Catholic Doctrine Bible Study

Session 243 - Start with Session 1

Show REVERANCE to God! Give your best!

God hates divorce! (2:16)

Don’t rob God...bring God your time, talent, and treasure (tithe).

Distinctive Features:

Prophecy: 9:9 “King shall come....meek, riding on an ass....”  (See Mt. 21:4)

Prophecy: 11:12-13  Shepherd bought for “30 pieces of silver.”  (See Mt.27:3-10.)

Prophecy: 12:10 “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced.....”  (See John 19:37, Revelation 1:7.)

Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are Postexilic prophets....they speak AFTER the people have been allowed to return from their Babylonian Exile.

Haggai: c.520BC - Though the people have returned, they have NOT rebuilt the Temple, partly due to outside influences, but also lack of proper priorities.  See
Ezra 1-6 for background.  Does God have priority in your life?

Zechariah: c.520BC (Same as Haggai above.) Chs1-4.... Return to God, there will be a New Jerusalem, we are the apple of God’s eye! We can have Hope!

Nahum: 612BC, just before Ninevah, the Capitol of Assyria, was destroyed by Babylon that year.

-God is just, but also merciful
-Destruction predicted for Assyria, HOPE for Judah. 

Habakkuk:  605-597BC. Worry about Babylon. Is basically a gripe session to God, yet see 3:17-19 “I will rejoice in the Lord, my strength!”

Zephaniah-640-609BC (Just before Jeremiah and Habakkuk.)  (See 2 Kings 22 for background.)

“The Day of the Lord”= Doom, judgment. But, HOPE (for Judah, and US!) 3:16-20.

Timeline: 750-710BC, contemporary of Isaiah (Isaiah 1-39), but Chapters 4-7 probably added after the return from exile, which began in 538BC.

Distinctive Feature: The ruler, the shepherd of his people, will come from BETHLEHEM. (5:1-4) (See Mt. 2:1-5)

7:7 “But as for me, I will look to the Lord.”  (See Joshua 24:15)

Again, as with most of the Prophets, it offers hope for the future.

Timeless truths in Jonah:

1) You can’t hide from God
2) We all have a job to do for the Kingdom-evangelize!
3) God wants ALL to convert...even Israel’s worst enemy!
4) WE should pray for the conversion of our enemies.

Amos 4-9   4:1 , 5:11 and 12, 8:4-6, Don’t “oppress the weak and abuse the needy.”

Amos Distinctive Feature:  “Plumb line” (7:7-8) to determine “straight” vs. “crooked” behavior and worship.

Amos-Salvation promised to the faithful in 9:11-15.  (9:11 quoted by James in Acts 15:16-17 at the Council of Jerusalem.)

Obadiah- only 21 verses long!  Against Edom, 5th Century BC.

Jonah- Were the events real, or was this a “fish story?”  See CCC 107 (“truth...for the sake of our SALVATION...”) CCC 110.

Hosea 11, God is a loving Father.  Hosea 14, God shows mercy on all who repent.

Joel- Timeline unknown.  (800’sBC?  400’sBC? -no mention of kings, or Assyria, or Babylon?)

Distinctive Feature: “Locusts” as punishment.  “Apocalyptic” view, End Times, “the day of the Lord” mentioned 5X.

Joel 3:1 “Spirit” poured out, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-21 at Pentecost.

Joel 3:5  “Everyone shall be rescued who calls on the name of the Lord.”  (Again, realize the Catholic Church’s understanding of salvation, and what it entails to call on the name of the Lord!)

Amos-Timeline 760-750BC (Just before Hosea, and just before the Northern Kingdom fell in 722. Also same audience-the Northern Kingdom.  Amos was a shepherd. Social justice theme.

Hosea: Timeline is c. 750BC-715BC.  (Just before and just after the Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722BC.)
Audience: The Northern Kingdom.

Distinctive Feature: Hosea’s wife, Gomer, (the Roamer!), a prostitute, is an allegory for how Israel had prostituted its faith, in bad political alliances and idol worship through temple pros

“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution.  Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13

Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish  tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.

Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity  (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52),  places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!

Are these accounts “true?”  See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.

Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.

(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)

“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution.  Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13

Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish  tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.

Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity  (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52),  places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!

Are these accounts “true?”  See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.

Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.

(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)

“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution.  Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13

Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish  tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.

Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity  (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52),  places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!

Are these accounts “true?”  See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.

Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.

(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)

“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution.  Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13

Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish  tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.

Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity  (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52),  places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!

Are these accounts “true?”  See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.

Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.

(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)

Ezekiel- 598BC-571BC, same time line as Lamentations, Baruch, only Ezekiel is writing IN EXILE, while in Babylon.

Chapters 1-3 Ezekiel called as a prophet.

Ch.4-24 What will happen to Jerusalem, causes leading up to destruction in 587BC.

(Ch. 18-Personal responsibility emphasised. See 18:24- No “Once Saved, Always Saved” here!)

Ch. 25-32- Prophecies against OTHER nations.

Ch. 33-39 Salvation for Israel
33:8 We must tell others of their sins.
34:11 New “SHEPHERD”
34:23 (from the line of )David.
34:25 (new) Covenant
36:8 “Bear fruit, grow branches”
37  Dry bones restored to life, one nation.
38-39 Hope in ultimate victory over the pagan world (see Rev. 20:8)
40-48 The New Israel

“Son of Man” used 93X, “Glory of the Lord” used 23X, influences seen in “Daniel” and “Revelation.”

Baruch- was Jeremiah’s secretary.  The HOPE of Chapter 5 is the hope that should be in all of us!

Ezekiel- 598BC-571BC, same time line as Lamentations, Baruch, only Ezekiel is writing IN EXILE, while in Babylon.

Chapters 1-3 Ezekiel called as a prophet.

Ch.4-24 What will happen to Jerusalem, causes leading up to destruction in 587BC.

(Ch. 18-Personal responsibility emphasised. See 18:24- No “Once Saved, Always Saved” here!)

Ch. 25-32- Prophecies against OTHER nations.

Ch. 33-39 Salvation for Israel
33:8 We must tell others of their sins.
34:11 New “SHEPHERD”
34:23 (from the line of )David.
34:25 (new) Covenant
36:8 “Bear fruit, grow branches”
37  Dry bones restored to life, one nation.
38-39 Hope in ultimate victory over the pagan world (see Rev. 20:8)
40-48 The New Israel

“Son of Man” used 93X, “Glory of the Lord” used 23X, influences seen in “Daniel” and “Revelation.”

Jeremiah (prophet approximately between 626-586BC to Judah, leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon) preached repentance and obedience to God, but was unpopular, imprisoned for his messages (Ch. 37), thrown in a well (Ch. 38), taken to Egypt against his will (Ch. 43), thought by some Jewish tradition to have been assassinated there by his own people.
Though he complained to God about his rough life, he boldly spoke God’s truth to power throughout his ministry.

Jeremiah looked to a New Covenant (Ch. 31)

Some key verses:
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” (Good pro-life verse!)

23:4 “I will appoint Shepherds for them”
(Points toward Christ.)
23:5 “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Points toward Christ)
29:11 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you....”  (Good life verse!)
31:3 “With age-old love have I loved you.”
31:31-34 (The New Covenant envisioned.)

Jeremiah has traditionally been thought of also as the author of Lamentations.

Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of man, but a faithful follower (with all it’s rewards) in the eyes of God.  Which is more important to YOU?

Jeremiah and Lamentations “Speaking God’s Truth To Power” and “Looking Forward To The New Covenant.”

Jeremiah (prophet approximately between 626-586BC to Judah, leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon) preached repentance and obedience to God, but was unpopular, imprisoned for his messages (Ch. 37), thrown in a well (Ch. 38), taken to Egypt against his will (Ch. 43), thought by some Jewish tradition to have been assassinated there by his own people.
Though he complained to God about his rough life, he boldly spoke God’s truth to power throughout his ministry.

Jeremiah looked to a New Covenant (Ch. 31)

Some key verses:
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” (Good pro-life verse!)

23:4 “I will appoint Shepherds for them”
(Points toward Christ.)
23:5 “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Points toward Christ)
29:11 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you....”  (Good life verse!)
31:3 “With age-old love have I loved you.”
31:31-34 (The New Covenant envisioned.)

Jeremiah has traditionally been thought of also as the author of Lamentations.

Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of man, but a faithful follower (with all it’s rewards) in the eyes of God.  Which is more important to YOU?

Jeremiah and Lamentations: “Speaking God’s Truth To Power” and “Looking Forward To The New Covenant.”

Jeremiah (prophet approximately between 626-586BC to Judah, leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon) preached repentance and obedience to God, but was unpopular, imprisoned for his messages (Ch. 37), thrown in a well (Ch. 38), taken to Egypt against his will (Ch. 43), thought by some Jewish tradition to have been assassinated there by his own people.
Though he complained to God about his rough life, he boldly spoke God’s truth to power throughout his ministry.

Jeremiah looked to a New Covenant (Ch. 31)

Some key verses:
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” (Good pro-life verse!)

23:4 “I will appoint Shepherds for them”
(Points toward Christ.)
23:5 “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Points toward Christ)
29:11 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you....”  (Good life verse!)
31:3 “With age-old love have I loved you.”
31:31-34 (The New Covenant envisioned.)

Jeremiah has traditionally been thought of also as the author of Lamentations.

Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of man, but a faithful follower (with all it’s rewards) in the eyes of God.  Which is more important to YOU?

Sessions 222-224 Isaiah -“ Quoted Over 80 Times In The New Testament” and “11 Isaiah Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus” and “The Keys-A Forerunner to NT Apostolic Succession In The Church"  Thought to be 3 different books spanning over 200 years of history:  Book 1 (Chapters 1-39) comments on the events of 742-687BC, which saw Judah’s civil war with the alliance of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (Ephraemites”)  It discusses the lack of trust that the Judah leadership had in God, who chose two terrible military alliances (Assyria and later Egypt) instead of trusting God.  These alliances , and their sins of pride, haughtiness, and corruption would cost Judah dearly.  Yet, there was hope of a coming “Immanuel”......(Also note the “key of the House of David” in 22:20-22 in light of the Keys to the Kingdom of Mt16:17-19.)  Book 2 (Chapters 40-55) comments on the events leading up to, and after, the Babylonian Exile (587-537BC).  It also looks to the future Messiah.  See 40:31 for an excellent life verse!!! References to Cyrus of Persia, specifically in 45:1 but indirectly (“The Lord’s friend”, etc) throughout Chapters 44-49.  (Cyrus defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to begin to return to their homeland.  We see 4 references to the Suffering Servant Messiah in Chapter 53 alone which point ultimately to Jesus.  Book 3 (Chapters 56-66) comments on the return of the first captives to Jerusalem (538- approx. 500BC), and also looks forward to the Messiah.   See the over 80 quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament in the 2 pages below!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMvQSv49DL8DQFBHK4J0fLnsMUU298cM/view?usp=sharing

Sessions 222-224 Isaiah -“ Quoted Over 80 Times In The New Testament” and “11 Isaiah Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus” and “The Keys-A Forerunner to NT Apostolic Succession In The Church" 

 Thought to be 3 different books spanning over 200 years of history:  

Book 1 (Chapters 1-39) comments on the events of 742-687BC, which saw Judah’s civil war with the alliance of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (Ephraemites”)  It discusses the lack of trust that the Judah leadership had in God, who chose two terrible military alliances (Assyria and later Egypt) instead of trusting God.  These alliances , and their sins of pride, haughtiness, and corruption would cost Judah dearly.  Yet, there was hope of a coming “Immanuel”......(Also note the “key of the House of David” in 22:20-22 in light of the Keys to the Kingdom of Mt16:17-19.) 

 Book 2 (Chapters 40-55) comments on the events leading up to, and after, the Babylonian Exile (587-537BC).  It also looks to the future Messiah.  See 40:31 for an excellent life verse!!! References to Cyrus of Persia, specifically in 45:1 but indirectly (“The Lord’s friend”, etc) throughout Chapters 44-49.  (Cyrus defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to begin to return to their homeland.  We see 4 references to the Suffering Servant Messiah in Chapter 53 alone which point ultimately to Jesus.  

Book 3 (Chapters 56-66) comments on the return of the first captives to Jerusalem (538- approx. 500BC), and also looks forward to the Messiah.   See the over 80 quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament in the 2 pages below!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMvQSv49DL8DQFBHK4J0fLnsMUU298cM/view?usp=sharing

Sessions 222-224 Isaiah -“ Quoted Over 80 Times In The New Testament” and “11 Isaiah Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus” and “The Keys-A Forerunner to NT Apostolic Succession In The Church"

Thought to be 3 different books spanning over 200 years of history:

Book 1 (Chapters 1-39) comments on the events of 742-687BC, which saw Judah’s civil war with the alliance of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (Ephraemites”)  It discusses the lack of trust that the Judah leadership had in God, who chose two terrible military alliances (Assyria and later Egypt) instead of trusting God.  These alliances , and their sins of pride, haughtiness, and corruption would cost Judah dearly.  Yet, there was hope of a coming “Immanuel”......(Also note the “key of the House of David” in 22:20-22 in light of the Keys to the Kingdom of Mt16:17-19.)

Book 2 (Chapters 40-55) comments on the events leading up to, and after, the Babylonian Exile (587-537BC).  It also looks to the future Messiah.  See 40:31 for an excellent life verse!!!
References to Cyrus of Persia, specifically in 45:1 but indirectly (“The Lord’s friend”, etc) throughout Chapters 44-49.  (Cyrus defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to begin to return to their homeland.

We see 4 references to the Suffering Servant Messiah in Chapter 53 alone which point ultimately to Jesus.

Book 3 (Chapters 56-66) comments on the return of the first captives to Jerusalem (538- approx. 500BC), and also looks forward to the Messiah. 

See the over 80 quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament in the 2 pages below!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMvQSv49DL8DQFBHK4J0fLnsMUU298cM/view?usp=sharing

Written in Hebrew 200-175 BC by “Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach” (51:27).

Translated into Greek after 132 BC by “Jesus’ Grandson”.

Written before “Wisdom”, did not envision afterlife as other than the “netherworld”.

Deuterocanonical, because it extolled temple worship and did not show belief in the Resurrection of the Body. (By 90 A.D., the temple had been destroyed and the pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, were in control).

It is a “Handbook of Practical Living”.
 Duties toward God (Ch 2)
 Duties toward Parents (Ch 3)
 Humility (Ch 3)
 Discipline (Mentioned 11 times)
 Almsgiving
 Choosing friendship (Ch 6, 11, 13)
 Conduct in public life (Ch 7)
 Dealing with economic circumstances
 Self-Control
 Speech (22, 23)
 Chastity (26,23)
 Forgiveness (28)
 Training Children (30)
 Table Etiquette (!!) (31)

Chapters 42- 43: Praise of God’s creation (sun, moon, stars etc.)

Chapters 44-50: Praise of Israel’s great ancestors (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, David, Samuel, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Simon – the high priest at the time Sirach was written)

Chapter 51 – A beautiful “Thank you” to God.

Written in Hebrew 200-175 BC by “Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach” (51:27).

Translated into Greek after 132 BC by “Jesus’ Grandson”.

Written before “Wisdom”, did not envision afterlife as other than the “netherworld”.

Deuterocanonical, because it extolled temple worship and did not show belief in the Resurrection of the Body. (By 90 A.D., the temple had been destroyed and the pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, were in control).

It is a “Handbook of Practical Living”.
 Duties toward God (Ch 2)
 Duties toward Parents (Ch 3)
 Humility (Ch 3)
 Discipline (Mentioned 11 times)
 Almsgiving
 Choosing friendship (Ch 6, 11, 13)
 Conduct in public life (Ch 7)
 Dealing with economic circumstances
 Self-Control
 Speech (22, 23)
 Chastity (26,23)
 Forgiveness (28)
 Training Children (30)
 Table Etiquette (!!) (31)

Chapters 42- 43: Praise of God’s creation (sun, moon, stars etc.)

Chapters 44-50: Praise of Israel’s great ancestors (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, David, Samuel, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Simon – the high priest at the time Sirach was written)

Chapter 51 – A beautiful “Thank you” to God.

Written about 100 B.C in Greek by an Alexandrian (Egypt)

“Deuterocanonical” ... Attributed to Solomon (Pseudepigrapha)

Written to counteract the Hellenistic ideas (False Gods, etc) that were popular in Egypt at the time. Written to show that Jewish traditions had superior wisdom.

“New” idea for Jews – Divine Retribution is not always on THIS earth, suffering on this earth does not presuppose a sin. The soul lives on, though still uncertain as to how. Childlessness not a punishment (3:13)

Ch 2:12-20 Some see as a prophecy of Christ’s passion. (Mt 27:41-44)

Ch 5: Judgement, heaven, hell

Ch’s 10-19: The author shows the superiority of the Hebrew God over other gods by giving examples of how God delivered His people throughout history, especially the exodus experience, God has always stood by those who trust Him and they will be rewarded. (at least in the life to come!)

We receive wisdom by praying for it. (Ch 7:7)

Much is said about idolatry (Ch’s 13:10 – 15:17). The idols will pass, as will our own material possessions today. The wisdom of following God is all that will remain.

Developing a daily discipline is a gift of wisdom: to pray, study, perform acts of service.

Written about 100 B.C in Greek by an Alexandrian (Egypt)

“Deuterocanonical” ... Attributed to Solomon (Pseudepigrapha)

Written to counteract the Hellenistic ideas (False Gods, etc) that were popular in Egypt at the time. Written to show that Jewish traditions had superior wisdom.

“New” idea for Jews – Divine Retribution is not always on THIS earth, suffering on this earth does not presuppose a sin. The soul lives on, though still uncertain as to how. Childlessness not a punishment (3:13)

Ch 2:12-20 Some see as a prophecy of Christ’s passion. (Mt 27:41-44)

Ch 5: Judgement, heaven, hell

Ch’s 10-19: The author shows the superiority of the Hebrew God over other gods by giving examples of how God delivered His people throughout history, especially the exodus experience, God has always stood by those who trust Him and they will be rewarded. (at least in the life to come!)

We receive wisdom by praying for it. (Ch 7:7)

Much is said about idolatry (Ch’s 13:10 – 15:17). The idols will pass, as will our own material possessions today. The wisdom of following God is all that will remain.

Developing a daily discipline is a gift of wisdom: to pray, study, perform acts of service.

Key Points:

A song of PASSION, on many levels.
On the literal level, it is about passionate love between a man and a woman.

But on a much deeper level, it stands for:
The Passion of God for Israel
The Passion of Christ for His Church
The Passion of God for each individual

Note that the passion is two-way:  Each seems consumed with desire for the other.  (How passionate are you toward God?  Is God constantly on your mind, as might be the case during courtship with someone you love?)

Though written hundreds of years before Christ, references to “myrrh. Frankincense” (3:6) remind us of Christ.

Some Marian references seen by the Church:
2:2 “beloved among women”
3:11 “King...in the crown which his mother has crowned him.”  (Remember, in the southern kingdom, the queen was the King’s MOTHER, not his wife!)
6:10” “as beautiful as the moon, as resplendent as the sun.”  (See Mary in Revelation 12:1)
6:12 “blessed one of my kinswomen” (See Luke 1:48 “All call me blessed.”)

5:6-8 Sometimes (as in “Job”) it seems that God is nowhere to be found, but continue to seek God, knowing his passion for us is eternal.

Solomon had it all: wealth, power, knowledge, relationships,  fun.  Yet near the end of his life, reflecting back, he realized that none of those things, not even his life on this earth, will last.  “All is vanity.” 

He urges us to enjoy these things that God has provided (9:7-9), but to be aware that they, in and of themselves, are not what gives meaning to life.

All that lasts is God, and in some way not yet understood fully until Jesus’ Resurrection hundreds of years later, Man’s relationship with God.

His conclusion: “Fear (awe, reverence”) God and keep his commandments...”
(12:13-14)

Key Points:
Solomon had it all: wealth, power, knowledge, relationships,  fun.  Yet near the end of his life, reflecting back, he realized that none of those things, not even his life on this earth, will last.  “All is vanity.” 

He urges us to enjoy these things that God has provided (9:7-9), but to be aware that they, in and of themselves, are not what gives meaning to life.

All that lasts is God, and in some way not yet understood fully until Jesus’ Resurrection hundreds of years later, Man’s relationship with God.

His conclusion: “Fear (awe, reverence”) God and keep his commandments...”
(12:13-14)

Key Points:

1)3:5 “Trust in the Lord, and lean not...”
2)22:6 “Train up a child ...not depart..”
3)1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the ...”
4) 31:10 “A wife of noble character....”
5)14:12”...a way that seems right, but..”
6)4:23 “....guard your heart...”
7)30:5 ..every word of God is flawless..”
8)27:17 “As iron sharpens iron...”
9)29:18 “Blessed..those who heed instr
10)17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but...”

You will develop your OWN list of favorites as you read through the 31 chapters of proverbs.

Topics (among others):
Dealing with children
Dealing with and choosing spouses
Business dealings(fairness, success)
Anger
Pride
Priorities
Laziness
Many, many more.

The writer of Hebrews used Psalms (and other Old Testament writings to show that Jesus is the FINAL fulfillment as the Son of God and Messiah. (Beyond David.)  Some examples:

Ps. 2:7 - Hebrews 1:5 (“You are my son..”)

Ps. 8:4-6 - Hebrews 2:6-8(“You made him for a little while lower than the angels

Ps. 45:7-8 -Hebrews 1:8-9(“your kingdom...God anointed you...”)

Ps. 110:1- Hebrews 1:13 (“Sit at my right hand....”)

See the below link for further parallels between the Psalms and the New Testament.

http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-NT-quotations.htm

Mt.27:26 (“My God..why have you forsaken me?)  Jesus  is reciting Psalm 22 on the Cross, which ends in triumph and assurance!  In times of trouble, He (and we!) turn to scripture! No despair!

Luke 23:44-46 (“Into Your  hands I commend my spirit.”)  Jesus is reciting Psalm 31 from the Cross, which also ends in assurance. No despair!

Some other Psalms Jesus quoted in the Gospels and their parallels:

Ps 8:3-Mt 21:16
Ps 35:19-Jn 15:18-25
Ps 110:1-Mt 22:41-45
Ps 118:22-Mt-21:42

Jesus quoted from the Psalms more than any other book.

In Luke 24:44-45 it says Jesus explained the scriptures to them “that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and PSALMS must be fulfilled.”

The Psalms are the writers sharing with God the whole gamut of human emotions, from fear, frustration, spiritual dryness, sorrow, joy, repentance, thankfulness, etc. As such, they are personal, and are to be EXPERIENCED, rather than TAUGHT.  As you read through the 150 Psalms, you will find some that speak to you more than others at a point in time, depending on your experience AT THE TIME. 

Of the 150 Psalms:
63 “Complaint” psalms vs. 32 “Praise” psalms. (Human nature!)

72 psalms attributed to David
-Ps 59-1Sam 19:11
-Ps142-1Sam 22
-Ps 63-1Sam 24
-Ps 51-2Sam 11+12
-Many, many others

“Hallel” Psalms 111-117 (Sung at Passover.)

“Ascent” Psalms 120-134 (“Travelling music” sung while travelling to Jerusalem for the 3 Annual Feasts.)

Approximately 130 quotes from Psalms in New Testament.

Jesus quoted more from Psalms and Isaiah than any other Old Testament books.  (Some examples in Part 2.)

Consider writing your own thoughts to God, in a daily diary.

Yes, it’s true that many times we bring on our own misery (5:7, etc), but many times our misery is brought about because we live in an imperfect world.

Whatever the cause, God can use our tragedy to bring us into a closer relationship with God.  We learn that we are not in total control, and that God sometimes is ALL we can trust in, for our ETERNAL happiness.

We recognize that THIS world is not our ultimate home, but heaven is (as Job wished existed in 14:14), that THIS world is frequently “not fair”, (Chapter 21) but that God is always with us even when (especially when!) it seems God is not. (9:11,23:8)

We don’t need to know all God’s answers (42:1-6), we just need to trust God.

 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

God pointed out Job to Satan, not the other way around.  (1:8) God knew (foreknowledge) that whatever was thrown at Job, Job would not quit seeking Him.  (Omniscience) This in no way conflicted with Job’s free will.  Job could have chosen to reject God.

God LIMITED what Satan could do to Job. (1:12, 2:6) (Omnipotence)

Omnipresence (God sees everything and is everywhere at the same time.)

Satan is a pawn in God’s plan.  Whatever Satan does, God can use it to bring people into a closer relationship with God.

“Why Do Most Protestant Bibles Have 7 Fewer Books Than Catholic Bibles?” and “What Is The Lesson Here For Me Regarding Use Of Scripture?"

Martin Luther’s false idea of being saved by “faith alone”, at a moment in time, caused him to need to kick out books of the bible that disagreed with his beliefs. In addition to the 7 books of the Old Testament that he removed from his bible, (Tobit, Judith, 1and 2 Maccabees, Baruch, Wisdom, and Sirach) he also wanted to remove James, Hebrews, Jude, and Revelation from the New Testament! (But even his followers thought this was too radical.)

His rationale for removing the 7 Old Testament books was a JEWISH council of 90 AD that decided to eliminate all books not written originally in Hebrew or not written in the Jewish homeland, and other restrictions. 

The Church was already formed long before 90AD, of course, and was already using the books of the Septuagint, the most popular Jewish canon, where 2/3 of New Testament quotes from the Old Testament came from.  So, it is irrelevant what the Jews chose to edit out AFTER the Church was formed.

As we saw from Session 207, 2 Maccabees 12 talked about praying for the dead, which suggests Purgatory, and Chapter 15 suggests the Communion of the Saints, both of which Luther disagreed with.  The 90AD Jewish council gave him a (weak) excuse to eliminate them from his bible.

The legitimacy of these books were not seriously questioned for over 1100 years until Luther.

For us: Do I choose to ignore the teachings of the bible that make me uncomfortable or that I disagree with?

6:12-16 Purpose of Divine Judgement.
(It can be for our benefit, as any good parent would know.)

7 Great example of keeping the faith despite persecution unto death. Anticipated their resurrection!

10:5-6 Hanukkah!

12:39-46 Resurrection, and Praying for the dead. (v.42, would only do this if there was a way to expunge sin after death. (PURGATORY for those who die in God’s good graces but need a bit of “cleaning up” before going to Heaven.)  No need to pray for the dead if heaven and hell were the only ends right after death, since both are eternal states and
the “decision” is irrevocable after death.

15:12-14 Communion of Saints, Intercession of Saints.  (Jeremiah had been dead over 400 years when he prayed here!)

For reasons that will be explained in Session 208, (and should be obvious to the reader!) Luther kicked this (and 6 other) books out of HIS bible, and it is absent from most Protestant bibles today!

Many Jews were gently persuaded (at first!) to drop their Jewish practices in favor of Greek ones, that seemed innocent enough at the time. (Sports, youth groups,etc.)  They let the outside culture influence THEM, instead of the other way around.

Antiochus IV Epiphanies’ persecution of the Jews from 168-164BC was the cause for the writing of ‘Daniel’ during that same time frame, to comfort the Jews during that persecution.  We also see veiled reference to Antiochus IV in Revelation (Rev. 11:2).

1,2 Maccabees are not in most Protestant bibles.  (We will answer why they were taken out of the bible by Protestants when we finish 2Maccabees.)

There would be no references to Hanukkah in the OT without 1 and 2 Maccabees.

Esther, a Jew in a society that was very anti-Jewish and persecutory, risked her life by revealing her ethnicity to the king and asking him to rescind a proclamation to exterminate all Jews, which he did.  The celebration that followed is recognized annually today as the the Feast of Purim, still celebrated by Jews today.

Though very likely a fictional story (dates, names, even the historicity of the events don’t add up) all of Scripture is true “for the sake of our salvation.” (CCC 107-110.)  A timeless truth of Esther is that we must speak out, even to government when our faith is under attack.  Don’t hide your Catholicism!

Key Points:

Though a fictional story, the author gives us several keys to our faith:

Don’t give ultimatums to God!  (as in 7:30-31, rejected by Judith in 8:16) Things will be done in God’s time and in God’s way, not ours!

Use your gifts for God’s purposes.(10:23-13:8)  If it’s physical beauty, use it chastely! (13:16)  What gift do YOU have that you can use for the Lord?

Have courage and trust in God in times of fear.  Speak out to power in defense of your faith!

Pray constantly. (Chapter 9.)

Fasting (8:6)

Give God praise and thanksgiving. (Chapter 16.)

A woman saves the people.  Foreshadowing of Mary. (15:9 used in the liturgy of the Church regarding Mary)

“Judith” is one of the 7 books of our bible that is not in most Protestant bibles.  The reasons for this error will be given when we study 2Maccabees 12.

In this short, fictitious “religious novel”, set against the backdrop of the actual deportation of the 10 Northern Tribes (the nation of Israel) to Assyria in 722BC, the characters have much to tell us about the practice of our own faith:

God answers prayer, though not always in the way we expect!

We all have a guardian angel!

Suffering can be redemptive.

We are to:
Bury the dead (4:3-4)
Honor our mother (4:4)
Give alms (4:7-11) (special emphasis!)
Avoid sexual sin (4:12)
Marry within the faith (4:12+)
Pay just wages (4:14)
“Golden Rule (4:15)
Abstain from drunkenness (4:15)
Feed the hungry (4:16)
Clothe the naked (4:16)
Pursue  wisdom (4:18)
Pray constantly (4:19 and 6:18)
Sanctity of marriage (8:5-7)
Take care of the aged (14:13)

This book is one of seven books in the Catholic bible that are not found typically in Protestant bibles.  We will discuss the reasons why Martin Luther “kicked them out”  (we didn’t add them, they subtracted them!) when we study 2 Maccabees 12.

“Don’t Marry Outside The Faith” and “What’s Your ‘Mission From God?’” (The Rebuilding The Temple and Jerusalem’s Walls.)

Ezra and Nehemiah are thought to have been written by the same author/authors as 1,2 Chronicles.  These 2 books are about the return to Jerusalem from Babylon by the exiled Jews.  The return began in 538BC and continued in stages. The new Temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel over 22 years, finished in 515BC. (Ezra 6:15.)The walls around the city were rebuilt under Nehemiah’s guidance in 432BC.

With each of these 2 projects, our heroes experienced opposition, but they knew they were on a mission from God.  (Nehemiah 2:20) God has given each of us a specific mission.  What is yours??  If you don’t know, spend some time in prayer. (Your basic mission is to “know, love, and serve God......” but the specifics will be revealed to you as you seek to deepen your relationship with God.)

Ezra 4  Zarubbabel refused help from the Samaritans, which not only caused a huge delay in the Temple construction, but he also missed out on an evangelism opportunity.  Volunteer opportunities are a chance to make friends and plant a seed for Christ’s kingdom!

Once settled, one of  Ezra’s primary messages was to not intermarry outside the Faith.  (Nehemiah 13:26-27 and others.)  We need partners that will help us get to heaven, and that we can help get to heaven. Married life is challenging enough without different faiths dividing partners.

Key points:

The people were not practicing their faith. (23:22) 

2Kings 25:8-26 The nation of Judah (the two southern tribes of David and Benjamin) fell to the Babylonians, exiles began in 597,  the final exile and the Temple was destroyed in 586BC.  The brightest people were exiled to serve in the Babylonian administration. Some managed to escape to Egypt.(v.26)

1and 2 Chronicles go over the same events we have seen in previous books, but sometimes with a different viewpoint, just as 2 newspapers can view the same event differently.  For example, 1Chronicles 11-29 parallels 2Samuel 5-24 in describing David’s kingship, but completely avoids mentioning David’s sin with Bathsheba and the resultant murder of Uriah.

Both Chronicles books (originally one book) were written around 400BC (after the exile and return.) Written to answer “Why did this (loss of a nation) happen to us?”

handout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCRQFq9xTUW3j_TmAaHU09dKaZFSukVM/view?usp=sharing

Elisha followed Elijah immediately. (Elisha undoubtedly knew of Elijah before-see chapter 18.)  Jesus also spoke about leaving all behind to follow Jesus.  For us, that means getting rid of whatever attachments or attractions in our lives that are preventing a closer walk with Jesus.

Elijah, Elisha foreshadowed John the Baptist and Jesus.

2Kings 5- Naaman would not have been healed if he merely “had faith.”  He had to DO something to be healed, which DEMONSTRATED his faith.  What is God asking YOU to do?  (Clue: See Mt. 25 for SOME ideas.)

2Kings Chapter17 In 722BC Israel (Northern 10 tribes) falls to the Assyrians; most of the people deported, 5 other groups settled in the area, brought their false gods and intermarried.  Mixed race became the Samaritans, despised by the South (Judah) as being “half-breeds.”

The nation fell “because they venerated other gods.” (17:7)  Who do you/ we put before God?  Consequences!

All of the Northern Kings (Israel) and most of the Southern Kings (Judah) were bad, in that they permitted, if not promoted, idol worship.  Religious syncretism is easy!  But it’s not truth!  Elijah spoke truth to power (Ahab and Jezebel) despite the consequences. 

As a result, Elijah felt alone, outside of God.  But he wasn’t!  God made him aware (19:18) that there were at least 7000 other believers.  You are not alone, either!  Seek comfort, and give comfort to other believers!

Many similarities between Elijah and Moses (and Jesus.)

Moses, Elijah (representing the Prophets) and Moses (representing the Law) stood with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Mt.17:3).  And Jesus “outshined” them both.

2:19 Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, was his Queen, not any of his wives!  This was true for virtually all of the kings of Judah that followed Solomon.  Hence, Mary as Queen of Heaven. 

5:15-8:21 Our churches should be beautiful inside and out: people will be drawn to God by their beauty, and by the devotion and commitment of worshippers it takes to build them.

 Solomon had it all: Money, wisdom, power-yet he planted the seeds of his nation’s demise, primarily by marrying foreign wives and placating them by building temples to their “gods.”  He ultimately slipped into idolatry himself.
(11:4)  (It’s tough enough to raise a faithful Catholic family when BOTH parents are Catholic.  Why make it more difficult by marrying outside the faith?)

Solomon hit the “trifecta” of prohibitions for the King, spelled out in Deuteronomy 17:16-17 -too many “horses”, “wives”, and “silver and gold.”
They diverted his attention from God.

73 of the 150 Psalms are attributed to David.

15:13-15 Read also Psalm 3 where  David expresses his stress and fear to God, as he is being hunted by his son, Absalom.  Read Psalm 22 (recited by Jesus on the Cross!) for how David expressed his seeming abandonment by God, but pay special attention to the faithful ending, verses 28-32.

22- Read also Psalm 18 (essentially quoted in this Chapter 22) as David expresses thanks and praise to God for David’s deliverance from his enemies.

In general, read Psalm 23 for the ultimate love letter from David to God.

David’s life story is also told in
1 Chronicles Chapters 11-29, another account by a different human author.
1 Chronicles emphasizes David’s piety and power, makes no mention of David’s adultery with Bathsheba or his trouble with his son Absalom.

7:18-29 On the positive side, David prays quite often, this time not asking for anything or complaining, but praising God for what God has already done. Prayer is David’s greatest strength!

11-12 David also had deep flaws: He committed adultery and murder! Yet, he repented! (Read Psalm 51, attributed to David, regarding his sorrow and guilt regarding the Bathsheba affair.)  No sin is beyond God’s forgiveness if confessed! 

Though flawed, David’s devotion to the Lord is what sets him apart from Saul and many others.  12:21 David “went to the house of the Lord and worshipped”  right after learning that his son had died!

13-15:12  David failed miserably in passing down faith and morals to his children.  He played favorites and did not discipline his children.

Exodus 40:34-35 cloud of glory covered the Tabernacle. (See Luke 1:35 “power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Mary)

Numbers 4:15 Can’t “touch” Ark. 
2Sam 6:6-7 Uzzah did and died.
Mary “untouched”- a perpetual virgin

6:9 “How can the ark come to me?” (See Luke 1:43)

6:11 Ark elsewhere for “3 months.” (See Luke 1:26,40- Mary with Elizabeth for “3 months.”)

6:14-16 David “leaped” when Ark arrived in Jerusalem. (See Luke 1:44- John the Baptist “leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary

Mary and the Ark in Revelation 11:19-12:18.

21:7 “bread of the Presence!”  (RSV-2CE)  God is PRESENT in the bread.

21:3 David lied,
25:22 and 2Sam 1:1-15 David had a severe anger problem,but God can still use him and forgive him.  (Even the best if us sins!  Repent, ask for forgiveness, and move back to God.)

28:7-20 (NOT COVERED IN THE RECORDING) Saul consulted a witch, showing once again that he did not trust God.  Modern-day Exorcists tell us that consulting mediums, ouija boards, horoscopes, etc opens the door toward demon possession.

When David was hunted by Saul and hiding in a cave, he prayed!  Psalms 142 and 57 are attributed to David, describing this event.  David prayed while a fugitive in the desert in Chapter 24 (see Psalm 63, also attributed to David.) Good advice for us today, in times of distress!

David respected Saul’s anointed POSITION as King, (could easily have killed Saul several times but showed forbearance) as we must show respect to our priests, bishops, and government leaders, even when we may disagree with them.

2Sam 1:26 David was not gay!  This is an example of twisting scripture to fit your morals, instead of the other way around.