Old Testament
Genesis
Author – Moses
Time – Creation to 1650 B.C.
Summary – "Genesis" means "beginning". As its title implies, it is the foundation of the Bible, on which everything is built. The book tells of the Creation followed by the rebellion of our first parents. It then records the growth of wickedness in the earth followed by the flood in which the only human survivors were Noah and his family. Another rebellion against God’s commands is stopped by the introduction of different languages. The rest of the book is the early history of the Jewish nation (also called the Israelites or the children of Israel.) This mainly concerns four outstanding men – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.
Exodus
Author – Moses
Time – 1,650 – 1.500 B.C.
Summary – The title "Exodus" means "a going out". It records the great numerical growth of the Israelites during their slavery in Egypt. It introduces Moses and records the plagues God brought upon Egypt to secure His people’s release from slavery. After this, the people are given the Law at Mount Sinai. The book concludes with a description of the order of worship which centers around the Law of Moses. This is the second book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Jewish Scriptures.
Leviticus
Author – Moses
Time – 1,500 B.C.
Summary – The third book of the Pentateuch takes its name from one of the 12 sons of Jacob, Levi, whose family was chosen by God to act as priests and assistants in the Tabernacle. The book covers the national and personal laws given by God to the Jewish people regarding worship and religious activities. It contains laws regarding cleanliness, morality, ethics and hygiene which guided the Jews on a day–to–day basis and still does today. Animal sacrifice was introduced as a covering for the individual and national sins of the people.
Numbers
Author – Moses
Time – 1,500 – 1,460 B.C.
Summary – Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. It is a historical book, whose name refers to the two censuses which were taken to number the people. However, it was known to the Jewish people as "In the Wilderness", because it primarily tells of the rebellion of the Israelites in the desert where they wandered after the Exodus from their slavery in Egypt. Because of this rebellion, only 2 men of the adults leaving Egypt were to enter into the land of Canaan promised to Abraham in Genesis. The rest died in the desert. The book covers a 38 year period.
Deuteronomy
Author – Moses
Time – 1460 B.C.
Summary – This book is the last of the Pentateuch. Its Greek name means "second law", which was the repetition of the law recorded in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. It was given to the nation of Israel on the plains of Moab just prior to their entrance into the Promised Land of Canaan under the command of Joshua. This was Moses’ last address to the nation as a whole prior to his death at the end of their wanderings in the desert. At this time only two men were left of the generation which escaped from Egypt. Therefore, the repetition of the law was extremely important to the welfare of the new generation.
Joshua
Author – Joshua
Time – 1460 – 1420 B.C.
Summary – Joshua was selected by God to succeed Moses and lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan. The book outlines the conquest and occupation by Israel under his military leadership. God explicitly states that all the inhabitants of the land were to be utterly driven out or destroyed in order to ensure spiritual purity and complete devotion to God by the Israelites.
Judges
Author – Unknown
Time – 1420 – 1140 B.C.
Summary – The book of Judges, which means "Champions" or "Rescuers", covers the period from the death of Joshua to the birth of Samuel. This was a time of great immorality as the result of the failure of the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land. There were "judges" set up by God who were to direct and judge the affairs and people of Israel. The book of Judges closes by setting the stage for the people’s desire for a human king.
Ruth
Author – Unknown
Time – 1250 B.C.
Summary – The book of Ruth is dated to the period of the Judges. It shows that in a time of national decline and immorality, God preserved a remnant who could serve as the core for a future revival. This would be accomplished in Ruth’s descendant, David, from whom the Messiah would come. It is thought that the book was written after the period of the Judges and describes customs of that time period.
1st & 2nd Books of Samuel
Author – Samuel, Nathan and Gad
Time – 1,150 – 1,000 B.C.
Summary – 1 Samuel is the first of two historical books which describe Israel’s transition from a loose confederation of tribes to a strong and united nation. It portrays the anointing of the first king of Israel, Saul, by a great prophet, Samuel. It recounts the degenerating reign of Saul and the succession to his throne of David, a man "after God’s own heart". In the original Hebrew text, the books of Samuel were considered one book by the Hebrew scribes. The second book begins with the ascension of David to the throne. The rest of the book records the eventful reign of David. It concludes with the blessing of Solomon by David.
1st & 2nd Books of Kings
Author – Uncertain
Time – 1000 – 586 B.C.
Summary – In the original Jewish texts, these books were regarded as one book. The two books contain the history of the Jewish monarchy from the death of David (around 970 B.C.) to the Babylonian exile (586 B.C.). They trace the division of the Jewish nation into the Kingdom of Judah in the south and the Kingdom of Israel in the north. 1 & 2 Kings record Israel’s history from a religious, rather than a civil, viewpoint. As such, they record the religious progress of the nation and show the various steps in the moral growth and decay of the kingdom. 1 Kings opens with Israel in its glory, and 2 Kings closes with Israel in ruins. The purpose of the Book of Kings is to record the lives and characters of the nation’s leaders as a warning and exhortation to all subsequent generations of believers.
1st & 2nd Books of Chronicles
Author – Ezra
Time – 1,050 – 536 B.C.
Summary – Like the Books of Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles were originally one book, according to Jewish tradition. However, the Chronicles are not simply a repeat of the history already recorded in the books of Samuel and Kings. The book of Chronicles was written to remind the nation of their entire history, and of their position among other nations, emphasizing the history of priestly worship from the death of Saul to the end of the Babylonian captivity. The Chronicles contain more detail on the organization of public worship, of religious ceremonies, of Levites and singers, and of the relationship of kings to the worship of God, than does the book of Kings. The history of the northern kingdom is omitted from the Chronicles because the northern kingdom had no bearing on the development of the true worship of God in Jerusalem.
Ezra
Author — Ezra
Time — 538 – 458 B.C.
Summary – In general, Ezra covers the events of the Jews returning from the Babylonian captivity. The decline of Babylon and its eventual overthrow by the Persians enable the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The Jews are numbered and are allowed to return to Judah to rebuild the Temple. Samaritan assistance is rejected and their opposition is a contributing factor to the slow progress of the Temple construction. Despite the delays, the Temple is completed and dedicated to God during this period.
Nehemiah
Author – Nehemiah
Time — 445 – 460 B.C.
Summary – The book of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah returning from Babylon as Governor of Jerusalem appointed by Artaxerxes king of Persia. He plans and oversees the rebuilding of the city walls despite the discouraging opposition and disunity within the Jewish population. The wall is completed and more exiles are returned and registered as Jewish citizens. Nehemiah’s dedication to God drives him to make several religious reforms. A public reading of the Law and arrangements for worship are among these reformations.
Esther
Author – Not known for certain
Time – 510 B.C.
Summary – Esther is an historical book, written during the period of the captivity. It records the plot of Haman, the prime minister to the Persian king, to exterminate the Jewish race. This plot is foiled by Esther, the queen of Persia, who was a Jewess. This book gives us the origin of the Feast of Purim, which celebrates God’s goodness in delivering the Jews from Haman.
Job
Author – Unknown
Time – apparently around 1600 B.C.
Summary – Job is the first poetic book of the Old Testament. The book reads like a play. It relates the anguish of the righteous man Job as he and his friends struggle to explain the affliction which has befallen him and has stripped him of his wealth, his family, and his health. The dialogue continues between Job and his friends as each presents his opinion on the reasons behind such troubles. God eventually intervenes and Job is restored to health and prosperity after he submits to God’s supremacy.
Psalms
Author – David and others
Time – 1450 – 700 B.C.
Summary – The Psalms are divided into five sections, each according to a specific classification. The Psalms are a form of Hebrew poetry, many of which were accompanied by music. The content of the Psalms includes prophecy of Christ, praise to God, and visions of the future Kingdom of God and its glory. David is named as author of approximately half of the Psalms. A handful of other men are responsible for about fifteen, while the remainders are unnamed.
Proverbs
Author – Solomon and others
Time – 1,000 – 700 B.C.
Summary – In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is the attitude which puts God first as man’s rightful guide and master. The book does not hesitate to link good and bad with reward and penalty. Much can be learned by testing personal conduct against the positive and negative standards and warnings as recorded in the Proverbs. Throughout the book, the view is presented that all men fall into two basic classes. Both are known by their habits, their deeds, their "fruits", their chosen "ways" in life, and their fitting ends. They are either with God or without Him, good or evil, or wise or foolish. There is even a mutual tension between the two classes, the two ways of life, which shows up in every aspect of life.
Ecclesiastes
Author – Solomon
Time – 960 B.C.
Summary – The name Ecclesiastes comes from the root meaning "to assemble together". As such, the book forms a collection of many wise sayings and proverbs of Solomon. The book is mainly composed of observations of life. Solomon, having lived a full life with all its pleasures, concludes that life is "vanity". "Vanity" in Ecclesiastes, and elsewhere in Scripture, does not mean foolish pride, but the emptiness of life apart from God. It means "that which soon vanishes away". What better man to speak about life than a man who was given all it had to offer. Without God, life would be meaningless, and all his worldly possessions would amount to nothing. Therefore, the conclusion of his studies states that man should love and fear God and obey His commandments.
Song of Solomon
Author – Solomon
Time – About 960 B.C.
Summary – It consists of speeches in Hebrew poetry. It depicts the beauty and pure love between a man and a woman which develops into a mature undying relationship. Some believe that it shows the relationship between Christ and his bride, the body of believers, which will be consummated at his return. The basic message is the purity and sacredness of love. There are various interpretations, we will give just one.
Isaiah
Author - Isaiah
Time - 740 - 690 B.C.
Summary - Isaiah ministered during the rule of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. His primary focus was the coming judgment on the southern kingdom of Judah due to its great wickedness. Isaiah identified the root of Judah’s trouble as its idolatry and apostasy. Although he spoke of judgments on other nations as well, he urged the kings and the people to put their trust in God rather than in alliances with earthly powers. He comforted his people with the realization that God loves those who are faithful to Him and keep His commandments. He spoke of the future Messiah who would come to redeem the nation and restore the Kingdom.
Jeremiah
Author - Jeremiah and Baruch
Time - 630 - 575 B.C.
Summary - Jeremiah warns of the impending military force of Babylon that would destroy Jerusalem and enslave the Jews. He urges Jerusalem to turn from its wicked ways, but there is no response. He further warns of the false prophets who are leading the people astray with deceptive doctrines and falsehoods. He urges the Israelites to submit to the Babylonian authority as the instrument of God’s judgment. They do not heed his warnings and the people are carried away to Babylon. He predicts that the captives will return after seventy years to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.
Lamentations
Author - Jeremiah
Time - 580 B.C.
Summary - Lamentation means "to express suffering". In this book, Jeremiah, who had witnessed the fall of Jerusalem and had himself been taken captive, but later released, expresses his sorrow regarding the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity of the nation at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar’s army. The book describes and explains the afflictions brought against the city of Jerusalem as well as surrounding nations who scoff at Jerusalem’s troubles. It emphasizes that this is the result of divine judgment for the sins of the people. It also underlines the lessons that Jerusalem should learn from its troubles. The book also reflects the love and sorrow of God for the very people He is chastening.
Ezekiel
Author – Ezekiel
Time – 593 – 560 B.C.
Summary – Ezekiel was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon. This book records his activities during his exile in Babylon. His message was directed to his fellow countrymen who were still in Palestine, and later to his fellow captives in Babylon. He gave the good news to his fellow exiles that the nation, after being chastened, would be restored to their own land and God’s Kingdom would rise. This yet future Kingdom will last forever, and God’s people will never again be cast out.
Daniel
Author – Daniel
Time – 605 –535 B.C.
Summary – Daniel was of the royal line of Jewish kings, and, like Ezekiel, had been taken as a young man captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. This is why he is found in the king’s palace. The book of Daniel predicts the destiny of two opposing powers: The Kingdom of Men and The Kingdom of God, stressing that "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men". Daniel’s prophecies generally do not deal with Israel as much as with the nations that control Israel. The book of Daniel contains prophecies that span the time from Daniel’s day until the coming Kingdom Age.
Hosea
Author – Hosea
Time – 755 – 710 B.C.
Summary – The book of Hosea describes the patient long–suffering of God towards the rebellious and unfaithful northern kingdom of Israel. However, it is made clear to the Israelites that punishment will engulf anyone who remains willfully rebellious. A key theme is Hosea’s marriage to the unfaithful Gomer, which is symbolic of the relationship between God and Israel.
Joel
Author – Joel
Time – 618 – 608 B.C.
Summary – The book of Joel begins by describing a devastating swarm of locusts which cause national disaster to the agriculture of Israel. Joel calls the nation of Judah to a day of repentance due to the Divine judgment. The last portion of the book is concerned with events associated with the "Day of the Lord". The message is that if Judah repents, God will richly bless them and forgive them.
Amos
Author – Amos
Time – 765 to 750 B.C.
Summary – The book of Amos was written during a period of national optimism in the northern kingdom of Israel. King Jeroboam II was ruler, and politically and materially the northern kingdom rivaled the age of Solomon and David. Amos, a shepherd by trade, was called by God to pronounce judgment by denouncing Israel’s luxurious living, idolatry, and moral depravity. Amos urges the people to repent before the judgments of God come upon them. "Seek God and live", was Amos’ plea to the nation. He also foretells the dispersion of the Israelites, but points to a day when God would regather them in the land of their forefathers.
Obadiah
Author – Obadiah
Time – 585 to 565 B.C.
Summary – Obadiah’s name means "servant of Yahweh" ("Yahweh" is the Hebrew name of God). Obadiah was a prophet who pronounced judgment upon the nation of Edom for its antagonism against Israel. Edom is the nation that descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, who had his name changed to Israel. Edom was to be punished for the violence against Israel they committed when invading the land.
Jonah
Author – Jonah
Time – 775 to 760 B.C.
Summary – The book is concerned with the commission of Jonah to warn the city of Nineveh (capital of Assyria) to repent and obey God’s commandments so that they might avoid destruction. Jonah is reluctant to preach this message and is therefore swallowed by a great fish. He remains in the belly of the fish for three days. Upon his release, he preaches the message to the people of Nineveh, who believe his message, repent of their sins and are spared by God.
Micah
Author – Micah
Time – 735 to 700 B.C.
Summary – Micah, who was contemporary with Isaiah, was to the southern kingdom of Judah what Amos was previously to the northern kingdom of Israel. Both were fierce critics of the rich and powerful who exploited the poor. Though Micah’s prophecies refer especially to Judah, they concern all of Israel. Micah’s leading ideas are the regeneration of Israel’s remnant through judgment, the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the line of David, and the conversion of the nations through that Kingdom. The conclusion of his prophecy is a triumphant expression of faith, which is seen in its true quality against the background of the materialism and the corruption of the reign of Ahaz.
Nahum
Author – Nahum
Time – 620 B.C.
Summary – The book of Nahum was written approximately 140 years after the recorded events in the book of Jonah. During that period of time, Nineveh had turned from its repentant attitude and had taken the northern kingdom of Israel into captivity. Whereas Jonah gives a message of mercy and repentance, Nahum gives an indictment of doom upon Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. They, who were once used as God’s tool against the people of Israel and Jerusalem, will now be destroyed because of their great wickedness.
Habakkuk
Author – Habakkuk
Time – 620 to 605 B.C.
Summary – The book begins with Habakkuk complaining of injustice in Judah and with his inability to understand God’s failure to judge the wicked and morally deprived nation of Babylon. Habakkuk is shown that God’s people must continue to trust in His mercy regardless of the circumstances about them. The wicked appear to prosper while the righteous are chastened. However, this prosperity of the wicked is only temporary. God will not abandon those who obey and follow His commandments – "the just shall live by faith" (Cp. Psalm 73).
Zephaniah
Author – Zephaniah
Time – 635 to 615 B.C.
Summary – Zephaniah was contemporary with Jeremiah. He prophesied during King Josiah’s reign, which was responsible for a great religious reformation. This followed the wicked reigns of Kings Manasseh and Amon, who led the nation into various forms of idolatry. Zephaniah pronounces inescapable judgments against Jerusalem for their sins, and exhorts national repentance. He further speaks of the "day of the LORD", when God will intervene to judge sin.
Haggai
Author – Haggai
Time – 520 B.C.
Summary – Haggai speaks to the few Jews who have returned to Judah from the captivity in Babylon. He exhorts them to "consider their ways" and to complete the Temple as its foundation had been laid eighteen years before. The people responded, and the Temple was completed in 516 B.C. Haggai further pronounces that pagan empires will be overthrown by God, and Judah will be elevated during the time of the Messiah.
Zechariah
Author – Zechariah
Time – 520 to 490 B.C.
Summary – Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai. He also encouraged the people to rebuild the Temple. Like Daniel and Revelation, this book contains visions symbolizing future events. It contains detailed references to the coming Messiah. The book concludes with descriptions of the enemies of Jerusalem being judged and of the future glory of God’s Kingdom.
Malachi
Author – Malachi
Time – 500 to 475 B.C.
Summary – Malachi’s message comes to the people in a time of great spiritual decline. It is approximately eighty years after the rebuilding of the Temple, and the promises of the coming Messiah have not yet happened. As a result, the people had become lax and had an increasingly casual attitude toward God and worship. Malachi states that their sacrifices were unacceptable to God, husbands were unfaithful, and the priests had neglected God’s covenants.
The opinions expressed here may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Trinity House Ministries
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