Many religions are all about philosophies—systems of thought about life’s purpose and conduct. But what proof is there in ideas? A philosophy may seem to work for some people, but who is to say it is rooted in reality?
Who is to say God is pleased or that the idea has eternal value? Our Creator knew our need for certainty. His dealings with humanity, though spiritual in purpose, are firmly rooted in recorded events and generations of real people. That is why the first books of the Old Testament and the first books of the New Testament begin with foundational history.
The Old Testament begins with origins: the creation, early humanity, God’s choice of Abraham and his family, and how his descendants became God’s special nation. Named “Israel” after Abraham’s grandson, it was composed of 12 tribes named after Israel’s sons. God lays this initial groundwork in the five books of Moses, also called the Torah (the Law) or Pentateuch (the Five Books). These five are Genesis (about origins), Exodus (exit from slavery, receiving God’s laws), Leviticus (priestly laws), Numbers (God’s people counted), and Deuteronomy (God’s law and events reviewed).
Based on that background, the next books recount Israel’s establishment and subsequent struggles. Joshua, named after Moses’ successor, shows how Israel receives its new land—Canaan or Palestine—by obeying God. Judges, meaning special leaders, shows Israel’s fickleness: calling to God when they were in need, then forgetting Him after He helped them. 1 Samuel is named after the last of the judges. It shows how Israelites chose to be ruled by a king. Their first king began well but became proud and failed. So, God “sought out a man after His own heart”—David—to be the future king (1 Samuel 13:14). Through many trials, David remained faithful. 2 Samuel tells of King David’s successful wars, his sin and repentance, and his preparations for a temple. Through Samuel, God promised the everlasting kingdom through David’s family line. 1 Kings describes David’s son Solomon, his fabulous reign and the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. In old age, Solomon left God, which led to the kingdom dividing. His sons ruled the south, called Judah. A series of bad kings led the northern ten tribes— collectively called Israel or Ephraim—away from God. They pursued false gods despite God’s powers displayed by Elijah and then Elisha. 2 Kings recounts the northern kingdom’s last 130 years of moral decay. God used the Assyrians to defeat and scatter Israel. Also, 2 Kings reports on the southern kingdom’s last 250 years. God used Babylon to destroy sinful Judah, with its temple. The Babylonians carried Jewish survivors into captivity. 1 and 2 Chronicles retell the histories of David, Solomon and the kings of Judah, apparently giving details and lessons needed by those returning from captivity.