The Answer Key for the Chronological Bible Workbook

By Linda J. Roberts

The Answer Key is the teaching tool for The Chronological Bible Workbook. This publication provides a way to check the accuracy of answers for those who want to use The Chronological Bible Workbook in a small group, home school or traditional bible class setting. The charts are all completed and the same links to maps and photos are provided. Additional information has also been included to help stimulate class discussion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512763102

Linda J. Roberts

A trained teacher with an advanced degree in Education, Linda has more than 35 years of classroom experience. Over the years, she has developed coursework for a number of classes from the university level to the pre-school stage. In one of her most recent classes, she taught F. LaGard Smith’s Daily Bible In Chronological Order, New International Version, Harvest House, 1984. As she prepared this particular class, she was struck by the fact that the Bible, the greatest book ever written, is usually taught topically, jumping from basic Bible stories to the life of Jesus to instruction on Christian principles, and not cover to cover like a regular textbook. Her degree in education, her background in curriculum development, and her teaching experience told her no instructor approaches a classroom textbook in this manner. Class always begins at the beginning of the book where important information establishes a strong foundation of basic concepts and ends at the end of the book where all facts and ideas come together to provide a deeper understanding of the material. Linda decided to use this same approach to help individuals who want to study the Bible from cover to cover. This Answer Key will help you lead a study, which begins in Genesis at the beginning of time. As your study progresses, you will travel through events as they occurred. This approach will help develop a stronger foundation of biblical knowledge leading to a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Your study will end in God’s Revelation to John at the end of time. Linda believes a cover to cover study of the Bible will allow God to reveal His Word to you in a way like no other.

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Copyright © 2016 Linda J. Roberts.

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Dedication

This answer key is dedicated to God, who purposed and prepared me; to my parents, who taught me about God; to my mom who instilled a passion for books; to my Jonathan, who helped me plot, plan, and persevere; and to the members of the ladies’ class at the church of Christ in Rolla, Missouri, who accompanied me on this journey through God’s Word from beginning to end. All have provided insight, inspiration, and encouragement. What a trip!

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Ps. 119:105).

Special Dedication

My younger brother, Steven, was a man of great faith and abiding love. He loved God, His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. He loved the Word of God. He loved his earthly and spiritual families. He loved the lost. Cancer took his life in January 2014. After receiving a terminal diagnosis, Steve vowed to continue to glorify God with his life so others would be drawn to Him. Like my brother, I also strive to glorify God so others will want to know Him. In all I do, I honor You.

We are not human beings having a temporary spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a temporary human experience.

—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Contents

Preface

Introduction

In the Beginning

(Creation–2100 BC)

Creation: The Beginning of All Things

Adam and Eve: The Beginning of the Human Race

Noah

The Tower of Babel: The Beginning of All Nations

The Patriarchs

(2100–1525 BC)

Abram: The Beginning of God’s Covenant with the Israelites

Lot

Covenant Established between God and Abram

Name Changes

Sodom and Gomorrah

Isaac

Jacob and Esau

Joseph

A Nation Set Free

(1525–1400 BC)

Moses and the Israelites in Egypt

The Plagues

The Passover and the Exodus

Covenant Established between God and Israel

Covenant Broken

Covenant Renewed

The Building of the Tabernacle and the Beginning of Temple Worship

The Establishment of Priests and Instructions for Temple Worship

The Establishment of New Laws

The Journey through the Desert

Joshua, Israel’s New Leader

Moses’s Review of Israelite History

The Laws of Moses

(1450–1400 BC)

Religious Laws

Laws of Government

Judicial Laws

Criminal Laws

Civil Laws and Laws Governing Personal Behavior

Laws Governing Health and the General Welfare

Laws Governing Warfare

Personal Responsibilities within These Laws

The Israelites’ Arrival in Canaan: The Beginning of Life in the Promised Land

(1400–1100 BC)

The Renewal of the Covenant between God and Israel

Joshua’s Leadership

Moses’s Death

The Conquest of Canaan

Joshua’s Death

The Period of the Judges

The Story of Ruth

Samson

The Kings of Israel

(1100–930 BC)

Samuel as God’s Servant

King Saul

David And His Psalms

King David

Psalms

For a Troubled Soul

Righteousness vs. Wickedness

Joy and Praise

Various Themes

Messianic

King Solomon

Solomon’s Proverbs

Solomon’s Song of Songs

Solomon’s Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Death

Israel Divided

(930–725 BC)

Israel and Judah

Prophets And Prophecies

Elijah

Ahab and Jezebel

Elisha

Obadiah

Joel

Jonah

Hosea

Amos

Isaiah

Micah

Captivity Begins

Syria, Israel, and Judah at War

More Prophecies from Isaiah

Regarding a Messiah

Against Unfriendly Nations

Regarding the Last Days

Israel Falls

Judah after the Fall of Israel

(725–585 BC)

More Prophecies from Isaiah

The End of Hezekiah’s Reign

More Restoration and Messianic Prophecies from Isaiah

Nahum’s Prophecies and King Josiah

Zephaniah’s Prophecies

Josiah’s Reforms

Jeremiah’s Prophecies

Fall of Assyria and Rise of Babylon

Habakkuk

The First Judeans Exiled

Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar

The Great Exile

Zedekiah as King

More Prophecies from Jeremiah

Ezekiel Prophesies from Exile

The Siege of Jerusalem

Prophecies from Jeremiah about

a Spiritual Restoration

Ezekiel’s Siege Prophecies from Babylon

Jeremiah’s Death Threat in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Falls

Lamentations

A Remnant Escapes to Egypt

The Israelite Nation in Exile

(585–535 BC)

Ezekiel Prophesies about a Restoration

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Ezekiel’s Temple Vision and His Death

Nebuchadnezzar’s Insanity

The Story of Job

Exile Psalms

Daniel’s Visions

Daniel in the Lions’ Den

Restoration: Another New Beginning

(535–425 BC)

The Return to Jerusalem

Daniel’s Final Vision

Problems with Temple Construction

Prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah

Temple Construction Completed

Psalms of a Restored Nation

More Prophecies from Zechariah

The Story of Esther

Malachi’s Prophecies

Ezra and the Second Group of Exiles

Nehemiah

The Rebuilding of the Wall around Jerusalem

The Redistribution of the Population

The Reform of Religious Practices

Israel’s Official Records

The Time between the Testaments

(425–5 BC)

At the End of the Old Testament

The Apocryphal Writings

The Jews and the Greeks

The Jews and the Romans

A New Covenant through Christ: The Beginning of the Gospel Message

(5 BC–30 AD)

The Birth of Jesus and John the Baptist

Jesus’s Flight to Egypt

The Early Years of Jesus

John the Baptist’s Ministry

Satan’s Temptation of Jesus

Jesus’s Early Ministry

Jesus’s Great Ministry in Galilee

Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus’s Miracles

Apostles Are Sent Out

Jesus and the Multitudes

Preparing the Apostles for the End

Return to Jerusalem for Feast of Tabernacles

Jesus’s Ministry from Galilee to Judea

Back in Jerusalem for Feast of Dedication

Jesus’s Ministry in Perea

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

Jesus’s Final Journey

Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem

The Last Supper

Final Teachings to His Disciples

Jesus’s Betrayal and Arrest

Jesus’s Trial before the Sanhedrin

Jesus’s Trial before Pilate

Jesus’s Crucifixion

Jesus’s Burial

Jesus’s Resurrection

Jesus’s Final Instructions and His Ascension

The Establishment of a New Body of Believers: The Beginning of Christianity

(30–100 AD)

Acts of Christ’s Apostles

Stephen’s Martyrdom

Persecution as the Gospel Is Spread

Saul’s Conversion

First Gentile Followers

More Persecution

Paul’s Journeys and Letters

(46–67 AD)

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

The Jerusalem Conference

Paul’s Letter to the Galatians

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians

Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians

Paul’s Letter to the Romans

Paul’s Arrest and Trial

before the Sanhedrin

Paul before Governor Felix, Governor

Festus, and King Agrippa

Paul’s Voyage to Rome

Paul under House Arrest in Rome

Paul’s Letter to the Colossians

Paul’s Letter to Philemon

Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Paul’s First Letter to Timothy

Paul’s Letter to Titus

Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy

Additional Letters Written to Spread the Gospel Message

(50–95 AD)

James’s Letter

Jude’s Letter

Peter’s First Letter

Peter’s Second Letter

The Letter to the Hebrews

John’s First Letter

John’s Second Letter

John’s Third Letter

The End of the Journey

(95–96 AD)

The Revelation to John

Academic Year Teaching Schedule (36 weeks)

Calendar Year Teaching Schedule (52 weeks)

Bibliography

About the Author

Preface

On January 11, 2006, I began to teach F. LaGard Smith’s The Daily Bible in Chronological Order, New International Version, Harvest House, 1984, to a Wednesday night ladies’ Bible class. As I prepared my class notes each week, it struck me how often the Bible is taught topically, jumping from basic Bible stories to the life of Jesus to instruction on Christian principles. My degree in education, background in curriculum development, and teaching experience told me no instructor approaches a textbook in this manner. In school, class starts at the beginning of the textbook to provide information that will establish a strong foundation of basic concepts and finishes at the end where facts and ideas come together to provide a deeper understanding of the material.

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. This answer key accompanies my workbook. Both treat the greatest book ever written like a textbook and are designed as study tools for those who desire to look into God’s Word starting at the beginning with Genesis and ending with the Revelation to John. These materials are by no means exhaustive since one can spend a lifetime going deeper and deeper into God’s Word; however, I believe a study that starts at the creation story and finishes with a look into the end times will allow God to reveal His Word in a way like no other.

Introduction

This answer key is the teacher’s manual for The Chronological Bible Workbook. Instructors use this publication to guide students on a journey through God’s Word as events occurred in time. Your trip begins at God’s creation of the world and ends with His revelation to John. Travel with God as He creates the world and establishes His relationship with all people. Experience the ups and downs of His relationship with the Israelite nation, culminating in her division, fall, and exile. See how God restores Israel and extends His covenant to all people through the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Learn how early Christians and Christ’s apostles were persecuted, but still successfully spread the gospel message. Travel with Paul on his missionary journeys, and study his letters to churches and individuals exhorting and encouraging them to keep the faith. Share in the messages of other letters written by James, Jude, Peter, the Hebrew writer and John. Finish your journey with God’s revelation about Christ’s return, and discover what will happen when time comes to an end. From the creation to Christ’s second coming, this study will allow God to reveal His Word to your open heart and mind in a way like no other.

In the Beginning

(Creation–2100 BC)

In this section, be prepared to discuss why God created the human race. Look for

ways God used flawed people to carry out His divine purpose. Identify examples

of how God blessed the faithful. Be able to give examples of humanity’s deceit

and to describe the consequences of these sinful choices.

CREATION: THE BEGINNING OF ALL THINGS

Genesis 1:1–2:4

(Start this study by simulating what it was like before the creation. Make the room as cave dark as possible. Use a penlight to read Genesis 1:1–2. At verse 3, turn on the light and continue reading through verse 5.)

What did the light separate? Light separated the dark.

What did the expanse/sky separate? The sky separated water underneath from water above.

What did God create on day three? On day three, God created dry land, seas, and vegetation: plants and trees with seeds.

Something to think about: What is the significance of seeds being created?

What did God create on day four? On day four, God created the sun, moon, and stars that separated day from night and created days, seasons, and years.

What was created on day five? On day five, God created sea life and birds.

What was created on day six? On day six, God created both wild and tame land creatures.

Who was created on day six? Also on day six, God created man.

Something to think about: How are human beings different from all other created creatures? How are all people created in our image? Who is the our mentioned in these verses?

What did God do on the seventh day? God rested, establishing this day as blessed and holy.

Why did God make this day holy? God knew people would need a time set aside to focus on Him and be reminded of the importance of their relationship with Him.

ADAM AND EVE: THE BEGINNING

OF THE HUMAN RACE

Genesis 2:4–5:32

(Go to https://theologue.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/zaine-ridling-bible-atlas-e-book/. Look at Map 1, The Ancient Near East.)

What was the garden called? Eden.

(Look at the map of the Ancient Near East and see if you can pinpoint where this garden might have been located.) Eden’s possible location was at the headwaters of the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates Rivers.

What one rule did God give to Adam? Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

What was the penalty if this rule was broken? Sure death.

Who was created as a helper for Adam? A woman was created by God to be a helper for Adam.

Explain how this was accomplished. God put Adam into a deep sleep, removed a rib, and made a woman.

What tempted the woman? Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempted the woman.

What did the woman do after eating the fruit? The woman gave some to her husband.

What was the result for Adam and the woman? Their eyes were opened, they realized they were naked, and they made fig leaf coverings.

Something to think about: They broke the one rule, but did not die—or did they?

Explain what was produced as a result of their sin. Shame, fear, blaming, separation from God, painful childbirth, the establishment of the husband’s rule over his wife, and mortality were all consequences of this original sin.

What was the woman named? Eve.

Why were the man and woman banished from the garden? Adam and Eve were banished from the garden so they could not eat from the tree of life.

Who were the first two sons born to this couple? Cain and Abel.

Why was one son’s offering unacceptable to God? Cain did not offer his best to God.

What did this son’s anger cause him to do? Cain’s anger caused him to kill his brother, Abel.

Discuss some of the consequences of anger.

Who was born to replace the son who was killed? Seth.

What type of men descended from Cain? Cain’s descendants were angry and vengeful men.

What type of men descended from Seth? Seth’s descendants were worshippers of God.

List the descendants from Adam to Noah. Include how long each man lived.

• Adam was 130 when he had Seth. He died at 930 years.

• Seth was 105 when he had Enosh. He died at 912 years.

• Enosh was 90 when he had Kenan. He died at 905 years.

• Kenan was 70 when he had Mahalalel. He died at 910 years.

• Mahalalel was 65 when he had Jared. He died at 895 years.

• Jared was 162 when he had Enoch. He died at 962 years.

• Enoch was 65 when he had Methuselah. He did not die; God took him away.

• Methuselah was 187 when he had Lamech. He died at 969 years as the oldest man.

• Lamech was 182 when he had Noah. He died at 777 years.

• Noah was 500 when he had Shem, Ham, and Japheth. He died at 950 years.

Something to think about: Why did men live so long at this time?

NOAH

Genesis 6:1–9:29

After you read this section, you should be able to

give examples of Noah’s great faith in God.

What underlying factors contributed to humanity’s moral decline? Rejection of God’s sovereignty and love, and disobedience of God’s moral law led to marriages between the righteous and unrighteous. People’s thoughts became evil all the time.

How did the choices being made by the human race affect God? Immoral choices grieved God and filled His heart with pain.

Why did God send the flood? God wanted to wipe all people, animals, creatures that move along the ground, and birds off the face of the earth.

Who found favor in God’s eyes during this terrible time? Noah.

How did God plan to save this man and his family from the flood? God asked Noah to build an ark that was four hundred fifty feet long, seventy-five feet wide, and forty-five feet high with three decks and a door in the side. This vessel would save Noah and his family.

Why was this request such an act of faith? The earth had never seen rain, and now Noah was told a torrential downpour would destroy the earth.

Something to think about: Try to put yourself in Noah’s shoes. Would you have had the faith of Noah?

What was to go into the ark? Noah was to put pairs of all unclean animals, male and female, and groups of seven pairs, male and female, of all clean animals and birds as well as food for all into the ark.

Something to think about: Why were more clean animals necessary?

How old was Noah when the flood started? Noah was six hundred years old.

How long did the deep springs and rains pour out water? Water poured for forty days and forty nights. More than twenty feet of water covered the mountains.

How long were the waters over the earth? The waters covered the earth for one hundred fifty days.

What caused the waters to recede? God sent a wind.

Where did the ark finally settle? On Mount Ararat.

How long did it take before the mountaintops were visible? Two hundred twenty-four days.

When did Noah send out the raven? Forty days later, after two hundred sixty-four days.

When did Noah send out the dove? One week later, after two hundred seventy-one days.

What happened to the dove? Water still covered the earth, so the dove returned to the ark.

When did Noah send the dove out again? One week later, after two hundred seventy-eight days.

What was different when the dove returned this time? The dove had a freshly plucked olive leaf, indicating that the trees were uncovered and that the water had receded from the earth.

When did Noah send out the dove again? One week later, after two hundred eighty-five days.

What happened to the dove this time? The dove did not return.

How many days did it take for the earth to become completely dry? Three hundred seventy days.

What was the first thing Noah did after God called him out of the ark? Noah built an altar and sacrificed to the Lord.

What covenant did God make with Noah? God promised to never flood the earth again.

What sign has God given for this covenant? The rainbow.

What caused Ham’s descendants to be cursed? Ham disrespected Noah by telling Shem and Japheth he saw their father drunk and naked.

What nation descended from Ham? The Canaanites.

How old was Noah when he died? Noah was nine hundred fifty years old.

THE TOWER OF BABEL: THE

BEGINNING OF ALL NATIONS

Genesis 10: 1–11: 32

(Go to https://theologue.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/zaine-ridling-bible-atlas-e-book/. Look at Map 16, The Table of Nations.)

What caused the creation of many languages and the scattering of the human race? People became arrogant. They tried to build the Tower of Babel on the plain of Shinar (Babylon) to demonstrate their superiority and lack of dependence on God.

(Look at the Table of Nations.)

Where did Noah’s sons settle after the flood? What nations descended from each son? Shem settled in Mesopotamia. His descendants became the Hebrew nation. Ham settled in Canaan, Egypt, and Arabia. His descendants became the Canaanites. Japheth settled around the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. His descendants became maritime people.

List the descendants from Shem to Abram. Include how long each man lived.

• Shem was 100 when he had Arphaxad. He died at 500 years.

• Arphaxad was 35 when he had Shelah. He died at 403 years.

• Shelah was 30 when he had Eber. He died at 403 years.

• Eber was 34 when he had Peleg. He died at 430 years.

• Peleg was 30 when he had Reu. He died at 209 years.

• Reu was 32 when he had Serug. He died at 207 years.

• Serug was 30 when he had Nahor. He died at 200 years.

• Nahor was 29 when he had Terah. He died at 119 years.

• Terah was 70 when he had Abram, Nahor, and Haran. He died at 205 years.

Look back at the list of descendants from Adam to Noah.

Compare ages at birth of offspring and ages at which each man died.

What observations can you make? Think about how long Adam lived.

How old was Adam when Methuselah was born? Six hundred eighty-seven.

How old was Methuselah when Shem was born? Eight hundred sixty-nine.

How many years were there between Adam and Abram? One thousand eight hundred eighty-two.

Where was Abram born? Ur of the Chaldeans.

(Look back at the map of the Ancient Near East. Find Abram’s birthplace.)

Where was Terah headed when he settled the family in Haran? Canaan.

Why did Terah take Abram and Sarai on this journey? Terah, Abram, and Sarai made this journey to fulfill God’s promise to Abram and his offspring.

(Look at the map again. Locate Haran and Canaan. Discuss why Terah took the route he did.) Terah had to avoid the desert and travel was better on established routes along the rivers.

Why did Lot go with Terah and his family? Lot’s father, Haran, had died, so Lot went with his grandfather’s family.

Which wife was barren? Sarai, Abram’s wife.

Why was this fact significant? God would promise to make Abram the father of the Israelite nation. Since Sarai was barren, this would only be possible by His power.

The Patriarchs

(2100–1525 BC)

After reading this section, you should be able to describe the covenant God

established with His chosen people. You should also be able to give examples of

how God used flawed individuals to accomplish His perfect plan.

ABRAM: THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S

COVENANT WITH THE ISRAELITES

Genesis 12:1–20

What did God ask Abram to do? God asked Abram to leave his country, take his household, and go to the land God would show him.

Something to think about: Put yourself in Abram’s shoes. Would you have had the faith of Abram?

What promises did God make to Abram? God promised to make Abram’s descendants a great nation, bless him, make Abram’s name great, bless those who blessed Abram, curse those who cursed Abram and bless all the people of the earth through him.

(Go to https://theologue.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/zaine-ridling-bible-atlas-e-book/. Look at Map 18a, The Land of Canaan Abraham to Moses and Map 21a, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, and Map 21, Abraham in Canaan.)

What land did God promise to Abram? The land of Canaan.

Why did Abram travel to Egypt? Abram went to Egypt because there was a famine in Canaan.

(Look at the map of Abraham in Canaan. Trace Abram’s trip to Egypt and back.)

What deception did Abram plan? Abram planned to represent Sarai as his sister so the Egyptians would not attack him.

Why do you think Abram felt he needed to have this plan? Abram did not trust God for protection.

How did the pharaoh treat Sarai? Why? The pharaoh took Sarai into the palace as one of his wives because she was beautiful.

How did the pharaoh treat Abram? The pharaoh treated Abram well. Abram was able to acquire sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels.

What happened to change the pharaoh’s attitude? The Lord inflicted a serious disease on the pharaoh and his household in order to free Sarai.

Lot

Genesis 13:1–14:20

Once back in Canaan, why did Abram and Lot go their separate ways? Abram and Lot went their separate ways because the pastures were overcrowded.

(Look at the map of Abraham in Canaan again.)

What land did Lot choose? Lot chose the plain of Jordan near Sodom.

What land did Abram choose? Abram stayed in Canaan at Hebron.

What happened to Lot and his family after the battle in the Valley of Siddim? Lot and his family were captured by King Kedorlaomer.

What was Abram’s response to the news? Abram called out three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his household, and went after his relatives.

After Abram’s victory over Kedorlaomer and the other kings, what did the king of Sodom want? The king of Sodom wanted the people Abram had won back. Abram could keep the goods.

What was Abram’s response? Abram vowed never to accept anything from the king of Sodom.

Who was Melchizedek? Melchizedek was the king and high priest of Salem (Jerusalem), who blessed Abram.

What did Abram give Melchizedek? Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of everything.

Covenant Established between God and Abram

Genesis 15:1–16:6

After reading this section, you should be able to describe how God used Abram

to accomplish His plan. You should also be able to describe Abram’s character,

which allowed him to be used by God.

Why did Abram show concern about having an heir? Abram was getting old and was still childless.

What was the Lord’s response? The Lord told Abram his offspring would be like the stars in the sky, too many to count.

What was the significance of Abram’s dream? Abram’s dream predicted four hundred years of slavery (in Egypt).

(Look back at the maps of Abraham in Canaan (21), Abraham and Isaac and Jacob (21a), and The Land of Canaan (18a) and identify the land God promised to Abram.)

What suggestion did Sarai make to ensure Abram would have an heir? Sarai suggested Abram take Sarai’s Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, as a wife.

Something to think about: What were the long-term consequences of Sarai’s impatience?

When Hagar became pregnant, how did Sarai respond? Sarai mistreated Hagar.

What promises did the angel of the Lord make to Hagar? The angel of the Lord promised Hagar that her descendants would be too numerous to count. She would have a son and name him Ishmael. He would be wild and hostile to everyone.

How old was Abram when Ishmael was born? Abram was eighty-six when Ishmael was born.

Name Changes

Genesis 17:1–18:15

How old was Abram when the Lord changed his name? Abram was ninety-nine.

What was Abram’s new name? Abraham, father of many.

What action was required as a sign of God’s covenant? As a sign of a covenant relationship with God, all males had to be circumcised as newborns at eight days old.

What was Sarai’s new name? Sarah.

How did Abraham respond when God repeated his promise that Sarah would be blessed by the birth of a son? Abraham laughed in amazement at the idea that a one-hundred-year-old man and a ninety-year-old woman would have a child.

What name did God choose for this future son? Isaac, he laughs.

What message did the three heavenly visitors have? The three visitors from the Lord told Abraham and Sarah that at this time next year, they would have a son.

What was Sarah thinking when she heard this? Sarah was thinking about how worn out she was and about how old Abraham was. This is too funny. There is no way this is going to happen.

How did the Lord respond? The Lord knew what Sarah was thinking and asked Abraham, Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14)

Sodom and Gomorrah

Genesis 18:16–20:18

What did the three heavenly visitors tell Abraham before they left? The three visitors from the Lord told Abraham the Lord was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.

What bargain did Abraham make with the Lord? Would the Lord save both cities if fifty righteous people could be found in Sodom, okay—forty-five, okay—forty, okay—thirty, okay—twenty, okay—ten?

When the two angels who had been with the Lord reached Sodom, what happened to them? The two angels met Lot, who was sitting at Sodom’s city gate, and went home with him instead of spending the night in the city square.

When they came to Lot’s house, what did the Sodomite men want? The Sodomite men wanted to have sex with the two strangers/angels.

What did Lot offer instead? Lot offered his two virgin daughters to the Sodomite men.

What happened to the Sodomite men? The two angels pulled Lot back inside the house and struck the Sodomite men blind so they could not find the door.

Why had the two angels been sent to Sodom and Gomorrah? The angels were sent to destroy the cities because of the wickedness taking place there.

Who did the angels convince to flee? Lot, his wife, and his two daughters.

What warning did the angels give? Do not look back and do not stop.

What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? The Lord rained down burning sulfur on the cities, killing everyone and everything.

What happened to Lot’s wife? Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.

What did Lot’s daughters do to preserve their lineage? Lot’s daughters got their father drunk and slept with him.

What two clans of people were created by their actions? Moabites and Ammonites.

When they moved to Gerar in the Negev, how did Abraham describe his relationship to Sarah? Abraham said Sarah was his sister.

(Does this pretense sound familiar?)

This is the same stunt Abraham pulled with the pharaoh in Egypt.

What did King Abimelech do? King Abimelech took Sarah to be his wife. Sarah was pregnant with Isaac at this time.

Who warned King Abimelech about Sarah’s true identity? God warned the king in a dream.

What was Abraham’s excuse for lying? Abraham feared for his life. After all, Sarah really was Abraham’s half sister. The two shared the same father but had different mothers.

What was King Abimelech’s response? King Abimelech forgave Abraham.

ISAAC

Genesis 21:1–25:18

After reading this section, you should be able to describe how God used Isaac.

You should also be able to describe the character of this flawed human who

was still useful to God.

What promise did the Lord fulfill to Sarah? Sarah bore a son, Isaac, just as the Lord had promised, even though she was ninety years old.

How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born. Sarah sang a song of joy, which Mary would also sing when Jesus was born.

What were Abraham and King Abimelech fighting over? The two men were fighting over who dug the well at Beersheba, which means Well of the Seven or the Well of the Oath.

How was this dispute settled? This dispute was settled amicably. Abraham gave seven ewe lambs to King Abimelech in good faith that he had dug the well.

What happened at Isaac’s weaning feast? Seventeen-year-old Ishmael mocked three-year-old Isaac.

What was the result? Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the desert of Beersheba.

Why did this have to happen? Ishmael represented a threat to Isaac’s inheritance.

What was Abraham’s response? Abraham was distressed, but God promised to make Ishmael’s offspring into a nation.

What did God do for Hagar and Ishmael? God provided a well of water.

What happened to Ishmael? Ishmael grew to manhood, became an archer, and lived in the Desert of Paran. His Egyptian mother procured a wife for him from Egypt.

How did God test Abraham’s faith? God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, as a burnt offering.

Why was this request such an act of faith for Abraham? Abraham was old. How was he supposed to become the father of many nations if his only son was dead?

Something to think about: Try to put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. Would you have had the faith of Abraham?

How did Abraham respond to God’s request? Abraham made preparations to do as God asked. He gathered wood to build a fire and fetched his knife.

When God saw Abraham’s faithful heart, what did He do? God stopped Abraham from killing Isaac, and provided a sacrificial ram, which had been caught by its horns in a thicket.

Who was the most significant offspring of Nahor, Abraham’s brother? Nahor’s most significant relative was Rebekah, his great niece (his brother’s granddaughter), who would become Isaac’s wife.

How old was Sarah when she died? Sarah was one hundred twenty-seven years old when she died. She is the only woman whose death age is recorded in the Bible. Abraham was one hundred thirty-seven and Isaac was thirty-seven at the time of Sarah’s death.

Where was Sarah buried? Sarah was buried in the field of Machpelah near Mamre at Hebron in the land of Canaan.

(Locate this area on Map 21, Abraham in Canaan.)

Why did Abraham insist Isaac’s wife be chosen from his home country? Abraham did not want Isaac to marry a pagan Canaanite woman.

Who was chosen to be Isaac’s wife? Rebekah.

Who did Abraham marry after Sarah’s death? Keturah.

How old was Abraham when he died? Abraham died at one hundred seventy-five.

Who buried Abraham? Isaac and Ishmael.

Where was Abraham buried? Abraham was buried in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre with Sarah.

How old was Ishmael when he died? Ishmael died at one hundred thirty-seven years.

What was the relationship between Isaac and Ishmael’s descendants? Isaac and Ishmael’s descendants lived in hostility.

Something to think about: What is the relationship between these descendants today?

JACOB AND ESAU

Genesis 25:11–36:43

After reading this section, you should be able to describe how God used these

two battling brothers to accomplish His plan.

Why did Isaac pray to God on Rebekah’s behalf? Isaac prayed to God for Rebekah because she was barren.

(Does this situation sound familiar?)

Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was also barren.

What was the result of Isaac’s prayer? Rebekah became pregnant with twins.

What was the significance of the babies jostling in the womb? This action fulfilled a prophecy about two nations being separated. The stronger and older would serve the younger.

Describe Esau. Esau was red and hairy and a skillful hunter, who liked the great outdoors. Isaac favored Esau because Isaac loved the taste of wild game.

Describe Jacob. Jacob was quiet and a homebody with smooth skin. Rebekah favored him.

How was Esau’s character demonstrated by his decision to sell his birthright to Jacob? Esau was impulsive, careless, and disinterested in his inheritance and the responsibilities that went with it.

How was Jacob’s character demonstrated by his scheme to get Esau’s birthright? Jacob was cunning. He was aware of and desired the position of the one through whom the promised blessing to the Hebrew nation would pass.

What nation descended from Esau? The Edomites.

(Look at Map 21a, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Trace Isaac’s journey to Gerar.)

Why did Isaac move to Gerar? There was a famine.

Who was the king of the Philistines in Gerar? King Abimelech.

What lie did Isaac tell about Rebekah? Isaac said she was his sister. (Sound familiar?)

Why did Isaac lie about his relationship to Rebekah? Isaac feared for his life.

(Does this sound familiar?)

How did God bless Isaac during this time? Isaac’s crops reaped a hundredfold. He became wealthy and his flocks, herds, and servants became plentiful.

How did the Philistines react to God’s blessings on Isaac? The Philistines became jealous and stopped up all the wells Abraham had dug. They feared Isaac was becoming too powerful and asked him to move.

Where did Isaac finally settle? Beersheba.

(Locate this town on Map 21a.)

When Esau was forty years old, why did Isaac contact him? Isaac was old, blind, and nearing his death. He wanted to give Esau his blessing before he died.

While Esau was out hunting, what scheme did Rebekah devise? Rebekah devised a plan to trick Isaac into giving his blessing to Jacob.

What did Rebekah ask Jacob to do? Rebekah told Jacob to get two goats from the flock for a tasty meal, dress in Esau’s clothes, cover his hands and neck with goatskins so he would appear hairy like Esau, and then ask Isaac for his blessing.

What was Isaac’s reaction to Jacob? Isaac was surprised the hunt for game was over so quickly. Jacob told Isaac that God had given him success. Isaac was confused by Jacob’s voice but he gave his blessing anyway because Jacob felt and smelled like Esau.

What was Esau’s reaction when he learned Jacob had stolen his blessing? Esau was bitter, angry, and vengeful. He vowed to kill Jacob after Isaac died.

Why did Jacob go to Haran? After Esau’s death threat, Jacob went to Harah to find safety at his Uncle Laban’s.

(Go to https://theologue.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/zaine-ridling-bible-atlas-e-book/. Look at Map 22, Travels of Jacob.)

(Look at the map of the Travels of Jacob. Locate Haran.)

Why did Isaac bless this plan for Jacob to leave Canaan? Rebekah convinced Isaac that Jacob should not marry a Canaanite woman. He should find a wife from among Rebekah’s people instead.

What did Esau do out of spite toward Isaac? Esau married a daughter of Ishmael, a Canaanite woman.

While on his journey to Haran, what dream did Jacob have? Jacob saw a stairway (ladder) reaching from earth to heaven with angels going up and down it.

What was the significance of Jacob’s dream? The dream represented Jacob’s direct access to God and the close relationship he had with God, which included God’s promises to give Jacob the land he was lying on, make his descendants as plentiful as the dust of the earth, and to always be with Jacob and watch over him.

Who did Jacob meet at the well in Haran? Rachel.

What was Jacob’s reaction to her? It was love at first sight.

How long did Laban tell Jacob he must work before he could marry Rachel? Seven years.

What happened when the allotted time was up? Laban tricked Jacob by giving him the older daughter, Leah, instead.

Discuss the irony of this event. In the past, Jacob had also schemed to get what he wanted. Now he was on the other side of the scheming.

What compromise did Laban make with Jacob? If Jacob finished out the bridal week with Leah and committed to working another seven years, then Jacob could also have Rachel as his wife.

What was the result of Jacob loving Rachel more than Leah? God allowed Leah, but not Rachel, to become pregnant.

Discuss the irony of Jacob’s unequal affection for his wives. The pattern of loving one person more than another caused a lot of problems just like Abraham’s love for Sarah/Hagar; Isaac’s love for Esau/Jacob; Rebekah’s love for Jacob/Esau; and now Jacob’s love for Rachel/Leah.

What sons were born to Leah? Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

What sons were born to Rachel’s handmaiden, Bilhah? Dan and Naphtali.

What sons were born to Leah’s handmaiden, Zilpah? Gad and Asher.

What did Rachel trade to Leah for a night with Jacob? Rachel traded some of Reuben’s mandrakes for a night with Jacob.

Who was born as a result? Issachar.

Leah also gave birth to which son and daughter? Zebulun and Dinah.

What son was finally born to Rachel? Joseph.

Where did Jacob want to go? Jacob wanted to go back to Canaan.

What bargain was struck as Jacob’s severance pay for his years of service to Laban? Jacob could have all the dark-colored lambs and all the spotted sheep and goats.

How did Laban deceive Jacob? Laban gave all the spotted goats and all the dark-colored lambs to his sons, then hit the road, putting a three-day journey between himself and Jacob.

How did Jacob trick Laban? Jacob peeled the bark on some branches, exposing the white inner wood, then put the branches in the watering troughs. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, they mated in front of the spotted branches and had spotted young. When the stronger females were in heat, Jacob placed the branches in the troughs, then separated the resulting strong offspring into his flocks. When the weak animals were in heat, Jacob did not place the branches in the trough. The weak offspring went into Laban’s flock.

Describe the relationship between Jacob and Laban. God prospered Jacob and Laban’s sons did not like it.

What was God’s will for Jacob? God’s will was for Jacob to go back to Canaan.

What was Jacob’s response? Jacob packed up and left in secret because Jacob was afraid Laban would not let Rachel and Leah go with him.

What did Rachel steal? Rachel stole her father’s household gods.

What threat did Jacob make concerning the thief? Jacob said the thief would not live.

Where did Rachel hide what she had stolen? Rachel hid the gods in her camel’s saddle and claimed she could not get down because she was having her period.

Why was Jacob so upset? Jacob worked hard for twenty years and had been fair and honest, even though his wages had been changed ten times.

Why was Laban so upset? Laban did not want to be separated from his daughters and grandchildren.

What covenant agreement was reached? Jacob would stay on his side of the heap of stones, and Laban would stay on his side, both agreeing not to harm the other.

What land did Jacob have to travel through to get to Canaan? Edom, Esau’s land.

What action did Jacob take to prepare to meet Esau? Before he prayed to God for protection, Jacob divided his party in half. If one was attacked, the other might escape. Then he sent gifts ahead to Esau.

What happened to Jacob the night before he was to meet Esau? Jacob wrestled with a man until daybreak. The man touched Jacob’s hip socket, causing it to wrench.

Why did the man change Jacob’s name to Israel? Jacob’s name was changed to Israel because he had struggled with God and men, and had overcome.

What was Esau’s reaction when he saw Jacob? Esau ran to meet Jacob, embraced him, kissed him, and they cried together.

Why was Esau’s response so surprising? The last time Jacob saw Esau, Esau had threatened to kill him.

Where did Jacob finally settle his family? Jacob finally settled at the city of Shechem in Canaan.

(Locate this town on Map 22, Travels of Jacob.)

What happened to Dinah? Shechem, the son of that area’s ruler (Hamor), raped her and then asked his father to get her for his wife because he loved her.

How did Jacob’s sons respond when they found out? Jacob’s sons were furious and filled with grief.

What marriage condition did Jacob set? All the men of the city must be circumcised.

Three days later, what did Simeon and Levi do? While the Shechem men were still in pain from being circumcised, Simeon and Levi killed every male in the city. Jacob’s sons looted the city and took all the women and children as well.

After becoming enemies of Shechem, where did God direct Jacob to go? Bethel.

(Locate this town on Map 22, Travels of Jacob.)

Why didn’t anyone pursue them? Jacob was protected by God’s terror.

What new name did God give to Jacob? Israel.

Something to think about: How is Jacob’s new name significant even today?

What son was born to Rachel? Benjamin.

What happened to Rachel? Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, Ben-Oni, son of my trouble.

Name the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Include their mothers.

• Leah: Reuben, Simon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

• Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.

• Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali.

• Leah’s maidservant Zilpah: Gad and Asher.

Where was Isaac when he died? Isaac died in Mamre near Kiriath Arba (Hebron).

How old was Isaac when he died? Isaac died at one hundred eighty.

Who buried Isaac? Esau and Jacob.

Where did Esau settle? Esau settled in the hill country of Seir.

Esau became the father of what nation? The Edomites.

JOSEPH

Genesis 37:1–50:26

After reading this section, you should be able to describe how God used Joseph

to accomplish His plan. You should also be able to describe the character of

Joseph, which allowed him to be used by God.

How old was Joseph when he took time out from tending the flocks to tattle on his brothers? Seventeen.

What else caused Joseph to be hated by his brothers? Daddy (Israel) loved him best and gave Joseph a richly ornamented robe to wear. Then Joseph told his brothers about his dreams, in which his sheaf of grain rose up and theirs bowed down, and the sun, moon and stars all bowed down to him.

(Go to https://theologue.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/zaine-ridling-bible-atlas-e-book/. Look at Map 23, The Journeys of Joseph.)

When Israel sent Joseph to check on his brothers, where did Joseph find them? Near Dothan.

(Locate this area on Map 23, The Journeys of Joseph.)

What did the brothers plot to do? The brothers plotted to kill Joseph and tell Israel a ferocious animal ate him.

What plan did Reuben propose? Do not kill him. Just throw him into a pit (an empty cistern).

What did Reuben plan to do later? Rescue Joseph.

What did the brothers (minus Reuben) do with Joseph? They sold Joseph for twenty shekels of silver to Ishmaelite merchants from Midian, who were headed to Egypt.

How did the brother’s fool Jacob/Israel? They slaughtered a goat, dipped Joseph’s robe in the blood, and showed the robe to Israel, knowing he would assume the worst.

What was Jacob/Israel’s response to Joseph’s loss? Jacob/Israel mourned and cried. He could not be comforted.

Who bought Joseph from the Midianites? Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials and the captain of the guard purchased Joseph.

(Look at Map 23 and trace Joseph’s travels to Egypt.)

By Levirate law, what responsibility did Onan have to his dead brother, Er? Onan had to produce offspring by Er’s wife so Er’s lineage would continue.

What did the Lord do to Onan because he broke this law? The Lord put Onan to death.

In her quest to have children, how did Tamar deceive Judah? Tamar disguised herself as a shrine prostitute and waited for him by the city gate.

What did Judah give Tamar as a pledge of payment? Judah gave Tamar his seal, cord, and staff.

When Tamar became pregnant and was accused of prostitution, what penalty did Judah demand? Judah demanded Tamar be burned to death.

How did Tamar avoid this punishment? Tamar showed Judah his seal, cord, and staff.

Who was born to Tamar? Tamar had twin sons, Perez and Zerah.

Something to think about: Who would later descend through Perez in the line of Judah and Tamar?

The Messiah, the Lion of Judah.

Why did Potiphar promote Joseph? Joseph was highly successful because the Lord was with him, so Potiphar entrusted Joseph with everything in his household.

How did Joseph end up in prison? Potiphar’s wife propositioned the well-built, handsome Joseph, but he refused her advances. She accused him of inappropriate behavior, presenting his cloak as evidence against him.

Why did the warden put Joseph in charge of the other prisoners? The warden put Joseph in charge because the Lord was with Joseph.

Which members of Pharaoh’s staff landed in prison? The chief cupbearer and baker.

Who interpreted their dreams? God interpreted their dreams through Joseph.

What was the interpretation of the cupbearer’s dream? Within three days, the cupbearer would be restored to his position.

What was the interpretation of the baker’s dream? Within three days, the baker would be hanged.

Two years later when Pharaoh had a dream, who remembered Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams? The chief cupbearer.

Who did Joseph say would give Pharaoh the answer? God.

What was the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream? There would be seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of famine.

What did Joseph propose to do about this? Joseph wanted to create a food reserve during the years of abundance.

Why did Potiphar put Joseph in charge? Since God made all these things known to Joseph, there was no one as discerning and wise.

Before the famine, which two sons were born to Joseph? Manasseh and Ephraim.

Why did Jacob send his sons from Canaan to Egypt? There was also a famine in Canaan and Jacob wanted his sons to buy grain so they could eat and live.

Which brother did not make the trip to Egypt? Benjamin.

When Joseph recognized his brothers, of what did he accuse them? Joseph accused his brothers of being spies.

What was Joseph’s scheme? Joseph threw the ten brothers in prison for three