Four Soils Ministry

Syllabus for the Bible Study of History of Israel

History of Israel/Judah Course Objectives:

Study of Israel’s History (from Joshua to Jesus)

Jehovah is a covenant God and so the Old Testament is a history based on covenants. He is a God who creates, reveals, sustains, judges, and redeems. From the time that God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham until the present day, God has steadily shown His faithfulness to His covenant people, first Israel and now the church.

This study covers the history of Israel (& Judah) after they entered the promise Land and until the coming of the Messiah. The nature of Israel & Judah's history is best understood by God’s Old Testament covenant revelations. The Old Testament reflects the message that God is at work in the life of mankind. God created all things in the beginning, and continues to sustain them in order that in the fullness of time, His people may be redeemed.

Our study of the Old Testament history books are divided into the following ten lessons:

• 1. Judges
• 2. Samuel
• 3. King Saul
• 4. King David
• 5. King Solomon
• 6. History of Northern kingdom (Israel)
• 7. History of Southern Kingdom (Judah)
• 8. Destruction of Northern Kingdom
• 9. Captivity of Judah
• 10. Judah's Return

In our study we will continue to see that the Bible is one message. As Paul said he wanted to preach nothing but “Jesus and Him crucified.” Just as Jesus told the two on the road to Emmaus on the day of His resurrection, that all the Old Testament is about Him

This view of God, from the beginning until the end, Alpha and Omega, is essential in both Judaism and Christianity.

Much can be learned by Christians from the study of God's workings with Israel. The writer of Hebrews tells us that all these things happened to Israel for the benefit of the Christian, for our example. Just as God was leading them, so we can find assurance that God is always at work, accomplishing His will and leading His people.

Each lesson of the study of the History of Israel/Judah contains ten questions, with most questions requiring a written response of 250 words or less. If a person is familiar with the Old Testament, most lessons can be completed in a few hours. Students should set a goal of at least one lesson per week, however this is not mandatory.

Each student can proceed at their own desired rate of speed.

Course Procedures:

(1) Each Lesson of the study of the History of Israel/Judah will be sent by email to the student. Students can ask questions by the Internet.
(2) Each Lesson of the study of the History of Israel/Judah when completed will be returned to Four Soils Ministry by the Internet for grading.
(3) The Lesson of the study of the History of Israel/Judah will be graded pass or fail, comments will be sent back to the student.
(4) The next Lesson of the study of the History of Israel/Judah will be sent to the student after a passing grade is obtained on the previous Lesson. In the case of a student not passing an assignment, the student will be notified and given suggestions on how to obtain a passing grade. The student cannot receive the next Lesson until a passing grade is achieved.