| The Old Testament | ||
| Book | Author | Contents |
| Genesis | ||
| Moses - Played by Charlton Heston in the movie "The Ten Commandments" | The creation story as well as the history of ancient man. Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. Abraham - Played by George C. Scott. Genesis takes us from the Big Bang so to speak to the time when the Hebrews were enslaved in Egypt. This Book was authored around the 1500's BC, with parts of it probably dating earlier maybe even into the time of Abraham or before. | |
| Exodus | ||
| Moses - In case you aren't too sure whom Moses is, he's the guy who gave Pharaoh the hard time in "Prince Of Egypt". | Exodus is the book Jesus called the "Book Of Moses." Understandably so, as Genesis begins with the Hebrews being slaves in Egypt. Moses was born into this slavery and this book parallels his career so to speak. | |
| Leviticus | ||
| Moses - He wrote this one too. | Leviticus is the book everybody stops at when reading through the bible in a year. Leviticus is named for the Levites who were GOD's chosen priests. The book is a handbook for priest so to speak, in that it gives direction to worship and sacrifice. | |
| Numbers | ||
| Moses | This book begins with the Census of Israel army and the divisions of the tribes for marching to the promised land. There are further accounts of Israel's journey through the desert under Moses leadership. Remember the story of the talking donkey? You'll find it in Numbers. | |
| Deuteronomy | ||
| Moses | This book further expands on the journey through the desert from Egypt to Canaan. This book ends with the Death of Moses and the passing on of the roles of leadership to Joshua. | |
| Joshua | ||
| Tradition holds this book to have been written by Joshua. However the book itself does not tell us it's author. | This book begins with Joshua taking the reins of leadership. The Israelites cross the Jordan river and move into the Promised Land. If you have ever heard the song "Joshua Fit the Battle Of Jericho"? That battle is told about in this book. | |
| Judges | ||
| Unknown, probably written during the time of King David. Rabbinic tradition holds that Samuel was the author. | The book of Judges takes us from the death of Joshua up to the time of Samuel. Judges is largely a historical narrative and a fascinating read. Remember Gideon, his story is here. Sampson is told about here. This book is worth reading for historical value even if you are a pagan. | |
| Ruth | ||
| Unknown, possibly Samuel | This Book was also probably written during King David's rule, and tells a story that proceeds David's rule. The book of Ruth is a story that covers many theological themes, from redemption to the legitimacy of King David's throne. This book also gives a popular marriage vow "Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." | |
| 1 Samuel | ||
| The author of this book is unknown, thou the book is largely about Samuel it is unlikely he wrote it. | This is the story book of Israel's first Kings. It takes us from the birth of Samuel to the death of Saul, Israel's first King. The book covers the annoiting of Saul and David as Kings. The relationship between the two men is explained and is also full of theological overtones. This is another great read even for pagans. |
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| 2 Samuel | ||
| This book is also from an unknown author. | Originally this book was combined with first Samuel as one volume. The events in 2nd Samuel occur after Samuels death. Saul is dead and David finally has the Kingdom. This book covers David's reign. The story of Bathesheba, the capture of Jerusalem. Another god read but more complex because the speed at which happens and all the personalities involved. | |
| Kings | ||
| Authorship is unknown, but is ascribed to Jeremiah by Rabbinical tradition. | Kings is history and theology, it's a two for deal. This book starts with the reign of Solomon. A very wise yet foolish King. After the death of David, his son Solomon took the Kingship and enjoyed the first season of peace and prosperity. During Solomon's Kingdom the Temple was built and dedicated. Toward the end of Solomon's reign he started to grievously sin and after his decline the the kingdom split in two. | |
| 2nd Kings | ||
| Ascribed to Jeremiah | Originally this was one book with Kings. The book of kings covers the time of Israel's history before the exile into Bablyon. The stories of Elisha and Elijah are told here. The Asserians take away the Northern Kingdom, while the southern Kingdom sweets it out waiting for Babylon to get them. | |
| Chronicles | ||
| Author is unknown, but tradition ascribes it to Ezra. | This book takes us from the beginning I.E. Adam up until the reign of Solomon. This book is a great read for an overview of Israel and world history. | |
| 2 Chronicles | ||
| Ascribed to Ezra. | Here we go from Saul to the returning exiles of the conquered kingdom. Another heck of a read.. | |
| Ezra | ||
| Ascribed to Ezra. | The exiles have returned by the decree of Cyrus. The temple is rebuilt. The community of Jerusalem is rebuilt as Ezra Leads the people. | |
| Nehemiah | ||
| Ascribed to Ezra | Originally this book was combined with Ezra. Nehemiah tells the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The Law Moses is read and the people renew there faithfulness. Nehemiah re-organizes the priesthood and things are good for awhile. | |
| Esther | ||
| Authorship Unknown. | This book takes place during the exile and Persian rule of the Jews. The book follows the rise of a Jewish women to be Queen of the Persians. This book is another great read, yes even for pagans. | |
| The Wisdom Literature | ||
| Job | ||
| The Author to this book is unknown. It is assumed that Job is not the author although it may have been written using a book Job himself did author. The book dates to about 1500 BC. | Job shows us many intriguing things about the interaction between GOD and the Angels. We see that for some reason Satan has access to YHWH. In the opening of the book we are told GOD called the angels together for a meeting of sorts, he tells them that "Hey look at Job what a heck of a guy he is". Satan responds "He is only faithful because you have blessed him". In this statement we see Satan as not only the accuser of GODS people but also as a usurper of GODs authority. It is believed Job may have been Abrahams cousin. I.E. Nahors son. Some scholars believe Job to be the oldest book of the Canon. |
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| Psalms | ||
| The Psalms have various authors, King David, The Sons of Korah, Asaph, Heman, Ethan, Solomon, Moses, Haggai, Zechariah, Hezekiah, Ezra, and Jeduthan. | The Psalms are quoted several times in the New Testament. Many of the Psalms are prophetic in nature and can be used to show Jesus' Mesiahship. One such Psalm is actually quoted by Jesus' on the cross "My GOD, My GOD, why have you forsaken me?" Psalm 22, read through that psalm and then for kicks read through the gospel accounts of the crucifixion, afterwards go slap a Muslim with your new psalmic knowledge. |
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| Proverbs | ||
| Proverbs is ascribed mostly to Solomon, however there are two other contributors to the book Agur and King Lemuel. The earliest source we have for this writing is to the reign of King Hezekiah where we are told the books were compiled by his men. | Even pagans can use the wisdom contained in the bible. You see the book of proverbs is considered wisdom literature. Which means if you apply its' teachings you might be wise. The book of proverbs contains advice on how to properly pick a spouse, manage your money and even teachs about business ethics. P.S. for all you who think the Bible teach's that it is just great to be poor, have a big problem because the book of proverbs expressly tells you to get off your duff and go to work. Save money and provide for your family. Though it may be hard for a "Rich man" to enter into heaven, it is harder for a poor lazy man to learn about heaven if he can't afford a bible and wouldn't read it due to laziness even if he owned one. Don't be a Sluggard! |
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| Ecclesiastes | ||
| Tradition holds this book to have been written by Solomon. The book itself doesn't name its writer. Some think the book may have been written during the time of Ezra after the exile. | The tone of this book is skeptical. "All is a chasing after the wind", "Vanity Vanity, everything is Vanity" Would seem to indicate that the author has realized that life in general is a big waste of time, and why bother. The case is made as the author describes how he has lived his life and then tells you at the end it was all a waste of time "Vanity". The twist is that toward the end the author discloses that only thing that makes life worth while is the knowledge of GOD. |
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| Song Of Songs | ||
| This book is ascribed to Solomon. | The Song Of Songs or The Song Of Solomon, is interesting to say the least. This book is a poem which tells the story of two young lovers and the king. We see all the stages of love portrayed in the book. Some people believe the book is also an allegory to Jesus's love for the church or God's love for his people. It could be, that, but I find it hard to follow that belief in that to my knowledge GOD didn't have sexual relationships with his people. Having said that, it is important to remember that most of the books of the bible should be taken at face value. Trying to allegorize books takes us down a path that is less exact and leads to heresy. Who is to say whether your allegorical interpretation is correct, there is no way to know. | |
| The Prophets | ||
| Isaiah | ||
| Isaiah is the author of Isaiah and incidently his name means "YHWH is Salvation" | Isaiah is the prophet of redemption. His writings are the most extensive as to the person and ministry of the coming moshiach. He is frequently quoted in the New Testament. Isaiah's prophecies were so exact that attempts have been made to late date his work. However, even if we do give a late date to the book we know for a fact the book predated Jesus, which means the skeptic is left to explain the exact prophecies Isaiah made about the Christ, I.E. coming from Bethelaham, or the descriptions in chapter 51. |
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| Jeremiah | ||
| Jeremiah is the author of this book, his name means "YHWH Exalts" | Jeremiah, is the longest book in the bible. It is also very entertaining. As for Jeremiah we know much about him because he made many personal references in his book. He also names his assistant "Baruch" and many of his friends. Incidently we have found "Baruch's" wax seal. In the Good Ole Days, letters were sealed with wax and the wax was smashed down with a metal object bearing the sign of name of the writer. This book was written during the time proceeding the Babylonian assault on Jerusalem. Jeremiah was famous as a prophet of GOD in that the The King of Babylon ordered that Jeremiah not be hurt during the assault. |
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| Lamentations | ||
| Tradition holds this book to have been written by Jeremiah | Laments are like complaints, whining etc. The book of Lamentations is several large poems in one volume. The poems cover many themes dealing with the judgments brought on Israel. | |
| Ezekiel | ||
| This book was Written by Ezekiel, who was carried away into captivity by the Babylonians. Ezekiel means "GOD hardens" | Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian captivity, it covers numerous themes and prophetic chapters. Ezekiel claims to be giving direct revelation from GOD. Throughout these revelations he describes the temple that is to come, some believe the Lamentation over the King of Tyre is actually a description of Satan. Thought we generally walk away from allegory, it is hard to apply the comparisons in Ezekiel 28 to a human personality. So allegorizing this chapter makes some sense. Ezekiel is probably the most colorful of the prophets in that he claims to have been lifted by the hair and flown to the New Temple, and allowed to walk around it taking notes as some messenger shows him the dimensions. |
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| Daniel | ||
| Hosea | ||
| Joel | ||
| Amos | ||
| Obadiah | ||
| Jonah | ||
| Micah | ||
| Nahum | ||
| Habakkuk | ||
| Zephaniah | ||
| Haggai | ||
| Zechariah | ||
| Malachi | ||
| The New Testament | ||
| Mathew | ||
| Mark | ||
| Luke | ||
| John | ||
| Acts | ||
| Romans | ||
| 1 Corinthians | ||
| 2 Corinthians | ||
| Galatians | ||
| Ephesians | ||
| Philipians | ||
| Colosians | ||
| 1 Thessalonians | ||
| 2 Thessalonians | ||
| 1 Timothy | ||
| 2 Timothy | ||
| Titus | ||
| Philemon | ||
| Hebrews | ||
| James | ||
| 1 Peter | ||
| 2 Peter | ||
| 1 John | ||
| 2 John | ||
| 3 John | ||
| Jude | ||
| Revelation | ||
| There is nothing else because "It is Finished" , there are no more witnesses! | ||