Elohim Bashamayim
The ancient Hebrews had an interesting worldview, one not too far from the truth. Above the Earth is the sky, the first "heaven", and then a firmament (what we today call the ozone layer) coupled with a water layer (that no longer exists as it was depleted as a part of Noah's flood). Above this was what is commonly thought of as the "heavens", what we call outer space and they called "second heaven". Higher even than this is "Heaven", where God resides and from which he rules. It is this third heaven that is view when one invokes the name Elohim Bashamayim (God in Heaven).
Intro to Nehemiah
The book of Nehemiah records the work of Nehemiah, a Jewish cup bearer to the King of Persia. It was his job to to taste the food and drink brought to the king to assure it wasn't poisoned. But Nehemiah was also a devout follower of Elohim, and as such had an overwhelming love for God and his captive nations Promised Land. As cup bearer, he received a new mission from God, one that was approved of by the Persian king. For this reason he joined the second group of Jews returning to Jerusalem and took up his new mission.
The Chronicles
These books are complimentary to 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings and, like them, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally one book. Titled "Chronicles", the main book was separated into two books by the translators of the Septuagint. There is some thought that perhaps the original work also included the book of Ezra. The reasoning behind this is rather compelling. Historically it is held that Ezra is the author of Chronicles as well as his self-titled book, and the two cover a consecutive history as demonstrated in an examination of 2 Chronicles and the beginning of Ezra:
Intro to 1 and 2 Samuel
Originally one book, Samuel was divided during the translation of the Septuagint. It records a lengthy history; from the time of Eli, the high priest of Israel (1 Samuel 1) around 1150 BC, to the end of the reign of David in 1004 BC. (2 Samuel 24) we're looking at a time period of about 150 years. A lot of history happens during this century and a half, including the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a united monarchy. These books are based on first hand accounts from the prophets that wrote them as well as history from historic records.
Intro to Esther
Certainly the original audience knew God's punishments, but this generation was soon to learn how God protects his chosen people. The story of Esther takes place during the time-frame of Ezra and Nehemiah, and specifically would have happened between Ezra chapters eight and nine. While God himself is not written into the story, nor any mention of prayer, or worship, his activities behind the scenes as Esther and Mordicai faithfully follow what they believe is God's leading is clear for all to see. This is evidenced by the celebration on Purim, which is still practiced to this day.unt.
Names of God - El
One of the oldest names for God is simply El, perhaps meaning “the strong one”, and pronounced with a short “e” as one would expect. We say “perhaps meaning” as there is some doubt among modern scholars that the formerly accepted root of this word is correct. Rather, it appears to be a generic word for God in many ancient languages including Hebrew, Aramaic, Assyrian, Phoenician, and some South-Arabian dialects. In the Tanakh, the names El and Elohim always refer to YHWH. This name is used some 250 times throughout the Old Testament and is usually translated impersonally as “God”.
YHWH Shammah
YHWH Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which means there or, in this case, “the Lord is there”. This is the last name of God provided in the Old Testament, and is quite possibly the most encouraging name of God. This name is given to a city that is described by the prophet Ezekiel, “The circumference of the city will be six miles. The name of the city from that day forward will be: ‘The Lord Is There.’” (Ezekiel 48.35). The city of this prophecy is known by another name, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21.15-27.
YHWH Rophe
YHWH Rophe means “the Lord your healer” and is pronounced Row-fay. It is the second name God gives himself in Scripture and appears only once (Exodus 15.26), though God is referred to over 60 times as "healer" or "restorer". The backstory regarding this name is an interesting one — it is an object lesson from God to his people. After crossing the Red Sea the people camped on its shores for some time, but it was time to move on. Moses led the people through the desert and when they came to Marah they were anxious to drink, refill their canteens and water the animals.
Names of God - Adonai
As mentioned elsewhere, Adonai was used as a substitute for the speaking of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) and occurs 315 times in the Old Testament. The name itself expresses authority and the exalted position which God alone holds. The Hebrew word Adon is the singular of Adonai, and had a range of meaning. To the Jews the word could be used of men, angels, or gods — anyone of great authority or who might be called "master". Adonai, like Elohim, is plural but when used with other singular verbs it was understood to be the name of the God (a being) who relates to people (creatures).
Introduction to The Chronicles
YHWH Tsidkenu means “the Lord is our justice” and can be pronounced as Sid-you-cay-no (there is some debate as to proper pronunciation, but this seems to be the one favored by scholars). This name appears twice in the book of Jeremiah (23.6 and 33.16) and nowhere else. In the first instance the Lord becomes the embodiment of justice when those who are tasked to uphold justice fail to do so. In the second it is a name for Jerusalem given in a prophecy indicating the city would be restored (and justly so) after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar.
Introduction to Kings
Like 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book, titled "Kings", and separated into two books by the translators of the Septuagint. This singular work was divided with 1 Kings covering the reign of Solomon through Jehoshaphat and explains the division of the kingdom into north and south (about 125 years of history). 2 Kings begins with the rise of King Ahaziah, covers the fall of the two kingdoms concluding with the end of last king Zedekiah and the captivity of the people of Judah (a period of about 250 years). These books are more than a historical record, however.
YHWH Rohi
YHWH Rohi means “the Lord my Shepherd” and is pronounced Row-ee. This is the name used for God by David in the 23rd Psalm. It is used again in Psalm 80.1, Isaiah 40.10-11 and Ezekiel 34.11-16. Rohi, or the Greek equivalent (poiman `o kalos) is a name Jesus uses of himself in John chapter 10.11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He states this again in verse 14: "I am the good shepherd.” Jesus’ use of this name was another claim to deity, to being the God of David.