20a The Historical Books

20a The Historical Books

Thoughts to Keep in Mind

Thoughts to Keep in Mind: The Historical Books in the Old Testament



The historical books tell stories. We receive the recorded histories according to the perspective of the specific writer. Accounts of the same events will emphasize different details. Instead of thinking that accounts contradict one another, we should look for how they enrich each other.

“One perspective common to all the Old Testament historical books is the perspective of the children of Israel, God’s covenant people. Their faith in the Lord helped them see His hand in their lives and in the affairs of their nation. While secular history books don’t tend to see things this way, this spiritual perspective is part of what makes the Old Testament historical books so valuable to people who are seeking to build their own faith in God.”

The chronology of the Old Testament moves through the five Books of Moses and the Historical books. The historical books take us from Joshua leading the children into the Promised Land. Judges through 2 Chronicles, show us Israel’s experience in the promised land until they were conquered by Assyria and Babylon. Ezra and Nehemiah have the record of groups of Israelites returning to Jerusalem. Then the book of Esther tells of Israelites living in exile under Persian rule.

The Books of the Prophets fit into the same time frame as the Historical Books.

Here is an example of parallel accounts: 2 Kings 22–25 and 2 Chronicles 34–36.

Remember to not judge ancient civilization by the mores and social norms of your own day. Also, let the Holy Ghost be your guide as you are studying the scriptures. Some things may have meanings you can’t currently understand; and other things might be the result of misinterpretations and/or misrepresentations.

1 Nephi 13:28 28 Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. (See also verses 26, 29, 40)

Look for and find the gems. Be thankful for them, and allow them to enhance and build your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. Learn to testify of Him.

 

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