1. Historical, Wisdom & Prophetic Books

2. HISTORICAL BOOKS Spans Israelite history from 1250 BC to 100 BC

3. Historical Books The sixteen historical books of the bible tell the story of God at work in the history of ancient Israel from the settlement of Canaan to the Kingdom of the Maccabees. Divine Warfare –The Idea, unique to the Israelites, that God will fight not just with them but for them against their enemies Cycle of Sin –A series of events that marks the course of Israel’s response to God and the covenant. Disaster Prayer Help People Are saved God Offers His Love Sin

4. Events in Historical Books Return, Restoration & Rededication –Ezra –Nehemiah Foreign control and a short period of Independence –1 Maccabees –2 Maccabees Conquest of Canaan under Joshua, and the leadership of the Joshua and the Judges –Judges as military, conciliatory, and spiritual leaders –Formation of a tribal confederation. –Miracle of Divine warfare Rise of the United Kingdom under King David –King Saul –King David –King Solomon Division of the kingdom into Judah (south) and Israel (north). Solomon begins to oppress the people; His son continues the tyranny –A procession of kings both south and north Fall of the kingdoms (722 BC & 587 BC) –Destruction of Israel by the Assyrian Empire –Conquest by and Exile of Judah to Babylonia Historical Novels Book of Tobit God saves the righteous Book of Esther Divine providence Book of Judith Courage is rewarded

5. Archeology Conquest & Settlement –Major Upheaval in Middle East about 1200 BC –Dark Age followed Exile –Signs of absence of activity in Jerusalem

6. THE PROPHETS Messengers of God

7. Prophetic Books 18 books of the Old Testament that contain the sermons, dreams and visions of the prophets of God. Prophets were messengers of God that worked to keep the people (king) faithful to the covenant. These writing prophets are known as latter prophets; The accounts of the former prophets are recorded in the historical books. Former prophets include Samuel, Elijah & Elisha The terms major and minor refer to the length of the writings of the latter prophets, not the importance of the prophet or his message. Major prophets: The major prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah,Ezekiel and Daniel The book of the prophet Isaiah is the longest prophetic book and was probably written by three different writers, Isaiah, Deutero-Isaiah and third Isaiah. The book of Lamentations is included in this section. Minor prophets: Include Micah, Amos, Hosea, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, Jonah, Obadiah, Malachi, Zephaniah, Joel & Nahum Baruch and Lamentations are prophet related writings

8. The Marks & Roles of the Prophets Keep the people and the king faithful to the covenant –Spiritual Warrior: make sure the king and people were obeying the Law of Moses –Messenger of God: Spoke the words of God –Social Revolutionary: Spoke out against social injustices Call Narrative: –Mysterious setting –God initiates –Resistance to the call –God reassures –Mission is given & accepted Popularity –Most of the prophets were not popular with the officials of the state or the people because they told the truth about their sinful actions Jeremiah

9. Message of the Prophets Form: –An Oracle A message given in the words of God; Prefaced with “Thus says the Lord”, Uses the pronoun “I” –Paraphrase by the prophet Expression: –Prophecy of Doom This message was a warning of the disaster that would follow if the King and the people did not change their evil ways –Prophecy of Encouragement This message offered hope for the future if the King and the people changed their evil ways. How?

10. Message of the Prophets –Idolatry Worshipping false gods Putting faith in others rather than Yahweh –Social Injustice Oppressing the poor Adultery Lying Cheating Stealing Murder Any practice that took away the human rights of another Why? Unfaithfulness to God’s Covenant

11. Why do we read about the prophets? Something to think about! What do the accounts of the Old Testament prophets tells us about God’s relationship with humankind? Do the messages of the prophets still speak to us today? If God sent a prophet to speak to us today what would he say to us?

12. WISDOM BOOKS Reflections during & post exile

14. Types & Focus Types of Literature –Wisdom Literature –Apocalyptic* Literature *revelatory- reveals a hidden message. Ex. “Book of Daniel” Focus –God’s Creation – Natural Laws –Meaning of Life –The Future

15. Wisdom Literature What is it? –Collections of wise sayings, proverbs, and short stories that offer insights into the proper way to live. Prayers & songs for worship When was it written? –During and after the Exile What is the core, or central idea of wisdom? –“Fear of the Lord” –God as Creator deserves respect and love

16. Themes & Styles 2 Main themes –God is Creator/ We are creation –Faith comes from rational thinking in addition to revelation Styles –Wise sayings –Teachings of sages (wise men) –Poetry –Moral play Technique –Contrast between wise and foolish man

17. Wisdom Books Affirmation of the beauty of love and the goodness of human sexuality God is beyond human knowledge and that some things will never be understood, including suffering. Psalms Book Of Job Sirach Wisdom Song of Songs Proverbs Ecclesiastes Used for praying in ancient times and today Reflects the love between God and Israel AND later, Jesus and the church Short, wise sayings

18. Compare & Contrast Both apocalyptic and wisdom literature answer the same question, “How should we live to stay in the right relationship with God? –Wisdom looks to the past and our relationship to God as creator. What has God done? –Apocalyptic looks to the future. What is God about to do?