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FAMILY · TOLD GENTLY

Bible Stories

“Suffer little children to come unto me.” — Mark 10:14 · KJV

A peaceful reading of this page. 0:00
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

2 Timothy 3:16 · King James Bible

What it is

The Old Testament is the first, longer part of the Christian Bible — 39 books, written over roughly a thousand years (from about 1400 BC to 400 BC). It tells the story of God's dealings with the world and with the people of Israel, from creation until the four hundred years of silence before the coming of Christ.

How it is arranged

The English Bible arranges the Old Testament in four sections:

The Law (Torah) — 5 books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
The History books — 12 books: Joshua through Esther.
The Wisdom / Poetic books — 5 books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.
The Prophets — 17 books: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, then the twelve minor prophets from Hosea to Malachi.

The story in one line

God made the world; humanity fell; God called Abraham; his family became Israel; Israel was rescued from Egypt, given the law, and brought into the promised land; the kings failed; the prophets called them back; the nation went into exile; a remnant returned — and everyone waited for the promised Messiah.

Which books to read first

For a household starting from scratch, this reading order works well: Genesis (the beginnings), a selection of Psalms (23, 46, 91, 121), Exodus 1–20 (the deliverance), Ruth (one evening), 1 Samuel (Samuel, Saul, David), and Isaiah 40–55 (the great chapters of comfort and the servant of the Lord). That is enough to see the shape.

What Christians see in it

Christians read the Old Testament as a book that keeps pointing forward. Every sacrifice looks toward Christ. Every king who fails makes room for the true king. Every promise stretches beyond its first fulfilment. Jesus himself said, "These are they which testify of me" (John 5:39).

Walk further

Continue Your Journey

Where else this page opens into the household library.

Genesis — the first bookBible studyExodusBible studyPsalmsBible studyThe New Testament — the other halfBible studyThe Interactive Bible TimelineBible study
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