Historical, & Wisdom Books

HISTORICAL BOOKS Spans Israelite history from 1250 BC to 100 BC

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

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

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

WISDOM BOOKS Reflections during & after the Babylonian Exile

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

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

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

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

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?