Tracing God's Story: Old TestamentSample

Historical Books

God has had a plan since the beginning, and the Old Testament helps you see how it had to play out. The historical books are filled with accounts that reveal God's true character. When you are done reading these books, you will have all the written information of Israel’s story up until the time of Jesus’ return.

In this section, spanning Joshua through Esther, you’ll witness the culmination of Israel’s history in the Old Testament. Before delving deeper, it’s essential to clarify that the Bible isn’t arranged chronologically. The books following the historical accounts were often written during the periods these historical books cover.

Here’s a brief overview of what lies ahead in this section:

• Joshua: Israel enters the Promised Land, guided by Joshua.
• Judges: The Israelites, despite divine guidance, fall into a cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and redemption.
• Ruth: A narrative set in the time of Judges, highlighting loyalty and God’s providence.
• 1 Samuel – 2 Chronicles: Spans the reigns of Israel’s kings, their divisions, and subsequent histories.
• Ezra – Nehemiah: Chronicles the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
• Esther: A captivating story of a Jewish girl’s role in the Persian court, demonstrating God’s providence.

This narrative covers 800 to 1,000 years of history, illustrating the consequences of rebellion, the appointment of kings, the construction of Solomon’s temple, the division of Israel, and the eventual exile and return. It’s a rich tapestry of stories reflecting God’s judgment, forgiveness, love, protection, and redemption.

As you journey through these historical accounts, you’ll find repetition, mirroring the Gospel narratives. This repetition offers diverse perspectives and additional details, enriching your understanding. While these stories may pose challenges due to their content, the narrative form makes them accessible, unveiling plots, characters, actions, and resolutions.

Now, you might question the relevance of studying this history under a new covenant. Understanding these narratives is paramount as they provide context for the New Testament. Nearly a thousand quotes and allusions to the Old Testament exist in the New Testament, with the Gospels directly referencing or alluding to Old Testament stories. Moreover, aligning historical accounts with external history books corroborates the Bible’s authenticity.

Yet, the most crucial reason to delve into this history is to reveal the unchanging character of God. Throughout these accounts, you’ll witness His unwavering desire to save His people, regardless of their transgressions. From the beginning, God had a redemptive plan—a plan in which you play an integral part.

May today’s insights kindle a passion for exploring the Bible. As you read, may God speak to you in exciting new ways, allowing your spirit to truly come to life.