OLD TESTAMENT

​

The Old Testament is the first section of the Bible, based primarily upon the Hebrew writings. It is a collection of 39 religious writings by ancient Israelites, Prophets, and Judges and inspired by the Holy Spirit believed by Christians and Jews to be the sacred, inerrant, Word of God.

The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch.

Genesis:

Creation, Beginning of Humanity and early history of Israel

​

Exodus:

Deliverance of Israel from bondage, introduction of the Law

​

Leviticus:

Holiness of God and worship standards

​

Numbers:

Journey through the desert and tribulation for 40 years

​

Deuteronomy:

Obedience to the Law directed by Moses

​

Joshua:

Conquest of Canaan under Joshua

​

Judges:

Judgement for disobedience; forgiveness upon repentance

​

Ruth:

The Lord turns tragedy into triumph

​

1-2 Samuel:

The establishment of Israel and unification with David as King

​

1-2 Kings:

Early kings of Israel and Judah

​

1-2 Chronicles:

History of the Israelite monarchy and early Temple worship in Jerusalem

​

Ezra:

Return of exiles from Babylon who would rebuild the temple

​

Nehemiah:

Reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem

​

Esther:

Preservation of the Jews through faithfulness to God

​

Job:

Blessings through suffering of a good man

​

Psalms:

Hymns of Praise and worship of God

​

Proverbs:

Practical wisdom from Solomon

​

Ecclesiastes:

The necessity of fearing God in a fallen world

​

Song of Solomon:

Love poems as a picture of God’s relationship to His people

​

Isaiah:

Salvation is of the Lord and of a future king

​

Jeremiah:

Judgement by the Lord about the destruction of Jerusalem

​

Lamentations:

A collection of five poems “lamenting” the destruction of Jerusalem

​

Ezekiel:

The judgement and restoration of God’s people, fall of Satan from heaven

​

Daniel:

The Sovereignty of God and prophecies of future “end time” events

​

Hosea:

Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness and the Lord’s compassion

​

Amos:

The justice of God poured out on Israel

​

Obadiah:

The destruction of Edom for their pride

​

Jonah:

God’s compassion to the lost and disobedient

​

Micah:

Judgement for injustice, while hope for the future from Bethlehem

​

Nahum:

Destruction of Assyrian capital city, Nineveh as God’s judgement

​

Habakkuk:

Vindication of God’s justice and the need to live righteously by faith

​

Zephaniah:

Judgement and restoration of “the day of the Lord”

​

Haggai:

The rebuilding and future glory of the Temple

​

Zechariah:

The restoration of Israel and coming of a Messiah

​

Malachi:

Obedience and fear of the Lord are rewarded; Judgement day is certain