Updated March 2025

This article is part 3 of a short series covering the history books of the Old Testament, or Tanakh. If you haven’t read the first introductory article, click here, for the part 2 Pentateuch, click here. In the previous article, I linked individual summaries of the books of the Bible from The Bible Project. For the remaining articles, I’ll just link the Bible Project playlist for all of the Old Testament books as a resource. You can find that here.

As you’re reading through my summaries, watching videos from other authors, and seeking different perspectives, I want to remind you that we are all fallible, and there may be mistakes. Feel free to correct any errors as we learn together.

I encourage you to delve into the Word for yourself, pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, attend a church that teaches sound doctrine, and consult with your Pastor for further clarification.

Historical Books:

The history books of the Old Testament offer a comprehensive account of the ancient Israelites and their relationship with God. They primarily focus on their leader Joshua, a legacy of Judges and Kings established by God. Additionally, two notable females, Ruth and Esther, play significant roles in these books. From Joshua to Kings, these books chronicle the Israelites’ journey from conquest to exile, shedding light on the conquest of the promised land in Joshua and highlighting cycles of oppression and deliverance in Judges. The transition to monarchy is depicted in Samuel, while the reigns of various kings and their struggles are covered in Kings. The parallel narratives of Kings and Chronicles provide different perspectives of the times. It is through these books that we gain valuable insights into ancient Israelite society and the enduring relationship between God and His people.

Joshua

Joshua 11:18 really sums up the content of the book: “Joshua made war a long time with all these kings.” The book of Joshua follows Joshua’s leadership, as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land after their wilderness wanderings. It recounts the conquest of Canaan, the division of the land among the twelve tribes, and serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

In the book of Joshua, Rahab, the harlot, aids the Israelites by hiding them and lying to the spies. Achan steals some of the devoted things, angering God and bringing His wrath upon the Israelites. Rahab is credited as righteous for her acts, while Achan, his family, and livestock are killed. Both stories reveal the importance of the heart.

In Chapter 10, the Israelites conquer their enemies, aided by God’s miracle of making the sun stand still. Interestingly, the sons of Reuben and Gad build an altar for the LORD, which causes concern among the priests. However, it is revealed that they only built it as a replica to display their devotion to God. Joshua dies at the age of 110.

Judges

The book of Judges is a somber depiction of the Israelites’ depravity, paralleling modern-day society. It covers a period of disobedience, defeat, repentance, and deliverance, led by judges like Gideon, Samson, and Deborah.

The Israelites grew in strength and conquered the Canaanites, but their disobedience led to the Canaanites becoming a thorn in their side. Eventually, a generation arose who did not know the LORD or witness His previous works. As a consequence, God allowed their enemies to oppress them, but raised up judges to deliver them. Sadly, the Israelites failed to heed the judges’ counsel and chased after other gods.

Deborah, one of the judges, instructed Barak on what needed to be done. However, he refused to go to war without her. As a result, Sisera, the opposing leader, was killed by a woman named Jael. Later, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, leading Gideon to cry out to God for deliverance. Gideon, the least expected candidate, was chosen by God to lead and liberate the Israelites. These examples demonstrate that when men failed as leaders, God raised up women and underdogs as a rebuke. The Israelites then enjoyed a period of peace with God for forty years.

However, after Gideon’s passing, the people demanded a king, going against God’s established system of judges because they desired to be like other nations. Abimelech became their king, but his reign only lasted for three years before a woman killed him. Once again, the Israelites fell into oppression. Jephthah, the ninth judge, arose to defeat the Philistines. In a tragic turn of events, he made a vow to the LORD resulting in the sacrifice of his daughter. This act of human sacrifice showcased the utter depravity of the Israelites.

The story then transitions to Samson, a man who took Nazarite vows and possessed immense strength. God used him to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. However, Samson’s weakness ultimately led to his demise. The book culminates in the tragic story of a Levite’s concubine who was raped by the Benjamite’s. In response, her husband took her body and cut it into twelve pieces, nothing this gruesome had occurred before. Yet, the Benjamite’s were not disturbed, resulting in a war between all the tribes of Israel and the Benjamite’s. The conflict tore the Israelites apart from within, causing immense mourning over the near extinction of the Benjamite tribe.

Ruth
The book of Ruth is a short narrative that spans just 4 chapters. It tells a story of loyalty and devotion. The focus is on Ruth, a Moabite woman, who decides to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. Encouraged by her mother-in-law, Ruth goes to work in a field where her hard work and loyalty catch the attention of Boaz. He generously provides her with extra provisions. As a distant relative, Boaz also has the opportunity to act as her kinsman redeemer. Eventually, they marry and have a child, continuing the lineage that leads to Jesus, through Obed, Jesse, and David. The story of Ruth also serves as a reminder of our own need for a kinsman redeemer, Jesus.

1 Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel depicts the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. It narrates the life of Samuel, the last judge, and the rise of King Saul. Samuel, dedicated and raised by the priest Eli, heard a word from the LORD during a time when words from the LORD were rare. The first words were a rebuke to Eli and his sons. Samuel continued to grow with the word of the LORD.

The Philistines stole the ark of the covenant, angering God and bringing tumors and death upon the people. After its return, 50,070 Israelites were killed as punishment. The Israelites, struggling with a pattern of turning away from God, demanded a king. Saul became the first king of Israel, but Samuel warned about the consequences of relying on a human king instead of God’s leadership.

Saul’s reign was marked by foolish choices and disobedience to God’s commands. Samuel rebuked Saul, and God rejected him as king. During this time, Samuel continued to judge Israel, while his corrupt sons followed in the footsteps of Eli’s sons.

The book also introduces David, a humble shepherd boy who slayed Goliath, gaining favor with both the people and God. Saul moved David in and found solace in David’s presence. Saul’s son Jonathan and David were best friends, one of the closest friendships described in the Bible, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1). Saul desiring to keep David close, gave his daughter in marriage to David. Saul’s jealousy and paranoia led him to seek David’s life, but David spared Saul when given the chance. He sought God’s protection while on the run and wrote many psalms.

Eventually, Samuel passed away, and David faced trials and conflicts. Despite the challenges, he relied on God and showed mercy towards Saul when he had the opportunity to kill him. In a battle with the Philistines, Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, met their deaths, with Saul falling on his own sword at the end.

2 Samuel

In this book, the reports of Saul’s death arrive, and David orders the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul to be executed. Most commentators agree that the Amalekite lied, as scripture is inerrant. For more information on this topic, you can read How Did King Saul Die?

David, acknowledging that God has appointed him to deliver the Israelites, continues his reign as king, facing military victories, personal struggles, and political challenges. He commands the relocation of the Ark of the Covenant from Abinidab’s house, calling upon 30,000 people to witness this significant event. The Ark, a symbol of God’s presence and a foreshadowing of Christ, had been concealed, reflecting the state of the neglected church in the wilderness (BLB).

To transport the Ark, it was initially placed on a chariot cart. However, God’s instructions stated that it should be carried by the men on their shoulders. While the crowd joyfully celebrated with music and carried the Ark, the oxen stumbled, prompting Uzzah lunged forward in an attempt to stabilize it. However, he was not permitted to touch the Ark, consequently, he was struck down by God for his irreverence. David halted the procession and had the Ark temporarily housed in the house of Obed for three months. This incident serves as a reminder of the significance of holiness and reverence.

This chapter also recounts how David danced before the LORD. Some people erroneously believe that David danced naked in public for the Lord, but in reality, he was wearing a priestly linen ephod. His ex-wife Michal accused him of not wearing royal garments, but David willingly humbled himself in worship to the Lord (2 Sam 6:12-23). It is interesting how minor details stand out upon rereading.

2 Samuel delves into the story of David’s affair with Bathsheba and the consequences he faced as a result. David’s involvement with Bathsheba led to her pregnancy. In order to conceal his actions, David arranged for Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, to be placed on the front lines of war, where he ultimately died. As a punishment from God, the child Bathsheba was carrying passed away. David also suffered a household divided by sword. Despite the turmoil, David eventually married Bathsheba, and they went on to have another child named Solomon. Even with sin abounding and consequences unfolding, God preserved the messianic line of David.

1 Kings

The book of 1 Kings begins with the reign of King Solomon, son of David. As Solomon takes the throne, he’s instructed to show himself a man by walking in God’s ways, commandments, ordinances, and testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses. If he does this, he’s guaranteed that Israel will not lack a man on the throne.

Solomon experiences a slow fade. Early on, he was told not to acquire horses, gold, and women, and not to go after other gods. Yet, in all of his wisdom, he acquired wealth, achievements, horses, and women – marrying 700 wives and taking 300 concubines. As he accumulated women, he began to build temples for their gods. So God allowed Solomon’s enemies to turn against him, Jeroboam revolted, and stripped the kingdom from Solomon. However, because God had promised a lineage through David, God preserved Jerusalem through Solomon’s reign. Ten out of the twelve tribes of Israel were given to Jeroboam. Solomon reigned for 42 years.

This book outlines the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. It discusses the division of Israel into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah), highlighting the successes and failures of various kings as they waged war against each other.

Events in this book are paralleled in 2 Chronicles, including the conversation between the LORD and Solomon when he’s bestowed with wisdom and other blessings. It’s almost a foreshadowing that Solomon, in all his wisdom, will still break the covenant with the LORD, demonstrating our need for a true savior.

2 Kings
The book of 2 Kings continues the historical account of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It chronicles the decline and fall of both kingdoms, including their interactions with surrounding nations. The book emphasizes the role of prophets and warns about the consequences of disobedience to God. In this book, Elijah performs many miracles. There are many years, many Kings, and many warnings from God before Israel is finally given over to their sins in 2 Kings 17.

1 Chronicles
The book of 1 Chronicles primarily focuses on genealogies and the history of God’s people from Adam to King David. I noticed in 1 Chronicles 21:1 that Satan moved David’s heart to perform the census. I found it fascinating how Satan could move the heart of a man who was considered a man after God’s heart. David seemed to teeter between grave sin (Bathsheba) and true repentance. 1 Chronicles 21-29 parallel the David’s story in 2 Samuel well, providing a detailed account of David’s reign and preparations for building the temple. It highlights the importance of worship and the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles
The book of 2 Chronicles continues the historical narrative, specifically focusing on the kingdom of Judah. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of disobedience. It includes accounts of various kings, prophets, and the eventual exile of the nation to Babylon. 2 Chronicles 1 parallels the conversation between Solomon and the LORD pertaining to the Wisdom and other blessings that will be bestowed on him. One notable event is described in Chapter 5:12-14, where the Levitical singers dressed in fine linen, with various types of instruments, stood at the altar to praise and glorify the LORD. With one voice, they sang, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” and as a result, the presence of the LORD filled the temple with a thick cloud. 2 Chronicles 19-28 parallels 2 Kings 11-17.

Ezra

The book of Ezra is a historical narrative, not a prophetic book. It begins by recounting the end of the Babylonian captivity as Jeremiah’s prophecies are fulfilled and the people return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. The book also highlights the spiritual revival that takes place among the people during this time.

Ezra 1-3 is particularly exciting. The LORD stirs the spirit of Cyrus, a pagan king, to declare, “All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.” So, here we have Cyrus, a pagan ruler, hearing from and obeying God. This raises the question of how much free will is truly free?

Furthermore, the LORD moves the spirit of the people to work in accordance with His Will. Those once held captive return to Jerusalem and worship is almost immediately restored. Work on rebuilding the temple ensues. Of particular interest is the definition of worship presented in Chapter 3. Even before the completion of the temple and despite their fears of the people living in the land, the believers begin offering burnt incense and sacrifices on the altar twice a day. They also observe the feasts and offer free will offerings, money, food, and drink to support the builders. All of this takes place before the foundation of the Temple of the LORD is even laid!

Once the foundation is laid (with the temple still incomplete), the priests stand in their sacred garments with trumpets, the Levites with cymbals, and everyone joins in singing, praising, and giving thanks to the LORD. The people are filled with such joy and excitement that they shout, and some even weep tears. The sound of their celebration echoes far and wide, making it impossible to distinguish between the shouts of joy and the wails of cries.

Imagine what it would be like if we, as the Church, displayed such enthusiasm for the work that the LORD is doing among us!

Nehemiah
Although the books of Ezra and Nehemiah are now separated, they were originally compiled as one. The book of Nehemiah continues the story of the restoration period. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, leads the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The book highlights Nehemiah’s leadership qualities, his dedication to prayer, and the challenges faced during the rebuilding process.

Esther

The book of Esther tells the story of a woman with a hidden identity. Esther, who is secretly a Hebrew Jew, is chosen to be King Ahashverosh’s new wife after he had his first wife, Vashti, killed for disobeying him. In the story, Haman plots to kill the Jewish people. However, God uses Esther’s courage to save the Jews after she reveals her true identity to the King. The book emphasizes God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the face of adversity, and celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction. Interestingly, this is the only book in the Bible that doesn’t mention God. Yet, we see His mighty hand at work, even in the background.

Key Takeaways from The History Books:

• The theme of sovereignty continues throughout the Old Testament.
• God is interested in the content of our hearts, and our devotion matters.
• God is continuously faithful to an often-faithless people, forgiving and restoring them multiple times over.
• The Old Testament shows a cyclical, generational repetition of sin.
• God uses “weaker” parts of society, like women and underdogs, to rebuke the men and show His sovereignty.
• The stories of Ruth and her kinsmen redeemer foreshadow Jesus and God’s unfolding plan.
• God allows evil to rise up for a time, but ultimately His will prevails, and He can repurpose sinful situations for good according to His sovereign plan.
• David’s support of Saul, despite Saul’s evil, is astonishing.
• God is Holy and worthy to be praised in the manner He prescribed.
• The Old Testament mirrors our utter imperfection and unholiness apart from God.
• It highlights the need for the atoning blood of Jesus and salvation by grace through faith.
• There is a tension between right and wrong, good and evil, especially evident in the story of David.
• The sovereignty of God and the “freewill” of people are questioned in response to pagan ruler Cyrus working in accordance with God’s will.
• Imagine what it would be like if we, as the Church, displayed such enthusiasm for the work that the LORD is doing among us, as portrayed in the Books of Ezra-Nehemiah!
• God is always at work, even when it may not be obvious to us.

Wrapping it up – Until Next Time!

There are currently 22 books of the Old Testament left to cover. The next article, Part 4 – Poetry and Wisdom: covers Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The fifth and final article of this series covers the 17 remaining books of the prophets in Part 5: Major and Minor Prophets.

I am excited to engage in discussions with fellow believers as we delve into the Word of the Lord together. Furthermore, I invite you to join me in reading through the Bible in The Bible Recap, Vintage Virtues group.