The OT - How To Read The Historical Books

The historical books are Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Ester. They are also referred to as the "Former Prophets". They give a historical view of God revealing Himself to His people. They highlight the cause and effect of the blessings and curses of the covenant. We must approach these books in context and God must be seen as the focus.
Example: The Book of Joshua is not a story of a courageous godly person and the record of his conquest. Although that can be seen in the book, it is not the authorial intent of the book.  Consider the following outline for the book of Joshua:

God instructing the Israelites to enter the promise land; 1:1-9
God going before them terrifying the inhabitants of the land; 2:1-11
God taking them across the Jordan; 3-4
God requiring circumcision for re-dedication; 5:1-12
The Lord of Hosts is the commander of the Lord's Army, not Joshua; 5:13-15
God's military strategies for the Lord's Army; 6 & 8:2
God's victories for His Army; 6:16, 8:7 & 10:42
Defeat when God's instructions are violated; 7:5-12

The book of Joshua is more about God moving a nation forward using a man named Joshua as Joshua follows in obedience to God's plan.  We should not make Joshua the focus and we should not make ourselves the focus.  If we do, we can easily take things out of context and twist God's Word.