Reading the Historical Books: A Student's Guide to Engaging the Biblical Text

by Patricia Dutcher-Walls

Biblical history can be some of the most difficult material for beginning students to grasp. The conventions of contemporary history writing are quite different from those of ancient Israelite writers. Here a master teacher offers basic orientation to the genre and conventions of the Old Testament historical books, helping students become careful and attentive readers.

Written in an accessible style with many ancient and contemporary examples, this book introduces students to some of the phenomena they will encounter in the historical books and provides strategies for understanding their significance. The goal is to make further reading and study of Scripture more informed and sensitive. Sidebars, discussion questions, and further reading suggestions are included.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2014

About the author

Patricia Dutcher-Walls (ThD, Graduate Theological Union) is professor of Hebrew scripture at Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she also serves as dean of studies and director of the library. She is the author of several books and a web-based Bible study curriculum.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were helpful for a more nuanced understanding of the historical writing of the Bible, but in general, it was too long with too many examples.

One thing that I really appreciated was from the very last chapter: “... when scholars consider the situations probably addressed by the interests of the biblical historical writings, the needs and concerns of the exilic and postexilic community are foremost because it is in those circumstances that the writing of the books was finalized.” p.159. This is interesting, as it helps us see the context of the intended audience of these writings - a newly regathered group of people searching to regain their religious and ethnic community. They would have wanted and needed something to unite them with their histories and solidify themselves once again as a people distinct from the surrounding nations. I found this incredibly helpful for my own reading and comprehension of the text.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you read Bible history? By understanding the context, by listening to the story that the text tells, by figuring out what the interests of the texts are (that is, not usually those of the reader), by examining the history that the story tells, by examining the way that history is told (that is, what does the author select and focus on). This book explains all that clearly with abundant examples not only from the Bible but also from texts ancient and modern. There are plenty of aids along the way. Recommended for the student who is beginning to grapple with the historical books of the Bible. This is also good for the story portions of the Pentateuch.

[Nehemiah R. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nerdy. Loved it.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent analysis of Old Testament historical narrative, equipping the modern reader and student with knowledge of the infrastructure, ideology, and methodology of the historical books of the Old Testament so as to be able to better understand and appreciate what is written.

The author does so by discussing the historical context of the ancient Near Eastern world, the styles used to write Biblical history, and the structure, purpose, methods, and conventions of the narratives. She provides a series of questions which the student can ask the text so as to better understand and appreciate what the narrative is attempting to convey as well as providing a series of premises upon which the text is based (God as authority, David as model, etc.).

A tremendously useful resource for a twenty-first century reader who seeks to come to a better understanding of the historical narratives of the Old Testament.

**--galley received as part of early review program

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A readable guide to understanding the historical books of the Old Testament. The list of questions to ask to unlock Old Testament narratives seems particularly practical and useful (see the conclusion). Some interesting discussion regarding the OT writers understanding of the nature of history.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful volume on interaction with the OT historical books - accessible and relevant

[Nathan Marone]

Patricia Dutcher-Walls' book is an excellent introduction to the style and concerns of the historical books (Joshua-Chronicles + Ezra & Nehemiah). I would recommend it for anyone who has gone through an Old Testament survey course already and is preparing for a more in-depth look at these books. Or, heck, I'd pass it on to any adult trying to get a better handle on Old Testament literature in general.

The real benefit to students is that Dutcher-Walls does a great job of relating a lot of the formal conventions of Ancient Near Eastern historical writing to modern literary forms such as family histories, text messages, and even current novel storytelling techniques. Though I already have a solid grasp of most of the issues that she covered, I appreciated Dutcher-Walls' willingness to bridge the literary gap. Most of us are comfortable reading a novel or a newspaper, but Biblical writing is vastly different even though Biblical historical writing can have similar aims (reportage, evaluation, philosophy, theology, etc). As a Bible teacher, who covers the historical books during seventh grade Old Testament class, I find that one of the biggest challenges is helping students move from the literary style of Harry Potter to Judges or Samuel. Though I can't assign this book to my students, I will most likely use some of it's ideas in a more simplified form next year.