Old Testament
The Old Testament contains thirty-nine books. It begins with creation, follows the patriarchs and the nation of Israel, records the giving of the law and Israel’s life in the land, preserves wisdom and worship, and contains the prophets who warned of judgment and spoke of restoration and the coming of the LORD.
What the Old Testament covers
The Old Testament begins before Israel existed. Genesis records creation, the fall, the flood, Babel, and then narrows its focus to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Exodus through Deuteronomy records Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, covenant life, worship, wilderness years, and preparation to enter Canaan.
The historical books follow Israel in the land through conquest, judges, kings, division, decline, exile, and return. The wisdom and poetic books give songs, prayers, wisdom, reflection, and instruction about life before God. The prophets speak into Israel and Judah’s real historical circumstances while also looking beyond them to future acts of God.
Five divisions of the Old Testament
Law — Genesis through Deuteronomy
Origins, the patriarchs, the exodus, Sinai, the tabernacle, priesthood, wilderness years, and Moses’ final instruction before Israel enters the land.
History — Joshua through Esther
Israel enters Canaan, lives under judges, becomes a monarchy, divides into two kingdoms, falls under judgment, goes into exile, and sees a remnant return.
Wisdom & Poetry — Job through Song of Solomon
Suffering, worship, praise, wisdom, daily life, meaning, love, and the fear of the LORD are explored through poetry and wisdom literature.
Major Prophets — Isaiah through Daniel
Longer prophetic books addressing Judah, Jerusalem, surrounding nations, exile, restoration, and future events.
Minor Prophets — Hosea through Malachi
Twelve shorter prophetic books confronting sin, injustice, idolatry, spiritual coldness, and national rebellion while also proclaiming judgment, mercy, and hope.
Historical movement to keep in mind
Origins
Creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the patriarchal promises.
Egypt and Exodus
Israel multiplies in Egypt, is enslaved, and is delivered by the LORD through Moses.
Wilderness and conquest
Israel receives the law, travels through the wilderness, and enters Canaan under Joshua.
Judges and kings
A repeated cycle under the judges leads into the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon.
Divided kingdom
After Solomon, the kingdom divides. The northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judah follow different kings while prophets warn both.
Exile and return
Israel falls to Assyria and Judah to Babylon. Later, Jews return under Persian rule and rebuild the temple and Jerusalem.
Read the Old Testament watching for…
God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants.
The purpose and limits of the law, sacrifices, priesthood, tabernacle, and temple.
The repeated consequences of idolatry, unbelief, injustice, and covenant breaking.
The importance of David and the royal line.
Prophetic promises concerning future deliverance, restoration, and the coming ruler.
How the New Testament later quotes, explains, and applies Old Testament passages.