Bible manual. Introductory course on the Bible, for teachers training classes and Bible classes

Preface

No other work in the church is greater than the religious instruction of the children. Since our modern system of education has banished the Bible from our public schools, the education of children in the Word of God is entrusted chiefly to the Sunday schools. Only a limited number of children have any religious training other than that offered by the church school. The realization of this, fact has awakened the church to the urgent need of trained teachers, resulting in the formation of Teacher-Training classes. A number of courses have been prepared for such classes, the most recent being "The New Standard Teacher Training Course," a normal course dealing with the "How" of teaching, rather than merely the contents of it.

In this "Bible Manual" an introductory course on the Bible is offered, which it is hoped will be welcomed by those who desire a more complete course on the Bible than the former First Standard course, for whom however the New Standard course seems too difficult. This Manual may also be used to advantage in catechetical classes and Adult Bible classes.

The author of this "Manual" gives it, neither as a work wholly original, nor as a compilation from the writings of others. While he availed himself of the ideas of others as far as he thought them adapted to his purpose, yet on every subject contained in the book he has thought for himself and done more or less original work.

Grateful acknowledgment is hereby expressed to Prof. H. A. Meier, D. D., Prof. E. A. Hofer, D. D., Rev. D. W. Vriesen, D. D. and Rev. H. T. Vriesen, for loaning the author various books and offering valuable suggestions ; particularly to Prof. F. Grether, D. D., who placed the results of his study of the Biblical figures of speech at our disposal and with conscientious care reviewed the manuscript.

May our blessed Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, let His blessing rest upon this volume as it goes forth to acquaint our young people with the spiritual wealth, the wondrous sweetness, the beauty and power of the Scriptures.

E. G. Krampe. 3

Introduction

A Christian without a Bible is but a poor wretch; but the mere possession of a Bible as a volume or an ornament for the library table is by no means sufficient. Such possession of the Bible is no guaranty of salvation, nor will it, in some magical way, give protection against "the pestilence that walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noonday." A Christian, having the Bible and not knowing its contents, is like the heir of a great estate living in poverty because the testament of his father is still under seal. The cabinet containing the precious document avails him nothing, though he have it daily before his eyes; he must know the contents of the will. Just so a Christian must know the contents of his Bible if it is to prove a blessing to him.

No text-book on the Bible can take the place of the Bible itself. The purpose of this manual therefore is not to displace the sacred volume, but to awaken the mind of the reader and to assist him to become the possessor of the spiritual wealth of that volume. The author's aim was not merely to tell the reader many interesting facts about the Bible, but to help him to know much of it, that he might grasp the wonderful message conveyed by the words of this sacred book — the message of God's love to sinners and their salvation in Christ Jesus.

This manual is based upon our most sacred faith, accepting the Bible, as it offers itself. The author has not followed the caviling methods adopted by some "critics" and self-styled "scholarly interpreters" of modern times, who first rend the Bible. into a multitude of fragments and then piece these fragments together in checkered fashion according to their own design, thus bewildering the minds and undermining the faith. He is "not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" and believes that the Bible, as we have it, is the Word of God.

Since the study of the Bible is necessarily excluded from the course of study in our public schools, the State relies upon the church to take care of the instruction in religion. Hence the church has a sacred duty to perform in the training of men, not only as children of the kingdom of heaven, but also as Christian and loyal citizens of the United States. The number of those living amongst us without God and without hope is deplorably large. Therefore the church must be the "salt of the earth" and '"the light of the world," and this she can be only if she instils the principles of Christianity into the growing generation.

But how can Christian training be given without the Bible? Or of what value is a rambling and superficial study of the Bible? Alas, the number of Sunday School teachers to whom the Bible is a sealed book, is only too great ! But how can one teach others, if he himself knows nothing? It is hoped that this manual will prove helpful in the formation of classes in Sunday Schools and Young People's Societies for a systematic study of the Bible. The author has endeavored to avoid all technicalities, which only tend to create a wrong conception of the Bible, and which deaden the interest and cause intellectual indigestion.

The Bible is like a well arranged garden, full of lovely flowers

and savory fruits ; it is like a mine, in which most precious treasures

are hidden. If perchance this manual will aid any reader of the Bible

in gathering these flowers and fruits and in discovering these treasures,

the purpose of the author, Rev. E. G. Krampe, will have been fully

accomplished.

F. Grether.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

Hebrew Manuscript .- . . . 190

Greek Manuscript ~. 192

Latin Bible 194

Gothic Manuscript 197

Luther's German Bible 199

Ancient English Bible 201

The Altar 214

The Tabernacle 216

The Temple 218

Ancient Coins 223

MAPS.

PAGE

Journeyings of the Children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan .... 101

The Dominion of David and Solomon 109

Kingdoms of Israel and Judah 113

Palestine in the time of Christ 130

First Missionary Journey of the Apostle Paul 145

Second Missionary Journey of the Apostle Paul 147

Third Missionary Journey of the Apostle Paul 149

Paul's Journey to Rome 151

Map of the Ancient World 206

Map of the Old Testament World 208

Palestine in the time of Christ 210

Map of the New Testament World 212 i

'Search ye the Scriptures/

INTRODUCTORY LESSON.

(This lesson should be read and discussed at the first meeting of the class. It should then be carefully studied at home.)

A WORD TO THE TEACHERS AND THE CLASS.

That well-known anti-infidel lecturer, Dr. Hastings, says in one of his lectures : "The trouble with most people is that they know too much about the Bible and not enough of it." This is a true saying — true, also, of many teachers in our Sunday Schools ; alas, but too true.

Helps for the study of the Bible are necessary; nor is there any lack of them. But no helps can take the place of personal study. A teacher will never succeed in training his pupils to stand fast upon the sure foundation of the Faith in Jesus Christ unless he himself studies diligently in the Scriptures. Of course, the teacher must pursue other studies besides the study of the Bible (and the more faithfully he uses his Bible the more clearly he will realize this), but his need of Bible study will never cease.

But not only the teacher, but also the pupil must read the Bible diligently and intelligently. Hence, it is an essential part of Christian, and especially of religious, training to instruct the pupil properly and intelligently to read his Bible. No period of instruction in the Sunday school can be said to have fully achieved its aim if it have not aided to some extent in the accomplishment of this purpose. We may consider the Bible from whatever viewpoint we will — as "Revelation," as "Moral Law," as "The Bread of Life," as "The Light of the World" or as "The Sword of the Spirit" — in every instance it remains an indisputable fact that the full blessing will come to those only who themselves use this Word of God, and so become possessors of its spiritual wealth.

Teaching is not Training; Christian education cannot be accomplished by the mere teaching of the Christian doctrines. The doctrine, br truth, that a young man shall cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to the Word of God must indeed first be taught; but his teaching must be accompanied by the demonstration how the young man must use this Word as a lamp unto his feet and as the sword of the Spirit. The most interesting and thorough description of this sword of the Spirit will avail him nothing unless he takes hold of it himself and is trained how to use it.

The Bible, however, is not only the weapon of the Spirit for valiant men. It is also the "Bread of Life," the "Sincere Milk" by which our children and young people must be nourished if they are to grow "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Not only for men, but also for young people and children, the Bible is the law of conduct, the Gospel, the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Hence, our young people must be trained betimes in the use of the Scriptures, and it is the teacher's duty, as well as privilege, to give them this training. If this truth were taken to heart, many of our S. S. teachers would see better results of their labors. In the measure in which the pupil becomes acquainted with his Bible (not the lesson leaves) it will become more precious to him, and he will learn to love it, and the determining influence of this book will be established ; for it is what a man knows and loves, that exercises the greatest and most lasting influence upon him.

NoteI. Before taking up the study of the following lessons, the students should read supplementary Lessons 1 to 5. (Part VI.)

Note 2. The leader of the class should assign some Supplementary Lessons as collateral reading along with the regular lessons.

Part One. Summary Of The Books Of The Bible

A. Contents of the Books of the Old Testament.

THE PENTATEUCH.

1. Though the Bible is a collection of Scriptures, written by various authors and at different times, yet together these Scriptures form a unit in which one fundamental thought is clearly evidenced. The Bible has a certain, specific purpose in view, each of its books serving in its own manner to achieve this purpose. This of course does not exclude that each book of the Bible has its own special purpose. Just as in a large building each apartment is designed for its own purpose and yet all apartments together serve the purpose of the whole building, so each book of the Bible has its own purpose and still serves the purpose of the whole Bible.

2. The purpose or object of the Bible is expressed in the one word Revelation. This is clearly seen in its very first verse : "In the beginning God created heaven and earth." These words indicate that the Bible purposes to reveal what God has done, the activity of God, and before the first chapter comes to a close it becomes evident that man is the object of this activity ; and by the time we have read to the close of the third chapter the purpose of the Bible has been clearly stated. This purpose is: To reveal unto us what God has done for the salvation of mankind. To do this, the Bible of course must also mention many other things, especially concerning the actions and conduct of man.

To read the Bible with understanding, we must keep this purpose, this object in view; because every book of the Bible serves this purpose, each in its own way.

3. A short summary of the contents of each book will prove a great help for understanding its message. Such summaries are given in the following lessons, 1-17. The student must never forget that these suggestions are given merely as an aid to his own study of the Bible. They are not to be used instead of the Bible but only in connection with the Bible, otherwise they will not bring a blessing.

4. The Pentateuch. This name is given to the first five books of the Bible, which are also called "The Five Books of Moses. " In the Hebrew manuscripts these books were written on one scroll, which the Jews called: "Thora" (the law) or "The Law of Moses." The name "Pentateuch" is derived from the Greek and means "The five-volumed book."

5. The Author of the Pentateuch is Moses. In this, the ancient historians, Jewish, Gentile and Christian, agree. Some modern critical scholars have sought to disprove this; but their endeavors have only served to establish the fact, that Moses is the author and at God's command "wrote all the words of Jehovah." (The closing words, reporting the death of Moses, were probably added by another author.)

6. The names given to the five books of the Pentateuch in our English Bible are derived from the Greek version (LXX.) These names allude to the contents of the various books. In the Hebrew Bible these books are named according to the words with which they begin, "Bereshith," "Elleh Shemoth," etc.

7. The contents of the Pentateuch can be briefly summarized thus : A record of God's deeds for the salvation of man-

THE PENTATEUCH. 13

kind, from the origin of the human race until the death of Moses. We learn here, how God, after man, by willful disobedience caused his own misery, prepared the way for man's deliverance by choosing unto himself a "chosen people," and how He prepared this people by the giving of the law of religious services etc., and how in the development of this people, the way was prepared for the salvation of mankind.

QUESTIONS.

In what relation do the books of the Bible stand to the whole Bible, in respect to their aim and object?

What is the main object of the Bible?

Why is it necessary to keep this object in mind when reading the Bible?

Of what value is a summary of the contents of the books of the Bible?

How must they be used in order to prove a blessing?

Explain the origin and meaning of the words "Pentateuch," "Law."

Why are we justified in saying that Moses is the author of the Pentateuch ?

Whence did the names of the five books of the Pentateuch originate?

State in a few words the summary of the contents of the Pentateuch.

Note 1. If desired, this and the following lesson may be studied as one.

Note 2. If there are students in the class who are not acquainted with the names of the books of the Bible, the leader should assign Supplementary Lessons 1 and 2 for special study.

Lesson 2.

The Pentateuch — (Continued).

GENESIS. (Abbr. ■== Gen.)

1. Name: The name "Genesis" refers to the contents of the

book and means "origin" or "beginning."

2. Author: The author is Moses, the greatest prophet

of the Old Testament.

3. Contents: The contents may be divided into two main

parts :

a. History of the human race from creation to the dispersion of Noah's descendants.

b. History of Israel, from Abraham to the death of Joseph.

As the "Book of origin," it reports :

a. The creation of the world and origin of the human race.

b. The origin of sin and corruption.

c. God's first covenant with man.

d. The first promise of grace.

e. The beginning of the history of Israel.

5. Principal Persons, (chief characters) : Adam and Eve,

Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.

THE PENTATEUCH. 15

6. Central Thought : God "hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world," therefore this divine will immediately becomes operative in the history of mankind after the Fall, and is carried out, step by step, in a continuous succession of generations.

EXODUS. (Abbr.=Exod.)

1. Name: The name signifies "departure."

2. Contents : History of the development of the descendants

of Jacob.

a. Remarkable numerical increase of the Israelites.

b. Israel's oppression under Pharaoh.

c. History of Moses.

d. The plagues of Egypt.

e. Institution of the Passover. /. The Exodus

g. Giving of the law at Mt. Sinai.

4. Principal Persons: Pharaoh, Moses, Aaron.

5. Central Thought : The deliverer and leader of the people

is the Lord God, Jehovah. After giving Israel an independent position alongside of other nations by the deliverance out of bondage. God then, by the giving of his Law, sanctified Israel to be Jehovah's chosen people before all other nations — God's gracious act of deliverance and salvation.

LEVITICUS. (Abbr.=Lev.)

1. Name: The name signifies "Order of the Priests" and refers to the main part of the contents.

2. Contents : The greater part of the book consists of laws

and ordinances (especially concerning sacrifices).

a. Laws concerning the sacrifices in general.

b. Consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood.

c. Transgression and punishment of Nadab and Abihu.

d. Laws and ordinances pertaining to personal, civic and national life.

e. Story of a blasphemer and his punishment. /. Laws pertaining to civil life.

4. Central Thought : God being holy, can dwell only among

an holy people ; man's communion with God therefore depends upon his atonement and purification.

NUMBERS. (Abbr.=Num. or Numb.)

1. Name: The name refers to the two numberings of the

people which are mentioned in this book.

2. Contents: The contents of the book are historical and

describe the journeyings of Israel in the wilderness.

a. Preparations for the journey to Canaan.

b. Journey from Sinai to the border of Canaan; spies; disobedience and punishment of the people.

c. Special events of the journeyings: Rebellion of

Korah; Aaron's flourishing rod; Water from the Rock; Aaron's death; Fiery serpents.

d. Story of Balaam.

e. Joshua consecrated to be Moses' successor. /. Victory over the Midianites.

THE PENTATEUCH. 17

24:17.

4. Central Thought: God educates, judges and purges his

people, keeping his faith in spite of all infidelity of the people. God's pardoning grace assures the people of his help.

DEUTERONOMY. (Abbr.=Deut.)

1. Name: The name signifies "The second law" and was

applied to the books, because it again impresses the law upon the minds of the people.

2. Contents: The book is almost entirely composed of ad-

dresses of Moses to the people.

a. First address: A retrospect. (Ch. 1-4.)

b. Selection of the cities of refuge.

c. Second address: The Ten Commandments are the

basis of God's covenant with his people and the condition of salvation.

d. Third address: Blessings and cursings; renewal of the covenant.

e. The song of Moses, his blessing, his death and burial.

3. Important Passages: 6:4, 5; 7:6-8; 18:15; chapters 28,

4. Central Thought: Love to God and our neighbor is not

only the sum of the law, but also the fulfillment of the law. In doing the will of God there is eternal life, but love alone produces true obedience.

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES.

Study carefully the summary of the books of the Pentateuch, especially the central thought of each book.

Look up the passages indicated and compare them with these central thoughts.

Compare the summaries given in this lesson with the general summary of the Pentateuch in the previous lesson and with the purpose and aim of the whole Bible.

Now state, whether in your opinion, the aforementioned purpose of the Bible is proven by these summaries of the books thus far studied.

In your reading, note carefully the incompleteness of the histories of individuals though they give minute details in certain matters. Can you discover a reason for this in the purpose of the Bible?

Can you discover a special reason for the genealogies found in these books?

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

1. The contents of the next twelve books, after the Pentateuch, are almost entirely of an historical nature. They record the history of Israel, covering a period of about 1,000 years. The order in which the books occur in the Hebrew Bible differs from the order observed in the English Bible. In the Hebrew Bible, six of these historical books were classified with the prophetical books under the title of "Former Prophets/' not only because they record the deeds of the prophets, but also because Jewish tradition regards the prophets as the authors of these books.

2. The historical books, however, do not only contain the fascinating history of an ancient people: they display before our mental vision most vividly, the great purpose of God's providence. Throughout the whole account of bloody warfare, apostasy, oppression and miraculous deliverance of the people, there is woven as a golden thread, the allusion to the glorious power, wisdom and mercy of Jehovah. And as we study these Scriptures more carefully we see more clearly that it was the object of the authors to emphasize just this governing power of God; we also realize that these men were inspired of God.

JOSHUA. (Abbr.=Josh.)

1. Name: The name does not refer to the author, but to the hero of the book.

2. Author : The author of the book is not known. The an-

cient Jewish and Christian commentators held the view that Joshua himself was the author.

3. Contents: A description of the conquest of Canaan by

the Israelites and the renewal of the covenant.

a. God's command to conquer the land.

b. Crossing the River Jordan.

c. Capture of Jericho and Achan's sin.

d. Other conquests.

e. Division of the land by lot.

f. Gathering of the people; renewal of the covenant.

5. Central Thought: God is faithful, and ever true to his

promises.

JUDGES. (Abbr.=Judg.)

1. Name: The name is derived from the contents of the

book which gives the history of the judges, rulers and leaders of the people.

2. Author: The author is unknown. Jewish tradition

ascribes the book to Samuel.

3. Contents: The book gives a description of the condition

of Israel during a period of 250-450 years after the time of Joshua.

a. The conditions in Israel during the time of the judges.

c. Idolatry of the Danites.

d. War against the tribe of Benjamin.

5. Central Thought: Apostasy invariably brings punish-

ment from God ; nevertheless when the people repent, God sends them a saviour. On the one hand the book testifies of the disobedience of the people, on the other hand it reveals God's wonderful patience and mercy.

RUTH.

1. Name: The book bears the name of the heroine of the

story, an ancestress of David and Christ.

2. Author: The author, as also the time in which the book

was written, is not known ; Jewish tradition mentions Samuel as the author.

3. Contents. A most beautiful story from the times of the

judges. Ruth, the Moabitess, prompted by love and fidelity to Naomi, her mother-in-law, leaves her home and country, and with the whole ardor of her love joins herself to the people of Israel, and with a believing heart accepts Israel's God as her God. Her faith is rewarded in that she, the descendant of a Gentile nation, in the providence of God becomes an ancestress of the Saviour.

4. Important Passages: 1 :16 and 17.

5. Central Thought: The condition of citizenship in the

kingdom of God is not "nationality," but believing devotion and surrender to God.

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES.

Why are the 12 books following the Pentateuch, called historical books?

What peculiarity is evident in the manner in which the authors relate the historical events in these books?

What" purpose of the authors is evidenced by this peculiarity?

What does this teach us in respect to the Inspiration of the Bible?

Study carefully the outlines of this lesson, especially the "central thoughts."

Do not fail to look up the passages indicated.

Note especially how the last verses of the book of Ruth refer to King David. Can you find any special significance in this?

HISTORICAL BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. (Continued.)

THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL. (Abbr.= I. and II. Sam.)

The two books of Samuel were originally regarded as one in the Hebrew Bible. The division into two books was adopted from the Greek LXX. version.

1. Name: The name does not indicate the author, but the

chief character of the first part — Samuel — the great Reformer and Prophet, by whom God established the kingdom in Israel.

2. Author: The author is unknown. No doubt Samuel

gathered much of the historical material of these books (compare I. Chron. 29:29) which, with other matter, was used by some later compiler.

Book I

a. Samuel's childhood and God's call.

b. The wickedness of the sons of Eli.

c. God's punishment of Eli, his sons and Israel.

d. Samuel's work as Judge.

e. Saul anointed to be the first King of Israel. • /. Saul's disobedience ; David's anointing.

g. History of Saul and David until the death of Saul.

Book II

a. David, King over the tribe of Judah.

b. David, King over Israel.

e. David's sin, repentance and punishment.

5. Principal characters: Hannah, Samuel, Eli, Saul,

6. Central thought: God himself, Jehovah, is the King

of Israel ; only that king whom the Lord chooseth and who remains loyal to the Lord, will be blessed by Him.

THE BOOKS OF KINGS. (Abbr.=Ki.)

These books are also regarded as one in the Hebrew Bible.

1. Name: The name describes the contents — the history of

the kings of Israel from David until the captivity of Israel.

Book I.

a. History of King Solomon, with special reference to

the building of the Temple, the wisdom and glory of Solomon.

b. Solomon's sin and death.

c. Division of the Kingdom during the reign of Reho-

boam.

d. History of the divided kingdom.

1. The kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam, Abia, Asah, Jehoshaphat.

2. The kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, Nadab — to Ahab, Ahaziah.

3. The Prophet Elijah.

Book II.

a. Elisha the prophet, successor to Elijah.

b. History of Israel, its decline and ruin.

c. History of Judah until the Babylonian captivity.

4. Principal characters:

a. The principal kings of Judah: Solomon, Rehoboam,

Jehoshaphat, Ahaziah, Queen Athaliah, Joas, Ahaz Hezekiah, Manassah, Josiah, Zedekiah.

b. Kings of Israel: Jeroboam, Ahab, Jehu.

c. The prophets, Elijah and Elisha should be noted

especially.

5. Central thought: "Righteousness exalteth a nation;

but sin is a reproach to any people."

THE BOOKS OF CHRONICLES. (Abbr.=Chron.)

These books also form one book in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition, Ezra was the author; yet this cannot be determined.

1. Name: The name signifies "Historical Records."

2. Contents: A history of the kingdom of Israel. Much

of that which is recorded in the books of Samuel and the books of Kings, is repeated; much, however is omitted and some matters are related more minutely. Only the history of the kingdom of Judah is recorded in these books and that from a Levitical point of view.

a. Genealogies from Adam to David.

b. History of David, especially mentioning his acts per-

taining to the matter of public worship.

c. History of Solomon, especially the building of the

temple.

d. History of Judah until the exile. •

e. Proclamation of Cyrus, King of Persia.

3. Important passages: I. Chron. 17:11-14; 29:10-20;

4. Central thought: The rule of God in Israel, sym-

bolized by the temple and its service, is the salvation of the people. Apostasy brings ruin.

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES.

1. Compare carefully the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, and

a. Note the fact that they all speak of the kingdom of Israel. Can you find in this a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham?

b. Note the difference in these three groups of books. Describe this difference.

2. Name the three chief characters in the I. Book of Samuel.

3. Who, in your opinion, are the chief characters in the II. Book of Samuel? Give a reason for your opinion.

4. Can you find, in the history of Samuel, Saul and David, a proof that the "Central Thought" has been correctly stated?

5. Mention two of the most important incidents recorded in the books of the Kings.

6. Name the most important Kings of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah ; the two most important prophets.

7. Is there any significance in the genealogies in the I. Book of Chron. in respect to the first promise to Adam?

8. Note where you must look for the records about Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, the building of the temple, the division of the kingdom, the downfall of Israel and the exile of Judah.

HISTORICAL BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

(Continued.)

THE BOOK OF EZRA. (Abbr.=Ezr.)

1. The Name of this book is derived from its author, who at

the same time is the chief character mentioned in the book.

2. Contents: Return of the Jews after the Babylonian cap-

tivity.

a. First return under Zerubbabel and Joshua.

b. Rebuilding of the temple.

c. Second return under Ezra.

d. The work of reformation and restoration under Ezra.

10:2-5.

4. Central thought: The Lord surely keeps his promises;

but salvation comes to God's people only when they keep the law.

NEHEMIAH. (Abbr.=Neh.)

In the ancient Hebrew Mss. this book and the book of Ezra are regarded as one.

1. The Name indicates the author and chief character of the