Overview:
The Old Testament is a collection of 39 books written by over 30 different authors. It was written over 1000 years and was written to the Jewish people.
The next twelve books are called the Books of History. They trace the history of Israel from the conquest of the land of Canaan to the return from Babylonian exile.
The next five books are called the Books of Wisdom or the Books of Poetry. The book of Job examines the question of human suffering. The Psalms are a collection of hymns of worship. The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. Ecclesiastes examines the meaning of life. The Song of Solomon is a poem about romantic love in marriage.
The final seventeen books are the Prophets. These writings contain the preaching of prophets in Israel who would speak out against the sins of the people.
Relevance to Christians:
The Old Testament explains how sin came into the world and God’s attitude toward sin. It reveals God’s plan to bring a Savior into the world through the nation of Israel. Specific prophecies are given which point to this Savior and how he will save the world.
The next twelve books are called the Books of History. They trace the history of Israel from the conquest of the land of Canaan to the return from Babylonian exile.
The next five books are called the Books of Wisdom or the Books of Poetry. The book of Job examines the question of human suffering. The Psalms are a collection of hymns of worship. The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. Ecclesiastes examines the meaning of life. The Song of Solomon is a poem about romantic love in marriage.
The final seventeen books are the Prophets. These writings contain the preaching of prophets in Israel who would speak out against the sins of the people.
Relevance to Christians:
The Old Testament explains how sin came into the world and God’s attitude toward sin. It reveals God’s plan to bring a Savior into the world through the nation of Israel. Specific prophecies are given which point to this Savior and how he will save the world.
Contents:
This collection can be broken down into smaller subgroups. The first five are called the Books of Law. They tell the story of how the nation of Israel became God’s special people. They are called the books of law because the Ten Commandments and other laws are recorded here.