Genesis lays the groundwork for everything else we read and experience in Scripture. Through Genesis we understand where we came from, how we got in the fallen state we are in, and the beginnings of God’s gracious work on our behalf. Genesis unfolds God’s original purpose for humanity. Genesis provides the foundation from which we understand God’s covenant with Israel that was established with the giving of the law. For the Israelite community, the stories of the origins of humanity, sin, and the covenant relationship with God helped them understand why God gave them the law.
EXODUS, BOOK OF The story of God’s miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Records the Israelites’ journey to Mount Sinai, where they agree to become God’s covenant people and begin to learn how to worship and obey Him.
The book of Leviticus continues where Exodus left off. Israel is at Mount Sinai and Yahweh’s presence has entered the tabernacle (Exod 40:34–38). Leviticus begins with Yahweh instructing Moses on the procedures for sacrifices and offerings that he is to pass on to the people of Israel. The biblical law given to Israel at Sinai encompasses Exod 20:1–Num 9:14, including the entire book of Leviticus.
Numbers is the gradual fulfillment of the promises to Abraham that his descendants would be the people of God and occupy the land of Canaan. The book shows the reality of God’s presence with Israel in the cloud of fire over the tabernacle, but the repeated displays of unbelief by Israel delay the entry into Canaan and cost many lives. Nevertheless, by the end of the book, Israel is poised to enter the land.
Deuteronomy, the last installment of Moses’ biography, contains his last three sermons and two prophetic poems about Israel’s future. Reflecting on the nation’s past mistakes, he urges the people not to repeat those mistakes when entering the Promised Land. Israel’s entry fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs, but if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.
(In the Book of Joshua). Joshua became the leader after Moses died. Joshua led the people in battle and conquered the land that God promised His people(Joshua 1:1-9)
(In the Book of 1st Samuel). God's people began to look at other nations and saw that they had kings. Instead of setting an example for the other nations, they decided to follow in the footstep of the other kingdoms around them. Israel didn't understand that God was their king, but they wanted an earthly king to lead them. So, God decided to give them what they wanted. Instead of allowing God to choose a king for them, they decided that they wanted to select their king (1 Samuel 8).
(In the Book of 1st Samuel & 2nd Samuel). God selected David as the next king.
(In the Book of 1st Kings). David's son, Solomon, became king, but he didn't keep God's covenant. God told Soloman that He was going to tear the kingdom away from him and give it to one of his subordinates (1 King 11:11)
(In the Book of 1st Kings). When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king. Jeroboam asked Rehoboam to " lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subject (1 Kings 12:4 NLT). Rehoboam listened to the advice of his peers and made their burden heavier.
(In the Book of 1st Kings). The kingdom was split because of Rehoboam's decision. Ten tribes: went to the North- the Northern Kingdom is known as Israel. Two tribes: went to the South-the Southern Kingdom is, known as Judah.
(In the Book of 1st Kings & 2nd Kings). Nineteen kings reigned in the North (All of them were evil). The nation of Israel began to backslide, and God sent prophets: Elisah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea: to expose their sinful practices, warn them of coming judgment, and call them to repentance. Israel refused to listen, so God allowed the Assyrians to take their land and scatter HIS people (722 BC).
(In the Book of 1st Kings & 2nd Kings). Twenty kings reigned in the South (some were good, but most were evil). Eventually, the good ones turned away from God too. The Tribe of Judah began to backslide, and God sent prophets: Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah: to expose their sinful practices, warn them of coming judgment, and call them to repentance. The Tribe of Judah didn't listen, so God allowed the Babylonians to capture them (2nd Kings 24:14), and they were in exile (586 BC). God sent prophets: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel to speak to His people while they were in captivity (70 years).
The Persians defeated the Babylonians. The Persia King allowed the Jews to return to their homeland in Jerusalem. However, many did not want to return to Jerusalem because they were used to living in another culture (70 years). However, some of the Jews wanted to return to their heritage. So, only a tiny amount returned to their homeland.
Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were the leaders that led the rebuilding of the Temple.
Finally, the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were the final prophet sent by God to keep them straight. However, the people went back to their old ways: disobeying God.
