Bible lessons

1 Maccabees 6:18–63

Eleazar and the Royal Elephant

In a fierce campaign near Jerusalem, Eleazar ran at a war elephant because he thought the king might be riding it.

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1 Maccabees 7:26–50; 2 Maccabees 14:1–36; 2 Maccabees 15:1–36

Judas and the Defeat of Nicanor

1 and 2 Maccabees tell of Nicanor's threats against Judas and the temple, and of his final defeat.

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1 Maccabees 9:1–22

Judas Maccabeus' Final Battle

Judas Maccabeus faces a much larger army, falls in battle, and is mourned by Israel.

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2 Maccabees 8:1–36

Judas and Nicanor's First Campaign in 2 Maccabees

Judas gathered his people, sought God's mercy, and faced Nicanor's first campaign against Judea.

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2 Maccabees 13:1–26

Judas Faces Antiochus Eupator

When Antiochus Eupator came against Judea with a vast army, Judas led the people in prayer, a bold night attack, and a hard campaign that ended in a treaty.

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Psalms 3:1–8

Psalm 3: Deliver Me, O LORD!

Psalm 3 is a prayer-song that begins with many enemies and ends with confidence in Yahweh. The speaker reports what others say, then answers those words with prayer, trust, and a clear confession about salvation.

Psalms 27:1–14

Psalm 27: The LORD Is My Salvation

Psalm 27 is a song that moves from bold confidence to honest prayer. The singer speaks about fear, worship, enemies, guidance and waiting, while keeping Yahweh at the centre from beginning to end.

Psalms 31:1–24

Psalm 31: Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

Psalm 31 is a prayer-song that moves from urgent rescue, to deep distress, to praise and courage. The speaker trusts Yahweh honestly while describing grief, danger and public shame.

Judith 1:1–5:4; Judith 5:22–6:21; Judith 7:1–32; Judith 8:1–36; Judith 10:1–12:9; Judith 12:10–13:20; Judith 14:5–15:13; Judith 16:18–20

Judith: Crisis, Courage and Deliverance

As a vast army swept westward, the people in Judea heard what was coming and guarded the mountain passes while crying out to God. This lesson also brings together Achior Is Sent to Bethulia, Bethulia Runs Out of Water, Judith Makes a Plan, Judith Enters Holofernes' Camp, Judith Defeats Holofernes, Bethulia Is Delivered.

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2 Maccabees 6:1–11; 2 Maccabees 6:18–31; 2 Maccabees 7:1–42

Faithfulness during Persecution in 2 Maccabees

This passage from 2 Maccabees shows how cruel pressure was used to force Jewish people to abandon God’s law. This lesson also brings together Eleazar Refuses to Pretend, The Mother and Her Seven Sons.

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Sirach 46:1–10; Sirach 46:11–12; Sirach 46:13–20

Sirach 46: Joshua and Caleb are praised for faithful courage

Sirach 46:1–10 praises Joshua and Caleb for strong, faithful courage. The passage remembers leadership, prayer to God, resistance to sinful pressure, and a clear example for Israel about following the Lord. This lesson also brings together A blessing remembers the faithful judges, Samuel is praised for faithful prophecy and judgment.

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Sirach 48:1–11; Sirach 48:12–16; Sirach 48:17–25

Sirach 48: Elijah’s fiery ministry and hoped-for restoration are praised

Sirach 48:1–11 praises Elijah in vivid, poetic language. The writer speaks directly to Elijah, remembers striking acts linked with him, and ends with blessing and hope for those connected with his name. This lesson also brings together Elisha’s power is contrasted with the people’s refusal to repent, Hezekiah and Isaiah are praised amid threat and deliverance.

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Isaiah 49:1–26

Isaiah 49: The Servant and Light to the Gentiles

Isaiah 49 is prophecy and teaching about Yahweh’s servant, Israel’s restoration, and blessing reaching the nations. The passage moves from calling and discouragement to comfort for Zion and Yahweh’s strong promise to rescue.

Baruch 4:5–8; Baruch 4:9–16; Baruch 4:17–20; Baruch 4:21–29; Baruch 4:30–35

Baruch 4: Israel is encouraged while its estrangement is explained

This passage speaks both comfort and correction. Israel is told to take courage, but the reason for its trouble is also plainly named. The verses hold hope and warning together without hiding either one. This lesson also brings together Jerusalem laments the captivity of her children, The bereaved voice turns from helplessness to prayer, The children are urged to seek God and hope for return, Jerusalem is comforted with a reversal of her oppressors’ joy.

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Haggai 2:1–9; Haggai 2:10–19; Haggai 2:20–23

Haggai 2: The Coming Glory of God’s House

Haggai 2:1–9 speaks to leaders and the remnant of the people about God’s house. The passage names discouragement honestly, then repeats God’s command to be strong, keep working, and not be afraid because he is with them. This lesson also brings together Blessings for a Defiled People, Zerubbabel the LORD’s Signet Ring.

2 Timothy 1:1–2; 2 Timothy 1:3–12; 2 Timothy 1:13–18

2 Timothy 1: Paul’s Greeting to Timothy

These opening words begin the letter by showing how Paul identifies himself, who receives the letter, and how the greeting centres on God, Christ Jesus, and God’s promise of life. Even in two verses, the focus is clear and purposeful. This lesson also brings together Faithfulness under Persecution, Holding to Sound Teaching.

Revelation 3:1–6; Revelation 3:7–13; Revelation 3:14–22

Revelation 3: To the Church in Sardis

In this message to the assembly in Sardis, the speaker gives a severe warning. The assembly has a strong reputation, yet its works are lacking. Still, the passage also gives commands, encouragement for a few, and promises for the one who overcomes. This lesson also brings together To the Church in Philadelphia, To the Church in Laodicea.

2 Maccabees 14:37–46

Razis Resists Arrest

When Nicanor sent soldiers to seize Razis in Jerusalem, the siege ended in a desperate and tragic death.

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