Chronicles was written as an inspirational document to encourage and inform the returning exiles from Babylon, to their homeland of Israel. It was written from the viewpoint of a 'Priest', and includes genealogies and lists of those who led worship during the time of David and Solomon. A displaced people are now going home and the Chronicler gives them the means to know how to re-establish worship in Jerusalem. All this is made possible by the official decree of king Cyrus, who encourages Israel to return home and rebuild their temple. 

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From the heights of being a dominant empire to the depths of captivity and slavery, the book of Kings begins with the grandeur and wisdom of Solomon, but ends with the demise of a once powerful nation. The books of 1st & 2nd Kings cover a period of approx 400 years and traces the lives of the various kings who ruled Israel during this period. The 'Golden Era' ends, and Israel is removed from the Promised Land they once inhabited and prospered in. God uses the Assyrians and the Babylonians as his instruments to chastise and bring judgement on his people. The curtain now falls and God waits 70 years before he brings his people back to their homeland and once again restores their national identity and fortunes.

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From turbulence to stability, the book of Samuel records the transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the Monarchy. Three main characters stand out, Samuel, Saul and David. A dramatic shift now takes place in the leadership of Israel. During the time of the Judges, God raised up local leaders to lead and deliver in their local areas, but now three leaders emerge who steer Israel to the establishment of a national king and a central government. The prophet Samuel initiates the process and anoints Saul, but he turns out to be a man pleaser. Eventually David comes to the throne and his character is described as being, 'A man after God's own heart'. During his reign all the tribes of Israel are unified as one nation under God and Israel becomes an influential 'Empire' within the region of the Middle East. 

With no king or figurehead, the book of Judges records the lives and achievements of the men and women God raised up to defend Israel against her enemies. Through daring acts of faith, weak and vulnerable people, were transformed into courageous leaders, when the Spirit of God came upon them. Samson, Deborah and Gideon were ordinary people until God raised them up. One phrase is repeated several times, "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit". Without a godly leader the nation of Israel perpetuated a cycle of disobedience followed by repentance and revival. The book ends, by indicating Israel would keep floundering until a national leader was established.

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Joshua Israel's military commander mobilises the people to cross the Jordan and take possession of the land they had failed to do forty years previously. A sequence of supernatural events take place as they commence the conquest of Canaan. First the River Jordan stops flowing, secondly  an angelic commander appears to Joshua and thirdly the walls of Jericho collapse right in front of their eyes. Entering the land at its centre, Joshua first turns south and conquers Canaan in what is known as the Southern Campaign, then he turns north and successfully executes his Northern Campaign. Having secured the territory initially, Joshua proceeds to divide the land among the twelve tribes before his death at the age of 110.

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A new generation is ready to enter the land of Canaan and Moses now gives the Children of Israel a second reading of the law. Gods Covenant and its obligations are presented within the context of a Suzerain Treaty, a well known format in its day. They are soon to cross the Jordan River without Moses and he does everything in his power to instruct the nation and help them avoid the failure of their parents, forty years before. The era of Moses now comes to an end and he dies after viewing Canaan from Mount Nebo. Joshua becomes leader and a new era of warfare begins as Gods people finally move towards their promised inheritance. 

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Numbers records Gods dealings with Israel, even though their attitude was one of grumbling. Complaining can sometimes cause blessings to skip over our lives and rob us of joy and peace. Even leaders are not perfect and Numbers makes reference to the failings of Moses, Aaron and Miriam. The book records a census both at the beginning and at the end of Israel's forty years in the wilderness. It also gives details of the battles fought and records the different stages in their journey from Egypt to the boundary of Canaan. The Apostle Paul said that Numbers was written as a warning for us.

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Leviticus talks about mans approach to God and the dedication of his people. God made a covenant with Israel to protect and bless them and in return God expected them to show their thankfulness through a series of Gratitude and Guilt offerings. Leviticus was Israel's handbook how to worship God and live in righteousness.

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