Genesis is a crucial book to the understanding of the entire Bible--the role of covenants, the Biblical worldview, its influence on our Western world, its memorable characters and stories.

This is a continuation of our look at Genesis.

We meet Moses, who leads his people to freedom and then follow the people as they wander though the desert on the way to their promised land.

The children of Israel have escaped the Egyptians, wandered in the desert, and now attempt to settle in their promised land, which is not welcoming to these outsiders.

We see the rise of David from unknown shepherd to the people's champion.

This book shows us the kingship of David with all its turmoil.

David and Solomon become leading figures in the story of Israel as it becomes a united kingdom and then a shattered one.

Here are stories of Elijah and Elisha as well as the tragic fall of the northern and southern kingdoms.

Why do bad things happen to good people? If there's a good God, why is there pain and suffering? This story attacks the assumptions of society.

These two books are considered as fine examples of wisdom literature. Both have influenced many modern writers and thinkers.