Writings

Psalms
A long book of songs and poetry about God, attributed to a few different people. The majority are attributed to David and Solomon, but the earliest says it goes back to Moses.

Proverbs
A list of sayings of wisdom and goodness, and evil and hate.

Job
Explores the profound questions of human suffering and the nature of God's justice. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who faces immense trials, losing his wealth, health, and family. The text engages in a philosophical dialogue between Job and his friends, probing into the complexities of faith, suffering, and the mysteries of divine providence.

Song Solomon
A song and poem with romantic and sexual themes.

Ruth
A short story about how someone named Ruth meets someone named Boaz, who become the great-grandparents of David.

Lamentations
Poetic laments mourning the destruction of Jerusalem. The text is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the fall of the city and the suffering of its people.

Ecclesiastes
It explores the meaning of life, the pursuit of wisdom, and the existential questions that arise from the human experience. Ecclesiastes examines the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and encourages readers to find fulfillment in a life anchored in God's purpose rather than in the transitory aspects of existence.

Esther
Unfolds in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes. It tells the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen and, with the help of her cousin Mordecai, prevents a plot to exterminate the Jewish people.

Daniel
Follows the experiences of Daniel, a young Israelite in Babylon during the exile. The text includes stories of Daniel's wisdom, interpretations of dreams, and his experiences in the royal court. It also features apocalyptic visions that provide glimpses into future events, blending historical narrative with prophetic elements and offering lessons of faithfulness in challenging circumstances.

Ezra
Historical narrative that details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. It covers the efforts of leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah in rebuilding the Temple and restoring the religious and social life of the community. Ezra also emphasizes the importance of following God's law and addresses challenges faced by the returning exiles as they seek to establish themselves in their homeland.

Nehemiah
Continues the story of the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, leads the efforts to rebuild the city walls and restore its defenses. The book highlights Nehemiah's leadership, organizational skills, and determination in the face of opposition, offering insights into the rebuilding process and the restoration of Jerusalem's social and religious life.

1 Chronicles
Goes back to the start of creation, and covers the genealogy of the Israelites from Adam to the time of King David. It also provides an account of David's reign, highlighting key events such as the organization of the priesthood, establishment of worship practices, and preparations for building the Temple.

2 Chronicles
Continues the account of Israel's monarchy from the reign of Solomon to the Babylonian exile. It emphasizes the religious aspects of the kingdom, particularly the activities of the Temple in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles highlights the successes and failures of various kings, with a focus on their faithfulness to God's commands, and provides insights into the religious reforms.