Life Ministry Institute Study Manual
for History of Ancient Israel
This study manual is edited, by permission, from materials developed by Life Pacific College for their Independent Study History of Ancient Israel Course. If you are interested in taking a course for academic credit or pursuing a degree through Life Pacific College, contact the Distance Learning Department at Life Pacific College.
Life Pacific College
Distance Learning Department
1100 Covina Blvd.
San Dimas, CA 91773
877-851-0900
History of Ancient Israel
First Edition 1979
Revised 1993, 2002, 2008
Copyright 2015 edition by Life Ministry Institute
Edited by Frank Greer, with permission of Life Pacific College
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Inquiries should be addressed to:
Life Ministry Institute
34800 21st Avenue SW
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 838-6321 ext. 273
History of Ancient Israel GENERAL INFORMATIONWelcome to the General Information section for History of Ancient Israel.
Course DescriptionAn analytical survey of the dynamics of Hebrew national history from Joshua to Nehemiah. This course covers the material in the books of Joshua through Esther. Notable biblical characters are highlighted and special emphasis is given to the typology of Jesus Christ.
This course is designed to fulfill the college’s mission by developing knowledge and understanding in the student by building an overview of the Bible that will serve as a foundation for character, ministry, and leadership development.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be aided in accomplishing the following course objectives:
◘ identify the primary biblical characters in the historical books (This will be measured through exams 1-4);
◘ recall the significant biblical events occurring within the historical books (This will be measured through exams 1-4);
◘ describe how God and humanity are portrayed in the historical books as well as the nature of God’s dealings with his people (This will be measured through exams 1-4 and the three narrative studies);
◘ exegete Old Testament historical narratives by identifying their historical-cultural background, analyzing their literary discourse, and identifying theological themes (This will be measured through the three narrative studies);
◘ employ basic principles of narrative criticism and social-scientific analysis (This will be measured through the three narrative studies);
◘ apply truths discovered in the historical books to your life and ministry (narrative studies & action project); and
◘ apply the characteristics of a godly leader to your life (This will be measured through the action project).
Course Resources
Textbooks:
Howard, David M.An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007.
History of Ancient Israel Study Manual. LMI Edition. Federal Way, 2015
This study manual consists of 3 sections:
General Information (Section 1) - to guide you in your approach to the subject matter.
Study Guides (Section 2) – to guide your reading of the Bible and suggested textbooks by highlighting important issues and information.
Study Guide #1 covers the introduction and Joshua
Study Guide #2 covers Judges through 2 Samuel
Study Guide #3 covers I Kings through 2 Chronicles
Study Guide #4 covers Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
Learning Activities (Section 3) – to help you master the learning objectives.
1) A study of three outstanding leaders in Hebrew History.
2) A spiritual dossier on a biblical personality.
COURSE BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic, 1981
Atkinson, David. The Message of Ruth – The Wings of Refuge. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1983.
Baldwin, Joyce G. I and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.
Barber, Cyril J. A Narrative of God’s Power Judges. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeauz Brothers, 1990.
Barnes, William Hamilton. Studies in the Chronology of the Divided Monarchy of Israel. Atlanta, Georgia: Scholars Press, 1991.
Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on the Book of Joshua. Grand Rapids, Michigan: WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1983.
Braun, Roddy L. 1 Chronicles. WBC 14. Waco, Texas: Word, 1986
Bright John. A History of Israel, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Westminster Press, 1981.
---- The Kingdom of God: The Biblical Concept and Its Meaning for the Church. Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1981.
Brisco, Thomas V. Holman Bible Atlas. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998
Bromiley, G.W. ed. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Rev. ed. 4 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979-88
Bruce, F. F. Abraham and David: Places They Knew. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1984.
Clines, David J. A. The Esther Scroll: The Story of the Story. England: JSOT Press, 1984.
Coggins, R. J. Introducing the Old Testament. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.
Davies, Philip R. In Search of ‘Ancient Israel’. England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1995.
Davis, Dale Ralph. No Falling Words – Exposition of the Book of Joshua. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1998.
Davis, John J. Conquest and Crisis Studies in Joshua, Judges and Ruth. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1969.
---- The Birth of a Kingdom Studies in I and II Samuel and I Kings 1-11. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1970.
Dolan, David. Holy War for the Promised Land: Israel’s Struggle to Survive. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991.
Enns, Paul P. Judges. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982.
Flanders, Henry Jackson Jr. People of the Covenant: An Introduction to the Old Testament. New York: Oxford University, 1988.
Foster, Raymond S. The Restoration of Israel: A Study in Exile and Return. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 1970.
Freedman, David N. ed. Anchor Bible Dictionary. 6 vols. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1992.
Hawk, L. Daniel. Every Promise Fulfilled – Contesting Plots in Joshua. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1991.
Heading, John. Understanding 1 and 2 Chronicles: The House of God and Its Service. Kansas City, Kansas: Walterick Publishers, 1980.
Hubbard, Robert L. Jr. The Book of Ruth. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988.
Jacobs, Donald. From Rubble to Rejoicing: A Study in Effective Christian Leadership Based on Nehemiah. Pasadena, California: William Carey Library, 1991.
Jenkins, Simon. Bible Mapbook. Sydney: A Lion Book, 1985.
Longman, Tremper, III. Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987.
Mayes, A.D.H. The Story of Israel Between Settlement and Exile. London: SCM Press LTD, 1983.
Miller, J. Maxwell and Hayes, John H. A History of Ancient Israel and Judah. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Westminster Press, 1986.
Nelson, Richard D. Joshua: A Commentary. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997.
Nielsen, Kristen. Ruth: A Commentary. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997.
Packer, J.I. A Passion for Faithfulness: Wisdom from the Book of Nehemiah. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1995.
Powell, Ivor. David: His Life and Times: A Biographical Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1990.
Rice, Gene. Nations Under God: A Commentary on the Book of I Kings. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1990.
Roehrs, Walter R. Survey of Covenant History – A Historical Overview of the Old Testament. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1989.
Thiele, Edwin R. A Chronology of the Hebrew Kings. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1977.
Throntveit, Mark A. Ezra-Nehemiah. Louisville, Kentucky: John Knox Press, 1989.
Wilcock, Michael. The Message of Chronicles: One Church, One Faith, One Lord. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1987.
Wilcock, Michael. The Message of Judges: Grace Abounding. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1992.
Wiseman, Donald J., I and 2 Kings: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1993.
Wood, Leon. A Survey of Israel’s History. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1979.
Wright, Christopher J. H. God’s People in God’s Land: Family, Land and Property in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990.
Yee, Gale A. Judges and Method Approaches in Biblical Studies. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1995.
History of Ancient Israel General Information {1}History of Ancient Israel GENERAL INFORMATION
History of Ancient Israel General Information {1}
History of Ancient Israel STUDY GUIDE 1
Acts STUDY GUIDE 2
Study Guide 1 | History of Ancient Israel-Intro to the Historical Books and The Book of Joshua
Follow the instructions carefully, completing each section in correlation with the reading of the textbook pages listed. The wording for the questions taken from the Bible is based upon the New International Version. You should not encounter any difficulty if you are using another version, but paraphrases are not recommended.
About Study Guide 1
This study guide focuses on the first two chapters of An Introduction to the Historical Books by David M. Howard and the book of Joshua in the Bible. The first chapter is an introduction to historical narrative that covers the nature of history and historical narrative as literature. The second chapter explores the context and theology of the book of Joshua.
By completing these study guides you will be aided in accomplishing the following course objectives:
◘Identify the primary biblical characters in the historical books;
◘describe the significant biblical events occurring within the historical books; and
◘describe how God and humanity are portrayed in the historical books as well as the nature of God’s dealings with his people.
Questions| Study Guide 1
Read pp. 23-47 of An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books
1.What is prose?
2.How is poetry defined?
3.What is the purpose of historical narrative in the Bible?
4.What are the three sources used for history writing? Describe each. Which is most important?
5.Why is the modern focus on the events, or happenings, of history important?
6.Given that the intent of the historical writings is to provide an accurate account of the history of God’s people what happens if their historical accuracy is compromised?
For further thought:
7.What are your thoughts on the importance of the historicity of the events described in the Bible? Did they change any after reading this last section?
8.What are the 7 features that help one distinguish between poetry and prose?
Read pp. 48-65 of An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books
Give a description for each of the characteristics of historical narrative listed below: (pages 48-53)
9.Historical
10.Artistic
11.Entertaining
12.Anthological
13.Selective
14.Unified
15.Realistic
16.Romantic
17.Revelatory
18.Response evoking
19.Theological
For further thought:
20.Which of the preceding characteristics of historical narrative do you think are most important to consider during interpretation? Why?
21.What are the three external elements of historical narrative? Describe each.
22.What are the three internal elements of historical narrative? Describe each.
23.The interpretive task is not complete until what is done to narrative texts?
Read pp. 66-85 of An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books
24.Which formula repeated in the book of Joshua can be instructive in indicating a date for the book, or at least parts of it?
25.What is the purpose of God’s activity in the book of Joshua?
26.What are the three major models that explain the nature of Israel’s entrance into Canaan in the book? Briefly describe each.
27.Which one is the traditional biblical model?
28.What is at the root of both alternative models?
29.Which documents dating to the fourteenth century B.C. portray fairly chaotic condition throughout Canaan?
Read pp. 85-102 of An Introduction to the Historical Books
30.According to the author, what does the book of Joshua have in common with the book of Deuteronomy?
31.How does Joshua build upon the Pentateuch?
32.What two reasons were given for the destruction of the Canaanites?
33.How does the author respond to the difficulties with each of the interpretations of Joshua’s long day?
Read pp. 103-112 of An Introduction to the Historical Books
34.What is the major theme in the book of Joshua?
35.What is the importance of chapters 13-21?
36.What important concept, especially found in Deuteronomy, is carried over into Joshua?
37.What are the two different aspects of rest presented in the book?
38.What, typologically, does the New Testament equate the Old Testament concept of rest with?
39.The prominent theme of the covenant is better understood as what?
40.What is the essence of holiness (qados) in the Old Testament?
41.What are the three ceremonies that show the importance of ritual purity?
42.What is herem?
43.When considering herem, what is the special emphasis at the time of Joshua?
44.What is the most visible story of Israel failing to obey the command to utterly destroy things under the ban?
Read Joshua 1-13
45.What are the two promises that were given to Moses are now given to Joshua?
46.What are the results of not departing from the Book of the Law?
47.What exhortation is given to Joshua by the Lord twice and by the people of Israel once in Chapter 1?
48.Why did Rahab hide the spies from the king of Jericho?
49.How does Joshua let the people of Israel know that the living God is with them and that He will drive out the people living in the land promised to them?
50.What two reasons are given for why the Lord dried up the water until the people crossed over?
For further thought:
51.Why did the Lord stop providing the manna from heaven for the Israelites once they entered the promised land?
52.What happened to all of the Amorites and the Canaanites when they heard about how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River and the Israelites had crossed over?
53.Why did Joshua have to circumcise the Israelites once they had crossed over the Jordan?
54.Who was it that gave Joshua the battle plan to take the city of Jericho?
For further thought:
55.What does the phrase “and she lives among the Israelites to this day” in chapter 6 verse 25 say about the writing of the book of Joshua?
56.What is the purpose given for not taking the “devoted things” from the city of Jericho?
57.What happened to the Israelites the first time they tried to attack Ai? Why did this happen?
58.What did the Lord say to Joshua before the second attack on Ai?
59.What did Joshua read to the whole assembly of Israel at the altar at Mount Ebal?
60.What did the men of Israel fail to do before Joshua made a treaty of peace with the Gibeonites?
61.What did Joshua say to the Israelites before he killed the 5 Amorite kings?
62.What did Joshua do after he took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses?
63.Which of the tribes received no land as their inheritance in Chapter 13?
64.What did the Levites receive as their inheritance?
Read Joshua 14-24
65.Why did the Lord grant Caleb Hebron as his inheritance?
66.Which group was Judah unable to dislodge from Jerusalem?
67.How does Joshua respond to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh when they request extra land beyond what they were given?
68.The Israelites are finished dividing the land when who receives his own town in the hill country of Ephraim?
69.The cities of refuge are set up for what purpose?
70.How long is one who flees to a city of refuge to remain there?
71.What did the Lord give to Israel “on every side” after the Israelites had taken possession of the land?
72.What warning does Joshua give the tribes of Rueben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh?
73.Why did the tribes of Rueben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh build the altar by the river Jordan?
For further thought:
74.What does the response of the other tribes say about the seriousness of building the altar?
75.Read Amos 4:4 & 5:5. What ultimately becomes of the altar built at Geliloth (Gilgal)?
76.What is the name given to the altar that was built on the banks of the Jordon River?
77.What two commands are given in chapter 23 that are also given in chapter 1?
78.What is it that the Israelites know with all their heat and soul?
For further thought:
79.Whydo you think that Joshua listed all that the Lord has done for the Israelites?
80.What two charges does Joshua give the people of Israel?
For further thought:
81.Why do you think the command to not fear, to be strong, and to obey the Book of the Law is repeated so often in the book of Joshua?
82.How does Joshua respond when the people choose to follow the Lord?
83.What characteristics of God does Joshua give to support his response?
84.How do the people respond to Joshua after he says that they are not able to follow the Lord?
You have now completed Study Guide # 1
History of Ancient IsraelStudy Guide 1 {1}History of Ancient Israel STUDY GUIDE 2