Final answer:
The historical books of the Old Testament, namely Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, are part of the 'Nevi'im' division of the Hebrew Bible. They provide a history of Israel from a prophetic lens, emphasizing divine intervention and religious fidelity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The books in the Old Testament canon that are considered historical books—Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings—are known in Hebrew as part of the Nevi'im, which is the second main division of the Hebrew Bible after the Torah. These books indeed relate the history of Israel from a prophetic perspective, highlighting the actions and impacts of various prophets and leaders. The answer to the student's question about the designation of these books is option b) Nevi'im.
This categorization reflects the religious and social context of the time, which often perceived the unfolding of historical events through a lens of divine intervention and religious adherence. The Nevi'im includes narratives about the establishment of the Israelite kingdom, the rule of Saul, David, and Solomon, the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, and the individual stories of many prophets. The historical accounts in these books are intertwined with religious, ethical, and moral lessons as understood by the ancient Hebrews.