1. Imagine you were an exile returning to Jerusalem. What in I Chronicles would you have found inspiring about Israel’s history and God’s promises concerning David’s dynasty? About the need to remain faithful to God?
2. What themes did you notice in David’s prayer shortly before his death (I Chr 29) and Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (II Chr 6)?
3. As you read 2 Chronicles, what did you notice about the activities of the kings of Judah?
4. Describe Ezra and the challenges he faced when he returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. How did the people respond when Ezra helped them finally know God’s standards and recognize their own wrongdoing? Why was it so important for them to confess their sins and follow God’s law?
5. Why was ethnic purity so vital to the nations existence? (See Ezra 10 and Nehemiah 9)
6. Where did Nehemiah’s loyalties lie? In what ways did he demonstrate his reliance on God and deep commitment to prayer as he accomplished a great work in what the Persians considered to be a rebellious city?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Week 4
1. What important promise did God make to David concerning the future of his dynasty (II Sam 711b, 16)
2. Which character weaknesses and failures played a dramatic role in David’s life? What was God’s response when David publicly acknowledged his sin? In what ways did the consequences of David’s extramarital affair affect his family and, eventually, the entire nation?
3. How would you describe Solomon? What do you find admirable (and not so admirable) about him? What drew him away from God? Why did the people eventually rebel against him?
4. What factors caused the nations of Israel to split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah)?
5. When you consider the bravery of Elijah and Elisha in opposing idol worship in Israel, what stands out to you concerning their relationship with God and/or the people? Why?
6. What would you identify as the dominant tendency of the various kings who led Israel and Judah? In what ways di the disobey God? What distinguished Josiah from many other kings? (2 Kings 22-23)
2. Which character weaknesses and failures played a dramatic role in David’s life? What was God’s response when David publicly acknowledged his sin? In what ways did the consequences of David’s extramarital affair affect his family and, eventually, the entire nation?
3. How would you describe Solomon? What do you find admirable (and not so admirable) about him? What drew him away from God? Why did the people eventually rebel against him?
4. What factors caused the nations of Israel to split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah)?
5. When you consider the bravery of Elijah and Elisha in opposing idol worship in Israel, what stands out to you concerning their relationship with God and/or the people? Why?
6. What would you identify as the dominant tendency of the various kings who led Israel and Judah? In what ways di the disobey God? What distinguished Josiah from many other kings? (2 Kings 22-23)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Week 3 Question
1. Although God lived among the Israelites and guided them into battle, the Gibeonites still were able to deceive Joshua and other leaders. How did this happen (Joshua 9)?
2. What was God’s intent in repeatedly commanding the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites? Why was God so harsh in dealing with paganism? What does this reveal about God and his view of sin?
3. To what extent had the Israelites assimilated to Canaanites culture by the end of the book of Judges? In what ways does Samson’s life illustrate the effects of sin? What does it illustrate about the unlikely people and events through which God sometimes works?
4. What tragedies and unfortunate events befall Naomi and Ruth? What themes surfaced as these events played out?
5. When the Israelites asked Samuel to appoint a king, what were they communicating about God and his kingship over them (I Samuel 8)?
6. As you read about David’s life following his anointing and before he became king, what did you learn about him that you hadn’t realized before? What kind of man was he?
2. What was God’s intent in repeatedly commanding the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites? Why was God so harsh in dealing with paganism? What does this reveal about God and his view of sin?
3. To what extent had the Israelites assimilated to Canaanites culture by the end of the book of Judges? In what ways does Samson’s life illustrate the effects of sin? What does it illustrate about the unlikely people and events through which God sometimes works?
4. What tragedies and unfortunate events befall Naomi and Ruth? What themes surfaced as these events played out?
5. When the Israelites asked Samuel to appoint a king, what were they communicating about God and his kingship over them (I Samuel 8)?
6. As you read about David’s life following his anointing and before he became king, what did you learn about him that you hadn’t realized before? What kind of man was he?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Questions for Week 2
1. What important role did religious rituals - sacrifice, offerings and feasts – play in the Israelites life? As you read of these practices, what insights did you gain regarding God’s involvement in the lives of His people and the worship and commitment to holiness he desires?
2. Why did people have to offer blood sacrifices?
3. Despite all God had done for them, the Israelites repeatedly disobeyed, complained and turned away from him. What kinds of temptations did Satan use to draw the Israelites away from God? What kind of things did they complain about? How different are these from our temptations and complaints?
4. How did God respond to their complaints and disobedience, and what does his response reveal about Him?
5. When the spies returned from scouting Canaan, how did the people respond to their report?
What did the peoples words and action reveal about their view of God?
6. Moses prepared a new generation of Israelites to enter the Promised land with a “a refresher course.” How do you think his words and example influenced the people?
2. Why did people have to offer blood sacrifices?
3. Despite all God had done for them, the Israelites repeatedly disobeyed, complained and turned away from him. What kinds of temptations did Satan use to draw the Israelites away from God? What kind of things did they complain about? How different are these from our temptations and complaints?
4. How did God respond to their complaints and disobedience, and what does his response reveal about Him?
5. When the spies returned from scouting Canaan, how did the people respond to their report?
What did the peoples words and action reveal about their view of God?
6. Moses prepared a new generation of Israelites to enter the Promised land with a “a refresher course.” How do you think his words and example influenced the people?
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