Old Testament
I & II Samual
I & II Samual tell primarily the stories of Samuel, Saul and David, as recounted by the prophets Samuel, Nathan and Gad and ultimately compiled by other scribes. Originally written as one book, it was split in two early on, due to limitations in the length of scrolls at the time. It is written in story form and includes great stories of anointings, battles, betrayal, pride and humility. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Judges
MediumJudges is carved in wood and painted to look like a stone tablet. The most important writings during the time period were carved in stone of lead. (Job 12:24).Author: Samuel (likely) & Scribes Genre: History Audience: The Hebrew People Written: ~ 1050 BC...
Ruth
The book of Ruth is the story of King David’s great-grandmother, how she came to live in Israel, and how she was redeemed by Boaz and married. Like Judges, this book is thought to have been written by the prophet Samual and other scribes.
Joshua
The story of the Israelites conquest of Cannan (The Promised Land), and the fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and Moses. It recounts many stories including the parting of the Jordan river and the battle of Jericho. The writing is historically attributed to Joshua, the main character and leader in the book, as well as other scribes.
Deuteronomy
The book of Deuteronomy is a series of speeches from Moses where he calls the next generation of Israel to be faithful to their covenant with God. Deuteronomy means “Second Law”, and contains sections where Moses explains the Torah, more rules for Temple/Tabernacle worship, the character of leaders, and a final speech warning that rebellion against God will lead to devastation and exile, while obedience will lead to blessing.
Numbers
The story of God’s people as they leave Mt. Sini and approach the Promised Land, only to rebel and wander the desert for 40 years. The book is written by Moses and is highlighted by stories of Israel’s rebellion and God’s continued faithfulness. The book gets its name from the census of the Israelite people, taken both at the beginning and the end.
Leviticus
The book of Leviticus focuses on tabernacle worship through priests (From the tribe of Levi), and is written and recorded by Moses. This book records God’s plan and rules providing a way for his corrupt and imperfect people to live in his presence, and rules for them to be “set-apart” from other pagan peoples and traditions. It includes rules for sacrifices, feasts, rituals, and the requirements for priests as the mediators between God and his people.
Exodus
The story of the Israelite people 400 years after Joseph, following them from their slavery in Egypt, through their exodus through the Red Sea into the desert, the delivery of the Ten Commandments, and God’s instructions on how to live “set apart” as his chosen people. The events and laws given by God are recorded by Moses some time afterwards.
Genesis
The story of mankind from the creation of the world to the Israelites enslavement in Egypt. The stories included follow the covenant and promise between God and his chosen people, focusing on the lineage of the Israelite people from Adam through Joseph. It was originally passed down through oral tradition and early writings, and eventually compiled and recorded by Moses.