A Summary of the Old Testament .

The Book of Genesis

The book of beginnings is attributed to Moses between 1450-1410 BC. It not only delineates the ancestry of the Jewish people but also sets the stage for the ongoing revelation of Jesus as the promised Messiah. This revelation is based upon the exposition of two major themes that run throughout the Old and New Testaments. There is, first of all, the concept of choosing a people who are to be Jehovahs representatives in this realm to carry out the plan of redemption. As His people they must be made acceptable and freed from the bondage of sin. His adoption is secured by the price Jesus pays on the cross. Second there is the powerful concept of the blood covenant. Jehovahs promises to His people will always be ratified by the shedding of blood. So too is the promise to redeem us ratified with the blood of the Savior.

.The Book of Exodus Exodus was written by Moses to the Jewish people between 1450-1410 BC. The need for salvation is made clear in Exodus. The family of Jacob is rather dysfunctional-his sons cannot abide the blessings bestowed on their brother Joseph and so they sell into slavery. Ultimately the slavery of the family leads to the slavery of an entire nation. Moses, the deliverer, and a picture of Jesus, sets the people free and through the giving of the Law, the establishing of a priesthood, and the institution of feasts they are shown the further distance they must travel to be worthy of real freedom. The lesson is that they cannot keep the laws and statutes given to them, and must look for another deliverer to make an eternal end of their captivity.

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.The Book of Leviticus Leviticus was written by Moses to the Jewish people between 1450-1410 BC. It can be excruciating to read if one lacks a fundamental insight into Gods Law. The long passages about animal sacrifice, the inordinate amount of punishment for transgressions, require some understanding. The critical insight is that the law is not about punishment, but restitution. When mans actions diminish the holiness of Gods order it must be restored. What is taken must be replaced. When an ox is killed, the owner must receive a new one and compensation for his loss. If a life is taken, the one who took it must put life back by giving his own. An understanding of this concept turns a book full of gory details into a humbling description of what Jesus did for us by making restitution for all that our sinful nature has done to diminish the holiness of Gods order.

.The Book of Numbers Numbers was written by Moses to the Jewish people between 1450-1410 BC. Disobedience to God carries a price. This is an important lesson. Some perspectives on grace suggest that it does away with the consequences of sin, that the blood covers our faults to the extent that we are alleviated from the repercussions of our bad decisions. While grace certainly is a covering, Numbers seems to suggest that certain consequences are built into the actions themselves. Murmuring, complaining, failing to heed other tenets of Gods law..all will turn an 11-day journey into a 40-year nightmare. Once we learn our lesson however, His promises remain and the blessings of obedience still available to us.

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.The Book of Deuteronomy It was written by Moses to the Jewish people between 1450-1410 BC. This is a book of remembering. Repeatedly we are encouraged to remember what the word of the Lord has said. The literal meaning of remember is to put something back together. If we remember an event we are putting the experience back together to relive it in our minds. Gods covenant promises must be put back together in the life of the believer as we attain to the new creation that 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are. We are in reality seated with Jesus in heavenly places but must remember this spiritual reality in order to have it manifest each day. .The Book of Joshua Joshua is credited with authorship between 1400 - 1370 BC. This book catalogs the taking of the land of Canaan. Meditate on the Word day and night. That passage provides the thread that holds together the movement of the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Each time they ask the Lord for guidance, and heed what they are told, they are victorious. When they choose to decide for themselves how to proceed, they are either defeated or merely break even. This is a great lesson for us as believers. We must seize the new creation that we already have been made. We must fight to control the land from the passions and desires entrenched therein. When we heed the guidance of the Holy Ghost we will always win. When we got it alone, breaking even is the best we can hope for.

.The Judges Samuel is the most likely author somewhere between 1050-1000 BC. Judges is a pivotal book in the story of Jewish people. It seems that God never wanted us to have any ruler but Him. To be a kingdom pf priests implies that the government is truly on his shoulders and it is unnecessary (perhaps even

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dangerous) to have any intermediary at all. The disobedience that occurs seems to be the initial wound in the relationship between these chosen people and their God. Even among the seventeen judges only a few are noteworthy, and even among the noteworthy there are the same painful tendencies towards disobedience, lack of trust, or selfishness. This is pivotal for us as believers in that we too must allow obedience to the real judge be the hallmark of our faith.

.The Book of Ruth Samuel is the most likely author somewhere around 1000 BC. Ruth is a beautiful picture of the extent of Gods grace upon those who are not yet His children and His desire to lead them to Himself. It appears that this book is set at the general time of Passover when the barley is being harvested. This only adds to the sense of symbolism and the revealing of the salvation plan. Ruth, who is not one of His children, develops a loyalty to Naomi. Boaz eventually becomes Ruths kinsman redeemer, a clear type of Jesus himself. This loyalty leads redemption and adoption.

.The Book 1st Samuel Written by Samuel in 930 BC (and probably finished by Gad or Nathan), Davids election as King stands out among the other themes and provides an object lesson in so many ways. First, there are crucial life lessons. He is chosen as King but has to endure the humiliation of allowing an undeserving Saul to reign in his stead. David has learned that to possess authority in his life he must exhibit it-even if the person doesnt warrant the respect. Second there are invaluable spiritual lessons. Despite his being chosen, he is still a pretty wretched fellow. But his response to his sin is to own up to it and not make excuses for his behavior. Third, there are touching emotional lessons. In his personal holiness he is honest and open with God. In the depth of his fear, frustration, and human arrogance, he is the same person.

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.The Book 2nd Samuel Written by Samuel in 930 BC (and probably finished by Gad or Nathan), important leadership principles are unveiled here. As 1st Samuel describes the establishing of the kingdom, 2nd Samuel identifies how it is maintained. What is blessed is the heart of King David. While his actions still can be misguided, there is genuineness in his approach to God that brings honor to his leadership in the midst of his personal failure. Those who are in leadership positions need to remember that it is heart attitude that overcomes any weakness we fail to allow the Lord to conquer in us. When others try to dethrone him, rather than hunker down and defend himself, he acknowledges that it is not his to lose. How often have I talked about my church or my people? Davids attitude is a great help in acting as a shepherd watching over someone elses sheep.

.The Book of 1st Kings Jeremiah is credited as the author in 550 BC. The building of the temple of Solomon provides an even more permanent place for God to dwell among his people. What is ironic is that logic would say that the Jewish people are even less deserving of Gods presence than ever before. They werent exactly walking in holiness as a people when the tabernacle of Moses was constructed, and since that time their tendency to go after other gods has only increased. And herein lies the wonder of the message-if we belong to God, the more we stray the greater His desire to draw us to Him becomes. In this book it is as if He is saying that the Jewish people will need Him to be even closer and even more prominent in their midst. Rather than react to their sinfulness He reacts to their need for holiness.

.The Book of 2nd Kings Jeremiah is credited as the author in 550 BC. The historical event of the division of the Jewish people takes predominance over all other themes. While there is an abundance of miracles and the inspiring

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stories of Elijah and Elisha, it is the creation of a separate Israel and Judah that stands out. It appears that the root cause of the division of a people is the divided heart of the person in authority, King Solomon in this case. This is a useful leadership lesson once again. Those of us, who carry Gods authority, pastors, parents, or politicians, carry the unity of the people we lead and serve in our hearts.

.The Book of 1st Chronicles Chronicles authorship is given to Ezra between 450-425 BC. As a supplement of Samuel and Kings, Chronicles serves several purposes. Among them the two that stand out are to reinforce the covenant that emerged through the diligence and obedience of David, and to reinforce the importance of adherence to the tenets of Gods law. In 1st Chronicles there is significant encouragement to those who have returned from exile. This makes me think of the encouragement we provide to new believers who have just been released from the captivity of their sin nature. We remind them of the power of diligence in their daily lives and obedience to what the Lord is speaking to them. We attempt to regularly promote reading and studying of the Word as the path towards a renewed mind.

.The Book of 2nd Chronicles Chronicles authorship is given to Ezra between 450-425 BC. At the conclusion of 2nd Chronicles the edict from King Cyrus is found. It is interesting to read this in light of the history of the kings of Judah that are also described in the book. That history reads like a rollercoaster- periods of gross defilement and idolatry followed by a laissez-faire approach to the things of God to a violent surge of obedience in order to salvage the soul of a nation. It makes it clear that God not only will honor the covenant promises made to His people, but will just as easily prevail upon the heathen nations to cause His will to come to pass.

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.The Book of Ezra Ezra is the author somewhere between 456-444 BC. The book is written to the exiles who are returning from captivity. It is painful to see that they have been captive so long that they have lost the command of their own language and thus cannot understand the Law. Their reaction upon recognizing what God commands requires of them, leads them to a state of worship and the miraculous presence of God confirms His covenant with them. Ezra himself cannot be ignored as a central theme of the book. He possessed the courage, the holiness, and the integrity to be trusted by the people to orchestrate their spiritual renewal. He had the ability to turn vision into action fueled by his passion and intimacy with the Law.

.The Book of Nehemiah Viewed as a companion text to Ezra, Nehemiah is given authorship sometime between 445-425 BC. It is written as well to the exiles returning from captivity. This book represents a progression from Ezra, from the renewing of the spiritual community to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. There is a powerful lesson on renewal embedded in the story. First there is the natural aspect of a community being reconstructed in the midst of opposition. Second there is the idea of the rebuilding of ones spiritual walls and the foundation of their faith. As with Ezra, the authors character stands out as the motivation force. His burden for the people is so strong that it becomes so noticeable to a heathen king that he encourages Nehemiah to go forth with his mission.

.The Book of Esther Although the date for the writing of this book is generally agreed upon as 465 BC the authorship is unclear. Mordecai or possibly Nehemiah is cited as a possibility. The book itself exposes the depth of the

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impact of captivity. There is little vestige of their own customs and manners and an overwhelming comfort with the culture and ways of Persia. The purpose of the Book of Esther is the description of the Feast of Purim and to commemorate the deliverance of the Jewish people through Esther. She risked her own life to stand up for the people and to establish them. This book also makes us consider the difference between what seems to be merely coincidence and that which is the providence of God.

.The Book of Job It is unclear who is the author of Job, when the book was written, or even the context of its writing. Job, Elihu or one of their contemporaries are possibilities. It is generally felt that the events took place before the time of Moses. Some scholars have suggested that Job was a dramatic play. Regardless of these facts the book is a powerful comment on the sovereignty of God and an instruction manual for how we should approach the affairs of life. The ignorance of Jobs friends does not deter him from standing fast in his trust of God. But at the end when Job wants to know why all these things occur, he is told in so many ways-You are not able to neither comprehend nor even in a position to ask. Gods gracious and personal concern for our restoration is balanced with the awesome recognition of His sovereignty.

.The Book of Psalms This book has numerous contributors throughout the 10th century. David, Solomon, the sons of Korah, Hernan, Ethan, and Moses are all cited as authors of various Psalms. The purpose is to be an anthology of the worship of the Jewish people, wherein every human emotion is demonstrated. The entire book can be analyzed in many different ways---according to the history of the Jewish people, the type of musical accompaniment, and the rhythm of sound, to name as few.

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.The Book of Proverbs This book was written and put together over a period of time from 950-700 BC (although there is significant scholarly debate over this) The principal contributor to the thirty-one chapters is Solomon with King Lemuel (a gentile from near Ur), Agur, and several others referred to as wisemen recognized as well.

Proverbs is a wisdom book. It catalogs practical advice for lifes decisions. There are several clear purposes for this advice. One is to stamp the fear of the Lord on the readers heart as a perpetual ingredient in making good decisions. The second is to help people gain life skills at a young age to avoid the types of problems that will present themselves later in life if we are bent towards foolishness. The third perhaps is to help one integrate the knowledge of Gods will into their everyday dealings. This application is the real meaning of wisdom.

.The Book of Ecclesiastes This book was written by Solomon around 935 BC. Its purpose is to convince the unbeliever of the futility of life apart from God. The activities and affairs of life will never produce much in the way of satisfaction, only service to the God who gives life will account for anything. The key word is vanity and it echoes throughout the book.

.The Song of Solomon Solomon is the author having penned this book in 965 BC. Here again there are several views of the purpose of the book. It is an allegory using the love of a man for a woman to picture the love of God for His people. The wooing of the reluctant lover fairly represents the reticence of Gods people to come to Him. It is also seen as a six-act dramatic play with three main characters. Lastly it has been viewed as

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simply a collection of songs with the theme of Gods love. From a New Testament perspective it is easy to see this book as the interaction of Jesus, with His church, His bride. To compare the passages with the feelings and attitudes expressed in the Gospels presents a compelling picture of the Lord stirring a reluctant church.

.The Book of Isaiah Isaiah wrote this book between 740-680 BC. He is writing principally to the people of the southern kingdom, Judah, in an attempt to convince then to abandon their sinful ways and serve the Lord with their whole hearts. He pleads with them not to take advantage of the Lords patience. Their northern neighbors were swept away by the Assyrians and Isaiah is fearful that a similar fate can easily befall them. Isaiah sees Babylon as the scourger of Judah and although Gods anger cannot be turned back He will restore the nation as it chooses to repent. What is perhaps most memorable about this book are the stirring passages about the Messiah, many of which paint such a clear pictures of Jesus.

.The Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah is the author and wrote this book between 627-585 BC. His message is directed to Judah and focuses on the inevitability of judgment for idolatrous sins, especially those of King Josiah. What stands out also is Jeremiah himself, as perhaps the most poignant example of what prophetic ministry is really like. In essence, Jeremiah was the message, his life reflecting the essence of Gods word to Judah. During the course of his ministry Jeremiah was soundly rejected for his preaching, opposed by other socalled prophets, imprisoned and nearly forgotten, betrayed by his own family, and threatened with death. There seems to be a lot of people functioning as self-described prophets. While one would never discount anothers ministry I often question some of what I see when I compare it to the example of Jeremiah.

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.The Book of Lamentations Jeremiah is generally held to be the author and wrote this book between 586-575 BC. It is written as five poems and in the original language each begins with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The book is truly a lament. Because of Judah being taken captive the temple of Solomon is brought to ruin. The main purpose of his writing is to demonstrate to the people how the Lord will still use such destruction as a tool for their ultimate blessing provided they repent and turn back to Him. In this sense, there is a loud echo of hope amidst the despair. Much like our own lives we need to see how the consequences of even our worst decisions are used by the Lord for our ultimate blessing. That echo in Lamentations reads as the passage in Romans 8 where all things work together

.The Book of Ezekiel Ezekiel is generally held to be the author. The book was composed between 593-565 BC. Ezekiel is a prophet during the Babylonian captivity, and his message to the captives stresses the continual need for repentance while encouraging that a bright future still lay ahead of them. He reminds them of the constancy of Gods promises and that the kingdom will most certainly manifest itself if they are faithful to His word. What is most compelling about the book of Ezekiel is the fact that his incredible vision occurred in a place of captivity. In that place, the sovereignty of God is seen in perhaps a greater splendor than before. Ezekiel makes it known that we need to recognize that sovereignty no matter situation we find ourselves in. In other words, even when things seem so totally out-of-control in our lives, God is still God.

.The Book of Daniel Daniel is considered to be the author of the book written between 540-530 BC. As a servant in the court of several of the Babylonian kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel is known best as an interpreter of dreams and visions. The book describes these visions to communicate the fact that Gods hand is not only

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on the nation of Israel but on all the nations. He is orchestrates the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms all in accordance with His divine plan for the redemption of all creation.

.The Book of Hosea Hosea is the author of this book dated between 755-725 BC. As a prophet to Israel his messages focus on the idolatrous practices of the Jewish people and the impending destruction that will result. Like Jeremiah so much of this message is embodied in the life of Hosea. He is told by the Lord to marry a prostitute, Gomer, to demonstrate the harlotry of the people towards the Lord. He redeems her each time she strays as the demonstration of Gods faithfulness to an unfaithful people. As if that wasnt enough, Hoseas children are likewise named to represent the characteristics of the sinful nation. This book is truly a message of the unconditional love of the Father who will eventually send His son to become the husband and redeemer of an idolatrous people.

.The Book of Joel Written around 835 BC, Joel is a message of repentance, impending judgment and restoration. The prophet uses a plague of locusts that infests Judah as a way to symbolize these themes. The contrast between the devouring of the land, and the outpouring of the spiritual blessings of repentance, are vivid images. Joel in many ways speaks to the ultimate destiny of all who will believe in the Lord. By accepting the price paid by Jesus, the years of ones life, lost through a destructive lifestyle, will be restored and replaced by a depth of spiritual insight and revelation.

.The Book of Amos Amos is the writer of this book which was probably composed between 767-753 BC. Amos is unique among the prophets. For one, he isnt a prophet in the traditional Old Testament sense. He is a shepherd

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and husbandman without any education or training. Secondly, he is a resident of Judah who is given a message to take to the northern kingdom of Israel. That message is that, although Israel is enjoying a time of prosperity in natural things, the level of idolatry will ultimately bring destruction. As with most of the prophetic messages of the Old Testament, Amos leaves the people with a sense of hope-that a remnant of people will be preserved and that they will restore the blessings.

.The Book of Obadiah Although there is general agreement that Obadiah is the author, there is a broad speculation on the date the book was written. Some scholars place it near the exile (586 BC) while others place it as far back as 850 BC. As the shortest book in the Old Testament the twenty-one verses carry a unique message. Obadiah is addressing the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. Edoms refused to allow the children of Israel to cross their land during the exodus and continually turn their backs on them when Israels enemies rise up. This has not been forgotten, and will be punished. When our brothers, other believers, are in need, we cannot refuse to help them. We cannot let our pride make their journey longer nor give power to their enemies. This is a lesson that the body of Christ today seems to need to remember.

.The Book of Jonah Jonah is the author of this book written between 793-758 BC. At the height of Israels prosperity Jonah is called by God to reach out to Nineveh. For several reasons, Jonah does not wish to go and flees the Lords call. Ultimately he ends up in Nineveh and the word he preaches is honored. This book is an

important reminder for all who are called by God to deliver His message. It is futile (not to mention dangerous, considering the use of the huge fish!) to attempt to avoid that calling. It is also an important reminder of the Lords compassion for unbelievers. Nineveh is a heathen nation and the Lord will not allow Jonah to forfeit His chance to convey His grace upon them.

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.The Book of Micah Micah is considered to be the author of this book dated between 735-700 BC. Micah was a country prophet whose name means who is like Jehovah? It is an apt name for one who delivers the message of this book. While on one hand there is judgment for the leaders of Israel, prophets, priests, and kings, for their idolatry and disobedience. At the same time he paints a picture of a restored Israel basking in a future glory greater than the past. Who is like Jehovah indeed to raise up a nation (or a person) from a state of iniquity to a higher level of holiness than that which they fell from?

.The Book of Nahum The book of Nahum was written between 633-612 BC and he is cited as the author. His message is to the Assyrians, referred to as those of the land of Nineveh. This is the same Nineveh that Jonah spoke to but the people have reverted back to their corrupt and violent ways. The prospect of their rising up puts Israel in fear and it is a word of reassurance and comfort that the Lord gives to Nahum. The prophet encourages the Israelites and reinforces to the Assyrians the certainty of judgment against them.

.The Book of Habakkuk Habakkuk is the author and the book was written between 610-605 BC. It is actually a book written to the Lord. Habakkuk is in deep distress over why the people of Judah have been taken captive by Babylon. He asks the Lord to tell him why such suffering is occurring. What is special about this book is that the Lord answers the prophet and reveals to him the reasons and purposes of His actions. What a refreshing concept to take hold ofthat there are times when a sovereign God will respond to our ever-present need to know why?

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.The Book of Zephaniah There is agreement by scholars that Zephaniah is the author but dates for the writing of the book range from 735-621 BC. Zephaniah is a prophet of the southern kingdom and expresses three straightforward themes. The first is that the Lord is blessed by repentance. Even though the sin that created the need is a problem, a heart that will turn back to God is pleasing to Him. Second, God is sovereign. He conducts the affairs of all nations and even nature to bring His will to pass. Finally, iniquity will not escape a sovereign God. It will be rewarded on the basis of the disorder and dis-ease it produces. As always, however, the God that is blessed by repentance sets in motion a plan of redemption even as judgment falls.

.The Book of Haggai Haggai is the author and the book was written in 520 BC. It is a message to those returning from Babylonian captivity to finish rebuilding the temple. In only a fifteen-week period of ministry Haggai admonishes the people to consider your ways in that they have been focusing on their own needs rather than re-establishing a place for the Lords presence. The book is an encouragement to keep the Lord as first-place in our lives, regardless of whatever opposition we are facing in our lives.

.The Book of Zechariah There are mixed perspectives on the authorship of the entire book as well as the dates of its completion. Zechariah is at least the author of the first eight chapters. Dates for the writing of the book range from 520-470 BC. As a Levitical priest born in Babylonian captivity, his name means Jehovah remembers. Herein lies the key purpose of the book. While the Lord has sent numerous prophets to warn the people, they have refused all along to heed these warnings. Even prophecy itself has been perverted as many false messages have been spoken, bringing confusion on even those who would have a heart to heed

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the warnings. Despite all of this the Lord remembers. He remembers his promise of redemptive. He remembers His commitment to the remnant who will eventually hearken. He remembers His promise to all human beings, to bring salvation based on their willingness to believe.

.The Book of Malachi There is relative agreement that Malachi is the author. There is some uncertainty over the date of the book, with it ranging from 568-400 BC. Malachi is clearly the Lords messenger. He enumerates a list of things that greatly displease the Lord, especially among the priesthood. They have profaned the sacrificial system but substituting animals unworthy of being offered. The tithe that belongs to the Lord as well, has been withheld, hence it is robbery. If the date of the writing is closer to 568 BC then it is a message to the first of the returning Babylonian exiles, who desperately need to revive their worship and obedience to the Lord. If the book is assigned a later date then it is a message to those near the time of Nehemiah who need to be encouraged to continue the process of restoring the spiritual life of the Jewish people.