Deuteronomy Key Concepts
This book summarizes and renews the convenant in preparation for Israel toenter the Promised Land.
• One God, one people, one sanctuary, and one law.
• God’s law impacts every area of life, and all law is rooted in the Ten Commandments.
• Obedience is only the beginning of what is expected of God’s people—
• He wants His people to be in relationship with Him.

Joshua Key Concepts
This book portrays God as sovereign in world events, active on behalf of His people Israel, and faithful to the promises of the covenant.
• God, not their own strength, gives Israel the land. Victory belongs to the Lord.
• Destruction of the Canaanites and Amorites is punishment for their sin.

Judges Key Concepts
Through six cycles of events, each culminating in a military leader [judge], God demonstrated His power and mercy by delivering the Israelites even though His justice demanded that He bring punishment.
• Leadership was lacking in the time of the judges, which worked to the disadvantage of the people.
• Israel worshiped other gods alongside Yahweh and thus failed to keep the covenant.

Ruth Key Concepts
The story of Ruth is set in the time of Judges, and the main characters provide a poignant contrast to the Israelites of that time. The message is this: even a foreigner with little understanding of the true God is capable of faithfulness beyond all logic or expectation.
• Faithfulness generates faithfulness.
• David’s ancestry was populated by faithful people.

1-2 Samuel Key Concepts
The purpose of the books of Samuel is to tell the story of the establishment of the covenant of kingship with David.
• Samuel is established as a recognized and verified man of God.
• God established a kingship covenant with David and his descendants.
• The key to successful kingship is the recognition that Yahweh is the true king, therefore a king’s reign must reflect Yahweh’s values.
• It is important to honor the presence of God [ark, temple]