Historical Books Overview
Which book tells us about Israel conquering the Promised Land for the first time?
Joshua
What time period is covered by the events recorded in the book of Joshua?
Roughly 1406-1375 BC
(From the death of Moses to the period of the Judges)
How many sections are there in the book of Joshua?
4.
How many phrases are repeated throughout the book of Judges to emphasize the theme?
Two.
Summarize the first section of the book of Judges
This section describes the cause of Israel’s downward spiral. It tells us how Israel failed to fully drive out the pagan nations and instead co-existed with them in the land, in direct violation of what God had commanded. This triggers a cycle of sin as the Israelites begin to worship the gods of the nations around them and abandon the Lord.
Which two books tell us about the Jews returning from exile to the Promised Land?
Ezra and Nehemiah
What time period was the book of Joshua most likely written?
The ______________ Covenant provides the foundation for God giving the Land to Israel.
Abrahamic.
When was the book of Judges probably written?
During the reign of David
Summarize the second section of the book of Judges
This section tells us the story of Israel’s downward spiral in the cycle of sin described in chapter 2. Israel is oppressed by foreign nations as judgment for worshipping the gods of those nations. We are told the stories of the 12 judges whom God raised up to save his people from the consequences of their own idolatry, and how every time Israel returned to their idolatry.
What are the 12 historical books?
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Sam., 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chron., Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
What is the key theme of the book of Joshua?
God giving his people rest in the land.
Fill in the blank:
The _______________ Covenant provides the framework for Israel to live in the land.
Mosaic.
What is the key theme of the book of Judges?
The downward spiral of sin and rebellion among God’s people, which highlights the need for God himself to give his people a faithful king.
Summarize the third section of the book of Judges
This final section describes the consequences of the downward spiral into idolatry. Two stories make clear how utterly corrupt Israel has become, in spite of God’s amazing mercy to them.
The Historical Books are not just works of history, but works of ___________________
theology.
Joshua is commissioned to lead the Israelites into the promised land which he is giving them. He sends spies who are helped by the prostitute Rahab to scout out Jericho, the first city they must conquer. The Israelites cross over the Jordan River which God miraculously dries up for them, just as he did with the Red Sea one generation before. They prepare themselves to live in the land with circumcision and the Passover.
What are the four key words that mark the four sections of Joshua (in order)?
cross, take, divide, serve.
What time period is covered by the events in the book of Judges?
Roughly 1375-1110 BC.
True or False: In the book of Judges, Israel's spiritual condition has a significant upward trend.
False.
What are the 5 overarching themes for the Historical Books?
God's Sovereignty, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Covenant, God's Kingdom
Summarize the second section of the book of Joshua.
By God’s miraculous help the Israelites conquer Jericho. They move on to conquer Ai, but they are unable to do so because of unfaithfulness in their midst. Once the unfaithfulness has been dealt with, they continue in conquest. The Gibeonites trick the Israelites into making a covenant with them– even though it was deceptive, the Israelites honor the covenant they made and defend the Gibeonites against attack. The Israelites conquer large territories throughout the promised land because of God’s miraculous help.
Summarize the third and fourth sections of Joshua.
Section 3 (chs. 13-21)
Israel divides up the land among the tribes, who must complete the work of conquering the land.
Section 4 (chs. 22-24)
The tribes who were given land across the Jordan are allowed to return. They construct an altar as a reminder of the fact that they belong to Israel. This almost causes a war because the other tribes think they are setting up an alternative place of worship. Finally, Joshua prepares for his death by reminding the Israelites of what God has done for them, and calling them to be faithful in their covenant with God.
Which two phrases are repeated throughout the book of Judges?
"Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord"
"In those days there was no king in Israel"
List the four parts of the Cycle of Sin from Judges 2:11-17
Israel commits idolatry (vv. 11-13)
God hands Israel over to their enemies (vv. 14-15)
God mercifully raises up a judge to save Israel (v. 16)
Israel once again rebels and commits idolatry (v. 17)