Faith & Reason Nexus

List of 12 Historical Books in the Bible:

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther

Overview of Joshua:

After Moses’ death, leadership passed to Joshua. In chapter 1, God assured Joshua of His promises and protection, just as He did for the Israelites through Moses. The crossing of the Jordan River marked the continuation of God’s covenant with the people under Joshua’s leadership. The conquest began with the miraculous fall of Jericho, and throughout Joshua’s 25-year leadership, Israel faced various challenges.

Joshua, initially a servant of Moses, became a servant of God. Shiloh served as the first capital for nearly 369 years until David established Jericho as the capital. The journey included crossing the Canaan River, and the land was divided among the 12 tribes, with Levi designated for teaching and preaching throughout the remaining 11 tribes. The 12th land was given to the Caleb chapter, as mentioned in Joshua 24.

In his teachings, Joshua highlighted his adherence to Moses’ deeds and also accomplished what Moses did not. However, conflicts arose after Joshua’s death, leading to the Israelites falling into sin without proper leaders or judges to guide them.

Overview of Judges:

When people turned away from God, He withdrew His protection, allowing other nations to conquer them. Upon realizing their mistake, the people sought God’s forgiveness, regained victory, but fell back into sin, repeating the cycle. Judges emerged as mediators and advisors to the Israelites, holding the power of God for around 300 years, unlike kings, Moses, or Joshua. There were a total of 15 Judges, including Deborah, the sole female among them. The line of Judges began with Othniel and concluded with Samuel.

The 15 judges mentioned in the Book of Judges are:

1. Othniel
2. Ehud
3. Shamgar
4. Deborah
5. Gideon
6. Abimelech
7. Tola
8. Jair
9. Jephthah
10. Ibzan
11. Elon
12. Abdon
13. Samson
14. Eli
15. Samuel

Overview of Ruth:

The Book of Ruth in the Bible has four chapters says of loyalty and providence. Ruth, a Moabite widow, remains devoted to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Gleaning in fields, Ruth catches the eye of Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz becomes her kinsman-redeemer, securing their future. This intimate narrative unfolds against the grand backdrop of God’s providence, foreshadowing through Obeth the son of ruth the lineage of David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. The book emphasizes the transformative power of steadfast commitment and the way God weaves purpose through ordinary lives. Ruth’s journey embodies love’s redemptive force in the tapestry of divine plans.

Overview of 1 Samuel & 2 Samuel:

In the Hebrew Bible, there’s a single book called Samuel, but in our Bible, it’s split into two: First and Second Samuel. It’s thought to be authored by Samuel. When Elkanah and Hannah couldn’t conceive, Elkanah married Peninnah, who bore children. Seeking a child, they went to Shiloh, met High Priest Eli, and asked Hannah to pray. She did, and God granted her Samuel, meaning “borrowed from God.” Hannah dedicated Samuel to ministry under Eli, and he grew up in God’s tabernacle. Samuel served as Judge, Prophet, and Priest—uniquely. God audibly called him for ministry, revealing the wrongdoing of Eli’s sons. During war, Israel took the Ark for victory, but God allowed its capture, taking 20 years to recover.

Main places were Gilgal, Bethel, and Mizpah. Samuel initiated the first Bible school. When people sought a king, God initially refused, but later anointed Saul. After Saul’s downfall, God chose David, who played music for Saul. Saul grew envious, seeking David’s life, prompting David’s cave hiding. First Samuel ends with Samuel’s death, and Second Samuel with David death. Saul ruled 40 years, David 40 years. David, with priests Nathan, Gad, and Samuel then repented from his sin. Twice David fled: first from Saul, out of respect; second from his son, not wanting to harm him. David captured Jerusalem, making it Israel’s capital.

Overview of 1 Kings & 2 Kings:

In the Hebrew Bible, there’s a single book of kings, but in our Bible, it’s divided into First and Second Kings. After David, his son Solomon ruled for 40 years. Solomon, blessed with wisdom, fame, and wealth by God, built the first temple for God. Despite his spiritual wisdom, Solomon’s 700 wives and 300 concubines led him to build temples for their gods, causing God to predict the nation’s division. Solomon’s son Rehoboam, due to his harsh rule, faced a split. He ruled Judah and Benjamin in the south, while Jeroboam, opposing Solomon, became king of the northern tribes, called “Israelites.” This division stemmed from Rehoboam’s departure and Jeroboam’s selection by the people. The ten tribes in the north were known as “Israelites,” and the two tribes in the south as “Judah.”

In the northern kingdom of Israel, from around 930 BC to 722 BC, there were a total of 19 kings, ranging from Jeroboam to Hoshea. These kings were not descendants of David, and their rule was characterized by conflicts and alliances. In contrast, the southern kingdom, Judah, had kings from approximately 939 BC to 586 BC, totaling 20 rulers from Rehoboam to Zedekiah. These southern kings were direct descendants of David. Throughout this period, both kingdoms experienced a mix of friendly and hostile relationships. Among the kings, 6 were considered good, while 14 were deemed evil. The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar played a significant role in the region, captured by three invasions in 609 BC, 597 BC, and finally in 586 BC. This marked the culmination of Babylonian dominance over the region.

Overview of 1 Chronicles & 2 Chronicles:

Some scholarly studies propose that Jeremiah might have been the author of the books of Kings and Chronicles. There’s a suggestion that 1 Chronicles could have been written by individuals like Gad, Nethen, and Jeremiah. Chronicles is regarded as the national book of Israel, sharing many chapters with the books of Kings. However, the content and expression in the books of Kings and Chronicles differ. While Kings focuses on kings, their perspectives, and surrounding events, Chronicles includes kings but begins with Adam, encompassing the history found in the books of Samuel and Kings. It also narrates the capture of Judah by Babylon, the destruction of Solomon’s temple, and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple by King Cyrus after 70 years, along with Judah reclaiming their nation.

These three books cover the period from Judah’s capture by Babylon in 586 BC to their eventual return to their nation. The third Babylonian invasion in 586 BC . The complete destruction of the Northern Kingdom, previously splintered by the Assyrians in 722 BC. During this time, the Medo-Persians conquered Judah from Babylon, with the Persians taking the lead.

Overview of Ezra:

During the 50-year rule of the Medo-Persian kingdom, King Cyrus permitted the Jews to “rebuild the temple”, a central theme in the book of Ezra. Ezra, known as a scribe well-versed in the Torah, played a crucial role. Collaborating with Zerubbabel, the governor of Israel, and Joshua, the high priest, they successfully constructed the Second Temple. Despite facing challenges, such as temptations to prioritize personal houses and needs, they remained committed to the task.

Overview of Nehemiah:

The book focuses on “rebuilding the wall” after the Jews returned to their nation in 516 BC, finding the walls dry and damaged. Nehemiah, the cupbearer for the king, sought permission to undertake the reconstruction and finished in 483 BC. Despite facing numerous obstacles and opposition, including challenges from both external sources and fellow Jews, the project was ultimately completed during this period.

Overview of Esther:

Juda was under the rule of Persian King Ahasuerus, influenced by Haman, who harbored hatred towards the Jews, leading to the death of many through a devised lottery. Mordecai orchestrated Esther’s marriage to King Ahasuerus. The narrative details how Esther, in a pivotal role, saved the Jewish people and exposed the true nature of Haman. This account can be found in the book of Esther in the Bible.