Nature of the Old Testament

The Old (First) Testament in Protestant Bibles contains thirty-nine books, many long and one shorter than a single page. Roman Catholic Old Testaments include seven additional books (Apocrypha), which although not regarded as inspired by the Holy Spirit are still deemed to have religious value, bringing the total up to forty-six. Eastern Orthodox Old Testaments contain an additional three, totaling forty-nine.

These documents (books) were written over the course of about a thousand years. Setting aside the Apocrypha, the books in Christian Bibles are typically sorted into five groups: Pentateuch (Hebrew Torah); Historical Books; Wisdom Literature; Major Prophets; and Minor Prophets. Some classifications group the books of the Major and Minor prophets together.

The Pentateuch contains the first five books (hence, “penta”) and in Judaism is regarded as law, teaching, and instruction. It begins with the creation narratives of Genesis and ends with the death of Moses in Deuteronomy. There are twelve historical books, beginning with Joshua, who led the Israelite into Canaan, and ending with Esther. Wisdom literature includes five books, from Job through the Song of Solomon. Five books, beginning with Isaiah and ending with Daniel, comprise the Major Prophets, and twelve, beginning with Hosea and ending with Malachi take us to the end of the Old Testament.

Like the New Testament, the Old Testament is not a systematic textbook. It does not provide an outline of everything a person needs to know about God or how someone is to live a good life. Its message is more analogical than digital, and again like the New Testament, it is intended to reach the heart as well as the head. Its central messages are that God exists, exemplifies love and justice, cares about human beings for whom God intends good, and actively operates through history to bring this about.

Below is a brief statement of themes running through each book in the Pentateuch:

GENESIS: Creation, God’s promises, relationships between God and humanity and with God’s chosen people

EXODUS: Escape from Egyptian slavery, how God is to be worshiped, and the divine’s nature and requirements

LEVITICUS: Specifications for how God’s people are to engage in holy worship

NUMBERS: Journey from Mount Sinai to the border of Canaan, their rebellion, and God’s judgment in response

DEUTERONOMY: Reminder of covenant with God, reiteration and clarification of God’s requirements

These are some themes contained in each of the historical books:

JOSHUA: Israelite finally allowed to enter the territory God promised to their ancestors

JUDGES: Rebellion and apostasy, new judicial system, defeat of foreign oppressors, peace

RUTH: Faithfulness, devotion, fall and restoration of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth

I SAMUEL: Initiation of a new political system, rise of the monarchy, and fall of Saul, its first king

II SAMUEL: David, ideal though flawed theocratic king, defeats enemies and brings prosperity

I KINGS: David’s son Solomon ascends, builds temple, through imprudence causes united kingdom to fracture

II KINGS: Kings of both Israel (northern) and Judah (southern) often disobey God so kingdoms end up in exile

I CHRONICLES: Writes parallel history to Kings (written for the exiled) addressed to those thereafter restored

II CHRONICLES: Continues parallel history for those returned from exile

EZRA: People of the southern kingdom, Judah, restored from exile but remain under foreign rule

NEHEMIAH: Closely related to Ezra, concerns challenges the Israelite face in their restored homeland

ESTHER: Jewish queen of Persia saves her fellow Jews from destruction

These themes run through the wisdom literature:

JOB: Righteous man suffers terribly, refuses to curse God, and offers no solution to the problem of evil

PSALMS: Impassioned and colorful prayers, songs, poems, and praises, written over centuries

PROVERBS: Practical advice on prudence, honesty, hard work, humility, discretion, and good judgment

ECCLESIASTES: Need to fear God in confronting harsh and inexplicable realities of human existence

SONG OF SONGS (SOLOMON): Poetically expresses the charm, beauty, and satisfaction of holy love

These themes appear in the Major Prophets:

ISAIAH: Hope, scope of God’s judgment and redemption, coming of the Messiah as suffering servant

LAMENTATION: Suffering and despair over the destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) by the Babylonians

EZEKIEL: God’s initiative, sovereignty, and control of human history and destiny in the face of threats

DANIEL: Despite superficial appearances, God operates according to divine plans and can be trusted

These themes appear in the Minor Prophets:

HOSEA: Parable based on Hosea’s marriage of God’s faithfulness in relation to unfaithful Israel

JOEL: Salvation will come only when the people turn to God

AMOS: God expects goodness from all and does not overlook social injustice

OBADIAH: Approaching time of judgment, restoration of God’s people

JONAH: Conversation between God and humanity, repentance, and need to follow God’s instructions

MICAH: Prediction of the fall of both the northern and southern kingdoms

NAHUM: God’s judgment in response to cruelty, idolatry, and oppression

HABAKKUK: Dialogue with God concerning suffering, injustice, God’s presence and benevolence

ZEPHANIAH: God’s approaching judgment and restoration

HAGGAI: Exhortation to rebuild the temple, results of disobedience

ZECHARIAH: Similar to Haggai, encouragement to rebuild the temple

MALACHI: God will judge but also bless and restore those who are devoted to God