List of Old Testament Books with Authors, Dates, and Subjects

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, along with their authors, dates of composition, and main subjects:

Pentateuch

• Book: Genesis
• Author: Moses
• Date of composition: 1450-1410 B.C.
• Subject: The creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
• Book: Exodus
• Author: Moses
• Date of composition: 1450-1410 B.C.
• Subject: The Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land.
• Book: Leviticus
• Author: Moses
• Date of composition: 1445-1444 B.C.
• Subject: Laws and regulations governing the religious and social life of the Israelites.
• Book: Numbers
• Author: Moses
• Date of composition: 1450-1410 B.C.
• Subject: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their preparations to enter the Promised Land.
• Book: Deuteronomy
• Author: Moses
• Date of composition: 1407-1406 B.C.
• Subject: Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites, in which he reviews God's laws and encourages them to remain faithful to God.

Historical Books

• Book: Joshua
• Author: Joshua and possibly Phinehas
• Date of composition: 1450-1410 B.C.
• Subject: The Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land.
• Book: Judges
• Author: Probably Samuel
• Date of composition: 1050-975 B.C.
• Subject: The story of the Israelites' struggle to maintain their independence in the Promised Land.
• Book: Ruth
• Author: Unknown
• Date of composition: 1050-975 B.C.
• Subject: A love story between a Moabite woman and an Israelite man.
• Book: 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel
• Author: Unknown
• Date of composition: 1000-950 B.C.
• Subject: The stories of the prophets Samuel, David, and Solomon.
• Book: 1 Kings and 2 Kings
• Author: Unknown
• Date of composition: 900-550 B.C.
• Subject: The history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah from the death of Solomon to the Babylonian exile.
• Book: 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles
• Author: Ezra
• Date of composition: 450 B.C.
• Subject: An alternative history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with a focus on the religious and spiritual aspects of their history.
• Book: Ezra and Nehemiah
• Author: Ezra and Nehemiah
• Date of composition: 450-430 B.C.
• Subject: The story of the Israelites' return from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
• Book: Esther
• Author: Unknown
• Date of composition: 450-350 B.C.
• Subject: The story of a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from genocide.

Wisdom Books

• Book: Job
• Author: Unknown
• Date of composition: 500-300 B.C.
• Subject: A poetic dialogue about the problem of evil and suffering.
• Book: Psalms
• Author: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, and Ethan
• Date of composition: 1000-500 B.C.
• Subject: A collection of poems and songs expressing the full range of human emotions, from joy to sorrow to praise.
• Book: Proverbs
• Author: Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel
• Date of composition: 900-500 B.C.
• Subject: A collection of wise sayings and advice on how to live a good life

* 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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