The Bible’s Big Picture Ch. 3

Salvation History salvation history – shows how God has worked within the people and events of human history to achieve his ultimate goal: restoring our lost union with him. God’s relationship with human beings as told in the Bible. covenant – a solemn agreement between God and man.

The Big Picture of Sacred Scripture Bible – mix of religious history, poetry, wise sayings symbolic stories, songs, and other kinds of literature. canticle – a song or hymn that appears in the Bible. All books – inspired Word of God. The books of Bible reveal God’s gift of himself through his saving love and his plan for our salvation.

Primeval History Salvation history begins with Creation. “primeval history” – long before recorded history. Genesis – God creates the world and everything in it is good and in harmony with each other and with God. The sin of Adam & Eve injures the perfect relationship between God & man. Original sin – now difficult to choose good/God. The spread of sin – Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, tower of Babel.

The Patriarchs God begins to form a relationship with a chosen race of people. Most people at this time were polytheistic (worshipped many god’s). God (the one, true God) makes a covenant with Abraham. Promises Abraham that he will be the father of a great nation. Patriarchs: Abraham – Isaac – Jacob – Jacob’s 12 sons (the 12 Tribes of Israel). Pattern of crisis and God’s faithfulness.

Egypt and the Exodus Descendants of Jacob’s children – now called the Israelites – are in slavery in Egypt. God calls Moses to lead them out of slavery to a Promised Land. Pharaoh refuses to release the Israelites from captivity. God sends ten plagues upon the Egyptians. Pharaoh releases the Israelites/changes his mind.

Egypt and the Exodus The Israelites’ escape from Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land is called the Exodus. On Mount Sinai, God extends the Covenant he made with Abraham to all the Israelites, promising that they will be his Chosen People. A special Law, summed up by the Ten Commandments, marked this Covenant. Israelites wander in desert for 40 years; only their children will be able to enter the Promised Land.

Settling the Promised Land God calls on Moses’ protégé, Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. Land is inhabited by immoral people – Israelites must fight to gain control. When they trust God, they are successful in battle; when they do not trust God, they fail. Eventually gain control of land – Joshua divides the land among the twelve Tribes.

The Kingdoms of Judah and Israel Israelites eventually wants their own king. God lets Samuel – the last of the judges – to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel. Saul is weak/dies in battle. David follows Saul as the second king. David’s a mighty warrior, great leader; unites all 12 Tribes into one kingdom & drives out enemies. Solomon follows David/builds magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.

The Kingdoms of Judah and Israel Besides accomplishments, David and Solomon are guilty of many sins. Kingdom splits in two after Solomon’s death. Northern kingdom = Israel/Southern = Judah. Israelites stray/worship foreign gods. God calls prophets to urge people to obey Covenant. 16 writing prophets – part of Old Testament. People continue to sin; kingdoms conquered, Temple destroyed.

The Exile and Return The nation of Israel is no more. Israelites in captivity in Babylonia/The Exile. Prophets comforted the people – told them God was still with them. Prophets promised a savior. Fifty years pass and people are allowed to return to Israel and rebuild Jerusalem. Now call Judeans or Jews.

The Exile and Return 4th century BC, Alexander the Great conquers most of the Middle East. Greek colonists spread Greek culture and Greek influence throughout the empire. Statues of Greek gods were placed in the Temple. Revolt takes place; Jewish independence restored for a brief time. People continue to hope for a messiah, or savior.

Christ/Early Church/ Last Things God sends his son, Jesus Christ into the world to save us from sin and death. This is the ultimate event in salvation history as told in the Gospels. After his death and Resurrection, the Apostles and Paul spread Jesus’ message of salvation and the Church begins. The Church continues this mission today and awaits the Second Coming of Christ – the Parousia.

Saint Jerome (345-420) Most famous biblical scholar in the history of the Church – monk, hermit, priest Studied Scripture in its original languages – Greek and Hebrew First to translate the Bible into Latin – the common language of his time Patron saint of librarians and scholars – his feast day is September 30