Old Testament Survey
The Old Testament is divided into five sections: the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy), the historical books (Joshua through Esther), the poetic books (Job through Song of Solomon), the Major Prophets (Isaiah through Daniel), and the Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi). The Old Testament was written from approximately 1400 B.C. to approximately 400 B.C. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few small sections written in Aramaic (essentially 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 The word "old" tends to give the idea of "outdated" or "not-relevant."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. Please read the following articles:
Why should we read the Bible?
Why should we study the Old Testament?
What is the difference between the Old and New Testaments?
What is the proper way to study the Bible?
A survey of the Old Testament is a worthwhile and spiritually-enriching endeavor. Below are links to summaries of the various books of the Old Testament. We sincerely hope you find our Old Testament Survey beneficial in your walk with Christ.
See also our article on Old Testament theology.
Recommended Resources: Survey of the Old Testament by Paul Benware.
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norm Geisler.
Historical Survey of the Old Testament by Eugene Merrill.
Book of Genesis
Book of Exodus
Book of Leviticus
Book of Numbers
Book of Deuteronomy
Book of Joshua
Book of Judges
Book of Ruth
Book of 1 Samuel
Book of 2 Samuel
Book of 1 Kings
Book of 2 Kings
Book of 1 Chronicles
Book of 2 Chronicles
Book of Ezra
Book of Nehemiah
Book of Esther
Book of Job
Book of Psalms
Book of Proverbs
Book of Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Book of Isaiah
Book of Jeremiah
Book of Lamentations
Book of Ezekiel
Book of Daniel
Book of Hosea
Book of Joel
Book of Amos
Book of Obadiah
Book of Jonah
Book of Micah
Book of Nahum
Book of Habakkuk
Book of Zephaniah
Book of Haggai
Book of Zechariah
Book of Malachi
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New Testament Survey
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