The Old Testament contains 39 books and is divided into four sections:
Pentateuch (which corresponds to the Jewish Torah), aka The Five Books of Moses
The Historical Books of the Israelites
The Books of Poetry and Wisdom
The Prophets
Citation - Most of the content below is derived from the Life Application Bible, Third Edition, New International Version, is published by Tyndale House Publishers and Zondervan, copyright 2019. Next to the name of each book is how God appears in the bible and is credited to "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. Thanks to my sister in Christ Rachael for her help typing these!
Records God's creation of the world. Learn how sin came into this world and get to know Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. In this book, God created a covenant to love us, accept us, and forgive us.
Records the events of Israel's deliverance from Egypt and how they turned into a nation. Learn about Moses, the Passover celebration, the parting of the Red Sea, and the Ten Commandments. Fun fact, Christ celebrated the Passover with his disciples at the Last Supper, symbolic of what was about to happen, his death and resurrection.
The purpose of this book was to record the rules and guides for worship. Leviticus is the toughest read of all the books and it often turns people away because God seemed cruel and punishing. But God knew he had to deal with Israelites specially because of how they were treated in Egypt, with strict rules and structure. The overall takeaway from this book is that God is so Holy and we are not. During that time, the only way to bridge the gap between His holiness and their sinful nature was to make burnt sacrifices, lambs, goats, bulls, sheep, or grain. The sacrifices had to be perfect and unblemished. Spoiler alert, Jesus was perfect and sinless and bridged this gap for us.
A story of how the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. They wondered for 40 years, approached the land, disobeyed, and distrusted God (after all He did for them! *scoff*!). The clear lesson here is we must move ahead by faith and be determined to trust God as he leads us along our journey.
This book is about reminding the people what God has done for them, and He encouraged them to rededicate their lives to him. God desires love from the heart, not a legalistic keeping of his laws. This book ends with the passing of Moses and the start of Joshua stepping into leadership.
Ever have a gigantic challenge in front of you and need some encouragement to keep going? Joshua was an example of an excellent leader and will show you how God will equip the willing. He doesn't wait until you are ready, He will give you exactly what you need. All you have to do is just show up and take one step of faith at a time.
The Israelites entered their dark ages in history and almost lost their Promised Land. This book is about heroes (not all perfect), 12 men and women who helped rescue Israel from oppressors.
This is a sweet little story nestled amongst so much distress. A quick read. It reminds us that when we remain strong in character and true to God, He will provide.
These books are so rich in content. Learn about Samuel who was Israel's last judge, then came Saul, Israel's first king. This book also introduces David, Israel's greatest King. Dive into Samuel 16:1-31 to read about how a meek little boy who had a deep love for God was picked to be the greatest King on record. But alas, no one is perfect and David sins and sins big. Reminding us that we are not perfect, and never will be, because sin exists in this world and will always be here until Jesus returns again.
1 & 2 Kings shows us the contrast between those who live for God and those who refuse to do so. The main events are King David's death, Solomon's reign, the division of the kingdom, and Elijah's ministry. Elijah, a prophet who was sent to confront not comfort. Then into 2 Kings, Elijah cloaked Elisha as his successor as a prophet of God and his ministry lasted for over 50 years.
The Israelites rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem, and a scribe named Ezra teaches the people to once again obey God’s laws. The book of Ezra offers encouragement for ordinary people hoping somehow to make our lives count for something worthwhile. It offers encouragement for ordinary people looking for their niche in God’s world. It focuses on team effort rather than the heroics of a few. Ezra, a humble low-profile leader, was simply a part of the community at large. Everyone from priests to servants worked together for a common goal.
The city of Jerusalem is in bad shape, so Nehemiah rebuilds the wall around the city. If you’ve ever faced an overwhelming task or felt inadequate to meet a challenge, you’ll identify with Nehemaih. He struggled with issues still with us today; motivation, fatigue, and criticism. But this book also offers inspiration and vision. Without neglecting the practical, Nehemiah shows how to tackle God’s difficult assignments and survive both opposition and apathy. He is a shining example of the difference one man’s passion and persistence can make. Watch for the ways he balanced his spirituality with down-to-earth action.
The book of Esther tells the story of God’s involvement with his people. Unlike the rest of the Bible, however, this book shows God’s work indirectly. In fact, God’s name is not mentioned once. Someone hatches a genocidal plot to bring about Israel’s extinction, and Esther must face the emperor to ask for help. This book demonstrates how God worked in the lives of his people, and it will encourage you to trust him to work in your life today. Look for revelations of God’s character - his faithfulness and how he provides for those who trust him, even through events you might view as tragic.
This book explores the most difficult question of life - questions most people ask at some time or another: Why is there evil in the world? Why do pain, suffering, and heartache exist? Why do the religious suffer? If you’ve puzzled over such questions - or perhaps been disappointed by simplistic answers - you'll appreciate the honest way the book of Job looks at God's mysterious ways.
The Psalms are poetry that were written as guides for worship, prayer, and instruction about God. It is a collection of 150 songs that Israel sang to God (and to each other)—kind of like a hymnal for the ancient Israelites.
Solomon, the wisest king to rule Israel, wrote much of this book. It is a collection of sayings written to help people make wise decisions that bring about justice. The book of Proverbs offers spiritual depth to issues ranging from managing money to the danger of adultery to learning how to identify true friends. Here you can find wisdom that works and insights that won’t wear out. Also look for principles for building strong marriages, for parenting, and for establishing good relationships on the job. Recommend reading this book in the Message translation for a clearer understanding.
The book explores the fleeting nature of life and the meaninglessness of pursuing worldly achievements and pleasures without a spiritual grounding. It shows how a life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless. It was used by the Hebrews as a book of instruction. It showed them how to find spiritual significance in a life that would otherwise be meaningless (12:8,13).
God created marriage, sex, and romantic desire between the opposite sex. This is a passionate tale of two lovers. Sex is a holy means of celebrating love, producing children, and experiencing pleasure, and it's protected by the commitment of marriage. As you read this story trust and commit yourself to seeing life, sex, and marriage from His point of view.
God sends the prophet Isaiah to warn Israel of future judgment—but also to tell them about a coming king and servant who will “bear the sins of many.” Isaiah was the first major prophet who understood the two-sided nature of God’s character: mercy and judgment, grace and discipline, justice and forgiveness, exile and salvation. The tension of these great paradoxes fills the pages of Isaiah’s writing, awaiting a resolution only the reader can bring — through faith or unbelief. Check out Isaiah 53 to see the prediction of Christ almost 700 years before he was born.
The Book of Jeremiah records the final prophecies to Judah, warning of oncoming destruction if the nation does not repent. The prophet Jeremiah calls out for the nation to turn back to God. At the same time, Jeremiah recognizes the inevitability of Judah’s destruction due to its unrepentant idolatry and immorality. As painful as it was for Jeremiah to deliver a consistent message of judgment to his own people, Jeremiah was obedient to what God told him to do and say. Jeremiah hoped and prayed for mercy from God for Judah, but also trusted that God was good, just, and righteous. We too must obey God, even when it is difficult, recognize God’s will as more important than our own desires, and trust that God, in His infinite wisdom and perfect plan, will bring about the best for His children.
This was written shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC and is composed of five poetic chapters, each expressing mourning and lament for the fallen city and its people. If you’ve ever experienced a significant loss, the Book of Lamentations is for you. It is filled with crushing emotions: anger, desperation, fear, loneliness, hopelessness. When reading Lamentations those who are wounded may feel strangely understood. The depths of suffering, when well expressed, can bring comfort and restoration.
Ezekiel was a man who chose to obey God and this book chronicles his life and ministry. He was called to announce God's judgment on Israel and other nations and to foretell the eventual salvation of God's people. As you read this book, observe how he fearlessly preached the word of God to the exiled Jews in the streets of Babylon (reminding them that God was present there too, and not just in Jerusalem), and hear the timeless truth of God's love and power.
This book is so full of suspense! Daniel served for 70 years in a foreign land that was hostile to God, yet he did not compromise his faith. He was persistent in prayer and was disinterested in power for personal glory. The mega theme is that God is all-knowing, and he is in charge of world events. God overrules and removes rebellious leaders who defy Him. God will deliver the faithful who follow Him. Learn in this book how God shut the mouths of hungry lions and how God was with Daniel and his three friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) in a blazing hot fire that never consumed them. We can trust God to be with us through every trial and in turn, we should remain faithful to Him.
This book illustrates God's love for His unfaithful and sinful people. Hosea was commanded by God to marry a promiscuous woman named Gomer which in turn, caused him repeating heartaches. Gomer who lost interest in Hosea and pursued other lovers, symbolizes how we can easily lose interest in our relationship with God. When we adopt the ways of the world and seek things that may seem shiny or better, we are being unfaithful. Hosea went after his wife to bring her back, just as God continually pursues us with His love. Although God will discipline us for sin (like a good parent should), He encourages and restores those who have repented. No matter how far you have strayed, God is willing to forgive you.
God's greatest desire for you is that you come to Him. In this book, a destructive swarm of locusts plagued the land, representing God's punishment for sin. But God stands ready to forgive and restore all those who come to Him and turn away from sin. Also, Joel predicts the time when God pours out his Holy Spirit on all people.
God requires truth, goodness, justice, and righteousness from all people and nations. Amos was a profit that spoke with brutal frankness in denouncing sin. We need Amos's courage to ignore fear and stand against sin.
Pride is spoken of often throughout the bible. Proverbs 16:18“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty Spirit before a fall.” Edom was a mountainous nation, occupying the region southeast of the Dead Sea. They were descendants of Esau (see Genesis 25-27) and were rugged, fierce, and proud warriors. This book shows the outcome of the ancient feud between Edom and Israel. Edom was proud, but God would bring that nation down. It teaches us that those who are high and powerful today should not be overconfident in themselves, whether a nation, a corporation, a church, a family, or an individual.
Jonah is different from the other prophetic books because it tells the story of a prophet rather than centering on his prophecies. Jonah was reluctant in fulfilling out the mission that God asked of him. He chose to run away from God rather than obey. However, despite our defiance, God in his mercy will give us another chance to serve him when we return to him.
Micah emphasized the need for justice and peace. Like a lawyer, he set forth God's case against Israel and Judah, their leaders, and their people. Throughout the book are prophecies about Jesus, the Messiah, who will gather the people into one nation. Micah also made it clear that God hated unkindness, idolatry, injustice, and empty ritual - and he still hates these today. But God is very willing to pardon the sins of anyone who repents.
God rules over all the earth, even over those who don't acknowledge him. God is all-powerful, and no one can thwart his plans. Ninevah, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is the subject of Nahum's prophecy and its coming destruction. The people of Judah were comforted to know that God was still in control and he is still in control today.
Habakkuk shows us that God is still in control over the world despite the apparent triumph of evil. When Habakkuk was troubled, he brought his concerns directly to God and his example should encourage us as we struggle to move from doubt to faith.
Zephaniah warned the people of Judah that if they refused to repent, the entire nation, including the beloved city of Jerusalem, would be lost. He was there to shake the people out of their complacency and urge them to return to God.
In 586 BC, the armies of Bablyon had destroyed the temple in Jerusalem - God's house, the symbol of his presence. In 538 BC King Cyrus decreed that Jews could return to their beloved city and rebuild the temple. So they traveled to Jerusalem and began the work, but soon forgot their purpose and lost their priorities. Then Haggai swoops in, spoke for God, calling them back to God's values. A reminder we need to be on guard to keep our priorities straight.
This book offers spiritual strength and encouragement. Have You ever struggled with your sense of significance? Perhaps you’ve felt unappreciated or that your efforts weren’t worth much. At times you may have been tempted to quit, but Zechariah found a city full of people who felt like this. So he spoke words of encouragement and motivation to them, and they picked up the pieces and kept on going. In this book, you will see how God had been working in the lives of the Jews even when they hadn’t realized it. Also, watch for Zechariah’s insights into what God intended to do for and through Jesus. Though many words and phrases in Zechariah seem obscure, be on the lookout for the many predictions concerning the coming Messiah.
Malachi presents a word from God, followed by a complaint from the people, followed in turn by an answer from God. Look for God’s passion in this exchange. God loves you with an unfailing passionate love and wants you to return his love by demonstrating faithfulness, integrity, and purity.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.