GET TO KNOW YOUR BIBLE
OLD TESTAMENT
The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible and is also called the Hebrew Bible in Judaism. It is made up of religious writings by the Israelites. These books are believed to be inspired by God and tell the history of God’s people, His laws, teachings, and promises, providing guidance on how to live a good and moral life.
The Law
The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Law, includes the first five books of the Bible. These books cover the creation of the world, early human history, the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Exodus from Egypt, and the laws given to the Israelites. Although Moses is believed to have written most of it, some parts, such as the description of his death in Deuteronomy, were likely added by others.
GENESIS: Genesis, the first book of the Bible, outlines the creation of the world, the fall of humanity, and the early history of people. It includes well-known stories such as those of Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, and the Tower of Babel. It also narrates the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that were destroyed by God due to their wickedness. The book continues with the patriarchal history of the Israelites, focusing on key figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, and concludes with the Israelites settling in Egypt. Genesis is crucial for understanding the rest of the Bible as it introduces the main themes and relationships between God, creation, and humanity.
Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
EXODUS: The book of Exodus recounts how Moses freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It describes the Ten Plagues that struck Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, which allowed the Israelites to escape. The journey continues to Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. Exodus highlights the special relationship they developed with God as they moved toward the Promised Land of Canaan. It introduces important themes about God’s nature, His laws, and how He should be worshipped.
Exodus 3:14: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
LEVITICUS: The book of Leviticus focuses on the laws and religious practices given to the Israelites. It covers a wide range of topics, including rituals, moral conduct, and how to maintain holiness. The book, named after the Levites (the priests of Israel), serves as a guide for the Israelites on how to live in a way that honours God and to worship Him correctly. It includes instructions on offerings, festivals, and maintaining a holy lifestyle.
Leviticus 19:2: “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”
NUMBERS: The book of Numbers describes the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, from Mount Sinai to the edge of Canaan, led by Moses. It includes a census of the people, various laws, and stories of their challenges, including moments of rebellion and doubt. The book also shows how God guided and provided for them during their travels. Numbers is named for the two censuses taken of the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness. It continues the story from Exodus and details both the struggles and the divine support the Israelites experienced.
Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
DEUTERONOMY: The book of Deuteronomy consists of Moses’ speeches to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan. These speeches review their journey and emphasize the importance of staying loyal to God, centralizing worship, and promoting justice. Deuteronomy acts as a reminder of God’s covenant and what He requires of His people. It serves as a summary and a final instruction before the Israelites move into the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.
Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
The Historical Books
The historical books of the Bible (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther) narrate Israel’s history from post-Egypt to the Babylonian exile. They cover significant events and leaders, such as Joshua’s conquests, the judges’ cycles of deliverance, and the establishment of the monarchy with Saul and David. These books illustrate God’s covenant with His people, highlighting themes of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance, which shape Israel’s national identity.
JOSHUA: The Book of Joshua tells the story of the Israelites, led by Joshua, as they enter and conquer Canaan after Moses’ death. It details military campaigns and the division of the land among the twelve tribes, highlighting Joshua’s role in reaffirming the covenant between God and His people. This narrative marks a significant moment of conquest and fulfillment, as the Israelites transition from years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert to finally entering the land promised to their ancestors.
Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
JUDGES: The Book of Judges describes a tumultuous period in Israel’s history after the conquest of Canaan, characterized by a cycle of disobedience to God, oppression by foreign powers, and deliverance by leaders known as judges. Key figures like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson highlight the challenges and moral complexities of this era. The narrative spans from Joshua’s death to the rise of the monarchy, illustrating how the Israelites appealed to God in crises, prompting Him to raise up judges who freed them from their oppressors and restored peace to the land.
Judges 21:25: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”
RUTH: The Book of Ruth is a beautifully written narrative that showcases loyalty and love during the period of the judges, focusing on the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth, a Moabite. After experiencing tragedy, Ruth remains devoted to Naomi, exemplifying true faith and piety. Her eventual marriage to Boaz highlights themes of redemption and positions her as an ancestor of both King David and Jesus, illustrating the significance of faithfulness and God’s providence in their lives.
Ruth 2:12: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
1 & 2 SAMUEL: The books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel detail the transition of Israel from a tribal confederation to a monarchy. 1 Samuel covers the birth of the prophet Samuel and the tumultuous reign of Israel’s first king, Saul, while setting the stage for David’s rise as Israel’s greatest king. 2 Samuel continues the narrative with David’s anointing as king, highlighting his political and military achievements, personal struggles, and moral failings, including the story of David and Bathsheba. It depicts David as an imperfect yet ideal king, leading Israel to prosperity and fulfillment of God’s promises, while concluding with his preparations for the Temple and the transition to his son Solomon’s reign.
1 Samuel 16:7: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 & 2 KINGS: The books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings chronicle the rise and fall of Israel’s monarchy. 1 Kings begins with the glorious reign of Solomon and the construction of the Temple, but soon details the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, showcasing how leadership impacts a nation’s fate. It highlights the responses of various kings to God’s guidance through prophets. 2 Kings continues this narrative, documenting the final chapters of both kingdoms, marked by a series of rulers whose disobedience and rampant idolatry lead to Israel’s exile by Assyria and Judah’s devastation by Babylon. The overall theme emphasizes the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God’s covenant.
1 Kings 8:61: “And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
1 & 2 CHRONICLES: The books of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles provide a genealogical retelling of Israel’s history, emphasizing David’s reign and the establishment of religious worship. 1 Chronicles begins with genealogies tracing lineage from Adam to David, highlighting God’s promises, and details David’s preparations for the Temple and the organization of the priesthood. 2 Chronicles shifts focus to Solomon’s reign and the kings of Judah, showcasing the construction of the Temple and the varying faithfulness of the kings to their covenant with God. It culminates with the destruction of the Temple and the Babylonian exile, illustrating the consequences of unfaithfulness while offering a historical account aimed at encouraging restoration for the returning exiles.
2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
EZRA: The Book of Ezra chronicles the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, led by Zerubbabel and guided by the priest Ezra. It highlights the restoration of religious and communal life, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Law of Moses. Ezra depicts how God’s covenant people were restored to their homeland as a theocratic community, functioning under God’s rule while still under foreign governance.
Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
NEHEMIAH: The Book of Nehemiah follows Nehemiah, the cupbearer to the Persian king, as he takes on the challenging task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, which lie in ruins. His strong leadership and the collaborative spirit of the people exemplify restoration despite adversity. Closely related to the book of Ezra, Nehemiah details the return of the Israelites to their homeland and the various challenges they encounter as they work to restore their city and community.
Nehemiah 2:18: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.”
ESTHER: The Book of Esther is set in the Persian Empire and tells the story of a Jewish queen, Esther, who courageously intervenes to save her people from genocide. Through divine providence, the narrative highlights Esther’s bravery and resourcefulness, leading to the establishment of the Jewish festival of Purim. It chronicles how Esther, a Jewish girl who becomes queen, ultimately secures her people’s safety and celebrates their identity and resilience.
Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
MORE TO COME