The Historical Books

Question 1

Joshua

Answer 1

Author/Date: Possibly Joshua (1200-1000 BC)
Theme: God’s fulfillment of His promise as His people fear and trust Him

1. Prepare to “cross” (1-5)
2. Enter to “take” (6-12)
3. “Divide” and allocate (13-21)
4. “Serve” and keep (22-24)

Question 2

Judges

Answer 2

Author/Date: Unknown (after the establishment of the monarchy)
Theme: Israel’s need for a godly king to lead them in God’s ways
1. Two perspectives: Human and Divine (1:1-3:6)
2. Stories of Judges (3:7-16:31)
3. Two Stories: Apostasy and Immorality (17-21)

Question 3

Ruth

Answer 3

Author/Date: Samuel (Traditionally)
Theme: God’s covenant kindness mediated through people guides a royal line to a promised king.

1. Disobedience of the Royal Line (1)
2. Steadfast Love of the Royal Line (2)
3. Seeking rest for the Royal Line (3)
4. Redemption of the Royal Line (4)

Question 4

1-2 Samuel

Answer 4

• Author/Date: ~950
• Theme: The rise and reign of a king after God’s own heart
• 1 Samuel Outline (Rise):
  1. The Rise and Rule of Samuel (1-7)
  2. The Reign and Rejection of Saul (8-15)
  3. The Rise and Running of David (16-31)
• 2 Samuel Outline (Reign):
  1. David’s crown and kingdom (1-4)
  2. David’s city and covenant (5-10)
  3. David’s sin and consequences (11-20)
  4. David’s failure and hope (21-24)

Question 5

1-2 Kings

Answer 5

Author/Date: Traditionally Jeremiah. After 561 (exilic or postexilic)
Theme: As goes kings so goes the kingdom
1. Solomon’s Reign (1K 1-11)
2. Divided Kingdom (1K 12-2K 17)
A. Elijah
B. Elisha
3. Judah Alone (2K 18-25)

Question 6

1-2 Chronicles

Answer 6

Author/Date: Chronicler (Jewish tradition is Ezra) ~ 300-500 BC
Theme: The Davidic covenant is the foundation for the life and hope of the kingdom

1. Kingdom People (1 Chr. 1-9)
2. United Kingdom (1 Chr. 10 - 2 Chr. 9)
3. Divided Kingdom (2 Chr. 10-28)
4. Reunited Kingdom (2 Chr. 29-36)

Question 7

Ezra

Answer 7

Author/Date: The Chronicler (Some Ezra). Probably 430-400 BC
Theme: The providence of God and power of His Word in building His temple and people.

1. Return of Exiles (1-2)
2. Rebuilding the Temple (3-6)
3. Return of Ezra (7-8)
4. Rebuilding the Community (9-10)

Question 8

Nehemiah

Answer 8

Author/Date: The Chronicler (Some Ezra). 430-400 BC
Theme: God surrounds His people with providential care as they center on worship of Him

1. Return of Nehemiah (1-2:10)
2. Rebuilding the Wall (2:11-6)
3. Renewal of covenant (7-10)
4. Reform of community (11-13)

Question 9

Esther

Answer 9

Author/Date: Unknown (331-465 BC)
Theme: God’s providential protection and deliverance is worthy of celebration.

1. The Xerxes’ Greatness and Feasts (1-2)
2. Haman’s promotion and decree (3-4)
3. The Feasts of Esther: Fortunes Reversed (5-7)
4. Mordecai’s decree and promotion (8)
5. Mordecai’s greatness and Feast of Purim (9-10)