• Category Archives “Tracking Kings”

  • Excerpt from “Tracking Kings” – Following the Kings of Israel and Judah

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

     

     

    Chapter 7 – “A Stone of a Lasting Standard” – David (reign -40 years – BC 1055–1015), pp 47-48

    …Shortly after David’s victory over the Amalekites, a desperate Amalekite came to Ziklag and was granted permission to approach David with news of Saul and Jonathan’s death. Believing that he was doing David a favor, he announced that he had assisted King Saul in ending his life on the battlefield. Even though the stranger had handed David Saul’s crown and bracelet, the entire story had been fabricated. In reality Saul had taken his own life (ISam.31:4) and the Amalekite had evidentially arrived on the battlefield after the fact. David was perplexed as to why the stranger seemed to possess no fear of falling on God’s anointed. Due to David’s high regard for Saul’s position and the death of his dear son, he had the man executed and then spent time grieving over the deaths of the king and Jonathan. After his time of lamenting, “…he bade them teach the children of Judah [the use of] the bow: behold, [it is] written in the book of Jasher” (ISam.1:18). The death of Saul and Jonathan appears to have triggered David’s memory of this ancient work.1  David sought God and was told to go up to Hebron (community). Upon arriving at Hebron anxious leaders soon acknowledged David as Israel’s new king.

    From our perspective of David’s family in Hebron it appears to be anything but ordinary. The Bible does not hesitate in introducing us to David’s six wives and sons – all living in Hebron: (1) Ammon (faith­ful) by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, (2) Chileab (restraint) of Abigail, (3) Absalom (father of peace) by Maacah (oppression), (4) Adonijah (my lord is Jehovah) by Haggith (festive), (5) Shephatiah (Jehovah judges) by Abital (fresh), and (6) Ithream (residue of the people) by Eglah (heif­er).2    (IISam.3:2–5)

    corresponding end notes for above (pp 403-404)

    1. The mention of this book in itself is most interesting. (1st) It has historical significance, even though it is not part of our inspired text. (2nd) It is mentioned here and in Joshua 10:12–13. (3rd) The title of the book, Jasher, is not a proper name (such as the name of a man) rather, it basically means the book of the upright, or righteous man, or the acts of true Godly people following God. (4th) This book of many writers is a vast collection (91 chapters) of about 90% Scripture covering a period of time from Adam through the Judges. It was a kind of secular chronicle of a major section of Old Testament history. (5th) In our text at hand David is referring to the dying words of Jacob to Judah. In Jasher 56:9 we read, “…only teach thy sons the use of the bow and all weapons of war, in order that they may fight the battles of their brother who will rule over their enemies.” One has to certainly admit that King David was very familiar with the book of Jasher.
    2. Old Testament polygamy appears to have been something God tolerated rather than endorsed. Note the following prophetic passage which foretells of Israel’s desire for a king and its associated warnings:

    When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me; 15 Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.” (Deu.17:14–17) In the new Testament we read: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. (Mat.19:4–8)

    Josephus remarked, “For it is an ancestral custom of ours to have several wives at the same time.” In paragraph 19 he recorded that King Herod was married to nine wives at the same time. (Op. cit., volume III, book 17, section 1, paragraph 3, p.472) Wherever we find polygamy we find trouble, confusion and, in the case of the Old Testament, hearts turned many directions away from God.

     

    (pp50-51)

    … Although outsiders may have seen David as being invincible, God quickly taught him that he was a sinner prone to sin just like all the rest of us. God exposed David’s sinful nature and actions to him through Nathan when Nathan addressed David’s affair with Bathsheba (IISam.11–12:7). David’s lament of this entire scenario can be found in Psalm 51. Before fast forwarding in David’s life, one quick observation of God’s revelation must be addressed: After the death of the infant child from this affair, listen to David’s God-given convictions, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (IISam.12:23) Even way back we read of the innocence of children: Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. (Deu.1:39).

    There is no question but that God has special provision for the in­nocent children and this provision has the same destination as the re­deemed adults!5

    corresponding end note (pp 404-406)

    1. A wonderful study can be found in examining what God has to say about the “book”. Moses would pen –

    And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Ex.32:31–33)

    Under God’s guidance David would record –

    For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (Psa.139:13–16)

    In the New Testament God reveals additional information by using Paul and John.

    And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil.4:3)

    He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Rev.3:5)

    For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (IJn.5:4–5)

    And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev.13:8)

    The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (Rev.17:8)

    And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev.20:12–13)

    And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev.21:27)

    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev.22:19)

     

    Scripture teaches that at birth one’s name is placed in God’s special book. Unless this same soul dies in infancy (please note ISam.12:16–23), at some unknown point and age this same name is removed from God’s book because of that soul’s sin. Apart from God’s help, that same soul’s name is forbidden back into the book and will remain in said condition through out eternity. The only thing that can re-write that name back into God’s book is a personal cleansing and pardoning by God upon that same soul if and when that same soul personally hears about, believes upon, and trusts in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Based fully upon the merits of Christ, the name therefore remains in God’s book forever!

    Availability

    Although this publication is available from Amazon and Barns and Noble, may I suggest contacting me at Rllroger1948@gmail.com, roger@rogerluther.com, or feel free to call 810. 569.3327.  Also, consider visiting the publisher’s web site. There you will discover an abundance books that will surely grab your attention, edify your soul, and lift up The Lord. pho. 864.836.4111 ext. 104  (the office)fax: 864.610.8047   sspillman@truepotentialmedia.com  or https://www.facebook.com/TruePotentialMedia / or tppress.com   /Digital copies are now available from the publisher, Amazon, or iTunes books. The cost is $9.99.  Tracking Kings sells for $19.95+ S.&H.

    God Bless,

    Roger

     

    Death-Of-A-Child.pdfft click to read or right click to download

     

     

     

     


    "Tracking Kings" Uncategorized 📎and tagged

  • “Tracking Kings”

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    CaptureThe Motive behind “Tracking Kings”

    A number of years ago, a pastor in Grand Blanc, Michigan, invited me to teach a series of systematic crunched down surveys on the books of the Bible. In the books of Kings and Chronicles, an amazing fascination with the kings of the old divided kingdom of Israel became apparent. These four books quickly reminded me of difficulty of keeping the kingdoms and the kings separated in the Old Testament narrative.
    After conducting a brief survey with a number of believers in several churches in Michigan and Indiana, I was shocked to learn that the majority viewed Kings and Chronicles boring, too difficult to understand, unimportant, let alone attempting to grasp in a study. Yet, in spite of my findings, God had placed a desire in all their hearts to know about these nineteen kings and one queen.
    The kings of Israel and Judah are important for three fundamental reasons. (1) The lineage of the promised Messiah descends through the kings of Judah. (2) From the end of II Chronicles to the last word in Malachi is a span of twenty-five books. Everything in these books in one way or another was, and still is, connected by God, directly or indirectly, to the era of the kings. (3) God says, “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Tim. 3:16-17) Thus, we must accept the fact that this verse includes the books of Kings and Chronicles!

    The Mission of “Tracking Kings”

    God used the above discoveries to plant a two-fold burden in my heart. (1) There was the need of constructing a simplified systematic fashion of studying the kings using a blend of harmony and commentary in an easy to grasp format. (2) To illustrate how the books of Kings and Chronicles define themselves, utilizing a close as possible timeline. (3) Considering such a study, it became apparent that a yoke be present coupling the necessity of Biblical reflecting Old Testament history with the lives and times of these leaders to such a point that each reader could easily be able to discover twenty-first century personal applications.
    It is in these most important inspired Old Testament books that God quickly reminds us of man’s unchangeable sinful nature and of His loving, merciful, and gracious offer to reach down to him. God still loves to equip and move with His people – making history!

    The Manner of “Tracking Kings”

    1.- establishment of a chronological timeline
    2.- written in an easily understandable manner
    3.- plenty of informative end notes
    4. – define proper names when first used
    5.- utilize maps and charts as needed
    6.- generous quotes to broaden perspectives
    7. – challenging questions for the reader to dig deeper
    8. – assist the reader to note value of I & II Kings and I & II Chronicles
    9.- structure so as book can be used as a self-study guide, reference book, or a textbook
    10. – insert as much text as needed providing convenience the reader
    11.- a guide assisting the reader whereby he or she may meet the supreme KING

    The Menu of “Tracking kings”

    1.- 25 chapters.
    2. – 2 fundamental parts
    a. – “Trail Begins” – quick over view – of 1021 years.
    b. – “The Split in the Trail” – chapters 9-25 – covering 387 years.
    3.– time line of entire book – B.C.1996 to B.C.588 or 1,408 years
    4.- 143 questions
    5.- 179 end notes
    6. – bibliography of 56 books & 4 web sites.
    7. – four indexes
    8. – 460 pages

    Availability

    Although available from Barnes& Noble, Amazon, and I Tunes, may I suggest buying directly from me rllroger1948@gmail.com  roger@rogerluther.com or the publisher  – tel: 864.836.4111 ext. 104 (the publisher’s office)   fax: 864.610.8047    sspillman@truepotentialmedia.com   or   https://www.facebook.com/TruePotentialMedia  for  at $19.99 plus shipping and handling.    Digital copies are now available from the publisher, Amazon, or iTunes books. The cost is $9.99.

     

    New Luther coat of arms #2


    "Tracking Kings" 📎and tagged

  • Tracking Kings

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

     Roger Luther has plunged himself into deep water to examine the difficult to reconcile stories of the kings of Israel. When others avoid the subject, Luther pursues it. This volume will help any who are curious.” Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.Front Cover

    Dr. Patterson’s kind words are addressing “Tracking Kings.” In this second edition, you will discover many changes for the book, as well as for the casual reader, scholar, or researcher. My heart’s desire was to bath everything in prayer, recheck Scriptural accuracy, and then deal with accordingly. This second and final work will be available to purchase in a few weeks or less. Some of the changes: 1. Dr. Bragg of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (retired) meticulously reproof read the work. 2. I personally prefer footnotes, but due to fact that so many of mine are lengthy in text, details, and quotes, it became essential to convert them to end-notes. 3. This book has four indexes – a conventional one, a chronological time line, Scriptural references, and Scripture inserted within the narrative. 4. This upgraded volume is in soft back to assist in keeping the cost down to $19.99 plus s&h. 5. “Tracking Kings” will also be available in a number of electronic editions. This second edition, of over 460 pages, will be available from the publisher (True Potential Publishing), Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and from me.
    If this is your first encounter with “Tracking Kings, Please permit me re-introduce it.
    My name is Roger Luther and a number of years ago God gave me a burden that grew into a manuscript and eventually into a published work by True Potential Publishing. This, then, 412-page hardback, was entitled “Tracking Kings.” This bulk of book is about the Old Testament Kings with primary focus being on the kings and one queen of the divided kingdoms following the death of King Solomon. The work is a product of almost five years of detailed research. My greatest paradigm in assembling the manuscript pivoted upon the following proposition: from the end of II Chronicles, to the last word in Malachi, God connected practically every book, directly or indirectly, to the era of the kings.
    As a student in the mid 70’s, I will never forget the extreme difficulties I experienced with trying to work through Kings and Chronicles, especially after the death of King Solomon. From feed- back, casual conversations, and observations, I firmly believe that many believers, many of whom are students in Bible colleges, institutes, universities, and even in seminaries often struggle with the books of Kings and Chronicles. My deepest prayer is that this work, in some small way, will become a tool to all in God’s service, especially those who are sitting where I once sat.

    My objectives and guidelines
    1. the establishment of a chronological timeline
    2. to write in an easily understandable manner
    3. season the book with plenty of footnotes – providing assistance and additional information
    4. define proper names when first used
    5. insert maps and charts as needed
    6. use a generous amount of quotes to broaden perspectives
    7. insert essay-type chapter questions to challenge the reader to dig deeper
    8. to assist the reader in the value of studying I & II Kings and I & II Chronicles in a chronological manner
    9. structure the book in such a fashion that it can be used as a self-study guide, reference book, or textbook
    10. insert Scripture as needed in order to assist the reader in the narrative, instead of just providing references
    11. conclude by guiding the reader to a place where he or she may meet the real supreme KING, if they have not already done so.

    Fundamental statistics within “Tracking Kings”

    1. 25 chapters
    2. Part one, chapters 1-8, overviews a span of 1021 years.
    3. Part two (chapters 9-25) covers 387 years.
    4. The time frame is from B.C.1996 to B.C.588 or 1,408 years
    5. 143 essay-type questions
    6. 179 end-notes, adding supplemental and documented material to the narrative
    7. 56 books and 4 web sites in bibliography
    8. 25 maps, charts & diagrams

    If you feel this is something you, your church, college, university, seminary, friends, or library may benefit from, please contact me at Rllroger1948@gmail.com , Roger@rogerluther.com, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, or the publisher Steve@tppress.com and we will be delighted to address your questions or reserve you a copy as soon as the 2nd edition comes off the presses.
    I will post again when I receive my first shipment.

    Remember what Timothy said ?  “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2Ti 3:16-17 

    Thank you very much for your time,
    Dr. R. L. Luther


    "Tracking Kings" 📎and tagged

  • Home at last!

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    Look Out

     

    To the best of my knowledge, we have finally settled into our new retirement home in Tecumseh, Mi. (or Mayberry). I hope that it is here where I will be able to finish my airboat and get back into fishing, exploring, and plug into a church.

     

    Tracking Kings Finalized

    Recently, I received the revised layout of the second and final edition of Tracking Kings. Soon after returning this, the final galley text will show up – then on to the printer. The publisher and editor have worked on this manuscript just as a bird meticulously builds a nest. The second edition will be considerable larger than the first because it has three different indexes. Secondly, not only will it be in paperback to assist in keep the cost down but current plans are to have it in all electronic forms, as well. Upon completion, it is my prayer that this large publication find its home as a textbook, reference book or for personal spiritual growth. Five years of research were absorbed in bringing this one of a kind publication into existence.
    Soon it will be available from the Amazon, Barns and Noble, and me, but your most pleasurable route is through the publisher – “True Potential Publishing” at tppress.com. On this web site, you will quickly find many Christian publications – something for everyone!
    I will keep you posted on “Tracking Kings”!
    Roger

     


    "Tracking Kings" 📎and tagged

  • 2nd edition of “Tracking Kings”

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    My dear friends,

     

       Front Cover  Many believers, especially those students in Bible colleges, institutes, universities, and even in seminaries continue to struggle with the kings and the last twenty-five books of the Old Testament

        My name is Roger Luther and a number of years ago God gave me a burden that eventually grew into a manuscript and eventually into a book published by True Potential Publishing in 2009. This 412-page hardback is entitled “Tracking Kings.” Its content is about the Old Testament Kings with primary focus directed on the kings, and one queen, of the divided kingdoms after the death of King Solomon. In addition, this publication is a product of almost five years of detailed research. Without a doubt, my greatest burden when writing the manuscript is the fact that from the end of II Chronicles to the last word in Malachi every book in some way was connected by God, either directly or indirectly, to the era of the kings. I distinctly remember, as a student in the mid 70’s, the extreme difficulties I experienced in the Kings and Chronicles and the books thereafter. My deepest prayer is that this work would in some way be a small asset to all in God’s service, but especially, those who are sitting where I once sat.

     Below you will note objectives and guidelines I followed from the beginning.

        1.­ the establishment of a chronological timeline

        2. to write in an easily understandable manner

        3. season the book with plenty of footnotes – providing assistance and additional information

        4. define proper names when first used

        5. include maps and charts as needed

        6. use a generous amount of quotes to broaden perspectives

        7.  insert essay-type chapter questions to challenge the reader to dig deeper

        8.  to aid in assisting the reader in the value of chronologically studying I & II Kings and I & II Chronicles

        9.  structure the book in such a fashion that it can be used as a self-study guide, reference book, or textbook

        10. insert Scripture as needed in order to assist the reader in the narrative, instead of just providing references  

        11. conclude by guiding the reader to a place where he or she may meet the real supreme KING, if they have not already done so.

     Fundamental statistics about “Tracking Kings”

           1. The book has 25 chapters.

           2. Part one (chapters 1-8) overviews a time span of 1021 years.

           3. Part two (chapters 9-25) covers a period of 387 years.

           4. The entire timeframe of the book is from B.C.1996 to a time between B.C.588 or 1,408 years.

           5. The book contains a total of 143 essay-type questions. 

           6. 179 footnotes, adding supplemental and documented material to the narrative

           7. The bibliography contains 56 books and 4 web sites.

     

       “Tracking Kings” is currently available from the publisher, Amazon.com, Barns & Noble, or from me.

         My reason for sending this e-mail is to notify as many as possible that “Tracking Kings” is currently being re-edited and the 2nd edition will once again be ready for students of Scripture and stores. In addition, this new edition will also be available in every conceivable electronic version, to provide an alternative for out of country students and those stateside desiring such a rendition.

        If you feel this is something you, your college, university, seminary, friends, or library may benefit from, please contact me at Rllroger1948@gmail.com  or the publisher – Steve@tppress.com  and we will be delighted to send you a complimentary section on the life of Jehoshaphat.  After reading the excerpt, if you so desire, notify us and we would be honored to add you name to a list, qualifying you as being some of the first to purchase this 2nd edition as soon as it comes off the presses.

    Thank you very much for your time,

    Dr. R. L. Luther



    "Tracking Kings" 📎and tagged