Mystery of the Ages
By DR. JAMES MODLISH
(Part One)


Dr. James Modlish is pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Chehalis, WA.
This study from Dr. Modlish's book entitled, "Mystery of the Ages," ©
is an excellent study in Dispensational Truth.




MYSTERY OF THE AGES

INTRODUCTION: Writing to Timothy, Paul said "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15).

The student of the "word of God" is here spoken of as a "workman." A workman cannot intelligently do his work without a plan. He must have drawings and specifications. God said to Moses as to the Tabernacle, "See that thou make all things according to the 'pattern' showed to thee in the mount. " (Heb. 8:5).

The student of God's word must understand "God's Plan and Purpose in the Ages," or there will be confusion in his work of interpreting the scriptures. The word "dispensation" is used in the Bible four times. In every case, it is obvious from the context that God is referring to a period of time. In (Col. 1:25-27 and Eph. 3:2-5) the word ages is used, and in (I Cor. 9:17) Paul discusses a particular gospel that was committed to him. It is also interesting to note that the word "dispensation" does not appear until Paul writes his epistles. The reason is obvious - the mystery of the ages had not been revealed until then (Eph. 3:5-7). Without noting these dispensations, and the divisions that they create, a great deal of confusion can result.

We must also distinguish between the "TIMES" and "SEASONS" of the scriptures. Daniel said of God, "He changeth the "TIMES" and the "SEASONS"," (Dan. 2:21), and Jesus said to His disciples - "It is not for you to know the "TIMES" or the 'SEASONS'." (Acts 1:7) Job testified that the "TIMES are not hidden from the Almighty." (Job 24:1). And of the children of Issachar it was said that they had "understanding of the TIMES." (I Chron. 12:32) By the "SEASONS" we are to understand the climatic changes of the earth due to the movements and changing characteristics of the sun, moon and stars, which God ordained to regulate the "Seasons." (Gen. 1:14) As to the "TIMES", we have them designated as the "TIMES OF IGNORANCE," (Acts 17:30); the "TIMES OF THE GENTILES," (Luke 21:24); the "TIMES OF RESTITUTION," (Acts 3:21) and the "Dispensation of the FULLNESS OF TIMES." (Eph. 1:10)



I. THE ORIGINAL PLAN

To understand properly what fits between the sides of eternity it is essential to have some kind of a grasp for God's original plan. (Isa. 45:18) states that the earth was created to be inhabited. (2 Peter 3:13) alludes to this plan being fulfilled not only in the present, but, also in the future eternity.



II. THE ORIGINAL CREATION - (Gen 1:1)

This creation was in the dateless past. It was undoubtedly a prefect creation, for there has never been a record of God ever creating anything that was not perfect. Even Satan was perfect in the day of his creation (Eze. 28:15). There is very little information in the Bible about the original creation for what we read about in (Gen. 1:3-31) is a recreation or a restoration of the earth to its original condition before it was made "formless and void" and submerged in water and darkness.



III. THE KING OVER THE ORIGINAL CREATION

Satan is referred to as the "god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4) in this present age, but it appears that he had also occupied that position in eternity past (Eze. 28:11-19). It is important to grasp that Satan was king over a physical creation and a spiritual one. (Job 1).



IV. THE FALL OF THE KING

The chaotic condition of the earth in (Gen. 1:2) is generally associated with the fall of Satan. The text most used to support this is (Isa. 14:12-16). In reality, this may be a prophetic passage, but it certainly pictures Satan's past fall in type.

The fall of Satan in eternity past is supported by a recreation. Only something of that magnitude would have caused the earth to be without form and void.

Recreation is supported by:

A. The expression "And God said that it was good" is not found on the second day of creation. The reason for the omission is apparent only if the reader grasps the truth of (Eph. 6:10-13; Isa. 24:21; and Job 41:31- 32). The second heaven, in which we find the solar systems, galaxies, nebula, star clusters, and constellations, also contains the demoniac posers, fallen angels, and Satan himself.

B. Instructions are given to man to replenish the earth (Gen. 1:28). The dictionary definition of replenish is "to recover former fullness".



THE EDENIC DISPENSATION

INTRODUCTION: The recreation of the earth is followed by creation of inhabitants on the earth (sixth day of creation). Man was created in God's own image which explains why man has two faculties no animal has ever had, or ever will have; the faculty to speak, "In the beginning was the word" (John 1:1); and the faculty to write, "Thy word is true from the beginning" (Ps. 119:160). Why would any true revelation of a true God come to man in any other way than in the form of words in a Book? (See Ps. 119:89, 105, 130). The image is further defined in (Heb. 1:1-3 and Col. 2, and 2 Cor. 4:4) as being the Lord Jesus Christ. The image is a person, and Adam is so "Christ like" that Jesus Christ is called "the second Adam" (I Cor. 15). Furthermore, the image proves that Adam was a trichotomy (Body, Soul, and Spirit) even as God is three parts. The three parts of man can be seen in (Gen. 2:7).

* The Body - is the dust (Ps. 119:25). The body goes back to the dust because "in my flesh dwelleth no good thing" (Rom. 7:18). The body of God is Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-3).
* The Soul - The soul or "I am," corresponds to God the Father in type, and it constitutes that part of the image which "No man hath seen, nor can see" (John 1:18; I Tim. 6:16). After the fall of man, this soul is stuck to a "body of death" (Ps. 119:25), and consequently, the Old Testament writers used the word "soul" as synonymous with the body (see Gen. 19:20; 17:14; Rev. 20:4; Num. 31:28). The soul leaves the body at death, and departs long before any dirt is shoveled over anyone (see Gen. 50:3; 49:33, 35:18).
* The Spirit - The spirit, as wind or air, is common to all men (I Cor. 2:11) and common to all animals (Ecc. 3:21). After the fall this is a dead spirit, and it must be "born again" before the soul of its possessor can enter the presence of God permanently. It is the spirit in a man that is "born again" when he is born again, not his "soul" (cf. John 3:6). The unconverted man in this age then, is like a flat tire. He is a live body with a dead spirit (Eph. 2:1-6), whereas, the child of God is a live spirit within a dead body (see Rom. 6:2- 10).



I. INNOCENCE

A. The State of Man - In this garden of matchless delights, and amid scenes of indescribable loveliness, with God for his counselor, and angelic beings as visitors, with a sinless nature and environment most favorable to a pure and holy life, the progenitors of the human race were placed. The conditions were ideal.

B. The Crowns - God made a king and of his kingship there can be no doubt, for in the day of his creation he was said to be one who was, "Crowned with glory and honour," and "set over the works of thy hands," and God put "all things in subjection under his feet" (Heb. 2:6-8). This is "His Majesty, Adam the First" - like Satan, in that he was "a son of God." (See Luke 3:38, Job 38:1-7, and Job 1:6).

This new king is provided with a helpmeet (mate) who can match (meet) his needs; he is given a commission and an authority over two kingdoms, which were left to him by a fallen cherub. As king over the KINGDOM OF GOD, Adam is a "Son of God," made in God's image. As King over the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, he is given a commission to replenish the earth, and subdue it, and have dominion over everything on it (Gen. 1:26-28).

C. Salvation - Salvation will be defined as "the gift of eternal life" (Rom. 6:23). Adam was required to do two things to have assurance of eternal life:

[1]. Obedience - abstain from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17).
[2]. Accept the gift, eat of the tree of life (Gen. 3:22-24). The Bible seems to make a complete circle (Rev. 22:14). Will God complete His plan? (Isa 45:18). You can't help but wonder if the tree of life is somehow synonymous with a person (John 15:1) even as the Word of God is (John 1:1).



II. THE FALL

The critics of the Bible always try to blame God for Adam's fall. Let's back up and work through some sound reasoning.

[1]. Why did God make the heaven and the earth? (Gen. 1:1)

Answer: He made them to be INHABITED! (Isa. 45:18; 2 Pet. 3:13) This is a nasty turn of events! Can it be that the Bible and the unregenerate scholars, scientists, philosophers, and historians have the same plan?

[2]. If God made them (and God is perfect), Why did He not make them perfect?

Answer: He DID make them perfect; go back and notice that verses 3-28 are dealing with a re- creation of a former creation, which was finished in (verse 1). (Even Satan was created perfect in (Ezek 28:15); not as a "serpent" or as a "devil" but as a "Cherubim."

[3]. If God made them perfect, why are they not perfect now?

Answer: Because something happened between (Gen. 1:1 and Gen. 1:3) to the physical creation, and something happened between (Gen. 2:7 and Gen. 3:13) to the spiritual creation - the first man and woman.

[4]. If God is perfect and loves "perfection," why did He not prevent this "something" from happening?

Answer: Because although the material creation was perfect, the MAN that God created was not perfect; he was only sinless, but not perfect!

[5]. Didn't God know the result of the test before it occurred? (If He is perfect, He must have known.)

Answer: Good thinking - He did (Acts 15:18). He knew Adam would fall, and knowing this He gave him a freedom of will and of choice, so he could (or could NOT) fall.

[6]. Then is not God indirectly (or directly) to blame for what took place in His creation at the start?

Answer: Yes, the Lord could have prevented sin from entering, and DID NOT (Lam. 3:38; Job 2:10).

[7]. Then is not God responsible for Adam's sin and the mess man now finds himself in?

Answer: NO, God does not tempt any man, neither can He be tempted, but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and is enticed (James 1:13-15).

[8]. Then who tempted Adam?

Answer: Eve (Gen. 3:4-6; I Tim. 2:12-14).

[9]. Who Tempted Eve?

Answer: A "serpent" (2 Cor. 11:1-3).

[10]. Who tempted the serpent, if it wasn't God, Himself?

Answer: Before the serpent was a "serpent," he was not a serpent, but a Cherubim, and he was drawn away of his own lust and enticed to put his own will above the will of God. (See Eze. 28:10- 17; Isa. 14:12-15).

[11]. Get off that! If God is eternal and knew the end from the beginning, He would have prevented the "Lucifer" of (Isaiah 14) from falling to the level of a serpent!

Answer: True. God lets a lot of things "fall" in order to work out His original plan (Rom. 11: 11-32).

[12]. Then God is not only responsible for MAN'S sin, but the serpent's also, since He allowed BOTH to take place - isn't that right?

Answer: If I say "Yes," what then?

[13]. Then Darwin and Marx are right. "There is no God" (Ps. 14:1), because a God that is so imperfect that He is responsible for imperfection, is NOT perfect!

Answer: Let me ask you a question, bright eyes, "Suppose God remedied the entire thing and made right what was made wrong; has He not then cleared Himself of ALL guilt and responsibility in the matter?" (Rom. 3:4-6).

If God is perfect, then LOVE is one of His qualities (I John 4:;8), and this LOVE has to be perfect LOVE. For "love to really be perfect LOVE, there has to be two parties. (One party loving the same party is not LOVE, for self-love is not real "LOVE",) God, therefore, creates a second party - MAN (Heb. 2:6) - on which to manifest this attribute. If the man does not have a free will and a free choice, then he cannot return God's love. An automaton cannot "love". The man must have a choice (Josh. 24:15), and to have a choice there must be a third party. The "eternal triangle," in this case, is a cherub who becomes a serpent. You can choose him (2 Cor. 4:4) or God (I Ki. 18:21). God allows this being (the cherub) to appear and tempt mankind so that man can freely choose GOD as an object of love. Adam chooses his wife as an object, and his wife chooses knowledge - as do all good "intellectuals"! The man falls and God redeems the man, by bearing the entire blame (Rom. 5:6- 19) for both the man and the cherub; he does this sin- bearing by coming down and dying, as a man! (Phil. 2; Isa.53; Rom. 10; 2 Cor. 3 ). Having absolved Himself of ALL guilt, it is now possible for the man to be confirmed sinless forever by receiving a sinless Saviour as his own (John 1:10- 12). "Your move." - Dr. Peter S. Ruckman



III. THE JUDGMENT

Adam died spiritually immediately (exactly as God had said) and physically in due time (Heb. 9:27). His death was passed on (Rom. 5:12-14) in that his children were born in his image and not God,s (Gen. 5:3). He lost his spiritual crown (Kingdom of God) in that he lost God's image and his physical crown (Kingdom of Heaven) in that his dominion was cursed (Gen. 3:17-19).



THE DISPENSATION OF CONSCIENCE

INTRODUCTION: This dispensation extends from the "Fall" to the "Flood." It lasted for 1656 years, and was the Dispensation of "Conscience." It shows what man will do when guided only by his conscience. Adam and Eve had no conscience before the "Fall". Conscience is a knowledge of good and evil, and this Adam and Eve did not have until they ate of the fruit of the forbidden tree. Conscience may produce fear and remorse, but it will not keep men from doing wrong, for conscience imparts no "power".



I. SALVATION

In the Antediluvian Dispensation mankind was treated as a whole. There were no nations. That dispensation is called in (Acts 17:30), the "TIMES OF IGNORANCE," and is contrasted with the "Times that are NOW," and we are told that in that dispensation God "WINKED AT" what He could not "OVERLOOK" in the Legal Dispensation. Conscience was then the standard of human conduct. It was the standard by which men accused or excused themselves, (Rom. 2:15). The Sinaitic law was not given until after the Exodus. Being without law there was no legal standard for sin, for "by the law is the "KNOWLEDGE OF SIN." (Rom. 3:20) But, they were without "excuse e," for God was very near to mankind in those days, and His voice was heard in rebuke, as to Cain (Gen. 4:14), in communion with Enoch (Gen. 5:22-24), or in counsel as with Noah, Gen. 6:3. They were, therefore, not without a knowledge of God, but they glorified Him not, and God "gave them over to VILE AFFECTIONS." Their daughters to cohabit with "Fallen Angels". The character of that dispensation is vividly disclosed in (Rom. 1:20-32).

The principles which governed God's administration of those "TIMES OF IGNORANCE" would not be appropriate then in the days of Moses, when God revealed His will in "The Law". We must then distinguish these two dispensations as being one "WITHOUT LAW", and the other "UNDER LAW". This therefore would affect the "Basis of Judgment" in these dispensations. This distinction is brought out clearly in (Rom. 2:12). "For as many as have sinned "WITHOUT LAW" shall also "PERISH WITHOUT LAW", and as many as have sinned "IN THE LAW" shall be "JUDGED BY THE LAW".

This clearly shows us the "ignorance of the law" is no excuse, and will not save us from punishment. This "Principle of Judgment" will prevail at the "Great White Throne Judgment," when the inhabitants of both the Antediluvian and Legal Dispensations will be judged.

While there was no "WRITTEN LAW" in the dispensation before the Flood, there was an "UNWRITTEN LAW", and when the Gentiles who have not the law, do "BY NATURE" the things contained in the law, they show that they have the law "WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS", for not the HEARERS of the law are just (justified) before God, but the "DOERS," or those who keep it. (Rom. 2:11-16)

It should be noted that a blood sacrifice became evident early in this dispensation. God clothed Adam and Eve in "coats of skins" (Gen. 3:21) which necessitated the "shedding of blood" (Heb. 9:22). The context of Hebrews 9 is not all inclusive of every dispensation, therefore it is impossible to say whether a blood sacrifice was an absolute necessity or not. However, there are some obvious facts that need to be studied:

[1]. Abel knew about blood sacrifice (Gen. 4:4) as did Noah (Gen. 8:20);
[2]. God communicated with men and made the message of obedience clear;
[3]. God appointed a preacher of righteousness in the person Noah undoubtedly, others such as Enoch also preached.



II. IMITATION

One of the most significant events of this dispensation was the great Satanic effort to imitate God's original plan. To expedite this plan the fallen angels called the "sons of God" were employed.

The title "sons of God" has not the same meaning in the Old Testament that it has in the New. In the New Testament it applies to those who have become the "sons of God" by the new birth. (Jn. 1:12; Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:6; I Jn. 3:1-2) In the Old Testament it applies to the angels, and is so used five times. Twice in Genesis (Gen. 6:2- 4) and three times in Job. (Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7) A "son of God": denotes a being brought into existence by a creative act of God. Such were the angels, and such was Adam, and he is so called in (Lk. 3:38). But, Adam's natural descendants are not the special creation of God. Adam was created in the "likeness of God" (Gen. 5:1), but his descendants were born in his likeness, for we read in (Gen. 5:3), that Adam "BEGAT a son in his own likeness, after his image." Therefore, all men born of Adam and his descendants by natural generation are the "SONS OF MEN," and it is only by being "BORN AGAIN" (John 3:3-7), which is a "NEW CREATION," that they can become the "SONS OF GOD" in the New Testament sense.

These "gods" came from outer space (Acts 14:11-14) and brought the idea to populate the heavens. That their off spring were different is obvious from the fact that they were giants (Gen. 6:4). It stands to reason that God would not allow this wickedness to infiltrate the heavens, hence the judgment of the flood.



III. JUDGMENT

The characteristics of the "Antediluvian Dispensation," as outlined by the late Dr. A. T. Pierson, were, "First, an advance in fullness and clearness of revelation; then gradual spirit declension; then conformity to the world, ending with amalgamation with the world; then a gigantic civilization, brilliant but godless; then parallel development of evil and good; then an "Apostasy," and finally a "CATASTROPHE."

These we shall find are the characteristics of every dispensation that follows, except the last.

It is interesting to notice that just prior to judgment God called Enoch, who is a type of the church age saint, home. When Jesus was preparing the Jews for the Tribulation He compared the events to the days of Noah (Matt. 24:36-41).

There will be a great deal of emphasis upon space travel, immorality and divorce during the days prior to and following the Rapture. The day is near when there will be millions of Enochs disappearing - Praise the Lord!



HUMAN GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION: If ever the human race had an opportunity to work out the theory of "Human Government" it was right after the flood. Noah was an old man over 600 years of age, full of wisdom and experience, and his family, all of whom had reached manhood and womanhood, for the youngest, Shem was 98 years old, were qualified for self- government. Behind them was the flood with all its warnings, and in addition the accumulated knowledge from Adam down to their day. They also had the advantage of a new covenant, called the "Noahic Covenant" (Gen. 8:20-22). Noah also reestablished the true mode of worship by erecting an altar and sacrificing thereon, but the dispensation was a failure like its predecessors.

God commanded Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, but instead of scattering, their posterity kept together, and sought to build a capital city and "make themselves a name" by building a "tower" to heaven. This was disobedience, and God came down and confused their speech, and scattered them abroad over the face of the earth. (Gen. 11:1-9) Even the names of the builders, except Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-10) are unknown. Here we have the origin of the different languages of the earth. The miracle was reversed at Pentecost. (Acts 2:4) Because of the relative shortness of this dispensation (approx. 427 yrs.), we shall study the major events in a chronological order.



I. NOAH REESTABLISHES PROPER WORSHIP

(Gen. 8:20) Noah was held accountable to the revelations of faith. In that he found forgiveness. Those revelations included the preparation of the ark (obedience) and the offering of a sacrifice (Heb. 11:7).



II. A CROWN IS GIVEN

(Gen. 9:1) "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish..." This is the original commission given to Adam (see Gen. 1:28). Noah is a type of Adam in that:

A. They both were sole possessors of the earth.

B. They both had a direct commission from God.

C. They both replaced races which God did not want controlling the earth.

D. They both had three sons by name.

E. One of their sons was a type of Christ.

F. One was a type of Antichrist.

G. Shem and Abel are connected with Christ.

H. Cain and Canaan are both cursed.

I. Adam is naked when he sins, exactly as Noah.

J. Adam and Noah partake of "forbidden fruit."

K. Adam's prohibition is a vine, and Noah's prohibition is blood (Gen. 9:4).

Keep in mind that a vine is called a tree (Eze. 15:2,6) and the fruit of the vine is compared to blood (Deut. 32:14). Blood has been forbidden to drink before the law (Gen. 9:1-5) during the law (Lev. 17) and in this present age (Acts 15:20,29). New wine (grape juice) is the scriptural type of blood (Gen. 40:10,11; Isa. 65:8). Fermented liquor is forbidden (Prov. 23:31; 20:1). Noah obviously didn't get drunk on grape juice.



III. A CROWN IS LOST (Gen. 9:20-24)

Noah partook of a forbidden fruit, exactly as Adam, and lost the crown to the Kingdom of Heaven just like Adam. Once again, by default, the crown reverts back to the "god of this world". As soon as he is in charge an effort is made to imitate God's original plan (Isa. 45:18). This is an exact repeat of the previous effort in (Gen. 6). Reach heaven with the sons of God.



IV. GOD'S BASIS OF SOCIOLOGY (Gen 9:25-27)

It is during this dispensation that God scatters mankind around the earth and shows where they would all eventually find their place of inhabitance.

A. Ham- A curse of servitude is placed upon Canaan (Gen. 9:25). It was necessary for Canaan (Noah's grandson) to receive the curse because God had already blessed Noah and his sons (Gen. 9:1) As the posterity of Ham is followed through out the Bible they are seen to occupy Africa.

B. Shem- "Blessed be the Lord God of Shem" (Gen. 9:26). Shem, plainly receives something spiritual in Noah's prophecy. When it comes to spiritual perception, you can't beat Shem. Shem is the author of every major religion on earth. Shem is an introvert; he is a "meditator" and a fatalist - he is a thinker. Every author of the Bible can trace his descent to Shem; the Saviour of the world confessed He was "of the Jews". Shem spreads out across Asia and Asia Minor. (At 100 yards a day, American Indians could have traveled 61,307 miles before the 1st Crusade "1000 A.D.")

C. Japheth- "God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem;" (Gen. 9:27). Although Shem lives in India, Japheth (Sir Hillary) has to climb his mountains. Although Shem lives in Japan, he must pattern his railways, planes, motorcycles, and ships after Japheth. Although Shem lives in China, he cannot develop his resources until Japheth (Russia) fires the primer for the "Reds." It is Japheth, not Shem, who discovers both Poles, the passage to India, the way to the Moon, electricity, the steam engine, the wireless telegraph, the telephone, radio, airplane, tank, and submarine. Shem, plainly does not major in geographical conquests, scientific inventions, and "higher standards of living."

"And he shall dwell in the tents of Shem". "Tents," here, refers to tents. The "tents" are Shem's tents, and a blind man would bump into them traveling across America in 1500, if he couldn't have seen them two feet away. Shem crosses the Bering Straits and sets up "Tents" from British Columbia to Cape Horn. Japheth crosses the Atlantic and takes them from him - more discrimination! And the ground you are sitting on right now is not yours at all. You are not American; you are European or African (unless, of course, you are a full-blooded Indian!). The ground your "tent" is on was Shem's hunting ground, where he pitched his tents from 1000 B.C. to 1800 A.D. "And he shall dwell in the tents of Shem." Noah's racial prophecies are to be believed literally, as they stand. They are total prophecies, involving the three major branches of mankind. History confirms them, common sense confirms them, and the Bible confirms them. Japheth has the tents, a plain case of discrimination. Shem has the Saviour and the Bible, another plain case of discrimination; Ham serves, a really plain case of discrimination; and all subsequent "exceptions" prove the rule.



V. THE TOWER OF BABEL (Gen. 11:1-9)

It should be noted that these characteristics existed just before God wrought the judgment of confusion: (2 Thess. 2:11)

A. Total integration

B. One universal language

C. Babylonian worship

D. Attempts to get into outer space

E. Artificial, man made materials being used for God-made materials (Heb. 11:10)

F. An emphasis on "cities" and "towers"

G. The calling out of the Hebrews to Palestine (Gen. 10:30)

H. The exaltation of a Hamite ruler - Nimrod


POPE PIUS IX DECREE

The Encyclical Letter & Syllabus of the Eighty Errors - 1864

Article 15: "Anathema to whoever shall say: Every man is free to embrace and to profess religion which he believes to be true.

Article 24: Anathema to whoever will say: The church does not have the right to use force."



THE PATRIARCHAL DISPENSATION

INTRODUCTION: This dispensation extended from the "call of Abraham" to the "Exodus," a period of 430 years, and is known as the dispensation of "the Family."

After the dispersion from Babel, the descendants of Noah and his sons became idolaters. No doubt God had His witnesses, but there is no record of any. Even Abraham's father was an idolater. So God decided to single out one family and start afresh. Abraham was chosen and he proved a mighty man of faith, but his righteousness waned in his descendants, Isaac was a good man, but not so good as his father, and Jacob, Isaac's son, who succeeded to the birthright, was still less so, and the twelve sons of Jacob, with the exception of Joseph, greatly degenerated from the parent stock, and that short dispensation of only 430 years ended with all of Abraham's descendants working as abject slaves in the brickyards of Egypt. There are three things that need to be pointed out about Abraham.



I. HIS CROWN

This man, Abraham, is called "The Friend of God" in (Ja. 2:23 and Isa. 41:8), and there is no doubt about his "kingship" whatsoever, for in the context of (Isa. 41) we read, "Who raised up the righteous man from the East, called him to His foot, gave the nations before him, and MADE HIM RULE OVER KINGS!?" (Isa. 41:2).

So Abraham ascends the throne much to the chagrin of the prince of the powers of the air. While time passes, ways and means are devised to overthrow this new king, but an unconditional covenant of grace has been given this king (in view of Noah's failure - Gen. 8:21), and this new king is going to be a hard one to overthrow (see Rom. 4:1-13). A king installed by grace is going to be hard to remove, for his Kingship is not dependent on his conduct!!



II. HIS PROPERTY

Abraham is promised a literal, physical, visible, earthly domain given to him by God (Gen. 15:13- 21). This promise is also given to Abraham's SEED! The importance of this fact cannot be over- emphasized when studying the "Kingdom" for now Satan's hold is getting drastically reduced in regard to the Kingdom of Heaven. This time, the "King" has been installed by grace, with an unconditional promise and divine protection attending the promise; the promise is passed on automatically to Abraham's seed, because "he will command his children and his household after him!" (Gen. 18:19).

The spot picked for Abraham's earthly, literal, physical kingdom will then turn out to be the major battleground on this planet. The piece of land is picked (deliberately) to stand right smack in the middle of the three Continents given to Shem, Ham, and Japheth - Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is so picked and located that any man who sides with the Roman Catholic theory of the "Kingdom," will have to take a stand AGAINST the descendants of Abraham, to whom was given the Kingdom! The Roman Catholic Pope, himself, can state this fact better than anyone else, so let these words from the Catholic publication "The Tablet," do their own preaching.

"His Holiness (the speaker is Melchite Archbishop Gregorius Hakin of St. John of Akka, on his return from Rome after talking with Pope Pius XII) asked me to convey his great satisfaction and joy of the unity and the full collaboration shown by the Arabs of Palestine in protecting the Holy Land (!). The Pope has studied a protest against the Balfour Declaration made by his predecessor, Pope Pius XI... The policy of the Holy See toward this declaration has not changed. His Holiness, the Pope, cannot afford to help Zionism against the Arabs of Palestine... the Pope told me that he would not fail to support the Arabs - because THEY are the OWNERS of the Holy Land!!"

Again, the Bible can save the day (although no one will pay any attention to it) for here is found the Owner of the land, the Giver of the land, the Receiver of the land, and the Title deed to the land! (Study it in I Cor. 10:26,28; Isa. 45:18,19; 40:15-17; Ps. 8:3,4; 24:1; Gen. 15:18; Psalms 105:6-12; 2 Chr. 6:25,31,38). This land is not given to Ishmael - the Arabian (Gal. 4:25-28)! God Himself takes sides against "Geshem the Arabian" in Neh. 6:1; 4:7, when he appears professing to be the "chosen seed," to whom the promises were made. If the Bible is true, then every Turk, Moslem, Arabian, and European Crusader who ever died in the Crusades, died NEEDLESSLY to preserve a CATHOLIC fable, which God would not even bother to spit on. Can you see now why men hated the old Bible? It runs contrary to their political operations, as they "bring in the Kingdom".



III. HIS SALVATION

Abraham's salvation came in two parts. He received imputed righteousness when he believed God (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3,20-22) but he was justified when he offered Isaac (Gen. 22; James 2:21-23). A church age saint realizes both of these transactions at the same time (Rom. 4:24,25).

Notice these truths concerning sacrifice:

A. Until God becomes the sacrifice Himself, the atonement is incomplete (Heb. 10:4).

B. Until God voluntarily offers Himself, He (God) cannot accept the sacrifice (Heb. 10:5-7; Lev. 1:3).

C. All sacrifices between (Gen. 3 and Matt. 27) are temporary expedients, which do not fully solve the problem of atonement (Heb. 10:11).

D. God provides a "Priest Class" for the nation of Israel, to offer sacrifices (I Chr. 15:14-16; Ex. 28:40-43; Lev. 9).

E. But there is no Priest Class before Num. 1-13, or after Acts 2 (see Matt. 27:51; Heb. 8:1; 9:24; I Pet. 2:9; Rev. 7:7!!).

F. Melchizedek does not offer a literal sacrifice of blood, but only a "memorial" (Gen. 14:18; I Cor. 10:16,17; 11:25).

G. The entire body of born-again believers are "priests," in the New Testament, and never offer literal sacrifices of blood. (I Peter 2:5; Heb. 13:15,16; I Cor. 10:16,17.)

H. God's provision will be accepted by the faithful man (Rom. 10:4).

I. Therefore, the faithful man, after Acts 2, will trust God's provision at Calvary, done once and forever (Heb. 10:8-12; 9:24-26).

J. The faithful man, between Exodus 20 and Matthew 27, will be trusting the provision which God made at the Temple in Jerusalem.

K. The unfaithful man will make provision for himself by inventing and installing a priesthood, AFTER MATTHEW 27, thereby actually rejecting God's provision (Gal. 5:4; Rom. 10:1-3).





THE DISPENSATION OF THE LAW

INTRODUCTION: This dispensation extended from the "Exodus" to the "Birth of Christ", a period of 1491 (?) years, and is known as the Dispensation of the "Law."

At the close of the preceding dispensation the children of Israel cried unto God in their bondage and He sent them a "deliverer" in Moses. Heretofore God had allowed man to govern himself, now He purposed to organize a Commonwealth with laws and regulations and a "visible" system of worship with a local habitation or place of worship.

This government was to be "Theocratic". That is, it was God's intention to Himself rule on earth through a representative that He Himself would appoint. The person chosen was Moses. When Moses died he was succeeded by Joshua. After his death the children of Israel had no ruler, except as by reason of bondage they cried unto the Lord, and He, as circumstances required, raised up "Judges" who governed them for about 450 years. (Acts 13:20) Then they provoked God to give them a king, and Saul was selected, who reigned for 40 years. He was followed by David, who was succeeded by his son, Solomon, each of whom reigned 40 years.

At the death of Solomon, B.C. 975, the kingdom was divided, Solomon's son Rehoboam getting two tribes, spoken of as Judah, and Jeroboam, a usurper, ten tribes, called Israel. Israel lasted for 254 years longer, and was carried away captive to Assyria in B.C. 721, and 115 years later Judah went into exile to Babylon.

In B.C. 536, after 70 years captivity, the Jews returned from Babylon, and from B.C. 166-40 strove under Asmoneans to regain supremacy over Palestine, but in B.C. 40, Herod the Great, an Idumean, was made king by the Romans, and in A.D. 70 Jerusalem was sacked and burned by Titus, and the Jews driven out of Palestine.

In the "Legal Dispensation" God dealt with a chosen nation, Israel. His dealings with them were based on a "WRITTEN LAW" given at Mr. Sinai. This "Ceremonial Law" was given to Israel only, and not to any other nation. Israel then is to be judged according to their observance of it. The "Ceremonial Law," as far as its outward observance, ceased at the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Because of the great number of significant events during this dispensation we shall take several lessons to cover this time period. This outline shall deal with the Passover and events that led up to it.



I. THE TYPES

A. Egypt - The children of Israel were not made for Egypt, nor Egypt for them, they were made for Canaan. Egypt, is a type of this present "Evil World." In Moses' day it presented the best specimen of worldly glory and magnificence that the world had ever seen. It had everything to gratify the "Lust of the Flesh," the "Lust of the Eyes," and the "Pride of Life".

B. Pharaoh - Pharaoh was a type of "Satan". Egypt was full of idolatry, the very stronghold of Satan, and a hotbed of every species of sin. Having Israel in his power Pharaoh tried to make it permanent. That is what Satan tries to do with the sinner.

C. Moses - Moses was a type of Christ. Moses was prepared and sent by God for the work of deliverance from bondage.

D. The Plagues - The "Ten Plagues" were judgments against the "gods" of Egypt.

[1]. "Water into blood," against the Nile, the "Idol River."
[2]. "Frogs," against the worship of frogs.
[3]. "Lice," against the earth god "Seb" and the priests, who could not officiate when vermin were upon them.
[4]. "Flies," against the atmosphere "Shu, "son of "Ra," the Sun-God.
[5]. "Murrain," against the "Sacred Bull" - APIS.
[6]. "Boils," against "Sutech" or "Typhon," to whom victims were offered, their ashes being flung to the winds.
[7]. "Locusts," against the "Sacred Beetle,"
[8]. "Hail," against "Shu".
[9]. "Darkness," against the "Sun-God" - Ra, of whom Pharaoh was believed to be the child.
[10]. "Death of the First Born," against the nation guilty of wholesale infanticide in ordering that all male Hebrew children should be cast into the river Nile. (Ex. 1:22)



II. THE COMPROMISES

When Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh they said - "Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." And Pharaoh said - "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go." (Ex. 5:1-2) Then Moses and Aaron demanded that Pharaoh let Israel go a three days journey into the wilderness. Pharaoh again refused, and practically said, the service of God is a WASTE OF TIME. He then increased the children of Israel's burdens. But when after the first three Plagues there came the "Plague of Flies" upon the Egyptians only, Pharaoh thought it was time to "compromise," so he sent for Moses and said - "Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land." (Ex. 8:25)

A. The First Compromise - (Ex. 8:25,26) Pharaoh would not object to an occasional sacrifice "in the land" if that would make Israel satisfied to remain in Egypt where he could retain power over them. Satan does not object to an occasional "spasm" of religion as long as you stay in the world. Moses responded by reminding Pharaoh that "Apis the sacred bull" was one of the gods of Egypt and if Israel offered sacrifices of "bullocks" to "Jehovah" "in the land" that would be an "abomination" to the Egyptians, and they would stone them for sacrificing the "gods of Egypt," This compromise means that a man cannot be a Christian and worship God in the land without offending the world.

B. The Second Compromise - (Ex 8:27,28) "I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away." Pharaoh knew it would be easy to get Israel back if they did not go very far away. So Satan says - "Yes, become a professing Christian, join the church, but do not go very far away. Observe Christmas, Easter and a few other special occasions, but the rest of the year enjoy the pleasures of Egypt. Israel could never reach Canaan if they remained close to Egypt. When Christians are heard constantly saying, "Is it right or wrong to do this?" You know they have been caught in the "not very far away" compromise.

C. The Third Compromise - (Ex. 10:7-11) Between the second and third compromise there were the plagues of murraim, boils and hail. Pharaoh once again decided to compromise and agree to allow the men only to go to the wilderness to sacrifice. He knew that if the men left their loved ones in Egypt it would not be long before they would be back. This compromise means let the older people become Christians if they want to, but do not force "religion" on the young. After all religion is a "personal matter," let them enjoy the Egyptian pleasures.

D. The Fourth Compromise - (Ex. 10:24-26) This compromise found Pharaoh allowing Israel to go but insisting their possessions (flocks & herds) stay behind. This compromise means to be a Christian, give your soul to God, but keep your possessions for yourself. People that succumb to this compromise invest their money to increase their own wealth but invest nothing in the Bank of Heaven (Matt. 6:20).



III. THE PASSOVER

God's standard of "Power" in the Old Testament is the EXODUS, but before He could deliver Israel by His "Power", they must be redeemed by BLOOD. "The Passover" is a beautiful illustration of the "Plan of Salvation" through Christ. "For even Christ our 'Passover' is sacrificed for us." (I Cor. 5:7) As the blood of the "Passover Lamb" saved Israel, so the BLOOD of the "Lamb of God" saves us. "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,...but with the precious BLOOD OF CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (I Pet. 1:18- 19)

As the children of Israel dwelt in the "Land of Goshen," and it was a part of Egypt, they came under the "Doom of Egypt, " which was that all the "First Born" should die. To offset this, the children of Israel were commanded to take a lamb, without blemish, of the first year, and kill it, and take of the blood and sprinkle it on the two side posts and lintel of the door of their dwelling, and when the Lord saw the blood He would pass over that house on that fateful night, and not destroy the "First Born" sheltered behind that blood marked door. (Ex. 12:1-28)

The Passover was to be to Israel the "BEGINNING OF MONTHS." (Ex. 12:2) It was to be the first month of the year to them. A man does not begin to live until he is saved by the "BLOOD OF CHRIST." Until then he is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. (Eph. 2:1-3) The time spent in the "brick-kilns" of sin, and amid the "flesh-pots" of pleasure, do not count, and must be omitted from the life of the believer. The Passover as a means of salvation was a plan of God's own devising. No man had a hand in it, except to do as God commanded. It was all of GRACE.

A. The Sacrifice - The "Sacrifice" was to be a LAMB. (Ex. 12:5) An emblem of meekness and purity, such was Jesus. "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter," (Isa. 53:7). The lamb was to be young, a male of the first year. It was to be without blemish. If a spot had been found upon it, it would have been unfit for sacrifice. Jesus was without blemish. He was absolutely sinless. (II Cor. 5:21, I John 3:5)

Many have the idea that Christ's death automatically saves them. But the lamb was not simply to be killed, something had to be done with the BLOOD, and with the FLESH. They were to take the BLOOD and sprinkle it on the two side posts and on the upper door post (lintel) of their dwellings, and they were to EAT the flesh. (Ex. 12:7) The "First Born" was not safe when the blood was simply shed, or even when caught in the basin. It was not enough to "analyze" the blood, the blood had to be used, and they were not left in doubt as to how it was to be used, it was to be sprinkled on the door of their dwellings with a bunch of "Hyssop." Hyssop is a common plant, and grew everywhere in Egypt. It was not a rare plant that they had to send to some foreign country to get. Hyssop stands for "Faith".

B. The Feast - "Ye shall eat of the FLESH in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs ye shall eat it." (Ex. 12:8-10) They were SAVED by the blood, but it was not enough to kill the lamb and use its blood, they were to FEED ON THE LAMB. Some Christians stop short at being saved by the Blood, and fail to FEED ON THE LAMB. That is why they are not nourished and sustained in their Christian life. There can be no true fellowship only as we eat of the Lamb. The lamb was not to be eaten raw, or sodden with water (boiled), but roasted with fire. To roast it they had to use a "SPIT". That is, they had to support it over the fire by a rod run lengthwise through it, and another rod at right angles through the shoulders to turn it, thus symbolizing the CROSS. It was on the CROSS that Jesus' body was subject to the "Fire of God's Righteous Wrath" against sin.

The Passover Lamb was to be eaten with UNLEAVENED bread. (Ex. 12:8) Leaven is a symbol of evil and therefore could not be used at such a feast as that of the Passover, and the Apostle Paul calls on us to purge out the old leaven of malice and wickedness. (I Cor. 5:7-8)

They were also to eat the feast with "Bitter Herbs," symbolical of their previous bondage, and they were to let nothing remain until the morning. They were to forsake sleep to feed on the lamb, and if any were left over they were to burn it lest it fall into unfit hands or be left behind in their hasty departure. What a beautiful picture we have here. While a terrible hurricane of Divine Judgment was sweeping at midnight over Egypt, destroying the "First Born" in every home unsheltered by the blood, the children of Israel were FEASTING PEACEFULLY AND JOYFULLY ON ROASTED LAMB.



THE TABERNACLE

Introduction: The study of the Tabernacle is a thrilling story: God's desire to dwell with man, and to bring redemption to man.

The Tabernacle was:

[1]. The dwelling place of God in Israel (in the Wilderness and Canaan)
[2]. A picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and God's salvation in Him.

Why study the Tabernacle?

[1]. The Tabernacle - and the Tabernacle form of worship are figures of that which was to come (Heb. 9:8,9,24; 10:1); God's future plans.
[2]. The Tabernacle and experiences of the Israelites were examples and patterns established by God for us (I Cor. 10:11; Heb. 8:5). 3) The Tabernacle pictures the Lord Jesus Christ in such perfect detail that it thrills the believer as the study unfolds. (Lk. 24:27) Every detail of the Tabernacle points to some aspect of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14).



I. THE TABERNACLE

The Dwelling Place of God. The word 'tabernacle' means "temporary dwelling place".

A. The Tabernacle of the Old Testament was temporary.

B. The Temple (2 Chr. 5:14) was for a time the dwelling place of God here on earth. (Will be restored for the Millennium)

C. While Jesus was on the earth during His ministry, He was the dwelling place of God, in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily (Col. 2:9).

D. After which Christ took up abode in the heart of the believer (I Cor. 3:16). The word church means "that which is called out", and does not apply to the building, but the believers. Therefore, the Tabernacle is also a picture of the believer, the place where Christ dwells.

[1]. The believer ("in Christ") is the dwelling place, the temple of God (Holy Spirit); the body is the outer court, the soul is the holy place, and the spirit is the holy of holies.

E. In Heaven (Heb. 8:1,2; 9:23,24; Rev. 11:19; 21:3)



II. THE TABERNACLE TELLS THE COMPLETE PICTURE OF SALVATION

The tabernacle is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a picture of the believer "in Christ", and also a complete picture of the Plan of Salvation. In God's redemption there are seven steps:

A. As sinners on the outside, we must first enter and stop at the altar (the cross).

B. Next come separation and daily cleansing at the Laver.

C. We enter into fellowship of the Word at the Table.

D. We learn to walk in the light of the Golden Candlestick.

E. Then, and only then, comes power in prayer at the Table of Incense.

F. We are then ready to enter the Holy of Holies of Highest Service (the personal power and communion of the Holy Spirit).

G. Thus, we reach perfect rest and peace at the blood-sprinkled Mercy Seat under the shadow of the cherubim.

The subject of the Tabernacle is inexhaustible, and as we permit the Holy Spirit to help us to understand these truths, we are then to be drawn closer to the Lord Jesus, and by knowing more about Him from this study we will love Him more, and in loving Him more we will serve Him more. Study, then, should result in loving service.



III. THE TABERNACLE PATTERN

Threefold Division - the number of divine completeness and perfection (John 14:6)

A. The Outer Court - the fence, the brazen altar, the laver.

B. The Holy Place - the table of shewbread, the candlestick, the altar of incense.

C. The Holy of Holies - the ark and the mercy seat.



IV. THE FOURTEEN MATERIALS

Fourteen is the number of Testimony. The Tabernacle is a place of fellowship, communion, and Testimony. Each material has a typical meaning, the meanings are the same wherever found used in the Tabernacle. Christ is seen in them all:

A. Gold - deity (Ex. 25:3)

B. Silver - redemption (Ex. 25:3)

C. Brass - judgment (Ex. 25:3; Num. 21:6-9)

D. Blue - heavenly nature and origin (Ex. 25:4)

E. Purple - royalty (Ex. 25:4)

F. Scarlet - sacrificed blood (Ex. 25:4)

G. Fine Linen - spotless righteousness (Ex. 25:4; Rev. 19:8)

H. Goat's Hair - the sinbearer (Ex. 25:4; Lev. 16:20-22)

I. Ram's Skins Dyed Red - the suffering of Christ, the depth and devotion of Christ (Ex. 25:5; Lk. 22:44)

J. Badger's Skins - humility of Christ (Ex. 25:5; Isa. 53:2), a common, ordinary- looking skin

K. Shittim Wood (Acacia) - humanity of Christ (Ex. 25:5)

L. Oil for the Light - the Holy Spirit (Ex. 25:6)

M. Spices for Anointing Oil - sweetness and preciousness of Christ (Ex. 25:6)

N. Onyx Stones - speaks of the Glory of Christ (Ex. 25:7; John 17:5)



V. SEVEN ARTICLES OF FURNITURE

Seven is the number of perfection. Ark, Mercy Seat, Altar of Incense, Table of Shewbread, Candlestick, Laver, Brazen Altar.



VI. THE TABERNACLE HAS BEEN CALLED THE HOUSE OF BLOOD

Because of the blood of the sacrifices required by God. But, all of this blood was merely prophetic, typical, and a shadow of the blood of the coming Lamb of God, His Son:

A. We have redemption through the blood (Eph. 1:7)

B. We have forgiveness through the blood (Eph. 1:7)

C. We have justification through the blood (Rom. 5:9)

D. We have sanctification through the blood (Heb. 10:10)

E. We have cleansing through the blood (I John 1:7)

F. We have peace through the blood (Col. 1:20)

G. We have victory through the blood (Rev. 12:11)

The Old Testament purifying rites (Heb. 9:18,23) could not "take away sins (Heb. 10:4) even when they were performed daily (Heb. 10:11). Sins are not "taken away" unless Christ dies for them with sin ON Him. He is buried with the sins ON Him (Heb. 9:28); He takes them down into the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40) and leaves them there (Heb. 9:28). When He comes up (Acts 2:27,31), He comes up sinless and bearing no sins on Him.

They were to have continual burnt offerings (Ex. 29:38-46)

This was the evening sacrifice spoken of in (I Kings 18:29).

Old Testament saints had sacrifices daily - we had ours once - (Heb. 10:11,12).

This practice will continue in Millennium. (Ez. 46:12-15, 40-48)

Even a priesthood in eternity (Isa. 66:20-22).



THE JUDGES

I. BACKGROUND

The Hebrew Nation, after the death of Joshua, had no strong central government. They were a confederacy, of twelve independent tribes, with no unifying force, except their god. The form of government in the days of the Judges is spoken of as the "Theocracy", that is, God himself was supposed to be the direct ruler of the nation. But the people did not take their God very seriously, and were continually falling away into idolatry. Being in a state of anarchy, more or less, and harassed at times by civil war among themselves, and surrounded by enemies who made attempt after attempt to exterminate them, the Hebrew Nation was very slow in its national development, and did not become a great nation till it was organized into a kingdom in the days of Samuel and David.



II. 40 YEARS

Othniel, Deborah and Barak, and Gideon, are each said to have judged Israel 40 years; and Ehud, twice 40. Later, Eli judged 40 years; and Saul, David and Solomon each reigned 40 years. "Forty years" seems to have been a round number denoting a generation. Note how often 40 is used throughout the Bible: at the Flood it rained 40 days; Moses fled at 40; was in Midian 40 years; was in the mount 40 days. Israel wandered 40 years. The spies were 40 days in Canaan. Elijah fasted 40 days. forty days' respite was given to Nineveh. Jesus fasted 40 days, and sojourned 40 days after the resurrection.



III. THE COMMAND

(Deut. 7:2-4) "And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."

This was the original command with which the Israelites entered the land of Canaan. Although the Book of Judges records some victories for the Lord, it also accurately depicts the disheartening and disappointing failures of God's people. The Israelites conquest was only partial (Jud. 1:9,21,27,28,29-35; 3:1-4).



IV. THE COMPROMISE

As the hardy, wilderness-bred generation, who, under the powerful leadership of Joshua, had conquered the land, died off, the new generation, settled in a land of plenty and soon lapsed into the easy going ways of their idolatrous neighbors. We might visualize this phenomena as a wonderful illustrative example of what we sometimes call the "2nd generation Christian."

(Jud. 21:25) "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

This verse may be the sum and total of all that we find in Judges. The confusion, seeming lack of organization and leadership, and the hideous crimes and incidents recorded in the book again show us that man left to himself will destroy himself.

The compromise of the Israelites went as follows:

[1]. The original command of God
[2]. Incomplete mastery
[3]. Military leagues
[4]. Intermarriages
[5]. Idolatry
[6]. Complete Apostasy
[7]. Captivity



V. THE CAPTIVITIES

Apostasy


Servitude


Deliverer

3:5-8


To Kings of Mesopotamia, 8 yrs.


Othniel (3:9-11)

3:12-14


To King of Moab, 18 years


Ehud (3:15-30) (also Shamgar, 31)

4:1-3


To King of Canaan, 20 years


Deborah (4:4-31) (and Barak)

6:1-10


To Midianites, 7 years


Gideon (6:1, 8:35)

10:6-18


To Philistines, etc., 18 years


Jephthah (11:1, 7:7)

13:1


To Philistines, 40 years


Samson (13:2; 16:31)



(*from J. Sidlow Baxter's "Explore the Book.")






VI. THE JUDGES



1. Othniel (3:9-11)


8. Jair (10:3-5)

2. Ehud (3:15-30)


9. Jephthah (11:1-12-7)*

3. Shamgar (3:31)


10. Ibzan (12:8-10)

4. Deborah & Barak (4:4; 5:31)*


11. Elon (12:11,12)

5. Gideon (6:11; 8:32)


12. Abdon (12:13-15)

6. Abimelech (9:1-57)*


13. Samson (13:24; 16:31)*

7. Tola (10:1,2)


(*mentioned Hebrews 11:32)



VII. SIN SUFFERING, SUPPLICATION, SALVATION

The children of Israel followed an old familiar pattern of life, something we might term the normal Christian life. If we were to draw it out on graph paper, charting our spiritual victories and defeats it would look like a roller coaster.

For example: The Sin (3:7), The Suffering (3:8), The Supplication (3:9), The Salvation (3:11). And again: The Sin (3:12), The Suffering (3:12), The Supplication (3:15), The Salvation (3:15).



VIII. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FROM THE JUDGES

A. Initially it is easier to tolerate and coexist with sin than root it out and eliminate it completely. (Jud. 2:2)

B. Many of the hardships we encounter in the Christian life are given to us to bring us to a point of supplication. (Jud. 6:13)

C. The Lord will do everything he can do to fulfill his promises and covenants, yet he is holy, righteous and jealous. He will not tolerate idolatry in any form.

D. God is determined to bring to pass all of his kingdom promises. (Jud. 2:16-19)

E. Even political issues have a spiritual root. (Jud. 11:24)

F. The Devil will make his best effort to thwart the fulfillment of the kingdom through religion. (Jud. 17:7-13)



THE DAYS OF THE KINGS



INTRODUCTION: The craving of the Jews for a visible, literal head was a revolt against divine sovereignty. Enamored of the pomp and glory of surrounding kings and nations, Israel wanted royalty of its own. God, however, never intended His people to be the subjects of an earthly ruler, but "a kingdom of priests" and "a holy nation" with Himself as their King (Ex. 19:6; I Pet. 2:9). Thus the nation's rejection of Jehovah as their King evidenced a total absence of confidence in God. Was not His presence in their midst a sufficient guarantee that their safety and provision would be amply secured?

But the demand of the people, "Make us a king to judge us like all the nations" (I Sam. 8), was a distinct and positive rejection of God and His reign, and a step fraught with serious consequences for them. In His grace and mercy, God turned their sin into an occasion to further His purpose in royalty to be realized in Christ - God's ultimate resource in blessings for all men and creation. "Thus the reign of Saul was no part of Jehovah's purpose, although an integral part of His plan."

It was God's purpose to give His people a visible kingdom as predicted by Moses (Deut. 17:14,15). When Israel requested a king, Samuel alluded to Moses' direction (I Sam. 10:24).

God's explicit promise was ever before the people, "Kings...shall be of Sarah" (Gen. 17:16). Other allusions to kings can be found in (Gen. 36:31; Num. 24:17; Deut. 28:36).

It was not the nation's desire for a king, but the spirit of their request that was wrong. Samuel, God's appointed leader, was set aside under the pretext, "thou art old," after having directed the affairs of the people for 35 years. Such rejection coupled with impatience added to the sin of their request. They lost sight of the fact that God was their King, so in anger He gave them one after their own heart (Hos. 13:10,11). Voltaire once said, "Heaven often gives kings in its vengeance.



I. THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE (I Sam. 9; 11:13-21; 2 Sam. 1; 21:1:1-9)

Saul, the son of Kish, represented the insignificant tribe of Benjamin, as did his name sake of the New Testament (Acts 7:58; Phil. 3:5). Thus, Saul is the most distinguished name in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. The Old Testament Saul became a king after man's heart, as David became king after God's heart (I Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22), and his history is typical of the sin and rejection of the Jews, and of God raising up sons unto Abraham from among the Gentiles (Matt. 3:8-10).

Saul's life was characterized by self-pride (I Chronicles 10:13), self-will (I Chron. 10:13; Prov. 10:8, 13:1) and self-aid (I Chron. 10:13).



II. ISH-BOSHETH (I Chron. 8:33, 9:39; 2 Sam. 2:8-12; 3:7-15; 4)

Although a usurper, nevertheless Ish-bosheth reigned over Israel for two years, and therefore deserves a place in our study of Bible royalty. His name, occurring some 13 times in (2 Sam.) was originally Esh-baal (I Chron. 8:33; 9:39), in contempt of Baal, from some connection of the family with whom he had been named. He was the youngest of Saul's four sons.



III. DAVID (I Sam. 16-31; 2 Sam. 1-25; I Kings 1-11; I Chron. 2,3,10-29)

David - a type of Christ

The book of Ruth contains the origin of David's family and his descent from Judah (4:18; with Gen. 38:29; Matt. 1:3-6; Lk. 1:32). His name occurs some 1120 times in scripture, and because he is the greatest personal type of Christ, his name is given to Him (Isa. 55:3; Jer.. 30:9; Eze. 34:23; Hos. 3:5). Under the title of David, the Messiah is spoken of as the person in whom all the promises made to David are fulfilled (Eze. 34:23; 37:24; I Kings 11:36).

David is the only king to be born in Bethlehem, the Saviour's birthplace.

David is called "the Lord's anointed" (2 Sam. 19:21; 23:1) and a threefold anointing to kingship was his:

* By Samuel privately (I Sam. 16:13).
* By his own tribe, Judah (2 Sam. 2:4).
* By all of Israel (2 Sam. 5:2-3).

He was thirty years old when he began to reign and he reigned 40 years, over Judah for 7 years, over all Israel for 33 years. He had to wait for the fulfillment of God's promise to be king over all Israel for seven and one-half years. When ultimately all the tribes recognized David as their king they made a "league" with him and at Hebron he received his official coronation. God is not so slow in fulfilling His promises as men are apt to think.



IV. SOLOMON (2 Sam. 12:24,25; I Kings 1-11; I Chron. 22-23:1; 28-29; 2 Chron. 1-9)

Solomon - a type of the Millennial kingdom. Solomon, "the king and the king's son" (Ps. 72:1), was David's second child by Bathsheba, and one upon whom God bestowed such royal majesty as had not been on any king before, or after him, in Israel (I Chron. 29:20-25). When he succeeded his father he was "young and tender," perhaps about 20 years of age, and reigned for 40 years. Dr. Wm. Graham Scroggie speaks of Solomon as "a strange character that may be regarded in a threefold way, personally, officially and typically.

Viewed personally, he was characterized by wisdom and wickedness: greatly gifted intellectually, he was very weak ethically. His mind and his morals were not on the same level. Viewed officially, his great work was twofold, the material development of the kingdom, and the erection of the Temple. Viewed typically, it is not difficult to see an anticipation of Christ's Millennial Kingdom, when, after the extirpation of all His foes, there will be peace".



V. THE DIVIDED KINGDOM (975-586 B.C.)

With the death of King Solomon the kingdom of Israel was torn in parts, and the division was principally due to the idolatrous disloyalty of the nation, for which sin both sections of the kingdom were plagued and ultimately swept into captivity, Israel to Assyria in 721 B.C. and Judah to Babylon in 586 B.C. So long as the strong, autocratic and wise Solomon and his advisors were at the helm, various rebellious tendencies dared not assert themselves, but after the king's decease, catastrophe came.

The division of the kingdom into two unequal parts also had its rise in Solomon's adultery and idolatry. Because of his departure from the worship of the true God, the judgment went forth: "I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant... Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen." (I Kings 11:11-13) Thus the division was appointed by God as chastisement upon the house of David for the idolatries imported by Solomon's wives and for the way such a contagion had spread to the whole mass of people.

When the kingdom was rent in twain the tribes of Judah and Benjamin formed the kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam and his successors, and the Ten Tribes became the Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, and his successors as predicted by the Prophet Ahijah (I Kings 12:15. See I Kings 12; I Kings 18; 2 Chron. 10-28). The history of the thirty-nine kings is so given as to show mankind the certainty of the fulfillment of God's promises and threatenings; and especially that righteousness exalts a nation, and sin ruins it (Lev. 26:31 with 2 Kings 25:9).

A glance at the separated kingdom shows how the two kingdoms differed materially. The Northern Kingdom, with its Ten Tribes, was more powerful than the Southern Kingdom. The latter, however, was more firm spiritually than the former. Then the dynasties of the north were only of short duration, being plagued by revolutionary forces. On the other hand, the small and often over- powered kingdom of Judah faithfully adhered to the royal line of David, and, although characterized by dangerous crises and several unworthy rulers, had a spiritual bond which kept the people united. Isaiah's forceful ministry can be studied in this light.



VI. THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH (975-586 B.C.)

The Kingdom of Judah continued for almost 400 years under 20 kings from Rehoboam to Zedekiah, many of whom were pious. For comparison and contrasts between the two kingdoms and their kings, the reader is referred to our introductory and concluding remarks under The Kingdom of Israel. Jerusalem was the center of the Southern Kingdom and was destroyed by the Chaldees under Nebuchadnezzar when the bulk of the people were taken into captivity.

Prophets associated with the long period of this kingdom were Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, Zephaniah, Micah, Nahum and Habakkuk. The prophecies of these men of God, which were literally fulfilled, form a pledge to us that those further prophecies speaking of the dead, small and great, standing before God, and being judged, every man according to his works, will be realized (2 Pet. 3:11-14; Rev. 20:12).

A. Rehoboam - (I Kings 12:20-24; 14:21-31; 2 Chron. 11-12)
B. Abijah - (I Kings 15; 2 Chron. 13)
C. Asa - (I Kings 15:9-15; 2 Chron. 14-16)
D. Jehoshaphat - (I Kings 22:2-33; 41-50; 2 Chron. 17-21:3)
E. Jehoram - (2 Kings 8:16-24; 2 Chron. 21)
F. Ahaziah - (2 Kings 8:25-29; 2 Chron. 22:1-9)
G. Jehoash - (2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chron. 22:10; 24:27)
H. Amaziah - (2 Kings 14; 2 Chron. 25)
I. Uzziah - (2 Kings 15; 2 Chron. 26; Isa. 6)
J. Jotham - (2 Kings 15:32-38; 2 Chron. 27)
K. Ahaz - (2 Kings 16; 2 Chron. 28; Isa. 7-12)
L. Hezekiah - (2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chron. 29-31; Isa. 26-39)
M. Manasseh - (2 Kings 21: 1-9; 2 Chron. 33:1-9)
N. Amon - (2 Kings 21:18-26; 2 Chron. 33:21-25)
O. Josiah - (2 Kings 22-23:30; 2 Chron. 34,35)
P. Jehoahaz - (2 Kings 23; 2 Chron. 36)
Q. Jehoiakim - (2 Kings 23:35-24:7; 2 Chron. 36:5-8; Jer. 22:18-21; 25)
R. Jehoiachin - (2 Kings 24:8-16; 2 Chron. 36:9,10; Jer. 22:24-30; Est. 2:6)
S. Zedekiah - (2 Kings 24,25; Jer. 52:9-11)

Summarizing the period covered by the kings of Judah we note these facts:

About half of the Judean sovereigns were good; hence the long continuance of the kingdom over that of Israel.

It is also worthy of careful observation that according to the personal piety and faithfulness of the monarch, Judah was blessed, and the country enjoyed peace and prosperity.

The longest reign was that of Manasseh, 65 years, while the shortest was that of Jehoahaz which lasted only 3 months.

The books of Chronicles specially detail the doings of the kings of Judah.

Judah was carried to Babylon some 468 years after David began to reign over it, 388 years after the falling off of the Ten Tribes, 134 years after the destruction of the kingdom of Israel. As with individuals so with nations, iniquity is their ruin (Ps. 9:17).

The preservation and continued preeminence of Judah and of the Davidic line shows remarkably the finger of providence preparing for the coming of the Messiah, as foretold by prophecy (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 11:10). The preservation of the House of David is also remarkable when we remember the great wickedness of many of the family - Jehoram, Ahaziah Ahaz and Amon.



VII. THE NORTHERN KINGDOM (975-721 B.C.)

The Kingdom of Israel, consisting of the Ten Tribes who revolted over Rehoboam's despotism, existed for nearly 260 years under 19 kings, Jeroboam to Hoshea, all of whom were idolaters. The kingdom was ultimately overthrown by the Assyrians under Shalmaneser and terminated with the Babylonian exile. The term, Israel, is sometimes used of the Jews as a whole, but in the records of the kings it is usually confined to the Ten Tribes.

The capital of the Northern Kingdom was first at Shechem, then at Samaria. Summarizing the histories of both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms, Dr. W. Graham Scroggie notes these facts:

* In the Southern Kingdom there was but one dynasty, the Davidic, but in the Northern Kingdom there were nine dynasties. In the South were nineteen kings and one queen; in the North were nineteen kings. In the South some of the rulers were good, some unstable and some bad; but in the North, all were bad.
* In the South were three religious revivals, in the reigns of Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah, but in the North there were no revivals.
* The tribes in the South were taken into Babylonian captivity by Nebuchadnezzar; and the tribes in the North, into Assyrian captivity by Shalmaneser.
* The foreign powers that come into touch with the South or the North in this period were Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, and Syria. The prophets to Israel were Jonah, Amos, Hosea and Micah.

A. Jeroboam I - (I Ki. 11:26-40; 12-14; 20; 2 Chron. 10-11:16; 12:15; 13:3-20)
B. Nadab - (I Kings 14:20; 15:25-31)
C. Baasha - (I Kings 15:27; 16:7)
D. Elah - (I Kings 16:5-14)
E. Zimri - (I Kings 16:9-10)
F. Omri - (I Kings 16:16-28; Mic. 6:16)
G. Ahab - (I Kings 16:29; 22:40; 2 Chron. 18)
H. Ahaziah - (I Kings 22:51; 2 Kings 1:18)
I. Joram - (2 Kings 1:17; 6; 9)
J. Jehu - (2 Kings 9-10:36; Hos. 1:4)
K. Jehoahaz - (2 Kings 13)
L. Jehoash - (2 Kings 13:10-25)
M. Jeroboam II - (2 Ki. 14:23-29; Amos)
N. Zachariah - (2 Kings 14:29; 15:8-12)
O. Shallum - (2 Kings 15:13-15)
P. Menahem - (2 Kings 15:16-22)
Q. Pekahiah - (2 Kings 15:23-26)
R. Pekah - (2 Kings 15:25,27-38)
S. Hoshea - (2 Kings 15:30;17)

* Conclusion: The majority of the Bible is given over to the subject of the kings and kingdoms. To observe the degeneration of the kingdoms, even the one with the correct linage, is to be reminded that there is only one who is eminently qualified to be the King - and that is the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Phil. 2:9-11; Rev. 19:16).