Hows Your History? ~ Bob Coy

How?s Your History?

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets . . . .-Hebrews 1:1 (NKJV)

In order to understand prophecy, we need to understand history. Because biblical prophecy was given within the context of Israel's history, we'll review its history, which can be summarized through five historical figures.

It all started with Adam, the first human in history. His life began in the Garden of Eden, endured the fall, and lasted for 930 years. Not many prophecies were recorded during his time, with the notable exception of the very first (and, perhaps, most important) prophecy, which we will look at tomorrow. Adam's life takes us from man's beginning up to the time of the flood.

Abraham lived shortly after the flood. It was through him that Israel was founded, and it was toIsrael's establishment as a nation, which happened under Moses. him that God gave several promises and prophecies concerning the coming nation and its Messiah. He lived for 175 years and represents the period of time between the flood and 

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the wilderness for 40 years, and eventually to the border of the homeland that God had promised to them. Several prophecies were given during his lifetime, which spanned Israelites' captivity in Egypt to their possession of the Promised Land.

After settling in the land, Israel established kings to rule over them. The greatest of these was David. Following his death, a succession of kings followed and Israel split into two countries, Israel (to the north) and Judah (to the south). During this period the majority of the prophecies were given and fulfilled

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The kings reigned for several centuries until Israel and Judah were conquered by a succession of other empires. Four hundred years of relative inactivity passed before Jesus' birth. More prophecies point to Him than any other individual in history, so His life marks the fulfillment of many prophecies given over the centuries. 

This isn't comprehensive, but it shows us Israel's historical highlights. This will help us understand the placement and fulfillment of the prophecies God gave.

Discuss with your group what you enjoy most about learning history. How have lessons from the past helped you to better understand the present?

Dig into Hebrews 1:1. Why do you think God would choose to speak to us through the words of the prophets? Why is it important to view prophecy in its historical context?

Decide with your group to look back at your own personal history and your own story of faith. Challenge the members to recount their own “defining moments” of faith and then share with the group how they have seen God’s hand at work throughout their life.