Who Was Who?

1 ROMANS. The Roman Empire was peaceful and organized in the time of the New Testament. It took over the Greek Empire.

2 GREEKS. The Greek Empire covered the East Mediterranean in the time between the Old and New Testaments. Greek (or Hellenistic) culture was the setting of the New Testament.

3 PHILISTINES. Or...

Father of a Nation

Abram (later called Abraham) is called by God to travel to Canaan.

1. Abram's father Terah takes his family to go to Canaan from Ur. Settle in Haran.

2. Terah dies. Abram called by God to go on to Canaan. He travels with his wife Sarai, nephew Lot, flocks of sheep,and his workmen. God promises Abram many descendants, to become...

The Superpowers Move In

During the period of the Old Testament, 4 superpowers turned their unwelcome attention on Palestine:

1. Egypt. The great southern power in the Old Testament, Egypt was in gradual decline. This was occasionally halted by a number of powerful kings, some of whom invaded Palestine and challenged the northern superpowers. Judah and Israel were...

Land-Hungry Empires

Israel Dragged into Exile

The prophets Amos and Hosea had predicted that Israel would be destroyed. The people had betrayed their faith, worshipping false gods and oppressing the poor of the land. They did not trust God, but instead relied on foreign alliances.

Hosea had warned: ‘Israel flits about like a silly pigeon; first her people call on Egypt for help, and...

The Prophets Speak

1. UNITED MONARCHY. Samuel acted as prophet in the time of Saul, around 1050 bc, anointing both Saul and David king.

2. NORTHERN KINGDOM. Elijah and Elisha prophesied in the 9th century bc. The 8th century prophets Amos and Hosea denounced the social injustices of Israel.

3. SOUTHERN...

The Prophets Speak

1. UNITED MONARCHY. Samuel acted as prophet in the time of Saul, around 1050 bc, anointing both Saul and David king.

2. NORTHERN KINGDOM. Elijah and Elisha prophesied in the 9th century bc. The 8th century prophets Amos and Hosea denounced the social injustices of Israel.

3. SOUTHERN...

Inside the Siege

Jerusalem had surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, emperor of Babylon, in 597 bc. He put Zedekiah on the throne. But Zedekiah hoped to throw off Babylonian rule. He became a focus for discontent in the region.

1. Foreign ambassadors come to Zedekiah to plot against Babylon. Jeremiah the prophet wears a wooden yoke and urges them to submit to B...

Kidnapped to Egypt

Jeremiah the prophet is forcibly taken to Egypt.

1. Gedaliah is made governor of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar after the exile of King Zedekiah.

2. Scattered exiles from Ammon, Moab, and Edom return to Judah and help to gather the first harvest after the invasion.

3. Ishmael, a member of the old royal family, leads a group o...

Who's Who in the Exile

1. Jehoiachin. Exiled from Jerusalem at 18, having ruled 3 months. Probably kept under house arrest until 37 years later given a place of honour in the royal court. Seen as important figure by the Jewish exiles. Probably died during the exile (2 Kings 24:1&#x...

Coming Home

In 539 bc the Babylonian Empire was taken over by Cyrus, the Persian king. He issued commands that all the displaced exiles should return home to worship their own gods. The exiles were free to return to Judah.

1. Sheshbazzar, a Jewish exile, is made governor of Judah, 537 bc. He is given the temple treasures taken by Nebuchadnezzar,...

The Birth of Jesus

1. Jesus is born to Mary in Bethlehem.

2. Astrologers from the East (probably Babylonia or Persia, but possibly Arabia) come hoping to find a baby to be king. King Herod is disturbed by their news.

3. He sends them on to Bethlehem. There they see Jesus and present gifts.

4. They return by a different road.