The Old Testament tells the story of God’s dealings with the people of Israel, beginning with the creation of the world and ending with the prophecy of the coming Messiah. It covers a time period of over 4,000 years and was originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic. Here is an overview of the major events and themes of the 39 books that comprise the Old Testament:
Genesis – God creates the universe and everything in it in 6 days. He creates Adam and Eve and places them in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve disobey God’s command and eat the forbidden fruit, bringing sin into the world. God punishes them by expelling them from the Garden. Their son Cain murders his brother Abel. Over time, humanity becomes very wicked, provoking God to send a great flood to wipe them out. Only Noah and his family are righteous enough to be saved. After the flood, humanity spreads out again and starts rebuilding civilization.
Abraham – God calls Abram (later renamed Abraham) out of Ur and makes a covenant with him, promising to make his descendants a great nation. Abraham’s wife Sarai (Sarah) gives birth to Isaac in her old age. Abraham’s faith is tested when God tells him to sacrifice Isaac, but God spares Isaac’s life at the last moment.
Isaac – Isaac’s wife Rebekah gives birth to twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Jacob tricks Esau out of his birthright and blessing as the firstborn son. Jacob has 12 sons who become the 12 tribes of Israel.
Joseph – Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, is sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. In Egypt, Joseph rises to become second-in-command to Pharaoh. During a great famine, Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to buy food and reunite with Joseph, who forgives them. The Israelites settle in Egypt.
Exodus – The Israelites become enslaved in Egypt. Moses is called by God to demand that Pharaoh let God’s people go. Pharaoh refuses, so God sends 10 plagues on Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn sons. The Israelites hastily depart Egypt and flee across the Red Sea which God miraculously parts for them.
Leviticus – At Mt. Sinai, God gives Moses the law for the Israelites, including the 10 Commandments. Laws about morality, religious practice, cleanliness, and holiness are prescribed. Instructions are given for the Tabernacle where God will dwell among His people.
Numbers – In the wilderness, the Israelites rebel against Moses and God. As punishment, they wander in the desert for 40 years until all the disobedient generation has died off. A new generation will enter the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy – On the border of Canaan, Moses gives his final speeches to the Israelites, reminding them of God’s laws and covenant. Moses dies without entering the Promised Land. Joshua takes over leadership.
Joshua – Under Joshua, the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan. The walled city of Jericho falls to their army through God’s intervention. The land is then divided up among the 12 tribes.
Judges – With Joshua gone, the Israelites fall into a cycle of turning from God, being oppressed by enemies, crying out for deliverance, and being rescued by leaders called Judges. The Judges include Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and others.
Ruth – The story of the faithful Moabite woman Ruth who leaves her people to remain loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi. She marries an Israelite man named Boaz and becomes the great-grandmother of King David.
1 Samuel – Samuel becomes the last of the Judges and anoints the first king of Israel, Saul. But Saul disobeys God, so God chooses a new king – young David. David kills the giant Goliath and later becomes king.
2 Samuel – David becomes king over all Israel and captures Jerusalem. But he commits adultery and murder, is rebuked by the prophet Nathan, and suffers family turmoil for the rest of his reign.
1 Kings – David dies after appointing Solomon as the next king. Solomon builds the Temple in Jerusalem but later turns away from God by worshiping idols, marrying foreign women, and becoming corrupt. The kingdom divides into northern Israel and southern Judah after Solomon’s death.
2 Kings – The divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah see a string of evil kings who lead the people into idolatry, eventually provoking God’s judgment. The northern kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria, and the southern kingdom of Judah later falls to Babylon due to their unfaithfulness.
1 Chronicles – Retells Israel’s history from Adam to David’s death, focusing on David’s reign, the priests, and Temple worship. Emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s laws.
2 Chronicles – Retells the reigns of Solomon and the kings who followed him in Judah, culminating in the Jews’ exile to Babylon. There is a focus on the Temple and proper worship of God.
Ezra – The Jews begin returning to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon. Led by Ezra the priest, they rebuild the Temple and commit to obeying God’s law.
Nehemiah – Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls which lie in ruins. He oversees the rebuilding project despite opposition from Israel’s enemies. The people renew their covenant with God.
Esther – In Persia, Esther becomes queen and risks her life to prevent a plot to massacre the Jews. Her courage saves her people from destruction.
Job – Job suffers terrible affliction though he is a righteous man. His friends insist he must have sinned to deserve such misery. Job persists in proclaiming his innocence and asking God for an explanation. Finally, God speaks from the whirlwind, humbling Job.
Psalms – A collection of 150 poetic hymns and prayers from various authors including David, expressing thanksgiving, lament, praise, and confession to God.
Proverbs – A collection of wisdom sayings that call God’s people to righteousness, integrity, honesty, kindness, and avoidance of sin.
Ecclesiastes – Written by King Solomon later in his life, reflects on the meaninglessness of pursuing worldly pleasure and wisdom apart from God. Life is frustrating unless centered around fearing and obeying God.
Song of Songs – Love poem depicting a romantic relationship between a husband and wife, attributed to Solomon. Contains beautiful imagery praising the joys of marital intimacy and fidelity.
Isaiah – Prophesies warnings of judgment against Israel and Judah for their rebellion and idolatry. But also contains prophecies about the coming Messiah who will deliver and restore God’s people.
Jeremiah – Called the weeping prophet, he pronounces coming judgment on Judah for its widespread sin but also promises future restoration by God.
Lamentations – Jeremiah’s poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The people confess their sins and pray for God’s mercy.
Ezekiel – A prophet to the exiles in Babylon, where he predicts Jerusalem’s fall because of its evils. He then prophesies national restoration, a new heart and spirit, and the coming Messiah.
Daniel – As an exile in Babylon, Daniel faithfully serves in the royal court. God saves Daniel from death multiple times, proving He is the one true God who controls history. Daniel receives apocalyptic visions about the end times.
Hosea – The prophet Hosea’s unfaithful wife Gomer is a metaphor for Israel’s unfaithfulness toward God. Despite her adulteries, Hosea pursues her with tender love, as God loves and pursues His sinful people.
Joel – Joel pronounces coming judgment on Judah, calling them to repentance and holy living so that God may forgive and restore them.
Amos – A shepherd called to prophesy, Amos condemns Israel’s oppression of the poor and needy as well as their hollow, insincere worship. He pronounces coming judgment.
Obadiah – God’s judgment will come upon the nation of Edom for their pride and cruelty against Israel. But Israel will be restored.
Jonah – Jonah rebels against God’s call for him to preach to the evil city of Nineveh. After he is swallowed by a fish, he repents and preaches judgment, causing the people to repent. Jonah learns God cares about all people.
Micah – Another prophet proclaiming judgment for Israel’s social injustice, oppression, dishonesty, corruption, and religious ritualism without true obedience.
Nahum – The wicked Assyrian city of Nineveh will be judged and destroyed by God for their brutal acts against Judah.
Habakkuk – The prophet struggles to understand why God is not punishing the injustice and wrongs he sees in Judah. God explains the Babylonians will be His instrument of judgment.
Zephaniah – Coming judgment against Judah for idolatry but also God’s future restoration of Israel’s remnant so all nations may worship Him.
Haggai – The prophet motivates the Israelites who have returned from exile to rebuild the Temple, which lies in ruins. He encourages them with the promise of future blessings.
Zechariah – Vivid prophecies and visions motivating God’s people to finish rebuilding the Temple. Zechariah calls for repentance and foretells the Messiah and the end times.
Malachi – The prophet condemns corruption among the priests and people. He calls them to faithfulness and warns that the coming “day of the Lord” will purify and refine God’s people.
This concludes the major events and themes found in the 39 books of the Old Testament. From creation to the exile and promises of restoration, God reveals Himself through history as a righteous, merciful, and sovereign Lord over all. And despite continual rebellion by His people, He pursues them still. The stage is set for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah who will deliver salvation to the world.