of the land under the divinely-appointed kings of the House of David, ending in conquest and foreign exile (1st and 2nd Kings) Joshua The Book of Joshua (Yehoshua יהושע) contains a history of the Israelites from the death of Moses to that of Joshua. After Moses' death, Joshua, by virtue of his previous appointment as Moses' successor, receives from God the command to cross the Jordan. In execution of this order Joshua issues the requisite instructions to the stewards of the people for the crossing of the Jordan; and he reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half of Manasseh of their pledge given to Moses to help their brethren. The book essentially consists of three parts: The history of the conquest of the land (1–12). The allotment of the land to the different tribes, with the appointment of cities of refuge, the provision for the Levites (13–22), and the dismissal of the eastern tribes to their homes. The farewell addresses of Joshua, with an account of his death (23, 24). Judges The Book of Judges (Shoftim שופטים) consists of three distinct parts: The Introduction (1:1–3:10 and 3:12) giving a summary of the book of Joshua. The Main Text (3:11–16:31), discussing the five Great Judges, Abimelech (Judges), and providing glosses for a few minor Judges. The Appendices (17:1–21:25), giving two stories set in the time of the Judges, but not discussing the Judges themselves. Samuel The Books of Samuel (Shmu'el שמואל) consists of five parts: The period of God's rejection of Eli, Samuel's birth, and subsequent judgment (1 Samuel 1:1–7:17). The period of the life of Saul prior to meeting David (1 Samuel 8:1–15:35). The period of Saul's interaction with David (1 Samuel 16:1 – 2 Samuel 1:27). The period of David's reign and the rebellions he suffers (2 Samuel 2:1–20:22). An appendix of material concerning David in no particular order, and out of sequence with the rest of the text (2 Samuel 22:1–24:25). A conclusion of sorts appears at 1 Kings 1–2, concerning Solomon enacting a final revenge on those who did what David perceived as wrongdoing, and having a similar narrative style. While the subject matter in the Book(s) of Samuel is also covered by the narrative in Chronicles, it is noticeable that the section (2 Sam. 11:2–12:29) containing an account of the matter of Bathsheba is omitted in the corresponding passage in 1 Chr. 20. Kings The Books