Old Testament
The history books
Israel in the land: judges, kings, exile and return.
Where the history books sit
- In the Bible
- Old Testament, 12 books and 249 chapters
- In the story
- Act IV, Israel
What the history books are about
- The land given
- Faithfulness and idolatry
- The house of David
- Prophets and kings
- Exile
- Return and rebuilding
How they point to Christ
The King and kingdom the kings could not bring.
The history books of the Bible in order
- Joshua The LORD gives the land and calls for loyalty24 chapters
The LORD keeps His promise by giving Israel the land under Joshua, and calls His people to worship Him alone and obey His word.
- Judges Merciful rescues amid deepening rebellion21 chapters
The LORD keeps delivering His unfaithful people, while their corrupt worship and violent disorder expose the need for lasting, righteous rule.
- Ruth God preserves a household and the royal line4 chapters
Through Ruth’s faith and Boaz’s kindness, God restores Naomi’s household and preserves the family line that leads to David and Jesus.
- 1 Samuel The LORD raises and tests Israel’s kings31 chapters
The LORD sets kingship under His word, rejects disobedient Saul and preserves David, the chosen king who carries His royal promise.
- 2 Samuel David’s throne rests on the LORD’s promise24 chapters
The LORD builds David’s kingdom and promises him a lasting house; his sins expose the need for the righteous Son who will reign forever.
- 1 Kings The divided heart and the divided kingdom22 chapters
The LORD keeps His word as royal glory gives way to idolatry, a divided kingdom and prophetic judgment.
- 2 Kings The rejected word and the exile25 chapters
The LORD sustains life and keeps His promises, yet sends Israel and Judah into exile for rejecting His word.
- 1 Chronicles A remembered people and a promised house29 chapters
God preserves His people across generations and establishes David to prepare a house of worship under His enduring promise.
- 2 Chronicles Seek the LORD and hear His word36 chapters
The temple and Davidic kingdom display God's faithfulness, while repeated unfaithfulness brings exile and a gracious call to return.
- Ezra A restored temple and a people needing renewal10 chapters
The LORD keeps His promise, bringing His people home and restoring worship, while their renewed sin exposes the need for deeper renewal.
- Nehemiah Walls restored, hearts still needing renewal13 chapters
God restores Jerusalem through prayerful labor and His word, but renewed covenant breaking shows His people need lasting inward renewal.
- Esther God preserves His people through hidden providence10 chapters
God preserves His threatened people through the reversals of Persian court life, and their deliverance is remembered in shared joy and generosity.