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2nd Samuel

The Book of 2 Samuel picks up where 1 Samuel left off, the themes of humility and pride continue as David mourns for the loss of Saul and Jonathan. His faithfulness to God ushers in a united Israel that finally defeats the surrounding Philistines and establishes a kingdom in the land. David captures Jerusalem and claims the city as its capital. Peace is achieved around all of its borders. Instead of hiding in caves, David can finally rest in a cedar palace. And yet, all he thinks about is building a house for his God, so he expresses his desire to do that for Him. Touched by his faith, God makes a covenant with David in return: Jesus Christ, the Messiah, will Himself come from David's house of descendants. And, despite David's failures, God ensures that promise remains even after his death.

Joshua

The Book of Joshua picks up right after Moses dies and shows how God had been faithful to the covenant he made with Abraham by bringing them into the land. It recounts the battles and barriers the Israelites experience in entering of the Promised Land. God is faithful, and while not all the territory is conquered, the Israelites have safely settled in the land promised to Abraham. Near the end of the book, Joshua calls on Israel to remember the covenant it made with God. Like with Moses in Deuteronomy, Israel is reminded of the choice it must make – be faithful and obey leading to life and blessing or prove unfaithful leading to all the judgments that befell the Canaanites.

Judges

The book of Judges tells the story of Israel's total failure after the death of Joshua. Judges were tribal chieftains, and their story can be quite disturbing. It serves as a tragic tale of how Israel's leaders became increasingly corrupt and no better than the Canaanite tribes they had overthrown. Though sad, this is also a story of hope for the future.

Ruth

This is not simply a love story. It's a story about God and how he restores those who look to him with hope. It's about God's covenant faithfulness and it contributes to the overall covenant storyline that unifies the entire Bible. The author has gone to great care to honor Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz through the development of their characters in the story. They are character studies of how God works in mundane, everyday events in the lives of his people (and what human covenant faithfulness looks like in return).