amson is the ultimate strong man of the Bible, but in some respects, he is also one of its weakest subjects. In classic allegorical style, the story of Samson’s rise and fall exemplifies the magnitude of human weakness and the consequent need to heed the Lord’s commands. In Judges 13:3, an angel of the Lord visits Samson’s mother-to-be and informs her that, although she is barren, she will have a son, who will deliver the Israelites from the

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 105 See also: The Prophet Samuel 110–15 ■ David and Goliath 116–17 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 Philistine oppression. Samson’s provoke the Philistines in a series The Philistines mother is warned not to drink any of conflicts. This culminates in wine or other fermented substance, Samson burning their crops and This ancient group fought nor eat anything “unclean” during murdering large numbers of constantly with the Israelites her pregnancy, as her son will be them on behalf of the oppressed throughout the 12th and 11th a “Nazirite” from the womb. Israelites. Visiting the cities of centuries bce. One of the Philistia, he also spends time in the Sea Peoples who raided the Nazirites, whose name derived house of a harlot, indicating his eastern Mediterranean in from the Hebrew word nazir, weakness for women. around 1170 bce, they were meaning “dedicated to God,” were based in the five city states of Israelites who took a voluntary Yet Samson receives God’s Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Gaza, vow to follow Nazarite law for support in spite of his misdeeds. situated on the coast of a designated period of time in God provides the strength Samson southwestern Canaan, and service to the Lord. By contrast, requires to fulfill his divinely Ekron and Gath inland. Samson’s oath, made on his behalf ordained mission of breaking Their origins are unconfirmed. by his mother, lasts his whole life. the Philistine yoke. It was once thought the Two key stipulations for Nazirites Philistines originated from were that they must not cut their Imprisonment Asia Minor, but recent hair, nor come into contact with Matters come to a head when the evidence supports a theory dead bodies. However, during the Philistines confront Samson about that they came from the course of his life, Samson breaks all his rampages. When Samson Aegean island of Crete and of these rules and more. replies that he is only doing to the settled in Canaan around the Philistines what had been done to same time as the Israelites in Samson’s strength his own people, the Philistines take the 12th century bce. In the In Judges 14:6, Samson encounters Samson prisoner. However, God lead-up to the founding of the a young lion as he is on the way once more comes to Samson’s aid Northern Kingdom of Israel in to visit the vineyards of Timnah— and he breaks free. Seizing the around 930 bce, the Philistines now called Tell Batesh—in the jawbone of a freshly killed donkey ❯❯ constituted one of the Sorek Valley. As the lion charges, country’s greatest threats. Samson is endowed by the Holy Samson battles the lion with his Spirit and tears the lion apart with bare hands in this 18th-century icon There has been much his bare hands. painting from Kargopol, Russia. Many debate about the meaning of famous depictions of Samson show him the name “Philistine,” which Samson later returns to the bravely reaching into the lion’s mouth translates from the Hebrew scene of the carnage. As he passes to tear it apart by the jaws. Pelesheth, as “sojourners.” the lion’s carcass, he sees that bees The area they occupied was have made a nest in it and gathers known as Philistia, believed some of the fermented honey in to be the origin of Palestine, his hands. Samson then eats some the name given to the area of the honey as he goes along his by the Greeks. way. Here, Samson breaks two key Nazirite laws in swift succession: he touches a corpse and consumes a fermented substance. Endowed by God with superhuman strength, Samson becomes a leader and judge of the Israelites; he rules the people for 20 years. However, he continues to break his Nazirite vows and

106 SAMSON Samson’s Revenge and Death is a wood engraving from Die Bible in Bildern (The Bible in Pictures) by the German artist Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. Published in 30 parts between 1852 and 1860, the work contained 240 woodcut illustrations. The Spirit of the Lord came Samson lays waste to 1,000 reveal the secret of his great powerfully upon him. The Philistine men with it. He then strength, and how to take it from ropes on his arms became mocks the Philistines as donkeys him. After several abortive themselves. After this victory, God attempts—and some creative lying like charred flax and rewards Samson with a drink from from Samson—Delilah finally learns the bindings dropped. the spring of Lehi—a place named that if Samson’s hair is shaved off, for the great victory, as “Lehi” he will lose his strength. With the Judges 15:14 means “jawbone.” Philistines’ help, Delilah cuts off Samson’s hair while he is sleeping. Delilah’s treachery The Philistines then rip out his Samson’s fortunes change when eyes—a punishment to dissuade he encounters a woman named prisoners from rebelling—and tie Delilah in the Valley of Sorek. She him to a heavy grinding mill that is working for the Philistines, who he must heave in circles in order are determined to find a way of to make flour. capturing Samson. Delilah seduces Samson in order to persuade him to Meanwhile, Samson’s hair steadily begins to grow back, and Samson realizes that his strength is returning. This fact is lost on his Philistine captors, who parade him in triumph at a temple festival in honor of their god Dagon. Three thousand Philistines are gathered in the temple when Samson positions himself between two great pillars supporting the roof. He prays to God for revenge on the Philistines for the loss of his two eyes, asking to die with his captors. God grants Samson the strength he requests. With a mighty heave, Samson pushes over the pillars, the roof collapses, and everyone inside the temple, including Samson, is consigned to a gory end. Vessel of God Biblical scholars have long debated the meaning of the tale of Samson. Some see him as a legendary hero, in the mold of Hercules or the Mesopotamian mythological figure Enkidu, or as an archetypal folk

Samson tells Delilah … THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 107 He will become weak if he is tied with seven When Delilah believes him … fresh bowstrings that have not been dried. He snaps the He will become weak if he is tied securely bowstrings as easily as with new ropes that have never been used. strings held over a flame. He snaps the ropes as if they are threads. He will become weak if the braids of his hair are He easily pulls up the woven into fabric on the loom and pinned down. pin and the loom. The truth: Samson will become Samson loses his strength and weak if his head is shaved. is captured by the Philistines. hero. Others see him as a real out the company of women and selfish impulses, such as Samson’s historical figure. The biblical tale breaks his Nazirite vows. This lust, and use them to accomplish of Samson sheds light on how ultimately brings about his His will. Although Samson’s life individuals can derive strength downfall; he fulfills the mission ends in tragedy, he does achieve from God’s spirit, and illustrates he has been given by God, but he the goal he has been set. The story the fundamental nature of human is continually diverted by selfish also illustrates the dangers of weakness. The contrast between impulses along the way. ceaseless retaliation. Samson and divine strength and mortal frailty the Philistines attack each other is shown by Samson’s story. Two important lessons can back and forth, until all parties Through God he is physically be taken from this story. First, involved are destroyed by the strong, but he yearns for and seeks it makes clear that God has the endless cycle of vengeance. ■ power to take a human being’s Samson and Delilah in popular culture Delilah, played by Hedy Lamarr, The story of Samson—and lovers’ lives. Popular literature, prepares to cut Samson’s hair in the particularly of his relationship from The Canterbury Tales 1949 film, which cast Delilah as the with the woman from the Valley to Thackeray’s Vanity Fair, vengeful sister of Samson’s first wife. of Sorek, Delilah—is one of the is replete with references to most riveting tales in the Bible. the pair. One of the most The couple’s love affair and her lavish representations of the quest to uncover the secret of his lovers is Cecil B. DeMille’s strength have inspired artists, 1949 Hollywood classic Samson writers, and screenwriters. Delilah and Delilah, starring Victor has been portrayed as a heartless Mature as Samson and Hedy seductress and a lover torn Lamarr as Delilah. DeMille between loyalties. created an action-packed drama, casting Lamarr as a minx and Numerous artists, including Mature as a handsome but Michelangelo and Rembrandt, simple-minded hulk. have painted scenes from the

108 BYYOOEUUMRRYGPPEOEODOPPMLLEYESGAHONADDLL RUTH 1:16, RUTH AND NAOMI IN BRIEF I n the Old Testament, the story husband, and their two sons have of Ruth and Naomi appears fled to escape a famine in the PASSAGE between the stories of the kingdom of Judah. The sons marry Ruth 1–4 judges—military as well as judicial Moabite women called Ruth and leaders—and the establishment of Orpah. However, within ten years THEME the monarchy through the prophet of living in Moab, Naomi’s husband God’s care for outsiders Samuel. Neatly divided into scenes and sons have all died, leaving her that build to a climax, the book alone with her daughters-in-law. SETTING resembles a play, suggesting a There are no grandchildren. 1250–1050 bce In the single author intent on showing Kingdoms of Moab and Judah. God’s (and the Israelites’) care for Women alone those on the fringes of society, even In the second scene, the famine KEY FIGURES when one is a Moabite, a foreigner. in Judah has ended and Naomi Naomi Jewish woman whose decides to move home. She husband and sons have The first scene is set in Moab, encourages her daughters-in-law perished abroad. a country on the east side of the to return to their homes and find Dead Sea, to which Naomi, her new husbands. Naomi cannot offer Ruth The foreign daughter-in- her daughters-in-law levirate law of Naomi who converts Ruth in Boaz’s Field, 1828, by Julius marriage, by which a widow to Judaism. Schnorr von Carolsfeld, depicts Ruth’s marries the oldest surviving brother first encounter with her redeemer, the of her husband, as she has no sons. Boaz Relation of Naomi’s landowner Boaz (left), a descendant of Naomi cares for Ruth and Orpah, husband who becomes Ruth’s Abraham via Isaac. who have both shown kindness second husband. to her: “May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband,” she says (Ruth 1:8–9). Orpah returns home, but Ruth stays with Naomi. In a celebrated speech marking her conversion to Judaism, Ruth says to Naomi, “Your people shall be my people and your God my God” (1:16), confirming her loyalty to her mother-in-law, her

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 109 See also: Joseph the Dreamer 58–61 ■ Queen Esther 132 ■ Shavuot The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17 Falling anytime between The story of Ruth the wider family), freeing slaves, May 14 and June 15, which is or even avenging murder. Boaz is also harvest time in the Holy Ruth, a widow, who is impressed with Ruth’s hard work Land, “Shavuot” celebrates also a Gentile, has no one and loyalty to Naomi. Although his the gift of Torah to the ancient foreman emphasizes that Ruth is a Israelites. It is associated to care for her. Moabite, Boaz encourages her to with the Book of Ruth, both stay in his fields, where he can because of its connection to She converts to Judaism ensure she is not harassed. the harvest and because Ruth and marries Boaz, a receives the gift of Torah upon “guardian-redeemer.” Ruth reports this to Naomi, who her conversion to Judaism. recognizes Boaz’s status as a go’el. God gives Ruth and Boaz Naomi tells her to approach Boaz Shavuot, which translates a son, Obed, from whom as he falls asleep, after the hard as “weeks,” a reference to the King David will descend. work of winnowing the grain. Ruth seven-week period between follows Naomi’s advice, and when Passover and Shavuot, is God even provides Boaz wakes, asks for the protection celebrated with a feast. The for and works of marriage: “Spread the corner of Apostles were observing your garment over me” (Ruth 3:9). Shavuot when the Holy Spirit His purpose through Boaz agrees; but first, he must descended among them and Gentiles, such speak to her nearest male relation. gave spiritual gifts (Luke as Ruth. 22:12–13). Customs associated David’s line with the feast include the people, and their God. Naomi and In the final scene, tension mounts reading of a celebratory poem, Ruth proceed to Bethlehem, where before all is resolved.Boaz invites the consumption of dairy they live as widows. Ruth’s nearest relative to buy land products such as cheese belonging to Naomi, on the blintzes, cheesecake, and In the next scene, it is harvest condition that he marries Ruth. The cheese ravioli, and the time and Ruth takes the initiative man refuses, clearing the way for decoration of homes with to “glean,” a form of charity that Boaz and Ruth to marry. The Lord greenery. People stay up all permits the poor to pick up grain then enables Ruth to conceive a night reading the Torah and left behind by the harvesters. Ruth son (4:13), who will join the line of there are synagogue readings chooses fields belonging to Boaz, King David. The story showed the of the Book of Ruth. a relative of her late husband, and a Israelites that even Gentiles can potential go’el, “one with the right play a part in God’s purpose. ■ Members of the Samaritan to redeem.” In Hebrew society, a faith, an ancient offshoot of go’el is a near relative who can Why have I found such Judaism, celebrate Shavuot at their protect a family in the absence of favor in your eyes that you holy site of Mount Gerizim near the a head of household. This could notice me—a foreigner? West Bank town of Nablus. mean buying their land to provide income (while still keeping it in Ruth 2:10

SSPEEARK, VFOAR YNOUTR IS LISTENING 1 SAMUEL 3:9, THE PROPHET SAMUEL



112 THE PROPHET SAMUEL IN BRIEF PASSAGE 1 Samuel 1:1–25:1 THEME Obedience to God SETTING c.1150 bce The Tabernacle, which is at Shiloh at the beginning of Samuel’s story, and then moved to Samuel’s hometown, Ramah. KEY FIGURES Samuel Begins as Eli’s prodigy in the Tabernacle, and quickly becomes God’s mouthpiece to the Israelites. Eli Priest at the Tabernacle recognized as a judge by the Israelites. Eli’s two sons are known troublemakers. Saul Israel’s first king, who turns away from God’s ways. David Israel’s second king, whose legacy as Israel’s greatest national leader remains to this day. F or nearly 300 years, the the messages and actions that Elkanah and his wives Hannah tribes of Israel had been would lead to the greatest king (left) and Penninah (right) portrayed loosely governed by a series Israel ever knew: King David. in a miniature from an illustrated of leaders, called “judges,” sent by manuscript produced in Utrecht God. It had been a chaotic period, God answers Hannah in approximately 1467. as the Israelites found themselves Even before his birth, Samuel is in repeated skirmishes with the promised into God’s service. His her to bear a child. One year, other clans vying for control in the father Elkanah has two wives, Hannah prays with great fervor region. Time after time, God had Hannah and Peninnah. While and weeping, vowing that if God raised up a judge to restore order Peninnah has given birth to many hears her prayer, she will dedicate and bring military success. children, Hannah, his favorite the child to the service of God. wife, has none, which causes her Over the lifetime of Samuel, great distress. Each year, when The priest, Eli, notices Hannah this tumultuous situation changed. the family goes to Shiloh, where the praying as he stands in the Samuel was no mere bystander to Ark and the Tabernacle are kept, doorway of the sanctuary. When this great transition; he was God’s Hannah cries out to God to enable she tells him she has been praying prophet, who was entrusted with because of her “great anguish and

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 113 See also: David and Goliath 116–17 ■ The Wisdom of Solomon 120–23 ■ The Suffering Servant 154–55 ■ The Prophet Jeremiah 156–59 ■ The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ The Prophet Micah 168–71 grief,” Eli blesses her: “Go in peace, History of the Books of Samuel and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him” Telling the Israelites’ story from Saul in 1 Samuel 28. David’s (1 Samuel 1). God does respond to the end of the era of the judges reign takes up all of 2 Samuel Hannah’s prayer, and when she to the final days of King David’s and continues in 1 Kings. gives birth to a son, she calls him reign, Samuel is split into two Samuel —“heard of God.” books. Although Samuel 1 and 2 In the original Hebrew Bible, both bear his name, the prophet 1 and 2 Samuel were one book, When Samuel is around the age only appears as a key character but this was split into two in of 4, Hannah takes him back in the first 16 chapters of Greek and Latin versions due to the priest Eli at Shiloh and 1 Samuel. After Samuel anoints to the book’s length. It is likely dedicates him to God’s service as Saul as king, Saul’s story takes that the account was compiled she has promised. She leaves him up the rest of 1 Samuel. The only from a variety of sources in the to be educated and trained by Eli. subsequent mentions of Samuel time of Israel’s later kings, after are before his death in 1 Samuel around 600 bce, to remind Samuel and Eli 25:1 and as a ghost summoned Israel’s rulers that they must The early verses of Samuel’s story by a medium on behalf of King remain faithful to God if they describe how he grows both in want to rule well. stature and favor with God and His people. Samuel’s exemplary have been Eli, Samuel runs to Eli’s of God’s presence and protection, behavior is in marked contrast bedside, ready to serve his master, is captured by the Philistines. to that of Eli’s own sons, who but Eli says he has not called out. On hearing of these calamities, steal the offerings worshippers Back in bed, Samuel hears his name the aging Eli falls off his chair, bring to God at Shiloh. called again, so once again runs to breaks his neck, and dies. Eli. A second time, Eli sends him God plans to use Samuel to back to bed; he had not called. By this time, the Israelites bring the old leadership of Eli and recognize Samuel not merely as his sons to an end and establish a After a third call summons Eli’s successor, but as someone new period of devotion to God. One Samuel to Eli’s bedside, Eli realizes even more important—a prophet, night, while Samuel is asleep in the that the voice Samuel is hearing through whom God spoke to ❯❯ Tabernacle, he is woken by a voice must be God’s. He instructs Samuel calling his name. Thinking it must to respond with the words “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” The Lord was with if the voice calls again. Samuel’s life Samuel as he grew up … had begun by God responding to Hannah calling out to him for a all Israel from Dan to child; now God is calling that child Beersheba recognized that to become a prophet. When God calls again, Samuel answers exactly Samuel was attested as as Eli has advised. a prophet of the Lord. 1 Samuel 3:19–20 Eli’s rule ends God tells Samuel that the time for Eli and his sons to lead is coming Eli questions Samuel after one of to a close. Sure enough, during the boy’s visions in this 19th-century the next clash with the Philistines, illustration. Most depictions of the two Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas are highlight Samuel’s youth and vision in killed, and the Ark of the Covenant, contrast to the blind and elderly Eli. which the Israelites had taken with them to the battlefield as a symbol

114 THE PROPHET SAMUEL the Israelites (1 Samuel 3:19–21). all the other nations, He is willing himself, Saul’s own son would After the capture of the Ark of the to let them try. Samuel relays God’s not become ruler after his death. Covenant, the people come to response to the people, solemnly Samuel’s last and greatest act Samuel in great distress as they warning them that a king is no as prophet of God is to anoint a look for a solution. Samuel tells the substitute for following God, but new king, a “man after God’s own people to get rid of the idols they they are adamant. heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). This new are worshipping and return to king is David, the youngest son the true worship of God. The people Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s of a sheep farmer. listen to Samuel, and the next time first king, but Saul’s period of good the Israelites face the Philistines in favor is short-lived. No sooner has Samuel anoints Saul as the first battle, the Israelites are victorious. Samuel handed over the leadership king of Israel by pouring oil over of Israel to King Saul, than Saul Saul’s head in this undated engraving. Samuel is hailed as Israel’s new fails to keep God’s commands, The ritual, described in 1 Samuel 10:1, “judge,” to whom the people look and Samuel comes to him with marked Saul’s receipt of God’s spirit. for leadership. However, while a rebuke: just like Eli and Samuel Samuel is recognized as a prophet and a judge, his sons, Joel and Abijah, just like the sons of Eli, prove to be impious and unsuitable to lead God’s chosen people. Samuel the kingmaker As Samuel grows older, the tribal leaders of Israel come to him and ask him to appoint a king to lead them, rather than passing the mantle of leadership to his sons, whom they see as weak. Samuel is displeased with the request. However, when he speaks with God, He tells Samuel to listen to the people, saying “it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king” (8:7). If the Israelites want to be just like “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?” To obey is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 115 The Israelites The Israelites abandoned God to serve The Israelites suffered the Baals and the Ashtoreths. They were asked for a king, in Egypt. punished by being sold into the hands although God was of Sisera and the Philistines. their true king. The Israelites prayed to God for guidance and forgiveness. Each time He answered their prayers. God sent Moses God sent Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, God sent the and Aaron to lead and Samuel to deliver the Israelites an them out of Egypt. anointed king. Israelites from their enemies. Samuel is a central character possession of God, who had rescued Theocracy to throughout this transitional time them from slavery in Egypt and monarchy for the Israelites. He has the unique led them to the Promised Land. position of being the last of the At the beginning of Samuel’s judges of Israel and the first of Samuel is God’s mouthpiece. story, Israel could be properly Israel’s prophets. As a prophet of However, from his birth and early called a “theocracy,” which God, he is first and foremost a years, he also demonstrates the means it was a family of spiritual leader, and throughout his importance of listening for and tribes ruled (cratos) by God ministry he repeatedly has to call recognizing God’s voice. In the (theos). God had taken the the Israelites back to the true Bible, God’s voice is often ignored, Israelites out of Egypt and worship of God. or misheard, and the Israelites’ given them laws to live by. inability to stay faithful to the Whenever they needed His God’s mouthpiece laws given to Moses on Mount intervention, God would raise The role of the prophet will become Sinai is a constant theme. When up an authoritative figure, or more important in the Israelites’ this happens, they inevitably pass “judge,” to unite them. In history, now that they have a royal through difficult times. When God’s theory, this meant the people line. As Samuel himself has done, words are recognized and obeyed, still viewed God as their king. the prophets will speak for God God blesses the people. directly to the people, and at times By the time of Samuel, even bring messages of judgment Bringing the words of God to many Israelites wanted a more on the kings. Although the Israel will never be an easy task, stable leadership, and they Israelites were now “like the other since God often asks His people to asked for a king to lead them. nations” with a royal line, prophets change the direction of their lives. However, they still faced remind the people that they are Samuel establishes the role of the problems under a monarchy— still different from these other prophet as someone who listens some kings led them well (like nations: they are the treasured for God and who speaks what David) while others led them they hear, regardless of the astray (like Ahab). consequences to themselves. ■

116 HSTHWANEORDREODWFINADSATVHNIEDO 1 SAMUEL 17:50, DAVID AND GOLIATH IN BRIEF T he heroic victory of a one of them to come out and fight simple farm boy over a him. Although sources differ on his PASSAGE giant warrior is one of the exact height, Goliath is described 1 Samuel 17 most inspiring tales in the Bible. as a giant, and any man foolish As the king of the Israelites, Saul, enough to fight him looks certain THEME wavers uncertainly on the edge of to be defeated. God’s anointing is greater battle, David’s firm actions and his than earthly powers enduring faith in God grant the David is tending sheep when Israelites a decisive victory. his father tells him to take some SETTING food to his older brothers, who are Around 1020 bce For 40 days, the Israelites have serving in Saul’s army. Although Valley of Elah, Judah. been locked in a stalemate with the he is the youngest of his brothers, Philistines, about 15 miles (24 km) KEY FIGURES southwest of Jerusalem. Each David raises his sword to cut off David The youngest son of morning on the battlefield, a warrior the head of Goliath in this 17th-century Jesse of Bethlehem. He starts named Goliath emerges from the painting by Guillaime Courtois. David’s off as a shepherd and rises to Philistine ranks and bellows out a against-the-odds victory has inspired become a mighty warrior and challenge to the Israelites, daring artists throughout history. second king of the Israelites after the death of Saul. Goliath A giant from Gath who is the champion of the Philistines. Saul Israel’s first king, who proves to be a weak ruler. Samuel The last of the judges and an important prophet who anoints Saul and David as Israel’s first and second kings.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 117 See also: Samson 104–07 ■ David and Bathsheba 118–19 ■ The Wisdom of Solomon 120–23 ■ The Psalms 138–43 David’s potential has already been Goliath’s size Sizing up David and Goliath recognized by God. As related in varies according 1 Samuel 16, he has been secretly to the source, but 3.0 10 anointed by Samuel to be Israel’s it is likely that it 9 next king, although David is was within 2.7 8 unaware of this at the time. human range 7 and the result 2.4 6 The arrival of David of a hereditary 5 When he arrives at the battlefield disorder of the 2.1 4 and sees Goliath’s challenge going pituitary gland. 3 unanswered, David is determined 1.8 2 to fight him. Although Saul has 1 offered rich rewards for anyone 1.5 Ft brave enough to take on Goliath, at first he tries to deter David, telling 1.2 the shepherd that Goliath “has been a warrior from his youth” 0.9 (1 Samuel 17:33). David responds by telling Saul how, when tending 0.6 his father’s sheep, he fought off and killed a lion and a bear. David has 0.3 faith that, with God on his side, taking on Goliath will not be a M Goliath The height Goliath The problem. Armed only with his staff, David The of Goliath according height of Goliath a slingshot, and five pebbles from average height to the Dead Sea according to the bed of a stream, he goes off to of an Israelite, Scrolls, Septuagint, Masoretic text. fight the Philistines’ champion. according to and Josephus. archaeology The duel starts with Goliath hurling curses at David, while the Goliath and the Philistines have Clash of champions latter tells the giant he is fighting foolishly defied. “This day,” he says, him in the name of God—whom “the Lord will deliver you into my David and Goliath’s duel hands and I’ll strike you down and was not the only clash of You come against me cut off your head” (17:46). As the champions in the ancient with sword and spear heavily armored Goliath advances, world, although it is the only and javelin, but I come David seizes his chance. Reaching one recorded in the Bible. In against you in the name into his bag, he takes out one of the classical Greece, champions of the Lord Almighty. pebbles, slips it into his slingshot, from Sparta and Argos fought and shoots it, striking Goliath on the so-called Battle of the 1 Samuel 17:45 the forehead. The giant falls to the Champions in 546 bce. It ground, and David uses Goliath’s ended with both sides own sword to chop off the giant’s claiming victory. Much later, head. The Philistines flee—pursued in around 133 bce, Scipio by the Israelites, who chase them to Aemilianus accepted a Gath and Ekron before returning challenge from an Iberian to plunder the Philistines’ camp. warrior parading in front of the Roman ranks, daring Saul’s failings someone to fight him. Sources David’s faith in God allows him to say the Iberian was a giant, defeat Goliath, and this story can while Scipio was a much also be seen as evidence of Saul’s smaller man. Nevertheless, moral deficiencies as king, as he like David, he prevailed. does not trust in God enough to have faith in victory. Although Saul In medieval times, the rewards David by promoting him notion of champions became to a high rank in his army, he soon embedded in law. Trial by becomes jealous and begins to combat was used to determine plot David’s downfall. ■ God’s favor and thus a person’s guilt or innocence.

118 MWTHUHESOTMDADINDIETHIS 2 SAMUEL 12:5, DAVID AND BATHSHEBA IN BRIEF I nitially revered as a wise king, of his servants to discover her David is in the 11th year of his identity. The servant tells him her PASSAGE reign when he breaks God’s name is Bathsheba and that she 2 Samuel 11–12 laws. The events that then unfold is the wife of Uriah the Hittite, a warn of the dangers of monarchy warrior serving in David’s current THEME if the king does not obey God—a campaign against the Ammonites. Sins of the righteous theme explored elsewhere in the Book of Samuel. Succumbs to sin SETTING Despite his strength in battle, Around 1000 bce Jerusalem. David’s transgression occurs David gives in to desire. He sends during a time of war. Having for Bathsheba and sleeps with her. KEY FIGURES secured the kingdom, he stays This seemingly uncharacteristic David Israel’s well-respected behind in Jerusalem rather than action by David shows us that even second king, who ascends to leading his army into another great men can struggle against the throne after Saul’s death. battle. While resting in his palace, sin. However, David’s actions soon He sins against God by the king spots a beautiful woman catch up with him when Bathsheba sleeping with Bathsheba. bathing on the roof of a nearby sends word that she is pregnant. house. He immediately sends one Bathsheba The wife of Uriah the Hittite, who commits Adultery and polygamy adulteress are to be put to adultery with David and death.” The method of execution later marries him. One of the most frequently and was by stoning. severely condemned sins in the Joab The commander of Bible is adultery. It is mentioned While God hates adultery, David’s army. 52 times, including in the Ten polygamy seems to be both Commandments, where it is accepted and commonplace. Nathan A prophet and one specifically prohibited; all four According to Genesis 4, Cain’s of David’s closest advisers. New Testament Gospels; and descendant, Lamech, had two in ten other books of the Bible. wives, while Abraham, Jacob, Uriah the Hittite A high- Only the sins of idolatry, self- and possibly Moses are also ranking officer in David’s army righteousness, and murder are polygamous. Scholars believe who is married to Bathsheba. mentioned more often. Leviticus David may have had as many 20:10 makes it clear how sternly as 12 wives; Solomon, who God judged the crime, saying “loved many foreign women” that “both the adulterer and (1 Kings 11:1), had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 119 See also: Esau and Jacob 54–55 ■ The Ten Plagues 70–71 ■ The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ Samson 104–07 ■ The Fall of Jerusalem 128–31 ■ The Disobedient Prophet 166–67 Bathsheba inhabits a 16th-century world in this painting by Hans Sebald (1500–1550). She may have been taking a mikveh, a ritual bath performed after menstruation, when David spies her. As both Bathsheba’s husband forget his scruples. However, once takes and kills a poor man’s only and many other members of her again, Uriah does not return home. lamb. When David condemns the family hold important positions As David gets more desperate, injustice, saying “the man who did in court, David wishes to avoid one sin leads to another, and his this must die!” (2 Samuel 12:5), a scandal at all costs. thoughts turn to murder. He feels Nathan replies tersely “You are the desire for Bathsheba and wants to man!” (12:7) and denounces the David plots marry her himself. enormity of David’s sins. David The king’s first move is to recall repents, but God still punishes Uriah from the battlefront on the When Uriah returns to the him. When Bathsheba bears their pretext of wanting to hear a first- battlefield, the king gives him a son, the child dies within days hand account of the war’s progress. letter for his commander Joab in of the birth. Once Uriah is back in Jerusalem, it which he tells Joab to order Uriah would be only natural for him to “out in front where the fighting is As well as showing how even sleep with his wife, who could then fiercest. Then withdraw from him the most righteous can fall into sin, claim her unborn child as his. so he will be struck down and die” this story is a cautionary tale about (2 Samuel 11:14). Joab carries out the dangers of power. Through However, Uriah decides to sleep David’s orders and sends word committing the heinous sins of both on a mat in the palace rather than that Uriah has been killed. Once adultery and murder, King David go home. Demonstrating a stricter Bathsheba’s period of mourning is acts as though he considers himself ethical code than King David, he over, David promptly marries her. above the laws of God. Only his true protests that it would be unfair repentance for the harm he has for him to feast and make love to God’s anger done allows him to recover God’s his wife while his fellow soldiers The Lord is displeased by David’s favor and even then, he and his are away fighting. actions and sends Nathan the family will continue to suffer the prophet to confront the king. consequences of his actions. ■ David invites Uriah to dine Nathan tells David a parable about with him and plies him with a rich man who, despite his wealth, Why did you despise the alcohol, hoping this will make him word of the Lord by doing what is evil in His eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. 2 Samuel 12:9

120 IN BRIEF CCTTAOONUHDITTOLHTDNGHEEIIVENOAELNTTHIHDWVAEIHLONRFA,GLF PASSAGE 1 Kings 3 1 KINGS 3:25, THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON THEME God’s wisdom through Solomon SETTING c.962–922 bce Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. KEY FIGURES King Solomon The son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon rules Israel from around 962 to 922 bce. He is wise, just, and devout. King David The father of Solomon and the second king of Israel. Two unknown women Described as prostitutes, the women ask Solomon to decide which of them is the rightful mother of a baby. Queen of Sheba Her visit to Solomon is described in one brief biblical passage (1 Kings 10:1–13) but has intrigued readers of the Bible for centuries. Zadok The first high priest to serve in the Temple. S olomon is one of the Bible’s most charismatic figures. His 40-year reign is widely regarded as a golden age, but it is during the first 20 years, when he builds the First Temple, that he proves himself as a glorious monarch and faithful servant of God. He fulfills his father King

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 121 See also: The Ark and the Tabernacle 86–87 ■ David and Bathsheba 118–19 ■ The Fall of Jerusalem 128–31 ■ Rebuilding Jerusalem 133 David’s dream of building God’s First Temple and he turns Israel into one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in the world by expanding trade and executing a program of construction. From father to son than the word of one woman The Judgment of Solomon In around 970 bce, King David against the other. Both women are (1649) by Nicolas Poussin depicts the passes the throne of a unified Israel vehement in their protestations of moment Solomon delivers his ruling. to Solomon, his surviving son by affection for the child. The balance of colour and form in the Bathsheba. David exhorts his son composition mirrors the justice of to love and obey God so that the After listening to both women, God and Solomon. kingdom will prosper and their Solomon devises a judgment that descendants will always be kings is simple but effective. He calls for the baby can live, she will willingly (1 Kings 2:2–4). Solomon follows a sword and gives orders to divide give him up to her rival, who does his father’s advice. the child so that each woman can not realize that she has exposed the have half. One woman readily emptiness of her claim by agreeing A little later (3:5), God appears agrees while the other, horrified, to the grisly solution. Solomon to Solomon in a dream and says pleads for the child’s life. If only orders that the baby be handed to He will give the young king the woman who has given him up, anything he desires. Modestly, God gave Solomon saying, “Do not kill him; she is his Solomon asks only for a discerning wisdom and very great mother” (1 Kings 3:27). heart and wisdom to distinguish insight, and a breadth between right and wrong. Pleased Building God’s Temple by this response, God grants the of understanding as Solomon achieves much during his wish, and also bestows long life, measureless as the sand reign—he fortifies the kingdom, wealth, and power “so that in your builds a palace, and constructs a lifetime you will have no equal on the seashore. fleet of ships to boost maritime among kings” (3:13). 1 Kings 4:29 trade. His crowning achievement is the construction of God’s First The wisdom of Solomon Temple, which takes seven years to As God has promised, Solomon complete. This Temple will be the is all-powerful and famously wise. dwelling of God and a safe home He puts his wisdom to good use for the Ark of the Covenant. It when two women claim to be supersedes the Tabernacle, built the mother of the same baby. The during the time of Moses and ❯❯ women, both prostitutes, come before Solomon to plead their case. Their story is that they live in the same house and recently gave birth within days of each other. One woman claims the other has accidentally smothered her child by lying on it and then swapped the dead child for her living infant. Legally, the case is highly contentious. There are no witnesses nor any evidence, other

122 THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON During Solomon’s Solomon builds the Temple, which, large sacrificial altar, and the inner lifetime Judah and Israel … with pillars and courtyards, reflects sanctuary (1 Kings 6:5), comprising the style familiar to the Phoenician the Holy Place (hekal), in which lived in safety, everyone craftsmen who worked on it, next there are ten gold menorah, a table under their own vine to the royal palace to allow access of showbread (for offerings), and a and … own fig tree. between the two most important golden incense altar (1 Chronicles 1 Kings 4:25 buildings in Jerusalem. This 28:18). Around the inner sanctuary proximity symbolizes the king’s are chambers for the priests. used by the Israelites in the status as God’s appointed ruler. wilderness. Many detailed plans Behind the incense altar lies and preparations have already been Specifications the Holy of Holies, the resting place drawn up by King David, who had Although ornate and beautiful, of the Ark of the Covenant and the wanted to undertake the project the Temple itself is not particularly tablets of the Ten Commandments. himself. God had told David (through large. The specifications given in These are guarded by two huge the prophet Nathan) that he could the Bible are expressed in cubits, statues of olive-wood cherubim not build the Temple because he an ancient unit of length, estimated overlaid with gold. One of the most was a warrior and had shed blood. at about 18 inches (45 cm). The striking features is the “bronze Temple building is described as sea,” a huge bronze basin that The responsibility and plans being 60 cubits long, 20 cubits provides water for the priests for building the Temple therefore wide, and 30 high, or three stories to purify themselves, with ten pass to Solomon. David tells his high, with a towering porch wheeled basins for carrying water. son that these are divinely inspired, 120 cubits high. Modern estimates “All this … I have in writing as a give the dimensions as 120–150 No expense is spared for either result of the Lord’s hand on me” feet (35–40m) long by 45–60 feet the construction or the furnishing (1 Chronicles 28:19). (15–20m) wide. At the entrance of the Temple. Solomon conscripts are two bronze pillars known as 30,000 Israelites to build it, with Jachin and Boaz, symbolizing a further 80,000 to quarry stone, God’s greatness. 70,000 to carry stone, and 3,300 managers to oversee the work The complex consists of three (1 Kings 5:13 and 2 Chronicles 2:2). main areas: the great court (1 Kings Large, expensive stones are cut 7:9), where people assemble to for the foundations, and the finest worship, the inner court or court of materials, including gold, silver, the priests (2 Chronicles 4:9), with a bronze, cedarwood, and precious stones, are used throughout. The The Queen of Sheba A visit to Jerusalem by the Queen Solomon gives her “all she of Sheba is mentioned in the desired and asked for” (1 Kings Hebrew Bible, the Qur’an, and 10:13). Open to interpretation, the Ethiopian holy book, the this phrase could simply mean Kebra Nagast. The Bible passage that she is satisfied with is brief but ambiguous. It states Solomon’s answers or that she is that the unnamed queen hears of carrying his child. Ethiopians Solomon’s fame and wishes to test believe that the Sheban queen his wisdom. Traveling from the bore Solomon a son, Menelik I, land of Sheba (believed to be from whom all Ethiopian kings modern-day Yemen or possibly are descended. They also Ethiopia), she arrives with gifts of believe that when Menelik gold, precious stones, spices, and later traveled to Jerusalem to incense. Solomon answers all her visit his father, he smuggled questions and she is impressed, the Ark of the Covenant back praising God for placing Solomon to Axum in northern Ethiopia, on the throne. She leaves after where it still resides.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 123 WHEELED BRONZE BASINS GREAT COURT N Solomon’s INNER COURT Temple was similar to the ARKCHAMBERS Altar of Jachin BRONZE Tabernacle but incense Boaz A LTA R incorporated Veil Phoenician Folding Doors elements such as the two Bronze columns “Jachin” sea and “Boaz,” reflecting the input of architects and craftsmen loaned to Solomon by King Hiram of Tyre. HOLY OF HOLIES HOLY PLACE COURT King of Tyre (Phoenicia), Solomon’s in the fourth year of Solomon’s Raising funds for ally and neighbor, supplies cedar reign and that it took seven years, the First Temple for the paneling as well as labor. which puts completion at around According to 1 Kings 6:7, the stone 964 bce. Rabbinic sources say According to 1 Chronicles is finished at the quarry before the Temple stood for 410 years, 22:14, King David sets aside being transported to the Temple, so yet records show that it was funds and materials for the that “no hammer, chisel or any other destroyed by the Babylonians in Temple before he dies. They iron tool was heard at the Temple around 587 bce, 30 years earlier included “a hundred thousand site while it was being built.” than those dates indicate. The talents of gold, a million talents most likely site is Temple Mount, of silver, quantities of bronze The priests move in now occupied by the Dome of the and iron too great to be Once the Temple has been Rock, an Islamic shrine, where weighed, and wood and stone.” completed, the priests move God’s the Prophet Muhammad is said In modern terms, this equates ceremonial equipment from the to have ascended to heaven. ■ to 3,750 tons of gold and tabernacle to the Temple and a 37,000 tons of silver. feast is held for 14 days. From then When the Queen of on, a daily sacrifice of lamb is made Sheba heard about the King David also appeals in the morning, with a second fame of Solomon and his for donations. Gold, silver, iron, lamb and cereal sacrificed by the relationship to the Lord, bronze, and precious stones high priest Zadok on the Sabbath. she came to test Solomon are given by families, leaders Singing and prayers are part of with hard questions. of the 12 tribes, commanders, worship. Only the high priest is and those in charge of the permitted to enter the Holy of 1 Kings 10:1 works. Huge quantities of Holies, and then only on the wood, especially cedar, are Day of Atonement (see pp. 86–87). imported from Tyre. David Jerusalem is now established promises King Hiram of as a holy city. Zadok and his Tyre to pay his craftsmen descendants control the Temple until whatever wages Hiram the Babylonian Exile in 597 bce. requires; by the end of the project Solomon is greatly It is difficult to pinpoint when in debt and is forced to give Solomon’s Temple was completed. 20 towns in Galilee to Hiram The Bible says construction started as payment (1 Kings 9:11).

124 IFTEHHEAEDVREYAODVUIERNTESHCETTREOED 1 KINGS 17:4, A PROPHET IN HIDING IN BRIEF T he prophet Elijah makes God’s protection of Elijah in his first biblical appearance unexpected ways—ravens, which PASSAGE during the reign of King are unclean in Israelite law, and 1 Kings 16:29–17:24 Ahab. The king marries the Tyrian through the poor widow—shows princess Jezebel, who persuades His care for the faithful. Ravens THEME him to set aside God in favor of also reference God’s protecting God protects His prophet the god Baal and the goddess love in Job 38. Their ubiquity in Asherah. Although the Bible does ancient Israel was seen as a sign SETTING not explicitly say so, scholars also that God’s love is everywhere. ■ During King Ahab’s reign suggest other acts of depravity are (873–852 bce) Samaria and being committed at court, including Elijah hides in the wilderness the brook Cherith, flowing east ritual sex and child sacrifice. in this anonymous work from the of the Jordan River. collection of Petit Palais, Musée It is at this point that Elijah des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. KEY FIGURES arrives, warning the errant Ahab God sends ravens to bring him food. Elijah A prophet of God who of a drought: “There will be neither challenges King Ahab and dew nor rain in the next few years then must go into hiding. except at my word” (1 Kings 17:1). However, speaking out puts Elijah’s King Ahab The sinful king life at risk and God tells him to of Israel who rejects God go to the brook Cherith (east of and worships the Canaanite the Jordan River). god Baal. Elijah survives by drinking the Queen Jezebel King Ahab’s water and eating meat brought wife, who encourages him to twice a day by ravens, as God has worship Baal. promised, until the brook runs dry. God then leads Elijah to Phoenicia The ravens Intelligent and and safety within the house of a mystical birds that feed Elijah widow, where, with God’s help, during the drought. Elijah performs a miracle by bringing her son back to life. See also: Ruth and Naomi 108–09 ■ Elijah and the Prophets of Baal 125 ■ The Suffering of Job 146–47 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 125 RGYAONOAUIDNARNIOSDWNELPITLFRHLETESSOLEEANNAHNDTADB, 1 KINGS 18:1, ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL IN BRIEF T he story of the religious to summon lightning. Finally, Elijah duel on Mount Carmel is takes 12 stones—one for each tribe PASSAGE a highly dramatic tale of Israel—and builds an altar. He 1 Kings 18 that serves to demonstrate God’s pours water over the wood, then power. The drought God had prays. To everyone’s amazement, a THEME ordained has raged for three years bolt of fire consumes the altar, even Authority over pagan gods when He tells the prophet Elijah the water. Reminded of God’s to return from hiding in the power, the people proclaim Him SETTING wilderness and seek out Ahab. He as the only true God. The miracle During King Ahab’s reign promises rain will once again fall. also shows how God answers the (873–852 bce) Mount Carmel prayers of the righteous, as he and the city of Jezreel. On the way, Elijah meets Ahab’s sends the rain Elijah asks for and administrator, Obadiah, a secret protects the faithful Obadiah. ■ KEY FIGURES follower of God who reveals that he Elijah God’s prophet, who is hiding 100 believers from Queen When all the people challenges King Ahab to Jezebel. Obadiah is afraid for his saw this, they fell a religious duel in order to life, as he must reveal Elijah’s prostrate and cried, demonstrate the power of God. return to Ahab. However, Elijah ‘The LORD—he is God. immediately challenges the royal The LORD—he is God!’ King Ahab The king of Israel, couple. He blames them for the 1 Kings 18:39 who fails to recognize that drought, as they have disobeyed the drought is God’s wrath God and instead worshipped Baal. for his sins. Test of two gods Obadiah The King’s servant, To decide which god is the most who is secretly a loyal follower powerful, Elijah proposes a public of God. competition at Mount Carmel. The test for God and Baal is to Queen Jezebel Ahab’s wife, incinerate a sacrificial bull. The 450 who seeks to kill prophets who prophets of Baal pray, dance, and worship God. mutilate themselves, but are unable See also: The Fall 30–35 ■ Tower of Babel 42–43 ■ The Golden Calf 84–85

126 LOAEFDTYOMOUUEBRLINESHPPEOIRRRIITTTION 2 KINGS 2:9, THE CHARIOT OF FIRE IN BRIEF E lijah’s impressive exit master is “a double portion of your from this world stands spirit” (2 Kings 2:9), a phrasing that PASSAGE as testament to his references Israel’s inheritance laws. 2 Kings 2 importance as a prophet and Although land was shared out faithful servant of God. Both he between a man’s sons when he THEME and his disciple Elisha know in died, the eldest would receive a The ascension of a prophet advance that God will take him larger share—two portions of land. to heaven and are able to prepare. By asking for this, Elisha wishes SETTING to confirm himself as Elijah’s Around 850 bce Devoted to Elijah to the end, spiritual heir and successor. Banks of the Jordan River. Elisha refuses three times to leave his master in his last moments. The prophet ascends KEY FIGURES Elijah uses his cloak to part the Elijah’s ascension to heaven occurs Elijah A prophet who urges waters of the Jordan River before quite suddenly as the two men the people of Israel to abandon asking whether there is any last walk together. He is swept away their worship of Baal and request he can grant his disciple. dramatically in a whirlwind, as a return to the worship of The only thing Elisha asks of his the true God. Elijah Israelites back to the worship Elisha A faithful servant of the one true God and away of Elijah and the prophet Little is known about Elijah’s from the worship of Baal and chosen by God to be Elijah’s life before his sudden other pagan deities. successor. Over the course of appearance as a prophet about 60 years, he builds on Elijah’s halfway through the reign of In the conflict with Baal’s work by teaching the Ahab, the son of Omri. This priests, Elijah aims to show Israelites the ways of God. would put Elijah’s emergence the supremacy of monotheism as a prophet at around 864 bce. over pagan polytheism. A man Mostly, Elijah’s activities are of firm and unflinching faith, confined to the northern Elijah constantly teaches that kingdom, although he is forced there is no god except the to take refuge elsewhere when God of Israel, a statement fleeing from Ahab’s wrath. backed up by the translation Throughout his relatively brief of His name, which means career, Elijah has one main “My God is Jehovah.” purpose: This is to turn the

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 127 See also: A Prophet in Hiding 124 ■ Elijah and the Prophets of Baal 125 burning chariot divides him from be more different. Elijah was born competently carries on his legacy, Elisha. Indeed, it is more of a and raised in rural Gilead beyond counseling the rulers of the time disappearance than a death, and the Jordan River, probably in a poor and continuing to produce many he later returns to Earth, along family, whereas Elisha is the son of more miracles in service to God. ■ with the prophet Moses (see a wealthy Israelite landowner. pp. 234–35). The chariot of fire A fiery chariot carries Elijah to Elisha sees has connotations with While there is no doubting that heaven in this 16th-century Russian God’s heavenly host of angels, Elijah has the harder task of the icon. Although the Bible mentions which further suggests that Elijah two in rekindling the Israelites’ horses of fire, the presence of angels, does not simply die, but joins the faith in God and turning them seen here, is not explicitly stated. ranks of God’s faithful in heaven. away from the god Baal, Elisha When Elijah disappears, Elisha cries out and rips his garments in two, an action that is often a response to calamity in the Bible. He picks up Elijah’s cloak and strikes the Jordan River with it. The waters part, just as they did for Elijah, and Elisha crosses the river on dry land. Prophets from Jericho witness the miracle and proclaim that “the spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha” (2:15). They hail Elisha as Elijah’s chosen successor. Two contrasting leaders Elijah and Elisha are both chosen by God, who empowers them to carry out miraculous deeds. Yet, their backgrounds could not Suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:11

128 IN BRIEF IHSANWEOTRAOJYLUCADFANARPDHOTMIWVIETNYT, PASSAGE 2 Kings 24–25 2 KINGS 25:21, THE FALL OF JERUSALEM THEME Exile SETTING 6th century bce Jerusalem, central Judah. KEY FIGURES Nebuchadnezzar II The conquering King of Babylon, who invades Jerusalem. Jehoiakim Puppet-king of Judah installed by the Egyptians from 609–597 bce. Father and predecessor of Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin King of Judah for three months in 598–597 bce. Zedekiah King of Judah from 597 bc up until the time of the Babylonian siege in 586 bce. Uncle of Jehoiachin. I n 586 bce, after a long siege, the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II, capture Jerusalem, holy city of the Israelites and capital of the kingdom of Judah. The utter destruction of both the city and the Temple of Solomon mark the start of a dark period for the Israelites: a punishment from God for their misdeeds. It is nearly 50 years before they are able to return and rebuild their city. These dramatic events are related at the end of 2 Kings, a tumultuous book, which recounts a litany of bad rulers, catastrophe, and the ultimate loss of the two Jewish nations (the Assyrians had conquered the northern kingdom, Israel, in 722 bce). Jerusalem’s

See also: Entering the Promised Land 92–93 ■ The Fall of Jericho 98–99 ■ THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 129 The Wisdom of Solomon 120–23 ■ Rebuilding Jerusalem 133 Assyria and the divided kingdom The Two Nations as his puppet. Egypt’s power soon Dating back as early as the begins to wane, however, largely 25th century bce, Assyria Sea as a result of the threat posed was a huge empire and an of Galilee by the Babylonians led by the amalgamation of numerous conqueror Nebuchadnezzar II. He Middle Eastern states that ISRAEL and his rampaging armies present continually changed in size (Northern a far greater danger to Jerusalem. and influence until its Kingdom) As the Babylonian army approaches eventual collapse between the walls of the holy city, Jehoiakim 612 and 599 bce. At its peak, 722 BCE switches allegiances and pledges Assyria stretched from the his support to Nebuchadnezzar eastern Mediterranean to Iran, Jerusalem Dead Sea in an attempt to appease him and as well as into Egypt, Libya, JUDAH persuade him to spare Jerusalem. and the Arabian Peninsula. (Southern Kingdom) The arrangement works and Assyria played a key part 586 BCE for three years Jerusalem is in Israelite history between unmolested. However, when a 734 and 724 bce, when the fortunes have ebbed and flowed planned Babylonian invasion of 10-tribe kingdom of northern over the centuries, but the death Egypt fails, Jehoiakim rebels and Israel (called Israel) was of the virtuous King Josiah while incurs Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath. conquered by several Assyrian battling the Egyptians in 609 bce In 598 bce, the Babylonian armies monarchs and many of the prompts a dramatic downturn. attack Jerusalem and Jehoiakim inhabitants were taken Josiah is a great reformer and then dies, possibly during the captive. During this 10-year a devoutly religious man, who ensuing conflict. period – known as the serves the Lord “with all his heart Assyrian Exile – the groups and with all his soul and with all The last days of Judah exiled by Assyria became his strength” (2 Kings 23:25). His Jehoiachin, the son of Jehoiakim, known as the Ten Lost Tribes successors fall short of this becomes the new king of Judah of Israel as, unlike those in standard and their weak and at only 18 years of age. He rules the Kingdom of Judah, the impious actions have devastating for just three months before northern Israelite tribes were consequences for Judah. Nebuchadnezzar and his armies never allowed to return to besiege Jerusalem once more, their homeland. Power struggle forcing the young king to surrender. After Josiah’s death, the kingdom Although on this occasion he Nebuchadnezzar II was an of Judah becomes a pawn in the spares Jerusalem from destruction, Assyrian King of Babylon who struggle between the warring Nebuchadnezzar carries off the ruled from c.605–562 bce. During nations of Egypt and Babylon. king, all his family and officials, this time, Assyria was incorporated Jehoahaz, Josiah’s son and heir, and a further 10,000 Israelites, into the Neo-Babylonian empire. is deposed and imprisoned by marking the start of what is the Egyptian pharaoh, who then known as the Babylonian Exile installs Jehoiakim, a younger son or Babylonian Captivity. He also of Josiah, on the throne of Judah seizes treasures from the royal palace and the Temple of Solomon. Nebuchadnezzar installs Jehoiachin’s uncle, Zedekiah, on the throne of Judah, where “Only the poorest people of the land were left” (2 Kings 24:14). The Bible makes it explicitly clear that God is ❯❯

130 THE FALL OF JERUSALEM unhappy with his appointment, murder of his children. The king’s The ancient city of Jerusalem lies Zedekiah “did evil in the eyes own eyes are then gouged out by burning after the Babylonian conquest of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had the Babylonians, so that the last in this engraving by 17th-century artist done” (2 Kings 24:19). Zedekiah thing he ever sees is the death of Jan Luyken. The people are led into is just as bad as his predecessors his sons. Blind and defeated, he exile as the city is destroyed. and leads the holy city further is taken to Babylon in chains. away from God, into the hands they now faced exile from their of its oppressors. Jerusalem destroyed devastated city and were subject Over the following two months, to the rule of the Babylonians. After nine years of presiding Nebuchadnezzar orders a further over a ravaged Jerusalem, afflicted deportation of the population of A vengeful God by chronic famine and shortages, Judah and lays waste to Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem lies in Zedekiah rebels against Assyria The city is completely destroyed, ruins and the vast majority of its with the help of the Egyptians. including the fortifications and population is deported to Babylon, His actions are quickly countered the Temple of Solomon. The there is evidence to confirm that by those of Nebuchadnezzar, who destruction of the Temple is other parts of Judah continued marches on Jerusalem and lays especially significant. For nearly to be inhabited after the exile. siege to the city for 18 months. 400 years, the Temple had stood With the loss of their holy city and Jerusalem falls into utter chaos, in the heart of Jerusalem as the Temple, those who remained must with the famine in the city so grave ultimate symbol of the Israelite have wondered how all this could that parents eat their own children religion. Its destruction illustrates come to pass. Why would God in order to survive. Finally, in July just how far the Israelites had allow a nation of idol-worshippers— of 586 bce, Jerusalem’s walls are strayed from God, and their failure the Babylonians—to overthrow His breached by the Babylonians. to keep their covenant with Him. own people, who worshipped only Zedekiah attempts to escape, but is Having not heeded God’s warnings, the one true Lord? The only captured and forced to watch the

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 131 explanation was that Judah, and … Jerusalem will archaeological findings and early Israel before it, had neglected their become a heap of accounts. These include a passage worship of God. The Lord had rubble, the Temple hill from the Babylonian Chronicles, repeatedlywarned both nations a mound overgrown a set of ancient tablets discovered that their ways were unjust and in the 19th century that describes immoral, and they must repent of with thickets. the sack of Jerusalem in 597 bce, their own idol worship. He had Micah 3:12 and also Jehoiachin’s “rations made it clear that the penalty for tablets,” which were unearthed failure to return to worship of Him release of Jehoiachin from prison, from Nebuchadnezzar’s royal alone would be exile. when Amel-Marduk succeeds archives during excavations in Nebuchadnezzar as king. Although Babylon in the early 20th century. The people of Judah had not still held in Babylon, Jehoiachin Evidence of the Babylonian changed their ways and now, as dines at the king’s table and is rampage through central Judah God warned in 2 Kings 21:12, a even given a regular stipend. in 588–586 bce also includes fearful judgment had come fulfilling pottery fragments, known as clay the prophecies of Jeremiah (see Historical evidence ostraca, and the world-renowned pp.156–159). God’s response The biblical account of the fall Lachish letters, a series of ancient to the Israelites’ neglect follows a of Jerusalem and the exile of the Hebrew missives written in carbon similar pattern to His treatment Judean people to Babylon largely ink on clay tablets, which were of Pharaoh in Exodus. In both corresponds with historical discovered during excavations at cases, God delivers repeated evidence. The narrative is Tel Lachish in 1935. warnings that are ignored. The corroborated by a wealth of judgment that follows is final. The seismic events of the early 6th century bce undoubtedly As 2 Kings draws to a close, occurred as poor leadership and the situation is dire. The holy city a difficult geographical position is destroyed, the Temple has been left the people of Judah vulnerable obliterated, and all the most to their larger, more powerful prominent members of Judah’s neighbors. The Bible’s message society are in exile in Babylon. is clear about its cause, however. However, as if to offer a shred God’s people strayed from His way of hope after these harrowing and, as a result, were punished. ■ events, 2 Kings ends with the The failure of The destruction of Jerusalem by proposal to the people of Judah, Sennacherib Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar II he blasphemes against God, was not the first attempt to saying that no god of any nation conquer Judah’s holy city. Earlier has ever been able to stand up in 2 Kings (18:17–35), the Assyrian to his might. Hezekiah, the king King Sennacherib attempts to of Judah at that time, tells God strike a deal with the people of of Sennacherib’s heresy and Jerusalem that would allow him his bold claims that he will to take control of the city and take Jerusalem. He calls on become their ruler. God to deliver His people from Sennacherib and preserve the A hugely successful conqueror, holy city. The angel of the Lord Sennacherib has already colonized then goes into the Assyrian large areas of the Middle East camp at night and strikes and significantly expanded the 185,000 Assyrian soldiers dead Assyrian Empire. His reputation (2 Kings 19:35). Sennacherib is has made him arrogant, and he later murdered in suspicious believes that taking Jerusalem circumstances by his own sons, will be a relatively simple and God is once more avenged. undertaking. When making his

132 IPTEWHREIILSKLHING,GIOP…TEORIISFHI ESTHER 4:16, QUEEN ESTHER IN BRIEF T he story of Esther is one of At a banquet, Esther reveals her only two books in the Bible heritage and pleads for her people, PASSAGE that makes no reference to thus fulfilling her divine purpose. Esther 1–10 God (the other is Song of Songs). To her relief,the king turns his fury The tale of a Jewish queen who on Haman, who is executed. THEME speaks up to save her people, it was Salvation from unlikely likely included to show how even a Although the royal decree sources silent God causes good to triumph. cannot be withdrawn, the king allows the Jews to defend SETTING Esther becomes the wife of King themselves and no one can stand 486–465 bce During the Ahasuerus after he sets aside his against them. This event is still reign of King Ahasuerus. The previous wife, Queen Vashti, for commemorated as Purim, named Persian capital city of Susa in refusing to appear before guests. after the Hebrew word for the lots modern-day Iran. A beautiful girl, Esther has been (dice) used by Haman to decide raised by a relative, Mordecai, but when to kill the Jews. ■ KEY FIGURES does not reveal her Jewish heritage Esther An orphaned Jew who to the king. The king is delighted Who knows but that becomes Queen of Persia. with his wife and with Mordecai, you have come to who uncovers an assassination Mordecai Esther’s cousin and plot against him. Unfortunately, your royal position for her only family. Mordecai offends the chief minister such a time as this? Haman, who vows to destroy all King Ahasuerus King of Jews and obtains a royal decree to Esther 4:16 Persia and husband of Esther. murder and plunder, without telling Probably the historical figure the king whom he is targeting. Xerxes I, known as Xerxes the Great Mordecai asks the queen to intervene. She is reluctant, as it is Haman The king’s chief punishable by death to approach minister and Mordecai’s the king, but the devout Mordecai sworn enemy. believes God has placed Esther in her exalted position to do His work. See also: Ruth and Naomi 108–09

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS 133 HGAEROAEDR,DFUEOSSRP, IOWSUEERD NEHEMIAH 4:4, REBUILDING JERUSALEM IN BRIEF M ost scholars agree that The Jews hold weapons along with Nehemiah’s existence is their tools as they rebuild the wall. This PASSAGE rooted in historical fact. etching (1852–1860) by Julius Schnorr Nehemiah 1–13 This great organizer and devout von Carolsfeld shows the threat of follower of God is credited with violence the Jews faced while working. THEME rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Jerusalem is restored as well as continuing to revive the city and its people’s worship of God. SETTING c. 445 bce during the reign of While serving as the cup bearer Artaxerxes I, king of Persia. to King Artaxerxes I, Nehemiah Susa, the Persian capital, and receives his sovereign’s permission then Jerusalem, capital of the to return to his ancestral homeland kingdom of Judah. of Jerusalem and rebuild the city’s walls. On his arrival, he organizes KEY FIGURES the wall’s restoration, but struggles Nehemiah An important royal to motivate the demoralized and official who sets out to rebuild divided Jewish people. the walls of Jerusalem. Faith restored his faith is rewarded. The wall is Ezra A scribe-priest who Nehemiah and the Jews are also rebuilt in just 52 days. Nehemiah works with Nehemiah to opposed by many disparate groups: then gathers everyone together to restore the city of Jerusalem. Arabs, Philistines, Ammonites, and dedicate the newly defended city to Samaritans led by Sanballat the God and hear Ezra read the Law of King Artaxerxes I King Horonite. Agreeing on nothing else Moses. The people revive the feast of Persia. but their opposition to the Jews, of Sukkot, commemorating the they hinder their work on the walls Israelites’ years in the wilderness. Sanballat the Horonite through insults, scorn, and terror. Jerusalem is now reborn, with The Samaritan governor, Nehemiah having corrected the who seeks to sabotage the Nehemiah turns to God, praying disobedience to God that caused restoration work. for Him to acknowledge everything the city to fall. ■ His people have had to endure, and See also: Entering the Promised Land 96–97 ■ The Fall of Jerusalem 128–31

PWRISODPOHME

TANSD

136 INTRODUCTION Collections of wise Israel, in the form of the sayings provide “Suffering Servant,” God gives Satan advice for young permission to test seeks comfort and Job’s faithfulness persons setting out hope in God. in the world. with a series of misfortunes. JOB THE ISAIAH 1–2:7 PROVERBS 52:13–53:12 THE SONG OF JEREMIAH PSALMS SONGS 1:4–9 Five books of 150 The “beloved” and her God chooses Jeremiah psalms express companion (“He”) convey before he is even born their love for one another praise and to be a prophet to trust in God. in sensual imagery. the nations. T wo of the most crucial, edited, and collected much of poems are dark and sorrowful, defining moments in the Hebrew Bible, including the crying out to God for help in times Israelite history are the poetical and wisdom literature of trouble. Psalms provides an “exile,” when the Israelites were and the books of the prophets. array of expression, validating forced to leave their homes in the range of human emotions Canaan and live in foreign lands, An eternal quest experienced by the Israelites in and the “return.” The exile refers to The poetical and wisdom literature times of exile and return. several war-induced migrations, addresses the question of how especially the ones resulting from one should interact with God and The mystery of why bad things the Assyrian conquest of Northern the world. These writings are happen to good people is set out Israel in 722 BCE and the Babylonian particularly captivating because in the Book of Job, the account invasion of Judah in 597 BCE. they leave the reader without a of a blameless man who loses singular conclusion; instead, they everything. The story creates a In 538 BCE, Persia’s King Darius I contain a chorus of responses about murky picture of how God interacts allowed the Israelites to return who God is and how one should with a being called the adversary, or home. As they rebuilt the Temple, live. Psalms focuses on the nature Satan, who may share responsibility they reflected upon their identity as of the divine—as creator, provider, with God for undeserved suffering. God’s people. Questions arose and rescuer—and the human about why God would allow them response: worship. The book In contrast, Proverbs and Song to endure such suffering, then includes hundreds of poems, many of Songs focus on the practicalities reprieve them, and what this of which are praises to God or and pleasures of earthly life. signified about their relationship songs of thanksgiving for divine Proverbs provides commonsensical with the divine. To process these creation and provision. Other advice on how to behave, learn, conundrums, they wrote down, and prosper, with wisdom exalted as a treasure to be sought above all

The fall of Jerusalem God shuts the WISDOM AND PROPHETS 137 to the Babylonians is mouths of the lions The Prophet Micah mourned in five poems, when the Prophet fulminates against the expressing anger Daniel is thrown toward God. into a lions’ den. sinful behavior of the citizens of Judah. LAMENTATIONS DANIEL MICAH 1–5 6:22 3:1–12 EZEKIEL 37:10 JONAH ZEPHANIAH 1:17–2:9 1–3:5 The Prophet Ezekiel God sends a fish to swallow The Prophet has a vision in which the Prophet Jonah, who Zephaniah calls on the a vast army arises Israelites to repent and has disobeyed His from the Valley of command to preach to warns of the coming Dried Bones. “Day of the Lord.” the Ninevites. else, while Song of Songs is joyful all of which happened when Assyria not all Gentiles are portrayed love poetry, replete with erotic and Babylon came to power. Yet, positively. God’s threat to evil imagery and descriptions of during the exile, the possibility of foreign powers is prominent in physical intimacy. Ecclesiastes, on return became real, and themes apocalyptic literature, and its the other hand, asks philosophical of hope and restoration begin emphasis on “the Day of the Lord,” questions about the meaning of to infiltrate the prophetic texts. a terrifying end of the world when life. The author wonders at the The Major Prophets (Isaiah, God will judge the wicked and purpose of labor and education Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel) reward the righteous, appears when, ultimately, everyone dies. and Lamentations contain an in books such as Joel, Micah, Nevertheless, it ends with a thread expectation that God will dwell Zephaniah, and Malachi. that gathers the poetical and among the people, love them wisdom literature together: forever, and bring them home to a The idea of the Day of the Lord regardless of existential realities, new Jerusalem in the future. Daniel was later paired with a Messianic one must always obey God. exemplifies what it means to act expectation that the earth will one faithfully as a Jew despite constant day be ruled by God, and Israel will Major and Minor Prophets foreign opposition. once again be a united kingdom In the Prophetic Books, the Bible in harmony with its neighbors and returns to the theme of suffering, The same themes of doom and the divine. Many scholars believe which is viewed as retributive hope are explored in the Minor Christians reordered the canon so punishment for Israel and Judah’s Prophets, while also emphasizing that the prophets would be placed sins. The prophets warn the people commitment to God. Jonah relays immediately before the New that if they do not follow God’s the message that God accepts all Testament Gospels, which used laws, enemies will destroy them, those who repent and do justice, prophetic texts to support the claim even if they are not Israelites. Yet that Jesus was the Messiah. ■

STHHEELOPRHDEISRMDY, I LACK NOTHING PSALM 23:1, THE PSALMS



140 THE PSALMS IN BRIEF PASSAGE The Psalms THEME The prayers of the faithful SETTING From 10th century bce In the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem. KEY FIGURES David The second king of Israel and Judah in the 10th and 9th century bce. An enthusiastic sponsor of singers and musicians, he was known as the “hero of Israel’s songs” (2 Samuel 23:1). Asaph A Levite, appointed by David as one of the chief musicians before the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. Thought to have founded a school or guild of temple singers and musicians, known as the “sons of Asaph.” T he Book of Psalms as we the days of my life, and I will dwell An illustration of King David know it probably dates in the house of the Lord forever.” marks the initial at the beginning from the 6th century bce, At other times, feelings are bleaker of Psalm 1. This beautifully detailed after the Jews returned from the and more raw: “You have put me illuminated manuscript was made Babylonian exile. It was effectively in the lowest pit, in the darkest in around 1450 by Leonardo Bellini. a hymn book for Israel, used in the depths,” complains the writer of liturgy of the Second Temple, Psalm 88. This broad emotional marked resemblance to hymns where Psalms would have been variance allows the book to cover used by other Near Eastern sung to an accompaniment of a range of experiences relating peoples—for example, Psalm 104, lyres, harps, and cymbals. to religious life. which has parallels with the Great Hymn to the Egyptian sun god The Psalms can be seen as the Origins and usage Aten. This is more likely to be human side of a dialogue between Like all hymn books, the Book of because certain types of hymns Israel and its God. Often they are Psalms draws on earlier collections, were common across the various brimming with positivity, as in the many of them already hundreds Near Eastern religions than ending of Psalm 23: “Surely your of years old. Some Psalms bear because one culture consciously goodness and love will follow me all

WISDOM AND PROPHETS 141 See also: David and Goliath 116–17 ■ The Nature of God 144–45 ■ Proverbs 148–51 ■ Song of Songs 152–53 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15 Why are you downcast, fall before the harvest. It is likely I love you, O Lord, O my soul? that at least some of these songs my strength. The Lord and hymns were composed is my rock, my fortress Why so disturbed within me? specifically for festival use and Put your hope in God, would have played a crucial part and my deliverer; for I will yet praise him, in the ritual life of early Jews. my God is my rock, my Savior and my God. in whom I take refuge. Psalm 42:5 Thematic groupings The 150 Psalms are divided into Psalm 18:1–2 plagiarized hymns from another. five books—possibly to reflect Many of the common Psalm forms the structure of the Pentateuch— they say much about the heartfelt were also used in Babylonian and and each book concludes with a directness and honesty of Israel’s Egyptian liturgies. doxology, a short formula of praise, liturgical life. usually starting: “Praise be to the Clues to the earlier collections Lord …” They contain a variety of Crying out to God from which the Jewish Book of styles and themes. Many are about The causes of lament vary from Psalms was drawn can be found royal events related to the reign of betrayal to imprisonment and in the superscriptions at the top King David—73 in total bear his sickness. They are often on behalf of some of the Psalms. There are name—while others are more of a specific figure, who typically the Psalms of Asaph, for example, prophetic in nature, or impart plunges straight into his complaint. which possibly emerged from a an obvious moral lesson. Side by “How long, Lord?” is Psalm 13’s tradition associated with Asaph, side with grand hymns of glory exasperated opening. “Will you ❯❯ son of Berechiah, appointed as a and devotion sit the more somber temple singer under King David. Psalms, often of individual or Another group are the Songs communal lamentation. In fact, of Ascent, which may have been laments constitute a major portion used by pilgrims to Jerusalem as of the Psalms—around 40 of the they climbed the Temple Mount. total 150. They almost always Although King David is known conclude in trust and praise, to have composed songs, the but in their initial forthrightness collection labeled Psalms of David was almost certainly inspired by Hebrew poetry Lord’s, and everything in it, him and events in his life rather the world, and all who live in than actually written by him. Almost a third of the Hebrew it.” The second line often Bible is poetry. The narrative repeats the meaning of the first, It is hard to confirm any exact books are interspersed with to create a sense of balance or dates for the Psalms, but scholars poetic passages; large parts symmetry. The effect is also emphasize their link with early of the prophetic books are cumulative, with the second Temple worship before and after in verse; and most or all of line amplifying the scope and the exile, and traditional Jewish Proverbs, Lamentations, Job, resonance of the first. Another festivals—especially those in the and the Psalms are poetry. device in Hebrew poetry—one Meter, as it is known in the that inevitably gets lost in the Western tradition, does not translation—is the acrostic, in exist in Hebrew poetry, nor does which each line or group of lines rhyme. Instead, its key building begins with a successive letter blocks are short lines in pairs, of the Hebrew alphabet. Nine as, for example, in the opening psalms are organized in this of Psalm 24: “The earth is the way, notably Psalm 119.

142 THE PSALMS forget me for ever? How long will may have been part of a dialogue By the rivers of Babylon you hide your face from me?” In this with a priest or temple official we sat and wept case the psalmist’s troubles stem who, speaking in God’s name, then from the activities of an enemy. pronounced an oracle telling him to when we remembered Zion. Having stated the complaint, the go in peace, assured that God had There on the poplars psalmist then makes a petition: heard his prayer. Whatever the we hung our harps, “Look on me and answer, Lord my reason, the writer concludes that for there our captors God. Give light to my eyes”—the God “has been good to me.” asked us for songs. light of restored vitality and joy. Psalm 137:1–3 To add persuasive power to the Historical laments petition, he gives reasons for God Other Psalms are of communal as food for the birds of the sky, to act: if God fails to help him, lament, many arising out of the the flesh of your own people for the his enemies will say they have humiliation of defeat. For the final animals of the wild.” overcome the psalmist, which may editors of the Psalms, no defeat was reflect badly on his God. Having more recent or searing than the It continues with a mingling of now unburdened himself, the destruction of Jerusalem and its praise, repentance, and anguished writer of Psalm 13, as in many of temple by the Babylonians in petitions for salvation, justice, even the other lament Psalms, switches 587 bce. Psalm 79, one of a small vengeance: “Pay back into the laps somewhat abruptly to praise, number of Psalms emerging from of our neighbors seven times the remarking, “But I trust in your that experience, opens with a contempt they have hurled at you, unfailing love; my heart rejoices description of the disaster: “O God, Lord.” Elsewhere, the desire for in your salvation.” the nations have invaded your revenge burns most appallingly in inheritance; they have defiled your another psalm of the exile, Psalm One possible reason for this holy Temple, they have reduced 137. Its conclusion is a howl of sudden change of tone may lie in Jerusalem to rubble. They have left bloodthirsty rage: “Daughter the context of temple worship. The the dead bodies of your servants Babylon, doomed to destruction, psalmist’s complaint and petition happy is the one who repays you for what you have done to us. Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” Joyous Psalms Psalms written in the light of an answered prayer are usually more jubilant. Typically, they tell or suggest the whole story: Hymns are sung at the Sunday celebration at the Celestial Church of Christ, Missessinto, in Benin, Africa. Psalms have been used in devotional worship since the early Church.

WISDOM AND PROPHETS 143 Psalms and their authors Psalms 1, 2, 10, 33, 43, 66, 67, 71, 91–100, 102, Unknown 104–07, 111–18, 119, 120, 121, 123, 125, 126, 128–30, 132, 134–37, 146–50 Psalms 3–9, 11–32, 34–41, 51–65, 68–70, 86, 101, David 103, 108–10, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138–45 Psalms 42, 44–49, 84–85, 87 Sons of Korah Psalms 50, 73–83 Asaph Psalms 72, 127 Solomon A shepherd and his flock Psalm 88 Sons of Korah and Heman The image of a leader as a shepherd goes back to the Psalm 89 Ethan the Ezrahite 3rd millennium bce when the kings of Sumer in Psalm 90 Moses Mesopotamia described themselves as shepherds the trouble the psalmist was you nations; extol him, all you of their people. In societies suffering, how he made a lament peoples,” the shortest psalm of all, where herders were part to God, and how God wonderfully Psalm 117, commands: “For great of everyday life, it was an intervened. “I will exalt you, Lord,” is His love toward us, and the obvious comparison to make, begins Psalm 30, “for you lifted me faithfulness of the Lord endures and other nations followed out the depths and did not let my forever.” In other cases, the opening this example. enemies gloat over me.” Despite summons leads to a list of God’s the reference to his enemies, the interventions on Israel’s behalf. For the Israelites, David psalmist’s distress seems to have was the archetypal shepherd- been a sickness that brought him Perhaps the most beautiful king, who literally started life close to death. He cried to God for Psalms are the songs of creation, as a shepherd. But above him help, and God healed him, sparing such as Psalm 104, which elicit was the one who fulfilled him “from going down into the pit.” praise by extolling the creator-God. that role supremely: God (as The conclusion here is a shout He is the God who “makes the stated in Psalm 23). In the of praise and thanksgiving: “You clouds His chariot and rides on the 6th century bce, during the turned my wailing into dancing; wings of the wind.” Not only does Babylonian Exile, the prophet you removed my sackcloth and creation reflect His splendor, but Ezekiel used the imagery of a clothed me with joy, that my also His provision for humankind: shepherd in a furious tirade heart may sing your praises “He makes grass grow for the cattle, against Israel’s leadership: and not be silent.” and plants for people to cultivate— “Woe to the shepherds of bringing forth food from the earth.” Israel who only take care of Songs of praise themselves! … you do not Hymns of collective praise are What is remarkable about the take care of the flock.” Jesus among the most majestic of the Psalms is the energy and feeling continued the tradition, Psalms. They tend to have the behind the words. Whether they describing the crowds who simplest structures: a summons are praising or petitioning God, they followed Him as “like sheep to praise God, followed by reasons each show a very human side of the without a shepherd,” and later for that praise. “Praise the Lord, all Bible, where people are unafraid referring to himself as a “good to confess their multifaceted shepherd [who] lays down His emotions to a benevolent Lord. ■ life for the sheep.” The image lives on to this day in the word “pastor,” Latin for “shepherd.”

144 FTYROOOUEMVAEREREVLEGAROSLDTAISNTGING PSALM 90:2, THE NATURE OF GOD IN BRIEF to everlasting you are God.” The place” (Psalm 90:1). The prophet sentiment behind the phrase Isaiah combines these two PASSAGE “everlasting to everlasting” is concepts in an exclamation of Psalm 90 repeated in many of the names wonder: “Holy, holy, holy is the given to God by his followers. He Lord Almighty; the whole earth THEME is “Alpha and Omega,” the first and is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3). God’s nature last letters of the Greek alphabet. He is kadosh, or holy, in Hebrew, Wrathful God SETTING meaning transcendent, beyond Psalm 90 also teaches us more The universe All of which and above all normal experience. about the wrathful nature of God, is created by God. as experienced by the ancient Yet He is not cut off from KEY FIGURES humanity in some other realm. God’s glory dwells in the physical Moses God’s servant, to His kavod, glory, dwells within his realm, according to Isaiah. As the whom Psalm 90 is attributed. creation, pervading and sustaining creator of the vast and beautiful world it—which is perhaps why, in that His people inhabit, Earth itself U nlike any other ancient Psalm 90, the author tells God: becomes a symbol of His might. Near Eastern religion, the “Lord, you have been our dwelling Israelite one had no family tree of the divine or account of how God came into being. The first verse of the Bible simply assumes God as creator of the world, a source of being beyond whom there is no other: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Psalm 90—which the Bible attributes to “Moses the man of God”—picks up this concept: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting

WISDOM AND PROPHETS 145 See also: Only One God 90–91 ■ The Psalms 138–43 ■ The Lord’s Prayer 212–13 An emotional God The names and nature of God The biblical writers are not afraid to give God certain Judaism The Jewish tradition has many names for God, human attributes, including which recognize different attributes: from shaddai emotions. The first chapter (judge) to kano (jealous) to tzevaot (one who of Genesis shows God feeling battles the wicked). satisfaction: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very Christianity The New Testament places a greater emphasis good.” A few chapters later, on calling God “Father,” and Christians see God this joy turned to regret and as having this intimate, paternal role in their lives. grief. Faced with human corruption before the Flood, Islam Muslims use the name Allah, which simply means the “Lord was grieved that He “the one God.” The belief that there is no other had made man … His heart God but God (“la ilaha ilallah”) is the central tenet was filled with pain.” of the Islamic faith. Expressions of God’s love Israelites. The prayer emphasizes Unavoidably, the relationship brings are as frequent in the Bible as the greatness of His anger: “If only conflict. God does not hesitate to his anger: the prophet Amos we knew the power of your anger! punish His chosen people when describes a fiery display of Your wrath is as great as the fear they stray from obedience. Still, as God’s revulsion at rituals that is your due” (Psalm 90:11). Psalm 90 attests, God is capable performed without holiness of The author describes the people as of compassion: “Satisfy us … with heart. “I despise your religious fearing God’s wrath above all else: your unfailing love, that we may feasts; I cannot stand your “We are consumed by your anger sing for joy” (90:14). Although the assemblies.” However, He is and terrified by your indignation” relationship between God and shown to be open to changing (Psalm 90:7). His people sometimes breaks His mind when His heart is down, God loves His people, and appealed to: “My heart is Collaborative nature is always working to repair it. ■ changed within me,” God tells Relationships are at the heart of the prophet Hosea; “all my God’s being. Even in the divine The Lord is near to all who compassion is aroused. I will realm, He appears to enjoy some call on Him, to all who call not carry out my fierce anger.” kind of companionship. There is on Him in truth. He fulfills a plural, for example, in the first the desires of those who fear In Psalm 90, Moses, depicted here creation account: “Let us make in a sculpture by Michelangelo in man in our image” (Genesis 2:26– Him; He hears their cry Rome’s San Pietro in Vicoli basilica, 28). From humans, God appears to and saves them. describes God’s compassion and seek collaboration, dialogue, and anger, as well as his omnipotence. even friendship. His actions are Psalm 145:18–19 responses to people’s behavior or appeals. “I have heard them crying out,” he tells Moses at the burning bush, “so I have come down to rescue them.” God chooses a human, Moses, to carry out the rescue of his people, allowing God to work with and through him.

146 HMOTHNAYVEESERAEEYRROITVSUHANNCLOTOIKNOJESONIHBEDI?EMRED JOB 2:3, THE SUFFERING OF JOB IN BRIEF T he Book of Job is one of He is also blessed with numerous the most engaging books children, livestock, and servants. PASSAGE of the Bible, as it deals in However, his entire life soon falls Job 1–42 an accessible and dramatic way, apart. One day, when God is using poetry and prose, with one of holding court in heaven, he is THEME the great philosophical challenges attended by Satan, “the adversary.” The nature of suffering of the Bible—if God is ethical, why They discuss Job, whom God do bad things happen to good describes as uniquely faithful. SETTING people? Attempts to answer this Satan disagrees, contending that c.2000–1000 bce Southern question are called “theodicy.” Job is only loyal because God Edom or northern Arabia. protects him and gives him Job is a shining example of everything he wants. He makes a KEY FIGURES God’s perfect servant. He is bet with God that if he is permitted Job A devoted servant of God, “blameless and upright; he feared to take away all of Job’s possessions, who is prosperous, fortunate, God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). Job will lose faith and curse God. and righteous, yet faces This bet serves to illustrate the terrible suffering at the hands wider theme of the Book of Job: that of both Satan and God. goodness is hollow and worthless if it is only in search of reward. Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar Three of Job’s friends, who Tests of faith come to comfort and debate A series of disasters then befall with him. Job. He first discovers that his oxen and donkeys have all been taken. Satan An adversary of God Next, all his sheep perish in a and His angels. He questions fire. Third, his camels are stolen Job’s constancy and offers God during an army raid. By this time, a bet on his faithfulness. all his servants but one have perished. Finally, Job learns that Satan torments Job in this Gothic a house has collapsed on all ten stained-glass window from the former of his children and they have also Dominican Church of Strasbourg. Job’s died. Job is distraught, but refuses skin is shown covered in the painful to curse God. In fact, such is the sores he endures as part of his trials. extent of his faith that he still

WISDOM AND PROPHETS 147 See also: The Temptations of Christ 198–99 ■ The Way of Love 296–97 Characteristics of Satan in the Old Testament Questioner Tester Satan The Book of Job Tempter Not There are very few clues to necessarily the author of the Book of Job, or to the time of its “evil” composition, but scholars place Job as living sometime The Satan in the Book of Job is between 2000 and 1000 bce. not the devil who appears in the It is likely that the book was New Testament. Here “Satan” written by an Israelite, due to refers to an adversary or an opposer. the use of the term “Yahweh” for God. Jewish tradition acknowledges God in his misery. challenges God to a fair trial. God attributes the book to Moses. The adversary does not easily give appears to him and asks a series up on his bet. This time, he of questions, but Job realizes that Whoever the author might challenges God to harm Job in his human brain is no match for be, it seems that the purpose person. God duly afflicts Job with God’s wisdom and repents. In light of Job’s book is not to give a sores from head to toe. The pain of Job’s unbreakable faith, God true historical account of the is great, and Job scrapes his skin restores everything that Job had man’s life. Instead of writing with broken pottery and sits in a possessed, and more, blessing “the from a purely theological pile of ashes, possibly in grief or to latter part of Job’s life more than perspective, the author takes signal his repentance. Appalled by the former part” (42:12). a closer, sympathetic approach his suffering, Job’s wife urges him to Job’s story, and therefore to curse God and die. However, still The mysteries of life deals with the question of Job will not speak ill of the Lord. While the Bible often offers clear- why humans suffer on a cut solutions to vexing questions, personal level. Three of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Job presents a challenging debate Zophar, and Bildad, arrive to on the purpose of suffering. The When judged against the comfort Job. The four companions book serves to illustrate that conventional criteria of what discuss the situation, and conclude suffering is a natural component it means to be faithful, Job that Job must have sinned greatly of human life, and that it is how is one of the finest human to have incurred God’s wrath to the righteous respond to that beings depicted in the Bible— such a degree. The narrative then suffering that defines the strength perhaps purposefully and becomes more philosophical, of their faith. Ultimately, Job hyperbolically good as challenging the long-standing accepts that the mysteries of the he continues to prevail in wisdom of the time that prosperity divine, and by extension the his faith. The almost was an indication of piety and reasoning behind suffering, are superhuman nature of his suffering a punishment for sin. Job beyond human comprehension. ■ resolve, with his exemplary insists that he has not sinned and righteousness and strong convictions, has even given rise to the modern idiom of “having the patience of Job.”

148 IN BRIEF IIBWNSLHETTOSHHSEETERLODUONSRETDS PASSAGE Proverbs PROVERBS 16:20, PROVERBS THEME Blessings for the faithful SETTING c.700–500 bce King Hezekiah’s palace and a place of instruction post-Exile. KEY FIGURES Solomon A king of legendary wisdom who is said to have uttered 3,000 proverbs. The bulk of the book of Proverbs is attributed to him. Hezekiah King of Judah from 715–698 bce. According to Proverbs 25:1, the earliest maxims, contained in chapters 25–29, were transcribed at his court in Jerusalem. T he book of Proverbs is a book of advice, or wisdom literature, which seeks to instill “knowledge and discretion” (1:4) in young men about to forge their ways in the world. The aim is that such men will not only live a fulfilling and prosperous life, but also a moral one. While the book of Proverbs makes it clear from the outset that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (1:7), much of the book’s focus is not directly on God, but on the choices and dilemmas faced in daily living. The pragmatic advice comes in the form of short admonishments and pithy encouragements. A warning against laziness, for