INTRODUCTION

We are going to study the history of the twelve’s book from the book of Joshua to Esther. First, the book of
Joshua’s told about the Israelites’ entry into the land of Canaan (Palestine). Under God, and with God’s presence,
Joshua began to lead the nation. The Judges records that Israel’s cycle of sin happen six times. Israel’s sin caused them
to be the slaves of nations nearby. These enemy nations stole land, crops, and animals. The book of Ruth is best known
for the words she spoke to Naomi in Ruth 1: 16- 17. The name Ruth has become a symbol of faithfulness, loyalty, and
compassion. In English, the word ruthless means the opposite of what Ruth was like. 1 Samuel tells us that Eli was the
high priest. Shiloh was still the centre of worship, and the tabernacle was located there (Josh. 18: 1). 2 Samuel gives us
many details of David’s reign. It is only book that tells about sin and rebellion in David’s family. First Kings 12 through
Second Kings 17 tells the history of the Northern Kingdom. 1 and 2 Chronicles covers similarly material covered by 2
Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. The material included in Chronicles is selective and certain things are omitted under the
guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther comprise a unit of three historical books of the
Bible depicting spiritual, social and physical conditions during the period immediately following the end of the
Babylonian captivity 108 years from 538 B.C to 430 B.C.

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I.THE BOOK OF JOSHUA AS HISTORY
A modern historian would aim at a full and systematic account of the process of invasion and settlement. Our
author had neither the training nor the information, nor (fortunately) the paper for such a task. He did have the
inspiration of the Spirit; thus, within the limits of a scroll, he has given us those aspects of the story which matter most
for spiritual instruction- and first of all, for the instruction of Israel while still under the old covenant. The author
recognized the importance to God’s people; he explained how they came to be there, and related the occupation to the
Israel of his day (compare Ezra for a post- exilic parallel). He understood the pride and greed of man to the secular
historian, but it is normative for a Christian even if he is interested in filling out the picture by historical research. 1
For years Joshua had faithfully served Moses- and God. How well Joshua understood the meaning of his name,
“The Lord is situation”. All his contemporaries, except Caleb, had deed in the wilderness because they had not believed
God. But God had spared Joshua and Caleb because they had followed him fully.
Now Moses was dead and God had appointed Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Land of promise.
Their salvation from their enemies would not come from the east nor from the west but from the one who made the
heaven and the earth!
God’s words rang in Joshua’s heart: “Be strong and courageous.” 2

II.THE SIGNIFICANT OF THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

Joshua is the main character in the book of Joshua. After Moses died, Joshua led the people to cross the Jordan,
and then they began to conquer Canaan and settle there. The book of Joshua covers 25- 30 years of Israel’s history.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, Joshua is the beginning of a section called “The Prophets” the section on the Prophets
included the Former Prophets and the Latter Prophets. The Former Prophets were four books: Joshua, 1& 2 Samuel (as
one book), and 1& 2 Kings (as one book). Why were these historical books referred to as prophets in the Hebrew
Scriptures? Because they record the fulfilment of what God prophesied He would do through Abraham, In Genesis, and
God made a covenant with Abraham. God promised that He would make Abraham into a great nation. God promised
that He would give Abraham the land of Canaan. The main purpose of Joshua is to show that God kept that promise.
Also, Joshua shows that God judges sin in all nations, like those of Canaan, and not just Israel. 3

III.THE BOOK OF JUDGES AS SUMMARY OF CONTENT

a. Spiritual condition – Degeneration (Chapters 1-2)
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel did not complete obey the Lord and drive out the wicked
inhabitants of the land. The Canaanites practiced idolatry and immorality and through intermarriage, lax spiritual
standards and disobedience the Israelites were soon conformed to the sinful ways of the Canaanites (Rom. 12: 2, 2 Cor.
10: 2). God had earlier in Deuteronomy predicted that the “gods” of the Canaanites would become a snare to Israel’s
spiritual walk with God and that is exactly what happened. The people sinned and reaped the consequence of it. In 2:
10- 19 the book of Judge is summarized as the “cycle of sin and deliverance” is described. Idolatry, immorality and
intermarriage corrupted the people and enslaved them to sin and heathen oppression.

1
F.F. Bruce, New International Bible Commentary (Michigan: Zondervan, 1979), 283.
2
The International Inductive Study Bible (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 1995), 348.
3
Quentin Mc Ghee, eds., Survey of the Old Testament (Springfield: RDM, 2008), 53.
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b. Seven sin cycle – Disobedience/deliverance (Chapter 3-16)
For over 300 years Israel was trapped in successive vicious cycle of sin – deliverance – sin. Over and over again
the story is repeated. For a while the people would repent and enjoy peace and freedom. But soon they would lapse into
sin again and became oppression by foreign nations. God’s mercy, compassion and longsuffering patience are displayed
over again as He responded to Israel’s cried for help and rose up judges like Gideon and Samson. But even these great
men did not live up to their potential and the cycle continued.

c. Spiritual collapse – Depravity

The last five chapters of judges from an appendix describing various selected events which occurred during the
period of the judges and which illustrated the incredibly low level to which Israel’s spiritual condition had sunk. What
are depleted are the results of uncontrolled sin when each person is his own standard of morality – of right and wrong.
Perhaps the most important verse in the book is the last verse. “In those day Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw
fit.” (21: 25), and while the statement is true in a sense it is also false. Israel had no early king but they did have a King
– i.e., God. But instead of obeying God, each man was his own “god” for the essence of sin is living independently of
God (Gen. 3: 1-4, Rom. 1: 25). The book of Judges sets the stage for the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. 4
During Joshua’s leadership Israel finally entered the land promised to Abraham. There were giants in the land,
but none who were greater than God. The commander of the Lord’s army was able to subdue all Israel’s enemies. In one
battle the sun even stood still and the moon stopped until the people of Israel avenged themselves on their enemies.
Then there arose a generation which did not know war, nor did they know the Lord or the work he had done for Israel.
Israel went from victory to defeat and plunged into more than 300 years of darkness. These were the days of the judge,
days from which we can learn valuable lessons. 5

IV.THE SIGNIFICANT OF JUDGES

The Jewish Talmud names Samuel as the author of Judges. Samuel continued to minister as a judges and
priest throughout Saul’s reign. The words “in those days Israel had no king” occur four times in Judges (Judg.
17: 6; 18: 1; 19: 1; 21: 25). These verses suggest that Samuel wrote Judges after Saul became king in 1050 B.C.

The title Judges describes those who ruled after Joshua. During those 400 years, Israel was a group of tribes.
Each tribe governed itself (Judg. 2: 10- 14). The book of Judges serves two purposes. First, it records the history of
Israel between Joshua and Samuel. Second, it reveals the spiritual cycle of Israel in Canaan. They refused to obey God.
Instead, they turned to idols and immorality. 6 So God send other nations to conquer them. After some years of slavery,
Israel cried out to God. So He sent a delivery, Free again, they worshiped God, but soon the cycle of sin began a gain. 7

V.THE BOOK OF RUTH AS SUMMARY OF CONTENT

a. Ruth’s Decision – Determination (Chapters 1-2)
Ruth records the account of a “woman of noble character” who was faithful during the faithless times of the
judges. The story of Ruth stands in sharp contrast to that of Judges. Because of a severe famine, an Israelite named
Elimelech and his wife Naomi fled the land with their two sons and went to Moab. Elimelech died and the two sons
married Moabite women (Orpah and Ruth). Then the sons died. Naomi decided to return to Canaan but suggested that it
would be best for the daughters-in-law to remain among their people. Orpah stayed in Moab but Ruth, out of love and
devotion, left her family and went to Canaan with Naomi.
In order to provide for herself and Naomi, Ruth gleaned grain in the fields of Boaz, an Israelite who was related
to Elimelech. Ruth was noticed by Boaz who protected her. Naomi suggested that Ruth work only in the fields of Boaz
since he is a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth obeyed.

4
Old Testament Survey (Bangalore: Sakalavara, 2005), 79.
5
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 392.
6
Quentin McGhee, eds., Op. cit., 57.
7
Ibid., 58.
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b. Ruth’s Request – Reward (Chapters 3-4)
Naomi suggested that Ruth ask Boaz to redeem her as next of kin and marry her. Ruth did so and after a nearer
relative refused the right to redeem her as a widowed relative, Boaz did so and they were married. When Boaz redeemed
the land of his relative Elimelech he was buying the inheritance rights of his deceased son Mahlon and also was
obligated to marry Mahlon’s widow (Ruth) and perpetuate the family name. God blessed the faithfulness of Ruth and
her marriage to Boaz. A son named Obed was born to them who became the father of Jesse who became the father of
David, Israel’s finest king.8
The book of Ruth is set chronologically in encouragement and hope to those who decide to follow God. This
story of love and dedication revolves around three people who determine in their hearts to walk in integrity, clinging to
their God and his precepts- three people who know who their king is and who do what is right in his eyes. 9 Ruth records
the account of a “woman of noble character” who was faithful during the faithless times of the judges. The story of Ruth
stands in sharp contrast to that of Judges. The author recorded the account of Ruth to show God’s provision for
continuation of the Messianic line of redemption through this Moabite woman was faithful to mother- in- law Naomi
and to God in the midst of a faithless generation. 10

VI.THE SIGNIFICANT OF RUTH

Ruth is the main character of the book. She was a godly woman from Moab who had great faith and love for the
God of Israel. The Law forbade her to be a part of Israel (Deut. 23: 3). Her story teaches us that God delights to Show
mercy to those from all nations. Ruth, like Rahab, was a Gentile. Both were ancestors of the Jewish Messiah (Matt. 1:
5), Ruth was the lineage of Jesus.11

VII.THE BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL AS A SHORT SUMMARY

The book of 1 Samuel unfolds against the backdrop of the end of the early Iron Age (Iron I, Ca. 1200-
1000B.C.). This period was a relatively quiet one, both Canaan and internationally. The context for 1 Samuel is much
the same as that of the period of the judges, which did not end until Saul’s accession. 12
The contact for 2 Samuel was somewhat different, at least within Israel itself. Internationally, things still were
as far as the great powers in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor were concerned. 13
The days of the judge were dark until God raised up Samuel as a prophet, priest, and Judges. Samuel would do
what was right in God’s eyes. But the people weren’t satisfied. They cried, “Now appoint a king to lead us, such as all
the other nations’ hand!” With that plea they rejected the Lord as their King. What would it be like to live under a
monarchy rather than a theocracy? The children of Israel were soon to find out as the times of the kings began. The
kingdom, at first united, was divided because of the disobedience of the Kings.
The book of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles record the days of the Kings of Israel. Children
of God who have been made “to be a kingdom and priests” and who “will reign on the earth” (Revelation 1: 6; 5: 10)
can learn many valuable lessons from these books. The lessons begin in 1 Samuel as God rejects Saul and chooses
asking a man after his own heart. And what will such a man be like? Will make him a man after God’s own heart, or are
there other reasons?14

VIII.THE BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL AS A SHORT SUMMARY

The Lord is compassioned and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will
he harbour his anger forever….As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As
a father has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust”

8
Old Testament Survey, Op. cit., 85.
9
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 434.
10
Old Testament Survey, Op. cit., 85.
11
Quentin McGhee, eds., Op. cit., 59.
12
David Howard Jr., An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books (Chicago: Moody Press, 1993), 148.
13
Ibid., 149.
14
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 442.
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(Psalm 103: 8, 9, 12- 14).15 2 Samuel picks up where 1 Samuel ends. In fact, the books of Samuel were originally
combined in one book.16

IX.THE SIGNIFICANT OF 1 & 2 SAMUEL

First and Second Samuel are together as one book in the Hebrew Scriptures. They are named after the prophet
Samuel. Fist Samuel covers nearly 100 years- from Samuel’s birth to Saul’s death (1105- 1010B.C.). Thus 1 Samuel is
the historical link between Judges and the kings of Israel. First Samuel covers three major changes in leaders: Eli to
Samuel, Samuel to Saul, and Saul to David. In contrast, 2 Samuel covers only the reign of David.
Samuel probably wrote Judges, Ruth, and part of 1 Samuel (1 Sam. 10: 25). But part of 1 Samuel’s death. There
were written after Samuel’s death. There were unknown whom God inspired to complete the books. First and Second
Samuel were probably written soon after David’s death (930 B.C.). 1 Samuel referred to a divided kingdom (1 Sam. 27:
6) and 2 Samuel closes with the death of David.17 The book links the judges and the kings of Israel.18

X.THE BOOK OF 1 KINGS AS A SHORT SUMMARY

More than in any other book in the OT, the events in 1 & 2 Kings are tied in with international events. That is
partly because of the long history covered by these books (more than four hundred years) but especially because the
books deal mainly with the affairs of the nation of Israel and Judah as nations; the focus is not so much upon great
individuals (as in 1 & 2 Samuel, for instance). It is also because the period covered by these books is extraordinarily
well documented in extra biblical sources, and various kings of Israel and Judah are mentioned numerous times in these
sources.19 David – the warrior, the great king, the man loved but chastened by God- was getting old. At the end of his
life many people were vying for his throne. First Kings, which records the final events of David’s life, begins a new era
for Israel, one that begins with untold glory and ends with apostasy.
The account of the kings who followed David is full of wonderful put sobering lessons. It is the history of Israel
and their God, who made them a people of his own possession.
We don’t know who wrote 1 Kings. We only know that this God’s Word preserved “to teach us, so that through
endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15: 4).

XI.THE BOOK OF 2 KINGS AS ASHORT SUMMARY

“Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?”
As we study 2 Kings, the continuation of 1 Kings, you will see God at work setting up and removing kings and
kingdoms. You will be introduced to his spokesmen, the prophets, who spoke his Word until Israel and then Judah were
led into captivity.20

XII.THE SIGNIFICANT OF 1 & 2 KINGS

First and Second Kings cover 400 years of the history, from Solomon (970 B.C.) to the exile to Babylon
(586 B.C.). By itself, 1 Kings covers 120 years: Solomon’s reign of 40 years, and the next 80 years of the Divided
Kingdom.

First and Second King were together as one book in the Hebrew Scriptures. The last event written in 2 Kings is
the release of King Jehoiachin from Babylon in 560 B.C. (2 Kings 25: 27). There were unknown the author of 1 & 2
King, but the author probably finished the books about 560- 550 B.C.

15
Ibid., 498.
16
Old Testament Survey, Op. cit., 97.
17
Quentin Mc Ghee, eds., Op. cit., 61.
18
Ibid., 66.
19
David Howard Jr., Op. cit., 205.
20
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 599.
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 First and Second Kings were written for the Jews exiles to Babylon. These historical books gave them God’s
view of Jewish history. The goal of this prophetic history was for the Jews in exile to turn away from idols and back to
God forever.21

XIII.THE BOOK OF 1 CHRONICLES AS A SHORT SUMMARY

Judah had watched Assyria capture Israel in 722 B.C. in 586B.C, where the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem for
the third and final time, Judah was held captive for 70 years. Then a Persian king, Cyrus, sent out a decree telling the
exiles they could return and rebuild Jerusalem and their temple. 22

XIV.THE SIGNIFICANT OF 1 CHRONICLES

1 and 2 Chronicles covers much of the same material covered by 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. But the emphasis
of the book of Chronicles is different. Chronicles also relates the historical narrative but does so from a spiritual,
theological perspective often answering the question of the “why” of many events recorded in Samuel and the books of
Kings. Chronicles amounts to a “divine commentary” on the reigns of David and Solomon. 23

XV.THE BOOK OF 2 CHRONICLES AS A SHORT SUMMARY

King David wanted to build a house for the Lord, but instead the Lord promised David he would establish
David’s house forever and that David’s son would build God’s house. At this point in the record of David’s life the
writers of the Septuagint divided Chronicles. Second Chronicles tells of the house of David and of the house that
David’s son built for the Lord.24

XVI.THE SIGNIFICANT OF 2 CHRONICLES

2 Chronicles covers the same essential material as 1 and 2 Kings but does so selectively and for a different
purpose. 2 Chronicles is a theological commentary on the historical events recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. Just as 1
Chronicles highlighted the positive aspects of the 40- year reign of David, 2 Chronicles 1- 9 does the same for Solomon.
Significant emphasis is placed on his worship, wisdom and wealth, along with his critical role in building the
magnificent first temple. The preparation for building and dedication of the temple are recorded in great detail. God’s
favour toward the temple and the choosing of Jerusalem as the central place of worship for the nation are also dealt with
extensively.25

XVII.THE BOOK OF EZRA AS A SHORT SUMMARY

Every seventh year the land was to lie fallow. This was God’s ordinance to his people, part of his law by which
they were to govern their lives.
However, for 490 years God’s people had not paid attention to this statute, nor o others. The land had missed 70
Sabbaths. As prophesised by Jeremiah, God would exact 70 years for the land. Then the Spirit of God would stir up the
spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, so that Cyrus would send out a written decree proclaiming, “The LORD, the God of
heaven, has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you- may the
LORD his god be with him, and let him go up” (2 Chronicles 36: 23). And so a remnant returned from the land of exile
to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an everlasting possession. Ezra tells us what happened. 26

21
Quentin McGhee, eds., Op. cit., 74.
22
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 656.
23
Old Testament Survey, Op. cit., 117.
24
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 716.
25
Old Testament Survey, Op. cit., 123.
26
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 772.
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XVIII.THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH AS A SHORT SUMMARY
Since the third millennium B.C. the cities of the Middle East were surrounded by walls of stones while guarded
gates acted as sentinels opening to or shutting out all who wanted to enter. From the tops of these walls, watchman
could survey the landscape for great distances, seeing everyone who approached the city either as visitors or invokers.
The city fathers would gather at the city gates to carry out their business transactions and pass their judgments on civic
affairs. The condition of the walls of the city was a matter of either pride or reproach.
Jerusalem’s walls had been destroyed during the Babylonian invasion. The walls and its many gates stood in
ruins, a rebuke to the newly returned exiles and causes of mourning to Nehemiah, although he was over 600 miles away
serving as cupbearer to Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had not forgotten his beloved city or people. While Ezra gives the
account of the rebuilding of the temple under Zerubbabel, Nehemiah (Ezra’s contemporary) gives the account begins in
445 B.C. in Susa, the Persian capital.27

XIX.THE BOOK OF ESTHER AS A SHORT SUMMARY

Esther was a beautiful Jewish girl whose story is told in the Old Testament book which bears her name. An
orphan, Esther was raised by her cousin, Mordecai. When King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes) of Persia divorced his queen,
Vashti, he chose Esther from among all the young women of his realm to be his wife. He did not know that she was a
Jew. Later, the king’s favourite, Haman, became angry because Mordecai would not bow down to him. He got the king
to decree that all Jews should be killed, but Esther, at the risk of her life, went to the king and told him that she was a
Jew. Moved by Esther’s plea, the king had Haman hanged on the gallows prepared for Mordecai.
The book of Esther was written many years later. Same person think it is a historical story. Although it does not
mention God at all, it is a tale of unselfish courage and devotion. It seeks to teach how God preserves his people from
their foes. The Jews still celebrate the Feast of Purim in memory of this deliverance. 28 Throughout time people have
attempted to destroy the nation of Israel, the “apple of his eye.” Why? Because from the Jews came the covenants, the
promises, the law, and the covenants, the promises, the law, and the covenants, the promises, the law, and the Messiah-
salvation for the world. The people of God are the enemy of Satan, the prince of this world. While a remnant from Judah
returned to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, other Jews remained in the cities of their captivity. Some
were welcomed as valuable member of their communities, but others were despised and hated. Some were even targeted
for extermination.
Esther tells the story. The book of Esther records a ten-year span during the 58- to 60-year interlude in the book
of Ezra. Esther tells us of the invigorations of a feast which has endured over 2000 years because of one woman who,
for the sake of her people, was willing to say, “If I perish, I perish.” 29

XX.THE SIGNIFICANT OF EZRA, NEHEMIAH, ESTHER

The book of Ezra shows that God was faithful to His promise. He restored a remnant of Jews from Babylon to
Jerusalem. God directed the hearts of three Persian Kings to help the Jews. The Lord led Cyrus. Arataxerxes I, and
Darius to help the Jews return and rebuild. Also, the Lord provided good Jewish leaders, such as Ezra, Joshua,
Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah. Ezra shows that God used various leaders to fulfil His will and promise. 30 Nehemiah and
Malachi ends the Old Testament period and what follows is 400+ years of silence broken when John the Baptist appears
on the scene as the last Old Testament prophet to announce the coming of Messiah.
The book of Esther fits historically in the 57- year gap between the 6th and 7th chapters of Ezra. The book of
Esther deals with Jews who disobediently stayed in Persia rather than return to Jerusalem. Ezra and Nehemiah
emphasize the re- establishing in the life of Judah of the worship of Jehovah cantered around the temple and the Word
of God. The temple and city walls were rebuilt and the people were renewed and reformed. Esther, on the other hand,
depicts the providential care of God for those Jews in Persia who did not return to the land. The believing remnant that
returned to Jerusalem was saved through the intervention of God as shown in Esther. 31

27
Ibid., 792.
28
The world Book Encyclopedia, Vol- 6 (London: World Book, Inc., 1985), 287.
29
The International Inductive Study Bible, Op. cit., 820.
30
Quentin McGhee, Op. cit., 109.
31
Old Testament Survey, Op. cit., 129.
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CONCLUSION
The book of Joshua talks about possessing the Promised Land and the story encourages us that faith brings the
victory. God is faithful His promises of blessing as we obedient to Him. In the book of Judges we can see about the dark
ages of Israel’s History, when we disobey God and “do what is right in our own eyes” we become enslaved to sin and
can only experience deliverance as we seek God again and repent. The book of Ruth also a very important book and it
talks about Godly living in ungodly times. The book main teachings is friendships based on love and commitment are as
strong as family relationships, and God protects and provides for those who do what is right even in ungodly times. God
blesses faithfulness and honours those who honour Him. It is possible to be godly and faith in an ungodly age. In the
book of 1 Samuel we can see God give Israel a King, and this book main teaching is God is looking for servants who
will listen and obey, and Revival only comes through real repentance. This book tells us to seek and follow God’s
counsel, not the counsel of men, and disobedience always bears bad consequences. 2 Samuel mentioned one sin leads to
another sin, and God must judge sin but God also forgives sin when we confess and repent.

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 The book of 1 Kings says, Solomon’s Success and Sin and Solomon’s divided heart leads to divided kingdom.
This book main teaching is success from god’s perspective depends on obedience to His Word. Wisdom is sourced in
God and we should seek it from Him in order to live life well. Wisdom is understood knowledge and skilfully applying
it to life. A divided heart leads to a divided life. Worship of God must be done God’s way. A true man of God always
speaks the truth of God’s Word. A man cannot serve idols and God at the same time. God always brings judgment for
sin in His way and His time. God always blesses obedience His way and His time. In 2 Kings we see God is looking for
people who will trust Him fully and follow after Him alone. God’s mercy, grace and healing are extended to Gentiles as
well as Jews. We should learn from the mistakes and sins of others. 1 Chronicles tells about the glorious of King
David’s reign. God faithfully preserved His promised messianic line through David. Doing the thing which is wrong
that’s brings the way of disaster, and doing the right thing which is right that’s brings the way of Blessing. God honours
offerings, given willingly and freely, given with a whole heart given for his work and given because of who He is and
what He has done. Ezra recorded in 2 Chronicles the glory of the temple under Solomon and how the fall of Judah to
Babylon resulted when the nation moved away from worship of God centred on the temple to idolatry and following
after other things. If worship of God is not the central focus of our lives, then disorder and chaos will result. Ezra talks
about End of the Babylonian captivity returning from Exile, here the book told God is sovereign over the kings of all
nations. Offerings should be given willingly in proportion to ability. Worship of God must be central in the life of a
nation or person. God provides more abundantly than we think or ask. We need to study, obey and teach God’s Word,
and disobedient spiritual leaders cause the people to sin. Sin cannot be forgiven until it is confessed. Confession without
repentance will not lead to full spiritual restoration. The book of Nehemiah tells us that rebuilding the City Walls and
renewing the people with the Word of God. In this book mainly tells us is that God answers prayers that are consistent
with His purposes, and God’s Word needs to obeyed in the practical areas of life if we really intend to please God. The
book of Esther tells about God preserving the remnant in Judah by protecting the Jews in Persia. What we can see from
this book is that God providentially protects His people; God can use events in one place to accomplish His purpose in
another. God punishes evil men in His way and times.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruce, F.F. New International Bible Commentary. Michigan: Zondervan, 1979.

Howard Jr, David. An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books. Chicago: Moody Press, 1993.

McGhee, Quentin, eds. Survey of the Old Testament. Springfield: RDM, 2008.
9
_______. Old Testament Survey. Bangalore: Sakalavara, 2005.

_______. The International Inductive Study Bible. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 1995.

_______. The world Book Encyclopedia; E volume 6 (London: World Book, Inc., 1985), 287.

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