Book Summaries

Question 1

Genesis

Answer 1

Book of beginnings. Tells the story of the creation of the world and sagas of the patriarchs and matriarchs.

Question 2

Exodus

Answer 2

The Israelites are enslaved. God calls Moses and rescues them. God makes a covenant with Israel in the desert and gives Israel the law. Formation of the priesthood and construction of the Tabernacle.

Question 3

Leviticus

Answer 3

Book of laws especially pertaining to the priesthood.

Question 4

Numbers

Answer 4

Two censuses. The Israelites are unfaithful and are ordered to wander in the desert for forty years.

Question 5

Deuteronomy

Answer 5

“Second law.” Moses gives his final speeches to the Israelites and re-teaches them the law.

Question 6

Joshua

Answer 6

Joshua leads the Israelites into Canaan (the “Promised Land”). Wars ensue. The twelve tribes take up their allotment.

Question 7

Judges

Answer 7

Israel’s “wild west” period. God raises up “judges” to deliver Israel from their enemies. Cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance. Ends with a civil war.

Question 8

I Samuel

Answer 8

Samuel is the last judge. Rise of the united kingdom. Saul anointed first king of Israel.

Question 9

II Samuel

Answer 9

Saul is replaced by David. God promises David an eternal dynasty. Bathsheba. “Hallelujah” song.

Question 10

I Kings

Answer 10

Solomon’s reign is the highpoint of Israel. Solomon builds the temple. Monarchy split in two. Elijah prophesies.

Question 11

II Kings

Answer 11

Northern kingdom destroyed by Assyria. Southern kingdom destroyed by Babylon. Elisha succeeds Elijah. Josiah and his reformation.

Question 12

Isaiah

Answer 12

Eighth century BC prophet (book covers the 5th and 4th centuries too). Preached against idolatry and injustice. Proclaimed the salvation of Jerusalem and the “new heavens and new earth”—an age of peace.

Question 13

Jeremiah

Answer 13

Late 7th century/early 6th century BC prophet. Known as the “weeping prophet.” Prophesied the destruction of Judah.

Question 14

Ezekiel

Answer 14

Sixth century prophet of the exile. Prophesied before and after the destruction of Judah. Proclaimed vision of a new temple.

Question 15

Hosea

Answer 15

Eighth century prophet of the northern kingdom. Known for his marriage to a prostitute. Prophesied the destruction of the northern kingdom.

Question 16

Joel

Answer 16

Date of origin unknown. Prophesied during a severe locust plague. Message of judgment and restoration.

Question 17

Amos

Answer 17

The first of the Latter Prophets. Was a shepherd from Judah but prophesied to the northern kingdom in the 8th century BC. Focus on social justice.

Question 18

Obadiah

Answer 18

Shortest book of the Prophets. Lived in the 6th century BC. Prophesied the destruction of the nation of Edom.

Question 19

Jonah

Answer 19

Eighth century prophet who initially ran away from his mission to prophecy to Nineveh (capital of Assyria). Swallowed by a “great fish.” Only book of Prophets to have a narrative from beginning to end. The city of Nineveh repents and is forgiven by God.

Question 20

Micah

Answer 20

Eight century prophet of Judah. Prophesied the destruction of Judah. Bears similarities to Isaiah.

Question 21

Nahum

Answer 21

Seventh century prophet who prophesied the destruction of Assyria. Contrasting book to Jonah.

Question 22

Habakkuk

Answer 22

Late sixth century prophet. Might have been a temple musician. Has a dialogue with God about the nature of justice pertaining to Judah’s sins and the wickedness of the Babylonians—God’s instrument of punishment against Judah.

Question 23

Zephaniah

Answer 23

Late 7th century BC prophet who prophesied the destruction of Judah. Uses imagery of “sweeping away” to illustrate God’s judgment.

Question 24

Haggai

Answer 24

Post-exilic prophet, late 6th century BC. Encouraged Israel during the rebuilding of the temple.

Question 25

Zechariah

Answer 25

Contemporary of Haggai. Known for his visions. Envisioned final battle in Jerusalem and the universality of the worship of God.

Question 26

Malachi

Answer 26

Late fifth century BC prophet. Spoke out against bad worship practices. Prophesied the return of Elijah.

Question 27

Psalms

Answer 27

Contains five books of hymns consisting of praises, laments and exhortations. Many are associated with David.

Question 28

Proverbs

Answer 28

Wisdom literature. First 9 chapters are about the value of wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a woman. Rest of the book contains proverbs. Associated with Solomon.