Old Testament Books

(in English Order)

The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, and it is a foundational text for Judaism. It contains 39 books, which are divided into four categories: the Pentateuch, the historical books, the wisdom books, and the prophetic books.

Here is a list of the Old Testament books in English order, along with their main subjects:

Pentateuch

  • Genesis: The creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
  • Exodus: The Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land.
  • Leviticus: Laws and regulations governing the religious and social life of the Israelites.
  • Numbers: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their preparations to enter the Promised Land.
  • Deuteronomy: Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites, in which he reviews God's laws and encourages them to remain faithful to God.

Historical Books

  • Joshua: The Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land.
  • Judges: The story of the Israelites' struggle to maintain their independence in the Promised Land.
  • Ruth: A love story between a Moabite woman and an Israelite man.
  • 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel: The stories of the prophets Samuel, David, and Solomon.
  • 1 Kings and 2 Kings: The history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah from the death of Solomon to the Babylonian exile.
  • 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles: An alternative history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with a focus on the religious and spiritual aspects of their history.
  • Ezra and Nehemiah: The story of the Israelites' return from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Esther: The story of a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from genocide.

Wisdom Books

  • Job: A poetic dialogue about the problem of evil and suffering.
  • Psalms: A collection of poems and songs expressing the full range of human emotions, from joy to sorrow to praise.
  • Proverbs: A collection of wise sayings and advice on how to live a good life.
  • Ecclesiastes: A meditation on the meaning of life and the futility of worldly pursuits.
  • Song of Solomon: A love poem celebrating the beauty of marriage and intimacy.

Prophetic Books

  • Isaiah: A collection of prophecies about the future of Israel and the world.
  • Jeremiah: A collection of prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites, as well as a message of hope and restoration.
  • Lamentations: A collection of poems lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem.
  • Ezekiel: A collection of prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites, as well as a vision of the new temple and the restored kingdom of God.
  • Daniel: A collection of stories and prophecies about the future of Israel and the world.
  • Hosea: A collection of prophecies about the judgment and restoration of Israel.
  • Joel: A collection of prophecies about a coming day of judgment and restoration.
  • Amos: A collection of prophecies about the judgment of Israel and the other nations for their social injustice and idolatry.
  • Obadiah: A short prophecy against the nation of Edom.
  • Jonah: A story about a prophet who is reluctant to obey God's command to preach to the people of Nineveh.
  • Micah: A collection of prophecies about the judgment and restoration of Israel and the world.
  • Nahum: A prophecy against the city of Nineveh.
  • Habakkuk: A dialogue between the prophet and God about the problem of evil and suffering.
  • Zephaniah: A prophecy of judgment against Israel for its idolatry and social injustice.
  • Haggai: A collection of prophecies encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Zechariah: A collection of prophecies about the future of Israel and the world.
  • Malachi: A collection of prophecies criticizing the Israelites for their religious indifference and social injustice.

The Old Testament books are a rich and diverse collection of writings that offer insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition. They have been studied and interpreted for centuries, and they continue to inspire and challenge people today.

Old Testament Books in English Order

Book Author* Approx. Date Subject
1. The Pentateuch      
1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
Moses
Moses
Moses
Moses
Moses
4004 BC
1635 BC
1490 BC
1490 BC
1451 BC
Beginning of the Chosen Family
The Covenant with the Chosen Nation
Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial Laws
Journey to the Promised Land
Laws of the Hebrew Nation
2. The Historical Books      
6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther
Joshua
Samuel
Samuel
Nathan
Nathan
Jeremiah
Jeremiah
Ezra
Ezra
Ezra
Nehemiah
Mordecai
1451 BC
1425 BC
1322 BC
1171 BC
1171 BC
1015 BC
1015 BC
1056 BC
1056 BC
536 BC
446 BC
521 BC
The Conquest of Canaan
The 15 Judges
David's Messianic Family Begins
The Hebrew Monarchy
The Reign of King David
The Divided Kingdom
History of the Divided Kingdom
The Reign of King David
History of the Southern Kingdom
The Return from Captivity
The Rebuilding of Jerusalem
The Jews In Exile
3. The Poetical Books      
18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Songs
Unknown
David
Solomon
Solomon
Solomon
1520 BC
1056 BC
1000 BC
977 BC
1014 BC
Providence and Suffering
Devotion to God
Wisdom in Life
Happiness in Life
The Glories of Marriage and Love
4. The Greater Prophets      
23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
760 BC
629 BC
588 BC
595 BC
607 BC
The Messianic Kingdom
The Doom of Judah
A Dirge Over the Loss of Jerusalem
The Final Restoration of Israel
The Triumph of the Messiah
5. The Lesser Prophets      
28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
785 BC
800 BC
787 BC
587 BC
862 BC
750 BC
713 BC
626 BC
630 BC
520 BC
520 BC
397 BC
The Apostasy of Israel
The Kingdom of Judah
The Kingdom of David
The Destruction of Edom
The Mercy on Nineveh
Bethlehem's King
The Destruction of Assyria
The Judgement of the Babylonians
The Day of the Lord
Rebuilding of the Temple
Christ's 1st and 2nd Coming
Final Message to Rebellious Israel

* Mentioned by Name or Traditionally Accepted

Old Testament Books
Old Testament Books in English Order
Old Testament Books in Hebrew Order

Old Testament Books - Hebrew Meanings

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