There are 12 books of the Historical Books, which tell the story of the Covenant People, from the entry into the Promised Land to the return from Exile, and the Maccabean5 revolt. In the Hebrew Bible, six of these books –Joshua, Judge, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings– are gathered in the section known as the Early or Former Prophets. This draws attention to their character of making God’s purpose and action in history known. The rest of the six books – Ruth, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 & 2 Chronicles– are in the section known as the Writing.
Book one: The book of Joshua
This book relates the conquest of the Promised Land in fulfillment of god’s promise to Abraham in order to give Canaan to the obedient people of Israel.
Book two: The book of Judges
This book tells stories of Israel in search of its identity during the settlement. The tribes had scattered over a wide area, but they still might help each other in times of crisis. There were twelve ‘judges’, acting as the leaders of the Israel. These leaders were raised up as deliverers of God’s words. They judged Israel and went out to war at the head of the army. They took tribute on behalf of Israel and they delivered judgments.
Book three: The book of Ruth
This short book tells the story of a widow, from Moab6, whose devotion to her mother-in- law, faith in God, and integrity in the face of hostile circumstances are recognized and rewarded by God. One main purpose of this book is to show how God’s goodness extends beyond the Covenant People of Israel to a foreigner.
Book four and five: The books of 1 & 2 Samuel
These two books tell the history of Israel from the time of the Judges, through the establishment of the Monarchy and King David’s reign.
Book six and seven: The books of 1 & 2 Kings
These two books trace the history of Israel and Judah from the time of Solomon until their destruction by the empires of Assyria and Babylon. They present this destruction as the inevitable outcome of the people’s disloyalty to god.
Book eight and nine: The books of 1 & 2 Chronicles
These two books place emphasis on the covenant with King David, the Temple and its priests, and the responsibilities of the people of God.