Books of the Old Testament

Genesis

This book tells of the origin of the world. It contains the history of creation, Noah and the floods, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

Exodus

This book tells of the persecution of the Jews in Egypt and their departure. It describes the life of Moses and the giving of the Ten Commandments. This book also tells of the ten plagues and the consecration of the Tabernacle.

Leviticus

This book describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, the Mosaic laws of sacrifice, of legal purity, holiness, vows and tithes.

Numbers

This book begins with a census of the Hebrews, which is why it is called 'Numbers'. It describes their departure, their journey and the rules for the distribution of the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy means 'a second law'. This book repeats and explains the commandments given on Mount Sinai, it tells of Moses and ends with his death.

Joshua

This book contains a history of the Jews under Joshua's rule, the occupation of the Promised Land and its distribution. There is also an account of the last address and death of Joshua.

Judges

This book is a history of the Jews under the rule of the 12 Judges. The Judges were men who were brought up to rule Israel. The work of the Judges, the political situation and religious conditions are described.

Ruth

Ruth was a Gentile widow who went to Bethlehem. There she met a Jew and from the marriage Obed was born. Obed was the grandfather of David. Christ (who was family of David), therefore, had Gentile ancestors.

1 Samuel

This book tells of Samuel and the two kings Saul and David. It describes the beginning of the Jewish monarchy and its first King (Saul).

2 Samuel

Following many successful wars, King David makes Jerusalem his capital. David then repents his sins and conquers his enemies.

1 Kings

Solomon, who was David's son, succeeds as King on David's death. King Solomon improved Jerusalem and built the temple. On Solomon's death his kingdom split into two (Israel in the North and Juda in the South).

2 Kings

This book continues with the history of the two hostile kingdoms of Israel and Juda. It describes the events up to their captivity.

1 Chronicles

This book begins with the genealogy of Adam through to David. It then tells of the reign of King David and King Solomon.

2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles continues from 1 Chronicles to the fall of Jerusalem.

Ezra

Short book told by Ezra, a priest and scribe of 5th century B.C. With Nehemiah he revived Judaism to Palestine and rebuilt the temple.

Nehemiah

A Hebrew prophet in 5th century B.C. He reports of his efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's city walls.

Esther

Esther was a young Jewess who saved the people from slaughter by Aman.

Job

When Job lost everything, three of his friends claimed that this was brought on by his sins. Job rightly proclaimed his innocence. God intervened showing the foolishness of questioning divine providence, but he praised him for not accepting the false explanation from his friends.

Psalms

The book of psalms is a collection of a large number of religious songs.

Proverbs

This book was mainly written by King Solomon. It contains a collection of rules for wise living.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is the Greek word for 'preacher'. This book teaches that happiness cannot be found in created things.

Song Of Solomon

This book is a poetic dialogue between a bridegroom and a bride. Their love for each other is a symbol of the love between God and His Church.

Isaiah

Isaiah is called the prophet of divine mercy. He is one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. In this book the punishments that warns the Jews and Gentiles with are for their reformation.

Jeremiah

In this book Jeremiah denounces the sinfulness of the Jews. The book talks of the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.

Lamentations

Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah laments the sorrows of his people.

Ezekiel

In Babylon, Ezekiel warns of the impending destruction of the city to the Jews already captive there. He ends with a predication of the restoration of Israel.

Daniel

This book describes the life of Daniel who was held captive in Babylon. His prophecies are recorded here.

Hosea

Hosea condemns Israel for worshipping false gods and promises salvation to the faithful.

Joel

Joel tells in a poem how Jerusalem is restored to God's city after its people were exiled.

Amos

God called Amos to proclaim His judgements. In this book Amos denounces the people of Israel's forgetfulness of God.

Obadiah

In this book Obadiah denounces the pride of the Edomites. He also prophesises their destruction.

Jonah

Jonah was thrown into water and was swallowed by a large fish. He was then saved through his prayer. During his mission, the Ninivites were converted and their destruction was avoided.

Micah

Here the destruction of the Jewish people and the reestablishment of the Davidic Kingdom is foretold.

Nahum

In Nahum's prophecy, he foretells of the destruction of the city of Ninive.

Habakkuk

In this prophecy, Habakkuk tells of the sins of the Jewish people. The book ends with a prayer of praise for the justice and mercy of God.

Zephaniah

Written in the 7th Century B.C. He warns of God's punishment and God's judgement to the unfaithful.

Haggai

Written in 520BC from his prison cell, Haggai, encourages people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

Zechariah

This prophecy took place during the rebuilding of the Temple and after the end of the Babylonian captivity.

Malachi

In this prophecy, the religious abuse that has started since the return from exile is condemned.