Israel: New Testament

Road Routes

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...

Jacob Comes Home

1. Inset: Jacob cheats his brother Esau out of their father's blessing. Esau plans to kill him, so Jacob flees to Haran. There he works for his uncle Laban, who in turn cheats Jacob.

2. After 20 years, Jacob secretly takes his wives, children, servants, and flocks back to Canaan. Laban pursues, but they reach an agreement.

3....

Exit from Egypt

1 Israelites told to leave Egypt by Pharaoh, the Egyptian King. The years of slavery are over (Exodus 12:29–36).

2 They travel to the region of the Bitter Lakes (

Over the Jordan

The Israelites enter the Promised Land.

1. After Moses death, Joshua sends spies to explore Canaan—and especially Jericho.

2. The spies return. Next day Joshua moves the people to camp by the Jordan. It is springtime, the river is in flood. They wait 3 days.

3. At the city of Adam, 16 miles upstream, a landslide bl...

Joshua's Campaigns

1. In the south (Joshua 10). Joshua's southern campaign was triggered by the treaty he made with the city of Gibeon. Five local kings went to war against Gibeon for its defection to the Israelites. Joshua conquered all their cities (except Jerusal...

Cities of Refuge

After the initial conquest, the Israelites named 6 cities as special ‘cities of refuge.’ A person who accidentally killed another was told to run to the nearest city of refuge. He or she would there be given shelter from avenging relatives until a fair trial could be arranged. This was an important provision in an age of blood feuds.

The c...

Philistine Sea Raiders

1. The Philistines were a fiercely aggressive people from the Aegean Sea. Along with other ‘Sea Peoples,’ they attacked the coasts of the east Mediterranean with their swift ships in search of land to conquer and settle.

2. In the 12th century bc they attempted to conquer Egypt but were repulsed.

3.

The Ark Captured!

1. Philistines go to Aphek to attack Israel. The Israelites suffer a heavy defeat in battle.

2. Israelite messengers bring the ark to Ebenezer (the Israelite camp) believing this will save them.

3. In a second battle, the Israelites are again defeated. The ark is captured.

4. Philistines take the ark to Ashdod an...

Saul's Donkey Search

1. The donkeys belonging to Saul's father Kish have wandered off. Saul and a servant go in search of them.

2. At Ramah, Saul meets Samuel. God tells Samuel that Saul is to be Israel's king and so Samuel anoints him.

3. Saul returns home, not telling his family of the events. The donkeys have been found.

While the King Slept…

1. David is hiding on the edge of the Judean desert.

2. A group of men from Ziph tell Saul of David's location.

3. Saul and 3,000 soldiers come to search.

4. David discovers Saul's camp.

5. At night, David and Abishai cross over the valley and penetrate Saul's camp.

Uriah's Death Warrant

1. David sins by committing adultery and murder.

Joab, the head of David's army, attacks the Ammonites at their capital city, Rabbah. Although it is spring, ‘the season when kings go to war,’ David stays at home. He sleeps with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah, one of his soldiers. She becomes pregnant.

2. David ...

Revolt Against David

Absalom plans a coup against his father, King David.

1. Absalom had plotted in Jerusalem against David for 4 years. Now at Hebron, he finalizes his plans.

2. David hears of the plot and flees Jerusalem. He leaves behind his trusted adviser, Hushai, to give Absalom bad advice and to send inside information to David.

3.

The Great Divide

Solomon's kingdom is broken in two.

1. Jeroboam, an official of Solomon's (in charge of slave labour), is met by a prophet. He is told that he will become ruler of the 10 northern tribes.

2. Jeroboam either plans a coup against Solomon, or is suspected of it. Solomon tries to kill him, and he flees to Egypt.

3.

Elijah on the Run

1. Elijah prophesies to King Ahab a 3 year drought in Israel.

2. Elijah hides at the brook of Cherith.

3. When the brook dries up he goes to Zarephath. He stays 3 years with a widow and her son.

4. Elijah goes to Ahab and tells him to gather the people of Israel and the prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel.

5. ...

Naaman Is Healed

1. Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, gets leprosy. He hears from his Israelite servant girl about Elisha's healing powers.

2. The king of Syria sends Naaman to Samaria. He goes to Elisha's house.

3. Elisha instructs Naaman to wash in the River Jordan 7 times. Naaman feels insulted, but his servants persuade him. ...

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...

John the Baptizer

1. Zechariah the priest has a vision in the temple. His wife Elizabeth will give birth to John, who will be a prophet like Elijah (Luke 1:5–25).

2. John is born (Luke ...

On Herod's Birthday

1. John travels to Samaritan territory. Many people hear his message and respond (John 3:23–24; 4:37–38). John's disciples are jealous of Jesus' succe...

A Journey North

1. Jesus goes to Jerusalem for Passover. He does many miracles and people believe in him.

2. Jesus and disciples in Judea, where the disciples baptize people. John the Baptist is baptizing at Aenon.

3. Jesus goes back to Galilee stopping at Sychar in Samaria. Here he talks with the woman at the well and stays 2 days teaching.

Capernaum and Bethany

Capernaum

Early in his ministry, Jesus made his home in Capernaum, after his rejection in Nazareth. He used the town as his base to travel out into Galilee and probably stayed in the home of Simon and Andrew, where he had healed Simon's mother-in-law. He healed many people in the town, which drew large crowds, and gained it a reputation as

Lazarus, Come Out!

1. Jesus is at the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. As he teaches, the people try to stone him for ‘blasphemy.’

2. Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem, cross the Jordan and stay near the place where John had baptized. Many people came to him.

3. At Bethany, Mary's and Martha's brother Lazarus is ...

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

1. Jesus and his disciples pass through Jericho. (Luke records the meeting with Zacchaeus here.)

2. On the way out of Jericho, followed by a large crowd, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus.

3. On the Mt of Olives, Jesus sends 2 of his disciples to collect a donkey, as arranged, from its owner in either Bethphage or Bethany.

Philip's Exploits

After the stoning of Stephen, the believers in Jerusalem were scattered. Philip's story is one example of the way they took the good news with them.

1. Philip, one of the seven helpers of the Jerusalem church, goes to the capital of Samaria.

2. Many people are healed and he preaches about Jesus. Simon, a famous magician, ...

I Appeal to Caesar!

1. Paul recognized by Jews from Asia in the temple. A mob drags him outside and tries to kill him.

2. Roman troops arrest (and rescue) him. Paul is allowed to speak to the rioters. His words incite them to more violence.

3. He is taken into the Roman Fortress.

4. Next day, Paul defends himself before the Jewis...