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THE WORLD'S GREATEST LIBRARY GRAPHICALLY ILLUSTRATED (1942)
By David L. Cooper, Th.M., Ph.D., Litt.D.

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PREFACE
The Chinese have a proverb that “one picture is worth 10,000 words.” In many instance one can correctly say that a single picture is worth
100,000 words, more or less, and such we believe to be true of this volume.
What maps, pictures, and drawings are to the student in an educational institution (either secular or religious) correct, accurate maps giving
Bible lands, together with charts and diagrams, which are true to the Word, are to the Bible student. Everything in the world is related to some other
thing. All truth is related. This principle is especially true with reference to the Scriptures. If we can have drawings illustrative of the great fundamental
teachings of the Scriptures which show the relationship of one line of thought to another, such graphic representations will be of inestimable value to
us.
All constructions of any importance are built according to blueprints, plans, and specifications. We see a building under construction upon
which many laborers are toiling. They go hither and thither, each doing his assigned work. The architect and the foreman, however, direct their
movements and control their efforts. The same thing is true in regard to the Scriptures. God is the great Architect. He has His “plan of the ages”
(Eph. 3:11; see marginal reading). Christ is bearing all things forward to a definite goal, “upholding [carrying forward] all things by the word of his
power” (Heb. 1:3). When our Lord returns He will usher in the “dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ,” etc. (Eph. 1:10).
If one should visit the architect’s room where a great building is under construction, he could study the blueprints, plans, pictures, and
specifications, and then go through the place and understand quite adequately what each worker or group of men was doing and could gain a clear-
cut, definite idea of each procedure. After a large project has been completed and is in operation, one could study the blueprints, plans, and
specifications, together with all drawings and information given thereon, and could understand better the general layout and the purpose which each
integral part serves.
In the same manner Bible students have studied most carefully and accurately the Bible in general and certain books in particular, together
with great and fundamental principles and plans running throughout the revelation of God. They have been kind and have written for us in many
valuable books the results of their research work, for all of which we praise God. All careful students of the Scriptures are aware of the fact that there
is a sublime unity inherent in the various books, binding them into one marvelous revelation. At the same time they have discovered the shadow of
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the invisible hand of God here and there in the Scriptures, pointing to a definite plan and program which began in eternity before the creation of the
world, which is being unfolded through the centuries, and which will culminate in the ages of the future.
For years friends have asked me for diagram and charts which will present vividly and graphically the general scheme of things and the plan
of the ages, as they are revealed in the Scriptures. Yielding to this persistent call for such a representation of the great fundamental principles of the
truth as they unfold through the ages, I have for some time been constructing charts illustrative of certain phases of truth and have been publishing
them in the Biblical Research Monthly. With each drawing I have given a short exposition of the scriptures involved therein. As these have appeared
in the magazine, there has arisen a demand that they be put in a more permanent form. The present book is my answer to this call. This volume,
because of its limited size, can deal only with certain of the great and fundamental plans, principles, and purposes which run throughout out the
Scriptures. To assist in laying this before the reader, I have of necessity been forced largely to confine my charts and exposition of certain key books
and passages which set forth the outstanding scriptural doctrines.
In producing these charts, I have endeavored to be guided by the principle of simplicity. The mind can take in only so much truth at a given
time. If therefore great and fundamental truths can be presented through the eye-gate without involving the inclusion of the multiplicity of other truths,
the gain will be great. In these charts with the explanation such as is given, one may construct a framework for his biblical knowledge. Later he can
supply the other details by further study. The foundation of a structure in first laid; later the framework erected. The rest of the material is built into
the framework. This volume is designed to lay a solid foundation first and superimpose upon it the framework. The student can continue the erection
of his scriptural house of knowledge by his own personal study.
On account of extreme positions which have been taken, very unfortunately, by some prophetic students, the study of “dispensational truth”
has fallen into disrepute. I must confess that there has been developing in certain quarters and extreme dispensationalism which warps the truth of
God, and which confuses students here and there. Extremes are always dangerous. Fanaticism is inevitably tragic. On the other hand, sanity and
thoroughness in our study and investigation are always beneficial and inevitably bring blessings.
The word dispensation was used by the Apostle Paul several times. In the original it literally means “management of a household or household
affairs”; “oversight, administration.” The same word is sometimes rendered “stewardship,” which conveys the correct idea of the original. But the
popular use of the word dispensation signifies a period of time during which a certain order exists. For example, we speak of the Mosaic Dispensation
and the Christian Dispensation. Paul, in Ephesians 1:10,11, used this word with that connotation, in his discussing the plan of God from eternity past
in its unfolding through the centuries “unto a dispensation of the fulness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the
things upon the earth; in him, I say, in whom also we were made a heritage,” etc. It seems clear and beyond controversy that this dispensation to
which he refers can be nothing other than what is usually called the great Millennial Age. The time prior to this Golden Era is thought of as having
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been broken up into smaller units rendered “times” or “seasons.” In Colossians 1:25 and 26 the Apostle Paul spoke of the gospel, which was given
us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world, and designated it as “the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations.” From this
statement we can see that the Apostle thought of the period of time from the point designated as “before the foundation of the world” to the time of
the coming of Christ as being divided into ages and generations. From this position there can be no escape. (In the article and chart on “Eternity or
the Plan of the Ages” we shall see that this is the correct interpretation of the data bearing on this point.) On the other hand, the same writer, Galatians
4:4 spoke of the Jews as being under the elements of the world in bondage during the Law Dispensation. But this servitude ceased when in “the
fulness of the time” God sent forth his Son that He might redeem those under the law and might grant to them adoption as sons. In this passage Paul
thinks of Christ’s coming nineteen hundred years ago as being in the fullness of the time, which event terminated what is known as the Law
Dispensation.
In view of the scriptural use of the idea of various ages into which time breaks up, one is scriptural in the use of the term dispensation. In his
referring to these various epochs making up time, one can survey the history and study the conditions of various periods and see their beginnings,
their distinguishing characteristics, and their endings and can thus think of them as separate dispensations—for the convenience of clear thinking and
memory. For instance, beyond dispute the period during which Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden may be spoken of as the Dispensation of
Innocency, for it had a definite beginning and a specific end and was characterized by a certain order. Again, the period from the expulsion out of
Eden to the Flood likewise had a definite beginning and an ending and was characterized by a certain definite order. We are logical, for the sake of
analysis and clear thinking, in speaking of this period of time as a certain, definite dispensation—call it what we may. What is true of these two
periods of time is correct with reference to others into which history, past, present, and future may be logically divided.
In our splitting up time into various dispensations, let us be careful to avoid all artificiality. We must never read into the sacred text our own
preconceived ideas and opinions. On the contrary, we must be sane and logical and avoid all extreme positions here as on any other subject. A
glance at the charts and the discussion connected with each one reveals immediately the fact that this book deals with prophetic matters quite
extensively. The words prophet and prophetic have been greatly abused. Etymologically, “prophet” means one who “speaks in behalf of another.”
The content of the message is not implied. He might be discussing things past, present, or future. Thus in the Hebrew Old Testament the historical
books are called “the former prophets,” whereas the books which we usually call “the Prophets” are designated as “the latter prophets.” This usage
is perfectly in accord with the original meaning of the Greek word under discussion.
In our day “prophecy” and prophetic” are used popularly as referring to something in the future. We therefore speak of prophetic students and
prophetic teachers, meaning, of course, those who are studying what technically and properly is called “predictive prophecy.” This special meaning
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has established itself in the popular thinking of Christians today. In the light of this fact one is correct in speaking of “prophetic student” and “prophetic
conferences” and the like, when one is thinking of those who are studying predictive prophecy.
Unfortunately, many of those who are attempting to study predictive prophecy have allowed the imagination to run wild, have woven fanciful
interpretations, and have offered pure human speculation as the true exposition of biblical prophecies. At the present time, as in the past, many
earnest students are being misled, especially when men make out schedules and timetables for the fulfillment of prophecy and things do not materialize
as anticipated. In such cases the thoughtful person realizes that something is wrong somewhere and will re-study the situation as well as the prophecy;
but the great mass of people are not inclined to re-investigate in order to learn where the mistake was made. Many therefore jump to the conclusion
that, since certain ones have been mistaken on different points, it is impossible for one to understand prophecy. I am of the firm conviction that this
is one of the objects that Satan has in mind when he causes such confusion. The facts, however, that certain men who have sincerely made out
schedules for the Lord to fulfill have been in error on many interpretations, and that many things have not developed as anticipated, are no reason
why we should avoid the subject of prophecy.
Let those who are studying the prophetic word realize that they are not to turn prophets but are simply to study what God has said. The Lord
had a definite, specific idea every time he caused one of His prophets to speak. If I ignore the context, if I force upon the Word a meaning foreign to
that which the original speaker had in mind, and if I present my own ideas as the interpretation of the prophet’s message, God will not change His
plans and purposes in order that my explanations may be realized. “God fulfills prophecy as written and not as interpreted by the speculations of
men.”
My attention has been called by various ones to the fact that there is a dearth of original thinking today. Too many of us, according to a
suggestion which I have heard, are simply trying to repeat—but all too often failing—what other and older teachers of the Word have said.
Unfortunately, the facts of the case seem to bear out this charge. If it is true that such a condition exists, it is time that we who are endeavoring to
present the scriptural teaching on predictive prophecy should make a first-hand, personal investigation of this portion of the Word and should spare
no effort nor means to ascertain the exact thought of the biblical writers. Whenever we see anything in the Word and are absolutely convinced that
we have not made a mistake in our interpretation, then we should in love proclaim what we see there. In other words, we should be “noble Bereans.”
Paul and Silas went to the city of Berea and preached the truth. The people of the audience did not accept as true and final the message. On the
contrary, they showed their nobility “in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things
were so” (Acts 17:11). We should note the fact that these Bereans were not gullible but were eager for truth. When Paul and Silas claimed that they
were preaching the Scriptures, the Bereans did not dig up some of the works of the rabbis or of their teachers or authorities; on the contrary, they got
their Bibles and examined them most carefully and critically. The result was that they saw the truthfulness and the correctness of Paul’s message
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and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. It is perfectly proper for us to study the books that have been written by godly, devout students of the Word to
see what truth God has enabled these servants of His to apprehend and to set forth. But the reading of the works of men can never be a substitute
for one’s personal investigation of the Scriptures. We should avail ourselves of what men of God have written and thank Him for it, but let us always
verify by an examination of the Scriptures any position that is advanced by a brother—before we accept it as true.
I once had a conversation with a Bible teacher who enjoys international reputation. I called attention to a certain passage and its meaning.
This one immediately acknowledged that the Scriptures taught a certain truth but said that under no condition should one teach it because it was not
the generally accepted thought in fundamental circles. This teacher then made the remark that it was “best to stay in the beaten path and thus avoid
trouble.” Suppose Martin Luther and the other reformers had taken this position because they were afraid of men and what they might do. Would we
have our glorious heritage today? Would history have been what it is? Let us come to the Word with open hearts and minds, desirous of knowing
only what God has said in order that we might conform our lives, conduct, and programs to its teachings and proclaim His glorious truth to men as He
enables.
The charts here presented I have largely originated. I have endeavored to make them just as plain and simple as possible and at the same
time to construct them so that they will give a definite, correct idea of the scriptures.
May the reader receive as great a blessing in perusing these pages and studying the charts as I have had in the preparation of them. Above
all, may honor and glory accrue to the Lord Jesus Christ from this volume as it goes forth on its mission.

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PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS
The World’s Greatest Library Graphically Illustrated 10
What Some Great Men Have Said About the Word 14
“The Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture” 21
The Ministry of the Word 27
Some Basic Laws of Interpretation 36
Conditions of Understanding the Word 47

The Old Testament
A Panorama of the Old Testament 52
Eternity or the Plan of the Ages 57
Satan’s Five Abodes and His Activities 90
The Record of Man’s Earthly Pilgrimage 95
Pivotal Dates in Biblical History 101
Genesis—The Book of Beginnings 109
The Holy Trinity 114
Genesis One 121
The Sin Doctrine 126
Israel the Hub of the Nations 134
In the Days of Moses 145
The History of Israel in Prophecy 151
In the days of the Judges of Israel 155
In the days of the Kings of Israel 161
The Kings of Israel 165
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In the Days of Restoration from Babylonian Captivity 169
The Poets of Israel 174
Messiah’s Redemptive career According to Psalm 110 187
The Prophets of Israel 192
How to Interpret Prophecy 196
An Analysis of Isaiah 207
The Four Types of Messianic Prophecy 212
The History of Israel Under the Symbolism of a Vine 216
An Analysis of the Great Servant Oracle 224
Messianic Times According to Isaiah 42:1-43:7 229
The Divine Personalities, Working Out Man’s Redemption 235
Messianic Times According to Isaiah 61 240
Israel the Nation of Destiny 246
The Redemptive Career of Messiah According to Isaiah 65 255
Zionism in Prophecy 266
The Image Vision of Daniel Two 272
The Four World-Empires According to Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 & 17 284
The Jewish Calendar or The Seventy Weeks of Years 308
God’s Providential Care of Israel and Her Final Deliverance 313
God’s Light Bearers 319

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THE NEW TESTAMENT
A Panorama of the New Testament 324
The Life of Jesus the Messiah, the Servant of Jehovah, According to Mark 329
The Life of Jesus the Messiah, the King of the Jews, According to Matthew 333
The Life of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of Man, According to Luke 339
The Life of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, According to John 345
A Harmony of the Gospels 351
The Olivet Discourse 357
Messiah’s Redemptive Career According to the Lord Jesus 362
The Four Judgments 369
Israel on the Siding 376
An Analysis of Acts 381
God’s-Eight-Point Program 387
An Analysis of Romans 392
The Epistle to the Hebrews 398
Epistles and Letters 402
The Message of Revelation 409
The Seven Great Revivals in Israel 415
Jewish Evangelism Commanded 422
The Culmination of Apostasies and Revivals 431
The Unfolding of the Ages 437
Prayer 449
God’s Love Message to the World 459

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Preliminary Considerations

The title of this chart is "The World's Greatest Library.” These words are not empty but are freighted with the greatest meaning possible.
Ashurbanipal, one of the great Assyrian kings, collected at Nineveh, his capital, one of the great libraries of the ancient world. At Alexandria, Egypt,
the Ptolemies founded what in that day proved to be the world's greatest library. Its destruction was one of the great calamities which have struck the
earth, in that much valuable information concerning the ancient world was wiped out at one blow. Today there are many and famous libraries. For
instance, at the Vatican in Rome, one of the world's great collections of manuscripts and books has been gathered. The Bibliotheque Nationale in
Paris likewise is one of the world's famous libraries. Our own Congressional Library at Washington undoubtedly stands in the foremost ranks of the
accumulation of the world's knowledge in the form of something like two million volumes (according to a statement which I heard in Washington--
unofficially however). At the famous universities of Oxford and Cambridge mammoth collections of books are to be found. But of all the libraries in
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