The Bible class assistant, or Scriptural guide for Sunday schools...

Front matter

THE

BIBLE CLASS ASSISTANT, I

SCRIPTURAL GUIDE

I. Books and Authors of the Old Testament

— Historical Books ....

n.

Books and Authors of the Old Testament : Continued. — Poetical and Prophetical in.

Books of the New Testament, and then-

Authors. — Historical ....

IV.

Paul and his Epistles ....

v.

The Catholic Epistles and their Authors .

VI.

Description of Palestine ....

VII.

Agriculture, &c, of the Jews

VIII.

IX.

X.

Dress, &c

XI.

Forms of Salutation. — Hospitality

XII.

XIII.

The Condition of Children and Slaves .

XIV.

XV.

XVI.

iv CONTENTS.

XVII. The Synagogue, — its Services, Officers,

Powers, &c 132

XVIII. Hebrew Poetry 140

XIX. Music, Musical Instruments. — Writing, and

Writing Materials .... 149 XX. Modes of reckoning and dividing Time 156 XXI. Jewish and Roman Judicature. — Areopagus 164

XXII. Punishments mentioned in Scripture . 172

THE

BIBLE CLASS ASSISTANT.

Chapter I

Books and Authors of the Old Testament. — Historical Books.

1. Moses j according to the scriptural account, was raised up by God as a deliverer for his people, who were bond-slaves in Egypt. In consequence of a singular providence, he was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, and brought up and educated in the palace, and instructed "in all the wisdom of the Egyptians." God appeared to Moses after he had been at the court of Egypt about 40 years, and announced to him his mission, giving him the power to work miracles, in proof of the divine authority thereof. He proceeded to his work, which he faithfully performed, after toiling and suffering some 40 years in the wilderness between Egypt and Canaan. Though Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land, he had a view of it from Pisgah, a neighboring mountain. He died at the age of 120, cc and his eye was not dim, nor his natural strength abated." Deut. xxxiv.7. He was remarkable for his benevolence, patience, and meekness, — though, like all mortals, he sometimes erred. The history of Moses be- 1* came famous among all nations, — and the Orientals, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, all borrowed from it, in the accounts of their gods and heroes.

2. The Books of Moses. The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Pentateuch, from a Greek word, signifying Jive instruments, or volumes ; and the Books of Moses, because written by him. The first is called Genesis, which signifies creation, because it gives an account of the creation of the earth, man, &c. It embraces a period of 2369 years, from the creation of the world to the death of Joseph, and contains the most wonderful history that has ever been given to the human race. The most important event, beside the creation, of which record is made, is the Deluge. The second book is called Exodus, which means Departure, because it gives an account of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. It is the history of 145 years, and brings the record down to A. M. 2514. The most remarkable events noted, are the oppression of the Israelites, — the raising up of Moses, — the plagues of Egypt, — the deliverance of Israel, — the passage of the Red Sea, — and the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. The third book is called Leviticus, because it treats principally of the laws and institutions of the Levites, and priests generally. The transactions seem to have been included within the space of eight, or at most thirty days. The most important particulars, are the

OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 3

institution of the three great national festivals, the Pass-over, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, Numbers is the name of the fourth book, — so called from the numbering of the Israelites. The first took place soon after their departure from Egypt, chap. i. The second was 38 years after, in the plains of Moab. Chap, xxvi. The book comprises the history of 38 years. The fifth book, and last of the Pentateuch, is called Deuteronomy, signifying a second law, or a repetition of the law. It is a sort of summary of the mercies of God to the Israelites, and a repetition of the obligations of the law. The first eight verses of the last chapter are supposed to have been added by Joshua, and the last four by Samuel or Ezra. It embraces a period of two months, and brings the Sacred History to A. M. 2552.

3. Joshua. This book is supposed to have been written by Joshua, except a few verses of the last chapter. It contains an account of the entrance of the Israelites into the Promised Land, the events which followed, and of the administration of Joshua, to his death. It occupies a space of about 30 years. Joshua was distinguished for his piety, his courage, and warlike talents. Judges. This book is a history of the Israelites for 317 years, from the death of Joshua to the death of Samson, during which period they were governed by Judges. Hence the name of the book, which gives account of their doings. The book of Ruth, is only a sketch of the fortunes of the person whose name it bears. The events recorded took place in the time of the Judges. David was a descendant of Ruth, being a great-grandson.

4. The two books of Samuel, and the two of Kings, were formerly called the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Books of Kings. In ancient times, however, the two books of Samuel were united in one, as were also the two books of Kings ; and there seems no good reason why they should have been separated. They make, together, a continued history of the Jews to the Babylonish captivity, beginning where the book of Judges ends, and giving an account of the election and reign of Saul, and of all the kings of Israel and Judah. The First Book of Samuel contains an account of the rule of Eli and Samuel, the reign of Saul, his overthrow and death, and the anointing of David. It embraces a period of about 80 years. The Second of Samuel occupies about 40 years, and gives the history of David's elevation to the throne, — the happy commencement of his reign. Chap. i. - x. ; his unhappy fall, and its wretched consequences. Chap. xi. - xviii. ; and his restoration to divine favor, and to his throne. Chap. xix. -xxiv. The First Book of Kings, occupying a space of 119 years, contains an account of David's death ; the reign of Solomon, his power, wealth, glory, and death ; the building of the temple, and the division of the tribes into the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The Second Book of Kings contains the history of

OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. O

308 years. It gives account of the profligacy and idolatry of the people, the confusion and final destruction of the kingdom of Israel by the king of Assyria, and the captivity of the people. It also records the downfall of the kingdom of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and the carrying almost the whole nation into captivity at Babylon, where they continued for 70 years. The historical period embraced by these four books, is 547 years, extending from a. m. 2869 to a. m. 3416. The author is uncertain.

5. The two Books of Chronicles, which were comprised in one book by the Jews, are, in some measure, a summary of Sacred History. The First Book gives a circumstantial account of the twelve tribes, and traces the genealogies back to Adam. It also contains the history of Saul and David, and the preparations for the building of the temple. The Second contains the history of Solomon's inauguration and reign, the building and dedication of the Temple, the rebellion of the ten tribes, and the history of the kingdom of Judah from its commencement to its overthrow by Nebuchadnezzar. These books comprise a period of 3468 years. The books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, relate the same histories, and they should, in reading, be constantly collated or compared together. The author of the Chronicles is unknown. The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah were anciently reckoned, by the Jews, as one volume. They were written by the persons whose names they bear. The book of Ezra contains the history of the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity under Zerubbabel (chap. i. -vi.), and an account of the great reformation which Ezra brought about among the people, vii. - x. The book of Nehemiah contains an account of the building of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah, who superintended the work by permission of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, in whose favor he stood high. It also narrates the reformation wrought by him in the religion, morals, and manners, of the Jews. Nehemiah governed about 36 years, distinguished alike for his piety and the uprightness of his administration. The book of Esther is a narrative of the person whose name it bears, the events of which come in somewhere, in point of date, between the sixth and seventh chapters of Ezra. It records the elevation of Esther, a Jewish captive, to the throne of Persia, and the deliverance, through her agency, of the Jews from the destruction prepared for them by Haman. These last named books bring down the Sacred History of the world to a. m. 3584, b. c. 420 ; and with them ends the general History of the Old Testament.

Questions on Chapter I.

[The figures refer to the corresponding paragraphs in the text.]

1. 2. For what purpose was Moses raised up ? By whom was he adopted, and where educated ? How long had he been at the court of Pharaoh when God called

OF THE OED TESTAMENT. 7

him ? What is said of his performance of the work assigned him? Did he enter the Promised Land? Why not? (Numbers xx. 10-12. xxvii. 12-14.) At what age did he die, — and what is said of him at this time ? For what was he remarkable ? What is said of the history of Moses, touching other nations? What are the first five books of the Old Testament called ? and why ? Name them. What is the meaning of Genesis? What number of years does it give record of? What is the meaning of Exodus j — and why is the second book so called ? What period does it embrace ? What are some of the principal events? Why is the next book called Leviticus? What are the most important particulars noted in it ? What is the name of the fourth book, — and why ? When did these numbe rings take place ? How many years' history does it record ? What is the meaning of Deuteronomy ? What is the substance of this book ? What is said of the last chapter ? Why do you think so ? How far is the history of the world brought by the Pentateuch ?

3. 4. What is said of the book of Joshua? For what was Joshua distinguished ? Of what does the book of Judges give an account ? Why is it so called ? What is said of the book of Ruth ? What celebrated personage was a descendant of Ruth ? How nearly allied ? What is said of the books of Samuel and Kings ? In more ancient times, how were they united ? What is the history which they contain ? The first book of Samuel contains a history of what ? Of how long a period ? The second book gives account of what? What is the history given in the first book of Kings ? In the second book ? What period is embraced in the history given in those four books ? To what year of the world do they bring the 'history ? What of the author ?

5. What is said of the two books of Chronicles ? Of what does the first book give an account? What are the principal events related in the second book ? What number of years are represented in those books? What is said of the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles ? Who was the author of Chronicles ? What is said of Ezra and Nehemiah ? What does the book of Ezra contain ? What history is contained in the book of Nehemiah ? How long did Nehemiah govern? For what was he distinguished? What is said of the book of Esther ? What are its contents? Who was Haman? To what period do these books bring down the Sacred History of the World ? What further is said of them ?

POETICAL AND PROPHETICAL BOOKS.

Chapter II

Books and Authors of the Old Testament : Continued, — Poetical and Prophetical Books.

1. Poetical Books. The Poetical Books are five in number, — Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles, or the Song of Solomon. The book of Job is regarded as one of the oldest pieces of composition extant. There is much division upon the question, whether Job was, or was not, a real personage,— whether the book is a narrative of actual events, or a drama, constructed with a view to set forth the excellency and value of virtue. The last seems to be the most probable. The author of the poem or drama, after the Eastern manner, seeks to convey instruction under the guise of fiction, a method sanctioned by the parables of our Lord. Accordingly he introduces Job as the hero, so to speak, of his poem, — he represents him as wealthy, prosperous, and happy, in every respect, — as a just, upright, and virtuous man, beloved of God, and honored of his fellows. Suddenly a change comes over him, — his riches are taken from him ; his flocks and herds are stolen, his houses destroyed, his children dead, — and himself afflicted with the most grievous and painful diseases 5 of which evils, a fictitious personage.

called Satan, is represented as the author. Yet, through all these trials and sufferings, he maintains his integrity and confidence in God. At last another change takes place ; he is restored to his former prosperity, and even greater, the reward of virtue and faith is given him, and all things work together for good. Such is the history of the hero of this drama, and the design of the author seems clearly to be this, — to show, that all things are under the direction of God, — that though he subjects us to sufferings, it is only that our faith may be tried, and our virtue proved and strengthened, — and having shown this, to inspire confidence in God, and trust in his promise, that virtue shall ever, in the end, be triumphant.

2. The Book of Psalms is called, in the Hebrew, the Book of Hymns or Praises. A large portion of these were composed by David, who, from the fervent devotion and earnest piety of these sacred songs, has been justly styled, " The Sweet Singer of Israel." Many of them were probably composed by Solomon, who is said (1 Kings iv. 32.) to have written iC a thousand and five songs. 51 The rest were written by different persons, whose names have not been preserved with any certainty. David was probably the first person who introduced the singing of the Psalms, accompanied with music, into the temple service ; and many of them seem to have been written expressly for this purpose. They were collected, in their present form, long after the time of David ; probably by Ezra.

Our limits will not permit us to set forth the divisions of the Psalms ; the author, character, occasion, and circumstances of writing each. This must be sought in larger works. The Proverbs have always been ascribed to Solomon, and were probably mostly spoken by him, — for he is said to have uttered " three thousand." 1 Kings iv. 32. It is one of the most valuable and instructive books of the sacred canon, containing most important maxims for every age and condition of life, — a time-proof storehouse of wisdom, observation, and experience, to which all may go and be instructed, — the ruler and the subject, — the master and the servant, — the wise and simple, — the virtuous and vicious, — the rich and poor, — husbands and wives, — parents and children. The Book of Ecclesiastes, which signifies The Preacher, is also by Solomon, and was probably written toward the close of his life, after he had fallen into the sin of idolatry. Its object is to show the vanity of all earthly pleasures, and to draw men from the pursuit of them, to the service of God, which alone giveth abiding peace. Let us carefully consider, and give heed to the conclusion of the whole matter. Chap. xii. 13, 14. The authorship of the Song of Solomon, is seen in its title. It is a poem, or, perhaps, an allegory, the character and objects of which are not known. 3. The Prophetical Books. The prophetical books are sixteen in number (Lamentations being included in Jeremiah), and are generally divided into two classes, — the Greater Prophets, comprising Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel ; and the Minor Prophets, embracing all the rest. The terms, Greater and Minor, have no reference to the time or dignity of the prophets so named, but only to the size of their respective books. It may also be observed, that the arrangement in our common version is not according to the chronology of the persons or books, but is entirely arbitrary.

4. The Greater Prophets. Isaiahis supposed to have entered upon the prophetic office b. c. 758, and to have continued at least 48 years in the discharge of its duties. His principal prophecies are those respecting the Messiah, which have given him the name of the " Evangelical Prophet, 35 — those respecting the captivity of the Jews, at Babylon, — those against the kingdoms of Israel and Syria, — and those against Babylon, Egypt, the Philistines, Moabites, &c. Isaiah is distinguished for the boldness and loftiness of his imagery, and for the general beauty, grandeur, and sublimity of his style. In his prophecies, are found some of the finest conceptions and figures, and some of the most finished specimens of poetical composition, that are to be met with in any known language, ancient or modern. Jeremiah was called to the duties of a prophet at the early age of 14, b. c. 629 ; and continued in the performance thereof about 40 years. He was a man of great benevolence and goodness of heart, of unwavering integrity, and a fervent lover of his country. In the discharge of his prophetical duties, he met with all manner of ill-usage, being persecuted, imprisoned, and finally, as is supposed, stoned to death by his countrymen in Egypt. His prophecies are principally directed against the Jews, denouncing the terrible judgments of God upon their continued transgressions and iniquities, and fixing the period of their captivity in Babylon at 70 years. But they also foretell the conquest of the Philistines, of the Edomites, and of the kingdom of Egypt, by the celebrated Nebuchadnezzar. The last chapter of Jeremiah was added after his time, probably by Ezra, and contains an account of the fulfilment of Jeremiah's prophecy, touching the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the captivity of the Jews at Babylon. The Lamentations, by Jeremiah, were originally annexed to his prophecies, making one volume. The book is what its name purports, Lamentations over the downfall of the prophet's country, the destruction of the holy city and temple, and the extermination of the people. It is remarkable for its pathetic descriptions, and its affecting images of grief and suffering.

5. The prophecies of Ezekiel, to a considerable extent, agree, in their subject-matter, with those of Jeremiah, as will be seen upon comparison. They may be divided into two parts. The Jirst repeats the judgments, which Jeremiah had denounced against the Jews, and, in fearful language, sets forth the calamities that were coming upon Judea and Jerusalem, because of the idolatry and profligacy of the inhabitants. The second part is de- 2* signed to encourage and comfort the people during their captivity. It foretells the overthrow of the Ammonites, Edomites, and Philistines, who had triumphed over the Jews in their calamities, the destruction of Tyre, and the subjugation of Egypt ; and lastly, the final restoration of the Jews from their captivity and dispersion. Ezekiel entered upon his ministry about 595 years before Christ, and continued to prophesy from 21 to 22 years. Daniel, the fourth of the greater prophets, was carried captive to Babylon, b. c. 606, and flourished under Nebuchadnezzar and his successors to Cyrus. He was distinguished for his wisdom and learning, and was in great favor with the Babylonian monarchs. He was contemporary with Ezekiel. The book of Daniel may be considered under two divisions, — 1. Historical ; relating the history of himself and of the Jews, under the several kings of Babylon. Chap. i. - vi. ; — 2. Prophetical ; embracing his visions of the coming revolutions in the great empires of the earth, and of the advent and kingdom of the Messiah. Chap, vi.-xii.

6. The Minor Prophets. Of these, we can give only the names and dates. Hosea flourished between 809 b. c. and 725, or, as some think, 698 b. c Joel is supposed to have prophesied between 697 b. c and 660 b. c. Amos, b. c. 823-758. Obadiah, b. c. 588-583. Jonah, b. c. 856-784. Micah,B. c. 757-698. Nahum, b. c. 720-698. Habakkuk, b. c. 606-598. Zephaniah, b. c. 640- 609. Haggai, b. c. 520. Zechariah, b. c. 520-

518. Malachi, b. c. 436-420. This record shows, that the present arrangement of the prophetical books has no regard to the order of time, and shows further, that several of the prophets were contemporary with each other. Malachi was the last of the holy men, upon whom the spirit of God rested in prophecy ; and from him to John the Baptist, a period of more than 400 years, there was no prophet in Israel.

7. Of the Prophetical Books, it ought to be said, that many and large portions of them are written in Hebrew Poetry ; and entire poems, constructed in accordance with the rules and characteristics of this species of writing, are interspersed in the various prophecies of these holy and inspired men. So that it will be understood, though 5 books are especially called poetical, they are not the only writings to which we must look for specimens of this kind of composition.

Questions on Chapter II.

1. 2. What is the number of the poetical books ? What is said of the Book of Job ? Is it a relation of facts, or a dramatic fiction ? What is the object of the author ? Is Job a real personage ? How is he represented by the author ? What changes follow ? Who is represented as the author of these evils ? Who is Satan ? How is Job represented as bearing these calamities? What change succeeded to this? What conclusion do you draw, as to the object of the whole book ? What is your own view of the government of God in this respect ? What is the Book of Psalms called in Hebrew ? Who composed the larger portion of them ? What other person is named, as having probably written some of them? What of the rest? What is said of these, in relation to the temple service ? What of their present form ? What is said of the authorship of Proverbs? What is said of its value? Who may be instructed by its contents ? What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes ? Who is the author of this book ? When written ? What is its object ? What is the author's conclusion of the whole matter? Ch. xii. 13, 14. What is said of the Song of Solomon?

3. 4. What is the number of the Prophetical Books ? How are they divided ? Who are the Greater Prophets ? Who are the Minor Prophets ? What is said of the terms Greater and Minor? What of the present arrangement of the prophetical books ? When did Isaiah enter upon the prophetic office ? How long did he prophesy ? Why is he called the Evangelical Prophet ? What are his principal prophecies ? For what is Isaiah distinguished, in respect to style ? What is said of his prophetical writings ? When did Jeremiah begin to prophesy ? How long did he pursue it ? What is said of his character ? How was he treated by the Jews ? Against whom were his denunciations principally directed ? What other events did he foretell ? What is said of the last chapter of Jeremiah? What is said of the Book of Lamentations ? What particular characteristic is mentioned ?

5. 6. 7. What is said of the prophecies of Ezekiel ? How may they be divided ? What of the first part ? What is the design of the second ? What are the principal events foretold ? When did Ezekiel enter upon his ministry, — and how long did he continue in it ? What is said of Daniel and his captivity ? For what was he distinguished ? With whom was he in favor ? How may the book of Daniel be divided ? What chapters are embraced in the Historical part, and what do they relate ? The Prophetical portion occupies what chapters, and foretells what ? Can you give the names of the Minor Prophets ? When did Hosea flourish ? About what time before Christ did Joel prophesy ? Amos ? Obadiah ? Jonah? Micah? Nahum? Habakkuk ? Zephaniah? Haggai ? Zechariah ? Malachi ? What is said of the arrangement of the Prophetical Books in our Version ? Who was the last of the Jewish prophets, previous to John Baptist ? What period intervened between Malachi and John Baptist ? What is said of the poetical portions of these books ?

Chapter III

Books of the New Testament and their Authors, — Historical.

1. As early as the second century the New Testament was considered under the two heads or divisions of Gospels and Epistles, or Gospels and Apostles. The more common division at this day is historical, doctrinal, and prophetical. The historical embraces the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles ; and the doctrinal includes all the rest, except Revelations, which is classed with the prophetical portion of the Scriptures. The term New Testament was borrowed at an early period by the church from the Scriptures themselves. Matt. xxvi. 28. ; Heb. ix. 15, 20. The term Gospel, which is generally applied to the histories of Christ and his teachings by the four Evangelists, is frequently used in a more extended sense as significant of the whole system of grace and salvation, which the religion of Jesus unfolds. The word Gospel is derived from two Saxon words, God (Good) and sp el (message or tidings) and exactly answers to the Greek Evanggelion, which is evidently intended to denote the "glad tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people. 55 Luke ii. 10.

2. Matthew. Matthew, who is called Levi by Mark and Luke (Mark ii. 14. ; Luke v. 27, 29), was by birth a Jew, and a native of Galilee ; but of what city, or of what tribe, we are not informed. Before he became a follower of Christ, he was employed as a tax-gatherer and custom-house officer under the Romans. He was connected with the custom-house at Capernaum, a maritime city on the sea of Galilee, and collected the duties upon all goods exported or imported at that place, and the tribute exacted of those who passed over the Lake. That Matthew's condition in life was at least easy, is inferred from the entertainment which he gave, soon after his call, to his acquaintances and friends. After being numbered with the disciples, he constantly accompanied Christ as a hearer, and a witness, of his wonderful works ; and continued with him to the end. After the ascension he remained at Jerusalem with the rest of the disciples, but how long he stayed in Judea we are not informed. Nor have we any certain account of the time, place, and circumstances of his death. An ecclesiastical historian of the fifth century states, that he suffered martyrdom in India ; but this is believed to be incorrect.

3. His Gospel. With regard to the date of the gospel by Matthew, and the language in which it was written, there has been much discussion. Without entering into the merits of the question in debate, we shall state what appears to us the most probable in regard to the time and language of Matthew's history. It seems clear to our mind, that this gospel was composed about the year 37 or S3, being the first of the four. It was written in Judea, for the use, more especially, of the Jews or Jewish Christians, and originally, of course, in the language of Palestine, which was Hebrew, or rather Syro-Chaldaic. At a very early period, however, it was translated into Greek for more general circulation, but by whom cannot be ascertained. It is not improbable, that it may have been done by Matthew himself.

4. Mark. This evangelist was a native of Judea, and a nephew of Barnabas, being the same person mentioned in the Acts as John Mark. He travelled extensively. He went from Jerusalem to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, and accompanied them to other countries as their minister. Acts xii. 25 ; xiii. 5. It seems he left them without sufficient cause, and returned to Jerusalem ; for afterward, when he would have rejoined them in their travels, Paul refused to have him. In consequence of this, Barnabas separated from Paul, and taking his nephew proceeded to Cyprus. Acts xv. 36-41. Paul and Mark were afterwards, however, reconciled. 2 Tim. iv. 11 ; Phil. 24; Col. iv. 10. Soon after his journey with Barnabas, he met Peter in Asia, and went with him to Rome. He is supposed, after the death of Peter, to have gone to Egypt, and, having established a church at Alexandria, to have died there in the year 67.