Download I. The Historical Books

THE BIBLE
Unit Five
The Historical Books
I. The Historical Books
A. 16 books covering the conquest and settlement of the Promised
Land- Canaan. These stories cover the time period 1250-100 B.C.
1. The Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings,
1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, and
1&2 Maccabees.
2. Includes the evolution of Israel from:
a. Tribal society (Joshua – Judges) to
b. United Kingdom under a monarchy (1&2Samuel, 1Kings)
to
c. A divided Kingdom, northern-Israel/southern-Judah
until the Babylonian Captivity 587B.C. (1&2Kings and
1&2Chronicles) to
d. The return from exile and the restoration of the
nation (Ezra and Nehemiah) to
e. The Jewish resistance to Greek
domination (1&2Maccabees).
B. Sacred/folk history emphasizing God’s plan for the Israelites.
1. These Books do not represent a historical eyewitness account.
2. Sacred history focuses on the meaning of God’s Revelation in
terms of historical events (not concerned with historical
accuracy).
C. Sources:
1. Deuteronomic (author of the Book of Deuteronomy).
a. Joshua, Judges, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings.
b. God rewards the faithful, punishes those who violate the
Law.
2. Chronicler.
a. 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah.
b. Defines faith in terms of proper worship to God –
worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.
D. Themes of the Historical Books:
1. God is involved in human affairs.
2. Blessings occur due to obedience to the Law and faith in the
Covenant – infidelity to the Covenant causes suffering.
3. Rather than human effort, complete trust and reliance
on God is the basis for the prosperity of this emerging nation.
4. The folk history of this time period represents the call for
self –examination (the Jews living in captivity).
E. The Book of Joshua. Joshua is the ideal for the Israelite people.
1. Joshua (1250-1200) is divided into three parts:
a. Ch. 1-12 narrate the swift conquest of Canaan.
b. Ch. 13-22 describes the distribution of conquered land
among the 12 tribes of Israel.
c. Ch. 23-24 report Joshua’s farewell.
2. Joshua is a hero often compared to Moses (Joshua means “God
saves”).
a. Joshua is both a military and moral leader of the
Israelites – a role model for the emerging nation.
b. God would preserve the Israelites in the Promised Land
as long as they remain faithful to the Covenant.
Joshua is a man of faith in whom God has chosen to work
through.
3. The conquest of Canaan is swift and complete.
a. Faithfulness to the Covenant is rewarded with victory.
b. The Ark of the Covenant leads the Israelites into the
Promised Land.
c. Rahab – a story of faith.
d. Miracle warfare.
1. The conquest of the Promised Land is not due to the
effort of the Israelites, but through divine
intervention. The fall of Jericho.
2. This action by God will cease when the Israelites put
their trust in a king.
e. Holy war? The Ban.
1. Protects against assimilation. Exclusive devotion to
God. The sin of one can affect the nation.
2. Promotes fidelity to the God of Israel.
F. The Book of Judges. The reality for the Israelite people.
1. Judges (1220-1000) is divided into three parts:
a. Ch. 1-3.6 is an historical introduction.
b. Ch. 3.7-16.31 are stories of individual judges (12 heroes)
connected to the various tribes of Israel.
c. Ch. 17-21 are two appendices.
2. The Deuteronomic moral cycle is a part of the story of the
Judges.
3. The conquest of Canaan is neither swift nor complete.
a. Settlement to the reign of King Saul.
b. Unlike Joshua, settlement first then conquest.
c. Israelites live side-by-side with gentiles.
d. Intermarriage and assimilation.
e. Not a unified Israel – 12 tribes.
4. Judges are military/political tribal leaders that bridge the gap
between Moses/Joshua and the monarchy.
a. God “deputized” these heroes to lead a sinful people back
to fidelity to the Covenant.
b. When individuals remain faithful to God, they are
capable of great things.
c. Unlike Joshua, these heroes are flawed.
5. Women play an important role in the Historical Books.
Rahab,Deborah, Jael, Ruth, Esther.
6. The story of Samson is more like a heroic myth.
a. What is a nazirite?
b. Tragedy follows retaliation (spiral of violence).
c. Does the story of Samson represent a ‘nazarite’ Israel?
G. The Book of Ruth.
1. As a “novel” speaks out against ethnic and cultural
intolerance (the ban on intermarriage and assimilation).
a. This message is a challenge for Jews living in captivity.
b. The promise of God is extended to all the faithful – even
those from foreign lands.
2. Ruth is one of the great heroines of the Bible.
3. Is a story about fidelity, integrity, compassion and overcoming
hardship (qualities essential for the survival of Israel).
4. The theme of Ruth is in stark contrast to the practice of the ban
in Joshua and the conflict in Judges.
5. In the Book of Ruth, whom does Naomi represent? (Hint: Naomi
to Mara back to Naomi)
6. Ruth reminds us of the need to show the poor and needy
special consideration.
7. Ruth is a Moabite living in Bethlehem whose great -grandson
will be a great king of Israel.
Boaz – Ruth  Obed Jesse  King David Joseph
(Bethlehem – Messiah connection)
8. See Ruth 1:16-17. The Pledge of Ruth.
H. The Books of Samuel.
1. 1&2 Samuel was originally one book – the Greek translation
of the Hebrew Scriptures formed two books.
2. The Book of Samuel is divided into four parts:
a. Ch. 1-7 are stories of Eli and Samuel.
b. Ch. 8-15 are about Saul’s kingship.
c. Ch. 16-31 involve Saul and young David and the death of
Saul and his sons.
3. The Books 1&2 Samuel describe the transition from:
a. Federation of tribes to nation.
b. Theocracy to Monarchy.
c. Priestly dynasty to the birth of a political monarchy.
4. Does the nation ruled by a king conflict with the concept of a
theocracy (a nation ruled by God)?
a. The Prophet Samuel calls for a theocracy –
1. GodLawKingPeople (when this order is
violated, the nation/king suffers.
i.Saul violates ritual and ban.
ii.David commits adultery and murder.
iii.Solomon worships other gods.
2. Under a king:
i.Will lose freedom.
ii.Be taxed.
iii.forced into labor.
3. Theocracy is freedom/Kingship is slavery.
b. People call for a king:
1. Want to be like other nations.
2. Protection from enemies.
3. Develop national identity.
4. 1 Samuel 8:7-8, Samuel opposes a monarchy.
5. Samuel – judge, prophet, priest, anoints kings – a man of
God.
6. Saul - reluctant king, tragic ruler – first King of Israel.
a. Saul’s good looks symbolize “looks are deceiving” – the
people are infatuated with the idea of a king, but…
b. Saul’s sins:
1. He offers sacrifice (this was to be done by a priest)
2. Violates the ban.