I agree that the Bible is a great book of history, and not just of literature. And I am frequently amazed that educated people -- people who think themselves intellectuals -- ask me why I or anyone sensible would read the Bible, when it would never occur to them to ask why I might read, say, Herodotus. (I do have a degree in History.)
And I am also amazed that ignoramuses express extreme skpeticism about any claim in the Bible, even if it should be obvious that at the time of the writing both the author and the audience would have been knowledgeable about the then-recent history or theology.
So no, I am not surprised that the Old Testament contains accurate history about the Hebrews and their neighbors. And for passages covering major theogical, military and political affairs, I'd say the burden of proof is generally on anyone who claims that the Bible is false.
You drive a hard bargain, so I won't disagree with you. ;^)