Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HISTORICAL BOOKS
2
Religious Education 111| Salvation History
Module
At the end of the session, the
students can:
Lesson 1
D: identify correctly the judges
and kings in the Old Testament and
their contributions in the history of
Israel through chart completion;
M: make a clear statement that
encompasses their calling as a
student leader;
W: pray for the leaders of the
world.
BTI:
Domain 2: Learning environment
2.4.1 Demonstrate understanding
of supportive learning environments that
nurture and inspire learner participation.
2.5.1 Demonstrate knowledge of
learning environments that motivate
learners to work productively by assuming
responsibility for their own learning.
Domain 4: Curriculum and
Planning
4.5.1 Show skills in the selection,
development and use of a variety of
teaching and learning resources, including
ICT, to address learning goals.
As we read these pages of the Bible, we relive incredible stories and meet fascinating
leaders, prophets, heroes and villains. Through their real-life adventures, some of failure and some
of victory, we identify personally with these characters and learn valuable lessons from their lives.
This module will give us descriptions of each book to give us a good grasp of the historical books-
however, it will focus on the two periods of the Old Testament; the period of Joshua and the
Judges and the period of the Kings.
ACTIVITY
Name It! Photos about the historical books are shown below. Kindly give a title and a short
description of each photo.
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ACQUISITION OF NEW KNOWLEDGE
The Story of the Historical Books
Beginning with the book of Joshua, the Historical Books record the events of Israel’s history. The book of
Joshua starts with the nation’s entry into the Promised Land (Canaan), proceeds through the time of its
return from exile and ends with the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple some 1,000 years later. After
the book of Joshua, the narrative describes Israel’s struggles with its enemies and obedience to God
under the judges, its transition to a monarchy, the division of the nation into two rival kingdoms (Israel
and Judah), the moral decline and exile of both kingdoms, the period of captivity, and the nation’s
eventual return from exile.
T h e H i s t o
Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra,
Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, 1 Maccabees, 2
Maccabees
These books tell about the life of the people of Israel, from their experiences in the Promised
Land of Canaan to subsequent exiles due to their unbelief and disobedience. They also tell us about the
reigns of the judges, the establishment of kings, and the division of Israel into the northern (Israel) and
southern (Judah) kingdoms.
After Joshua, the historical books take us through Israel's ups and downs under Judges, its transition to
kingship, the division of the nation and its life as two rival kingdoms (Israel and Judah), the moral decline
and exile of both kingdoms, the period of captivity, and finally, the nation's return from exile. The
Historical Books cover almost an entire millennium of Israel's history.
The descriptions of events in these books are more often concerned with an important religious teaching
about God, as well as God’s relationship with Israel, than they are about the historical facts of the events
In the Bible, monarchies were the common system of governance for nations. These monarchies were
ruled by Kings, ranging in notoriety and moral actions. Some of the most well-known kings in the Bible
include Saul, David, and Solomon. The word “king” in the scripture used to denote one invested with
authority, whether extensive or limited.
In these periods, we can discover the cycle of events: Self-centeredness – Sin – Repentance –
Deliverance/Restoration – Freedom and Prosperity
The Historical Books
As these books prepare us for the coming of Christ, the Messiah, they can be seen as follows:
Title: JOSHUA
Theme: Possession and Conquest of Promise Land
Author: Joshua
Date: 1400-1370 B.C.
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Name of the Book:
Unlike the first five books of the Old Testament, this book appropriately takes its name from the chief
human personality of the book, Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant. Joshua’s original name was Hoshea
(Num. 13:8; Deut. 32:44) which means “salvation.” But during the wilderness wanderings Moses changed his
name to Yehoshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “Save, Yahweh” (Num. 13:16). Joshua is a contracted
form of Yehoshua. This amounted to a prophetic anticipation and reminder to Joshua, to the spies, and the
people that victory over the enemies and possession of the land would be by the power of the Lord rather
than by human skill or wisdom or power. This book is given the name Joshua because, though Joshua was
one of the world’s greatest military strategist of history, his wisdom and military achievements came from
the Lord who alone is our Salvation. It was the Lord Himself who brought about victory for Israel and
vanquished Israel’s enemies giving them possession of the land.
Title: JUDGES
Theme: Seven Cycles of Apostasy, Judgment, and Deliverance)
Author: Samuel (Traditional Author)
Date: 1050-1000 B.C.
Historically, Judges bridges the gap from the time of Joshua to the time of the prophet Samuel and the
beginning of the monarchy under Saul and David. It records the history of seven cycles of decline,
oppression, supplication, and deliverance. In doing so, it becomes an explanation and reason for the need of
a monarchy in Israel. With every man doing that which was right in his own eyes (21:25), the nation needed
the leadership of a righteous king.
Doctrinally, Judges draws our attention to a number of important truths. As God had warned in
Deuteronomy, obedience brings blessing, but disobedience results in God’s discipline and oppression. But
Judges also reminds us that when people will turn to the Lord, cry out to Him and repent, God, who is long-
suffering and gracious, responds in deliverance. Judges unfolds its theme by describing cycles of apostasy
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followed by oppression as a form of divine discipline followed by supplication and repentance by the people
followed by judges whom God raised up to deliver the nation.
Like a brilliant diamond against black velvet, Ruth sparkles against the dark days of the book of Judges.
Ruth is the story of loyalty, purity, and love in a day when anarchy, selfishness, and depravity was generally
the rule. As such, Ruth serves as a positive picture of faith and obedience in the midst of apostasy and shows
how such faith brings blessing. Ruth also serves as an important link in the ancestry of King David and, as
mentioned, is found in the line of Messiah. Other purposes of Ruth are seen in the way it illustrates the
truths of the Kinsman-Redeemer, the presence of a godly remnant even in times of great apostasy, and
God’s faithfulness to those who will walk with Him by faith. Since Ruth was a Gentile, the book illustrates
God’s desire to bring the Gentile world into the family of God.
It may seem surprising that one who reflects God’s love so clearly is a Moabites. Yet her complete loyalty
to the Israelite family into which she has been received by marriage and her total devotion to her desolate
mother-in-law mark her as a true daughter of Israel and a worthy ancestress of David. She strikingly
exemplifies the truth that participation in the coming kingdom of God is decided, not by blood and birth, but
by the conformity of one’s life to the will of God through the “obedience that comes from faith” (Rom. 1:5).
Her place in the ancestry of David signifies that all nations will be represented in the kingdom of David’s
greater Son.6
Though originally one book, 1 and 2 Samuel were divided into two books by the translators of the
Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT). This division was later followed by Jerome (the Latin Vulgate)
and by modern versions. The title of the book has varied from time to time, having been designated “The
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First and Second Books of Kingdoms” (Septuagint), “First and Second Kings” (Vulgate) and “First and
Second Samuel” (Hebrew tradition and most modern versions).
First Samuel picks up the history of Israel where Judges left off with Samuel following Samson (cf. Judges
16:31). This book traces the transition of leadership in the nation from judges to kings, from a theocracy to a
monarchy. Because the people of Israel would not allow Yahweh to rule their lives, with every man doing
that which was right in his own eyes, the monarchy brought stability because the people were more willing
to follow an earthly king. “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all
that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them”
(8:7).
The clamor for an earthly king in First Samuel was a natural outcome of this practical rejection (8:7). God
had intended to give Israel a king (see Gen. 49:10; Deut. 17:14-20), but the people insisted on the king of their
choice instead of waiting for God’s king. … Saul was rejected by the Lord because he failed to learn the truth
that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22). He became characterized by mental imbalance, raging jealousy,
foolishness, and immorality. David illustrated the principle that, “the Lord does not see as man sees” (16:7).
The Lord established the Davidic dynasty because of David’s obedience, wisdom, and dependence on God.7
Historically, one of the key purposes of 1 Samuel is to record the divine origin of the Davidic dynasty.
As a result, the king with the divided heart leaves behind a divided kingdom. For the next century, the
book of First Kings traces the twin histories of two sets of kings and two nations of disobedient people who
are growing indifferent to God’s prophets and precepts.10
The next king was Rehoboam, who lost the northern part of the kingdom. After this the Northern
Kingdom, which included 10 tribes, was known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, which included the
tribes of Judah and Benjamin, was called Judah. In the last chapters of 1 Kings, the focus is on the evil of King
Ahab and righteous prophet Elijah who condemned Ahab’s wickedness and Israel’s disobedience.
The central theme, therefore, is to show how disobedience led to the disruption of the kingdom. The
welfare of the nation depended on the faithfulness of its leadership and people to the covenants of God
with Israel. First Kings not only gives a record of the history of these kings, but it demonstrates the success
of any king (and of the nation as a whole) depends on the measure of the king’s allegiance to God’s law or
truth. The book truly illustrates how “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”
(Prov. 14:34). Unfaithfulness to God’s covenant resulted in decline and captivity.
Originally one book with 2 Chronicles (until 180 B.C.), the book’s Hebrew title means “the words (affairs)
of the days,” i.e., the annals of Israel from Adam to the Babylonian captivity and Cyrus’s decree allowing the
exiled Jews to return. In a sense it is a “miniature Old Testament,” tracing in capsule form the flow of Old
Testament history.13
When producing the Septuagint, the translators divided Chronicles into two sections. At that time it was
given the title, “Of Things Omitted,” referring to the things omitted from Samuel and Kings. The name
“Chronicles” comes from Jerome in his Latin Vulgate Bible (A.D. 385-405): Chronicorum Liber. He meant his
title in the sense of “The Chronicles of the Whole of Sacred History.”14
Chronicles emphasizes the role of the Law, the priesthood, and the temple. Although Solomon’s temple
was gone, the second temple could be regarded as the Remnant’s link to the first. This book also taught that
the past was pregnant with lessons for their present. Apostasy, idolatry, intermarriage with Gentiles, and
lack of unity were the reasons for their recent ruin. It is significant that after the Exile, Israel never again
worshiped foreign gods.15
As mentioned, Chronicles goes over some of the same history as Samuel and Kings, but from a different
perspective in order to emphasize certain things: In 1 Chronicles, David is the subject while in 2 Chronicles the
house of David is central. In Kings the history of the nation is given from the throne whereas in Chronicles it
is given from the altar (the temple). In Kings the palace is central, but in Chronicles the temple is prominent.
In Kings the focus is on the political history while in Chronicles the focus is on the religious or spiritual
element of Israel’s history.
Chronicles is more than simply an historical record. It is God’s commentary on the spiritual characteristics
of David’s dynasty. Because of this, the focus is on the kingdom of Judah, the Southern Kingdom where
there were revival and godly kings in David’s line and why the Northern Kingdom, with no godly kings, is
basically ignored.
There is evidence that the two books were originally separate. The lists in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 are
basically the same. This would militate against the idea that the two books were originally one, for it would
seem strange to repeat the same list in one volume. The name Ezra for the title of the first work comes from
the major person in the second half of the book, who also appears in chapters 8 and 12 of the Book of
Nehemiah.19
The theme can be summarized as the spiritual, moral, and social restoration of the Remnant who
returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Ezra.
Nehemiah was also written to show the obvious hand of God in the establishment of His people in their
homeland in the years after their exile. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, they accomplished in fifty-two
days what had not been done in the ninety-four years since the first return under Zerubbabel. By obedient
faith they were able to overcome what appeared to be insurmountable opposition.21
https://bible.org/seriespage/4-historical-books
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THE JUDGES AND KINGS
After the death of Joshua the period of the judges followed.
The Judges of Israel – served as military leaders appointed by Yahweh to defend Israel from their enemies
and to uphold obedience to Yahweh and fidelity to the covenant – not as legal administrators and experts.
We can generally observe the following recurrent patterns in the stories of most judges.
• Israel turned to worship the Canaanite gods, the Baals and the Asherah. (Judges 3:7)
• Anger of the Lord was kindled (3:8) and as punishment, Israel became their enemy’s
subject/possession.
• Israel cried out to God (3:9)
• Yahweh raised a deliverer (judge)
• God rescued the people through his appointed judge (3:9)
• Israel returned to its sin of infidelity and idolatry (3:12)
The above pattern recurred in the life and story of the judges. Constantly, the theme of Yahweh’s
intervention and deliverance prevailed over the sinfulness of Israel, highlighting the short lived repentance
of a stubborn people and the endless offer of Yahweh’s pardon.
Before the rise of the judges, there was already an attempt to establish monarchy. Abimelech desired to
be king, and was named a king. But due to his selfish end and unacceptable crime, Yahweh was displeased
and avenged him for the lost lives that Abimelech was responsible, which led to his death.
The idea of monarchy then was stained with negative impression in the past and cast an attitude of
hesitation or even doubt.
But in a time when people simply turned to their own ways and wishes – without due regard to the
greater good – leadership then is imperative. But as to what kind and how it will be realized remained as
points of difficulty.
To prepare the people in embracing the need of a new leadership, and welcoming a monarchy, the
person of Samuel was introduced as an emerging prophet who will eventually prophesy and anoint kings,
and effect a lasting legacy on the survival and relevance of Israel to all nations.
Before the institution of monarchy, Israel adhered to Theocracy (from Gk. Theos, God) wherein Yahweh
was held as the only king over all the earth, and worthy of obedience and worship by the people of Israel;
then came the time of tribal elders and their leaders and judges.
Samuel stood in a time of transition. With the disappearance of divinely appointed appointed warrior-
leaders among the people, the increasing power of the Philistines and the growing insecurity of the people,
Samuel just came to be the right person at the right moment.
WHO IS SAMUEL?
• Born to a formerly barren woman who begged before Yahweh for a child and promised to offer that
male child as an offering to God.
• Samuel grew up under the watchful guide and training of Eli, a priest in Shiloh
• The turning point in the life of Samuel was when God appeared to him in a vision and informed him
of the punishment that awaits the family of Eli due to the perversion and injustice that his sons committed
and of his vocation as Yahweh’s messenger to the people of Israel.
The people demanded from Samuel to give them a king so that they would become like their neighbour.
So, Samuel anointed the first Israelitic king from among the tribes of Israel (Saul) . During the reign of Saul,
Samuel constantly reminded Saul of Yahweh’s commandment which Saul violated by making unlawful burnt
offering.
• He was also instrumental for the anointing of David as the next king of Israel.
The life of Samuel was a true testimony of being God;s instrument. He served as a priest at Shiloh offering
sacrifices and worship, prophet who communicated Yahweh’s word to the people and a judge by defending
Israel from the Philistines.
SAUL
• Came from the tribe of Benjamin.
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• Fulfilled the peoples demand for a king and responded to the divine caling delivered through Samuel.
• At first, enjoyed divine assistance, was blessed by God’s favour in his war against Israel’s enemies
• His downfall started when he made a series of violations that were contrary to Yahweh’s will
When he made burnt offerings contrary to Samuel’s prescription
When he spared the Amalekite king and kept the valuable properties of the defeated Amalekites
When he grew jealous and eventually paranoid of the rising popularity of David to the point that he
carried few attempts of killing him
As a consequence to Saul’s violations, Yahweh departed from him and he became more obsessed in
pursuing David. Worse, Saul lost his sons – Jonathan, Adinadab and Malchisua – who were killed by the
Philistines. Saul ended his own life in Mt. Gilboa, preferring not to hand himself upon his enemies.
DAVID
• From a humble shepherd to a destined king of Israel, David rose to greater prominence because
Yahweh was with him.
• He was a musician who played the lyre the freed Saul’s heart from evil.
• An emerging young war hero who killed the gigantic Philistine champion – Goliath.
• He spared the life of Saul (his assassin) and took no revenge.
• He truly showed a pleasing character before Samuel and Yahweh.
• While he was installed as king of Judah, Saul’s son was made king (by Saul’s army commander) over
all the other tribes.
• After Ishbaal’s death, all the tribes of Israel came to Hebron to make David their king and leader.
• With David as the king and leader, it was agreed by scholars that David’s reign was the “golden age
of Jewish history” because of the ff. reasons:
He united the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah after generations of
tribal conflict and war.
He took Jerusalem from the Jebusites, and established it as the capital of Judah and Israel and
renamed it as the “city of David”
He transferred the Ark of the covenant to Jerusalem with great rejoicing anad celebration among all
the people, establishing the city of David as the center of worship to God.
He received God’s assurance for the continuity of his kingdom
He subdued greater number of enemies, especially the Philistines, and expanded the territory of his
empire, which was a feat unmatched by his predecessor.
• All these achievements were made possible because Yahweh was with David for he always sought
what God desired for him and for all of Israel.
• His downfall was brought about by his personal sinfulness.
• He instructed his general to put Uriah his soldier at the forefront of the battle in order for him to take
Bath-sheba as his wife.
• His selfishness displeased the Lord who sent prophet Nathan to warn him of a punishment greater
than what he did.
• His selfishness became like fire that lit up misfortunes to his family and to Israel.
The death of David’s firstborn to Bath-sheba
The rape of Tamar by his brother Amnon, David’s well loved firstborn
The killing of Amnon by Absalom, Tamar’s brother
The rebellion of Absalom with his army against his father David which made the king to escape
from Jerusalem
David mourned for the death of his son Absalom
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In the end, David was still forgiven by Yahweh though his sinfuleness cast a lasting consequence on his
family and his people.
SOLOMON
• Son of Bat-sheba and David
• Was distinguished by his wisdom, his great skill in administration, trade and international relations,
and most popular of all, his building projects, especially the legendary beautiful temple.
• In the later part, He changed his ways and displeased Yahweh and his people in several ways.
He imposed foced labor in building the temple
His love for foreign women ended his marriages to them despite Yahweh’s stern warning of
marrying them for they inclined his heart of worshipping pagan gods.
He built pagan altars for his foreign wives and allowed them to practice their scandalous
worship.
From one king and one nation, the chosen people of God was divided into the southern kingdom of
Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel ruled by separate lineages of kings for generations.
CONCLUSION:
Without failure, Yahweh delivered his promise to the descendants of Abraham, the pledge of a land
flowing with milk and honey. In an endless, unconditional commitment, he raised and appointed leaders,
judges, priests and prophets to guide Israel and remind them of their reciprocal duty in view of the covenant
they made.
However the graces of Yahweh still remained unrecognized, and the duty to worship in reverence and
gratitude neglected and even violated. From the kings to ordinary citizens, the pattern of sin and violation of
Israel characterized their response to Yahweh’s gratuity.
The punishment for Israel was so severe. At the end of the day however, it was Yahweh’s forgiveness that
prevailed even in the midst of all these chaos and tragedy. And the prophets of Israel stood as a witness to
this unwavering divine love and mercy for his broken people.
Perhaps, we are then invited to reflect in our moments of grace and blessing.
Points for Reflection:
1. How many times have we asked for God’s favour and received his blessings?
2. In what ways have we reciprocated his gratuity and goodness?
3. Are we like the ungrateful and stubborn Israelites who seek for Divine assistance then blessed by
God but ended up forgetting the giver once the grace was already enjoyed?
4. Are we the ones who have the joy of gratitude in our hearts to our ever loving generous God?
Historical Contexts/Periods
Joshua
Joshua his name, Yeshua, a contracted form of Yehoshua, meaning, “Yahweh is salvation”
Joshua is one of the world’s greatest military strategist of history, his wisdom and military
achievements came from the Lord who alone is our Salvation. Joshua led the Israelites triumphantly
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into the rest of their promised possession, the land of Canaan.
Judges
The Judges—Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Tola and Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon,
and Abdon, and Samson. The best known judges are Deborah, Gideon, and Samson
Each judge functioned as a ruler-deliverer. Samson had strength through his hair
The Judges led the people of Israel to defeat their enemies with God’s help.
Kings
Saul, David, and Solomon are the well-known kings.
The First King Saul is a man of valor who brought the virtues of modesty and generosity to his office.
David’s heart of a lion - a courageous spirit - and even more, a deep, unending love for God
Solomon is great in wisdom, wealth and power.
The Kings brought fame, glory, wealth, and honor to Israel
Perhaps, we are then invited to reflect in our moments of grace and blessing.
Points for Reflection:
1. How many times have we asked for God’s favour and received his blessings?
2. In what ways have we reciprocated his gratuity and goodness?
3. Are we like the ungrateful and stubborn Israelites who seek for Divine assistance then blessed by
God but ended up forgetting the giver once the grace was already enjoyed?
4. Are we the ones who have the joy of gratitude in our hearts to our ever loving generous God?
APPLICATION
Directions: Guided by the input about the period of the judges and kings, fill out correctly the table
with the corresponding answers. Present comprehensively.
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Historical Characters Gifts and Contribution Significant
Context/Period Characteristics Realization
Judges
Kings
ASSESSMENT
Inspired by the judges and the kings as leaders of Israel, make a pledge of leadership
encompassing your calling as a student leader. Include a photo on being/becoming a student leader
together with the pledge. Put your output in a short-sized bond paper.
References
Catechism for Filipino Catholics: Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. (1997). Manila,
Philippines: ECCCE World and Life Publications.
Flannery, A. (2006). Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents.Catholic Church
Doctrines. Pasay City: Paulines.
Hill, Andrew E. & John H. Walton. Introduction to the Historical Books. In a survey of the Old
Testament. 2nd Edition. Zondervan, 2000.
Electronic Sources
Historical Books Lessons
https://tellibrary.org/lessons/historical-books/ retrieved May 27, 2020
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Historical Books Lessons
https://sophiainstituteforteachers.org/curriculum/lesson/historical-books-of-the-bible1/print
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