Old Testament
The Old Testament is a collection of ancient texts that tell the story of God’s creation, his covenant with Israel, and their journey of faith, struggle, and hope for a promised future.
Genesis
Describes the creation of the world, the beginnings of humanity, and the stories of the early patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Exodus
Tells how God rescued the Israelites from Egypt through Moses and established them as His chosen people.
Leviticus
Outlines the laws and rituals for worship, sacrifice, and holy living among God’s people.
Numbers
Chronicles the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, highlighting their struggles, disobedience, and God’s guidance.
Deuteronomy
Moses' farewell speeches, restating God’s laws as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Joshua
Details the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.
Judges
Recounts the cycles of Israel’s disobedience, oppression, and deliverance by judges appointed by God.
Ruth
A story of loyalty and redemption, following Ruth and her faithfulness, leading to her place in Israel’s lineage.
1 Samuel
Describes the life of Samuel, Israel’s transition to monarchy, and the rise of King Saul.
2 Samuel
Chronicles King David’s reign, his triumphs, and his personal and political challenges.
1 Kings
Covers the reign of Solomon, the division of Israel into two kingdoms, and the early kings of both.
2 Kings
Details the decline and fall of both Israel and Judah due to their disobedience to God.
1 Chronicles
Retells the history of David’s rule and emphasizes God’s covenant with Israel.
2 Chronicles
Chronicles the kings of Judah, focusing on temple worship and faithfulness to God.
Ezra
Describes the return of exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.
Nehemiah
Tells of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the restoration of the community.
Tobit
A story of faithfulness and divine providence, following Tobit, a righteous Israelite, and his son Tobias, who is guided by the angel Raphael to find healing and deliverance for their family.
Judith
Tells the story of Judith, a courageous Jewish widow, who saves her people by using her wit and bravery to defeat an enemy general threatening Israel.
Esther
The story of Queen Esther, who risks her life to save her people from destruction.
1 Maccabees
Chronicles the struggle of the Jewish people to gain independence from Greek rule, highlighting the heroic efforts of the Maccabee family to restore religious freedom and cleanse the Temple.
2 Maccabees
Focuses on the religious and moral aspects of the Jewish struggle against Greek oppression, emphasizing God’s intervention, martyrdom, and the hope of resurrection for those who remain faithful.
Job
Explores the themes of suffering, faith, and God’s sovereignty through the trials of Job.
Psalms
A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, praise, and thanksgiving.
Proverbs
A compilation of wise sayings providing practical guidance for righteous living.
Ecclesiastes
Reflects on the meaning of life, acknowledging life’s vanity without God.
The Song of Songs
A poetic celebration of love between a bride and groom, often seen as symbolic of God’s love.
The Book of Wisdom
Explores the nature of wisdom, urging readers to seek righteousness, resist idolatry, and trust in God’s guidance and justice, with reflections on the rewards of a wise and faithful life.
Sirach
Offers practical wisdom on living a virtuous life, covering topics like friendship, humility, family, and honoring God, while emphasizing the importance of wisdom rooted in reverence for the Lord.
Isaiah
Contains prophecies of warning and comfort, pointing to a future Messiah.
Jeremiah
Proclaims God’s judgment against Judah and promises restoration.
Lamentations
Poems lamenting the fall of Jerusalem and expressing hope in God’s mercy.
Baruch
A collection of prayers and reflections attributed to Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah, calling the Israelites to repentance, acknowledging their sins, and seeking God's mercy and restoration.
Ezekiel
Contains visions of judgment and hope for Israel’s restoration.
Daniel
Tells stories of faithfulness under persecution and visions of future kingdoms.
Hosea
Uses the prophet’s marriage to symbolize God’s love for unfaithful Israel.
Joel
Warns of a coming locust plague and calls for repentance, promising future blessing.
Amos
Calls for social justice and condemns Israel’s hypocrisy and corruption.
Obadiah
Foretells the downfall of Edom and the restoration of Israel.
Jonah
A prophet runs from God, is swallowed by a fish, and ultimately preaches repentance in Nineveh.
Micah
Warns of judgment and offers hope for a future ruler from Bethlehem.
Nahum
Prophesies the destruction of Nineveh as God’s judgment.
Habakkuk
Questions God’s use of evil nations and affirms trust in God’s justice.
Zephaniah
Foretells judgment on Jerusalem and the nations but promises eventual restoration.
Haggai
Urges the people to rebuild the temple after the exile.
Zechariah
Offers visions of hope and encouragement for the returning exiles.
Malachi
Calls out the people’s spiritual apathy and foretells the coming of a new messenger.