A Layman’S Commentary Volume 2: Volume 2—Books of History

Copyright © 2013 John Devine

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Balboa Press rev. date: 12/11/2013

CONTENTS

Joshua – The LORD is my Salvation

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel – ‘asked of God’

2 Samuel – ‘asked of God’

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra - ‘helps’

Nehemiah

Esther

Chronology of Judges, Kings and Prophets

Books of the Bible

Books of History

Twelve Books record the history of Israel as a nation – the rise and the fall. Nine cover the period from the entry into the Promised Land through the rule of judges and the line of kings to the exile in Babylon from 1406 to 586 BC a duration of some 820 years. The highlight was the reign of David the great king of Israel and the promise of God to establish through Jesus an everlasting kingdom for all nations. The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David – his kingdom will never end Lk 1:32,33.

The last three Books record the return of a remnant from the exile.

Joshua – The LORD is my Salvation

Introduction – The people of Israel had been prepared by bondage in Egypt over some 150 years and training in the wilderness for forty years. They had the instructions from God for building the new nation and were now set to enter the Promised Land of Canaan.

Joshua was born in slavery. At the time of the Exodus he was age 40 and led the Israelites in their first battle against Amalek 14:7: Ex 17:13. As aide to Moses he went onto Mt Sinai with him to receive the Ten Commandments Ex 24:13. After commissioning of the Tabernacle he accompanied Moses in the encounters with God and lingered in the Presence Ex 33:11.

A leader of the tribe of Ephraim Num 13:8; 14:6-9 he was one of the twelve spies sent to explore the new land and with Caleb brought back a positive report. These were the only two granted entry into the new land Num 14:30.

At 80 years of age he was appointed by God to succeed Moses to lead the people in the conquest of Canaan Num 27:18. He was a man in whom the Spirit of God dwelt Nu 27:18; Deu 34:9.

Author – Joshua, who became successor to Moses.

Period – Covers the entry, conquest and occupation of Canaan during the last thirty years of Joshua’s life from around 1406 to 1376 BC.

The ‘Israel’ Stele from Egypt declaring the victory of Pharaoh Merneptah 1213-1203 BC, aging son of Ramses II over the inhabitants of Canaan in the 13th century identifies Israel as one of the defeated nations and confirms them as having been settled there at that time.

Theme - Conquest of the Promised Land The Book of Joshua is a high point in the history of Israel. Under his leadership the people were faithful and saw God’s promise to Abraham some 500 years earlier fulfilled Gen 12:1. They had risen from a small nomadic family under Abraham to become a nation possessing the Promised Land.

The record is one of success as Joshua faithfully motivated the people to be true to the conditions of the Covenant established by God with Moses and he led them to enter their inheritance.

This Book of the Law Joshua left the people with a warning that their continued success would depend on their commitment to God and his ways 1:8,9. This is true today for the personal life of the believer, for society and for the nation. When we compromise our values, standards and beliefs we suffer.

Remove the offense The judgment on the inhabitants of Canaan was due to their evil practices Lev 18:21-23; Deu 12:29-32. God sets the standard in the heart and gives opportunity to repent but his justice is sure. Israel was warned that they would experience the same judgment if they failed to honor God 23:11-13; Gen 15:16; Nu 33:50-56.

THE FIRST INSTRUCTIONS TO JOSHUA

1:1 The LORD said to Joshua When Israel received the Covenant on Mt Sinai they became a Theocracy - they acknowledged God as their King. The leader acted on behalf of God. This demonstrated God’s intention for involvement with his people. Moses fulfilled the role of leader and Joshua now took his place. He received his first instructions from the King.

1:2,3 I will give you every place where you set your foot Joshua was given command of Israel to lead them to conquer the land promised to Abraham and his descendants Gen 15:7. We are to extend the kingdom of God by witnessing for Jesus, our King. God promises to lead us and give us victory Mt 28:18-20.

1:4 The extent of the land The land possessed under Joshua extended from Beersheba in the Negeb wilderness in the south to Dan in the north bordering on Damascus and Mt Hebron 1Sam 3:20. It stretched from the shore of the Mediterranean Sea across the Jordan River to the Arabian Desert in the east Gen 15:18-21. It was extended under David and Solomon to the Persian Gulf in the south and to the Euphrates River in the north 2Chr 9:26.

1:5-7 I will never leave you nor forsake you Moses was dead - Joshua now faced the walled city of Jericho and the land beyond. Obedience and courage were required for success - including faith in God’s promises. God’s promise to be with Joshua is ours as well through Jesus Mt 28:20.

GUIDELINES FOR LIFE

1:8,9 Importance of God’s Word The Book of the Law as compiled by Moses was the guide for the new nation of Israel Deu 31:24-26 (Genesis to Deuteronomy). The Bible including the Book of the Law is the source of guidance and power for the believer’s life now - personally and as a nation.

Joshua was a military commander - yet the basis for successful living is the same for all walks of life. We are told to read God’s Word daily and apply it, to memorize it and meditate on it. We are to fashion our lives on it – if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you Jn 15:7

•   Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth This means we should not only read it regularly but study it to see how to apply it in our daily living. God speaks to us through his Word. As he inspired the writers and people of old he will use it to teach, rebuke, correct and train us so that we also will be ready for every good work 2Tim 3:16

•   meditate on it day and night We can only meditate on God’s Word as we read it regularly and commit it to memory. The Holy Spirit then reminds us of God’s promises. He also brings us new and fresh understanding

•   so that you may be careful to do everything written in it The purpose of reading and studying the Word is not just to become knowledgeable but to apply God’s instructions in our lives. It is by appropriating God’s promises that we obtain victory in our personal lives and in our service.

•   Then you will be prosperous and successful v8 Success in all areas of life comes from commitment to God and his Word. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you Mt 6:33. This means all the things we need to live as well as the provision and power to serve him in the kingdom

•   Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous v9 It is important to come to an understanding with the LORD as to what he wants you to do. Many set out on a task or ministry without a firm conviction about their calling. It is only when we are fully convinced of our task that we can persevere through all situations and achieve our goal 2Cor 4:16-18; Heb 10:39

•   Do not be terrified or discouraged There is no need for apprehension or concern when you know that the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go v9; Is 43:1-7. We have the same promise from Jesus that removes anxiety as we learn to live for him – do not worry about your life – your heavenly Father knows that you need them Mt 6:23,32

1:10-18 Joshua gave God’s commands to the people through the officials and they embraced them enthusiastically. Those who had received their