Books of the Bible Summaries Test - OT

Bible Midterms

Job

A story told through poetic dialogues that answers the question, 'How should godly people, especially those who are wise, cope with the great incongruencies in life?'

Nehemiah

Leads a group of exiles to rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem (Promised Land) and continues to encourage them to worship God.

Leviticus

The law explained - these are the terms the Israelites must adhere to in order for God to dwell with them.

Judges

The decline of the Israelites' faith and obedience to God after the death of Joshua's generation. It's a cycle of turning away from God, deliverance, and repentance.

Genesis

Creation and The Fall. The nation of Israel is introduced and the Abrahamic covenant is established.

Malachi

Focuses on living life and honoring God in the waiting (for the Messiah). The people are living in the 'already' but 'not yet' as they eagerly and at times, hopelessly wait for the Messiah.

Exodus

God uses Moses to save Israel from slavery in Egypt. God establishes a relationship with them and His dwelling place in the Tabernacle.

Numbers

The journey to the Promised Land - the wandering in the desert, the death of the old generation, the dawning of the new generation.

1 & 2 Samuel

Transitional - the last of the judges, but also a priest. He anoints two kings (Saul and David) and also functions as a prophet. He is the transition from the judges to the monarchy.

Ezra

Group of exiles return to the Promised Land and attempt to rebuild the temple. He reteaches the Israelites how to worship God. This is an ongoing process in the Old Testament.

Ecclesiastes

A search for the meaning of life. Solomon is the author and realizes that wisdom alone will not provide any purpose in life. Faith is essential to the meaning we long for.

Joshua

After the death of Moses, he leads Israel to conquer the Promised land and gives the 12 tribes their territories.

1 & 2 Kings / Chronicles

Israel experiences a time of peace and prosperity under the rule of Solomon, but splits under the rule of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. The two kingdoms turn away from God and ignore His prophets, until they both fall captive to other world empires.

Ezekiel

Written to announce judgment upon Judah, to give them a final chance to repent. It also predicts the coming deliverance of God's nation from Babylonian captivity. Includes the epic 'Valley of Dry Bones' scene.

Esther

Represents a story of great grace to those who did not obediently return to the Promised Land. God works behind the scenes to protect these scattered people so eventually the great promise can be fulfilled in them.

Deuteronomy

'Second law' - God wants to make sure the new generation understands how to live with Him in the Promised Land. These are not new laws, instead this book is a further explanation / clarification of the previous laws given.

Psalms

Compilation of 150 songs that Israel sang to God (and to each other). David is the author of many of them.

Isaiah

A prophet warns Israel of future judgment, but also predicts the coming of Jesus (not directly by name).

Ruth

Two widows lose everything, and find hope returning to the Promised Land — which eventually leads to the birth of David, the future king of Israel.

Daniel

Demonstrates how to be faithful to a God while living in a land with a ruler who is far from God.

Haggai

Continuing to rebuild the temple. First wave of exiles had abandoned the rebuilding process - resorted to worshiping God on the fringes of their lives. He challenges them to move the worship of God to the center of their lives.

Proverbs

A guide to living a godly life full of wisdom.

Zechariah

Continues rebuilding the temple. He encourages the Israelites to look toward the coming Messiah and the kingdom He will establish.

Jeremiah

A prophet warns Israel about the coming Babylonian captivity and the people respond poorly.

Song of Songs

Presents the private, intimate side of marriage which builds strong relationships and happy lives.