This course is an interpretative survey of the historical books of the Old Testament. It includes the books of Joshua through Esther. It covers a period of about a thousand years from the entrance of the nation of Israel into the Promised Land until they returned after the Exile. The course examines the history of the nation of Israel with special emphasis upon its messianic mission in the world. This mission is first described in God’s covenant with Abraham, father of the Hebrew nation.

The study will examine the background, structure, and contents of each book, with the specific purpose of gaining an understanding of the times and their relationship to God’s purpose to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.