Old Testament

The Old Testament is divided into five sections. Pentateuch: Genesis through Deuteronomy; History: Joshua through Esther; Poetic: Job through Song of Solomon; Major Prophets: Isaiah through Daniel; Minor Prophets: Hosea through Malachi. The Old Testament was written from approximately 1400 BC to 400 BC.

The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew with a few small sections written in Aramaic which is a variation of Hebrew. The Old Testament deals primarily with the relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The Pentateuch deals with the creation of Israel and God establishing a covenant relationship with Israel.

The historical books record Israel's history, its victories and successes along with its defeats and failures. The poetic books give us a more intimate look at God’s relationship with Israel and His passion for Israel to worship and obey Him. The prophetic books are God’s call to Israel to repent from its idolatry and unfaithfulness and to return to a relationship of obedience and spiritual fidelity. 

Perhaps a better title would be the First Testament. The word old tends to give the idea of outdated or not-relevant. That could not be further from the truth. A survey of the Old Testament is a worthwhile and spiritually-enriching endeavor. Below are the 39 books of the Old Testament.

Pentateuch

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

History

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

Poetic

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Solomon

Major Prophets

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Minor Prophets

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi