Book Summaries Flashcards
Genesis
Book of beginnings. Tells the story of the creation of the world and sagas of the patriarchs and matriarchs.
Exodus
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.
Leviticus
Book of laws especially pertaining to the priesthood.
Numbers
Two censuses. The Israelites are unfaithful and are ordered to wander in the desert for forty years.
Deuteronomy
“Second law.” Moses gives his final speeches to the Israelites and re-teaches them the law.
Joshua
Joshua leads the Israelites into Canaan (the “Promised Land”). Wars ensue. The twelve tribes take up their allotment.
Judges
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.
I Samuel
Samuel is the last judge. Rise of the united kingdom. Saul anointed first king of Israel.
II Samuel
Saul is replaced by David. God promises David an eternal dynasty. Bathsheba. “Hallelujah” song.
I Kings
Solomon’s reign is the highpoint of Israel. Solomon builds the temple. Monarchy split in two. Elijah prophesies.
II Kings
Northern kingdom destroyed by Assyria. Southern kingdom destroyed by Babylon. Elisha succeeds Elijah. Josiah and his reformation.
Isaiah
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.
Jeremiah
Late 7th century/early 6th century BC prophet. Known as the “weeping prophet.” Prophesied the destruction of Judah.
Ezekiel
Sixth century prophet of the exile. Prophesied before and after the destruction of Judah. Proclaimed vision of a new temple.
Hosea
Eighth century prophet of the northern kingdom. Known for his marriage to a prostitute. Prophesied the destruction of the northern kingdom.
Joel
Date of origin unknown. Prophesied during a severe locust plague. Message of judgment and restoration.
Amos
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.
Obadiah
Shortest book of the Prophets. Lived in the 6th century BC. Prophesied the destruction of the nation of Edom.
Jonah
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.
Micah
Eight century prophet of Judah. Prophesied the destruction of Judah. Bears similarities to Isaiah.
Nahum
Seventh century prophet who prophesied the destruction of Assyria. Contrasting book to Jonah.
Habakkuk
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.
Zephaniah
Late 7th century BC prophet who prophesied the destruction of Judah. Uses imagery of “sweeping away” to illustrate God’s judgment.
Haggai
Post-exilic prophet, late 6th century BC. Encouraged Israel during the rebuilding of the temple.
Zechariah
Contemporary of Haggai. Known for his visions. Envisioned final battle in Jerusalem and the universality of the worship of God.
Malachi
Late fifth century BC prophet. Spoke out against bad worship practices. Prophesied the return of Elijah.
Psalms
Contains five books of hymns consisting of praises, laments and exhortations. Many are associated with David.
Proverbs
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.
