Nations and People Groups
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8.1 Stories of Assyria
8. Nations and People Groups 🔹 Story 1: Assyria Conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel Main Characters: King Hoshea, King Shalmaneser, IsraelitesStory Summary: Due to persistent idolatry and disobedience, God allowed Assyria to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel. The people were exiled, and foreigners were resettled in their land.Key…
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8.2 Stories of Babylon
🔹 Story 1: The Tower of Babel – The Origin of Babylon Main Characters: People of the earth, GodStory Summary: After the flood, humanity united to build a tower reaching the heavens in rebellion against God. He confused their language and scattered them—Babel became a symbol of pride and divine…
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8.3 Stories of Canaanites
🔹 Story 1: The Canaanite Woman with Great Faith Main Characters: Jesus, Canaanite woman, disciplesStory Summary: A Canaanite woman begged Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Though initially turned away, her persistent faith moved Jesus to commend her and grant her request.Key Verses: Matthew 15:21–28Theme Connection: Even those outside Israel—like…
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8.4 Stories of Chaldeans
🔹 Story 1: The Chaldeans Conquered Judah and Destroyed Jerusalem Main Characters: King Nebuchadnezzar, King Zedekiah, IsraelitesStory Summary: The Chaldeans, led by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and exiled many Jews to Babylon. This fulfilled the prophets’ warnings due to Judah’s rebellion.Key Verses: 2 Kings 25:1–21;…
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8.5 Stories of Cretans / Islanders
🔹 Story 1: Paul’s Missionary Journey Passed Through Crete Main Characters: Paul, Titus, CretansStory Summary: During his travels, Paul visited the island of Crete and later left Titus there to continue ministry and appoint elders. The island had a reputation for moral laxity, which Paul addressed.Key Verses: Titus 1:5, 10–13Theme…
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8.6 Stories of Edomites
🔹 Story 1: The Birth of Esau, Ancestor of Edom Main Characters: Esau, Jacob, Isaac, RebekahStory Summary: Esau, the elder twin of Jacob, became the father of the Edomites. He sold his birthright for a bowl of stew and later lost his blessing, leading to a longstanding conflict between his…
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8.7 Stories of Egyptians
🔹 Story 1: Abraham and Sarah in Egypt Main Characters: Abraham, Sarah, PharaohStory Summary: During a famine, Abraham went to Egypt and asked Sarah to pretend to be his sister. Pharaoh took her into his palace, but God afflicted him with plagues, revealing the deception.Key Verses: Genesis 12:10–20Theme Connection: Egypt…
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8.8 Stories of Greeks / Hellenists
🔹 Story 1: Greeks Came to See Jesus Main Characters: Greeks, Philip, Andrew, JesusStory Summary: During Passover, some Greeks came seeking to meet Jesus. When told, Jesus responded by speaking about His impending death and glorification—hinting at the Gospel’s reach beyond Israel.Key Verses: John 12:20–26Theme Connection: The inclusion of Greeks…
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8.9 Stories of Jews / Israelites
🔹 Story 1: God Called Abraham to Begin the Nation of Israel Main Characters: Abraham, Sarah, GodStory Summary: God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised to make him a great nation. Though childless at the time, Abraham believed, and God established a covenant with him—Israel began with this…
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8.10 Stories of Medes
🔹 Story 1: The Medes Prophesied as God’s Instrument of Judgment on Babylon Main Characters: Medes, Babylonians, God, Prophet IsaiahStory Summary: Long before it happened, Isaiah prophesied that the Medes would rise against Babylon and bring about its downfall as judgment for its pride and cruelty.Key Verses: Isaiah 13:17–22Theme Connection:…
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8.11 Stories of Moabites / Ammonites
🔹 Story 1: The Moabites and Ammonites Were Born from Lot’s Daughters Main Characters: Lot, Lot’s daughters, Moab, Ben-AmmiStory Summary: After escaping the destruction of Sodom, Lot’s daughters—fearing they would never marry—deceived their father into having children with them. Their sons became the ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites.Key Verses:…
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8.12 Stories of Persia
🔹 Story 1: Cyrus the Great Allowed the Jews to Return Main Characters: King Cyrus, Jewish exiles, GodStory Summary: After Babylon fell, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple—fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy made over a century earlier.Key Verses: Ezra…
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8.13 Stories of Philistines
🔹 Story 1: Samson Fought the Philistines with Supernatural Strength Main Characters: Samson, Philistines, DelilahStory Summary: Samson was raised up as a judge to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression. He killed many Philistines in battle and in his final act, brought down their temple by collapsing its pillars.Key Verses: Judges…
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8.14 Stories of Proselytes / God-fearers
🔹 Story 1: Ruth the Moabitess Became Part of God’s People Main Characters: Ruth, Naomi, BoazStory Summary: Though a Moabite, Ruth chose to leave her homeland and follow the God of Israel. Her faith and loyalty led her to become part of God’s covenant community—and even the lineage of Christ.Key…
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8.15 Stories of Samaritans
🔹 Story 1: The Woman at the Well Main Characters: Jesus, Samaritan woman, disciplesStory Summary: Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, breaking social and religious norms. He revealed her past and offered her “living water.” She believed and led her town to hear Him.Key Verses: John 4:1–42Theme…
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8.16 Stories of Syrians / Arameans
🔹 Story 1: Naaman the Syrian Healed of Leprosy Main Characters: Naaman, Elisha, Israelite servant girlStory Summary: Naaman, a Syrian army commander, suffered from leprosy. At the suggestion of an Israelite servant girl, he visited the prophet Elisha, who told him to wash in the Jordan River. After initial resistance,…