THE PENTATEUCH
The Pentateuch contains stories about the creation of the world, the flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the children of Israel in Egypt, the exodus, and the time the children of Israel spent in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. The books also record the law God gave to the people on Mt. Sinai which laid down the regulations for sacrifice, worship, and daily living. The Pentateuch is also called the Torah.
GENESIS
Who: Moses
What: The Beginnings
Where: Egypt and Canaan
When: c. 1446 bc–1406 bc
Why: To demonstrate that God is sovereign and loves his creation.
Outline (Chapter)
• Creation, Fall, and Flood (1–11) • Abraham (12–25)
• Isaac and Jacob (26–36)
• Joseph (37–50)
Key Verse: I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. (Genesis 17:7)
EXODUS
Who: Moses
What: Deliverance from Slavery
Where: Egypt and Canaan
When: c. 1446 bc–1406 bc
Why: To show God’s faithfulness to the covenant and provide Israel with guidelines for holy living.
Outline (Chapter)
• Moses (1–7)
• The Plagues (8–13)
• The Exodus (14–18)
• The Law (19–24)
• Tabernacle and Worship (25–40)
Key Verse: God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)
LEVITICUS
Who: Moses
What: Law and Sacrifice
Where: Sinai and Canaan
When: c. 1446 bc–1406 bc
Why: To instruct Israel on how to be holy and to be a blessing to others.
Outline (Chapter)
• Sacrifice (1–7)
• Priesthood (8–10)
• Clean and Unclean (11–15)
• Day of Atonement (16)
• Laws for Daily Life (17–27)
Key Verse: Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy. (Leviticus 20:7–8)
NUMBERS
Who: Moses
What: Census and History
Where: Borders of Canaan
When: c. 1446 bc–1406 bc
Why: A reminder of what happens when people rebel against God.
Outline (Chapter)
• Census (1–9)
• Sinai to Canaan (10–12)
• Spies and Rebellion (13–19)
• Moab (20–36)
Key Verse: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
DEUTERONOMY
Who: Moses
What: Sermons by Moses
Where: Plains of Moab
When: c. 1446 bc–1406 bc
Why: To remind the people what God expects from them.
Outline (Chapter)
• Sermon 1: Journey Review (1–4)
• Sermon 2: Laws (5–28)
• Sermon 3: Covenant (29–30)
• Final Farewells (31–34)
Key Verse: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4–5)
HISTORICAL BOOKS
JOSHUA
Who: Unknown (Joshua or Samuel)
What: History of Conquest
Where: Canaan
When: c. 1300s bc
Why: To assure the people that obedience to God is rewarded.
Outline (Chapter)
• The Conquest (1–12)
• Dividing the Land (13–22)
• Joshua’s Farewell (23–24)
Key Verse: Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)
JUDGES
Who: Unknown (Samuel)
What: History before Kings
Where: Canaan
When: c. 1400 bc–1000 bc
Why: To stress the importance of remaining loyal to God.
Outline (Chapter)
• Reasons for Failure (1)
• The Judges: Othniel, Ehud,
• Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson (2–16)
• Days of Lawlessness (17–21)
Key Verse: In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (Judges 21:25)
RUTH
Who: Unknown (Samuel)
What: Story of a Faithful Foreigner
Where: Canaan
When: c. 1350 bc–1000 bc
Why: To demonstrate the kind of faithfulness, godliness, loyalty, and love that God desires for us.
Outline (Chapter)
• Naomi and Ruth (1)
• Ruth meets Boaz (2)
• The Threshing Floor (3)
• The Marriage (4)
Key Verse: But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
1 SAMUEL
Who: Unknown
What: History of Events
Where: Israel and Judah
When: c. 1100 bc–931 bc
Why: To record how Israel got a king.
Outline (Chapter)
• Samuel (1–7)
• Saul (8–15)
• Saul and David (16–31)
Key Verse: But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
2 SAMUEL
Who: Unknown
What: History of Events
Where: Israel and Judah
When: c. 1100 bc–931 bc
Why: To demonstrate the prominence of David’s line.
Outline (Chapter)
• David’s Reign in Judah (1–4)
• David Unites Israel (5–10)
• David and Bathsheba (11–12)
• Family Problems (13–20)
• Conclusions (21–24)
Key Verse: I have been with you wherever you have gone, and
I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. (2 Samuel 7:9)
1st Kings
Who: Unknown
What: Evaluation of the Kings
Where: In Exile in Babylon
When: 561 bc–539 bc
Why: To demonstrate the value of obeying and the danger of disobeying God.
Outline (Chapter)
• King Solomon’s Reign (1–4)
• Temple Construction (5–8)
• Queen of Sheba (9–10)
• Kingdom Splits (11–16)
• Prophet Elijah (17–22)
Key Verse: So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.
(1 Kings 3:9a)
2nd Kings
Who: Unknown
What: Evaluation of the Kings
Where: In Exile in Babylon
When: 561 bc–539 bc
Why: To demonstrate the value of obeying God.
Outline (Chapter)
• The Prophet Elisha (1–8)
• Kings of Judah and Israel (9–16)
• Fall of Israel (17–21)
• King Josiah (22–23)
• Fall of Judah; Exile (24–25)
Key Verse: And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.” (2 Kings 19:15)
1 CHRONICLES
Who: Unknown (Ezra)
What: Review of David’s Reign
Where: Judah
When: c. 450 bc–400 bc
Why: To encourage the remnant.
Key Verse: “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)
2 CHRONICLES
Who: Unknown (Ezra)
What: Highlights Kings of Judah
Where: Judah
When: c. 450 bc–400 bc
Why: To show the benefits that come from obedience.
Key Verse: As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. (2 Chronicles 13:10a)
EZRA
Who: Ezra
What: History of Reconstruction
Where: Judah
When: c. 400s bc
Why: Provide a detailed account of the exiles’ return and the rebuilding of the temple.
Outline (Chapter)
• The Exiles Return (1–2)
• Rebuilding the Temple (3–6)
• The Work of Ezra (7–10)
Key Verse: With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love to Israel endures forever. And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” (Ezra 3:11)
NEHEMIAH
Who: Ezra
What: History of Reconstruction
Where: Judah
When: c. 400s bc
Why: Rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
Outline (Chapter)
• Nehemiah Returns (1–2)
• Rebuilding of the Walls (3)
• Threats and Persecution (4–7)
• Renewal of Covenant (8–10)
• Dedication and Laws (11–13)
Key Verse: Nehemiah said,
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some
to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
ESTHER
Who: Unknown
What: Story of Redemption
Where: Persia
When: c. 400s bc
Why: To demonstrate that, in all circumstances, God is in control.
Outline (Chapter)
• Search for a New Queen (1–2)
• Haman’s Plot (3)
• Esther’s Plan (4–6)
• Haman’s Downfall (7)
• Esther Saves the Jews (8–10)
Key Verse: For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
POETRY AND WISDOM
JOB
Who: Unknown
What: Story of Perseverance
Where: Mesopotamia (Uz)
When: Unknown
Why: To show the sovereignty of God and to illustrate faithfulness in the midst of suffering.
Outline (Chapter)
• Job Tested (1–3)
• Job’s Friends (4–31)
• Elihu’s Speech (32–37)
• God’s Answer (38–42)
Key Verse: I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. (Job 19:25–26)
PSALMS
Who: David, Moses, Asaph, Solomon, Ethan, Sons of Korah What: Poetry and Song
Where: Ancient Israel
When: c. 1000 bc–450 bc
Why: To communicate with God and worship him.
Outline (Chapter)
• Book I: Psalms 1–41
• Book II: Psalms 42–72
• Book III: Psalms 73–89
• Book IV: Psalms 90–106
• Book V: Psalms 107–150
Key Verse: My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. (Psalm 145:21)
PROVERBS
Who: Solomon and others
What: Wisdom
Where: Israel
When: c. 900s bc–700s bc
Why: To provide wisdom and guidance for God’s children.
Outline (Chapter)
• Lessons in Wisdom (1–9)
• Proverbs of Solomon (10–22)
• Other Wise Sayings (23–24)
• Solomon’s Sayings (25–29)
• Other Proverbs (30–31)
Key Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
ECCLESIASTES
Who: Unknown (Solomon)
What: Wisdom
Where: Jerusalem
When: c. 900s bc or 500s bc
Why: A search to discover truth.
Outline (Chapter)
• The Meaning of Life (1–2)
• Life is Not Always Fair (3–6)
• Wisdom (7–8)
• No One Knows the Future (9–10)
• Obedience to God (11–12)
Key Verse: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this
is the whole duty of mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14)
SONG OF SONGS
Who: Solomon and others
What: Love Poem
Where: Jerusalem
When: c. 900s bc or 500s bc
Why: To illustrate the joy of authentic love found in marriage.
Outline (Chapter)
• The Courtship (1–2)
• The Wedding (3–4)
• The Lasting Relationship (5–8)
Key Verse: Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned. (Song of Songs 8:7)
MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH
Who: Isaiah
What: Prophecy and Judgement
Where: Judah
When: c. 701 bc–681 bc
Why: To convince the people that salvation was possible through repentance and hope in the coming Messiah.
Outline (Chapter)
• Condemnation (1–39)
• Comfort in Exile (40–55)
• Future Hope (56–66)
Key Verse: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
JEREMIAH
Who: Jeremiah
What: Prophecy and Judgement
Where: Judah
When: c. 626 bc–582 bc
Why: To warn Judah of their destruction, to remind them of their sin, and convince them
to submit to the Babylonian invaders.
Outline (Chapter)
• Jeremiah (1–10)
• Prophetic Warnings (11–28)
• New Covenant (29–39)
• The Fall of Jerusalem (40–52)
Key Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
LAMENTATIONS
Who: Unknown (Jeremiah)
What: Dirge Poem (Lament)
Where: Babylon
When: c. 586
Why: To express the despair of the people of Judah over the loss of their land, city, and temple.
Outline (Chapter)
• Sorrows of Captives (1)
• Anger with Jerusalem (2)
• Hope and Mercy (3)
• Punishment (4)
• Restoration (5)
Key Verse: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new
every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23)
EZEKIEL
Who: Ezekiel
What: Prophecy and Warning
Where: Babylon
When: c. 593 bc–571 bc
Why: To confront people about their sin, give them one last chance to repent, and offer hope.
Outline (Chapter)
• Ezekiel (1–3)
• Judgment of Judah (4–24)
• Judgment on the Nations (25–32)
• The End of the Age (33–39)
• Restoration of Temple (40–48)
Key Verse: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
DANIEL
Who: Daniel
What: Prophecy and Apocalyptic
Where: Babylon
When: c. 605 bc–535 bc
Why: To convince the Jewish exiles that God is sovereign and to provide them with a vision of their future redemption.
Outline (Chapter)
• Daniel and His Friends (1–6)
• Apocalyptic Visions (7–12)
Key Verse: In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. (Daniel 2:44)
MINOR PROPHETS
HOSEA
Who: Hosea
What: Prophecy and Warning
Where: Israel
When: c. 752 bc–722 bc
Why: To illustrate Israel’s spiritual adultery and warn of destruction.
Outline (Chapter)
• The Unfaithful Wife (1–3)
• The Unfaithful Nation (4–14)
Key Verse: Because you
have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. (Hosea 4:6)
JOEL
Who: Joel
What: Prophecy and Judgment
Where: Judah
When: Unknown
Why: To call Judah to repentance in order to avoid judgment.
Outline (Chapter)
• Locusts (1)
• Blessings and Curses (2–3)
Key Verse: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)
AMOS
Who: Amos
What: Prophecy and Judgment
Where: Israel
When: c. 760 bc–753 bc
Why: To accuse and judge Israel for injustice and lack of mercy.
Outline (Chapter)
• Neighbors Punished (1)
• Israel’s Destruction (2–8)
• Future Hope (9)
Key Verse: Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. (Amos 5:14)
OBADIAH
Who: Obadiah
What: Prophecy
Where: Judah
When: c. 586 bc
Why: To prophesy against Edom.
Outline: (Chapter)
• Judgment on Edom (1–9)
• Edom’s Violations (10–14)
• Israel’s Victory (15–21)
Key Verse: Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. (Obadiah 10)
JONAH
Who: Jonah
What: Calling and Escape
Where: Probably Israel
When: c. 783-753 BC
Why: To show that God loves all people
Outline (Chapter)
- Jonah Flees from God (1)
- Jonah Prays Inside the Great Fish (2)
- Jonah Prophesies in Nineveh (3)
- Jonah Resents God's mercy (4)
Key Verse: You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love" (Jonah 4:2)
MICAH
Who: Micah
What: A Call to Seek Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly
Where: Probably Israel
When: c. 738-698 BC
Why: To warn people of God's judgment and to offer hope
Outline (Chapter)
Judgment and Deliverance (1-5)
Confession and Restoration (6-7)
Key Verse
"What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
NAHUM
Who: Nahum
What: Judgment on Nineveh
Where: Probably Israel
When: c. 663-612 BC
Why: To pronounce judgment on Nineveh
Outline (Chapter)
- Mercy and Justice (1)
- Nineveh Will Fall (2)
- Woe to Nineveh (3)
Key Verse
"The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished." (Nahum 1:3)
HABAKKUK
Who: Habakkuk
What: Affirmation that the wicked will not prevail in the end
Where: Unknown
When: c. 609-598 BC
Why: To affirm that the wicked will not prevail in the end
Outline (Chapter)
- First Complaint and Answer (1:1-11)
- Second Complaint and Answer (1:12-2:20)
- Prayer of Praise (3:1-19)
Key Verse
"I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." (Habakkuk 3:18)
ZEPHANIAH
Who: Zephaniah
What: Motivate Judah to repentance
Where: Unknown
When: c. 641-628 BC
Why: To motivate Judah to repentance
Outline (Chapter)
- The Day of the Lord (1)
- Judgment on Judah and Other Nations (2)
- A Remnant Restored (3)
Key Verse
"The great day of the Lord is near—near and coming quickly." (Zephaniah 1:14)
HAGGAI
Who: Haggai
What: Urge the people to complete rebuilding the temple
Where: Unknown
When: 520 BC
Why: To urge the people to complete rebuilding the temple
Outline (Chapter)
- Rebuild the Temple (1)
- Be Strong, Be Holy, Be Blessed (2)
Key Verse
"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while [the Lord's] house remains a ruin? Give careful thought to your ways." (Haggai 1:4-5)
ZECHARIAH
Who: Zechariah
What: To give hope to the remnant in Israel
Where: Probably Israel
When: c. 520-518 BC
Why: To give hope to the remnant in Israel
Outline (Chapter)
- Visions and Messages (1-8)
- Oracles Against the Nations (9-14)
Key Verse
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6)
MALACHI
Who: Malachi
What: Examine Judah's actions and ensure God has priority
Where: Unknown
When: c. 400s BC
Why: To examine Judah's actions and make sure God has priority
Outline (Chapter)
- Six Prophetic Speeches (1-3)
- The Day of the Lord (4)
Key Verse
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." (Malachi 3:10)