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The book of Joshua (יהושע)

Entering the Land: Preparation and Entry (1:1-5:15): G-d exhorts Joshua, Constant Torah study, Joshua prepares the nation and reinforces the promise of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, They affirm their loyalty to him, The reconnaissance mission, The king discovers the spies but Rahab protects them, Rahab’s plea, The spies’ conditional promise, The spies return to Joshua, The Ark leads the way, Joshua’s directives, Testimony for the miracle, The Kohanim in the overflowering river, The waters part, A permanent memorial of the miracle, A stone for each tribe, The crossing is completed, Joshua is exalter, The crossing ends and the waters descend, The memorial is erected, The terror of the native kings, The national circumcision removes the national disgrace, The Pesach offering, The appearance of the angel

The Conquest of Jericho (6:1-27): Joshua instructs the Kohanim and the people, They encircle the city, The seventh day, Jericho’s walls come down, Jericho is destroyed, Rahab and her family are spared, Joshua’s curse

The Conquest of Ai (7:1-8:35): A small force to attack Ai, The Israelite force is defeated, Joshua’s prayer, G-d’s answer, Te lottery identifies the sinner, Achan confesses and is executed, The second attempt to conquer Ai, The strategy, The ruse succeeds, Joshua leads the Israelites to victory, The city is destroyed, The altar on Mount Ebal, The blessings and the curses

The Gibeonites (9:1-27): The Gibeonites’ ruse, A covenant is mistakenly made, The Gibeonites’ deception is uncovered, The Gibeonites are spared and relegated to lowly positions, The Gibeonites explain themselves and accept their status

The Conquest of the South (10:1-43): Five Amorite kings unite against Gibeon, Joshua saves Gibeon, Hailstones pummel Israel’s enemies, Joshua orders the sun to stand still, Joshua kills the five kings, City by city conquest: Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, Hebron, Debir, The conclusion of the southern conquest

The Conquest of the North Kings (11:1-15): Joshua’s preemptive strike

Summary of the Conquests (11:16-12:24): Moses’ conquest: Sihon’s territory, Og’s territory, Joshua’s conquest, The thirty-one Canaanite kings

Division of the Land (13:1-21:40): The boundaries of trans-Jordan, Tribal territories: Reuben, Gad, Manasseh, The division of Canaan, Caleb’s request, Joshua gives Hebron to Caleb, Judah’s territories: Southern border, Eastern border, Northern border, Western border, Caleb’s inheritance, Judah’s southern cities, The lowland, The mountain region, The Wilderness of Judah, Joseph’s territories: Ephraim’s isolated cities, Ephraim’s isolated cities, Manasseh’s family, Zelophehad’s daughters, Manasseh’s territory, Ephraim’s separated cities, Joseph’s demand and Joshua’s response, The Remaining tribes’ territories: Benjamin’s territory, Simeon’s territory, Zebulun’s territory, Issachar’s territory, Asher’s territory, Naphtali’s territory, Dan’s territory, The cities of refuge, The cities of the Kohanim—from Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, The cities of Kohath—from Ephraim, Dan, and half of Manasseh, The cities of Gershon—from half of Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali, The cities of Merari—from Zebulun, Reuben, and Gad

Division of Territories Concluded (21:41-22:34): G-d’s promises fulfilled, Farewell to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, The suspected rebellion, The explanation, The rest of the tribes approve

Joshua’s Farewell (23:1-24:33): Joshua encourages and admonishes the people, Do not deviate from the Torah and avoid mingling with the nations or you will forfeit G-d’s help, Otherwise you will be banished, A second assembly, Joshua’s discourse, The covenant and conclusion, Joshua’s death and burial, Joseph’s burial, Elazar’s death and burial

The book of Judges (שופטים)

Conquest of Canaan (1:1-36): Simeon assists Judah, Judah’s conquests, Othniel marries Caleb’s daughter, The Kenites, Jerusalem, The tribes of Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, Dan

The Period of the Judges: Cycles of Idolatry, Chastening, and Deliverance (2:1-3:6): Idolatry, Chastening, Deliverance, The remaining nations

The First Judge: Othniel Son of Kenaz (3:7-11): Aramean oppression

Ehud Son of Gera (3:12-30): Moabite oppression, Ehud confronts Eglon, king of Moab and dispatches him

Shamgar Son of Anath (3:31): Shamgar

Deborah the Prophetess and Barak (4:1-5:31): Canannite oppression: Jabin and Sisera, Zebulun and Naphtali mustered, Sisera’s flight, Jael lures Sisera and dispatches him, The Song of Deborah, The new situation after the war, The response of her fellow Jews, The miraculous rout of Sisera’s army, Jael: Blessed for her valor, Sisera’s mother yearns

Gideon (Jerubaal) 6:1-8:35: Midianite oppression, Gideon is chosen, The angel’s sign, Gideon destroys his own people’s idol, Midian and Amalek invade Israel, Gideon requests assurance from G-d, G-d chooses those who will fight Midian, Omen of the roasted barley bread, Gideon attacks and pursues Midian, Gideaon mollifies Ephraim, Insolence of the people of Succoth and Penuel, Gideon captures the two Midianite kings, punishes Succoth and Penuel, then kills the two kings, Gideon declines rulership, Gideon’s final years, Idolatry recurs

Abimelech Son of Gideon: King in Shechem (9:1-57): Jotham’s parable and curse, Discord between Abimelech and Shechem, Gaal’s challenge to Abimelech, Gaal’s defeat, Abimelech destroys Shechem, Abimelech burns Thebez but is killed

Tola Son of Puah (10:1-2): Tola

Jair the Gileadite (10:3-5): Idolatry, Chastening, Divine reprimand

Jephthah the Gileadite (11:1-12:7): Jephthah’s expulsion and recall, Jephthah confronts the king of Ammon, Jephthah’s vow, Jephthah defeats Ammon, His daughter’s fate, Ephraim challenges Jephthah, Civil war

Ibzan (12:8-10): Ibzan

Elon the Zebulunite (12:11-12): Elon

Abdon Son of Hillel (12:13-15): Abdon

Samson (13:1-16:31): An angelic visitation, Manoah’s prayer, The angel’s reappearance, Manoah’s offering, Blessing fulfilled, The woman of Timnah, The lion and the bees, Samson’s first marriage, Samson’s wife’s treachery, Samson’s pretext, Foxtails and torches, Judah arrests Samson, A donkey’s jawbone, a thousand Philistines, and fresh water, The gates of Gaza, Delilah’s first treachery, Delilah’s second treachery, Delilah’s third treachery, Delilah finally succeeds, Samson’s downfall, The Philistines celebrate and pay a heavy price

Micha’s (Micajehu’s) Molten Image (17:1-18:31): Micah’s Levite priest, The Danite spies, The spies’ report, Dan seizes Micah’s image and priest destroys a city and builds an idolatrous sanctuary

The Concubine of Gibeah (19:1-21:25): The journey home, Hospitality of the Ephraimite, The Levite’s reaction, Israel gather at Mitzpah, All Israel respond as one, Israel’s demand, Benjamin’s refusal, Divine guidance sought, First encounter: Benjamin victorious, Second encounter: Benjamin victorious, Third encounter: Israel prevails, Details of the battle, Benjamin in flight, The oath at Mizpah, Remorse over Benjamin’s fate, Jabesh-Gilead’s recompense, Peace overtures, Brides from Shiloh

The book of Samuel (שמואל)

Birth of Samuel (I Samuel 1:1-28): Elkanah and his family, Hannah’s suffering, Hannah’s prayer, Eli’s misjudgment and blessing, Samuel’s birth, Samuel’s dedication as a servant of G-d

Hannah’s Song of Prayer (2:1-10): Man’s shifting fortunes, A prayer for Samuel

Samuel’s Youth (2:11-3:21): Shortcomings of Eli’s sons, Eli blesses Hannah, Eli’s sons disobey him, Prophetic judgment against Eli, Samuel’s call to prophecy, Samuel’s bewilderment, The downfall of the house of Eli, Eli accepts the bitter decree

The Ark’s Capture (4:1-5:12): The Philistines defeat Israel, The Ark is brought to the front, The Philistines are frightened, Israel is defeated and that Ark is captured, Eli hears the tragic news and dies, The wife of Phinehas gives birth, The Ark wreaks havoc in Ashdod, Gath is inflicted, Ekron is punished in turn

The Ark’s Return (6:1-7:1): The Philistines plan for the Ark’s return, A guilt offering to accompany the Ark, Proof that the Ark’s return is G-d’s will, The Ark arrives at Beth-shemesh, The people are disrespectful, The Ark is transferred to Kiriath-jearim

Samuel the Judge (7:2-8:3): The people repent, Salvation from the Philistines, Israel’s cities are liberated, Samuel’s route, Samuel’s sons prove disappointing

Events Leading to the Monarchy (8:4-8:22): Rejecting G-d by demanding a king, Royal prerogatives, G-d concurs

Appointment, Anointment, and Acceptance of Saul (9:1-10:27): Saul seeks the lost donkeys, A tribute for the "seer", Saul receives directions, G-d prepares Samuel, Samuel honors Saul, Samuel and Saul meet in the morning, Saul is anointed and given prophetic proof, Samuel arranges a meeting, Saul among the prophets, Saul conceals his royal status, Samuel summons the nation, Saul is singled out, Skeptics ridicule Saul

Saul Proves Himself (11:1-15): The Ammonite invasion, Saul demands national mobilization, The nation responds, Saul establishes his authority, Samuel rallies the people

Samuel’s Admonition (12:1-25): The people assert their faith in Samuel, Samuel reviews G-d’s historic kindness, Unjustified fear, A Divine warning, Samuel reassures the people

War with the Philistines (13:1-14:52): Israel is terror-stricken and fails to heed Samuel, Samuel admonishes Saul severely, Saul mobilizes his outnumbered, poorly armed soldiers, Jonathan’s secret foray, Jonathan formulates an omen, The signal to advance, The Philistines are routed, All Israelites join the chase, Saul decrees a fast, Jonathan unwittingly transgresses the oath, Saul foretells a sin, G-d does not respond, Jonathan’s error is revealed and the people save him, Saul consolidates his rule

Saul’s Ill-fated Victory Over Amalek (15:1-35): A command to destroy Amalek, Amalek is conquered and King Agag is captured, Saul’s weakness and G-d’s wrath, Samuel condemns Saul, Saul protests but Samuel persists, Saul confesses, The omen of Saul’s downfall, Samuel executed Agag

The Rise of David (16:1-23) G-d sends Samuel to anoint Saul’s successor, Samuel seeks to identify G-d’s anointed, Saul suffers melancholia, David comes to soothe Saul

David Faces Goliath (17:1-54): The Philistines invade again, Goliath humiliates Israel with a challenge, David brings provisions for his brothers, David sees Israel’s fear of Goliath, He implies his readiness to fight, David volunteers to Saul expressing faith in G-d, David refuses armor, With his faith, David confronts Goliath, David fells the giant and the Philistines flee

Saul, David’s Jealous Father-in-law (17:55-19:24): David and Jonathan become friends, Saul becomes morbidly jealous, Saul plots against David, David marries Michal, Jonathan makes peace between Saul and David, Saul sets an ambush but Michal saves David, David flees to Samuel and G-d protects him

Jonathan’s Allegiance to David (20:1-42): David pleads his case with Jonathan, A plan to test Saul’s intention, Jonathan’s pledge and plea, The signal, An uneventful day, Saul reveals his hatred, The dear friends’ emotional parting

Saul’s War Against David (21:1-25:1): A hungry David requests food, The Kohen gives David both sacred bread and Goliath’s sword, David’s flight, The beleaguered gather around David, Saul appeals for loyalty, Doeg’s treachery, Saul accuses Ahimelech, The annihilation of Nob’s Kohanim, David shelters the lone survivor, Davis saves Keilah, Saul pursues David, David eludes Saul, Jonathan’s secret rendezvous, The Ziphites betray David, An unexpected rescue, Saul resumes his pursuit, David spares Saul’s life, A passionate declamation, Saul’s remorse, Samuel dies

Nabal and Abigail (25:2-44): David asks for food, Nabal’s insolent selfishness, Abigail’s wisdom and courage saves her undeserving husband, David relents and expresses admiration for Abigail, Nabal dies and David marries Abigail

David Spares Saul Again (26:1-25): The Ziphites reveal David’s whereabouts, David and Abishai come upon the defenseless Saul, David saves Saul again, David proves his loyalty to Saul, Saul pleads for reconciliation

David in the Services of Achish (27:1-28:2): In desperation David goes to Philistia, David convinces Achiah that he hates the Israelites but David carries out raids on the Israelites’ enemies, Achish drafts David

Saul Seeks a Necromancer (28:3-25): She raises up the soul of Samuel, Samuel delivers a dire prediction, Saul is devastated by the news

The Philistines Dismiss David (29:1-11): Reluctantly and protesting his innocence David leaves the front

David Avenges Ziklag (30:1-31): The Amalekites abduct the women and children, David seeks Divine sanction, A fugitive leads David to the marauders, The chase succeeds, The new decree: An equal division of spoils

The Death of Saul (31:1-II Samuel 2:27): Jewish demoralization and Philistine plunder, A daring rescue of Saul’s remains, The report of Saul’s death, David and his people mourn, David’s mournful dirge

David and Ish-Bosheth (2:1-4:12): David reigns in Hebron, David blesses those who buried Saul, Ish-bosheth assumes Saul’s kingship, A bloody duel, Abner kills Asahel in self-defense, Abner convinces Joab to avoid civil war, The combatants withdraw and bury their dead, David’s sons, Ish-bosheth alienates Abner, Abner defects and brings Michal back to David, Abner rallies Israel to David, Joab assassinates Abner, David condemns Joab, David leads the mourning for Abner but feels too weak to punish Joab, Traitors assassinate Ish-bosheth, They try to ingratiate themselves to David but David has them executed

Jerusalem, City of David (5:1-7:29): The entire nation accepts David, David occupies Jerusalem as his capital, Hiram befriends David, David’s family grows, David defeats the attacking Philistines, David and his people retrieve the Ark, Uzzah dies and the Ark is diverted, David leads the celebration for the Ark, Michal’s contempt and David’s rebuke, David longs to build the Holy Temple, G-d does not request a Temple, G-d will establish David’s dynasty and his son will build the Temple, David thanks G-d and prays for Israel and his dynasty

David Subdues Foreign Enemies (8:1-18): King Toi pays tribute, David consolidates his reign

David and Mephi-bosheth (9:1-13): David learns of Jonathan’s young surviving son and orders that he be provided and cared for

David Defeats Ammon (10:1-11:1): Ammon’s gratuitous cruelty, Ammon hires Aramean mercenaries, The allies surround Joab’s force, Joab’s successful strategy, The enemies are subdued and make peace

David and Bath-sheba (11:2-12:25): Uriah disobeys David and explains why, Uriah is sent to the front and is killed, David hears the news and encourages Joab, David marries Bath-sheba but G-d is displeased, Nathan’s rebuke, Nathan accuses David and prophesies David’s punishment, David confesses and repents, Bath-sheba’s baby is stricken, David prays and fasts, Bath-sheba gives birth to Solomon

David Conquers Ammon (12:26-31): David conquers Ammon

Amnon Lusts for Tamar (13:1-22): Amnon’s plot, Tamar serves the sick Amnon, He violates her and expels her in disgrace, Absalom’s kindness to Tamar and hatred of Amnon

Absalom’s Revenge, Flight, and Return (13:23-14:33): Absalom has Amnon killed and David mourns, Absalom goes into exile, Joab plans a reunion with Absalom, The wise woman’s predicament, David promises to help her, The woman turns the tables, David deduces Joab’s involvement and sends Joab to bring Absalom back, Absalom’s physical beauty, Absalom forces a reunion with David

Absalom’s Rebellion (15:1-19:9): Absalom connives to gain a following, Absalom declares his rebellion, David goes into exile, His servants prove their loyalty, The Ark is returned to Jerusalem, Ahithophel’s treachery, Hushai becomes David’s secret agent, Ziba condemns Mephi-bosheth, Shimei reviles David but David shields him, Hushai wins Absalom’s trust, Ahithophel’s immoral counsel, Ahithophel proposes a surprise attack on David but Hushai disputes him, Absalom sides with hushai, Hushai sends informers to David, The informers elude capture and warn David, Ahithophel’s suicide, Absalom and David face off, David’s loyalists bring provisions, David plans his strategy and his army defeats Absalom, Absalom is spared at David’s orders by then Joab kills him, Absalom’s monument, Runners hurry to tell David, David hears the good news first and then hears of the fate of Absalom, The people join David’s grief, David accepts Joab’s protest

David’s Return to Jerusalem (19:10-44): The people return to David and he regains Judah’s loyalty, Shimei comes to beg for mercy, David spares Shimei, Mephi-bosheth refutes Ziba’s slander, David rewards Barzillai, Israel protests that Judah slights them

Sheba Son of Bichri’s Rebellion (20:1-26): David returns home, David sends a force to subdue Sheba, Joab kills Amasa and assumes command, A wise woman saves her city by executing Sheba, The leaders of David’s court

The Three-year Famine (21:1-14): The Gibeonites cruel demand, David designates seven victims, Rizpah’s vigil

The Giant’s Children (21:15-22): The giant’s children

Song of Gratitude (22:1-51): David prays and G-d answers him, Support against his enemies in return for righteousness, Only in G-d is there safety, David defeats his enemies and wins allegiance from friend and foe, Gratitude to Hashem

David’s Last Prophetic Words (23:1-7): The command that he reign and his enemies will be swept aside

David’s Mighty Warriors (23:8-39): Abishai, Benaiah, The rest of his heroic warriors

David’s Wrongful Census (24:1-25):A lengthy expedition, David chooses his punishment, Early end to the pestilence, Araunah’s threshing floor, David buys it and builds an altar

The book of Kings (מלכים)

David’s Last Days (I Kings 1:1-2:11): An attendant for the aged king, Adonijah proclaims himself crown prince but excludes Solomon’s supporters, Nathan’s plan, Bath-sheba pleads with David, Nathan supports Bath-sheba’s claim, David affirms his pledge and commands that it be executed, Solomon is proclaimed the next king, Adonijah hears the news his supporters disperse and he pleads for his life, David’s charge to Solomon: Be loyal to the Torah, Pass judgment on Joab, Gratitude to Barzillai, Shimei’s guilt, David’s death

Solomon’s Reign (2:12-11:43): Adonijah’s request of Bath-sheba which Solomon recognizes as insurrection, Solomon dismisses Abiathar, Joab flees for his life but Benaiah carries out the sentence, Solomon puts Shimei on notice but he causes his own undoing, Solomon marries and Egyptian princess, Solomon prays for wisdom and G-d grants him much more, Two women claim the one living baby, Solomon’s decision proves his G-d-given wisdom, Solomon’s chief ministers, Twelve regional commissioners, National joy and prosperity, Extent of his kingdom, Rotating providers, Solomon’s vast wisdom, Solomon’s proposal to Hiram and Hiram’s acceptance, Armies of workers build the Temple, Solomon commences building the Temple Chambers and materials, G-d’s promise, The Temple: Walls and floor, Inner sanctum, Cherubim, Entrance doors, Courtyard walls, Seven-year construction, Solomon builds his palace, Hall of Justice, Precious materials, Ornamental pillars: Jachin and Boaz, Ten stand for ten lavers, The handiwork of Hiram the coppersmith, Solomon’s gold furnishings, David’s sanctities, The Ark is emplaced, Solomon’s declaration, David’s desire fulfilled, A plea for the Davidic dynasty and that G-d heed Israel’s prayers, vindicate the righteous, reverse their defeats, send rain, and respond to their pleas, May He hear the gentile’s prayer, Help Jews in war and accept their repentance because You made them yours, Solomon blesses the people, Solomon’s offerings, A fourteen-day celebration, G-d repeats His pledge to Solomon but on the condition that he and Israel obey the Torah, Solomon repays Hiram, Solomon’s tax and administrators, The queen’s palace, His Temple offerings, His fleet, The queen of Sheba arrives and is overwhelmed, The queen returns home, Annual receipts of gold, Solomon’s magnificent throne, His unparalleled wealth, His horses and chariots, Solomon’s many wives lead him astray as if he were an idolater, The kingdom will be split, Hadad becomes Solomon’s antagonist and Rezon joins him, Jeroboam protests, G-d ordains that Israel will split into two nations, Solomon dies

The Two Kingdoms: Rehoboam, King of Judah; Jeroboam, King of Israel (12:1-14:31): Rehoboam ignores the sage advice of his elders and accepts the impetuous counsel of his friends, He antagonizes the populace and they rebel, Rehoboam mobilizes to fight but obeys G-d’s command to desist, Jeroboam establishes idol worship for political reasons, A prophet denounces Jeroboam’s idolatry, Jeroboam is punished and the prophet leaves him, A false prophet pursues the man of G-d and deceives him, A dire prophecy and the true prophet is mauled to death, The false prophet confirms the truth, Jeroboam’s evil persists, Jeroboam’s queen goes to Ahijah, Ahijah prophesies Jeroboam’s horrible end and the death of the child, Israel too will suffer, Jeroboam dies, Rehoboam’s kingdom declines and Egypt loots the kingdom, Rehoboam dies

Abijam, King of Judah (15:1-8): A short flawed battle-scarred reign

Asa, King of Judah (15:9-24): A righteous king

Baasa, King of Israel (15:16; 15:27-16:7): Baasa annihilates the House of Jeroboam but proves to be a wicked king, Baasa’s ignominious end

Nadab, King of Israel (15:25-27): Nadab

Elah, King of Israel (16:8-14): Elah

Zimri, King of Israel (16:10-20): Zimri assassinates the House of Baasa

Omri, King of Israel (16:16-28): Tibni’s rebellion, Omri consolidates his sinful reign

Ahab, King of Israel (16:28-22:40): Ahab and Jezebel become rulers, The curse of Jericho

Elijah the Prophet (17:1-21:29): Drought, The ravens bring food to Elijah, A widow sustains him and is rewarded, He restores her son to life, Ahab and Obadiah search for Elijah, Elijah appears to Obadiah and guarantees his safety, Elijah confronts Ahab, Elijah’s challenge to the false prophets, The prophets are exposed as frauds, Elijah prepares his offering and shows the people that Hashem is G-d, The drought ends, Elijah flees from Jezebel’s death threat, G-d sends food to Elijah, Elijah’s vision, G-d sends Elijah to anoint kings and a prophet, Elisha follows Elijah, Ahab cravenly submits to Ben-hadad who oversteps, G-d promises victory, Ahab’s great triumph, Aram prepares a new attack, A prophet assures Ahab, Aram is routed, Ahab’s mercy to Ben-hadad—and alliance, The penalty for misplaced mercy, Naboth rebuffs Ahab, Jezebel to the rescue, Jezebel’s plan to kill and innocent man, Ahab occupies the vineyard, Elijah rebukes him with a fearsome curse, Ahab humbles himself

Elijah the Prophet (18:1-45): Ahab and Obadiah search for Elijah, Elijah appears to Obadiah and guarantees his safety, Elijah confronts Ahab, Elijah's challenge to the false prophets, The prophets are exposed as frauds, Elijah prepares his offering and shows the people that Hashem is G-d, The drought ends

Elijah the Prophet (19:1-21): Elijah flees from Jezebel's death threat, G-d sends food to Elijah, Elijah's vision, G-d sends Elijah to anoint kings and a prophet, Elisha follows Elijah

Elijah the Prophet (20:1-43): Ahab submits to Ben-hadad, Ben-hadad oversteps, Boast and defiance, G-d promises victory, Ahab's great triumph, Aram prepares a new attack, A prophet assures Ahab, Aram is routed, Ahab's mercy to Ben-hadad, The penalty for misplaced mercy

Elijah the Prophet (21:1-37): The civil law, Jewish bondsmen, Sale of a daughter, Murder and manslaughter, Killing a slave, Penalty for bodily injury, Death caused by an animal, A pit, An animal damaging property, Stealing livestock

Jehoshaphat, King of Judah (22:1-39): Jehoshaphat travels to Samaria, Micaiahu is consulted, Micaiahu prophesies disaster for Ahab, The false prophet challenges him, The kings go to war and Ahab is killed, His ignominious end

Ahaziah, King of Israel (22:40-54): Jehoshaphat’s righteous reign, Ahaziah emulates Ahab

II Kings
Elijah the Prophet (1:1-2:11): Elijah intercepts Ahaziah’s messenger, Ahaziah identifies him, Elijah is saved from the pursuers, Elijah faces Ahaziah, Elijah’s ascent to heaven, Elijah and Elisha at the Jordan, Elisha’s request, Elijah ascends to Heaven

Elisha the Prophet (2:12-13:21) and Jehoram, King of Israel (3:1-9:24): The spirit rests upon Elisha, Supernatural powers, Jehoram’s alliance with Judah, Jehoshaphat consults Elisha who prophesies victory, A widow’s plight, An unending flow of oil, The Shunammite woman’s hospitality, Elisha’s blessing of a son who suddenly dies, The prophet’s compassion—Elisha returns the child to life, Food for the starving prophets, Naaman the leper seeks a cure in the Land of Israel, Elisha sends for Naaman who is arrogant and accedes and is cured, Gehazi’s greed causes his expulsion, Elisha warns against Aram’s ambush, Elisha leads Aram to defeat, The king blames Elisha, Elisha guarantees a surfeit of food, Jewish lepers find an abandoned camp and report to their brethren, The Shunammite woman’s property is stolen and the king orders it returned, Prophecy of Hazael’s cruelty to Israel, Elisha a disciple to crown Jehu

Jehoram, King of Judah (8:16-24): Edom declares independence

Ahaziah, King of Judah (8:25-9:29): Jehoram is wounded in battle

Jehu, King of Israel (9:4-10:36): The disciple foretells the bloody end of Ahab’s house, Jehu embarks on his mission, Jehoram’s messengers defect, Jehu kills Jehoarm and throws his body into Naboth’s field, Jehu kills Ahaziah and then kills Jezebel and leaves her body for the dogs, Jehu intimidates Ahab’s loyalists and they annihilate Ahab’s sons, He slaughters Ahaziah’s brethren and the remanant of Ahab’s family, Jehu feigns loyalty to the Baal and destroys its worshipers and idols, His reign is partially righteous, Jehu is succeeded by Jehoahaz

Athaliah, Queen Regnant of Judah (11:1-20): The child Joash is hidden, Jehoiada enlists allies and crowns Joash, Athaliah is executed, Joash assumes the throne

Jehoash, King of Judah (12:1-22): The child-king’s devotion to the Temple, Jehoash imposes a new system of Temple maintenance, Jehoash bribes and invader, Jehoash is assassinated

Jehoahaz, King of Israel (13:1-9): A partial salvation from Aram

Jehoash, King of Israel (13:10-14:16): Jehoash another evil king, Elisha’s last miracle, Jehoash’s victory over Aram

Amaziah, King of Judah (14:1-22): Amaziah is routed by King Jehoash of Israel, Jehoash is succeeded by Jeroboam, Amaziah is assassinated in a camp

Jeroboam, King of Israel (14:23-29): Jeroboam King of Israel

Azariah, King of Judah (15:1-7): A long righteous and uneventful reign

Zechariah, King of Israel (15:8-12): Zechariah King of Israel

Shallum, King of Israel (15:10-15): Shallum King of Israel

Menachem, King of Israel (15:14-22): Menahem evil renegade king

Pekahiah, King of Israel (15:22-26): Pekahiah King of Israel

Pekah, King of Israel (15:25-31): Assyria begins its conquest

Jotham, King of Judah (15:32-38): A righteous king

Ahaz, King of Judah (15:38-16:20): Rezin of Aram a new regional power, Ahaz bribes Assyria for help and becomes an unctuous worshiper of the Assyrian idol, Ahaz violates the Temple, Ahaz is succeeded by Hezekiah

Hoshea, Last King of Israel (17:1-18:12): Assyria conquers the Ten Tribes and exiles the people, Summary of the sad history of the Ten Tribes their refusal to heed prophetic warnings, worsening rebellion, and total downfall, Assyria settles foreigners in Samaria, The newcomers are frightened into serving Hashem but they continue their idolatry

Hezekiah, King of Judah (18:1-20:21): Hezekiah’s historic righteousness, Assyria which had destroyed Samaria turns on Judah, and Hezekiah pays tribute, But Assyria wants conquest, Assyria’s spokesman’s ultimatum is intended to terrorize the people, Grief-stricken report to Hezekiah, The distressed Hezekiah asks Isaiah to pray, Isaiah promises victory, Sennacherib withdraws to fight a war but sends an abusive threat to Hezekiah, Hezekiah beseeches G-d, Isaiah’s encouraging prophecy about Hezekiah’s success and Sennacherib’s downfall, Hezekiah’s illness, Isaiah prophesies recovery and proves it with a sign, Hezekiah flatters the king of Babylonia and G-d rebukes him

Manasseh, King of Judah (20:21-21:18): Manasseh reigns and is appallingly evil, Manasseh is the cause of destruction

Amon, King of Judah (21:18-26): Amon walks in Manasseh’s footsteps and is assassinated

Josiah, King of Judah (21:24-23:30): Josiah and the Temple maintenance, The “Book” is discovered, Hulda’s ominous prophecy, Josiah seals a covenant cleanses the land of idolatry and destroys the idols, G-d’s decree stands, Josiah dies in battle

Jehoahaz, King of Judah (23:30-34): King Jehoahaz is evil, Pharaoh Neco replaces him and despoils Israel

Jehoiakim, King of Judah (23:34-24:6): Nebuchadnezzar becomes G-d’s agent of punishment

Jehoiachim, King of Judah (24:8-16): Nebuchadnezzar besieges and pillages Jerusalem, He exiles the king and the distinguished people

Zedekiah, King of Judah (24:17-25:7): Jerusalem is conquered amid slaughter, The Temple is burned and the people exiled, The remnant destroyed, Arrest, execution, and exile, Gedaliah governor of Judah assassinated, Scant comfort for the deposed King Jehoiachin

The book of Isaiah (ישעיה)

Rebellious People and A Call to Prophecy(1:1-6:13): A rebellious people and their chastisement, Worthless offerings, Divine punishment and redemption, In Messianic times, The Day of Judgment, Dire prophecy of the siege of Jerusalem, Fate of the immoral women, Zion cleansed, Song of the vineyard, Fate of the selfish, drunk, ignorant, and the haughty, Woe to the deceitful, G-d’s wrath, Isaiah’s vision of the Heavenly Court, Call to prophecy

Assyria’s Attack (7:1-12:6): Aram and Israel attack Jerusalem, A sign, Assyria’s attack and defeat, Maher-shalai-hash-baz, The Shiloah and the Euphrates, Castigation of the defectors, G-d will conceal Himself, Tripartite exile, Isaiah praises G-d’s salvation, His anger has not subsided from Ephraim, from those who mislead, from the cruel, and from the unjust, Assyria’s conceit, Parable of the forest fire, Israel’s remnant will return and Assyria’s forest will be cut down, The Davidic Messiah, Ingathering of the exiles, Thanksgiving

Prophecies Regarding the Nations (13:1-23:18): Downfall of Babylonia, Israel will return from Babylonia, The parable about the king of Babylonia, G-d’s plan for Assyria is fulfilled, Warning to Philistia, Downfall of Moab, Moab’s death throes, Breakup of Ephramite-Aramean alliance, Abandonment of idolatry, Rebuke for the nations, Trans-Cushite emissaries, Downfall of Egypt, The Nile will dry up, Egypt’s worship of the true G-d and its deliverance, Exile of Egypt and Cush, Downfall of Babylonia, Duma (Edom), and Arabia, Downfall of Jerusalem, Shebna’s degradation, Eliakim’s elevation, Downfall of Tyre and its restoration

The End of Days (24:1-30:33) The desolation of the land, G-d’s judgment, Praise for G-d’s salvation, A song of thanksgiving, G-d’s vineyard, The great ingathering, A lesson for the debauched, Covenant with Death, Parable of the farmer, Chastisement and deliverance of Jerusalem, Parable of the document, Judgment, Redemption, Castigating Israel for its reliance on Egypt, Another prophecy about the end of days, G-d’s mighty vengeance

Threats and Defending Jerusalem(31:1-36:22) Egypt versus G-d, G-d defender of Jerusalem, Righteousness versus corruption, Parable of the complacent women, Israel’s prayer, The enemy will fall, Consolation for Israel, An end to ungodly nations, The return to Jerusalem, Assyria wants conquest, Assyria’s ultimatum is intended to terrorize the people, Grief-stricken report to Hezekiah

Threat to Hezekiah (37:1-39:8) A distressed Hezekiah asks Isaiah to pray, Isaiah promises victory, Sennacherib withdraws to fight a war but sends an abusive threat, Hezekiah sends letters to Isaiah, Isaiah’s encouraging prophecy abut Hezekiah’s success and Sennacherib’s downfall, Hezekiah’s illness, Isaiah prophesies recovery and gives a sign, Hezekiah’s song of thanksgiving, Hezekiah flatters the king of Babylonia and G-d rebukes him

End of Exile (40:1-53:12) Prophecy of the end of the exile, The herald of Zion, Foolishness of idolatry, G-d the Master of nature and history, G-d the Eternal, The lesson of Abraham, Israel is G-d’s servant, Parable of the thirsty, Judgment, The Messiah, G-d’s servant, A light to the nations, Hymn of redemption, G-d’s intervention, Israel’s degradation in exile, Redeemed by G-d, The ingathering of the righteous, The redemption from Egypt and the future redemption, Israel is accused but remains the Chosen People, The futility of idols, The Temple shall be established, Cyrus is made G-d’s agent, The nations will confess, Collapse of the idols, The exile of the Babylonians, Retrospective of prophecy, Reward for obedience, Designated a prophet from the womb, Return from exile, Jerusalem rebuilt and resettled, The prophet’s sacrifice, Zion comforted, A call for G-d to intervene, The final redemption, Success of the righteous, The nations’ wonderment at Israel’s redemption

Exile Ended (54:1-66:24): Eternal mercy and kindness, The new glory of Jerusalem, Come study Torah, Davidic covenant, Seek G-d and return to Him, Keep the law, The Righteous one will rest, Adulterous idolaters, Sincere and insincere fasting, The Sabbath and its reward, Iniquity distances man from G-d, Israel’s lament and confession, Israel’s redeemer will come, he wealth of nations, The Temple will be rebuilt, Joyful tidings to the humbled, Spiritual preeminence, The guardians on the walls, The Holy People, The Conqueror of Edom, The prophet praises G-d, Knowledge of G-d, Confessed guilt, G-d is accessible, Idolatry punished, An age of peace, Repopulated Zion

The book of Jeremiah (ירמיה)

Turn Toward Idolatry (1:1-6:30): Call to prophecy, Visions, Turn toward idolatry, Idolatry equals adultery, Judah did not learn from Israel, Messianic prophecy, G-d’s warning, The prophet laments and the land will mourn, The prophet’s advocacy but G-d is not appeased, A litany of sin, Take heed, O Benjamites, The people are unmoved

Call for Repentance (7:1-12:17): Another call for repentance, Learn from Shiloh, Backward not forward, Disappearance of joy, Posthumous punishment, Jeremiah laments, Deceit breeds punishment, Exile for forsaking the Torah, Foolishness of idolatry, Jeremiah speaks G-d’s praises, Jerusalem’s lament, Obey the covenant or it will turn against you, G-d describes the impending repercussions, Israel will return

Prophecies and Parables (13:1-24:10): Parables of the linen belt and wine jug, Honor G-d and yourself, Prophecy of the drought, Blame the false prophets, Death, sword, famine, and captivity, Jeremiah persecuted, Disassociate from the people for they will be exiled, Cursedness of idolatry, Blessedness of faith in G-d, Castigate desecrators of the Sabbath, Parable of the potter, The land will be desolate, Parable of the earthenware bottle, The Valley of the Son of Hinnom, Jeremiah imprisoned and complains of his role, The city is doomed, Call for the House of David to repent, Dire prophecy to Jehoiakim, king of Judah, Foreign allies will not avail; Jeconiah will be exiled, The wicked shepherd kings, false prophets, and those who reject the true prophet are castigated, The righteous Messiah, Vision of the good and bad figs

Babylonian Exile and More Prophecies(25:1-29:32): Seventy-year exile, Babylonia will dominate the entire world, Prophecy in the Temple Courtyard, The people defend Jeremiah, Parable of the yoke, Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar’s dominion, The charlatan prophecies and acts and Jeremiah’s rebuttal and G-d’s response, Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylonia, The exile will last 70 years, Not believe the false prophets of hope, Jeremiah answers his opponents

Messianic Times (30:1-33:26): A prophecy of Messianic times, Reestablishment of David’s throne, Israel unto G-d; G-d unto Israel, Ingathering of the exiles, Redemption of Jacob, G-d appeases Rachel, G-d’s promise, Rebuilt Jerusalem, Prophecy from prison to Zedekiah, Jeremiah praises G-d, Israel and Judah strayed after idolatry turning their back on G-d nevertheless, G-d will return them to their fields and cities, The people will return, gladness will return, flocks will return, the Davidic dynasty will return, the Levites and Kohanim will return

Prophecies, Punishment, and Deceit (34:1-41:18): Prophecy of Zedekiah’s peaceful end, Covenant of emancipation sealed and abrogated, Punishment for violating the covenant, Rechabites’ loyalty to their ancestor, Jeremiah writes his prophecies in a scroll, Baruch reads Jeremiah’s words in the Temple, The king burns the scroll and Jeremiah rewrites it, The Chaldeans withdraw but a prophecy that they will return, Jeremiah arrested then brought before Zedekiah, Jeremiah cast into the pit and rescued by Ebed-melech, Prophecy to Zedekiah, Jerusalem falls, Zedekiah is blinded and chained by Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah unchained, Gedaliah appointed governor and the people rally around him, Gedaliah’s assassination, Ishmael’s further treachery

Refuge in Egypt (42:1-46:28): Jeremiah warns not to seek refuge in Egypt, Jeremiah warns the Jews in Egypt against idolatry but they refuse to obey, Jeremiah prophecies the destruction of Egypt and its Jewish population, Prophecy to Baruch, Prophecy of Pharaoh Neco’s fall to Nebuchadnezzar and his conquest of Egypt

The Fate of the Nations and Israel’s Redemption (47:1-51:64): The fate of Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, Babylonia, G-d will redeem Israel

Zedekiah’s Reign (52:1-34): The siege and breaching of the walls, Zedekiah’s capture, The city in flames and the sacking of the Temple, Death and exile, Jehoiachin’s release

The book of Ezekiel (יחזקאל)

Vision of the Merkavah/Chariot (1:1-3:13): Ezekiel’s vision, Ezekiel’s mission, Among the exiles, The prophet as sentinel, Vision of G-d’s glory

Siege and Idolatry (4:1-12:28): The siege, Retribution, Idolatry in the Temple, The false prophets, The exiles will return, The Divine Presence withdraws completely

Prophecy and Idolatry (13:1-16:63): Prophecy against false prophecy, Feigned repentance, Prayers of the righteous, G-d’s vine, Prophecy unto Jerusalem, Redemption, Idolatry as adultery, A renewed eternal covenant

Redemption and Righteousness (17:1-19:14): The eagles and the vine, The interpretation and redemption, Fathers and sons, The soul that wins, The penitent, Your mother a lioness, Your mother a vine

Rebuke and Warning (20:1-22:31): A rebuke, Mercy in Egypt repaid with rebellion even after the Exodus, Warning to the children unheeded, Blasphemy in the land, Attempts at assimilation, Retribution, G-d’s sword against Jerusalem, Prophecies of the sword, Zedekiah is castigated, The denunciation of Jerusalem, Selfish leaders and pervasive immorality, The sins of the land

Prophecies and Lamentation for the Nations (23:1-32:32): Oholah’s adulteries and punishment, Oholibah’s adulteries and punishment, The tenth of Teves, The prophet’s bereavement, Prophecy against Ammon, Moab, Seir, Edom, Philistines, Tyre, Zidon, Egypt, Assyira, Elam, and Meshech Tubal

More Prophecies (33:1-37:28): The righteous one’s regression, The wicked one’s return, Ignoring the prophet, Woe to the shepherds/kings, A covenant of peace, Another prophecy against Edom, Prophecy of renewal, A new heart and a new spirit, Rebuilding the desolate, The dry bones come alive, Two tablets—Judah and Joseph, An eternal covenant of peace

Gog and Magog (38:1-39:29): Gog, prince of Magog, and his allies, The first war of Gog and Magog had already been prophesied, The second war of Gog and Magog, True cause of exile, Return of Jacob’s captivity

New Vision (40:1-44:31): A new vision of the future Temple: Cells, Pillars, Outer courtyard, Southern gate, Inner courtyard, Northern gate, Washing chamber, Hall, Inner sanctum, Temple wall, Open space, Building, Inner altar, Doors, Northern courtyard, Holy chambers, Eastern side, The Glory enters and G-d speaks, Altar’s inauguration, The prince’s gate, G-d’s warning, Laws of the Kohanim, Heritage of the Kohanim

Tribes and Offerings (45:1-48:35): Division of the land, Levite portion and Princely portion, Contribution for the Temple, Inauguration offerings, Sabbath and New Moon, Prince’s offerings and inheritance, Kohanim’s chambers, Enclosures, Water under the threshold and streams from the Temple, Portions of the tribes, Names of the tribes, Kohanim and Levites, The other tribes, The Holy City

The book of Hosea (הושע)

Faithlessness and Idolatry (1:1-4:19): A harlot and her children, A disloyal wife returns remorsefully but too late, Another faithless wife, Chilling condemnation, Saturated with idolatry

Monarchy (5:1-14:10): The monarchy rebuked, Thoughts of return, Unmitigated falsehood, Ephraim is doomed, False prophets, Frustrated hope and bitter fruit, Judah remained loyal, Ephraim’s foolishness, Appeal for repentance and Ephraim’s rejuvenation

The book of Joel (יואל)

The Plague (1:1-2:14): Locust plague, Fast and wail, G-d sent warnings

Blessings from G-d (2:15-4:21): Get the people to respond and G-d will bless them, Those who repent will be safe, Ingathering of exiles, Beat plows into swords bring on destruction, Judah will ultimately triumph

The book of Amos (עמוס)

Sins and Destruction (1:1-6:14): The sins of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel, Destruction, Warning to women, Final fall, Seek Hashem and live, Hatred of the righteous, G-d loathes insincere offerings, Woe to the overconfident

G-d Relents (7:1-9:15): End of forbearance, Amaziah accuses Amos and Amos responds, Those who persecute the poor, Vision against the Temple, Bountiful future

The book of Obadiah (עובדיה)

Prophecy and Return (1:1-21): Prophecy against Edom, Esau is revealed because he oppressed Jacob, Retribution is coming, Israel’s exiles will return

The book of Jonah (יונה)

Jonah’s Trial (1:1-4:11): The tempest, Jonah is heaved into the sea, Prayer from the innards of the fish, Second prophecy, Nieveh heeds Jonah and G-d sees their needs, Jonah is grieved

The book of Micah (מיכה)

Prophets (1:1-3:12): Samaria and Jerusalem both sinners, Prophet’s grief, False prophets are exposed, Indictment of oppressive rulers, Misleading prophets, Wholesale corruption

Redemption (4:1-7:20): Return to the Temple, Swords into plowshares, Jewish rulers emerge and danger is eliminated, Defend ingratitude, Israel will be redeemed

The book of Nahum (נחום)

Vengeance Against Nineveh (1:1-3:19): Hashem is vengeful, Devastation, Israel will be freed, The evil flee from Nineveh, Nineveh will be humiliated, its allies exiled, and it will be consumed

The book of Habakkuk (חבקוק)

Invasion (1:1-3:19): The Chaldeans, A plea to G-d that is answered, Nebuchadnezzar advances, Israel has earned its punishment, Habakkuk’s prayer and G-d’s wrath, G-d comes to save Israel and it will rejoice in Him

The book of Zephaniah (צפניה)

Warnings from G-d (1:1-3:20): G-d threatens a day of destruction, Searching out sinners, Improve before it is too late, G-d will uproot His enemies, Woe to Jerusalem, Delayed salvation but Zion will yet exult

The book of Haggai (חגי)

New Beginning (1:1-2:23): Resume the construction or suffer drought, Zerubbabel and Joshua obey, G-d will glorify the Temple, Zerubbabel is chosen

The book of Zechariah (זכריה)

Messianic Visions (1:1-14:21): Return to G-d, Horns of dispersion, The nations will join in, Protection, Vision of the menorah, Two anointed men, Retribution to the wicked, Vision of the chariots, Let the exiles contribute to build the Temple, G-d demanded kindness but they refused, G-d will bring prosperity, Prophecy against enemy cities, Messiah comes to Zion, Freedom, unity, and celebration, False oracles and leaders, G-d will help the righteous fight and bring them back, Israel did not deserve protection, G-d will protect Jerusalem and the Jews will rebel against alien masters, Removal or impurity, The Mount of Olives will split, Spring flowing from Jerusalem, Plague against besiegers, Nations celebrating Succot, Offerings

The book of Malachi (מלאכי)

Disobedience and Salvation (1:1-3:24): Loving Jacob not Esau, National disrespect, Repulsive offerings, Levi’s covenant, Denunciation of intermarriage, G-d’s messenger brings justice, G-d will send Elijah