NOTES 1. Paper-‐writers, please note that a shorter article focused on one or up to three sub-‐topics is most helpful. Articles covering all the passages for the month may have sections removed by Editors, so as to make the magazine a more effi-‐ cient tool for those who consult it. 2. Papers should not exceed 500 words. 3. Papers should be typed in the current Bible Studies format, i.e. beginning with From Ourtown:, with wide margins, and on one side of A4 paper. Scriptures should be written with the book titles abbreviated, a colon used to separate the chapter from the verses, and a hyphen to indicate consecutive verses or a passage. E.g. Romans chapter 9, verses 14,15 and 19 to 23 would be written Rom. 9:14-‐15,19-‐23. 4. Editorial practice is to use the names of Biblical books in full when they form part of a sentence, but when given as a reference to use the Revised Version abbreviations. References to other works should include at least the title and the author, with preferably the publisher, place and date, with page number. 5. Contributors are asked to indicate the version of Scripture they are using; this greatly eases the task of checking quotations. 6. Papers on the monthly subject should be sent to: P. Whitehouse, 1 Orchid Drive, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8UU, e-mail pbwhitehouse@btinternet.com , and should reach him NOT LATER than the 28th day of the third month prior to the date of publication; i.e. January’s paper should arrive by October 28th. 7. Special articles of a study nature will be welcomed. These and other correspondence should be sent to: M. Archibald, 49 Kinpurnie Road, Oldhall, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA1 3HG e-mail m-archibald@talktalk.net Where it is possible, we prefer contributions to be sent by e-‐mail. Attachments in Microsoft Word.doc format are preferred, but most formats can be read.
Editors: M. Archibald, R.B. Fullarton, J.T. Needham, G.K. Schleyer
Bible Studies Syllabus 2015 The Book of Esther and Psalms of Love for Zion
• An orphan exile who became a great Queen • An Israeli girl who became saviour of her race • Sensing the hand of God when He seems hidden • Faithfulness to the people of God in a hostile culture • A foster-‐father caring for his young cousin—by messenger • Yearning for the God of Zion, who heals the broken-‐hearted —and wants newcomers to be helped to feel they belong
The dramatic life of Esther captivates children and adults of every land. Its author was one of the world’s great narrators, and the Bible alone preserves the tale. In it we meet the far-‐reaching overrule of God, and His care for families forcibly settled far from home. This book can speak powerfully to newcomers to the Bible, yet today we need to defend it from critics who treat it as a novel. Then follow poems, some after exile, that search depths of spiritual and mental trial, but radiate the faith that overcomes.
Contributors are encouraged to select only two or three from the topics offered. Other relevant topics also will of course be welcome. We would expect those who use the syllabus for assembly Bible discussion to major on the issues that speak directly to life and service today, and to schedule the passages set in manageable portions. We look forward to renewed interest from past writers, current supporters, and new scribes prepared to commit thought to paper for the benefit of others.
January The introduction to Esther’s story Esther 1 • What impression of life in the court of a Gentile emperor is developed here? • The character of the king and of the nobles on display. • The conduct and treatment of Vashti over against the marital standards of the Old Testament people of faith before & after the Law was given. • What benefit is there in Ch.1 for a Christian believer—or for a reader new to the Bible? Note the contrast with the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. February Outer and inner beauty Esther 2 Ezra 1:1-‐6; 7:1-‐7 Neh. 2:1,7 • How do Mordecai’s lineage and 1:1-‐2 fit with the return of others to the land, and the absence of mention of Zion? Cp. Ezekiel’s location. • Comment on Hadassah being favoured and chosen by Hegai. • An orphan of Israel in a year-‐long beauty contest; then in high position. • What was the significance of Mordecai sitting in the king’s gate? Is there a sense in which we can do this today? March Dealing with a dangerous enemy Esther 3-‐4 • What might explain Mordecai’s constant refusal to bow to Haman? • Haman’s swift elevation, and his reaction to resistance. • The responses of the people of Susa, Mordecai, and Esther, to the edict of ethnic destruction. • What might we learn from 4:10-‐17 about judging when God is calling us to self-‐sacrifice? Also from how Esther comes through this trial. April Haman’s pride, Esther’s request, & the first relief Esther 5-‐6 • Noting how Haman’s delight is marred, and the evil that follows (5:9-‐14),
consider how disciples should overcome annoyance and not just hide it.
• Compare the outlook of Haman's wife and advisers in 6:13 with their confidence and ideas in 5:14. What is evident in Haman now? • Esther’s ‘phase 1’ plan and the factors that cause its amazing outcomes. • What in this story thus far, with its peaks and troughs, rings true to life?
May Steady judgement, perseverance, and God’s overrule Esther 7-‐8 • Trace the wisdom in Esther’s use of the enhanced opportunity she has • Comment on the timing of events in ch. 7 and human responsibility. • How an unalterable decree could be changed. Esther as a type of Christ • Believers see God at work here. Defend this view to someone in doubt.
June A foster-father, a queen, and Israel’s future Esther 9-‐10 Rom.12:19 • Was the action of the Jews in all the provinces fully justified? • Comment on Esther’s request for more executions and the hangings. • The purpose of the book, and the repetition of material from before. • The development and achievements of Esther and of Mordecai.
July Faith and hope overcoming reproach Psalms 42-‐43 • In what circumstances have these psalms been composed? • Account for the alternation between trust in God and despondency.
• What is the point of the places in 42:5? Explain 42:8. • Why does the author of 43 need ‘light’ and ‘truth’ to reach the temple? • Why repeat the questions in 42 and 43 when the answers are so good?
August Appearing before God in Zion Psalm 84 Cp. the Songs of Ascents • Why might the author have so extreme a yearning (vv.1-‐2)? • Do we need to think the birds nest on the altar, as if it were in disuse? • How do these worshippers sustain their spiritual dedication (vv.5-‐7)? • Explain verse 9. Were doorkeepers (v.10) regarded as having a hard job? • How worship is integrated with holy living and God’s blessing (vv.11-‐12)?
October Suffering for faithfulness to God and His purposes Psalm 69 • Expound the psalm as first about the writer’s experience in some measure,
and as those in captivity would hear or read it.
• Any fresh view of those passages frequently quoted as Messianic. • How should the Christian understand the imprecations of 22-‐28? • The practical understanding of the needs of the poor in vv. 30-‐33.
November The delight of return and challenge of re-building Psalms 126-‐ 127 • Bring out aspects of the poetry of these psalms. • Relate what is sung to the conditions the remnant lived with on return. • Why would sowing be done with tears and weeping? • Explain the connection in 127:2a & b; and a spiritual reading of vv.3-‐5
December The Lord builds up and gathers Psalm 147 • Suggest what some highlights of this psalm would mean for returned exiles. • What is the relevance of the starscape (v.4) to the Lord’s care in vv.3 and 5? • What conditions do we need to fulfil to have the blessing of 12-‐14? • Comment on the responsibility that vv. 19-‐20 bring to the people of God.