The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV Read online

  Heb.: Hebrew

  i.e.: that is

  Kt.: Kethib (literally, in Aramaic, “written”)—the written words of the Hebrew Old Testament preserved by the Masoretes (see “Qr.”)

  Lat.: Latin

  lit.: literally

  LXX: Septuagint—an ancient translation of the Old Testament into Greek

  M: Majority Text (see Preface, “The New Testament Text”)

  Macc.: 1 and 2 Maccabees—two historical books in the noncanonical Apocrypha

  masc.: masculine

  mi.: mile/miles

  ms., mss.: manuscript, manuscripts

  Mt.: mount

  MT: Masoretic Text—the traditional Hebrew Old Testament (see Preface, “The Old Testament Text”)

  N: North

  NT: New Testament

  NU: the most prominent modern Critical Text of the Greek New Testament, published in the twenty-seventh edition of the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament and in the fourth edition of the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament (see Preface, “The New Testament Text”)

  OT: Old Testament

  pl.: plural

  p.m.: noon to midnight

  Qr.: Qere (literally, in Aramaic, “read”)—certain words read aloud, differing from the written words, in the Masoretic tradition of the Hebrew Old Testament (see “Kt.”)

  S: South

  Sam.: Samaritan Pentateuch—a variant Hebrew edition of the books of Moses, used by the Samaritan community

  sing.: singular

  Syr.: Syriac

  Tg.: Targum—an Aramaic paraphrase of the Old Testament

  TR: Textus Receptus or Received Text (see Preface, “The New Testament Text”)

  v., vv.: verse, verses

  vss.: versions—ancient translations of the Bible

  Vg.: Vulgate—an ancient translation of the Bible into Latin, translated and edited by Jerome

  W: West

  Key to Parenthetical References

  ( ): exact text

  (cf.): corroborative text

  (see): amplifying/clarifying text

  (contra.): contrasting text

  Books of the Bible Abbreviations

  The Old Testament

  Genesis: Gen.

  Exodus: Ex.

  Leviticus: Lev.

  Numbers: Num.

  Deuteronomy: Deut.

  Joshua: Josh.

  Judges: Judg.

  Ruth: Ruth

  1 Samuel: 1 Sam.

  2 Samuel: 2 Sam.

  1 Kings: 1 Kin.

  2 Kings: 2 Kin.

  1 Chronicles: 1 Chr.

  2 Chronicles: 2 Chr.

  Ezra: Ezra

  Nehemiah: Neh.

  Esther: Esth.

  Job: Job

  Psalms: Ps.

  Proverbs: Prov.

  Ecclesiastes: Eccl.

  Song of Solomon: Song

  Isaiah: Is.

  Jeremiah: Jer.

  Lamentations: Lam.

  Ezekiel: Ezek.

  Daniel: Dan.

  Hosea: Hos.

  Joel: Joel

  Amos: Amos

  Obadiah: Obad.

  Jonah: Jon.

  Micah: Mic.

  Nahum: Nah.

  Habakkuk: Hab.

  Zephaniah: Zeph.

  Haggai: Hag.

  Zechariah: Zech.

  Malachi: Mal.

  The New Testament

  Matthew: Matt.

  Mark: Mark

  Luke: Luke

  John: John

  Acts: Acts

  Romans: Rom.

  1 Corinthians: 1 Cor.

  2 Corinthians: 2 Cor.

  Galatians: Gal.

  Ephesians: Eph.

  Philippians: Phil.

  Colossians: Col.

  1 Thessalonians: 1 Thess.

  2 Thessalonians: 2 Thess.

  1 Timothy: 1 Tim.

  2 Timothy: 2 Tim.

  Titus: Titus

  Philemon: Philem.

  Hebrews: Heb.

  James: James

  1 Peter: 1 Pet.

  2 Peter: 2 Pet.

  1 John: 1 John

  2 John: 2 John

  3 John: 3 John

  Jude: Jude

  Revelation: Rev.

  The Progress of Revelation

  OLD TESTAMENT

  Book: 1. Job

  Approximate Writing Date: Unknown

  Author: Anonymous

  Book: 2. Genesis

  Approximate Writing Date: 1445-1405 B.C.

  Author: Moses

  Book: 3. Exodus

  Approximate Writing Date: 1445-1405 B.C.

  Author: Moses

  Book: 4. Leviticus

  Approximate Writing Date: 1445-1405 B.C.

  Author: Moses

  Book: 5. Numbers

  Approximate Writing Date: 1445-1405 B.C.

  Author: Moses

  Book: 6. Deuteronomy

  Approximate Writing Date: 1445-1405 B.C.

  Author: Moses

  Book: 7. Psalms

  Approximate Writing Date: 1410-450 B.C.

  Author: Multiple Authors

  Book: 8. Joshua

  Approximate Writing Date: 1405-1385 B.C.

  Author: Joshua

  Book: 9. Judges

  Approximate Writing Date: ca. 1043 B.C.

  Author: Samuel

  Book: 10. Ruth

  Approximate Writing Date: ca. 1030-1010 B.C.

  Author: Samuel (?)

  Book: 11. Song of Solomon

  Approximate Writing Date: 971-965 B.C.

  Author: Solomon

  Book: 12. Proverbs

  Approximate Writing Date: 971-686 B.C.

  Author: Solomon primarily

  Book: 13. Ecclesiastes

  Approximate Writing Date: 940-931 B.C.

  Author: Solomon

  Book: 14. 1 Samuel

  Approximate Writing Date: 931-722 B.C.

  Author: Anonymous

  Book: 15. 2 Samuel

  Approximate Writing Date: 931-722 B.C.

  Author: Anonymous

  Book: 16. Obadiah

  Approximate Writing Date: 850-840 B.C.

  Author: Obadiah

  Book: 17. Joel

  Approximate Writing Date: 835-796 B.C.

  Author: Joel

  Book: 18. Jonah

  Approximate Writing Date: ca. 760 B.C.

  Author: Jonah

  Book: 19. Amos

  Approximate Writing Date: ca. 755 B.C.

  Author: Amos

  Book: 20. Hosea

  Approximate Writing Date: 755-710 B.C.

  Author: Hosea

  Book: 21. Micah

  Approximate Writing Date: 735-710 B.C.

  Author: Micah

  Book: 22. Isaiah

  Approximate Writing Date: 700-681 B.C.

  Author: Isaiah

  Book: 23. Nahum

  Approximate Writing Date: ca. 650 B.C.

  Author: Nahum

  Book: 24. Zephaniah

  Approximate Writing Date: 635-625 B.C.

  Author: Zephaniah

  Book: 25. Habakkuk

  Approximate Writing Date: 615-605 B.C.

  Author: Habakkuk

  Book: 26. Ezekiel

  Approximate Writing Date: 590-570 B.C.

  Author: Ezekiel

  Book: 27. Lamentations

  Approximate Writing Date: 586 B.C.

  Author: Jeremiah

  Book: 28. Jeremiah

  Approximate Writing Date: 586-570 B.C.

  Author: Jeremiah

  Book: 29. 1 Kings

  Approximate Writing Date: 561-538 B.C.

  Author: Anonymous

  Book: 30. 2 Kings

  Approximate Writing Date: 561-538 B.C.

  Author: Anonymous

  Book: 31. Daniel

  Approximate Writing Date: 536-530 B.C.

  Author: Daniel

  Book: 32. Haggai

  Approximate Writing Date: ca. 520 B.C.
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  Author: Haggai

  Book: 33. Zechariah

  Approximate Writing Date: 480-470 B.C.

  Author: Zechariah

  Book: 34. Ezra

  Approximate Writing Date: 457-444 B.C.

  Author: Ezra

  Book: 35. 1 Chronicles

  Approximate Writing Date: 450-430 B.C.

  Author: Ezra (?)

  Book: 36. 2 Chronicles

  Approximate Writing Date: 450-430 B.C.

  Author: Ezra (?)

  Book: 37. Esther

  Approximate Writing Date: 450-331 B.C.

  Author: Anonymous

  Book: 38. Malachi

  Approximate Writing Date: 433-424 B.C.

  Author: Malachi

  Book: 39. Nehemiah

  Approximate Writing Date: 424-400 B.C.

  Author: Ezra

  NEW TESTAMENT

  Book: 1. James

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 44-49

  Author: James

  Book: 2. Galatians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 49-50

  Author: Paul

  Book: 3. Matthew

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 50-60

  Author: Matthew

  Book: 4. Mark

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 50-60

  Author: Mark

  Book: 5. 1 Thessalonians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 51

  Author: Paul

  Book: 6. 2 Thessalonians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 51-52

  Author: Paul

  Book: 7. 1 Corinthians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 55

  Author: Paul

  Book: 8. 2 Corinthians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 55-56

  Author: Paul

  Book: 9. Romans

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 56

  Author: Paul

  Book: 10. Luke

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 60-61

  Author: Luke

  Book: 11. Ephesians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 60-62

  Author: Paul

  Book: 12. Philippians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 60-62

  Author: Paul

  Book: 13. Colossians

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 60-62

  Author: Paul

  Book: 14. Philemon

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 60-62

  Author: Paul

  Book: 15. Acts

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 62

  Author: Luke

  Book: 16. 1 Timothy

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 62-64

  Author: Paul

  Book: 17. Titus

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 62-64

  Author: Paul

  Book: 18. 1 Peter

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 64-65

  Author: Peter

  Book: 19. 2 Timothy

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 66-67

  Author: Paul

  Book: 20. 2 Peter

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 67-68

  Author: Peter

  Book: 21. Hebrews

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 67-69

  Author: Unknown

  Book: 22. Jude

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 68-70

  Author: Jude

  Book: 23. John

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 80-90

  Author: John

  Book: 24. 1 John

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 90-95

  Author: John

  Book: 25. 2 John

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 90-95

  Author: John

  Book: 26. 3 John

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 90-95

  Author: John

  Book: 27. Revelation

  Approximate Writing Date: A.D. 94-96

  Author: John

  The Old Testament

  Introduction to the Pentateuch

  The first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) form a complete literary unit called the Pentateuch, meaning “five scrolls.” The 5 independent books of the Pentateuch were written as an unbroken unity in content and historical sequence, with each succeeding book beginning where the former left off.

  Genesis’ first words, “In the beginning God created …” (Gen. 1:1) imply the reality of God’s eternal or “before time” existence and announce the spectacular transition to time and space. While the exact date of creation cannot be determined, it certainly would be estimated to be thousands of years ago, not millions. Starting with Abraham (ca. 2165–1990 B.C.) in Gen. 11, this book of beginnings spans over 300 years to the death of Joseph in Egypt (ca. 1804 B.C.). There is then another gap of almost 300 years until the birth of Moses in Egypt (ca. 1525 B.C.; Ex. 2).

  Exodus begins with the words “Now these are the names” (Ex. 1:1), listing those of the family of Jacob who went down to Egypt to be with Joseph toward the end of Gen. (Gen. 46ff.). The second book of the Pentateuch, which records the escape of the Israelites from Egypt, concludes when the cloud which led the people through the wilderness descends upon the newly constructed tabernacle.

  The first Hebrew words of Leviticus may be translated, “Now the LORD called to Moses” (Lev. 1:1). From the cloud of God’s Presence in the tabernacle of meeting (Lev. 1:1), God summons Moses in order to prescribe to him the ceremonial law which told Israel how they must approach their Holy LORD. Leviticus concludes with, “These are the commandments which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai” (Lev. 27:34).

  Numbers, much like Leviticus, commences with God commissioning Moses at the tabernacle of meeting, this time to take a census in preparation for war against Israel’s enemies. The book’s title in the Hebrew Bible accurately represents the content—“Wilderness.” Due to lack of trust in God, Israel did not want to engage its enemies militarily in order to claim the Promised Land. After 40 additional years in the wilderness for their rebellion, Israel arrived on the plains of Moab.

  Despite the fact that “It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea” (Deut. 1:2), the journey took Israel 40 years due to their rebellion against God. Moses preached the book of Deuteronomy as a sermon on the Plains of Moab in preparation for God’s people to enter the land of covenant promise (Gen. 12:1–3). The title Deuteronomy is from the Gr. phrase deuteros nomos, meaning “second law.” The book focuses on the restatement and, to some extent, the reapplication of the law to Israel’s new circumstances.

  Moses was the human author of the Pentateuch (Ex. 17:14; 24:4; Num. 33:1, 2; Deut. 31:9; Josh. 1:8; 2 Kin. 21:8); thus, another title for the collection is “The Books of Moses.” Through Moses, God revealed Himself, His former works, Israel’s family history, and its role in His plan of redemption for mankind. The Pentateuch is foundational to all the rest of Scripture.

  Quoted or alluded to thousands of times in the OT and in the NT, the Pentateuch was Israel’s first inspired body of Scripture. For many years, this alone was Israel’s Bible. Another common title for this section of Scripture is Torah or Law, nomenclature which looks at the didactic nature of these books. The Israelites were to meditate upon it (Josh. 1:8), teach it to their children (Deut. 6:4-8), and read it publicly (Neh. 8:1ff.). Just before his death and Israel’s move into the Promised Land, Moses set forth the process by which public reading would make its way into human hearts and change their relationship with God, and ultimately their conduct:

  Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law.

  Deut. 31:12

  The relationships between the commands is important. The people must: 1) gather to hear the law in order to learn what is required of them and what it has to say about God; 2) learn about the LORD in order to fear Him based on a correct understan
ding of who He is; and 3) fear God in order to be correctly motivated to obedience and good works. Good works performed for any other reason will be improperly motivated. The priests taught the law to the families (Mal. 2:4–7) and the parents instructed the children within the home (Deut. 6:4ff.). Instruction in the law, in short, would provide the right foundation for the OT believer’s relationship with God.

  Chronology of Old Testament Patriarchs and Judges

  Because the Israelites’ knowledge of the world in which they lived came through the Egyptians, as well as their ancestors the Mesopotamians, there was much confusion about the creation of the world, how it got to its present state, and how Israel had come into existence. Genesis 1-11 helped Israel understand the origin and nature of creation, human labor, sin, marriage, murder, death, bigamy, judgment, the multiplicity of languages, cultures, etc. These chapters established the worldview which explained the remainder of Israel’s first Bible, the Pentateuch.

  The later portion of Genesis explained to Israel who they were, including the purpose God had for them as a people. In Gen. 12:1–3, God had appeared to Abraham and made a 3-fold promise to give them a land, descendants, and blessing. Years later, in a ceremony typical to Abraham’s culture, God recast the 3-fold promise into a covenant (Gen. 15:7ff.). The remainder of Genesis treats the fulfillment of all 3 promises, but focuses especially on the seed or descendants. The barrenness of each of the patriarchs’ chosen wives taught Israel the importance of trust and patience in waiting for children from God.

  The rest of the Pentateuch looks at the way in which the promises of Gen. 12:1-3 expand in the Abrahamic Covenant and achieve their initial stages of fulfillment. Exodus and Leviticus focus more on the blessing of relationship with God. In Exodus, Israel meets the God of their fathers and is led forth by Him from Egypt to the Promised Land. Leviticus underscores the meticulous care with which the people and priests were to approach God in worship and every dimension of their lives. Holiness and cleanness come together in simple and practical ways. Numbers and Deuteronomy focus on the journey to and preparation for the Land. The Pentateuch treats many issues related to Israel’s relationship with their God. But the underlying theme of the Pentateuch is the initial, unfolding fulfillments of God’s promises made to Abraham.

  A Harmony of the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles

  I. THE KINGSHIP OF GOD (1 Sam. 1:1-7:17; 1 Chr. 1:1-9:44)

  A. Genealogical Tables (1 Chr. 1:1-9:44)

  1. Genealogies of the Patriarchs (1 Chr. 1:1—2:2)

  2. Genealogies of the Tribes of Israel (1 Chr. 2:3—9:44)

  B. The Close of the Theocracy (1 Sam. 1:1-7:17)

  1. The Early Life of Samuel (1 Sam. 1:1–4:1a)