AN INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL BOOKS

 STUDY GUIDE

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL BOOKS

Conquest

• Be familiar with the basic ideas of the two views on the date of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. (pp.
69-74)
• Be familiar with the basic ideas of the nature of Israel’s occupation of Canaan. (pp. 74-80)
• Understand the issues involved with Israel’s destruction of the Canaanites. (pp. 92-94)
Joshua
• Know the primary theological themes of Joshua. (p. 103)
• Know Joshua's major sections (items in bold). (pp. 111-112)
• Be familiar with Canaanite religion and culture. (pp. 121-123)
Judges
• Understand the office or “judge” in Judges. (pp. 125-126)
• Who is the “Angel of the Lord” in Judges? (pp. 130-133)
• Know the issues involved with understanding Jephthah’s vow. (pp. 133-135)
• Know the major sections (items in bold) of Judges. (pp. 140-141)
Ruth
• Know the relationship between Judges and Ruth. (p. 142)
• Know the possible options for the purpose of the book of Ruth (pp. 146-147)
• Know the theological themes of the book of Ruth (pp. 151-154)
1 & 2 Samuel
• Know the general content of 1 & 2 Samuel (p. 160-161)
• What are the major stories in 1 & 2 Samuel? (p. 161)
• Understand “the Spirit of the Lord,” and the “evil spirit from the Lord.” (pp. 175-178)
• Understand the concept of God repenting. (pp. 178-179)
• Understand the nature of Israel’s request for a king. (pp. 181-182)
• Understand the nature of the Davidic Covenant. (pp. 182-184)
• Know the major sections (items in bold) of 1 & 2 Samuel. (pp. 188-191)
1 & 2 Kings
• Know the lessons of 1 & 2 Kings. (p. 192-193)
• Know the basic framework pattern in Kings (bolded material) and its theological significance.
(pp. 200-203)
• Understand the issues involved in the lying spirit from God. (p. 223-224)
• Know the major sections of 1 & 2 Kings (items in bold) (pp. 231-233)
• Be familiar with the kingdoms interacting with Israel in 1 & 2 Kings, as well as their location in
relation to Israel. (pp. 234-248)
• Know the spiritual significance of Jerusalem (261-262)
1 & 2 Chronicles
• Know the general content of 1 & 2 Chronicles. (pp. 263-264)
• Know the purpose of 1 & 2 Chronicles (p. 268)

• Understand the interbiblical interpretation between Chronicles and other written material (pp.
280-284)
• Understand the purpose and function of biblical genealogies (pp. 284-289)
• Know the major sections of 1 & 2 Chronicles (items in bold) (pp. 308-312)
Ezra-Nehemiah
• Know the purpose of Ezra-Nehemiah. (pp. 313-314)
• Be familiar with the Persians (pp. 327-330
• Know the general purpose of Ezra-Nehemiah (p. 330)
• Know who the Samarians were. (pp. 330-331)
• Know the condition of Jerusalem when Nehemiah returned. (pp. 332 – 333]
• Know the major components of Ezra’s reforms (pp. 337-340)
• Know the major components of Nehemiah’s reforms (pp. 341-344)
• Know the major sections of Ezra-Nehemiah (items in bold) (pp. 356-360)
Esther
• Understand common reactions to the book of Esther. (p. 361-362)
• Understand the principles of God’s providence and hiddenness in Esther. (pp. 371-376)
• Know the major sections of Esther. (items in bold) (pp. 380-381)

now the major sections (items in bold) of Joshua. (pp. 111-112)
• Be familiar with Canaanite religion and culture. (pp. 121-123)
Judges
• Understand the office or “judge” in Judges. (pp. 125-126)
• Who is the “Angel of the Lord” in Judges? (pp. 130-133)
• Know the issues involved with understanding Jephthah’s vow. (pp. 133-135)
• Know the major sections (items in bold) of Judges. (pp. 140-141)
Ruth
• Know the relationship between Judges and Ruth. (p. 142)
• Know the possible options for the purpose of the book of Ruth (pp. 146-147)
• Know the theological themes of the book of Ruth (pp. 151-154)
1 & 2 Samuel
• Know the general content of 1 & 2 Samuel (p. 160-161)
• What are the major stories in 1 & 2 Samuel? (p. 161)
• Understand “the Spirit of the Lord,” and the “evil spirit from the Lord.” (pp. 175-178)
• Understand the concept of God repenting. (pp. 178-179)
• Understand the nature of Israel’s request for a king. (pp. 181-182)
• Understand the nature of the Davidic Covenant. (pp. 182-184)
• Know the major sections (items in bold) of 1 & 2 Samuel. (pp. 188-191)
1 & 2 Kings
• Know the lessons of 1 & 2 Kings. (p. 192-193)
• Know the basic framework pattern in Kings (bolded material) and its theological significance.
(pp. 200-203)
• Understand the issues involved in the lying spirit from God. (p. 223-224)
• Know the major sections of 1 & 2 Kings (items in bold) (pp. 231-233)
• Be familiar with the kingdoms interacting with Israel in 1 & 2 Kings, as well as their location in
relation to Israel. (pp. 234-248)
• Know the spiritual significance of Jerusalem (261-262)
1 & 2 Chronicles
• Know the general content of 1 & 2 Chronicles. (pp. 263-264)
• Know the purpose of 1 & 2 Chronicles (p. 268)

• Understand the interbiblical interpretation between Chronicles and other written material (pp.
280-284)
• Understand the purpose and function of biblical genealogies (pp. 284-289)
• Know the major sections of 1 & 2 Chronicles (items in bold) (pp. 308-312)
Ezra-Nehemiah
• Know the purpose of Ezra-Nehemiah. (pp. 313-314)
• Be familiar with the Persians (pp. 327-330
• Know the general purpose of Ezra-Nehemiah (p. 330)
• Know who the Samarians were. (pp. 330-331)
• Know the condition of Jerusalem when Nehemiah returned. (pp. 332 – 333]
• Know the major components of Ezra’s reforms (pp. 337-340)
• Know the major components of Nehemiah’s reforms (pp. 341-344)
• Know the major sections of Ezra-Nehemiah (items in bold) (pp. 356-360)
Esther
• Understand common reactions to the book of Esther. (p. 361-362)
• Understand the principles of God’s providence and hiddenness in Esther. (pp. 371-376)
• Know the major sections of Esther. (items in bold) (pp. 380-381)

  Understand the interbiblical interpretation between Chronicles and other written material (pp.
280-284)
• Understand the purpose and function of biblical genealogies (pp. 284-289)
• Know the major sections of 1 & 2 Chronicles (items in bold) (pp. 308-312)
Ezra-Nehemiah
• Know the purpose of Ezra-Nehemiah. (pp. 313-314)
• Be familiar with the Persians (pp. 327-330
• Know the general purpose of Ezra-Nehemiah (p. 330)
• Know who the Samarians were. (pp. 330-331)
• Know the condition of Jerusalem when Nehemiah returned. (pp. 332 – 333]
• Know the major components of Ezra’s reforms (pp. 337-340)
• Know the major components of Nehemiah’s reforms (pp. 341-344)
• Know the major sections of Ezra-Nehemiah (items in bold) (pp. 356-360)
Esther
• Understand common reactions to the book of Esther. (p. 361-362)
• Understand the principles of God’s providence and hiddenness in Esther. (pp. 371-376)
• Know the major sections of Esther. (items in bold) (pp. 380-381)

Last days

The Bible reveals humanity as a vibrant, rational, and resilient Let's explore the concept of God - the ultimate, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable reality that inspires awe and wonder. The Westminster Shorter Catechism provides a profound definition that guides us toward a deeper understanding, helping us navigate beyond vague notions and misconceptions. In today's world, people often perceive God as a distant, higher power or intelligent designer, but these concepts only scratch the surface. Others imagine God as a magnified version of humanity, yet this too falls short. The true essence of God lies beyond these limited perspectives, revealing a boundless, eternal, and unchangeable reality adorned with magnificent perfections. As the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all existence, God embodies both transcendent mystery and knowable intimacy. Through Scripture, Christians discover a God who has chosen to reveal Himself, inviting us to explore His names, attributes, and eternally self-existent perfections, inspiring a sense of reverence, gratitude, and connection. entity, endowed with a brilliant mind, emotions, in the will of God. As Christians, we are uniquely empowered by a profound integration of body, soul, and spirit, enabling us to flourish, as we reflect God's magnificent image, and rise above the impact of sin. Through faith and spiritual rebirth, we can break free from the constraints of sin, living lives that radiate God's glory. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we become beacons of hope beacons of his light, testifying to God's presence as we navigate life's journey with courage, wisdom, and unwavering love, grounded in our identity in Jesus Christ realm of love.

Getting a handle on God's nature is like leveling up in the game of life - it's a total game-changer for spiritual growth and self-discovery. The Westminster Shorter Catechism is like the ultimate cheat code, revealing God as an infinite, eternal, and unchangeable spirit who's way bigger than our tiny human brains can handle. As we dig deeper into the divine, we ditch those wacky misconceptions of God being some kind of impersonal force or a dude with a beard. Instead, we get to know the Big Cheese, the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all things, who's super gracious and reveals Himself through Scripture, inviting us to a deeper understanding of His eternal awesomeness. This revelation is like a superpower, empowering us to tackle life with hope, confidence, and a sense of purpose, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Divine Purpose

At that profound moment, as the resplendent light of divine revelation began to illuminate my being, God entrusted me with the sacred task of writing. We were truly blessed to bear witness to this extraordinary journey from its inception. You ponder, 'When shall these things be?' Matthew 24:3. In the Bible, Matthew 23:3 inspires us to heed the Word's guidance, and it is through this obedience that we shall emulate the remarkable works of Jesus. We are called to preach, practice, and observe the law, ever mindful not to dismiss the teachings that transcend the Scriptures. We must be reminded that no mortal knows the timing, day, or hour of Jesus' glorious return. Yet, we are assured that He will arrive unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, yet with divine purpose. We recognize that God reveals His secrets to His chosen prophets, and it is during their lifetime that He speaks through them. Just as in the days of Noah, the Spirit empowers us to think and act as reflections of God, responsible beings yielded to God's will. The person of God within us is a Spirit being, God's indwelling Spirit dwelling in our flesh, a Spirit-man abiding in God's anointed, elected vessel. God's being, infused with His distinct personality, which harmoniously balances human and divine nature, is the essence of our entire rational being, most eloquently represented by 'the will of God.' God's consent has adopted us as heirs, and He does not initiate but yields to what the principal proposes in Him, connecting us in a sacred bond. Since then, His oath remains unbroken. And when His servant speaks in obedience to God, He validates His servant's words, confirming the actions of that elected servant. When the act is accomplished, the world will be satisfied, and they will acknowledge that it is indeed God who dwells within that chosen individual. At the time. As sacred light began to dawn in the word God gives to His elected servant, we were present when we embarked this radiant light. You ask When shall these things be? Matthew 24.3. No one knows the time, day, or hour when Jesus will come. What we know is He will come like a thief in the night. We know that He reveals his secrets to His prophets wherever he tells servant, it is during the life span of that servant living. Just as it was in the days of Noah. The Spirit allows the body to think and act as a representation of God. A responsible being acting in obedience to God's will. His person in them is is a Spirit being. It is God indwelling spirit living in their flesh, A spirit being a God man dwelling in Gods anointed elected vessel. God's being with his personality which is distinctive of man and God. Personality is the unit of the entire rational being and is most clearly represented by "the will of God. God's consent adopted me as an heir; He does not take the initiative but yields to what the principal proposes in him he connects us. Since then, his oath has not been broken. And when His servant speaks In obedience to God, He backs his servant up after the time of actions by that elected servant.When the act is passed, the public will be satisfied.  And they will know that it is God that lives in that elected person.