The books from Joshua through Esther in the Old Testament are known as the historical books. They cover about
seven hundred years in the history of God's people, the nation of Israel.
Major events covered by these
books include (1) the settlement of the people in the Promised Land after their escape from Egypt and their years of wandering
in the Wilderness; (2) the transition from the rule of judges to rule by kings; (3) David's anointing as king of the united
kingdom; (4) the division of the nation into northern and southern factions; (5) the destruction of the northern kingdom;
and (6) the captivity and return of the southern kingdom.
Here are brief summaries of the themes of
the twelve books in this significant section of the Old Testament:
Joshua: The capture and settlement of the Promised Land.
Judges: The nation of Israel is rescued by a series of judges, or military leaders. Three
of the best known deliverers were Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
Ruth: A beautiful story of God's love and care.
1 and 2 Samuel: The early history of Israel, including the reins of Saul and David.
1 and 2 Kings: A political history of Israel, focusing on the reigns of selected kings from
the time of Solomon to the captivity of the Jewish people by the Babylonians.
1 and 2 Chronicles: A religious history of Israel, covering the same period as 2 Samuel and
1 and 2 Kings.
Ezra: The return of the Jewish people from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah: The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon.
Esther: God's care for His people under Gentile rule.
