Bible narrative

Running head: BIBLE NARRATIVE 1

BIBLE NARRATIVE

Bible Narrartive

Crystal D. Campbell

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Bible Narrative

The Beginning

The Bible begins with the creation of the universe. In particular, a careful description of how God created the planet Earth illustrated through the separation of land and sky, dry land and water, land creatures and water creatures, and eventually mankind. The first humans created in God’s likeness named Adam and Eve. He gave him dominion over the whole earth (Genesis 1:26). The first command from God was made with humankind to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. The fall of man follows when man disobeys God and eats of the forbidden tree. This was when the there was a disconnect from God and humankind. From this point on, God’s love for his creation caused him to work to repair the relationship between him and mankind. Adam and eve was casted of of the garden of Eden and was punished. (Genesis 3:16-17). Adam and Eve produced sons Cain and Abel which revealed a story of the value of sacrifice. Filled with envy, It was evident that sin had manifested itself in the world. The story evolved into the murder of Abel by his brother Cain. Nonetheless, sin crept into the lives of humanity and the knowledge of God was eventually forgotten. The creation God once saw as a “good thing” turned into disappointment. God saw that it was nessariry to rid the whole earth of sin and start a new. God saw that it was important to save the righteous Noah as well as repopulate the earth again. Through God’s instruction, Noah’s faith and obedience God flood the earth. With God’s unfailing love he made a promise to all mankind to never flood the earth again. This was signified with a rainbow in the sky. The wonders of God was forgotten again and disobedience was soon to follow. God commanded all man to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth however the people concentrated themselves in on area called Babel. The people decided to construct a tall tower. God did not see this as a good thing for God should be their only dependance and not their own. Their language was confused among one another causing them to be forced to spread upon the earth.

The Patriarchs

A plan was needed in order to reestablish the relationship with God and all his people therefore a covenant was made with Abraham. Abraham was promised to make his name great, he will make a great nation, and blessings will come to him and his offspring. In this first covenant to Abraham, he was as promised land (Genesis 12:8). Abraham was also promised a son between him and his wife Sarah. Despite their old age, disobedience and little faith, God fulfilled his promise by giving them a son named Issac. God’s promise of posterity continued through Issac, and Jacob. Jacob was later renamed Israel by God and was promised the same promises given to Abraham and Issac. His promises was again to be fruitful, multiply, land , and to be a great nation. Furthermore, one of Jacob married Rachel and Leah. Through one of the younger sons Joseph was used to help deliver God people in the future from famine in the land. Though Joseph was betrayed by his brother, he was able to gain favor in the pharaoh’s palace and give sanctuary to the Hebrew people.

Deliverance From Egypt

The Hebrew people have now been living in Egypt for years since the death of Jacob. The knowledge of God has faded away and now the people of Israel were now following the culture of the Egyptians. God appointed Moses, a born Hebrew that was divinely placed within the pharaohs palace to deliver the Israelites. God’s continues to keep his covenant with the Israelites to lead them to the promised land. Through miracles and the 10 plagues, Moses was able to release the Israelites out of pharaohs rule. The plagues signify God’s power over the god’s in Egypt. The last plague, the angel of death is an important jewish event called passover. Passover or the feast of unleavened bread will represent God deliverance of his people. One last action of God was revealed at the sea of Jordan. The sea was parted to make way for them into their future promise.

The Wilderness

Despite God’s many miracles and wonders, the Israelites loose faith easily through their journey to the promise land. Due to their little faith and disobedience their journey turned in to a 40 year journey. The time though the wilderness was a time of preparation of his people. God needed to cultivate obedience, faith, as well as dependence on him to provide. However time and time again the people reverted back to they ways of Egypt. The wilderness brought the ten commandments and the second covenant with the Israelites. The mosaic covenant was a constitution with the people as wells a definition of relationship. It illustrates relationship with God and relationship within the community. In the wilderness God also instructs his people about worship and the establishment of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was an institution of Gods continuing presence among them. Law also reigns precedence among the early Israelites which describes whats holy, clean, and sacrifice.

Into the Promise Land

Through the consequence of disobedience, the original Israelites delivered from Egypt as well as Moses did not enter the promises land. However God fulfilled his promises by allowing their offspring under the leadership of Joshua to enter the promises land. Just as Moses, Joshua leads the people of out the wilderness through the Jordan. Entrance to the promised land shows the importance of faithfulness and obedience as well as the consequences of disobedience. While in the promise land there is a recurrent cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance and deliverance from God.

Kings of Israel

The arise of the kingdoms of Israel arise. The notion of God’s purpose for his people and the human action come into play constantly.It is revealed how God uses unworthy people and situations to work out for the good. Samuel was the first appointed leader in Israel where he presented himself to be a leader of many aspects. He was prophet that assumed the roles of priest and judge. Samuel meets Saul and appoints him King over the Israelites. Saul at first assumed a lot of success however his behavior caused him to an incompetent leader. A shepherd boy named David soon successes Saul starting from his slaying of the giant Goliath. The reign of David as King of Israel marks much success and this is the time where the Davidic covenant is established. This covenant adds on to the promises given to Abraham of making their name great and a land for his people. However God also promises building a house from his offspring and being a father to his people as well as them being a son to him. He also promises to have patience and love despite any disobedience his people may commit. David falls short from God by committing sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. God rectifies Davids sin by appointing Davids second son Solomon as the next King of Israel. King Solomon was known as the wise king that loved the Lord. He too falls short of God because of his numerous marriages. It causes entrance of fall Gods into is kingdom. This as well as taxation caused a divide within the kingdom into North Israel ruled by Jeroboam and South Judah ruled by Rehoboam.

Babylonian Exile and the Return

Soon after the division of Israel and their unfaithfulness to God they fell victim two outside empires. The North Israel Kingdom fell to Assyrians and The South Judah Kingdom fell to Babylon. The temple is destroyed by the Babylonians and the people are swiftly taken into exile. While in Exile God showed his presence to still be with his people through visions, dreams, and miracles. God eventually used the Persian King Cyrus to release the Jews from exile and return to Judah. The temple was rebuilt under the rule of Cyrus. It is viewed that the returned people is a renewal of the covenant.

Intertestimental Period

During the time between the Old Testament and the New Testament involved the rises and falls of the empires in control of Judaea. After the return from exile the Persian empire conquered the region of Israel. It was then succeeded by the Greek empire. Under the rule of the greek empire they introduced this institution of greek culture and learning. It caused a suppression of Jewish traditions and persecution. The Hasamoan dynasty arose to declare the independence of the Jews. During the beginning of the new testament the Roman Empire conquered over all and produced the King Herod. King Herod’s son is the ruler during the birth of Jesus. The new christians lived during the greco-roman era.

The Life and Death of Jesus

The birth of Jesus signifies the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy as well as the mark of the New covenant. Jesus conceived immaculately to Mary and Joseph and born in a manger in Bethlehem. His first works started at a young age where he was in the temple among leaders and priests. Later Jesus is baptized by John the baptist. His first miracles was turning water into one during a wedding celebration. Soon after Jesus begins to heal the sick, and raise the dead. Paralytic men walked and blind men were able to see again throughout the nighty works of Jesus. Jesus appoints 12 disciples to follow him during his time on earth. Jesus also witnessed to a Samaritan woman and teaches many about the goodness of God. However Jesus is soon becomes betrayed by his disciple Judas and partakes in the last supper or passover. Jesus is crucified on the cross, scarfing himself for the sins for all people. He then conquered death as well and rose on the third day. He promises to pour out his spirit onto all people. Only when the spirit is poured upon people will the work of the disciples begin.

The Early Church

On the day of pentecost, the spirit was poured out with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This was the birth of the christianity and the early church. The disciples work began by converting the gentiles. The new covenant was recognized among Bothe Jewish and gentile people after the Jerusalem council. The gospel of Jesus is soon spread through out the empire. After the death of the apostles hope is restored among the christians. On the island of paths John receives a revelation of the new heaven and earth or a new Jerusalem.

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