Summary of books of the Bible Part 1 (Old Testament Books)
Genesis
The book of Genesis is Narrative in genre, and is a Pentateuch book. The book of Genesis, written by Moses is in one of the first 3 books of the canon. The key themes and events include: God’s 7 days of creation, Adam and Eve’s Fall from sin (spiritual death), the flood in Noah’s time, the spread of nations (Babylon), the Abrahamic Covenant that continued through the blood line through a blessing with Isaac and Joseph, and finally into slavery in Egypt. God spoke the universe into existence from nothing, and with the appearance of age. The days of creation parallel with days 1 (let there be light- cosmic light) with day 4 (Sun, Moon, and Stars, which are light holders), day 2 (Atmosphere and Oceans) with day 5 (Birds and Fish), and day 3 (Dry Land) with day 6 (Creation of land animals and mankind). Day 7 is the day for rest (Sabbath). When Eve ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and then offered it to Adam- man became separated from God (broken relationship). The flood during the time of Noah was caused by man’s continuous evil. Only Noah, his three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japeph), and their wives survived. The rainbow is a sign of God’s promise to never flood the Earth again. After the flood, God said multiple and disperse. Man multiplied but remained in one location- this was the spread of Nations (Babylon) when God confused the people language. Then there was the Abrahamic Covenant (a promise to Abraham of a great nation, a great name, and a great blessing), which was passed down by the bloodline through a blessing with Isaac (gap filler), Jacob (the deceiver), and Joseph (the dreamer). Jacob blessed all of his sons, which formed the 12 tribes of Israel. Joseph, the son Jacob favored was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph went from slavery, to prison, to dream interpreter for the Pharaoh (7 years abundance/ 7 years famine) to finally being in charge of the agriculture in Egypt (Egyptian Minister of Agriculture). When his brothers came seeking relief from the famine Joseph tested the brothers and then told him who he was and brought his family as guests into Egypt. Later the Hebrews would no longer be guests but become slaves in Egypt after Joseph died. Joseph asked to have his bones carried out of Egypt.
Other people include- Terah (Abraham’s Father), Sarah (Abraham’s wife), Ishmael (Isaac’s brother), Esau (Jacob’s brother and who he stole the blessing and birthright from), Rebekah (Isaac’s wife), Dinah (Jacob’s daughter), Leah and Rachel (Jacob’s wives and Joseph’s mother).
Other events- when Abraham was tested by God in the proposed sacrifice of Isaac. The book also emphasizes the possible shifting of Earth’s continents during the Flood of Noah.
Exodus
Exodus is also a narrative and Pentateuch book. The book of Exodus was written by Moses and is the second book of the canon. After 400 years from the end of Genesis the story continues with the key themes and events of: Enslavement, Moses, 10 plagues, the Passover, the Israelites leave Egypt, the Red sea crossing, Mt. Sinai, and the 10 commandments. The books of Exodus picks back up after 400 years of slavery in Egypt. We left when the Israelites slipped from guests in Egypt (through Joseph) to slaves. During the last 400 years the Hebrew nation multiplied. The pharaoh feared that it was getting out of hand and ordered all the males to be killed. This is when Moses enters with his birth. Fortunately the midwives did not listen to the Pharaoh, so Moses was spared. Moses’ mother hid him for three years and then put him down the Nile River where the Pharaoh’s daughter, Hatshepsut found him and adopted him. Moses was raised in the palace and was taught the Egyptian ways. Moses killed an Egyptian overseer when he was 40 and had to flee Egypt. The pharaoh, Thutmoses III died in 1450 BC and God called Moses back to Egypt (burning bush while tending his flocks). Moses demanded that the new Pharaoh let “His people go”. Moses demonstrated signs (his hand with Leprosy then not/ Staff into a snake and then not) and then brought the 10 plagues. The 10 plagues lasted about one year and were designed to challenge the gods of Egypt. Moses then led his people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea (Pharaoh’s army crushed/ drowned) to Mt. Sinai where Moses received the covenant/ 10 commandments, when the people arrived at the Promise Land- Moses sent a reconnaissance party in of 12 (one from each tribe). Only two, Joshua and Caleb brought back faith in God and Hope when they discovered there were already inhabitants in Canaan.
Other people: Zipporah (Moses wife).
Other events: The Passover (set the stage for the ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah), Moses major sin (rock with water and related himself too close to God), which made him unable to enter the Promise Land, the Manna which God provided to the people for 40 years, the golden calf which the people built (Aaron) when Moses was up the mountain for too long, setting up the system of worship and priests, the tabernacle (the Glory of the LORD covered the tent of meeting), bones of Joseph were carried out of Egypt due to the oath sworn by sons. As long as the people were faithful and obedient to the 10 commandments they would prosper but if they disobedient (sinned) they would be suffer.
Leviticus
Leviticus is also a narrative and a Pentateuch book. The book of Leviticus was also written by Moses, though Joshua most likely reported Moses’ death. Leviticus is the last of the first 3 book canon. The key themes and events include: Instructions on the sacrificial system, holiness, cleanliness, priesthood, and instructions on early Israelite religion (precursor to Judaism). Leviticus was written to explain to the Israelites why God had intervened and saved them from slavery and what he now expected of them. Sacrificial instructions/ guidelines (various forms of sacrifices- consecratory, expiatory, communal) were provided with priests over the instruction, moral laws were established. The organizational system put in place gave the Israelites a socioeconomic-judicial-political-religious system. The book of Leviticus ends with guidelines regarding the Sabbath year, which was the basic structure of the complex socio-economic-judicial-political-religious system and foundation of Israelite society.
Other events: The establishment of the 7 national holidays (people required to gather for 3 of them), the tabernacle was built and anointed, God gave Moses the Liturgical calendar, and tablets of the law were in the Ark of the Covenant.
Other people: Aaron (anointed with tabernacle and altar- making the priesthood and tabernacle working entities).
Numbers
Numbers is a narrative and a Pentateuch book. Numbers key themes and events include: the Israelites are still at Mt. Sinai, the people make false idols, wander the wilderness for 40 years begins. Moses is said to have wrote numbers. Numbers begins with a census, which God told him to do by telling him to count the people in preparation for the move to the promised land (Canaan). The reason was to count the men who would be able to go to war, to divide the land, and to serve as an organizational method. Numbers is the first book after the initial canon (first 3 books). Because of the reconnaissance sent into Canaan and the lack of faith in God to take them to the Promised land (with exception of Joshua and Caleb) the people were punished and deemed to wander the wilderness for 40 years. Those who were 19 and younger at the end of 40 years would be allowed to enter the Promised Land as the first generation. Those who were 20 and older were destined to die before entering the Promised Land. Numbers serves as a travelogue, which records how the nation journeyed from Mt. Sinai to the Transjordan River. The book ends with the second census, the reiteration of God’s covenant and Joshua was commissioned to be leader after Moses. Number’s also serves as a validation of God sustaining the Israelites for the 40 year period of wandering.
Other events: In Numbers 10:11-20:13 God provides quail when people complain about Manna and then sends a plague in punishment.
Other people: Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu who were consumed by fire when offering a strange fire to the LORD. Sihon and Og (two kings that attacked the Israelites and the Israelites too their land).
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is also a narrative and Pentateuch book. Deutro nomos meaning “second law” sums up the book as a reiteration of the law established in Numbers. The book of Deuteronomy reflects Moses growing impatience with the Israelites. The book locates the Israelites in the area of the Jordan River (across from Jericho). Moses delivers his farewell address and names Joshua as the next leader. Moses delivers the people at the entrance of Canaan and gives the covenant renewal, and emphasizes the laws and the call for total commitment to YHWH in that the Israelites should love their one true God with all their heart. The book also shows God’s constant love and faithfulness to his people even in their sinful nature. The book also records Moses death, which Joshua recorded. In Deuteronomy 10:8; 31:9-13 the priests were given God’s blessings and were responsible for guarding God’s word and to read it to the people. In Deuteronomy 1-34 one sees the layout of the structure and reiteration of what was established with the first generation at Mt. Sinai. The Israelites were also not going to enter the Promised Land through the direct route any longer but would enter the land through Jericho (one of the strongest cities). This would test the Israelites in the faithfulness in God.
Joshua
Joshua is a historical book, which describes the first half of the conquest to the Promise Land (Canaan).The last half of the book deals with the division of land to the people to Joshua’s death. It also includes the holy war and the invasion and possession of Canaan. The people had to have faith in God to protect them (in example, after the crossing of the Jordan the men where circumcised). Joshua was one of the spies who was sent into the land of Canaan before they were destined to wander in the wilderness for 40 years- he had faith in the LORD even when ten others did not. The Israelites camped on the East side of the river and crossed it during the time of it being flooded (a dramatic entrance). The entrance into the Promise Land fulfilled God’s promise/ Abrahamic covenant. When Joshua gave his farewell speech he reminded people they were not to serve the foreign gods and to put them away and serve YHWH (the true God). Another important factor is Joshua did not provide a successor and this was the first time the Israelites did not have leader since leaving Egypt. Joshua (with God’s help) led the invasion and conquest of the Canaan land through the battle of Jericho, and Ai. It took Joshua and the other Israelites 5 years to conquer the land of Canaan and still some inhabitants of Canaan were left (which would play out later for the reason why- God allowed).
Other events / more emphasis: The Battle of Ai- 36 men died of 3,000 because someone stole from battle of Jericho- guilty party was stoned to death with their family. The Manna provided by God stopped after the celebration of Passover. Altar was built at Mt. Ebal and the law was written on stone as Moses directed. They also had a covenant renewal and blessings/ curses were announced. The book also includes talk about the division of land.
Other People: Rahab- hide two spies from reconnaissance party when king of Jericho was looking for them. Rahab asked to be spared during invasion and men responded for her to tie a scarlet rope in her window- everyone was wiped from the land EXCEPT Rahab and her family.
Judges
Judges covers the time between Joshua’s death and the beginning of Kingship. Judges were selected by God himself to bring the people back to Him. Judges is a historical book written about the time of judges (bad time period). While the Israelites managed to conquer the land of Canaan they did not drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan and then began to take back the people of the land’s foreign idolatry. There were 7 cycles of foreign depression, repentance, and then deliverance where each time the Israelites’ failed to learn from their mistakes. Within the book it reflects Israel’s sin cycle. Israel repeated over and over their lack of loyalty to God’s and their covenant. Each time the book will start with the people “did evil”. For example, the Israelites were worshipping false gods, suffering would come and the people would cry out to God, God would send a judge and there would be peace UNTIL the judge died and the cycle would repeat with and the people “did evil”. The first judge was Othniel, Caleb’s cousin. Caleb was the other spy (other one was Joshua) who held belief in God and that he would get them to the Promised Land when Moses sent in a reconnaissance party into Canaan. Othniel led the people away from their evil and maintained peace in the land for 40 years. Other judges include: King Eglon Moab, Ehud (who held the longest period of peace during the time of the judges), and Shagbark. Then there was Deborah, a major judge and woman who went to battle with Barak at Mt. Tabor to defeat the Canaanites. Another major judge was Gideon who willingly followed and obeyed God even in his time of fear. Gideon’s strength was his faith in God. Then there is the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was a Nazirite and had great strength until he was betrayed by Delilah with the Philistines. Samson had a hot temper one would say almost out of control. Samson brought down the temple, which was dedicated to the God of Dagon, on the Philistines At the end of the book of Judges the people are in a graven state and even the priests are portrayed as “each man did what was right in his own eyes”. Most importantly during this time period Israel had no king and “everyone did as they saw fit”.
Ruth
Ruth is a historical book that tells of a young widow Moabitess who converted to a Yahwist. Samuel most likely wrote the book of Ruth. She asked Boaz, whose field she gleans in to fulfill the Kingsman redeemer role. Ruth was written during the same time as judges but contrast the book of Judges in that it speaks of righteousness, love, and faithfulness of the LORD Ruth and Boaz are the future king, David’s great grandparents.
1 and 2 Samuel
The book of Samuel I and II is a historical book and covers Samuels birth to David’s kingship. Samuel was a prophet and a judge. Samuel’s mother, Hannah was barren and asked God for a son whom she would dedicate to serve YHWH with his whole heart. Samuel anoints the first two kings, Saul and David. The Samuel raised the stone “Ebenezer”, called the stone of help to serve as a reminder of how God helped Israel escape from Philistine rule. The first king Saul anointed was Samuel, which was the type of king the people thought they needed. Saul’s character flaws included hiding in the baggage before being anointed as king. Saul’s character flaws also included his lack of faith in YHWH as he did not distinguish between YHWH and the gods of the Canaanites (Saul did not understand the spiritual dimension). Saul’s kingship ended with Saul committing Suicide (fell on his own sword). The second king, David was what God said a king should be. David fought Goliath after he considered Goliath’s behavior as an insult to God’s army and an insult to God’s army is an insult to God Himself. David’s character strength included not killing Saul even when the opportunity was there. Of course the real strength was David’s faith in God to take of Saul in His own time. One of David’s character flaws was when he sinned with Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife). David tried to cover his sin by having Uriah sent to the front line of battle where Uriah was killed. But God knew David’s sin. One main difference between Saul and David is that David immediately confessed his sin and repented. However, God killed his first son with Bathsheba. David’s line leads to Jesus of Nazareth. The book of Samuel also tells of the North/ South division and how David originally only was King locally and then was King over all of Israel.
1 and 2 Kings
The book of Kings I and II are Historical Books. Kings I includes Solomon, Israel as a powerful nation, the death of Solomon, and the division of tribes between the North and South. Solomon began his reign as king in a bloody manner taking care of unfinished business from David’s kingship. Solomon last his spiritual zeal for his love of women and the building of material wealth. Kings II starts as a divided kingdom (North and South). The north kingdom divided from the south for convenience, a new religion (two golden calves going back to Mt. Sinai and Aaron’s time), and was ruled by Jeroboam (evil). The kings of the South varied between those who had faith in God and those who were considered evil. The kings of the North were all evil. The Northern Kingdom ended with the nation being conquered by the Assyrians and the population being carried off to exile. The nation had adopted pagan worship.
Other people: Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and lost his kingdom by starting his kingship with the refusal to cut taxes and the threat of raising them. Rehoboam also declined spiritually. Asa was a good king, who was spiritually strong and “did right in the eyes of the LORD”. Though Asa was guilty of not having choosing his personal relationships more wisely (especially where the Northern Kingdom was concerned). Jehoshaphat was also spiritually strong but had poor judgment in the intermarriage of the Northern Kingdom. Athaliah- pure evil (a gap filler between kings), a woman who killed the royal line (with exception of one- Joash). Athaliah was executed. Joash who Athaliah missed when killing the royal line- he was coroneted as king at age seven. After Johoiada’s (Joash’s step-father) death the leaders turned Joash’s heart away from God. Ahaz was the worse king of all (most evil). Hezekiah contrast Ahaz as where Ahaz was evil, Hezekiah was good (almost comparable to David). Hezekiah reopened the temple and fully trusted in the LORD.
Other People: Omri and Ahab both evil kings. Ahab showed the direction the North Kingdom was going by his obvious evil.
1 and 2 Chronicles
1 and 2 Chronicles are Historical Books. 1 Chronicles is a retelling of history of Israel to the time of Solomon. In 1 Chronicles the ark of the covenant of the LORD was brought into Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles continues the retelling of history of Israel through Solomon, the building of the temple, to exile. Chronicles also focuses on the restoration and the role of the temple and worship. 1 Chronicles opens with a genealogy that goes back to the time of Adam. Chronicles also emphasizes the story of Judah and the people of Judah, including the exile. Throughout the book success is dependent on faithfulness to YHWH (one true Lord).
Ezra
Ezra is a historical book. At this time Cyrus allowed most of the Jews return to their land (Zerubbabel led them). Ezra returned later with more Jews and the temple was built. Ezra led a small group from Persia to Judah. Ezra was assigned the task of intermarriage among the Israelites in a region that was chaotic because Ezra was knowledgeable in the law.
Nememiah
Nememiah is a historical book, which speaks of the building the walls of Jerusalem and Nehemiah’s role as management in leadership. Nememiah got permission from the king (Artaxerxes) of Persia to rebuild the wall. Nememiah had faith in YHWH. The book also speaks of the revival in the land.
Esther
Esther is a historical book, which contained a plot instigated by Haman to kill the Jewish people. Esther was chosen to be Xeres wife and thus Queen. Esther was a Jewish descendant. In the end Esther outwitted Haman and saved her people.
Job
Poetical book. Job, who served as a patriarchal priest lived within the same time frame of Abraham. Job may have originally been part of the original canon (the canon people carried from Mt. Sinai). Bad things happen to good people and Job maintains trust in God even in trying time whether he reaps the rewards or not. Job is a righteous man who was tested by God. One main point in Job is reflected that the world involves issues far beyond our understanding (moral cause and effect) and that we should trust in the LORD even in trying times as this is Satan’s work (evil in the world who rebels against God). Job loses everything during time of testing but gains double when his faith does not falter (God’s graciousness).
Psalms
Psalms is a poetical book. The Psalms are worship in song that helps a person feal with issue in life. Poetry serves a central function, which assists the reader of the bible with the worship of God. Psalms helps focus the mind and ones emotions on YHWH.
Proverbs
Proverbs is a poetical book written by Solomon when he was younger. It contains practical wisdom and instruction on everyday life to help us follow the Lord, which can enable us to live a good life. Proverbs are short, general observations about how life works and teaches wisdom.
Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes is a poetical book written by Solomon when he was older after realizing the mistakes he had made by being led away from God. The book tells how to live wisely in a world where the only certainty is death and judgment. God is needed in life for life to have meaning. We all need to fear God while also having faith in God and hence our resurrection through Jesus Christ.
Song of Songs
Song of Songs is a poetical book, which displays the love between a man and a woman and tells how God created sexual love and how it is good and should be embraced (a praise of true love). The book of Song of Songs can also be seen as an allegory, which shows the love of God for the nation of Israel or of Christ for the Church.
Isaiah
Isaiah is a prophet. A prophet was a person who was chosen by God to be his spokesperson to His people. They revealed God’s intentions of specific actions in space time history. There were three reasons for God’s actions:
1) To reconcile human beings to YHWH
2) An announcement of judgment
3) A prophecy fulfillment
A book by a major prophet, Isaiah. The book looks at sin of Judah, and proclaims God’s judgment. The book Isaiah tells about the coming restoration/ judging and blessing/ restoration through the Messiah
Other people: Manasseh killed Isaiah.
Jeremiah
A major prophet, Jeremiah is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to his word. Jeremiah began his ministry under the reign of Josiah. Jeremiah served during a time when people refused to hear God’s word. Those who are unfaithful will be cursed into exile with the promise of a new covenant and restoration in faith fulfilled through the Messiah. Jeremiah was called by God to proclaim the news of judgment.
Lamenations
Lamenations is writings. Lamenations is a collection of five songs which focused on the city of Jerusalem and its destructions. Lamenations covers the defeat and fall of Jerusalem through suffering and spiritual agony. God stays true to His word in judgment against unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel
A major prophet and priest that ministered to the Jews while they were in captivity (Babylon). Ezekiel includes a description of end times. Ezekiel received a vision from God when he was thirty years old (God being carried upon His throne by cherubim. He received continued to receive visions (some of the future) throughout and some showed insight into the spiritual realm. It also covers the fall of Jerusalem due to sin. Ezekiel talks about the coming Messiah and the Holy Spirit.
Daniel
Major prophet and prince known for his spiritual integrity. Daniel has visions of the future and interpreted a dream for Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel illustrates God’s care of the Jews while they were in exile. Daniel lived during the time of exile and was taken as a political hostage to undergo three-year schooling on how to learn the Babylonian language and literature after he would become an advisor to the king. Most importantly the book of Daniel shows how God could protect His people during the time of exile.
Hosea
Hosea was a minor prophet. Key events include: Israel’s spiritual adultery and tells of Israel being judged and then restored. YHWH punishes his people for their unfaithfulness, but throughout has unfailing love for them. Hosea was separated from Gomer (his wife), which symbolized his separation and the people’s separation from YHWH (exile of nation). The promise was made that if the people plea and repent it will be forgiven and healed.
Joel
Joel was a minor prophet. The dating of Joel is not certain. However, the date points to a time before the exile and provides insight of a future invasion. Includes the imagery of locusts as a plague. Again it talks about judgment. Talks about God’s judgment on sin and our need for repentance. The book tells us that all who call on His name will be saved.
Amos
Amos was a minor prophet and shepherd. Amos warned Israel of the coming judgment and Israel rejected the warning. Amos tells of a time of judging and blessings, (depending on who was involved and when), when God intervenes in history to advance his overall program to pave the way for the Messiah. Amos shows the social injustices that came because the people failed to follow God’s teachings.
Obadiah
Obadiah was a minor prophet. The book speaks of Edom gloating over Jerusalem’s judgment (Jerusalem is God’s people) and Edom’s condemnation/doom. Again speaks of Israel’s judgment, restoration, and deliverance. The book of Obadiah shows that while God may punish His people other nations better not gloat or they will face God’s judgment too.
Jonah
Jonah was a minor prophet who proclaimed the coming judgment on Nineveh’s people who repented and judgment dismissed. Jonah ran from the Lord. Jonah was to deliver a message to Nineveh. Jonah shows how God has mercy (control of storms and have mercy on the innocent) on His nation even though they are in judgment.
Micah
Micah was a minor prophet who tells of Israel’s moral decay. Micah was comparable to Isaiah in that they preached similar messages (in example people’s problems stemmed from worshipping false gods). Micah believed the people’s problems translated into social injustices. Again the message is judgment through the Messiah for breaking covenant (sin) and then restoration. The book of Micah tells how the Messiah would solve the problems and that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. Micah also hints that the Messiah will be more than a mere human.
Nahum
Nahum was a minor prophet. The book speaks about Nineveh’s destruction. It also talks of God’s character. Nahum addressed the people of Assyria and its capitol Nineveh, which ultimately both would be destroyed. The main point of the book was that even thought he people had repented (Assyrians) during this time there was no offer of repentance.
Habakkuk
A minor prophet. Setting is during the end of the Kingdom of Judah. The book of Habakkuk speaks of injustice and wickedness prevailing and Habakkuk asking God why he was letting this evil prevail. God led the Babylonians in judgment on the Southern Kingdom and wiped out the injustice. Habakkuk wanted to know why God could use the Babylonians (people from a nation even worse than the Southern Kingdom) to judge. Habakkuk realizes that how God acts is beyond his understanding and that one must trust in God to know the answers to all our questions.
Zephaniah
A minor prophet and great-great-grandson of Habakkuk. Zephaniah speaks of how Judah still will not repent. Again talks about the day of the LORD and his judgment on the people of Judah and all nations for sin. It also talks about salvation and God’s grace. The last portion of the book Zephaniah speaks a message of hope during the time of restoration where the nation would be built on true worshippers of YHWH.
Haggai
Haggai was a minor prophet. The book speaks about how the people failed to put God first by building a temple, and therefore did not have prosperity. They failed to place the building of the temple as important. The temple needed to be rebuilt, so the people could be identified as people of God’s presence (fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit).
Zechariah
Zechariah was a priest and minor prophet who had a vision of the return of God to Jerusalem. His messages were more apocalyptic in nature. He encouraged Jews to complete the temple. Zechariah speaks of how God uses foreign nations to judge/ exact punishment on His people. Zechariah gave many prophecies of the coming Messiah. He prophecies what will happen with Jesus Christ- Israel’s king comes to Jerusalem, he is slain for our sins and would purify Israel.
Malachi
Malachi was a minor prophet who issues a proclamation of the coming judgment because of the people’s moral and religious decline. Malachi was the last book of the Old Testament. Malachi states that we must take God’s covenant seriously as the people were going through the motions of worship without meaning (inferior sacrifices/ withholding tithes and offerings / declared it vain to serve God). The book closes with proclaiming that John the Baptist would precede the Messiah (Jesus Christ) known as “the day of the LORD.”
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