Page 38 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook- short

f. 2 Chronicles
B. Post-exilic (3 books) 538 to 400 BC.
a. Ezra
b. Nehemiah
c. Esther.

Following the historical books, the five books of Poetry (except for job which depicts life during the
patriarchal period) fit into the times of the Kings during the United Kingdom (1050 to 931 BC), Under
Saul, David and Solomon. The Poetic books add spiritual, emotional and Philosophical commentary to
the United Kingdom period.

The 17 Prophetic books fit into the times of the Kings during the divided kingdom (931 to 430 BC) and
the record the spiritual reasons for the Assyrian and the Babylonian captivities. So, the chronological
advancements of the Old Testament essentially end with the historical books.
As we study the historical books, keep in mind God’s covenant with his people Israel under which he
promised blessing for obedience and adversity for disobedience. The historical books show the
consequences of sin in the life of the nation culminating in the 70 year Babylonian captivity (605 to 535
BC). Also watch as God’s continually fulfills every promise he had made to Abraham for God remained
faithful even though Israel was unfaithful. The post-exilic historical books prove God’s faithfulness to
bring a redeemed remnant to the land after he had judged their sin.

PRE-EXILIC HISTORICAL BOOKS (Time of conquest and judges)

JOSHUA
The book of Joshua focuses on the conquest of the nation of
Israel. The author of Joshua is unknown. The date is also
known but in Joshua-24:26, the phrase ‘to this day’ is repeated
15x. This obviously is referring to a particular point in time.
The real question is, when this time was. The main themes
include: Conquer (1-12) and Divide (13-24) Message: The
conquest and division of the land fulfills God’s promise in
proportion to the nation’s obedience to God’s covenant! Chapters 1-5 focus on the final preparations for
the people of Israel before entering the land. In these chapters, YHWH prepares His people to enter His
place, with parallels to a previous generation. First, He prepares His new leader, urging Joshua, Moses’
successor, to remember His mission- possess Canaan, His presence- I am with you as I was with Moses,
and His law meditate and obey (1). Second, the mission of spies recalls previous unsuccessful attempt-
Num. 13-14, but Rehab’s confession, conversion offer hope of better outcome (2). Third, as the Red Sea
was parted in the exodus, YHWH parts the Jordan, highlighting His greatness, with stones
commemorating this mighty deed (3-4). Fourth, while previous generation had covenant sign-
circumcision, YHWH needed to mark this new generation, rolling away their reproach. Fifth, the
celebration of Passover marked Israel’s departure from Egypt (Ex 12) and arrival in Canaan (5). Finally,
just as YHWH’s angel visited Moses at the bush- sandals (Ex. 3), he also appeared to Joshua on the edge
of Canaan (5:13-15).

Chapter’s 6-12 focus on the conquest of the land upon entry into the land. First Portion Israel’s
conquest of Canaan can be divided according to geography central, south, north. First, YHWH gives
instruction for Jericho’s defeat, stressing victory comes from Him and the spoils should be devoted to
Him (6). So, when Achan disobeys, taking things devoted to YHWH, He brings defeat against Ai; but after
Israel removes devoted things, YHWH gives victory. After entrance and victory, Israel renews covenant,
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