Historical Books of The Bible

Historical Books (Joshua–Esther)

Bible Survey Notes for Certificate Class 

Author: Kenneth Malenge 



Bible Survey Notes – The Historical Books

1. JOSHUA

  • Name & Meaning: Joshua – Hebrew for “Yahweh is salvation” or “The LORD saves”.
  • Author: Joshua (with later editorial additions).
  • Primary Recipient: The people of Israel.
  • Date of Authorship: c. 1400–1370 BC.

Purpose

  • To show God’s faithfulness in giving Israel the land.
  • To encourage obedience and courage in God’s promises.

Brief Summary:

Recounts Israel’s conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, demonstrating God’s covenant faithfulness.

Outline

  1. Conquest of the Land (1–12)
  2. Division of the Land (13–22)
  3. Joshua’s Farewell and Covenant Renewal (23–24)

Key Verse: Josh. 1:9

Theological Emphasis

  • God as Warrior and Covenant-Keeper.
  • Victory through faith and obedience.
  • Rest in the land as a picture of Christ’s rest (Heb. 4).

Christological Emphasis:

Joshua foreshadows Christ as the leader who brings God’s people into their promised rest (cf. Hebrews 4).

Relevance for Today

  • Encourages courage and trust in God’s promises.
  • Reminds us that spiritual victory comes by faith.

2. JUDGES

  • Name & Meaning: Judges – Refers to Israel’s deliverers or leaders.
  • Author: Traditionally Samuel.
  • Primary Recipient: The people of Israel.
  • Date of Authorship: c. 1050–1000 BC.

Purpose

  • To record Israel’s unfaithfulness after Joshua.
  • To show the need for godly leadership.

Brief Summary:

Israel’s recurring unfaithfulness and the need for godly leadership are exposed. Covers the time between Joshua’s death and the rise of monarchy.

Outline

  1. Israel’s Failure after Joshua (1–2)
  2. Cycles of the Judges (3–16)
  3. Religious and Moral Confusion (17–21)

Key Verse: Judg. 21:25

Theological Emphasis

  • Sin brings judgment; repentance brings deliverance.
  • God’s mercy in raising up deliverers.
  • Israel’s need for a righteous king → pointing to Christ.

Christological Emphasis:

Judges are flawed deliverers, pointing forward to Christ—the perfect Judge and King.

Relevance for Today

  • Warns against doing “what is right in one’s own eyes.”
  • Shows God’s patience with His people.

3. RUTH

  • Name & Meaning: Ruth – Named after the Moabite heroine.
  • Author: Traditionally Samuel.
  • Primary Recipient: The people of Israel.
  • Date of Authorship: c. 1000–950 BC.

Purpose

  • To show God’s faithfulness to a believing foreigner.
  • To trace the ancestry of David (and ultimately Christ).

Brief Summary:

A story of faith, loyalty, and redemption showing God’s providence in ordinary lives.

Outline

  1. Ruth’s Loyalty (1)
  2. Ruth in Boaz’s Field (2)
  3. Ruth at the Threshing Floor (3)
  4. Ruth Redeemed by Boaz (4)

Key Verse: Ruth 1:16

Theological Emphasis

  • God’s providence in ordinary life.
  • Kinsman-redeemer as a type of Christ.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan.

Christological Emphasis:

Boaz is a type of Christ, the Kinsman-Redeemer who includes Gentiles in redemption.

Relevance for Today

  • Shows God’s care for the outcast.
  • Christ is our true Redeemer.

4. 1 & 2 SAMUEL

  • Name & Meaning: 1 Samuel – Named after the prophet Samuel.
  • Author: Traditionally Samuel, Gad, and Nathan.
  • Primary Recipient: The people of Israel.
  • Date of Authorship: c. 930–722 BC.

Purpose

  • To record rise and fall of Saul and rise of David.
  • To show God’s covenant with David.

Brief Summary:

God transitions Israel to monarchy and selects David as a king after His heart. David's rule marked by triumphs, sin, and God's enduring covenant. David’s reign reveals both his greatness and flaws, while God's covenant promises endure.

Outline

1 Samuel

  1. Samuel’s Leadership (1–7)
  2. Saul’s Reign and Failure (8–15)
  3. David’s Rise (16–31)

2 Samuel

  1. David’s Triumphs (1–10)
  2. David’s Troubles (11–20)
  3. Appendices (21–24)

Key Verse: 2 Sam. 7:16

Theological Emphasis

  • God’s sovereignty in raising kings.
  • Covenant with David (Messianic hope).
  • Importance of obedience to God.

Christological Emphasis:

David foreshadows Christ—the perfect and eternal King. Christ is the promised Son of David who reigns eternally.

Relevance for Today

  • Christ as the true Son of David.
  • Obedience is better than sacrifice.

5. 1 & 2 KINGS

  • Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah or an unknown prophet.
  • Date: After 586 BC.
  • Theme: History of the monarchy from Solomon to exile.
  • Primary Recipient:
    The people of Israel and Judah (likely during or after the exile).

Purpose

  • To explain why Israel and Judah went into exile.
  • To show God’s faithfulness despite disobedience.
Brief Summary:
Describes Solomon's reign, his rise and fall, the division of the kingdom, and the decline of Israel and Judah due to idolatry and covenant disobedience.

Outline

1 Kings

  1. Solomon’s Reign (1–11)
  2. Kingdom Divided (12–22)

2 Kings

  1. Ministry of Elisha (1–13)
  2. Decline of Israel (14–17)
  3. Decline of Judah (18–25)

Key Verse: 2 Kgs. 17:18–19

Theological Emphasis

  • God’s judgment for idolatry.
  • Importance of covenant faithfulness.
  • Prophetic ministry pointing to Christ.
Christological Emphasis:
Solomon, though wise and peaceful, foreshadows Christ. Christ is the perfect King who builds the true Temple (the Church) and gives eternal peace.

Relevance for Today

  • Warns against compromise and idolatry.
  • Encourages faithfulness in dark times.

6. 1 & 2 CHRONICLES

  • Author: Traditionally Ezra.
  • Date: c. 450–400 BC.
  • Theme: God’s covenant faithfulness to David and the temple.
  • Primary Recipient:
    Post-exilic Jewish community.

Purpose

  • To encourage returning exiles with hope.
  • To focus on temple worship and David’s line.
Brief Summary:
Focuses on David's rule and God’s covenant, with an emphasis on Temple worship and national unity.

FOutline also on Judah’s kings, the Temple, and covenant consequences, ending with hope in the return from exile.

Outline

1 Chronicles

  1. Genealogies (1–9)
  2. David’s Reign (10–29)

2 Chronicles

  1. Solomon’s Reign (1–9)
  2. Judah’s Kings (10–36)

Key Verse: 1 Chron. 17:14

Theological Emphasis

  • Centrality of the temple.
  • God’s covenant with David.
  • Hope for restoration.
Christological Emphasis:
Points to Christ as the eternal King in David’s line. Foreshadows Christ as the ultimate King and true Temple.

Relevance for Today

  • Points to Christ as the true King and Temple.
  • Encourages worship and hope.

7. EZRA

  • Author: Ezra.
  • Date: c. 450 BC.
  • Theme: Restoration of temple and worship.
  • Primary Recipient:Returned Jewish exiles.

Purpose

  • To show God’s faithfulness in restoring His people.
  • To emphasize the importance of Scripture and holiness.
Brief Summary:
Encourages faithfulness and reform, emphasizing God's faithfulness in restoring His people and worship. 

Documents the first two waves of Jewish returnees and their efforts to rebuild the Temple and reform spiritually.

Outline

  1. Return under Zerubbabel (1–6)
  2. Return under Ezra (7–10)

Key Verse: Ezra 7:10

Theological Emphasis

  • God’s sovereignty over nations.
  • Centrality of worship and law.
  • Call to holiness.
Christological Emphasis:
Points to Christ as the one who purifies God’s people and restores true worship.

Relevance for Today

  • God restores His people.
  • Importance of obedience to God’s Word.

8. NEHEMIAH

  • Author: Nehemiah – "The LORD comforts".
  • Date: c. 445–430 BC.
  • Theme: Rebuilding walls and reforming people.

  • Primary Recipient: The returning Jewish exiles in Jerusalem.

Purpose

  • To record God’s protection and provision in restoration.
  • To show the importance of godly leadership.

Brief Summary

The book highlights God’s providential hand in restoring Jerusalem’s walls and renewing His people spiritually under Nehemiah’s courageous leadership.

Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, returns to Jerusalem with royal permission to rebuild its walls amidst opposition, and to lead social and religious reforms.

Outline

  1. Rebuilding the Walls (1–7)
  2. Revival and Reform (8–13)

Key Verse: Neh. 6:16

Theological Emphasis

  • God’s providence and protection.
  • Power of prayer.
  • Need for spiritual renewal.

Christological Emphasis

Nehemiah is a type of Christ—he leaves the palace to identify with God’s people, intercedes for them, leads in rebuilding, and reforms them. This points forward to Christ who builds His church and renews hearts.

Relevance for Today

  • God strengthens His people to do His work.
  • Call to both physical and spiritual rebuilding.

9. ESTHER

  • Esther – Persian name meaning “star” (Hebrew name: Hadassah – “myrtle”).
  • Author: Unknown (possibly Mordecai).
  • Date: c. 475 BC.

  • Primary Recipient: The Jewish people in exile.

  • Theme: God’s providence in preserving His people.

Purpose

  • To show God’s preservation of Jews in Persia.
  • To explain the origin of the Feast of Purim.

Brief Summary

Through Esther’s courage and God's unseen providence, the Jewish people are rescued from destruction and preserved in exile.

Set in Persia during King Ahasuerus’ reign (Xerxes I), it recounts how Esther and Mordecai intervened to save the Jews from annihilation by Haman’s plot.

Outline

  1. Esther Becomes Queen (1–2)
  2. Haman’s Plot (3–4)
  3. Esther’s Courage and Deliverance (5–9)
  4. Establishment of Purim (9–10)

Key Verse: Esth. 4:14

Theological Emphasis

  • God’s unseen providence.
  • Preservation of His covenant people.
  • Courage and faith.

Christological Emphasis

Esther foreshadows Christ, the Mediator who risks her life to intercede for her people. The great reversal of judgment into victory points to Christ's triumph over sin and death.

Relevance for Today

  • God is at work even when unseen.
  • Encourages courage to stand for God’s people.

Summary of Historical Books

  • Joshua: Conquest of the land.
  • Judges: Cycles of sin and deliverance.
  • Ruth: God’s providence and redemption.
  • 1–2 Samuel: Rise of monarchy; Davidic covenant.
  • 1–2 Kings: Decline into exile.
  • 1–2 Chronicles: Hope in David’s line and temple.
  • Ezra: Rebuilding temple.
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding walls.
  • Esther: God preserves His people.

Unifying Theme: God rules over history, judges sin, and preserves His covenant people, pointing forward to Christ the true King and Redeemer.

Book Author Date of Authorship Name Meaning Recipient Theme Purpose Key Verse Key Chapter Key Characters Doctrines
Joshua Joshua c. 1400–1370 B.C. “The LORD is Salvation” Israel Conquest and Division of the Land To record Israel’s conquest of Canaan and God’s faithfulness to His promises Josh. 1:8 Josh. 6 (Fall of Jericho) Joshua, Rahab, Caleb, Achan God’s Faithfulness, Obedience, Covenant Fulfillment
Judges Samuel (traditionally) c. 1050 B.C. “Judges” / “Deliverers” Israel Cycles of Sin, Oppression, Deliverance To show the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and God’s mercy through judges Judg. 21:25 Judg. 2 (Cycle of Apostasy) Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Jephthah Sin, Repentance, Deliverance, God’s Mercy
Ruth Samuel (traditionally) c. 1000 B.C. “Friendship” Israel Redemption through a Kinsman-Redeemer To show God’s providence and prepare the genealogy of David Ruth 1:16 Ruth 4 (Redemption by Boaz) Ruth, Naomi, Boaz Providence, Redemption, Covenant Faithfulness
1 Samuel Samuel, Nathan, Gad c. 930 B.C. “Asked of God” Israel Transition from Judges to Monarchy To record rise of monarchy and lessons from Saul & David 1 Sam. 15:22 1 Sam. 17 (David & Goliath) Samuel, Saul, David, Jonathan God’s Sovereignty, Obedience, Leadership
2 Samuel Nathan, Gad c. 930 B.C. Continuation of 1 Samuel Israel David’s Reign To show God’s covenant with David and blessings despite failures 2 Sam. 7:16 2 Sam. 11 (David’s Sin) David, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absalom Covenant, Forgiveness, Messianic Promise
1 Kings Jeremiah (traditionally) c. 560 B.C. “Kings” Israel & Judah Rise & Fall of the Monarchy To trace decline of Israel through kings’ disobedience 1 Kings 9:4–5 1 Kings 18 (Elijah on Mt. Carmel) Solomon, Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel Covenant Faithfulness, Judgment, Prophetic Authority
2 Kings Jeremiah (traditionally) c. 560 B.C. Continuation of 1 Kings Israel & Judah Captivity of Israel & Judah To show God’s judgment on disobedience and hope through prophets 2 Kings 17:18 2 Kings 25 (Fall of Jerusalem) Elisha, Hezekiah, Josiah Judgment, Prophecy, Hope
1 Chronicles Ezra (traditionally) c. 450 B.C. “Chronicles” / “Records” Post-exilic Jews Genealogy & David’s Reign To emphasize David’s line and temple worship 1 Chron. 29:11 1 Chron. 17 (Davidic Covenant) David, Solomon Covenant, Worship, God’s Sovereignty
2 Chronicles Ezra (traditionally) c. 450 B.C. Continuation of 1 Chronicles Post-exilic Jews Judah’s Kings & Temple To highlight temple worship and reforms 2 Chron. 7:14 2 Chron. 36 (Fall & Restoration Promise) Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah Worship, Repentance, God’s Faithfulness
Ezra Ezra c. 450 B.C. “Help” Post-exilic Jews Restoration & Return To record return from exile and rebuilding of temple Ezra 7:10 Ezra 3 (Altar Rebuilt) Ezra, Zerubbabel, Jeshua Restoration, Word of God, Covenant
Nehemiah Nehemiah c. 445–420 B.C. “Comfort of Yahweh” Post-exilic Jews Rebuilding Jerusalem’s Walls To show God’s faithfulness in restoring His people Neh. 6:3 Neh. 8 (Revival under Ezra) Nehemiah, Ezra, Sanballat, Tobiah Leadership, Perseverance, Prayer, Covenant
Esther Unknown (traditionally Mordecai) c. 400 B.C. “Star” Jews in Persia God’s Providence in Preservation To show God’s protection of His people in exile Esth. 4:14 Esth. 7 (Fall of Haman) Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Xerxes Providence, Sovereignty, Deliverance

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