Prophetic History in the Old Testament

This online course explores four books of the Old Testament (Joshua, Judges, Kings, and Samuel) that offer a prophetic perspective on Israel’s history. Considering the Deuteronomic covenant as the metric of communal behavior, we’ll ask whether God’s people live up to their calling. Prof. Imes gives particular attention to the historical evidence and literary context that may be useful for addressing concerns about these ancient texts. Along the way, we’ll surface important theological insights about the relationship between God and God’s people.

In This Course You Will Be Invited To

•sketch the literary shape of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.

•recognize the difference between history and historiography.

•analyze the textual relationship to the Deuteronomic coventant.

•evaluate ethical and historical challenges raised by these books.

•examine important historical and literary context.

Course Outline

Why is land central to the Joshua narrative? What does the conquest accomplish? What did God command regarding the conquest?

3 Lessons

• Land

• Overview of Joshua

• Objections

What does Judges suggest about Israel’s actions? What are the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness? How does the book of Ruth function as a counternarrative to Judges?

3 Lessons

• Overview of Judges

• Appendix

• Ruth

Compare biblical and Ancient Near Eastern expectations of kingship. See how Saul and David’s kingship differ. Examine the importance of the Davidic covenant in later Israelite theology.

3 Lessons

• Being King

• Saul's Reign

• David's Reign

How do God's people end up in exile? How do the kings of Israel and Judah measure up to God’s commands? How do the two kingdoms fare under the various foreign powers over them

3 Lessons

• Introduction to Kings

• David's Line

• Exile

4.5 Hours of Video Content
Reflection & Practice Activities
$49.99

Meet Your Instructor

Carmen Imes

Associate Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Carmen Imes is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology. She is passionate about helping students and other laypeople engage the Old Testament and discover its relevance for Christian identity and mission. She has published the books "Bearing God's Name" (IVP 2019), "Being God's Image" (IVP 2023), and "Becoming God's Family" (IVP 2025). She has appeared on over 200 podcasts and radio shows. Dr. Imes releases weekly "Torah Tuesday" videos on her YouTube channel. You can find her writing at Christianity Today, Politics of Scripture, and The Well (InterVarsity). Her academic journey began when Carmen and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines with SIM International, reaching out to ethnic minorities. Prof. Imes loves introducing students to the rich insights of the global church.

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Registered 501c3 non-profit organization

Courses developed for Admirato are made possible by the generous donations of people who support the Wisconsin Center for Christian Studies, Inc., a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. Tuition paid enables us to provide scholarships for those in need and allows us to fund new courses and translations of existing courses, and we are able to offer courses at significant discounts. Admirato is the online home for N.T. Wright Online courses and other resources developed by the Wisconsin Center for Christian Studies, Inc. Admirato exists as a legal entity under the umbrella of the Wisconsin Center for Christian Studies, Inc., and is considered part of the non-profit work according to the laws for 501c3 organizations.