Historical and expository notes on the Patriarchs, kings and prophets of Israel

Preface

These notes were written to accompany the Bible Study Union Biographical lessons on the Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets of the Old Testament. They were originally published in various weekly papers, and were found so valuable as to warrant their issue in book form for permanent use.

Dean Sanders aims in his part of the work to give the historical setting of each lesson. In doing this he has brought together in popular form a wide range of archaeological, literary and historical data .which throw light upon the actual personalities of the Old Testament record. This enables the teacher and student to win a true historical perspective and thus to understand each lesson in the light of its contribution to the progress of events and its original meaning. While ignoring the crude and unproved theories of recent investigations, these notes embody the best of the well-established results of modern scholarship, so far as they are of value in giving vividness and accuracy to interpretation.

Dr. Morgan's aim, on the contrary, is to bring out the principal homiletic and practical teachings of the lessons. His work assumes that the student has become acquainted with the Scripture facts through the study of the lesson itself, and proceeds to set forth the great spiritual and moral truths naturally derived from them. His acknowledged skill in this kind of exposition makes his notes especially helpful.

Teachers and pupils alike will find these notes a great aid toward the correct understanding and best use of the Scripture material.