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School of the Scripture
featuring the teaching ministry of
RevEREND Lee Stoneking
Introduction Dear Friend: Greetings in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ! You are about to embark upon a fascinating journey through God’s Word. Some of the characters, events and doctrines you will encounter in this study may be familiar, but it is my prayer that you will grasp the truth surrounding them in a fresh new way that will both inspire and empower you. The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. We must obey the Word of God; there is no greater responsibility or privilege given to mankind. The Christian who is careless in the reading and study of their Bible will undoubtedly be careless in Christian living. We can devote our time to read many other books, but the Bible is the only book that reads us! Other books are given for our information, but the Bible was given for our transformation. We must study God’s Word to be spiritually wise, believe it to be eternally safe, and practice it to be truly holy. It was Solomon who said, “There is no new thing under the sun.” Each of us is the product of the servants of God who have taught us, and so I express my appreciation for those who have taught me. Much of what is included in our study has been gleaned from others during my personal journey, and I gladly it on to you. Where a source is known, credit has been given; but thanks is due to all. I concur with the great American President Abraham Lincoln who said, “In regard to the great Book, I have only to say that it is the best gift which God has given to man.” And yet, God’s Book does not yield up its secrets to those who will not be taught of the Spirit. You must approach it with an open heart. Let me encourage you to lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you! May God bless you as we study His Word together! Yours in Him,
Lee Stoneking
Table of Contents SCHOOL OF THE SCRIPTURE INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE ...................................................................................................................................... 7 THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................................................... 7 The Importance of Study ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
The Bible and Archaeology ................................................................................................................................................. 8 The Fossils Say NO! .......................................................................................................................................................................... 15 The Lost Day ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
HOW THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Why We Believe In The Full Inspiration Of The Bible ...................................................................................................... 17 How The Bible Came To Us .............................................................................................................................................. 17 This Bible Of Ours and How it Came to Us ...................................................................................................................................... 18 How We Got The Bible ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 From God to Us ................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Why We Use the King James Version ................................................................................................................................ 23 Corruption Documented .................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Two Streams of Bibles ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE OLD TESTAMENT ............................................................................................................... 29 THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT .................................................................................................................................... 29 The Periods of the Old Testament...................................................................................................................................... 29 THE GREAT VALUE OF GENESIS ............................................................................................................................................ 29 The Sons Of Noah ............................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Abraham – The Father of the Faithful ............................................................................................................................... 30 Patriarchal Family Tree ..................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Abraham’s Journey of Faith .............................................................................................................................................................. 33 The Sin of Sodom – Homosexuality .................................................................................................................................................. 34
Isaac – A Type of The Christian ........................................................................................................................................ 35 Isaac vs. Ishmael ................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
The Twelve Sons of Jacob .................................................................................................................................................. 36 The Life of Jacob ............................................................................................................................................................................... 36
THE EXODUS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Gods vs. God ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
The Life of Moses ............................................................................................................................................................... 38 The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings........................................................................................................................... 39 LEVITICUS, NUMBERS & DEUTERONOMY ............................................................................................................................... 40 The Pentateuch Summarized ............................................................................................................................................................. 40
THE BOOKS OF HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................................ 40 THE BOOK OF JOSHUA ............................................................................................................................................................ 41 Joshua and Jesus ................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
The Conquest of Canaan ................................................................................................................................................... 42 JUDGES - THE DARK AGES OF ISRAEL ................................................................................................................................... 43 The Judges of Israel ........................................................................................................................................................... 43 THE BOOK OF RUTH ............................................................................................................................................................... 44 1 & 2 SAMUEL ........................................................................................................................................................................ 44 David’s Sin ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
1 & 2 KINGS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 45 King David’s Family Tree ................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Rulers of the Kingdom of Israel (Divided Kingdom) ......................................................................................................... 47 Rulers of the Kingdom of Judah (Divided Kingdom)......................................................................................................... 48 1 & 2 CHRONICLES ................................................................................................................................................................. 49
THE RETURN – EZRA AND NEHEMIAH .................................................................................................................................... 49 THE BOOK OF ESTHER ............................................................................................................................................................ 49 THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE WRITING PROPHETS..................................................................................................................... 50 THE BOOKS OF POETRY AND PROPHECY ................................................................................................................................ 51 THE TABERNACLE PLAN .................................................................................................................................................. 52 MATERIALS IN THE TABERNACLE ........................................................................................................................................... 52 THE COVERINGS OF THE TABERNACLE ................................................................................................................................... 53 A SUMMARY OF THE FURNISHINGS OF THE TABERNACLE ...................................................................................................... 54 Significance of the Tabernacle Furniture .......................................................................................................................... 55 The Spirit and the Word .................................................................................................................................................................... 56
DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE TABERNACLE FURNISHINGS............................................................................................... 57 The Brazen Altar ................................................................................................................................................................ 57 The Brazen Laver............................................................................................................................................................... 58 The Golden Candlestick ..................................................................................................................................................... 59 The Table of Shewbread .................................................................................................................................................... 59 The Altar of Incense ........................................................................................................................................................... 60 The Curtains of the Tabernacle ......................................................................................................................................... 61 The Ark of the Covenant .................................................................................................................................................... 62 The Ark of the Covenant Compared to Jesus Christ .......................................................................................................................... 62 Tabernacle Plan References ............................................................................................................................................................... 63
THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE CAMP ........................................................................................................................................ 64 A SUMMARY OF THE FIVE MAIN OFFERINGS .......................................................................................................................... 64 DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE FIVE MAIN OFFERINGS ...................................................................................................... 65 The Priest’s and the Offerer’s Work .................................................................................................................................. 66 The Portions of the Offerings ............................................................................................................................................ 66 THE FEASTS OF THE LORD ...................................................................................................................................................... 67 The Seven Annual Feasts ................................................................................................................................................... 68 The Sacred and Civil Years of Israel ................................................................................................................................. 68 THE HEBREW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR .................................................................................................................................... 69 DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS ............................................................................................................................................. 70 THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ................................................................................................................................................. 70 NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM ................................................................................................................................................ 71 Four Worldwide Empires .................................................................................................................................................. 71 The Kingdom of the Last Days ........................................................................................................................................... 72 THE VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS.......................................................................................................................................... 72 The Vision of the Ram and the He-Goat ............................................................................................................................ 74 The Vision of the Kings of the North and South................................................................................................................. 75 Correlation of Dreams and Visions in Daniel .................................................................................................................................... 75
THE VISION OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS .................................................................................................................................... 76 Seven Reasons Why A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Is Biblical .............................................................................................................. 78 PreTribulation Rapture – Some Scripture Verses to Consider ........................................................................................................... 79
A CONTRAST: CHRIST AND THE ANTICHRIST ......................................................................................................................... 80 WHO WILL REIGN DURING THE MILLENNIUM? ..................................................................................................................... 80 MYSTERY BABYLON .............................................................................................................................................................. 81 THE FALL OF SATAN .............................................................................................................................................................. 82 RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE NEW TESTAMENT .............................................................................................................. 83 IN THE FULNESS OF TIME ....................................................................................................................................................... 83 The Contribution of the Greeks ......................................................................................................................................... 84 The Golden Age of Greece ................................................................................................................................................................ 84
The Contribution of the Romans ........................................................................................................................................ 86 The Peaceful Empire ......................................................................................................................................................................... 86
The Contribution of the Jews ............................................................................................................................................. 87 The Sadducees ................................................................................................................................................................................... 88 The Pharisees ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 88 The Scribes ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 89 The Essenes ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 89 The Samaritans .................................................................................................................................................................................. 89 The Zealots ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 90 The Publicans .................................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Law Enforcement in New Testament Times ....................................................................................................................... 90 The Synagogue................................................................................................................................................................... 91 CHRONOLOGY OF JEWISH HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................ 91 THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST ..................................................................................................................................................... 94 The Parables of Christ ....................................................................................................................................................... 95 The Miracles of Christ ....................................................................................................................................................... 96 The Footsteps of Jesus ....................................................................................................................................................... 97 The Last Week of Jesus ..................................................................................................................................................................... 98 The Jewish Clock .............................................................................................................................................................................. 99 The Resurrection Appearances of Jesus........................................................................................................................................... 100
THE FOUR GOSPELS – A COMPARISON ................................................................................................................................. 100 THE THREE DIVISIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ................................................................................................................. 101 THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL .......................................................................................................................................... 102 Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh ................................................................................................................................................................. 102
Paul’s First Missionary Journey ..................................................................................................................................... 103 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey.................................................................................................................................. 104 Paul’s Third Missionary Journey .................................................................................................................................... 104 Paul’s Arrest and Trip to Rome ....................................................................................................................................... 104 Paul’s Missing Missionary Journey ................................................................................................................................ 105 A SURVEY OF PAUL’S EPISTLES ........................................................................................................................................... 106 A SURVEY OF THE GENERAL EPISTLES ................................................................................................................................. 106 THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION .............................................................................................................................. 107 APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE ................................................................................................................................................... 108 STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED................................................................................................................................. 108 APOSTLES AND PROPHETS ................................................................................................................................................... 109 JESUS NAME BAPTISM .......................................................................................................................................................... 112 Bible References .............................................................................................................................................................. 114 Historical References....................................................................................................................................................... 115 A Summary of Baptism..................................................................................................................................................... 115 Does It Really Matter How You Are Baptized? ............................................................................................................... 116 The Importance of Baptism According to the Post Apostolic Fathers (AD 90 – AD 140) .............................................................. 117 The Importance of Baptism According to the Early Church Fathers (AD 130 – AD 180) .............................................................. 118 The Baptismal Formula (In The Name of Jesus): References From History ................................................................................... 120 Infant Baptism: References From History ....................................................................................................................................... 121 The Baptismal Mode (Immersion): References From History ......................................................................................................... 122
SPEAKING IN TONGUES: EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST ......................................................................... 123 Speaking in Tongues and Spiritual Gifts: References From History ............................................................................... 124 THE GOSPEL OF THE NEW TESTAMENT PREACHERS ............................................................................................................. 126 A Comparison of the Great Commission s .......................................................................................................... 126 Three Steps in the New Birth ........................................................................................................................................... 127 THE ONENESS OF GOD.......................................................................................................................................................... 127 The Mighty God in Christ ................................................................................................................................................ 128 Plurality of Majesty ......................................................................................................................................................................... 130 The Right Hand of God ................................................................................................................................................................... 130
The Dual Nature of Jesus Christ...................................................................................................................................... 131 Jesus Is Jehovah .............................................................................................................................................................. 131 WHERE ARE THE DEAD? ...................................................................................................................................................... 133 CHURCH HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................ 134 CHANGES TO THE PLAN OF SALVATION IN VARIOUS RELIGIONS .......................................................................................... 134 Scriptural References ....................................................................................................................................................................... 134 Doctrinal Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 134
Church History: An Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 135 The Practice of Baptism in Various Religions ................................................................................................................. 135 Three Periods Of Church History .................................................................................................................................... 136 Holiness, Tongues and the Rapture in Various Religions................................................................................................ 136 AN OVERVIEW OF CHURCH HISTORY ................................................................................................................................... 137 THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ......................................................................................................................................... 140 Roman Catholic Articles of Faith .................................................................................................................................... 140 The Catholic Inventions ................................................................................................................................................... 141
THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY ........................................................................................................................................... 142 References on the Doctrine of the Trinity ........................................................................................................................ 142 Oneness Quotes From History......................................................................................................................................... 144 Was Peter the First Pope? ................................................................................................................................................................ 144
The Religion of Babylon .................................................................................................................................................. 145 THREE KINDS OF CHRISTIANITY ........................................................................................................................................... 146 The Development of Denominations ................................................................................................................................ 149 CHURCH HISTORY: A TIMELINE ........................................................................................................................................... 150 MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ................................................................................................................................................ 160 OTHERS MAY – YOU CANNOT.............................................................................................................................................. 160 ONE SOLITARY LIFE ............................................................................................................................................................. 161 THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED ................................................................................................................................ 161 THE ACTIVITY OF PRAYER ................................................................................................................................................... 162 THE ROOM ........................................................................................................................................................................... 163 THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: A SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 164 THE CRUCIFIXION................................................................................................................................................................. 165 NOW I KNOW ....................................................................................................................................................................... 167
The Authority of the Bible THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY The true religion of the Lord Jesus Christ accepts the Bible as its unquestioned authority. The promises of God’s Word are true: if you believe it, it happens! Perhaps the greatest accomplishment made by Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin and the other reformers was this: “It was not the church which was to decide what the Scriptures should teach, but the Scriptures which were to determine what should be taught by the church.” Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. The question must be settled, “Is the Bible the Word of God?” Learned men compare the Bible with such philosophers and leaders of religions as Zoroaster, Socrates, Confucius, Buddha, Mohammed, Plato, etc. only to find them inferior in principle, power, character and originality of thought and purpose. Their writings cannot impart life because their authors are dead! Many would like to adjust the Bible to fit their lifestyle, but you must not add or subtract where the Word of God is concerned. (Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, Galatians 1:8-9, Proverbs 30:6) We must adjust our lives to fit the Bible! Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Our entire course of study will purpose to prove the undisputed claim of the authority of the Bible. The positive results of modern Biblical research can no longer be questioned by the honest and unbiased scholar. It is not the mere book that has power, it is the contents when rightly applied. Poison left in its container is harmless; food is useless until it is eaten. The Bible must be, as it were, eaten and digested to know its mysteries and its power. The contents of the Bible applied to humanity can completely change a life! God so created man that he is different from an animal in many ways. The outstanding difference is the voice of conscience. When a man does or contemplates doing wrong, a voice within him condemns. (Romans 2:14-15) Likewise our conscience approves our good deeds. We can have faith toward God when our hearts condemn us not. (1 John 3:21) There is a special confidence toward God in the man or woman who is unquestionably submitted to His Word. The Old Testament was written on tablets of stone, but the New Testament is written on the hearts of men. God’s Word has the ability to reach beyond the facade and deal directly with your heart! Modern Christians often fail to consider the Old Testament. They say, “We live in a new dispensation, so we are governed by Christ’s teaching only.” However, one cannot fully understand nor appreciate Christ and His law who has no knowledge of the Old Testament. Under the old covenant, man failed to keep the law of God though the punishment was often severe. Under the new covenant, God in His infinite mercy and love gave us a better way. One Testament explains the other! Jesus, the Word manifest in flesh, embodied both Testaments. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The New is in the Old contained, the Old is in the New explained. The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed. It is something like gold mining to study the Bible. A knowlege of the Scripture is a weapon to use against Satan. In the hour of temptation fight with God’s Word; in the moments of joy rejoice in His Word; in the times of sorrow lean on His Word. It is all there - our weapons, our shield, our song, our comfort, and our peace. The world does not read the Bible enough to profit by it. Millions of copies are sold, but few are studied. But the lives of Christians are studied constantly! The influence of God’s Word as lived by a Spirit-filled person is immeasurable. The authority of God’s promises as claimed by a Spirit-filled person is unshakeable. School of the Scripture - Page 7
The Authority of the Bible THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDY No one has the right to claim to be a Christian who does not love and study God’s Word. R.A. Torrey said, “Nothing short of an absolute physical inability should be allowed to interfere with the study of God’s Word.” The Word of God discerns the thoughts and intents of every man’s heart. (Hebrews 4:12) The Word contains life. (John 1:4) It will save one from hell. (Proverbs 15:24) Men and women need to know that the knowledge of the Scriptures and obedience to them is a matter of life and death. (2 Timothy 3:16) Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) Each Scripture should be interpreted in the light of all other Scriptures. , none of God’s Word is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20)
The Bible and Archaeology Each turn of the archaeologist’s spade in Bible lands proves the accuracy of Scripture. Note the following Bible references and corresponding archaeological finds as recorded in The New Unger’s Bible Handbook: Creation Genesis 1:1-2:25 The Creation Tablets (Enuma elish) record a perverted polytheistic version of creation in cuneiform writing on seven clay tablets. They were found at ancient Nineveh (1848-1876) in the library of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal (669-626 BC), but composed earlier in the reign of Hammurabi (1728-1686 BC). The Garden of Eden Genesis 2:8-14 Archaeology has established the lower Tigris-Euphrates Valley (the location of Eden) as the cradle of civilization. The Hiddeqel (Babylonian Idigla, Diglat) is the Tigris River. F. Delitzsch located Eden just north of Babylon; Sayce, near Eridu, anciently on the Persian Gulf. The Fall Genesis 3:1-24 The Myth of Adapa was discovered on four cuneiform fragments, three from Ashurbanipal's famed library in Nineveh (7th century BC) and the fourth from the archives of Amenhotep III and IV at Amarna, Egypt, c. 1375 BC. The myth is not a parallel to the biblical story of the Fall, but offers suggestive illustration to the fruit of the tree of life (Genesis 3:3,22) and other details. Earliest Civilization Genesis 4:1-26 Farming and cattle raising (Cain's and Abel's occupations) are shown by archaeology to be the beginning of man's civilization. Arts, crafts, music (Genesis 4:16-24) and the rise of urban life are illustrated at Tell Hassuna, Nineveh, Tepe Gawra, Tell El-'Ubaid, Tell Chagar Bazar and other Mesopotamian mounds (lowest levels). Metallurgy Genesis 4:22 Copper has been attested as early as 4500 BC. By 3000 BC it had displaced stone for tools and weapons. Henri Frankfort attests an iron dagger handle at Tell Asmar c. 2700 BC. From Ur has come an iron ax. Pre-Flood Longevity Genesis 5:1-32 The Weld-Blundell Prism preserves a very ancient Sumerian King list. It contains eight pre-Flood rulers said to have reigned a total of 241,200 years over the Lower Mesopotamian cities of Eridu, Badtibira, Larak, Sippar and Shuruppak. The shortest reign was 18,600 years, the longest 43,200. These apparently exaggerated figures put the comparatively modest biblical figures in a different light. The Flood Genesis 6:1-9:29 The Epic of Gilgamesh (both Sumerian and Babylonian) gives evidence that this event did occur. The oldest is the Sumerian from Nippur, dating before 2000 BC. The Babylonian is recorded in the 11th book of the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Flood Tablets were unearthed at Nineveh by H. Rassam (1835) from Ashurbanipal’s library (669-626 BC) and furnish the most striking extrabiblical parallel to any biblical event, even including sending out of the birds from the ship by the Babylonian Noah (Ut-hapistim). School of the Scripture - Page 8
The Authority of the Bible The Table of the Nations Genesis 10:1-32 The names and places of this marvelous ethnographical table have been largely illuminated and clarified by modern scientific archaeology. The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 The location of more than two dozen ancient temple-towers of Mesopotamia, called ziggurats and possibly illustrative of the Tower of Babel, is now known. These towers were gigantic artificial mountains of sun-dried bricks. The oldest one recovered is that at Uruk (biblical Erech, Genesis 10:10), from the fourth millennium BC. Other famous ziggurat ruins remain at Ur, Borsippa and Babylon. Abraham’s Birthplace Genesis 11:27-31 C.L. Woolley’s excavations in 1922-34 have made Ur one of the best-known ancient sites of southern Babylonia. Under the famous Third Dynasty (c. 2070-1960 BC), when Abraham left the city, it was at the height of its splendor as a commercial and cultic center dedicated to the moon-god Nanna. The famous ziggurat, temple and sacred precincts of the moon-god have been uncovered. Terah’s Religion Genesis 11:31-32 Terah was apparently a worshiper of Ur’s god Nanna. Terah’s stay at Haran is singular, since Nanna was also worshipped there (Joshua 24:2). Abraham at Haran Genesis 11:31, 12:5 Cuneiform sources confirm the existence of Haran in the 19th and 18th century BC. The city appears in Assyrian documents as Harranu (‘road’), because it was on the great East-West trade route between Nineveh, Damascus and Carchemish. Patriarchal Sojourn in Mesopotamia (Paddan Aram) Genesis 25:20, 26:6 Nahor, Rebekah’s home (Genesis 24:10), often occurs in the Mari Tablets, discovered in 1935 and dating from the 18th century BC. Also attested as cities in this region are Terah, Peleg (Paligu) and Reu (Genesis 11:10-30). The Patriarchal Era Genesis 12:1 – 50:26 A relatively recent treasure store of archaeological data was unearthed in 1975 by Italian scholars Pettinato and Matthiae in Ebla (Tell Mardikh) in northern Syria. Cuneiform documents from the site attest to a proto-Canaanite language closely related to Hebrew, dating from 2300 BC. Close parallels to names such as Eber (Ebrum), Ishmael (Ishmail), and Israel (Ishrail) have been found. Moreover, the findings attest to the cultural situation reflected in the patriarchal narratives, even noting place names of cities such as Hazor, Megiddo, Jerusalem, Lachish, Dar, Gaza, and perhaps even Sodom and Gomorrah. Patriarchal Sojourn in Canaan Genesis 12:1 – 50:26 Archaeology has corroborated the semi-nomadic life of the patriarchs as pictured in Genesis in the Middle Bronze Age (2100-1550 BC). Shechem, Bethel, Dothan, Gerar and Jerusalem (Salem) are all known from excavations to have existed in Abraham’s day. Canaan, the older native name of Palestine, seems derived from Hurrian, meaning “belonging to the land of red purple,” and applied to traders in purple dye obtained from the murex shells on the Phoenician seacoast. Abraham in Egypt Genesis 12:10-20 This visit occurred during the Middle Kingdom under Dynasty XII (1989-1776 BC). Archaeology has resurrected the world of ancient Egypt for the Bible student. Abraham and the Mesopotamian Kings Genesis 14:1-24 The antiquity and historicity of this chapter are supplied by including such ancient sites as Ashtaroth and Karnaim in Bashan, as well as Ham (Genesis 14:5). It is quite possible that several of the places and perhaps even the kings are named in the Ebla documents. The line of march over the later designated King’s Highway is perfectly in accord with archaeological knowledge of this region of eastern Gilead and Moab, where the Early Middle Bronze Age city at Ader was discovered in 1924. School of the Scripture - Page 9
The Authority of the Bible Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 19:1-32 The Valley of Siddim (Genesis 14:3) is known to be the area now covered by the southern end of the Dead Sea. This region was populous c. 2065 BC. The city of Bab ed-Dra, which belongs to this era, came to an abrupt end at this time, as Kyle and Albright have shown. An earthquake and explosion of the salt and free sulphur made the area a burned-out region of oil and asphalt. Patriarchal Customs Genesis 15:1 – 50:26 The tablets from Nuzu (1925-41) near Kirkuk illustrate such patriarchal customs as adoption, marriage, rights of the firstborn, the teraphim (household gods) and many other details of local color. The Mari Letters from Tell el Hariri on the Middle Euphrates, discovered in 1933, also illustrate this period, as well as the Code of Hammurabi from 1700 BC discovered in 1901. Israel’s Entrance into Egypt Exodus 1:1-6 A fine archaeological parallel is the sculpture on a tomb from about 1900 BC at Beni Hasan showing the entrance of a group of Semites into Egypt under “Sheik of the highlands, Ibshe.” Evidence of Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt Exodus 1:7 – 12:41 Illuminated by: (1) Egyptian personal names of Levites (Moses, Assir, Pashhur, Merair, Hophni, Phinehas and Putiel) - 1 Samuel 2:27. (2) Authentic Egyptian local color in accord with data from Egyptian monuments, such as titles “chief cupbearer” and “chief baker” (Genesis 40:2). The Exodus Exodus 12:1 – 14:31 Under the early view Thutmose III (1490-1445 BC) was the oppressor, Amenhotep II (1445-1425 BC), the pharaoh of the Exodus. Later views place the events under Raamses II after 1280 BC or under Merneptah, whose famous stele contains the first extrabiblical mention of Israel (c. 1224 BC). Fall of Jericho Joshua 6:1-27 The ancient city is illustrated by Ernest Sellin’s excavations in 1907-1909, John Garstang’s in 1930-1936 and Kathleen Kenyon’s in the 1950’s. Laws of Moses Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy Illustrated by the Code of Hammarubi (c. 1750 BC) discovered at Susa in 1901; the laws of Lipit-Ishtar of Isin (c. 1875 BC), and the even earlier laws of Eshnunna. The Conquest Joshua 1:1 – 11:23 Illuminated by: (1) Excavation at Jericho, Lachish, Debir and Hazor. (2) The Amarna Letters discovered in 1886 in Egypt which apparently describe the invasion of Palestine by the Habiru (Hebrews). (3) The religious literature from Ras Shamra (Ugarit), discovered in 1929-37, which illuminates the culture, religion and morals of the Canaanites. Period of the Judges Judges 1:1 – 21:25 Archaeological resurrection of Egyptian, Hittite, Aramean, Assyrian, Phoenician and Hurrian history now furnishes background to this period, also excavations at Megiddo and Bethshan. Period of Samuel 1 Samuel 1:1 – 8:22 Shiloh, as a religious center, is illustrated by great pagan central sanctuaries at Nippur in Babylonia, Nineveh in Assyria, at Haran (temple of Sin), at Qatna (temple of Belit-ekalli) and at Byblus (temple of Baaltis). Excavations at Shiloh show that the city fell to the Philistines c. 1050 BC and was destroyed (Jeremiah 7:10-15). Saul’s Reign 1 Samuel 9:1 – 31:13 Saul’s rustic palace-fortress of Gibeah (Tell el-Ful) about four miles north of Jerusalem was identified by Edward Robinson, the pioneer Palestinian explorer (19th century) and excavated by W.F. Albright in 1922 and 1933, shedding much light on the king’s reign. Saul’s resort to occultism (1 Samuel 28:7-25) is abundantly illustrated by Hittite, Assyrian, Hurrian texts and the Mari Letters. David’s Conquests 2 Samuel 1:1 – 24:25 Archaeology has shown that the Jebusite city David took (2 Samuel 5:6-8) was the southeast part of Jerusalem above the Gihon spring. Old Jebusite walls and the ancient water tunnel and shaft have been explored, dating from 2000 BC, like similar water works found at Gezer and Megiddo. School of the Scripture - Page 10
featuring the teaching ministry of
RevEREND Lee Stoneking
Introduction Dear Friend: Greetings in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ! You are about to embark upon a fascinating journey through God’s Word. Some of the characters, events and doctrines you will encounter in this study may be familiar, but it is my prayer that you will grasp the truth surrounding them in a fresh new way that will both inspire and empower you. The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. We must obey the Word of God; there is no greater responsibility or privilege given to mankind. The Christian who is careless in the reading and study of their Bible will undoubtedly be careless in Christian living. We can devote our time to read many other books, but the Bible is the only book that reads us! Other books are given for our information, but the Bible was given for our transformation. We must study God’s Word to be spiritually wise, believe it to be eternally safe, and practice it to be truly holy. It was Solomon who said, “There is no new thing under the sun.” Each of us is the product of the servants of God who have taught us, and so I express my appreciation for those who have taught me. Much of what is included in our study has been gleaned from others during my personal journey, and I gladly it on to you. Where a source is known, credit has been given; but thanks is due to all. I concur with the great American President Abraham Lincoln who said, “In regard to the great Book, I have only to say that it is the best gift which God has given to man.” And yet, God’s Book does not yield up its secrets to those who will not be taught of the Spirit. You must approach it with an open heart. Let me encourage you to lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you! May God bless you as we study His Word together! Yours in Him,
Lee Stoneking
Table of Contents SCHOOL OF THE SCRIPTURE INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE ...................................................................................................................................... 7 THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................................................... 7 The Importance of Study ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
The Bible and Archaeology ................................................................................................................................................. 8 The Fossils Say NO! .......................................................................................................................................................................... 15 The Lost Day ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
HOW THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Why We Believe In The Full Inspiration Of The Bible ...................................................................................................... 17 How The Bible Came To Us .............................................................................................................................................. 17 This Bible Of Ours and How it Came to Us ...................................................................................................................................... 18 How We Got The Bible ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 From God to Us ................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Why We Use the King James Version ................................................................................................................................ 23 Corruption Documented .................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Two Streams of Bibles ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE OLD TESTAMENT ............................................................................................................... 29 THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT .................................................................................................................................... 29 The Periods of the Old Testament...................................................................................................................................... 29 THE GREAT VALUE OF GENESIS ............................................................................................................................................ 29 The Sons Of Noah ............................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Abraham – The Father of the Faithful ............................................................................................................................... 30 Patriarchal Family Tree ..................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Abraham’s Journey of Faith .............................................................................................................................................................. 33 The Sin of Sodom – Homosexuality .................................................................................................................................................. 34
Isaac – A Type of The Christian ........................................................................................................................................ 35 Isaac vs. Ishmael ................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
The Twelve Sons of Jacob .................................................................................................................................................. 36 The Life of Jacob ............................................................................................................................................................................... 36
THE EXODUS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Gods vs. God ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
The Life of Moses ............................................................................................................................................................... 38 The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings........................................................................................................................... 39 LEVITICUS, NUMBERS & DEUTERONOMY ............................................................................................................................... 40 The Pentateuch Summarized ............................................................................................................................................................. 40
THE BOOKS OF HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................................ 40 THE BOOK OF JOSHUA ............................................................................................................................................................ 41 Joshua and Jesus ................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
The Conquest of Canaan ................................................................................................................................................... 42 JUDGES - THE DARK AGES OF ISRAEL ................................................................................................................................... 43 The Judges of Israel ........................................................................................................................................................... 43 THE BOOK OF RUTH ............................................................................................................................................................... 44 1 & 2 SAMUEL ........................................................................................................................................................................ 44 David’s Sin ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
1 & 2 KINGS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 45 King David’s Family Tree ................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Rulers of the Kingdom of Israel (Divided Kingdom) ......................................................................................................... 47 Rulers of the Kingdom of Judah (Divided Kingdom)......................................................................................................... 48 1 & 2 CHRONICLES ................................................................................................................................................................. 49
THE RETURN – EZRA AND NEHEMIAH .................................................................................................................................... 49 THE BOOK OF ESTHER ............................................................................................................................................................ 49 THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE WRITING PROPHETS..................................................................................................................... 50 THE BOOKS OF POETRY AND PROPHECY ................................................................................................................................ 51 THE TABERNACLE PLAN .................................................................................................................................................. 52 MATERIALS IN THE TABERNACLE ........................................................................................................................................... 52 THE COVERINGS OF THE TABERNACLE ................................................................................................................................... 53 A SUMMARY OF THE FURNISHINGS OF THE TABERNACLE ...................................................................................................... 54 Significance of the Tabernacle Furniture .......................................................................................................................... 55 The Spirit and the Word .................................................................................................................................................................... 56
DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE TABERNACLE FURNISHINGS............................................................................................... 57 The Brazen Altar ................................................................................................................................................................ 57 The Brazen Laver............................................................................................................................................................... 58 The Golden Candlestick ..................................................................................................................................................... 59 The Table of Shewbread .................................................................................................................................................... 59 The Altar of Incense ........................................................................................................................................................... 60 The Curtains of the Tabernacle ......................................................................................................................................... 61 The Ark of the Covenant .................................................................................................................................................... 62 The Ark of the Covenant Compared to Jesus Christ .......................................................................................................................... 62 Tabernacle Plan References ............................................................................................................................................................... 63
THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE CAMP ........................................................................................................................................ 64 A SUMMARY OF THE FIVE MAIN OFFERINGS .......................................................................................................................... 64 DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE FIVE MAIN OFFERINGS ...................................................................................................... 65 The Priest’s and the Offerer’s Work .................................................................................................................................. 66 The Portions of the Offerings ............................................................................................................................................ 66 THE FEASTS OF THE LORD ...................................................................................................................................................... 67 The Seven Annual Feasts ................................................................................................................................................... 68 The Sacred and Civil Years of Israel ................................................................................................................................. 68 THE HEBREW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR .................................................................................................................................... 69 DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS ............................................................................................................................................. 70 THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ................................................................................................................................................. 70 NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM ................................................................................................................................................ 71 Four Worldwide Empires .................................................................................................................................................. 71 The Kingdom of the Last Days ........................................................................................................................................... 72 THE VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS.......................................................................................................................................... 72 The Vision of the Ram and the He-Goat ............................................................................................................................ 74 The Vision of the Kings of the North and South................................................................................................................. 75 Correlation of Dreams and Visions in Daniel .................................................................................................................................... 75
THE VISION OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS .................................................................................................................................... 76 Seven Reasons Why A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Is Biblical .............................................................................................................. 78 PreTribulation Rapture – Some Scripture Verses to Consider ........................................................................................................... 79
A CONTRAST: CHRIST AND THE ANTICHRIST ......................................................................................................................... 80 WHO WILL REIGN DURING THE MILLENNIUM? ..................................................................................................................... 80 MYSTERY BABYLON .............................................................................................................................................................. 81 THE FALL OF SATAN .............................................................................................................................................................. 82 RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE NEW TESTAMENT .............................................................................................................. 83 IN THE FULNESS OF TIME ....................................................................................................................................................... 83 The Contribution of the Greeks ......................................................................................................................................... 84 The Golden Age of Greece ................................................................................................................................................................ 84
The Contribution of the Romans ........................................................................................................................................ 86 The Peaceful Empire ......................................................................................................................................................................... 86
The Contribution of the Jews ............................................................................................................................................. 87 The Sadducees ................................................................................................................................................................................... 88 The Pharisees ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 88 The Scribes ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 89 The Essenes ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 89 The Samaritans .................................................................................................................................................................................. 89 The Zealots ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 90 The Publicans .................................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Law Enforcement in New Testament Times ....................................................................................................................... 90 The Synagogue................................................................................................................................................................... 91 CHRONOLOGY OF JEWISH HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................ 91 THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST ..................................................................................................................................................... 94 The Parables of Christ ....................................................................................................................................................... 95 The Miracles of Christ ....................................................................................................................................................... 96 The Footsteps of Jesus ....................................................................................................................................................... 97 The Last Week of Jesus ..................................................................................................................................................................... 98 The Jewish Clock .............................................................................................................................................................................. 99 The Resurrection Appearances of Jesus........................................................................................................................................... 100
THE FOUR GOSPELS – A COMPARISON ................................................................................................................................. 100 THE THREE DIVISIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ................................................................................................................. 101 THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL .......................................................................................................................................... 102 Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh ................................................................................................................................................................. 102
Paul’s First Missionary Journey ..................................................................................................................................... 103 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey.................................................................................................................................. 104 Paul’s Third Missionary Journey .................................................................................................................................... 104 Paul’s Arrest and Trip to Rome ....................................................................................................................................... 104 Paul’s Missing Missionary Journey ................................................................................................................................ 105 A SURVEY OF PAUL’S EPISTLES ........................................................................................................................................... 106 A SURVEY OF THE GENERAL EPISTLES ................................................................................................................................. 106 THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION .............................................................................................................................. 107 APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE ................................................................................................................................................... 108 STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED................................................................................................................................. 108 APOSTLES AND PROPHETS ................................................................................................................................................... 109 JESUS NAME BAPTISM .......................................................................................................................................................... 112 Bible References .............................................................................................................................................................. 114 Historical References....................................................................................................................................................... 115 A Summary of Baptism..................................................................................................................................................... 115 Does It Really Matter How You Are Baptized? ............................................................................................................... 116 The Importance of Baptism According to the Post Apostolic Fathers (AD 90 – AD 140) .............................................................. 117 The Importance of Baptism According to the Early Church Fathers (AD 130 – AD 180) .............................................................. 118 The Baptismal Formula (In The Name of Jesus): References From History ................................................................................... 120 Infant Baptism: References From History ....................................................................................................................................... 121 The Baptismal Mode (Immersion): References From History ......................................................................................................... 122
SPEAKING IN TONGUES: EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST ......................................................................... 123 Speaking in Tongues and Spiritual Gifts: References From History ............................................................................... 124 THE GOSPEL OF THE NEW TESTAMENT PREACHERS ............................................................................................................. 126 A Comparison of the Great Commission s .......................................................................................................... 126 Three Steps in the New Birth ........................................................................................................................................... 127 THE ONENESS OF GOD.......................................................................................................................................................... 127 The Mighty God in Christ ................................................................................................................................................ 128 Plurality of Majesty ......................................................................................................................................................................... 130 The Right Hand of God ................................................................................................................................................................... 130
The Dual Nature of Jesus Christ...................................................................................................................................... 131 Jesus Is Jehovah .............................................................................................................................................................. 131 WHERE ARE THE DEAD? ...................................................................................................................................................... 133 CHURCH HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................ 134 CHANGES TO THE PLAN OF SALVATION IN VARIOUS RELIGIONS .......................................................................................... 134 Scriptural References ....................................................................................................................................................................... 134 Doctrinal Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 134
Church History: An Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 135 The Practice of Baptism in Various Religions ................................................................................................................. 135 Three Periods Of Church History .................................................................................................................................... 136 Holiness, Tongues and the Rapture in Various Religions................................................................................................ 136 AN OVERVIEW OF CHURCH HISTORY ................................................................................................................................... 137 THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ......................................................................................................................................... 140 Roman Catholic Articles of Faith .................................................................................................................................... 140 The Catholic Inventions ................................................................................................................................................... 141
THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY ........................................................................................................................................... 142 References on the Doctrine of the Trinity ........................................................................................................................ 142 Oneness Quotes From History......................................................................................................................................... 144 Was Peter the First Pope? ................................................................................................................................................................ 144
The Religion of Babylon .................................................................................................................................................. 145 THREE KINDS OF CHRISTIANITY ........................................................................................................................................... 146 The Development of Denominations ................................................................................................................................ 149 CHURCH HISTORY: A TIMELINE ........................................................................................................................................... 150 MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ................................................................................................................................................ 160 OTHERS MAY – YOU CANNOT.............................................................................................................................................. 160 ONE SOLITARY LIFE ............................................................................................................................................................. 161 THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED ................................................................................................................................ 161 THE ACTIVITY OF PRAYER ................................................................................................................................................... 162 THE ROOM ........................................................................................................................................................................... 163 THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: A SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 164 THE CRUCIFIXION................................................................................................................................................................. 165 NOW I KNOW ....................................................................................................................................................................... 167
The Authority of the Bible THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY The true religion of the Lord Jesus Christ accepts the Bible as its unquestioned authority. The promises of God’s Word are true: if you believe it, it happens! Perhaps the greatest accomplishment made by Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin and the other reformers was this: “It was not the church which was to decide what the Scriptures should teach, but the Scriptures which were to determine what should be taught by the church.” Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. The question must be settled, “Is the Bible the Word of God?” Learned men compare the Bible with such philosophers and leaders of religions as Zoroaster, Socrates, Confucius, Buddha, Mohammed, Plato, etc. only to find them inferior in principle, power, character and originality of thought and purpose. Their writings cannot impart life because their authors are dead! Many would like to adjust the Bible to fit their lifestyle, but you must not add or subtract where the Word of God is concerned. (Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, Galatians 1:8-9, Proverbs 30:6) We must adjust our lives to fit the Bible! Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Our entire course of study will purpose to prove the undisputed claim of the authority of the Bible. The positive results of modern Biblical research can no longer be questioned by the honest and unbiased scholar. It is not the mere book that has power, it is the contents when rightly applied. Poison left in its container is harmless; food is useless until it is eaten. The Bible must be, as it were, eaten and digested to know its mysteries and its power. The contents of the Bible applied to humanity can completely change a life! God so created man that he is different from an animal in many ways. The outstanding difference is the voice of conscience. When a man does or contemplates doing wrong, a voice within him condemns. (Romans 2:14-15) Likewise our conscience approves our good deeds. We can have faith toward God when our hearts condemn us not. (1 John 3:21) There is a special confidence toward God in the man or woman who is unquestionably submitted to His Word. The Old Testament was written on tablets of stone, but the New Testament is written on the hearts of men. God’s Word has the ability to reach beyond the facade and deal directly with your heart! Modern Christians often fail to consider the Old Testament. They say, “We live in a new dispensation, so we are governed by Christ’s teaching only.” However, one cannot fully understand nor appreciate Christ and His law who has no knowledge of the Old Testament. Under the old covenant, man failed to keep the law of God though the punishment was often severe. Under the new covenant, God in His infinite mercy and love gave us a better way. One Testament explains the other! Jesus, the Word manifest in flesh, embodied both Testaments. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The New is in the Old contained, the Old is in the New explained. The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed. It is something like gold mining to study the Bible. A knowlege of the Scripture is a weapon to use against Satan. In the hour of temptation fight with God’s Word; in the moments of joy rejoice in His Word; in the times of sorrow lean on His Word. It is all there - our weapons, our shield, our song, our comfort, and our peace. The world does not read the Bible enough to profit by it. Millions of copies are sold, but few are studied. But the lives of Christians are studied constantly! The influence of God’s Word as lived by a Spirit-filled person is immeasurable. The authority of God’s promises as claimed by a Spirit-filled person is unshakeable. School of the Scripture - Page 7
The Authority of the Bible THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDY No one has the right to claim to be a Christian who does not love and study God’s Word. R.A. Torrey said, “Nothing short of an absolute physical inability should be allowed to interfere with the study of God’s Word.” The Word of God discerns the thoughts and intents of every man’s heart. (Hebrews 4:12) The Word contains life. (John 1:4) It will save one from hell. (Proverbs 15:24) Men and women need to know that the knowledge of the Scriptures and obedience to them is a matter of life and death. (2 Timothy 3:16) Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) Each Scripture should be interpreted in the light of all other Scriptures. , none of God’s Word is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20)
The Bible and Archaeology Each turn of the archaeologist’s spade in Bible lands proves the accuracy of Scripture. Note the following Bible references and corresponding archaeological finds as recorded in The New Unger’s Bible Handbook: Creation Genesis 1:1-2:25 The Creation Tablets (Enuma elish) record a perverted polytheistic version of creation in cuneiform writing on seven clay tablets. They were found at ancient Nineveh (1848-1876) in the library of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal (669-626 BC), but composed earlier in the reign of Hammurabi (1728-1686 BC). The Garden of Eden Genesis 2:8-14 Archaeology has established the lower Tigris-Euphrates Valley (the location of Eden) as the cradle of civilization. The Hiddeqel (Babylonian Idigla, Diglat) is the Tigris River. F. Delitzsch located Eden just north of Babylon; Sayce, near Eridu, anciently on the Persian Gulf. The Fall Genesis 3:1-24 The Myth of Adapa was discovered on four cuneiform fragments, three from Ashurbanipal's famed library in Nineveh (7th century BC) and the fourth from the archives of Amenhotep III and IV at Amarna, Egypt, c. 1375 BC. The myth is not a parallel to the biblical story of the Fall, but offers suggestive illustration to the fruit of the tree of life (Genesis 3:3,22) and other details. Earliest Civilization Genesis 4:1-26 Farming and cattle raising (Cain's and Abel's occupations) are shown by archaeology to be the beginning of man's civilization. Arts, crafts, music (Genesis 4:16-24) and the rise of urban life are illustrated at Tell Hassuna, Nineveh, Tepe Gawra, Tell El-'Ubaid, Tell Chagar Bazar and other Mesopotamian mounds (lowest levels). Metallurgy Genesis 4:22 Copper has been attested as early as 4500 BC. By 3000 BC it had displaced stone for tools and weapons. Henri Frankfort attests an iron dagger handle at Tell Asmar c. 2700 BC. From Ur has come an iron ax. Pre-Flood Longevity Genesis 5:1-32 The Weld-Blundell Prism preserves a very ancient Sumerian King list. It contains eight pre-Flood rulers said to have reigned a total of 241,200 years over the Lower Mesopotamian cities of Eridu, Badtibira, Larak, Sippar and Shuruppak. The shortest reign was 18,600 years, the longest 43,200. These apparently exaggerated figures put the comparatively modest biblical figures in a different light. The Flood Genesis 6:1-9:29 The Epic of Gilgamesh (both Sumerian and Babylonian) gives evidence that this event did occur. The oldest is the Sumerian from Nippur, dating before 2000 BC. The Babylonian is recorded in the 11th book of the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Flood Tablets were unearthed at Nineveh by H. Rassam (1835) from Ashurbanipal’s library (669-626 BC) and furnish the most striking extrabiblical parallel to any biblical event, even including sending out of the birds from the ship by the Babylonian Noah (Ut-hapistim). School of the Scripture - Page 8
The Authority of the Bible The Table of the Nations Genesis 10:1-32 The names and places of this marvelous ethnographical table have been largely illuminated and clarified by modern scientific archaeology. The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 The location of more than two dozen ancient temple-towers of Mesopotamia, called ziggurats and possibly illustrative of the Tower of Babel, is now known. These towers were gigantic artificial mountains of sun-dried bricks. The oldest one recovered is that at Uruk (biblical Erech, Genesis 10:10), from the fourth millennium BC. Other famous ziggurat ruins remain at Ur, Borsippa and Babylon. Abraham’s Birthplace Genesis 11:27-31 C.L. Woolley’s excavations in 1922-34 have made Ur one of the best-known ancient sites of southern Babylonia. Under the famous Third Dynasty (c. 2070-1960 BC), when Abraham left the city, it was at the height of its splendor as a commercial and cultic center dedicated to the moon-god Nanna. The famous ziggurat, temple and sacred precincts of the moon-god have been uncovered. Terah’s Religion Genesis 11:31-32 Terah was apparently a worshiper of Ur’s god Nanna. Terah’s stay at Haran is singular, since Nanna was also worshipped there (Joshua 24:2). Abraham at Haran Genesis 11:31, 12:5 Cuneiform sources confirm the existence of Haran in the 19th and 18th century BC. The city appears in Assyrian documents as Harranu (‘road’), because it was on the great East-West trade route between Nineveh, Damascus and Carchemish. Patriarchal Sojourn in Mesopotamia (Paddan Aram) Genesis 25:20, 26:6 Nahor, Rebekah’s home (Genesis 24:10), often occurs in the Mari Tablets, discovered in 1935 and dating from the 18th century BC. Also attested as cities in this region are Terah, Peleg (Paligu) and Reu (Genesis 11:10-30). The Patriarchal Era Genesis 12:1 – 50:26 A relatively recent treasure store of archaeological data was unearthed in 1975 by Italian scholars Pettinato and Matthiae in Ebla (Tell Mardikh) in northern Syria. Cuneiform documents from the site attest to a proto-Canaanite language closely related to Hebrew, dating from 2300 BC. Close parallels to names such as Eber (Ebrum), Ishmael (Ishmail), and Israel (Ishrail) have been found. Moreover, the findings attest to the cultural situation reflected in the patriarchal narratives, even noting place names of cities such as Hazor, Megiddo, Jerusalem, Lachish, Dar, Gaza, and perhaps even Sodom and Gomorrah. Patriarchal Sojourn in Canaan Genesis 12:1 – 50:26 Archaeology has corroborated the semi-nomadic life of the patriarchs as pictured in Genesis in the Middle Bronze Age (2100-1550 BC). Shechem, Bethel, Dothan, Gerar and Jerusalem (Salem) are all known from excavations to have existed in Abraham’s day. Canaan, the older native name of Palestine, seems derived from Hurrian, meaning “belonging to the land of red purple,” and applied to traders in purple dye obtained from the murex shells on the Phoenician seacoast. Abraham in Egypt Genesis 12:10-20 This visit occurred during the Middle Kingdom under Dynasty XII (1989-1776 BC). Archaeology has resurrected the world of ancient Egypt for the Bible student. Abraham and the Mesopotamian Kings Genesis 14:1-24 The antiquity and historicity of this chapter are supplied by including such ancient sites as Ashtaroth and Karnaim in Bashan, as well as Ham (Genesis 14:5). It is quite possible that several of the places and perhaps even the kings are named in the Ebla documents. The line of march over the later designated King’s Highway is perfectly in accord with archaeological knowledge of this region of eastern Gilead and Moab, where the Early Middle Bronze Age city at Ader was discovered in 1924. School of the Scripture - Page 9
The Authority of the Bible Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 19:1-32 The Valley of Siddim (Genesis 14:3) is known to be the area now covered by the southern end of the Dead Sea. This region was populous c. 2065 BC. The city of Bab ed-Dra, which belongs to this era, came to an abrupt end at this time, as Kyle and Albright have shown. An earthquake and explosion of the salt and free sulphur made the area a burned-out region of oil and asphalt. Patriarchal Customs Genesis 15:1 – 50:26 The tablets from Nuzu (1925-41) near Kirkuk illustrate such patriarchal customs as adoption, marriage, rights of the firstborn, the teraphim (household gods) and many other details of local color. The Mari Letters from Tell el Hariri on the Middle Euphrates, discovered in 1933, also illustrate this period, as well as the Code of Hammurabi from 1700 BC discovered in 1901. Israel’s Entrance into Egypt Exodus 1:1-6 A fine archaeological parallel is the sculpture on a tomb from about 1900 BC at Beni Hasan showing the entrance of a group of Semites into Egypt under “Sheik of the highlands, Ibshe.” Evidence of Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt Exodus 1:7 – 12:41 Illuminated by: (1) Egyptian personal names of Levites (Moses, Assir, Pashhur, Merair, Hophni, Phinehas and Putiel) - 1 Samuel 2:27. (2) Authentic Egyptian local color in accord with data from Egyptian monuments, such as titles “chief cupbearer” and “chief baker” (Genesis 40:2). The Exodus Exodus 12:1 – 14:31 Under the early view Thutmose III (1490-1445 BC) was the oppressor, Amenhotep II (1445-1425 BC), the pharaoh of the Exodus. Later views place the events under Raamses II after 1280 BC or under Merneptah, whose famous stele contains the first extrabiblical mention of Israel (c. 1224 BC). Fall of Jericho Joshua 6:1-27 The ancient city is illustrated by Ernest Sellin’s excavations in 1907-1909, John Garstang’s in 1930-1936 and Kathleen Kenyon’s in the 1950’s. Laws of Moses Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy Illustrated by the Code of Hammarubi (c. 1750 BC) discovered at Susa in 1901; the laws of Lipit-Ishtar of Isin (c. 1875 BC), and the even earlier laws of Eshnunna. The Conquest Joshua 1:1 – 11:23 Illuminated by: (1) Excavation at Jericho, Lachish, Debir and Hazor. (2) The Amarna Letters discovered in 1886 in Egypt which apparently describe the invasion of Palestine by the Habiru (Hebrews). (3) The religious literature from Ras Shamra (Ugarit), discovered in 1929-37, which illuminates the culture, religion and morals of the Canaanites. Period of the Judges Judges 1:1 – 21:25 Archaeological resurrection of Egyptian, Hittite, Aramean, Assyrian, Phoenician and Hurrian history now furnishes background to this period, also excavations at Megiddo and Bethshan. Period of Samuel 1 Samuel 1:1 – 8:22 Shiloh, as a religious center, is illustrated by great pagan central sanctuaries at Nippur in Babylonia, Nineveh in Assyria, at Haran (temple of Sin), at Qatna (temple of Belit-ekalli) and at Byblus (temple of Baaltis). Excavations at Shiloh show that the city fell to the Philistines c. 1050 BC and was destroyed (Jeremiah 7:10-15). Saul’s Reign 1 Samuel 9:1 – 31:13 Saul’s rustic palace-fortress of Gibeah (Tell el-Ful) about four miles north of Jerusalem was identified by Edward Robinson, the pioneer Palestinian explorer (19th century) and excavated by W.F. Albright in 1922 and 1933, shedding much light on the king’s reign. Saul’s resort to occultism (1 Samuel 28:7-25) is abundantly illustrated by Hittite, Assyrian, Hurrian texts and the Mari Letters. David’s Conquests 2 Samuel 1:1 – 24:25 Archaeology has shown that the Jebusite city David took (2 Samuel 5:6-8) was the southeast part of Jerusalem above the Gihon spring. Old Jebusite walls and the ancient water tunnel and shaft have been explored, dating from 2000 BC, like similar water works found at Gezer and Megiddo. School of the Scripture - Page 10
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