Deuteronomy

The Book of Deuteronomy is of law genre. Moses retells of what God has done for the Israelites. Moses starts by giving the historical account of the appointment of Moses as the leader. Moses recounts the rebellion and distrust on the journey to the Promised Land. Moses reiterates the wanderings of the desert and how the Israelites defeated several city-states. Moses restates the dividing of the land. Moses retells the Ten Commandments. Moses then tells the Israelites how to love the Lord as their God, and not worship other Gods. Moses gives instruction on clean and unclean food, tithes and feasts. In retelling this, Moses is retelling how the Israelites will have relationships with each other and with God. Also by retelling this, Moses is addressing future generations. Joshua was commissioned as Moses successor. Moses recites a song in closing to those assembled Israelites. At the end of the Book of Deuteronomy, we learn about Moses’ death.

Joshua

The Book of Joshua is a narrative about Joshua conquering the Promised Land through God’s commands. Jericho was the first conquest after crossing the Jordan River. Rahab, a Canaanite, helped two Israelite spies escape. For her loyalty, the Israelites spared her family. Ai was next, although the first battle was lost. Ai’s first battle was lost due to Achan’s sin. After Ai was destroyed, Joshua renewed the Covenant of Moses. Joshua went on to defeat the different kings of the land. After the Promised Land was conquered, the land was divided among the tribes. Joshua then gathered the leaders and reminded them to follow the Book of the Law of Moses. He was saying his good-bye. Then he gathered the leaders at Shechem so that God could speak through Joshua. God reminded the leaders, elders, judges and officials of how He fulfilled the Covenant of Abraham

1 Kings

The Book of 1 Kings is a historical narrative. David’s fourth son, Adonijah, tried to set himself up as king. Nathan, the prophet, warned Bathsheba who then warned David. Solomon is made king by David. Solomon prays and receives wisdom, insight and understanding from God. Solomon built a temple and a palace. The Ark was brought to the temple after the temple was completed. Solomon’s dedication of the Ark included prayers and many offerings. God gave Solomon a warning of what would happen if he or his sons turned from God. After Solomon’s death, his son, Rehoboam became king. Israel rebelled against Rehoboam. Jeroboam, who rebelled against Solomon in earlier times, took over the Northern Kingdom. Many kings ruled Israel. During Ahab’s reign, God sent the prophet Elijah to pronounce that rain will come. But, the Israelites still