Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Chapter
10. Introduction to the Historical Books: The History of Israel's Nationhood
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
- Identify the purpose of each of the historical books
- Explain how the Bible is more than a history book
- Discuss the role of historicity for biblical faith
- Evaluate the Noth-Cross approach to authorship of the historical books
Chapter Summary
- The historical books also have theological importance.
- Joshua shows the value of obedience.
- Judges tells of the near hopelessness of Israel after the conquest.
- Ruth illustrates God’s sovereign care for individuals who are faithful in spite of national religious apostasy.
- Samuel traces the early history of Israel’s monarchy.
- Kings tells about the history of the monarchy from Solomon to the fall of Jerusalem.
- Chronicles is the first commentary on the Scriptures.
- Ezra and Nehemiah present the history of the restoration in the fifth century BC.
- Esther demonstrates how God’s sovereign care and protection extend to his people.
- The history of Israel contrasts with the mythological approach found in the rest of the ancient Near East.
- The authorship of all of the historical books is anonymous.
- One popular theory of the authorship of the historical books is that an anonymous editor combined several sections into one lengthy document of Israel’s history.
Study Questions
- Approximately how much time is covered by the historical books?
- What is the theological value of the historical books?
- Briefly summarize the major theme of each of the historical books.
- How did the Israelites view the concept of history?
- What is the main concern of biblical prophecy as portrayed in the historical books?
- Why are the historical books referred to as the “Former Prophets” in the Jewish canon?
- From what perspective are historical events recorded in this section of the Bible?
- How are historical facts important to the theology of the historical books?
- Discuss the authorship of the historical books.
- Explain the Deuteronomistic History and its ramifications for the historical books.