Old Testament Books

(in English Order)

The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, and it is a foundational text for Judaism. It contains 39 books, which are divided into four categories: the Pentateuch, the historical books, the wisdom books, and the prophetic books.

Here is a list of the Old Testament books in English order, along with their main subjects:

Pentateuch

• Genesis: The creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
• Exodus: The Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land.
• Leviticus: Laws and regulations governing the religious and social life of the Israelites.
• Numbers: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their preparations to enter the Promised Land.
• Deuteronomy: Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites, in which he reviews God's laws and encourages them to remain faithful to God.

Historical Books

• Joshua: The Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land.
• Judges: The story of the Israelites' struggle to maintain their independence in the Promised Land.
• Ruth: A love story between a Moabite woman and an Israelite man.
• 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel: The stories of the prophets Samuel, David, and Solomon.
• 1 Kings and 2 Kings: The history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah from the death of Solomon to the Babylonian exile.
• 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles: An alternative history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with a focus on the religious and spiritual aspects of their history.
• Ezra and Nehemiah: The story of the Israelites' return from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
• Esther: The story of a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from genocide.

Wisdom Books

• Job: A poetic dialogue about the problem of evil and suffering.
• Psalms: A collection of poems and songs expressing the full range of human emotions, from joy to sorrow to praise.
• Proverbs: A collection of wise sayings and advice on how to live a good life.
• Ecclesiastes: A meditation on the meaning of life and the futility of worldly pursuits.
• Song of Solomon: A love poem celebrating the beauty of marriage and intimacy.

Prophetic Books

• Isaiah: A collection of prophecies about the future of Israel and the world.
• Jeremiah: A collection of prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites, as well as a message of hope and restoration.
• Lamentations: A collection of poems lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem.
• Ezekiel: A collection of prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites, as well as a vision of the new temple and the restored kingdom of God.
• Daniel: A collection of stories and prophecies about the future of Israel and the world.
• Hosea: A collection of prophecies about the judgment and restoration of Israel.
• Joel: A collection of prophecies about a coming day of judgment and restoration.
• Amos: A collection of prophecies about the judgment of Israel and the other nations for their social injustice and idolatry.
• Obadiah: A short prophecy against the nation of Edom.
• Jonah: A story about a prophet who is reluctant to obey God's command to preach to the people of Nineveh.
• Micah: A collection of prophecies about the judgment and restoration of Israel and the world.
• Nahum: A prophecy against the city of Nineveh.
• Habakkuk: A dialogue between the prophet and God about the problem of evil and suffering.
• Zephaniah: A prophecy of judgment against Israel for its idolatry and social injustice.
• Haggai: A collection of prophecies encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
• Zechariah: A collection of prophecies about the future of Israel and the world.
• Malachi: A collection of prophecies criticizing the Israelites for their religious indifference and social injustice.

The Old Testament books are a rich and diverse collection of writings that offer insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition. They have been studied and interpreted for centuries, and they continue to inspire and challenge people today.

* Mentioned by Name or Traditionally Accepted

Old Testament Books
Old Testament Books in English Order
Old Testament Books in Hebrew Order
Old Testament Books - Hebrew Meanings

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