September
15
2019

Bible Reading - Week 38

 

WEEK 38

You are getting very close to the end of the Old
Testament readings, so keep reading. Expect to find positive messages regarding the future of God’s people in this week’s readings.

 

VERSE OF THE WEEK

Esther 4:14 “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”

 

DAY 1 Ezra 1-3; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23

  • Chapter 1 reveals that the Babylonian captivity has finally ended. What is the decree of Cyrus king of Persia that he issues for the benefit of the returning exiles?
  • After the exiles return, what do they begin to rebuild? What emotions are felt among the people?

 

DAY 2 Ezra 4-6

  • What actions do the enemies of the Jewish people take to oppose the reconstruction of the temple?
  • How are the Israelites able to resume construction of the temple?

 

DAY 3 Haggai 1-2

  • Why are the people going through hard times, according to chapter 1? What do they need to do to please the Lord? What do they do?
  • What incredible promise does the Lord make in chapter 2?
  • What encouragements do you find in chapter 2?

 

DAY 4 Zechariah 1-7

  • The prophecy of Zechariah begins with a call to repentance. Based on the first six verses of chapter 1, how would you define repentance?
  • What promises does the Lord make concerning his people in the remainder of chapter 1? In chapter 2? In chapter 3?
  • How many visions does Zechariah see in chapters 1-6?
  • According to chapter 7, the Lord did not listen when the people called to him but instead scattered them. Why?

 

DAY 5 Zechariah 8-14

  • What does the Lord promise to do in chapter 8? What does he command the people to do?
  • Compare 9:9 with Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 to see a clear example of predictive prophecy coming true.
  • Look for the promises the Lord makes as you read chapter 10.
  • In chapter 11, what will happen to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock?
  • In chapter 12, what does the Lord promise to do to the nations that come against Jerusalem?
  • According to chapter 13, what will the Lord do to cleanse his people?
  • What will be the distinguishing marks of the day belong to the Lord, according to chapter 14?

 

DAY 6 Esther 1-5

  • It will be important as you read Esther to know that God is never mentioned in the book. Nevertheless, his providential hand is obvious throughout. As you read each chapter, look especially for the evidence of God’s providence, that is, his actions directing events toward his goals. You may find it helpful to keep a list of examples or to mark verses in your Bible in some way (by placing a “P” beside verses that show God’s providence, for example, or by underlining or highlighting them). Note that some examples may become clearer after you have read further into Esther, so you may find it helpful to read through the book two or three times.
  • Based on the first five chapters, why has Esther become queen?
  • How does Esther display courage?

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