An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books

Gain a new understanding of the incredible events, great prophets, and rich theological themes documented in the Old Testament historical books.

DAVID M. HOWARD Jr. (B.S., Geneva College; M.A., Wheaton College; A.M., Ph.D., The University of Michigan), is professor of Old Testament at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of four books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books, What Makes a Missionary, and The Structure of Psalms 93-100, as well as several dozen articles in scholarly journals and Bible encyclopedias. He resides in Minnesota.

1. Introduction to Historical NarrativeHistorical Narrative as Prose: Contrast with Poetry Historical Narrative as History Modern Historical Study of Biblical History Historical Narrative as LiteratureConclusion: Reading Historical Narrative2. JoshuaJoshua: Title and ManAuthorship and Date of CompositionPurposeHistorical and Cultural Context for the Book of JoshuaThe Place of Joshua in the CanonSpecial Issues in the Book of JoshuaTheology of the Book of Joshua Outline of the Book of Joshua3. JudgesTitleAuthorship and Date of Composition UnityPurposeThe Place of Judges in the CanonHistorical and Cultural Context for the Book of Judges Special Issues in the Book of JudgesTheology of the Book of JudgesOutline of the Book of Judges4. RuthRuth: Title and WomanAuthorship and Date of CompositionLiterary NatureUnityPurposeThe Place of Ruth in the CanonHistorical and Cultural Context for the Book of RuthTheology of the Book of RuthExposition of the Book of Ruth Outline of the Book of Ruth5. 1 & 2 SamuelTitle and Division of the BooksAuthorship, Unity, and Date of Composition The Text of 1 & 2 Samuel Purpose Historical and Cultural Context for 1 & 2 Samuel Special Issues in 1 & 2 Samuel The Place of 1 & 2 Samuel in the Canon Theology of 1 & 2 Samuel Outline of 1 & 2 Samuel 6. 1 & 2 KingsTitle and Place in the Canon Authorship and Date of Composition Date of the Events Purpose The Composition of 1 & 2 Kings Chronology in 1 & 2 Kings Prophets and Prophecy in 1 & 2 Kings Special Issues in 1 & 2 Kings Theology of 1 & 2 Kings Outline of 1 & 2 Kings 7. Historical and Cultural Context for 1 & 2 KingsIsrael and Its Neighbors in 1 & 2 KingsExtrabiblical Texts and 1 & 2 Kings Jerusalem in 1 & 2 Kings8. 1 & 2 ChroniclesTitle and Place in the CanonAuthorshipDatePurpose Historical and Cultural Context for 1 & 2 ChroniclesRelationship of 1 & 2 Chronicles to Ezra-Nehemiah Sources in 1 & 2 ChroniclesThe Chronicler's HermeneuticsThe Genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1¿9 Theology of 1 & 2 Chronicles Outline of 1 & 2 Chronicles 9. Ezra-NehemiahTitle Purpose Place in the Canon Authorship Composition DateHistorical and Cultural Context for Ezra-Nehemiah The Aramaic of EzraEzra and Nehemiah and Their ReformsSpecial Issues in Ezra-Nehemiah Theology of Ezra-NehemiahOutline of Ezra-Nehemiah10. EstherEsther: Title and WomanAuthorship and Date of CompositionCanonicity and Place in the CanonPurpose History and the Book of EstherThe Additions to the Book of EstherTheology of the Book of EstherOutline of the Book of Esther