LESSON 9 February 25 – March 2 , The Bible and History
(this post provides commentary on the Adult Bible Study Guides found at ssnet.org, comments are not officially related to that site.)
The book of Deuteronomy demonstrates the importance of divine history.
Ps. 104:1–9, the biblical basis for understanding natural history.
Rev. 1:1–3, reveals biblical concept of prophecy, history in advance.
2 Pet. 1:21, Where did this biblical view into the future come from?
Daniel 2, a comprehensive view into the future.
Rev. 12:7–17, How does this passage help the believer understand history?
Rom. 16:20, How does this verse help the believer view historical/current events?
2 Cor. 5:17–19 What one historical event provides focus for the believer?
“ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty’ ” (Revelation 1:8, NKJV).
Key Thought: Our God works in and through history, and in and through history He has given us powerful evidence for faith.
Further: Our God has entered history through the Son. Jesus Christ, as a historical figure, demonstrated the love and salvation provided by the Father for humanity.
The Past and the Future
What do biblical writers assert regarding human history’s beginning and end?
Gen. 1:1;
Job 38:1–7;
Ps. 104:1–9;
Rev. 1:1–3, 19;
21:1–6.
2 Pet. 1:21.
The Prophets as Historians
All through the Bible, the prophets use the phrase, “The word of the Lord” (or an equivalent “Thus says the Lord, says the Lord, etc.). In short, what they are saying is, I am not speaking these truths to you; it’s God speaking them through me.
Jer. 1:14–19.
Isa. 14:24–27, Nah. 1:5–10.
Psalm 104
Daniel 2 and the Providence of God in History
Review the prophecy of Daniel 2. In what ways is this one chapter powerful evidence, “proof” even, that God knows the future, and far in advance too?
The Great Controversy and History
Rev. 12:7–17;
Job 2:1, 2;
Isa. 14:12–14;
Gen. 3:15;
Eph. 6:12;
Rom. 16:20.
2 Corinthians 5:17–19.
“The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history.”—Ellen G. White, Education, p. 173.
Summary:
However chaotic world history can appear, above it all the Lord is working out His purposes, and human history will end with the glorious second coming of Jesus.
Further Reading
Psalm 104, God and Natural History
Huse, Scott M. (1983, 1993, 1997). The Collapse of Evolution (3rd ed.). Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI, 49516-6287: Baker Books, http://www.bakerbooks.com. ISBN 978-1-5855-8598-4.
McGrath, Alister E. (2011). Darwinism and the Divine: Evolutionary Thought and Natural Theology, Hulsean lectures (Google eBook). John Wiley and Sons. pp. 320. ISBN 978-1-44433-343-5.
The Prophets as Historians
Schniedewind, William M. (1995). The word of God in transition: from prophet to exegete in the second temple period. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 209. ISBN 978-1-85075-550-0.
Schniedewind, affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles.
