______________ are stories retelling historical events that are intended to give meaning and direction to a given people in the present.

The choice of narratives as the correct answer is fitting as narratives are indeed stories that recount historical events, seeking to provide insight, meaning, and direction to present-day audiences. In the Old Testament, narratives are a significant means through which theological concepts and historical circumstances are conveyed. They often illustrate key events, such as the creation, the exodus, and the lives of key figures, thereby making the past relevant for the community's identity, beliefs, and moral guidance.

Narratives engage the listener or reader by presenting experiences and encounters that facilitate understanding of divine purpose and human behavior. They create connections between past events and present circumstances, ensuring that the lessons learned and meanings derived from those historical events are applied to the contemporary context of the audience.

The other options do not align as neatly with the definition provided. Parables are typically short, simple stories used to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons, often with a more didactic purpose than a historical recounting. Myths generally serve to explain the origins of the world or natural phenomena, frequently incorporating gods and supernatural elements, rather than focusing directly on historical events intended for present-day application. Chronicles are a specific type of historical record that may lack the narrative depth and meaning-making intent found in broader narratives. Therefore, narratives