Editorial -- By: Richard L. Mayhue
Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 08:2 (Fall 1997)
Article: Editorial
Author: Richard L. Mayhue
MSJ 8:2 (Fall 97) p. 129
Editorial
October 1997 marked a milestone in the writing ministry of our President, John MacArthur, with the release of The MacArthur Study Bible (Word). Designed as a “classic” study Bible, MSB has been widely received with tremendous enthusiasm. I have included Dr. MacArthur’s “Introduction to the Bible” as representative of the kind of help MSB will provide.
Introduction to the bible
The Bible is a collection of 66 documents inspired by God. These documents are gathered into 2 testaments, the Old (39) and the New (27). Prophets, priests, kings, and leaders from the nation of Israel wrote the OT books in Hebrew (with two passages in Aramaic). The apostles and their associates wrote the NT books in Greek.
The OT record starts with the creation of the universe and closes about 400 years before the first coming of Jesus Christ.
The flow of history through the OT moves along the following lines:
- Creation of the universe
- Fall of man
- Judgment flood over the earth
- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel)—fathers of the chosen nation
- The history of Israel
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Exile in Egypt |
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430 years |
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Exodus and wilderness wanderings |
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40 years |
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Conquest of Canaan |
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7 years |
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Era of Judges |
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350 years |
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United Kingdom—Saul, David, Solomon |
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110 years |
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Divided Kingdom—Judah/Israel |
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350 years |
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Exile in Babylon |
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70 years |
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