Old Testament

The first book of the Bible, from creation and the patriarchs through Joseph in Egypt.

Israel leaves Egypt, receives the law at Sinai, and builds the tabernacle.

Laws for worship, sacrifice, and holy living given to Israel at the tent of meeting.

Israel’s journey in the wilderness, with censuses, rebellions, and the approach to Canaan.

Moses’ final sermons, restating the covenant before Israel enters the land.

Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan and into the land of Canaan.

A cycle of unfaithfulness, oppression, and deliverers before Israel has a king.

A Moabite widow’s loyalty to Naomi, and her place in the family line of David.

Samuel, Saul, and the rise of David, Israel’s anointed king.

David’s reign in Judah and Jerusalem, including his failure and its aftermath.

Solomon’s temple and the split of the kingdom into Israel and Judah.

The fall of Israel and, later, Judah, ending in exile to Babylon.

Genealogies and David’s reign, told with a focus on worship in Jerusalem.

The kings of Judah from Solomon to the exile, centered on the temple.

Exiles return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple under Persian rule.

Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem’s walls and the community renews the covenant.

A Jewish queen in Persia acts to stop a plot against her people.

A righteous man suffers, argues with his friends, and hears God’s answer.

Read Psalm in the World English Bible.

Short sayings, mostly from Solomon, on wisdom, work, speech, and the fear of the Lord.

The Preacher weighs work, pleasure, and time, and what lasts under the sun.

Love poetry between a bride and bridegroom, also called the Song of Songs.

Prophecies of judgment and comfort for Judah, and promises of a coming king.

Jeremiah warns Jerusalem before the Babylonian exile and weeps for the city.

Five poems mourning the destruction of Jerusalem.

Visions given to Ezekiel among the exiles, from judgment to a restored temple.

Stories of faithfulness in Babylon and visions of kingdoms that rise and fall.

Hosea’s broken marriage becomes a picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s love.

A locust plague becomes a call to return to the Lord, with a promise of his Spirit.

A herdsman from Tekoa condemns injustice in Israel and the nations.

A short oracle against Edom for violence toward Judah.

A prophet runs from God’s call and is sent again to Nineveh.

Judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, and a promise of a ruler from Bethlehem.

An oracle of Nineveh’s fall after Assyria’s cruelty.

A prophet questions violence and learns to wait for God’s justice.

A warning of the day of the Lord, and a promise that a remnant will remain.

A call to rebuild the temple after the return from exile.

Night visions and promises about Jerusalem, the temple, and a coming king.

The last book of the Old Testament, confronting empty worship and promising a messenger.