Old Testament Survey

The Old Testament is divided into five sections: the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy), the historical books (Joshua through Esther), the poetic books (Job through Song of Solomon), the Major Prophets (Isaiah through Daniel), and the Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi). The Old Testament was written from approximately 1400 B.C. to approximately 400 B.C. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few small sections written in Aramaic (essentially a variation of Hebrew).

The Old Testament deals primarily with the relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The Pentateuch deals with the creation of Israel and God establishing a covenant relationship with Israel. The historical books record Israel’s history, its victories and successes along with its defeats and failures. The poetic books give us a more intimate look at God’s relationship with Israel and His passion for Israel to worship and obey Him. The prophetic books are God’s call to Israel to repent from its idolatry and unfaithfulness and to return to a relationship of obedience and spiritual fidelity.

Perhaps a better title would be the First Testament. The word “old” tends to give the idea of “outdated” or “not-relevant.” That could not be further from the truth. Please read the following articles:

A survey of the Old Testament is a worthwhile and spiritually-enriching endeavor. Below are links to summaries of the various books of the Old Testament. We sincerely hope you find our Old Testament Survey beneficial in your walk with Christ.

For Further Study

A Survey of the Old Testament by Hill & Walton

More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Summary of the Book of Genesis Summary of the Book of Exodus Summary of the Book of Leviticus Summary of the Book of Numbers Summary of the Book of Deuteronomy Summary of the Book of Joshua Summary of the Book of Judges Summary of the Book of Ruth Summary of the Book of 1 Samuel Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel Summary of the Book of 1 Kings Summary of the Book of 2 Kings Summary of the Book of 1 Chronicles Summary of the Book of 2 Chronicles Summary of the Book of Ezra Summary of the Book of Nehemiah Summary of the Book of Esther Summary of the Book of Job Summary of the Book of Psalms Summary of the Book of Proverbs Summary of the Book of Ecclesiastes Summary of the Song of Solomon Summary of the Book of Isaiah Summary of the Book of Jeremiah Summary of the Book of Lamentations Summary of the Book of Ezekiel Summary of the Book of Daniel Summary of the Book of Hosea Summary of the Book of Joel Summary of the Book of Amos Summary of the Book of Obadiah Summary of the Book of Jonah Summary of the Book of Micah Summary of the Book of Nahum Summary of the Book of Habakkuk Summary of the Book of Zephaniah Summary of the Book of Haggai Summary of the Book of Zechariah Summary of the Book of Malachi Go to: New Testament Survey Return to: Bible Summary / Survey Old Testament Survey