The first five books of History in the Bible

Now that you have learned the Bible books of The Law, you’re ready to memorize the first five books of History. I’ve also included some information about each of these books.

The historical books are:

Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 and 2 Samuel
1 and 2 Kings

These books hold some of your  favorite Bible stories.

Joshua: 

Joshua leads the Israelites in brave conquests. At Jericho, God makes thewalls come tumbling down. There’s also the amazing victory at Gibeon where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still so he could win the battle.

The book is named Joshua because he is the key figure.  Bible scholars do not know who wrote it but Joshua obviously did write some of it.

Judges: 

In Judges we read about the strongest man in the world, Samson, and how he lost his strength when Delilah cut his hair. Another famous woman, Deborah, with help from Jael, defeated a common enemy with a hammer and nail.

Jewish tradition says Samuel wrote this book but the author is actually never identified.

Ruth:

Then there is my favorite love story in the book of Ruth. Ruth, a Moabitess, sticks faithfully to her mother-in-law’s side and as a result marries a man in the line of Jesus.

Bible scholars think that possibly Ruth wrote this book herself, although traditionally the writer was thought to be Samuel.

1 and 2 Samuel:

In the first book of Samuel, David defeats the giant Goliath, and becomes friends with Prince Jonathan. David is on the run hiding from King Saul, but God always keeps David safe. Finally, David becomes king.

In second Samuel, Kind David falls in love with Bathsheba and has her husband killed. David’s favorite son tries to steal his throne.

Jewish tradition says that Samuel wrote the first part of 1 Samuel, chapters 1 to 24. It is believed that Nathan and Gad wrote the rest of 1 Samuel and all of 2 Samuel.

1 and 2 Kings:

Kings Solomon becomes king when King David dies. God  makes him the wisest man on earth.  The Queen of Sheba comes to test him and finds him truly wise.

King Solomon settles two mothers’ quarrel over a baby with a knife. He also builds the most beautiful temple in Jerusalem.

We also read about a widow whose flour and oil never run out during a time of famine.

Traditionally it’s been thought that Jeremiah wrote both of these books, but
this is uncertain.  We can’t prove who wrote them.

These books of the Bible like all of the Bible are true to life.  God lets us see His  people’s strengths and successes which bring glory to Him but He also lets us see their mistakes and ungodly nature. God recognizes our human nature to fail at times and make mistakes.  If we ask Him He helps us and strengthens us and grows us to be obedient to Him.