Divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Old Testament - A Brief Overview

Divisions of the Old Testament

The Hebrew Old Testament

The Hebrew Old Testament was divided into 3 sections:

-The Law (Torah), or Pentateuch, 5 books:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

-The Prophets (Nebhim), 8 books:

Former Prophets - Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings

Latter Prophets - Isaiah , Jeremiah , Ezekiel , The Twelve

-The Writings (Kethubim), 11 books:

Poetical Books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job

Megilloth, 5 Rolls- Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Esther, Ecclesiastes

Historical Books - Daniel , Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles.

Note: In the Hebrew Bible Genesis (Bershiyt) is the first book and Chronicles (Dibre Hayamim) is the last book.

The Christian Old Testament

The Old Testament books are divided into the following categories:

Historical Books - Genesis to Esther

Wisdom Literature and Poetry - Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, & Lamentations

Prophetic Books - Isaiah to Malachi (excluding Lamentations)

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The Story of the Bible - Part One - The Old Testament