Chapter Objectives

What you should learn in this chapter.

• Why the books from Joshua through Kings are referred to as the "Deuteronomistic History" and what the theological/historical perspective of its authors and editors is.
• The basic outlines of Israelite history from the conquest to the end of the monarchy; the eras into which the authors of the Deuteronomistic History divide Israelite history.
• The debate over the proper institutions for governing the Israelites
• The nature of the Davidic covenant and what it says about the authors’ understanding of and hopes for the chosen people.
• The relationship between prophecy and monarchy.
• How the authors/editors of the Deuteronomistic history interpret the end of the Northern and Southern Monarchies