Bible school - HS 3

• Unit 1: Kings and Kingdoms 1
• Week 1: The Establishment of Solomon as King
• Week 2: The Rise of Solomon as King
• Week 3: The Temple
• Week 4: The Decline of Solomon as King
• Week 5: Division of the Kingdom - Jereboam
• Week 6: Series of sinful kings
• Week 7: The Ministry of Elijah
• Week 8: Murder of Naboth
• Unit 2: Kings and Kingdoms 2
• Week 1: Last days of Elijah
• Week 2: Miracles of Elisha
• Week 3: Ministry of Elisha
• Week 4: Fulfillment of Elisha’s Prophecy
• Week 5: The Reign of Joash in Judah
• Week 6: Amaziah - Isreal goes into captivity
• Week 7: Hezekiah and Isaiah
• Week 8: Manasseh - Josiah - Judah going into captivity
• Unit 3: Exile and Post Exile 1
• Week 1: End of the Babylonian Captivity
• Week 2: Restoration of the Temple
• Week 3: Service of Ezra
• Week 4: Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls
• Week 5: Nehemiah facing struggles
• Week 6: Ezra and Nehemiah lead the spiritual reformation
• Week 7: Queen Esther
• Week 8: God saves his people
• Week 9: Completion of Esther
• Unit 4: Exile and Post Exile - Deuterocanonical Books
• Week 1: Judith
• Week 2: Tobit
• Week 3: Maccabees
• Unit 5: Pauline Epistles
• Week 1: Philemon
• Week 2: Titus
• Week 3: Hebrews 1-2
• Week 4: Hebrews 3-5
• Week 5: Hebrews 6-8
• Week 6: Hebrews 9-10
• Week 7: Hebrews 11
• Week 8: Hebrews 12-13
• Week
• Weekk
• Unit 6: 2 Timothy
• Week 1: 2 Timothy 1-2
• Week 2: 2 Timothy 3-4

Unit 1: Kings and Kingdoms 1

Week 1: The Establishment of Solomon as King

The Establishment of Solomon as King: 1 Kings 1-2

Objective: 

• The transition from David to Solomon
• God chose Solomon over Adonijah
• Death of David

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 1 Kings 1:1-40
  • 1 Kings 2:1-12

Key verse(s):

• "And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn” 1 Kings 2:3

Comments:

• The story in Chapter 1 can’t be split. There are 40 verses to be read. Plan to focus mainly on the parts where Nathan and David are planning and anointing Solomon as a king.
• The first book of Kings starts with the end of David and the beginning of Solomon's reign.
• We see David’s health has declined so they hired a servant girl to assist him.
• Adonijah is David's fourth son after Absalom, Amnon, and Chileab. He wanted to take the throne by force and decided to make himself king. He thought it was his turn (as he is older than Solomon). But God chose Solomon.
• Even though his old age, David asked to bring his most trusted counselors to start the process of making Solomon a king.
• We see the difference between David and Saul. David was not attached to his throne like Saul and wanted his son to take over. David understood that God is the King and his eyes were towards the Heavens.
• We see Zadok the priest anointed Solomon (1:39) with Holy Oil, just like Samuel did with Saul and David.
• In Chapter Two, David is giving Solomon wise instructions to be a king.
• The instructions are not just for kings. They are valuable instructions for us too.
• “I go the way of all the earth" 1 Kings 2:2 is a reminder from David to Solomon that he should not get attached to the throne. We also should look up to eternal life and we are not staying on earth forever.
• David warns Solomon about some people in the kingdom is not hate, but wise instructions to be aware of ungodly people around Solomon. We learn to differentiate between Godly and ungodly people around us.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who was the third king of Israel?
2. Who was the son that wanted to reign after David?
3. How did they stop Adonijah from being a king?
4. Who anointed Solomon as a king?
5. What are the instructions David gave Solomon before his death?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Solomon was older than Adonijah. (T/F)
2. Who spoke to Bathsheba about the reign of Solomon?
3. ____ anointed David as a king. ____ anointed Solomon as a king.
4. Where was David buried?
5. The period that David reigned over Israel was ____ years.

Week 2: The Rise of Solomon as King

The Rise of Solomon as King: 1 Kings 3-5

Objective: 

• Solomon asking for wisdom
• Solomon's wise decisions

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 1 Kings 3:3-28
  • 1 Kings 4: NO READING
  • 1 Kings 5:1-12

Key verse(s):

• "Give to Your servant an ^[b]understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 1 Kings 3:9

Comments:

• First thing Solomon did as a king was asking for wisdom. People may think that gaining wisdom is through reading books or getting degrees. The wisdom Solomon attained was Heavenly wisdom, which you gain through prayer and supplication.
• We see Solomon offering thousand burnt offerings on that altar. We see his generosity in the offerings.
• Solomon knew that in order for his reign/ministry to be successful, heavenly wisdom is needed.
• He asked for wisdom to differentiate between good and evil. When St. Anthony was asked what is the best virtue, he answered: "The ability to differentiate between what is holy vs unholy and Godly vs ungodly."
• Living many years in the OT was an important concept in people's minds. They understood that many years = God's love and blessings. Solomon didn't ask for many years, as he knew that it is important to make these years fruitful instead of just living many years.
• Solomon asked for wisdom only. God liked his answer/heart and gave him what he didn't ask for like wealth, honor among kings, and many years.
• We see Solomon's wise judgment in knowing who's the child's mother. The real mother will not let her child die. 
• Chapter 4 talks about the power of Solomon, the hierarchy in his kingdom, and the food he ate every day.
• In Chapter 5, we see Solomon making a treaty with the king of Tyre. He will help him with supplies to build the Temple.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What did Solomon ask God to give him?
2. What did God give Solomon besides wisdom?
3. How did Solomon judge between the two women?
4. What was the deal between Solomon and Hiram?
5. Why did Solomon ask Hiram to cut the wood for him?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What did Solomon ask God to give him?
   a) wisdom b) money c) a son
2. When did Solomon show his wisdom?
   a) in judging between two thieves b) in judging between two women who had a baby c) in judging between two killers
   
3. What did Solomon ask from Hiram?
   a) gold b) food c) wood
4. What did Solomon give Hiram in return?
   a) money b) slaves c) wheat and oil

Week 3: The Temple

The Temple: 1 Kings 6-8

Objective: 

• Building the Temple
• Solomon's prayer

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 1 Kings 6:1,11-13
  • 1 Kings 7: NO READING
  • 1 Kings 8: ALL - Skip 33-45

Key verse(s):

• "Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, execute My judgments, keep all My commandments, and walk in them, then I will perform My word with you” 1 Kings 6:12

Comments:

• Building the Temple started about 500 years after Moses. It was around the year 1000 B.C.
• Building the Temple was not an easy mission and required much effort and resources. God appeared to Solomon to encourage him.
  
• God also reminded Solomon and the people to not forsake the inner Temple of their hearts. God will dwell in the Temple they built only if they watch the inner Temple.
• Chapter 7: The details regarding Solomon's house
• Chapter 8 is all about consecrating the Temple. A beautiful prayer is said by Solomon.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How long did it take Solomon to build the House of the Lord?
2. What did God promise Solomon concerning the temple?
3. How did God fill the House of The Lord?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How long did it take Solomon to build The House of God?
   a) 5 years b) 6 years c) 7 years
2. What did God appear like when he lived in the House of The Lord?
   a) dove b) light c) cloud
   

Week 4: The Decline of Solomon as King

The Decline of Solomon as King: 1 Kings 9-11

Objective: 

• God's second appearance to Solomon
• Queen of Sheba's visit
• Solomon's heart turns from the Lord

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 1 Kings 9:1-9
  • 1 Kings 10:1-13
  • 1 Kings 11: ALL

Key verse(s):

• "Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her” 1 Kings 10:3

Comments:

• We see God appearing to Solomon again to remind him and the people to walk in his ways. 
• God makes it clear that if they don't follow the commandments and worship other idols, God will cut off Israel from the land. This is what will happen after many years because of the exile.
• The Queen of Sheba traveled a long distance seeking Solomon's wisdom. This teaches us two things:
  • The heavenly wisdom Solomon gained was above and higher than all other things
  • Solomon at this time was famous around the world for his wisdom
• The Kingdom of Sheba is located in Yemen today.
• In Chapter 11, we see the downfall of Solomon.
• King Solomon loved many foreign women who took his heart away from God.
• God tried to bring him back through many adversaries.
• We see Jereboam is rebellious against him. After Solomon's death, Jeroboam will cause the division to split.
• He will reign over 10 tribes and will be called the Northern Kingdom.
• We see this prophecy mentioned by the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite in 1 Kings 11:31
• Rehoboam, Solomon's son, will reign over two tribes and will be called the Southern Kingdom.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Which queen came to see King Solomon?
2. Did he meet her expectation? How?
3. How did Solomon make evil in the eyes of God?
4. How did God punish Solomon?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who was the queen that came to visit Solomon?
   a) the Queen of Sheba b) the Queen of Egypt c) the Queen of The Hibros
2. What did the queen think of King Solomon?
   a) that he was a mean king b) God loved his people that made him the king c) he should not be the king
3. Why was God angry with Solomon?
   a) he did not build The House of The Lord b) he worshipped other gods c) he didn’t pray
4. How did God warn Solomon about his mistake?
   a) He appeared to him twice and told him b) He sent him a prophet c) He made him sick

Week 5: Division of the Kingdom - Jereboam

Division of the Kingdom - Jereboam: 1 Kings 12-14

Objective: 

• The division of the kingdom

• The Message of the Man of God to Jeroboam

• Death of the Man of God

• Judgment on the House of Jeroboam

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 1 Kings 12:1-24
  • 1 Kings 13:1-30
  • 1 Kings 14:1-19

Key verse(s):

• "But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him” 1 Kings 12:8

Comments:

• The elders, who were David and Solomons's councils before, advised Rehoboam to listen to the people. If he had listened to the people and shown his love to them, they were going to follow him. The kingdom was split in two because he didn't follow their council.
• It's always important for a leader to show love first before authority or leadership.
  
• Jereboam heard the man of God and was unhappy with what he said. He thought he could use his power to change his word, however, this man was delivering God's message. He can't change the message and also that was God's judgment concerning Jeroboam. Because of his action, God punished him right away. Through the prophet's prayer, Jeroboam was forgiven.
• This prophet fell into the mistake of not following God's word. The false prophet from Bethel tricked him. He didn't ask God first before going with him (what God told him was against what this man said.) That's why this prophet, even though he was faithful to God, died.
• Jeroboam was a bad king and spread sin widely among the people. God judged him by ending his kingdom as well as from his house.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Rehoboam listened to the advice of whom?
2. Was that a good decision?
3. What was the sign that the prophet gave to prove his vision?
4. How did the man of God die? Why?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Rehoboam listened to the advice of:
   a) the eldersb) the young men c) both of them d) neither
2. What happened to King Jeroboam when he ordered the catch of the prophet?
   a) he died b) his hand withered c) he became famous
3. Why did God punish Jeroboam?
   a) he didn’t follow God b) he didn’t offer sacrifice to God c) he worshipped other Gods d) a, b, and c
4. 14. How did God punish Jeroboam?
   a) He killed him b) He killed his wife c) He killed his son

Week 6: Series of sinful kings

Series of sinful kings: 1 Kings 15-17

Objective: 

• Asa Reigns in Judah

• Ahab Reigns in Israel

• Elijah Proclaims a Drought

• Elijah and the Widow

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• 1 Kings 15:9-24
• 1 Kings 16:29-34
• 1 Kings 17:1-24

Key verse(s):

• "For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ” 1 Kings 17:14

Comments:

• King Asa was a good thing despite his father being a sinful king (1 Kings 15:3).
• King Asa became better than his father and he removed Maachah his grandmother from being queen.
  • Church fathers say she used to force idol worship in the kingdom
• He was good, except that he did not remove the idol places (1 Kings 15:14)
  • This teaches us that we need to be complete and perfect in applying the commandments. We have to present ourselves as perfect as we can to God and cannot leave any room for Satan in our lives.
• This also teaches us that spiritual life is a personal decision. Asa's parents were not good, be he chose to follow God and keep his commandments.
• Chapter 16 mentions multiple sinful kings. It's mentioned about all of them that their life summary is: " the sins which he had committed in doing evil in the sight of the Lord, in walking in the way of Jeroboam."
• King Ahab was arguably the worst and most sinful king in the history of both kingdoms.
• Chapter 17 mentions Elijah for the first time. Elijah is a great strong prophet in the OT.
• Ahab was a very bad king. He drifted away from God's commandments and worshipped the idols.
• Ahab and his wife Jezebel were very ungodly people.
• As a punishment to Ahab, and as a way for him to repent, Elijah stopped the rain. When the rain stopped, a famine happened.
• Some may ask, why does this have to happen to the people also?
  • The people knew that this was because of Ahab's actions. They will starve and stop working, so they will force Ahab to repent and ask Elijah to bring the rain back. 
• Elijah went to stay with a widow. This widow was a gentile, but she showed great faith in Elijah.
• Her faith in Elijah's God is the main reason she and her son did not suffer from hunger as everyone else.
• Her faith again brought her son back from the dead. This was the first time that a dead person will come back.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How did Asa follow the Lord? 2. What was the thing that Asa should have done and didn’t?
2. How do you see the work of God in Elijah?
3. Was the widow woman obedient to Elijah? What was the result?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. 1. Was Asa a good or bad king?
   2. Who did Ahab take for himself as wife? a) Jezebel b) Hanari c) Zimri d) Omri
   3. Who delivered food to Elijah? a) a pigeon b) raven c)squirrels
   4. What did Elijah ask the widow to do for him? a) wash his cloth b) let him stay at her house c) bake bread for him

Week 7: The Ministry of Elijah

The Ministry of Elijah: 1 Kings 18-19

Objective: 

• Elijah’s Message to Ahab
• Elijah’s Mount Carmel Victory
• Elijah Escapes from Jezebel
• Elisha Follows Elijah

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• 1 Kings 18:19-46
• 1 Kings 19: ALL

Key verse(s):

• "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21

Comments:

• Elijah faced the priests and defeated them in front of the people.
• This was not a personal matter, but Elijah wanted to prove that the Lord God is the true God (18:37)
• He asked them to keep adding water so that they can't deny the strength of the miracle.
• Elijah prayed seven times for the rain. He never lost hope or faith in God. This teaches us to never stop praying until we hear/see God's response.
• After this glorious day, Elijah lost hope and was scared of Jezebel. He is a human and felt weak for a moment.
• Elijah and Moses only in the OT fasted for forty days and forty nights.
• God never left him alone to his thoughts, He came and supported him.
• He told God he is the only prophet who believes in Him, but God told him that reserved seven thousand in Israel.
• We see God telling Elijah to bring Elisha to be his disciple so he can carry the service after Elijah.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How did Elijah challenge the prophets of Baal?
2. How did Elijah show the people that God is the real God?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Whose sacrifice was accepted?
   a)Elijah’s sacrifice b) the prophets of Baal c) Ahab d) a and b
2. Who woke Elijah and gave him to eat and drink?
   a) Jezebel b) Obadiah c) an Angel
3. Who became the prophet after Elijah?
   a) Hazael b) Jehu c) Samuel d) Elisha

Week 8: Murder of Naboth

Murder of Naboth: 1 Kings 21-22

Objective: 

• Naboth Is Murdered for His Vineyard

• Ahab facing Elijah

• Micaiah Warns Ahab

• Death of Ahab

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• 1 Kings 21:ALL
• 1 Kings 22:1-40

Key verse(s):

• "As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak” 1 Kings 22:14

Comments:

• Ahab wanted to take Naboth's vineyard by force.
• Naboth refused as the vineyard means a lot to him and his family.
• Jezebel plotted against Naboth and took his vineyard for her husband.
• God told Ahab: “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood." This was fulfilled in chapter 22
• Ahab repented and God accepted his repentance by not bringing calamity. This shows us that God really wants everyone to go back to him even if it is Ahab the evil king.
• Micaiah was a faithful prophet who did and said only what God instructed him to do, not what the king wanted.
• Jehoshaphat was a good righteous king. He made a mistake by going out to fight with Ahab. There should not be mixing between good and evil, light and darkness, or God and Satan. Jehoshaphat almost got killed in this battle as a warning to not do this again and also as a result of his bad decision.
• Ahab tricked Jehoshaphat. He disguised himself so the enemy doesn’t recognize him as the king. Jehoshaphat was naive.
• Ahab was struck and died, and the dogs licked up his blood like what happened to Naboth.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How did Ahab and Jezebel offend the Lord again?
2. Show God’s mercy even to the wicked.
3. What was the king’s expectation from Micaiah?
4. What was the end of King Ahab?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What did Ahab want from Naboth?
   A) his money b) his house c) his vineyard
2. What was the name of Ahab’s wife?
   a) Esther b) Helen c) Jezebel
3. Ahab hated Micaiah because
   a) he was jealous of him b) Micaiah does not prophesy good concerning him c) Micaiah was lying
4. What did Ahab the king of Israel do to Micaiah?
   a) killed him b) put him in prison c) rewarded him

Unit 2: Kings and Kingdoms 2

Week 1: Last days of Elijah

Last days of Elijah: 2 Kings 1-2

Objective: 

• God judges Ahaziah the son of Ahab

• Elijah Ascends to Heaven

• Beginning of Elisha's ministry

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 1:1-17
  • 2 Kings 2:1-25

Key verse(s):

• "Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” 2 Kings 2:9

Comments:

• Ahaziah is judged like his father Ahab.
• The first two fifty servants did not respect God's man, Elijah, and thus God sent fire.
• Elijah ascends to the heavens through the fire chariot. Only Elijah and Enoch were taken up in the body.
• Elisha prayed for double the portion of Elijah's spirit. He asked for this as he needs support in his ministry.
• The bears came out as a punishment for mocking God's man.
• Elisha's series of miracles starts. He turned the bad water into good water by a bowl of salt

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Why did Elijah spare the life of the 3rd group of fifties and their captain?
2. Compare between Elijah and Moses in parting the water.
3. Did the youth of Bethel deserve the curse? Why?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. From whom did Ahaziah want to know if he will recover from his injury?
   a) Elijah b) Baal-Zebub c) God d) the high priests
2. What did Elijah do to the first fifty men and their captain?
   a) blessed them b) cursed them c) asked for fire to consume them d) prayed for them 
3. What happened to Elijah?
   a) he died of old age b) he was taken into Heaven c) he traveled to another city d) he was killed
4. Elisha turned the bad water into good water by:
   a) throwing salt into the water b) filtering the water c) putting the water in new containers

Week 2: Miracles of Elisha

Last days of Elijah: 2 Kings 3-5

Objective: 

• God judges Ahaziah the son of Ahab

• Elijah Ascends to Heaven

• Beginning of Elisha's ministry

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 3:4-25
  • 2 Kings 4:1-44
  • 2 Kings 5:1-27

Key verse(s):

• “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” 2 Kings 4:30

Comments:

• Jehoshaphat fell into the same mistake again. This time they also almost died from the lack of water.

• Elisha and the Widow’s Oil

• Elisha prophesied the woman will conceive a son

• Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son

• Elisha Purifies the Pot of Stew

• Elisha Feeds One Hundred Men

• Naaman’s Leprosy Healed

• Gehazi’s Greed

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How were the Moabites mislead and lose the war?
2. Did the Shunammite woman have a great faith in Elisha? Prove this.
3. How would some flour remove the poison from the pot?
4. What do you conclude about Naaman’s character?
5. Why did Elisha refuse to take a gift from Naaman?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. The Moabites saw the water and thought:
   a) they will drown b) there is a flood c) it is blood d) the enemies drowned
2. The widow told Elisha she has nothing in her house except:
   a) one loaf of bread b) two coins c) empty jars d) a jar of oil
3. The Shunammite woman asked Elisha to:
   a) give her oil b) heal her son c) to pray for her d) to raise her son from the dead
4. Why was Naaman great in the eyes of his master?
   a) he was a leper b) he was honorable c) he was mighty d) by him the Lord gave victory to Syria
5. How was Gehazi punished?
   a) he became a leper b) he lost his money c) he was killed d) he was thrown in prison

Week 3: Ministry of Elisha

Ministry of Elisha: 2 Kings 6&8

Objective: 

• The Floating Ax Head

• The Blinded Syrians Captured

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Daoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)
  • Chapter 5-6
  • Chapter 6-7
  • Chapter 7-8
  • Chapter 8-9-10

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 6:1-23
  • 2 Kings 8:1-15

Key verse(s):

• “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” 2 Kings 6:16

Comments:

• The Floating Ax Head

• Elisha did not want the Syrians and the Israelites to enter the war. The action that Elisha took shows how to apply the commandment of becoming a peacemaker.

• The King Restores the Shunammite’s Land because of Elisha and what he did with her and her son.

• Ben-Hadad king of Syria was sick and wanted to know from Elisha if he will recover. Hazel knew what will happen as Elisha prophesied.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. When Elisha prayed what did he want the young man to see?
2. How did Elisha deal with the Syrian raiders who came to him?
3. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Who was Elisha referring to in this verse?
4. How did the Shunammite woman lose her land?
5. Why did Elisha weep?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What did the servant of Elisha see when Elisha prayed for him?
   a) a great army b) horses and chariots of fire c) soldiers d) flocks and sheep
2. How did Elisha lead the Syrian army inside Samaria?
   a) blinded them b) sent a leader in front of them c) forced them into the city
3. Whom did Shunammite woman ask for her land?
   a) Gehazi b) the king c) Elisha d) the philistines
4. Who did Ben-Hadad ask if he will recover from his disease?
   a) Gehazi b) Hazael c) Elisha d) the King of Syria

Week 4: Fulfillment of Elisha’s Prophecy

Fulfillment of Elisha’s Prophecy: 2 Kings 9-10

Objective: 

• Jehu Anointed King of Israel

• Ahaziah and Jezebel’s death

• Jehu ending the family of Ahab
• Death of Jehu

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 9:1-37
  • 2 Kings 10:18-31

Key verse(s):

• “And he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel” 2 Kings 9:36

Comments:

• Jehu will become the new king. The throne will move away from the family of Ahab as God mentioned before.
  

• Elisha called one of the young prophets to go and anoint Jehu as the new king. This had to be kept as a secret because -politically- there is another king.
• We also see God's work through Elijah being fulfilled after the murder of Naboth.
• Jezebel the evil woman and Ahab's wife, was killed by Jehu. When Jehu asked for her body to be buried, they found that her body was eaten. This fulfills Elijah's prophecy.
• In chapter 10, we see Jehu ending the house of Ahab as God told him.
• Chapter 10 shows many important concepts about God:
  • God's justice will surely come, even if it is late
  • God gives a lot of time for evil people to repent before putting an end
  • God lets evil people end other evil people's lives
  • Ending the family of Ahab is a symbol of cutting the evil from its roots and not leaving anything even if small
  • Ending the family of Ahab is justice for all the people they killed and the evil they spread
• Unfortunately, Jehu himself was not a perfect man. He drifted away from God's commandments and did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam
  • This teaches us that we need to follow God's commandments all the time and not mix between God and evil.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How does the death of Jezebel confirm Elijah’s prophecy?
2. What was the mission asked of Jehu?
3. The corpse of Jezebel shall be as refuse on the surface of the field. Explain.
4. Why did Jehu kill so many people?
5. Did Jehu follow all of God’s ways?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who anointed Jehu?
   a) Elisha b) one of the sons of the prophets c) Jehoshaphat d) Zimri
2. How did Jezebel die?
   a) men threw her out of the window b) by the sword c) she jumped of the window d) she was sick
3. How many sons did Ahab have in Samaria?
   a) forty b) fifty c) sixty d) Seventy
4. Jehu gathered all the worshipers of Baal because:
   a) he wanted to worship with them b) he wanted to kill them all c) he wanted to be their commander d) he wanted to honor them

Week 5: The Reign of Joash in Judah

The Reign of Joash in Judah: 2 Kings 11-13

Objective: 

• Athaliah Reigns in Judah

• The overthrow of Athaliah by Jehoiada

• Jehoash Repairs the Temple

• Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel

• Death of Elisha

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 11:1-20
  • 2 Kings 12:1-16
  • 2 Kings 13:1-9, 14-21

Key verse(s):

• “So Jehoahaz pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel” 2 Kings 13:4

Comments:

• Athaliah claimed herself the queen when her son died.
  

• Jehoiada the priest worked on putting everything back in place. He led the army to dethrone her.
• He also led the people to a spiritual reformation. The people made a covenant to be the Lord’s people.
• King Jehoash forces on reforming the Temple. Even when he did not see any progress, he met with the leaders to discuss with them the reasons and the ways of achieving that goal.
• Unfortunately in chapter 13, we see Jehoahaz followed the works of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. God was not happy and sent the king of Syria as a punishment.
• Elisha died. Joash called him my father which is also the word that Elisha said at the moment of Elijah’s ascension to heaven. It was known at that time among the people that this was what Elisha said to Elijah, so the same was said to him as well as a respect to his father. The people knew the spiritual importance of Elisha as he is the "chariot of Israel".
• The bow and arrow is a prophecy that God will help Joash over Syria. It is a symbol of God's hands over his hand (Elisha putting his hand over his). 
• Elisha was angry as he stopped without Elisha telling him to. It was. a prophecy that he will beat Syria only three times.
• It is a symbol that in everything we should throw the first arrow to God AKA get God's help first then the earthly matters.
• Elisha's bones brought the dead man back to life. This shows the importance of the Church honoring the bones of the saints.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Did Athaliah have the right to the throne?
2. Name some of the good things Joash (Jehoash) did during his reign.
3. Where did the money from the Trespass Offering go?
4. Was Jehoahaz evil or good?
5. Why call Elisha “the chariots of Israel and their horsemen”?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Jehoash was _______ years old when he became king.
2. The money brought to the house of the Lord was kept in:
   a) a chest b) a bank c) the palace of the king d) the priest's house
3. Jehoahaz pleaded with the Lord and the Lord:
   a) listened to him b) rebuked him c) oppressed Israel
4. The dead man was revived when:
   a) Elisha prayed for him b) the sickness left him c) his body touched the bones of Elisha d) the whole congregation prayed for him

Week 6: Amaziah - Isreal goes into captivity

The Reign of Joash in Judah: 2 Kings 14&17

Objective: 

• Amaziah vs Jehoash
• Isreal going into captivity

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 14:1-20
  • 2 Kings 17:1-41

Key verse(s):

• “They served idols, of which the Lord had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” 2 Kings 17:12

Comments:

• Unfortunately, the Israelites' spiritual life was so bad to the point that they started to fight each other. 

• Jehoash king of Israel went against Amaziah king of Judah. The two kingdoms, who originally were one nation, are going against each other. Judah was defeated by Israel. Amaziah was defeated by Jehoash.
• In Chapter 17, we see the North Kingdom going into captivity under the Assyrians. The reason is clear. It was a punishment from God because of their actions.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What was the message sent by Amaziah to Jehoash?
2. Who won in the war Amaziah or Jehoash?
3. Who did the Lord send to testify against Israel and Judah?
4. What was the message sent by the Lord through all His prophets?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Jehoash fought with Amaziah. Who won?
2. Who did the Lord send to testify against Israel and Judah? a) the prophets b) the priests c) the Levites d) the kings
3. "Turn from your _____ and keep My ___________ and My _________.

Week 7: Hezekiah and Isaiah

Hezekiah and Isaiah: 2 Kings 18-20

Objective: 

• Hezekiah Reigns in Judah

• Isaiah Assures Hezekiah

• Sennacherib’s Threat and Hezekiah’s Prayer

• Sennacherib’s Defeat and Death

• Death of Hezekiah

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 18:1-25
  • 2 Kings 19:1-20, 35-37
  • 2 Kings 20:1-21

Key verse(s):

• “The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went” 2 Kings 18:7

Comments:

• Hezekiah was one of the best kings in Judah. We see the faith clearly in his life. We see this in 2 Kings 18:4-8.

• Sennacherib Boasts Against the Lord and threatens Hezekiah. Sennacherib is the king of the Assyrians and Rabshakeh is the army leader. At this time, the Assyrians took over Isreal and wanted to take Judah into captivity as well.

• King Hezekiah humbled himself against God and prayed. Isaiah the prophet came to him and told him that God heard his prayer and will be with him. This is the same Isaiah who wrote the prophecy.
• God heard Hezekiah's prayer and saved them from going into captivity under the Assyrians.
• Judah did not go into captivity as an angel came and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrians.
• God listened to Hezekiah's prayer again and extended his life.
• Hezekiah was not supposed to show them the silver and gold for two reasons:
  • He did this as a way of showing off
  • The Babylonians will take this gold and defile God's house. We see this clearly with Belshazzar the Babylonian king.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What was different about Hezekiah compared to all the kings of Judah that preceded him?
2. What did Sennacherib boast about?
3. Show how Hezekiah had faith in God.
4. Who gave Hezekiah the message from God?
5. How many years did the Lord add to Hezekiah’s life?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Hezekiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord. True or false?
2. The King of Assyria asked Hezekiah to give him:
   a) his kingdom b) Judah c) silver and gold d) a great army
3. LORD our God, I _______, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the _______ may know that You are the ______ God, You ________."
4. Who gave Hezekiah the message from God?
   a) the king of Assyria b) Isaiah c) Sennacherib d) the high priest
5. I have heard your ______ and have seen your ________; surely I will ________ you.
6. How many years were added to Hezekiah’s life?
   a) 5 b) 10 c) 15 d) 20

Week 8: Manasseh - Josiah - Judah going into captivity

Manasseh-Josiah-Judah going into captivity: 2 Kings 21-25

Objective: 

• Manasseh Reigns in Judah after Hezekiah

• Josiah Reigns in Judah

• Josiah Restores True Worship

• Josiah Dies in Battle

• The Reign of the Babylonians

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 2 Kings 21:1-18
  • 2 Kings 22:1-20
  • 2 Kings 23:1-30
  • 2 Kings 24:10-12
  • 2 Kings 25: Worth mentioning that at this time both north and south kingdoms were taken into the Babylonian captivity.

Key verse(s):

• “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book” 2 Kings 22:13

Comments:

• Josiah was the last Godly king. He restored the worship and lead a spiritual reformation after he heard the words of the Book of the Law.
• He knew that the people drifted away from the words of this book, and that's why God was not happy with them.
  
• He worked a lot in eliminating all that is evil.
• After his death, more evil kings reigned.
• Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came and destroyed Judah and the Temple and took them into captivity.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Was Manasseh as good as his father?
2. Why did Josiah tear his clothes when he heard the words of the book of the Law?
3. How did Huldah give comfort to Josiah?
4. Who did Nebuchadnezzar exile?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Manasseh killed many people. True or false?
2. Huldah was:
   a) a queen b) the wife of Josiah c) the mother of Hilkiah d) a prophetess 
3. Shaphan read to Josiah from:
   a) the Holy Bible b) the book of the Law c) the book of history d) the newspaper
4. Josiah made a covenant before the Lord to follow the Lord with all his _______ and all his ________.
   Which feast was held on the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign?
   a) Christmas b) Easter c) Passover d) Epiphany
5. Name the King of Babylon who came against Judah:
   a) Nebuchadnezzar b) Jehoiakim c) Judah d) Manasseh

Unit 3: Exile and Post Exile 1

Week 1: End of the Babylonian Captivity

Week 1: Ezra 1,3,4

Objective: 

• End of the Babylonian Captivity

• Worship Restored at Jerusalem

• Restoration of the Temple Begins

• Resistance to Rebuilding the Temple

• Rebuilding of Jerusalem Opposed

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • Ezra 1:1-11
  • Ezra 2: Skip
  • Ezra 3:1-13
  • Ezra 4:1-24

Key verse(s):

“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” Ezra 3:11

Comments:

• King Cyrus of Persia took over the Babylonian kingdom. Now we are in the era of the Persian Kingdom.

• God moved King Cyrus's heart to let the Israelites go back to their land to rebuild.

• Zerubbabel was the leader of the first wave of people to come back from exile to Jerusalem.
• Many Israelites were established in the Babylonian land and did not want to go back and rebuild a demolished country.
• Chapter two has some of the names who came back with Zerubbabel. Church Fathers look at this in a way where those people who believed in God, offered to work and serve, and left their luxurious, lives were worthy to have their names written in the Book of Life.
• Chapter 3 talks about the beginning of the service and the leaders that led the people to this reformation.
• Chapter 4 talks about the hardships they are facing. We see the devil is not happy with the spiritual reformation and trying to stop what Zerubbabel is trying to accomplish.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who went to Jerusalem to build the House of the Lord?
2. Give the three main points in the Cyrus Proclamation.
3. . How did they celebrate the laying of the foundation of the temple?
4. Why did the older Israelites weep?
5. Why wouldn’t the Jews accept help from the inhabitants of the land?
6. What accusations were sent to King Artaxerxes?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Cyrus made a proclamation to build the temple because:
   a) the Lord filled his spirit b) Jeremiah ordered him to c) he was forced to
2. The House of the Lord was to be built in:
   a) Persia b) Babylon c) Jerusalem d) Egypt
3. Who exiled the people of Israel to Babylon?
   a) Zerubbabel b) Nebuchadnezzar c) Jeremiah d) the Nethinim
4. What feast did the people keep?
   a) the Passover b) the Feast of Hanukah c) the Feast of Tabernacles d) Christmas
5. Who oversaw the work of the House of the Lord?
   a) Kadmiel b) Jeshua c) the Levites d) all of these
6. Who offered to help the Israelites build the temple?
   a) the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin b) Jerubbabel c) King Darius d) Cyrus
7. The letter sent to Artaxerxes was written in:
   a) in English b) in Arabic c) in Aramaic d) in Hebrew

Week 2: Restoration of the Temple

Week 2: Ezra 5-7

Objective: 

• Restoration of the Temple Resumed

• The Decree of Darius

• The Temple Completed and Dedicated

• The Passover Celebrated

• The Arrival of Ezra

• The Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • Ezra 5: All
    
  • Ezra 6: All
  • Ezra 7: All

Key verse(s):

“And may the God who causes His name to dwell there destroy any king or people who put their hand to alter it, or to destroy this house of God which is in Jerusalem. I Darius issue a decree; let it be done diligently.” Ezra 6:12

Comments:

• After people tried to stop the restoration by sending the king a letter, he issued a decree that the rebuilding would resume. 
• King Darius issued a decree to declare that this was an official matter and no one was allowed to stop it. God is giving His people grace in the eyes of the rulers.
• The Temple was completed and Passover was celebrated as early signs of returning back to normal and original life.
• Chapter 7 mentions Ezra for the first time. He will lead the second wave of captives back to Jerusalem to rectify and improve their spiritual status.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. “But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews.” Explain.
2. To whom did Haggai and Zechariah prophesy?
3. How did God punish His people when they provoked Him?
4. Where did the expenses for building the House of God come from?
5. The Passover lambs were slaughtered for whom?
6. What was Ezra set to do?
7. What kinds of punishments were set for those who would not observe the law of God and the king?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. The governor wrote a letter to:
   a) Shethar-Boznai b) Darius c) the Israelites
2. Who issued the first decree to build the temple?
   a) Darius b) Cyrus c) Sheshbazzar d) Ezra
3. The decree of Darius was concerning:
   a) building the House of the Lord b) keeping the Passover c) paying taxes d) going to Jerusalem
4. At the dedication of the House of God the priests:
   a) sang b) danced c) offered sacrifices
5. Ezra was a priest and a scribe. True or false?
6. What was Ezra to buy with the money he recieves?
   a) bulls b) rams c) lambs d) all of these

Week 3: Service of Ezra

Week 3: Ezra 8-10

Objective: 

• Fasting and Prayer for Protection

• The Return to Jerusalem

• Intermarriage with Pagans

• Confession of Improper Marriages

• Pagan Wives Put Away

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • Ezra 8:21-36
    
  • Ezra 9:1-15
  • Ezra 10:1-19

Key verse(s):

“Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it.” Ezra 10:4

Comments:

• Names of those who returned with Ezra in chapter 8 were worthy to have their names written in the Book of Life. These people left their luxurious life, stability, and success to work on reviving their land and the Temple. This is God's message to us. Our names will be written in the Book of Life if we choose him over earthly matters.
• Before returning back, Ezra proclaimed a fast. This shows the importance of fasting and submitting to God before conducting anything or any service we take on.
• Ahava river flowed into the Euphrates somewhere in the northwest of Babylon. This was their meeting point before traveling back home.
• Many of the men who returned with Ezra had pagan wives. Ezra found out how deep that problem was as they have been married for a long time and some of them had children already. Ezra explained to them that this should end. If we are starting a new life of repentance with God, sinful habits, people, and any earthly matter should be eliminated.
• Even the priests and the Levites taking pagan wives to themselves shows how far these people were away from God and the commandments.
• Ezra 9:8: "to give us a peg in His holy place" means security in His Holy place.
• The people accepted to separate from their pagan wives. They accepted the consequences and chose the heavenly reward.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. How did Ezra prepare the people spiritually for the journey?
2. Why was Ezra ashamed to request an escort of soldiers?
3. What wrong doing did the people of Israel do?
4. What did Ezra do at the Evening Sacrifice?
5. Who suggested making a covenant with God?
6. Why did Ezra eat no bread and drink no water for a while?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who called for a fast?
   a) Darius b) Cyrus c) Ezra d) Eliezer
2. When they camped by the river at Ahava who was missing?
   a) the priests b) the sons of Levi c) Ezra d) the king
3. At the evening of the sacrifice, Ezra
   a) fell on his knees b) prayed c) tore his garment d) all of these
4. Concerning the people of the lands, God asked the people of Israel not to:
   a) give your daughters to their sons b) pay them taxes c) eat with them
5. Who took to themselves pagan wives?
   a) the priests b) the Levites c) the people d) all of these
6. Ezra ate no bread and drank no water because:
   a) he was on a diet b) there was no food or drink c) he was mourning d) he was in prison

Week 4: Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls

Week 4: Nehemiah 1-4

Objective: 

• Nehemiah Prays for His People

• Nehemiah Sent to Judah

• Nehemiah Views the Wall of Jerusalem

• Rebuilding the Wall

• The Wall Defended Against Enemies

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• Nehemiah 1: Group prayer during the concluding prayer (similar to servants meetings)
• Nehemiah 2: 1-20
• Nehemiah 3: Skip
• Nehemiah 4: 1-23

Key verse(s):

“Please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night” Nehemiah 1:6

Comments:

• Please read the last verse in chapter one. Nehemiah had a high-status job. He was the king’s cupbearer. This means he will taste whatever is offered to the king before the king in case it is poisoned. This was a highly trusted job.
  
• Nehemiah left the luxurious life and desired to take his brethren and go back to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His heart desired the service and worship, not the earthly desires.
• We learn from Nehemiah that the first thing to do before service (or talking to the king in his case) was to pray.
• King Artaxerxes, king of Persia, noticed Nehemiah and allowed him to go and revive his homeland. 
• Nehemiah viewed the walls and made a statement strategic plan before initiating the work. We learn from him to think and plan before starting any project.
• Chapter three mentions those who got to work. Church Fathers viewed these men as the people who struggled and did the work and their names were written in the Book of Life.
• Satan was not happy with the progress and wanted to stop this great service. People arose to scare them and make them stop. Nehemiah did not cease and continued his work and kept his trust in God.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What was Nehemiah’s job in the king’s palace?
2. What did Nehemiah ask of Artaxerxes?
3. Why did Nehemiah want a letter from the king to Asaph?
4. How did Nehemiah encourage the people to rise and build the wall?
5. Mention the professions of some of the people who helped repair the wall.
6. How did Nehemiah respond to his enemies’ anger?
7. Why did Nehemiah have a trumpeter beside him?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Nehemiah’s job in the king’s palace was:
   a) a singer b) a cupbearer c) a priest d) a musician
2. Nehemiah wanted timber to make:
   a) the gates of the citadel b) the city wall c) his house d) all of these
3. When Nehemiah went to view the wall of Jerusalem he took with him:
   a) his friends b) the workers c) no one d) just the animal he rode on
4. Which of these gates is NOT a gate in Jerusalem?
   a) the Fish Gate b) the Fountain Gate c) the Golden Gate d) the Refuse Gate
5. Some of the people who made repairs in the wall were:
   a) priests b) goldsmith c) merchants d) all of these

Week 5: Nehemiah facing struggles

Week 4: Nehemiah 5-8

Objective: 

• Nehemiah Deals with Oppression

• The Generosity of Nehemiah

• Conspiracy Against Nehemiah

• The Wall Completed

• The Captives Who Returned to Jerusalem

• Ezra Reads and Explains the Law

• The Feast of Tabernacles

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• Nehemiah 5: 1-19
  
• Nehemiah 6: 1-19
• Nehemiah 7: 1-6
• Nehemiah 8: 1-18

Key verse(s):

“We will restore it, and will require nothing from them; we will do as you say.” Nehemiah 5:12

Comments:

• Nehemiah started to deal with problems with the people. Many of these problems were caused by usury.
• Usury is when a person lends money to another person and asks to return the money with extremely high-interest rates.
• Nehemiah met with the people and they all agreed to stop it and to help their brethren. We see Nehemiah's leadership in the society.
• Nehemiah's generosity is seen when he is appointed governor and invites many people to sit with him at the same table. A lot of food was prepared daily.
• Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab tried to stop Nehemiah from completing the wall. Nehemiah dealt with them wisely without losing hope in God's support. Nehmiah's faith and dedication led to the rebuilding of the walls in only 52 days.
  
• Again, there are names of those who returned to Jerusalem mentioned in chapter seven. Church Fathers look at this in a way where those people who believed in God, offered to work and serve, and left their luxurious, lives were worthy to have their names written in the Book of Life.
• Ezra the scribe was still alive and he led the people to read the law and to another spiritual reformation.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What position did Nehemiah occupy in the land of Judah?
2. Why did Nehemiah not demand the governor’s provisions?
3. How many days did it take to rebuild the wall?
4. How many times did Sanballat send messages to Nehemiah?
5. Why did Nehemiah refuse to meet with Sanballat and his allies?
6. How did Nehemiah figure out that Shemaiah was a traitor?
7. Who read from the Book of the Law?
8. When was the last time the people made booths before that time?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What position did Nehemiah occupy in the land of Judah?
   a) a priest b) a governor c) a scribe d) a singer
2. Who was invited to Nehemiah’s table?
   a) Jews b) rulers c) people from other nations d) all of these
3. How many times did Sanballat send messages to Nehemiah?
   a) 2 b) 3 c) 5 d) 10
4. How many days did it take to rebuild the wall?
   a) 15 b) 35 c) 42 d) 52

Week 6: Ezra and Nehemiah lead the spiritual reformation

Week 6: Nehemiah 9-13

Objective: 

• The People Confess Their Sins

• The Covenant That Was Sealed

• Nehemiah Dedicates the Wall

• The Reforms of Nehemiah

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• Nehemiah 9: Group prayer during the concluding prayer (similar to servants meetings)
  
• Nehemiah 10: 28-39
  
• Nehemiah 11: Skip
• Nehemiah 12: 27-47
• Nehemiah 13: 1-31

Key verse(s):

“Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.” Nehemiah 9:2

Comments:

• After the spiritual reformation that was led by Ezra and Nehemiah, the people confessed their sins and started to live a new Godly life.
• People separated themselves from gentiles. It's a symbol of separating ourselves from sin.
  
• Nehemiah dedicating the wall is a similar concept to the consecration of churches nowadays.
• Dividing responsibilities on the people to serve the Temple was a way of making sure everyone was included in the service. People needed to feel that they belonged to the Temple after many years in exile.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Three particulars are mentioned regarding the Sabbath. What are they?
2. Men of which tribe lived in Jerusalem?
3. What was the king’s command concerning the sons of Asaph?
4. How did the Levites celebrate the dedication of the wall?
5. Who lead each of the two thanksgiving choirs?
6. Nehemiah asked God to remember him and what else?
7. What is wrong in having children who do not speak the language of Judah?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. The people made a vow to give how much of a shekel to the service of the House of the Lord?
   a) one quarter b) one third c) one half d) one whole shekel
2. The Levites shall bring up a ________ of the ______ to the house of our _________. 
3. The people cast a lot to chose how many to live in Jerusalem?
   a) one third b) one fifth c) one half d) one out of ten
4. What did the singers receive?
   a) a quota day by day b) the tithe c) the first fruit
5. Where did the singers live?
   a) In the palace b) in Jerusalem c) in villages all around Jerusalem d) in the desert
6. What was stored in the rooms of the storehouse?
   a) the offerings b) the first fruitsc) the tithes d) all of these
7. The Ammonites or the Moabites should not come into the Assembly of God because they did not give the children of Israel:
   a) bread and water b) wood to build the temple c) gold and silver d) the tithes
8. What did Eliashib prepare for Tobiah?
   a) A big feast b) a large room c) a palace d) horses and soldiers

Week 7: Queen Esther

Week 7: Esther 1-5

Objective: 

• The King Dethrones Queen Vashti

• Esther Becomes Queen

• Haman’s Conspiracy Against the Jews

• Esther Agrees to Help her People

• Haman’s Plot Against Mordecai

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• Esther 1:1-20
• Esther 2:1-23
• Esther 3:1-11
• Esther 4:10-17
• Esther 5:1-9

Key verse(s):

“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins.”  Esther 2:17

Comments:

• The story of Queen Esther takes place during the Persian kingdom between the return of the first and second waves to Jerusalem by Zerubbabel and Ezra.
• King Ahasuerus made a feast for seven days. He was drinking a lot and did not make wise decisions. He asked for his wife, Queen Vashti, to come so he could show off his beautiful wife. She refused to go.
• The king's counselors told him he couldn't accept this because all men in the kingdom would get disrespected and humiliated by their wives.
• When the king was sad, one of his counselors suggested bringing all the beautiful girls into the kingdom so the king could choose a wife.
• Estehr's Jewish name was Hadassah. She was raised by her uncle Mordecai. Mordecai learned about the plot against the king and informed the king about it. When the king realized that Mordecai saved his life, he honored him to be at his palace.
• Haman was a descendant of King Agag whom King Saul did not kill. He got promoted and was loved by King Ahasuerus. Haman wanted to kill all the Jews because Mordecai did not bow to him. Mordecai only worships the One and True God.
• Mordecai asks Esther to intercede for her people to the king to save them from Haman's evil plan. Esther found grace and favor in the king's eyes and was able to save the Jews.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. King Ahasuerus held a great feast and he summoned his queen because he wanted:
   a) to display her beauty b) he wanted her to dance c) he wanted to deport her
2. What happened to Queen Vashti when she refused the king's command to come to him?
   a) she was beheaded b) she was dethroned c) she was imprisoned
   
3. Who raised Esther?
   a) her father, Abihail b) her maid, Dinah c) her cousin, Mordecai
4. Who wanted to lay hand on the king?
   a) Esther b) Mordecai c) Bigthan and Teresh
5. Haman was angry because Mordecai refused to:
   a) pay him taxes b) bow to the king c) bow to Haman
6. Haman wanted the Jews to be destroyed. How did the king respond?
   a) granted Haman's request b) ordered Haman to make peace c) refused Haman request
7. What did Mordecai request from Esther?
   a) have Haman poisoned b) flee with the Jews c) ask the king to spare Esther's people
8. Esther asked the Jews to:
   a)fast for three days b) offer a sacrifice c) appear in sackcloth
9. When Esther went before the king, what did she request?
   a) the presence of the king and Haman at a banquet b) the Jews' safe exit from the land c) the protection of the king's guard

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Why did the king command that Queen Vashti be brought to him?
2. What was worrying Memucan in regards to Vashti's behavior?
3. How did Hegai treat Esther? (Esther 2:9) 2. How did the king celebrate Esther as a queen? (Esther 2:18)
4. Show how Haman was an important man. (Esther 3:1-2)
5. What did Haman suggest to the king concerning the Jews? (Esther 3:9)
6. What is the law concerning who goes into the inner court of the king without invitation? (Esther 4:11
7. Why did Esther ask the Jews to fast? (Esther 4:15)
8. What did the king offer Esther even before knowing her request? (Esther 5:3)

Week 8: God saves his people

Week 8: Esther 6-10

Objective: 

• The King Honors Mordecai
• Haman Hanged Instead of Mordecai
• Esther Saves the Jews
• The Feast of Purim
• Mordecai’s Advancement

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• Esther 6:1-14
• Esther 7:1-10
• Esther 8:1-11
• Esther 9:18-28
• Esther 10:1-3

Key verse(s):

“For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.”  Esther 10:3

Comments:

• The story in chapter 6 was all planned by God. The king couldn't sleep and reading the book leading to honoring Mordecai was all God's plan to save His people.
• King Ahasuerus asked Haman about rewarding a person who was faithful to the king. Haman thought the king was asking to honor him, but he did not know it was for Mordecai.
• King Ahasuerus found out that Haman was an evil person. Esther told the king about his plans. The king told his eunuchs to take him and kill him using the gallows that Haman built to kill Mordecai.
• Haman had issued a decree to kill all the Jews in the Kingdom. The kingdom's protocol insists that the King can't change his decisions. Mordecai and Esther quickly wrote another decree that the Jews through the entire kingdom can defend themselves against anyone who seeks to kill them.
• After the Jews were saved, Mordecai and Esther declared a feast for the Jews called Purim from the word Pur which means lots. This is to remember that Haman when he wanted to kill the Jews, brought people to "cast lots" to choose the day when he can kill all the Jews.
• We read that Mordecai was trusted by the king and he became the second man in the kingdom.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. When the king learned that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life he:
   a) ask Haman's advice b) held a banquet in his honor c) gave Mordecai great wealth
2. Who is the man that the king honored?
   a) Haman b) Mordecai c) Bigthana
3. When Esther revealed Haman's plan for destroying her people to the king, Haman:
   a) begged Esther for his life b) threatened to kill Esther c) asked God for forgiveness
4. King Ahasuerus discovered Haman lying on Esther's bed. What happened to Haman?
   a) he took his own life b) he was hung on the gallows c) he was cast into prison
5. Why couldn't the king change his own decrees? (Esther 8:8)
6. Mordecai and the Jews started celebrating a new feast called:
   a) Passover b) Christmas c) Purim d) Hanukah

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. According to Haman how can the king honor the one whom he delights?
2. What did Haman do after honoring Mordecai?
3. What is Esther referring to when she said, “For we have been sold”?
4. What was ironic in the way Haman died?
5. Why did the people fear Mordecai? (Esther 9:3-4)
6. How did the Jews celebrate the Feast of Purim?

Week 9: Completion of Esther

Week 9: Esther 11-16

Objective: 

• The King Honors Mordecai
• Haman Hanged Instead of Mordecai
• Esther Saves the Jews
• The Feast of Purim
• Mordecai’s Advancement

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• Esther 11:1-12
• Esther 12:1-6
• Esther 13: Skip
• Esther 14: Prayed as a group prayer
• Esther 15:1-19 
• Esther 16:1-24

Key verse(s):

“And that they be children of the most high and most mighty living God, who hath ordered the kingdom both unto us and to our progenitors in the most excellent manner.”  Esther 16:16

Comments:

• The story is the same as in chapter 2. This chapter is more detailed.
• The chapter mentions that this story happened during the time of Cleopatra.
• It is mentioned in chapter 11 that Mordecai was taken into captivity during the reign of King Jeconiah. Jeconiah is the same as King Jehoiachin mentioned in 2 Kings 24. Mordecai was taken to captivity during the second wave of captivity.
• Mordecai had a dream about two great dragons that represent the good and the evil which symbolize God and the devil. The devil seems to be strong and mighty at the beginning but after that a little fountain which is Esther comes out and overflows.
  
• Chapter 12 continues the story. Mordecai told the king and saved his life. The king ordered to honor Mordecai.
• It appears from Esther 12:6, that Haman was the one behind this conspiracy. Haman wanted to kill the king so he was not happy with Mordecai.
• Esther 13 talks about Mordecai's prayer that he prayed after Haman's evil decree.
• Esther 14 is Esther's prayer
• Esther 15 talks about the conversation between Mordecai and Esther before she goes and talks with the king. He is reminding her of her past time at his house and what she learned about God. He is reminding her of her Godly upbringing.
• The king was angry because Esther walked in on him without a notice or calling her. God gave Esther grace and switched his anger into gentleness. He comforted her and listened to her concerns. It seems that Esther was very scared and off-balanced but the king didn’t ignore her. This story continues with more details in chapters 7 and 8.
• Esther 16 talks about the king's decree after all that happened. It was a public official decree to the entire kingdom that also shows God's work. He also confessed and believed in the Jews' God in Esther 16:16
• Esther 16:14: "The Macedonians" at the time was used as a humiliation since the Macedonians were poor and primitive countries.
• The day that the Jewes were getting killed became a feast day.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Where did Mordecai serve?
   a) in the fields b) in the court of the king c) in the temple
2. Where did the great river come from?
   a) the high mountains b) the nearby country c) the cry of the people
3. The two eunuchs were planning to:
   a) lay hand on the king b) lay hand on Mordecai c) go to war
4. Haman wanted Mordecai to bow down:
   a) to him b) to God c) to the king
5. Who did Esther take with her to the king?
   a) Mordecai b) Haman c) two maids
6. What was the king’s reaction when he saw Esther?
   a) very happy b) afraid c) angry

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who brought Mordecai from Jerusalem?
2. What was the purpose of Mordecai's dream?
3. How did Mordecai know about the eunuchs’ plot?
4. How did the king repay Mordecai?
5. Did the king love Esther? Give proof.
6. Why was Esther frozen with fear?

Unit 4: Exile and Post Exile - Deuterocanonical Books

Week 1: Judith

Week 1: Judith

Objective: 

• Historical Context of the Story of Judith

• Fasting and Prayer Conquers

Resources:

Fr Luka Maher Series:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MntHAjn2KqE (Ch 1-4 Intro and Holofernes' Conquest)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sDm5SPI3TQ (Ch 5-7 The siege of Israel)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN1VkEVGMoc (Ch 8-9 - Judith's Prayer and Plan)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIrJsuX6wa0 (Ch 10-11 - Judith Meets Holofernes)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFVbd11qSAA (Ch 11-13 - Judith Defeats Holofernes)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1H68G342jY (Ch 14-16 - Judith's Final Praise)

Body:

Historical Context: The Assyrian Captivity

• 2 Kings 17
  • Shalmaneser, King of Assyria wanted to take conquest over Israel. Coming in from the north, he defeats the Kingdom of Israel, who had had only evil kings; and at present time had an evil king (Hoshea)
• 2 Kings 19
  • Sennacherib, successor of Shalmaneser attempts to take Judah (Southern Kingdom) captive, but he fails
  • Judah had a righteous king, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. They prayed that the Lord deliver them from Sennacherib and the Assyrians and the Lord swiftly answered, sending an angel to protect them. The angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 of the Assyrian armies in one night.
  • So Sennacherib went home to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and stayed there the rest of his life.
  • Two of his sons killed him while he was praying to his idols. His third son, Esarhaddon reigned in his place as king of Assyria
• 2 Chronicles 33
  • Esarhaddon, wanting to avenge his father, sends troops to Judah to attempt to take it into captivity again.
  • This time, Judah has an evil king - Manasseh
    • Manasseh restored the high places of the idols
    • Manasseh practiced witchcraft, soothsaying, sorcery and consulting mediums
    • Manasseh raised up altars for Baal
    • Manasseh performed child sacrifices
  • Will God defend them with an angel now? Certainly not.
  • Manasseh is taken into captivity and taken as a slave
  • It is worth noting that Manasseh will repent during his captivity and the Lord will bring him back
  • But during the time before he repents, while he is in captivity, Judah is left without a king, and is surrounded by the Assyrian army. And this is where the story of Judith takes place

Holofernes' Conquest & The Siege of Israel

• Judith 1
  • Arphaxad, king of the Medes built a very powerful city called Ecbatana - this is the early days of the Persian empire. 
  • Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians, who reigned in Nineveh the great city, fought against Arphaxad and prevailed over him
    • Nebuchadnezzar is not a name, but is a title - and it was used in the Assyrian kingdoms, as well as the Babylonian kingdoms. This is not the same Nebuchadnezzar from the days of Daniel, as that is the Babylonian captivity. But this is Esarhaddon, the son of Sennacherib. He is the one who moved the Assyrian capital to Nineveh.
  • Nebuchadnezzar was exalted by this victory and decided to continue his conquest. So he pursued Cilicia, Damascus, Lebanon, Carmel, Kedar, Samaria, Galilee and Jerusalem, and even down to Ethiopia

    • 

    • The darker green is the Assyrian kingdom after Shalmanesser and Sennacherib
    • the lighter green is what Esarhaddon was aiming to conquer
    • You can see that Judah is yellow because the Assyrians never captured Judah, although they captured everyone else
  • Nebuchadnezzar sent a letter to all of those places, but they all responded with rejection. So he gathered his army.
• Judith 2-3
  • Nebuchadnezzar sends Holofernes to the nations of the west and he takes most of them, including Idumea (Edom) south of Judah
  • They say "it is better for us to live in service to Nebuchadnezzar, the great king, and to become subject to you, rather than to die, even though we may have to suffer our condemnation into the annihilation of slavery." (3:2)
• Judith 4
  • You will notice that it is the priest who is managing the resistance and the army here - because there is no king! Manasseh has been taken away
  • Judah plans resists the Holofernes and his army
  • They gather warriors in the mountains

    • 

    • The region of Israel and Judah is very mountainous, so they are protected by the mountains. If someone is trying to invade Jerusalem, for example, they will always be coming in from lower ground - so whoever has the higher ground has the advantage. 
    • They didn't necessarily need to depend on an army or weapons because they had the mountains defending them. This will be important later.
• Judith 5-6
  • Holofernes finds out that Judah plans to resist, so he requests the leaders of Moab and Ammon to tell him who this nation of Judah is and what is their history
  • Achior, commander of Ammon, gives Holofernes the full history of Israel and Judah.
    • "And there was no one who could attack this people, except when they withdrew from the worship of the Lord their God. But as often as they worshipped any other, except their own God, they were delivered to plunder, and to the sword, and into reproach. But as often as they were repentant for having withdrawn from the worship of their God, the God of heaven gave them the power to resist." (5:17-19)
  • Holofernes is angry, and responds that there is no god on earth except for Nebuchadnezzar.
  • Holofernes tells Achior that he will perish with those children of Israel, as a testament to the "falsehoods" he spoke
  • They deliver Achior to the Israelites in Bethulia and he tells them what happened

  • 

  • The prayer of the Israelites:
    • "O Lord, God of heaven and earth, behold their arrogance, and gaze upon our humility, and attend to the face of your holy ones, and reveal that you do not abandon those who rely on you, and that those who rely on themselves and who glory in their own strength, you humble." (6:16)
• Judith 7
  • Holofernes sends troops to attack Bethulia and they came to the foots of the mountains and started to plan an attack.
  • The Ammonites and Moabites approached Holofernes and told him that the mountains provide good protection for the cities of Judah. So they recommend to cut off their water supply instead, that they may die within the walls of the city and the battle would be won without the sword.
  • After 20 days without water, the people in the city started to complain to their elders and they say "For it is better that as captives, being alive, we should bless the Lord, than that we should die and become a disgrace to all flesh, after we have seen our wives and our children die before our eyes." (7:16)
  • "Uzziah, rising up covered in tears, said: 'Be steadfast in soul, brothers, and let us wait these five days for mercy from the Lord. For perhaps he will break off His indignation and give glory to His own name. But if, with five days passing, help does not arrive, we will accomplish the words that you have spoken." (7:23-25)
    • Is this a good thing that he said, or a bad thing?
    • Imagine in the days of Pope Abram Ibn Zara when the Caliph came and told him "if you don't move this Muqattam mountain in three days, I will judge against you" - imagine that the Pope went and prayed and said to St Mary "if God doesn't move this mountain 3 days, we're just gonna give the Church to the Muslims" - "we're gonna give the Church to Satan." Of course not!

Judith's Response

• Judith 8
  • Read the whole chapter
  • Character of Judith
    • Young widow; Living as a monastic; Fasting all the days that fasting is permitted
    • Beautiful; Young; Wealthy and having servants
      • This is everyone's dream! But how does she live her life as young, beautiful and wealthy and having servants? She stays in the upper room with her maidservants in prayer and fasting and dresses in modest clothes, living a life of virginity, and does not show off her wealth.
      • She is living like St Demiana, whose father Mark was a general and wealthy but instead of basking in his wealth, she asked him to build her a convent for her and her 40 virgin friends.
      • Compare to Isaiah 3:16-23; Judith chose to humble herself
        
    • Feared the Lord very much
    • Zealous for the Lord
    • Courageous to speak her faith
  • Rebuke of Judith
    • "Who are you to test the Lord?" (8:11)
    • "This is not a word that will provoke mercy, but rather one that may excite wrath and enkindle fury." (8:12)
      
    • The Lord should be upset with your words, but not "anger like a son of man" (8:15) - rather, "the Lord is patient" (8:14)
  • Plan of Judith
    • Let us humble our souls before Him and "glory in our humility"
• Judith 9
  • Read the whole chapter
  • Judith's Prayer
  • The last verse is the main idea of Judith: "Make your entire nation and every tribe to know and understand that You are God, the God of all power and might, that there is none other who protects the people of Israel but You only." (9:14)
• Judith 10
  • Judith wears the "feast clothing"
    • There is a difference between looking beautiful or handsome (which is acceptable and desirable to God) and looking attractive (which is desirable only to mankind)
    • Her goal was not to be attractive and to fall into sin; her goal was to glorify God. And so the Lord
  • She took her food with her (wine, oil, grain, fruit, bread) - she was not going to eat the food of those pagans; food offered to idols. Even though Jerusalem is lacking food and water; she would not descend to those levels. See her commitment
    • Sometimes we go on vacation and forget about our fasting, or we skip a fast completely. Or we make up rules like "I won't fast this week because I'm on vacation, but I'll make up the days when I get back"
    • It's my friend's birthday during the fast, I'll just take a day off, no problem
    • A place I shouldn't go, I know there will be sin there, but I'm invited so I'll just go and eat some food, no problem.
    • Do you understand why the Lord walked with these great saints? Do you see their seriousness and commitment?
  • Did Judith tell the truth?
    • For the rest of her interactions here, Judith will only speak the truth. What the other side understands is a different story! But she is very specific so as not to tell a lie.
    • The Hebrews truly are weak and about to be devoured
    • She is coming to tell Holofernes an accurate report.
    • She will give him the plan by which none of his men will lose their body or life
      • (When Holofernes is beheaded, his whole army will flee and run away, so none of them will die)
      • This time is not like when the Lord sent an angel in the time of Sennacherib, but in this case they will all live
  • The soldiers are so focused on her beauty that they allowed her straight to their leader
    • To the point that they said "we should kill all the Israelite men just to take their women for ourselves"
    • The Lord will bring about their destruction by their own sin... because of his lust for Judith, Holofernes will be brought to death
• Judith 11
  • Judith tells her plan to Holofernes and is intentionally ambiguous (e.g. in verse 6 "And if you carry out all the words of your handmaid, God shall do something great through you, and my lord shall not fail in his pursuits" - Holofernes understands it as talking about himself, but really she is talking about her Lord)
  • Read from verse 17-23
  • Holofernes is pleased with her words and says "You not only look beautiful, but you are wise in your words"
  • Holofernes lied to her "your God will be my God" - he is trying to deceive her
• Judith 12
  • Judith starts to execute her plan, and for three days she goes out and prays and returns
  • On the fourth day, Holofernes makes a feast and invites her to the feast. He is so imbued in lust that he says "It would be disgraceful to us if we allowed such a woman to be neglected, for if we do not seduce her she will laugh at us" - instead of sin being disgraceful, he says it would be disgraceful for him not to sin
  • So she comes and eats her own food and drink. But Holofernes, because of his lust for her, "drank more wine than in any one day since birth" (20)
• Judith 13
  • Read from 1-10
  • Judith returns to Bethulia and the people rejoice and hold a feast
• Judith 14
  • The final piece of her plan - the Israelite army will take arms and stand outside the gate. When the Assyrians see it, they will go and awake all of their generals and officers at which point they will discover Holofernes' slaughter and they will flee. Then the Israelites should go and attack them.
    
• Judith 15
  • The plan goes how she said, and the Assyrian army is decimated
• Judith 16
  • Judith sang a song of glorifying God, which we will read together when we stand for prayer
  • And then her and all the women and people of Bethulia came to Jerusalem and worshipped God and offered sacrifices. And she dedicated all of what was plundered from Holofernes to the Lord. She took nothing for herself.
  • Judith, at the end of her life, released her servants, gave away everything that she had, and was buried in the tomb with her husband

Key verse(s):

"You are God, the God of all power and might, that there is none other who protects the people of Israel but You only." (Judith 9:14)

Comments:

• Bethulia means "virginity"
  • Judith represents St Mary; Jerusalem represents the Church; Holofernes represents Satan
  • Satan has a desire for us to reject God, to make himself god but despite his attacks, the Lord will always deliver us through the intercessions of St Mary
    

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1.  

Week 2: Tobit

Objective: 

• Historical Context of the Story of Tobit

• Faithfulness to the Lord
• The guardian angel and their protection 

Resources:

Fr Luka Maher Series:

• https://youtu.be/qSoNKojpmEQ?si=TvBKR-26iL10YDVT

Body:

• The events of the Book of Tobit happened during the Assyrian Exile (Northern Kingdom)
  • This shows how righteous Tobit is 
• Sennacherib went to take over the Southern kingdom 
• At the time, Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed and fasted that God wouldn't allow that to happen 
• An angel went down and killed 185 k from the army 
• He got so mad and killed all the jews and left their bodies in the street 
• Tobit used to go burry them 
• Both families are from the tribe of Naphtali (Tobit, Hanna, and Tobias) & (Raguel, Hanna, and Sara) - Both loved the Lord 
  • Both families are faced with tribulation 

Reading: *** From the Orthodox Study Bible***

• Read chapter 1&2& 3:7-11, 16-17 as an intro
• Read chapter 4: Tobit commandments to Tobias
• Read chapter 5" The meeting with Raphael 

Key verse(s):

"Yo

Comments:

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1.  

Week 3: Maccabees

Objective: 

• Historical Context of the Story of the Maccabees

• Faithfulness to the Lord
• Protecting the Law and Temple under all circumstances

Resources:

Fr Luka Maher Series:

• https://youtu.be/qSoNKojpmEQ?si=TvBKR-26iL10YDVT

Body:

• This topic is just to cover the most famous story in the book of Maccabees and get an idea on what the story is about. This story happened about 200-150 years before the birth of Christ.
• Chapter 1 explains how the Greek kingdom was started by Alexander the great after he defeated the Persian kingdom.
• The Greek kings were not as bad as the eighth king over Jerusalem who was called Antiochus Epiphanes. He was Antiochus the IV. He is considered by many Church fathers to be the "Anti-Christ" of the Old Testament. His actions and persecutions to the Jews foreshadow the acts of the real Anti-Christ before the Second Coming. He is the horn spoken by Daniel is his prophecy.
• To compact his actions, Mattathias the priest, and his sons summoned the people and encouraged them to fight back.
• Judas who was called Maccabeus went through many wars against the Greeks. The Book's name came from his title.
• 2 Maccabees explains a lot of background stories that lead to the many wars we read about in 1 Maccabees.
• 2:42-48 The Hasideans were Jews who strictly upheld the law. Together with Mattathias they began cleansing Israel of impurity, attacking both Gentiles and Jewish traitors. The Hasideans' strictness will lead them to care too much about the letter and not the Spirit. Later, this group will be called the Pharisees.

Reading: *** From the Orthodox Study Bible***

• 1 Maccabees Chapter 1: 1-28
• 2 Maccabees Chapter 6:1-31
• 1 Maccabees Chapter 2: 1-26
• 1 Maccabees Chapter 3: 1-33
• 1 Maccabees Chapter 4: 36-61
• 1 Maccabees Chapter 6:1-13

Key verse(s):

"For this very reason, He never withdraws His mercy from us. Although He disciplines us with calamities, He does not abandon His own people." 2 Maccabees 6:16

Comments:

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Homework:
**Servant may add more questi

Unit 5: Pauline Epistles

Week 1: Philemon

Week 1: Philemon

Objective: 

• Overview of the Pauline Epistles

• The Story of Philemon and Onesimus
• Brotherhood in Christ

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
• SUS COPTS

Reading:

• Philemon 1-25

Key verse(s):

“Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.” Philemon 21

Comments:

• Philemon is one of the four epistles St. Paul sent during his first imprisonment.
• Philemon was a disciple of St. Paul and he was a wealthy man. Onesimus was a servant of Philemon.
• Onesimus wronged his master and was caught and put in jail.
• In jail, he met St. Paul and repented. When St. Paul learned he was Philemon's servant, St. Paul sent this letter to Philemon asking him to accept him back as a brother in Christ.
• The theme of this epistle is the brotherhood in Christ

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. For what is St. Paul giving thanks?
2. What is St. Paul willing to do in behalf of Onesimus? 
3. What good things had St. Paul heard concerning Philemon?
4. In what does St. Paul have confidence as he writes to Philemon?
5. Why does St. Paul refer to himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus? 

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. St Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus as a
   a) friend b) slave c) prisoner d) teacher
2. What does Paul call Onesimus? What does it mean?
3. How had becoming a Christian changed Onesimus? 
4. How could Philemon do more than what Paul had asked of him?

Week 2: Titus

Week 2: Titus

Objective: 

• Overview of the Pauline Epistles

• Tips for Spiritual Conduct

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Titus chapters 1-3

Key verse(s):

“But you speak the things which become sound doctrine” Titus 2:1

Comments:

• Titus was the bishop of Crete and a disciple of St. Paul. He accompanied St. Paul to the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15.)
• St. Paul sent this epistle as a pastoral epistle.
• Chapter 1: Putting things in order
• Chapter 2: Adorn the doctrine
• Chapter 3: Maintaining good works

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What were the two reasons Titus had been left in Crete?
2. On what basis can a bishop exhort and convict those who contradict the faith?
3. How should young women treat their husbands and children?
4. To whom did the Grace of God appear?
5. How has God in mercy saved us?
6. Who was Titus to reject after two admonitions? Why?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Where did St. Paul leave Titus?
   a) Rome b) Crete c) Jerusalem d) Egypt
2. A bishop must be:
   a) self-willed b) quick-tempered c) greedy for money d) blameless
3. But as for you, ______ the things which are proper for sound _______.
4. For the ______ of God that brings ________ has appeared to all ________.
5. 1. According to His _______ He saved us, through the _________ of regeneration and renewing of the Holy _________.
6. Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good ________. a) standing b) behavior c) works d) teaching

Week 3: Hebrews 1-2

Objective: 

• God’s Supreme Revelation

• The Son Exalted Above Angels

• Do Not Neglect Salvation

• Bringing Many Sons to Glory

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Hebrews 1-2

Key verse(s):

“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?” Hebrews 1:13

Comments:

• St. Paul this epistle to prove to the Jews that the Messiah is Christ 
• He also wanted to confirm to the recent Christians with Jewish background that Christ is the Messiah
• Hebrews 1 and 2: St. Paul wanted to prove that Christ is not an angel, but higher than all angels

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Who are the companions mentioned in verse 9?
2. Why is the Son better than the angels?
3. How can death destroy the power of death?
4. The 1st chapter talked about the Son being better than the angels, in this chapter we read the Lord Jesus Christ was made a little lower than the angels. Is there a contradiction? Explain. 
5. How was the Lord Jesus Christ made like His brethren?

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

1. God made the world through His
   a) power b) Son c) light d) angels
2. "Sit at My right ________, Till I make Your ________ Your __________."
3. "I will declare Your name to My ________; In the midst of the assembly I will ________ praise to
   ______."
4. Who has the power of death? a) God b) the Lord Jesus Christ c) the angels d) the devil

Week 4: Hebrews 3-5

Objective: 

• Be Faithful

• The Promise of Rest

• Our Compassionate High Priest

• Qualifications for High Priesthood

• A Priest Forever

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Hebrews 3-5

Key verse(s):

So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” Hebrews 5:5

Comments:

• Chapter 3: Moses is a great prophet. But he was a faithful servant in the house. Christ is the owner of the house.
• Christ is higher than the angels (Heb 1&2) and higher than Moses (Heb 3).
• Chapter 4: Christ is higher than Joshua. The names Jesus and Joshua are the same in Hebrews. Joshua is often likened to Christ, but in chapter 4 St. Paul wanted to show that Christ is higher than Joshua.
• Joshua gave them the land, Christ will give them eternal kingdom.
• Hebrews 5: Christ is higher than Aaron. Aaron was the first higher priest. Aaron's priesthood was stopped by his death. Christ's priesthood is forever (Heb 5:6).

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What comparison does St. Paul makes between Moses and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. “Do not harden your hearts.” What is St. Paul quoting and what does it mean?
3. Why did some people not profit from the Gospel they heard?
4. Describe the Word of God according to St. Paul.
5. What are the duties of the High Priest?
6. What is the difference between those who partake only of milk and those who take solid food? 

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

1. For every _______ is built by someone, but He who built all ______ is ________.
2. For how many years did the fathers see the works of God?
   a) 10 b) 20 c) 40 d) 75
3. The Word of God is sharper than:
   a) a knife b) a razor c) a sword d) a needle
4. Who is our great High Priest?
   a) our Pope b) the Lord Jesus Christ c) our bishop d) our priest
5. Every high priest is appointed for men that he may offer both:
   a) gifts and sacrifices b) gold and silver c) bread and wine d) money

Week 5: Hebrews 6-8

Objective: 

• The Peril of Not Progressing

• God’s Infallible Purpose

• The King of Righteousness

• The Need for a New Priesthood

• Greatness of the New Priest

• A New Covenant

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Hebrews 6-8

Key verse(s):

"In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13

Comments:

• Chapter 6: comparison between OT and NT. The difference between both.
• Chapters 7&8: Christ and Melchizedek. Melchizedek had a special priesthood.
• He is the one who blessed Abraham the father of Aaron the high priest. He is a type of Christ.
• Melchizedek was the king of peace who was a type of the real king of peace.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What are the two immutable things mentioned in verse 18?
2. Who is the forerunner mentioned in verse 20 and why was he called that name?
3. Why was Melchizedek considered great?
4. Why is the Lord Jesus’ priesthood superior to any other?
5. Why was there a need for a second covenant?
6. Mention four provisions in the New Covenant

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

1.  For God is not ________ to forget your ________ and labor of love which you have shown toward His _________, in that you have ministered to the _______, and do minister.
2. By whom did God swear to Abraham?
   a) the Lord Jesus Christ b) The Holy Spirit c) Himself d) Israel
3. Melchizedek was also called King of:
   a) peace b) righteousness c) Salem d) all of these
4. Our Lord was from which tribe?
   A) Levi b) Judah c) Israel d) Joseph
5.  We have such a _________ _______, who is seated at the ________ hand of the throne of the Majesty in the _________.
6. He is also _________ of a better covenant, which was established on better _________.

Week 6: Hebrews 9-10

Objective: 

• The Earthly Sanctuary

• Limitations of the Earthly Service

• The Heavenly Sanctuary

• The Mediator’s Death Necessary

• Animal Sacrifices Insufficient

• Christ’s Death Perfects the Sanctified

• The Just Live by Faith

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Hebrews 9-10

Key verse(s):

"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward." Hebrews 10:35

Comments:

• Chapters 9 and 10 talk about the OT vs NT sacrifices.
• Christ the sacrifice of the NT vs the OT sacrifices.
• All OT had limited effect and the blood of animals cannot forgive sins. 
• Christ's sacrifice is a propitiation for man's sins.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1.  What two gifts does the New Covenant provide to a believer?
2. Why was the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice better than the sacrifices made under the Mosaic covenant?
3. Define “sanctification.”
4. How are we sanctified?
5. Compare between the Levitical priests and our High Priest.

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

1. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ cleanses:
   a) our body b) our heart c) our conscience d) our mind
2. The Ark of the _______ overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden _______ that had the ______, Aaron's _____ that budded, and the __________ of the covenant.
3. "This is the ______ that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their ________, and in their ________ I will _______ them."
4. Therefore do not cast away your _________, which has great _________. For you have need of ________, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the __________.

Week 7: Hebrews 11

Objective: 

• Definition of faith

• Pillers of faith from OT

• Faithful Abraham

• The Faith of the Patriarchs

• Overcoming through faith

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Hebrews 11

Key verse(s):

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the ^[b]evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony." Hebrews 11:1-2

Comments:

• St. Paul defines faith in verses 1&2. Faith is trusting in God's timing and ability to control everything without knowing the time or seeing physical evidence.
  
• St. Paul goes through the OT story giving examples of faithful heroes highlighting the moments their faith shined.
• It is highly recommended that the servant goes through every story and gives a quick overview of the story and how the saint showed faith in their life.
• V.13: The patriarchs lived as strangers in the land that God gave them. They lived like strangers so they are not attached to the earth and its desires. 
• V.32: Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah were all judges, and through faith, they saved their people. Their stories are found in the book of Judges. 
• V. 33: All these judges and righteous kings subdued kingdoms and worked righteousness.
• V. 33: "stopped the mouths of lions" Like Daniel
• V. 34:
  • "quenched the violence of fire" - The three saintly youths
  • "escaped the edge of the sword" - Moses escaped when Pharoh wanted to kill him. David escaped when Saul sought after him. Elijah was saved after Jezabel threatened to kill him.
  • "out of weakness were made strong" Like the Israelites against the Egyptians. David against Goliath and Saul. The Maccabees against Antiochus Epiphanes.
• V. 35: Like the widows with Elijah and Elisha. Like the women at the time of the Maccabees. 
• V. 37:
  • "They were stoned" - Jeremiah was stoned in Egypt
  • "they were sawn in two" - King Manasseh killed Isaiah with a wooden saw.
• Note that verses 35-38 apply to the struggles they faced at the time of the Maccabees.
  • These stories are mentioned in 1&2 Maccaabees
  • These verses prove the authenticity of these books as St. Paul used them as references
• Some people mistakenly apply verse 38 to the monks and hermits in our Coptic church. Remember that St. Paul wrote this epistle hundreds of years before the monastic life was established and before the time of the saints that we know now.
• Note that all the stories mentioned here are well-known to the Hebrews. This is why St. Paul didn't mention some names.
  • For example, if I say the first deacon who was stoned by the Pharisees. You will automatically know it is St. Stephen without mentioning his name. 

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What sacrifices would please God?
2. What should be our attitude towards our rulers?
3. How many widows had their sons back from death in OT?

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

Week 8: Hebrews 12-13

Objective: 

• The Race of Faith

• The Discipline of God

• Renew Your Spiritual Vitality

• The Glorious Company

• Hear the Heavenly Voice

• Concluding Moral Directions

• Concluding Religious Directions

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• Hebrews 12&13

Key verse(s):

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us" Hebrews 12:1

Comments:

• As always, St. Paul always dedicates the last few chapters of every epistle with spiritual tips.
• Hebrews 12:1 St. Paul explains that the saints are surrounding us and supporting us in everything. But Jesus is the author and finisher of our race. 
• Hebrews 13:2 - entertain=host. St. Paul is referring to the time when Abraham showed great hospitality to three men before finding out he hosted Christ and two angels.  

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What better things does the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ speak compared to Abel?
   
2. Who are in the city of the living God?
3. What sacrifices would please God?
4. What should be our attitude towards our rulers?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. "My son, do not despise the _______ of the LORD, Nor be _________ when you are ________ by Him.
2. Who is the Mediator of the New Covenant?
   a) Abraham b) the Lord Jesus Christ c) the high priest d) Israel
3. Jesus Christ is the same _________, _________, and ________.
4. For it is good that the ________ be established by _______, not with foods which have not profited those who have been _________ with them.

Week

Weekk

Unit 6: 2 Timothy

Week 1: 2 Timothy 1-2

Objective: 

• Timothy’s Faith and Heritage

• Not Ashamed of the Gospel

• Be Loyal to the Faith

• Examples for strength

• Approved and Disapproved Workers

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• 2 Timothy 1-2

Key verse(s):

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" 2 Timothy 2:1

Comments:

• This epistle is considered St. Paul's farewell. It was the last letter he wrote before his martyrdom.
• St. Paul tells us the importance of the correct and Christian upbringing of children. He told St. Timothy that his strong faith came from his mother and grandmother. 
• He is not ashamed of the Gospel, even if he is in jail.
• He says that God saved us and called us with a holy calling. Therefore we shouldn’t be ashamed to serve Him even if we end up in jail for His name.
• 2 Timothy 2 includes the famous analogies of faith. St. Paul tells us that we shall be strong in faith like soldiers, athletes, and farmers.
• 2 Timothy 2:15: We need to be diligent to present ourselves to God, just like we are diligent in many other matters.
• He links the previous verse with 2 Timothy 20 as he says there are many vessels in God's kingdom. Some are Gold and silver and some are just wood or clay. Think of the martyrs and the saints to be like Gold and those people who are not as honest in their faith to be like wood or clay. That's why we need to be diligent to be like those examples of gold or silver.
• 2 Timothy 22: "Flee" is one of the best techniques to avoid falling into temptations (Ex: Joseph)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What was the role of St. Timothy’s family in his faith? How can we affect the faith of our children in the light of this answer?
2. Where was St. Paul when he wrote this Letter?
3. As youth, what are we to “flee” from and what are we to “pursue”? Give personal examples.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. God has not given us the spirit of:
   a) forgiveness b) fear c) power d) love
2. St. Timothy’s mother name was:
   a) Lois b) Eunice c) Mary d) Miriam
3. A servant of the Lord must not:
   a) forgive sinners b) quarrel c) be patient with the ungodly d) pursue righteousness
4. Flee also ________ lusts; but pursue righteousness, _______, love, _________ with those who call on the Lord out of a pure _________.

Week 2: 2 Timothy 3-4

Objective: 

• Perilous Times and Perilous Men

• The Man of God and the Word of God
  

• The Lord Is Faithful

• St. Paul's final words

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
  
• HEM Youssef Bible Study (English)
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible Study (Arabic)
  

Reading:

• 2 Timothy 3-4

Key verse(s):

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 2:7

Comments:

• St. Paul talks about problems that are very well applicable to our generation. 
• He mentions that these sins prevent people from "never able to come to the knowledge of the truth".

• 2 Timothy 3:12: All who want to follow God will suffer persecution. This is because His way is different from the world's.

• 2 Timothy 3:16: He said (all) to tell us that we can benefit from all Books in the Bible. All Books can be used as "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" for our benefit. There is one verse that can be used to reproof one person's ways, and the same verse can be use for someone else's correction.

• St. Paul instructs St. Timothy to preach the word and to continue the service. He knew by the Spirit that his martyrdom is close that is why he said the verses in 2 Timothy 4:6-13.
• 2 Timothy 4:11 shows that the contention that happened between St. Paul and St. Mark was for not a real "hatred". It was for the sake of the service. Here he affirms the importance of St. Mark.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What reasons does St. Paul give to turn away from perilous people?
2. God’s Word could be applied in four distinct ways in order to insure that the next generation would become complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work. List these ways.
3. Describe St. Paul’s attitude toward his approaching death. What are your thoughts about death?
4. What was St. Paul’s charge to St. Timothy in his ministry and how would he accomplish it?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. Yes, and all who desire to live_______ in Christ Jesus will suffer _________.
2. All Scripture is given by inspiration of ________, and is profitable for ________, for _______, for ________, for instruction in _________.
3. What would some people not endure?
   a) suffering b) the weather c) sound doctrine d) prison
4. Who alone was with St. Paul when he wrote this Epistle?
   a) St. Luke b) Demas c) Alexander d) Titus