1. TIME.

From the exodus from Egypt, 1491 B. C., to the anointing of Saul, 1095 B. C.

2. SCRIPTURE.

The history of this period is given in Exodus 14-40, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth and I Samuel 1-9.

3. GOVERNMENT.

The government during this period was Mediatorial. When Israel crossed the Red Sea the nation was born. God appointed for them mediators through whom he made known his will and governed the people.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The Age of Wandering. — Ex. 15:I 40:38. Num. 1:1– 36:13.

Israel crossed the Red Sea in 1491 B. C., and the Jordan River in 1451 B. C. It was 40 years after they left Egypt until they entered the promised land. During this period of wandering occurred some of the most important events in Old Testament history. This period is typical of the Christian's wandering from the time of his spiritual birth until the crossing of the Jordan of death.

(2) The Age of Conquests. — Josh. 1:1– 24:33.

Three of these conquests occurred east of the Jordan before the crossing, in 1491 B. C. The three that were of special interest to Israel occurred west of the Jordan during the first seven years of their residence 1:2 Canaan. Through these conquests Israel came in possession of the Promised Land which was divided among the twelve tribes by Joshua.

(3) The Age of the Judges. — Judges 1:1 - 21:25.

After the death of Joshua, 1426 B. C., until the anointing of Saul, 1095 B. C., there were seven great oppressions by foreign nations. We have the names of the fifteen judges, but a few of these were not judges in the strict sense of the term. They were judges not by succession or appointment by the people, but were recognized as divinely appointed leaders.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Exodus, 1491 B. C. — Ex. 14:19–30.

(2) The Giving of the Law at Sinai, 1490 B. C. — Ex. 19:1-40:38.

(3) The Crossing of the Jordan, 1451 B. C. — Josh.3:1-17.

(4) The Division of the Land, 1444 B. C.— Josh. 13:1-19:51.

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

(1) Moses, the deliverer from bondage.

(2) Aaron, the first high priest.

(3) Joshua, the great captain.

(4) Gideon, the great judge.

(5) Samuel, the founder of Prophetic Schools.

QUESTIONS.

• What is the fourth period of Old Testament history?
• What are the opening and closing events?
• What are the dates?
• What Scripture records this history?
• What was the form of government?
• What are the subdivisions?
• How long did Israel wander in the wilderness?
• What land did Israel gain through conquest?
• How many judges ruled Israel?
• How were these judges appointed?
• What were the important events of this period?
• Who were the chief characters?
• For what was each one noted?