E-text prepared by Fredric B. Lozo
THE BIBLE PERIOD BY PERIOD
A Manual for the Study of the Bible by Periods
by
JOSIAH BLAKE TIDWELL
INTRODUCTORY NOTE:
Josiah Blake Tidwell states "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself
(Lev. 19:18). It is the final word in all right relations to others."
This statement in _The Bible Period by Period_, regarding the Laws of
Moses, and echoed in the words of Jesus is the guiding principle by
which Tidwell seems to have lived.
J. B. Tidwell was born in Alabama in 1870 to a modest family of
farmers. He was educated at Alabama's Howard College (now Samford
University), earned a Master's Degree from Baylor University in 1903,
and did post-graduate studies through a correspondence program of the
University of Chicago. He also received several honorary degrees.
Tidwell served as the Chairman of the Bible Department at Baylor
University from 1910 until the time of his passing in 1946. Among his
writings are _The Bible, Book by Book_ (1914), _The Bible, Period by
Period_ (1916), _Genesis: A Study of the Plan of Redemption_ (1924),
and _John and His Five Books_ (1937).
This book, _The Bible Period by Period_ (1916) is a companion to
Tidwell's _The Bible Book by Book_ (1914). Both are college level
introductory courses in Christian studies. They are each organized in
outline form with questions at the end of each chapter to guide the
student in acquiring a comprehensive mastery of the material.
In preparing "The Bible Period by Period" in e-book format, the
outline styles were edited for sake of e-text consistency and
proofreading. Certain geographical place names were edited for
consistent spelling. The rest of the text remains faithful to the
original. For any errors in transcription, I sincerely apologize as
the words of the author could hardly be improved upon.
Fredric Lozo
Mathis, Texas
April 2005
* * * * *
THE BIBLE PERIOD BY PERIOD
A Manual for the Study of the Bible by Periods
by
JOSIAH BLAKE TIDWELL
Professor of Biblical Literature
Baylor University Press
Waco, Texas
1916
Author's Preface.
The author believes that the Bible is the word of God and that it is
the inspired revelation of God's will to men and of the plan which he
has provided for their redemption. He believes that it contains
instructions which alone furnish the basis of wise and worthy conduct
both for individuals and for nations. He, therefore, believes that all
men should avail themselves of every possible opportunity to acquaint
themselves with its teachings and that all Christians should be
faithful and even aggressive in their efforts to teach its truths.
Moreover, several years of teaching the Bible to a multitude of
students has convinced the writer that what is needed most is a study
of the Bible itself rather than things about it. Having this in mind
this little volume presents only a small amount of introductory
discussion. It offers instead a large number of topics for study and
discussion. By following the suggestions for study which they offer
the student may gain a working knowledge of the contents of Biblical
history.
It is suggested that these outlines will furnish a basis of work for
college and academy Bible classes. It is also hoped that it may be
adopted for study in many Sunday School classes. If it shall be
studied in the Sunday Schools according to instructions which the
author will furnish, it will be granted college entrance credit in
Baylor University. Women's societies will find it well suited to their
Bible study work.
The aim has been to make a companion book to the author's "The Bible
Book by Book." The twenty one periods selected are only one of the
many ways in which Bible history may be divided and lays no claim to
superiority. If this volume shall prove as helpful as the sale of its
companion book would indicate that it has been, the work incident to
its preparation will be amply repaid.
J. B. Tidwell.
Waco, Texas. 1916.
* * * * *
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Chapter I.
From the Creation to the Fall.
Problems solved. Creation of man. Man's hope and occupation. The
temptation. The fall and punishment. The hope offered. Teachings of
the story. Topics for discussion.
Chapter II.
From the Fall to the Flood.
Cain and Abel. Cain and Seth, two races. The great wickedness. Noah
God's chosen man. The Ark. The flood. The sacrifice and rainbow
covenant. Confirmation of tradition and geology. Teachings of the
period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter III.
From the Flood to Abraham.
Noah's shame and prophecy. The Tower of Babel. The location of this
tower. Specific purpose of the tower. Traditions of such a tower. The
civilization of the ancient world. Two great empires of antiquity.
Language and literature. Motive of their civilization. Lessons of the
period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter IV.
From Abraham to Egypt.
Events of the period. Purpose of the narrative. Conditions of the
times. Confirmations of Biblical records. Experiences of Abraham. The
character of Abraham. The character and career of Isaac. Stories about
Jacob. Stories about Joseph. Death of Jacob and Joseph. Social and
religious conditions of the times. The book of Job. Lessons of the
period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter V.
From Egypt to Sinai.
Israel in Egypt. Moses the deliverer. The great deliverance. Crossing
the Red Sea. Journey to Sinai. Lessons of the period. Topics.
Chapter VI.
From Sinai to Kadesh.
Mount Sinai. The Sinaitic covenant. Purpose of the Mosaic Law. Several
parts of the law. Journey to Kadesh-Barnea. Twelve spies. Period
lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter VII.
From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
The pathos of the forty years. Events of the forty years' wandering.
Final scenes at Kadesh. From Kadesh to Jordan. Prophecies of Balaam.
Last acts of Moses. Last scene on Moab. Significance of the work of
Moses. Lessons of the period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter VIII.
Joshua's Conquest.
The facts of history recorded. The story in three parts. The land
of Canaan. Crossing Jordan and fall of Jericho. The complete
conquest of Canaan. Cruelty to the Canaanites. Character and work of
Joshua. Period lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter IX.
The Judges.
Characteristics of tie times. The Judges. Ruth the Moabite. Other
nations. Outline of the narrative. Ethical and religious standards.
Period lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter X.
The Reign of Saul.
Demand for a king. The principle of the kingdom. Saul, the first king.
Saul's great achievements. Saul's decline. Period lessons. Topics for
discussion.
Chapter XI.
The Reign of David.
His reign over Judah. Reign over all Israel. His great sin and its
bitter consequences. David's inspiring career. His last days. Psalms.
Period lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XII.
Solomon's Reign.
Riddle of Solomon's character. His policies. Solomon's building
enterprises. Solomon's writings. Nations surrounding Israel. Evidences
of national decay. Period lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XIII.
The Divided Kingdom.
The division of the kingdom. Comparison of the two kingdoms. Kings of
the Northern kingdom. Kings of Judah. Important events in the history
of Israel. Principal events in the history of Judah. Relation between
the two kingdoms. Messages of the prophets of this period. Period
lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XIV.
The Kingdom of Judah.
The kings of the period. Principal events of the period. Prophets
of the period and their messages. Teachings of the period. False
prophets. Great religious revivals of this period. Wealth and luxury.
Contemporary nations. Period lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XV.
The Captivity of Judah.
The ten tribes lost. Judah led into captivity. The period of the
captivity. The fugitives in Egypt. Exiles in Babylon. The prophets of
the exile. Benefits of the captivity. Lessons of the period. Topics
for discussion.
Chapter XVI.
The Restoration.
Scripture analysis. Predictions of the return. Rise of the Persian
Power. The Decree of Cyrus. Three Expeditions to Jerusalem. Prophecy
of Haggai and Zechariah. Prophecy of Malachi. Story of Esther.
Synagogues and Synagogue worship. Significance of the period. Period
lessons. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XVII.
From Malachi to the Birth of Christ.
The close of Old Testament History. Persian period. Under the rule of
Greek kings. Period of independence. The Roman period. Entire period.
End of the Period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XVIII.
From the birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
The story of the period. The childhood and youth of Jesus. The
beginnings of Christ's Ministry. Early Judean ministry. Galilean
Ministry. Perean Ministry. Final Ministry in Jerusalem. The forty
days. Teaching of the period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XIX.
From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
The Book of Acts. Principal events of the period. Organization and
control of the early church. Persecutions of the church. Growth and
influence. Extension of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Teachings of the
period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XX.
From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
The changed situation. The divine call. Time and extent of Paul's
journeys. First missionary journey. Second missionary journey. Third
missionary journey. At Jerusalem. At Caesarea. Paul at Rome.
Epistles of this period. Lessons of the period. Topics for discussion.
Chapter XXI.
From the Destruction of the Temple to the Death of the Apostle
John..The period of history. Destruction of Jerusalem. From A. D. 70
to A.D. 100. Literature of the period. Death of John and end of
scripture history. Period lessons. Topics for discussion.
* * * * *
Introduction
(Pastor Geo. W. Truett.)
In offering to the public this little book "The Bible Period By
Period," Dr. Tidwell is making another contribution to the cause of
Bible study. He has already published "Some Introductory Bible
Studies", "An Outline for the Study of the Life of Christ", and "The
Bible Book By Book."
All of these have been well received. The last named formed a part of
a definite plan for the study of the sacred Scripture which is carried
forward in this volume.
The fact that the first edition of "The Bible Book By Book" has
practically all been sold before the end of the second year since its
publication, is sufficient proof of its popularity and of its value to
Bible students. It has been adopted for study in a number of colleges
and academies and is in use as a text book in a number of women's
societies and Sunday School classes.
The author, as teacher of Bible in Baylor University, has tried out
the studies he offers and has had a splendid opportunity to select
what has proven valuable. He teaches a larger number of young
preachers than any similar instructor in the whole of the Southland,
and also many Sunday School Teachers and other Christian workers. He
can, therefore, offer the best.
Dr. Tidwell accepts, without question, the inspiration and
authoritativeness of the Bible as the Word of God. He believes in
directing the student in the study of the Bible itself rather than
having him study about it. His hooks are, therefore, more in the
nature of outlines or guides than of discussions. He gives the pupil a
clue to the study and says only enough to create a zest for truth such
as will lead to a thorough investigation of the subject in hand.
In this volume, as its title would indicate, the whole Bible has been
divided into periods and main facts and characteristics of each is
studied. There are twenty-one periods forming the basis for as many
chapters.
The plan is to discuss in the beginning of each chapter the most
striking events of the period, Giving such outlines of the contents
and principal events of the period as will make the whole period stand
out so that the student may comprehend it at a glance. This is very
brief but most comprehensive.
In the next place the lessons and teachings of the period are
suggested. The author sets forth in tabular form the great teaching
found in the Scripture events, both in their value to the Hebrews and
in their permanent value to all people and for all times.
In the case of the poetical and prophetic books, suggestions for their
study are given in the chapter on the period in which each book and
the facts it records occurred. At the close of each chapter there is
given a large number of topics for study and discussion. For the most
part these topics require the searching of the Scripture itself and,
if properly followed, will give the student a splendid knowledge of
the contents of the Scripture of the period.
This book when completed in our Sunday Schools will, if done under the
direction of the author, be given credit in Baylor University as
college entrance. Our Sunday School workers would do well to organize
classes of young men and women in the study of this book. In this way
they would not only help these young people in Bible study but would
tie them all to our great school at Baylor and make it possible for
them to get credit for it when they attend provided they need it to
get into the college. There ought to be hundreds of such classes in
Texas.
Every Sunday School teacher and woman worker would do himself or
herself a valuable service by securing and studying a copy of this new
book. And it is also to be hoped that many of our women's societies
will adopt it for their Bible study.
Let our pastors buy this book for themselves and bring it to the
attention of their people. For the people of today, as of old, are
perishing from a lack of Bible knowledge. The one unceasing effort
that should be constantly and whole heartedly put forth by every
Christian leader in every realm is to get the people to read and to
know the Holy Scripture. Dr. Tidwell's book will greatly help in such
effort.
First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.
* * * * *
Chapter I.
From The Creation to The Fall.
Gen. Chs. 1-3
Problems Solved. This simple narrative solves some of the great
problems about which philosophers have speculated and before which
scientists have stood baffled. Every child of the human race has
asked, "What is the origin of the material world, what is the origin
of life, and what is the origin of sin?" In general the philosophers
held (and most of what science says concerning these matters is not
science but speculative philosophy) that matter was eternal and simply
asked how it came to its present state. One group, the materialists,
held that an active principle inherent in the matter working through
long ages, brought about the present state of things. Another group,
the pantheists, held that every thing emanated from a common divine
substance, working everywhere in nature. But this brief story lets at
rest all this inquiry. It informs us that matter was not eternal nor
did it come into existence by chance, but it was created out of
nothing by our eternal God. The story incidentally sets forth the
majesty and glory of God and man's dependence upon and his obligation
to God. It also explains the origin of sin and of all man's ills and
death.
Creation of Man. The Story of the preparation of a residence for
man is told in five brief paragraphs. For concision, picturesqueness
and concreteness, this narrative is not excelled in all literature. It
shows how God acting as a creating Spirit through six successive
periods of light and darkness prepared the world and put man in it. In
the matter of the creation of man the presence and activity of Jehovah
is especially emphasized. He shaped the body out of the dust of the
earth and breathed into the nostrils of that human form that which
made him become a living soul. It was the breath of God that gave life
to man and hence he will return again to dust when that breath is
withdrawn. Concerning the creation of woman it is better to admit
that her creation was supernatural just as was man's. Her creation was
to provide for man a helpful companionship so that his development and
happiness might be complete. Her creation out of a part of man's body
and to meet an inborn need provides the eternal grounds of marriage
and the basis upon which they are in marriage to become one flesh and
by reason of which man must "love his wife as his own flesh." Man is
created in the image of God and like the Creator has intelligence and
will and is given authority to rule over the earth.
Man's Home and Occupation. No sooner was man created than was planted
in the far distant east a garden that should be to him a home and
provide therein for his physical and spiritual needs. Where that
garden was located is not known with certainty. Occupation was,
however, provided so that he might exercise and develop each part of
his nature. He exercised his mind in naming the animals and in some
way the tree of good and evil was destined to be for his blessing. His
soul had fellowship with Eve his helpmate and God his creator. This
garden also had in it a life-giving tree that gave them the
possibility of enjoying an endless life should they remain near it and
continue to eat its fruit.
The Temptation. The study proceeds on the basis that there was already
a race of fallen beings in the universe. Satan was the chief of these
and had the mysterious power of tempting others to follow him. He
assumed the form of a serpent-a creature least likely to be suspected
and thereby deceived Eve the weaker. The temptation had several
elements: (1) The talking serpent was to her in the nature of a
miracle; (2) Eve had not heard the command of God herself (it was
given before her creation) but had learned it from Adam. The devil
therefore raised a doubt as to whether God really forbade it; (3) The
question implies a doubt concerning the goodness and wisdom of God;
(4) It appeals to the lust of flesh, to the pride of the eye and to
the pride of life. It was beautiful, good for food, and to make her
wise even like God; (5) In this appeal to curiosity there is an
implied dare; (6) She was told that she had a mistaken idea of the
penalty-that she should "not surely die."
In all this it will be noted that the temptation was to fall upward.
All the motives-the satisfaction of natural appetite, the desire for
knowledge and power and the love for beauty were in themselves worthy.
The temptation was to better herself. Such it is always. Adam was not
directly approached, but he willfully disobeyed without being beguiled
as was the woman. The chief blame, therefore, fell upon him.
The Fall and Punishment. The fearful consequences of their sin are
felt at once. They are changed so that they are conscious of guilt and
endeavor to hide themselves from Jehovah. Thus they acknowledge their
unfitness for fellowship with Him. Their soul having lost communion
with God, they become corrupt. This is spiritual death. They were
banished from the garden and forced to struggle for food. Their bodies
became subject to pain and death by separation from the animating
spirit. They could not longer eat of the life-giving tree of the
garden. The earth was cursed so that instead of ministering to man's
pleasure and support, it would produce much to his hurt. The woman in
her unredeemed state was to be in subordination to her husband. The
sad story of downtrodden women in heathen lands of all times since
then, and even today wherever Christ is not known, tells something of
the awful results of her sin.
The Hope Offered. The gloom of this sad story of their punishment was
relieved by an element of hope. The man and his wife are not beyond
the pale of God's love. There is given a promise (3:15) which assures
the coming of one, who would contend with the tempter and would
finally crush his head and repair the damage of the Fall. All of the
rest of the Bible unfolds the plan and work of God in fulfilling this
promise. There is beginning with Cain and Abel and running through the
entire scripture a record of the conflict caused by the enmity between
the seed of woman and that of her seducer. This conflict is to end
when Christ the "seed of the woman" shall return to reign and shall
cast his adversary into the bottomless pit. Along with this promise he
also provided for them garments of the skins of animals such as were
suited to their new and hostile environment and in which most writers
find a suggestion of the covering of righteousness that comes to
guilty sinners through the death of Jesus. Then too there was erected
at the east of the garden an alter of worship not unlike that provided
in connection with the Tabernacle later and where God dwelt in mercy
and could be approached. Here was opened up a way by which they might
after being forgiven again have a right to the tree of life and live
forever.
Some Teachings of this Story. Back of this story are many truths
worthy of most careful study. They constitute the basal facts of all
history and religion. The following are put down as among the most
vital: (1) Back of all nature is a personal Creator and Ruler who has
the tenderest solicitude and care for man, as the highest product of
his creation. (2) There was an orderly progress in creation from the
more simple and less important to the most complex and most important.
(3) All things were made for man and his comfort. (4) Marriage is a
sacred obligation growing out of the very character of man and woman
who were made for each other and each can, therefore, meet the deepest
needs of the other. (5) Sin does not originate in God but in man's
yielding to his baser instead of his nobler and diviner motives. (6)
Sin as a cause brings its own punishment, the worst of which is the
separation of the individual from harmonious relations with God, which
is spiritual death.
For Study and Discussion. (1) The condition of the material universe
when God began to prepare it for man's abode. (2) The six creative
days or periods and what was created in each. (3) The special emphasis
upon the presence and activity of God in the creation of man and
woman. (4) The divine interest in and preparation for the happiness of
man. (5) The home prepared for them. (6) The lessons about marriage,
its purpose, basis, etc. (7) The law and place of testing in the
formation of character. (8) The ills of life that are the results of
some one's sin. (9) The nature and results of the curse upon the man,
upon the woman, upon the tempter. (10) God's care for man after the
Fall and the provisions for his recovery. (11) The revelation of God
made by these three chapters. (12) The image of God in man.