Tag: bsf lesson 8 day 3

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 11:2-20

Daniel’s vision continues. He sees three more kings rise up and fall and then a 4th king who will rise up and fall, but his kingdom will be broken up four ways.

The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom. They will become allies. 

A king from the south will arise. He will attack the forces of the king of the North. Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat.

Then the king of the South will march out and fight against the king of the North.

Many will rise against the king of the South. Then the king of the North will come and will make an alliance with the king of the South. Then the king of the North will be destroyed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

6) It seems to be the same foes fighting against each other and ultimately getting nowhere. No one is completely winning and is only retaining power for a time.
The most compelling aspect of Daniel 11:2-20 is how its cryptic language maps almost perfectly onto the specific, often obscure, history of the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. This is also why this passage is challenging. It describes the Syrian Wars between the Ptolemaic (South) and Seleucid (North) dynasties, which lasted over 150 years, which, unless you’re a history buff of this time period, you have no clue about. The prophecy reads like a confusing list of wars, treaties, and betrayals until historical accounts are placed side-by-side with the text. Understanding Daniel 11 requires a deep dive into secular history between the Old and New Testaments.
7a) All earthly kingdoms rise and then fall, but God’s remains firm always and forever.
b) I put my trust in God’s kingdom that is forever. Anything of man is simply transitory.
8a) All of Biblical prophecy is God-breathed, so I have 100% faith in its validity.
This prophecy was given to reassure God’s people, who were caught and oppressed between these warring kingdoms. The message is that God is sovereign over the chaos of world history, controlling every assassination and marriage alliance, and that He cares deeply about the fate of his covenant people (Israel).
b) I try to understand it. I pray about it. But, ultimately, I don’t worry about it. I give it to God to handle!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

Not exactly an easy passage to understand but one that shows that all earthly kingdoms come and go.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

This is one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible, and one of the most accurate to prove right.

The fourth king was the Persian king Xerxes. We talk about these empires (and they are in the Bible) because they were the enemies of Israel and frequently attacked them and tried to destroy them. But, we all know no one can stand against God.

We know that Alexander the Great died young with no heirs, so his empire was divided four ways amongst his most powerful generals. Alexander the Great spared Jerusalem on his travels because of the prophecy of Daniel and a vision he had of the high priest. Only 2 of these kingdoms are talked about in the rest of the prophecy because they were the ones who constantly attacked Israel.

The Seleucids are identified with the Kings of the North, and the Ptolemies were the Kings of the South. Remember, the Ptolemies ruled Egypt from which Cleopatra was a descendant. The fighting between the two kingdoms lasted 130 years, and the stronger one always held Israel.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:2-20 is a remarkably precise and detailed prophecy that outlines the course of history from the Persian Empire through the rise of Alexander the Great and the subsequent, centuries-long conflict between his two most powerful successor dynasties.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • From Persia to Greece: The prophecy begins by foretelling the rise of a mighty Greek king (Alexander the Great) who will conquer the Persian Empire. It accurately predicts that at the height of his power, his kingdom will be broken and divided into four parts, not among his own descendants.
  • The King of the South vs. The King of the North: The vision then focuses intensely on the ongoing wars between two of these successor kingdoms: the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt (“the King of the South”) and the Seleucid dynasty in Syria (“the King of the North”).
  • A Detailed History in Advance: The passage details their specific battles, failed marriage alliances, betrayals, and shifting fortunes with such accuracy that it reads like a historical record. This demonstrates God’s complete foreknowledge and sovereignty over the intricate plans of human kings.
  • Israel Caught in the Middle: The focus remains on these two powers because the “Beautiful Land” (Israel) was located directly between them. God’s people suffered greatly as this superpower rivalry played out across their land for generations, setting the stage for the evil king who is introduced next.

In conclusion, this passage serves as a powerful testament to God’s omniscience and control over the flow of history. It reveals that the complex political and military struggles of human empires are not random but are foreknown by God and serve His ultimate purpose—in this case, setting the historical stage for the rise of the great antagonist who will directly attack His people.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by dreams that his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not interpret. The king became angry that no one could interpret it, so he gave an order to put all wise men to death, including Daniel and his fellow Jews. Daniel asked the king to interpret his dream. He and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, prayed to God for the answer. God answered Daniel in a prayer, and Daniel gave God praise.

Daniel interpreted the dream, giving God all the credit. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that more kingdoms will arise after his. Then God will set up His kingdom, which will never be destroyed and will endure forever.

Nebuchadnezzar then declared Daniel’s God the God of all gods. Daniel was given many gifts and was made ruler over all of Babylon and the wise men. Daniel’s friends were promoted, too.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

6a) Daniel was facing execution. His response was to turn to the Lord Almighty for help to solve the king’s problem so that him and his friends could survive.

b) For God’s name, wisdom, power. For how God changes times and the seasons. How he controls earthly kings. How He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge. How He reveals deep things. He knows what is in darkness. Daniel thanks God for the wisdom and power he has given him and for making the king’s dream known to them.

c) God decides who is in power, when, and for how long.

d) He has renewed my faith in one of my purposes for my life. He has given me hope that I will continue in this purpose.

7a) That earthly kingdoms will rise out of God’s will, but that God’s kingdom is the only one that will endure forever.

b) God’s kingdom is what we all live and hope for. It gives me the strength to continue each and every day. It is the best.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

Love how Daniel turns to God to save him. Great message for all of us, even if death is not on the line.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

Fun Fact: This is the only section of the Bible written in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4-7:28), which was the language of the Babylonians.

Since no one could interpret nor tell Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he wanted to kill all of his wise men. Daniel once again poses a solution. This is a great lesson for all of us when we come upon a problem. Rather than complaining about it; find a solution.

Daniel prays. God being God answers and saves Daniel, his friends, and others. God rewards Daniel for his faithfulness. God is, indeed, good.

Bible commentators disagree over which kingdoms Daniel is referring to there. Many think it was: the Medo-Persian, the Greek, and the Roman Empire. Some separate out Media and Persia as separate empires. Many believe these kingdoms are still future.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:5-9

Jesus asks Philip where they shall buy bread to feed the people who was following him and who he was teaching. Philip only sees the expense, saying they don’t have enough money. Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother points out a boy’s lunch of five small barley loaves and two small fish.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

6) John tells us that Jesus is testing Philip.

7a) Philip only sees the expense and the impossible. He doesn’t have faith or doesn’t think about how Jesus can solve this dilemma because of who he is. Andrew sees the practical food, but wonders how it would be enough. The boy presumably is willing to share his lunch.

b) I am willing to share, but I feel like I’d be incredulous as to how Jesus would solve the problem, too. Definitely convicting to believe in the power of Jesus to do anything.

8 ) Meager is all you have, like all the boy’s lunch. I can give the Lord everything just like the boy.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

I love how we see the different attitudes of people towards Jesus, which still hold true today. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

Some Bible scholars say that perhaps Jesus asked Philip this question because he was from Bethsaida (John 1:44), which was close to the area that this miracle occurred (Luke 9:10).

Jesus was teaching his disciples by asking the question.

Philip should have believed in Jesus’ divine abilities to do the impossible.

Barley was a grain that fed animals mostly, indicating that the boy was poor. The fish were small, too.

Jesus and God like others to participate in miracles to grow their faith. He doesn’t need our help.

Fun Fact: The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all 4 Gospels.

Everything Jesus said and did meant so much more than surface value. It was to fulfill needs, but also to teach us so much about the Lord and his powers.

Andrew is always mentioned in the Bible when he is bringing someone to Jesus.

The boy simply gave what he had to Jesus, no matter how small. So must we. Then, Jesus will do great things.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:13-25

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the Jordan River and cross over. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. Still, they wanted to go and look for Elijah and Elisha let them at their insistance. They looked for three days with no sign of Elijah.

Elisha purified the water of Jericho using salt, saying the Lord healed the water. As Elisha went to Bethel, he was jeered at by some youths. He cursed them and two bears mauled 42 of them. He then went to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

7a) He allowed Elisha to have Elijah’s cloak. He allowed Elisha to part the Jordan River the same way Elijah had done. None of the company of prophets found Elijah.

b) In order to leave no doubt who would be taking Elijah’s place as God’s chosen spiritual leader after Elijah’s departure.

8a) It seems that Elisha took the insults personally and had the youth hurt. Plus, they are youth. Young people do dumb things and say dumb things. The punishment seems severe for just jeering.

b) It must have been in a malicious tone and against God to have such dire consequences. Plus, when you consider that they were mocking Elisha then they were also mocking God, then the punishment makes sense.

9) Matthew 7: 6-23 tells us that you can tell by their fruits or works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 tells us to have confidence in what we know is God’s word.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

It’s hard to read the jeering section. Yet, we were not there and cannot hear the tone of the youths (who may have been older since men lived longer back then). Odds are, the words were threatening and insulting enought for Elishat to ask God to intervene.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

The picking up of the cloak by Elisha demonstrated him picking up the torch passed from Elijah.

The parting of the Jordan River shows that Elisha inherited the same power that Elijah had since God answered Him.

By Elisha asking “Where it the God of Elijah?”, he’s asking where’s the God who performed miracles, provided for Elijah, and gave Elijah strength during his ministry? That’s the God Elisha is seeking (as we all should).

Remember that Joshua cursed anyone who rebuilt what God has destoryed (Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings16:34). God’s grace and mercy are unbounded here.

The youths were from Bethel that has many pagan places of worship. They basically told Elisha to die when they said “go up” referring to Elijah ascending to heaven. This thus mocked Elisha and the God he served, as well as rejected God. For most of us know, the consequences happen at death. Here, God sent a clear message the consequences of rejecting Him. God’s timing is always perfect.

Note Elisha cursed the men, but God provided the consequences. Elisha left it up to God to do this.

42 men is a lot and there were probably more. It could have been a mob jeering at Elisha, which could quickly get out of control and then needed to be dispersed before Elisha was hurt. Note the word “mauled.” It is possible these men were not killed, just hurt.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 3: Matthew 8:18-22

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 8:18-22

Jesus crossed over the lake (Sea of Galilee) in order to escape the crowds. A teacher of the law told Jesus he would follow him wherever he went. Another said he would follow him after he buried his father. Jesus said to follow him and bury your dead later.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 3: Matthew 8:18-22

7) The first follower may be in a honeymoon stage, so Jesus tells him it’s not all fun and games. The second follower loves Jesus, but puts his human father first. He is a reluctant follower.

8a) The cost for the first man is giving up everything and living a very simple life with no real home.

b) The cost for the second man is putting him first above his human family and giving his whole heart to Jesus.

9a) People only follow Jesus when it’s convenient for them. The second it gets hard or they have to sacrifice, they bail.

b) You have to do what God wants you to do, not what others want you to do. You have to put God first always, and sometimes that can cause friction between family members. I’ve had to end some relationships with friends over following Jesus’s path for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 3: Matthew 8:18-22

I love how simple Jesus is so that we simple humans can grasp his meaning. It’s simple: follow him completely and totally above all others.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 3: Matthew 8:18-22

Jesus needed a break from the crowds. He did not seek notarity. Many were attracted to following Jesus because they were mesmerized by his miracles. But these two did not have the heart Jesus was seeking.

Jesus is blunt by saying that he truly did not have a home. He lived a very simple life, and by telling the man this, he hoped to not lead him astray about what his ministry was really all about. This is a great lesson for pastors of today.

Fun Fact: “The Son of Man” is used 81 times in the gospels. Jesus referred to himself as this many times, or you’ll see it when someone in the Bible quotes him. It evokes power and glory as seen here (Daniel 7:13-14) and the humility (Psalm 8:4).

What modern readers miss here is that the father of the second man is not dead; if he was, the man would have said something along the lines of digging a grave. Thus, the man wanted to care for his ailing father, which could have been years for all we know. This man was a disciple, but not with the heart of the 12 disciples who were all in. Jesus wants those who are all in for him.

Jesus clearly states that although family is important, he is more so. He is very forthright and honest in his ministry as we should be.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 3: Matthew 7:7-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:7-12

“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” If you ask God, He will give you good gifts like we would our kids.

Do unto others what you want done to you. This is the Law.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 3: Matthew 7:7-12

6) “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” He promises that you will receive, you will find, and doors will be opened.

7a) That God cares for us more than anything even though we are evil.

b) Romans 8:28 says that God works through all things for our good. After all, God gave us His only Son and gives us all things in His grace.

8a) Be very gentle, listen, offer advice, help, be caring and compassionate.

b) Matthew 22:34-40 teaches us that the greatest commands are to love God and love your neighbor. God gave us the to show us how to live and to point to Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for us. God gave us all of this out of His great love. When we love, we have God’s heart.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 3: Matthew 7:7-12

This is one of my favorite verses of the Bible. God makes things so simple, yet we humans complicate them so much. Ask, seek, and knock. Then love. That’s all it takes to be God’s.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 3: Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus takes more time to teach us how to pray. When we ask, we receive, which is the reward of asking. When we seek God, we’ll find Him. He doesn’t hide from us. We knock at God’s door (heaven) to be let in. God opens the door in response to us knocking.

You enter into the Gospel like you enter an open door. While it is there, you have to ask for it and seek it out.

Sometimes you must keep asking, seeking, and knocking; God does not answer immediately. Prayer shows our dependence on God.

God wants to give us what we ask for and more.

The Golden Rule

The negative form of this was a popular saying in Jewish culture at the time. “You should not do to your neighbor what you would not want him to do to you.” Jesus turned a negative into a positive. Many cultures have a similar saying to the Golden Rule. Jesus wants us to take action.

You cannot break any of God’s laws by treating others as we want to be treated.

None of us can maintain this high standard except Jesus, but it is a worthy goal.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:1-3:

The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

6a) The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

b) God appeared to Abram while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran and called him. This shows that Abram only made it half-way, and he took his father as well.

7) Isaiah 41:8-10 says we are chosen by God, He is with us, He will strengthen us. Matthew 4:18-22 says Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and he will make them fishers of men. Matthew 19:28-30 says that at the Second Coming those who followed him will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes. Anyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, or chidlren for his way will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life. Mark 8:34-36 says you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus and you will gain eternal life. John 14:15-20 says if you obey Jesus’ commands, you will receive the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you.

8a) Personal Question. My answer: We just moved as well for a better life and pivots in our careers. I plan on many things, including growing closer to God and doing His will in my life.

b) Personal Question. My answer: God’s call never seems to get any easier in life. It’s just a matter of surrender. Knowing that God is behind it all gives me the strength and courage to persevere.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

To us, this is no big deal; people move all the time. However, in ancient times, it was extremely rare for people to travel more than a mile or so outside of their towns and villages. They relied on their family to help them survive. After all, tilling the land is no easy way to live. Thus, when God called Abram to leave both his family and his land for some distant, unknown place, this was a big deal.

his explains why Abram disobeyed God and took family members and why he made it only half way. Perhaps his father could not travel any more. Like I said yesterday, while this is not full obedience, it is better than none at all.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

I typed out the verses because they are so famous and they are good to memorize for us. This promise is repeated here from when God first called Abram.

When God says “I will,” it will be done.

We see Abram growing in faith; this is what we should do as well. We will never be perfect. The point is you journey towards God, one step at a time.

Abram was promised a land, a nation, and fame. All of the major religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) honor him.

Note God’s promise to bless those who blesses His people, and to curse those who curse them. This promise is made to the Jews who are and always will be God’s chosen people. Gentiles were adopted later. God always protects the Jews as history shows, from the Greeks and the Romans to Hitler’s Germany. The moral of the story is: don’t mess with God’s people. The nation of Israel, as tiny as it is, has all of the power in the world because God will never abandon them.

God also promises to make Abram a blessing. If you are a Christian today, no matter your denomimation, you can thank Abram and God. Galatians 3:8-9). (Revelation 5:9)

God’s plan always prevails; aren’t we glad?

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 9:1-7

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God blessed Noah and his sons and told them to be fruitful and fill the earth. All animals will fear and dread you and God placed them in man’s hands. God gave everything that lives and moves now as food for man as well as the plants.

Man must not eat meat that has lifeblood still in it.  God will demand an accounting from every animal and from every man and accounting for the life of his fellow man.  “Whoever sheds the blood of man by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God has God made man.”

Questions:

5)  God told both Noah and Adam to be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.  God allowed Noah to eat the animals and not Adam.  God told Noah not to eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it (same for Adam).  God blessed both of them.  God told both Noah and Adam to rule over the earth and its inhabitants but for Noah he made the animals afraid of man.  God told Noah He will hold man accountable for every animal and for the life of his fellow man.  This was unnecessary in Eden since man was sinless at the time.

6)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Because the life of every creature is in its blood and it was the blood of animals that gave man atonement for their sins before Jesus came.  Thus it was sacred, reserved for this very important purpose in man’s life.

7a)  “Whoever sheds the blood of man by man shall his blood be shed (death); for in the image of God has God made man.”  Basically, murderers attack the image of God and must therefore give an accounting.

b)  No.  God knows man’s heart and how evil his tendencies are.  It’s like an eye for an eye.  It seems to me to be God’s reckoning.  God knows some people can become so evil that they need to be punished so they can’t hurt others.  That’s why all throughout the Old and New Testament God lays down laws for the death penalty (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).  Murderers pollute God’s earth.

Numbers 35:33:  “Do not pollute the land where you are.  Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.  Do not defile the land…”

Murder is against the law and it is government’s job (granted by God) to institute judgment and penalty (Romans 13:1-5).

Conclusions:  Here we see God’s laws again in action.  First, He forbade man from eating from the tree of knowledge.  Now, He forbids man from eating meat with lifeblood.  I find it interesting how the forbidding list just gets longer and longer.  In Eden, it was only one:  no fruit from that tree.  After Noah, the list just grows and grows.

It’s like the laws of countries (and most noticeably in the United States lately).  There are so many laws enacted cause of one stupid person that no one can even count.  Sin just seems to never stop and keeps growing.

I did like the capital punishment study.  I’ve never looked at it in the Bible.  Good to know when talking to people about it.  I like the idea of how it’s attacking God’s image. Never thought of it like that.  Attacking God’s creation.  In a way, attacking God himself, especially if the Holy Spirit is indwelt.

I also like the image of how spilt blood pollutes and defiles the land.  For all the talk of “pollution” in this world, you never hear it referenced in terms of the pollution murder does.  Another emphasis on how all life is sacred and only God has the right to take it.  How sacred and precious is ALL His creations including the land we walk upon.