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Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament #3
The Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books
“Your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) What kind of king and what kind of kingdom are we asking for when we pray this prayer Jesus taught us to pray? A study of the Old Testament Historical Books―Joshua through Esther―enables us to see the kingdom of God not only as it once was, but also as it is now, and as it will be one day. Over ten weeks of guided study, relevant teaching, and group discussion, seasoned Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie traces the history of the people of God from the time they entered the Promised Land through a series of failed kings, exile, and finally their return to await the true King. Readers will see Jesus Gain a fresh perspective on Israel’s history and God’s kingdom, a broader understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture, and much more when you join with Nancy on this incredible journey to see Jesus in the Old Testament! Part of the Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament series. *A leader’s guide is available as a free download at SeeingJesusInTheOldTestament.com and a supplemental DVD of Nancy’s teaching is also available for purchase.
on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) What kind of king and what kind of kingdom are we asking for when we pray this prayer Jesus taught us to pray? A study of the Old Testament Historical Books―Joshua through Esther―enables us to see the kingdom of God not only as it once was, but also as it is now, and as it will be one day. Over ten weeks of guided study, relevant teaching, and group discussion, seasoned Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie traces the history of the people of God from the time they entered the Promised Land through a series of failed kings, exile, and finally their return to await the true King. Readers will see Jesus Gain a fresh perspective on Israel’s history and God’s kingdom, a broader understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture, and much more when you join with Nancy on this incredible journey to see Jesus in the Old Testament! Part of the Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament series. *A leader’s guide is available as a free download at SeeingJesusInTheOldTestament.com and a supplemental DVD of Nancy’s teaching is also available for purchase.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
51 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Guthrie
80 books565 followersNancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including through her Biblical Theology Workshops for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of child and are co-hosts of the GriefShare video series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 25, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up (I rated each chapter and this was the average)
I've been enjoying working my way through this series as I've been reading through the Bible! The lens of reading the OT through Christ is interesting and I've gleaned good insights from Guthrie. That being said, this is not the strongest entry in the series (the Pentateuch study has been by far the best of what ive read so far)
The Joshua section wasn't very strong compared to the other studies in this series so far. Good info, but felt repetitive. Was taken aback by the idea of imagining Hesus reading the Book or Joshua as a child, when He would have already been familiar with the Scripture/history Himself being the Word of God (which Guthrie knows, so the wording was an odd choice)
The Judges section focused mostly on the first two chapters, but overall was very clear that the need for a Savior throughout the Book is pointing to Jesus. Within the context of this study, it felt obvious but also repetitive within this section.
The chapter on Ruth was excellent!
1 Sam was as expected with the parallels between David and Christ. I did appreciate the concept of looking at ourselves not as David but as the Israelites- not new to me, but less mentioned/discussed in commentary or study resources. 2 Sam was also as expected, focused on Messianic prophecy
1 Kings focused only on Solomon and lacked depth.
2 Kings combined 1 and 2 Kings and was stronger than prior chapter, adding detail I was hoping would be included. It had a good summary of the history to understand context and focused on Jesus being part of the lineage of wicked kings-speaking to grace.
Ezra/Nehemiah had good summaries but not much depth and the connections to Jesus/NT could have been developed more
Esther was a good summary, but the connection to Jesus and the NT could have been developed more
Format: Book, owned physical
Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 21 of 2025
I've been enjoying working my way through this series as I've been reading through the Bible! The lens of reading the OT through Christ is interesting and I've gleaned good insights from Guthrie. That being said, this is not the strongest entry in the series (the Pentateuch study has been by far the best of what ive read so far)
The Joshua section wasn't very strong compared to the other studies in this series so far. Good info, but felt repetitive. Was taken aback by the idea of imagining Hesus reading the Book or Joshua as a child, when He would have already been familiar with the Scripture/history Himself being the Word of God (which Guthrie knows, so the wording was an odd choice)
The Judges section focused mostly on the first two chapters, but overall was very clear that the need for a Savior throughout the Book is pointing to Jesus. Within the context of this study, it felt obvious but also repetitive within this section.
The chapter on Ruth was excellent!
1 Sam was as expected with the parallels between David and Christ. I did appreciate the concept of looking at ourselves not as David but as the Israelites- not new to me, but less mentioned/discussed in commentary or study resources. 2 Sam was also as expected, focused on Messianic prophecy
1 Kings focused only on Solomon and lacked depth.
2 Kings combined 1 and 2 Kings and was stronger than prior chapter, adding detail I was hoping would be included. It had a good summary of the history to understand context and focused on Jesus being part of the lineage of wicked kings-speaking to grace.
Ezra/Nehemiah had good summaries but not much depth and the connections to Jesus/NT could have been developed more
Esther was a good summary, but the connection to Jesus and the NT could have been developed more
Format: Book, owned physical
Rating: 3.5 stars
Book 21 of 2025
February 7, 2021
I will be perfectly honest: I have just never "gotten" David. It's like my friend who says he doesn't like mushrooms: "I know I'm wrong. But I just don't." David's a hero in some ways, a villain in others, a warrior, a songwriter, a shepherd, a type of Christ, and a major figure mentioned all throughout Scripture, but I don't understand what to DO with him: admire him? be repelled by him? What does "man after God's own heart" mean? What's the big deal about this dude?
So after being completely enthralled by Guthrie's The Promised One a few years ago, I was excited to pick this up and understand more of the pieces I was missing. This is Guthrie's Bible study on the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. A huge swathe of Scripture! All with the goal of finding those compelling hints, prophecies, and tensions that speak of our need for a better hero, a better shepherd, a better king.
Well, goal achieved: I feel like I have a much more solid handle on the import of these books in the wider biblical narrative, and my brain has more profitable paths through which to process David. He is important like Abraham is important: an imperfect man to whom God reveals another big thread of the tapestry He is weaving. Now I appreciate so much more why Jesus being called the Son of David was such a big deal. And I got so much else out of the book, too: a better understanding of the catalogue of Kings in...well, 1 and 2 Kings, a VERY helpful explanation of some of the motivations at play in Esther, a wonderful study of Ruth (somehow that book surprises me every time), and some new knowledge I had never even thought to seek before (Jesus as the true-and-better Nehemiah?! Wow wow wow, wow).
The perfect blend of scholarly and personal, this guided study really hit the spot for me.
So after being completely enthralled by Guthrie's The Promised One a few years ago, I was excited to pick this up and understand more of the pieces I was missing. This is Guthrie's Bible study on the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. A huge swathe of Scripture! All with the goal of finding those compelling hints, prophecies, and tensions that speak of our need for a better hero, a better shepherd, a better king.
Well, goal achieved: I feel like I have a much more solid handle on the import of these books in the wider biblical narrative, and my brain has more profitable paths through which to process David. He is important like Abraham is important: an imperfect man to whom God reveals another big thread of the tapestry He is weaving. Now I appreciate so much more why Jesus being called the Son of David was such a big deal. And I got so much else out of the book, too: a better understanding of the catalogue of Kings in...well, 1 and 2 Kings, a VERY helpful explanation of some of the motivations at play in Esther, a wonderful study of Ruth (somehow that book surprises me every time), and some new knowledge I had never even thought to seek before (Jesus as the true-and-better Nehemiah?! Wow wow wow, wow).
The perfect blend of scholarly and personal, this guided study really hit the spot for me.
April 25, 2022
I studied this book with some ladies of my church. The 10 lessons presented in the book provide a broad overview of the people of Israel as outlined in the historical books of the Bible starting with Joshua and concluding with Esther. Studying this book provided the discipline and structure I needed to get reacquainted with these books of the Bible. The beauty of Nancy's book lies in the depths to which she unveils Jesus Christ as the greater Joshua, the greater Boaz, the most excellent King. She shows that the Old Testament continues to be relevant today. Nancy has an endearing, personable, at times humorous, manner of writing which makes this book a pleasure to read but not at the expense of theological insight and wisdom. Discussing this book in a group setting was an enormous blessing and I am looking forward to studying the next book in this series.
April 3, 2025
I really appreciated this study… loved how Nancy tied so much of the OT chapters back to Jesus. Didn’t know how she’d be able to, and then she’d blow me away each time! If you are like me and would never be excited to study these chapters of scripture, I would definitely recommend her book! She made it enjoyable and has helped me to see all of scripture more as one Big Story :)
May 27, 2013
Book Review: The Son of David
Nancy Guthrie is one of my favorite authors! Her real life humor and passion for explaining Scripture well keeps bringing me back to her Bible studies. Her "Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament" series has been wonderful and the latest book in that series, The Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books, is no exception.
This study covers the Old Testament books of Joshua through Esther. I love seeing how each of these historical books points to Jesus. The Personal Bible Study sections are deep and insightful and challenge you to dig into Scripture to make connections that are scholarly and practical. They are followed by teaching chapters that have powerful insights to help you reevaluate your understanding of Scripture. Each chapter concludes with questions, some designed for group discussion and others for personal reflection.
This Bible Study is great for personal use, small groups and Sunday School.
*Special thanks to Crossway for providing this book through NetGalley.com for my honest review.
Nancy Guthrie is one of my favorite authors! Her real life humor and passion for explaining Scripture well keeps bringing me back to her Bible studies. Her "Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament" series has been wonderful and the latest book in that series, The Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books, is no exception.
This study covers the Old Testament books of Joshua through Esther. I love seeing how each of these historical books points to Jesus. The Personal Bible Study sections are deep and insightful and challenge you to dig into Scripture to make connections that are scholarly and practical. They are followed by teaching chapters that have powerful insights to help you reevaluate your understanding of Scripture. Each chapter concludes with questions, some designed for group discussion and others for personal reflection.
This Bible Study is great for personal use, small groups and Sunday School.
*Special thanks to Crossway for providing this book through NetGalley.com for my honest review.
November 18, 2021
This is the third of five volumes in Nancy Guthrie's, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament series. Our Bible study discussion group has been savoring these guided studies. We are tackling one each fall and I must say, we are being stretched and challenged. Some of our group have more freedom to luxuriate in the Scriptures and are able to dive in a bit more deeply and thoroughly than others. Honestly, approaching this volume with a small time commitment could be overwhelming and frustrating. Those of us who were able to read all the historical books Joshua-Esther seemed to enjoy this study immensely and those who did not do that, for whatever reason, felt the study was too much of an overview and they felt lost in the vast narratives and timelines. It is unlikely that one could have a good grasp of the biblical books being discussed even marginally, without reading the particular book or books of the Bible being covered each week. This is not a devotional study that can be fullly appreciated if the student is not willing to commit several hours each week. But honestly, I am so thankful for this author and theologian, Nancy Guthrie. While so many Bible study authors simply predigest the material and require very little of his or her readers, Nancy pushes the student to think and work hard. WE NEED TO BE CHALLENGED TO THINK DEEPLY! Thank you Nancy!
She masterfully teaches the layperson the principles of Biblical theology. Each book and genre of he Bible supports the grand narrative, the one storyline. The theme of kings and kingdoms is intricately woven into all of the Old Testament Historical Books as they point us to the only perfect King.
She masterfully teaches the layperson the principles of Biblical theology. Each book and genre of he Bible supports the grand narrative, the one storyline. The theme of kings and kingdoms is intricately woven into all of the Old Testament Historical Books as they point us to the only perfect King.
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed going through this series with the ladies Bible study at my church over this past year. I think it is important to remember that Jesus is in the Old Testament besides the New Testament.
January 18, 2021
It wasn't what I expected.
March 27, 2025
An excellent overview of the OT.
July 19, 2025
Nancy everything you touch is gold
May 19, 2014
Fall 2013 Women's Bible Study selection @ CPC. Guthrie's studies are always a treat. Can't wait to dig into the historical books with my church ladies!
July 1, 2023
This was my first of Nancy Guthrie's Bible studies and it won't be the last! I really enjoyed the format of these studies: start with assigned reading and questions, read a summary and synthesis chapter, and then answer questions as a group. I found Nancy's connections between the Old and New Testament to be very helpful to understanding the Bible as seamless narrative.
I'd recommend this to anyone tired of anecdote-focused women's Bible study books.
I'd recommend this to anyone tired of anecdote-focused women's Bible study books.
May 21, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed the other studies I’ve completed from Nancy Guthrie, but this one just didn’t hit home. I tried to be open minded that it was more difficult books of the Bible to “make interesting” but it seems more that it just doesn’t flow from her others in the series. Felt very shallow with odd examples at times. The study questions were still great tho- so would definitely encourage one to complete it if working through this series
October 29, 2013
There have been a number of books to his the bookstores recently that engage how to “see” Jesus in the Old Testament corpus. Many of these books examine the topic from a higher level perspective, namely providing the reader a journey through how each book in the Old Testament to some degree or another is focused on the Messiah. With that said, most authors, given they attempt to engage how Jesus can be seen throughout the Old Testament, provide a number of valuable concepts but yet somehow can miss the application and further reflection for thought that is essential. Nancy Guthrie, in The Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books which is book three of her Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament series, provides a more bible study centric approach, one I found to be very helpful in taking the necessary time to digest what is a very meaty theological subject.
As noted, Guthrie’s approach is that of providing a bible study that moves the reader rather systematically through the Old Testament Historical accounts, specifically the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. As Guthrie notes at the outset of the book, “if we want to rightly understand the purpose of Jesus’s ministry, we have to understand what it means that he taught his disciples to pray for his kingdom to come. And the best way to understand the kingdom and the king is to begin in the historical books of the Old Testament, which create for us a context in which we can better understand the kingdom of God as it once was, as it is now, and as it will one day be.” Given that most people view the historical books as simply a recitation of events rather than part of the overall biblical drama, the approach taken by Guthrie in identifying these books as vital in understanding grand theological concepts such as the kingdom of God is definitely a valid one.
Each chapter in Guthrie’s book is set up in such a way as to be a week’s worth of bible study on a particular historical book. The first element of each chapter is a personal bible study beginning with a short paragraph about the book the reader will be studying that week, immediately followed by a series of study questions. Now Guthrie does not provide any softball questions. Each question engages the reader in an in-depth approach to the subject matter, providing a means to analyze what is taking place to include the patterns, processes, and principles that form the underlying elements of the various historical books. This is truly some serious and engaging bible study that if walked through, will really assist the reader in fully understanding what God is getting across to us.
The second element of each chapter is called the teaching chapter, essentially what could be viewed as the “sermon” or perhaps what one would find in a more traditional book on the subject matter, namely an extended discourse on a given historical book. This portion of the chapter could easily be used for both personal and small group style bible study with the personal bible study providing the necessary foundation by which the teaching chapter is built. Guthrie aptly weaves the overarching concept of her book through each teaching chapter, maintaining a constant focus on important theological concepts such as the kingdom of God as well as how Jesus can be observed in that book.
The teaching chapter is then followed by a discussion guide, something clearly geared towards small group bible study or even family devotions. This section is focused on getting even further engaged into the text at hand using the previous sections as a springboard. Guthrie once again provides some very in-depth questions for the purpose of forcing the reader to really dig into the material. Given the depth of material in the discussion guide portion, it might take the reader individually or the group should this section be used in group bible study, more than one sitting to work their way through this section. While this book is setup to take the reader or group through a ten week bible study, it also affords the reader or group the ability to take longer if necessary, something I personally would recommend.
As someone who is planning on writing a series of blog posts that will walk through the book of Ruth, I will definitely take the material to heart that Guthrie provides on that particular book while certainly utilizing everything I learned throughout the rest of this excellent book as well. Anyone who desires a deeper engagement of the Old Testament historical books beyond that of looking at them from the lens of mere history will find The Son of David by Nancy Guthrie to be a valuable resource. It is a book that has a wide variety of applications from personal to family to group bible studies and the material and questions contained in this book will only serve to provide the means for a truly worthwhile experience studying the word of God.
I received these books for free from Crossway for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
As noted, Guthrie’s approach is that of providing a bible study that moves the reader rather systematically through the Old Testament Historical accounts, specifically the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. As Guthrie notes at the outset of the book, “if we want to rightly understand the purpose of Jesus’s ministry, we have to understand what it means that he taught his disciples to pray for his kingdom to come. And the best way to understand the kingdom and the king is to begin in the historical books of the Old Testament, which create for us a context in which we can better understand the kingdom of God as it once was, as it is now, and as it will one day be.” Given that most people view the historical books as simply a recitation of events rather than part of the overall biblical drama, the approach taken by Guthrie in identifying these books as vital in understanding grand theological concepts such as the kingdom of God is definitely a valid one.
Each chapter in Guthrie’s book is set up in such a way as to be a week’s worth of bible study on a particular historical book. The first element of each chapter is a personal bible study beginning with a short paragraph about the book the reader will be studying that week, immediately followed by a series of study questions. Now Guthrie does not provide any softball questions. Each question engages the reader in an in-depth approach to the subject matter, providing a means to analyze what is taking place to include the patterns, processes, and principles that form the underlying elements of the various historical books. This is truly some serious and engaging bible study that if walked through, will really assist the reader in fully understanding what God is getting across to us.
The second element of each chapter is called the teaching chapter, essentially what could be viewed as the “sermon” or perhaps what one would find in a more traditional book on the subject matter, namely an extended discourse on a given historical book. This portion of the chapter could easily be used for both personal and small group style bible study with the personal bible study providing the necessary foundation by which the teaching chapter is built. Guthrie aptly weaves the overarching concept of her book through each teaching chapter, maintaining a constant focus on important theological concepts such as the kingdom of God as well as how Jesus can be observed in that book.
The teaching chapter is then followed by a discussion guide, something clearly geared towards small group bible study or even family devotions. This section is focused on getting even further engaged into the text at hand using the previous sections as a springboard. Guthrie once again provides some very in-depth questions for the purpose of forcing the reader to really dig into the material. Given the depth of material in the discussion guide portion, it might take the reader individually or the group should this section be used in group bible study, more than one sitting to work their way through this section. While this book is setup to take the reader or group through a ten week bible study, it also affords the reader or group the ability to take longer if necessary, something I personally would recommend.
As someone who is planning on writing a series of blog posts that will walk through the book of Ruth, I will definitely take the material to heart that Guthrie provides on that particular book while certainly utilizing everything I learned throughout the rest of this excellent book as well. Anyone who desires a deeper engagement of the Old Testament historical books beyond that of looking at them from the lens of mere history will find The Son of David by Nancy Guthrie to be a valuable resource. It is a book that has a wide variety of applications from personal to family to group bible studies and the material and questions contained in this book will only serve to provide the means for a truly worthwhile experience studying the word of God.
I received these books for free from Crossway for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 6, 2018
This book has great, short overviews of the historical books of the OT plus some questions for reflection/discussion on each book. I used it as a reference book for context (i.e. re: Judges) as we studied 1-2 Samuel at church last year.
April 21, 2021
I enjoyed the high overview & connection of the OT books, with deep historical context and relation to Jesus as the Greater King. The homework questions didn’t make me think as much as other studies I’ve done since they were more factual, but otherwise it was great!
November 19, 2021
This was a different type of study than what I'm used to since it covers so many books of the Bible in one study, but it was a great big-picture overview of how these OT books fit together in the Gospel narrative.
November 19, 2023
This is the fourth Bible Study our Women’s Bible Study group has been through with Nancy. Her videos are engaging, her theology solid, her workbook done well. I highly recommend any of Nancy Guthrie’s Bible studies.
February 24, 2024
Nancy does an incredible job of showing the parallels and the foreshadows of Jesus through Joshua till Esther. I can truly pray with a better understanding, “Your kingdom come!” This is great for an individual study or also a group study!
July 13, 2017
This is a wonderful study of the historical books, as they connect to the story of salvation and Jesus Christ. Highly recommended.
December 9, 2017
Another wonderful study by Nancy Guthrie! I love the way she goes each story back to Jesus!!
May 10, 2019
Probably my favorite study I’ve ever done! Did not want it to end!
November 13, 2019
Wonderful study from Nancy Guthrie, per usual.
November 21, 2020
A good Bible study of Historical books that I did with a couple of other ladies.
Read
April 30, 2021Grade 5 950L This the the book of Son of David. A lot of people want to study the Old Testament, but don’t know how or don’t understand why it’s relevant to Christian life
November 11, 2021
Incredibly moving
The amount of time you spend reading and studying this world will be richly rewarded in Faith, understanding, and knowledge.
The amount of time you spend reading and studying this world will be richly rewarded in Faith, understanding, and knowledge.
June 18, 2022
HIGHLY Recommend this! Sound, solid and Biblical teaching that shapes your understanding of the larger story of scripture.
March 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first of hers I’ve read. The only chapter I didn’t agree with is her interpretation of Esther. But otherwise I highly recommend it for a book study!
January 28, 2024
This is a very good Bible study. Easy to read, easy to understand and there’s more for you to do if you want to go deeper.
December 19, 2023
Once again, Guthrie proves to be a huge help in studying and understanding the Old Testament and recognizing how each historical account points to Jesus. This 10 week study covers Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samual, 1&2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews