Handbook on the Historical Books

by Victor P. Hamilton

From the tumbling walls of Jericho to a Jewish girl who became the queen of Persia, the historical books of the Bible are intriguing and unquestionably fascinating. In this companion volume to his Handbook on the Pentateuch, veteran Old Testament professor Victor Hamilton demonstrates the significance of the messages contained in these biblical books. To do so, Hamilton carefully examines content, structure, and theology using rhetorical criticism, inductive Bible study techniques, published scholarship, archaeological data, word studies, and text-critical evidence. Hamilton details the events and implications of each book chapter by chapter, providing useful commentary on overarching themes and the connections and parallels between Old Testament texts. Using theological and literary analysis, this comprehensive introduction examines historical issues, attempting to uncover and discover their thrust and theological messages. For those who wish to do additional research, each chapter is appended with a bibliography of recent, relevant scholarship. Undergraduate students of advanced biblical studies will find this volume enlightening and helpful as they forge their way through the historical books, and pastors will find useful insight for their encounter with and exposition of this portion of Scripture.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Biblical Studies, Old Testament, Christianity, History, Nonfiction

557 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a handbook for the books of Joshua through Esther. I prefer commentaries to handbooks, but as far as this handbook goes, it does its job well. Keep in mind that it is about 20 years old now and so it will not include the most recent archaeological findings. That said, Hamilton does well for his time and he does an excellent job of presenting multiple sides on controversial issues and then allowing the reader to decide.

My only real complaint is that Hamilton does try to make connections that are at best tenuous at times. For example, Joshua uses the Hebrew word X in Y situation and Hezekiah uses the Hebrew word X in Z situation, therefore situations Y and Z must be the same. Sometimes these connections work, other times they just leave you shaking your head.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book to teach a college class on Historical Literature of the Old Testament. Hamilton is very good, but this book was a little more technical than his Handbook on the Pentateuch. Still, if I were to teach this class again, I would use the same book. Hamilton doesn't shy away from the problems between the text and other historical/archeological evidence, but he does provide many plausible solutions and leaves it his readers' own intellect to decide when difficult choices must be made.

[Brian Chilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Handbook on the Historical Books" provides a thorough examination of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Esther. The text is a little wordy in sections and can be difficult to follow at times...a reason that the book did not receive 5 stars from me. Nevertheless, Hamilton's book is a must-read for anyone who desires to learn more about the historical narratives in the Old Testament.

[Greg Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic insightful examination of the historical books with great literary insight. For those who are fans of the Bible Project videos, this book is a must-read as it too pays attention to literary themes and details.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so much a commentary as it is a treasure chest full of golden nuggets. You couldn't really lean on this book to give you a clear understanding of the books it covers but it does provide nugget after nugget of valuable information. I want to get the whole series, a really helpful resource.

[Jamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading. Victor Hamilton does a great job at bringing out ideas and concepts that allows the reader to think and form their own conclusions on subjects. One of the better reference materials I have read this year.

[Melody Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of words.

[Megan K · Rating 5 out of 5]

In-depth commentary and analysis of Joshua, Kings, Chronicles & Samuel. So extremely helpful, interesting, easy to read and navigate while still being very detailed.

100% worth using if you’re researching or studying.

This was one of the books that helped me during my study to fall more in love with these books in the Bible !! Yay!

[Joseph Mundo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one gives me a clean, well-organized breakdown of Israel’s history without trying to push modern reinterpretation. I respect it because it stays disciplined with the text and keeps the context tight, which helps me preach and teach straight from Scripture. It’s academic, but not bloated — just solid biblical scholarship.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for any theologian, or pastor.

[Nathan Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victor Hamilton is engaging and an easy read. A fine addition to the study of the Historical books.